• Mature • [Seasonal Event] Dark Hearts A: Light my Fire

[Pegasus]

He roved up and down through history; a spectre
with tales to tell.
In the darkness when the campfire's dead; to each his private hell.
If you look behind your shoulder as you feel his eyes to feast,
you can witness now the everchanging nature of the beast

And so, it began. The moving of the people, the dawn of Ymiden bringing a new light and hope to the people of Scalvoris. He was here as a harbinger of joy and a new age, but he knew that - like so many of those who brought change to the new world, he was not understood.

But that, of course, was because he was a pioneer.

When he watched the volcano starting to erupt, the Beast had an air of satisfied about him which told of his pleasure. He had, in his mind, already won. Because he knew - he knew that there were those who would follow him, who had done so. His pursuers would have found his gift to them now and his hand gently stroked her face which he kept folded in his pocket. He heard her whispering to him and he nodded.

"Soon, my love," he whispered and he felt her lips smile against him. "Soon, I will listen to you sing, as we watch Scalvoris burn." And as the first jets of lava belched from the volcano, there was no doubting in his mind that, no matter what happened - he had succeeded.

Death came today, in the guise of the black ships.

And here, Smooglenuff would pay.

82nd Ymiden, 718

They had some things to deal with before they got to the small cluster of houses, but at the same time they kept moving. Amaris was doing his best to ensure that things kept moving but it was a difficult and upsetting time. As Amaris gave directions, some of it was to the two birds. However, they were just birds, trained as they were and therefore they ignored those orders the trill the volcano erupted. As first smoke and then lava spewed out of the volcano, the birds took flight and were gone. They were too much what they were for them to stay in a place where fire could soon be raining from the skies. It wasn't their nature.

Nalin empathised with the children but was much more use outside than in - it was a gruesome sight, that was to be sure. Still, Nalin understood that there was unpleasantness going on here and so he turned his attention to helping. Patrick held his tongue on a number of issues, but obviously was less than happy with Adam's treatment of Nalin or the situation generally. However, he focused on the situation in hand and did so with the intention of helping the children, of finding what clues they could and, most importantly, of finding out what on Idalos was going on here.

Adam, meanwhile, was beginning to use his own focus to ensure that they learned about what was happening. The seriousness of the situation was such that he was both aware and alert to the feelings around him and he put his skills to use.
And then, the group got to work.

Amaris investigated the murdered woman, doing a thorough job. When Amaris did that, he discovered that whoever had done this was clearly an expert with a skinning knife and the woman had been dead by the time her face was removed. There was a lot of evidence, also, that whoever had killed her had been cold, calculating and... gentle. There were no bruises on her, the cut was clean across her throat and she had been placed back in the bed in a very specific way. Whoever did this knew something about the processes for laying out the dead. On Scalvoris, specifically.

Nalin, meanwhile, looked carefully around the room. In any investigation it was as important to know when something wasn't a clue as much as it was and Nalin saw nothing of note in his quick sweep of the room where she had died; no reason or rhyme for it. Like, maybe, it was random. However, Nalin then went out and spoke to the children. Using his Xiur-granted ability, he gave them as much positivism as could be felt by two children who've woken up next to their murdered mother. They held on to his hand, but they didn't step in for a hug. However, the girl spoke, her voice trembling and she whispered to Nalin. "I saw a man. He was tall and wore a hat. He dipped his finger in her blood and then licked it," she said, eyes wide with unshed tears. "He whispered to her, told her that he loved her." Her lower lip trembled and she looked at Nalin. "He called her Rin'la, but that's not her name..."

Adam's questioning gave him a lot of information. There was a description, an action and a direction. More than that, though, just as he was about to leave her, the woman who he'd been questioning put her hand on his arm. "I don't know if this is relevant," she said softly, "but there was no emotion in his eyes. None. Nothing. Like he had no feelings at all." That might pose a problem for the empath but in truth, could it even happen? Did people with no emotions exist?

