A/N: Hello, after some consideration, and advice from xlbubi - Thanks for the review, by the by! Would have responded to it directly, but you don't accept PMs. Which... apparently extends replies for Reviews... This website is weird at times.
Anyway, I've decided to split the finale into two. First is Yang's intro then its THE Battle.
Enjoy!
RWBY DnD
Chapter 9
With a howl of rage, the woman swung her battleaxe at the men around her.
(Roll to Attack, (?): 12 + 6 = 18; Red Axe Gang Member AC 10; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 9 + 5 = 14 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
First, she cleaved the closest man in two as her axe tore through the man's unarmored side, sending his upper half to go spinning off into the distance even as his lower half slid to a stop at her feet.
She roared in elation, ignoring the blood that showered her form, as she spun around to swing her axe again at the next man.
(Roll to Attack, (?): 15 + 6 = 21; Red Axe Gang Member AC 10; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 5 + 5 = 10 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
He never even got a chance to scream as her back swing lobbed his head off at the base. It spun away into the depths of the underground base of operations for the Red Axe Gang as his body collapsed in a twitching heap.
The woman then twirled, her lavender eyes blazing with wrath, to strike at yet another of her opponents, stepping forwards to deliver a headbutt to the man.
(Roll to Attack, (?): 14 + 6 = 20; Red Axe Gang Member AC 10; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d6 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 5 + 5 = 10 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
The man's nose crumpled under the almighty headbutt. He staggered backwards, dropping the hand axe he held, before toppling over onto his back, his eyes rolled over white and his mouth agape.
The woman grinned maliciously at that before glaring at her remaining opponents as she swung her polearm loosely while she stepped back and forth, the chain attached to her neck rattling loudly in the stillness surrounding her.
One of her other remaining opponents ran up to check the last man to see if he was dead, or merely unconscious.
(Medicine Check; Roll Result: 12 + 0 = 12)
He looked up towards the group of people looking down at the fighting pit and shook his head as the rest of his comrades charged in at the woman to attack her.
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member): 9 + 2 = 11; (?) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member): 17 + 2 = 19; (?) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d6; Roll Result: 2 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 1 point of damage)
As the first two gangsters attacked her the barbarian ducked under one wild swing, shoving the aggressive fool away from her with the half of her axe before hissing as the other just scratched her with his axe.
She turned to glare at him as four more Red Axe Gangsters attacked her with their machete.
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 15 + 3 = 18; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d8 + 1; Roll Result: 1 + 1 = 2 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 1 point of damage)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 8 + 3 = 11; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 7 + 3 = 10; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 8 + 3 = 11; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
Once more, under a whirl of twisting limbs and dancing feet, the barbarian dodged all of the gangsters attacks save one. The heavy machete's blade once more just barely cutting into her unarmored form.
She hissed and seethed with rage at that before howling at the men before her, her barely covered, heaving breasts wobbling and bouncing with every stomp and step she took.
She flicked her eyes about, trying to determine who to kill next, before she suddenly burst forth, charging into the midst of the men before her with a wild yell, her blood-splattered blond hair waving behind her as sweat dripped down her muscular frame.
She swung down at the first man as he tried to reflectively parry the blow.
(Roll to Attack, (Barbarian): 17 + 6 = 23; Red Axe Gang Member(Machete) (Reaction: Parry) AC 17; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 9 + 5 = 14 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
The gangster's shocked gasp turned into a deep, gurgling groan as her ax's blade shattered his machete's before burying itself deeply into his armored chest. With a sickening, slurping sound she pulled the blade out of his limp form and and swung it around at the man next to him.
(Roll to Attack, (Barbarian): 13 + 6 = 19; Red Axe Gang Member(Machete) (Reaction: Parry) AC 17; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 10 + 5 = 15 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
Once more, the gangster tried to parry her weapon only to find his arm and the top third of his head lopped off. He blinked at that in confusion before falling over as the last of his sentience left his corpse, his brains spilling out, only to be squished underneath the woman's bare foot as she stomped down on the viscera as she stepped forth to punch yet another of the gangsters.
(Roll to Attack, (Barbarian): 11 + 6 = 17; Red Axe Gang Member AC 10; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d6 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 5 + 5 = 10 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
The man had no chance of dodging her attack, still too stunned from witnessing the absolute slaughter of his fellows. Her heavy, balled fist shattered his jaw while violently snapping his head to the left with such force that his neck snapped under the blow. His eyes rolled over white as blood began leaking from his mouth from all the shattered teeth therein and he collapsed heavily onto the sandy floor of the fighting pit, not moving.
As she stared down at the corpse of her last opponent the other Red Axe members once more made to attack her. While they did so, up above the fighting pit a towering man in a white and black ensemble with a vest and red tie demanded coldly, "And, just why should I help you?" while staring at the people before him with his flat, gray eyes staring lifelessly. "Life's all about giving and taking, and I see no reason I should give you anything, girl."
