Microscope RPG--Rise and Fall of an Empire: Scene: The Battle at Rogras Major
Scene: The Battle at Rogras Major.[edit]
Tone: Light.
Focus: The Argi as a race
(Yadal)
Question: What led to the emergence of a great hero at Rogras?
Required characters:
A great hero of any culture, an Argi character (we can look at the battle as a whole another time- this establishes a hero, but is not necessarily the whole thing. The two can, of course, be one and the same if we like).
- Chosen by Glyptodont: A hero of the Catelites: Bowuldrick the Conqueror Who Stands Above All. The Catelites are a species of very large, semi-aquatic carnivores (think: giant polar bear/otters). Originally inhabiting the colder and more temperate parts of the world, they have grown bolder with their successes and now strike at territories far from their homelands. Bowuldrick is a particularly impressive example of his race. He stands nearly twice as tall as the average Catelite warrior and when walking erect, he looks down upon the tallest Argi.
- Chosen by Muskrat: Ulluk the Wise, an ancient monk commanding the Rorgi forces. And when I say ancient monk, think kick-ass wuxia-style hero, who has seen many battles and trained many disciples. He doesn't move as quickly as he used to, but he makes up for it with extremely high levels of skill and keen insight into others' behavior. Many of his students consider him enlightened, though he denies it.
- The gods who created the Rorgi were massacred or driven into hiding by the Gods of the Jade Court, so now the Rogi simply honor the Transcendent Sages--those enlightened beings who have transcended the cycle of death and rebirth--and as a consequence, the various monastic orders have come to form a de facto theocratic government over the Rorgi.
- The Rorgi are humanoid cat people--only think big cats, like tigers and jaguars, not house cats. They can be stealthy and agile, but they are also very strong. Their coat patterns feature a variety of striped and spotted patterns. Ulluk the Wise is rare, with an all black coat--or it was when he was younger; his facial fur has gone very white. The agricultural lands Yadal says they have been driven from are where they raised the semi-domesticated animals they hunt for food.
- Chosen by Tetnak: Gnaragar - the Giant of Mount Valhoar, a human warrior or massive size and strength. He has led the mountain clans to countless victories over other humans and other species. His reputation against those he has conquered is terrible. He puts all prisoners to the sword, rapes, or enslaves them (or all 3 in whatever order he pleases). He wields two massive battle axes simultaneously, stands over seven feet tall, and weighs 400 lbs.
- Chosen by Yadal: Minrue I, an ancestor of the Minrue seen later. Trusted subordinate of Megaras (the character seen earlier), he carries the rank of Vanguard General and takes the most important Argi assignments. Minrue is an utter weakling, but he has studied his opponents carefully. He's also invented new formational tactics specifically to fight for this location (though of course these will be no match for the major badasses...).
- I'll also make an NPC character under Minrue, Yigdas. Yigdas is a Worf Effect Character and a minor character, so feel free to use him as such. Yigdas is the best warrior the Argi (who are good at the intellectual but not the physical side of warfare) have. Yigdas is awesome at slaying regular warriors, and is said to be able to defeat ten ordinary opponents head-on. This is primarily because his mind thinks extraordinarily quickly, giving him 'unnatural' reflexes.
Banned characters: None
Setting the Scene:
Control of Rogras Major is an important piece of the board. It is the Rorgi capital, and from its hilltop posistion overlooks Port Gan and thus regional trade as well as the agriculturally important Gan Plains.
All three factions have dispatched troops- the Argi from Gan Plains, the humans from the mountains, and the Catelites by sea. The Rorgi prepare for a last stand, but the invaders are more concerned with each other...
Reveal thoughts:
Minrue was reluctant to attack the city head-on. Megaras believes that even though there is no guarantee of victory, the operation is worth it because if it does succeed the war will be practically won. Minrue disagrees as he believes Megaras is being far too ruthless with his men. However, he follows orders and attacks anyway. Minrue is also considering plans in his mind to deal with the great warriors he knows each enemy force possesses- he has a few ideas in his head but nothing definite. (Yadal)
Gnaragar, the Giant of Mount Valhoar, had praised his Death Gods, Noo'rk the Destroyer, Eff-crat the Night Stalker and Hvagar the Deciever. He had sacrificed a dozen slaves and one virgin for his victory-to-be. He knew the warm blood of his enemy would soon be splattered on his body, the screams and smells of death in his ears and nose, and the sweet taste of victory was sure to come soon after. His tribesmen were ready, they were hungry, and the time for slaughter was nigh ... (Tetnak)
Ulluk sat sadly contemplating the reports brought to him by scouts and diviners about the movements of the enemies' armies. If his people wanted to survive, they had little choice but to fight back against their attackers, but he would mourn the death of every being, whether ally or foe. Some urged him to remain behind the lines, directing the war from afar, due to his age or his status. But, despite his greying fur and creaking bones, he knew he was still a formidable warrior--and if those he lead were risking their lives, then we was obliged to do so as well. He turned back to the reports, trying to determine what the best defensive formation might be. (Muskrat)
The Catelites have developed a native magic of their own based upon the power of insult. The most powerful warrior-wizards of the Catelites can toss off an insult that will cause their enemies to quiver and lose their courage in the midst of battle. Legend has it that an ancient Catelite chieftain was such a powerful sorcerer that he single-handedly made an enemy army flee in shame and terror by looking at them and sneering a single word: "Pathetic".