As Adam pondered these questions, Patrick searched for tracks and clues outside. In terms of tracks, either there were none or his skill was not up to the task. However, out there and nestled into the ground was a locket . It caught Patrick's eyes and on it was engraved, on one side, a ratherstylized but terrifying monster, while, on the other there was a word. Smooglenuff
And so, they had clues and they had a direction. Unfortunately, what they also had was a situation as suddenly the volcano spewed out hot lava, erupting in a loud grumble and then roar. Fire shot out of it and, within moments, hot balls of molten lava, rocks and other very very hot debris would be raining on Faldrass.

They had a choice.

Stay and help here, where there were undoubtedly people who needed it. Or, follow the people who were perpetrating this across the island. The Beast, from his unseen vantage point watched them and wondered. Would they have the strength and courage to do what needed to be done to save the island? He didn't know. But as he saw the locket in Patrick's hand, his lips curled in a feral snarl. To his deputy he spoke.

"If they follow," his voice was a low growl, "they must not stop us from reaching him. We move, now."

Consequences This Round!

Positive
Rising to the challenge! Unlocked: All pcs met their "can do" objectives! Well done. The team has earned a "Stroke of Luck" in my next post!

Unknown
Seen; The Beast has seen Patrick and believes that Patrick has personally offended him.

Map

Map of Faldrass

► Show Spoiler

NPC

Your opponent is: The Beast
At the moment, you know the following about him:

• He is not a very nice man
• He is used to working with the dead
• He is able to skin someone's face in one movement
• He has no emotions (?)
• He has a tendency to talk to the dead / dying
• He likes the taste of blood

OOC Info

!	Message from: Pegasus
	Apologies for the delay! I will post again on the 7th July No posting order. Going with a three strikes and you're out Please don't control the NPCs. Have fun! PM me if there's a question.

Objectives

!

Message from: Group Objectives

Decide on a plan. However, how you decide on this will be determined by posting order. Therefore, please adhere to the following: If you post Then decide... This is in the sentence you start with.... First Whether you stay and help or continue to follow "It is obvious that we must, in this moment...." Second Whether you move fast and risky or slow and cautious "In terms of speed, it is imperative that we are...." Third Whether you raise an alarm or remain more stealthy "As for our surroundings, I suggest we..." Fourth Whether you take the safer, long way around or take a more direct, more dangerous path "In order to ensure that we are working to a common goal, we should..." Please note that each of these decisions is possible depending on what the first decision is - just tell me what you decide and I'll work it into my next post. There will be significant consequences for the rest of the thread depending on what you choose.

!	Message from: Individual Objectives
	Please note: These are can do objectives. Amaris: Have your pc skip. Patrick: Have your pc break wind Adam: Have your pc jump up and down on the spot Nalin: Have your pc sing a song.

[Amaris]

Seeing the details from a distance had been one thing, but seeing them up close now was another. Whoever had done this thing - defaced this woman in a more literal sense than he would have liked - Amaris noted that they had to be skilled. And, well, other things that were off putting in their own way. At least the woman had not been alive for the act of her face being taken; she'd been dead beforehand. An obvious cause of this being her throat being slit. Another disconcerting fact was the familiar way she was laid out on the bed; Ashan had given him many chances to see the positioning of a dead body. Which meant that the murderer was most certainly someone who'd at least been on Scalvoris for some time.

There was, however, a choice lingering in the air like the smoke from the volcano. The group gathered once more and it was evident that there was something that needed to be done about the evacuation. Amaris suspected that even if it may have been some time since the last eruption, some form of plan must have been in place for this specific event. Which meant that the group might not need to stay and help; residents would know where they had to go and what was needed. Swallowing, they glanced between the men under their orders for the moment.

"It is obvious that we must, in this moment follow the perpetrator." Staying to help would only lead to something else occuring if this mad man where to take advantage of the chaos as he undoubtedly would. He might think it best to slip in with the evacuating crowd, and would be lost to the group. Which meant they had no time to waste - but the mixed blood would not be too hasty. "In terms of speed, it is imperative that we are slow and cautious. It's understandable that we are panicked at the moment, but panic will only lead to one of us getting hurt."