(Intimidation Check (?); Roll Result: 5 + 6 = 11; (Weiss) Roll Result: 5 + 4 + 1 = 10; Weiss fails)
Weiss was unnerved by that, but only just. She made to say something in response only for Cardin to grasp her shoulder as a way of cautioning her before he stepped forth and said, "Mayhaps because then your boss wouldn't be hear that you failed to help us? That doesn't sound like a good thing to me, Junior."
(Intimidation Check (Cardin); Roll Result: 16 + 4 =20; (Junior) Roll Result: 11 + 6 = 17; Junior fails)
The man started at that before snarling as he banged his fist down on the desk he sat behind, "I don't work for Roman! I don't care what that bastard's told you otherwise! You say shit like that again, and I'll throw you out myself! Got it?!"
"So," Jaune surmised after a moment of silence while he continued to stare down at the fighting below. "I take it that means you're not going to help us out then? Even though Roman is basically calling a favor on you, Hei Xiong?"
(Persuasion Check (Jaune); Roll Result: 11 + 2 = 13; Perception Check (Junior) (Disadvantage); Roll Result: 8 + 3, 6 + 3 = 11, 9; Junior fails)
The man stiffened at that before slumping in his chair was a sigh. Then he glared up at Weiss again as he asked, "So… what do you want to know?"
Weiss swallowed at that but stepped forward as Ruby gave her an encouraging push from behind and said, "I'm looking for information on where I can rare tomes on magic, spells and the creation therein of said spells."
(Investigating check (Junior); Roll Result: 9 + 10 = 19)
Junior blinked at that momentarily before turned to one of the aides behind him and whispering in their for a good long while then he turned back to her to say, "I'll see if I have any specific information like that for you, Miss…" - Weiss frowned at him but refused to him her name. He shrugged in response to that. "But, otherwise the only thing I could give you on that… vague bit of questioning, is to try and see if you can get into the restricted sections of the Pharos Citadel Library." He shrugged before saying as an afterthought, "It's in Vale, by the by."
Then, still staring at her, he presented his hand to her palms up. She stared at him for a moment before sighing in exasperation before she pulled out her coin purse and placed fifteen gold pieces in his hand. But, when he kept staring at her with his hand like that she scoffed before placing more and more gold down until he retracted his hand from her.
(Weiss loses 50 Gold)
"There," She spat before crossing her arms and looking away with a huff, "I hope your satisfied."
"More than you know," he leered back as he pocketed the gold. Then he looked between the rest of them as he asked, "Well, is that all?"
The was a moment of silence as the others tried to think of anything to say before Jaune exclaimed, "How much for the woman?"
They all turned at stared at him as he continued to look down at the fighting below. He then turned and stared at Junior as he coldly asked, "Well? How much for her? She's a slave, right?"
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member): 6 + 2 = 8; (Barbarian) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member): 7 + 2 = 9; (Barbarian) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 5 + 3 = 8; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 3 + 3 = 6; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
The others paused at that, frowning, before turning to look at the Mafia Boss as down below the woman continued to dodge and dance around the men trying to either contain her or break her. It wasn't clear which from here.
Predictably by now, she followed that up with her own overwhelming attacks.
(Roll to Attack, (Barbarian): 4 + 6 = 10; Red Axe Gang Member AC 10; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 7 + 5 = 12 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
(Roll to Attack, (Barbarian): 17 + 6 = 23; Red Axe Gang Member(Machete) (Reaction: Parry) AC 17; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 10 + 5 = 15 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
(Roll to Attack, (Barbarian): 12 + 6 = 18; Red Axe Gang Member(Machete) (Reaction: Parry) AC 17; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d6 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 2 + 5 = 7 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
From there, she chopped another man in two before lopping off the legs of another even as he tried to parry what he thought would be an overhead strike before finally slugging one of the last two in the face almost dropping him as he just barely slowed her blow down with the flat of his blade.
She howled in triumph at that, finally having an opponent to survive her relentless assault.
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member): 15 + 2 = 17; (Barbarian) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d6; Roll Result: 4 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 2 point of damage)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member) (Machete): 16 + 3 = 19; (Barbarian ) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d8 + 1; Roll Result: 7 + 1 = 8 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 4 point of damage)
At that momentary bit of distraction, the last two men closed with her once more, slashing and chopping at her, each just barely able to bypass her defenses in their fear. She hissed and screamed at them wildly, preparing to counterattack once more.
Junior watched it all, a thoughtful look on his face. Then, he looked to Jaune and arched a brow before asking, "And, why do you want to know that? I'd be losing quite the bit of entertainment if I did, you know."
