Jade and Cattle!

[leticia]

Brian says "Okay! When last we left you guys, you were at the very edge of ballista range. Soon, the Lintha will be moving their stern chaser around to take aim on you, and the big heavy wooden bolts of the ballistae in the bow of your boat are aimed down their throat. Your marines have taken up archery positions, but so, too, it seems have the Lintha's cannibal minions."

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: The infernal worm seems to be already sliding itself off from around the beleaguered merchanter, although one flip of its huge tail is used to sever the remaining mast.

As the Lintha ship comes perilously close, Liu tugs the reins to the left and digs her heels into Midnight-With-Stars's side. Her stallion turns in a tight circle and canters a few yards back up the deck as tense and busy crew jump out of the way. She turns him back with a determined nudge, and then, without another signal, she jumps up onto her feet on his back. Midnight-With-Stars knows his role from long years of performing together; he rears ever so slightly and takes off full gallop towards the Lintha ship. The Girl, gripping her orichalcum-edged klaives, lifts her arms out for balance as The Horse reaches the end of the deck and leaps into empty air.

Storyteller [to Liu]: 2 point stunt, +1 extra for Sheer And Biologically Inappropriate Stones. 3 point stunt to the horsey.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <1 2 7> for 1 success.

Storyteller says "That was not for MwS; that was for my own reference."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Is this dex+athl or str+ath?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Larger of the two for the big guy."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 13 dice: <1 2 3 3 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 8 8> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "... Um. Liu, make a quick Dex + Ath (no bonus) roll for yourself, and one for MwS."

Diamond Borealis has a grim, determined expression on his face. He moves on the bow of the ship, the intricate motions that summon the very Essence of Creation itself and unleash it's power in the form of Obsidian Butterflies. He completes the words of power with a shout, the sound carried by the wind toward his opponents. And born on that same wind are little slivers of deadly, razor sharp obsidian. Their dark wings slide the air and eventually flesh with far greater ease than the ships slice through the water, twinkling as they bring death on their flight; witness the elegant fury of the Copper Spiders.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "OK. Liu first, then horse."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 11 dice: <3 4 5 5 6 6 9 10 10 10 10> for 9 successes.

<ROLL> Liu rolls 6 dice: <1 4 6 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Nice nice pose, Mark."

Storyteller says "Alas, the distance is a bit too great even for the might of the godborn steed. He stumbles upon arrival to the new ship, insecure of his footing. However, the pair are no strangers to the oddity of acrobatics, and are masterful performers besides; Liu rolls forward from Midnight's roll, blades out and already aimed for trouble into the midst of one of the Lintha squads. Midnight himself manages a hoof-over-head roll, returning to standing with only a mild look of "I meant to do that.""

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You feel the power and energy race through you as you unleash the sorcerous power within your essence-charged veins. Somewhere across the waves a lesser power answers-- lesser, but mighty enough. A burst of Emerald Countermagic fills the air and the obsidian butterflies explode into raw essence midair, their glass shards shattering over the middle of the rapidly tightening gulf between the vessels.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: On the other hand, you also get a 3 point stunt, so take 6 essence or 1 willpower back.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You've been left behind! Are you going to let it go like that?

Phoenix Maiden's eyes track Liu's bold leap and her face tightens as she notes the shrinking distance between ships; far back on the deck, she gives a shout, warning crew out of her path as she charges across the sea-greyed planks, spear held before her. As she nears the rail, she pushes both feet down against the deck, slams the butt of her spear into the wood, sending splinters flying, and throws herself into the air, legs tucked up to clear the rail, and all the strength of her sun-blessed body concentrated on that one aim: legs, back, arms, all pulling together launch her across the watery gap she fears.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Hardly. :p"

Storyteller <to Phoenix Maiden> laughs. "And a third three for the evening. Dex + Ath + 3.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 9 dice: <2 3 3 3 7 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis will take the essence.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: The Sun fails you not. In a burst of athletic excellence, you vault the distance from your bow to the opposing ship's stern, right into the fo'castle in front of the sinister captain of the Lintha vessel-- a tall, slender woman. Not fragile, but lithe and dangerous like a weasel of the sea. Her features are harsh and sharp, covered in scars and her teeth have been filed to points; she carries a huge blue-jade blade that looks like an outsize, chop-heavy version of the hooked/serrated weapons her crew is using.

Storyteller says "Both leaps are made through a hail of arrows, though no one takes any hits-- no exalts, anyway. 2 of your own sailors fall back, wounded, but they managed to mostly surprise the Lintha, taking 5 of them."

Storyteller says "Alrighty, we're in combat time now. Even Diamond, back on the ship."

Storyteller says "Initiative, please."

