Brian's Cult Game, Shadows of the past, session 8
Brian says, "So, I think I'm going to call this to a close around now. You guys leave in the morning to great fanfare and celebrations from the not-quite-mortals that now inhabit the Golden Heart of the Blessed Rivers, the Tiger-Warrior escort following Bennu's lead perfectly. Four Solars and one Sidereal go south, following visions and portents towards the teeth of chaos; one Lunar goes west and north seeking... well. That is secret to the purpose of that Silverchosen."
Brian says, "Alright. So. Minor *cough* retcon; you guys did not -march- out, you flew out on Stormwind Rider. Reed was still able to catch up about a day or two ago. You are swiftly approaching the Bordermarches, where the Wyld begins to leech into Creation, but you will not be there for a few days yet. You've seen the evidence of attacks from the Fae repeatedly from the air. Small trips down have found no survivors-- dead caravans, ravished tribes-- these ones don't leave anyone living behind. All that remains are funerary rites. What preparations, charms, etc. do you guys make while riding the sky and storm?"
<> Mahir says "I've got nothing until we're actually in range for combat-scenelongs, aside from the usual maintenence of gear, etc."
Bennu spends much of the travel time in leading her newly upgraded warriors in prayers of thanksgiving; their piety may begin to get on people's nerves after days stuck in the same ...cyclone. At the first sign of Wyld taint, IPP and So Say We All go up and stay up. At any sign of active resistance, Temptation-Resisting Stance is going up, and I'll pose it to Conviction rather than Temperance if I have to, and 5BS.
Reed notably does not ride in the tame sorcerer's cyclone, but rather on the thermals beside it. And in front, and behind, and above . . .
Brian [to Reed]: Make a Perception + Awareness roll, please.
<> Mahir says "I've got a massive IAM to put up once we're actually "getting ready for combat", but it's not the sort of thing I can keep running for extended period of time."
<> Reed rolls 7 dice: <1 3 3 4 5 5 7> for 1 success.
<> Brian stares at the Dice Orphan. Hard.
<> Bennu says "Will also keep Essence Sight from the armor on."
<> Bennu says "Pretty much from first signs of Wyld Taint on."
<> Bennu says "And of course the Total Perspective annoyance,"
<> Mahir says "That's a point. Essence Sight *is* cheap enough to run continuous. And, actually, for ease of travel, I could put up Wings and fly with Reed, but... I think I'll just ride the sorcery."
Brian [to Bennu]: As the fourth day wears on, a pinging noise begins to sound, delicately, in your helm. The Total Perspective Field shows nothing loyal or allied to you other than those on (or near in the case of one semi-allied Lunar) the Stormwind Rider within the fifty mile allegiance radius, but coruscating rainbow pulses and dots begin to fill up at the edge of the two mile radius. The bubble quickly envelops them as the Rider hurtles on; 1,503 fair folk. The majority of them are simple Warrior Commoners according to the Field; there are three Essence 5 Cataphractoi leaders. It's resolving them into 3 major Magnitude 5 units.
Brian [to Bennu]: At present speed, you'll be overhead within 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Brian [to Reed]: You'll notice them within about 40 seconds, because the Dice Orphan hates you.
Brian [to Bennu]: Oh, and the Field is having a hell of a time identifying what weaponry they're using. It eventually resolves it as "Melee ... probably and... ranged... probably... with... stuff.. there are gears and shards and thorns in, boss, it's all funky."
Bennu sighs and begins to shine with anima as she puts up her combat charms; Fivefold Bulwark Stance and then Temptation-Resisting Stance. "Fae ahead, major force!" she calls out to the others. "Be ready to drop us, Samun. Tiger Warriors, ready for battle; it's time to teach the Fae fear."
Samun begins to decrease the speed of the rider; let the defenders of Creation have the advantage of time.
Brian says, "Okay. You have twelve long ticks before you guys arrive, then, in which to activate Charms. Remember that Charms have a Speed of 6, and must be used in long ticks to gain their benefits in long ticks."
Reed spots the Fae at about the same time Bennu calls the alert and wheels away to circle high above their heads and see what awaits him and his Solar's friends.
Brian says, "Furthermore, you guys need to determine how you're going to arrange yourselves-- either as solo units, or as Special Characters in Bennu's unit. If you go as solo units, you act on your own ticks and get your own movement. However, your scores in combat are limited by your personal War rating, and you gain no unit bonuses since no one is supporting you. If you act as special units, you can still cast charms and whatnot, though they'll only affect you unless Bennu permits you to use her action, and you'll be allowed to use Bennu's War 5-- 8 in her suit of armor-- rating as your maximum bonus from Abilities, which should cover everyone. You'll also gain the benefits of her troops when you make actions. However, you also only can act on the same tick as her-- which means if you use Simple Charms with a Speed longer than her chosen action, you may miss a shot-- and you can only attack what units are close to hers. That last one probably won't _matter_ if you're all in one unit, but."
<> Mahir says "Hmmm. If I spend periph to put up Wings, is that 1 mote to suppress, or double?"
<> Two has War 3 :(
<> Mahir says "I know Aidan used to knock around as a solo unit and happily engage people 5+ mag over him... but I think Mahir will be operating as a Sorcerer special inside Bennu's unit, and I'll worry about the Speed problem later."
<> Ashan says "Also operating as a sorcerer in Bennu's unit if there's support; otherwise engaging stealth systems and going solo."
Teyv I shall follow Bennu into this large of combat.
<> Bennu says "Assuming the GM permits them ranged weapons to switch to."
<> Mahir says "Aidan had to buy up War 5 before he could manage to engage whole armies, even as insane as his bonuses were."
<> Two says "As a melee unit, sticking with the army probably makes more sense. I'm not too worried about my charms, since they're terrible anyway :)"
Brian [to Teyv]: You'll be acting as a literal sorcerer; your action happens on her Tick, but you can cast Spells or use Charms-- including Medicine Charms and the like when needed-- independently of her.
<> Reed says "So I might as well stay inside the unit, although my heart twists at having to take orders from someone. But at least if I stay inside, I don't have to recalculate anything."
<> Bennu says "You're not really taking a lot of orders from me other than 'keep your arms and legs inside the bus'."
<> Mahir says "You don't have to take any orders more onerous than "stay in formation", at least mechanically."
<> Reed says "PRINCIPLE."
<> Ashan says "I prefer to think of us as a steamroller, which makes keeping arms and legs inside more important."
Brian [to Bennu]: On the matter of range, the soldiers can only use one weapon type per action. So if you drop your people down outside of the range of normal combat and march them in Skirmish formation, you can have them use shortbows and switch--though it will take an action to change formation if you want to avoid close combat penalties-- to whatever when you get close. In that case, you won't take any fire while you're still in motion, and you can let Mahir direct fire, though you'll have to use your action coming in to Change Formation, depending on how things go.
Brian says, "Okay, so everyone is in one unit. Bennu, name your Formation."
Brian says, "And whether you want to come in with the possibility of ranged fire strafing you-- ie, Sammun drops you right in front of them-- or from out of range and use more tactical formation switching."
<> Teyv says "I have a ranged AOE, but I don't know if Bennu can make use of that."
<> Ashan says "Bringing up Pain Amplification Strategem x3, for the record and since I didn't actually type it: the bracer controlling his Essence Thorns and 2x cold iron blades."
<> Bennu says "Hrm. I think we'll drop at range and march in. I haven't done a lot of mass combat with hero/sorcerer units in the past since PM was usually on her own and using Charms to ensure perfect everything. I'm not quite sure how Mahir-taking-shots will sync with my 'rearranging the tiger warriors' actions."
<> Ashan says "At this point he's got it for two of his cold iron knives and his Essence Thorn Practice activations."
<> Two appears to be Speed 5
<> Bennu says "Start Skirmish and Close when we get in."
<> Mahir says "I'll probably start dropping arrows as soon as we get inside my outer range, and keep dropping them as often as GM says so. I'll let *him* figure out the tick math. :-P"
<> Bennu says "And Samun will join Teyv in Thunderwolf Howling as soon as he has the option, I believe."
<> Ashan says "Chamge Formation is speed 5."
<> Ashan says "so you can close us up and our ranged attackers can continue hitting them as they close."
<> Reed says "I think I can go as fast as 3, but if that'll mess things up I'll stay at 5."
<> Brian says "Alright. Bennu has Fivefold Bulwark Stance and Temptation Resisting Stance up. Mahir has Infinite Archery Mastery and his Wings up. Ashan has Pain Amplification and Essence Thorn Practice up. Anyone else using any Charms prior to entry? Reed, what Form are you in?"
<> Reed says "I'll go DBT, and hang out just next to Teyv."
<> Bennu says "IPP and So Say We All are also up, and I'm Essence Sighting, and of course the Atlas. You knew that, though."
<> Mahir says "I think I still have Cloak and Sight from travelling, but I haven't deducted the essence. Full cost, or did I get any back from regen since they're both quite long?"
<> Reed says "if Samun's nearby I guess I can protect him too."
<> Mahir says "Also, are the armor features subject to the "essence committed to charms" errata? *Can* I recover those motes while the effect is still up?"
<> Teyv says "I have virtuous guardian of flame running."
Brian [to Mahir]: If you have the effects, the motes are committed, I'm afraid.
Brian nods.
<> Bennu says "Samun is probably on the far side from Teyv to spread out the sorcerers, honestly. Make them less of a target for AOE type effects."
<> Teyv says "Is Emerald Countermagic an interrupt, or do I keep that running all the time, too?"
Brian [to Bennu]: Okay. Give me your Join War pose.
Brian [to Teyv]: It's an interrupt.
<> Bennu says "I'm 8 motes personal committed, and 11 additional above armor in peripheral. And it's an interrupt you can use reflexively."
<> Mahir says "I'll keep the Sight, and drop the Cloak as soon as we're getting started so I can Stunt those motes back. My available is pretty limited right now, but... that's what the IAM is for."
<> Two should activate Dual Slaying Stance, Balanced Dominance Stance
<> Two says "Fury Inciting Presence is probably not useful"
<> Bennu says "Can his FVD benefit my join battle though? :p"
<> Bennu says "'cause my join battle is kind of sad, just saying."
Brian [to Bennu]: Hmm. Yes, since your first attack is going to be archery with his stats.
<> Mahir says "Add +Ess succ to JB, then, I'll spend it."
<> Bennu says "Cool. And it's wits+war for mass combat so I'm actually kinda good at it afterall."
Teyv wonders at how creatures of chaos can manage to march all orderly. It seems like they should be more of a rabble, and probably fighting amongst each other. Not much of creation runs by rules Teyv would like, so it doesn't surprise him that not-creation also doesn't run by the rules he thinks it should. Until there are injured to help, he accepts his role as a sorcerer under Bennu's command, and lines up with her troops. He tries to get a good sense of where the most effective place to drop his howl is going to be, but hopes that Bennu will lead him in such tactics.
<> Mahir says "Ess5 if it's mine."
<> Brian says "Yup."
<> Mahir says "I'm already down to 9 motes available. :-P Need to stunt a bunch. Also, if we get return fire at ranged, I have that ranged parry trick, but I don't know if I can cover the unit with that, or just me."
Bennu is prepared for this; is this not what she has trained for, what she has been trained for? Now is the moment to prove the precepts of the Cult. Now is the moment to uphold the Paladins' honor. Though they have never faced supernatural enemies on the field of battle like this before, her Tiger Warriors have practiced and prepared for this. This is not the first time they have taken formation inside the whirling wind of Samun's Stormwind Rider; this is not the first time they have prepared for the swift rush across the field. Their training must prove true; Creation demands it. And more, Bennu demands it. As she raises her greater sword over her head, as the Stormwind Rider begins to disgorge its passengers, she shouts, "Forward! Let them know fear!" And her troops begin to spread out to move forward swiftly, bows in hand and swords ready beside.
<> Bennu says "I have a parry DV of 10 that will apply to attacks on the troops. And I believe I add half their CCR of 6 to that."
