Fantasy Hunter's Moon: Ascendancy [IC] [CLOSED]

[Worthlessplebian]

The transformed inquisitor beamed through the sky with speeds that could be said were like the lightning. The freshly-grown fur, the ends of his leathery wings rippled against the heavy wind. Wider than an infernal halberd, yet packed with more muscle than a strongman has in his torso. The soaring bat pierces the dark clouds. Concerned that he may be struck, but the thought was more fleeting than the sensations around him. Within him too. The pain of flesh change wet, fresh in the membrane of his body. His wings beat one more time then folded to allow the momentum to carry him. The beast's neck tilted back as the inquisitor closed its red jewels beneath raw eyelids. A moment came over him when his momentum fully ceased, where it felt like he hovered on the very, tumultuous clouds around him.

Then he pulled his core back and fell backwards with his wings collapsed. On exit from the velvet embrace, did the cold, crimson glare reappear. Blazing speeds were rapidly achieved as Rajko tugged his body to adjust. This missile of flesh, hair, and fanged fury knew its target. In fact, he sees making a beeline towards the Saint. His wings begin to gradually unfold in preparation for the crash. With claws that catch, he'll snatch this icon of Taranoch then bash, pound into the dirt from whence she came.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille lacked supernatural speed to stop the Icon's rapid assault, yet she strode forth with confidence with her blades held at her side. Eyes swift enough to see that the monk had teleported in the defense of the saint, she was using this opportunity to gauge their strength. Despite her being so sure of her skills, fighting a demon this powerful was a complete unknown to her. Yet still the huntress closed the distance steadily, calmly stepping forth with her blades at the ready. For a brief moment her eyes looked down to her blades, noting how the silver-edged sabers possessed a golden sheen in the dim light. That's all she would need to defeat these cocky monsters.

By the time the group began their coordinated strike, she started to gain speed as she flourished her blessed weapons. Timing her advance just so, she would leap into the fray the moment there was a pause in the melee for her to make calculated slashes into Istres!

 

[K0mori]

Sebastian was still clutching his axe with both hands, shotgun slung over his back and pistol back in its holster. He didn't quite know what to expect from the Icons, but had to assume that their speed and strength would be immense. Yet not even Camille was sitting this fight out, so there must still be something he could do to contribute as well. He just needed to be strategic. He got light on his feet, ready to move quickly, but not because he intended to match Istres in any way. She was headed for Rebecca. All he needed was for one of the stronger members of the group to pin her in one place, if only for a moment, so that he could strike her with the axe head and then get back.

 

[Infab]

Caleling Reef - Marketplace - Icon Fight - Turn One
Istres, Icon of Pride
(HP = 300)

Special Buffs
Istres, Icon of Pride
Polearm Expert - Does 6 DMG when hitting a foe at range. Does only 3 DMG when striking at close range.

Fear the Reaper - Can target and attack 3 people at once. If attack lands successfully on all three targets, a bonus of three damage is applied to all three targets.

Pride Before Destruction, Spirit Before A Fall - When below 25 HP, Istres will shift into her true demonic state. All damage will be set at 10 DMG and she will be able to attack all targets on the field.


Rebecca's Group
Blessed Be Thy Weapons - Thanks to the blessings that Rebecca has cast, the group now does a natural base of 10 DMG to the Icons. Any additional damage stacks on top of the base 10. For example, a grazing gunshot does 11 DMG instead of 1.

Blessed Be Thy Body - Just as Rebecca blessed their weapons, she also blessed their bodies. The group will slowly regain health overtime. Every turn, they will regain two points of HP. If hit with an attack while healing, the regenerated HP will subtract from the DMG. For example, if someone suffers 3 DMG while wounded, they will really only suffer 1 DMG.

- Rebecca -
Chosen Perk: Shield-maiden - With her tower shield equipped, Rebecca can shield herself (or an ally) from an attack. Damage is halved when struck (to a minimum of 1 DMG.)

Random Perk: Voice of the Saint - Using her Saint powers, Rebecca can heal an ally from a distance. Each use grants 3 HP to an ally, but the power has a one turn cooldown with each use. Amount of HP regained will increase by 3 per chapter.

- Cassandra -
Chosen Perk: Shadow-dancing, Naturally - Using her blinding pureblood speed, and a little finesse, Cassandra can dart around her enemies and deliver devastating attacks. For up to three times during a battle, Cassandra can deliver a critical hit, with a bonus in damage of +5 if it is to a mini-boss or boss.

Random Perk: Witness the Slaughter - Cassandra's brutality in close quarters has a chance to strike fear into nearby enemies. If Cassandra kills a foe in melee combat, nearby enemies will be 2 points less likely to hit her for a turn. Effect increases by one point with every chapter.

- Sebastian -
Chosen Perk: Quick Reflexes - Sebastian's military training has given him heightened reflexes compared to the average person. Enemies have less of a chance of hitting him, and (if they just so happen to hit) will never score a critical hit on him (with the exception of environmental hazards, mini-bosses, and bosses.)

Random Perk: Point-Blank - Sebastian's no stranger to fighting up close with his firearm. If engaged by an enemy in melee, Sebastian will automatically counter-attack with a firearm. It will be an automatic critical hit.

- Azathor -
Chosen Perk: Combination Power - Azathor's a natural when it comes to making hits land one after the other, all focused on one spot. For every hit that lands in a string, an additional point of damage is added. Damage can stack endlessly, until Azathor misses (after which the damage resets.)

Random Perk: A Sister's Legacy - In the same vein as his fallen sister, Azathor shows immense prowess with bladed weaponry. If fighting a foe in melee, Azathor's learned talents come into play. Does an additional 3 points of DMG against melee opponents when using a melee weapon himself, and has a 50% chance to deflect a melee attack. Amount of damage dealt will increase per chapter.

- Camille -
Chosen Perk: Honed Reflexive Riposte - During the years following the Witlock Inquiry, Camille honed her skills as a sword fighter. Enemy melee attacks that fail to land prompt an automatic counter-attack from Camille. Double damage if her attack hits.

