Fantasy Hunter's Moon: The Sin & Sentence [IC] [CLOSED]

[Dmaster]

Hudson continued to struggle for his weapons, not straining himself terribly with his reach to save his strength. Being free was only a matter of time, and he glanced and nodded to Venextos as he got up. The sorcerer was about to strike - now was their chance.

Then they began to play several games of chess.

"What in the fuck..?" the hunter muttered to himself in questioning disbelief, steadily lowering his arms as he watched the proceedings in bewilderment. As the shadow grew angrier over the stalemate games, Hudson soon lost interest in spectating and began to reach for his weaponry again.

By the time the bolt struck the shadow, Hudson was ready. Gradually his legs pulled and broke the solid stone he was wrapped in as it was gaining the consistency of plaster, crackling apart before he leapt up to swipe his weapons up into his grasp. The hunter rolled his shoulders and swung out a mace, clattering it on the ground as he pointed his blade at one of the black tar creatures. "I bet you'll burn real nicely, beastie."

Wasting no time he swung one of Velin's Tears, the caged flame and chain extending out toward the monster.

 

[K0mori]

Mariette watched Riberta confront her shadow, and, upon learning of the enemy's intent, now understood what was happening. There were still many unanswered questions, but she knew enough to be confident in her next move. And as the demon alpha doubted her ability to fight, Mariette calmly readied herself with sword and cloak, remembering how she had killed another alpha three years prior through the use of trickery. It was different now, practically irrelevant, in fact. Her foe positively towered over her and she would not have magic or pureblood strength to assist her.

But when the shadow tried to taunt her, it did little to dissuade her. She returned the comment with a ghostly warning:

"When you are slain, madame, you will wish I hadn't come."

 

[Doomevil]

Diyu, Envy Territory

She was an imperfect copy of someone who arrived too soon, and no memory but an identity stolen. Was she like the others and forced to become… worst? She tried to suppress the thought, but she grew jealous for an unknown reason. Born in the depths of Envy, and copying a seasoned warden from a maritime city called Valencia. All of a sudden she started to recognize memories before the Abyss, and family members. Ryden, Rena, Aedan. For the real Warden, she probably missed them, but for her, they took their lives for granted. Living like selfish entitled nobles who acted holier than thou.

The other shadows had a plan in action; they were to let the normals fight amongst each other and let them fall like dominoes. Yet despite this, they were losing one by one. The last time she met up with them was Vincent who shared his future vessel's sin to her: Murder born of Wrath. Now she was in the city of Diyu, Envy territory. Envy happened to be the Warden’s reason why she entered through that Abyssal gate. Her main source of transportation was her ability to turn into mist at will, as if her eyes were like the sky.

The Shadow wandered through the streets as the pavements were decaying and cracks appeared. Near every corner had an effigy dedicating the Icon of Envy, Sagath. She spotted horned beasts kneeling before the statues, acting as if it mattered the Icon cared about them at all. She rolled her eyes out of annoyance and needed somewhere to meditate. The Shadow gazed at an abandoned temple, in disrepair and likely from the Adriel era. She heard the saner natives it was a golden age, cities built and a working society. A proud people. Only to burn in flames after Taranoch’s coronation. Since then, the Icons like Envy and Lust ruled their own piece of land.

She entered through the temple and knelt, praying to the Dragon Gods for strength and in hopes that a new Armageddon would begin, destroying the world for good. Then, she heard shouting and roars outside of the temple. The Shadow marched with haste, spotting four beasts tackle a demon dressed in fancy garbs. She clenched her hands and casted a large fireball at the group for the sake of combat practice. The green flame landed near one of the quadrupedal beasts, its fanged teeth exposed until they were forced to flee.

One of the fancier demons stood up and dusted his navy suit off from the green embers, sporting two large horns and a ghastly face to put werebeasts ashamed. But he didn’t attack the shadow. In fact, he looked mortified being at the wrong place.

“Oh my, appeared I’ve gotten tizzy right there. I thank you for the assist. Sanguine, at your disposal my lady.” Sanguine extended his hand towards the Shadow, who stared at it with utter confusion. She exhaled harshly, “What are you doing?” She demanded with irritation.

“Common courtesy is it not? Oh, right. My apologies. You’re one of them.” Sanguine pointed out as dark mist always surrounded her, still oblivious to the handshake. “And it seems like you’re acquainted with your future vessel. Very heroic and knightly.” Sanguine chuckled to himself as she glared at him, silently. The stare prompted him to sigh, “Nevermind. Believe it or not those beasts were someone’s plan to assassinate me, until you came to the rescue.” He made a cheeky smile, relieved to find someone decent in these troubling times.

“You were supposed to die actually.” The Shadow corrected bluntly, causing Sanguine to clear his throat. “Nevertheless. If you decide to spare my life, I have a big proposition that can benefit this city and me very handsomely.” He cupped his palms together, smiling while she crossed her arms.

“What’s in it for me, Demon? You still haven’t given me a good reason not to kill you for practice.” She almost pulled out a dark sword from the scabbard, right until Sanguine quickly raised his hand. The Shadow rolled her eyes, leaning closer to him.

“Now now, I can assure you this is no trick. But. What if I can offer you something you really wanted?” Sanguine smiled and so cheerful it made the Shadow skeptical. So far the demon was all talk. Yet, the question sparked the day she became the Warden. Memories of hunting down dangerous criminals and monsters, earning gashes and broken ribs, cutthroat politics and worthless coins. And all for what? A chance to live another day and receive no compensation? The chance to be laughed at by citizens of your own homeland? She clenched her hands into burning fists, but needed to keep her composure. Why was it so hard to receive the recognition she deserved? Perhaps Sanguine had something of value to her if she accepted. Unlike Valencia, she could get away with it if she wanted.

“Let me guess, it’s a simple job.” She uttered, another one of Warden’s signature words. She hated that quote, but she couldn’t help it. Sanguine spoke, “Quite so. I have a hidden house where we can discuss this further. The streets aren’t safe for demons like us. Hmm, most unfortunate.” He tapped his dress shoes, escorting the Shadow across the empty streets.

They glanced at the fallen buildings, some still kept in good condition by the tenants. She witnessed the palace when she arrived, carved out of cheap material and the design itself mimicked Taranoch’s domain. Both of them glanced at several demons fighting over valuable weaponry and killed each other for it, the one who survived hobbled away with a wound on his leg.

Patrols marched on the road, hellhounds and gore chariots led by the military leaders to display power. The leader’s face looked stretched out to grotesque proportions as if he modified it himself. Sanguine could only hiss in defiance for his own reasons. “Those are soldiers of Taranoch. I heard from a few friends of mine they’re garrisoned in Envy to strengthen relations and keep the peace. There’s even rumors the soldiers riding the chariots betrayed their friends and families so they can command his armies. Or perhaps save their own hides.” He whispered to the side, avoiding their attention.

The Shadow grunted, “Do the people respect his authority? He sounds like a tyrant ruling on fear.” She shook her head as Sanguine continued.

“He is a tyrant ruling on fear. Thousands of years ruling demonstrated he can keep the Abyss on a tight leash, provided his vassals pay tribute and respect. But his method of ruling can be very nasty should you disobey.” He sighed harshly, walking along the sides while the military patrol passed them. They eventually reached a pitch dark alleyway, between two tall buildings not destroyed. Sanguine spoke in a demonic incantation, a red sign called the Mark of the Queen, causing the ground they’re stepping on to descend. They reached underground, leading towards a grand gate made out of finewood. Sanguine knocked twice, expecting someone to open the gate.

