Family Circle, 4/29

[leticia]

More of the logs!

Sariel, we /are/ looking at game the sixth now, so sometime between now and then you and I should discuss what Shai's up to. Mind, I could quite possibly keep Shai from appearing just by having her busy on her boat, but I have some thoughts.

That out of the way... Log!


After Allen's victory and little pointed speech (translated by Shai, of course,) the barbarians who had stood with Ten River Wind waver, and, like a cloud, begin to disperse. A couple of them still head for their leader's fallen form, shocked but intending to defend him, or his corpse, but most of them bolt for the woods. A number of red bands are torn off and misplaced along the way. With a shout, Roar-of-Battle directs his warriors forward; they attempt to capture as many of the fleeing barbarians as they can. Though there are knots of combat, most the cornered red-bands yield without much of a fight; a number still escape into the woods, to the southeast. The barbarians' priest hurries towards Allen and the fallen Ten River Wind.

Sado Yasutora gently puts Tim Campi down on Allen's pack, and begins to recess back into the Unyielding Bastion, slowly rising to his full height once the clamps are in place, hefting his shield up once more.

Yoru nods approvingly at the Dawn's display of martial excellence. He seems unconcerned about Ten River Wind's fate and lets the priest deal with that one.

Pale Soul Shadow checks Ten River Wind, and straightens, peering at Allen quizzically. "You let him live," he says, half statement and have puzzled query. (Perhaps part complaint, but if so, effectively muffled.

Green Cove watches the chase with bright, curious eyes, sitting on the ground beside Floating Leaf. This is the fun part, but it seems to be the game for someone else.

As the priest approaches, Allen gives him a polite nod and steps away a little from Ten River Wind's fallen form, the fangs of his claws disappearing under his sleeves once more. At Pale Soul Shadow's words, he shrugs. "If he causes trouble again, he can be taken care of, and if he does not, he could become a powerful force for the aiding of your tribe, Pale Soul Shadow. A little mercy to allow him the chance to learn is not something I am unwilling to give."

Sado Yasutora's massive armor takes him over to Allen and the priest. "Mercy is a strength. His own insistence on destruction and wasteful force was his downfall," he says, supporting the Dawn. He does, however, turn his helmet in Green Cove's direction. This is her tribe, after all.

"Anyone can kill, taking someone down in such a manner yet leaving them alive takes skill," comments Yoru as he looks at the fallen warrior, perhaps doubting that this is a case where that skill should have been used.

Green Cove looks up from where she's been scratching Floating Leaf behind the ears. "It is easier to remove a head later than to put it back on once it's been taken off," she says. "And leaving it on doesn't remove the option of removing it."

The priest's lips purse slightly, though he doesn't seem inclined to argue with the Dawn, and inclines his head to the Zenith politely. In the barbarian tongue, he snaps orders to a couple of warriors, who come and begin binding the defeated Dragon-blooded.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "It may occur to some of you that it's quite possible that there's currently prisoners at the camp Ten River Wind has been based out of. And some of his warriors escaped that direction. I will leave it up to you to think of that option if you're particularly concerned about prisoners."

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Villager prisoners?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "It is a possibility. If he's been taking the townspeople as slaves and hostages, then they'd be there - those alive who haven't been sold."

Sado Yasutora snaps his head up as he realizes that the prisoners may be in danger. "If you will excuse me," he says as his pistons lock into position, then flare to life, sending him racing in the direction of Ten River Wind's former camp. "I must see to the prisoners," he calls back as the Bastion takes off at incredible speed.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Since the barbarians mostly speak no River-tongue, I can't think of a graceful way to nudge your characters with that information ICly. ^^"

<<OOC>> Yoru wonders if he can catch the Bastion and hitch a ride?

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "That would be totally awesome, if Leti allows; do an athletics flip onto my shoulder or something?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller chuckles. Go for it.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Stunts are always good. Would be Dex+Ath, so."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Are you all going to leave Mr. "I'm Bad" to the supervision of the barbarians?"

At this point, Shai excuses herself; she thinks the rest of the Circle can handle themselves against a bunch of barbarians, and she is concerned about her obligations to her crew and ship. As everyone else takes off, she heads back towards town and agrees to meet with them later.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And are you going to try to take along a translator, since you won't have Shai? :p"

Yoru's head whips about as Sado Yasutora talks about prisoners, and more importantly going off alone. With a running start he leaps off a tree to gain height and flips into the air in an attempt to land upon the speeding Bastion as it takes off.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "2 die stunt. Go ahead and roll. 'S only diff 1, so."