Jaune turned at looked down at the woman before saying in answer, "She's a warrior. A fighter. She doesn't deserve to be chained up like a feral dog, to be put down when you finally tire of her. I want her. She'll be of great benefit to our mission, and it's the right thing to do." He snarled the last at Junior as he turned to glare at him, his eyes full of hate for the man and the situation he found he and his friend in.
"Now," He said in the sudden quiet. "Are you going deal, or am I going to have to ask Neo to come in here?"
(Intimidation Check (Jaune); Roll Result: 17 + 2 = 19; (Junior) Roll Result: 5 + 6 = 11; Junior fails)
Junior stiffened at that as did the two women behind him. Finally, the one of them in white said, "Bullshit! She's not here!"
"Oh? How do you know?" Jaune returned, before motioning at Cardin as he continued, "She was in Sunsett at the same time as us, and hired this man to escort us here. Why would you think that she isn't here?"
They looked between each other before turning back to him as he stepped towards the table and asked, "So, are we going to deal, or no?"
(Persuasion Check (Jaune); Roll Result: 20 (Nat 20) = 20; Perception Check (Junior) (Disadvantage); Roll Result: 5 + 3, 7 + 3 = 8, 10; Junior fails)
Junior swallowed at that before nodding silently. "Sir!" the other in red woman exclaimed in shock behind him. "She's mad! None of our men can even get close to her to-" She glanced at Jaune and the others, before whispering, "To, you know. It'll be a severe loss to the Family. Mother, will not be pleased."
"L'il Miss, will just have to get over that then." Junior replied while looking down. "We can't have Roman's little psycho going after us. The losses of that, would be even more severe." He then glared at Jaune as he said, "Ten thousand. No less."
"Really?" Jaune returned with a scoff while crossing his arms. "I'm doing you a favor here. Five thousand."
It was Junior's turn to scoff then as he sat up and crossed his arms, "Please. Like you have the means of controlling her. Seven fifty."
"I don't have to control her," Jaune returned with a sneer. "Three thousand."
Junior's eye twitched at that before he said, "You clearly don't know how to bargain. You don't go down like that. Six seven fifty then."
"A thousand." Jaune returned. The two stared at each other for a moment before he said, "Last offer. Take it or leave it. Or, I'll have Neo come in here." He smirked before saying, "She likes my friend here, Ruby, and will do anything to keep that smile on her face." Then he snarled, "Just, like, me."
(Persuasion Check (Jaune); Roll Result: 16 + 2 = 18; Perception Check (Junior); Roll Result: 6 + 3 = 9; Junior fails)
Junior stared at him in silence some more before abruptly hanging his head and sighing. "Fine," He said. "A thousand ,it is."
Jaune nodded before counting out the money on the table before them all. Junior watched in silence before nodding as he snapped his fingers while saying, "Miltia, Melanie. Get the bitch."
(Jaune loses 1,000 Gold)
The two nodded at that with a smirk appearing on their faces at the order before disappearing into the shadows behind the man. Immediately, they were replaced by some eight other members of the gang while Junior said, with a slight, malicious grin, "A poor trade, boy. You might not like what you've received."
The group was confused by that, only to immediately realize what the mob boss meant when they saw the two women appear down below, drawing their scimitars. The berserk barbarian woman noticed them then and snarled with unrestrained rage, speaking words for the first time as she shrieked, "You! You bitches! I'll kill you!"
"Oh, Yang," Purred the one in white with an almost lustful grin as she settled down into a low stance alongside her sister. "Was this not what you wanted? An endless supply of men just throwing themselves at you?
"An endless series of battles till you finally gave up or died?" Asked the one in red right behind her.
"You, you betrayed me!" The newly named Yang responded as she gritted her teeth so hard her jaw shook with emotion. "That's not what I wanted, and you know it! This, this isn't what you promised me, Malachites!"
Then she rushed forwards into the fray, howling like a banshee.
(Roll to Attack, (Yang): 20 (Nat 20); Red Axe Gang Member(Machete) (Reaction: Parry) AC 17; Roll Result: Critical Success)
(Roll for Damage 2d6 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 4 + 6 + 5 = 15 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member) (Huh, honestly, as over the top as this just was - the Axe Gang members armed with machetes in this are basically reskinned NPC Nobles… who only have a HP of 9… and this one was reduced to just 2 last round - it works for Yang's Rage being stoked at seeing the Malachite Twins.)
With an almighty strike of her fist as she brushed by him in passing, Yang not only broken through his guard, she not only shattered his already broken jaw, she all but tore his mandible off from the force behind the blow. The man was sent flying away, spinning in the air, to crash heavily into several barrels on the distant , shattering them under the combination of his weight and momentum.
He laid there, jaw unhinged, and eyes white in death.
Yang didn't care. She kept going, charging past the other gangster, to attack the two women. The man took that opportunity to swing at her himself. He threw his hand-axe at her as she flew in a towering rage, too fast for him catch up to.
