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Finished [Kruhrin Village][Ciu'nan]Orson's Feast V

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Ciu'nan

| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

It was impossible through the rain and now the distant darkness that had descended to discern the exact number of frogs that now pursued the remnants of the caravan. Even so, all one had to do was follow the heavy thumps and odd hissing sound created by the bodies of the frogs as they launched themselves horizontally across the meadow.

"You can hear them, right?" Jia called as he ran beside Ciu'nan.

The fae wasn't quite over the bearkin's attitude towards her, so she briefly considered not responding. That wasn't going to help Beni or anyone, though, and there was Jia's threat revolving around whether or not Wei and Beni make it to the monastery to consider. Something about a small bear chasing you with intent to kill was...unsettling. Ciu'nan swallowed anxiously at the thought. Clearing her throat, she pointed ahead of them.

"I can hear three just up ahead. Which one are we hitting first?"

"Excellent. We'll hit...the right one. The others sound like they just landed, so they're repositioning for their next lunge still. Move fast. I'll get the eyes if you bait the tongue."
Jia called back picking up his pace as he veered to the right.

"Only if you don't keep me waiting!" Ciu'nan called back skeptically.

"Even though I'm a bear, I still know how to treat a woman. Besides, I still need you here."

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The pair raced through the downpour at top speed, or just about. Ciu'nan slipped momentarily but caught herself with use of her makeshift weapon. Back on her feet, she used her hearing to pinpoint the frog they were targeting. When it came into view, she raced around to its front, calling out to it.

"Over here, you warty beast! You'll make a good stew for what's left of this festival!" She called, as she attempted to run by and strike the frog to draw its aggression. When the bow made contact, it sounded--and felt-- as though she had struck a stone. The impact was unexpectedly jarring and caused Ciu'nan to stagger. Unfortunately, the plan to draw the frog's attention had worked without a hitch. It turned on her mid-stagger and seemed to consider her for a second before simply opening its mouth and plunging its face down on her with surprising speed--speed that Ciu'nan in that moment was not prepared to match.

Unable to get away, all she could manage was a distressed cry as the mouth scooped her up. She attempted to wedge her rod upright inside its mouth, but the top slid back towards the throat. Even as the frog worked to push her down into its belly, she held onto the rod, using it to push against anything inside the frog to hold her in its mouth. Until Jia could....

"Jia!!!" Ciu'nan screamed.

The frog suddenly thrashed as two distinct squishing sounds popped overhead. Ciu'nan was sloshed around inside the mouth before promptly ejected onto the ground. As she was getting her bearings, she felt herself being tugged away.

"I said 'bait the tongue' not 'serve yourself up on a platter'!" Jia was saying.

Ciu'nan shivered. She had long since been thoroughly drenched, but that was not why she shivered. A whimper escaped her as she began absently wiping the frog's slime off of her. She had almost become some creature's food...again.

"Are you crying? You're still breathing, aren't you?! We don't have time for this, girl! On your feet!" Jia was demanding.

But how could she expect this small, demanding bearkin to understand what she was going through in this moment? Ciu'nan sniffed and wiped a wet forearm against her wet and running nose. She noticed some dark matter on her shoulder where Jia had been touching her.

"Is that...?"

"Eye pulp? Yes. Now let's go. The other frogs are getting away."









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"I've never seen the likes of such creatures!" The driver answered over the din of the galloping horses, fear apparent in his voice despite his steadfast course. "They aren't no kin of mine, so blast 'em!"

Bao was decidedly quiet, sitting in the wagon. One arm cradled the pot while the other held onto the wagon to prevent her from tossing too much. Her eyes were shut tight while her lips moved silently.

The cart made no attempt to swerve around the creatures blocking the road. Such a maneuver may jeopardize them more than just running through the shadowy fiends. It was a game of chicken then. The creatures raised their talons as the horses drew near. Being urged on by the driver, the horses obediently charged straight into the creatures, but not without neighing in protest.

At first the horses seemed to collide with the trio of shadowy creatures. The middle one was toppled and driven over by both horses and cart. The creatures that stood off to either side of the cart's path seemed to puff up as their forms became more gaseous, like the fog that surrounded the scene. The murky fog comprising their forms then rose up onto the sides and backs of the horses while they passed before the avian creatures solidified once more.