Green Cove stands up, arms spread around her. "Maybe you'll still get a snack," she says to the tiger, and trots off after the other two, if more slowly.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 6 dice: <4 4 5 6 7 10> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Actually, no. I can still make a Linguistics + Intelligence roll to make myself crudely understood, yes? Along the lines of, "You hurt them and I'll give you SUCH A PUNCH.""

<<OOC>> Storyteller nods. "Certainly."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Do we still have our Charms from last game, or would I have to re-use?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Kay, Yoru, you can get a handhold on him, assuming he doesn't try to shake you off, which he's already said he won't.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "It's still up. WAS ONLY THREE SECONDS. ;_;"

Sado Yasutora adjusts the gait of his run to carry Yoru, not slackening much in speed, but making a more even run so the Night has a comfortable ride.

<<OOC>> Storyteller .oO(And this leaves the Dawn to stop and think things through. How ...typical, for this party.)

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "We trust the Dawn!"

<<OOC>> Yoru sings, "Rollin, rollin, rollin... keep that Bastion rollin, golden hi-ide!"

Allen blinks after his Circle and then looks back to Pale Soul Shadow. "We will be back shortly; there may be people in need of our aid. Ah . . . do you need one of us to remain here for when Ten River Wind awakes?" With a wry smile, he adds, "That one would likely be me, as the others are already departing."

Yoru secures his grip and crouches low upon the speeding golden train, being careful not to obscure Yasutora's vision.

Green Cove figures she will not have a hard time following Yasutora's path, should she, ha ha, lose sight of him.

Pale Soul Shadow shrugs. "I may be able to handle him if he begins restrained," he says, "though you may have need of a translator. He could be dragged along, perhaps. It might make a point." He nudges the DB with a disdainful toe.

Sado Yasutora pumps his long legs smoothly inside his towering shell, probably outdistancing a barbarian or two or three along the way as he seeks to make it to the camp first. He does not bother to try and stop the runners; after all, Green Cove and Floating Leaf are behind him. If they make trouble, well...

Allen grins. "A good suggestion. Though carrying him could be difficult - I am not the largest of men, you may have noticed. Do you have any suggestions there as well? And a translator would be appreciated, of course."

For some reason, barbarians fleeing shy away from the giant plowing through the light woods.

Yoru might take a moment to wave amiably at barbarians as he passes, chuckling softly at any looks of surprise.

Pale Soul Shadow nods, and, shouts more orders to some of the warriors. "We will bring him on a horse, and should not be much behind for it."

Sado Yasutora pays them only the slightest mind as he beats a clear path towards the camp. People come first.

Green Cove is enjoying the walk with her tiger. Especially since the way is being conveniently cleared ahead of her. She does, rather distantly, wish that one of these red-banded barbarians would attack and give her a more entertaining walk, but the area is pleasant enough on its own without it.

Allen nods as well. "That will do well, then." He waits for a horse to be brought to assist with the loading.

The horse arrives a moment later, the barbarian who galloped up clinging to its neck swinging off and helping lift the unconscious DB across its back. With the dead-weight reasonably well balanced, Pale Soul Shadow takes a lead-rein and, with a nod to Allen, runs after the rest of Allen's circle, leading the horse at a trot.

None of the scattered, already fleeing warriors seem to want to fight the girl with the over-sized tiger, either.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "... I have this image of Green Cove skipping through the forest, pausing to point out especially pretty flowers to Floating Leaf, and occasionally lamenting that an especially nutritious-looking barbarian got away."

<<OOC>> Storyteller giggles.

<<OOC>> Yoru chuckles.

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "It is...not an entirely inaccurate image."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, Allen, are you running full out?"

<<OOC>> Allen says "Well, I'll outdistance the priest and horse and prisoner if I do that. Not sure I want to, if he wakes up from the bouncing of the horse. XD Buuut . . . prisoners to take care of. So. Yes."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Hey, he'll catch up with Green Cove eventually. A wise DB would not wake up and cause trouble around her. ;)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller imagines Floating Leaf would appreciate the taste of Exalted Land-Pirate, too.

<<OOC>> Green Cove mmm, tasty.

It is a reasonably long run between camps - they are spaced as they are to give the barbarians plenty of room for hunting that they won't deplete the game reserves. Allen passes GC after a couple of minutes. Eventually, the Circle - first Yasutora and Yoru, then Allen, then GC - pass from woods to meadow to woods to woods - with well marked trails. As Yasutora plunges through the very light plants, there is a sentry, dead ahead of him, wearing a red-band around his upper arm, and with eyes widening in shock.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "If Sado doesn't stop, I'll try and whip out my chain to whack the sentry as we pass."

<<OOC>> Green Cove is ambling! Though when the horse with the DB on it catches up with her, she's likely to keep pace with it, in case the guy proves to need eating recapture or something.

