Hedge Patrol I

[Saber Sloth]

The Ogres feel Cassandra's words wash over them, a keen edge of something akin to desperation, a driving want and need for this to succeed.

As one the swarm rises from the branches, arranging themselves into a facial facsimil. Small, childishly high voices work in concert saying four variations on the same theme.

"Night -
- mare!
Nononono!
Terror!! Terror!
Dream! Dream!
Mem-mory!!"

Then, because this was the Hedge, and the Lost were often bereft of luck, "Don't need a Deal to take!take!take!"

Roll Initiative!
Swarm Init 14

4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-16 12:09:50	Swarm rolls 4 to Resist Persuasion (10 Again)	10, 8, 8, 10, 3, 6	4 successes

Initiative 14

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-16 12:21:02	Swarm rolls 1 die for initiative	9

[Gerrit]

Gerrit felt the panic in the back of his head. He tried to keep calm thoughts and act as a backbone for the expedition but this was too much. How could I think I had any power over the Hedge? Seeing the writhing mass made his stomach churn and its voice tore at something inside him - his memories as a father, and his own childhood. Those were not happy memories, not in the face of this absurdity.

Still, he took a step forward (on slightly shaky legs) - if that thing wanted to get to Cassandra or Ethan it'd had to go through him. "I don't think running away is an option anymore." Or at least he'll buy the others some time. Not only was he Pledgebound to protect Cassandra, despite the short time he's known them he considered Ram and the Artist friends, almost family. Don't break now, you'll have all the time in the world to scream later. If there was a later, that is.

Initiative 14

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-16 15:03:30	Gerrit rolls 1 die for initiative	9

[Cassandra Reeding]

Cassandra shakes, her knees quaking. No, no, no, shit, fuck. She straightens and tries to center herself. If it is going to come to a fight, then she'd fight. Though, her mind, listening to that... maybe she should try Mask of Superiority when she has the chance. Or try to convince them again? Sacrifice a memory for the group? She had many of them, so many she'd be happy to forget. Would that even help? They were already keen on taking any and everything they wanted.

She gazes over at Gerrit, seeing how resolved and ready to fight he was. She nods, steeling herself for whatever is to come.

Initiative 12

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-16 12:45:37	Someone rolls 1 die for initiative	7

[Ram]

Diplomacy seemed to be failing. The crickets spoke, not entirely suprising, of taking their nightmares, dreams and memories. It sounded like an attack. Ram tensed, a flow of those very things washing over his mind. But this time, at least, he had direction. Somewhere to funnel those fears, those dreams, that HATE.

The enemy.

The Render smiled. Then started a growl that was quickly building to a roar. THIS would soon be his element.

Init 7

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-19 16:20:19	Someone rolls 1 die for initiative	4

[Saber Sloth]

The Swarm a cackling, writhing mass, all pinchers, mandlebles, and iridescent wings.

Gerrit INI 14, Swarm INI 14, Cassandra INI 12, Ram 7
Gerrit Aeolus 's up!

[Gerrit]

Gerrit took a step towards the Swarm, his skin writhing and popping as scab liquified and scars broke open. With each beat of his heart the pain of a uncounted whips, cuts, and strikes surged through him. The Ogre bore it with gritted teeth until it faded, leaving behind mere memories and a coating of fresh blood, viscous and glistening. A gurgling sound came out of his throat and Gerrit spat out a gob of crimson mass.

Together with his skin his heart hardened - slightly, but noticeably. He pushed the budding panic into the back of his mind and waited for it to make a move.

Armor 2
Defense 2

[Saber Sloth]

The Swarm shrieks and buzzes over to the Fairest! Mandibles mashing, pinchers pinching!

Gerrit INI 14, Swarm INI 14, Cassandra INI 12 1L (In 10min must roll a reflexive Stamina+Wyrd), Ram 7
Cassandra Reeding @Senanigans 's up!

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-21 10:34:35	Swarm rolls 4 to Bite Cassandra -3DEF and Armour (10 Again)	5, 1, 8, 7	1 success

[Cassandra Reeding]

Cassandra shrieks as she is bit by the mandibles of the insects. Little bits of blood stream down her arms. She needs to do something. You are a Moore. You can be terrifying. No, I can't. I'm not scary. I'm a fucking rainbow, Phillip. You were the scary Draconic asshole in this relationship. Try.

The Fairest tries, but completely overthinks it. She is too shaky. She tries to take on the appearance of someone who is their better with words, "H-how dare attack your betters," Fuck. I sound like a villain video game character. Her terrified appearance allows the insects to completely see through her guise. The Polychromatic colors of her mien shift rapidly in response to her terrified state. At this point, there is no hiding how helpless she feels.

Failure for Mask of Superiority

failure

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-21 11:43:28	Cassandra Reeding rolls 5 to Mask of Superiority (Wyrd 2 + Intimidation (-1) + SL) (10 Again, WillPower)	6, 5, 1, 4, 1	failure

[Ram]

Ram took a low position. For a moment, his hands brushed the soil of the Hedge. With his knowledge of Stone, he drew strength from the earth. Not as much as he would like but that hardly mattered. The swarm was attacking Cassandra and there wasn't enough time to set the magic up with boasts and brags. Just roars.

"Get off, you fucks!" he screamed as he rushed forwards at the main body of the insects. Ram bowled into the insects, trying to get as many onto his body as he could. Then he made a practiced tumble, again trying to catch as much of the swarm between himself and the ground. Smashing small bodies against the Stone, his ally.

Ram ended in a crouched position, facing back towards his enemy with his feet bracing for another attack. The Render never lost his smile as he exmined how much damage (if any) he had inflicted. His mind already forming half ideas on if he hadn't.

What else could he break?!

Stone one 1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-21 12:24:38	Ram rolls 7 to Stone 1 Str+Wyrd (10 Again)	1, 3, 8, 1, 7, 6, 2	1 success

Brawl 4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-11-21 12:25:27	Ram rolls 12 to Str+Brawl+Stone (10 Again)	4, 8, 2, 6, 8, 9, 3, 2, 8, 5, 5, 5	4 successes

If the swarm counts as one enemy let me know and I'll spend the glamour.

[Saber Sloth]

The Render rends!

The chittering swarm stands no chance against the ferocious skill of those allied with Stone! Crushed upon the body of the Render, the hedge insects stick and flail weakly, as the ragged remains of the swarm shrieks!

Ear splitting, the remains push off, arching as high as they can, with their crumbled wings, and mangled pincers, and flee! Back into the depths of the sheltering brambles.

Swarm does count as 1 enemy!

And, there is a rule for speaking during combat. You are only allowed 3 syllables, or you forfeit your action in lieu of speaking


And Combat ends! Ram can attempt to chase after the remains if he wishes!

Cassandra Reeding will need to make a Resolve+Wyrd in ~10min