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The horses became especially skittish as the creatures began digging their talons into them. The driver pulled on the reins trying to maintain control as the cart began to sway under the guidance of the distressed horses. This duress would impact Hathaway's aim as he unleashed another blast of light that would sail past the creature atop the left horse. It seemed his efforts had been wasted, but as his projectile sailed past its target, the shadow creature began to singe and crumble away into dust as the first had done.

A momentary accomplishment that would be overshadowed as a gasp came from Lady Bao. Looking behind, two shadowy, taloned hands clung to the back of the cart. Apparently, the creature they had run over was not done yet as it clawed itself up into the cart.


Kenju Law Kenju Law
 
Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon


Hathaway's shot hadnt been as clean as he hoped it would. Due to the cart shaking about, his blast only grazed one of their assailants. Thankfully, that was enough to vanquish it into the winds. The priest became more and more sure that these werent simply masked men.

These had to be spirits or perhaps monsters.


He didn't have time to ponder it too deeply however, as once his heard Lady Bao's scream, he swung around. There Hathaway saw that two of the feathered creatures were clinging onto the cart, attempting to climb onboard. The priest acted fast, with one hand clinging onto the the nearest structure for support and the other aiming his staff at the ghouls. "Get behind me, Lady Bao!", he called.


Waiting carefully for his chance unlike last time, Hathaway breathed mana into his staff and shot out charge of light once more at the dark creatures.


"Bright Blast!!" He shouted.


Hathaway would take notice that his series of magical attacks would take a drain on his mana. If he continued without any rest, he would find himself exhausted and exposed in no time. So Hathaway would learn from his mistake earlier today and reach into his pocket. His hand found what he was looking for and he quickly took it out. It was the root that Mhu'ati had given him earlier!


"I have to make sure to give her thanks the next time we meet," Hathaway said to himself before immediately eating the root. From what Mhu'ati said, it would energize him enough to recover his mana. Before, he had made the mistake of not using it when he was healing the patients but now he could rectify his error and use it to help save the ones currently in front of him!


"I can do this all day...,"
 

Character Grade - E

Titles: Human, Martial Artist, West Empire Adventurer, Do-Gooder, Loyal

mentions: Clyvelle Clyvelle Kenju Law Kenju Law

Actions/Cooldown

Crymaria's ears rang as the world spun around her as the pillar of the wagon that had been hit had hit her in the back of the head. As the world then went black, after some time she started to come back to consciousness as she looked around the court that she had been in now covered by the tarp that was once covering the whole thing. She slowly got up to her feet as she got out and heard fighting off in the distance. She would take a moment to look around to see what she could see. After a moment she climbed on top of Comrade Boris, "Go to the sounds of Fighting Comrade Boris!" Crymaria ordered as she knew the bear had better hearing than she would and this wasn't going to go well by the look of it so far. She could only hope that the rest of the caravan was faring better than the position that she was in.
 
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Ciu'nan

| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

Grimacing slightly as she brushed some of the chunkier bits of eye pulp off her, Ciu'nan stood and followed after Jia. His tiny paw began pointing ahead of them.

"Two frogs up ahead. Left--No, both frogs are preparing to leap again! They're going to prevent us from catching up quickly at this rate."

Through the rain, vague silhouettes could be seen up ahead, but the details were too obscured still. Ciu'nan squinted against the rain, but, as Jia had said, the figures moving around were becoming faint again. At the moment they were pursuing in a straight line, so there would not be a way of cutting them off. Catching up was the only option.

"If they think they can outrun me, they're sorely mistaken. Quick! Hop on my back!" Ciu'nan said trotting up next to Jia while cupping her hands behind her back.

"You think you can gain on them while hauling a passenger?"

"I can and I will. I'll need a moment to recover, though, so you'll have to distract them while I catch my breath."

"Hm...longer legs. Fae agility. You might be right."
Jia leapt onto Ciu'nan's back. "It's like Alexei always says: 'There's a reason Orson's Feast doesn't have a Contest of Speed."