Sado Yasutora turns his head slightly as he begins to approach the sentry. "Please hold on, Yoru. This may be abrupt."

"Understood," replies Yoru and secures his grip with both hands. His feet however are poised and ready to push off if need be.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "I figure at this point, Allen is about sixty seconds behind Yasutora, and GC and Pale Soul Shadow about another three minutes behind that, if everyone's good with it. :p"

Sado Yasutora bears directly down on the sentry once Yoru has a more secure grasp on his shoulder plate. He doesn't slacken his pace-- indeed, he wills the Unyielding bastion to move to its fullest, letting his powerful strength and its merge in harmony to thunder towards the poor sentry. Arms pump, the tower shield and the Shield of the Righteous turning into brilliant blurs at the side of his golden-coronaed body. Faster... faster... all light seeming to focus on him, the periodic blips of his castemark illuminating the red-band... until he is mere yards away and then he presses down and LEAPS, trying to clear the sentry in a single go.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Aw, and I was hoping for sentry roadkill."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "From Yasutora?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Gimme a str+Ath roll, Yasutora, for giggles. :p"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "Leaping is usually a clearance of Strength + Athletics in yards vertically, and twice that in height. Technically, I could clear 13 yards as a result, but I'm just trying to get over him. What's the stunt bonus?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "3."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora yays!

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolls 16 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9> for 8 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yeah, clearaaaar. :p"

The shocked sentry does throw himself to the side - but not until after Yasutora has landed far beyond him, leaving deep prints in the soft soil.

Yoru blurts out a 'Woah!' as they land on the other side of the sentry. He risks a glance back to see if the sentry is following them or trying to raise the alarm. Upon seeing the man sprawled on the ground Yoru chuckles.

Sado Yasutora holds the fist of the Shield of the Righteous out and to his side and behind, a golden girder extended to keep his balance, his left arm holding the bulk of the tower shield in front like the merciless face of a catapult stone. His heavy-booted feet impact the earth, shaking it beneath him as they come down in a crouch. He takes a second to allow Yoru to regain his balance and quickly scans his eyes around the camp, looking for any prisoners.

...And then Yasutora and Yoru are in the camp proper. It is much like the other camp, save for the wooden building in the center. Instead, there is a large tent - larger than the ghost's refuge in the central camp, made of many smaller tents linked together, a self-aggrandizing cancer at the center of the camp. There is, however, a wooden construction - a stockade, taking up much of a quarter of the area, directly off of the central tend. The rest of the camp consists of the small clusters of tents and yurts around fires that the other camp did. There are a number of people moving around the camp - most of whom stop and stare at the Solars bursting into their camp. A certain number of weapons are drawn.

Yoru glances around the camp and decides to give Yasutora his full range of movement back. With a push of the ten foot giant he flips in the air to land a few feet away in a crouched position. Somewhere in the leap he managed to draw his chains and he holds the ends in each hand as it stretches across his back. Keeping the pose for a second he then rises into a back stance, with one hand out forward to keep the chain taut, and asks, "Any of you speak a civilized tongue?"

Sado Yasutora turns his body in the direction of the stockade. He pulls up his Tower Shield to mid-section, bracing the heft of the Shield of the Righteous behind it. He leans forward on one knee, the other poised to push off behind him. "Yoru, my brother," he says politely, "Would you mind dealing with those who have not had the news? I will deal with the stockade."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora may not have Green Cove's medical skills or tiger; he may not have Allen's panache or Yoru's deftness. He certainly doesn't have Shai's ease with social situations. But he does, indeed, have a hammer, and this problem looks like a nail.

Now the sentries' shouts go up, indicating intruders; more warriors exit their dwellings, and look around. They are, however, clearly disorganized and leaderless. Allen, still running can hear the shouting ahead - not that the path his fellow Solars took is any mystery.

No one seems eager to respond Yoru's question, though there are various shouted things in the coarse barbarian tongue.

Yoru points at some of the nearest barbarians and then to the ground. More precisely to their weapons and then to the ground. "Your leader has fallen, the prisoners shall be released," he says with a glance at the stockades. "Do not make this hard for yourselves." Here he grins and whips the chain around into an overhead whirl followed by several vertical slashes in front of him. Yoru finishes by letting the chain wrap around his chest once more and catching it in his free fist.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Green Cove, you can also hear distant shouts - and so can your friend on the horse. He starts stirring, the alarm cries awaking the life-long warrior as the jolting horse ride didn't."

Sado Yasutora waits until Yoru is clear, and then takes off at high speeds again, barrelling directly for the stockade. This time, he has aimed so as not to have anyone directly in his way. He does not intend to waste energy jumping again, though he has the use of the lower lip of his shield to scoop unwise, if brave barbarians, out of the way.

