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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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(Shamelessly stolen from LordDillon's 4e game)
Welcome to the Bloodsand Arena, classic 4e D&D Dark Sun adventure.
This is the IN CHARACTER Thread for The Bloodsand Arena. Please subscribe to this thread; for future ease of locating it I recommend using a quicklink.
This thread is specifically for IN CHARACTER actions and conversations. In this thread you should put in quotes and either bold or colorize what your PC is saying. You can describe the PC’s actions in regular color and non-bold text.
To perform rolls for the game we will use the in-thread dice-roller. When you describe dice rolls and any questions or comments related to those rolls (i.e. not something your PC is saying or doing) please do that in greyed out text - this is easiest to perform by typing this: [ color=grey ] text you want to ask about + roll [/color ] but without the spaces. It will turn out like this: Sample text + note. For further examples of what this should look like, please see this excellent play by post thread: wavemotion’s game.
The Out Of Character thread has been put up and in it you can ask questions, clarify rules, discuss things amongst yourselves (tactics, plans, etc.).
RULES FOR THE PLAY-BY-POST GAME:
1. Posting Schedule: players should post a minimum of once every 3 days. More is preferred, but I understand the difficulties of posting more than once every day or two. I will be online every day and will check and respond to anyone who has performed an action or asked a question. Generally once everyone has responded to a situation, we will move on even if 3 days has not passed.
2. If a player misses the posting deadline, the game will go on and that person will be skipped. If this happens in the middle of combat the PC misses their turn. If it happens during a role-playing or decision making point, then that PC is assumed to remain quiet and assent to whatever decision the other PCs have come to.
3. If a player knows they are going to be out of internet range for an extended period, they can arrange for another player to post for their PC if they feel it necessary. This is at the discretion of the two players and the DM will okay it with a word of approval from BOTH players.
4. This should go without saying in this group, but please be respectful towards your fellow players and the DM. This game is meant to be fun and I’d like to keep it that way. I know none of you really need this reminder, but it is better to have it as a general rule than not mention it.
5. I am basically running this Rules as Written, but there may be small areas where I will change something or make a judgment call to house-rule something. I will let you know in advance if I do so, or it will be as a result of one of you asking about something.
6. Please feel free to ask me anything else that you would like to know.
7. Please avoid the use of curse words. I prefer to avoid the use of curse words in my RPs, and I ask that you do the same. I will thank you in advance for this!
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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For Kindrock, Suldin, and Vinara:
Tyr is a city-state in chaos, and paradigms across Athas are snapping. Kalak, one of the nearly omnipotent sorcere-kings, is dead. A band of rebels, now known as the Deposers of Kalak, laid low the centuries-old tyrant. In the wake of the great arcanists' downfall, the city's oppressive orderhas crumbled. Factions struggle for power, snatching at scraps of influence and wealth as templars, Kalak's agents, struggle to reassert civic authority. Howls of anarchy mix with the joyous whoops of freed slaves in a cacophony that has yet to quiet since the world turned on its head.
You thought the bedlam Kalak's death created would afford you a measure of protection from your current troubles. So confident were you that you opted to throw the dice in a couple of questionable financial opportunities. Apparently those who lost while you gained alerted bounty hunters to your whereabouts. Now desperate for a discreet way to flee the nearly lawless Tyr, you've accepted work with an elf trader named Kaldras. He needed a few able-bodied workers to guard his caravan and care for his beasts as they journey to Altaruk, a town southeast of Tyr. Once there, Kaldras plans to reunit with the rest of his tribe, unload his cargo, and pay you 50 gold pieces in ceramic. By posing as respectable hired hands, you hope to evade your pursuers and find a new, less colofrul path when you reach Altaruk.
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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For Morg, Pak'Cha, and Ulieth:
Highsun, the hottest month of the year, is brutal on everyone, including your band of outcast refugees living in the foothills of the Ringing Mountains north of the city-state of Tyr. When your gang moved to its current camp during the cooler months, game was plentiful enough, and the spirits of the land answered your calls with occasional finds of water buried beneath the cracked stones and within cacti near your hideout.
Now, the oppressive heat has tkaen a toll on your gruop of escaped slaves, former convicts, and displaced tribal folk. Your band's small stores of water are running dangerously low, and the cacti have long since been desiccated. Your hunters must travel farther to find prey, and they return with less to eat. The camp turns to you, its trusted leader and fighters, to bring back sustenance before more of your outcast kin die in the rocky badland hideaway.
