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

[Breadman]

Henderson shrugged as his hit didn't seem to phase Ralvas. They both shared a moment of silent disdain for one another before the others called the Icon's attention away. The brute had to stop for a second and admire the demon's ability to just keep talking and talking with a trident's shaft damaging his brain as it likely fractured the skull a bit.

Not wanting to waste the opportunity, he lifted the hammer and gently eyed up the head next to that of Ralvas. Preparing his hit like an odd game of croquet.

 

[Dmaster]

The hunter managed to slash into Ralvas' side and was sent flying afterward for his efforts. Tossed down the train car like a ragdoll, Hudson managed to right himself again by stabbing his sword into the flooring to prevent himself from flying back further. Standing up he stared through the icon and held his sword at his side, brushing past the others as he rushed back in. "Knock me down all you like but I'll still come back you weak bastard!" he shouted, running past Henderson to try and stab into the Icon's midsection.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Shut up already, you fuck!" screams Leakhena as she come sprinting down the hallway towards Ralvas. The many sharp barbs on her whip make a shrill whine as they uncoil from her belt; ready to lash out at him.

 

[K0mori]

Even with Ralvas raving madly at her illusion, Mariette could feel her control over his perceptions slipping out of her grasp. She knew he would see through it very soon, but there was still one more opportunity to twist the knife and further wound his psyche.

"Tell you what, Sazak...I'll kill Witlock, and take your two toys over there for myself! You certainly don't deserve a fucking thing with how you've been handling all of this! Maybe Taranoch will bump you back down to a simple Prince, too!"

The phantom Sazak seemed almost bored with the insults Ralvas hurled at it. "...Of course I despise embarrassment, but at least I don't inflict it upon myself. You, on the other hand... How can you stand there and pretend you have the power to take her from me?" He raised his hand, and with the snap of his finger, a portal appeared beneath Valeria, dropping her through to some unknown location before it closed up behind her. In reality, of course, Mariette had simply rendered the former Inquisitor invisible to Ralvas for the moment, stretching her powers to their limits. "You're nothing but an amateur, Ralvas. I bet you couldn't even touch me if you made an earnest attempt on my life. In fact, go ahead- I invite you to try it."

Sazak walked right up to Ralvas, grinning, and then bowed slightly, sticking his chin out until the two were nearly face to face.

 

[Damian0358]

Takato wasn't too surprised to see that his attempt to restrain the Icon had failed, this time to such a degree he wasn't even acknowledged. As the others did their thing, the hermit considered his next move carefully. Ralvas has managed to merely strike away the Grand Magus' attacks, from swatting his orange disks to throwing his aim off with his power, however, what these attacks had in common were how he had aimed them straight at the Icon.

With this in mind, Takato manifested several qi orbs and sent them forwards toward Ralvas from down low, speeding across the floor, with the hope of sending them straight-up at the Icon in such a way he wouldn't be able to react, assuming he wasn't paying attention to their auras.

 

[Infab]

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 3
Venextos = 9 + 1 (10, Sorcerer Supreme.) CH Roll = 5. Does 19 DMG (7 + 12, Sorcerer Supreme, Abyssal Necklace) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 4833
Henderson = 2. Misses Ralvas.
Hudson = 4. Misses Ralvas.
Leakhena = 6. Does 8 DMG (5 + 3, Irin's Whip) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 4825
Takato = 9. Does 5 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 4820
Jakob = 2 + 2 (4, With Badge & Gun.) Misses Ralvas.
Gwen = 5 + 2 (7. Spiteful Survivalist.) Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Abyssal Tome) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 4805.
Cassandra = 8 + 1 (9, The Crimson.) Does 18 DMG (5 + 13, The Crimson, Abyssal Estoc) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 4787
Riberta = 6. Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Adriel's Trident) to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4772
Vincent = 6 + 3 (9, The Huntsman.) Does 5 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 4767[/FONT]

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 3 (ENEMY)
Ralvas is distracted by Mariette's hex! Cannot attack this turn!

------
​

"You're nothing but an amateur, Ralvas. I bet you couldn't even touch me if you made an earnest attempt on my life. In fact, go ahead- I invite you to try it."

