Turn 94: The Battle of the Rift
Sahl thanked the guards after reading the baron's note and signing for the money. He then turned to the party. “In a sense, this belongs to us all -- that's Kay, Ardith, myself and Daluar, for services we have performed during the quake and in exploring the rift. But more than that, the Baron expects us to use it to fund our explorations of the Zioth. I assume that all of us want to do this?IndexNextplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 95: New Blood
The night dragged on and on. It was dawn before Daluar and the soldiers were coming to the end of their task. More tired than they'd ever been before, they carried net after net full of Sh'kurdaru heads to the Rift. The entire force of Huerten, save the knights, some of whom were just now arriving to see what was left, was in a state of utter exhaustion.
Posted: 2007-08-09
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. now. Suddenly, they were all cooperative, all polite, and, despite years of training in organized teams, they were desperate for leadership from someone who understood this strange threat.
With the torches blown out, and bonfires billowing up clouds of smoke, this was more than the soldiers and Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. alone could handle. Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. sent runners back to Huerten with instructions to get as many people as possible, with weapons, and sources of light that could be shielded from the wind and snow.
The piles of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. built up. Where one lay dead, two more appeared from the Rift to gorge on its body. They were easy targets. But soon, they came to understand what was going on, and they went after the men with swords and bows. These sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. weren't mindless insects; they recognized a threat.
The first few knights arrived, and others came with them. These were people like Sahl, Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of and Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but, who knew first-hand what kind of threat they were facing. What they saw was terrifying. Mounds of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. feasting on each other. Scattered fragments of human bones and clothing. Soldiers chasing after invisible targets, sometimes striking at each other to detach a parasite. Muted screams of pain. And all this was made eerily quiet, almost peaceful, by the shimmering wisps of snow.
Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. limped over to organize the new arrivals.
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. did not immediately join the fray. Instead, he rode Zephyr along the edges of the action, trying to get a feel for the scope and scale of it.
There were a lot of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. Scores. Hundreds perhaps. It was hard to tell for sure, in the darkness and the snow. They were coming up only from a small section of the Rift, unless they were sneaking up the other side. Three hundred yards, perhaps, was the extent of the fighting, and even that was in fairly narrow columns, as the creatures avoided the bonfires at all cost. Sahl tried to determine their destination, but that was impossible. If they were going anywhere in particular, most were distracted by the ready supply of human and sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. flesh right outside the Rift.
The human side of the battle was still in good shape. According to Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions.'s accounts days before, there had been about a hundred soldiers total, spaced out in pairs, and most concentrated on this side of the Rift, to protect Huerten Cityplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigHuerten City
With ten thousand people and a disproportionately large military, Huerten City is the largest and most powerful population center in Rang. Baron Huerten lives in the center of the city, in his castle, the outer walls of which long ago crumbled to ruin.. Sahl guessed that sixty or so were already here and fighting, which meant the rest were on their way. Some were organized into groups of three to five, but most were in pairs or alone.
One major advantage the Huerten soldiers had was speed. On the Rift wall, sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. had been far too fast for any human to keep up. Here on open ground, they ran no more than half as fast as the soldiers. However, they were small, and dark, and difficult to spot. If they got as far as the weeds and brambles and fallen trees, they would become almost untraceable.
Sahl rode up to the newcomers and Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. and saluted them. “There is little time, so we need to make decisions quickly. I suggest that Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. continues to direct the soldiers and archers while I take command of the Knights. Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions., We have two advantages. They are advancing in columns and fairly slowly. Hit them at the heads of the columns and then fall back. They will slow down to eat their own dead and injured. Do not make a determined stand until they are near the broken ground, then we must stand and fight to stop them scattering. I will use the knights to hit and run wherever the fighting is fiercest. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but and Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of can join in wherever they please. Is this okay with everyone? Any suggestions? Speak quickly.”