You gather up your meager possessions and set out for Tyr, where you hope to find a way to earn some coin or barter for supplies. Just outside the city-state, you hear rumors that is citizenry is in open rebellion, and its sorcerer-king, Kalak, is dead. Such disorder has surely sparked a mad grab for precious resources, dashing your hope.
As you skirt Tyr's boundaries, you spy an elven caravan heading southeast. You notice the elves have a few workers along and ask the carava master, Kaldras, if he could use a few more hands. He hires you to guard the caravan and care for his beasts. Once in Altaruk, you can collect your 50 gold pieces in ceramic apiece and either purchase supplies there or head to Grak's Pool, a nearby oasis, to obtain water.
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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Welcome to the world of Athas, a land of harsh survival and savage adventure. A land of harsh climates and harsher creatures. A few cities dot the land, small beacons of civilization that offer only a modicum of safety.
One such area is called Tyr. For centuries, this area has been ruled over by Sorcerer-Kings; beings thought to be immortal and omnipotent. But everything's changed recently when a spear impaled Kalak, the sorcerer-king of Tyr. The sudden end of King Kalak's oppressive reign has left Tyr and its citizens in chaos and confusion. It is a time when freedom glimmers weakly in a single city-state. It is a time when the people look to make their fortunes, or their escapes.
An elf trader named Kaldras is moving his small caravan of goods, along with his family, from Try to Altaruk, where the rest of his tribe awaits him. Knowing the perils of the journey, Kaldras has sought out able-bodied adventurers to guard the caravan and care for his family kanks. The caravan has just left Tyr when it hires on a few more guards (Morg, Pak'Cha, and Ulieth), doubling the size of its entourage.
As you gather on the road, withering waves of heat lap at you, borne on a dusty desert breeze. It is Highsun, the hottest and most oppressive time of year. You are walking along a cracked and hard trade road leading away from Tyr.
Wrapped in dun-colored traveling tunics, Kaldras and his elven family of eight take large, measured strides down the path. Two kanks - large, black, insectlike creatures often used as beasts of burden - carry the cargo Kaldras purchased in Tyr. The goods are mostly mundane ceramic wares, and you can't imagine they'll sell for much in Altaruk's market quarter. As you settle into your traveling gait, you notice the elves are competent and careful caravan guides. You feel confident that you and the other hired strangers will be able to easily fulfill your commitment over the next several scorching days.
As the caravan begins its travel, please take this opportunity for your characters to introduce themselves and get to know each other. Also, please let me know what your character will be doing while the caravan moves, and where he/she usually takes their place (ie, in the front, in the rear, to the side, in the middle, etc).
Game on!
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Chun Ping
Singapore
Singapore
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Morg looks over to Kindrock, Suldin, and Vinara
"You guys are outlaws as well? Doesnt seems to be a good time to be guarding a caravan isnt it? Bloody hot sun. I will die of thrist before anything else if a fight were to break out."
Morg slowly heads over to the back of the caravan (on the right hand side) and cleared out a spot to sit down among the ceramic wares
Thinking to self: always take the back seat. Raiders invariably attacks from the blind spots at the sides. Only way to ensure survival is to be the first to jump out and get into the fight. The other group looks to be some magic users, they will probably cower inside when the first arrow hits.
Morg motions Pak'Cha to come over
"Pak'Cha, keep a look out over the west will ya? You are read handy in such situations (pun intended) "
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Stian Kristiansen
Norway
oslo
oslo
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Considering the state Tyr is in, pretty much everyone are outlaws these days Kindrok says defensively. There is no reason to tell these strangers everything. Not yet at least.. Kindrock studies the Mul. Muscular, large scars and well-equipped with weapons. That one is a fighter alright. Well, an extra pair of hands wont hurt. He looks over at the Thri-Kreen. Or two pairs.
I'm Kindrok.
Kindrok glances at the muls Greataxe. A decent weapon. Nothing like his iron bastard sword of course, but still..
Nice axe you got there.
Kindrok takes the front of the caravan. The Mul seems to have everything under control back there. Every fool that attack us head on is all mine however.
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Dr. UDO
United States
Chandler
Arizona
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Peace Kindrock I lay my hand on his forearm and turn towards Morg.
Well met Morg. I am Suldin. May you find shade and water this day. You are a welcome sight. With as many as we now are, there are few who would bother us. I glance at the others with Morg. Who are your friends?
My mind wanders as I contemplate the best way to guard the caravan. Finally, I decide to take a spot near Kaldras so I can talk with him more and find out more of the dangers in the area and what to expect.