While Bowuldrick is a great fighter, his magic is... less than legendary. (Though no one will say that to his snout.) As the Catelites begin to battle non-Catelites, they find their insult magic is not always so powerful. Calling a human a "short-snouted, tailless cub" does not seem to generate the same sense of fury that it does in a Catelite. Bowuldrick intends to show that he can crush and humiliate the non-Catelites as easily as he does his countrybeastmen. . (Glyptodont)
Ulluk sat sadly contemplating the reports brought to him by scouts and diviners about the movements of the enemies' armies. If his people wanted to survive, they had little choice but to fight back against their attackers, but he would mourn the death of every being, whether ally or foe. Some urged him to remain behind the lines, directing the war from afar, due to his age or his status. But, despite his greying fur and creaking bones, he knew he was still a formidable warrior--and if those he lead were risking their lives, then we was obliged to do so as well. He turned back to the reports, trying to determine what the best defensive formation might be. (Muskrat)
Playing the Scene:[edit]
Scene runs from post #81 to post #113 in IC thread.
01-16-2014, 01:31 AM
Yadal
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Scene: Battle at Rogras Major
Question: How did a great hero emerge?
Minrue and Yigidas northward towards the now-breached gates of Fort Garron. The Rogri defenders, despite having a means to retreat through the rear entrance, were holding out fiercely with no regard for their own lives. This was only natural, Minrue figured- most of their families were likely on the Gan plains, exterminated by his men.
"In theory", explained Minrue, in Argi so the defenders couldn't interpret him, "I would like to take the central Fort at the top of the hill. It will be very difficult to destroy if we don't, and allows our foes to charge down and attack us. However, the danger would be too great of being cut off from our supplies, besieged, and starved to death."
The siege ladders finally reached Garron's walls, leading Argi to begin the assault in earnest. They outnumbered the defenders of this particular fort ten to one even after the casualties already taken- there was no doubt it would be breached. Minrue's new weapon, the Trebuchet, had sealed the deal on victory.
"The best we can do", explained Minrue, "is to take Fort Garron and hold posistion. With the exception of the now-taken South wall, the Fort is reasonably sturdy. Our enemies can fight for the central fort. If we fight them when we're tired, we can use formational warfare to prevail against their superior numbers and warriors."
Just as predicted, not a single Rogri was retreating. This was why Minrue had been worried about the attack from the start. Even if they did prevail, the Argi would get at most a few hours rest. Naturally, Yigidas could see it too.
"But-", asked Yigidas, "at best our odds are one in five or so aren't they? Why is Megaras sending us here to die?"
Minrue frowned.
"Megaras thinks that even if our probability of sucess is only one in five, the gains we will make from a strategic location such as Rogras Major make the attack justified anyway. He fully expects none of us to come back alive, yet sends us anyway.
Still, war is war. I suppose I must do my duty- one last time..."
01-16-2014, 01:24 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk emerges from the small, austere chamber in the monastery-fortress that served as the command center. Some of his finest students, highly accomplished xia in their own right, gather around as he walked out. He looked over the defenders, holding off the Argi and could see that, though they were determined to avenge the deaths of their families, they were weary and their morale was failing. Ulluk gestured over one of the herald-mages standing nearby and then began to speak. As he spoke, the herald wove a spell that would allow all the Rorgi to hear Ulluk's words as plainly as if he stood next to them--but it sounded only in the ears of the Rorgi, not their foes.
"The Argi have dealt us a harsh blow," says Ulluk, "but do not fear. They are highly intelligent and they take pride in that intelligence. It allows them to create great strategies in battle. But this intelligence will also be their downfall. They neglect the virtues that the Trascendent Sages teach us of wisdom and compassion--and we will use those virtues we cultivate in our monasteries as weapons against them. The Argi are proud of their intelligence--proud to the point of arrogance, so they cannot see the worth in other capabilities, proud to the point where they may make foolish decisions, blind to the what happens on the ground around, blinded by the beauty of their own abstract strategies. And because they do not value compassion, they have grown cold and sterile. They do not value our lives--they do not even value their own lives. Often has their leader Megaras thrown away the lives of his own people in his wars of conquest. This will ultimately be their downfall--if not here today, then at some time in the future."