“If we have fuel,” Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. said, “– oil, grease – draw line on dirt and put it on fire. Maybe we circle sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., can stop them from getting broken ground.”
Sahl answered. “I don't think we have enough men to circle, but maybe fire will work if there is oil stored nearby. I think you should keep fighting the columns, but send a few men to get oil if any stored nearby. It's up to you. I am going to organize the knights”
Sahl rode to join the knights. “I am Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. who saved the Baron's life and fought the beasts in the rift. I have the Baron's confidence. Will you follow my lead?”
Some of the knights ignored Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. completely, charging forward with groups of their comrades. Most, however, were as bewildered as the soldiers following Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions., and were willing to follow anyone who showed leadership, particularly someone they knew had experience with the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack..
“Form into wedges of 6 riders each,” Sahl instructed. “The rider at the head of each wedge will control the wedge. Your job is to hit the beasts at the head of each column. Trample them, wound them and they will turn on each other. If any group tries to break off in a different direction then hit it. Try to herd them into a single group. *Do not* get caught in a long fight. Hit and run and hit again. After each charge, check that no beast is biting you or your horse. Ride now! For Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism
Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).
Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of! The Baron! and Huerten Town!”
Sahl led the first wedge of six riders himself.
Smoke stung his eyes, and the wind and snow numbed his fingers and ears, but Sahl would not let up. In towards the rift, out again to check himself and the knights for sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., in again, out again. Behind him, soldiers struggled to maintain Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions.'s arc of fire. It was impossible to tell for how long the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. would come, so it was impossible to know whether the oil would last. In again, out again. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of watched from outside the circle, balanced on a toppled tree, arrow aimed at any point where the fire was dying down. In again, out again. Was the flow of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. dying down? No, another wave began. Ten minutes, twenty, thirty.
A high-pitched squeal from the Rift.
The sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. stopped gorging on the piles of bodies. Some focused on the living soldiers and knights of Huerten. Others gathered around the edge of the Rift, forming semi-circles, spaced evenly between the billowing bonfires. One space in particular, not far from where Sahl was moving in and out, from where Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. was managing the fire, from where Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of stood, watching, the largest concentration was gathering: Dozens, scurrying around individually, but remaining in place as a group.
Sahl raised his arm to halt his wedge of six riders. He sent one of them as a messenger to each group of charging knights. “Tell all the knights to rally to me at once. I think the enemy is forming up in a large group. This is good! We will all gather to charge them together, and drive them back to the rift!”
Many of the knights still worked alone or in their own groups, but others realized that, under Sahl's leadership, fewer were dying. The younger knights in particular, many of whom had never seen a lick of battle in their lives, were quick to rally to Sahl.
When a good number were organized around him, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. formed a single wedge and signaled the charge. Snow blasted his face as he came closer and closer to the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. Finally, just as he was about to reach them, they attacked. Sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. were everywhere, climbing onto horses, wedging themselves into the vulnerable joints of knights' armor. Two knights got a little too close to the edge. Their horses' hoofs loosened the rock and they plummeted down into the darkness. Soon, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s wedge was forced to withdraw, where they could remove the flesh-eating sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. before they caused too much damage.
The slightly smaller group gathered for another charge. They made one last check to be sure they weren't being eaten alive, then formed again into a wide wedge.
A single arrow flew from Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of's bow. It was only by chance that Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. noticed – he happened to be looking in that direction, and the snow and wind had slacked off just enough that he could see a glint of light. He followed the arrow with his eyes as it flew for the Rift. There was no way it would hit anything; it was far too high. But then it was clear that it _could_ hit something. Behind the mass of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. was something new. Something wide, taller than a man, and shimmering in the light of the bonfires. Whether the arrow hit it or not, it made no sign visible from that distance.