<<OOC>> Storyteller tries to figure out damage of 'full body charge in heavy armor' and also the soak and HL of a stockade wall. What the hell. :P Yasutora's a frigging tank.

Green Cove walks on her tip-toes for a few paces to peer at the not quite unconscious warrior on the horse. "Perhaps he'll wake up and try to escape," she says, hopefully.

Allen passes the frightened sentry, who is just gathering himself up - and presents no challenge - and enters the camp in time to see Yasutora bull through a wall of wooden posts across the camp - and Yoru ahead of him; the two of them quickly find themselves surrounded by a wall of barbarian warriors who, perhaps, would rather challenge them than the golden giant.

The DB's eyes flick open and he glares at GC, snarling in her direction.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "And now we get to see how GC and FL play 'fetch'."

Green Cove bounces on her heels, and smiles toothily at the piratey DB. "Oh, you're awake," she says. "Were you going to try running?"

Sado Yasutora thunders through the wall, splintering it around him. He quickly looks inside to see what is within.

Pale Soul Shadow grins spitefully, as he sees his long annoyance wake. "Good morning, Ten River Wind," he says, in Rivertongue for the benefit of Green Cove. "I'm sure you could break those ropes with your mighty powers, but I don't recommend it. She is one of the Sun's Chosen - just like the true warrior who defeated you already." He adds, "Though if you'd like to, please tell me. I'll cut the ropes myself and spare the horse the injury. The results will be the same." The priest appears to have a certain relish in the situation.

Green Cove spins on her heels, keeping pace with the horse. "Allen got to play, but I haven't yet," she says. "Not today. There might be more games later, but I wouldn't say no to one now."

"Who needs a battering ram?" Allen says under his breath, claw-fangs extending once again and he looks around at the circle of warriors. His voice raises, directed to the warriors grouping around himself and Yoru. "If you can understand me, drop your weapons. I defeated Ten River Wind in single combat; do you think you can fare any better against me and my ally?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, either of you want to activate another simple, go for it. I am posing for Yasutora and then GC and then combat. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says "You said our scenelongs from before were still up, right?"

<<OOC>> Yoru checks. It looks like I did fire up ESF last time.

As Yasutora bursts through the stockade, there's a small chorus of screams from inside it; wood pieces shatter and fall aside to reveal a number of spare sleeping rolls laid under a lean-to built against the far side of the stockade; some of them are occupied; other individuals sit near the canopy. Most of them are wearing ragged clothes in the fashion of the fieldhands you passed this morning, young adults. There are a couple others - an old man, several adults wearing the same clothes as the barbarians, although more damaged, and a dirty child in ragged finery who appears to be about ten. It is this last who leaps in front of the old man, defensively.

Pale Soul Shadow looks consideringly at Green Cove. "If you want, mistress," he suggests diffidently, "I could free him; perhaps he'd run then?" He sounds cheerful about the prospect.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, init rolls, Yoru and Allen?"

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Since there are three of them, rate 3 spd +11 0=)"

Green Cove taps a finger to her lips. "Tempting. But since Allen has chosen to have him tied, I'll leave him in his ropes unless he insists on being elsewhere."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 1d10 + 19 for init: 23

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 15

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 16

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 8

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 8

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 12

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 16

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 15

Sado Yasutora turns around to look at the battered slaves. "People of Whitewater Bend, others who have suffered at the hands of Ten River Wind. Your tormentor has been brought low, sent into the realms of sleep with a single blow from my brother. I am Sado Yasutora, Zenith, Golden Bull, and Pillar of Heaven. Our Circle has come to put an end to the bondage and cruelties that have been inflicted upon you, and we will not fail to lead you out of here alive and into the arms of Whitewater Bend at the very least. Those among you who are still hale enough, can you aid me in delivering those who are injured or weakened? I would carry them myself, but I must remain free to defend you against cowards who would think to hold you hostage against the wrath of my brothers and sister."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora . o O (And her very hungry pet kitty.)

Though none of the warriors throw down their weapons as commanded by Allen (and Yoru, a minute ago), a number take a cautious step back. Six, however, break from the circle, charging, three at Allen and three at Yoru.

Pale Soul Shadow looks mildly disappointed. "Very well. It's your choice, Ten River Wind, then. Run, or stay and face their judgement when all is done."

Ten River Wind mutters harsh, barbarian words, but, other than a brief struggle, remains still from some belated wisdom.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yoru, then a bunch of barbarians, then Allen, then the other barbarians. :p"

Yoru pages: Oh yes, Hidden death 24 periph (2x12) and 1 wp.

<<OOC>> Yoru shall attack each of those after him once.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Wait, confused."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Did you use hidden death before the init or now?"