Random Perk: Nevermore - A rather new technique Camille has learned over the years, Camille can cause a distraction in order to throw off an enemy's attack and allow for a devastating strike. Once during a battle, Camille can use this ability to force an enemy's attack to miss entirely. Enemy will be stunned for one turn afterwards, allowing for one automatic critical hit.

- Royland -
Chosen Perk: Penance Stare - A gift given to the Wraiths of the Abyss, Royland can strike terror into the hearts of ne'er-do-wells and villains with simply a gaze. When used, the target will be stunned for a turn. Number of turns stunned will grow per chapter.

Random Perk: Noble Knight - When fighting alongside an ally in melee against the same enemy, Royland sense of chivalry begins to come into play. If an enemy should strike an ally, Royland will do double damage to the enemy that struck them in retaliation (should his hit land.)

- Takato/Xiaòzhou -
Chosen Perk: Like Water, Returning - Takato/Xiaòzhou, since the days of the mission into the Abyss, has honed his skills ever more. Grants an additional move/action during a turn; applies double damage if the second move/action is an attack that hits, other traits do not come into effect for the second move/action. Both moves/actions can be used for a singular AoE move/action, which also does double damage (if an attack that hits.)

Random Perk: The 10 Trials of Adriel - Thanks to the teachings of the second Abyssal King dwelling within his mind, Takato/Xiaòzhou has learned of the trials a young Adriel (the eventual first Abyssal King) had to endure to become a Titan. In exchange for a decrease in health, Takato/Xiaòzhou can amplify their damage output by extraordinary amounts. For every point of HP substituted, Takato/Xiaòzhou does 2 additional DMG. This damage will grow by two with each chapter.

- Rajko -
Chosen Perk: Batimalism - Rajko can command a swarm of bats to attack or do an arbitrary action like retrieve a distant object or blind a foe for a turn. An attack by the bats does 3 DMG to a target (and is amplified every chapter by 3) Goes on cooldown for two turns after use. Additionally, bats will never attack Rajko unless induced by a magical entity or older werebat.

Random Perk: Deafening Screech - While in Werebat form, Rajko can unleash a screech directed at a foe loud enough to stun them. The enemy stunned will remain unable to attack for three turns, and any attacks directed at this foe will be automatic critical hits if they land. When used on a mini-boss or boss, they will be stunned for only one turn but will have three points less of a chance to hit targets for two turns afterwards. Can be used once per battle.


Royland attempts to stop Istres' charge! Chance Roll = 9. Chance Successful! Istres' charge has been halted!
Xiaòzhou = 7. Does 20 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons, Like Water, Returning) to Istres. Istres HP = 280.
Azathor = 5. Does 13 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons, A Sister's Legacy) to Istres. Istres HP = 267.
Rajko = 6. Does 10 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres. Istres HP = 257.
Camille = 3. Misses Istres.
Sebastian = 7. Does 10 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres. Istres HP = 247.
Jayden = 7. Accuracy Roll = 17. Does 15 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres. Istres HP = 232.
Cassandra = 10 (Shadow Dancing, Naturally.) CH Roll = 9. Does 25 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons, Shadow Dancing, Naturally) to Istres. Istres HP = 207
Rebecca = 9. Does 10 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres. Istres HP = 197.

--- --- --- ---

Istress = 6, 8, 7 (Fear the Reaper.) Does 4 DMG (3 - 2 + 3 DMG. Blessed Be Thy Body, Polearm Expert, Fear the Reaper) to Rebecca, Xiaòzhou, and Azathor. Rebecca/Xiaòzhou/Azathor HP = 11.

--- --- --- ---

SPECIAL ATTACKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

​

The battle began, with Istres rushing Rebecca in an attempt to put the Saint down quickly. If that happened, the rest of the group could be eliminated with ease. But as she neared, Royland's chains made a solid connection. Wrapping around her and interrupting her charge. As she was held in place briefly, Xiaòzhou arrived near instantaneously and deliveres a solid open palm strike which knocked the Icon backwards a step.

Then, Azathor arrived, swinging his swords as hard as he could at Istres' midsection. The would connect, rattling both himself as well as his target as his swords clanged against Istres' fancy armor. As he stumbled backwards, Istres managed to free herself from Royland's chains just in time to be struck by the werebat Rajko's diving attack. He collided with her, knocking her to the ground and delivering a one-two strike to her head with his claws. She managed to fight him off, slipping her boot up between them against his chest and shoving him off. "Damned bat!!" she spat, as he went flying off.

And as she climbed to her feet, she narrowly dodged a swing from Camille. But as she stopped, Sebastian struck. Driving his axe into her shoulder, just between her neck and the pauldron. She flinched only slightly, cutting the soldier a look of annoyance. "Really? You could have shot me and hurt me more." she muttered.

A moment later, however, someone did actually shoot her. Jayden, nearby, had taken aim with his rifle and blown a hole through her the abdomen of her armor. She groaned in pain, a look of anguish washing over her face before it was quickly replaced with anger.

That look would also be replaced, as Cassandra appeared next to her. Seemingly out of nowhere. And a moment later, Cassandra's saber was driven deep between the armored plates of Istres' left side.

Cassandra leaned in, a wicked smile on her face. "I should make a business out of killing Icons. I seem to enjoy it far more than killing the lower castes of Taranoch's ilk." she whispered, before jerking the blade out and leaping back.

Before Istres could recover, Rebecca moved in and made her own strike. Slicing at the exposed portions of Istres' legs. Slice the legs, they can't keep themselves up. They get weaker, straining to move. It helped against Sazak before.

Then, in a surprising burst of speed, Istres finally made her attack. She spun her war scythe about, slapping Rebecca across the side of the head with the bottom end of the weapon before spinning again and doing the same with Xiaòzhou. Though, with the Oni, she struck him with an upwards sweep of the weapon. Delivering a vicious uppercut.