<INIT> Phoenix Maiden rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 26

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 15 for init: 22

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 14

<INIT> Diamond Borealis rolls 1d10 + 13 for init: 20

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 15 for init: 19

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 11

<<OOC>> Liu says, "And horse..."

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 6 for init: 15

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 3 for init: 12

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 17

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 12

Storyteller says "Okay, let's see here... Phoenix Maiden first, then the Captain, then Diamond, then Liu, then the first Priest, then the Infernal Worm, then the Lintha Sorcerer, then the Second Priest, then Midnight, then the God-Blooded marine master."

Storyteller says "PM, you first!"

Phoenix Maiden smiles grimly, bringing the spear to bear for combat as she appraises her convenient foe; she wastes no breath on customary banter or challenges - this one is a foul thing to be burned from the land (or sea!) - and not a rival worthy of respect. Her spear flashes as she strikes out, channeling some of the momentum of her flight into the assault.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: 2-die.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Roll it! :)

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 13 dice: <1 2 2 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 9 10> for 5 successes.

The captain's blade moves with a fluid flick, the heavy reaper auzhian moving almost of it own accord as the Lintha woman's skin grows a mottled, sick greenish black with the corrupted essence rising to the fore. At the same time, she exploits her corrupted heritage in a burst of foul-smelling steam and a darkening of the unhealthy aura about her, moving herself out of the way on virtually raw essence.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <3 5 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <3 3 4 6> for 0 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: A hit! Roll damage -6.

<DAMAGE> Phoenix Maiden rolls 6 damage dice: <3 3 6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

Storyteller says "The captain staggers back under the forceful thrust of the golden spear, perhaps her demonic heritage betraying the elemental she sought to use to move out of the way. Recognizing the brilliant weapon of one of the most hated foes of the mistress of her kind and progenitor of her get, the captain's own blade flickers again with that nauseous, almost muddy-looking form-- but a powerful, heavy blade nonetheless."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 15 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 7 7 8 9 9> for 5 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 2 dice: <2 2> for 0 successes.

Storyteller forgot the stunt bonus. Or, er, lack thereof.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You still have 2 points from your stunt, of course, and an automatic defense from Fivefold. Pose and roll.

Phoenix Maiden's spear dances back in her hands, rising again to deflect the blow.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 14 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: What's your lethal soak?

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "9."

Storyteller says "Flattens out, so it's essence minimum."

<DAMAGE> Storyteller rolls 4 damage dice: <3 3 4 6> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden pets the dice. "Much better! Cookies for all!"

Storyteller says "The foul chopper cuts towards you, across the guard of your Solar instincts-- but bounces harmlessly off the indestructible orichalcum guarding you."

Storyteller says "Diamond, your move."

The fury goes from elegant to brutal. Diamond Borealis takes his axe in hand and leaps from the front of the ship as the hail of arrows comes toward them. His foot seems about to land on thin air when he finds the shaft of an arrow beneath his toes. Elegance returns as he skips from shaft to shaft like his namesake. Others glance off his golden armor as he leaps and dashes through the black hail of arrows. From the last, he leaps from the ball of his foot, catapulting himself toward the deck of the craft. Grendel's Claw cleaves the air in a broad circle, to clear him a landing space.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...Now that? Yeah."

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Dex or Str + Athletics, whichever is higher. Y'all are much closer now, so not so much of a problem. You splitting your die pool to get an attack, or just jumping?

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis isn't splitting. I don't think I have enough dice for that. :)

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Any bonus?"

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: 2 dice, si.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 6 dice: <3 3 5 8 8 9> for 3 successes.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Which, again, 4 essence or 1 wp.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You easily make the leap this time; of course, it's much closer-- even the Lintha draw back as the impact of your brass body crunches the deck beneath you.

Storyteller says "Liu!"

<<OOC>> Liu says, "yessir!"

Storyteller [to Liu]: Your turn. :)

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Want to split my dice pool for two Melee actions. I'm in a whole squad of Lintha stupid heads?"

Storyteller [to Liu]: You smacking Extras, or hitting for the big guy in fancy armor in the middle of them, and, yes.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "I'm trying to get through these guys as fast as possible to get back OFF the ship and start killing the big worm demon. These guys are not important. Worm demon = important. So if I have to fight the big guy to get there, so be it."

Storyteller [to Liu]: Your call. :)

Liu slashes her right-hand klaive across the armored pirate before her, the motion looking like nothing so much as the annoyed swat of a fly. Catching motion out of the corner of her eye, she stabs the left-hand klaive into the un-armored Lintha crewman about to try to knock her over.

Storyteller [to Liu]: 2 point stunt. :)

Storyteller [to Liu]: Roll for just the pirate first though.

