[Game Thread] Shinoa's Game (Part 1)

[Abyssion]

"If it isn't the White Reaper in the flesh, House Varil's most reliable hired hand... striking fear in all witches and would be's... and out in the day no less. Striking fear in witches and would be's across the land, rejoice this day should be without incident."

Is she...making fun of me?

"Pardon my sister, she's a bit of a smart ass. We are feeling fine and confident, we were just discussing how we were surprised to see one of your renown coming out to something we assumed would not amount to much more than a typical purging. The fact that you were recruited makes us think house Varil actually may be expecting a fight."

"House Varil likes to show me off from time to time, and I normally don't mind, but today I'd rather finish this as quickly as I can."

"It has been awhile since we've been out on a witch hunt, but I don't expect it'll be any more challenging than that Wyvern's nest we cleared out in Greystone."

"Wyvern nest? That was you? I was really impressed by the display of their heads. Shame no one preserved them. Still, fighting witches is very different from wyverns, so you should let me take the brunt of it, should there be a fight."

He extends a hand out for Shinoa to shake, and she shakes it. "I am Lord Gannon Nesko, and that is my sister Mia and brother Olstead. We look forward to working with you." The man in the feathered mask, gives a nod as a greeting but does not speak. Shinoa nods back. Mia claps her hands together and speaks.

"A pleasure, though of course we don't expect you to reveal your identity and all, certain you must keep your persona. This is exciting isn't it, I'll finally get to see the White Reaper in action." She steps forward, reaching her hand out to offer a shake as well.

"You can just call me White for now," Shinoa said as she shook Mia's hand. "We can have proper introductions another time, I'm sure."

[Spazztick]

Time to go. "A smart move from Varil. A public display is always the most effective." Gannon remarks seriously, before looking back over the crowd of poorly armed peasants. "Gives them what they think they want." He then looks back to Shinoa, listening to the rest of her words. "Indeed it was, risky but one less problem threatening lives of our people. We have no qualms with you taking the brunt on this, it is not our show after all, we're simply tagging along voluntarily. I am curious though, you've been at actively hunting for awhile now haven't you? In that time, how many of these witches used their craft against you?" They exchange a bit more short and mostly meaningless conversation. A few minutes later, one of the Varil guards shouts out, stating they're going to resume marching in a moment. At the same time a masked rider shows up a dozen yards away from the crowd, his elegant mask in the shape of a chromed lion. He raises a hand and beckons over to him, there are some quick glances exchanged between the one's that Shinoa were speaking to. "A moment." Gannon states as he turns from the lot of them and walks away from the crowd towards the man in the lion mask. Neither Mia nor Olstead say a word, waiting and watching until Gannon returns. He lets out a sigh and speaks. "Unfortunately, seems we will not be able to continue in one's company this day. It looks like we're needed elsewhere today, a matter of great importance. It was a pleasure to finally meet you White, until next time." He nods and turns to walk away, Olstead nods and follows, still keeping quiet. Mia walks back up to Shinoa and shakes her hand again, locking eyes through the slits in their masks. Emerald eyes stare with serious emotion, saying more than what she speaks. "Watch yourself out there, remember that the enemy does not always lurk in the shadows. I'll be looking forward to that proper introduction in the future. Finish quick so you can get what ever has you in a hurry this day, White." She gives a half wave as she turns away from her and goes out to join her brothers, when the lot of them turn and head back towards the Capital. The men remount and the bulk of the group begins it's trek forward, Meno once again leading the march. As Shinoa moves to remount her steed, she notices something out of place in her gear, something in one of her pockets. She moves to check it and notices the end of a envelope, sealed in red wax.

If you can crit a perception check, I'll be sure to tell you when the envelop got put in there.

[Abyssion]

Dice Roll:

1d20+9

(12)+9

Total = 21

Nope.Perception Roll

"I am curious though, you've been at actively hunting for awhile now haven't you? In that time, how many of these witches used their craft against you?"

"Well, I went on my first hunt when I was just 13. That's when I learned I had a knack for it. It's been a long time since then, and I haven't kept track of how many since before I even put on this mask."

"Unfortunately, seems we will not be able to continue in one's company this day. It looks like we're needed elsewhere today, a matter of great importance. It was a pleasure to finally meet you White, until next time."

"It was a pleasure, Lord Gannon." Shinoa nods back.

"Watch yourself out there, remember that the enemy does not always lurk in the shadows."

"That's because the shadows can't hide them from the White Reaper," Intimidate:

Dice Roll:

1d20+7

(15)+7

Total = 22

Shinoa said as their eyes locked, though she quickly laughed it off.

"I'll be looking forward to that proper introduction in the future. Finish quick so you can get what ever has you in a hurry this day, White."

"Indeed, I will, Mia. Until next time."