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member): 15 + 2 = 17; (Yang) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d6; Roll Result: 1 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 0 point of damage) (She's too Angry! It did nothing! Holy Shit!)
He stared in shock as his axe struck her unarmored form and did nothing! "Ack!" Was he was able to articulate in exclamation at that. Then, Yang was upon them.
She launched herself in a kind of leaping attack at the one in white, swinging her axe downwards into her leather clad side.
(Roll to Attack, (Yang): 5 + 6 = 11; Miltia AC 19; Roll Result: Failure)
Only for the woman to duck under the attack before spinning in place to riposte.
(Reaction (Riposte): Roll to Attack, (Miltia): 18 + 8 = 26; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success) (Yeah, the Malachites aren't pushovers in this story.)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Wounding) 1d6 + 1d8 (Battlemaster Superiority Die) + 5; Roll Result: 1 + 5 + 5 = 11 reduced by half for Raging to 6 points of damage)
Yang hiss as the blade cut into her muscular side, feeling the wound it left behind, and seethed with rage as she turned, swirling in place herself to then strike at the other sister, even as her sister screamed, "Melanie!", in a seeming panic.
(Roll to Attack, (Yang): 14 + 6 = 11; Melanie (Reaction: Defensive Duelist) AC 19 + 3 = 22; Roll Result: Failure)
Seemingly in panic as her sister then repelled the axe swing, though only just barely, forcing the edge of the axe up and away from her with both of her blades even as it sent her skittering backwards in the sand. Yang gritted her teeth as that before snarling wordlessly in rage, her long, blood-soaked, blond hair waving wildly behind her in a dripping, tangled mess.
Then, it was the gangsters turn.
(Action, Perception Check (Investigation); Roll Result: 11)
The last grunt turned to the corpses of his fallen comrades to pick up one then another machete, the heavy blades quivering in his hands as he then turned to face the madwoman before him, and swallowed, afraid. He watched at the two sisters been to dance with their prey in a masterful display of skill and finesse.
(Roll to Attack, (Melanie): 2 + 8 = 10; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Melanie): 4 + 8 = 12; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Failure) (But, apparently, Melanie is still the weaker of the two sisters.)
Or, at least that's what it seemed like to him, even as the first sister failed to land a hit on her opponent while her sister maneuvered in beside her to flank their opponent.
(Roll to Attack, (Miltia) (Advantage from Flanking): 3 + 8, 9 + 8 = 11, 17; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Wounding) 1d6 + 1d6 (Sneak Attack) + 5; Roll Result: 2 + 2 + 5 = 9 reduced by half for Raging to 4 points of damage) (Yes, both Miltia and Melanie have Multi-Classed as Warrior-Rogues. More on that below.)
(Wound Inflicted on Yang)
(Roll to Attack, (Miltia) (Advantage from Flanking): 18 + 8, 5 + 8 = 26, 13; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Life Stealing) 1d6 + 5; Roll Result: 4 + 5 = 9 reduced by half for Raging to 4 points of damage)
Yang howled in pain and anger as Miltia slashed her twice more after she just dodged around the wild swings of Melanie. She turned to face the woman with a determine stamp of her bare, bloody foot in the sand and winced as a pair of the wounds the woman gave bleed profusely for a moment.
(Scimitar of Wounding; 1d4 per Wound for 2d4; Roll Result: 1 + 2 = 3 points of Necrotic Damage)
(Constitution Check (Yang), DC 15; Roll Result: 12 + 4 = 16; Success)
She shuddered at that for a moment more before the wounds abruptly stopped as she rubbed some of the loose sand in them, sealing them. She smirked at Miltia as she took a step back at that, clearly thinking that she and Melanie were going to bleed her out before this got out of hand.
Then, with a wild look in her eyes, Yang rushed at her, swinging recklessly.
(Roll to Attack, (Reckless Attack) (Yang): 11 + 6, 20 (Nat 20) = 17, 20; Miltia AC 19; Roll Result: Critical Success)
As she cleaved into the woman mightily, her sister suddenly appeared to Interpose herself between the two.
(Roll for Damage (Critical Hit) 2d12 + 5; Roll Result: 5 + 8 + 5 = 18 (Savage attack Reroll) 11 + 5 + 5 = 21 points of Damage to Miltia reduced by 6 for Interception Reaction (1d10 + 3 = 3 + 3) for 15 points of damage) (Goodness… that was a mouthful of math right there. Sorry bout that.)
Miltia cried out in pain as the axe blade just cleaved into her side even with her sister doing all she could to reduce the damage. But it was over for her as even through the tears now in her eyes she saw Yang swing at her again as her blow shoved Melanie away. She made to parry or block the blow just as her sister did previously, right as the axe made to connect to her.