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Ciu'nan was surprised at how lightly Jia had landed on her. Using her hands to shift him up higher on her back, she leaned forward and ran for all she's worth (Fast E). Jia's paws tightened their grip on Ciu'nan's shoulders as she ran all out.

Up ahead the silhouettes came back into view and rapidly became clearer and clearer as the distance between them was closed at an astonishing rate. The visage of a large frog came into view through the rainfall. Ciu'nan trotted up behind it as it was turning to lunge at the carts, which could now be vaguely seen further ahead. As the fae's burst of speed waned abruptly, Jia lunged from her back to run up the back of the frog. It tried to shake him off as the small bearkin reached the top of its head. Digging his claws into the thick hide around the frog's eye socket, Jia swung down and plunged his clawed feet into one of the eyes.

Upon being injured, the frog immediately performed a partially blind lunge, colliding with the other frog that was in the process of lunging at the fleeing carts. The partly blinded frog swiped the other frogs hind legs right as it was leaving the ground, causing the second frog to do a somewhat comical cartwheel in the air before falling flat on its back a few yards from its original location.

"Jia!" Ciu'nan called in between breaths as she lethargically began moving towards the partially blinded frog that continued to thrash about.







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Hathaway steadies himself by holding onto the cart. Additionally takes time to aim. His attack hits the creature with ease, causing it to dissipate in a trail of black fog behind the cart. Hathaway catches the slightest glimpse of a second cart some distance behind them. The caravan has not been entirely lost.

Hathaway uses the root given by Mhu'ati. For the next 3 rounds, Hathaway can cast as though he has Energized E. Skills of E-grade and below have cooldown reduced by 1. F-grade skills can be used three times per round.

While focused on the assailant in the cart, the single avian creature still left straddling the horse up front attacks the horse inflicting a critical blow. The horse crumples to the ground as it bleeds out, and is dragged due to the harness attaching it to the cart. Speed is greatly reduced by losing a horse and actively dragging it.

The avian creature is perched atop the carcass and begins attempting to attack the remaining horse, which tries to flee by turning away to the left. This turning wrenches the cart to the left, causing it to go off-road. The cart is now actively moving through the dark fog and becoming surrounded by the avian creatures. 11 avian creatures (includes one on the horse) within a 20ft radius of the cart.
Kenju Law Kenju Law

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-----

Crymaria awakens to chaos. The scout cart has been decimated along with at least one other cart carrying the ill. Those who were making the trip on foot have scattered in all directions, quickly be chased down and devoured by frogs. Boris stands over Crymaria, protecting her. Upon realizing Crymaria is awake, Boris prods her with his muzzle, making sure she is actually ok.

Once Crymaria climbs atop her companion, the large bear's body ripples in anticipation. Hearing Crymaria's orders, Boris charges towards the nearest source of commotion. They find the member of the scouts that had been chewing on the roots defending two bearkin against a frog that is preparing to pounce on them.

(For clarity: Crymaria is in the very back of the caravan. Ciu'nan/Jia are in the middle area trying to catch up to the front. Hathaway/Bao are the front.)

saxon saxon
 
Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon
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Absolute chaos. It took less than a few seconds for the cries of a horse to echo out and for the entire scene to become embroidered with complete and utter chaos. This entire battle was one flipping between hope and despair at speeds he couldn't comprehend. One moment he felt a jolt of energy and confidence that he could take on anyone that stepped in front of him. Then he was jerked around by the frantic movements of the cart and horse.


"No,...I wont let you!!", with frustration and desperation bleeding into one, Hathaway pointed his staff upclose to the raven by the horse and let loose a Bright Blast at the unintelligible beast. There wasn't time to celebrate in the slightest, as Hathaway saw the approaching monsters closing in. Their only hope was the horse left to them and not only was it panicking but the other possibly dead horse was being dragged along.


The priest grimely set himself for his decision and clenched his teeth. Hathaway pointed his staff once more, but not at the avian creature. This time it was aimed at the bleeding out horse weighing down the cart. It was a cruel decision, one that weighed heavily on his spirit, no matter it's race. "May you take solice in the peace awaits you...", he said, staring straight into the possibly lifeless eyes of the horse and uttered a silent prayer.