Brian says, "You guys get your first sight of the terrible Escatic Hospitallers of the Fractured Gear Society. They wear armor of rose vine and thorn pierced shards of gears, woven into strange mail of stranger beings. They pursue no single form; some are fiery beastmen, others ice and earth, still others ever-blowing storms of rose petals. The universal truth of them is that they mix and merge shape and type, even antipathic elements like fire and water. They are horrors, abomination of Wyld Essence and blasphemies against shape in every inch of them. The three leaders are similarly deranged and different. One is a one legged stone giant with the features of a half-melted, defored lapine beastman, the second is burning tree with horrible, reaching limbs like a wooden arachnid's. On fire. The final cataphract is a horrible ... um. Sheep? Well, it's a giant sheep. Covered in rose vines woven through shattered mechanism pieces, YES, but a sheep, twelve feet tall at the shoulder. Not even any horns.
They seem to sense that their enemy, hated shape, is here, and they surge forward. Commoners shift back and forth between their armies before the three Unordered units stabilize. Sometimes it's hard to tell what's one Warrior with multiple heads and what's two swarming Warriors together. They flow in Unordered formation, the best that they can do, charging with the speed born of obsessive hatred."
Brian [to Bennu]: 3-dot stunt.
<> Bennu rolls 9 dice: <1 1 4 7 7 8 8 8 10> for 7 successes.
<> Bennu says "+5 for Mahir's essence."
<> Bennu says "Is 12."
<> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 6 10 10> for 4 successes.
<> Bennu says "Apparently we trained to good end!"
<> Brian rolls 8 dice: <2 2 2 4 7 9 9 10> for 5 successes.
<> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 5 5 7 7 7> for 3 successes.
Brian says, "Okay. Bennu's unit-- including all of the PCs-- goes on Tick 0. You are currently at 150 yards of range on Tick 0. Everyone tell me what you're doing. The three Cataphractoi, C-Giant, C-Tree and C-Sheep go on 6."
<> Bennu says "Bennu is proceeding forward, and will nto be doing much of anything except guard/move/switch formation when close enough. Samun will drop a Thunderwolf Howl wherever it seems that it will do the most good."
Ashan keeps to his place in formation, silent as a shadow. The house of Battles now rules, but Serenity exists even in the depths of war, and as its agent, he cannot show the quiet fear he feels, born of old memories and an understanding of his own skills. Nonetheless, he is Exalted, and trained or not, afraid or not, he will do whatever is necessary to preserve Creation.
<> Ashan says "Also, that's an aim/guard action, since everything's out of range of his weapons."
Brian [to Bennu]: If you start a Change Formation now, it'll be done on Tick 5, which means that Mahir will be able to shoot twice while at Skirmish.
Reed takes up his position at Teyv's right, just barely taller in his war-form as the man he guards. Sleek silver-tipped ivory fur ripples over wiry muscles as he keeps in step with the rest of the formation, balancing lightly on the balls of his paws and ready for any action.
Brian [to Ashan]: What's your Speed?
<> Ashan says "5 normally, but aiming until they get within 40 yards."
Brian [to Ashan]: Well, Falconborn is Martial now, so presuming that he uses it on T3 if he goes for doubleshotz, you'll get the benefit of Mahir doing so.
Bennu's troops have practiced this many times before - on empty fields and deserts, well within Creation's borders, not here in the wyld-tainted lands, not facing armies of monstrosities - but it has all been for this: to stand on the field of battle and place themselves between Creation and those who would devour it. Bows in hand, even as they shoot under Mahir's leadership, they know their place and the rhythm of the march, and prepare to move closer, from the inside out; two steps for those nearest the center -- eight for those at the edge. They all know the motions. Now it is just to carry it out for the first time in earnest.
<> Bennu says "Stunt."
<> Ashan says "Also, Life Gets Worse is now straight up "anyone who misses a target rerolls", so I'll return the favor on the unit leader."
Brian [to Bennu]: 2-dot!
Bennu [to Brian]: wp/wp
<> Bennu rolls 15 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 4 4 6 6 8 8 9 10 10 10> for 9 successes.
Mahir takes a steadying breath as the Tiger Warriors drop out of the Stormwind Rider and find their formation. His Wings could carry him far afield, but for this he will trust to the instincts of their chosen commander. He drifts at the rear of the unit, only a few feet over everyone's head, surveying the battlefield ahead of them. "Ready bows, aim center!", he shouts, as he raises his own and begins building up his essence. "Loose!" A volley of arrows arches across the battlefield, infused with the Deacon's own blinding speed and the Lawgiver's righteous anger at these beasts of chaos.
Brian [to Bennu]: You manage your formation change. *chuckles*
<> Mahir says "One attack, Falconborn and Orderborn EAA."
Brian [to Bennu, Teyv]: Stunt me your sorceries, if Samun and Teyv are going to use them, please.
<> Mahir says "Oh, and 10 dice on 1st."
<> Brian says "Whom are you aiming at, C-Giant, C-Tree, or C-Sheep?"
<> Mahir says "Whichever is in the middle."
<> Brian says "Arrowing C-Sheep, check, you welshman."
<> Teyv says "My range is 100 yards, so we need to close a bit."
<> Mahir says "And I'll be using Falconborn on every shot, probably, so if anyone else can piggyback on the Martial, feel free."
Brian [to Mahir]: Stunt 2, but don't roll yet.
<> Mahir says "Gotcha. (Depending on how this one goes, I'll either split pool and Orderborn twice next time, or SBS and go for the kill on the sheep. :-P I wanna see SBS/Orderborn with 10 dice of 1st at least once today."
<> Mahir says "Oh, and I'm dropping the commit on the Cloak now, since I'm at 11 motes anima, and thus Incognito anyways. And also Obvious. Which means I can stunt those motes back, in theory."
As the arrows of the Tiger-Warriors obey in perfect unison with the glorious Illuminated One who flies above them and brings enlightenment, the mighty Cataphract... sheep... raises its head and lets out a terrible, crashing sound that sounds like steel scrapping across stone. As its maw opens you see a horrendous whirlpool of metal and stone shards swirling around in its throat, replacing jaws and teeth alike. The misshapen forms of the Hospitallers crunch in upon upon themselves, curling and impaling themselves on their own bodies. As one, they suddenly spring back forth and leap, doing a multitude of obscene dances. Thorns spray forth from their bodies and horrible twisting shards explode from the jaws of the Cataphract Sheep, arcing to try and strike down the arrows as they fly.
Brian [to Mahir]: Okay, now roll, they're making a countershot defense.
Two charges forward, near the front of the formation, armor all nice and shiny and weapons held high and doing that thing that crystalspine chainklaives do. She lets out all kinds of war screams and battle taunts.
<> Mahir rolls 36 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 14 successes.
<> Bennu says "You do get 3 succs on that from the RCR, IIRC."
<> Bennu says "So it's still 17. But of course they get RCR too, so."
<> Ashan says "2 again."
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.
Brian says, "The first clash of skill and terror ends in a vomitous mass, the missiles cancelling each other out for the most part. What is left, the charging Warriors manage to slide, ooze, or otherwise... evade... in eye-paining ways. Their DV is at -1 from the "counterattack" effect, even though all it did was reduce your successes."
Brian says, "Tick 3. Circle is within 30 yards. You can use Thrown and Melee alike now. Bennu, you're still causing the formation to be changed, so you don't get an action."
<> Bennu says "Yar. Samun can unleash his Thunderwolf Howl now, as can Teyv, correct?"
Mahir views the results of his first volley with chagrin, before he recovers and regroups. "Ready bows again! Let the sky be filled with our arrows, let Sol Invictus fill your hearts with fury! Enemies of Creation beware, you face Lawgivers today, and thus you face destruction!" With a deep breath he readies his bow and his essence. As he draws back, a bright line of Essence leaps out, painting the ... sheep ... thing with a single dot of essence. Arrows begin to fly from the troops, following his mark. A moment later Mahir releases, the targetting line shattering into a thousand bright shards before crashing forward to engulf the entire unit.
For Samun, too, this is his first real combat; the terrors of childhood bullies are nothing compared to the reality of nightmares from beyond Creation's ragged borders. But he will not let the Solar he serves down, and as is his duty, air and essence tear around him as the impossible howl bursts from his throat, aimed at the center of the mass ahead, to confuse and cripple, and enhance the efforts of the Solars as they fight.
Brian [to Teyv]: Cast away, then. :)
Brian [to Mahir]: Very nice! 3-dot.
Brian [to Bennu]: 2-dot.
<> Mahir says "Taking the Essence again, Falconborn, Orderborn, SBS, and 10 dice on 1st."
Teyv heart is beating so fast that it's affecting his breathing. This is real combat, not a little brawl like at the river. Though thankful nobody is hurt yet, Teyv is ashamed to be longing for the release from anxiety he'll gain from the focus of healing. He tries to turn that focus into his offensive sorcery and takes in his thumping breath to let out a wolf howl. He focuses on the forming the spell, and unleashing it in the spot to be the most effective. As the two groups close, he aims for the point of their collision. Let his comrades hit disoriented enemies.
<> Bennu rolls 12 dice: <2 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
<> Bennu says "Samun's Howl."
<> Bennu says "His Essence is 3."
<> Mahir says "SBS sets their DDV to zero, also, IIRC."
Teyv is not completely oblivious, he sees Samun's howl fall, and holds his just a moment to see if he should reinforce it, or place his next to it.
Ashan watches the first clash of arrows, the excellence of Mahir and the tiger warriors clashing against the furious chaos of their raksha foes. Peace falls over him, and certainty; he knows what he must do, and the blade of the Gull. This battle will be won when the heart of the enemy force falls, he thinks, and to strike at the heart is Serenity's purview. As Mahir directs their troops to loose again, he, too, launches his blade, finding the perfect moment when the song of their bowstrings, the howls of the raksha and the resonance of the Loom align to bear the Gull's thorn to the heart of the enemy leader.
Brian [to Teyv]: It seems to be working pretty successfully; you probably want to lay it down nearby, rather than on.
<> Ashan says "Also: Essence Thorn + Life Gets Worse + Fateful."
<> Mahir says "Ah, Sidereals. "I don't feel like actually *rolling* this attack, so nyah.""
Brian says, "The roaring rage of the Sheep That Swallows The Earth summons forth the horrible, self-mutiliating replies as well. The air is full of an unholy barrage of thorns and stone and steel and the occasional pink, glowing heart wreathed in tiny, dancing winged pixies that fill the air with confusion as they raise their... er... weapons... tentacles... blades... THINGS to block out what gets through the barrage."
<> Ashan says "Also if this hits you get rerolls once per tick. I think against the entire unit if I tag the leader."
Brian [to Ashan]: 3-dot, and give me mine, please.
<> Ashan says "Two."
Brian [to Teyv]: 2-dot stunt.
<> Ashan says "Note that ETP is unblockable."
Brian chuckles. "I'll consider them dodging yours and blocking Mahir's.
<> Bennu says "Note that Thunder Wolf Howl has a crippling effect."
<> Brian says "There are some situations where it pays to have both."
<> Ashan says "And I am full fateful-ing, so that's 18 successes."
Brian [to Mahir]: Roll.
<> Ashan says "called shot on the leader."
<> Mahir rolls 37 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10> for 15 successes.
<> Teyv says "How do I roll combat again?"
<> Two says "So... we're in melee range? I can hit hings with swords?"
Brian [to Teyv]: +roll/ex #
Brian [to Two]: You can!
Brian [to Two]: Pose away.
<> Mahir says "And your speed on the Melee attack is 3 for this turn, I think, because of my Falconborn + Martial keyword."
<> Teyv rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
<> Teyv says "That should be 11 levels of bashing"
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.
<> Mahir says "My 15 is doubled to 30, and they can't Dodge however much passes their countershot."
<> Mahir says "I don't know whether SBS doubles the succ I get from the Tiger Warriors RCR, that's up to you."
Brian [to Mahir]: Yes, yes it does.
<> Brian checks. natural soak for the leaders is 10B, +1 from the troops, no magnitude bonus, = 11, so both Sammun and Teyv cause 1B damage, let me record that, and now to roll for crippling time.
<> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 6 7 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.
<> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7> for 3 successes.
Two's eye close to mere slits and her concentration deepens. Her eyes see nothing but the angles her blades can move and the amount of force required for each blow. Her ears hear only the commands of her allies and opponents. (and the pulse of her blood) She smells the sweat and dirt and corruption that fills the battlefield. Her skin tingles with a fine sheet of sweat and anticipation. As the fae forces come into range, she shifts to her combat stances, slicing and parrying and ending the corruption.
<> Brian says "Samun's effect will not have a lasting crippling bonus. Teyv's will last for 20 long ticks."
<> Bennu says "Oh well. THe DB -tried-. :p"
Brian [to Two]: 2-dot stunt!