(Roll to Attack, (Reckless Attack) (Yang): 16 + 6, 13 + 6 = 22, 19; Miltia (Reaction: Defensive Duelist) AC 19 + 3 = 22; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5; Roll Result: 12 + 5 = 17 points of damage to Miltia)
She screamed in pain as the second attack just broke through her defenses before ripping a gash across her abdomen. But Yang wasn't finished yet.
She stepped forwards with the swing to then backspin in a spinning overhead strike, at her sister.
(Bonus Action: Frenzy Attack) (Roll to Attack (Reckless Attack) (Yang): 17 + 6, 8 + 6 = 23, 14; Melanie AC 19; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5; Roll Result: 7 + 5 = 12 points of damage to Melanie)
It was then Melanie's turn to scream in pain as Yang's axe ripped across her torso, leaving a deep line of red in her body. She staggered backwards just as the lone grunt charged in to attack Yang from behind, swinging both of his machetes wildly at her naked, scarred back.
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member)(Advantage from Flanking/Reckless Attack): 17 + 2, 3 + 2 = 19, 5; (Yang) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d8; Roll Result: 5 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 2 point of damage)
(Roll to Attack, (Red Axe Gang Member)(Advantage from Flanking/Reckless Attack): 17 + 2, 12 + 2 = 19, 14; (Yang) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d8; Roll Result: 2 points of damage reduced by half for Raging for 1 point of damage)
Yang hissed as the man scratched at her but kept her attention on the two women before her. Melanie charged back in from the side to slash at her twice with her scimitars as Miltia did the same from the other side.
(Roll to Attack, (Melanie) (Advantage from Flanking/Reckless Attack): 5 + 8, 4 + 8 = 13, 12; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Failure)
(Roll to Attack, (Melanie) (Advantage from Flanking/Reckless Attack) (Goading Attack): 7 + 8, 14 + 8 = 15, 22; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Life Stealing) (Goading Attack) (Sneak Attack) 1d6 + 1d6 (Sneak Attack) + 1d8 + 5; Roll Result: 3 + 1 + 2 + 5 = 11 reduced by half for Raging to 6 points of damage)
(Wound Inflicted on Yang)
(Goading Attack, DC 16 Wisdom Check (Yang); Roll Result: 10; Failure; Result: Disadvantage on Attacks against characters other than Melanie next turn)
Yang snarled in rage as she ducked under a feint only to be bashed in the head by Melanie's scimitar, opening up a wound.
(Roll to Attack, (Miltia) (Advantage from Flanking/Reckless Attack): 6 + 8, 18 + 8 = 14, 26; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Wounding) 1d6 + 1d6 (Sneak Attack) + 5; Roll Result: 1 + 6 + 5 = 12 reduced by half for Raging to 6 points of damage)
(Wound Inflicted on Yang)
(Roll to Attack, (Miltia) (Advantage from Flanking/Reckless Attack): 8 + 8, 5 + 8 = 16, 13; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Life Stealing) 1d6 + 5; Roll Result: 3 + 5 = 8 reduced by half for Raging to 4 points of damage)
She slashed Yang twice, heavily wounding the larger woman as she did so. Yang winced in pain at that, stumbling backwards from the wound. She shuddered and grunted as her bleeding wounds oozed a second time as she stepped forth to fight once more, still unbowed.
(Scimitar of Wounding; 1d4 per Wound for 2d4; Roll Result: 2 + 2 = 4 points of Necrotic Damage)
(Constitution Check (Yang), DC 15; Roll Result: 11 + 4 = 15; Success)
Once again, she used some sand she had gathered to close up the wounds before suddenly turning to swing her axe at the man behind her, whipping around in a massive spinning attack.
(Roll to Attack, (Reckless Attack) (Yang) (Disadvantage from Goading attack): 12 + 6 = 18; Red Axe Gang Member AC 10; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll for Damage 1d12 + 5 (+ 2 for Raging); Roll Result: 8 + 5 = 13 points of damage to Red Axe Gang Member)
The man screamed as the massive blade cleaved into him, spilling his guts in a massive swathe of blood and viscera, killing him almost instantly. But Yang didn't care as she completed her rotation to strike at Miltia again.
(Roll to Attack, (Reckless Attack) (Yang) (Disadvantage from Goading Attack): 9 + 6 = 15; Miltia AC 19; Roll Result: Failure)
Once more, she failed to hit the woman as Miltia ducked under the attack before stepping in to thrust her scimitar at Yang's side.
(Reaction (Riposte): Roll to Attack, (Miltia): 15 + 8 = 23; Yang AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
(Roll For Damage (Scimitar of Wounding) 1d6 + 1d8 + 5; Roll Result: 6 + 6 + 5 = 17 reduced by half for Raging to 8 points of damage)
(Wound Inflicted on Yang)
Yang grunted in pain as she felt how devastating that wound was alone but she continued with one final attack on Melanie herself.
