Marching for Morith

[Kreans]

Kreans awoke quickly, eyes opening near instantly and his mind full of purpose, standing up and stretching for a few minutes to ease muscles grown cold in his sleep. His sleeping mat was rolled up and deposited in his pack along with his smaller crafting tools and knives. Everything was reorganised so that none of his skins would have too much pressure or his herbs and foods wouldn't be crushed under too much weight, not that he had that much anyway he had few belongings. Shield and spear were strapped onto his back, his backup spear fixed to the side of his pack within easy reach incase he should need it, hopefully there'd be more killing to be done on this journey, defeating the Dragonfruit monster had relit the fire within him somewhat and left him wanting for more.

Once all was packed and in it's correct place Kreans would set out, heading back in a very similar route to the one that he had followed on the way from Morith to Mardok, except now he was tracing his own steps back to Morith. He'd only been in the city for a day and he was being sent almost straight back to where he'd started, on some level it seemed almost pointless to have made this trip but he knew the benefits of completing this job for the Lord would be worth it in the end if he could harness even a fraction of his power.

Still it was a long walk, he needed to get his claws on a horse of some kind, maybe a carriage or cart along with it so that he could carry materials with him as he travelled, but definitely at least getting a horse would make his journeys significantly quicker than they were now. Not that he had the money for a horse or the knowledge of where to buy one, but still it'd be good if he could get one.

[Kreans]

At the end of his first day of travelling Kreans would set down his pack and breath the evening air deeply into his lungs, savouring the night's air and the thought of the rest that he was about to have for the night. His single dragonfruit became his meal and was finished quite quickly, it was likely that by the end of the next day or the one after he would have to procure some more supplies somehow, that or starve himself. Luckily the Saurian was quite confident in his skills of hunting for game animals as well as his ability to gather Dragonfruit and other edible plants from his surroundings, he'd done his fair share of both previously so he was confident he could find himself a few more meals for the journey at some point in the next few days before his meagre supplies vanished.

For tonight however he'd simply unroll his sleeping mat and use his own pack as a pillow, while sleeping in his armour might not be the most comfortable thing he had no tent and so it helped to insulate him somewhat from the cold as well as granting him the protection it was intended to be used for should anyone or anything attempt to take advantage of his sleeping state. To further reduce the chances he chose an area of bushland that would at least somewhat obscure others vision of him, foregoing a fire to minimise the risk of it pointing him out like a beacon.

When he awoke to the morning sun peaking through the brush he'd repeat his process from the last morning, packing up all of his equipment again and replacing his weapons from where they'd stayed half clenched in his hands during the night to their holders. It would be tiresome after all walking the entire journey with spear out and shield held up to block him. Once all was sorted he would begin again on his second day's travel, it was sure to be a long journey back to Morith and then a lot of hard work to complete his given task.

[Azuloth]

Around midafternoon Kreans comes across the carcass of a wild boar. This boar had several severe wounds, and appears to have bled out. A large bloodtrail leads towards Mallon Forest.

[Kreans]

Most of the day had been spent peacefully walking across the plains towards the ever closer border of Mallon forest, once he was in there he could get himself some decent wood and maybe make himself a few of the other items he'd been lacking materials for. Where out on the plains there were very few trees amongst the woods of Mallon they would stretch seemingly never ending and he could have his pick of which he wanted.

Unfortunately, he was struck from his thoughts of woodcutting and carpentry by a shape on the ground between himself and the forest. As the Skaldi drew closer he brought his spear and shield around, it appeared to be a large boar that was lying in the grass outside of the forest. It was only as he drew closer that the vicious wounds resolved themselves on it's flesh and the trail of blood leading back to the forest became more clear. Judging by the length of the trail it seemed that the boar had been fleeing something and had eventually bled out from the myriad wounds that covered it's body and collapsed where it now lay, a pitiful ending for such a creature yet the one it had gotten.