Ralvas was visibly fuming by this point, a twitch setting in in one of his eyes. Sazak had taken back his little torture victim, and it sent him right over the edge. As he spat a string of demonic language insults, he reached out to grab at Sazak's throat...only to grab air. He phased right through the illusion of Sazak, stumbling forwards a few steps (and forcing Henderson to miss his swing.) And the look of anger on his face shifted quickly to one of total shock. Sazak was never there. He had been yelling at a hallucination...while these vermin around him took their shots at him. Delaying the inevitable. And when he straightened up, the shock had shifted to a face of twisted glee. Ralvas had fully snapped.

He didn't remain standing there long, as magic spells from Venextos, Gwen, and Takato all hit Ralvas at once. He was pummeled by the magical attacks, forcing him to stumble right into Leakhena's whip crack which shredded flesh. Jakob's werewolf swipes missed entirely as the Icon recoiled from the whip's slice, as did Hudson's sharp sword thrust. Cassandra's thrust didn't miss, plunging into Ralvas' side, just as Riberta cracked him across the side of his head once more with the trident's shaft. And finally, Vincent scored another hit with his rifle, putting a hole in Ralvas' torso.

SUPER MOVES ARE NOW AVAILABLE.​

 

[Breadman]

Henderson grunted as he missed his swing. Couldn't stay in one place for just another second. No matter. The brute prepared for another swing.

 

[joshuadim]

If Ralvas wasn't content to stay put anymore, then he would have to stay rooted was what Venextos' thought process went through as he summoned orange bands of glowing strands and flung them towards Ralvas, intent on binding him in place.

 

[Damian0358]

Having successfully struck Ralvas, Takato once more considered what to do next. Now that Ralvas' mind seems to have freed itself from the illusion and from sanity, approaching the Icon would be a dangerous proposition, even if he might deal more damage with consecutive blows. He considered the idea of a hit and run, but not only was the front line crowded, trying to strategically retreat with qi orbs to maintain distance might just bring the Icon's ire his way further. If he was going to move in, he would have to make himself either harder to hit or tankier, and while there were mystical solutions for that, he had one option.

With a sigh, he opted for it - slowly, his artificial arm began to unravel, its bandages heading into his coat. The 'dark mist' beneath the bandages began to contrort from its arm-like shape, and formed into a dense defense against any incoming strikes. The miniscule horn-derived projectiles within positioned themselves as such to further strengthen the dense mist. He clenched his remaining physical left arm, as he switched to a martial stance aimed at compensating the absence of one arm with the unification of the other with the legs, before rushing in to deal consecutive strikes against the Icon.

 

[K0mori]

As the illusion was shattered, Mariette watched breathlessly as Ralvas' sanity slipped away. He simply couldn't handle such a grievous blow to his ego, and he had no words to accompany the emotions he was currently suffering. He was still unearthly strong; she had to remember that.

And he would probably direct his inconsolable rage at her any second now.

She took up her side sword as Cassandra flew into action, and prepared herself for the onslaught. The effort to maintain the hex had taken quite a bit of energy out of her, and for a moment she hoped that she might somehow catch the icon with the tip of her blade and taste his blood. Surely, it must be as wonderful as Kellea's, if not even moreso... She could barely wait now, as her body was itching to lunge toward Ralvas rather than wait for his attack. She licked her lips, becoming fixated on her nagging thirst.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Not satisfied with the deep, bleeding marks left on Ralvas by the whip, Leakhena unsheathes her sword and viciously slashes at him.

 

[Infab]