As Shinoa moves to remount her steed, she notices something out of place in her gear, something in one of her pockets. She moves to check it and notices the end of a envelope, sealed in red wax.

Strange. I hope it's from Mia. Maybe then her intentions will start to make more sense.

Shinoa pulled out her bag and started ruffling through her things, making sure her back was to the crowd. She then pulled out the envelope from her pocket and took a quick glance at it to see if there was anything written on it, or if she could identify the seal used.

Dice Roll:

1d20+9

(9)+9

Total = 18

Perception.

Dice Roll:

1d20+2

(3)+2

Total = 5

Knowledge Nobility or Local

After this, she safely stored it in her bag and mounted Sypha like nothing had happened.

[Spazztick]

Forward March. Shinoa's look through the mask draws a reaction out of Mia, she shifts her posture back about a half an inch and her eyes that showed a faint smile before, now showed noticeable excitement. She flashes a quick wink as she turns to walk away, raising her right hand haphazardly waving goodbye, talking as she walks. "Well said White, well said...hope you're right!" Of the entire interaction, she could sense no ill will towards her, in fact if Shinoa didn't know better, she'd think it was the complete opposite. While she sneak a peak at the envelope, she notes the seals a mark she does not recognize, it was a globe with an eye in it's center, the entire thing engulfed in fire. Her mind can only place the idea of a globe wreathed in fire, back to some lore in regards to a very old order. In to what regards their purpose was, she could not recall, but she was fairly certain the symbol is not the same. When finished examining it, she tucks it way into her pack, confident that none gave her a second glance. Meno leads them along their path, making a turn north west, onto a well traveled trail off the main road. They were only a few minutes out of Rumri Village, when they turned on a less traveled path, heading up a slow climb to crest a hill. Once upon it's top, they halted and gathered up. At the base of the hill on the other side, a large clearing with fields that had once been plowed, but now were long since abandoned. They could not see anything through the canopy, but Meno began to speak out to the lot of them, his voice projecting itself clearly for all to hear. "We are all but there now, down this hill and across that field is the abandoned church. Well, once abandoned... If it is as we expect it to be, there will be at least six acolytes of evil laying in wait. They may know we've come, or they may not be expecting our arrival, what they will be is dangerous... as you all know, they are witches, ones who have abandoned humanity to pursue the darkest of arts, the kind of thing that led to the horrors of our history. Stay vigilant and should they not come willingly to accept judgement for their crimes, than they are to be put to death on the spot. I implore you, let none escape. Else this sickness will just keep rearing it's nasty head, polluting the minds and hearts of those we hold dear to us. I can only imagine the lot of you feel as I do, in that I would never wish for my own daughter to fall at the hands of these monsters, being used as a sacrifice to appease wicked gods of old." He continues to speak for a moment, his once more monotone voice protruding a bit more conviction than before, and the crowd is responding well to it. "But have no fear, even if their numbers our great... we have with us one of Tul'cadré's greatest weapons against such evil, the White Reaper herself." There's a cheer from all around, their excitement practically exuding out of their pores. They raise their weapons in the air an let out a cheer, that's far louder than it should be. He raises the hand to hush them. "Enough, ready yourselves." Once he finishes speaking, he turns to the White Reaper and gestures down the hill. "On your lead Reaper." Meno Car says while bowing his head slightly.

[Abyssion]

Throughout the speech, Shinoa stayed silent, looking down on the abandoned church like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey.

"On your lead Reaper." Meno Car says while bowing his head slightly.

Shinoa nodded back, then lead her horse down the hill, Taking a ten on perception for 19scanning the area for ambushes. When she was within 30 feet of the church, she dismounted, readying her sword in hand and her backpack, bow, and shield on her person. She carefully approached the church front door, passively cycling between Detect Magic, Evil, and Chaos.

Dice Roll:

1d20+9

(8)+9

Total = 17

Perception on the door.

OOC If the detection/perception doesn't give any readings, Shinoa will open the door.

[Spazztick]

Shinoa's Advance She leads the march down towards the field, when it opens up she can see the rugged old church. Visibility is perfectly clear, if a bit on the darker side due to the cloud filled sky. It's a two story building, with a pointed roof and a bell tower on the west side of it. There's a deck at the first floor that stretches around both sides, and likely around the back as well. On the second floor she can see four windows, three are boarded, while one remains open leading out onto a small flat section on the roof. She rides to a point before dismounting, most of the others keep their distance much further back, only Meno and his guards risk moving closer to the building. When Shinoa's a fair distance from the others, she starts detecting magic and immediately notices a handful of lingering aura's around her, she looks up at the deck that stretches around the front of the church, seeing remnants of magic in the air from harmless spells being practiced. She edges forward and notes a still active spell on the floor at the base of the door, he examines it closer and note's it's of the abjuration school. There is no sound from within the building, but now she's certain that there have been magic users here quite recently, if they are not still inside. She currently does not detect anything evil or chaotic, nor does she detect any remnants of those vibes here, just the weak magic auras.