Then, she spun the weapon back around, and swung. Aiming for Azathor. The blade connected, driving into his side and forcing a pained groan from the demon prince as it sliced deep.

"You think weak shit like everything you just did is going to kill me? I've had worse." she spat, before jerking the weapon from Azathor's side and pulling it in close. Still in a battle stance, ready to strike again.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The werebat flew off the self-conceited icon after clawing at her head twice. Rajko chambered his knees to his chest, wings collapsing around him as he tried to control his tumbling. His back smacked against the ground bouncing him off. The wings unfold out as Rajko, in a display of agility, swung his legs in an arch providing one last spin to reorient himself. Talons dug then sliced the mud. He slid to a stop. Catching the action in time to see the icon deliver a devastating uppercut blow to the Oni mystic.

Rajko primed himself another attack but then the gnarled, flat nose of his twitched at an unknown aroma. His head tilted down to see his clawed fingers presenting the source. Slaked with the icon's vain blood. The werebat's mangled mouth managed to stretch into a demented smile. Red-gleaming eyes now glowed with a type of bloodlust, evidenced by the wide-counter of his brows and tautness in his eyelids. His monstrous hand swam ever so slowly towards his mouth to lick them clean, but stopped as Rajko's higher faculties subdued the instincts. Instead the werebat tittered then blew up in a mad laughter. "Hihihihihihahahaha! Little Icon, your blood is too FRESH for your boasts!" What was once the inquisitor's monotonous, firm voice had been replaced by a shrilling thing more akin to glass-scratches than anything human.

He rushed back into the fray with a flap of his wings, intending to deliver an overhead swipe if she tries to retaliate but misses then he could instead sweep past her and be out of immediate harm's way.

 

[Breadman]

Royland's gambit worked and the icon was stopped in her tracks. It didn't completely stop her, but it was enough for his allies to hit back. She wouldn't go down however and delivered strikes to her targets. Rajko has deemed it fit to do away with his disguise and reveal the monster that hid beneath. So would Cassandra. They faced icons after all. There was no point for pleasantries.

"Enough of your prattle, wench!" The knight demanded as he lid the chains with hellfire. He was going to brand her leg as preparation for the other Icon.

 

[Damian0358]

With Royland stopping Istres' charge in its tracks, Xiaòzhou switched from a staff strike to an open palm strike, finding her far closer than he had anticipated. Moving back while reaching for his staff, he watched the others make their strikes, he watched Istres to see what she would do, before suddenly finding himself struck by the bottom end of Istres' war scythe, a swift and vicious uppercut sending him back and onto the floor.

Instinctively wiping himself where he got hit, the hermit grabbed his staff and got back on his feet. He watched Cassandra's eyes, before shifting his focus to the rushing Rajko and Royland, He weighted his options, and opted to join in the rush, hoping to deal a multi-hit strike (like water).

 

[K0mori]

Delivering a solid *thwack* with his axe, Sebastian didn't allow himself to be intimidated by Istres' taunting as he yanked the blade free and wheeled backwards. He already knew that the Icons were hideously powerful and could take far more punishment than any mortal could, and that there was no time to gawk at the damage.

Rajko's monstrous form, however, finally revealed for all to see, brought a grimace to his face. Sebastian wondered if his ally's mind was as affected by his new form as his body was. He shook away the distraction; now that the initial collision had passed, it was less likely that he would catch an ally in the fray with his shot, so he took out his Winchester and leveled the barrel on the Icon.

He squeezed, blasting her with a shell full of silver that he had originally intended for Cassandra, should she get out of hand.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille grit her teeth with frustration as her swiping slashes were sidestepped, prompting her to pivot on her heels as she quickly closed the distance once again. She only gave pause when the monstrous Rajko descended upon the Icon with a thunderous impact, staggering somewhat to avoid getting crushed beneath him as well. That high pitched voice caused her to wince, but the huntress knew that she could not afford to lose her focus.

Once more she began a spirited charge with her swords fanned out on her sides, yet this time she decided to take a different approach. "I had thought that an Icon would have much better technique, yet I am finding it lacking!" the huntress taunted, aiming to draw the ire of Istres by attacking what she thought to be weakest: her ego. Once directly in front of Istres, she would perform a few feinting swipes and then sidestepped to draw her feathery cloak in an obscuring flourish. "What are you the Icon of? Hm, it hardly matters, you shall be forgotten by tomorrow..."

After baiting out Istres' swing, Camille would lance around the blade to strike the Icon's forehead with the pommel of her saber!

Ability: Nevermore​

 

[Infab]

Caleling Reef - Marketplace - Icon Fight - Turn Two
Rajko = 7. Does 10 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres. Istres HP = 187.
Royland = 2. Royland misses Istress.
Xiaòzhou = 7, 5 (Blessed Be Thy Weapons, Like Water, Returning.) Does 20 DMG to Istres. Istres HP = 167.
Sebastian = 9. Accuracy Roll = 17. Does 15 DMG to Istres. Istres HP = 152.
Camille uses ability 'Nevermore'! Chance Roll = 8. Chance successful! Istres is stunned for a turn!
Camille = 10 (Nevermore.) Crit Roll = 9. Does 20 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres, Istres HP = 132.
Azathor = 3. Misses Istres.
Jayden = 4. Misses Istres.
Cassandra uses Special Attack: Slaughterhouse Waltz. Chance to Hit = 6. Chance Successful. Cassandra does 50 DMG to Istres. Istres HP = 82.
Rebecca = 5. Does 10 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres. Istres HP = 72.

--- --- --- ---

Istres cannot attack! Stunned for a turn! (Nevermore)

​

Rajko's overhead swipe managed to catch Istres across her back, as she attempted to dive beneath it. A quick roll, however, allowed her to dodge Royland's incoming ranged strike. As she climbed back to her feet, however, Xiaòzhou rushed in and met her with a one-two pair of strikes. The impacts forced cracks to form in Istres' chest plate, her armor beginning to cave inward from the blows. And it would soon be shattered entirely, as Sebastian's shotgun blast hit Istres squarely in her chest as Xiaòzhou moved quickly away.