Ulluk can see that Rorgi's spirits are beginning to lift after his speech, but he knows they need something more--they need a clear victory. Ulluk says to two of his students, "Nogga, Threed, come with me. We will smash this trebuchet of theirs. Corvin," he says to the herald-mage, "come with us as well and be the eyes of the Rorgi--use your magic so they may see us clearly as we smash the trebuchet. We will protect you from harm."
Those words said, Ulluk grabs the arm of Corvin, then leaps forward, channeling his qi--it is a mighty leap, taking him over the walls of the fortress and down to the Argi army. Ulluk does not land, however, but only briefly touches down on the heads of the Argi soldiers leaping again into the air to land beside the trebuchet. Nogga and Threed follow right behind him. As they land, the Argi soldiers surround them, but Ulluk draws his bo and strikes at them, sending them flying through the air with shattered bones, three or four at a time. Nogga and Threed acquit themselves almost as admirably. As his students held the soldiers off, Ulluk turns towards the trebuchet. He immediately enters into a meditative trance with a few short breaths, drawing on the memories of a lifetime when he had been an engineer, identifying the weak spots in the machine. Then he strikes with all his might, channeling his qi into the blow, sending pieces of wood flying everywhere as he shatters the key mechanisms of the device.
01-16-2014, 03:22 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
The hill tribes moved quickly but quietly through the forest and down toward the monastery. Gnaragar, stopped and threw up and hand telling his minions to do the same. He peered out his Rorgi-skull helm he had taken years ago. Now that they were under siege, the giant of Mount Valhoar found the irony funny. Today, he would likely make far more Rorgi skulls' available to him. And yet, when Gnaragar looked down upon the back of the Agri army, the traitorous barbarian wondered about his next step. The Rorgi would be assaulted by the Catelites, and the Agri would be looking to lay siege, but Gnaragar's hill tribes were to play the part of skirmishers. His hill tribes men had fought the most battles, won the most wars, and had enslaved the most people. Why did these other fools believe he would act as they had told him? Gnaragar considered bringing the full brunt of his forces down upon the Agri's rear ...
01-16-2014, 05:47 PM
Glyptodont
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Skirting the edge of the forests on their march from the sea, Bowuldrick's forces finally crested a hill that gave a clear view of the fortress. Other forces were clearly in play here--they had been encountering scouts from the human hill tribes trying to spy upon them. But the poor human scouts that weren't killed outright were sent scampering off in mind-numbing terror from the insult-sorcery of the young Catelite warriors. They had done a fine job, thought Bowuldrick, but crushing the spirits of cowardly spies was easy. Halting the Argi leaders or making the Rorgi weep in despair or frightening the human leaders and making them scurry like rodents would be more of a challenge.
As the Catelite army marched forward, the camp followers began to set up their tents far behind, while Bowuldrick walked in front of his army with two of his shield-bearers. This would be suicide for the leader of any other race, but Bowuldrick had a weapon that no armor could stop. Several hundred paces from the rear of the Argi forces at the rear entrance of the fortress, Bowuldrick concentrated his magical force within his snout and shouted a magically-tinged challenge that carried farther than any natural voice should: "I see you, archers! Your quivering, slimy fingers betray your true coat! You would run away like the loathsome rats and lizards you resemble! Pride does not make you stand steadfast with weapons pointed at me! It is fear--the fear of shame that you live with every day. The fear that someone will discover your cowardice and show your true face to all the world! Well I have come to shame and humiliate you! Run, now, you vermin! You have been exposed! You have nothing left--no bravery, no dignity. You are helpless prey animal. And I, Bowuldrick, the Conqueror Who Stands Above All, have come to feast upon you!"
The power and strength of his words were enough to cause some of the younger Rorgi archers far off on the ramparts to quail and flee their posts. Even the disciplined Argi warriors hesitated, though they still held their ground nervously. Farther off, some of the warriors of the hill tribes thought they heard an ill whisper in the wind and began to question their strength. But strong or weak, not a single enemy fired any missile or weapon at Bowuldrick--yet.
01-16-2014, 11:46 PM
Yadal
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
OOC: Reminding people that the first real Badass to run into Yigidas should curbstomp him. When this happens, please take control of the character so you can narrate the awesome just right.
IC: Minrue surveyed the battle, explaining events to Yigidas as he did. The man was a champion warrior, but Minrue hoped one day to make him into a great Vanguard leader as well. He was a great warrior, but needed a lot more strategy to do that job. In particular, Minrue had warned him time and again about overconfidence.
