Marie had to excuse herself for a short while, as they others prepared themselves for the trouble to come. She wasn't about to leave Josette tied up on the street for any vagabond or ruffian to steal. She had to seek out what appeared to be a reputable stable before she could in good conscience return. This was no place for steed's, after all. Now, the Knight of the Realm stood on her own two legs, which would have surely elicited tuts from fellow Knights and higher ranked nobles. But innocents needed her, as did her companions.

"A fine idea mon amour. Unleash our fury from a distance, and then stand firm behind a wall of steel. Are we all in agreement?" she replied to Etain, and asked everyone in turn as she drew her sword and unslung her shield from her back.

The heraldry of the shield may be battered, but it was still proud. And ready to defend the group from all dangers.

OOC Mechanics
08:08, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 55 using 1d10+45. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:09, Tue 30 Apr.

"Sounds good to me." nodded Jareik, unslinging his handgun in a smooth motion and loading it with shot as the others did their own preparations.

"Right then Gille, guess we open the dance. Ready?"

Quickdraw for style points
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Sat 20 Apr.

Gille nodded at Jareik and positioned himself for a clear shot at Ernst.
He waited on Jareik and Arkamir to choose their positions as well.
Once the others were ready to engage into the melee he let out a sight.

"On y va." he wispered, drawing his arrow. Holding his breath he took aimed at Ernst.
Among the chanting, the soft twang of releasing the bow was barely noticeable. Neither was the whizzed sound of the armor piercing arrow crossing the space between Gille and Ernst, seeking its path to the latter's chest.

Gille Milroy rolled 46 using 1d10+41.  Initiative.
Gille Milroy rolled 7 -- 6 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 68.  Aimed shot (BS).
Gille Milroy rolled 9 using 1d10+3.  Damage.

Etain forms tup beside Cecla taking the far side of their battleline, relying on her maneuverability to keep it safer while Marie and Cecla could form a hard hitting armoured line. "After they fire, we move" she whispers to them."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Mon 29 Apr.

The Dwarfen Woman offered no more than a curt nod as she braced shield and axe accordingly. The corner stones of a mild, by the measure of dwarfs, grudge forming in her mind since this or that had thus far ensured no moment of peace. Not even long enough for a full bath and clean up of an unpleasant encounter with trolls. At least the douse in the river had been enough to neutralize the worst of it. either way, neither here nor there as battle was to be had very shortly.

18:46, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 41 using 1d10+39.  Initiative. – 41
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Tue 30 Apr.

Gille's arrow was followed up by a gunfire shot that rang across the cavern, in case anyone missed the comparatively silent whistling of an arrow slicing through air.

Jareik had opted for a safer shot on one of the 4 nearest, wanting to minimise the chance of stray fire hitting one of the captives.
As soon as the shot was fired he put away his rifle and started drawing melee weapons whilst lagging behind Cecla and the rest if they moved forwards.

Hit on one of the closest 4 for 13 damage on the body

17:21, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 7 using 1d10+4.  initiative
17:22, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 12 -- 4 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 60.  Shooting. –
17:23, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 13 using 1d10+4, rerolling max with rolls of 9.  damage

Half action-standard attack
-Half action-put away gun
-Quickdraw-draw sword

This message was last edited by the player at 16:50, Sat 27 Apr.

Under other circumstances, the elf's comment may have spurred a rather energetic display and earful, but as it was, Milly found the whole thing sickening. Not just what they uncovered but even at the present she couldn't help but imagine how they ere going to be chased out of the town for their deeds. The one thing giving her any conviction about the righteousness of their course of action was the fact that their employer was being 'mishandled' but these people. It was hard at times to remember that they were no longer in the Empire and that there was no actual law or authority to invoke in justifying any of their actions as they had in the past. Since she couldn't really do much to the cultists where she stood, Milly advanced on them and hopefully with a much clearer view of the wretches, she started channeling the winds, heralding fiery ruin for them.

---

Half Action Move
Half Action Channeling.
01:55, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 57 -- 1 degree of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 73.  Channelling.

Arkamir was pleasantly surprised by the bright wizard's self control and careful action.  As Jareik fired, Arkamir let loose with an arrow at Ernst, almost as concerned that the man would start hurling black magic as he was of the prospect of the ritual reaching completion.  Once the arrow was in the air, he nocked another and prepared to shoot again.