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Well if I used it before, would they be attacking me?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "If you used it before, I'm not sure anyoen would be trying to attack you. :p If you used it now, it's a simple and you can't attack."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "The would, however, be six going after Allen, and you could always choose to beat on them. :p"

Storyteller says "There would, rather."

<<OOC>> Yoru ahs. In that case I'll use it now so all 6 aren't attacking Allen.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Can I reflexively charge the chain this turn, or is that better used next?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "He has reflexive parries and 3 or 6 is much the same to him, but. *nods* Okay. Three are after you right now, though probably going to turn their attentions to Allen shortly."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "IT's a scenelong effect, reflexive, and not a Charm, so you should be just fine charging it now."

Yoru, with a further widening of his grin, lets the shadows wrap completely around him and embraces his Nightly nature to disappear from view in the manner of Hidden Death. It is worth wasting the time to see the barbarians headed for him look confused as he vanishes before their eyes. Taking two more essence from his personal store he charges the chains to use them lethally in the next few moments.

<<OOC>> Storyteller nods. Take the wp back from Hidden Death if you want or... err, I think the charge Essence counts as committed, for the scene, so not that. But you could take 4 from the extra motes needed to use Hidden Death subtle-like.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "So, 4 motes, or a wp. :)"

<<OOC>> Yoru shall take 4 motes.

The first barbarian out of the circle makes his charge - and looks from side to side, trying to spot his vanished target. The second, however, stabs with a brutal looking knife at Allen, who has not vanished.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <3 4 4 4 5 8> for 1 success.

"We could have used you in the circus with tricks like that, Yoru," Allen comments, arm idly rising to parry the desperate barbarian's blade - and then his focus shifts and narrows, locking in on the battle at hand. He offered them a chance, and they refused it; they have chosen their own fates. With a twist of his wrist, he flings the knife off harmlessly to the side.

<<OOC>> Storyteller gives that 2 dice. Isn't sure if Allen's still down wp or essence which ISN'T committed, but can take 1 or 4 back, if so.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Neither of the above. XD"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Didn't think so."

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 6 6 6 7 9 9 9 9> for 5 successes.

The next barbarian is also stumped by Yoru's vanishing act; he takes a defensive stance, trying to figure out where the Night went.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Is Allen's turn."

<<OOC>> Allen says "'Kay, then, splitting three times to attack the guy I just defended against."

<<OOC>> Allen says ". . . maybe the first two against him, and then the third against the next closest enemy?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "If that's what you want to do; sure."

<<OOC>> Allen says "So. . . 11, 10, 9?"

Allen drops suddenly to a crouch, striking out in a scissoring pair of blows at his assailant's belly, then spins on one heel, boots tearing at the grass, and launches himself upwards into a vicious rising strike running the length of the next nearest barbarian's body.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 6 8 8 9 9 9> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 10 dice: <1 1 1 1 4 7 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 9 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 8 9 9 9> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <2 2 5 7 9> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <2 4 6 7> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, soak is 5, so that's base damage - 2 and base damage on the first one..."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "So, err, 7 + 9? He's dead. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says "Well, sort of the point."

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Kill kill kill, yeah, kill!"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 7 dice: <1 5 6 7 9 9 10> for 5 successes.

The first falls dead even as Allen turns, springing for one of the ones who paused at Yoru's disappearance; undistracted by his own attack and alerted by the gurgling last breath of the first victim, he manages to hold off the claws with his knife and a stumble backwards.

The unorganized charge continues, with three more assaulting Allen - proven dangerous, with Yoru absent.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <1 5 6 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <2 2 4 7 7 8> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <1 1 1 6 7 10> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, roll/pose parries. :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Leave some for me :)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Now, now, he only killed one. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says "S'what you get for disappearing! 8D"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "GC's going to pout, you know. ;p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Speaking of whom, I believe it'd be appropriate for GC and Floating Leaf to arrive at the end of the combat round."

<<OOC>> Yoru will take her out to hunt dinner later?

Allen rolls to face the fresh assault, claws flickering blindingly quickly in his defense; the threads of Essence he has attuned himself to guiding his limbs like a puppet's arms by the master's strings.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 1 1 4 4 4 4 5 7 7 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 6 8 8 8 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 14 dice: <1 3 3 4 4 4 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

With the skill and flair of the Exalted best known for battle, the Dawn easily blocks all attacks. This is the scene Green Cove and her companions see as they enter - the stockade, one side smashed down by the giant Zenith, the Dawn in a circle fighting five opponents - with one dead at his feet already. And Yoru... not at all.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "It's nice to be invisible."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Go ahead and pose in, Green Cove."

Green Cove trots on in, the warrior-bearing horse close behind and the tiger at her side. "Oh," she says, brightly. "They left some for us. Leaf, did you want to play?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Do I roll initiative, now?"