Then another Bright Blast shot forth, it hurled at the dragged horse, most noticeably at where the harness connected it to the cart at the thickest. Hathaway bit his lip in anger at himself before turning that fury at the driver, "Hurry and get the horse under control before it charges directly at the horde!! Lady Bao, help him in anyway you can" In the same instance, Hathaway raised his hand toward the horse as if to command life into it. "Accelerated Healing Rays!!" He called, urging a ray of pleasant light to shine forth over the remaining horse and heal whatever wounds it held and hopefully sooth its mind.

  • Accelerated Healing Rays - Healing E, Light Affinity F, Magic E - Hathaway releases a ray of light that heals the targets wounds - Grade E - Targets 1 - Range 5ft - 1 Post Duration - 1 Post Cooldown
 

Character Grade - E

Titles: Human, Martial Artist, West Empire Adventurer, Do-Gooder, Loyal

mentions: Clyvelle Clyvelle Kenju Law Kenju Law

Actions/Cooldown
1. Moves toward Frog
uses Holly of Winter
3. Comrade Boris uses

  • Holly of Winter - Fighting Style Northern Bear Style (Natural Weapons) E, Selective F, Selective F, Aura F (Frost), Energized E, Fast F - Crymaria delivers a strike to the target right before impact, covering her hands or feet in ice and then making contact with the target.
  • Red Winter's Grasp - Weaken Strength F - Causes the target to go down 1 grade of strength for their actions for one post or depending on the narrator's discretion. Must be within melee distance. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

Crymaria looks around. Boris starts going toward the commotion; she is surprised so much damage has been done in such a short time. When the duo came across the bearkin from earlier and the frog, Crymaria quickly jumped into action not wasting any sort of time. "Come on Comrade Boris!" Crymaria stated as she rushed toward the frog, and used Holly of Winter as she charged toward the frog that was about to attack the bears while Boris used Red Winter's Grasp.
 
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Ciu'nan

| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

Ciu'nan staggered after Jia. Her legs gradually regained their strength as she caught her breath once more. She looked ahead at the frog that had taken him, but due to the frog's thrashing was unable to see the small bearkin. Off to her right, the toppled frog was attempting to right itself. As it began to roll over, Ciu'nan trotted past it, raising her makeshift weapon.

The frog that had charged off with Jia could not remain still. A pudgy scaled foot swiped repeatedly at its face where Jia had attacked it, while it kept scooching backwards as though to escape from the pain in its eye. It needed put out of its misery, but Ciu'nan had to locate Jia first.

Unfortunately for the both of them, the other frog had stood up and looked none too pleased at having its wagon chase interrupted. Its meaty feet slapped the ground as it turned towards Ciu'nan with a hangry look in its eyes. Still being a bit shook from almost being swallowed a moment ago, and her help currently being MIA, Ciu'nan crouched slightly and assumed a defensive position as the frog squared up with her.

"J...Jia! Now's not the time to be hiding again!" Ciu'nan said as the frog crouched low. "JIA!" She screamed as the frog dove at her.

No last minute save this time. Ciu'nan would activate her cloaking ability while jumping out of the way of the frog.
  • Veil of the Timeless D - Undetected (Sight, Smell, Sound) D - Ciu'nan cloaks herself with an innate ability - Grade D - 2 Post Cooldown
  • Jump F - vertically 3yrds/horizontally 10yrds - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
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2 rounds remaining for the effects of the root allowing Hathaway to cast as though he has Energized E. Skills of E-grade and below have cooldown reduced by 1. F-grade skills can be used three times per round.

The dark avian managed to land a scratch on the side of the horse, severing some of its harness as well as damaging it. Hathaway's blast at the creature hits squarely and the creature is dusted. The remaining living horse was still beside itself, but the driver, having dropped the reins of the dead horse, began trying to rein it in. Hathaway took aim at the hitch and fired a blast at the connections, effectively severing the straps and releasing the dead horse from the cart. Hathaway's healing spell would go off, healing the horse and somewhat aiding the driver in getting the beast back under control.

Upon releasing the horse carcass from its straps, the cart suddenly lurched forward slightly. This allowed the wheels to roll over the legs which had fallen in their path.

