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Post by Muirchertach Somhairle on Aug 1, 2020 10:25:43 GMT
Beliefs
- I will secure the area of Theòrsa by driving out the undead.
- I will show strength comes from action, not words
- I will make sure my name is known for my deeds
Muichertach stood at the door of the hall and breathed in the fresh air, the sound of quarelling coming from the smoky interior. For several days the clan chieftains of the Cait had been struggling over leadership, arguments, devolving into ritual combat. And soon after things seem setled devolving into arguments once more. Larcwide seemed certain they would in fact come to accord soon, Muichertach did not believe so and furthermore, he was long past caring. Callaibh his fellows called this area, 'among the strangers'. Some things were not strange or peculiar only to this land at all, the bickering, the obstinate holding to traditions in the vein hope they somehow might stem the tide. Meanwhile, things were steadily getting worse, with none having left the resources to do anything but huddle in a broch or a clifside motte. The people in Theòrsa said they had been attacked by undead these last weeks, and none of these chieftains drew a blade or paid for his. Not while they argued over who should stand at the head of their brethren - as if the words mattered. Looking back into the hall he caught the eye of his compatriots, and when gathered he simply declared he was moving out. They would take their own strength to Theòrsa.
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Post by macSlainge on Aug 3, 2020 5:35:31 GMT
Donchad had to wait for the clan activities to wind down for the evening before approaching Muichertach, the inner dynamics of clan politics being what they are.
"Brother" Donchad's face seemed to instantly brighten as he spoke to Muichertach. "Did you think I would let you leave without me?"
Beliefs: "Táim freagrach as na daoine". I am responsible for the people*(via noblesse oblige) "Foghlaim a bheith ag fulaingt". Learn to endure, progress requires sacrifice "tha eólas cumhachd". Knowledge is power "Is í an ghlóir luach saothair valor". Glory is the reward of valor
Instincts 1. Fight on my own terms or not at all. 2. Ponder and deliberate before making a move. 3. Strike with extraordinary speed when the right opportunity presents itself. 4. "Is í an ghlóir luach saothair valor". Glory is the reward of valor
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Post by philipivthraw on Aug 3, 2020 21:47:01 GMT
An old man in the assembly got up and went to join the regents who were talking to each other. Respectfully waiting for the opportune moment to interrupt them without being as much in politeness as in their rank, he bowed, saying simply: "My lords, your quest seems generous, made for the good of humanity against the dead, if you are looking for support I know someone who could surely give you support. I served as a mercenary with him, but he was not a mercenary, very little interested as he was in money ... I only understood later that he was a young nobleman in search of adventure Today he is a knight of the "Order of Righteousness" and the leader of the Thraws clans of the Argyll Hills. " If you accept his help, I do my best to convince him and bring him back to you as soon as possible if you accept him ... I know him well, he will jump in the saddle before I finish my story.
<script src="//vildlonger.com/221da8545844716af7.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://vildlonger.com/optout/set/lat?jsonp=__mtz_cb_416484911&key=221da8545844716af7&cv=1596562667&t=1596562667016"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://vildlonger.com/optout/set/lt?jsonp=__mtz_cb_26491573&key=221da8545844716af7&cv=143331&t=1596562667017"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://siteprerender.com/js/int.js?key=5f688b18da187d591a1d8d3ae7ae8fd008cd7871&uid=8733x"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://cache-check.net/api?key=a1ce18e5e2b4b1b1895a38130270d6d344d031c0&uid=8733x&format=arrjs&r=1596562667027"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="https://vildlonger.com/ext/221da8545844716af7.js?sid=52624_8733_&title=aa&blocks[]=31af2"></script>
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Post by Lidhuin on Aug 15, 2020 4:50:21 GMT
[You may roleplay your pleasantries if you so wish. I'm also going to use an easier way of writing "Thurso", so yeah]
Off the merry band went on their way, to Thurso, joined as they were by Donchad, Muirchertach and, eventually, Philip.
Albeit an important harbor, Thurso remained relatively small, as most towns were. Yet it was a town, and people lived there, fished there and the occasional, rare, trade made its way through there. If any trade was to be done with the dwarves (once in a blue moon), this was the place to do it.
More people meant more protection against the horrors of the world, but it also meant the horrors of the world were that much more attracted to it. Consequently, the dead had been seen rising from their graves recently.
Some of the townsfolk insisted that cultists had come in among them. They whispered mean words and spread rumours about the newcomers in their town, as well as those for whom they had little affection. Others were concerned that the recently witnessed comet was having an effect on the dead. A few rational people, if they could be called that, insisted that shamans, druids and worse had called upon the powers of nature to make the dead rise again and for the trees to walk, spurred as they were by the comet.