<> Mahir says "Samun is... a bit over his pay grade on this one. He did damage at least!"
<> Bennu says "He's the mule. :p He helps us get from place to place in a hurry."
Brian [to Mahir]: Ok. You get 15+3 = 18 * 2 = 28 - 9 = 19 -4 = 15 vs. DV of ... 7 = 8. You punch through. What's your raw damage, including 8 from successes and EAA? Which makes things agg, as I recall.
<> Mahir says "18*2 is 36, dude."
<> Brian says "..."
<> Brian says "tired mathematician is tired."
Brian [to Mahir]: 18 bonus successes, then.
<> Mahir says "36-9=27-4=23 vs DV7 = 16"
<> Bennu says "Don't forget RCD of 3 from the troops."
Brian says, "... This is going to be a long day."
<> Mahir says "16 succ, +21 Agg Piercing."
Brian says, "Wait, I forgot tehir ranged bonus."
Brian says, "Sec. -_-;;"
<> Mahir says "Wheeee. Math is hard."
<> Bennu says "It's complicated. :)"
Brian [to Mahir]: Not usually! OKAY, STARTING FROM THE TOP.
<> Mahir says "Anywho. With EAA going, I'm at +21AP for damage."
<> Two says "My dice pool is the same, correct? No + or - from the mass combat? With BDD going, it's 22 + 2 from stunt."
<> Mahir says "All I know... It's going to be a *lot* of damage dice."
Brian [to Two]: You get +2 succcess, but, yeah, it's the same until they switch to melee weapons.
<> Two rolls 22 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Mahir]: 18*2=36 -3=33-4=29-9=20 vs. DV of 7 = 13. 34 Agg piercing. Now, let me check the armor soak; they're immune to piercing...
Brian [to Mahir]: Roll 24. You bastard.
<> Mahir says "^________^"
<> Mahir rolls 24 damage dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 13 successes.
Brian [to Two]: Dice roller hates you, too, it seems 8 + 2 = 10-4=6-1=5 vs. DV 7. Not a major miss, but if the dice roller had been kinder, you would have hit. The strange weapon-limb-whatevers of the Hospitallers manage to hold your fury at bay for now, as you attack, lone meleeist in the company of archers for the moment... but at your next chance... you will have the backing of fanatic Tiger Warriors.
Brian [to Ashan]: Ok, over to you, sir.
Brian tallies, and hopes he gets it right.
<> Ashan says "I'm at 18 successes because full fateful, unblockable."
Brian [to Ashan]: 18 + 2 + 3 = 23 - 4= 19 -1 = 18 -9 = 9 vs DV 7, you hit with 2 bonus successes. Raw damage # and type, please.
Brian says, "... Hrm."
Brian says, "We forgot the called shot penalty."
<> Two shakes an angry fist.
Brian [to Ashan]: 'Fraid that's 3 points of external penalty. They manage to force back your attack in a cloud of blood-colored blossoms.
<> Ashan (
<> Ashan says ">:("
<> Ashan says "Though query: if their counterattack is a parry that reduces successes, how is it reducing an unblockable attack...?"
Brian [to Ashan]: It's not a parry. It's an attack on your attack.
Brian [to Ashan]: They're dodging the rest.
<> Ashan says "Ah, Fair enough."
<> Bennu says "Damn it. I forgot to change over Melee Essence Flow to the other one on my sheet and so I forgot to put it up. :("
<> Mahir says "What does new MEF do again?"
<> Ashan says "Your stunt dice count as ability increases for Excellencies."
<> Ashan says "So for every stunt you get you can also buy an extra die."
Brian says, "Okay. Samun and Teyv's sonic bombs manage to knock small circles of fae from their feet and send all the rest ringing from the pain to their nervous systems. The volley, blessed by Mahir's terrible Order magic, shreds into the main line of the Sheep That Swallows The Earth's groups, killing half of them."
<> Bennu says "I wanted to switch it to Infinite Melee Mastery instead."
<> Bennu says "Because I don't think the new Essence Flow is affordable without it. And so I forgot to put up IMM before combat. XD"
Brian [to Bennu]: Roll a morale check for engaging the Fae, please. Morale - Magnitude + Drill diff 2.
Bennu is a champion, an undauntable pillar of the Sun. It is not for the likes of the Fae to sway her - and it is not for the remnants of mortal fears to sway her in the path her Conviction demands. Whatever weaknesses she hides, her will and drive must see her through.
Brian [to Bennu]: 2-dot.
<> Bennu says "And I'm going to spend WP on it regardless, regenning if I get stunt for it."
<> Bennu rolls 4 dice: <1 2 3 8> for 1 success.
<> Bennu says "Whew. :p"
Brian says, "Okay!"
<> Mahir says "Thank ghu for the WP spend?"
<> Bennu says "I'm going after War Charms to always pass those eventually. :p"
Brian says, "Tick 6! Everyone goes again. You are now limited by Bennu's speed. Actions, ladies and gentlemen?"
<> Mahir says "I'm passing control to Bennu for Melee actions, so I'm posing in as "just me", yah?"
<> Brian says "Yup. Bennu is assuming direct control."
Reed [to Brian]: Can I hold until after the Fae go?
Brian [to Reed]: If you wish, si.
<> Bennu says "I am speed 4; I will likely be spending aim actions for one tick on the fourth tick so the speed 5 folks can catch up, if there is no effect that reduces my speed - I'm not sure if Mahir can/will be continuing to do so?"
<> Brian says "No, he's not in charge any more."
Brian [to Reed]: We'll call it a Guard action you can abort.
<> Bennu says "Okay. Since there's only two of us faster than 5 I'll be doing 1 tick aims on every 4th tick to sync with the 5s."
<> Teyv says "I'm not seeing a range on Internal Flame, can I assume the bosses are within range?"
<> Mahir says "I'm using Falconborn on myself so that I don't get out of sync with the raw S6 on the bow, but I don't think you guys can piggyback anymore. And I will also be using up "extra" ticks with Aim actions, if possible. Not too worried if I can't, though."
Brian [to Teyv]: 300 yards. You will take a 3-point external penalty for the called shot if you just hit the boss, but he won't get the benefit of his helpers or their massed countershot, just his own. You can also use it on the whole unit at once since he's "wearing" them, and apply it to their Magnitude health levels.
Brian [to Mahir]: You may. You can even Aim first for 2 ticks to gain the bonus and then shoot so you -start- with the bonus, and I'll still count it as "happening" on this tick to reduce complications.
<> Teyv says "I don't know which would be the more effective action, calling the boss, or hitting the whole unit. The attack can be parried."
Bennu's resolve holds, and as the moment comes, as iron rings on iron, the Tiger Warriors exchanging their bows for blades of blessed iron in perfect close order, the Zenith raises her sword towards the sky. "For Order's triumph!" she shouts, "For the defeat of madness! For the Glory of the Sun!" Amid the gray-cold blades of her troops, her golden khopesh reflects her blazing anima as a beam of sunward light; she brings it down, aiming the golden light at the sheep's battered troops ahead, and leads the charge, ground shaking beneath the rush, eager to divide the Wyld forces arrayed before her.
<> Bennu says "Going to do full first melee, for 10."
Mahir allows his Wings to take him a bit higher, gaining a better angle on the fight now that Bennu's Tiger Warriors are pressing the attack in close combat. From his raised vantage he can see all three approaching armies. With the center force already weakened, he turns to the side, taking careful aim at the unscathed Cataphract leading the attack from that flank, hopefully to keep them from closing tightly enough to surround the circle. He draws back his bow, grinning as his targetting line snaps into place, right at the center of mass of the Burning Tree. "You clearly are familiar with fire", he whispers, "let us see how you fare with the fires of the Unconquered Sun." He looses his arrow, still smiling, as the light shatters and the shards rain down on his chosen foe.
Ashan frowns as the chaos of the fae defeats the perfect inevitability of his strike, but he's not yet out of options. Where force won't serve him, he turns to the Cerulean Lute's gentler aspects -- for the suasion of Serenity can often make headway where Battles or Endings cannot. His voice rises as the melee is joined, but not in a battlecry; instead he sings, an ancient, twisting melody that seems to resonate with the chaos of battle and draw the howls of the raksha into itself, forming a dissonant, compelling harmony. His anima surges up behind him like a great wave, and from it the head and forelimbs of a titanic horse erupt, surveying the battlefield with a great, calm eye. Then it breathes, a spray of water and cacaphonous sound washing over the cataphract Giant, eroding away its serenity and calling berserker fury to fill the places left behind.
<> Mahir says "My brain doesn't want to parse SBS as even being *capable* of a called shot, even if I probably could, mechanically, so, yeah. Just a direct attack. Full load, Falcon, Order, SBS, 10 1st."
<> Ashan says "Channeling Compassion if possible, but in any case, Song of the Waves."
<> Ashan says "Target is the giant, hopefully to tie his unit up in fuckery."
<> Mahir says "I might try a called shot with just Orderborn. Maybe even a volley. But we'll see how well a plain cannon blast goes."
Brian says, "The Clubfoot Giant stomps forward, his howling horde of horrors following behind. As he hops, the ground trembles; as the ground trembles, waves of ice erupt from the sandy desert floor, not even steaming in the noonday heat. The ice-shards form the spearpoint of his charge into the left of the group, trying to overwhelm with terrible blunt and brute force. Vine tentacles with horrible, rolling, _growing_ rusted shards of various machinery erupt from his group, slashing and crashing to follow the Clubfoot's ice shard eruptions.
The Forest's Loving Embrace comes on the right. As she shakes her hands in the air, fluttering petals of razor-edged purple floors swirl up out of her flames like smoke. They swirl and coalesce into vague tendrils which lash like whips into the Tiger-Warriors as they raise their shields with no fear and no mercy for the enemies of Creation, their phalanx pointed as Bennu wills, even as the Forest's Loving Embrace's troops spin themselves into giant discs with screaming faces to either side, like razor-edged coins for titans, and slam themselves bodily against Bennu's well-tuned defenses.
At the center of the grand mass, the Sheep That Swallows The Earth roars once more. The blighting sound is accompanied by a fresh wave of counterbarrage, but the Sheep... prances... forward, great shining razor-edged hooves bouncing into the earth as he attempts to crush the forward Tiger Warriors. His Warriors follow in what can only be described as a cross between a highland Talinin twirl and a swirling dance of graceful weapons-dancing, joining the other three units despite their reduced numbers in attempting to pincher-crush the hardy unit before them."
<> Brian says "Alright, I'm going back and awarding stunts and the like."
<> Ashan says "Okay, I laughed at the sheep, I'll give that three."
Samun knows his duty, and if the first howl did not have the full effect he wanted it to have, none the less it served to scourge the opposing troops. While his Essence holds, he will continue. His anima now stirs, the scream of the winds around him adding to the sonic weight of the Thunder Wolf Howl he flings into the heart of the Giant's troop.
Brian [to Ashan, Bennu, Mahir]: Three dots. Ashan, I'll allow the Compassion since it fits the pose so very, very well.
<> Bennu says "Is there anythung unblockable coming in?"
Brian [to Bennu]: Sammun gets 2-dot.
Brian [to Bennu]: Nein.
<> Ashan rolls 15 dice: <2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8> for 8 successes.
<> Ashan says "Plus four from Essence is 12 against MDV."
<> Mahir says "Still taking Essence, since I actually was at absolute zero for a second before stunt regen. You need to shoot me with something so I can get stunt regen on defense, too. :-P"
<> Bennu says "Okay. I'm going to throw out Final Sunset Stance for the additional DV."
<> Mahir rolls 37 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 16 successes.
<> Bennu rolls 33 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 16 successes.
<> Bennu says "And in close combat I get 12 successes from the CCR, and 2 from might."
Brian [to Teyv]: Either or, on the effectiveness of targets. On the balance, I'd recommend the unit, since the countershots give them a very solid defense to protect their commander, and the penalty for their magnitude as a called shot won't apply.
Brian says, "Everyone gets the Might bonus of +2 successes, btw, don't let me forget that."
<> Brian rolls 20 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 12 successes.
<> Bennu says "Oh right and Samun."
Brian [to Bennu]: That was your roll, not Sa- right.
<> Bennu rolls 12 dice: <1 1 3 4 4 4 6 6 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.
<> Bennu says "...which is +3 for his Essence and maybe +2 for might?"