Of course, as if to punctuate this, as Amaris turned to head off in the direction given to them by Adam, one foot caught just at the ankle of the other and caused them to stumble. The mixed blood was able to catch himself quickly, but his steps morphed into something of a skip, as if to play off the near fumble. If he had the time for feeling any bit embarrassed, he might have - but he did not and continued on, as if nothing had happened.

Off Topic

Since Adam has retired as a PC, the group has decided that for this particular round Amaris would be taking the first two decisions, so that at least all four choices are made.

[Nalin Marit]

Nalin Marit
82nd of Ymiden, 718

[/b][/googlefont]

"Common" "Common Sign" "Scalveen""NPC"

There was a brief silence from Nalin, anger and despair filling his being as he listened to the little girl. Sure he had found nothing of note in the room but this, this was too much for little kids to handle. These kids were lucky that they hadn't been killed too, at least from the sound of it. Maybe it would have been a mercy. Mentally, Nalin pushed that thought aside. His heart went out to the little girl as he watched her features. She wanted to cry, and she had every right to cry. This wasn't something anyone would wish anyone to see. This girl just SAW her mother getting murdered in front of her.

He looked to both of the children, rubbing their heads and then taking a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he tried to recall something to memory. Something that he used to do for Lavender a lot when she was younger. A song, a lullaby, something soothing for the little ones, something that might even embolden them to their future. He smiled softly and opened his eyes. Sorrow ringing true throughout his whole body as he pulled the kids closer for just a few trills as he sang a verse from the only lullaby he could remember.

"The water's we sail, are troubled and violent
hiding a treasure in it's depths below
may Immortals grant you safe passage this night
as your journey grows and fully unfolds"

When he sang the last words he gently placed a kiss on each of the children's heads and squeezed their hands, trying to tell them that they were strong and could continue to be strong. He looked around as he did so, trying to see who was done with their tasks and who was still working. He slowly walked away from the children after making sure they would be okay, and then found Patrick and Amaris, but not Adam. That was strange. He wondered where the soldier went. Not that it mattered at this moment.

That was when Amaris decided it was time to give order's. Nalin nodded in agreement with Amaris, slow, steady so as to not miss anything, and he wanted to find this man. To get this man, and make him pay for his crimes. Whatever way that was necessary. And though he felt like he wanted to rush and try and find his next target before him, he also knew that it could leave them susceptible to an attack from behind. Instead, Nalin thought about how they should move forward. Should they warn people about the killer? Most would know already probably, it was just a small island. He looked up to the volcano. That would be most everyone's worry at this time. It looked like it might start spitting more than just slow flowing streams of molten rock sooner rather than later. He sighed, pushing it to the back of his mind at the moment.

"Agree with you Amaris, slow, steady, watchfull... but also silent, and stealthy, let volcano cover our noise with it's rumbles. Try catch killer off guard, and hope we find next target before he. Girl say it was he... He... tasted woman's blood.. Called her by name that wasn't hers. Said he loved her and girl said... he was wearing hat and was tall. This man... sound out of control. Didn't find anything in search of room."

He stood there uncomfortable for a moment before he looked to Patrick, he tried not to think about that night with him. Tried not to think about him at all just what he was saying and what his suggestions were. When all was said and done. He started walking with Amaris. Towards the next step in their mission.

[Patrick]

Patrick's search outside seemed almost next to fruitless after he followed his wonderful fairy guide, as there didn't appear to be any trace of tracks of their culprit at all. Then again he was no hunter or tracker either, therefore expecting to be able to follow such clues; would've very well ended up being a stretch already if he even did find something. But wait! What was that? Ri'ku fluttered downward towards the ground over an object and orbited the air above it, the ball of light somewhat bounced in the space as she dragged his attention. "Hey! Something's down here!"