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 4
Henderson = 9. Does 18 DMG (5 + 13, Hellish Gauntlets, Abyssal Hammer) to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4749.
Venextos attempts to bind Ralvas in place. D6 used. Chance Roll = 1. Chance Failed.
Takato = 5. Does 5 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4744.
Mariette = 6. Does 8 DMG (Hellish Sword) to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4736.
Leakhena = 1. Misses Ralvas.
Hudson = 3 + 1 (4, Velin's Tears.) Misses Ralvas.
Jakob = 5 + 2 (7, With Badge & Gun.) Does 8 DMG (5 + 3, With Badge & Gun) to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4728.
Gwen = 7 + 2 (9, Spiteful Survivalist.) Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Abyssal Tome) to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4713.
Cassandra = 9 + 1 (10, The Crimson.) Does 21 DMG (5 + 16, The Crimson, Abyssal Estoc) to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 4692.
Riberta uses Super Move: An Abyssal's Crusade. D10 used. Chance to Hit = 5. Chance Successful. Does 1000 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 3692. Due to the nature of this Super Move, Riberta suffers 10 DMG. Riberta's HP = 10. Ralvas has been stunned for a turn, and cannot attack (Broken Pride.)
Vincent uses Super Move: Malevolent Calesvol. D10 used. Chance to Hit = 9. Chance Successful. Does 500 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas' HP = 3192. Due to the nature of this Super Move, Vincent suffers 5 DMG. Vincent's HP = 15.

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 4 (ENEMY)
Ralvas has been stunned by a Super Move, and cannot attack this turn! (Broken Pride.)

------
​

Henderson moved in and swung his hammer once more, smacking the demon once more. This time, however, he hit him across the chest. It knocked the wind out of the demon, ripping bits of flesh off of his muscular chest. As he groaned, and clutched at the new wound, he cut a look to the mage of the group. Whom was launching a new magical attack with the intent to bind him in one spot. Ralvas reacted by firing a burst of his own magic in the direction of the incoming spell, cancelling it out and giving a bit of negative feedback to the mage which forced him to stumble. Takato's rush of the demon didn't fail, however, as he arrived and delivered several blows to the demon's sides using his free fist.

The attack from the monk gave Mariette an opening, which she used near immediately. Delivering a vicious slice across the demon's opposite side. Leakhena and Hudson also moved to deliver their own cuts, but failed as Ralvas moved to avoid them quickly. He wouldn't avoid the savage swipe from Jakob's lycan claws. They tore open Ralvas' back once more, as it was rapidly healing from the wound Henderson had given him previously. Then came another of Gwen's magical spears, which bit Ralvas square in the chest again. Cassandra would move in yet again, as Ralvas tried to regain his composure. Her eyes burning bring red, and a twisted grin on her face, she drove the tip of her estoc into Ralvas' chest on the right side. The point burst through his shoulder, which she quickly yanked back out when Ralvas swatted at her to drive her away.

As Riberta looked on, waiting for the right moment to attack with the trident once more, she felt an odd sensation in her hands. Perhaps she had been holding the weapon too tightly, her fingers in a vice grip around the shaft of the weapon. Or perhaps she was still dealing with the weapon's effects from before. But...a chilling sensation began to flow up her arms, chest, and neck. Eventually, it felt like ice cold water had been splashed over her head. What the hell was going on?

And then she heard it. A voice. A strong, dominating presence in her mind. At first...it spoke in an old language that Riberta had never heard before. Then, it morphed into that harsh demonic language which almost gave her a headache. And then...it spoke in simple Atracan. "...What stands before you now is quite similar to very things I fought and destroyed long ago. That which the Abyssal should suffer not. Selfish, entitled egomaniacs whom sit upon their thrones, built from the corpses of those that came before them, while those underneath them suffered...though this one seems to have lost his mind."

Riberta cocked an eyebrow. Who the hell? "Who I am will be clear to you soon enough. For now, hybrid, I grant you permission to use the trident to smite this so-called Icon. He is unworthy of the title. He is unworthy of all he has. He has disgraced the position of Icon, just as all the other Icons have...His life is forfeit, as is theirs."

She then felt goosebumps appear on her arms, as the trident seemed to prepare itself once more. Just as it had done during the fight with Kellea. "I shall only instruct you once on its proper use, hybrid. Pay attention." said the voice. "Grip the shaft tightly. Plant your feet. Brace the shaft beneath your arm. The recoil will be powerful, so push into it. Aim for the center of his chest. You are not powerful enough to fire this multiple times in a short time frame, as it will destroy your body. So pray to whatever deities you believe in that you hit him." Riberta did as instructed, simply going with what the voice was instructing. She had a really good idea who it was anyhow, if they knew how to use the trident's power.