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Matt Johnston
United States
Lewiston
Idaho
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I see Morg engaging the caravan workers in conversation. The one called Suldin asks about me & Pak'Cha. I give him a pointed, silent stare. Morg is handy in a fight but ultimately, I always seem to end up on my own. I have no need of knowing the names of these caravan workers.
I leave the others to chat and banter pleasantries while I drift towards the rear of the caravan. From there, I should be able to keep an eye on things. More importantly, no one will be behind my back.
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Chun Ping
Singapore
Singapore
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Alarmed that his new companions called out his name without him giving them his introduction, his senses went into an overdrive. Could these be hired blades from the city of Gulg?
Instinctively, Morg's hand slided carefully on the the hilt of his stone axe.
Let's play them out and see what they are up to.
Well met Suldin, my name is Morg. Don't let our company fool you into complacency. In times dark like these, people will kill even for the slightest amount of coins. Mark my words and never to let your guards down.
What kind of combat magic do you wield? We can all use some tactical support during a fight.
Dont be impulsive, Morg. Find out more about them before jumping into conclusion.
Turning to Kindrok,
A trusty axe indeed. Got the bone from one giant mammoth during one of my hunt with Pak'Cha. You generally wont want to be in the way when I swing it.
Suddenly it strikes Morg. He had engraved his name on the broad side of the axe after one of the pack hunts back at their hideout.
An observant bunch. Morg thought to himself, lowly shifting his hand away from his handaxe.
Turning back to Suldin, Morg introduced his companions,
Ulieth, is a fellow gadiator. He may be a silent one but wait until you see him in battle. A great warrior to have him watching your back. Pak'Cha is a shaman from the Tablelands. She's much more talkative so I will leave it to her to tell her you story.
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Dr. UDO
United States
Chandler
Arizona
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The mention of magic makes Suldin cautious. Magic? I'm afraid most of my magic is contained in these. He reaches into his cloak and pulls his obsidian dagger out, tossing it up into the air with a flourish and then quickly replacing it. He would like to find out more about his new companions before revealing any powers.
Of course, that kind of magic is maybe the most necessary for us all. He laughs good naturedly. We are of Tyr but unless I miss my guess, neither of us wants to say much more on the subject. Nevertheless, I would chat more with you Morg. Any man who carves his name on his axe is certainly confident in his abilities.
Most of my guard work has been in the city. I wish to talk to Kaldras and expand my knowledge of the journey we are on. Would you like to come with me? Suldin gestures towards the caravan owner. He hopes the mul will come as he senses that the man may be a valuable ally and certainly a deadly enemy. You may be able to tell me more of the area as well. What dangers will we face?
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Brent T.
United States
Zionsville
Indiana
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Vinara reflects:
Why would he announce himself and his band as outlaws? Is he an agent of nefarious means trying to gain our trust? No need to give them anything right now. I'm glad at least we have some fodder to throw at any trouble ahead
Keeping a keen eye on the distance as well as on her new found "comrades", Vinara lingers close to the hired allies to look them over before heading to the posterior left side of the caravan. She peers into the ceramic wares to see what they hold. She is suspicious that someone would pay 300 gp to guard this worthless cargo and wonders what they are REALLY guarding.
I'm Vinara. I cannot consider anyone an outlaw when there are no laws in this land. That's all they need to know right now, until I know more about them.
Glancing across the horizon she can see far in the distance. At least the visibility is with us. As Suldin has taken a spot talking to Kaldras, She tries to speak with the nearest elf to see if she can glean any information.
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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Zhuge wrote: She peers into the ceramic wares to see what they hold. She is suspicious that someone would pay 300 gp to guard this worthless cargo and wonders what they are REALLY guarding.
As Vinara peers into the packs attached to the kanks, she sees exactly what Kaldras said it was: ceramics. A large load of ceramic wares; nothing too spectacular or fancy. As roots around inside, Kaldra's sharp and stacatoed voice cuts through the air. You there! Keep your hands to yourself, and don't go meddling around with my wares. You break anything and it will come out of your pay!
As for those who wish to speak with Kaldras or any of the other elves; make sure to ask them questions! In other words, don't forget to write in what your players are actually asking 
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Chun Ping
Singapore
Singapore
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Don't let me hold you up Suldin, I prefer to take the shade beside these huge Kanks
Morg declined Suldin's invitation with a hearty laugh. Even though he is not considered smart, his times with Pak'Cha have taught him some wisdom. It is obvious that this caravan holds something more valuable than just these ceramic wares, and most of his new companions have visibly noticed that. Sensing a battle ahead, Morg feels that it's better to forge the trust as soon as possible so they can fight better in case of emergency.