"Damnit!" she spat, turning about and preparing to charge Sebastian with her war scythe. However, Camille would intervene. She leaped in front of Istres, and quickly delivered a few feinting swipes. Istres reacted accordingly, which allowed for Camille to deliver a proper distraction: she blinded Istres with her feathery cape before driving the pommel of her sword into the forehead of the Icon.

A groan of pain sounded from the Icon, as she stumbled backwards. Leaving her a wide open target for both Azathor and Jayden. However, both would miss their attacks. Azathor swung, but Istres' confused movements somehow allowed her to dodge it. She would also manage to sidestep Jayden's gunshot.

But Cassandra wouldn't miss.

"My my, you're just... utterly pathetic!" whispered Cassandra, suddenly appearing next to the Icon. Istres swatted to her right, attempting to hit where the voice had come from, but only hit air. "I wonder if I should even bother doing this... You just don't seem worth it." continued Cassandra, now on the other side.

Another swat, and another miss. "SHUT UP, YOU DAMNED BLOODSUCKING BITCH!" spat the Icon, still trying to regain her composure after Camille's blow to her forehead.

But then Cassandra appeared one final time, just before the Icon. Leaning in to speak face to face. "But, it'd look bad if I didn't try, so... Shall we dance?"

Suddenly her hand snapped forwards, grabbing firmly onto the war scythe in Istres' hands. A jerk ripped it from her grasp, and a twirl of the weapon followed before the shaft was brought down across Cassandra's knee. The impact snapped the weapon in half, turning the war scythe into a hand scythe. The pieces fell into the sand, and then Cassandra went for Istres herself. A flash of a blade, then a painful groan as Cassandra's blade was shoved through the Icon's gut. "That's for not bowing, dear. The dance starts with both parties bowing."

Cassandra stepped back, before offering a deep, theatrical bow as she watched Istres clutch the blade jutting from her stomach. Then, she stepped back forwards, taking the Icon by the hand and her waist. They began to move, in a square pattern. Cassandra leading, with Istres struggling to free herself from the pureblood's vice-like grip. The pain of the blade jutting from her stomach, of course, was stifling her efforts.

"One, two, three. One, two, three...the box step, dear. Haven't you ever done the waltz?" she whispered, adding a giggle at the end. "Of course you haven't. You're not civilized like my dear sweet Mariette."

They paused, and Cassandra's hand moved from Istres' hip to the blade's grip. Then, a sharp twist was given. Istres cried out in pain, forcing Cassandra to grin. "You continue to disappoint me, Istres. Even your predecessor Ralvas knew how to dance. You don't seem to know anything at all." she whispered, before jerking the blade out. Still holding onto Istres' hand, she twirled the icon around, before giving a sharp snap to her arm as she faced the opposite direction. An audible crunch sounded, as the Icon's arm was jerked from its socket.

"You can't even spin right. Pitiful." muttered Cassandra, releasing her hand. "Ah well. You've disappointed me enough that I no longer wish to partake of such a civilized dance with you. Maybe the other Icons will be better. You, however, deserve something far more uncultured. Though, between you and me, I find these kinds of things just as fun."

Suddenly, Cassandra's speed came back into play. Delivering a flurry of sabre swipes to the Icon and carving several deep gashes into Istres' body. Even armor couldn't withstand the impact of the blade, cracking and splitting open every time the blade struck metal. Blood spurts stained the sand in every direction, eventually forming a large pool beneath the Icon as she dropped to her knees.

Cassandra eventually paused, glaring down at the Icon with a wide toothy grin on her face. Eyes ablaze, burning bright red. Her sabre, formerly razor sharp, was now bloodied and dull. Bits of the edge had chipped off, creating a jagged saw-tooth blade. "And now, the finishing touch." she soon whispered, before driving the jagged blade into Istres' shoulder with a vicious chop. Then, an equally vicious horizontal jerk followed, the blade ripping through her flesh as Cassandra removed it the hard way. And once more, Cassandra vanished. Disappearing from behind the Icon and back to a safer distance.

Rebecca hesitated, waiting to see if Istres would get back up at all. And she would. The Icon slowly stood, as her wounds began to slowly heal. Accelerated healing factor, an ability that the other Icons also possessed. Rebecca grunted, before charging in and delivering an arching swing which caught the Icon across her other shoulder. Which didn't seem to phase the Icon much, as she simply shoved Rebecca away.

"Is that all you mongrels have? I'm still here. And I'll kill every single one of you." muttered Istres, her wounds sealing up and leaving the Icon standing atop the blood soaked sand. She was weaponless now, but she didn't seem at all worried. Could she fight them bare-handed? With no armor to protect herself anymore? All that she wore now was tattered undergarments, made of blood soaked cotton.

 

[Dmaster]

After performing her stunning strike Camille felt it best to jump back to clear a path for the others to make use of the opening she created. Rather fortuitous since she would have been in the path of Jayden's shot that went wide. The huntress saw no point in shooting the young man a look, as he was but an amateur. It did give her one more reason to detest firearms all the more, however.

Cassandra launched forward in a blink, performing some kind of mad, sadistic dance with the Icon that she could barely follow. Despite how detestable and horrible their enemy was, Camille hated how the pureblood reveled in the violence that she was dispensing. There was method in the madness that Cassandra performed, practiced on victims far more innocent than Istres could ever hope to be. Though Cassandra was an asset to their battle and their mission, Camille felt a pit in her stomach as a white-hot anger for the deranged vampire bubbled.

The Icon's collapse would prove not to be her last, and once more Camille spread her stance and remained on guard. Despite Istres' words of fury, she was both disarmed and disrobed after Cassandra's assault. The next strikes would certainly be an end to her, hellish healing be damned. "You have no choice but to kill us," Camille spoke up as she moved closer to Istres. "I suspect I know the price of your failure, your master will kill you if you are to fail."