"The trebuchets are lost", explained Minrue, "And no matter what we do we can't get there in time. But they've done their job."
Thanks partially to Catelite sorcery (Minrue inferred this because he'd experienced the effects in other battles and knew what to check for), the Rogri were fleeing in force. Not only was the breach lost, but most of the walls were gained. Even now, however, the Rogri proved to have a surprising amount of courage. Ten men had broken through the Argi lines and were headed straight for Minrue.
"Yigidas?", Minrue said calmly. "Your turn."
Yigidas fired a shot from his bow faster than any Argi could, killing one man instantly. Thinking faster than any Argi, and probably any non-God, he ducked and weaved as several enemy spears were thrusted at him and cut off the tips with his sword. Exploiting the sharpness of his custom-made sword, he cut through three Rogri killing all three in one blow. The rest finally lost heart and began to run.
"General", explained Yigidas, "I've-"
Yigidias had missed one man, who had thrust his spear through Minrue's body before running. The Vanguard General's Argi blood was spilling around him. Yigidas gave a look of horror.
"I'm sorry General, I didn't mean to- I mean-"
Minrue looked cross, but in a Could you please not screw up again? sort of way. He grimaced, pulling the spear out of himself with one movement.
"I am a General. I can't afford to fear pain."
01-17-2014, 04:43 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk stood near the wreckage of the trebuchet. He could see some of the Rorgi falling back--apparently his plan had not worked the way he had hoped. Or something else had happened. He bent low, then took a great leap into the air, spinning around as he did so, to try to get a feel for the battle. He could see other groups of Rorgi warriors plunging into battle and Catelite and human forces coming from the distance to converge on them--but nothing clear. As he landed, he groaned silently to himself. His old bones could not take the same punishment as they had in his youth. He send a flow of qi to dampen the pain, but he knew he would have to be more careful.
Even as he landed, a voice spoke in his head, one of the psychic monks. He was from another order than Ulluk's but nonetheless spoke respectfully, saying, "Teacher, we have been looking through the eyes of our warriors in the field--and I think I know where the Argi general is." The psychic then proceeded to give Ulluk directions.
Ulluk said, "Thank you. I will go to cross weapons with him." He then called on his companions to accompany him, then leapt forward, skipping over the battlefield as he had done before. He can see a small group of Rorgi warriors where he was heading, but also a great Argi warrior, moving with incredible quickness to strike at them. I will have to take this one by surprise, thought Ulluk.
He landed fully on the ground, letting go of Corvin and trusting Nogga and Threed to take hold of him. Then, with a great burst of qi, he leapt up in the air, sailing forward, then spinning around so he came straight down on the Argi warrior.
Yigidas never even saw Ulluk coming. The ancient monk landed squarely on the Argi warrior, smashing him hard against the ground. Ulluk rolled off him, but as Yigidas struggled to get back up, Ulluk unsheathed his claws and reaching out with his hand, touched several pressure points on Yigidas, leaving him paralyzed. Only another master would be able to undo the paralysis--and, as far as Ulluk knew, the Argi knew little of the arts of channeling qi, relying on their great intellects for all things.
Ulluk now spun around, looking for the Argi general.
01-17-2014, 11:13 PM
Yadal
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Minrue frowned. As he'd expected, the situation was not looking good. The Catelite's war cries were as powerful as expected, a human force appeared to be moving for the Rogri rear, and a man he recognised as Ulluk was heading straight for him.
His troops had been ordered to occupy and defend the fort, pelting any enemies who got clear with arrows. There was still a massive breach in the gate, but his men were pouring into the city and already setting up archers on the wall.
"This is as far as I go", sighed Minrue. "I will not suffer capture."
It was too late to get into the walls- Ulluk was much faster than he was. He wouldn't be killes, but might be broken and give information to the enemy. Such would dishonor his family permanently.
Minrue pulled out a knife, and slit his own throat.
01-18-2014, 04:12 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
"Corvin," Ulluk called, looking around to see if the herald-mage had made it this far. Forunatenly, Nogga had landed with Corvin, though Threed was nowhere to be seen, lost somewhere in the battle. "The Argi general has just cut his own throat! Show that--to everyone!" Ulluk paused, looking down with pity at the dead man. He had been planning to take him prisoner. He looked up and saw that the Argi troops around him were already beginning to break. Ulluk swirled his staff around in a threatening gesture and they immediately turned and fled--if their own general had feared Ulluk, now known as the Wise, in his youth known as Black Ulluk, so much that he would kill himself rather than face Ulluk in battle, they had no desire to stand up to the warrior-monk.