As soon as Cassandra was clear, she pointed the weapon's forks at Ralvas. The same ball of energy that had appeared before did so again, and Riberta tensed up. Preparing for what was coming. As she did, the ball at the end of the weapon shifted in color from a bright blue to gold. And then, it hit. The ball shifted in size, changing from baseball sized to almost the size of a large cannonball, before expanding even larger as the powerful beam burst forth. This was far louder than it had been before, as it sounded as if something had exploded instead of a simple crack of lightning. The beam bolted across the cabin, giving Ralvas little time to react to the massive attack approaching him. In an attempt to stop it, he brought his arms up in a sweeping motion just as it impacted.

He skid backwards across the floor several feet, struggling to hold off the beam. The flesh on his arms and chest burned, charring in places while in others it simply melted away. Eventually, he struggled to move out of the way of the beam. He pushed as hard as he could, eventually slipping out of the way as the beam burst through the back of the cabin. Blowing a massive hole through several cars behind them, all the way out the back of the train. Riberta struggled to control the weapon, attempting to hit Ralvas again by turning, but eventually collapsed as the beam ceased from the end of the trident. Her arms were singed again, charred black across her forearms as her hands had most of their flesh and muscle disolved by the trident's immense power.

Ralvas' arms weren't much better off. He stood there whimpering, as he looked over his nearly disolved arms. It left him wide open for an attack from Vincent, whom rushed in with his sword. Again, it had shifted from its small gladius form to that of the long bastard sword-like appearance it had taken during the fight with Kellea. His eyes had shifted to their jet black appearance again, as the color had drained from his form and his veins pulsed strongly in his arms and body. Whatever this sword was doing, it was getting stronger.

As Ralvas looked about towards Vincent, Vincent swung the sword upwards in an arc. It sliced through Ralvas' right forearm, cleaving it in two and sending it sailing through the air. Ralvas cried out in pain, stumbling away as he looked at where his hand used to be.

THREE TURNS UNTIL VINCENT CAN USE HIS SUPER MOVE AGAIN.​

 

[Breadman]

Henderson had to take a step back after his blow connected. The force of Riberta's blast was so strong he could feel secondary shock just by looking at the damage it had done. The high and mighty icon, now armless. He found that very funny as he let out a cackle once he got a good look at the demon.

"HE'S DOWN! GO BEAST! DELIVER A BLOW THAT WILL SHAKE HIM FURTHER! DON'T GIVE THE CURR ANY RESPITE!" The hammer's voice boomed. The blood he had drawn with it had been feeding and sustaining it's gluttony, but it wanted more. Seeing as they had the advantage, why not indulge in it?

Henderson could feel the hammer's inhabitant putting something of itself in the next swing as he targeted the demon's legs for pulverization.

SUPER MOVE: HUNGERING MAUL​

 

[K0mori]

Spinning away gracefully from Ralvas after he attack, Mariette watched in awe as Roberta unleashed an incredible surge of power. If only the hybrid could sustain the attack for longer, then perhaps they could simply boil Ralvas alive. Unfortunately, Roberta took nearly as much of a roasting as the Icon did, and so it would be up to the rest of the team to finish the job.

Vincent certainly followed up with a strong showing of his own, using his enchanted artifact to great effect, and slicing off one of Ralvas' hands in the process. The Icon wasn't even speaking any more, just whimpering in pain, misery, and general outrage. Mariette almost pitied him, knowing that she had totally robbed him of his faculties. It seemed possible now that he wouldn't be able to defend himself as the others tore him apart, piece by piece, his own regeneration merely prolonging his agony.

Almost.

Mariette smiled as she turned her sword around and licked some of the blood off the blade. Just as she had hoped, it tasted like nothing else: a true delicacy. She wondered, briefly, if the heavens above could offer a better nectar. Perhaps one day she would taste the blood of a god... She imagined, with dark satisfaction, pushing her sword right through Velin's still-beating heart, and uniting their veins through the unholy magic that possessed her armor- each dying pulse flooding her body with euphoria...

Mariette could hardly concentrate on the fight. Her eyes were wild as she prepared another hex, using what remained of Ralvas' blood on her side sword to try to make herself invisible. She wanted to impale him, just like she did with Kellea, but she would have to wait. Others who were faster or stronger would punish him first.