"Yet we too cannot fail, our will shall not let us expire here. You and your associate shall be slain!" With a spirited charge, Camille leapt into the air and spun about with her blades, performing a flurry of slashes to tear into Istres!

 

[joshuadim]

Azathor's first strike had missed, but now Istres was left exposed by the strike done by Camille. A fine blow that took down the new Icon's defenses, leaving her entirely open to a furious offensive. The demon prince mustered his blade, concentrating to his deepest extent as red-black whisps coagulated around Belias' weapon. He remembered some of Azgon's words from what seemed to be lifetimes ago now: Concentrate your anger. Your hate. Bring it to a single point and it will conquer mountains with but a blade's edge.

Anger overtook him, that which was against his father. Against the Icons and Taranoch. And most of all against himself for his past failures. With a roar, Azathor lunged into the air with his sister's sword above his head before bringing it down with rage that threatened to drown him.

ABILITY: HATEFUL STRIKE​

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Even submerged in the flesh-throne of a monster, the inquisitor stepped back to watch, watch in terrible awe as Cassandra, corrupted again by her inner troubles, unleashed a pirouetting fury upon the sinfully-proud Icon. A pit formed in his stomach. It's a small blessing that he hadn't eaten before seeing this display, he may have puked. Yet for all his horror at this sadism, this cruel samba, his red eyes could not hope to look away. Despite her vows to innocence, to be better, this is a testament and reminder of just who she was... Or perhaps, still is.

Cassandra soon vanished from sight. Leaving behind an icon collapsed from her wounds, but just as Rajko assumed it to be done, the blasted wench rose up again. The orbs snapped left to right. Observing who will attack in the moment. "I grow tired of your voice," the disgusting half-man half-bat creature spat with his horrid lips and jagged teeth. He reared up his back. Chest visibly expanding before compressing down as Rajko swung his head to Istres' direction. His larynx contracted as the air was violently forced out. A continuous shriek aimed at the icon's hellish hearing. A deafening screech to prolong her daze if she doesn't dodge it.

 

[Damian0358]

Following his one-two strike, Xiaòzhou moved back quickly and observed the others as they attacked, once more working to follow Cassandra's movements. Her behavior was problematic, but it would be an even bigger problem if he began losing sight of her. As everyone worked to follow up St. Rebecca's last attack with their own, the hermit took a more cautious approach, concentrating instead to try and heal himself and anyone else that had been struck by Istres.

Sure, they hadn't been inflicted much damage yet, but the tide of battle could easily shift when it comes to Icons, and they had another watching them in the distance, reading.

 

[K0mori]

Forcefully ejecting the spent cartridge and loading another, Sebastian waited his turn for an opportunity to appear, rather than throwing himself back into immediate danger. He wouldn't get distracted by words, neither those from the Icon nor those from his allies, and instead focused on the one pressing need to finish this fight as quickly as possible.

 

[Breadman]

His attempt had failed, but it was of no consequence as the others cut into the demon with their attacks. But it wasn't enough. She still breathed and was taunting them. The annoyance growing and turning into anger, Royland armed the chain again and aimed to wrap it around her neck.

 

[Infab]

Caleling Reef - Marketplace - Icon Fight - Turn Three
Camille = 2. Misses Istres.
Azathor uses Special Attack: Hateful Strike. Chance to Hit = 7. Chance Successful! Does 50 DMG to Istres. Istres HP = 22.
Rajko attempts to use Deafening Screech. Chance Roll = 3. Misses Istres.
Xiaòzhou attempts to heal himself and Azathor. Chance Rolls = 9, 10. Chances successful. Xiaòzhou and Azathor return to full health. Xiaòzhou/Azathor HP = 15.
Sebastian = 3. Misses Istres.
Royland = 2. Misses Istres.
Jayden = 4. Misses Istres.
Cassandra = 5. Does 10 DMG to Istres. Istres HP = 12.
Rebecca = 3. Misses Istres.

--- --- --- ---

Istres = 5, 9, 2, 10, 8 - 2 (6), 5, 2, 7, 8 (Sebastian's Quick Reflexes; Pride Before Destruction, Spirit Before A Fall.) CH Roll = 10. Istres does 10 DMG (Pride Before Destruction, Spirit Before A Fall) to Camille, Azathor, Sebastian, Royland, Cassandra, and Rebecca. Istres does 20 DMG (Pride Before Destruction, Spirit Before A Fall) to Xiaòzhou. Istres misses Rajko and Jayden. Camille/Azathor/Sebastian/Royland/Cassandra HP = 5. Rebecca HP = 3. Xiaòzhou has been KO'd!



​

Istres seemed prepared for the group's attacks, dodging or shoving her foes away as they attempted to strike at her. Camille's flurry of swings were dealt with, the Icon simply moving to dodge each swipe before planting a kick in Camille's side to shove her away. She glanced about to spot Rajko's large bat-like form preparing a scream aimed in her direction, and quickly countered by grabbing a rock from near her foot and pitching it in his direction. Just as he released the scream, the rock popped him in his throat and forced him to enter into a coughing fit. A smirk appeared on her face, before she heard the loud rack of Sebastian's shotgun. Uh-oh.

She spun about, just in time to dodge the blast from the weapon, the silver and bits of buckshot sailing by and peppering some of the rocks near where Istres' fellow Icon was sitting. It forced a grunt from the Icon of Wrath, who continued to look on. Seemingly a bit disinterested by the whole show. Royland's chain was next on Istres' list to dodge, as she leaned aside and managed to grab the chain from mid air. A simply jerk forced Royland to go sailing forwards into the dirt near her. Then, yet another gunshot sounded. Jayden had attempted to shoot Istres again, only to barely miss hitting her. She grinned in response to the miss. "You're all performing terribly now, it seems. The tables have turned." she muttered, before sidestepping to avoid a swing from Rebecca as she rushed in. As the sword came down, embedding its tip in the sand, Istres gave the Saint a shove which knocked her aside and into the sand herself.