Corvin hastily did as Ulluk asked, working his communicative magic. Ulluk looked back to the citadel. He thought he could see and hear Rorgi cheering and moving forward again. The Argi were clearly demoralized, uncertain if what they had seen was real or an illusion. Ulluk considered a moment. He said to his students, "What I am about to do is barbaric, but strategically necessary. I will pray to the Argi general's soul for forgiveness and make offering and prayers to help him achieve a better rebirth." Ulluk then drew a knife from his belt, than in one quick move cut Minrue's head from his shoulders. He then seized an Argi pike and placed the general's head on it. Ulluk then said his students, "Come, let us move through the Argi ranks. We are mighty and they are now demoralized and leaderless."
As they moved forward, Ulluk realized that he had fractured a bone in his leg in landing on the Argi warrior. His bones were definitely too old for this. He drew a few deep breaths and sank into a trance where he would feel no pain--for now. He would pay letter, for what he had done to his leg--and for despoiling a dead body.
As they moved through the ranks of the Argi army, the soldiers cried out, first at the attacks from Ulluk's students, mighty xia in their own right, then at the sight of Minrue's head atop a pike. The visions they had seen were real. They began scattered, retreating from the city in a chaotic mess. They had been so thoroughly disciplined by the Hierarchy Doctrine that, with their commander dead, no one else was able to seize command, though a few did try to no avail.
01-18-2014, 08:20 PM
Glyptodont
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Seeing the Argi soldiers break ranks and start to fall apart, Bowuldrick assumed this was due to his magical force. However, he didn't know about Ulluk carrying the Argi general's head on a staff at the other side of the fortress.
To his warriors, Bowuldrick shouted, "Attack! Attack! The puny rats and lizards haven't the courage to look at us, much less fight us!"
01-19-2014, 08:21 AM
Yadal
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
OOC: Writing a postlude to try and mitigate the problem of Minrue seeming dumb in retrospect. Also pointing out that, as I admit, this is partially my fault. A lot of this is my character's speculation, we should remember for the future.
I'm going to be RPing to pass the time, but Philosophy is not only no badass but weaker than a common Rogri soldier. He's also an NPC, so feel free to take control of him if he's useful.
IC: Philosophy (yes, this particular Argi's name was literally Philosophy- he was from the Northern Tribe, which had a tradition of naming their children after virtues) was Chief Military Advisor to the Argi Vanguard, and in theory he was currently Vanguard General. He had routed with the rest when Minrue had died, and was currently in the middle of the Fort, hidden in an abandoned barracks, gradually calming down.
Philosophy's intelligence, like everybody else's, had been measured and he was considered third in intelligence after Minrue and Yigidas. In theory, he should have taken command then and there- but he panicked and fled. Per the rules of the Argi, only he could take command now- nobody else could. The Argi had always assumed they would be winning through superior strategy, so there was no need to create rules for a panic such as this. It would be counterproductive, it was thought, as a situation like this could only happen if a fake panic was being created for strategic purposes.
One thing didn't seem right to Philosophy, however. Philosophy knew he was the sort of mind who was brilliantly strong on military theory and horrible at military practice- hence why he was Chief Advisor. But two things didn't make sense to him. First, why were the three greatest warriors of the battle fighting not for the strategic top hill but a lesser hill? Second, why had Minrue failed to anticipate, as Argi theory suggested was his responsibility, that if he slit his own throat his Chief Advisor would turn tail?
Philosophy calmed his mind by focusing on theoretical analysis, ignoring both his own share of blame in events and the resounding panic as the Argi soldiers realised that the Rogri had reformed on the north side of the fort and were pelting them with arrows. He was too panicked to do anything else...
01-19-2014, 11:10 AM
Glyptodont
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Bowuldrick charges forward brandishing his giant spear with the mass of Catelites following. He cuts down Argi soldiers and stray, wandering Rorgi as he makes his way to a crowd that seems to be massing at the front gate. The crowd then parts and he see Ulluk brandishing the head of an Argi on a stake. He thinks: This must be their chieftain! Now to lay him low....
Bowuldrick rears up on his hind legs, standing nearly twice as tall as the lithe, ancient Rorgi and feels the magic building in his snout.
But then he hesitates. Wait! What sort of creatures are these Rorgi? What's the most devastating insult? Do they have mothers that they hold dear, or do they grow from the ground like the Argi--no wait, that was the Jeweled Children.... I think...
Bowuldrick shouts the most vile insult that he can think of for this alien race: "The egg from whence you hatched was covered with the mold of turtle droppings!"
...and the magic falls flat. Too late Bowuldrick realizes that feline creatures with hair don't usually lay eggs.