(Bonus Action: Frenzy Attack) (Roll to Attack (Reckless Attack) (Yang): 6 + 6, 1 + 6 = 12, 7; Melanie AC 19; Roll Result: Failure)
Only to fail as she swung past her, her wounds and loss of vision making it impossible to land a hit. She collapsed onto her knees, gasping for breath and shuddering from her wounds. Her Rage spent.
Melanie brought both blades up to cut her down, panting from the fight, short though it was. "Enough!" Called Junior from above. The three looked up to see him glaring down at them all. He then pointed towards some point beyond the shadows below as he said, "Now, toss that trash outside. Our, guests, can deal with what's left of her.
The two sisters nodded at that before taking the limp form of Yang Xiao Long and tossed her outside. Meanwhile, Junior turned back to Jaune the rest as they stood there, having watched the unfolding drama in horror, and said, "Now, if that's everything? I think we're done here."
"Uh, m-my emblem?" Ruby dared ask.
Junior shrugged and said, "I'll have it repaired within a fortnight. Seeing as the girl there wants to go to Vale for research purposes, I'd say to go rest at the Green Flagon, an inn there my family owns. We'll deliver the emblem there once it's been restored."
Jaune glared at the man with Cardin doing the same behind him as he questioned that. "And, you swear to that?"
"My word as bond," Junior sniffed before turning to step away his men in between them all as he left. They stood there in silence for a moment more, not sure what to do before, finally, Jaune turned to the others and said, "Come on. Let's go pick up our new friend… And then, I guess go to Vale."
They looked between each other before nodding, with Ruby even saying, "This might not be a bad thing. Between the emblem, that picture of the island from your family's vault, and, uh, whatever we can find in the, uh, the… Pharaoh-"
"Pharos," Weiss instantly corrected."
"-The Pharos!… tower. *Ahem* Maybe we can narrow down where this place is, huh, Jaune?"
He blinked at that as he lead them back, thinking it over. Then, he nodded silently in agreement.
"Well, I suppose this is where our paths separate then," Cardin then spoke up behind the two of them. They glanced back to see him looking away from them as he climbed of the stairs behind them. Then he glanced over at Weiss as she climbed beside him and said in a slightly hesitant manner, "Unless… the Lady is headed that way?"
Weiss blushed faintly at his attention before smiling and nodding at his question, saying, "Indeed. Ever since more powers awakened I've been trying to find a way to research how best to use them. The Tower in Vale sounds like just the opportunity I've been looking for." Then, she turned to Ruby and Jaune and said, "Plus, it seems to me that you two on a journey in search of something to do with Ruby, and those rare silver eyes of hers. I'd like to offer my skills in pursuit of that, so long as we are headed in the same direction, at any rate."
"How do you know about that?" Ruby asked with mild surprise.
Weiss motioned to Cardin as she said, "Sir Winchester here was, rather expressive in his request that I aid the two of you. I felt it only right to acquiesce."
Cardin blushed at that and grumbled to himself about keeping things confidential while Ruby and Jaune glanced his way. Then Jaune said with a nod and a smile, "If you're willing to help. I'll not turn you down. But, fair warning, there are some awfully powerful people after us."
"I am aware." Weiss returned somewhat coldly, though it was clear from her tone that it wasn't directed at him as she continued with, "My people have had dealings with the Salemites back in my home country of Atlas. They are quite tenacious."
He nodded at her in agreement before turning back to walk up the stairs once more. "Indeed." He muttered, remembering the fate of his family.
(+4 to Charm Score (Jaune), Source Weiss)
(+5 to Charm Score (Ruby), Source Weiss)
(+3 to Charm Score (Cardin), Source Weiss)
(+6 to Charm Score (Weiss), Source Cardin)
(+2 to Charm Score (Jaune), Source Cardin)
(+1 to Charm Score (Ruby), Source Cardin)
/ /
It didn't take them long to realize something was going on once they were outside. Cardin was almost tempted to asked the others if it was the screams or the light and smoke of distant flames that they noticed first.
He wisely chose not to ask. Especially, not now when he was starting to get along with his new comrades.
Still, though, before they could do something about that they had to go seeing about finding this new… companion.
He didn't want to say anything to the others, but he had briefly participated in such a… vile trade, but it seemed even his stunted mortality couldn't take it for long, not after he saw big brown eyes of that Faunus. A bit of investigating later, and some pinpoint negotiation skills on his part, and her friends had shown up with a reluctant force of peace officers to destroy the cabal of slavers. As he stared at that sky he idly wondered if any of the surviving members from that group were in charge capturing this woman?
It didn't take all that long after all to find the woman. They simply when down and behind the building to find the woman bound and unconscious face down in a ditch. She was still covered in wounds and blood, but even now Cardin couldn't deny that she was something to behold. Though, he made certain to do it subtly so as to avoid Weiss's disappointment. He still wasn't sure why he cared about that.