Storyteller says "er, the fancy armored guy."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 7 dice: <2 4 7 7 7 8 10> for 6 successes.

Faced with the righteous wrath of one of the Sun's Own Assassins, the Lintha demon-blood decides not to take his chances and tries to shield himself against Liu's swift slash.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 3 5 6 9 9> for 2 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Damage + 4 -5 = Damage -1.

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 5 damage dice: <2 3 4 8 9> for 2 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Despite his feeble attempts your un-named blade cuts high across his guard, leaving a long, bloody stripe from below his left shoulder to above his right eye. He cries out in pain and tries to hold against further attacks. Are you zapping an Extra still, or going for him again? It looks like he's no real threat for this round at least.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "gotta think just a few seconds"

Storyteller [to Liu]: S'okay, I'll just switch views for a second.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: From behind you, the captain's ill-favored priest gives a bloodcurdling scream. He pulls a jade dagger out from his sash-- well, it was jade, originally; it's been pierced by brass and covered in some strange sea-sludge; it looks toxic. He pulls out the blade and charges from your back with more enthusiasm than sense.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 9 dice: <1 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Pose defense and roll, again with +2. :)

Phoenix Maiden, warned by the scream, moves her spear to intercept the blow, with a back-and-pivot step.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 14 dice: <2 2 3 3 4 4 6 7 8 10 10 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

Storyteller says "Rejected The foul priest has no chance of penetrating THAT defensive barrier!"

Storyteller [to Liu]: Jump in whenever you're ready. :)

<<OOC>> Liu says, "OK; I'd rather totally disable this guy who rolled initiative than stab the Extra. Really have other things to be doing than playing pattycake with Lintha crew."

Liu brings her second slash in low, trying to cut the Armored Pirate's feet from under him.

<ROLL> Liu rolls 6 dice: <2 4 6 7 9 9> for 3 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 7 dice: <1 2 4 7 7 7 9> for 4 successes.

Storyteller says "This time, alas, his frightened defense is sufficient to ward off your righteous fury."

Storyteller says "The horrendous, giant infernal worm finishes untwining itself from the merchanter, which isn't going anywhere with its crew busy fighting off the Lintha and both masts swamped."

Storyteller says "It's already beginning to make its way between the ships to try and seize hold of your vessel. Which, at some point, we should probably name."

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: You can see the sorcerer who was responsible for blocking your spell; he's just made a series of complicated gestures midair. A foul green flame sweeps up around him, looking like a flickering shield of the dark heat. He's wearing brass link chainmail and literal brass link chain, and is wearing the skull of a dolphin for a helmet.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: He's not your only foe on the deck, however; another of the robed priests with the poison jade daggers steps forward. She, however, does not attack; instead, she draws the dripping thing across her own forearm, tracing a blood-dripping rune and mixing the blood together with the slime on the dagger. Her arm glows a strange black color from the rune and the frightened pirates around you rush forward, trying to overwhelm you.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <3 4 7 8 8 9> for 4 successes.

Storyteller says "... Yipes. Net 6 success attack. You don't have any defensive charms, do you?"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis does.

Storyteller says "Ah, good."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "RitW"

Storyteller says "You get the 2 point bonus automatically on top of however many dice you buy. Pose 'em and roll 'em."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "9 essence."

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 11 dice: <2 3 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 9> for 6 successes.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Holy carp. o.o Okay! Pose your dodge. It is definitely successful.

Diamond Borealis lands hard enough that his palm and extended fingers crash into the deck. Seeing the attack coming he stiffens his arm, kicking his legs in a circle and whirling Grendel's Claw in an arc around him until he is inverted, feet pointed toward the sky His fingers close splintering the board as his arm bends at the elbow until his face is nearly in the deck. With a flex of his arm, he launches skyward, above his attackers and landing again, ready to face his opponents.

Midnight-With-Stars watched his Girl carefully and she tried to disable the Armored Pirate. Now, he springs forward to trample the less dangerous crewmen around her, diamond hard hooves seeking to crush skulls and bones like grapes in a wine-press.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Make one roll, at +2, for the big guy; I'll damage them as per a squad.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Dex + Brawl.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "oh! ok!"

<ROLL> Liu rolls 10 dice: <1 1 2 2 4 5 6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <4 5 6 8 8 8> for 3 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Well, the downside is, they escape from the Pony's murderous hooves.

Storyteller [to Liu]: The upside is they _escape_ from the murderous hooves, leaving the deck clear around you. No action for them or the god-blooded this turn.

Storyteller says "Next round, initiative!"