[Abyssion]

"Smells like foul magicks. Be cautious."

Shinoa examined the old wooden double doors. Seemed easy enough to break down, but there was an active spell on it of the Abjuration school. That generally meant one of two things: either the door was magically reinforced, or the witches inside would be alerted as soon as you walked through the door. Knowledge Arcana

Dice Roll:

1d20+5

(1)+5

Total = 6

Shinoa tried to discern the nature of the spell

Shinoa noticed after closer examination that the spell wasn't truly on the door, but around it, meaning the spell would alert the witches inside. Probably. She was feeling really uncertain about her witch hunting expertise in this moment. Perhaps it would be best to avoid the door all together, she thought.

She returned to the group of Meno and his guards, close enough to talk without shouting. "The front door is warded. I need a boost into the open window." Shinoa pointed to the guard who looked the most courageous (taking ten on sense motive) and beckoned him to follow her to the window.

OOC Taking ten on climb + the aid another from the guard will get me a high enough roll to climb up into the window. Detecting magic along the way as usual. Dice Roll: 1d20+9 (19)+9 Total = 28 Here's another perception roll if you'd like

[Spazztick]

Lieutenant Flinn Meno nods at Shinoa when she speaks, turning to look at the same guard that the she picked out to go help her. "Go ahead Lieutenant." Meno gestures forward, he obliges without argument and follows the White Reaper to the edge of the deck, near one of the support pillars that hold up the roof. With his boost, Shinoa easily makes it onto the roof, pulling herself the rest of the way up and slowly making her way towards the window. Her eyes instantly catch sight of movement inside, as a form backs away from the window and panicked whispers can be heard. The quick glimpse revealed much, that person a very young woman with ragged blonde hair. Just how long was hard to tell from the time she was able to glance at her. Her ears prove to be just as keen as her eyes, as she makes out at least four bodies moving inside. She see's that on the flat area in front of the window, there are a three plates of half eaten food. Her magic detection determines that the water in the glasses have all been conjured with magic somehow. Inside the window, she see's more signs of faint magic use, knowing that the witches are inside the room with the open window, and now they are aware of her presence.

[Abyssion]

To her delight, Shinoa had the element of surprise. She ran through the door, shield and sword ready, running up as close to one of the people as she could before they were able to react.

Dice Roll:

1d20+6

(8)+6

Total = 14

Initiative

Activating the purity judgement, which gives me +1 to saving throws"There is no hiding from the White Reaper"

Dice Roll:

3d20

20, 1, 19

Total = 40

Each get +3.Caster level checks as requested

[Spazztick]

Fear the Name. Shinoa moves with a quickness, covering the rest of the distance of the roof and leaping through the tall open window. She lands in a fairly clean and quite large room, the wood flooring has been swept and kept well maintained for a fair amount of time. There are six beds, three on each side of the long room, and six figures total, four of them huddled in the back of the room. The fifth stands out in front of them all, a thick wooden stick in his hand and the sixth standing right in front of the other children, arms out protectively. The realization sets in immediately, as she moves into the room and speaks, closing the distance to the boy that stands out front. "They are children, all of them." The two who are not huddled together panicked are obviously the oldest, though neither of them looks that they could be a day passed their thirteenth year. The rest of them look as if they're years haven't even reached the double digits. The White Reaper's words strike an obvious fear in the lot of them. Even the boy in the front with the stick, begins to cower back slightly, though he does not give his ground. Shinoa is able to get in and make her way within ten feet of the boy, weapon out and at the ready. His eyes are wide as he swings the stick back and forth, his words shouting out with reckless abandon. "D..d...Don't come any closer!! I w..w...won't let you hurt my family! I don't care wh...wh..who you are!" There are cries from the children behind him, the older girl tries to comfort them, but she too has tears running down her face. Shinoa detects magic on all of them, at least one aura is active, and she can feel more than that on the boy in the front. All of the energies are faint in strength, but the magic is very real. Shinoa had dealt with casters before, more than probably all of the other "witch hunters" of Tul'cadre combined. Her insight to see magic for what it was, gave her an edge beyond that of an average man. She had seen fire conjured from the hands of man, used to burn innocent people alive. She had seen creatures summoned from thin air, that had tried to attack her, and in one such case nearly cost her, her life in the process. In all of this time, she had only encountered a small number of children in this regard. They were always alone and none were as young as the children in the back of the room. Despite all of it, the magic was true and ripe in the air, there was absolutely no doubt in her mind that there was a form of sorcery here. What for, still remained to be seen.