But then came the hits. Cassandra darted in once more with her blinding speed, and drove the jagged edge of her saber into the Icon's side. A sharp jerk followed, as the pureblood disappeared, ripping a large gash in the Icon's side. As the Icon recoiled in pain, Azathor struck with all his might. Driving the blade of his sword down across the Icon's back. The massive gash it cut vertically through Istres' spine would have crippled most demons, if not outright killed them. But the Icon was no ordinary demon. She did, however, cry out in terrible pain as she stumbled forwards and collapsed into the sand.

But as the Icon writhed in the sand, those that could sense the supernatural began to notice the aura of the Icon begin to grow more hellish by the minute. And the Icon of Wrath, sitting nearby, actually smiled. "And there she is." muttered Vegras.

Then, everyone noticed that Istres began to stand. Her skin was peeling, falling off in sheets as she shed her human vessel. It wouldn't take too long before the vessel was gone entirely, a mass of flesh and bone scattered about the Icon's feet. The group bore witness to the true form Istres, Icon of Pride, as she looked to each of them. A smile appeared on her face. "I underestimated all of you. Every single one." she spoke. "No longer. I fight you with all I have, and you will all die here. But not before I make you plead and beg for your lives, groveling at my feet as you bleed out into the sand."

She raised her hands out next to her, palms to the sky. Fingers splayed out wide. "My name is Istres'nelt of Kaenet. I. Am. Pride." she spoke loudly, for all to hear. And then, she made her move.

--- ---





--- ---
​

The Icon vanished, much like Cassandra was known to do. And suddenly, the tall demon appeared next to Camille whom had managed to get back up. Camille didn't have time to react. A clawed hand erupted from Camille's left side, as Istres had driven it through with unimaginable speed. Even Cassandra didn't see it. She then grabbed the huntress with her other hand, lifting her and throwing her. The huntress went sailing through the air, eventually into one of the ruined shops nearby. She collided with an old rotten pillar, forcing spliters and bits of wood to fly through the air as she snapped it in half. She'd land among some old boards and what seemed to be left of a bar.

Next was Azathor, the very one that had hurt her just before her shift into her true form. "I'll take that." she muttered, snatching his sword from his grip in a flash. Then, the sword was driven through his shoulder, downward at an angle and erupting from his back. A kick followed, aimed squarely at the demon prince's knee. His leg was sent flying from beneath him, as he fell forward abruptly. Then, her hand caught his head, and lifted. A spin followed, twirling both herself and Azathor about, and she released. Sending the demon prince sailing through the air himself and into a nearby boulder. He hit hard, bouncing off and flipping over it into a pile of rocks behind.

Next target, Rajko. As she darted towards him, however, he used his wings to dodge a pair of clawed swipes. Attempting to cut through his wings and render him flightless. She grunted in anger, and decided to focus on another. Xiaòzhou. The Oni had spent the time healing both himself and Azathor before his attack, and was wide open for a strike. Perfect. She vanished again, before appearing and driving her claws through the Oni's stomach. "No more healing, Oni. You've done enough." she spat, lifting him up into the air above her. Over her head she swung him, before dropping him on his head behind her as she pulled her claws out. Once he had landed, she reached down and grabbed him by his leg. One more swing over head, slamming on his face, before she followed with a quick spin and a flick. Sending the now unconscious Oni flying into another shop. This time, however, the power in her throw sent him straight through it and out the back wall. He flew through another shop behind it, before landing out in the waters of the bay with a loud splash.

Next was another of the humans. Sebastian. As her attention shifted to him, she took note of him loading another shell into his weapon with a loud clack of the pump. "Not again." she said aloud, vanishing and appearing before him. The shotgun was snatched from his grip, and he soon found it being crushed right in front of him with a squeeze of Istres' hand. Her other hand then wrapped around his throat. She lifted him from the ground, releasing the shotgun from her other hand, before driving her claws across his torso three times. Fifteen gashes were sliced through his clothes and flesh, blood quickly running down his torso before she simply tossed him aside like a used towel.

As Royland got up from the sand, he found himself being targetted next. The Icon's fist suddenly slammed into his head, as Istres' appeared next to him, striking him three times before she grabbed him by his armor. Two more strikes of her fist, driving into his torso and creating deep dents in his armor, before she released him and grabbed his chain. It seemed to be wrapped around his arm, which was perfect for her. She twirled it around her own arm, before planting a punishing kick into his side as she gripped onto the chain tightly. There was an audible crack, as his arm shattered from the sudden jerk before being pulled from his shoulder socket. "Try to throw that chain again, and I'll rip your arm off." she spat, unwrapping the chain and tossing it into the dirt before delivering one more kick to knock Royland into the sand again.

She then set her sights on Jayden. But as she darted towards him, Cassandra made her move. Attempting to stop the Icon from getting her hands on the young man. As she arrived, Cassandra did as well. Istres' attempted to grab Jayden by the throat just has she had Sebastian, but found Cassandra swatting her arm away with her hand. So, Istres' changed targets. "I've had enough of you." spat the Icon, her free hand driving itself deep inside Cassandra's right side. And soon, the Icon's fingers found Cassandra's spine.

Her hand gripped Cassandra's spine, and she used it to pull Cassandra out of the way. But Jayden had already made himself scarce, running for where Sebastian now lay bleeding. She grunted, before returning her attention to Cassandra. "Let's see how you do when you can't use your legs." she muttered, before squeezing tightly on Cassandra's spine. There were several audible crunches, as Cassandra cried out in agonizing pain, the vertebrae of her lower spine being ground to dust in the Icon's grip.

Cassandra's legs soon went limp, as she tried to free herself from the Icon's grip. Blood oozed from her mouth, her teeth stained red as she gritted them tightly. Her expression: rage. But she couldn't do anything in the Icon's grip. Istres would let go soon enough, simply slinging the now crippled pureblood aside into a broken stall.