01-19-2014, 12:46 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Finally, the hill tribes spill their first blood. The Agri flee, which makes Gnaragar's job easy. The massive giants swings his axes in perfect repetition, one-two, one-two, one-two -- and with it, limbs and flesh are amputated and torn. In a frenzy, Gnaragar can hardly tell friend from foe, but the blood begins to seep into the ground like rain, and that is the chieftain's goal.
Chaos erupts for all the armies near where the hill tribes have attacked. An Agri weakly attempted to slay the beast-man with a spear, using two of his four arms to stab, but Gnaragar spun, evading the blow. As he came forward, the axes both buried in the creature's back, one between the shoulder blades and the other at the waist. And so fighting went, until finally the humans had fought their way toward the fort, killing Agri, Catelite and Rorgi in the process.
In the distance, he spots a Catelite holding an Agri head, and storms forward to join the fun. He said a prayer to the Destroyer, hoping he would give him strength to smite his enemies.
01-19-2014, 02:59 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk, meanwhile, has reached the breached walls. Most of the Argi have fled from the gap and those remaining surrender rather hastily. Ulluk begins to direct the defenses of the wall, calling in Rorgi to fill the gap and keep off the human and Catelite armies that are advancing. Minrue's head still sits atop a pike, now standing at the top of an unbroken part of walls as a warning to the Argi. Ulluk swears silently to the Transcendent Sages he will take down the disgraceful display when the battle is over. They have a little while to plan now--before the humans and Catelites can fall on them, they will have to deal with the remnants of the Argi army, some of which are fleeing right toward them in panic.
Ulluk sits down on a block of stone. With the fractured bone, he is not able to sit cross-legged as he normally does. For now, he simply ignores the pain, but he hopes that he is not needed in battle again.
01-20-2014, 07:00 AM
Yadal
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
If Philosophy had been rational, rather than in a blind panic, he would be able to turn his mind from his introspection to the fact that everyone around him was dying. But Philosophy was always a thinker, not a doer. If Minrue had had the slightest idea that Philosophy would take command, he would have deposed him as Chief Military Advisor on the spot.
Philosophy had seen Ulluk fight Yigidas. Minrue had known of Ulluk's skills, but assumed he would be fighting at the top of the hill rather than at Fort Garron. As best as he could tell, it all came down to that mistake. As best as Philosophy could figure, both the humans and Catelites must have attempted to outflank each other and sent their best warriors to make sure of it. They would never work together so it wouldn't be a coincidence- but what other explanation was there?
A rumour had been spreading amongst the upper echelon corps that Megaras had sent them all here despite seeing only a one fifth chance of success, on the basis that if they did succeed Minrue would have practically won the war combined with Megaras doing... something (Philosophy had no idea what) elsewhere. Perhaps Minrue had lost out of spite? No, that didn't make sense either, thought Philosophy- he was always a man of duty. To Philosophy there was nothing to resent- Megaras used sound logic to make his decision.
That settled it, thought Philosophy. He wasn't going to die, but at least he understood. Although Megaras had claimed that unpredictability was a function of imperfect natures and perfect Yesel could see all, both Megaras and Minrue agreed that sometimes in practice everything would just go wrong due to sheer chance.
So that was it then- one horrible coincidence, and one mistake. It explained everything.
01-21-2014, 08:54 PM
Yadal
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Suddenly, Philosophy hears a voice.
"The egg from which you hatched was covered with the mold of turtle droppings!"
If Philosophy were not a coward, the Argi wouldn't be in this mess.
"RUN AWAY!!!!!!"
By now, the Argi leader Megaras had received word of the battle so far- that Minrue and Yigidas were dead, and the result.
"I expected that, actually."
The messenger couldn't even conceal his shock.
"Many have studied probability theory, my good man, but very few take it seriously. Say you invest 20 gold pieces into an enterprise with a fifty percent chance of a reward of 40. This is balanced. But what if it is a quarter chance for a reward of 80? Still balanced, you see.
If I fight according to accurately thought out probabilities and payoffs, then statistically I should win over the long run. We had a one in five chance of sucess here, and could have won the war in one strike."
As it was, the plains the Argi controlled were both valuable and very hard to defend. They would have to informally concede a "buffer zone" consistent of the area that could be attacked from Rogras Major. The Argi had won much, but taking all the Rogri lands was clearly beyond them.