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson swiped at air once again as Ralvas sidestepped his attack, just as well considering the demonic punishment the weapons moved to deliver on the Icon. Quickly he managed to avoid the blast, also making room for a raving Vincent that slashed Ralvas prone exceptionally fast. The hunter stood to the side for a time, looking over the group and seeing what their demonic artifacts were doing to them yet again. Henderson rushed in with murderous intent yet again, and Hudson merely crept closer to Ralvas. If he were to stand again, he would cut the Icon back down to the ground.

 

[Damian0358]

Takato moved back following his consecutive strikes, observing as the others engaged the Icon. As he planned his next push inward, before sensing something fierce coming from Riberta... or was it the Trident that he was feeling? He wasn't sure, but if what he recalled the aura he sensed from Vincent during the Kellea fight, or rather his sword, and recalling Riberta's own attack with the trident back then, he realized that, perhaps, it would be a good idea to step aside as to not get caught in what was to occur.

And occur it did, as he protected himself with the mist, watching as the beam burst forth and took Ralvas with it. He could still sense Ralvas' aura, but it felt as confused as it had earlier... she must've hit him where it hurts, as Mariette had earlier with her illusion. He looked over at Riberta, noting her singed arms. He considered how reasonably well folks were doing so far, for this to be the first moment for him to consider the need to heal since the battle began. Maintaining the momentum they've got would be key, and part of that necessitates everyone be in best shape.

Takato approached Riberta and aimed his hand at her arms, intending to aid in her healing. As he did, the card 'Talisman ~ Rapid Shot' drew itself out of his robe, with many smaller qi orbs forming around him, and launching themselves at Ralvas like machine gun fire.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Leakhena hisses under her breath; annoyed and already agitated. She's missed nearly all her strikes so far, and hits the ground with her sword in frustration. At least the whip didn't miss. Hoping it'll land again, she uncoils it and sends its barbs flying towards Ralvas.

 

[joshuadim]

Venextos simply grunted in anger as his newest advance failed and resorted to continuing to launch an attack on the icon by throwing another series of orange disks at Ralvas as hard as he could and without any real remorse.

 

[Infab]

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 5
Henderson uses Super Move: Hungering Maul. D10 used. Chance to hit = 3. Chance Failed. Misses Ralvas.
Mariette attempts to cloak herself. D6 used. Chance Roll = 5. Chance Successful. Cloaked for two turns.
Hudson = 6 + 1 (7, Velin's Tears.) Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Heavenly Blade) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 3177.
Takato attempts to heal Riberta. D6 used. Chance Roll = 5. Chance Successful. Riberta regains 6 HP. Riberta's HP = 16.
Takato = 4 (Like Water.) Misses Ralvas.
Leakhena = 6. Does 8 DMG (5 + 3, Hellish Whip) to Ralvas. Ralvas is now bleeding! Loses 3 HP for three turns. Ralvas HP = 3166.
Venextos = 8 + 1 (9, Sorcerer Supreme.) Does 17 DMG (5 + 12, Sorcerer Supreme, Abyssal Necklace) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 3149.
Jakob = 2 + 2 (4, With Badge & Gun.) Misses Ralvas.
Gwen = 2 + 2 (4, Spiteful Survivalist.) Misses Ralvas.
Cassandra uses Super Move: Pierce the Veil. D10 used. Chance Roll = 8. Chance Successful. Does 500 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2649. Ralvas has been stunned, and cannot attack for a turn (Broken Pride.)
Riberta = 9. Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Adriel's Trident) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2634.
Vincent = 4 + 3 (7, The Huntsman.) Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Abyssal Gladius) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2619.

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 5 (ENEMY)
Ralvas cannot attack! Stunned for a turn. (Broken Pride)

------
​

As Ralvas panicked over the damage done to his arms, he barely noticed that Henderson was rushing in to swing his large warhammer at Ralvas' legs. Ralvas jumped out of the way, moving backwards and crashing into one of the tables in the room. As he rolled over the top of it onto the floor, Hudson chased after him and delivered a vicious slice with his sword across Ralvas' chest. He kicked Hudson away before climbing back to his feet. Takato took a moment to cast a healing spell on Riberta, which proved rather effective, before casting another spell which assaulted Ralvas with qi orbs. They sadly missed, Ralvas dodging them and moving right into Leakhena's whip strike. Blood splattered across the floor, as the whip rended the flesh that was still attempting to heal from his previous injuries.