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 15 for init: 18

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 15 for init: 20

<INIT> Phoenix Maiden rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 19

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 9

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 11

<INIT> Diamond Borealis rolls 1d10 + 13 for init: 17

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 14

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 14

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 6 for init: 12

Storyteller says "Okay, apparently, the dice are suck for the baddies this turn. Liu, how's midnight on the init?"

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 3 for init: 4

Storyteller says "Liu, PM, Captain, Diamond, God-Blood, Priest #2, Infernal Worm, Priest #1, Sorcerer, Crowd o' Mooks, Midnight."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Where is the worm in relation to me? It's moving towards the ship we hired, right?"

Storyteller [to Liu]: Back of you a bit now, yes.

Liu looks for her main target now that her path is cleared. With a cry of dismay, she sees that the Infernal Beast is heading towards her ship -- HER people. She propels herself towards the railing of the nasty Lintha ship and, with just a milliseconds' hesitation, pushes herself over, diving towards the Yozi worm.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Split die pool or just jumping?

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Split die pool -- meant to imply diving towards the worm with both swords up at the ready to strike with the momentum of the leap."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "I figured, but I was just checking. Okay! Dex + Ath + 2 -2 = flat Dex + Ath roll for the leap."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 4 5 7 7 8 8> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Good. 1 over the minimum you needed. :) Now roll to hit, -1 net (+2, -3)."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "So dex+melee + 'two or more' specialty (!) = 10 -1 = 9 right?"

<ROLL> Liu rolls 9 dice: <1 3 4 4 4 7 8 10 10> for 6 successes.

The serpentine thing is oily and slick but you manage to somehow land on it. Still, the moment it feels you coming down it begins to twist and writhe, trying to knock you off course.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 7 dice: <1 1 2 3 4 8 10> for 3 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Roll damage -5.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Minimum damage = essence.

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 3 dice: <1 2 4> for 0 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Though your strike is valiant, the cursed thing's hide is tough and thick. You can't get enough purchase to cut it open.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Going to use One Weapon, Two Blows out of Personal. Must stop spending Essence like I was playing IN. >_<"

Phoenix Maiden's spear soars in one smooth sweep, from casually knocking the priest's ill considered attack aside to swinging the cutting edge of the broad head at the captain as she moves in another pivot-back step then drives the point forward towards her opponent's head with a swift press forward.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "2 points!"

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 14 dice: <1 3 3 4 4 4 5 7 7 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 14 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 6 6 6 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Which is 4 essence back, so that's all you spent making the use anyway. Roll 2- yes."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "You know, that's about what I told myself. "Oh, I can't use Charms; if I spend too much Essence I'll have to go into Peripheral and that'll just get bright." And then I stopped and poked myself and said, "Exalted."

Once more the captain's Malfean essence comes to her aid, invigorating the sleeping, chained dragons within her soul. As the righteous force of Phoenix Maiden's spear flies around her in a whirl, she spends what essence she has in a furious attempt to save her wicked life.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <4 5 6 7 10> for 3 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <4 10 10 10> for 6 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: Unfortunately, this time, the luck of her Yozi ancestress-- or more likely, her twisted speed-- has saved her from your shattering blows. Between the barrier of her corrupted jade and her slippery dodge, she escapes the terror of your spear.

Storyteller says "Strange, sludgy water is beginning to rain around the Captain; this would cause damage, but only to her deck and to people who can't soak lethal with their stamina."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 12 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 5 7 9> for 2 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: The impudent whelp of demons attempts to strike you. But her cowardice, it seems, curses her aim-- it is a feeble attempt at a strike. Nonetheless, it has the power of an exalt behind it; roll your defense!

Phoenix Maiden barely moves her spear, judging a slight angle adequate for deflection.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 3 5 7 9 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

Almost casually, the essence corona surrounding Phoenix Maiden guides her spear to deflect the thrust.

Diamond Borealis switches the grip of his axe to his left hand, he swings it toward his back, describing an arc as he makes a small, spinning leap. As he reaches the nadir of his leap, he brings the blade up high and then drops it like a falling sail, toward the wood beneath the feet of the sorcerer, aiming not for his opponent directly, but to send him down a deck and buy some time. Despite his heavy frame, and the play of light on his skin, he moves with grace.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: The sorcerer steps back, reflexively raising his arms to shield himself even though the green flame of his Guardian rises up to try to impede the fall of your grimcleaver. Roll to hit at +2 stunt dice.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 12 dice: <2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 8 10 10 10> for 7 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 9 dice: <1 1 3 5 6 7 8 8 9> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Wait. Forgot the Acc bonus..."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Just roll your acc bonus in dice."

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 3 dice: <9 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Damnit, I should have hit him instead of going for the deck. Anyway, that's 12"

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Well, the deck certainly isn't dodging you!