Black fog creeps along the ground in all directions, obscuring the ground. Darkness still swirls overhead presumably from both the ongoing storm and this present phenomenon. The horizon is illuminated but obscured, providing just enough contrast to see the general flow of the landscape and objects thereon that are about four feet or taller.

"I think we've left the road! With all this darkness on the ground, I can't tell where we're going!" said the driver. "I'm going to try and turn us around and get back to more even ground! You'll have to watch our back!"

He tugged the reins to the right to begin the U-turn, but even as he did so the dark avians began closing in. One would jump up and try to attack Hathaway, while another would jump onto the side of the cart. Bao would cry out as another hopped onto the back of the wagon.

Kenju Law Kenju Law

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-----

The frog, being unaware of Crymaria and Boris just yet, approached the lone scout defending two bearkin. The scout had taken a defensive stance as the frog launched its tongue at him. Crymaria, having charged ahead of Boris, landed an icy punch on the surprised frog's tongue, which enabled the defending scout to successfully deflect the tongue by swatting it away. Boris then arrived to deliver a bite on the frog's leg, but the bite seemed less effective than Crymaria would remember from the day before.

The frog would retract its tongue, appearing only slightly bothered by Boris's attack. Desiring the easier meal presented in the forms of the bearkin and Crymaria, but knowing it must defend itself first, the frog rounded on Boris and opened its mouth as it performed a powerful leap against him. He will need to dodge or defend.

(For clarity: Crymaria is in the very back of the caravan. Ciu'nan/Jia are in the middle area trying to catch up to the front. Hathaway/Bao are the front.)

saxon saxon

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Character Grade - E

Titles: Human, Martial Artist, West Empire Adventurer, Do-Gooder, Loyal

mentions: Clyvelle Clyvelle Kenju Law Kenju Law

Actions/Cooldown
1. Comrad Boris Dodges
2. uses Holly of Winter
3. Comrade Boris uses

  • Holly of Winter - Fighting Style Northern Bear Style (Natural Weapons) E, Selective F, Selective F, Aura F (Frost), Energized E, Fast F - Crymaria delivers a strike to the target right before impact, covering her hands or feet in ice and then making contact with the target.
  • Red Winter's Grasp - Weaken Strength F - Causes the target to go down 1 grade of strength for their actions for one post or depending on the narrator's discretion. Must be within melee distance. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

Crymaria smirked at the fact that the fog's tongue turned a little bit to ice, which at least did something. She watched as the scout deflected the tongue with relative ease, and things started getting dicey. "Comrade Boris, get out of the way and bite down on it again!" Crymaria stated that she was annoyed; however, the bite didn't seem to do much compared to the other day. This did bring a few questions to her mind, but that was for when they were not at risk of getting eaten alive by the giant frog. She waited for the frog to land before attempting to deliver an icy strike to the frog again.
 
Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon
1718159684019.png

An intensity and focus had come over Hathaway. It was quite possibly the first time he had felt this way ever since he had been transported into this world. He clenched his staff tightly in preparation for his enemies. It was similar to a wild animal knowing that danger was a split second away. He listened to the driver without nodding, knowing full well what he needed to do in this situation.

Then there was his chance, one of the avian assailants lunged for him and in response Hathaway called upon the mana within him, "Bright Blast!" and released a blast of light at it. Without having the time to check on his mark, the priest made his next move and again used the same spell at the creature on the side of the wagon. His job hadn't been finished yet, with sweat pouring down his face, Hathaway caught sight of the third avian at the back of the wagon. "Watch out, Lady Bao! Haahh!!" he yelled, putting more energy into his action and firing off a third Bright Blast in an attempt to blow away the monster!


Actions:
  1. Bright Blast
  2. Bright Blast
  3. Bright Blast



 
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Ciu'nan

| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

Ciu'nan's cloak dropped moments after dodging the frog. The frog rose from its lunge, seemingly confused that it had missed. While its back was to her, Ciu'nan clenched her fist around the makeshift staff she currently wielded. Bending her knees and bracing herself, she took a running start before jumping above the frog as it turned to look where she had been. Grasping the staff with both hands, she drove it down with the force of her fall into one of the eyes of the frog.