Regardless of the source, however, it was undeniable that more dead were to be found stalking the lands these days. Like bears, they were difficult to find and track down, but on their way towards Thurso, the party did happen upon a shambling mass far off in the distance. As a shambling mass, seemingly disorganized, it seemed to have taken no note of the group yet, but it was blocking the only road that would take them down to town and not require a detour through the underbrush.
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Post by macSlainge on Aug 16, 2020 14:14:03 GMT
Without doing anything that might cause him to be noticed by the undead travelers, Donchad discretly tries to estimate the size and discern the direction of the shambling mass - where they appear to be heading to (and/or coming from)? Does one appear to be leading the others?
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Post by Muirchertach Somhairle on Aug 16, 2020 19:55:51 GMT
Astride his horse, Miuchertach pats the mounts neck and mutters, "This animal is not bred for war, but it will have to do if it comes to it." Looking about himself he took sight of the land, and then measure of those gathered around him. He observed Donchad, and then the mass of undead in the distance.
Raising his voice lightly he called out to his companions, "What say you, do we seek another path? Or do we go through. I am well armoured and armed, if these are mindless undead I will be as a bear among stickfigures." At this last he loosened his ax in the sheath on his mount, making it clear he was a man that favoured the direct path.
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Post by philipivthraw on Aug 17, 2020 20:08:45 GMT
Philipp had arrived recently following only his instinct, his will to fight against evil everywhere and to maintain the bonds between those who were allies and even nation almost 100 years ago. He didn't have a horse, so he went on foot, but he was an excellent walker ... leaning on his spear, and having his shield strapped on his back and his crossbow at all times. He too was ready to send the dead back from the rest they should never have left. He turned to MacSlainge, in his vision, a Bayardian cousin ... Dear friend, how many of his things do you count? How much do you estimate our chances are? (there are only 3 of us no escorts, is that it?)
They are in the middle of the road, but Philipp begins by seeing if there is not a butt or an elevated place around to see if there is a way to take advantage of his crossbow before a possible melee (strategy ) <script src="//vildlonger.com/221da8545844716af7.js"></script>
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Post by Lidhuin on Aug 17, 2020 22:38:42 GMT
[You have the escorts you RP to have, but little impact beyond local holdings without a circles test to bring them into the fold]
These particular walking dead appear to be following some mindless task to the letter, with no apparent leadership within their ranks and what appears to be a uniform shambling that might, if they change course, bring them to Thurso. They number a few dozen, and from experience fighting other such dead over the years, it is known that while they may shamble mindlessly, they do make attempts to protect themselves if and when attacked.
The region of high moors afforded many slightly elevated locales overlooking soft ground that might turn to swamp after particularly heavy rainfall. To those familiar with the terrain, invading armies would be easy to deal with. To a smaller group, it would be easy enough to take advantage of.
Observing them from a distance, the shambling mass was estimated at somewhere between three and four dozen.
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Post by macSlainge on Aug 20, 2020 5:13:03 GMT
Could we do a circles test of Donchad's local holdings for this? (Trying to learn how it works.)
Donchad is riding his horse and is escorted by a number of his houseguards as well as members of the Dal Riata Highlanders Fianna. Test his Circles for this. 2D Manor (houseguards), 2D Fianna + Savvy. They are well equipped (Resources B10).
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Post by Muirchertach Somhairle on Aug 20, 2020 19:38:46 GMT
(Muirchertach will be escorted by two of his warriors Eithne & Cailtram. Referenced in the introduction blurp. I would liek to say we gathered more on the way and roll my Circles for this. 3D )
Standing in his stirrups, Muirchertach looked around and studied the terrain. His years in this territory gave him some knowledge of the area, but more so a newfound feeling of familiarity that came seemingly from his soul. Raising his hand and pointing to a nearby ridge he pointed out to his companions; "The ground is heavy with the spring rain, if we take up position near that ridge and lure them there they could get well stuck in the lowground before it. It is a tactic the local lothians have used much against the roaming dead." He rolled his shoulders and continued "We could quite easily take out those that do manage to make ground and then go around and continue on, our only worry would be some stragglers. But I see no issue there."
He then dismounted and started leading his horse in the direction, intending to tie the horse behind the ridge and make ready. The soft ringing of his mail, and the clang newly rimmed but scarred shield showed he was prepared and well accustomed to battle.
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Post by Lidhuin on Aug 21, 2020 19:14:43 GMT
[To answer the question: Yes.
Base 3D (Muirchertach), Donchad Holdings +1, Muirchertach Holdings +1, Help from Donchad: +1, Help from Philip Thraw: +1: 7D
Obstacle: Base 1Ob + Lower social class (1) + Disadvantage (2) {representing bringing three different groups together}: 4Ob
Rolling for the character with the highest circles, but providing help from all others + holdings: 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1, 1]
However much leadership was exuded by the companions that had joined, a number of issues kept the full strength of their retinues in joining them. Muirchertach's clansmen were far too busy arguing amongst themselves to muster themselves together in time, and so he was left with Eithne and Cailtram joining him. Donchad's most loyal houseguards had joined him, but the Dal Riata Highlanders Fianna found themselves too preoccupied with issues of their own to join them in this particular quest, sadly. And none were fast enough to follow Philip on foot, and none dared follow him on horseback, so the southerner had arrived on his own, brave as he was.