01-22-2014, 05:32 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
As he directs the manning off the gap in the wall from where he sits, Ulluk hears Bowuldrick's insult float across the battle field. He is at first inclined to dismiss it and concentrate on the matter at hand, but then focuses on it. He did not achieve his position by letting things out of his awareness. This insult reminds him of something he studied when he was young. Suddenly, he remembers. "Did you hear that?" he asked. "That is Catelite insult-magic. It has the power to enrage or strike fear in the heart of those it is directed at, causing them to do foolish things." He looks around at the monks and nuns helping to command the military force. Wearily standing and stepping forward, now with an obvious limp, he says, "I need volunteers--people with very deep meditation practices, who can let rage and fear flow through them, so it has no or little impact on their judgement or actions. Set aside any pride--it may get you killed. Step forward only if you have truly deep equanimity. We will go out and deal with these Catelites. Remember--that means no hatred for your enemy, only pity." A number of young monks and nuns step forward. Some are his students and he is capable of judging them. Others study under other teachers or belong to different orders--he looks to those who know them for reactions. Based on this, he selects a small group and says, "Let us go see if we can deal with these Catelites." He then leads them forward, moving at a normal rate, for while some are xia, others are psychics and cannot move quickly over the landscape as Ulluk can. As they move forward, he sends qi into his injured leg, numbing the pain--for now. He knew he would pay a price later.
01-22-2014, 10:21 PM
Glyptodont
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Seeing the humans charging from the hills, Bowuldrick bellows out an insult that would make any Catelite writhe in fury and humiliation: "You mother has only two teats! Your litter-mates have consumed twice as much milk as you have! Your father stayed at your mother's den and had no pups with other females!"
The roar of laughter from the human tribes panics Bowuldrick. His magic has failed! Impetuously, he charges into the human forces knowing that his own people will have started to doubt him by now. He swings his giant axe left and right, cutting down the tiny humans who are less than half his size. But cut by cut, the mass of human spearmen and archers start to wear him down and he begins to stagger in his bloody shredded armor...
01-23-2014, 08:00 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Gnaragar had tortured each of his men personally, and under the guidance of the high Sorcerer. They would not fail him, even when the powerful insult-magic was used. The Destroyed had prepared him well. He was the harbinger of death and fear. At the head of the humans column, the Giant calls back, "I KILLED MY MOTHER WHEN I BROKE FROM HER SLIT!" Gnaragar yells out, "KILL THEM ALL! TAKE NONE ALIVE! TAKE NO THRALLS! TODAY IS FOR BLOOD!" Rearing back, Gnaragar flings one of his axes, end over end, toward the Catelite hero, Bowuldrick.
01-23-2014, 09:08 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
As Ulluk and his companions approach the Catelite army, he sees that the humans are closing on them as well. Ulluk stops and says, "Hold. Let us let these two armies clash. One or the other will come out victorious and then we can deal with their leaders. Or perhaps, with luck, they will decimate each other and both retreat." He sighs, looking sadly at this. Looking around, he spots a grove of trees where they can remain out of sight. "Come, let us go there and wait out the battle between our foes. We will meditate on the futility of seeking worldly power and pray for the souls of our enemies." The group then goes there to see the outcome of the battle.
01-23-2014, 10:02 PM
Glyptodont
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Lying on his stomach, bleeding heavily as the tiny humans poked at his armor and tried to twist off his helm, Bowuldrick manages to muster the strength to whisper one final magical insult: "Vermin. You are all vermin feasting on the Master's riches. You have nothing to be proud of yourselves...." Weak as this insult was, its power was enough to make the spearmen near his face quail at the thought that they were petty creatures living in the shadows of something greater.
But the magic soon dissipated and Bowuldrick muttered his last defiant words before his soul passed on, "I cannot be remembered as the monster in your tales. I must be the Conqueror who Stands above All..."
01-24-2014, 07:51 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk and his companions rouse themselves from their trance as it becomes clear that the battlefield is once again shifting. The chieftain of the Catelites is evidently dead and his demoralized followers being to retreat under pressure from the humans. Some humans are fleeing the field under the effects of the insult magic of some of the lesser Catelite champions, but the humans seem to have the field.
Ulluk says, "Well, let us go confront the human army and deal with their champions. And perhaps we prevent too much more bloodshed."
As the group approaches the human army, Ulluk calls out, "I am Ulluk the Wise, known in my youth as Black Ulluk! I am the champion of the Rorgi! I challenge your champion to single combat! Or do you fear to take on an old man like me?"
01-26-2014, 11:29 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Scooping up his axe from the fallen creature, Gnaragar frowns as some of his hillmen flee the way they came. Peering upon Ulluk, the giant smiles, "Come out, we can play, I would love a new pelt." Those humans that remain laugh and shake their spears and shields and sword.
"I am the chosen of the Destroyer. I am here for blood. Shall I take it from you now?" The human seems to be talking like he will fulfill the one-on-one duel, that is, until he simply waves his men forward. "KILL THE RORGI!!" There is no honor, no love of life, no compassion -- there is only hate in his eyes as he stalks forward to meet Ulluk the Wise.