Venextos was next to score a hit, his magical discs sailing through the air and carving gashes through Ralvas' body as he attempted to avoid being hit head on with them. One of them cut a chunk out of one of Ralvas' horns, as well as cut some of his flowing locks off the back of his head. If Ralvas' had been all there mentally at the moment, he likely would have screamed out at the damage done to his form. Jakob moved in to attack, but found himself missing as he swiped at the Icon. Gwen's magical bolt didn't prove effective either, as it sailed by him and punched yet another hole in the wall of the train.

As Mariette cast her spell, effectively cloaking herself for a bit, she took notice of an odd sound. She glanced about and noticed that it was coming from Cassandra. She was humming something. Something familiar. Cassandra clenched the estoc's grip, before darting towards Ralvas. He noticed her coming, and attempted to protect himself with his now healing arms, but took note of her vanishing before she arrived. He took note of her aura moving, before turning and swatting at where she intended to be...only to find that she wasn't there. "W-What!?" he spat, before swatting behind him. Still nothing. Where the hell was she?! He swatted in several more directions, determined to not let her hit him. And then, the length of the estoc exploded out through his chest. It hit him hard enough to knock him to the floor, with Cassandra crouched over him. Standing on his spine as she drew the weapon back out.

She gave the blade a lick, tasting the Icon's blood. "...How delightful!" she said, chuckling before calling out to Mariette. "You're going to love this, darling! If you haven't given it a taste already!" She grinned wildly, and cackled before vanishing again. As Ralvas struggled to get up, throwing up blood onto the floor, Riberta and Vincent made their moves. Riberta jabbed the trident into his side, while a now normal Vincent sliced him across the back with the gladius.

Ralvas, finally getting back to his feet, spat out a wad of blood as his gaping chest wound closed shut. "You're not going to kill me so easily!" he yelled out, following it with several coughs.

TWO TURNS UNTIL VINCENT CAN USE HIS SUPER MOVE AGAIN.
THREE TURNS UNTIL HENDERSON AND CASSANDRA CAN USE THEIR SUPER MOVES AGAIN.​

 

[Breadman]

He swung and he missed. Henderson didn't think too much of it as it seemed to have set up for the demon to get attacked and cut into by Cassandra. The hammer on the other hand was no happy.

"HOW DID YOU MISS? YOU SIMPLY SWING AND HIT! YOU HAD HIM RIGHT THERE AND YOU MISSED HIM!" The echoing in his head got annoying enough for him to address the spirit directly.

"I would have hit the wanker if I wasn't distracted constantly by a different wanker inhabiting a bloody tool, because he was too much of a ponce in life to let go of a piece of metal in death." With that he readied to hit the Icon again.

"Pfah, Beast. Don't try to blame me for this. You've missed half your swings already. Your own incompetence is at play here." The voice spat out, making him tighten his grip.

"When this is over, I'm throwing the bleedin thing in a lake." Now being furious with the spirit, Henderson moved in to take his frustration out on the demon.

 

[Damian0358]

With Riberta healed, Takato patted her on the shoulder, as she moved forward to deal her attack. He noted how, in the meantime, his shots had missed. Though they were making good progress thus far fighting against the Icon, Ralvas' yelling did nothing but worry him. They still weren't close to finishing this, and that would show itself soon.

He would have to keep the pressure up himself as well, as he brought out another talisman-like card, this time from the Five Elements set: "Wuxing ~ Windy Willow!"

Bursting out of the dark mist came the horn-based miniscule projectiles; sliding across, they charged themselves with qi before leaping towards Ralvas, moving rapidly like leaves in harsh winds! As they moved in to try and both hurt and pin Ralvas in place, Takato charged in to continue his own one-handed strikes against the Icon.

 

[K0mori]

She gave the blade a lick, tasting the Icon's blood. "...How delightful!" she said, chuckling before calling out to Mariette. "You're going to love this, darling! If you haven't given it a taste already!"