The wooden gate opened, revealing a hunched rodent dressed in worker’s garbs. The dark knight immediately pulled out her sword until Sanguine had to intervene. “Don’t! He’s not an enemy!” He raised his voice, extending his arm as she grunted. She put her sword away, causing the rodent to yell.

”GAH! Foul shadow! Away with you! You are an abomination! Kill kill!” The rat spat out saliva and mucus, nearly picking up a weapon against the wall. Sanguine pressed a finger to his lips, “Brax, lower your voice. We have a very special guest that can help us.” Sanguine calmed the rodent down, allowing the knight to enter carefully. Meanwhile, Brax scurried away from her, fearing she might roast him alive. Sanguine laughed nervously, “Brax is a demon just like I am. But he’s a very talented weaponsmith. You’ll warm up to him, hopefully.” Sanguine assured her.

She was met with a clean hideout, consisting of leather furniture and workbenches, not to mention a warm fireplace. Whoever Sanguine was, he sure knew his taste in decoration. On top of the fireplace was a strange historical helmet and short sword before Taranoch’s era. A whole library of books and grimoires sat unharmed on the shelves, no speck of dust on them.

Sanguine sighed a load of relief, “Make yourself at home. I’d like to enjoy a drink before we discuss our plan. Brax, Black Goat will do nicely.” The demon pointed towards an old wine cabient.

Brax walked his way into the kitchen, pulling out a bottle from the wine cabinet and attempted to bite into the cork. Sanguine sighed, snatching the bottle from Brax and pulled the cork effortlessly. He gave a warm smile, pouring them all a glass as she glared at him again.

“Finest wine from the Glutton vineyards, back when things were so civilized.” He reminisced before he turned to Brax and the Knight, “To new friends. Long live the Queen.” Sanguine raised the drink, gulping down. Meanwhile the Shadow crushed the glass with her hand while Brax chugged the wine down his throat, licking the glass clean afterwards.

“Now then. Down to business shall we? For a long time, things have not been well in the Abyss. In fact, to say things have gone to hell is a very big understatement.” Sanguine held the glass, pacing himself, “I am one of the few who disagrees with Taranoch’s rule and wish to help Niyu’s people.” He spoke so proudly of the fact as he leaned against the kitchen counter.

“There’s a cult called the Tainted Web who’s directly responsible for hunting ‘’disbelievers’’ of their religion. Think of it like a club for the hierarchy who deals with powerful demons. If we can eliminate them, people will sing your name in history. And a direct payment from yours truly.” Sanguine winked as the knight crossed her arms.

“And wiping out the middleman is going to make things better? I think I’ve heard that one before...” She scoffed. Sanguine rubbed his broad chin, “It would make things very easy to my friends. You see, things used to be better here.”

“Indulge me, Sanguine.”

The demon sighed, “Very well,” he cleared his throat, “The Abyss you see wasn’t always like this. During the era of Trig'dranuuch, the strongest demon survived and the weak perished. Demons went mad, the Wastes consumed those that entered. And everyone was one’s enemy. Before Taranoch, there was Kaizen, before Kaizen was Zazriel. And before him, was Adriel. Adriel bought structure and a system in place for us. Zazriel reinforced that system. Imagine a realm filled with the hard working, every citizen had a place in the community. Wrath demons became excellent soldiers and honed their aggressiveness. Greed became a way to create accounting and banks. Even Envy became a result of competition, fostering innovation and motivation. ” Sanguine explained.

“Zazriel had a very intriguing theory when he founded the Divine Order: There will only be one ruler. A wise and just ruler to uphold the Abyss for the public good. Power exercised in the interest of the ruler will be forever known as a tyrant. A ruler in a society of sin must regulate the personal sins of its people or it will disturb the social structure.” He quoted from the historical figure. He then took a sip from his glass, staring at it while he gathered his thoughts. “I quite imagine it works the same for the world up there. And the sky above us all.” He pointed upwards, referring to the mortal world.

The Shadow tilted her head, “You think your kind works on the same level as humans do? But what I’ve seen around the Abyss are ferals and backstabbers killing each other because that’s all they knew about before Kings had to intervene. You take away the laws and rulers and what are you really?” She demanded, leaning forward as Sanguine nodded.

“I admit, we’re far different from mortals. Our sense of self-preservation revolves around killing those that harm us rather than seek out another solution. But I insist you take it from my point of view. Might makes right should not always be a solution. Zazriel and Kaizen prove if you can give a demon purpose, they are able to contribute towards the greater good based on their skillset, no matter who you are.” Sanguine said, he switched his focus on his glass, twirling it a bit so he could watch the alcohol swirl.

“I used to believe things would go smoothly for us. I don’t know what’s in store for us after Taranoch, but I can tell we might be heading into somewhere dark.” The demon frowned.

The Shadow sighed, from what she’s seen from the city it wasn’t too different from Valencia, the city that never slept. Corruption brewed, and anyone worth their trade like the Red Wardens kept trying to make a difference. She couldn’t understand their naivete or code. She made her jealous the Warden knew these things. But maybe there’s a way she can achieve that by doing the job. Sanguine turned to her, regaining his smile again, “I assure you my lady, you have much to learn about yourself and the Abyss. Your appearance leads me to believe you’re a knight are you not? I know shadows are frowned upon, but I no doubt you’ll be the first to achieve legendary status. If you help us out, you shall earn your fame and glory even in hell. The Terror Knight walks among us!” He flashed his palms dramatically, wide eyed. The Shadow had to agree, the name had a nice ring to it. Yes, she can get behind that.

She then extended her hand, surprising Sanguine for the first time.

“Make it worth my while, Sanguine. I expect to be paid very well and hear my name throughout the area. I have a reputation to uphold.” The knight remarked as Sanguine chuckled, pouring her another glass on the counter.

“You won’t be disappointed. Ah, my apologies, I haven’t even asked about your name. Or rather the future vessel’s name?” He turned to her, expecting an answer. She smiled beneath her helmet.

“My name is Visenya.” She gave a devilish smirk.

 

[Infab]

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos)
Shadow Venextos (Shadow Demon, HP - 100), Familiar X2 (Shadow Spawn, HP - 5)

Shadow Venextos
Trait #1: Reality Rift - Can modify and shape the reality around the battle. Roll 1d6 every turn, with each number giving a unique modifier on that turn that is either positive or negative.
Trait #2: Only a Copy - Suffers +10 DMG from the person that the shadow demon is copying (Venextos.) Can only be killed by the individual its copying, revives with full health if killed by anyone else.

---

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 1
Shadow Venextos bends and shapes reality (Reality Rift.) D6 Roll = 1. One additional Familiar has spawned, with 5 HP.

Venextos = 5 + 1 (6, Sorcerer Supreme.) Does 13 + 2 DMG (15, Only a Copy, Sorcerer Supreme) to Shadow Venextos. Shadow Venextos HP = 85.
Jakob = 6 + 2 (8, With Badge & Gun.) Does 3 + 9 (12, With Badge & Gun, BUCKSHOT!, Shadow's Shotgun) to Familiar #1. Familiar #1 destroyed.
Hudson = 3 + 1 (4, Velin's Tears.) Misses Familiar #2.

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 1 (ENEMY)

Shadow Venextos = 10. CH Roll = 6. Does 3 DMG to Venextos. Venextos HP = 12.
Familiar #2 = 7. Does 1 DMG to Hudson. Hudson HP = 14.
Familiar #3 = 5. Does 1 DMG to Jakob. Jakob HP = 14.