<> Bennu says "Which is kinda crummy but since it makes DVs inapplicable, it'll either force essence use or do damage either way. Bashing, but bashing is bashing."
Teyv feels the energy from the howl fade, and a new energy well up inside him. Let the fires of the earth cauterize this infection on creation. Let those creatures who are not flame be burned, and let those who are flame be starved of oxygen and fuel by Solar powered fire in the form of molten magma. Let those Fae who have bones, turn their marrow to magma. And those who do not have bones, turn their rock, water, sap, or gear oil to magma. Teyv sees the giant spawning ice, and thinks, that is a worth fow for the spirit of a vulcano to strike at, and with the final Mudra, unleashes burning.
Brian [to Two]: Got an attack for me?
Brian [to Teyv]: ... Nice. 3-dot as well. You guys are knocking it out of the park today.
<> Two says "Sorry, having trouble keeping track of everything."
<> Brian says "I understand the feeling totally."
Brian has forgotten to roll -his- attacks, actually.
<> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.
<> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.
<> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 10 successes.
<> Teyv rolls 13 dice: <1 1 1 2 4 4 6 7 8 8 9 10 10> for 8 successes.
<> Teyv says "+4 for essence."
<> Bennu says "I have a functional DV of 10+1+6 for CCR + 4 for shields, IIRC."
<> Bennu says "+3 for stunt if GM lets me carry it."
<> Bennu says "Otherwise I stunt again."
Brian [to Ashan]: I've got a crapload of responses to write out-- would you make any stunt rulings for Two when he poses in, pls?
<> Ashan says "Sure."
Two recovers from her previous miss. Through the power of Sol Invictus, she avoids cursing herself and all creation. She seeks balance amidst between the chaos and order of the two armies and continues striking at the chaotic forces that surround her.
<> Ashan says "Two dice."
Brian [to Ashan]: The power of your magic batters at the chaotic mind of the Clubfoot Giant. He howls-- or his face makes the appearance of a howl, though the sound is that of a beautiful children's choir-- You can sense his wrath as he spends nearly half of his will's strength against you, pushing out your commands to turn. He has not started to attack his own people, but you have significantly reduced his capabilities.
<> Two rolls 22 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 13 successes.
Brian [to Mahir]: Let's see. ... Crap. Did you add +1 die for the fact that your Magnitude is higher than theirs now?
Brian [to Mahir]: If not, roll one more die. You may not get ranged rating, but the odds are still on your side.
<> Mahir says "I don't think it is higher, since I switched to the Tree instead of the Sheep."
Brian [to Bennu]: You get ... 16 + 2 + 12 + 2 = 32 successes, -4 =28 vs. DV 11 = 17. What's your raw damage and type, including those?
Brian [to Mahir]: Oh. Then, yeah. Crap, I missed that. Presume the countershots to be affecting you, too; I'm not going to retpose.
<> Bennu says "Alas, I can not yet force my attacks to agg. It's 14L+CCD of 3+17, apparently, or 34L total. /5"
Brian [to Mahir]: Ok. You get 16 + 2 = 18 * 2 = 36 given Might; I think I may have lowballed your last ones, but, meh, you killed 250 fae in the space of 3 minutes, be happy. 36-12=24-4=20 vs 11 = 9. What's your raw?
<> Mahir says "I missed the countershots pose either way, so..."
<> Mahir says "Raw is still +21AP"
Brian says, "Wait. Add 1 damage to yours, Bennu; the Thunder Wolf Howl from Teyv is still in effect."
<> Bennu says "Cool."
<> Mahir says "So I'm rolling 30?"
<> Mahir says "Or still waiting for Soak."
<> Bennu says "Oh right and piercing for what little that does."
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 10 10 10> for 11 successes.
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 12 successes.
<> Ashan says "-4 isn't bad, just not as good as it used to be."
<> Bennu says "Brian says they're immune to piercing anyhow, so."
Brian [to Bennu]: Sammun causes 1B.
Brian [to Teyv]: ... You bastard. You hit on one of their few weaknesses. Success! Their bones are alight with the fury of your Solar rage. You can sense the truth here-- their 'bones' are void, unreal and shifting, and you turn them all straight to fire.
<> Brian says "Which is another -2. -_-;;"
Brian still needs... Two's, there.
<> Mahir says "I see a 13 on 22 from Two, up top."
<> Ashan says "Yes, two rolled 13"
Brian [to Two]: You get 13 + 12 + 2 = 27 successes, -4 -1 = 22 vs. DV 10 = 12 threshhold successes. What's your raw damage and damage type?
<> Two says "12L"
<> Two says "Wait, 21L"
Brian [to Two]: Including or excluding your Threshold successes?
<> Two says "Excluding. That's just the raw numbers from my sheet."
Brian [to Bennu]: 20L damage.
Brian [to Mahir]: 20A damage
Brian [to Teyv]: They take 2 levels from the internal burning.
Brian [to Two]: Okay. 21 + 12 + 3 from the troops' CCD = 36 -15 =21L damage
<> Two says "Woo"
Brian says, "Roll damage. Bennu, you have Final Sunset Stance up? They are all deflected, so you gain 3 reflexive attacks."
<> Two rolls 21 damage dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 8 successes.
<> Bennu rolls 20 damage dice: <1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 9 9 9 9> for 6 successes.
Brian [to Two]: Not far off average-- .4*21=8.4, so. Now, Bennu, the Dice Roller has forsaken.
<> Bennu says "Since I have no counterattack to make unblockable/dodgable, I can spend those more or less at will, correct? If I use them on a tick after an Aim, do they benefit from the Aim?"
<> Bennu says "Will they add to onslaught penalties if I use them at the same time? Or with a standard attack?"
<> Mahir rolls 20 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 3 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Bennu]: You may spend at will, but they don't count as a flurry without other charms-- they basically can act as 3 attacks, one after another, so no onslaught.
Brian [to Mahir]: And you got exactly house odds.
<> Mahir says "I just realized I forgot my 2 dice from Aim, but.... gonna just punt, and I'll get them next time around."
<> Bennu says "I'm speed 4. Will Aim on tick 10 for one tick and act on 11 to catch the speed 5 folks up. Barring a dramatic change in situation before tick 10."
<> Mahir says "Well, we still haven't seen results pose from 24 levels of damage to various parties. Dunno how busted up they actually are."
Brian says, "Alright, results: Between Bennu, Two, and her fanatic tiger-warriors, two hundred of the last struggling members of the Sheep's mad entourage are snuffed out, their Wyld kindled energies fleeing back from whence they came, to only return years or longer from now. With the double-whirling blades of the Zenith and the Dawn, more and more of them die, each bursting into flames as the internal fire that Teyv has wreaked upon them burns them from the inside out. Several of them die merely from the horrible melting -reality- of Teyv's deadly sorcery, and those that don't fall stunned to the ground by Samun's Howl, leaving them easy prey for the Tiger-Warriors. Thirty two stood against one thousand, five hundred, and three Fair folk-- and the Fae are dying in droves, another 2 magnitude knocked off the Sheep's complimentary unit. Any attacks on that unit gain +3 dice from Magnitude difference. The barrage of burnning missles from the height of Mahir's arcing shots leaves the Tree's unit shrivelling from sun that burns like cold iron, though insufficient have died in order to go a Magnitude drop, though it's very close."
Brian [to Reed]: Okay. None of them are targeting your Twilight. It's your turn to go.
With the Fae warriors appearing to ignore the two sorcerers in favor of the blinding and clearly-in-charge Bennu, Reed takes the opportunity to springboard off the back of the nearest Tiger Warrior as the mortal ducks beneath a Fae swing and use that to launch himself at the raksha while it's off-balance from the swing, slicing across the creature's shifting features with his own personal form of mutability.
<> Reed says "Just targeting the nearest one, whichever it is."
Brian [to Reed]: The SHeep and the Embrace's units are closest, about even-- basically, do you want to help finish off the sheep, or help Mahir cut into the Embrace's group?
<> Reed says "Bah. Finish off the Sheep."
Brian [to Reed]: 2-dot stunt. Roll 'em.
Brian [to Reed]: You get to add 12 successes for Bennu's Tiger Warriors, 2 successes for their might, and
Brian [to Reed]: Don't forget to add 3 dice for the magnitude difference.
<> Reed rolls 23 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 18 successes.
<> Reed says "I probably ought to have invoked RLF, too."
Brian [to Reed]: Yah. Next time.
Brian [to Reed]: 18 + 12 = 30 + 2 = 32 - 8=24. What's your raw damage?
<> Reed says "Nobody's really threatening Teyv, so I'm not feelign terribly furious right now. Mostly lazy."
Brian. o O (What do you get when you unleash a barbarian steampunk otter into a bunch of fae? CARNAGE. /Don/ Karnage.)
Reed [to Brian]: 6L
Brian [to Reed]: +3 damage from Bennu's ever-useful troops = 9 + 24 = 33 -15 = 18L. Roll it.
<> Reed rolls 18 damage dice: <1 1 1 1 2 4 4 4 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Reed]: You shred through their lines in a kinda lazy, you know, half-assed, whatever attitude... but the half-assed attitude of one of Luna's Stewards applied against one of their most hated foes-- and it works. You rip through forty-nine of the last remaining Ovine Hospitallers. There is now only the Sheep That Swallows the Earth and a single crazy burning water dude.
Brian [to Bennu]: Are you planning to unleash your Reflexive Attacks any time before T10?
<> Bennu says "I might use one to take out the sheep and get him done."
Bennu says, "Or as many as it takes, honestly."
<> Bennu says "So yeah."
<> Brian says "Alrighty. Pose for it."
Reed lands neatly on the corpse of the last raksha, knocking what passed for a head to the side. Bouncing lightly on the his paws, he flashes a toothy grin at the Sheep and waves insolently, then turns and bounds away back to Teyv's side.
<> Bennu bears responsibility for the lives of all who have accepted her command, however temporarily. Despite the dramatic success of the brutal attacks she, the Tiger Warriors, and the allied Exalts, she chooses now to reserve Essence against necessity - but not action. Moving with the fury of desert noon, her sword thrusts up towards the sky, followed by an ash-gray forest of dread iron blades. And then she moves again, wheeling her troops with precision few troops can match. Her shout is echoed by relays first, and then by the entire mass of her troops. "Glory to the Sun!" they shout, moving with impossible speed. Where the failed attacks of the formless madnesses before them have been blocked, they have revealed secret weaknesses - and this is the answer, made possible by the Solar Essence that empowers every one of her troops; in a masse, now far outnumbering the foe they face, Bennu's Warriors march on the last of the Sheep's force.
Brian [to Reed]: That's awesome. If you're missing any motes, gain 2 of them back. If not, you get a happy laugh anyway.
Reed [to Brian]: Can I save them for later?
Reed [to Brian]: Because so far, I haven't used any.
Brian [to Reed]: Hmm. Sure. It was that funny.
<> Bennu says "I laughed."
Brian [to Bennu]: Carry-over your stunt; I'm going to consider its stunt to carry over too. Remember, you get +3 dice from magnitude. It has a DV of 8 at the moment.
<> Bennu rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<> Bennu says "Plus the 12 successes for CCR, +2 for might."
<> Bennu says "net 26."
Brian says, "12 + 12 + 2 = 26; 26 - 4 - 2 = 20 vs 8 = 12 + damage-- what's your raw, including those 12?"
<> Bennu says "14L + 3 +12 = 29."
Brian [to Bennu]: Roll 14.
<> Bennu rolls 14 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 7 9 9 10 10> for 5 successes.
<> Bennu says "I'm gonna use another reflexive, then... :p"
<> Bennu says "Can I skip stunting?"
Brian [to Bennu]: They're your charm benefits. And, yes, in the interests of time, carry your stunt over.
<> Bennu rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 17 successes.
Brian says, "Since nothing has changed there, roll 19 damage."
<> Bennu rolls 19 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 7 7 7 8 8 10> for 6 successes.
<> Bennu says "..."
Brian [to Bennu]: You've stripped it down to by its lonesome. Want to repeat again?
<> Bennu says "Yep."
<> Bennu rolls 25 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Bennu]: Ok. 8 + 12 + 2 =22 - 8 = 14 threshold + 14L+3 =31-15=16L. Roll 'em.
<> Bennu rolls 16 damage dice: <1 1 1 2 2 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 9 10 10> for 5 successes.
Brian says, "Okay. Bennu murders the daylights out of that one last burning water guy and pounds the sheep down into the -2 HLs."