Storyteller figures, thick wood, it has about 5L soak. I take it you're trying to break it away from beneath him?

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <3 5 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Okay. Roll damage +7.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "How do I calc that again?"

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: Strength + Damage Rating.

<DAMAGE> Diamond Borealis rolls 19 damage dice: <1 1 2 3 3 4 4 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 10 10> for 11 successes.

Storyteller says "There is an immense cracking and groaning as the heavy oak of deck submits to the devastating attack of Diamond Borealis. A yawning chasm opens in it, and despite his attempts to scramble out, the sorcerer is caught, falling into the blackness of the hold below..."

Storyteller says "Where he, and the other Lintha who fall in with him, are promptly set upon by the slaves that had been held down there. The flame guardian can only defend against so much..."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden applauds Diamond heartily!

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "That worked even better than I thought. :)"

Storyteller says "Let's see, that's him and half of the mooks belonging to Priest #2 right now... but it's the God-blood's turn. Bereft of Liu's threat, he brings his ugly looking blade to bear on Midnight-with-Stars, hoping to gut the stallion while his mistress is away."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 8 dice: <1 3 4 5 5 7 10 10> for 5 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: You can have him default to a dodge if you wish.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Dodge is fine."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 6 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 6> for a botch!

Storyteller says "No soak."

<DAMAGE> Storyteller rolls 13 damage dice: <1 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 10> for 5 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: Unfortunately, the god-blood gets in close, and Midnight's equine ancestry betrays him. Through your familiar bond you feel his squeal of pain as he rears... allowing the Lintha's blade to come up _under_ him. Not dead, but severely injured.

Storyteller says "Okay! Thinking Midnight-with-Stars under control, the priestess on the deck uses her Bound minions to try once more to overwhelm Diamond. She's lost half of her troops, but extended her control to take the group that was attacking Midnight before, and flinging them all at Diamond Borealis."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <1 3 4 5 9 10> for 3 successes.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: 6 successes net to try and whomp you.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Same as before."

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 11 dice: <1 3 5 5 5 5 7 7 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

Diamond Borealis watches the sorcerer fall to his just deserts, a wicked smile on his face. The brief screams music to the ears of the Twilight. "Have fun, boys and girls." He looks up, just in time to see more of the Lintha rushing toward him. With hardly a glance he flips back from the hole, dodging out of the way, swinging his Grimcleaver as he does to alter their attacks.

Storyteller says "The Infernal Worm may not have been hurt by Liu's amazing jump, but it definitely felt the stab of those blades! It roars with anger and twists around, the oncoming ship temporarily forgotten as it tries to bite into Liu and get her off its back."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 8 dice: <2 2 7 7 7 8 8 8> for 6 successes.

Liu dances away from the angry maw of the beast, stepping quickly backwards and away as delicately as if she were walking the tightrope.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "How about Shadow Over Water?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "It's a 1 point stunt, so it'll net you back 2 essence. Sure; roll it with +1 dice."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 7 dice: <1 2 3 3 5 7 9> for 2 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: What's your soak?

<<OOC>> Liu says, "... one die?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Ow."

<<OOC>> Liu terror-eyes.

<DAMAGE> Storyteller rolls 15 damage dice: <1 2 3 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 10 10 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, the good news is 10s don't count as two."

The bad news is that the bite strikes. He may not be able to dislodge Liu, but a terrible *CHOMP!* descends around her, the teeth digging hard into her fragile frame.

Storyteller [to Liu]: 4 health levels.

Out of nowhere, a bolt of golden light splits the air-- the flash of Kanfi's Skycutter! The valiant Eclipse has been leading the fight against the archers, but for now, he takes a moment to try and distract the worm, arcing his deadly boomerang towards the Infernal Worm's head!

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 3 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.

<DAMAGE> Storyteller rolls 3 damage dice: <6 8 8> for 2 successes.

Storyteller [to Liu]: The Worm lets go of your body, screaming in rage as the skycutter slices across its head.

Storyteller says "The priest on the forecastle has knelt down on the deck and is beginning to draw blood runes on it, chanting in the twisted tongue of the Malfean realm. Whatever he's got to say, it ain't good... but it ain't happening this round, either."

Storyteller says "Lesee, the Sorcerer is... if not dead, wishing he were; the crowd o'mooks is under Priest #2's control, and midnight, the poor dear, used up his action."

Storyteller says "Initiative next round."

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 6 for init: 12

<INIT> Diamond Borealis rolls 1d10 + 13 for init: 23

<INIT> Phoenix Maiden rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 23

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 15 for init: 22

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 3 for init: 13

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 16

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 15

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 10

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 12 for init: 21

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay, PM first, then Diamond, then the Captain, then Liu, then Priest #1, then Priest #2, then Midnight, then the Worm, then the God-Blooded,"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Am I close enough to attack chanting priest?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yup."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Going to use Hungry Tiger Technique."