"I see that Ri." Patrick remarked with a thought as he looked down at the object, a bit of a quick bend made to grasp the item before standing tall. From the looks of it they'd come across some kind of locket with a creepy design on it, in which his eyebrows furrowed as he narrowed eyes down in closer observation. With a flip over of the object he noticed one name engraved on the backside of the object, a bit perplexity developed in his expression as the name held little meaning towards the Rharnian. Smooglenuff? What the hell kind of name was that?

"Maybe something important worth sharing among the team?!" Ri'ku suggested as she pivoted in the space before his face, while Patrick looked from the locket towards the volcano again. A little wary of the fact the smoke plume rising from its suddenly seemed colored, and the colors of red and orange appeared to extrude from the top. He winced a little as he felt the ground tremor just a little, suddenly meeting the minor shake with his own drawn out rip of the ass. One could have assumed that the passing of gas had been so tumultuous that they caused the tremor themselves, but a plain observation of the fiery mountain overhead easily justified the real cause nonetheless.

Patrick himself questioned the fact that mountain seemed likely to explode, as he felt an innate sense of fear of what may come next with the volcano. Indeed he even questioned the integrity of his drawers after that last one, since one look at the sight of eruption could have led one to soil their drawers. But that just proved time was more of the essence in this case, and he quickly turned with eyes still full of horror at what loomed overhead. Quickly he walked back to where Amaris and Nalin were located, the locket held out discreetly between the two as he revealed it to them. "This may be of importance. Dunno who this "Smooglenuff" character is, but if the culprit has his sights set on him... we better get to him first; then get the hell off this island before we're all burnt alive."

He listened to Amaris' plan of action and, for the most part agreed, with what she declared to be the right move. While he didn't want to take it any slower than necessary, as the further away from this place they were the better, the Rharnian did warrant that her choice on the matter proved likely better. "I think in order to ensure that we are working to a common goal, we should be more direct even if it's more dangerous." Hopefully they had quite a bit of time before the fire hailed from above, let alone smothered the very earth around them if the ash didn't blanket them first. Being on a volcano island certainly wasn't something he ever planned on doing, certainly while it was going boom during an investigation. "So much for trying to be a hero..."

"It'll be okay Patrick!" Ri'ku assured him with some ounce of confidence in her high tone. He really hoped so in this case, because things didn't certainly appear that way to him. Nevertheless he followed Amaris' lead and intended to carry out his role in this, he just hoped he wouldn't live to regret making that decision in the end.

[Pegasus]

If you wear a warmer sporran, you can keep the foe at bay.
You can pop those pills and visit some psychiatrist who'll say
There's nothing I can do for you, everywhere's a danger zone.
I'd love to help get rid of it, but I've got one of my own.

As the volcano erupted and the screams started at the mere sight of it, the Beast watched and he spoke, his voice soft and quiet and almost gentle. "Initiate the attack against Smooglenuff," he said and then, they all moved. Glancing once more at the group, below, he did not feel the need to repeat his order to his deputy, but still. It was important that they got to Smooglenuff Manor.

The snarl from the Beast at that point told of his deep hatred.

His deputy watched him go and then turned his attention to the small group heading this way.

They were heading here - by the more direct route which made things more difficult. But also, they were moving slowly. Carefully. That was a good thing, he thought with a smile.

It would give him time to prepare.

And so, with a nod to the rest of his team, he set about ensuring that all of them who dared to follow the Beast, died.

82nd Ymiden, 718

They explored the place and they found their clues. They were important, some of them more important than perhaps they seemed, or than the group realised. But then, there were things to consider, decisions to make and so on. Amaris chose that they would follow the Beast, and that they would do so slowly and cautiously. Then, Nalin agreed with Amaris, but Patrick urged less caution, more movement. However, they made their way, with no decision made as to whether they raised an alarm here or not, which defaulted to not doing so.

So, they took the shortest route, at Patrick's suggestion. At times, that was difficult and the three of them struggled. Patrick was the most nimble of them, the one most able but still. They all made it up to where the tracks were. "Go down," the deputy said as he watched, sight unseen, the small group making their way to him slowly and cautiously. "They've given us time, go the long way down and kill the children in the village," his second in command looked at him and raised an eyebrow, in some surprise. "It will distract and delay this group. The children are already dead, they just don't know."

