POOHEAD189

Blades of the Blood Coast

@DrRtron At the tower you took refuge in, you found an Odari Crossbow. Odari being the wood of its construction, though its outfitted with bronze and iron. Native to the Southlands, Odari wood is light, sturdy, and legend tells it can rejuvenate itself over time, so it will not tear from over use. You found twenty bolts with it!

Blades of the Blood Coast

gasp i made the first posty

O_O *faints in shock*

@Greenie

Since people have been slow as of late, I decided to roll to see if you would get a reward, and I rolled a D4 three times. It was a 4,4, and 3. So you get a Boon

You can choose from 5 different options!
* +3 skill points (you can add a max of 2 to any one skill)
* An uncommon or magic item
* A favor to call on later. Essentially getting a heroe's kind of luck for a desperate moment!
* A feat. Basically an assigned special attack or move that you can use that has a bonus modifier or damage!
* A rumor or thread. You have heard from a refugee or a guard about something interesting.

Choose wisely.

Also @DrRtron You will be getting an item you may add to your inventory tonight.

Phasers and Fortune: A Sci Fi RP (Shu & Poo)

As with most things, the anticipation was worse than the doing. It was the same here, as the two of them readied themselves for being launched out of the vessel into lower orbit. Even a hardened soldier like Raddek felt his blood pumping, adrenaline coursing through him as the timer counted down from ten. He didn't check his weapons or armor a fourth time, confident in his preparations. He didn't dishonor Vashti by asking her if she was ready. He knew she was.

5...4...3...2...

...1

The blastdoor opened slowly, a muffled wrenching sound releasing due to the intensely heavy metal lifting; grating off the edge of the hull. It was a strange sensation, the steady uptake of wind suddenly slicing into the air-tight room, and yet gravity had only just brushed against them. Slowly, Raddek stomped forward, giving only a nod of acknowledgement to his companion prior before launching himself out of the ship, suddenly feeling a weightlessness to him as he began to plummet. Luckily, there was no sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. That only happened when jumping from a stationary location and not from a rapidly moving vessel.

It almost appeared like Raddek had been spat out and left behind in mid-air. Below him, the planet looked an odd mixture of verdant green, drab brown, and startling blue from the various seas below. He could not feel the kiss of the wind, but he knew it streaked around him from how it battered his form and sent him shuddering as he felt the inevitable pull of gravity. The ex-soldier turned on his beacon, the mark on his belt now blinking red to indicate it had activated. Falling at an exponential rate, he was in the air for a standard terran minute before he activated his orbital drop-chute, yanking him backwards and slowing his descent.

Five minutes later, he hit the tree line of the jungle.

The ground beacon was a pylon of pulsating electromagnetism powered by the planet's sun, 18 meters in height. It was old technology, created before the fall.

Around the pylon, the trees were exotic and tall, covered in wet foliage from a recent rain. A two tailed weasel-like creature with red eyes chittered, and then scampered away. Raddek made landfall not a moment later, hitting the leaf-covered ground in a roll. Small tendrils with crimson tips and yellow stems waved about every few meters; the mark of some strange plant. Raddek regained his feet quickly, glad for his armor so as not to touch anything. Not yet at least...

Blades of the Blood Coast

For Those in The Ubrico Soldati

You can add whatever you'd like when it comes to who serves you, who you want to approach if anyone, or what drinks/food you get as long as it's believable. You can also roll to listen in on gossip or the like, of course. Also, roll perception once at least please!

For Those in Exploring The City

State your current goal, and roll anything you'd like to help you get somewhere in the OOC. Tell me who you are with, or if all of you are or aren't staying together. You can even have an in-character meeting to decide on where you will go. If you don't know where you'd like to go, or where to start, simply roll a 1d8! Discuss.

Blades of the Blood Coast

Had it been less turbulent times, the sentries might have asked for papers and credentials. Even the lowest born aristocrat had an emblem or proof of identification in heraldric papers. But the crowd was burgeoning, and Emmaline carried herself with an imperious air, cleverly utilizing every asset of her body to seem peerless in their presence. The other members of the group played along perfectly, with the notable absence of Reyvadin who seemed to be missing for a minute. Still, while apparently aristocratic, to the guards it was clear Emmaline was not above a petty baroness, if even that. Raddek sped the process along to keep them from asking too many questions, barking at the men to grant them their names double time. Five were taken; Holton, Borgund, Kurt, Rogelo, and Anthonie.

"My lady, you and your...guards clearly have not been in the region long." The one called Kurt said, eyeing Lorcan for a moment and snorting derisively. "Orders are orders, and had you not been highborn we would have had to execute them without bias. As it stands, the city council has far larger concerns that us, even without the calamity. My advice, stay safe and keep your purse with you. Some men here only speak the language of money, if you get my meaning."

Raddek elbowed past the other men with purpose, though Emmaline and perhaps another observer would see he cocked his eyebrow at the guardsman's statement. He bowed before her, his eyes now level with hers and moving erratically to indicate they should make haste out of the gateway.