After a few moments, Morg shouted towards the front of the caravan,
Say Suldin, have you found out what kind of trouble is our host expecting? I would rather have you guys guarding my flanks when danger strikes. Come back over when you are done and we can have proper introductions.
Morg is careful with his choice of words. Flanks, not backs. He only trust Pak'Cha and Ulieth in that aspect. And oh, Pak'cha's spirit companions as well.
Morg the extend his hand towards Kindrok for a friendly handshake.
I have ventured far from my home town for my freedom. I usually hunt for food with my mates back in our hideout. But recently the games have been rare in the forest and we are forced to come out to the cities to find food. City life is not to my taste, and such mercenary works honestly doesn't thrill me. But for what it's worth, it's better than starving.
I can tell that you are a gladiator as well, Morg pointed to Kindrok's bastard sword, So you should know what I mean when I said I came for my freedom. So what brings you to Tyr?
Minor edits due to the caravan misunderstanding
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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FYI - One other note, to make sure things are clear. While this is called a caravan, it isn't your normal caravan. Instead of wagons, they have large beetle-like beasts of burdens (kanks), which are used to carry the wares. While it is possible to sit atop them; you notice the elves are all on foot - preferring to move faster.
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Eetu Vuokko
Finland
Helsinki
Ponies!
No more ponies!
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Well met. I see that Morg has already made a brief introduction of us all. As he said I was to be the shaman of my pack, but ... things happened. Now I'm the only one left, and we'll mostly spending time with other people in north of Tyr. Drought has now driven us to search for water.
Pak'cha thinks that there are too many guards, well paid ones, for a cargo such as this. She can see that some of her new companions have already taken some interest in the true nature of the cargo, but she's not interested in that now. Somebody knows, and that means danger. Pak'cha takes lookout on the back of the caravan, looking for signs of anything following them.
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Dr. UDO
United States
Chandler
Arizona
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Suldin strides up to Kaldras More guards Kaldras? It seems like you are expecting trouble. He glances at the merchant from the corner of his eye, always keeping an eye on him without looking away from his surroundings. I know you hired us for the job but I would like to find out more of where we will be going. What dangers do you expect? The better prepared we are, the more likely we'll earn your gold and keep all of our heads attached.
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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Kaldras glances at the approaching human, inwardly groaning at the approach. After all, he hired them for their skills and prowess; not for conversation.
Despite his apparent disdain for conversation, the elf quickly pipes in with his response. Surely you know of the route between Tyr and Altaruk. The journey is hard, to be sure. Raiders are known to occupy the desert; preying upon any caravan they can raid. Deadly, they are - taking no prisoners.
But they aren't the worst. Oh, no. Athas is a cruel mistress; and the sun and sands will do their worst to prevent us from reaching Altaruk. We'll have to cross the stony barrens, traverse the sandy wastes, and then wind our way through the badlands.
Kaldras leans in a little closer, putting a greater empahsis on his next few sentences. He wants this group to understand their duty. I'll be relying on you and your fellows to help keep our caravan out of trouble and moving quickly along. I won't put with stragglers or whiners. You do your job, and you get paid. You cause me to lose any of my wares, and your pay will be docked. And, if you can get us there quickly, well - the less likely the chances will be of the sands claiming one of your lives! Ha!
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Brent T.
United States
Zionsville
Indiana
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Moving up to the closest elf, Vinara asks, My apologies for the interest in your wares, but I see article that remind me of my homeland. What say you, do you always need 6 warriors to protect you and your family? I am unfamiliar with this land and would like to know about these raiders.
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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The elf gives a small grunt as the woman approaches him. He can't help but raise his one eyebrow out of curiosity as she speaks to him. Usually, the help always tries chatting with Kaldras. When he speaks, his voice comes out in sharp and short sentences. It is obvious that he is not speaking his native language.
Raiders? They are everywhere in the desert. Some are organized. Some are ragtag groups of misfits. All are dangerous. Especially Yarnath. It is better to hire extra guards and make a lose a little profit, than to hire fewer guards and lose one's life; wouldn't you agree?
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Dr. UDO
United States
Chandler
Arizona
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Suldin gazes directly at Kaldras. He was raised a noble this caravan owner does not intimidate him. Rest your mind on that acoount. I am sure that with the extra guards we will be able to handle things. His gaze hardens. As your guard however, If I find you have been keeping information from us that would help us prepare, I will be less than pleased.