And so, four people from the group took the long way around, stealthy and quiet and they made their way. After the climb, Amaris, Patrick and Nalin were moving, cautious and careful. Then, as they turned a corner, there was a man. He was tall and thin, wearing a long coat and a hat, much like the description given. But his eyes, they weren't as described.

Behind him were four others. So, five in total. The four behind him all had crossbows pointing at them. The man who spoke, though, he stood and smiled, one hand resting comfortably on the hilt of his sword. When he spoke, it was calm and confident.

"You're surrounded. Drop your weapons or die."

He really, really didn't seem to be joking.

Consequences This Round!

Positive
Did do!! Unlocked: Amaris and Patrick met their objectives. Reward at the end
Above and Beyond Amaris met 2 people's objective. Way to go! Reward at the end.
Extra! Extra! Amaris, Nalin and Patrick all met their "can do" objectives! Reward at the end.

Unknown
Against the flow!; Patrick seems to want to move at a different pace than the rest of the group. Who's right? Who knows?

Negative
Didn't do! Nalin did not complete his "must do" objective. This has impeded the movement of the group and will impact the consequences for this village.

Map

Map of Faldrass

► Show Spoiler

NPC

Your opponent is: The Beast
At the moment, you know the following about him:

• He is not a very nice man
• He is used to working with the dead
• He is able to skin someone's face in one movement
• He has no emotions (?)
• He has a tendency to talk to the dead / dying
• He likes the taste of blood

OOC Info

!	Message from: Pegasus
	Apologies for the delay! I will post again on the 15th July No posting order. Adam has left the group. Please don't control the NPCs. Have fun! PM me if there's a question.

Objectives

!

Message from: Group Objectives

Please split your post into two parts. Before you see the group of attackers and after. Before: is freeform, up to you. After: You have ONE action. The following things count as actions: - dropping a weapon - drawing a weapon - using a mark ability - casting a spell. You must write ONLY ONE action. Things like thinking are free and you have as many words as you can fit in to 10 seconds of time. You have one STROKE OF LUCK held over. I did not use it in this post, but you never know when you might need it!

[Patrick]

Patrick's eagerness likely became more prominent the further along they moved, as he nimbly attempted to weave his way through the dozens of people that filled the streets. Evacuations were no doubt being enforced and because of that, people littered the routes that the group had to make in order to clear out. He didn't blame them for the fear and anxiety many possessed, as he too felt innate fear in the large mountain erupting far overhead. Fire would seemingly rain from the sky at some point, a picture that wouldn't be pretty to stand within.

So they needed to hurry. No matter how slow and cautious they were going to be, they needed to be direct and steadfast in how they handle this. They were on an important mission after all, and while he wasn't one to embrace the idea originally; something about this certainly felt a little heroic to Patrick. As much of a scoundrel he always considered himself to be, he actually didn't want to turn tail and run just yet. One look at that volcano and all sense of selfishness told him otherwise, but whoever this 'Smooglenuff' guy was clearly had to be the target of this murderer. Besides leaving wasn't something that'd be accomplished easily, not if those from the Black Sails intended to determine their fates.

So what the hell. Why not face his current enemy head on. As the people they passed lessened in numbers, Patrick's brush among them also reduced significantly. He wasn't fast by any means but certainly moved with a quick step the further along they hurried, and for a while it seemed like he was the one ahead of the two; for just a brief period of time.
During their climb towards the destination he pitched in when necessary or even vital, mainly to aid in the distraction of the looming fire spout over in the distance. Gods he wanted to put so much more distance between it and him, but even then the worse was truly about to come. Along their set path they came across a hold up, a group determined to threaten them with a drop of their weapons. "Patrick!!" Ri'ku called out as she soared around him from behind, her tiny form also brought to a steadfast halt as she hovered over him.