It is your initiative, you are 10 feet from the boy in the front, none of them wear any physical armor, and outside of a stick in the boys hands, none of them hold any weapons.

[Abyssion]

They really are just children. They must have all lost their parents, and now turn to magic to survive. How pitiful. I'll end all of your suffering soon.

Actions in combat 1. Drop shield (free) 2. Cast Litany of Sloth on the boy in front. He cannot cast defensively this turn. (Swift) 3. Charge the boy (full round) 4. Attack with the long sword two-handed for nonlethal damage. +2 charge -4 to attack nonlethally Attack roll: Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (20)+5 Total = 25 Damage Dice Roll: 1d8+6 (8)+6 Total = 14 Oh ****. Rolling to confirm critical hit and extra damage if it's a crit Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (6)+5 Total = 11 Dice Roll: 1d8+6 (7)+6 Total = 13

[Spazztick]

(I like being able to say "Oh shoot, that's a max damage crit... not, oh your crit follow up adds 3 damage "yippie", and things like that... same goes towards low damage crits.)I don't do rolling damage for critical hits, just multiply your original roll by the modifier on the weapon. Will let you know on Skype when I got a post up for you, nice hit though, you'll be surprised to see the boy is still standing, with his senses quite jarred. Off to run some errands, hit you back soon.)

[Spazztick]

What makes a boy a man? With swift feet, Shinoa bolts forward and swings at the boy, her movements causing him to react defensively as he tries to avoid being hit. His movements are much slower than hers, unable to even raise his stick to deflect as the flat of the blade meets the boys head. The thwack echoes through the room and he stumbles to his side, the blow nearly knocking him senseless. The girl in the back screams. "Able! Noo! Please stop, we aren't hurting anybody!!" She continues to scream and cry in the background. To Shinoa's surprise, the boy recovers from her strike, shaking his head and screaming as he swings at her with his stick. "AHHH!!!" She moves to deflect the swing, but the strength behind the boys swing was not something she'd accounted for. 9 damageWhen it hits it nearly forces her over, the stick breaking in half in the process. Sharp pain shoots through her shield arm, as a the thought of leaving behind her shield suddenly seemed like a bad idea. After his swing, the boy wobbles in his step for a moment holding his broken stick in his hand. Behind him the young blonde haired girl runs forward behind him, reaching her hand out she puts it flat on the boys back. "Please hear my prayer." A radiant light flashes in the air, as fairly potent magic washes over the boy, making the bruise on his head all but vanish. When a moment ago he looked ready to fall over, now he was completely invigorated. There was no doubt about it, the girl behind him had healed. She then cowers back in the place behind him, fear in her eyes as they hold their ground. The other children stay huddled in the back of the room, as the sound of movement from outside is apparent. Apparently Meno was preparing to move as well.

 

Your Initiative.

Enemy	Lowest AC Hit	Damage Dealt	Visible Gear	Conditions	Known Buffs
Young Male with Stick	25	14(Non-Lethal)	Broken Stick	Well	Unknown
Young Female	?	None	None	Well	Unknown

Warning: rolls have been deleted from this post.

[Abyssion]

"Able! Noo! Please stop, we aren't hurting anybody!!"

"I'm not doing this for others' safety. I'm doing it for you."


Shinoa preferred to have this settled before Meno's men showed up and killed either of these two, and that meant targeting the healer first.

Actions in combat 1. 5 foot step to be next to the healer (free) 2. Switch judgement to +1 (+2 vs humans) to attack rolls 3. Attack the healer nonlethally Attack: Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (13)+5 Total = 18 Damage: Dice Roll: 1d8+6 (7)+6 Total = 13

Dice Roll:

1d20+9

(3)+9

Total = 12

Perception roll, as requested

[Spazztick]

Swiftly Executed The White Reaper steps around the boy, coming within reach of the girl as she smacks her with the flat of her blade. She doesn't even have a chance to let out a cry, as she falls in a heap on the ground, unconscious. The boy leaps towards Shinoa, his fire only growing brighter as one of his own was knocked down. "Jessi!!! DAMN YOU!" He tosses his stick aside and leaps forward, trying to punch the masked woman. She leans out of the way of the punch, evading it much easier now that she wasn't underestimating the kid. From outside Shinoa heard a commotion, as the advance seems to have stopped moving. There are some shouts, but she can't make out any words over the boys screaming. In the room, the other children start to shift more towards one of the corners, a small girl messy short hair stays standing where they were originally, tears running down her face and a strange look in her eye.

 

Your Initiative.

Enemy	Lowest AC Hit	Damage Dealt	Visible Gear	Conditions	Known Buffs
Young Male with Stick	25	14(Non-Lethal)	None	Well	Unknown
Young Female	18	13(Non-Lethal)	None	Unconscious	Unknown