"Your retainers are waiting, my lady." He told her, and with that he stepped forward and lead the group deeper into the street, making sure to find a nice corner where the refugees and citizenry were not packed so thickly. Judging by the short, stout tower that cast a shadow across their crew of miscreants, they were beside a miller or a storage building of some kind. Once everyone was gathered, Raddek crossed his thick arms and gave one last look down the street for good measure before he felt safe enough to speak. In the shadows, his iron eyes were grim.

"I don't know about any of you, but I'm going to get a drink and to find somewhere to sleep. Luckily I know someone that might help ease the price on something like that. Migi, me, and anyone else who wants to follow are going to the Ubrico Soldati. It's only a few miles southwest of here, close to the docks. It's fairly cheap for being in one of the smaller areas of the city, and if my friend is still there we can probably manage. Everyone else, do your thing. Just take care. Varone is still probably one of the wonders of the coast, but it's fallen on hard times so watch your purse and your necks. Let's all meet at the Ubrico tonight anyhow."

Not one to mince words, Raddek merely gave a nod and started moving back up the street from whence they had come, Migi and whoever else was going in tow.

---

1 hour later...

Despite the steady flow of fleeing civilians and countryside immigrants, the city of Varone proved to be as cosmopolitan as its reputation gave. Most of the buildings were made of stone or marble, and there were not two streets without some great work of art or statue on display amidst fountains or lavish trees. Carriages of rare Mulgrave Wood weren't uncommon, horses cantering past the group in perfect step. Canals crisscrossed along the streets nearly every mile, patrolled by guardsmen in rafts or the odd rich citizen in longboats of their own. Some couples wanting a romantic day on the town rented out smaller crafts, snogging in the back of the boats as local oarsmen tilled them about. Most were content with staying in the larger channels between the three great 'islands' that made up Varone, but some traversed the smaller canals and slipped under the bridges, ignoring those on the street.

They passed a few taverns and breweries, including the Blackmoon Dive, one of the more raunchy locations west of the palace that would have likely suited them had they been able to get in. Raddek informed them you either had to be in league with one of the thieves guilds or be willing to pay a pretty penny to enter. Across another bridge and down a lane that led into a concrete jungle of tunnels and walkways beneath a guildhouse for the Brewer's guild, they stepped out into another street and found themselves right in front of a stone alehouse and inn, its front consisting of four archways that led to a patio where people could drink and feast outside without fear or rain. Raddek had enough of trekking outside, so he moved in.

Inside, the establishment seemed clean and well ordered. Serving maids and manservants in aprons, tan tops and striped loose trousers gave calls in Dre Costan and served food and drink with the swiftness of professionals. In the center of the dining area was a large rock of obsidian, and two rusty cutlasses were stuck fast in it, crisscrossing due to their curved blades. Next to the rock, recently emptied bottles were placed there in what looked to be some strange ritual or contest. Various men and women were being served, including a few very odd people. A tanned, sumptuous woman with dangerous eyes and dark jewelry drank a bottle greedily as a rotund Andredian sobbed into a bowl of porridge three tables away, comforted by a perhaps not fully-human lass with unruly red hair. A cloaked figure ate quietly in the back, two tables from two men in matching robes speaking quietly over their hardly-touched dinners. Scattered among them were either well dressed citizens in fine satins, silks, and linens, a table deep in a tense card game; or hard men armed with daggers and swords, sporting at least three different brooches with varying marks signifying different mercenary companies.

"Get a table, I'll be back." Raddek told those that followed him, and he stepped past the counter into the back kitchen as if he owned the place.

Shields of the Empire

The regiment moved double time, the ground unable to decide between sand and shrubland. Sandals, hooves, and armored boots made a thudding chant as Brasidas moved them forward, having consulted with Sayf on the ground ahead. Phaedra galloped to her column after their brief war council, her sword raised in the air as she screamed in her language to her officers. He had to give it to her, she moved as quick as Sayf on her steed and that was saying something. No wonder the nomad chased after her.

Brasidas had felt a sinking feeling in his gut ever since the boasting of the envoy, fearing the fool had been honest, even with his forked tongue. The Atvari were a noble people, but their political dealings and circles of diplomats and petty barons were known for being a veritable den of snakes. He had tried to push it in the back of his mind to concentrate on commanding his men, but if that were true, there would be anarchy at the capital. His entire command and the lives of his men would be in question, and certainly not in that order. At the moment he didn't know where else to lead his men save for the coast, even if he would have to besiege the cities or negotiate with them himself. As it was, all he wanted to do was paint the ground in Atvari blood.

It looked like he was going to get his chance this day.