Kreans took a knee by the corpse, peering behind and around himself before attempting to penetrate the borders of Mallon forest, if he could find even a hint of what it was that did this he'd then be better prepared. A creature capable and confident enough to hunt a grown boar could potentially attempt the same on a Skaldi like himself so he'd have to be on the lookout for it from now on. A toothy grin stole onto his face as his blood rose to the threat of combat again, he needed to feel the thrill of a fight to the death with a proper foe and now he'd have a chance if this creature crossed his sight.

After ensuring that nothing was close enough to come upon him unawares he examined the wounds more closely, if he could identify the monster of weapon they'd come from at least then he'd have a better idea of what he could come across and a more accurate idea of how to defeat it and make it's power his own.

---

Rolling to identify what did this to the boar
Hard (-15) Knowledge (25) ?? Threshold: ??

CoGieuox 3 - 1 - ??
·

[Azuloth]

As Kreans examines the corpse he notices several things of consequence. Large puncture wounds near the neck that didn't sink all the way to the boar's vital arteries in the neck, but came close through all the muscle and fat. What was obviously a spear thrust through half the body, the mortal wound. Claw marks like a cat. Kreans would know the hunter as the dangerous and unreasonable Skoolmak, or Ithe.

He also knew Ithe always came looking for their kills. This one was fresh. It would not be long.

[Kreans]

After some examination of the corpse he concluded it was no simple animal that had caused the damage to this boar, the large wounds leading up to it's neck were deep but not deep enough to sever the major arteries, done by claws long enough to harm but without the length needed to hit something vital. Of the other major wound he had little issue deciphering it's cause, a strong thrust of a spear not unlike the one that he carried on his own back, seeing the claw and spear marks Kreans would grimace, the adrenaline flooding further into his veins as he considered what he was likely about to face.

The Skoolmak were dangerous foes for a single Skaldi, they wielded weapons as Skaldi and the other Cruinthian races did but could also utilise their sharp claws when they desired, each was quite fast and strong and it was rare for them to travel alone. By himself the idea of facing one brought a vicious grin to his face, the idea of potentially facing down a hunting party of them further caused him to growl in a somewhat satisfied manner absent thought.

With the corpse as it was it appeared the animal had not been dead for long, the feline hunters wouldn't leave a kill unattended for too long incase scavengers were present in the area, Kreans likely wouldn't be alone for much longer and he knew he couldn't get around them, not that he wanted to in any case. Instead he strapped his Shaper-made shield onto one arm and drew the spear in his other. Unslinging his helm from the strap on his pack he placed that over his head and fastened it, adjusting the minor straps and buckles on his armour until all was fine before facing the direction of the treeline where the Skoolmak must be hiding and let loose a mighty roar filled with the promise of challenge and the threat of death, if they didn't know he was here before they definitely would now.

[Azuloth]

Battle Data

SPOILER: Click to show

Initiative
-Ithe
-Kreans (No turn this round)

Ithe
-Move
-Move
-Move

Results
-Ithe Closes to Melee range.

---

A roar answered him back. A lone Ithe walked out of the forest and raised her shield and spear, ready to fight the Skaldi for the kill she rightfully made. The shield was shaped like a half-circle. It moves forward into melee range, crossing the field in leaps and bounds with feline grace. It's brown fur raised, and its maw dripping saliva. It's face was scrunched up and angry.

---

Regular combat starts next round.

[Kreans]

His challenge was swiftly met, an answer walking out of the forest with shield and spear raised, mimicking him as they faced off across the grassland with only the corpse of a slaughtered boar for company. The Skoolmak closed the distance at speed, it seemed as though it was quite fast, likely faster than him but that would just make it all the more challenging and give him all the more satisfaction as he tore it's head from its body. The feline foe didn't seem to see the fun in this however, it's fur was raised like a simple cat some Cruinthians would keep and it's fangs dripped spit, it definitely seemed angry about this situation.