Oh, but I have, mon chéri. Mariette was silent as she stalked toward Ralvas, still spitting and coughing and howling like the lowly madman he had become. Et, s'il vous plaît, I will have all that remains. My servant, I believe I have waited long enough to address you. You and I have a banquet before us.

Yes, Master.

It hadn't occurred to the witch that her lover's composure was slipping away, and that more and more, she resembled the terror she had met at Grimtham all those years ago. Nor did it bother Mariette that she was slipping as well, gradually becoming a ravenous monster. It seemed almost natural that all was descending into madness and vile hunger, and base desires. After all, they were simply prisoners in a land of sin and depravity, and if they could only crush the obstacles in their path, what was stopping them from thriving here? She grinned. Yes, we shall live on, servant. We will drink this land dry, and whatever progeny the filthy demon race can spawn before we're done will be our font of life, forever!

She gripped her sword tightly, so tightly as she circled around Ralvas, unseen. Setting her eyes on his back, but through him as she pictured his beating heart within, the metamorphosis began, shifting the flesh of her hand and arm until it was seamlessly merged with the blade. Not only was it painless, It felt wonderful.

Take all you desire...

SUPER MOVE: DEMONIC TRANSFUSION​

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson was surrounded by chaos between both of the vampires in their group growing more mad by the moment and the cracking Icon of Pride himself, but unfortunately the Icon would have to take priority in this instance. While he didn't hold the same reservations about vampires gradually falling to insanity like his wife did, instances like this made the hunter think that the inevitability of them going mad had some credence. He scrambled up off of his back after having been kicked away by the Icon, determined to keep fighting to put Ralvas down. He performed another spirited charge, aiming to pierce the demon in the back as he was distracted by the others.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"You're not going to kill me so easily!"

"Oh, please." scoffs Leakhena. "You're already dead!" she taunts as she moves in to slice him with her sword.

 

[Infab]

The Heartlands - The Train - Ultra Boss Battle (Ralvas) - TURN 6
Henderson = 10. CH Roll = 6. Does 20 DMG (7 + 13, Hellish Gauntlets, Abyssal Warhammer) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2599.
Takato attempts to pin Ralvas in place! D6 used. Chance Roll = 3. Chance Failed.
Takato = 8. Does 5 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2594.
Mariette uses Super Move: Demonic Transfusion. D10 used. Chance to Hit: 6 + 2 (8, Cloaked.) Chance Successful. Does 500 DMG to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2094. Mariette gains a 10 HP boost for three turns. Mariette HP = 40.
Hudson = 5 + 1 (6, Velin's Tears.) Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Heavenly Sword) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2079
Leakhena = 9. Does 15 DMG (5 + 10, Heavenly Blade) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2064
Ralvas is bleeding (Hellish Whip.) Suffers 3 DMG! Ralvas HP = 2061
Venextos = 8 + 1 (9, Sorcerer Supreme.) Does 17 DMG (5 + 12, Sorcerer Supreme, Abyssal Necklace) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2047
Jakob = 1 + 2 (3, With Badge & Gun.) Misses Ralvas.
Gwen = 2 + 2 (4, Spiteful Survivalist.) Misses Ralvas.
Cassandra = 7 + 2 (9, The Crimson.) Does 24 DMG (5 + 19, The Crimson, Abyssal Estoc) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2023.
Riberta = 3. Missed Ralvas.
Vincent = 5 + 3 (8, The Huntsman.) Does 21 DMG (11 + 10, Killer Instinct, Abyssal Gladius) to Ralvas. Ralvas HP = 2002.

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The group set upon Ralvas yet again, with Henderson moving in quickly and cracking Ralvas across the side of his head with his warhammer. The swing was devastating, and if Ralvas had been a lesser demon, he'd have likely been headless. Ralvas stumbled sideways, his already damaged horn breaking off completely as a large patch of his face was now raw from the warhammer's rough face. The attack threw off Takato's attempt to hold Ralvas still, but it didn't stop him from rushing in and smacking him a few times with his free hand. And then came the real pain.