The frog's snout dipped slightly from the impact. Ciu'nan's weapon sank about two-thirds deep before the remaining third of the staff snapped off. The frog was still processing the pain as Ciu'nan turned and plunged the remainder of her weapon into its other eye. Immediately the frog's mouth opened in a silent scream as it began moving backwards as though to move away from what was hurting it. As it stopped and began brushing its feet against its face, Ciu'nan hopped down.

She stepped back, trying to keep one eye on this freshly injured frog while scanning around for Jia.

"So that's it: a fae cloaking ability." came a voice from behind her. "Not bad on dispatching the frog by yourself though."

Ciu'nan turned in disbelief. There standing behind her was Jia.

"Have you been there the whole time?!" Ciu'nan asked. "What if I had been injured or killed just now?"

"What if you had?"
Jia shot back.

Ciu'nan was speechless.

"I'm doing this for Beni. Don't forget that."

"And I'm doing this for the good of all the bearkin of Kruhrin. Don't forget THAT."
Jia said. "Let's go. The carts are getting away."

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Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (0/1), D (1/2)






supercell_16803.gif

1 round remaining for the effects of the root allowing Hathaway to cast as though he has Energized E. Skills of E-grade and below have cooldown reduced by 1. F-grade skills can be used three times per round.

Black fog creeps along the ground in all directions, obscuring the ground. Darkness still swirls overhead presumably from both the ongoing storm and this present phenomenon. The horizon is illuminated but obscured, providing just enough contrast to see the general flow of the landscape and objects thereon that are about four feet or taller.

The wagon moves slowly in its effort to turn around. No doubt it was also slowed down by being off-road. Losing a horse also put more strain on the remaining equine now pulling the wagon. It wasn't clear if the animal would make it to the monastery in these conditions. Regardless the driver continued coaxing the beast to move and pull the wagon (hopefully) back onto the road.

The avian that lunged at Hathaway was effectively countered before its hit could land. The one clinging to the outside of the cart swiped at Hathaway as he peeked around, but it too was dusted before landing a hit. While Hathaway was dealing with the other two, however, the one in the back of the cart advanced and tried to take the honeypot from Bao. It was about to strike her when Hathaway dusted it with his final attack.

More avians rose up all around the cart from the blanket of darkness along the ground. There appeared to be no end. They would be lunging for the cart any moment.

Kenju Law Kenju Law

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-----

Boris Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (0/1)

Boris was not made to dodge, and thus bristles his fur as he tanks the frog's blow. Boris sustains 1 damage; Health remaining 2/3. Both frog and Boris move 30ft away as a result of the tackle. Boris clamps down on the frog to pin it while swiping at it with his claws. Crymaria runs over and delivers her icy punch. The frog crumples with a strained croak.

The scout stands guard by the two bearkin, who seem like they are barely standing. He motions for them to move over to Crymaria and Boris.

"What a terrible thing to happen! Frogs everywhere, and the sick are stranded miles from the monastery where they could have received healing! It would have been better for them to die peacefully back in Kruhrin than to have suffered this tragedy!"

Heavy rains persists. Frogs can be seen, or at least heard, in all directions, accompanied by screams of those they pursue. A figure approaches from the road back to Kruhrin. It is revealed to be a humanoid walking with a staff adorned with a skull. Its face was covered by a mask.

"Is the way to the monastery clear?" he asked, his voice lacking any concern for the present situation.

(For clarity: Crymaria is in the very back of the caravan. Ciu'nan/Jia are in the middle area trying to catch up to the front. Hathaway/Bao are the front.)

saxon saxon

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Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon
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Hathaway continued to put his hope into the driver and horse while he did battle with the avian creatures. There were so many coming and so quickly that the priest didn't know how he was managing to fight them off. Well to be exact, he did know. It was thanks to the root he had taking which allowed him to push beyond his normal limits. Even give him a burst of energy to keep up with his enemies.

However, Hathaway could feel that the force keeping him heightened was starting to wane. I wouldn't be long before he slowed down and assailants got the upper hand on him. He was anxious about how to get out of this situation and that was what made him calm himself. He needed to switch gears and use his mind. They needed to get out of here, and to do that, it required this single horse to haul them away as fast as possible.