Brian says, "I think we're going to pause for the day here."
Brian says, "Everyone gets 5 xp!"
This entry lives at http://leticia.dreamwidth.org/280026.html - comment either location. Dreamwidth comments:
Brian says, "Alright. So. Minor *cough* retcon; you guys did not -march- out, you flew out on Stormwind Rider. Reed was still able to catch up about a day or two ago. You are swiftly approaching the Bordermarches, where the Wyld begins to leech into Creation, but you will not be there for a few days yet. You've seen the evidence of attacks from the Fae repeatedly from the air. Small trips down have found no survivors-- dead caravans, ravished tribes-- these ones don't leave anyone living behind. All that remains are funerary rites. What preparations, charms, etc. do you guys make while riding the sky and storm?"
<> Mahir says "I've got nothing until we're actually in range for combat-scenelongs, aside from the usual maintenence of gear, etc."
Bennu spends much of the travel time in leading her newly upgraded warriors in prayers of thanksgiving; their piety may begin to get on people's nerves after days stuck in the same ...cyclone. At the first sign of Wyld taint, IPP and So Say We All go up and stay up. At any sign of active resistance, Temptation-Resisting Stance is going up, and I'll pose it to Conviction rather than Temperance if I have to, and 5BS.
Reed notably does not ride in the tame sorcerer's cyclone, but rather on the thermals beside it. And in front, and behind, and above . . .
Brian [to Reed]: Make a Perception + Awareness roll, please.
<> Mahir says "I've got a massive IAM to put up once we're actually "getting ready for combat", but it's not the sort of thing I can keep running for extended period of time."
<> Reed rolls 7 dice: <1 3 3 4 5 5 7> for 1 success.
<> Brian stares at the Dice Orphan. Hard.
<> Bennu says "Will also keep Essence Sight from the armor on."
<> Bennu says "Pretty much from first signs of Wyld Taint on."
<> Bennu says "And of course the Total Perspective annoyance,"
<> Mahir says "That's a point. Essence Sight *is* cheap enough to run continuous. And, actually, for ease of travel, I could put up Wings and fly with Reed, but... I think I'll just ride the sorcery."
Brian [to Bennu]: As the fourth day wears on, a pinging noise begins to sound, delicately, in your helm. The Total Perspective Field shows nothing loyal or allied to you other than those on (or near in the case of one semi-allied Lunar) the Stormwind Rider within the fifty mile allegiance radius, but coruscating rainbow pulses and dots begin to fill up at the edge of the two mile radius. The bubble quickly envelops them as the Rider hurtles on; 1,503 fair folk. The majority of them are simple Warrior Commoners according to the Field; there are three Essence 5 Cataphractoi leaders. It's resolving them into 3 major Magnitude 5 units.
Brian [to Bennu]: At present speed, you'll be overhead within 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Brian [to Reed]: You'll notice them within about 40 seconds, because the Dice Orphan hates you.
Brian [to Bennu]: Oh, and the Field is having a hell of a time identifying what weaponry they're using. It eventually resolves it as "Melee ... probably and... ranged... probably... with... stuff.. there are gears and shards and thorns in, boss, it's all funky."
Bennu sighs and begins to shine with anima as she puts up her combat charms; Fivefold Bulwark Stance and then Temptation-Resisting Stance. "Fae ahead, major force!" she calls out to the others. "Be ready to drop us, Samun. Tiger Warriors, ready for battle; it's time to teach the Fae fear."
Samun begins to decrease the speed of the rider; let the defenders of Creation have the advantage of time.
Brian says, "Okay. You have twelve long ticks before you guys arrive, then, in which to activate Charms. Remember that Charms have a Speed of 6, and must be used in long ticks to gain their benefits in long ticks."
Reed spots the Fae at about the same time Bennu calls the alert and wheels away to circle high above their heads and see what awaits him and his Solar's friends.
Brian says, "Furthermore, you guys need to determine how you're going to arrange yourselves-- either as solo units, or as Special Characters in Bennu's unit. If you go as solo units, you act on your own ticks and get your own movement. However, your scores in combat are limited by your personal War rating, and you gain no unit bonuses since no one is supporting you. If you act as special units, you can still cast charms and whatnot, though they'll only affect you unless Bennu permits you to use her action, and you'll be allowed to use Bennu's War 5-- 8 in her suit of armor-- rating as your maximum bonus from Abilities, which should cover everyone. You'll also gain the benefits of her troops when you make actions. However, you also only can act on the same tick as her-- which means if you use Simple Charms with a Speed longer than her chosen action, you may miss a shot-- and you can only attack what units are close to hers. That last one probably won't _matter_ if you're all in one unit, but."
<> Mahir says "Hmmm. If I spend periph to put up Wings, is that 1 mote to suppress, or double?"
<> Two has War 3 :(
<> Mahir says "I know Aidan used to knock around as a solo unit and happily engage people 5+ mag over him... but I think Mahir will be operating as a Sorcerer special inside Bennu's unit, and I'll worry about the Speed problem later."
<> Ashan says "Also operating as a sorcerer in Bennu's unit if there's support; otherwise engaging stealth systems and going solo."
Teyv I shall follow Bennu into this large of combat.
<> Bennu says "Assuming the GM permits them ranged weapons to switch to."
<> Mahir says "Aidan had to buy up War 5 before he could manage to engage whole armies, even as insane as his bonuses were."
<> Two says "As a melee unit, sticking with the army probably makes more sense. I'm not too worried about my charms, since they're terrible anyway :)"
Brian [to Teyv]: You'll be acting as a literal sorcerer; your action happens on her Tick, but you can cast Spells or use Charms-- including Medicine Charms and the like when needed-- independently of her.
<> Reed says "So I might as well stay inside the unit, although my heart twists at having to take orders from someone. But at least if I stay inside, I don't have to recalculate anything."
<> Bennu says "You're not really taking a lot of orders from me other than 'keep your arms and legs inside the bus'."
<> Mahir says "You don't have to take any orders more onerous than "stay in formation", at least mechanically."
<> Reed says "PRINCIPLE."
<> Ashan says "I prefer to think of us as a steamroller, which makes keeping arms and legs inside more important."
Brian [to Bennu]: On the matter of range, the soldiers can only use one weapon type per action. So if you drop your people down outside of the range of normal combat and march them in Skirmish formation, you can have them use shortbows and switch--though it will take an action to change formation if you want to avoid close combat penalties-- to whatever when you get close. In that case, you won't take any fire while you're still in motion, and you can let Mahir direct fire, though you'll have to use your action coming in to Change Formation, depending on how things go.
Brian says, "Okay, so everyone is in one unit. Bennu, name your Formation."
Brian says, "And whether you want to come in with the possibility of ranged fire strafing you-- ie, Sammun drops you right in front of them-- or from out of range and use more tactical formation switching."
<> Teyv says "I have a ranged AOE, but I don't know if Bennu can make use of that."
<> Ashan says "Bringing up Pain Amplification Strategem x3, for the record and since I didn't actually type it: the bracer controlling his Essence Thorns and 2x cold iron blades."
<> Bennu says "Hrm. I think we'll drop at range and march in. I haven't done a lot of mass combat with hero/sorcerer units in the past since PM was usually on her own and using Charms to ensure perfect everything. I'm not quite sure how Mahir-taking-shots will sync with my 'rearranging the tiger warriors' actions."
<> Ashan says "At this point he's got it for two of his cold iron knives and his Essence Thorn Practice activations."
<> Two appears to be Speed 5
<> Bennu says "Start Skirmish and Close when we get in."
<> Mahir says "I'll probably start dropping arrows as soon as we get inside my outer range, and keep dropping them as often as GM says so. I'll let *him* figure out the tick math. :-P"
<> Bennu says "And Samun will join Teyv in Thunderwolf Howling as soon as he has the option, I believe."
<> Ashan says "Chamge Formation is speed 5."
<> Ashan says "so you can close us up and our ranged attackers can continue hitting them as they close."
<> Reed says "I think I can go as fast as 3, but if that'll mess things up I'll stay at 5."
<> Brian says "Alright. Bennu has Fivefold Bulwark Stance and Temptation Resisting Stance up. Mahir has Infinite Archery Mastery and his Wings up. Ashan has Pain Amplification and Essence Thorn Practice up. Anyone else using any Charms prior to entry? Reed, what Form are you in?"
<> Reed says "I'll go DBT, and hang out just next to Teyv."
<> Bennu says "IPP and So Say We All are also up, and I'm Essence Sighting, and of course the Atlas. You knew that, though."
<> Mahir says "I think I still have Cloak and Sight from travelling, but I haven't deducted the essence. Full cost, or did I get any back from regen since they're both quite long?"
<> Reed says "if Samun's nearby I guess I can protect him too."
<> Mahir says "Also, are the armor features subject to the "essence committed to charms" errata? *Can* I recover those motes while the effect is still up?"
<> Teyv says "I have virtuous guardian of flame running."
Brian [to Mahir]: If you have the effects, the motes are committed, I'm afraid.
Brian nods.
<> Bennu says "Samun is probably on the far side from Teyv to spread out the sorcerers, honestly. Make them less of a target for AOE type effects."
<> Teyv says "Is Emerald Countermagic an interrupt, or do I keep that running all the time, too?"
Brian [to Bennu]: Okay. Give me your Join War pose.
Brian [to Teyv]: It's an interrupt.
<> Bennu says "I'm 8 motes personal committed, and 11 additional above armor in peripheral. And it's an interrupt you can use reflexively."
<> Mahir says "I'll keep the Sight, and drop the Cloak as soon as we're getting started so I can Stunt those motes back. My available is pretty limited right now, but... that's what the IAM is for."
<> Two should activate Dual Slaying Stance, Balanced Dominance Stance
<> Two says "Fury Inciting Presence is probably not useful"
<> Bennu says "Can his FVD benefit my join battle though? :p"
<> Bennu says "'cause my join battle is kind of sad, just saying."
Brian [to Bennu]: Hmm. Yes, since your first attack is going to be archery with his stats.
<> Mahir says "Add +Ess succ to JB, then, I'll spend it."
<> Bennu says "Cool. And it's wits+war for mass combat so I'm actually kinda good at it afterall."
Teyv wonders at how creatures of chaos can manage to march all orderly. It seems like they should be more of a rabble, and probably fighting amongst each other. Not much of creation runs by rules Teyv would like, so it doesn't surprise him that not-creation also doesn't run by the rules he thinks it should. Until there are injured to help, he accepts his role as a sorcerer under Bennu's command, and lines up with her troops. He tries to get a good sense of where the most effective place to drop his howl is going to be, but hopes that Bennu will lead him in such tactics.
<> Mahir says "Ess5 if it's mine."
<> Brian says "Yup."
<> Mahir says "I'm already down to 9 motes available. :-P Need to stunt a bunch. Also, if we get return fire at ranged, I have that ranged parry trick, but I don't know if I can cover the unit with that, or just me."
Bennu is prepared for this; is this not what she has trained for, what she has been trained for? Now is the moment to prove the precepts of the Cult. Now is the moment to uphold the Paladins' honor. Though they have never faced supernatural enemies on the field of battle like this before, her Tiger Warriors have practiced and prepared for this. This is not the first time they have taken formation inside the whirling wind of Samun's Stormwind Rider; this is not the first time they have prepared for the swift rush across the field. Their training must prove true; Creation demands it. And more, Bennu demands it. As she raises her greater sword over her head, as the Stormwind Rider begins to disgorge its passengers, she shouts, "Forward! Let them know fear!" And her troops begin to spread out to move forward swiftly, bows in hand and swords ready beside.
<> Bennu says "I have a parry DV of 10 that will apply to attacks on the troops. And I believe I add half their CCR of 6 to that."
Brian says, "You guys get your first sight of the terrible Escatic Hospitallers of the Fractured Gear Society. They wear armor of rose vine and thorn pierced shards of gears, woven into strange mail of stranger beings. They pursue no single form; some are fiery beastmen, others ice and earth, still others ever-blowing storms of rose petals. The universal truth of them is that they mix and merge shape and type, even antipathic elements like fire and water. They are horrors, abomination of Wyld Essence and blasphemies against shape in every inch of them. The three leaders are similarly deranged and different. One is a one legged stone giant with the features of a half-melted, defored lapine beastman, the second is burning tree with horrible, reaching limbs like a wooden arachnid's. On fire. The final cataphract is a horrible ... um. Sheep? Well, it's a giant sheep. Covered in rose vines woven through shattered mechanism pieces, YES, but a sheep, twelve feet tall at the shoulder. Not even any horns.