Floating Leaf silently indicates her enjoyment of the prospect, leaping forward with her mistress to the attack.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Presuming you'll be fighting, you can join in on the next round of init. Which I will call for in just a minute. ^^"

A few of the prisoners burst into tears at Sado's pronouncement. One of the young women says, "...is it true?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, next round of init."

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 16

<<OOC>> Storyteller is running two scenes, one of which is in combat time. :p This is a bit wacky. :p

<<OOC>> Yoru adjusts. Rate 4 Spd 9

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Pick whatever speed you want, Yo... ah. *nods*"

Sado Yasutora bows to the young woman as he strides further into the stockade, checking to see if any are obviously unable to walk or otherwise seriously harmed. "I swear it, by the Unconquered Sun."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 1d10 + 17 for init: 25

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

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 10

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

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 11

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 17

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 1d10+8 <4> for 4 + 8 = 12 total.

<<OOC>> Green Cove sniffles. She is slow! But then, she was ambling.

Thinking twice, the tiger lopes back to sit watching the DB with a hungry grin.

<<OOC>> Yoru will attack four times total, two against two enemies.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, Yoru, barbarian, Allen, Green Cove, barbarianx4. You know, if they survive. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Go ahead and pose, invisible man!"

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Lesse if I remember. MA + Dex + any Acc - um, 4,5,6,7? down to Essence min?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yes. Plus stunt."

Yoru chuckles softly at Allen's circus comment. "Feel our vengeance," he says in a calm voice as he whips the lightning chain from around his body. The first arc of his swinging links goes to viciously slap the nearest barbarian. With a twist of his wrists the next two whirling whips of metal lash out against the next victim and a fourth blow is directed back towards the first barbarian Yoru struck.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "So attacking A, B, B, A"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "...2 die stunt.^^"

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Should be 7,6,5,5 then."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 7 dice: <1 5 5 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 6 dice: <1 2 3 5 8 10> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 5 dice: <1 5 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolls 5 dice: <2 4 7 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Yoru chuckles.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Isn't that the way it always works?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller gives no defense to startled extras on the first attack, but gives them a dodge on the second attack, so...

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 4 dice: <1 2 6 7> for 1 success.

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

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, that's base damage -3 + base damage -2 on the first one, and base damage -2 + base damage -4 on the second. Minimum Essence to each."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "...So I think a whole lot of Essence pings?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "For 10 total damage dice, or 3 extra Health Levels, leaving them both at Incapacitated."

Both of Yoru's selected targets are squarely stuck by his chain by the first pair of blows, with no warning. Though they both try to leap out of the way, they flee blind, and both are struck again, dropped bleeding and battered on the ground, life draining out of their mortal wounds.

<<OOC>> Yoru shall feel no pity for them!

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora siiiigh. >_< Going to have to work on that.

<<OOC>> Yoru can't wait to see Yasutora's reaction when he comes out and sees a bunch of dead barbarians.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Sorry, back. Okay, Allen's turn."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "So, Allen, how many you gonna kill this time? :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "There's three left and GC would probably like it if you left one. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says "Okay, splitting four time to hit two of them twice each. :)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller nod.

Taking advantage of the surprise of the other barbarians as two of their number drop, attacked from seemingly nowhere, Allen darts forwards, charging another pair with claws extended to either side of him; as he nears them, he drops into a slide between them, raking his claws into their midsections. Razor fangs still in his enemies, he backflips, using the barbarians as supports, his arms twisting nimbly and then withdrawing as he reaches the apex of his flip; he lands on his feet facing the barbarians, and dashes forwards once more, claws a head-height whirlwind.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "...Eww. 3 die. Allen's brutal. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says "So! 11, 10, 9, 8?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "That it is."

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 11 dice: <2 2 6 6 6 8 9 10 10 10 10> for 10 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 10 dice: <1 1 1 3 5 6 6 8 9 9> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 9 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 7 7 7 7> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Allen rolls 8 dice: <1 4 5 5 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Allen says "And it's ABAB, yes, if you couldn't tell from the pose."

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <1 1 2 2 5 5> for a botch!

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <9 10 10 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "..."

<<OOC>> Allen says ". . . jesus."

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <3 5 8 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <6 8 9 10 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "..."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says "plenty for Green Cove to Flail at, then!"

Wary at the fate of their companions, both attacked barbarians are jumpy. One, however, has the wisdom to watch those he can see - and is able to catch Allen's claws with his jagged knife and hold them at bay until he is out of the way. The other, however, has eyes going everywhere for the unseen assailant - and is easy meat for Allen's claws, dropped with his guts spilling and head barely connected to the ground.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Two left and it's GC's turn."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Rah! So, um. Two barbarians standing, and I can pretty much pose attack, right?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Yep! Let me know about any splitting or Charms or what have you, and go for it. :)"

<<OOC>> Green Cove is still a little fuzzy on combat details, so, let's see. Will probably be splitting four attacks between the two, since that's the Done Thing around here. No charms really spring to mind. Now a-posing!