---


​

The battle soon began, as the demon mage began to summon what appeared to be a third familiar. It appeared that it wasn't satisfied with summoning two of them, so a third began to coagulate and form from the ground just like the other two shadow spawn. Once it had fully materialized, all three sought out their targets. Meanwhile, Venextos let loose a bolt of lightning from his staff, which struck the shadow demon and forced him to stumble backwards. Nearly falling over.

Jakob opened fire on one of the familiars, ripping it into mucky pieces as the buckshot tore through its form. Its chunks collided with Jakob, leaving black, nasty stains on his clothes. Yuck. He wouldn't notice the other familiar charge him from the side, head butting him and sending him onto the ground a few feet away.

Meanwhile, Hudson cast out his censer, aiming to clock the familiar gunning for him in the face. Sadly, the familiar saw it coming and darted to the side to avoid it. And soon, it closed the distance and took a swipe at Hudson's right leg. The claws hurt, but it didn't seem to cut deep. Only a flesh wound.

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

​

The shadowy alpha werewolf seemed to smirk. Almost. "Bravery will only earn you a brutal death here...Though since you've already died before, I can just beat you into submission and sell you off to whatever Icon I encounter. After I'm through with Riberta here..."

She then looked back to Riberta, before taking a step back. "...Tell you what...I'll even let you two make the first move. Give me all you've got...You know I can take it, Riberta." Riberta glanced to Mariette, and gave her a quick nod. She gripped her sword tightly, using both hands, before charging.

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin (S. Riberta's Illusion) - Shadow Battle (Riberta)
Shadow Riberta (Shadow Demon)

This battle will be determined with five turns of coin flips, three coin flips per turn.
Heads means Riberta and Mariette, Tails means Shadow Riberta.

FLIP #1 = Tails
FLIP #2 = Heads
FLIP #3 = Tails

Shadow Riberta wins the first turn.

---
​

Riberta charged forth, determined to strike at the shadow variant of herself with her claymore. But as she swung, she took notice that the shadowy alpha werewolf wasn't moving. Was she just going to let her hit it? As she neared, she swung the claymore in an arc, attempting to carve a gash in the werewolf's chest. But it didn't connect. In fact, it just cut through the air before clacking against the ground as the swing followed through. She couldn't react fast enough to bring the sword back up, as the werewolf grabbed her tightly in it's massive hand. "Too slow, Riberta." it barked, before spiking Riberta into the ground as hard as it could. The impact was almost head first, forming a crater from the sheer force of the spike.

And then came the stomp. The massive alpha werewolf's paw dropped square onto Riberta's back, forcing the hybrid to scream out in pain. "You're not going to win this, Riberta. Even with help." spat the werewolf as it gazed down at Riberta's head, barely poking out from beneath it's foot. This drew the werewolf's attention away from something it shouldn't have been ignoring. As the werewolf moved to look back to Mariette, it found the lady vampire had disappeared from where she had been standing. And it looked up just in time for Mariette's blade to carve the werewolf's eye from its socket.

In an acrobatic move, taught to Mariette by Cassandra herself, she had used a nearby tree as a launch point to gain air. Enough air to reach the creature's head. With a twirl, she brought the sword across, slicing across the werewolf's face, before spinning past and landing a bit hard on the ground behind the large creature. The werewolf howled, clutching its face, before looking back to Mariette. "You'll pay dearly for that one, vampiress." it barked, before bringing its fist overhead and dropping it down. Squarely on top of Mariette. The impact forced Mariette to the ground near immediately, but somehow she maintained her grip on her sword. It opened its hand a moment later, grabbing onto Mariette, before pitching the vampire at the nearest tree. The impact practically burst the tree, splinters flying everywhere, before Mariette slammed into yet another tree behind it.

During this, Riberta had managed to force herself back to her feet. She was now in a great deal of pain, and found that her left arm was now broken. Hanging limp at her side. It didn't stop her, however, as she rushed for her sword and snatched it back up.

 

[Damian0358]

Nearby...


As the battles of the shadow wizard and the shadow lady of war finally began, in the distance watched a third. Donning what appeared to be shamanistic armor, eyes devoid of pupils, an near ever-lasting scowl and a singular horn, the shadow watched with intent as the two groups fought the shadows. It wasn't often that he took the time to watch his fellow colleagues fight, though current circumstances... permitted it. He had a point to prove too, being here. Prior to the departure of the shadows of the wizard, the lady of war and the hunter, a quarrel between him and the lady of war arose, over his ideas on how to proceed against those of the mortal coil. The fools, they insisted on fighting their originals, when they could strike against the other group and react havoc. Did they not realize the potential effect their devastation might have on their originals? The hunter, perhaps not as much, but the remainder could be grief-stricken. And yet, they insisted.

The shadow of the hunter had fallen, and he watched it too from above, hiding himself and his aura, so as to not be noted. So far, he had been proven right - as with the shadow of the detective, it was unwise of them to battle against groups of more than one if that group included the original. The original had to be battled by their lonesome, which the shadow lady of war had nearly managed. But what was more wise was to whittle down the mortals by eliminating their allies, and the only way they could achieve that is if the shadows targeted those that weren't their originals. And yet, an unspoken rule insisted they absolutely not do that, as evident to his colleagues, and collaborator, protesting the very thought of it. He knew what effects it would have on the hermit, seeing his allies helplessly destroyed by a threat only he could've prevented, and yet the others chose to ignore the benefits to their own causes.

And so, he sat there and watched, having insisted himself to join his three colleagues, as they made their way to here. He told the shadow lady of war that he would laugh at them all as they were killed, knowing that they'd pass with the knowledge that he had been right all along. And though he would smile at the sight of the two groups fighting, it was for reasons beyond smugness. Instilled in him was the wish for a good fight, and he could only silently clap and crack a smile as he watched the shadow lady of war battle.

"...truly she intends to prove that her battle will be more destructive than my own with the hermit. How entertaining...!"

And so, even if he is proven right by the death of his colleagues, it wasn't as though anyone was going to listen to him anyway. They might even object to him striking down against the weakened mortals who had, in that case, succeeded. Another shadow might speak of their worth, and try another round at copying. To him, maintaining the Abyss was more important than having to deal with the idiocracies of shadows. It wasn't as though he too didn't wish to see the mortal coil, and the death of the original, but he had principles now. But those principles would be worth naught if every shadow decided he was too much. So all he could do is enjoy himself in this time. It wasn't as though bureaucracy was getting any faster these days, and he had nothing better to do. He wasn't in a rush to chase down the hermit, after all. The seeds of doubt had been planted within him, and he still knew not the full breadth of the Abyss. He could take his time, whittling him down, even if he preferred another shadow slaughtering him instead, even if it meant he would be robbed a good fight.

 

[K0mori]

Mariette picked herself off the ground, using her sword to help steady herself until she was certain she was able to continue. She had taken a beating, but hadn't yelled or cried out, and kept her fiery red eyes focused on Riberta's shadow, who began to taunt her. "I have suffered Azgon's fury, destroyed and resurrected in an enduring cycle of agony," she replied icily as she got back into her fighting stance. "You cannot hope to break me."

 

[joshuadim]

"GAH! YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT ONE!" the Shadow yelled out as it recovered its footing after receiving a blow from Venextos. It took a quick glance around as one of it's familiars was blasted apart by Jakob and quickly pointed a finger at the constable as it focused a wicked spell from the tip and released it upon him.

Venextos continued his attack on his own Shadow as he brought the palms of his hands together before rubbing them in a circular motion, which summoned waves of purple energy to coalesce in between his hands. Shortly after, Venextos released his magic torrent of purple needles towards the demon.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Elsewhere, in Sekath's realm...