They seem to sense that their enemy, hated shape, is here, and they surge forward. Commoners shift back and forth between their armies before the three Unordered units stabilize. Sometimes it's hard to tell what's one Warrior with multiple heads and what's two swarming Warriors together. They flow in Unordered formation, the best that they can do, charging with the speed born of obsessive hatred."
Brian [to Bennu]: 3-dot stunt.
<> Bennu rolls 9 dice: <1 1 4 7 7 8 8 8 10> for 7 successes.
<> Bennu says "+5 for Mahir's essence."
<> Bennu says "Is 12."
<> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 6 10 10> for 4 successes.
<> Bennu says "Apparently we trained to good end!"
<> Brian rolls 8 dice: <2 2 2 4 7 9 9 10> for 5 successes.
<> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 5 5 7 7 7> for 3 successes.
Brian says, "Okay. Bennu's unit-- including all of the PCs-- goes on Tick 0. You are currently at 150 yards of range on Tick 0. Everyone tell me what you're doing. The three Cataphractoi, C-Giant, C-Tree and C-Sheep go on 6."
<> Bennu says "Bennu is proceeding forward, and will nto be doing much of anything except guard/move/switch formation when close enough. Samun will drop a Thunderwolf Howl wherever it seems that it will do the most good."
Ashan keeps to his place in formation, silent as a shadow. The house of Battles now rules, but Serenity exists even in the depths of war, and as its agent, he cannot show the quiet fear he feels, born of old memories and an understanding of his own skills. Nonetheless, he is Exalted, and trained or not, afraid or not, he will do whatever is necessary to preserve Creation.
<> Ashan says "Also, that's an aim/guard action, since everything's out of range of his weapons."
Brian [to Bennu]: If you start a Change Formation now, it'll be done on Tick 5, which means that Mahir will be able to shoot twice while at Skirmish.
Reed takes up his position at Teyv's right, just barely taller in his war-form as the man he guards. Sleek silver-tipped ivory fur ripples over wiry muscles as he keeps in step with the rest of the formation, balancing lightly on the balls of his paws and ready for any action.
Brian [to Ashan]: What's your Speed?
<> Ashan says "5 normally, but aiming until they get within 40 yards."
Brian [to Ashan]: Well, Falconborn is Martial now, so presuming that he uses it on T3 if he goes for doubleshotz, you'll get the benefit of Mahir doing so.
Bennu's troops have practiced this many times before - on empty fields and deserts, well within Creation's borders, not here in the wyld-tainted lands, not facing armies of monstrosities - but it has all been for this: to stand on the field of battle and place themselves between Creation and those who would devour it. Bows in hand, even as they shoot under Mahir's leadership, they know their place and the rhythm of the march, and prepare to move closer, from the inside out; two steps for those nearest the center -- eight for those at the edge. They all know the motions. Now it is just to carry it out for the first time in earnest.
<> Bennu says "Stunt."
<> Ashan says "Also, Life Gets Worse is now straight up "anyone who misses a target rerolls", so I'll return the favor on the unit leader."
Brian [to Bennu]: 2-dot!
Bennu [to Brian]: wp/wp
<> Bennu rolls 15 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 4 4 6 6 8 8 9 10 10 10> for 9 successes.
Mahir takes a steadying breath as the Tiger Warriors drop out of the Stormwind Rider and find their formation. His Wings could carry him far afield, but for this he will trust to the instincts of their chosen commander. He drifts at the rear of the unit, only a few feet over everyone's head, surveying the battlefield ahead of them. "Ready bows, aim center!", he shouts, as he raises his own and begins building up his essence. "Loose!" A volley of arrows arches across the battlefield, infused with the Deacon's own blinding speed and the Lawgiver's righteous anger at these beasts of chaos.
Brian [to Bennu]: You manage your formation change. *chuckles*
<> Mahir says "One attack, Falconborn and Orderborn EAA."
Brian [to Bennu, Teyv]: Stunt me your sorceries, if Samun and Teyv are going to use them, please.
<> Mahir says "Oh, and 10 dice on 1st."
<> Brian says "Whom are you aiming at, C-Giant, C-Tree, or C-Sheep?"
<> Mahir says "Whichever is in the middle."
<> Brian says "Arrowing C-Sheep, check, you welshman."
<> Teyv says "My range is 100 yards, so we need to close a bit."
<> Mahir says "And I'll be using Falconborn on every shot, probably, so if anyone else can piggyback on the Martial, feel free."
Brian [to Mahir]: Stunt 2, but don't roll yet.
<> Mahir says "Gotcha. (Depending on how this one goes, I'll either split pool and Orderborn twice next time, or SBS and go for the kill on the sheep. :-P I wanna see SBS/Orderborn with 10 dice of 1st at least once today."
<> Mahir says "Oh, and I'm dropping the commit on the Cloak now, since I'm at 11 motes anima, and thus Incognito anyways. And also Obvious. Which means I can stunt those motes back, in theory."
As the arrows of the Tiger-Warriors obey in perfect unison with the glorious Illuminated One who flies above them and brings enlightenment, the mighty Cataphract... sheep... raises its head and lets out a terrible, crashing sound that sounds like steel scrapping across stone. As its maw opens you see a horrendous whirlpool of metal and stone shards swirling around in its throat, replacing jaws and teeth alike. The misshapen forms of the Hospitallers crunch in upon upon themselves, curling and impaling themselves on their own bodies. As one, they suddenly spring back forth and leap, doing a multitude of obscene dances. Thorns spray forth from their bodies and horrible twisting shards explode from the jaws of the Cataphract Sheep, arcing to try and strike down the arrows as they fly.
Brian [to Mahir]: Okay, now roll, they're making a countershot defense.
Two charges forward, near the front of the formation, armor all nice and shiny and weapons held high and doing that thing that crystalspine chainklaives do. She lets out all kinds of war screams and battle taunts.
<> Mahir rolls 36 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 14 successes.
<> Bennu says "You do get 3 succs on that from the RCR, IIRC."
<> Bennu says "So it's still 17. But of course they get RCR too, so."
<> Ashan says "2 again."
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.
Brian says, "The first clash of skill and terror ends in a vomitous mass, the missiles cancelling each other out for the most part. What is left, the charging Warriors manage to slide, ooze, or otherwise... evade... in eye-paining ways. Their DV is at -1 from the "counterattack" effect, even though all it did was reduce your successes."
Brian says, "Tick 3. Circle is within 30 yards. You can use Thrown and Melee alike now. Bennu, you're still causing the formation to be changed, so you don't get an action."
<> Bennu says "Yar. Samun can unleash his Thunderwolf Howl now, as can Teyv, correct?"
Mahir views the results of his first volley with chagrin, before he recovers and regroups. "Ready bows again! Let the sky be filled with our arrows, let Sol Invictus fill your hearts with fury! Enemies of Creation beware, you face Lawgivers today, and thus you face destruction!" With a deep breath he readies his bow and his essence. As he draws back, a bright line of Essence leaps out, painting the ... sheep ... thing with a single dot of essence. Arrows begin to fly from the troops, following his mark. A moment later Mahir releases, the targetting line shattering into a thousand bright shards before crashing forward to engulf the entire unit.
For Samun, too, this is his first real combat; the terrors of childhood bullies are nothing compared to the reality of nightmares from beyond Creation's ragged borders. But he will not let the Solar he serves down, and as is his duty, air and essence tear around him as the impossible howl bursts from his throat, aimed at the center of the mass ahead, to confuse and cripple, and enhance the efforts of the Solars as they fight.
Brian [to Teyv]: Cast away, then. :)
Brian [to Mahir]: Very nice! 3-dot.
Brian [to Bennu]: 2-dot.
<> Mahir says "Taking the Essence again, Falconborn, Orderborn, SBS, and 10 dice on 1st."
Teyv heart is beating so fast that it's affecting his breathing. This is real combat, not a little brawl like at the river. Though thankful nobody is hurt yet, Teyv is ashamed to be longing for the release from anxiety he'll gain from the focus of healing. He tries to turn that focus into his offensive sorcery and takes in his thumping breath to let out a wolf howl. He focuses on the forming the spell, and unleashing it in the spot to be the most effective. As the two groups close, he aims for the point of their collision. Let his comrades hit disoriented enemies.
<> Bennu rolls 12 dice: <2 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
<> Bennu says "Samun's Howl."
<> Bennu says "His Essence is 3."
<> Mahir says "SBS sets their DDV to zero, also, IIRC."
Teyv is not completely oblivious, he sees Samun's howl fall, and holds his just a moment to see if he should reinforce it, or place his next to it.
Ashan watches the first clash of arrows, the excellence of Mahir and the tiger warriors clashing against the furious chaos of their raksha foes. Peace falls over him, and certainty; he knows what he must do, and the blade of the Gull. This battle will be won when the heart of the enemy force falls, he thinks, and to strike at the heart is Serenity's purview. As Mahir directs their troops to loose again, he, too, launches his blade, finding the perfect moment when the song of their bowstrings, the howls of the raksha and the resonance of the Loom align to bear the Gull's thorn to the heart of the enemy leader.
Brian [to Teyv]: It seems to be working pretty successfully; you probably want to lay it down nearby, rather than on.
<> Ashan says "Also: Essence Thorn + Life Gets Worse + Fateful."
<> Mahir says "Ah, Sidereals. "I don't feel like actually *rolling* this attack, so nyah.""
Brian says, "The roaring rage of the Sheep That Swallows The Earth summons forth the horrible, self-mutiliating replies as well. The air is full of an unholy barrage of thorns and stone and steel and the occasional pink, glowing heart wreathed in tiny, dancing winged pixies that fill the air with confusion as they raise their... er... weapons... tentacles... blades... THINGS to block out what gets through the barrage."
<> Ashan says "Also if this hits you get rerolls once per tick. I think against the entire unit if I tag the leader."
Brian [to Ashan]: 3-dot, and give me mine, please.
<> Ashan says "Two."
Brian [to Teyv]: 2-dot stunt.
<> Ashan says "Note that ETP is unblockable."
Brian chuckles. "I'll consider them dodging yours and blocking Mahir's.
<> Bennu says "Note that Thunder Wolf Howl has a crippling effect."
<> Brian says "There are some situations where it pays to have both."
<> Ashan says "And I am full fateful-ing, so that's 18 successes."
Brian [to Mahir]: Roll.
<> Ashan says "called shot on the leader."
<> Mahir rolls 37 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10> for 15 successes.
<> Teyv says "How do I roll combat again?"
<> Two says "So... we're in melee range? I can hit hings with swords?"
Brian [to Teyv]: +roll/ex #
Brian [to Two]: You can!
Brian [to Two]: Pose away.
<> Mahir says "And your speed on the Melee attack is 3 for this turn, I think, because of my Falconborn + Martial keyword."
<> Teyv rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 10 10> for 7 successes.
<> Teyv says "That should be 11 levels of bashing"
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.
<> Mahir says "My 15 is doubled to 30, and they can't Dodge however much passes their countershot."
<> Mahir says "I don't know whether SBS doubles the succ I get from the Tiger Warriors RCR, that's up to you."
Brian [to Mahir]: Yes, yes it does.
<> Brian checks. natural soak for the leaders is 10B, +1 from the troops, no magnitude bonus, = 11, so both Sammun and Teyv cause 1B damage, let me record that, and now to roll for crippling time.
<> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 6 7 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.
<> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7> for 3 successes.
Two's eye close to mere slits and her concentration deepens. Her eyes see nothing but the angles her blades can move and the amount of force required for each blow. Her ears hear only the commands of her allies and opponents. (and the pulse of her blood) She smells the sweat and dirt and corruption that fills the battlefield. Her skin tingles with a fine sheet of sweat and anticipation. As the fae forces come into range, she shifts to her combat stances, slicing and parrying and ending the corruption.
<> Brian says "Samun's effect will not have a lasting crippling bonus. Teyv's will last for 20 long ticks."
<> Bennu says "Oh well. THe DB -tried-. :p"
Brian [to Two]: 2-dot stunt!
<> Mahir says "Samun is... a bit over his pay grade on this one. He did damage at least!"
<> Bennu says "He's the mule. :p He helps us get from place to place in a hurry."