He didn't notice the figure on the roofs behind them, looking down on them all.
/ /
"Hey! Are you okay?" Jaune called, worried, as he and Ruby took off down the slope to check on her. The woman, Yang if he recalled her name correctly, didn't respond. He and Ruby quickly made their way to her side, checking her over.
(Medicine Check, (Jaune) (Advantage from assistance by Ruby); Roll Result: 19+ 3, 7 + 3 = 22, 10)
A brief, but comprehensive check of the woman saw that she was alive, merely concussed. It also appeared that she had been treated with only the blood left behind making them think she was still wounded.
"Oh, thank the Gods," Jaune said as he saw that before looking up at Ruby and said, "She's alive. Just unconscious."
Ruby sighed with relief at that before drawing her dagger and cutting away at the woman's bonds while Jaune kept an eye out for anything to cover the nearly nude woman's form. Finally, annoyed, he just jerked off his own cloak and used it to wrap around her unconscious just as Ruby cut the last of the ropes.
(Roll to Attack (Surprise), (Grapple) (Yang); 6 + 3, 19 + 3 = 9, 22; (Ruby) AC 16; Roll Result: Success)
As soon as she did Yang suddenly shot forwards to grasp her by the throat, slamming her onto the ground as she snarled, "Who are you?! What do you want?!"
"Hrrggh!" Was all Ruby could say in response, coughing under the vice-like grip of the angry barbarian.
"Ruby!" Weiss cried out in fear, not sure what to do. Cardin held her back, trying to determine what to do himself. "Release her, you brute!" Weiss cried, struggling.
"We're here to help. It's why we bought your freedom." Jaune told her quickly, hands raised to appease the woman, trying to calm her down. She turned her glare on him as he raised his hands higher and said, "You're no longer a slave, a prisoner. Now, please, release my friend."
"Why would you do that? What's in it for you?" Yang snarled squeezing down on Ruby's throat. "Is it for me? Or, for my body? Well, guess what?! You can't have either!"
"It was for nothing!" Jaune suddenly snarled angrily, blue eyes glinting with wrath. "Okay?! I did it because I saw a warrior, a fighter, caged like a beast, feral, and trapped, and I couldn't stand for that! That's it! Now, let my friend go! Else, I'll break you in two, you bitch!"
(Persuasion Check, (Jaune) (Advantage) (Circumstantial); 19 + 2, 19 + 2 = 21, 21; Insight Check, (Yang); 3 + 3 = 6; Jaune Succeeds)
Yang paused at that, shocked by the sheer vehemence in his voice. Finally, she snorted and laughed at him before letting Ruby go as she grinned and said, "Well, shit! That's all you had ta say!"
As Ruby rolled out of the way, Jaune snatched her up and hugged her to him tightly, panting from the emotional strain he was under. Weiss and Cardin then charged down the slope to stand by him, weapons drawn, whether to support him and Ruby or to stop the seemingly crazed warrior even they didn't know, but as she continued to cackle in glee he was prepared to do what needed to be done, hand on the hilt of his sword.
Only to be surprised when she then bowed to him as she knelt down into the slop, saying, "For saving my life and granting me my freedom once more, I pledge to you my service until such time as I repay one or the other." The she stood back up and asked as she flipped her sweat and blood -slick hair over her shoulder, "Now, what can I do for ya, handsome?"
Jaune blinked at that, stun-locked, before looking down at Ruby as she lay there in his arms, clutching at the cloth of his tabard. She looked up at him, blinked, then shrugged at him and laid her head against his chest as she let a small smile appear on her face.
Finally, he sighed as he calmed back down and said as he stood up, setting Ruby down before him, "What you can do, warrior, is protect my friends when someone tries to hurt them. Especially, when I'm not there."
Then he pointed and glared at her as he said, "And never do that again!"
"Okay! Jeez! It was my bad!" Yang then said as she held up both hands, a slightly mortified smile on her face as he continued to glare at her. "Okay, okay, you got it! I promise to keep an eye out for any trouble going forwards. Gods, you strangle a girl one time…" She muttered the last part before she then grabbed Ruby as the other woman suddenly slipped in the muck just as she had a coughing fit from being strangled, preventing her falling and clasped her on the back firmly as she patted a couple of times as she said, "Sorry about that. Was… well, was more than a bit jumpy after the last two people I trusted sold me into slavery… and ended up being the very same people that beat me within an inch of my life back there, too. It sucks."
"S'okay," Ruby rasped as she clutched at her throat before giving her a thumbs up. "I can kind of get it."
"Ya want us to go back, get you some revenge?" Cardin asked then while crossing his arms.
Yang seemed to think about it for a moment before shaking her head as she said, "Nah. I'm still mad, but I'm not that stupid. Give me some time to build my strength back up and then we'll see."