Sahl put a senior knight in charge of the main body of knights. “Keep up the action! Stay away from that large thing behind the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. It looks dangerous.” He then galloped to where Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. was directing the foot soldiers. “Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions.! There is something large behind the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. I think it is some creature controlling them. I suggest that you tell all the archers to shoot it. I don't want to fight it hand to hand unless I have to.” Once he was sure that Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. understood, Sahl picked a way forward, staying away from combat, trying to get a better view of the shimmering presence.
shkurdaru
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. wove Zephyr around the piles of bodies, human, equine and sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., towards the main body of fighting, which was slowly spreading out as the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. increased the radius of their circle around the newcomer. The thing was eight feet tall, and scaly like the smaller creatures around it. Its head was much like theirs as well, round and with an enormous mouth. Unlike them, however, it had reach. Its legs were stubby, but its arms were long enough to reach the ground while it stood, slouched only slightly. In the Rift, its arms were likely its main climbing tool, leaving the legs for balance alone. It also had something resembling a nose.
When the main wedge of knights pulled back to check their horses for sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., a wave of arrows flew in towards the creature. Most of the arrows missed. Others were deflected by the tough scales. Those that stuck didn't seem to bother the creature much, at least not in any way Sahl could tell. They accumulated a visible amount of snow before it batted them off with its powerful arms.
The creature's jaw dropped, and the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. charged forward, after the retreating knights.
Sahl blanched at the sight of the monster. His guts told him that the thing was a deadly opponent and unnatural. But he was a warrior used to the chance of sudden death, so he quelled his fear with an effort. His horse Zephyr also shied away, but Sahl was able to get him under control. The horse's training was finally having some effect.
“You – Terradian – report.” As Sahl was making his way towards the creature, reinforcements arrived from Huerten, including one knight with a haughty air, and armor and weapons so highly polished that even old scratches and dents shone in the smoky light of Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions.'s ring of fire. His sword was sheathed in a gaudy scabbard, dyed purple and gold, and his javelin, flag at its end, was mounted in a saddle designed more for show than for comfort. That same saddle sat aback a magnificent black horse, half a head taller than those of the other knights. Whether all this was a sign of wealth or rank or both was impossible to tell for Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions., who knew nothing of the rules of Rouche chivalry. Still, he was at the lead of the score or so knights who had just arrived, and the others did seem to defer to him, lining up in rows on either side, and waiting for Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. across the ring of fire. “Well? Don't they teach you to speak in Terradiaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Free States of Terradia
Terradia is a region to the southwest of Rang, separated from that great kingdom by the Koril Mountains. Most trade and travel between the two regions is done through waterways, as they are much more passable than the Koril Mountains.? Report!”
Cold, exhausted, frightened, decidedly paranoid from checking himself and everyone that came near him for sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., and now harried by some snob who had no idea of the situation, Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. barely bit back a choice adjective in Terradian. Instead he waved his torch around the rider and deliberately close to his horse's muzzle, as if checking for the beasts, pretending not to notice the horse's startled jerk. Clearing his throat, he gave his report, though little of it was good and none of it came out in unbroken Rouchplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigLanguage
Rouch
Rouch is the vernacular, or common tongue, spoken throughout Rang. Because of Rang's influence, it's also a trade language in the surrounding kingdoms.
Sarnam
Sarnam is the “old tongue,” spoken by the priests of Andritha. Most of the nobly-born are familiar with the language.. While the beasts had not yet gotten far from the rift, they were advancing despite the men's best efforts, as there was too much snow, too few torches, and too little oil to make any sort of effective barrier; on top of that, there were fewer and fewer men all the time, lost as the beasts sucked them unconscious or dead. He was starting to run down the list of things that could go wrong or get wronger, when Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. rode back on Zephyr.
“Sir knight,” Sahl said, “We have managed to hold the bloodsuckers, the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., but they are led by a vile monster from the pit, there behind the enemy, driving them upon us. Someone must face the monster in battle if there are knights who are brave and strong enough.” Turning towards Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions., Sahl said, “The creature takes little damage from the arrows. Maybe it will fear fire since it comes from the dark. I suggest fire arrows, torches and flasks of burning oil. Do we have flasks? If so then give me two; I will try to use them on the beast.”
Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. shook his head. “Few enough already,” he sighed, and ducked momentarily into the darkness. He returned heartbeats later with two flasks of oil, distributing the contents between them, which he handed to Sahl. Neither said a word, but Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. could tell the older man was disappointed to feel the flasks were barely a third full. Well, nothing to be done about it now. He checked himself again for sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack..
“Hold there,” the knight said. “How many knights down, did you say? It's fortunate I arrived in time to put things in order. Douse this fire – it's getting in the way of reinforcements. Feulevere,” he said, waving at a rather scrawny knight. “Send the militia after the beast. Overwhelm it with numbers. Come, men. We will bring order to this chaos.” The knight reared his horse dramatically and set off towards the knights already fighting.
Sahl whispered to Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions., “Ignore that idiot's instructions. You've been doing fine. Keep those fires burning and retreat rather than get surrounded.”
Another knight rode up from Huerten as the newcomers left. “Sahl! What can I do to help?” Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. recognized Redbelve's voice, but ignored the man for now. Instead, he headed off the arrogant knight with his own horse and strained all his diplomatic skill to try to influence him. “Sir knight, we cannot give all the glory to mere common militia. Lead a charge at their leader, behind them, and all the glory and fame will be yours! When their leader is defeated You will rout the enemy and the whole of Huerten will love you!”
The knight looked Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. up and down. “Salmon, is it? You're the hero who rescued the Baron, aren't you? Well let me teach you something about warfare, that only a knight-captain of Huerten with ten years under his belt could know. A good commander doesn't just rush into battle. The commander is the most important person on a battlefield. Without him, the battle is lost! My glory will come from successfully leading the soldiers and knights of Huerten against the sudaru! These 'common militia' are common for a reason – they're easily trained, and easily replaced. In the time it takes to train one new knight, you can raise a thousand of these people. Look – there they go now. If you wish to join them, Salmon, you are welcome.”
Sahl nodded to the man, saying with affected politeness, “I see now; a knight-captain of Huerten is one who turns up late for a battle and then gets his men slaughtered needlessly.” Sahl then turned away and followed the footmen into the fray, readying his torch and oil.
“Hey, Sahl! Don't forget me.” Redbelve brought his horse to a cantor next to Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s. “You know that you're doing better than anyone here. Don't let that fool Benet get to you. How can I help?”
Sahl smiled. “It's good to have some company. Here, take this oil and throw it at the beast controlling the Sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. I will use my bow. We'll try to lure it away from the ridge. Once it moves away from the ridge we can attack it with sword, axe or lance. It looks tough. Be careful.”
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. and Redbelve rode behind the footmen, trying to get close to the creature. A last wave of arrows flew in at Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions.'s command, impaling many sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., but having little effect on the creature.
The footmen charged, flailing away at the mass of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., and falling by the dozen to their invisible gorging bites. This created paths that Sahl and Redbelve could follow, as sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. moved to one side or another to tear away at a dead soldier.
Finally, they were within range. Two soldiers rushed in as a pair. One was raked right through by the creature's claw, while the other was grabbed in one of its long arms, pulled close, and then shoved over the edge of the rift.
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. nocked an arrow and fired. It flew almost invisibly through the snow, then lost its target as a gust of wind lifted it high and to the left. He changed position to keep the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. from gathering around his horse and tried again. This time the arrow struck at the heart of the beast. It hung there for a second, then fell off. It hadn't pierced the skin. Sahl tried a third time, and the same thing happened. He glanced anxiously at Redbelve.
“The thing won't light!” the knight said, trying desperately to set the short wick in the flask aflame. “There it goes!” Before the oil could catch fire in his hands, he threw it at the creature. The flask fell a few feet to the right of it and shattered, covering everything nearby with torch oil. In the snow and wind, however, the fire spread slowly. Still, the light was enough to scatter the Sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. When the fire reached the creature's feet, it jumped a little in surprise at the pain, and then moved slowly out of its range.