She should’ve killed her when she had the chance back then, when she allowed her into her home. She should’ve killed her, made her suffer more than she had done already if she knew this would’ve happened.

Yet, like the snake she was, she slithered out of her hands the moment she turned away from her.

Earlier, when the horrible news reached her that her friend Thelyra had been tragically slain, she immediately stopped whatever it was she was doing and made haste to Sekath’s palace, only to see it up in flames and Thelyra’s body being brought out. Why? Why would anyone kill Thelyra? Who in all the hells is cold hearted enough to do this? Just who in the entirety of the Abyss was twisted enough to murder her friend in such cold blood? These were questions she was asking through her tears as she laid her eyes on her friend’s burned, ripped up corpse. Though, it all became clear when she found a familiar looking mask buried within the ashes surrounding her. She knew by then who’d been here and why they killed her friend. The charred, elaborate porcelain mask, once belonging to a powerful associate of hers in the mortal realm, was now unmistakably in the hands of that very same gluttonous snake she rescued many years ago. It had to be, she finally understood a long time ago it was in their nature to kill anyone that helped her, after all. It reflected Irin’s harsh grimace right back at her as it sat on a table in her home. Its empty eye sockets staring through her without pause as she stared back at it, wondering just how she would pay them back for what they have done. It wasn’t enough for Loque to kill her lover, Karlel. It wasn’t enough for Loque to kill her associate in Escaria, and it’s not enough for her to make Thelyra to fall next; she knew that she’d continue to prey on anyone foolish enough to take her in. If the shadows weren’t quick enough, perhaps the mortals she’s traveling with will be next.

Though the shadows decided among themselves to lie in wait for their counterparts to cross paths with them, Irin’s not going to wait any longer just to see who Loque’s going to kill next. She’s had enough of this waiting game of sitting around and doing nothing until the shadows bring Loque to her. This is the prime opportunity for her to finally do something as Loque’s made the horrendous mistake in coming back to the Abyss because now there’s nowhere she can run or hide. Every second Loque breathes is another moment of pain she has to live through knowing she’s not avenged those close to her. Getting up from her seat, she looks over to the door leading to her private chambers. Stepping inside and walking past the various tools and devices on the floor, she looks at her equipment rack lined with all sorts of whips, blades, pliers, needles, until she finally decides on what to take with her. A bladed whip is taken off the rack, as is another very special addition: her old angelic blade from ages go when she used to hunt and kill demons along with Karlel. It’s fitting, seeing as she’s hunting one particularly devious one again. With her weapons selected, she puts on her equally old armor and departs with nothing but a searing resolve to do what the shadows are too afraid to do.

And once she finds Loque, she’ll make her remember more than just the taste of her whip.

 

[Breadman]

Somewhere in the Abyss, many years ago...

He ran. He ran as fast as he could and as far as his legs would take him. There had to be a way to escape that...thing. He didn't even remember where he was or how he got here. All he remembered was waking up among others like him and then he saw it. A dark cloud of smoke that grinned back and took...his face. The it lifted it's hand and two hounds gave chase. They tore at his clothing, but he managed to escape them somehow. But it wasn't enough. He could hear the laughter and taunts. Then he fell. Something tangled up his foot and tripped him. He looked at what it was and to his horror he realized it was a hand. Half rotten and buried. But it looked as if it's owner was not going to stay beneath the earth for long. With a pained moan the corpse rose from the dirt. Another soon joined and grabbed him by the shoulders and pressed him down. it's decomposing face looking down on him. Droplets of saliva falling on his cheeks.

"Funny how even in this place they have graveyards." The same figure from before could be heard just outside his vision. But it didn't take long for it to appear. It's face was now not visible. It's head was now adorned with a mask and wig, but it's eyes were still visible. Two hateful embers piecing him. "But even in the Abyss, the worthy deserve some rest. Or in the case of these here...to serve as puppets for those like us."

"Wh-what?"

"Oh come now Eddie. You really haven't figured it out? You're supposed to be smart." The creature mocked "But then again, you were so busy getting your beak wet you barely noticed her fangs sink into that pencil neck of yours." It cackled "But that was what you were hoping for wasn't it? To become big and strong while playing god with the toys you stole." A purple mist began to form around the thing's hand "Neat party trick. I must say. What did you call it? Heartsopper?" He could feel his chest tighten as pressure began to mount "Joint manipulation was just the start wasn't it? You then found that if you push a little bit more you could do some serious damage. The wonders you can do with someone else's blood in your possession." The figure pointed towards it's other hand, holding a piece of his torn cloth. One of the dogs must have drawn blood. "Necromancy and blood magic? All this knowledge in all those tomes. You were right back then. They should have been burned." He could feel something snap inside "That's rib one. Seven more. What will I get first. A lung, your heart or your liver. Maybe I'll get lucky and one will just shoot out of you."

"W-why?"

"Oh you know why." The impostor stared into him "You played with things you weren't supposed to Edward. Your perversion, your ego and your anxieties. All of them pushing you to find out more and more about things best left alone. Until finally..." Another crack "Oh-oh! That one is poking out of you. You don't have much time sadly, so I will just cut to the chase. I'm the better you and I'm going to take everything you have. I will cause untold havoc in your name and there will be nothing you can do about it." The figure clenched it's hand into a fist "A bit theatrical, but you always wanted to try your hand at acting did you not? Ah well. Enjoy oblivion." It waved it's hand and he could feel it. An explosion inside his body turning his bones into shrapnel and organs to paste. Edward was conscious enough for precious scant seconds to see bits of bone poking out of the zombies. His mind made the connection of what happened just a second before his eyes rolled into the back of his head and everything went dark.

The shadow demon stretched out it's hands and let the energy left behind come to him. He reveled in the boon of power it granted. Now it was time to leave for the world of the living. He would just need to open his eyes and he would be there.

"That won't work with you I'm afraid." The shadow opened it's eyes. Confused at first. He looked around. Still in the Abyss. Still in the graveyard and the remnants of it's prey still on the ground. He turned around to see who was speaking. Another demon was there. He recognized the markings. Wrath demon, but not the typical brute. The jewelry hanging from it's head meant he was of a higher stature. Or was. "You're in my graveyard by the way. And those are my men you're using as puppets. Release them from your grip and I wont have the rest spring out of their holes to tear that fresh kill away from you."

"Peace, your excellence." The shadow snapped it's fingers and the corpses went limp. "I by no mean wish to start a war with one like you after just acquiring my prize." It looked around to see that there were indeed more graves, each marked with different tombstones from different eras and cultures. The many humans ones, elven, dwarf and a few he couldn't recognize "If you don't mind me asking, who are you?"

"Have I really sank to such obscurity that even a shadow demon would not recognize me?" The other demon scoffed "Perhaps it's for the better. Nobody has come seeking the council of the chief revenant in centuries. These dead have earned their place and the likes of you would only serve to disturb them needlessly."

"Wait, you're Father Lozon?" The shadow demon was delighted by the realization. It had been so long since he was even a small player in the demon politics. Obscurity looked to be his damnation.

"Aye. It was me who thirsted for blood all those ages past. That I forsake my own soul that I would come back among the living and bathe in it. Those men took my children away from me and I took theirs, their women, their entire families."

"And for that the gods deemed you worth to suffer here for eternity."