Phoenix Maiden is distracted from her target by the chanting of the priest behind her; scowling at the blood he smears across the wooden surface, she strides towards him and thrusts her spear down at his back with a brutal twist as the spearhead should strike.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: 2 point stunt.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 13 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 9 10 10> for 5 successes.

Storyteller says "er, so that's +7 to damage."

<DAMAGE> Phoenix Maiden rolls 19 damage dice: <2 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: The priest looks up as your spear strikes down... and grabs the haft of it, pulling it along to further the damage, impaling himself completely on your spear. As he dies, he screams, "ONE!" in Old Realm.

Storyteller says "Diamond's turn!"

Diamond Borealis leaps over the crowd gathered around him, jacknifing around the axis of his grim cleaver. He comes down, his feet hitting the edge of a plank held only loosely to the rest of the deck by a couple nails. It groans under the weight, bending and threatening to send the Twilight skittering into the hold below. The board springs back upward then, hurtling him upward once more. The Grimcleaver gleams in the light of the sun and fire of the other ship as he shifts his grip and draws it back behind him. He brings it forward over his head, putting his back into the blow, raining down his fury on the Priest before him. "Lets see if we can spill some more of that gore."

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: ... 3 point stunt.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 16 dice: <2 2 5 5 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "... The priestess is defaulting to a dodge, since she hasn't been able to start her part of the ritual yet."

Startled by her comrade's cry, the priestess loses control of her pirate minions. She barely has time to recognize the ritual call before Diamond's axe comes arcing down, and she makes a panicked leap to the side, trying to avoid the deadly arc!

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 7 dice: <2 3 3 4 6 9 9> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Regular Damage + 3"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "8 spare successes. This is going to be sweet. >)"

<DAMAGE> Diamond Borealis rolls 15 damage dice: <1 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 10 10 10 10> for 6 successes.

Storyteller says "The priestess falls down, blood gushing everywhere, unconscious from the sheer -shock- of having one of her arms shorn off and a huge, gaping cut into her abdomen. Not dead yet, but will be very, very soon."

Storyteller says "The captain snarls in rage and defiance, her blade charging with the polluted water energies that race through her anima, which spreads out behind her like oil on an invisible wave. When the energies are at their peak she unleashes a tsunami strike, crashing towards Phoenix Maiden with murder in her heart for the blasphemous slaying of her priest."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 17 dice: <1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Hrm. Well. Can't use any Charms to get extra dice 'cause I already used one. So I might as well just parry. Still +2?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yup."

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 14 dice: <2 2 4 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9> for 6 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Your soak is ... 9L?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Yep."

<DAMAGE> Storyteller rolls 18 damage dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 6 successes.

Storyteller [to Phoenix Maiden]: You take 6 health levels.

Storyteller says "It's a Liu turn."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden at -2 now too!

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Jeeze, kids. :)"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "What? I have 9L soak and a scene long parry charm! :p"

Liu screams a thin, shrill wail as the sharp teeth of the worm close around her, piercing her in several places. Her eyes fly wide open and she finds herself staring directly into the eye of the Unconquered Sun -- and his gaze does not permit excuses. Soft spot, just need a soft spot... she throws her sore, abused body into a cartwheel pass up the worm's length, and begins pulling and throwing knives from her belt towards "neck" and head of the worm. Her arms and legs are an impossible blur of grasping, thrusting, landing, and pushing. If those knives lodge, they'll make excellent hand-and-footholds. If her strength lasts, she'll scale them.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Interesting. Splitting the die pool?"

<<OOC>> Liu says, "OK. Yes. The idea here is to use 9 motes of Precision of the Striking Raptor per attack to add dice. Throwing five knives. That's 45 essence. Super glowy. Also, using signature style acrobatics + flexibility which accounts for my -2. *pantpant*"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "O_o"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis...

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Are you making 5 attacks, or 5 attacks and reserving one spot for defense?"

<<OOC>> Liu says, "No? Tell me how this works."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "OK, I'll reserve one for defense, that's a good idea."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay. First shot is at dice pool +3; second at dice pool +2, third at dice pool +1, fourth at dice pool + 0, fifth at dice pool -1."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Your dodge will be at, I'm sorry to say, your Essence-minimum roll. *chuckles* Unless you've got more than 13 dodge dice."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "However."

<<OOC>> Storyteller is gonna give that a 3 point stunt. Is being Wowed tonight.

Storyteller says "So that's 6/5/4/3/2, instead."