<<OOC>> Storyteller nods to GC.

Green Cove stalks forward towards the barbarians who haven't fallen to her comrades yet, taking her own sweet time to get there, and as she moves the ribbon-wrapped handle has now been turned into an arcing orbit, rattling around her as the segments touch their tips together in the circuit. It looks to be a brief game, and so she only glides up between the two who are still standing, and spins herself along with her weapon, letting sharp-tipped pieces turn the ribboned whip into something more likely to catch on skin as it passes, and rip things out along the way.

<<OOC>> Green Cove checks to see what she's rolling.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Two dice. So -2, -3, -4, -5. 9, 8, 7, 6. You can stagger them between as you like."

<<OOC>> Green Cove says "Well, since it's a circle, I'll go back and forth between the two. ABAB, as it were."

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 9 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 5 5 8 8> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 8 dice: <1 1 5 5 6 7 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 7 dice: <3 3 5 5 6 8 9> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Green Cove rolls 6 dice: <1 2 3 5 7 7> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Yoru needs a more accurate weapon.

<<OOC>> Green Cove mutters.

<<OOC>> Green Cove needs a deadlier weapon.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Cripes. The Extras ate all the successes."

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <2 3 4 4 5 6> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <2 2 6 6 10> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 6 dice: <1 6 6 8 9 9> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolls 5 dice: <2 3 7 7 7> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, that's base damage - 3 and base damage - 4 on the first. Base damage - 4 on the second, but he gets out of the way of the second attack."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Base is 8 for her, yes?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Minimum of Essence, but I don't think you'll hit that."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "One incapacitated and one down a health level."

<<OOC>> Green Cove checks. "Damage is 8L, it says, so, yeah."

Both barbarians are slashed and torn, but by luck, one manages to stagger out of Green Cove's whirling circle of death before falling down in pooling blood.

The last (and now wounded barbarian) tosses his knife away with a clatter, as it bounces on stones. With his hands empty, he backs away from the three exceedingly lethal Solars, gabbling something in his barbarian tongue.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Do we roll init again for you to pursue him or turn on the others who didn't attack, or do you let him go?"

<<OOC>> Yoru grumbles.

<<OOC>> Yoru says "What are those who didn't attack doing?"

<<OOC>> Green Cove is being good today. Only attacking people who are attacking, or making threatening motions, or really look like they could use the beatdown.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Backing away carefully, by and large. Most still have weapons, but no one's brandishing them at you, and there are more than a few already dropped."

<<OOC>> Yoru will let him live then *sigh* ;)

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "What, you got to kill two. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Okay, then. Out of combat time, any old pose order. :p"

Yoru walks up behind the last, wounded barbarian who had dared to attack them and taps the savage's shoulder while letting Hidden Death fade, revealing the Night to view once more. A wicked grin still graces Yoru's face as he looks at their defeated opponent.

Green Cove rewraps her ribbon, stopping to clean bits of blood off the points of various segments on the way.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "You're a sadist, Yoru."

<<OOC>> Yoru says "Me? *clasps hands in praying position* 0=)"

Sado Yasutora [to Storyteller]: How are the slaves?

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Am gettin' there. :P"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "Wanted to make sure we were out of combat time before proceeding./"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora pats, nods.

The captives do not appear to be overall in bad shape. Some of them clearly have injuries, but they have at least been treated with crude bandages. Most of them seem able to at least carry their own weight - if, perhaps, with a limp - with the possible exception of the elderly man, who is still seated in the leanto - behind his would-be protector, the child.

The woman who questioned Yasutora goes limp with relief, and turns, tugging on the shoulder of one of her companions, who is in tears. "Come on," she says, "Come on!"

There is a clatter, louder, as any number of the barbarians watching the fight, who were cautious enough to hold back, drop their own weapons. As Yoru taps on his shoulder, the wounded barbarian's eyes bug out, and he tries to get out of the frightful Night's way, tripping and landing on the ground in the process.

Green Cove wipes her hands on her pants after tucking the ribbon-staff away, then goes to check on Floating Leaf and the tied-up Dragon-Blooded.

Pale Soul Shadow walks forward, leading the horse with its burden, and paced along side by the tiger. He asks the three, "Would you like to say anything to them or should I?"

<<OOC>> Yoru has done his part in scaring the crap out of the barbarians. I'll let others do the talking now.