There were five in total. Their leader stood firmly centered while the rest aimed crossbows on the three that gathered, and regrettably now was the time Patrick wanted to turn tail. Somehow he didn't see any way out of this, not without it ending badly for somebody. Three against five. What kind of odds allowed them to win? He'd certainly be pushing his luck if he refused to listen, and while his initial reaction was to draw his own crossbow... there wasn't any real sign of cover to hide behind for the moment. What to do then? Did the others wish to surrender? Did he? Wow... Wait a Bit. He didn't even realize it but he was somehow ready for a fight, albeit a fight he wouldn't walk away from if he didn't play his cards right. So what could he do?

Could he approach the man in the long coat? Could he challenge them perhaps? It was worth a try... Although there wasn't any guarantee he'd be successful. Patrick had already dropped his crossbow a couple feet to his right, but when he slipped the scabbard of his broadsword from the shoulder; he clenched it for a moment in hesitation. Fuck. "Counter offer!" He declared after biting his lower lip in total disbelief, somehow he managed to keep a clear tone despite his wrecked nerves. "How about a one on one match? Let my friends go and you can fight me until one of us goes down..." Gods he didn't want to consider that, though he certainly wasn't the best swordsman in the world. Not like Doran who taught him a few things.

But damn if he didn't really put himself on the line for these two, certainly for their behalf if not the attempt at finishing this mission. He didn't think he'd be successful in persuading this man any, nor did he like his chances of credibility of skill now he entertained the idea. But regardless Patrick stood his ground with sword still in hand, able to draw or even drop it depending on how the situation panned out.

Off Topic

Patrick started with disarm but couldn't help trying to provide an opportunity for the other two to carry on, which I know wasn't an option buuut was something he felt inclined to do. It was either Challenge the guy, wait until one was close enough to use his hidden dagger, or basically just be a martyr so the other two could attempt moving on without him. >.>

[Pegasus]

There's a beast upon my shoulder and a fiend upon my back.
Feel his burning breath a heaving, smoke oozing from his stack.
And he moves beneath the covers or he lies below the bed.
He's the beast upon your shoulder. He's the price upon your head.

What was important, the Deputy knew, was that no one get in the way of the Beast in his pursuit of Smooglenuff. That was why the Beast was here, after all, and more than anything he needed to get to Smooglenuff.

And his "guest"

Especially his guest.

So, the Deputy turned to hold back the people who were trying to stop the Beast and the Beast himself moved. He was making his way towards Smooglenuff Manor and, unless stopped, he would arrive there soon. Once there? Oh just the thought of what he would do once he was there was enough to make him smile in delight.

Soon, they would both pay, Smooglenuff and his woman. With every step, the Beast got further away from them and the Deputy? Well he was a distraction and, frankly, an expendable one.

82nd Ymiden, 718

Fear does strange things to people. Some of them, it freezes in their tracks. That was what happened to Amaris and Nalin in that moment - as they realised that they were facing five armed and skilled warriors. Unfortunately, it was hesitation which got people killed, in a very real sense.

Sometimes, though, it was not hesitation, but action. The group here didn't know it, but as they stood, four of the Beast's group took a different way down and they made their way to the village. There, they would slaughter the children, at the request of the Deputy. Now, although they took the longer way down - they moved fast and so their arrival at the village below almost coincided with the meeting here in between where they were and where they really, really needed to be.

But stopping them, in their way, were just the few ~ five in fact ~little issues. And then, there were the five.

Patrick was the only one who moved, but he didn't seem able to decide what he did. Was he raising his crossbow? Or dropping it? Yes, just a little. Then, he slipped his scabbard from his shoulder and so held his sheathed sword, but did not draw it.

And then, he spoke.