"A just punishment. There are others who did as me of course. They would forsake their humanity for vengeance and come here. Seeking what I can teach them. When their thirst is quenched, I would lay them to rest here. Their suffering is the knowledge of what they did being repeated constantly to them in their state in their dreams. Forever damned to remember what they had, but always out of reach."

"I know the history old man. Because you chose to punish them in this way, you're denying your lord valuable troops he might need in war."

"I am merely keeping them in reserves. As for denying troops, you are more guilty of that than I."

"Pardon?" The shadow demon tilted its head slightly in confusion.

"That poor sod you chased down? He was meant to come here. To me. He was ready to give in to his urges and become a spirit of vengeance. I have a certain, precognition for potentials like him. Rather interesting one too. You see, he wanted to strike not only at the woman who killed him, but at himself."

"What do you mean?"

"Search his memories child!" The old demon snapped "What do you see? Blood magic and necomancy. A corruption of the soul and something else. A birth or a beast." The shadow did as he was told and after a few seconds he would feel the onset of a terrible migraine.

"How is this even possible?" The shadow looked stunned. He searched deep in Endward's memories. What it found was disturbing. A separation of minds. Two personalities battling for control of one body until one finally took control and confined the other to a trap inside. Edward could see, hear and feel everything. But he had no control. The bite was the last step. The beast was let out and didn't need him anymore. But because the ritual needed a sacrifice and he was the lamb to kill. "The fool's actions were worse than I thought."

"Yes. The beast he created tormented him practically his entire life. It forced and manipulated him to take the steps towards damnation and he could feel every second of it. A shame really. He was very interesting." The wrath demon sound frustrated that he was denied his "If he had made it here, he wold have presented an interesting challenge. How do you turn a half-soul into a weapon of revenge?"

"Half-soul?" The shadow now began to understand why he didn't ascend to the higher plane "YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT THAT BEAST UP THERE IS PREVENTING ME MY RIGHTFUL SPOT?" Lozon's features twisted into what looked like a smile as the shadow threw a tempter tantrum. "I have to bring it here. Have to consume it's soul. To be whole." It rationalized while pacing back and forth.

"No. I don't think it woks like that. You're already fed. You jumped on the fresh meat you smelled without realizing it's tainted. Your arrogance and impatience doomed you to a belly full of poison." The older demon laughed "No. Your kind is too weak to hold two people in your snare."

"Then what? Just sit here and rot for eternity?"

"No, my boy. Seek your path in the Abyss. Blaze your own trail like I did and wait. Sooner or later, fate will bring that which was separated into one and you will get what you deserve." The old man turned his back towards him and walked away "And get the fuck out of my graveyard! If I catch you here again, the half soul will be the least of your worries."
---
Now

It has been too long, but the end was in sight. The creature that had taken Edward Henderson's form was nearing the end of his journey. He dismounted from his skeletal horse as he neared his objective.

"You there!" He shouted "You hungry fool! Turn around!" The mass of muscle turned around. It let out a grunt before turning it's back to him again. "Well, why did I think that would work?" The shadow sighed and began to get closer. "Listen here you giant piece of good for nothing..." It stopped when it noticed that the other creature was hunched over because it was eating and it looked like it had a good selection of meats. Edward reconsidered his strategy of approach.

"Hey big fella." he started again with a friendly tone "I see you're having yourself a fine meal there. But what if I told you about something that tastes real good?" The brute turned around to face him. Pieces of meat hung from it's jaws and it looked like they were not doing a good job of feeding him. Edward gulped at the possibility of this going rather poorly. "Yes. I know where you can find your biggest snack yet! I know where you can find...Henderson."

The creature's eyes widened when it heard the name. It began to beat it's chest and roar.
"Me...kill...Henderson...me...eat...him...."

"Yes...You do that." The shadow demon pointed at himself next "I...will help you"

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson grunted as the creature slashed him in the leg, quickly flicking his wrist to retract his chains back to his person as he tightened his grip on his sword. With the beast circling him he trained his blade on it, resting it across his arm for a few moments before he stepped in closer to deliver a series of slashes to the creature. If these things would fall they would be able to get to their master without obstruction!

 

[Infab]

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 2
Shadow Venextos bends and shapes reality (Reality Rift.) D6 Roll = 2. Venextos, Hudson, and Jakob all take 3 DMG. Hudson and Jakob HP = 11. Venextos HP = 9.

Venextos = 10. CH Roll = 10. Does 6 + 12 DMG (18, Only a Copy, Sorcerer Supreme) to Shadow Venextos. Shadow Venextos HP = 67.
Hudson = 8 + 1 (9, Velin's Tears.) Does 3 + 8 DMG (11, Velin's Tears, Binding Chains, What I Fight For) to Familiar #2. Familiar #2 destroyed.
Jakob = 7 + 2 (9, With Badge & Gun.) Does Does 3 + 9 (12, With Badge & Gun, BUCKSHOT!, Shadow's Shotgun) to Familiar #3. Familiar #3 destroyed.

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 2 (ENEMY)

Shadow Venextos = 10. CH Roll = 8. Does 4 DMG to Jakob. Jakob HP = 7.

---
​

Reality began to bend once more, as the shadowy copy of Venextos prepared his attack against Jakob. It seemed the ground began to shift and reform around the feet of Venextos, Hudson, and Jakob, morphing into a viscous black goo which started to burn. Perhaps the same sort of sludge the Familiars were made from? Whatever it was, it was alive, strands shooting out and clawing at the bodies of of the trio and causing intense pain. The trio continued to fight, though, as Jakob and Hudson's attacks scored successful hits and obliterated their targets. Both familiars exploded into a thick muck, staining the ground where they had once stood.

Then, the shadow demon's attack struck Jakob, a beam of dark energy from the creature's fingertip piercing Jakob's shoulder. The pain was excruciating, as if he had been stabbed with a white hot needle. Immediately afterwards, Venextos' purple needles peppered the shadow demon. Embedding themselves in the demon's flesh and forcing it to scream out in pain.

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

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin (S. Riberta's Illusion) - Shadow Battle (Riberta) - TURN 2

FLIP #1 = Heads
FLIP #2 = Heads
FLIP #3 = Tails

Riberta and Mariette win the second turn.

---



​

The tall alpha werewolf let out a laugh, as it heard Mariette's comments. "Azgon, eh? He sets quite the bar. And I'll enjoy attempting to surpass it." it said aloud, looking in the direction that it had flung the vampiress. "I hope you're prepared for that. It may take an eternity, but I'll have as much time as I need once I'm through with Riberta."

The shadowy werewolf turned about, noticing that Riberta had managed to return to her feet. It chuckled. "Only one working arm. Things aren't looking too good for you, Riberta." it said, before darting towards her. "Then again, they never looked good in the FIRST PLACE." it spat mid-stride. It attempted to deliver a vicious rising swipe, aimed squarely at Riberta's midsection, but Riberta managed to avoid it with a clumsy roll to the side. She popped back up and moved in immediately as the werewolf slid by, and swung the claymore as hard as she could with one arm. The rough iron blade carved a gash through the werewolf's thick hide, slicing across the thigh and slinging black blood across the ground nearby as Riberta spun with the momentum of the blade. The werewolf let out a yelp, almost falling over as it recoiled from the cut.

It steadied itself, limping a bit, but found itself under attack from another direction. Mariette, having recovered from the werewolf's previous attack, had launched herself off another tree. And was intent on driving her sword through the shadow demon's chest. She hit the shadowy alpha werewolf as if she had been launched out of a cannon, square in the center of the chest and forcing the demon to stumble and fall backwards onto the ground. Before Mariette could get off the demon, having held onto her sword, the werewolf grabbed hold of her and squeezed tightly. "You're starting to get annoying, vampiress." it spat, as it sat up. As it pulled Mariette away from its chest, her sword came out with her.