Sado Yasutora [to Storyteller]: Yasutora is going to give the woman who was bold enough to question him a sort of imprinteur of command; he's going to tell her to lead the others out to his circle, giving brief descriptions of each. Then he's going to crouch before the child and elder and ask how he can help.

<<OOC>> Yoru hrm, right, the prisoners. I'll go see how they and Yasutora are doing.

Sado Yasutora figures if she's got the courage to question the golden giant, she'll have the force of personality to get the folks in gear.

<<OOC>> Green Cove is, um. Going to go look at pretty flowers? She's perhaps not much on the 'plans' side of things.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Allen is going to look for the prisoners, see if Sado needs any help."

Sado Yasutora [to Green Cove]: Yasutora will probably tell the woman to send those who are most injured to GC for a quick check-up, if you don't mind?

The woman - who is apparently more collected than the rest, goes about tugging on people until she gets them moving. It is a task that gets easier as it goes along.

The child gives Yasutora a glare - it's hard to tell if it's a little girl or a little boy in the ragged clothes with dirt all over its face. "Don't hurt him!" the kid demands.

Sado Yasutora bows his great helmeted head. "I will not," he declares. "I promise. How can I help?"

Yoru shakes his head in response to Pale Shadow. "They didn't seem to want to listen to us. Perhaps you should do the talking. I shall check on my friend." That said he heads towards the stockades and the big Yasutora-sized hole in the wall.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora , door opener!

<<OOC>> Green Cove wonders if that big suit of armor has a can-opening attachment. And maybe a corkscrew thumb.

<<OOC>> Allen says "Swiss Army Bastion?"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora suspects that it has some problems with finesse work, dex bonus or no.

Pale Soul Shadow seems perfectly willing to give directions to the confused barbarians - and, perhaps, a brief object lesson, as his speech involves many gestures to the captive DB and the dead and dying barbarians.

<<OOC>> Allen paints the Bastion red and puts on the swiss army symbol next time Sado's asleep~

<<OOC>> Yoru would love to know what Pale Soul Shadow said about him to the barbarians.

The child continues to watch Yasutora suspiciously. "He can't walk." It's said with a challenging tone. "He has to be carried."

Sado Yasutora nods gravely to the child. "Will you permit me to carry him? I will be gentle and careful."

The child looks Yasutora up and down carefully, and finally nods. "You look strong enough."

Sado Yasutora bows his head first to the child, then to the elderly gentleman as he moves closer. "May I pick you up, sir? I assure you, it should be relatively comfortable and easy, save for the hardness of the plates.

The rescued prisoners are a little hysterical. They seem quite glad to be rescued, but it's a bit much to suddenly get rescued by creatures out of legend. Calming discussion, if the rescuers are curious, will explain that Ten River Wind's habit was to kill or sell to the Guild the weakest and most injured of his captures, keeping only those the most physically able to serve the barbarians. At least one of the women will be perfectly willing to hysterically hug a comforting voice, even if that comforting voice is Yoru. =P

<<OOC>> Yoru woot?

The elderly man assents to being moved gratefully. He has bad bruising and possibly a broken leg. The child tags along close at Yasutora's heels.

Sado Yasutora carefully lifts the old man up, and carries him, gently as promised out of the stockade and into freedom. When he sees the dead barbarians, he gives a long sigh. "Sir," he asks the elderly man, "Would it be alright if I left you in the charge of my companions for a moment? I have some matters I must attend to."

Pale Soul Shadow sends the barbarians back to their tents and yurts to await their fates. He keeps a close eye on the DB the whole time, as does Floating Leaf, who seems to think it would be fun to taste Dragon-blooded.

Yoru appears at the door but is denied the sight of his golden friend by a flood of refugees exiting. "Be calm people, we are here to rescue you, as my friend has likely told you. This way, this way." He waves people out of the enclosure and would not be against offering comfort should the need arise, especially to women even if they are dirty.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says "And, I suppose we should probably call this a game. :p We're not going to get a better closing point, probably. Unless Sado has a nice pose of consecrating bodies."

"I can take him, Sado," Allen says quietly, stepping forward. "My apologies about the mess."

Storyteller [to Yoru]: Yoru is most capable of offering comfort, I'm sure, and the women aren't that dirty. Camping-out-dirty, not living-in-squalor dirty; it seems adequate water for treating wounds and drinking was provided.

Storyteller says "One takes decent care of livestock, after all."

Sado Yasutora gingerly hands off the old man to Allen, before turning to the corpses. Over each in turn, he kneels, saying a prayer to the Unconquered Sun and the Maiden of Endings, giving his hopes for their purification and that in their next lives they will be more virtuous and less stupid. Then he grants the Holy Flame of Release to each, sending their souls onward with his prayers.