Half action: Standard attack at Ernst
Half action: reload bow

23:54, Today: Arkamir Ran-Helethel rolled 12 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 50.  Firing an arrow. – 3 degrees of success
23:57, Today: Arkamir Ran-Helethel rolled 11 using 1d10+3.  arrow damage. – 11

Chaos.
No better word encompassed the brief seconds from first shot, disrupting the ritual, and the shock, relief and terror of the captives as they saw you.
The closest cultist was bleeding heavily from the shot, ill equipped to fight or even pose a challenge, with but a ceremonial blade and a rope on his otherwise bare body.
Ernst's skin glew, and those of the winds, knew his aura was protected to a degree. The blows weakened some, and as he was hit, bleeding lightly, the fire in his eyes grew as if imbued by chaotic rage and strength.
The cultists advanced, and in a quick motion, Ernst dipped behind a broken pillar, granting him some cover.
Surprised, the cultists drew blades, and prepared for combat.
Ernst yelled out.
"Our sanctum is breeched. Kill them! torture their limbs so we can feast on them!"

OOC: Roll initiative if you have not already:

Current list:
Ernst: 65   Wounds: 10/16
Jareik: 51
Milly: 50
Etain: 47
Gille: 46
Arkamir: 34
Cultists: 37 12 W, One with a blue cross, is too wounded to fight, not dead.

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...SgNwFYUT7r1Wl4Q/edit
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:40, Fri 03 May.

09:19, Today: Arkamir Ran-Helethel rolled 34 using 1d10+30.  Initiative.

Further into the room and with a better view of the chamber, Milly, having gathered the bright wind, bent it at her command. A blazing curtain burst into being, from the smaller entrance to the room and along its stairs towards the altar, quickly making anybody that would think of fleeing them take pause about that option. "None shall escape! Submit to judgement or be turn to ash!"

---

Full Action: Cast curtain of flames
18:50, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 15 using 2d10+2 ((8,5)). Casting curtain of flame TN 14.

Etain moves in line with the other woman, shield forward and axe held defensively behind her.

OOC: Defensive stance, enemy at -20% to hit.

As long as Gille had a clear line of sight and the cultists were not upon them, he would fire arrow after arrow.
He reloaded and released another arrow, flying less accurate then he had wished. Yet it still landed in a leg of one of the nearest cultists.
Gille offered a silent 'Merci' to the Lady of the lake that his shot was not in vain.

Gille Milroy rolled 61 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 48.  BS.
Gille Milroy rolled 19 -- 2 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 48.  BS FP reroll.
Gille Milroy rolled 5 using 1d10+3.

There wasn't any point to a shield wall if you broke the formation and Cecla had some experience with those formations. A dwarf that didn't was a poor lad or lass by the measure of any Karak. So much like Etain, the runesmith's apprentice braced her shield and kept that gorgeous axe ready to strike, her fist right up against the head so she didn't have to lower her shield to punch out with the keen edge.

OOC: Defensive stance as well.

Great sword fully brandished, Jareik moved past the elf and the archer, pausing for the bright wizard to unleash her magic, and took up position on the flank behind the shield wall.

Orange: Moving and holding behind the trio to charge whichever enemy engages them next turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Fri 03 May.

Ernst moves forward with a sickening smile as he calmly drifts in his eyes and exudes mutterings of glee.
He hums as the room fills, curiously with a tones that appear otherworldly - aethyreal in nature and utterly luring.
Its deep, unsettling and the room fills with a curious light and warmth.
Everyone, even those captured, and the cultists are enthralled.
You feel somewhat sick but also eat ease and if your mind was no longer your own.
Most of the cultists, simply stand, swaying, unable to engage, and the captured merchants sit staring into the distances, completely in trance.

OOC:
Must be rolled before any actions as Ernst goes first!

Ernst casts Pavane of Slaanesh, rolled 21 vs 18, succeed, affects all with 24yards/12 squares(whole room).
-10 WP to counter:
- Failing: Dance and get entranced in magical lure, considered helpless for 2 minutes/20 rounds.
- Breaks if attacked!
- For each minute a victim dances, roll -20% wp or gain 1d2 IP.

As Ernst begins to hum, filling Marie's mind with sickness, even as the sickly warm light embraced her, the Knight of the Realm sent off a quick prayer to her goddess for protection.

"Lady preserve us!" she gasped through a wave of nausea.

But despite the act of devotion, and the glint of clean light that seemed to reflect from her polished armor for a heartbeat, the burly woman began swaying to some unheard music. The clank of armor against itself was almost comical as she began to prance about.

OOC Mechanics
Free Action: Spend FP - Ward of Light

FP: 2/4

-Rolls-
07:50, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 53 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 51. WP Test.
07:50, Today: Marie Arceneaux rolled 69 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 51. FP Reroll.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:59, Fri 10 May.