Storyteller says "Roll 'em."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden eyes the glowy. Oh well.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Dice pool +6 then n-1? OK!"

<ROLL> Liu rolls 15 dice: <3 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 9 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

<ROLL> Liu rolls 14 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 8 8 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<ROLL> Liu rolls 13 dice: <2 2 3 5 5 5 6 8 8 8 9 9 10> for 7 successes.

<ROLL> Liu rolls 12 dice: <2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 10 10> for 5 successes.

<ROLL> Liu rolls 11 dice: <1 1 2 2 5 6 7 8 8 8 10> for 6 successes.

Storyteller says "Okay. Mr. Bitey is defaulting to a dodge here."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <1 2 3 3 5 8> for 1 success.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <1 4 7 8 10> for 4 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <5 5 7 8> for 2 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <2 6 6> for 0 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 2 dice: <2 10> for 2 successes.

Storyteller says "First attack is at... damage +3 #2 is at Damage -5 (essence minimum); #3 is at Damage -3 (essence minimum), #4 is at damage -3 (essence minimum), and #5 is at damage -4 (essence minimum)."

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 8 damage dice: <1 3 3 6 9 10 10 10> for 4 successes.

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 3 damage dice: <1 8 9> for 2 successes.

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 3 damage dice: <4 6 9> for 1 success.

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 3 damage dice: <1 3 7> for 1 success.

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 3 damage dice: <1 4 8> for 1 success.

Storyteller says "For a grand total of 9 health levels of ow."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Does this thing have eyes? Just curious."

Storyteller [to Liu]: Nyet.

Storyteller says "The first blade is blessed with the vibrance of the Unconquered Sun himself; it penetrates -through- the beast, carving through both sides of its corrupted flesh and imbedding itself in the hull of the ship that you travel on. The rest stay in the sides of the monster, which is now howling and writhing incoherently in pain."

Storyteller says "Okay, Priests are both out of the action, so it's Midnight's turn."

Midnight-With-Stars's head bobs up and down as he deals with the pain of the wound. He's wroth. He lowers his head and steamrolls towards the pirate that slashed him, aiming to mow the man down and then kick him overboard.

Storyteller says "2 point stunt for the horsie. Roll it!"

<ROLL> Liu rolls 11 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 9> for 3 successes.

Confident of his armor (and hoping to kill the godspawn), the arrogant demon-blood does not choose to defend himself, instead positioning himself so as to get another strike.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "The Horse has gotten no respect from the dice this evening."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Can MwS spend willpower for one extra success?"

Storyteller [to Liu]: That has to be done before the roll. :P You may do so for damage, though.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Ok. This shall be done, then."

Storyteller says "Roll 'em."

<<OOC>> Liu says, "Damage is 10L for those hooves. OK."

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 13 damage dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 7 8 10> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "an' plus 1 WP."

Storyteller says "It looks like he should have been a little less arrogant. He staggers back-- not over the rail yet, but pinned against it, his reinforced buff jacket almost torn off from the deadly slash of those hooves, the reinforcement plates _caved in_. He weakly raises his sword and tries to drive off Midnight before it is too late."

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <4 5 7 7 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller LOOKS at the dice.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...Dude."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Don't kill the horsey, dice!"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Don't kill the horse."

<<OOC>> Storyteller reveals one of Midnight-with-Stars' hidden talents; he's got the valor extra action charm Principle of Motion. It's 5 essence and 1 willpower.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "It gives him a number of extra actions equal to his valor, which can be saved up or used at will."

<<OOC>> Storyteller likes the horsey too. >_>

Midnight-With-Stars's eyes flare with a supernatural glow, and a hefty snort from his nostrils puff smoke and fire. He lifts one hoof high and purposefully smashes it down on the Pirate's sword-arm, crushing his wrist (parry). With a series of hard stomps, he drives the demon-blooded back towards his back legs and kicks him hard in the chest, hopefully finally throwing him overboard.

<<OOC>> Liu says, "That's two of those actions."

<<OOC>> Storyteller chuckles.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Roll to hit; he's got no defense."

<ROLL> Liu rolls 9 dice: <3 3 4 5 5 8 9 9 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Roll raw damage."

<DAMAGE> Liu rolls 10 damage dice: <2 2 3 3 4 5 7 9 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Technically, I suppose I should have made you roll for defense, but this is so much more satisfying. :)"

CRUNCH. Midnight-with-Stars is only half successful.

That is to say, only half of the demon-blood is knocked off the ship-- the torso, that is, sent flying away from the lower body by the sheer force of the outraged steed's hooves.

Storyteller says "Next turn! Initiative!"