Having presented no discernible threat to them, with two of their number not moving and Patrick effectively just talking, the Deputy gave a slight, almost charming and enigmatic smile. "Kill them," he said and the four behind him opened fire. By a stroke of luck, they did not aim for immediate death shots but Amaris was shot in hip, first, on the right hand side. That bolt lodged deep in the joint and sent the mixed-blood to the ground, blood poured and the pain was absolutely exquisite in its intensity. The second of the four attackers also shot Amaris, this time in the left shoulder. Perhaps this was where the fortune truly came in, for unknown to the group, this one had been aiming for the throat. The split trill between one shot an another and the vicious and painful first shot meant that, whilst red poured onto the snow, Amaris was alive. With a bolt in the left shoulder and another in the right hip, but alive.

As Amaris was hit, so too was Nalin. Two bolts caused the white haired pale man to sprawl on the ground, blood oozing from him. One bolt to the stomach and the other to his knee. It would be the stomach one which might kill him, of course, and both Amaris and Nalin were at risk of blood loss or frostbite.

Not fun.

The man, meanwhile, stood and smiled at Patrick. "A duel? I win, you all die. You win, you get the choice. Save your friends or save the island?" He smiled and in that moment why he was the deputy to the most feared Beast was obvious.

"Sounds like fun," he said, and he charged forward. In the split trill that Patrick had to act, he realised that this man was good. Very good indeed. Fast and sure footed, nimble and skilled. And he was moving towards Patrick with the aim of slicing his head, it seemed, clean off his shoulders.

Consequences This Round!

Situation Critical
Last chance! The group is running the very serious risk of failing their mission. If they do, this will have consequences for them, the other pcs in these threads and Scalvoris generally.

Map

Map of Faldrass

► Show Spoiler

NPC

Your opponent is: The Beast
At the moment, you know the following about him:

• He is not a very nice man
• He is used to working with the dead
• He is able to skin someone's face in one movement
• He has no emotions (?)
• He has a tendency to talk to the dead / dying
• He likes the taste of blood

OOC Info

!	Message from: Pegasus
	Both Nalin and Amaris have missed one round of posting. I will post again on the 22nd July No posting order. Please don't control the NPCs. Have fun! PM me if there's a question.

Objectives

!

Message from: Group Objectives

You are in a COMBAT situation. Amaris and Nalin: You have ONE action. The following things count as actions: - dropping a weapon - drawing a weapon - using a mark ability - casting a spell. You must write ONLY ONE action. Things like thinking are free and you have as many words as you can fit in to 10 seconds of time. You must keep in mind that you are in extreme pain and suffering from extremely limited movement. STROKE OF LUCK used! Patrick. You have an opponent bearing down on you. Please ensure that you let me know what you plan to do and I will determine the success or failure of said attack. All note This is very much a Bad Situation. Your pcs are in extreme danger. Enjoy!

[Amaris]

Of all the times for him to freeze up, it had to be then. But how they would soon wish they hadn't. Pain was beginning to be something that they could count on in most of their interactions these days and as the first arrow tore through flesh and lodged into bone, the very jumbled remainders of their brain was firing off too slow commands. They sent further pain screaming through their hip and down went their weapon as they made way to grasp onto the offending area with a cry of pain. He would have no further intention of picking his weapon up again - or much of a capability to do so.

The next arrow flew, this time into their shoulder. It felt like a too slow drop to the ground, and more pain. The force of the impact to the ground ricocheting over his back and through his body sent further pain into both his shoulder and hip. This was not the same as when they had been engulfed in the pain of the swirling winds from the tree in Sweetvine last season. That had been short-lived and burned. This was like a paper cut amplified to the highest degree and drawn out for much longer. The fact alone that he could only liken it to a paper might have had the mixed blood in quite a predicament with himself mentally. That it would be a realization that he had not known pain until this moment.

However, he could not remained focused on himself. Or anything for that matter. His vision blurred with tears and his hands couldn't decide if they would clutch his hip or his shoulder. He might be thankful that he was still breathing - but how much longer would that last? Amaris could not hear the challenge being directed at Patrick, mind only just beginning to slow but still focused on his shrieking nerves and muscles for the time being. Both arrows remained lodged in place, though his fingers flitted between both as if to pull them out against the knowledge of not doing so.