Then, the final target. Rebecca. The Saint had made it back to her feet after being sent into the sand before, and had gripped her longsword in a two-handed stance. Prepared to fight Istres if she came near. And she would. The Icon disappeared, before reappearing next to the Saint. As Rebecca attempted to react, swinging her sword around, the Icon caught the blade and jerked the weapon from the Saint's hands. Gripping it herself with two hands, she swing the weapon by the blade back at Rebecca. The cross-guard of the weapon punched through Rebecca's armor, driving itself into her midsection. Istres would jerk the weapon back out, before doing it again. And again. She hit Rebecca in five different places, using the weapon's cross-guard like a pick-axe. Punching holes in Rebecca's armor and stabbing the Saint multiple times. Eventually, as Rebecca would find herself on her hands and knees, she would shove the Saint over, and drive it one final time into Rebecca's breastplate. It would punch yet another hole, the mangled cross-guard finding a resting place in the left side of the Saint's chest.

Rebecca coughed up blood, staining her armor in red as she lay in the sand. Staring up at the Icon whom now wore a satisfied smile on her face as she released the blade. Leaving it stuck in Rebecca's chest.

"Start begging." stated the Icon of Pride, as she took a single step back and admired her work.

THREE TURNS BEFORE AZATHOR CAN USE HIS SPECIAL ATTACK AGAIN.
TWO TURNS BEFORE CASSANDRA CAN USE HER SPECIAL ATTACK AGAIN.

​

 

[Breadman]

The failed attack left Royland's face in the dirt. The humiliation wouldn't be complete as the icon had now unleashed her wrath on them. Her path of destruction would cut through nearly all of them and would not spare the knight. His arm shattered and his body laid nearly broken.

Try to throw that chain again, and I'll rip your arm off.

Conventional reason would have him stay down, That left him long ago. The wraith slowly stood back on his feet, the shattered bones mending themselves as he focused his energy on keeping it together. Shaking, but determined to inflict pain on the Icon, he would strike again. He would not be denied his pound of flesh from Vergas and no Icon will stand in his way.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Rajko coughed like he hadn't before. The fit gave way to a drawn-out wheeze with Rajko clutching his throat gently. The red orbs glared at the gloating Istres. Cursing her fortune. His ears twisted, then his head followed to gaze at Vergas, whom he thought heard the Wrath Icon say something. This split-second distraction was enough for Rajko to miss this damned wretch's transformation. He recoiled. Fear stirred in Rajko's inhuman heart like a whirlpool. They've really been left twisting in the wind for this madness.

Vanish. Gone, just like that. A wide-eyed look settled on Rajko's metamorphosed face. Mouth agape slightly as he could not help but stare as Istres began her carnage through his allies. His enhanced eyes kept up, but it was like making out single pictures of different actions in a blur. His ears twitched. "Oh, shi-" Rajko's wings shifted of their own will. Reflexive instinct throwing him out of the way of Istres' claws. He bounced backwards on his hind legs.

The carnage continued before Rajko could even recover from dodging that attack. As Istres boasted, goaded them to beg for mercy, Rajko stalked on all fours. Despite her bluster, she can't be as vital as she thinks. Back and forth until he saw Royland's battered body unleash one last attack. His brow unfurled as he torpedoes off his four limbs towards the icon. Claw splayed to gouge this orange-eyed, horn-headed harlot.

 

[Damian0358]

With himself and Azathor healed, Xiaòzhou watched as the others rushed to attack the Icon, hopeful in her final defeat here and there, and his mind set on what was to come. But in many ways, this would prove to be a fatal mistake. The others were unable to strike her down, and soon there after, the present came to shut them all down, the future smiling at their grief.

Istres'nelt's speed was something to behold. After having fought by Cassandra enough, and with his own training in mind, he had steadily grown better at noting her speed. But he could barely comprehend the Icon's speed. And before he could even consider making his own move in response, she came to him.

Pierced through the stomach, slammed onto the ground head-and-face-first twice in a row, and flung through a shop straight towards the waters. She recognized the threat he had presented, and had him eliminated in record time, a shutdown of a velocity he had not experienced in centuries. The only thought was that of shock, of how quickly and suddenly it came and went.

As he sunk into the waters, he thought back to the lessons learned in the past, how the present holds back against no one, and to always be prepared and put one's most out... after all, the hermit's immortal nature destined him to strife every century, leading either to tragedy or victory. In this very moment, as he clung onto consciousness, he realized he had not put his most at that moment, and fate saw its opportunity.

...he cannot allow this to pass.

 

[Dmaster]

The kick from the Icon sent Camille reeling, her balance disrupted as she skid through the sand. Not to be deterred, the huntress started to pick herself up to attempt another series of strikes only for the Icon's movements to get faster, the group's momentum waning as she was proving too erratic to attack. Only a small moment of respite was given when Cassandra managed to land what should have been a crucial blow, though the darkness shrouding the Icon's battered body Camille could make out a transformation occurring. What followed after was far too quick for her senses to react to.

A wail of pain escapes her as she is brutally slashed, grabbed like a ragdoll and tossed with such force that she went flying several meters to unceremoniously crash through rotting wood. The debris collapsed on top of her as the air was forcibly crushed from her lungs, the bleeding from the swipe in her side severe as it seeped through her dark clothing. For a few moments, she lay there motionless as her ears rang and vision blurred. Consciousness returned to her as her hearing honed in on Istres' gloating. Even in the face of oblivion, the huntress was not one to beg for mercy. She would never grant someone so vile that satisfaction.

"You should have killed me, arrogant chienne..." Camille spat through gritted teeth, agonizingly pushing herself off of the floor as she used her white hot anger to push through the pain. She has endured worse, and far more humiliating injuries in her past. As the huntress rose out of the splintered wood that had fallen on her she dropped her sabers to the ground, bringing up her arm to take aim as the blessing in her weaponry focused into a brilliant, golden light. The loaded bolt in her crossbow gauntlet began to shine with rays that could rival the sun.