As soon as it stopped before him Kreans would thrust out his spear at the Skoolmak's head, twisting his arm as he pushed it forward so that the tip would penetrate even further into the tissue and hopefully cause more damage. Whether that hit or miss he'd then swing his spear in an arc in front of him in order to fend the feline back and make some space for himself before bringing his shield up to block the attacks that the Skoolmak was likely to throw back at him.

It was good to be fighting something with a measure of intelligence again, rather than simple animals and the Dragonfruit monster this would be a worthy fight.

---

Kreans
25 20 20 18 15 15 15 15 15 25
HP: 400/100
SM: 70/100
MP: 172/172

Active Skills:
Crushing Blows
+str to damage (25)
3SM per attack

Ancestral Endurance
+vit x .85 to Dr all zones (17Dr)

Dr:
Head zones: 74 (91)
Armour: 106 (123)  HP: 283
Feet: 118 (135)
Gloves: 105 (122)
Belt: 35 (52)

Weapon used:
Excellent Spear
Dmg: 122
Effects: Inserted Jade
*Piercing, Slashing*

Shield: 
Excellent Shield 
Dr: 106
Effects: Inserted Obsidian

Actions:
1. Attack Ithe Torso (Using Rend)
2. Attack Ithe Torso (Using Fend)
3a. Block
3b. Block

Fend: Knockback +20 Dmg 
Cost: 15 Sm
*Spears I, Brawler I*

Rend: On hit causes blood loss)
Cost: 5Sm

[Azuloth]

Initiative
-Ithe
-Kreans

Ithe (Hit -vs- Kreans: 70)
-Attack: 1D100 => 57 HIT!! (BLOCKED)
-Attack: 1D100 => 39 HIT!! 1D15 => 10 (Forearm) Dmg: 80 Invulnerability save.
-Attack: 1D100 => 29 HIT!! 1D15 => 9 (Upper Arm) Dmg: 80 Invulnerability save.

Kreans (Hit -vs- Ithe: 30) (No shields knowledge: 1D100 => 9 One block.)
-Rend Attack (Torso) 1D100 => 95 MISS!
-Rend Attack (Torso) 1D100 => 77 MISS!
-Block. (This takes a whole action.)



Results
-Krean's shield loses 8 DR.
-Krean's Superior Skaldi Gloves lose 16 DR.



Kreans was face to face with the vicious Ithe. Its yellow eyes were singularly focused on him. It yowled at him and jabbed its spear forward. Kreans was wily, he blocked the first strike with his shield. The force of the blow knocked it out of the way, the head of the spear cut a groove in the metal. The second strike caught him in the right forearm, scraping along the heavy armor. The third punctured his armor on his upper arm, creating a weak point in it. There was a brief respite after it's flurry of blows and Kreans attacked with his own spear. The creature was nimble, it dodged the spear aimed at its chest by moving to the side. It yowled at him again, and ducked under the second spear strike.

So far, neither had gained much ground.



Ithe Huntress
Type: Beast, Human
Stats
Str: 38
Vit: 40
Agi: 45
K: 28
Tac: 16
En: 16
P: 12

HP: 800/800
Stm: 301/304 -3
MP: 179.2/179.2

[Kreans]

Neither had done much of note so far. The Skoolmak had made a gouge in the metal of his shield and of the armour on his forearms and his own swings had been nimbly avoided each time. As he had partially expected before the creature was far more nimble than he, capable of moving with a speed he couldn't match and could only make up for with his skill at arms and weaponry. Still if it couldn't get through his armour or continued to have great difficulty doing so then he would be fine for the time being.

Kreans kept his shield up to block as much of it's attacks as he could, it would be far better to take the attacks on a shield designed for the purpose where possible rather than on his armour. If it was unavoidable then it didn't matter but if he was able he'd much rather the shield break first. Kreans steadied the grip on his spear and lashed out furiously once again at the feline, thrusting the spear forwards into the feline's torso before drawing it back and making a great slash aimed at it's neck in an effort to draw some blood.