Suldin's gaze softens and he claps Kaldras on the shoulder. But I'm sure that won't be necessary. I shall do my duty than.
Suldin moves back to talk with Morg some more.
Our employer wasn't very happy with my questions. I expect that he anticipates more than his fair share of trouble this trip. Suldin's gaze wanders over the caravan. He works at trying to percieve what might be different that would have Kaldras worried.
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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A glance over the caravan reveals nothing out of the ordinary. A team of kanks laden with ceramic wares; a team of handlers and peddlers; and their guards. Despite your feeling of uneasiness, you can't determine that anything looks out place.
As you stand, staring at the caravan, Kaldras' voice cuts through the air once more. I sure hope you lot are as easy with your swords as you are with your tongues! Daylight's wasting here, and we've a long ways to go!
Feel free to continue with the conversations and banter. We'll head into the first leg of the journey a bit later. I specifically wanted this opening as a chance for everyone to get to acquainted and to get a feel for how things will be. And, to get a feel for what might lie ahead...
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Matt Johnston
United States
Lewiston
Idaho
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Ulieth hears Kaldras talk about the dangers of raiders and know them to be true. Before being cast out of his tribe, they took many a caravan like this one as their spoils.
As Ulieth drifts near the rear of the group, he calls to one of the other elves in the caravan in their native tongue, hoping to gain extra insight into the nature of their new employer.
{Elvish} Ho there, kin. What sort of master is Kaldras? Does he pay on time? Have you made this journey before?
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Unknown Ediology
United States
Tennessee
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The elf glances up; a bit surprised to hear his tongue from one of the guards. However, he gives a knowing smile as he spots the man's pointed ears.
Well met! I did not expect to see another elf on this journey. Kaldras is a good man; he is our kin, after all! A true leader among my tribe. If you are worried about your pay, do not worry - Kaldras is always prompt when it comes to money. He may be loathe to part with it, but if the services are apt, he'll comply.
The journey is arduous. The desert has claimed many lives; especially when the sand winds blow. On occasion we have encountered bandits along the way; which is why we hire guards! No fears, though; I'm sure you and your companions will be able to deal with whatever we might come across!
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Chun Ping
Singapore
Singapore
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After hearing about Suldin's conversation with their hirer, Morg is all the more certain that troubles lies ahead. No sane mind will risk such treacherous routes to earn a few coin from such ordinary wares. If some spare coins were indeed their aim, they would have been better served visiting the various tribal hideouts peppered around the city of Tyr. But since his employer is unwilling to diverge more information, all they can do is to be battle ready.
Morg replied Suldin,
It sure seems like there's gonna be a battle ahead isnt it? Better to get our weapons sharpen. Did Kaldras mentioned whether we should prioritize protecting them or his wares?
Morg takes out a sharpening stone from his back pack. He untied his wrist razor and begin sharpening it. The razor is one of Morg's favorite secret weapon, many a foe have been gutted by it unexpectedly. Only those who can withstand and parry his Devastating Strike have the honor to be slain by his waist razor. Most of the victims do not see it coming when Morg surges his right arm forward while their weapons are locked up in a parry. The truth is that the blade is already razor sharp and is in no need of a sharpening. Morg is doing it more because of a habit, whenever he is about to get into a fight, he feels at ease sharpening his weapons. After all, as the old saying goes, a fighter is only as deadly as his weapon is.
Habitually, Morg glanced over to both side of the desert in hope of catching a glimpse of the trouble to come. He also hovered his eyes over his new companions, hoping to discern the weapons they use and their fighting styles.
Nature Check: 1d20 + 5 = (12) + 5 = 17
Perception Check: 1d20 = (13) = 13
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Stian Kristiansen
Norway
oslo
oslo
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cpf86 wrote: Morg the extend his hand towards Kindrok for a friendly handshake.
Kindrok grabs the hand, and gives it a short but firm squeeze. He gives Morg half a smile as well.
Aye, I'm a gladiator. I grew up in Tyr, and have been there most of my life. For the most part I have been doing what I do best Kindrok says, tapping his sword lightly, either by guarding wares like we are now or by fighting in the Arena. And unlike you, I much prefer a city over the wilderness. Cities might be filthy and full of scum, but a mug of ale is never far away. He grins. A city has like the wilderness both predators and prey.
Kindrok gives Morg a joyful look.
And I'm the former!
He laughs, and continues to search the surroundings for any trouble. He has done this before, and he feels confident that he can deal with whatever may happen.
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