The sky was clear blue, save small mounds of clouds that lazily passed overhead. The miles went bu quickly, but always they looked over their shoulder. It was not long before a mass of darkly clad horsemen appeared, streaming in from the distance. Even so far away, Brasidas was impressed at their cohesion. It was nearly as good as his cataphract contingent. Unfortunately, it outnumbered his Cataphracts five to one, and though the full imperial army they rode at the head of was still slightly larger than the Kahreeds, it would be bogged down until the greater army arrived to swallow them up and butcher every last one of them.

Over the next mile, the army found the large, dried river bed Sayf had told him of. This would be the battleground. Behind them the ground was relatively flat, sloping lightly upwards in small rifts of earth, echoes of what might have once been dunes. Across the way, a few trees and shrubs sprouted up in small copses, likely gaining access to whatever moisture gathered in the riverbed whenever the rain decided to fall. As the Protostates and Cataphracts approached, Brasidas called for the men to move ahead toward what was once a ford, and he sent his cavalry across the deeper section, leading them towards the Protostate's left flank. As the Kahreeds approached, it all rode on keeping them occupied until the main army arrived, not to destroy them. Not yet.

It was going to be easy. The Kahreeds would want to fight with their main force regardless, at least in a concerted attack. They continued their gallope toward the line, eager for at least some bloodshed to gain loot and glory.

Blades of the Blood Coast

Ok everyone, I will wait the weekend and then give an update for the RP, and an OOC update too! Get in your posts before then if you're able, but if not, do not feel bad. You'll have plenty of opportunity soon!

There's Always a Price: Sci Fi Bounty Hunters

Dirk's face hidden behind his helm, it was clear his thoughts on Jocasta drinking two of the three shots as soon as the glasses hit the table. Slowly he turned to look at her, and then equally slow he reached for the other shot glass and picked it up. Reaching to his neck, he unlatched his face helm and opened it just far enough to take the shot, closing it back up again as he put the glass down. He placed the shot glass down with a 'clink' and decided he wasn't too hungry just yet.

"Last time I did a job with a partner, things went south and kept plummeting." He explained vaguely. A few residents, both human and xeno, that passed by their table gave nods or made hand signs in respect to Dirk. 'Whaado Maso Crimson' a purple skinned alien said, its mouth made up of various membrane folds. Dirk paid none of them any real attention, evidently expecting such treatment. "Almost wasn't worth the money, and I don't take jobs that aren't worth the money."

Raising a gloved hand, he had the shot glasses refilled. This time, he downed two of them in quick succession. He even took a bite of his sandwich, finding he might as well put some food in him while he could. "The Chalnarc job went smooth as Xevakrach Silk in comparison." He said, referring to the legendary spider beasts found on one of planet Ylnir's moons. "A little bumpy, but most jobs are. Plus you have a nice ass, which helps your case."

Even without seeing his expression, it was clear he was just being honest, even if a bit cheeky.

"I just need one more job, and then I get to reclaim a piece of equipment that was taken from me. Call it a sentimental token." Even right now, it was rough admitting Volkavax had 'commandeered' his most prized possession as collateral to keep him working, mostly to help pay for the damages in the botched mission of Vogal 9. The one upside was that he killed his 'partner' Grin after it as his own personal 'thank you.' He only wished he could kill him a second time.

The Black of Night - Urban Shadows

Caber cocked his head to the side, very reminiscent of a passing fox. He nodded in acceptance, understanding her logic with it. Caber turned to Barliman, seeing the man was relatively alright. Good, the fellow was a useful sort, and fun when the moment caught him.

"Very well. We can go to my apartment." Caber offered, making a wave-like gesture with his hand. It likely surprised Barliman the impish Fae had an apartment, but it paid to keep up appearances. As long as he stole enough money every month, he could keep it. What did the young humans say nowadays? 'Capitalism'? "I suggest we hurry, lest you want buckshot up your ass."

The flat appeared small, but cozy. Located on 83rd street next to a laundrymat, it hardly seemed the whimsical paradise one might imagine a Fae like caber resided in. However, once you opened the door, the warm foyer with a bright lamp led into a hall that seemed to stretch a bit further than it should have, the main door leading into a snug, almost decadent living area with cushioned seats, a warm fireplace, and coins dating back a millennia were strewn here or there like a dog leaving crumbs, only it made the placed a bit more spruced up.

"Please, make yourselves warm and rest your weary feet." He said, all but floating to the kitchen area attached to the room, hoping to make the drinks he couldn't get at Barliman's.

@Penny

Blades of the Blood Coast

Raddek, Migi, and whoever wishes to will go get a drink, and everyone else will stay in a group and go explore then!

---

I'm alive! Sorry about that. This week has been a shit circus (updated from the usual show.) Between interviews, car collision places, car rentals, emergency family stuff, a lot of work, and trying to get a friend packed and moved out today due to an escalating situation... what is free time?

But I have tonight off... and then starting Saturday I should be good. Thanks for being patient with me, oh mighty Poo.

I liked number 2, but it looks like I'm in the minority. How dare.

@psych0pomp

Hey no worries, as long as you let me know life happening is the reason, I'll know you're still interested and give you whatever time you need.