It was merely a single horse, but it was when matters seemed impossible, that one need to reach within. Hathaway remembered the power in which his staff emitted when he woke up from his rest. He needed to tap into it and also into his environment. The priest closed his eyes and focused on the horse's very being. Then he spoke a simple prayer, "Do not let the darkness envelop your embers, re-ignite the flames of your soul!" Once he finished speaking, he unleased a spurring light within the horse, which literally flashed outwards which would engulf the animal with newfound momentary strength.

As if possessed by something, Hathaway continued his movement a moment after and faced the avian monsters with heavy determination. He held his staff up and surged his mana, "Illuminating Flare!!" The core of his staff flared out and released flashes of light in multiple directions, all of which would seek to stun a number of his enemies in order to allow them time to escape. "I don't know who you beasts serve, but tell your master that we will surrender to cruelty nor evil in any form!" he yelled out at them, unaware if they could understand him but more focused on getting across the intent of his message.

In order to further get across his point, Hathaway once more called upon a more familiar spell, "Bright Blast!" which he used to release a blast of light at the nearest monster before them.


  • Sparking Soul - Light Affinity F, Magic E, Bolster E - Hathaway calls upon the inner reaches of the targets soul and causes it to surge forth in a flash of light, increasing their strength momentarily - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

  • Illuminating Flare - Light Affinity F, Flare F, Magic D - Hathaway releases a harsh flash of light that both blinds and damages a foe - Grade D - 2 Post Cooldown
  • Illuminating Flare(flux) - Light Affinity F, Flare F, Magic E(-1) - Hathaway shoots off a flash of light at multiple targets, which blinds them. - Targets E(+1) - 2 Post Cooldown
  • (Flux version was used)

  • Bright Blast - Light Affinity F, Knockback F, Flare Affinity F, Magic F - Hathaway fires off a blast of light to knock away his target and blind them. - Grade F - Targets 1 - Range 5ft - 1 Post Duration - 0 Post Cooldown
 

Character Grade - E

Titles: Human, Martial Artist, West Empire Adventurer, Do-Gooder, Loyal

mentions: Clyvelle Clyvelle Kenju Law Kenju Law

Actions/Cooldown


Crymaria watched as the two large creatures went at it and pushed each other back. With the final punch on the frog she let out a small sigh of relief. Though she knew that their job wasn't done yet and more importantly she figured the rest of the convoy would be getting attacked right now as well. Though she still couldn't put her finger on the whole issue, there was something off about the events here. That strange creature from the swamp and then this, and the frogs that normally didn't get this close did. Many questions ran through her mind on that matter, but something to ask when she got to the monastery for the moment. They needed to get a move on, and her thoughts were cut off by the scout.

She turned to look at the bearkin, "Comrade, where would we be without the slightest glimpse of hope? Are you not a proud scout? Are you not proud to stand beside your comrades that cannot protect themselves? We will fight, we will get as many people as Comrade Boris can hold and we push forward Comrade, I have nothing to offer you but blood, sweat, and tears. We will fight them on the marshes, on the fields, and in the trees if we must. Always forward not one step back," Crymaria concluded as she struck her open palm with her fist.
 
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Ciu'nan

| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

Ciu'nan had spent an unusual amount of time running next to and assisting the bearkin she had tried to kill mere days ago. Circumstances compelled it, but it was still odd.

"In case you didn't notice, I broke my weapon on that last frog."
Ciu'nan called to Jia.

"Oh, yes! Let's just stop at the nearest weaponsmith and purchase you a new one, m'lady!"
Jia called back.

"You're the one who said you knew how to treat a woman! Get this woman a weapon!"

"Shall I pull one out of my cloak like some human magician?"

"Don't those magicians pull small creatures like you out of their hats?"

"Ha! Maybe you should have pursued a career as some court jester instead of a life of crime!"


Ciu'nan was thinking of something to say when she noticed the anomaly up ahead.

"What is that darkness up ahead?"

"Nothing good! The carts have gone into it!"