01-27-2014, 06:51 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
As the humans attack the small band of Rorgi, the xia form a wall around the psychics, the xia striking out at the humans, while the psychics try to penetrate their minds, calling up raw, primal fears to send them fleeing. While the group of Rorgi are masters at their arts, they are also greatly out-numbered.
Ulluk does not move from where he is, but stands apart from the others, serenely waiting for the human champion. As Gnaragar swings his blade at Ulluk, the Rorgi monk simply ducks gracefully under the blade, then reaches out with his hand, attempting to strike the proper pressure points on the human to leave him paralyzed.
01-28-2014, 04:01 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
The giant swings and misses, watching Ulluk duck his blade with a scowl on his face. The Rorgi's palm shoots out, hitting Gnaragar in the chest and sending him backward. The human nearly falls down, but keeps his feet, telling Ulluk that his attack was slightly misdirected. Gnaragar smiles and she comes to stand tall again. This time, he walks forward slowly, spinning his weapons before he begins attacking frantically. The axes are swung, over and over again, attempting to fell the quicker cat in a hail of rapid attacks.
01-28-2014, 10:02 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk twists and turns out of Gnaragar's way. A lesser warrior would be unable to touch the aging warrior, but Gnaragar manages to graze Ulluk a few times, causing small streams of blood to trickle down the Rorgi's fur. Ulluk realizes that this human warrior is formidable indeed and changes tactics, striking out, first with his staff, then with kicks at the man.
01-29-2014, 02:35 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
The human sweeps up his axe to knock away the staff, but the kick smashes into Gnaragar's gut, sending him flying ten feet into the air and back first across the ground. One of his axes goes flying away from his body, leaving it far out of reach for the time being. The lumbering giant gets to his feet, breathing heavily after taking such as blow. When the man rises, he looks directly at Ulluk, but does not move forward to engage.
01-29-2014, 07:12 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk's companions have managed to hold their own against the wave of human attackers. Some are badly injured and one is dead, but a cluster of them still remains. The psychics, seeing Gnaragar flying through the air, quickly whisper among themselves, then work together to amplify the fear the humans feel at seeing their leader sent flying, sending waves of panic among the humans. Some manage to hold their ground, despite their fear--or maybe out of fear of what Gnaragar will do to them--but many flee.
Ulluk meanwhile limps towards Gnaragar and says, "This is your chance for you and your army to retreat. Or will you remain and fight me some more, even as your men flee?" If Gnaragar leaves, Ulluk lets him go. If Gnaragar attacks, Ulluk once again strikes out, being very careful to favor his already injured leg.
01-29-2014, 08:53 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
The giant smiles. He does not lash out with strikes. In fact, in his hand that used to hold the axe, he now holds a huge handful of dirt. Gnaragar flings it forward, hoping to toss it into the eyes of Ulluk, and cripple the creature before he puts and end to its existence.
01-30-2014, 01:43 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk effortlessly sidesteps the dirt Gnaragar throws and says, "Come, I am a master warrior and monk. Do you expect to get me with such cheap tricks?" He then strikes out at the human again with his staff.
01-30-2014, 05:04 PM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
"You look like a pelt to me!"
Gnaragar swings his axe up, swatting away the staff with a smile. The giant now grabs his axe with both hands, stepping forward and swinging with a huge overhand stroke in an attempt to cleave Ulluk in twain.
01-30-2014, 09:11 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
"And you look like a lost soul to me." With a swift blur, Ulluk blocks Gnaragar's axe blow with his staff, catching the haft of the ax on it. He attempts to twist it around to through Gnaragar off balance, then kick at him with his good leg.
02-02-2014, 11:39 AM
tetnak
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ganaragar's leg is kicked out from beneath him, causing the giant human to land with a thud on his back. He growls and looks up, but is not fast enough to get to his feet before Ulluk acts.
02-02-2014, 01:25 PM
Muskrat
Re: Microscope: The Mural of Lu the Fatherless
Ulluk siezes the moment at Gnaragar falls at this feet, spinning around and driving his foot into the man's throat, crushing it and cutting off his air, causing him to rapidly suffocate to death. He pauses to utter a prayer for the human's soul, then looks up.
The human army is now truly in a panic, with the remaining psychics amplifying it even further. The humans flee blindly, throwing their weapons away, even stripping themselves of their armor in their attempt to flee.
Ulluk sighs and tells the others, "Well, we have won against three armies. Truly this was a mighty feat on our part. But who knows if it will be remembered? We have only won for today, our lands are ravaged, and our enemies may well come seeking revenge." He pauses and says sadly, "We might do well to migrate from these lands in order to escape our enemies' wrath."
Question: What led to the emergence of a great hero at Rogras?
Answer: The wisdom and skill of Ulluk.