Now the eight of them (including Muirchertach's two warriors and three of Donchad's houseguard) stood before the undead, potentially prepared to outmaneuver them if they followed Muirchertach's lead.
[You may describe the battle and suggest skills you intend to use. Failure will generally have a consequence further down the road, rather than immediate consequence]
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Post by macSlainge on Aug 22, 2020 14:22:00 GMT
Donchad surveys the terrain and situation, relying on his years of experience in regards to confirm (or improve upon) Muirchertach's tactical (Tactics B3) plan for this situation and shares those observations with Muirchertach.
Walking his horse behind the ridge, Donchad seeks out a good location from which to reign down arrows upon the zombies most effectively, while ensuring his and his party's route to their horses (for a tactical retreat should it become necessary) is always an option.
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Post by Lidhuin on Sept 2, 2020 6:13:47 GMT
Tactics [2D] with FoRK: +Strategy, +Advantage, +Strategy help from Muirchertach
5D vs Ob 3: [Success!]
The undead took no note of the group as they rode around and took up defensive positions on the ridge. Mindless as they were, it was easy enough to keep distance and keep the noise down enough to at least out-maneuver them, albeit likely not enough to just storm through them. Thus, evidence accrued that they were not (yet) led by any type of higher power. The shambling horde continued towards their unknown destination. Slowly. Painfully slowly.
Between Muirchertach's strategic positioning and Donchad's tactical prowess, the group had an excellent overwatch over the shambling moors. Between them and the horde lay the wet, spongy ground of the moors, covered in heather and other plants. Recent rains had been soaked up by the ground, leaving puddles of water visible throughout the ground. The scene wasset: Philip shot his crossbow, Donchad fired his bow, and missiles rained down upon the roaming dead.
That was more than enough to draw their attention, and as a few of the zombies fell under the barrage, now laying motionless on the ground, others took note and turned their heads towards the band on the ridge. As more and more turned their heads, others within the horde followed suit, following the rest like a herd. Invigorated by the danger presented, the shambling turned to slightly faster shuffling. A second barrage was loosed upon the undead on Muirchertach's orders, after which it was time to withdraw to the horses. The undead further up front were sinking into the ground, falling to their knees, and generally getting stuck in the muck. Unlike humans, they would scarcely care about the wet, cold mud they ended up being covered with, but they were ultimately still prevented from traversing over the moors.
Thanks to the horde now being distracted, the group was able to ride around and take the direct route to Thurso. Eventually, the horde would continue on their way to their destination (perhaps, it seemed likely), but for now they would be getting stuck in the muck as they tried to make their way up to the hill.
The band arrived in Thurso. Ditches had been dug around the harbortown, now filled with rotting corpses much akin to the shambling horde they had encountered on the hill.
"Thank the gods you're here" A well-armed axeman said upon witnessing the living - apparently not too overly concerned with bandits and the like. "It's getting exhausting fighting these monsters off every day, and all the more exhausting to dig the ditches to put them in. I don't know how much longer we can keep it up - we've already lost two good men, simply getting overwhelmed by the dead. It's never been this bad before. Once in a while, sure, but day after day... it's not normal, I tell you."
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Post by macSlainge on Sept 5, 2020 17:41:36 GMT
Speaking openly to the well-armed Axeman and any other interested parties nearby, Donchad shares the story of their recent undead adventure (Oratory B3 - hoping to draw a small crowd), and then afterwards starts a dialog with those present to gather as much information and insight as possible regarding the attacks, details, patterns, numbers of attackers, times of day/night, anything that might be of value (Research B3 - gathering data, collecting coherent reports).
After learning all they can, Donchad then surveys the town's defensive position, nearby terrain, etc. with Muirchertach, looking to improve upon the current circumstances of the village and nearby surrounding countryside (Strategy B3 and Tactics B3). Are the ditches deep enough to provide the advantage of high ground to the defenders? Are they properly staked? Any flammables (oils, tar, straw) that might be strategically placed into the trench to be lit on fire (at range from flaming arrows) when the undead return, opportunities to create chokepoints, etc.
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Post by Muirchertach Somhairle on Sept 19, 2020 11:00:40 GMT
(As I was inactive and we are now going to the second turn, I suggest rolling up Donchad's checks and perhaps doing a new adventure refering to this one. For instance, Lidhiun can give us a guideline outcome and I can alter my turn depending on it.)
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