[Patrick]

It looked as though his attempt to persuade the man failed, at first, when the shots to kill were made upon the group. Initially Patrick cringed and expected to be hailed by a bolt or two, knowing good and well the force behind a crossbow launch. Yet somehow he felt nothing. No incredibly powerful force slammed into his armor, and when he opened his eyes he quickly understood the reason why. Amaris and Nalin were the ones pinned by the bolts, and they were both immediately downed as a result of the attack. His eyes widened in horror as he looked from his companions to the Deputy, his hands tightening around his weapon as he ground his teeth for just a moment.

"Bastard!" He called to him with the sword unsheathed from it's scabbard, the strapped piece discarded behind him bitterly as he held his sword out. It had been positioned low in his dominant hand, just shyly below the waist, with his left hand positioned near the hilt of the blade as he took stance. He had never really engaged in many combat scenarios before, and each one he did typically ended in failure on his part. Why? Probably because he was atrocious with the damn thing, lacking any real skill as any person with a sword expected to possess. He'd learned a few things off an on of course, and as far as he could reflect back on only one memory stood out.

Doran.

He'd taught Patrick little back in Foster's Landing, and that training alone could've very well saved his life. Patrick had considerably failed to rely on that intellect before when he encountered Noth... this time however it immediately resounded in his mind as Ri'ku fluttered close by him. A choice? That wasn't at all what he had planned for... But if he had to choose between his companions or the entire island? Assuming he'd get to live long enough to make it... No. He wouldn't worry about that, he had a fight to focus on before anything else. This was the part Patrick weighed heavily in on, the struggle for survival against this villainous figure in the world.

At the last few words of the duel entertaining the man Patrick grimaced, his grip with the dominant hand a little readjusted as he prepared for the move. But Gods! His footwork was incredible, and the pace he moved in his attack? Could Patrick even hope to keep up with this man? "Patrick move!!" Ri'ku beckoned him to as he seemed rigid in his form, but he innately recalled the key note in the moment of his response;

"Contrary the popular belief the best defence isn’t parrying, especially not for a beginner like you. If you can, step out of the way of their attack. It is never enough to just react to your opponent’s attacks though. That will only exhaust you and draw the fight out unnecessarily. Every one of your defences must already be made with an attack of your own in mind."

Just like before those words echoed in his thoughts as he replayed the memory in mind, and Patrick watched the angle which this vicious man swung from. It was a crossover bound to cleave his head clean off from the look of it, and when he drew in close Pat's eyes narrowed sharply as he proceeded to dunk. Hopefully the weapon would slash just over Patrick as he knelt down with his sword gripped, a thrust made in attempt to counter the attack with a stab.

[Nalin Marit]

Nalin Marit
82nd of Ymiden, 718

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"Common" "Common Sign" "Scalveen""NPC"

Pain. That was all that Nalin felt for a trill. No thoughts ran through his mind other than that pain. His breath hitching as he felt himself crumple. His new armor nothing compared to the piercing ability of a crossbow. He gasps for air, trying to remember how to breathe against the pain. He felt himself twitching. Something was wrong though.

He couldn't feel his leg. So much pain in his gut though as he looked down at himself. He had in collapsing shoved the shaft of the one in his knee and out the other side. He saw all the blood his breathing labored as he tried to breath. Coughing as he puked, blood mixed in with the nasty substance all over himself.

With that he completely collapsed forward into the disgusting mess he just left. stabbing the bolt in his gut all the way through his body as well. He twitched and reached out towards Patrick and Amaris.

"I'm.. sorry.... Lavendar.. brother..not.. coming home..."

His eyes went foggy. blood pooling on the dirt beneath him. He gasped and shuddered as the light from his eyes started to fade away, a single tear falling from his eyes as they slowly started to close. Now, there was no pain, it was just blackness. Emptiness and the echo of words that he wasn't really understanding. His body gave one last twitch and it was obvious that he'd stopped breathing as his body completely relaxed with it's final breath. It would take a miracle of great measure to save him now.