"Circumstances wound dictate otherwise," Weiss muttered quietly at that, crossing her arms briefly as she looked away sternly before her blue eyes softened at seeing the smoke from afar.
Cardin nodded, but said nothing else. Weiss looked around at everyone then as there was a moment of silence before asking, "So… now what?"
"Now *Cough* *Hack* *Spits* Now, we go see what all that screaming is about." Ruby said as she drew her rifle, chambering a round. "And I think I know what it's about."
Jaune nodded her way as he drew Crocea Mors' shield and sword, igniting the flames along the length. The other quickly did the same as he and Ruby started up the bank and made their way towards the rising smoke in the distance.
(+4 to Charm Score (Jaune), Source Weiss)
(+5 to Charm Score (Ruby), Source Weiss)
(+3 to Charm Score (Cardin), Source Weiss)
(+6 to Charm Score (Weiss), Source Cardin)
(+2 to Charm Score (Jaune), Source Cardin)
(+1 to Charm Score (Ruby), Source Cardin)
(+4 to Charm Score (Yang), Source Jaune)
(+3 to Charm Score (Yang), Source Ruby)
(+1 to Charm Score (Yang), Source Cardin)
(-4 to Charm Score (Weiss), Source Yang)
/ /
As she followed after the knight and his red cloaked maiden Yang took the makeshift great club she had made by ripping off a sizable beam from the side of the pawn shop Junior was using as a front and shoved it in front of the girl in white, blocking her way forwards. And, as the she turned to glare at Yang, she said, "Hey, you're a spellcaster, right? Do you have any spells to help get me back in tip-top shape?"
The girl, Weiss, continued to glare at her as she huffed and crossed her arms, being careful to keep the rapier in her hand from poking either of them, as she retorted, "And, why should I answer that?"
Yang grinned at that, ignoring the accusation in the girl's tone, as she said, "Great! So, do you have any spells like that?"
Again, the girl huffed before repeating herself with, "Again, why should I answer that?"
At that Yang rolled her eyes before saying as she took her club and stabbed into the ground next to her as she said, "Listen. I get that what I did earlier, how I acted earlier, it didn't put me in the best light, and I apologize about that. But, whatever this is? Whatever we're about to go up against? It sounds serious. And, I can't keep my promise to Jaune, if you don't help me. So... please? Will you help me?"
(Persuasion Check, (Yang); 13 + 2 = 15; Insight Check, (Weiss); 6 + 3 = 9; Yang Succeeds)
Weiss took a moment to stare at her as she mulishly thought it over before she finally sighed and said, "Alright." as she rubbed at the ring on her left middle finger and muttered an incantation.
(Action (Spell-casting) (Weiss), Greater Restoration; Removes Exhaustion Level from Yang)
Yang sighed as she felt the exhaustion that had been hanging over her the past day after waking up to find out that her friends weren't her friends. As soon as the Exhaustion vanished she flashed with a golden light and felt stronger, healthier, as her Soul spread out to envelope her.
Weiss blinked at that and did a double take as her eyes widen and she said, "Wha, What was that?!"
Yang smirked at her and patted her shoulder once as she said, "Don't worry about it. We got work to do. But later, I'll explain what I can. 'Kay?"
Weiss glared at her once more before nodding as she said, "Alright. But I'm holding you to that… barbarian."
Yang grinned at that as she pounded a fist to her chest as she said, "As the knight would probably say, 'By my word!'"
Weiss stared at her for a moment before huffing again as she brushed by her, purposely bumping her with her shoulder. Yang barely budged at that. That just made her chuckle some more. Oh, she already liked these new friends.
In the distance, one the could hear the sounds of screaming and snarls over the sounds of flames.
(+1 to Charm Score (Weiss), Source Yang)
(+4 to Charm Score (Yang), Source Weiss)
A/N: For those of you who read the original, you know what's coming next. For everyone else, buckle up. Next chapter is wild!
Also, I believe I owe you Junior and the Malachites' Stat Blocks, don't I? See below.
Hei "Junior" Xiong (Level 10, 5th Champion Fighter/5th Mastermind Rogue): 98hp,
Str: 19 (+4), Dex: 18 (+4), Con: 15 (+2), Int: 14 (+2), Wis: 16 (+3), Cha: 14 (+2); AC 16, Alignment: NE
Melanie Malachite (Level 7, 4th Battle Master Fighter/ 3rd Thief Rogue): 64hp,
Str: 16 (+3), Dex: 20 (+5), Con: 16 (+3), Int: 14 (+2), Wis: 13 (+1), Cha: 16 (+3); AC 19, Alignment: NE
Miltia Malachite(Level 7, 5th Battle Master Fighter/ 2rd Rogue): 72hp,
Str: 18 (+4), Dex: 20 (+5), Con: 15 (+2), Int: 14 (+2), Wis: 13 (+1), Cha: 16 (+3); AC 19, Alignment: NE