Stealthily, a cloaked Mariette made her way around behind Ralvas. Her arm prepared for what was to come, as her armor had again morphed it into a hellish syringe like appendage. And soon enough, when Takato moved off, she struck. She drove the point of her arm deep into Ralvas' back, barely missing his heart by mere centimeters. Ralvas cried out, as his blood began pouring through the syringe into Mariette's body. And once she had her fill, she jerked the arm back out. Allowing the others to get their hits in.

Hudson was first, rushing in and slicing Ralvas across his chest with the heavenly sword he had been given. Leakhena followed behind with her own heavenly sword. As Ralvas yelled out in pain from the cuts, barely able to stand as blood poured from his wounds, Venextos tried again with his magic. He threw several spear like bolts at Ralvas, which pummeled the demon and eventually knocked him over. Forcing Jakob and Gwen to miss their attacks.

It took a few moments, but Ralvas managed to force himself back to his feet. A look of bewilderment adorned his face. He didn't understand any of this. He was an Icon. These idiots weren't supposed to be able hurt him. Hell, they weren't supposed to be able to TOUCH him. Cassandra's estoc then pierced his side again, as did Vincent's gladius on the opposite side. As he shoved them away, he narrowly dodged Riberta's trident jab.

"I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!"
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The sudden booming voice stunned most of the group, making some of them stumble with just how loud and forceful it was. Ralvas, standing in the middle of the room now, slowly began to levitate off the floor. His blood-caked pale skin oddly was starting to shift and ripple, as some of the wounds they had inflicted upon him started to rapidly heal. As he lifted higher towards the room's ceiling, he clenched his hands and teeth tightly till one could see blood oozing from both. His blood, which had been reddish in color, was now shifting to an almost black color. His flesh had greyed, resembling charcoal, and his horns had shifted in shape and form. Sharper, with several ridges and splinters. His face resembled more of a skull, as his human-like visage had faded away. His yellow eyes now resembled burning embers.

"I AM AN ICON! SECOND ONLY TO THE DEMON KING!"
​

As he shouted those words, he released a burst of his aura which physically blew the roof off the car. Splinters, boards, and pieces of metal rained down upon the group, or was sent sailing into the air, as the train continued its trek towards Dis. As the group recovered from the roof's sudden explosion, they took notice that Ralvas had somehow grown in size a bit. Black lightning-like streaks darted across his form, and even struck at nearby objects and the floor.

"I AM THE TRUE ICON OF PRIDE, RALVAS'CANEKT, AND I WILL BE YOUR EXECUTIONER!"

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The Heartlands - The Train - Icon Battle (Ralvas'canekt)
Ralvas'canekt, the True Icon of Pride (Icon of Sin - Pride)

Ralvas'canekt, the True Icon of Pride

Trait #1: Power of a True Icon - May strike up to 3 targets in a turn (depending on how rolls go.) Does 10 DMG normally.
Trait #2: Hellish Rapture - Can strip buffs from targets with a successful D6 roll.
Trait #3: True Pride - Can't be distracted, nor held in place.

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The Heartlands - The Train - Icon Battle (Ralvas'canekt) - TURN 6 (ENEMY)
Ralvas'canekt = 6, 5, 5 (Power of a True Icon.) Does 10 DMG (Power of a True Icon) to Mariette, Riberta, and Venextos. Mariette HP = 30, Riberta HP = 6, Venextos HP = 10.

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Suddenly, Ralvas pointed one of his clawed hands at Riberta. A bolt of black lightning hit Riberta dead center mass, sending her flying backwards and bursting through the wall of the room into one of the cabins inside the other half of the car. He then did the same to Venextos, whom managed to stop being directly hit by it by holding up his staff in defense. And then, he turned his hateful gaze on Mariette. Another bolt of black lightning, which shocked Mariette rather badly. Yet, she took it with ease, thanks to her armor.

ONE TURN UNTIL VINCENT CAN USE HIS SUPER MOVE AGAIN.
TWO TURNS UNTIL HENDERSON AND CASSANDRA CAN USE THEIR SUPER MOVES AGAIN.
THREE TURNS UNTIL MARIETTE CAN USE HER SUPER MOVE AGAIN.​