Brian [to Mahir]: Ok. You get 15+3 = 18 * 2 = 28 - 9 = 19 -4 = 15 vs. DV of ... 7 = 8. You punch through. What's your raw damage, including 8 from successes and EAA? Which makes things agg, as I recall.
<> Mahir says "18*2 is 36, dude."
<> Brian says "..."
<> Brian says "tired mathematician is tired."
Brian [to Mahir]: 18 bonus successes, then.
<> Mahir says "36-9=27-4=23 vs DV7 = 16"
<> Bennu says "Don't forget RCD of 3 from the troops."
Brian says, "... This is going to be a long day."
<> Mahir says "16 succ, +21 Agg Piercing."
Brian says, "Wait, I forgot tehir ranged bonus."
Brian says, "Sec. -_-;;"
<> Mahir says "Wheeee. Math is hard."
<> Bennu says "It's complicated. :)"
Brian [to Mahir]: Not usually! OKAY, STARTING FROM THE TOP.
<> Mahir says "Anywho. With EAA going, I'm at +21AP for damage."
<> Two says "My dice pool is the same, correct? No + or - from the mass combat? With BDD going, it's 22 + 2 from stunt."
<> Mahir says "All I know... It's going to be a *lot* of damage dice."
Brian [to Two]: You get +2 succcess, but, yeah, it's the same until they switch to melee weapons.
<> Two rolls 22 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Mahir]: 18*2=36 -3=33-4=29-9=20 vs. DV of 7 = 13. 34 Agg piercing. Now, let me check the armor soak; they're immune to piercing...
Brian [to Mahir]: Roll 24. You bastard.
<> Mahir says "^________^"
<> Mahir rolls 24 damage dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 13 successes.
Brian [to Two]: Dice roller hates you, too, it seems 8 + 2 = 10-4=6-1=5 vs. DV 7. Not a major miss, but if the dice roller had been kinder, you would have hit. The strange weapon-limb-whatevers of the Hospitallers manage to hold your fury at bay for now, as you attack, lone meleeist in the company of archers for the moment... but at your next chance... you will have the backing of fanatic Tiger Warriors.
Brian [to Ashan]: Ok, over to you, sir.
Brian tallies, and hopes he gets it right.
<> Ashan says "I'm at 18 successes because full fateful, unblockable."
Brian [to Ashan]: 18 + 2 + 3 = 23 - 4= 19 -1 = 18 -9 = 9 vs DV 7, you hit with 2 bonus successes. Raw damage # and type, please.
Brian says, "... Hrm."
Brian says, "We forgot the called shot penalty."
<> Two shakes an angry fist.
Brian [to Ashan]: 'Fraid that's 3 points of external penalty. They manage to force back your attack in a cloud of blood-colored blossoms.
<> Ashan (
<> Ashan says ">:("
<> Ashan says "Though query: if their counterattack is a parry that reduces successes, how is it reducing an unblockable attack...?"
Brian [to Ashan]: It's not a parry. It's an attack on your attack.
Brian [to Ashan]: They're dodging the rest.
<> Ashan says "Ah, Fair enough."
<> Bennu says "Damn it. I forgot to change over Melee Essence Flow to the other one on my sheet and so I forgot to put it up. :("
<> Mahir says "What does new MEF do again?"
<> Ashan says "Your stunt dice count as ability increases for Excellencies."
<> Ashan says "So for every stunt you get you can also buy an extra die."
Brian says, "Okay. Samun and Teyv's sonic bombs manage to knock small circles of fae from their feet and send all the rest ringing from the pain to their nervous systems. The volley, blessed by Mahir's terrible Order magic, shreds into the main line of the Sheep That Swallows The Earth's groups, killing half of them."
<> Bennu says "I wanted to switch it to Infinite Melee Mastery instead."
<> Bennu says "Because I don't think the new Essence Flow is affordable without it. And so I forgot to put up IMM before combat. XD"
Brian [to Bennu]: Roll a morale check for engaging the Fae, please. Morale - Magnitude + Drill diff 2.
Bennu is a champion, an undauntable pillar of the Sun. It is not for the likes of the Fae to sway her - and it is not for the remnants of mortal fears to sway her in the path her Conviction demands. Whatever weaknesses she hides, her will and drive must see her through.
Brian [to Bennu]: 2-dot.
<> Bennu says "And I'm going to spend WP on it regardless, regenning if I get stunt for it."
<> Bennu rolls 4 dice: <1 2 3 8> for 1 success.
<> Bennu says "Whew. :p"
Brian says, "Okay!"
<> Mahir says "Thank ghu for the WP spend?"
<> Bennu says "I'm going after War Charms to always pass those eventually. :p"
Brian says, "Tick 6! Everyone goes again. You are now limited by Bennu's speed. Actions, ladies and gentlemen?"
<> Mahir says "I'm passing control to Bennu for Melee actions, so I'm posing in as "just me", yah?"
<> Brian says "Yup. Bennu is assuming direct control."
Reed [to Brian]: Can I hold until after the Fae go?
Brian [to Reed]: If you wish, si.
<> Bennu says "I am speed 4; I will likely be spending aim actions for one tick on the fourth tick so the speed 5 folks can catch up, if there is no effect that reduces my speed - I'm not sure if Mahir can/will be continuing to do so?"
<> Brian says "No, he's not in charge any more."
Brian [to Reed]: We'll call it a Guard action you can abort.
<> Bennu says "Okay. Since there's only two of us faster than 5 I'll be doing 1 tick aims on every 4th tick to sync with the 5s."
<> Teyv says "I'm not seeing a range on Internal Flame, can I assume the bosses are within range?"
<> Mahir says "I'm using Falconborn on myself so that I don't get out of sync with the raw S6 on the bow, but I don't think you guys can piggyback anymore. And I will also be using up "extra" ticks with Aim actions, if possible. Not too worried if I can't, though."
Brian [to Teyv]: 300 yards. You will take a 3-point external penalty for the called shot if you just hit the boss, but he won't get the benefit of his helpers or their massed countershot, just his own. You can also use it on the whole unit at once since he's "wearing" them, and apply it to their Magnitude health levels.
Brian [to Mahir]: You may. You can even Aim first for 2 ticks to gain the bonus and then shoot so you -start- with the bonus, and I'll still count it as "happening" on this tick to reduce complications.
<> Teyv says "I don't know which would be the more effective action, calling the boss, or hitting the whole unit. The attack can be parried."
Bennu's resolve holds, and as the moment comes, as iron rings on iron, the Tiger Warriors exchanging their bows for blades of blessed iron in perfect close order, the Zenith raises her sword towards the sky. "For Order's triumph!" she shouts, "For the defeat of madness! For the Glory of the Sun!" Amid the gray-cold blades of her troops, her golden khopesh reflects her blazing anima as a beam of sunward light; she brings it down, aiming the golden light at the sheep's battered troops ahead, and leads the charge, ground shaking beneath the rush, eager to divide the Wyld forces arrayed before her.
<> Bennu says "Going to do full first melee, for 10."
Mahir allows his Wings to take him a bit higher, gaining a better angle on the fight now that Bennu's Tiger Warriors are pressing the attack in close combat. From his raised vantage he can see all three approaching armies. With the center force already weakened, he turns to the side, taking careful aim at the unscathed Cataphract leading the attack from that flank, hopefully to keep them from closing tightly enough to surround the circle. He draws back his bow, grinning as his targetting line snaps into place, right at the center of mass of the Burning Tree. "You clearly are familiar with fire", he whispers, "let us see how you fare with the fires of the Unconquered Sun." He looses his arrow, still smiling, as the light shatters and the shards rain down on his chosen foe.
Ashan frowns as the chaos of the fae defeats the perfect inevitability of his strike, but he's not yet out of options. Where force won't serve him, he turns to the Cerulean Lute's gentler aspects -- for the suasion of Serenity can often make headway where Battles or Endings cannot. His voice rises as the melee is joined, but not in a battlecry; instead he sings, an ancient, twisting melody that seems to resonate with the chaos of battle and draw the howls of the raksha into itself, forming a dissonant, compelling harmony. His anima surges up behind him like a great wave, and from it the head and forelimbs of a titanic horse erupt, surveying the battlefield with a great, calm eye. Then it breathes, a spray of water and cacaphonous sound washing over the cataphract Giant, eroding away its serenity and calling berserker fury to fill the places left behind.
<> Mahir says "My brain doesn't want to parse SBS as even being *capable* of a called shot, even if I probably could, mechanically, so, yeah. Just a direct attack. Full load, Falcon, Order, SBS, 10 1st."
<> Ashan says "Channeling Compassion if possible, but in any case, Song of the Waves."
<> Ashan says "Target is the giant, hopefully to tie his unit up in fuckery."
<> Mahir says "I might try a called shot with just Orderborn. Maybe even a volley. But we'll see how well a plain cannon blast goes."
Brian says, "The Clubfoot Giant stomps forward, his howling horde of horrors following behind. As he hops, the ground trembles; as the ground trembles, waves of ice erupt from the sandy desert floor, not even steaming in the noonday heat. The ice-shards form the spearpoint of his charge into the left of the group, trying to overwhelm with terrible blunt and brute force. Vine tentacles with horrible, rolling, _growing_ rusted shards of various machinery erupt from his group, slashing and crashing to follow the Clubfoot's ice shard eruptions.
The Forest's Loving Embrace comes on the right. As she shakes her hands in the air, fluttering petals of razor-edged purple floors swirl up out of her flames like smoke. They swirl and coalesce into vague tendrils which lash like whips into the Tiger-Warriors as they raise their shields with no fear and no mercy for the enemies of Creation, their phalanx pointed as Bennu wills, even as the Forest's Loving Embrace's troops spin themselves into giant discs with screaming faces to either side, like razor-edged coins for titans, and slam themselves bodily against Bennu's well-tuned defenses.
At the center of the grand mass, the Sheep That Swallows The Earth roars once more. The blighting sound is accompanied by a fresh wave of counterbarrage, but the Sheep... prances... forward, great shining razor-edged hooves bouncing into the earth as he attempts to crush the forward Tiger Warriors. His Warriors follow in what can only be described as a cross between a highland Talinin twirl and a swirling dance of graceful weapons-dancing, joining the other three units despite their reduced numbers in attempting to pincher-crush the hardy unit before them."
<> Brian says "Alright, I'm going back and awarding stunts and the like."
<> Ashan says "Okay, I laughed at the sheep, I'll give that three."
Samun knows his duty, and if the first howl did not have the full effect he wanted it to have, none the less it served to scourge the opposing troops. While his Essence holds, he will continue. His anima now stirs, the scream of the winds around him adding to the sonic weight of the Thunder Wolf Howl he flings into the heart of the Giant's troop.
Brian [to Ashan, Bennu, Mahir]: Three dots. Ashan, I'll allow the Compassion since it fits the pose so very, very well.
<> Bennu says "Is there anythung unblockable coming in?"
Brian [to Bennu]: Sammun gets 2-dot.
Brian [to Bennu]: Nein.
<> Ashan rolls 15 dice: <2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8> for 8 successes.
<> Ashan says "Plus four from Essence is 12 against MDV."
<> Mahir says "Still taking Essence, since I actually was at absolute zero for a second before stunt regen. You need to shoot me with something so I can get stunt regen on defense, too. :-P"
<> Bennu says "Okay. I'm going to throw out Final Sunset Stance for the additional DV."
<> Mahir rolls 37 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 16 successes.
<> Bennu rolls 33 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 16 successes.
<> Bennu says "And in close combat I get 12 successes from the CCR, and 2 from might."
Brian [to Teyv]: Either or, on the effectiveness of targets. On the balance, I'd recommend the unit, since the countershots give them a very solid defense to protect their commander, and the penalty for their magnitude as a called shot won't apply.
Brian says, "Everyone gets the Might bonus of +2 successes, btw, don't let me forget that."
<> Brian rolls 20 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 12 successes.
<> Bennu says "Oh right and Samun."
Brian [to Bennu]: That was your roll, not Sa- right.
<> Bennu rolls 12 dice: <1 1 3 4 4 4 6 6 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.
<> Bennu says "...which is +3 for his Essence and maybe +2 for might?"
<> Bennu says "Which is kinda crummy but since it makes DVs inapplicable, it'll either force essence use or do damage either way. Bashing, but bashing is bashing."