As it stood, it squeezed Mariette tighter, forcing her to scream out, before tossing her aside. "I'll deal with you in a minute." muttered the shadow demon, before turning its attention back to Riberta. Riberta's eyes widened, and she attempted to get away as the werewolf darted towards her yet again. "Again, you're too slow." it sounded off, as it grabbed hold of Riberta once more and pitched her at a nearby tree. She hit a branch head on, which pierced her back and shoved completely through and out her stomach.

Riberta twitched for a few moments, as she hung limply from the tree, before slowly attempting to free herself. Hitting the tree branch jutting out of her stomach. She needed to get down and back in the fight. She wasn't dying here. Just have to focus...

 

[K0mori]

Bones had been broken throughout Mariette's body, and she did not have time to allow them to fully heal. She fought through the pain to stand, but didn't charge the shadow immediately. Instead, she turned her saber and licked the blood down the entire length of the blade before thinking up a new plan. The fact that the real Riberta had just been impaled by a tree branch meant that her surroundings, while probably an illusion, were real enough that they could be used in battle. The village burning nearby radiated heat, and Mariette was convinced it was real flame, and so she went to it. Her cloak, little more than a threadbare shroud, caught fire instantly as she wafted it over the fire. Then, turning her sights back on the shadow, she tied the shroud to the end of her saber. When the next opportunity arose, she leaped at the demon, flailed the cloak in front of herself, and then threw the saber point-first while still hidden behind the cloak, trying to pin the burning article against her foe or at least distract her enough to provide the real Riberta a chance to turn the tables.

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson kept up his momentum as a downward swing from his blade chopped through the sludge being easily, breaking it apart as it pooled on the ground. With a twist of his body he reoriented himself to look at the shadow mage, forced to look down soon after as the tar-like puddle of the slain creatures seemed to spread and cover the entire area. Sinking in, he growled with singing pain before he managed to lift his legs higher to begin running toward the shadow. Pulling on his chain he let loose a decent amount of slack, casting it out to strike at Venextos' copy.

 

[joshuadim]

As it screamed in agony, the Shadow reeled back as it slowly pulled out the needles from its upper regions in a quick manner. Fueled by anger and pain, it sought to strike Venextos once more as it summoned a whip made of black mist and cracked it in the air. "YOU SON OF A WHORE! DIE, DIE, DIE!" the Shadow yelled out as it sent a lash towards the wizard, its tunnel vision now focusing onto Venextos.

Having anticipated this, Venextos moved for a defensive spell that would use the Shadow's own attack against it as he brought his hands together and quickly extended them both outwards in front of him. This summoned a large orange barrier of wispy lines and points in an artistic like pattern in front of him.

 

[Infab]

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 3
Shadow Venextos bends and shapes reality (Reality Rift.) D6 Roll = 3. Chance to hit Shadow Venextos reduced by 2.

Hudson = 3 + 1 - 2 (2, Velin's Tears, Reality Rift.) Misses Shadow Venextos.
Venextos = 4 + 1 - 2 (3, Sorcerer Supreme, Reality Rift.) Misses Shadow Venextos.
Jakob = 2 + 2 - 2 (2, With Badge & Gun, Reality Rift.) Misses Shadow Venextos.

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 3 (ENEMY)

Shadow Venextos = 10. CH Roll = 7. Does 3 DMG to Venextos. Venextos HP = 6

---
​

As the shadow demon refocused his attention to Venextos after his attack, the environment shifted again. Suddenly, a black fog began to fill the area. It severely limited the group's attempts to attack the shadow copy, Hudson and Jakob's attacks totally missing the shadow as it prepared its own attack against Venextos. Venextos himself didn't know which way the attack would be coming from, and soon would find himself being hit from behind by the shadow demon's black mist whip. The whip sliced open his back, forcing him to bleed quite badly. Venextos couldn't take much more of this. He needed to heal, or they needed to put down this demon quickly.

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


Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin (S. Riberta's Illusion) - Shadow Battle (Riberta) - TURN 3

FLIP #1 = Heads
FLIP #2 = Tails
FLIP #3 = Tails

Shadow Riberta wins this turn.

---
​

The shadowy werewolf walked slowly towards where Riberta was struggling to free herself, seeming to savor the moment. "You're going to die here, Riberta, all because you refuse to embrace what you really are." said the shadow, "A power-craving monster." As she neared Riberta, Riberta finally managed to crack the tree limb. Soon, it broke, and she fell off the tree. Landing in the grass next to the base of the tree. The werewolf didn't seem to care. "You enjoyed everything you did. The endless slaughter of the masses, the ones you deemed unworthy to live upon the lands you saw as your own. Men, women, children...none were safe. What's worse is you even did this in the name of your children, when it was really all for yourself."

Riberta spat up blood, glancing down and making sure that her wound was starting to close and heal. She glanced up to the werewolf as she started to stand. "...I-I wanted to make...sure what happened to me...w-wouldn't happen to anyone else." she replied, which forced the werewolf to laugh. "Right, and if everyone's dead, it can't happen!" it said, still chuckling. "Then that goal shifted to simply taking what wasn't yours in the name of your dead children. And then murder in the name of your children. What would they even think of you? They'd see you as a horrible creature. Something unfit to be their mother. And you most certainly are." The werewolf grew closer. "So I will kill you and take your body. And I will live your life as what you actually are. That power you gained from Sazak will not go to waste, because I will never allow you to settle."

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through the werewolf's back, forcing it to yelp loudly. It clawed at its back, and found that it now had a sword jutting out of its back. Along with a now burning garment. The fire spread rapidly, lighting its back on fire. The vampiress had struck again. "YOU WRETCH." spat the werewolf as it attempted to grab at the sword, before eventually finding a place to plop down on the ground and roll. Trying to smother the flames.

Riberta looked about for her sword, eventually spotting it a few yards away. With a limp, she rushed over and grabbed it before moving quickly towards where the werewolf was tossing about. And with a strong thrust, she shoved the claymore deep into the creature's side. It yelled out in pain before grabbing Riberta reflexively. Its hand wrapped around Riberta's legs, and it squeezed tightly enough that there were audible cracks as bones were broken. The alpha werewolf climbed to its feet. slowly pulling the sword from its side with its free hand and tossing it on the ground. And with a stomp, it shattered the sword. "Your precious weapon is no more." spat the werewolf, dropping Riberta to the ground as well.

It glanced back to see Mariette going for her own sword, which had finally came out of the werewolf's back as it rolled on the ground. As soon as Mariette snatched it up, two of the creature's large claws caught her across the shoulder. Shredding it and creating two large gashes. Her dominant arm was now practically useless until it healed.

Riberta, meanwhile, struggled to crawl towards her now broken sword. She could still use the handle and what was left of the blade. She just needed to get to it. Her bones were attempting to mend themselves, but she wouldn't have the time for them to even remotely heal to full working order. Not yet. It would hurt like hell to try and stand, but she'd have to just bear through the pain. She then started to notice that the ground was starting to change. No longer was there soft dirt and grass, but instead there was simple black soil and what looked like pieces of dull grey stone. Around her, the trees were replaced by stone pillars, with bits of metal and chain adorning them. The sky shifted back to that of the Abyss. The huts disappeared, replaced with old partially collapsed rooms.

They appeared to still be in the Abyss, atop one of the floating rock formations. In a set of old ruins, which resembled a fallen fortress of some sort from the Age of Darkness. At the center of the fortress, a large roaring inferno of wood and other objects. The demon's illusion had faded.