A soldier stabbed at Zephyr, dislodging a sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. He saluted Sahl and returned to battle.
Sahl motioned Redbelve back. He pulled out a couple of torches from his pack, and tore the oil-soaked cloth into strips, which he tied about his arrow heads. Setting another torch on fire, he gave the arrows and torch to Redbelve. “Light these arrows one by one and give them to me. I will try and use them against the beast.” The two approached the creature again, as close as they could without becoming entangled in sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., and Sahl let fly with his fire arrows.
The wind was in his favor. The first arrow flew straight at the creature, not swerving in any direction. The flame flickered and died down, but when the arrow impacted the creature and stuck in its arm, the fire suddenly flared up again.
From a distance of forty feet, Sahl and Redbelve could barely hear the high-pitched squeal that came out of its mouth, it tore the arrow away and faced its attacker. Without any visible sign from the creature, the hoard of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. around it turned their attention to Sahl.
Sahl moved off to his right, placing a large bonfire directly behind him. Surely the hyper-sensitive sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. will be incapable of facing or heading towards him, looking directly into a large fire. He maintained his arrow fire, trying to make allowances for the wind.
The sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. charged, slowly and awkwardly. As Sahl expected, most of them turned away, squealing, but some pressed on. The archers of Huerten, seeing the charge, took aim and fired. This time, sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. weren't distracted by their dead.
Redbelve handed Sahl another burning arrow, and he fired. Again, it struck true, and the creature angrily batted away the arrow lodged in its arm, scaring several sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. Then the creature itself came forward, using its strong arms to help propel it along the ground towards Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance..
This was the opportunity Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. had been waiting for. Lighted torch in hand, he pulled Zephyr back a step, then spurred him on for a charge. “Sahl, what are you doing?” Redbelve shouted, his voice fading into the distance as Zephyr picked up speed. “The sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.!”
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. charged through the main body of sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., thinking to overrun them with Zephyr's much greater size and speed, but there were too many. Zephyr leapt over one group only to land in another. The horse swerved this way and that, trying to avoid being bitten, and nearly threw Sahl once. By the time they'd reached the creature, they were barely moving at a trot.
Realizing that the Sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. had slowed him too much, Sahl backed his horse away from the creature and the Rift, maintaining a fighting retreat. The creature followed, matching Zephyr yard for yard. It was clearly exerting itself, however, straining the abilities of its stubby legs, so its attempts to swing at the horse or Sahl were ineffective. Finally, a group of five soldiers rushed the creature and tried to knock it off its feet. They failed, but they drew its attention away from Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance..
Seeing the creature momentarily occupied, Sahl fumbled in his saddle bag, looking for inspiration. “Curse me for a fool,” he said when his fingers brushed against a trio of oil flasks already prepared for throwing. “I forgot they were there”. He lit the cloth around the first, rode closer to the creature, and threw.
The creature swung its massive arm, knocking one of the soldiers to the ground. It pulled its arm back for another swing just as the oil flask arrived. The movement shattered the flask and sprayed burning oil onto the surrounding sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. and soldiers, but causing the creature itself only mild burns. However, by this time, a group of soldiers had caught on to what Sahl was doing. They were charging toward the creature, torches in hand, trying awkwardly to keep the smoky torches from blowing out in the wind.
Suddenly, the creature called a retreat. Or, at least, it seemed like it did, because the creature and most of the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. turned tail and ran toward the Rift. The archers took advantage of the situation, picking off Sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. as fast as they could, but the wind was not in their favor. Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. and Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of followed many of the other soldiers inward, and soon were near enough to Sahl to hear Redbelve say, “What's going on? Are they fleeing from a possible victory, or am I out of my mind? With what I've been seeing lately, I certainly won't deny the later.”