Though her arm shook with pain, she steadied through the discomfort and looked to fire her shot squarely through the Icon's chest. "I do not degrade myself before vile filth such as you..." Camille exhaled.

Squeezing, her crossbow bolt loosed with a thunderous boom - a tracer of white lasting and indicating its path while it accelerated faster than a bullet!

SPECIAL ATTACK: HEAVEN PIERCER​

 

[joshuadim]

"Start begging."

"Make me." Azathor spat out as he recollected himself from the brutality he had endured, pulling out the blade from his shoulder without a care in the world as his anger pushed him through the pain. But as he tried to take a step, he staggered forward and collapsed to one knee. His vessel had taken a considerable amount of damage, leading him to cough up blood involuntarily before standing upright once more. Wordlessly, he lunged out - with enough force to sent the dirt and rocks under him flying behind - towards Istres and attacked with Belias' sword once more.

 

[K0mori]

What had occurred happened much too quickly for Sebastian to perceive it. As Rajko swooped in, Sebastian pumped his shotgun, expecting Istres to be held up long enough so that he could get another shot in. Instead, she somehow countered the diving werebeast and spun out of the way of his blast. He allowed himself to believe, if only for a moment, that they had succeeded when Cassandra and then Azathor had slashed her open in two places, but when she emerged in her true form, it was as if he was in a dream, unable to command his arms to move quickly enough to prevent the punishment that was coming his way. By the time he had pumped another shell into the chamber, his Winchester had been ripped from his hands. By the time his mind understood that the weapon was destroyed, he was choking. By the time he realized his feet weren't touching the ground, he was sliced open in more than a dozen places, his blood and muscle tissue aerated and dirtied as he found himself lying face down in the mud.

He couldn't contain himself. Pulling his knees under his body and rolling up onto his neck and shoulders, clutching himself around his shredded midsection, he let out an agonized scream. But once he was finished, he found the strength pull his arms away from the wounds, put them on the ground and force himself upward before grabbing the axe from its loop at his hip.

He knew he couldn't hit her. Maybe nobody could, if she was focused. But maybe it was his turn to create a window, rather than waiting for one to appear. Continuing his battle cry, he ran directly at the Icon with all his strength, wielding the axe and screaming like an absolute maniac.

 

[Infab]

Caleling Reef - Marketplace - Icon Fight - Turn Four
Royland = 7. Acc. Roll = 2. Does 11 DMG (Blessed Be Thy Weapons) to Istres'nelt. Istres'nelt HP = 1.
Rajko = 3. Misses Istres'nelt.
Camille uses Special Attack: Heaven Piercer. Chance Roll = 8. Chance Successful. Does 50 DMG to Istres'nelt. Istres'nelt has been slain!

​

One by one, the group recovered just enough to launch their final strikes against the Icon of Pride. However, Camille would gain the killing blow. Royland threw his chain once more, attempting to strike the Icon in defiance of her threat. And he would score a hit, the head of the chain striking her across the side of her head while she was distracted with her gloating over the wounded Rebecca. As she stumbled aside, she snapped about just in time to see Rajko move in for his own strike. She sidestepped, allowing the large werebat to sail by her. But it put her directly in Camille's sights.

The crossbow sounded with a crack of thunder, as a beam of white hot light erupted from where the crossbow's bolt lay. It seemed Rebecca's blessings had worked, allowing Camille to channel the wrath of Heaven into the bolt as it launched forth. The beam shot across the marketplace in an instant, and blew a hole the size of a melon through the chest of Istres'nelt. Dead center.

Istres'nelt looked dumbstruck, looking down to the gaping hole in her chest before following the slowly fading light trail back to Camille. "H-How did..." she muttered softly, blood oozing from both her mouth and the parts of the wound that weren't completely cauterized by the heat of the shot.

Rebecca chuckled from where she lay nearby, before stating two words bluntly. "Heavenly blessings."

Istres'nelt slowly looked to Rebecca, as she began to gently shake. Her knees gave way, and she collapsed soon after. She fell into the bloody sand, forcing her golden eyes to stare up to the sky. Lifeless.

That was one Icon down, and soon enough the rest of the group turned their attention to Vegras. He stood from his boulder, gently clapping his hands as he took a step forward. "Nice work. It was entertaining, at least." he said, his eyes moving to where Istres'nelt lay. "Too bad for her, though. She was a fun one."

He then shifted his attention to the members of Rebecca's group. "Heal up. I won't fight you unless you're at your best. Its less fun to kill the weak and wounded."

Rebecca slowly sat up, straining to but eventually forcing out the sword embedded in her chest. "...A h-hint of honor from an Icon." she muttered, "...But it may prove to be your u-undoing." She eventually sat up completely, looking down at the bloody holes in her armor and the pool that had begun to gather beneath her. She breathed a heavy, pained sigh. "This will take... s-some time." she said softly.

"Get on with it, then. Might want to fish your Oni friend out of the water, too." responded the Icon, folding his arms as he eyed each of them.

One by one, Rebecca used her Saintly powers to heal those that she could. Cassandra had to crawl to where Rebecca sat, as her legs were virtually useless. But once she was mended, she stood and made for the waters of the cove. Xiaòzhou needed to be recovered, if he hadn't already woken up and made his way out himself.

 

[Damian0358]

As Vegras remarked about the oni, in the distance, he could see something emerging from the waters.

Xiaòzhou took deep breaths as he emerged out, attempting to maintain his own stability as he healed himself from the devastating attack he had just endured. His fists remained clenched as his thoughts ruminated.

"[...thought we nearly lost you there, Xiaòzhou,]" Zazriel remarked, the hermit unaware of the underlying thoughts belying the faux-king's words.

"...not yet," he responded simply, maintaining his gaze towards where the others were.

He made his way over... not intending this to repeat.