 

[joshuadim]

Venextos cried out in pain as the whip sliced his back open and caused him to fall onto his hands and knees. The pain was immense, and his bleeding was rather bad in this situation. He needed to mend himself, quickly. "Do you feel the cold hand of death creeping upon you, Venextos?" the Shadow taunted as it remained hidden from view. "You cannot win, just die already so that I may prosper."

Venextos didn't respond as he grunted and got himself up to cast a healing spell upon himself. In the meantime, the Shadow prepared its next attack by coalescing a ball of dark matter into his hands and sent it flying towards Hudson.

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson gave a growl of frustration as the shadow whipped up an all-too familiar black fog, his vision clouded and his mace clanging to the ground with a disappointing clatter. Throwing his arm back, he reeled back in his chains to his waist, grasping his sword as he decided to rush in closer to confront the shadow. Venextos wasn't looking good, so this meant that he had to give him some space to breathe.

As the shadow taunted his original, the hunter rushed in like a lancer performing a joust. His rushing stab was aimed directly for the demon's chest.

 

[K0mori]

Mariette's rusted blade clanged against the ground, but she caught it with her off hand on the first bounce and sprinted away, gnashing her teeth at the pain throbbing through her bones. As the fight went on, her body was mending, and despite the deep gashes she had suffered from the alpha's swipe, she felt stronger than she had before her last attack. Without her dominant arm, however, all of that strength was practically useless; she had mastered the art of swordsmanship under Cassandra's guidance, but it had never occurred to her to try training left handed. A bitter notion crossed her mind. Perhaps if I had thought of it, I'd have entertained myself another thirty years- relearning my life through a mirror!

She skidded to a stop amidst the collapsing illusion and checked over her shoulder. Riberta was far worse for wear at this point than Mariette, and the vampire knew that she would be pulverized if left to face the demon alone. Moreover, having already surrendered her life and released her soul to this wretched eternity, she had no intention of allowing anyone to die due to her own inaction- not even a being awash in sin. She had to take the next hit, and allow Riberta the chance to recover enough to overpower this cruel imitation of her vices.

Mariette pointed the tip of her rusted saber at the shadow and roared at the top of her lungs "EN GARDE!" and charged her, head-on.

 

[Infab]

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 4
Shadow Venextos bends and shapes reality (Reality Rift.) D6 Roll = 3. Chance to hit Shadow Venextos reduced by 2.

Venextos attempts to heal himself. D6 used. Chance Roll = 1. Chance Failed.
Hudson = 10 - 2 + 1 (9, Reality Rift, Velin's Tears.) Does 3 + 8 DMG (11, Velin's Tears, Binding Chains, What I Fight For) to Shadow Venextos. Shadow Venextos HP = 56.
Jakob = 7 + 2 - 2 (7, With Badge & Gun, Reality Rift.) Does Does 3 + 9 (12, With Badge & Gun, BUCKSHOT!, Shadow's Shotgun) to Shadow Venextos. Shadow Venextos HP = 44.


Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 4 (ENEMY)

Shadow Venextos = 2. Misses Venextos.

---
​

As he fog continued to encircle the group, they kept up their attacks. Attempting to put the foul copy of Venextos down for good while Venextos attempted to heal himself. It would prove difficult, however, as he lacked the focus to perform the magic. He'd either have to try again one he had calmed himself a bit, or try and focus more attacks on his copy. Meanwhile, both Hudson and Jakob scored their hits. Hudson's sword stabbed deep into the shadow's torso, forcing a groan from the demon before it simply waved its hand towards Hudson and sent him flying away from him. Immediately afterwards, a burst from Jakob's shotgun ripped through the demon. Badly wounding it.

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


Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Riberta) - TURN 4

FLIP #1 = Heads
FLIP #2 = Heads
FLIP #3 = Heads

Riberta and Mariette win this turn.

---
​

The werewolf growled, as Mariette shouted her battle-cry and charged. "You've become a nuisance, vampiress, and I will enjoy breaking every bone in your body! OVER AND OVER AGAIN!" spat the werewolf, as it also charged. It took a massive swipe at the vampire, intent on catching Mariette with its vicious looking claws again, but Mariette slid underneath the swipe. As she popped back up, she used the werewolf's forward momentum against it. As it continued forwards, she simply slashed at both of the werewolf's ankles with the rusted sword, before quickly moving as the werewolf collapsed to its knees. It roared in pain, forcing itself to try and stand up to attack yet again.

Mariette didn't waste any time. She had to get more hits, to distract it and hopefully weaken it a bit. She jumped onto its back, and violently thrusted her blade into the creature's burnt, exposed back. Using her vampiric speed, she managed to stab it at least a dozen times before getting off and moving away from it as it tried to grab and swipe at her. "I WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU HAD NEVER BEEN CONCEIVED!" it barked, before attempting to grab at the vampiress yet again. Mariette avoided the grabs and swipes, simply using her speed to jump from one spot to another. Almost as if she were playing hopscotch.

Nearby Riberta had finally managed to grab at her sword, and was now forcing herself to stand up. She had grown tired of this. She knew she had made grave mistakes in life. Plenty of them. She had failed as a mother, failed as a ruler, and committed mass murder. She probably helped kill off the Elves too. She regretted everything she had done, and had been regretting it every waking moment for the past hundred or so years. She had wanted to die. To be put down for all she had done so that the world would move on without an horrid creature like her around. But now...she wanted to live.

She wanted to live so that she could make sure that that demon didn't gain control of her body, and force her to kill off countless more. She wanted to live so that she could see that Sazak was put down for good. The problem was...her body was failing her. She barely had the strength to stand, as numerous bones were broken. She was weak, and almost helpless.

And that pissed her off.

Her anger built, amassing inside like a roaring flame. She gritted her teeth hard enough that she could feel blood beginning to drip from her mouth, her blood red eyes filled with an intense rage as she looked to the shadowy copy that was attempting to maim Mariette. She took a step, her body shaking as she moved towards the creature. Pain wracked her body, but the burning rage inside numbed it entirely as she walked across the rough stone and black dirt. She was going to kill this creature, and she wasn't going to die trying.

The shadowy werewolf paused, taking note of Riberta walking towards it. Broken sword in hand, and an ever growing aura about her. "So, you've finally decided to use that power of yours? Splendid. We can get down to business then." remarked the werewolf. A moment later, Riberta vanished. Left in her place was her broken sword, falling to the dirt. The werewolf looked surprised. "What the he--" it spat, looking about frantically.

​

A moment later, the werewolf's right leg snapped in half. Shattered at the knee, it folded under the werewolf's weight. Riberta had darted in and delivered one hell of a pulverizing punch to the side creature's knee. Riberta vanished again, moving out of the way as the werewolf fell down. "You wanted this, demon. And I'm going to give it to you."

 

[joshuadim]

Unable to focus properly, Venextos' healing spell fizzled out in his hands before it could properly get put to use on himself which caused the wizard to grit his teeth in pain. As he looked however, he saw that his Shadow was also taking a heavy beating with both Jakob's shotgun blast and Hudson's stab wounding it deeply. The Shadow was practically wheezing in agony as it stumbled back after the attacks and hunched over. "No... no! This can't... be happening... to me! This... this isn't fair!" the Shadow yelled out in anger and panic as it clutched at it's wounds. "I'm the one who is supposed to win! I'm the one who is supposed to prosper! Not some horrible bastard like you! You don't deserve to live!"