---

Kreans
25 20 20 18 15 15 15 15 15 25
HP: 400/100
SM: 62/100 (+1 from incorrectly doing two blocks last turn) (-6 from skills) (-3 from actions)
MP: 172/172


Active Skills:
Crushing Blows
+str to damage (25)
3SM per attack

Ancestral Endurance
+vit x .85 to Dr all zones (17Dr)

Dr:
Head zones: 74 (91)
Armour: 106 (123) HP: 283
Feet: 118 (135)
Gloves: 105 (106) - 16
Belt: 35 (52)

Weapon used:
Excellent Spear
Dmg: 122
Effects: Inserted Jade
*Piercing, Slashing*

Shield:
Excellent Shield
Dr: 106 (98)
Effects: Inserted Obsidian

Actions:
1. Attack Ithe Torso 
2. Attack Ithe Head 
3. Block

[Azuloth]

Battle Data

SPOILER: Click to show

Initiative
-Ithe
-Kreans

Ithe (Hit -vs- Kreans: 70)
-Attack: 1D100 => 37 1D15 => 2 Face (Blocked)
-Attack: 1D100 => 55 1D15 => 14 Lower Leg Dmg: 80 invulnerability save
-Attack: 1D100 => 70 --CRITICAL HIT 1D15 => 9 Upper Arm (Dmg: 160 -106 = 54)

Kreans (Hit -vs- Ithe: 30) (No shields knowledge: 1D100 => 39, Blocked)
-Attack @ Torso 1D100 => 24 Hit!! (Dmg: 122-22.5 = 99.5 Dmg)
-Attack @ Head 1D100 => 30 --CRITICAL HIT-- (Dmg: 122+250= 372, Bleeding, -30 Knowledge)
-Block

Results
-Krean's shield loses 8 DR
-Krean's Masterwork Skaldi Boots lose 8 DR
-Krean's Tribal Armour loses 16 Dr, takes 54 Dmg.
-Ithe Takes: 471.5 Dmg, -30 Knowledge, +Bleeding

---

The Ithe jabs its spear at Kreans, striking the shield again. The head of the weapon dug a furrow into it. It readied another attack and thrust forward, aiming for Krean's lower leg. The huntress' weapon dug a puncture into the armor, creating a new weak spot. Then it jabbed the spear at him again. Kreans attempted to get out of the way of this jab, pulling out of range of what was going to be a blow to the chest, which instead scoured a piece out of the armor on his bicep. A piece of bone flew off, the Ithe Yowled. Krean's retaliated, stabbing it in the chest. Blood welled out of the wound as it screamed. He followed up with a terrible blow to the head, drilling through the top of the creature's head while it was doubled over. As he pulled the weapon out, it collapsed. It's brain had been damaged, it couldn't function. It would soon suffocate, bleed out, and die on its own.

---

Ithe Huntress
Type: Beast, Human
Stats
Str: 38
Vit: 40
Agi: 45
K: 28-30 = 0 Unconscious.
Tac: 16
En: 16
P: 12

HP: 328.5/800
Stm: 298/304 -3
MP: 179.2/179.2

[Kreans]

It seemed that his shield was already more than paying itself off, another of the Skoolmak's blows dug into it instead of his own scaled flesh, a winning point by any standard that caused Kreans to grin more. The liquid heat of his battle warmed blood flowed through his veins as the feline's second hit scored a line in his armour and the third dug a similar gash into his own armoured bicep. In return his first strike caused a scream of pain that was music to the Skaldi's ears and a glimpse of red that made him laugh. His second attack stuck true, drilling into it's head while it was in it's weakened position, the spearhead sticking slightly as he drew it out of the sizeable hole and the Skoolmak fell to the ground.