Etain's mind is swarmed by the humming noise and despite the sickening feeling and knowing that the corrosive malign touch of chaos she begins to dance, an inelegant version of the dances common to her homeland.


Etain Seanait rolled 92 -- 5 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  wp
Etain Seanait rolled 49 -- a simple failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 41.  wp reroll

"What the...?" blurted out Jareik before his limbs started moving of their own accord.

The clanking of steel upon steel from Marie was echoed by Jareik, now enraptured in doing the kind of clumsy jig drunks do in taverns, he could only hope he didn't start trying to grope a feel from a nearby "wench".

09:47, Today: Jareik Schneider rolled 67 -- 3 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 36.  wp

Gille felt the perverted lure of chaos tugging at his mind. Struggling to keep his bow in his hands he prayed for the Lady of the lake the light this dark hour. But the darkness was stronger and the urge to dance become unbearable. Dropping his bow, he raised his hands above his head to dance to the enthralling melody from beyond.

Gille Milroy rolled 87 -- 4 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 38.  Willpower.
Gille Milroy rolled 63 -- 2 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 38.  WP FP reroll.

A dwarf was a hardy thing, more so when faced by any act of the Arcane but even for Cecla it was a hard battle to resist the impulse. That was until she found herself bloody livid at the thought of being subjected to even an ounce of the filthy workings of some cultist sorcerer. It became rather apparent, however, that her ability to shrug off the ensorcellment was not shared among her fellows. A fact that set the dwarf's jaw into a deep grimace as she glance from one dancing figure to the other.

"Snap the bloody hell out of it! This isn't some umgi ball!" the Runesmith's apprentice bellowed, hoping that'd be enough to snap them out of it but doubting it. It wasn't the smartest thing but it was either taking a firmer hand with her friends or try and put a blade to the source of the compulsion. The latter'd be a lot easier with more hands at the task even if the other cultists seem to have gotten caught under the same spell.

She eyed the Lady Knight then and jabbed out with her shield. Hard enough to rattle but hopefully not hard enough to hurt.

"Sorry for this, Lady Knight, but need you're mind on a different sort of foot work!"


17:03, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 14 -- 3 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 47.  FP Reroll. – 3 degrees of success

17:03, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 100 -- 5 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 47.  WP - 10 + 10 (Resist Magic). – 5 degrees of failure

17:16, Today: Cecla Crownshield rolled 79 -- 5 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 27.  Shield strike (off hand penalty). – 5 degrees of failure (Aimed at Marie)

This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Sun 12 May.

Mimi would have been extremely confused if she wasn't able to quite readily see the foul sorcery at play, bending, contaminating the will of her peers. If she didn't know better, she may have started thinking that height had something to do with it too... More importantly, the situation was quickly getting out of hand, all at the tainted whim of the unmasked sorcerer. But it wasn't the tainted energies, the bizarre dancing or the smugness of the cult leader that ignited her ire, they broke bread together while he lied to their faces at the table. That she couldn't overlook or forgive, there were certain cores of common decency that one had to preserve and live by, even in such a spot, far away from all civilization. "Irredeemable..." Her passion and ire took shape in flames dashing towards Ernst, if that was his real name anyway.

---

Half action Channeling
Half action casting
00:23, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 11 -- 5 degrees of success using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 63 with rolls of 11.  Resist dance dance revolution.
01:07, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 84 -- 1 degree of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 73.  Channelling.
01:09, Today: Milly Minhelm rolled 15 using 2d10 with rolls of 9,6.  Fires of U'zhul (6).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Mon 13 May.

The fire burned the possessed mage yet he seemed...eager. Enjoying the lick of fire and the pain, with a sickening glare in his eyes, directed now at Milly.
Almost licking his lips he moved back, swaying, still poised and standing, with intent for more.
As Marie is struck, she feel a sharp pain in her self, breaking her sway into the magic.

---

Ernst: Wounds: 4/16

Cecla: as Marie is helpless, she takes 1d10 additional damage on a hit. As it is unarmed, I am ruling half damage, Which means that she soaks against 19 damage rounded down and halved. Hence 9. If it breaks armor/toughness, she wakes.

Strangely enthralled by the whistling noise Etain continues to dance.

Etain Seanait rolled 95 -- 6 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 31. wp (-10). Test 2
Etain Seanait rolled 62 -- 3 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 31 (62). Test 3
Rolled tests for the next 2 rounds

The fire erupting close to him seemed to inspire Gille even more as he kept on dancing fanatically.
Gille Milroy rolled 97 -- 5 degrees of failure using the Warhammer Test system with a target number of 38 ((97)).