Teyv feels the energy from the howl fade, and a new energy well up inside him. Let the fires of the earth cauterize this infection on creation. Let those creatures who are not flame be burned, and let those who are flame be starved of oxygen and fuel by Solar powered fire in the form of molten magma. Let those Fae who have bones, turn their marrow to magma. And those who do not have bones, turn their rock, water, sap, or gear oil to magma. Teyv sees the giant spawning ice, and thinks, that is a worth fow for the spirit of a vulcano to strike at, and with the final Mudra, unleashes burning.
Brian [to Two]: Got an attack for me?
Brian [to Teyv]: ... Nice. 3-dot as well. You guys are knocking it out of the park today.
<> Two says "Sorry, having trouble keeping track of everything."
<> Brian says "I understand the feeling totally."
Brian has forgotten to roll -his- attacks, actually.
<> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.
<> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.
<> Brian rolls 21 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 10 successes.
<> Teyv rolls 13 dice: <1 1 1 2 4 4 6 7 8 8 9 10 10> for 8 successes.
<> Teyv says "+4 for essence."
<> Bennu says "I have a functional DV of 10+1+6 for CCR + 4 for shields, IIRC."
<> Bennu says "+3 for stunt if GM lets me carry it."
<> Bennu says "Otherwise I stunt again."
Brian [to Ashan]: I've got a crapload of responses to write out-- would you make any stunt rulings for Two when he poses in, pls?
<> Ashan says "Sure."
Two recovers from her previous miss. Through the power of Sol Invictus, she avoids cursing herself and all creation. She seeks balance amidst between the chaos and order of the two armies and continues striking at the chaotic forces that surround her.
<> Ashan says "Two dice."
Brian [to Ashan]: The power of your magic batters at the chaotic mind of the Clubfoot Giant. He howls-- or his face makes the appearance of a howl, though the sound is that of a beautiful children's choir-- You can sense his wrath as he spends nearly half of his will's strength against you, pushing out your commands to turn. He has not started to attack his own people, but you have significantly reduced his capabilities.
<> Two rolls 22 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 13 successes.
Brian [to Mahir]: Let's see. ... Crap. Did you add +1 die for the fact that your Magnitude is higher than theirs now?
Brian [to Mahir]: If not, roll one more die. You may not get ranged rating, but the odds are still on your side.
<> Mahir says "I don't think it is higher, since I switched to the Tree instead of the Sheep."
Brian [to Bennu]: You get ... 16 + 2 + 12 + 2 = 32 successes, -4 =28 vs. DV 11 = 17. What's your raw damage and type, including those?
Brian [to Mahir]: Oh. Then, yeah. Crap, I missed that. Presume the countershots to be affecting you, too; I'm not going to retpose.
<> Bennu says "Alas, I can not yet force my attacks to agg. It's 14L+CCD of 3+17, apparently, or 34L total. /5"
Brian [to Mahir]: Ok. You get 16 + 2 = 18 * 2 = 36 given Might; I think I may have lowballed your last ones, but, meh, you killed 250 fae in the space of 3 minutes, be happy. 36-12=24-4=20 vs 11 = 9. What's your raw?
<> Mahir says "I missed the countershots pose either way, so..."
<> Mahir says "Raw is still +21AP"
Brian says, "Wait. Add 1 damage to yours, Bennu; the Thunder Wolf Howl from Teyv is still in effect."
<> Bennu says "Cool."
<> Mahir says "So I'm rolling 30?"
<> Mahir says "Or still waiting for Soak."
<> Bennu says "Oh right and piercing for what little that does."
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 10 10 10> for 11 successes.
<> Brian rolls 19 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 12 successes.
<> Ashan says "-4 isn't bad, just not as good as it used to be."
<> Bennu says "Brian says they're immune to piercing anyhow, so."
Brian [to Bennu]: Sammun causes 1B.
Brian [to Teyv]: ... You bastard. You hit on one of their few weaknesses. Success! Their bones are alight with the fury of your Solar rage. You can sense the truth here-- their 'bones' are void, unreal and shifting, and you turn them all straight to fire.
<> Brian says "Which is another -2. -_-;;"
Brian still needs... Two's, there.
<> Mahir says "I see a 13 on 22 from Two, up top."
<> Ashan says "Yes, two rolled 13"
Brian [to Two]: You get 13 + 12 + 2 = 27 successes, -4 -1 = 22 vs. DV 10 = 12 threshhold successes. What's your raw damage and damage type?
<> Two says "12L"
<> Two says "Wait, 21L"
Brian [to Two]: Including or excluding your Threshold successes?
<> Two says "Excluding. That's just the raw numbers from my sheet."
Brian [to Bennu]: 20L damage.
Brian [to Mahir]: 20A damage
Brian [to Teyv]: They take 2 levels from the internal burning.
Brian [to Two]: Okay. 21 + 12 + 3 from the troops' CCD = 36 -15 =21L damage
<> Two says "Woo"
Brian says, "Roll damage. Bennu, you have Final Sunset Stance up? They are all deflected, so you gain 3 reflexive attacks."
<> Two rolls 21 damage dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 8 successes.
<> Bennu rolls 20 damage dice: <1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 9 9 9 9> for 6 successes.
Brian [to Two]: Not far off average-- .4*21=8.4, so. Now, Bennu, the Dice Roller has forsaken.
<> Bennu says "Since I have no counterattack to make unblockable/dodgable, I can spend those more or less at will, correct? If I use them on a tick after an Aim, do they benefit from the Aim?"
<> Bennu says "Will they add to onslaught penalties if I use them at the same time? Or with a standard attack?"
<> Mahir rolls 20 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 3 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Bennu]: You may spend at will, but they don't count as a flurry without other charms-- they basically can act as 3 attacks, one after another, so no onslaught.
Brian [to Mahir]: And you got exactly house odds.
<> Mahir says "I just realized I forgot my 2 dice from Aim, but.... gonna just punt, and I'll get them next time around."
<> Bennu says "I'm speed 4. Will Aim on tick 10 for one tick and act on 11 to catch the speed 5 folks up. Barring a dramatic change in situation before tick 10."
<> Mahir says "Well, we still haven't seen results pose from 24 levels of damage to various parties. Dunno how busted up they actually are."
Brian says, "Alright, results: Between Bennu, Two, and her fanatic tiger-warriors, two hundred of the last struggling members of the Sheep's mad entourage are snuffed out, their Wyld kindled energies fleeing back from whence they came, to only return years or longer from now. With the double-whirling blades of the Zenith and the Dawn, more and more of them die, each bursting into flames as the internal fire that Teyv has wreaked upon them burns them from the inside out. Several of them die merely from the horrible melting -reality- of Teyv's deadly sorcery, and those that don't fall stunned to the ground by Samun's Howl, leaving them easy prey for the Tiger-Warriors. Thirty two stood against one thousand, five hundred, and three Fair folk-- and the Fae are dying in droves, another 2 magnitude knocked off the Sheep's complimentary unit. Any attacks on that unit gain +3 dice from Magnitude difference. The barrage of burnning missles from the height of Mahir's arcing shots leaves the Tree's unit shrivelling from sun that burns like cold iron, though insufficient have died in order to go a Magnitude drop, though it's very close."
Brian [to Reed]: Okay. None of them are targeting your Twilight. It's your turn to go.
With the Fae warriors appearing to ignore the two sorcerers in favor of the blinding and clearly-in-charge Bennu, Reed takes the opportunity to springboard off the back of the nearest Tiger Warrior as the mortal ducks beneath a Fae swing and use that to launch himself at the raksha while it's off-balance from the swing, slicing across the creature's shifting features with his own personal form of mutability.
<> Reed says "Just targeting the nearest one, whichever it is."
Brian [to Reed]: The SHeep and the Embrace's units are closest, about even-- basically, do you want to help finish off the sheep, or help Mahir cut into the Embrace's group?
<> Reed says "Bah. Finish off the Sheep."
Brian [to Reed]: 2-dot stunt. Roll 'em.
Brian [to Reed]: You get to add 12 successes for Bennu's Tiger Warriors, 2 successes for their might, and
Brian [to Reed]: Don't forget to add 3 dice for the magnitude difference.
<> Reed rolls 23 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 18 successes.
<> Reed says "I probably ought to have invoked RLF, too."
Brian [to Reed]: Yah. Next time.
Brian [to Reed]: 18 + 12 = 30 + 2 = 32 - 8=24. What's your raw damage?
<> Reed says "Nobody's really threatening Teyv, so I'm not feelign terribly furious right now. Mostly lazy."
Brian. o O (What do you get when you unleash a barbarian steampunk otter into a bunch of fae? CARNAGE. /Don/ Karnage.)
Reed [to Brian]: 6L
Brian [to Reed]: +3 damage from Bennu's ever-useful troops = 9 + 24 = 33 -15 = 18L. Roll it.
<> Reed rolls 18 damage dice: <1 1 1 1 2 4 4 4 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Reed]: You shred through their lines in a kinda lazy, you know, half-assed, whatever attitude... but the half-assed attitude of one of Luna's Stewards applied against one of their most hated foes-- and it works. You rip through forty-nine of the last remaining Ovine Hospitallers. There is now only the Sheep That Swallows the Earth and a single crazy burning water dude.
Brian [to Bennu]: Are you planning to unleash your Reflexive Attacks any time before T10?
<> Bennu says "I might use one to take out the sheep and get him done."
Bennu says, "Or as many as it takes, honestly."
<> Bennu says "So yeah."
<> Brian says "Alrighty. Pose for it."
Reed lands neatly on the corpse of the last raksha, knocking what passed for a head to the side. Bouncing lightly on the his paws, he flashes a toothy grin at the Sheep and waves insolently, then turns and bounds away back to Teyv's side.
<> Bennu bears responsibility for the lives of all who have accepted her command, however temporarily. Despite the dramatic success of the brutal attacks she, the Tiger Warriors, and the allied Exalts, she chooses now to reserve Essence against necessity - but not action. Moving with the fury of desert noon, her sword thrusts up towards the sky, followed by an ash-gray forest of dread iron blades. And then she moves again, wheeling her troops with precision few troops can match. Her shout is echoed by relays first, and then by the entire mass of her troops. "Glory to the Sun!" they shout, moving with impossible speed. Where the failed attacks of the formless madnesses before them have been blocked, they have revealed secret weaknesses - and this is the answer, made possible by the Solar Essence that empowers every one of her troops; in a masse, now far outnumbering the foe they face, Bennu's Warriors march on the last of the Sheep's force.
Brian [to Reed]: That's awesome. If you're missing any motes, gain 2 of them back. If not, you get a happy laugh anyway.
Reed [to Brian]: Can I save them for later?
Reed [to Brian]: Because so far, I haven't used any.
Brian [to Reed]: Hmm. Sure. It was that funny.
<> Bennu says "I laughed."
Brian [to Bennu]: Carry-over your stunt; I'm going to consider its stunt to carry over too. Remember, you get +3 dice from magnitude. It has a DV of 8 at the moment.
<> Bennu rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<> Bennu says "Plus the 12 successes for CCR, +2 for might."
<> Bennu says "net 26."
Brian says, "12 + 12 + 2 = 26; 26 - 4 - 2 = 20 vs 8 = 12 + damage-- what's your raw, including those 12?"
<> Bennu says "14L + 3 +12 = 29."
Brian [to Bennu]: Roll 14.
<> Bennu rolls 14 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 7 9 9 10 10> for 5 successes.
<> Bennu says "I'm gonna use another reflexive, then... :p"
<> Bennu says "Can I skip stunting?"
Brian [to Bennu]: They're your charm benefits. And, yes, in the interests of time, carry your stunt over.
<> Bennu rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 17 successes.
Brian says, "Since nothing has changed there, roll 19 damage."
<> Bennu rolls 19 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 7 7 7 8 8 10> for 6 successes.
<> Bennu says "..."
Brian [to Bennu]: You've stripped it down to by its lonesome. Want to repeat again?
<> Bennu says "Yep."
<> Bennu rolls 25 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 10> for 8 successes.
Brian [to Bennu]: Ok. 8 + 12 + 2 =22 - 8 = 14 threshold + 14L+3 =31-15=16L. Roll 'em.
<> Bennu rolls 16 damage dice: <1 1 1 2 2 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 9 10 10> for 5 successes.
Brian says, "Okay. Bennu murders the daylights out of that one last burning water guy and pounds the sheep down into the -2 HLs."
Brian says, "I think we're going to pause for the day here."
Brian says, "Everyone gets 5 xp!"
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