Kreans lumbered towards it until he towered over the soon to be corpse, what vitality it still had was draining out quickly from the mortal blow he'd struck and the thought warmed him slightly. Even if the battle had been far more brief than he had been expecting it had been more fulfilling than what he'd had against any beast that he had faced so far since leaving New Skaldira. A single three toed foot was placed on it's chest as he took his spear in both hands and slammed it through the Skoolmak's neck with force enough to nearly sever it entirely. A malicious grin painted his face as he reached down and began searching the creature, there was no reason to leave a corpse with anything that he could possibly use, it wouldn't be needing it anymore.

---

Kreans
25 20 20 18 15 15 15 15 15 25
HP: 400/400
SM: 62/100
MP: 172/172

Head: 74 (91)
Armour: 106 (107) HP: 229
feet: 118 (117)
Gloves: 105 (106)
Belt: 35 (52)

Shield: 106 (90)


aL6xT3Om - 39 - ?

[Azuloth]

Kreans Finds
-Ithe Spear (Dmg 80)
-Primitive Knife (Dmg: 10)
-2 Units of Ithe Flesh (Will rot in 2 days)
-2 Units of Ithe Fur

[Kreans]

It seemed that the Skoolmak had been carrying very little on it's hunt, it's armour was ruined from his thrust and wouldn't fit across his form even were it in pristine condition. It's spear however he could wield with ease, while it wasn't as sharp as his own it was still a good backup along with his initial spear should he need them at any point. Of the small knife he found there was little worth mentioning, the blade was barely sharp and could likely only really be used for smaller tasks rather than any sort of combat where it'd prove near useless, even using it to take the Skoolmak's fur and meat for himself had been quite a task. But still of course he'd take them, the furs could be used in his cloak or he could sell them once he reached Morith, and the meat would help to sustain him, although now that Kreans thought about it..

Retracing his steps a few metres back to the boar that had first alerted him to the hunter's presence it was still mostly intact. A few scratches and a spear thrust had pierced it but he could still take from it what he would usually, the bones, leathers and furs would be useful as would the meat that he could cook up for his supplies. It took nearly no time to skin and gut the boar, removing all of the meat, bones, fur and skin from it as all could be used in his crafts later but once it was all done very little remained that could be identified as any animal should someone come across it.

Once all was packed up he took a few moments to ensure none of the minor aches he felt had broken the skin or caused any significant damage, and when he was satisfied that he wasn't in any way all that injured he carried on the march, only his second day of his long journey and already he'd found a worthy opponent.

---

Taking all loot from Ithe and 6 Uncut Leather from Boar corpse

[Kreans]

On his third day of travel things were significantly more peaceful, now that he was amongst the trunks of the Mallon forest it seemed darker than usual during the day, the branches and leaves filtering out some of the light but providing a more lively atmosphere from the various small animals and the like that lived in the undergrowth beneath the trees. So far he'd not had any encounters with the larger animals that he was sure must live in the area. he wasn't sure if he'd be happier with or without their intervention as while it might be fun it'd definitely slow him down and he needed to get to Morith fairly quickly if possible.

Still by the end of the day he'd come across nothing lurking in the forest looking to end his life early so he settled down in a small clearing amongst the trees at the end of the day to set his small camp. With the abundance of wood dropped from the trees he made a small fire, the comfort of the heat on his scales an easy way to help him sleep easier and relax more, not that he was planning to sleep straight away tonight. While he had managed to procure a lot of resources from the Skoolmak and the boar some of them he could put to use now while he had the downtime anyway.

Taking the leather he'd harvested from the boar Kreans took out his familiar bone needle and gut thread and emptied the bag before cutting open the seams of it and placing out the extra pieces of leather he'd obtained with what had before been his bag arranged into a bigger print on the floor. From there it was quite simple to just sew all the pieces together and it wasn't long before he ended up with a bag twice the size of what he'd had before, this way he could store more of his hunting gains and wouldn't have to use or waste any.

---

Rolling to add 6 Uncut Leather to Nomad's Bag
Knowledge (25) Simple (30) Tanner II (10) Threshold: 65

of|6Q00p - 37 - Success

Nomad's Bag (12 Slots)