<INIT> Phoenix Maiden rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 23

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 15 for init: 18

<INIT> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 6 for init: 12

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 12 for init: 14

<INIT> Liu rolls 1d10 + 3 for init: 10

<INIT> Diamond Borealis rolls 1d10 + 13 for init: 14

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis peers at the dice.

Storyteller says "Phoenix, Captain (yeah, right), Diamond, Liu, Worm, Horsey"

Phoenix Maiden staggers from the force of the blow, even lessened by her parry; her eyes narrow to slits and the corners of her mouth turn up in a grim smile as the captain receives the full benefit of her attention again. "That," she comments, as she strides aggressively back towards the transgressor, "was remarkably foolish." Her grip changes on her spear... a distinctly unusual grasp for an attack, the long weapon lying across her open palm balanced - a palm crackling already with the flames of Solar Essence, coiling along the spear and transmuting it; a bolt of lightning leaps from her palm, flashing through her opponent and then again, as it returns to alight on her palm; above the Zenith, brilliant light pours from the incandescent circle on her forehead, wrapping her in the fiery wings of the towering phoenix marking her -- she hopes it will be the last thing the captain sees.

Storyteller says "... Hoooo boy. DEFINITELY 3 point stunt."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Annnnnd that'd be her combo of utter doom, 8 motes to each Excellent Strike, 3 motes to each Fire and Stones strike..."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "What multiattack does it use, again? And how much total essence is spent?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "Total of 25 motes, all coming out of peripheral, because, PM is pissed and wants this captain to know it. Know it very briefly."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "One Weapon Two Blows."

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 20 dice: <1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 16 successes.

<ROLL> Phoenix Maiden rolls 20 dice: <1 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.

The desperation on the captain's face is clear. Far from the wounded opponent she'd hoped for, this is the pure power of a Solar's wrath. She throws every last (literally, last) mote of essence she has into her five-dragon and flickering candle defenses, trying to get OUT OF THE WAY-- even sacrificing her jade sword if it is necessary to save her life.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <2 4 6 8 10> for 3 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <2 7 7 10> for 4 successes.

Storyteller says "First attack is Damage -1, but with 3 auto successes."

Storyteller says "Second attack starts at damage -5; if that's greater than your Essence, subtract 3 more and add 3 auto successes; otherwise, it's just flat 3 damage."

<DAMAGE> Phoenix Maiden rolls 11 damage dice: <1 4 4 4 7 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<DAMAGE> Phoenix Maiden rolls 4 damage dice: <5 5 5 10> for 1 success.

Storyteller says "Jimminy christmas."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Welcome the Fuel Air Bomb of Creation."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says, "...This is why we don't piss off the combat inclined Zenith, kids!"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Turns Enemies Into Salsa"

<<OOC>> Liu says, "mmmm salsa."

To no avail. Phoenix Maiden's spear strikes twice, and two thunderclaps briefly silence all other sounds on the battlefield as the furious Essence detonates within the captain-- DISINTEGRATING her.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: It's, er, your turn.

Storyteller [to Diamond Borealis]: All that's left are some last, huddled Lintha-- the tide is turning on the other ship, too-- and the worm.

Diamond Borealis brings his grimcleaver up at an angle across his shoulders after the massive, arm removing blow. He glances at the Priestess and spits on her. "That for your demon masters, bitch." He glances around, seeing that the Captain is well in hand. He briefly considers killing the Priest at his feet, but decides to leave her to suffer. He takes a long, loping stride. One foot hits the rail, causing it to splinter as he leaps. He falls to the thrashing beast. Grendel's Claw has not had its fill of Yozi blood and the Copper Spider plans to slake its thirsts. He swings the blade five times, carving the kanji for his name into the beasts hide. "Incoming!" He calls to Liu, to ensure he does not catch her off guard.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says, "Splitting my attack, just because, well, I can."

Storyteller says "Er, roll it, 2 point stunt, etc."

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <3 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 3 4 5 10 10> for 4 successes.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 7 dice: <1 3 6 6 6 7 10> for 3 successes.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 6 dice: <1 1 1 3 3 8> for 1 success.

<ROLL> Diamond Borealis rolls 5 dice: <3 3 5 6 8> for 1 success.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <2 4 6 8> for 1 success.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 3 dice: <2 5 10> for 2 successes.

<ROLL> Storyteller rolls 2 dice: <1 4> for a botch!

Storyteller says "Well, never mind."

Storyteller says "The thrashings of the beast as it tries to escape the furious onslaught of the Copper Spider actually make things worse, opening its wounds further. With a keening cry, it dies... and promptly begins to sink."

Storyteller says "We will, however, see what the heroes do to avoid drowning NEXT time, 'cos I'm exhausted and have to wake up early tomorrow to go to UCLA."