“We've routed them!” Sahl and the others could hear the knight- captain yelling in the distance. “Good work! We can be home in time for a late supper! This will go down in history as the Battle of Sir Benet, where the brave knight-captain and his men drew victory out of certain defeat against the horrible beasts of the Rift!” With that, the knights finally charged into battle.
Sahl allowed them to pursue the enemy, while the soldiers who had been fighting all along re-formed. He asked the Terradian to form up the infantry with archers behind. Sahl, Redbelve and a few other soldiers would form up on their right wing, and the whole force would advance deliberately, killing any sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. in their path. Sahl still had two oil flasks to deal with the creature.
The two groups pushed forward effortlessly, alongside other, smaller groups, and, of course, the haphazardly charging knights. Half-way to the rift, Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. nearly tripped over something in the dark. He looked down to find a sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack., fat, inert and completely gorged, but alive. When he looked around, he found that there were a great number of these, particularly around the piles of bodies.
As he was noticing this, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. threw his last two oil flasks. The first flew past the creature and fell into the Rift, but the second struck it in the back as it ambled away, splashing onto neighboring sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. It struck hard, the glass sticking in the creature's back, and causing it to stumble and pick up its pace. It was not, however, enough to kill it. The soldiers with torches hadn't gotten close yet, with all the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. in the way, and soon, the creature had vanished into the Rift, sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. following after like a waterfall.
Once all the remaining foe had entered the Rift, Sahl addressed the troops. “Well done men. You have fought like heroes and I will praise you to the Baron. Now I want two squads to guard the Rift. You, sergeant, take a squad and requisition a load of oil flasks and oil to deal with the leader of the sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. if he returns. You, sergeant, take a squad and help Sister Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but to care for the wounded. Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions., can you take the rest of these men and search for and kill most of the gorged sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack.. I want a couple left alive for study. Then I want you to cut off all their heads and throw them down the gorge. These vermin should know what it means to start a war with us!”
After watching the rift for a week, planning for the inevitability that was tonight's battle, Daluarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDaluar Sulanguan
Daluar is a wiry, coal-skinned Terradian in the gray-and-blue uniform of a Calipperi soldier. He keeps both his face and head clean-shaven, and his leather armor in good condition; he has even tried to shape the rough patches on the collar, vambraces, and headband into regular contours. A rapier frogged at his hip, a quiver and longbow on his back, and a couple of pouches on his belt comprise most of his possessions. was happy to comply with Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s suggestion. The gorged sh'kurdaruplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSh'kurdaru
In turn 88, a rift opened up in the earth near Huerten City. Creatures were found inside, which could eat a man alive before he even knew what was happening.
The creatures move like lizards, and are extremely sensitive to bright light. Sh'kurdaru think only of food. They sneak up on their prey, and emit an anesthetizing poison through their skin and mouth, numbing the skin and muscle of their prey, and eat them alive before their prey are even aware of the attack. were easy pickings now, but tomorrow? With a nod, he set off immediately, and gathered groups of soldiers to work various regions of the battlefield.
The remaining soldiers, at this point, were willing to do what Sahl told them. He'd fought the creature first, and that had earned their respect. The two sergeants left, one to get oil, and the other to find Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but in the darkness.
Nice turn. Sorry it took so long. :)
The Rift:
Sahl thanked the guards after reading the baron's note and signing for the money. He then turned to the party. “In a sense, this belongs to us all -- that's Kay, Ardith, myself and Daluar, for services we have performed during the quake and in exploring the rift. But more than that, the Baron expects us to use it to fund our explorations of the Zioth. I assume that all of us want to do this?IndexNextplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 95: New Blood
The night dragged on and on. It was dawn before Daluar and the soldiers were coming to the end of their task. More tired than they'd ever been before, they carried net after net full of Sh'kurdaru heads to the Rift. The entire force of Huerten, save the knights, some of whom were just now arriving to see what was left, was in a state of utter exhaustion.