Venextos quickly summoned orange disks into his hands and let them loose upon the shadow, anger fueling his throws while the Shadow glared at Jakob and hissed. "I'LL BE SURE TO MAKE YOUR DAUGHTER SUFFER GREATLY, CONSTABLE!" it roared as it sent a bolt of dark magic at Jakob.

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson paid the demon's expletives no mind, gritting his teeth as he tried to drive the blade in further. A simple gesture and the hunter was sent sailing through the air, but he righted himself by flipping backward slightly and skidding his hand across the ground.

The black fog rolled in, and Hudson half-looked to Jakob as the shadow made its threat. Saying nothing the hunter rolled his shoulder before he fully grasped his sword in his hands once again, starting to run toward the demon. The fog would make it harder to see so once more he closed the distance, twisting his body to ready a vicious horizontal slash to Venextos' copy.

 

[K0mori]

"You are far too late for that, cur," Mariette replied to the creature's threat, and punctuated it with a dark snicker as Riberta took the lead in the fight once more. "To possess my mortal vanity and choose death and damnation to end it... that is a self loathing that you cannot possibly comprehend. And so, you have awoken that all-eclipsing fury in Riberta, and sealed your doom as I once did my own!"

Mariette cackled as she watched the shadow crumple from Riberta's crippling blow. Mariette now took a step back and waited patiently for her sword arm to stitch itself closed, and when she was ready, launched into another attack in support of her new comrade.

 

[Infab]

Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 5
Shadow Venextos bends and shapes reality (Reality Rift.) D6 Roll = 4. Group is healed 3 HP. Venextos HP = 9, Jakob HP = 10, Hudson HP = 14.

Venextos = 7 + 1 (8, Sorcerer Supreme.) Does 3 + 12 DMG (15, Only a Copy, Sorcerer Supreme) to Shadow Venextos. Shadow Venextos HP = 29.
Hudson = 3 + 1 (4, Velin's Tears.) Misses Shadow Venextos.
Jakob = 2 + 2 (4, With Badge & Gun.) Misses Shadow Venextos.


Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Venextos) - TURN 5 (ENEMY)

Shadow Venextos = 4. Misses Jakob.

---
​

The group prepared to try and end the battle, with the shadow counterpart of the mage attempting just to survive. Viciously lashing out at whomever he spotted. Both Jakob and Hudson attemped to strike at the demon yet again, but Hudson missed his slash as the shadow moved quickly out of the way. Meanwhile Jakob's buckshot missed entirely, shooting wide as the demon forced his gun barrel to point to the side via a magical pulse from its hand.

The one to land hits was Venextos himself, his magical discs darting towards the shadow and slicing his arms and legs. The demon was severely weakened, and it was time to finish it off properly.

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


Sazak's Territory - The Fields of Ruin - Shadow Battle (Riberta) - Final Turn

FLIP #1 = Tails
FLIP #2 = Heads
FLIP #3 = Heads

Riberta and Mariette have emerged victorious.

---
​

The alpha werewolf roared at the pair, struggling to stand on its shattered leg. "You think crippling me will help you? I can heal just like you, Riberta." spat the werewolf, finally climbing back to its feet and limping heavily towards the pair. "As for you, vampiress, you'll change your tune. I'll see to that. For now, though, I'LL JUST FOCUS ON RIPPING YOU APART!" It then lunged at the pair, swiping madly at them. One swipe managed to catch Riberta, shredding her left side as she went tumbling into the dirt and rocks. Meanwhile, Mariette moved in quickly, avoiding the swings to slice the demon's good leg a bit more. It's leg was already weak, so if they took out the other, it would give them a better chance at killing it.

And soon, Mariette managed to do enough damage with her swings and stabs that the muscles in the back of the werewolf's good leg gave way. The werewolf went down, collapsing to its knees and letting out a howl of pain.

Nearby, Riberta forced herself up. Her wounds were bad, with most of the muscle and skin ripped to pieces across her left aide. Her arm was practically a mangled mess of flesh and bone. This needed to end. She looked about, searching for anything in the ruins that they could use to put the creature down. And soon, she noticed some extensive lengths of chain hanging from the pillars scattered about the ruins. Old iron chain, but plenty of it.

She moved about, using her vampiric speed to gather up the chain, before shouting to Mariette. "KEEP THE BITCH BUSY." she barked, as she collected all that she could find. And Mariette oblidged, using her sword to deliver stabs and swipes at the creature's side and torso. Avoiding any swings that the werewolf would make to stop her.

And then Mariette witnessed numerous lengths of chain wrap around the werewolf's throat. Pulled tightly by Riberta, whom was now on the creature's back. She was pulling with one arm, a look of total fury adorning her face. Fangs bared and eyes blood red. Her muscles in her arm flexed and bulged, as she pulled tighter and tighter on the chains. Determined to crush the werewolf's throat.

The shadow demon couldn't speak, attempting to claw at Riberta and try to get her off. It only earned the demon a hellacious kick to the back of the head. It fell forward, and Riberta gained a bit more leverage. She pressed her feet down across the upper back of the demon as well as the back of its head, pulling the chain with all her acquired strength. There were loud cracks, as the werewolf's windpipe and spine were crushed by Riberta's enhanced strength. Yet the werewolf continued to move. Struggling to survive.

"WHY WON'T YOU FUCKING DIE ALREADY!?" spat the Warlord, as she began to stomp on the demon's head. Then, one more strong jerk on the chain. And then it was over. The chain ripped through the creature's neck, sending Riberta stumbling off its back onto the ground.

She had effectively beheaded the demon with old rough chains.

 

[Damian0358]

Nearby...


The shadow of the hermit laughed, as he had promised the shadow lady of war prior to their departure. She was now dead, and so too was the shadow wizard about to be. The fools had proven him right once more. Of course, as he had previously considered, this 'victory' was but hollow for him. So, he would just take this moment and do as he promised, cackle and clap as though he had just watched the climax of a wonderful oni-done noh performance.

"...that damnable lady of war! How comedic a demise it is for one such as you, haha! " he said aloud to himself, no body close enough to hear him.

It was clear to him that the shadow in question had failed to consider one aspect - just because you know how 'you' fight, doesn't mean you can transfer that to being able to fight 'yourself'. Recognizing the deficiencies and utilizing them against his opponent, that was one thing; the reason why he even began practicing gunsmanship was because he knew the hermit was ill-versed in them. But being able to understand their strengths, and anticipate their use from the other, too was important. He recognized that; as he and the hermit are now, they would be roughly equally matched. No weapon or tool could change that, for they would adapt to their use. So, he needed to wear him down mentally, so that the lessons learned are forgotten, and the hermit is broken in a way that would allow for his simple demise.

He turned his head towards the fight of the shadow wizard, and observed it, for it was possible the lady of war and the execrated nightwalker would join the fray, though whether they would join before the shadow wizard's demise was to be seen.

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson cursed beneath his breath as his blade failed to find its mark, shuffling on his feet to stop the inertia of his swing gone wide. The fog was clearing, and the shadow was weakening as they gained the upper hand. Taking this chance, he sheathed his sword and pulled at the spool of chains about his waist as Velin's Tears gained more slack to work with. The hunter began to march forward, several meters of silvery chain that defied all spatial logic and reasoning extended from the bundle. All the while he built up momentum, swinging wide circular arcs with the maces as he crossed them across his body and out again.

"Enough of your tricks!" Hudson roared as he took a step forward and cast out his weapons in a twisting path that quickly aimed to encircle and collapse around the shadow wizard. "Be bound and face your end, demon!"