"Wei and Beni too! Hop on! We need to move faster!"


Jia didn't hesitate to jump onto Ciu'nan's back once more as she sprinted and jumped through the dark and rain.
  • Fae Stride E - Fast E, Jumping E - Ciu'nan runs and jumps across the terrain. Phantasmal ripples go out from her feet periodically while using this ability. - Grade E - 1 post cooldown
With Ciu'nan's help, the pair came upon the back cart as dark avians began rising from the spreading darkness.

"Jump onto the cart and catch your breath! I'll defend!" Jia said.

With a final burst of energy, Ciu'nan lunged for the cart, landing on the back end. Jia crawled off onto the tarp roof and maneuvered towards the front with the driver. Ciu'nan sat on the back end of the cart and dipped her head in to peek inside. Beh'zig and Anasi as well as Grey and White were in here along with a handful of others from the feast.

"Ciu'nan? What's happening?" Beh'zig spoke up.

"Yes, tell us the fate of the caravan!" added Grey.

Ciu'nan wasn't sure how to tell them all that had happened.

"J...Jia's working very hard to protect everyone. We...We'll be at the monastery in no time."

Suddenly, a clawed hand tore through the tarp covering of the wagon. One of the dark avians had jumped onto the side of the vessel. Before Ciu'nan could move, an orange streak collided with the avian, knocking it off the cart. Poking her head out the back, Ciu'nan saw Jia contending with a growing group of avians as he faded into the distance.

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Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (0/1), D (Ready)






supercell_16803.gif

SCENE: Black fog creeps along the ground in all directions, obscuring the ground. Darkness still swirls overhead presumably from both the ongoing storm and this present phenomenon. The horizon is illuminated but obscured, providing just enough contrast to see the general flow of the landscape and objects thereon that are about four feet or taller.

The effects of the root have expired. Hathaway's casting ability returns to normal.

Hathaway's Bolster ability is applied to the horse. While it had been struggling and seemingly on the verge of stalling during the U-turn, the newfound strength it had been granted enabled it to finish the turn and run straight once more.

Illuminating Flare is unleashed with potent effect. A handful of avians around and in front of the cart are instantly dusted, clearing the path ahead for the time being. Additionally, the light produced by the ability pulsed for a few seconds, becoming brighter and brighter. For a moment, the surrounding darkness was entirely driven away, revealing the road just up ahead and even faintly revealing the vague form of the monastery off in the distance. Hathaway would feel a power within the staff being exhausted as a result. The darkness came crashing back in as the spell waned.

"I saw it! I saw the road there for a moment! Great job, boy!" exclaimed the driver as he whipped the reins. From the right, a cart that had managed to escape the frogs came hurtling by ahead of them. "Your light must have helped them see too! We just might make it after all! Praise Orson! And a special thanks to your god as well!"

The sound of the wheels could be heard as they left the grass and hit the dirt path. The cart slid a bit, presumably on the mud, as the horse pulled them straight once more. They were clear for the time being but surrounded by the darkness again. It was surely only a matter of time before more avians appeared.

Before that could happen, however, the back wheel of the cart hooked a stone in the path. The driver's earlier warning about the carts not being meant for hard driving would come to mind as the wheel broke free of the axle. The cart would crash sideways to the ground and slide to a halt as the horse, even with its buff, would not be able to drag it any further.

Kenju Law Kenju Law

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-----

Boris Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (1/1)
Boris Health: 2/3

The bearkin clenched and unclenched his hand around the hilt of his blade as he considered Crymaria's words. Firmly clenching the hilt once more, he raised the blade in a ready stance. His free hand rifled through a satchel at his side to retrieve another root, which he stuck partially into his mouth. It hung out like a cigar as he gnawed on it, the soured expression returning to his face as he did so.

"You're right, girl! We'll...We'll grab everyone we can and head to the monastery!" He made to leave when the newcomer's voice reached them. The scout stopped and looked at him as if he had three heads. "Clear? Are you off in the head, stranger? Look around you! But even so, we're heading there ourselves, so if you're coming, let's be off!" The scout said as he pulled the two bearkin he had managed to save behind him.

"This is fortuitous for me then. We will have greater success traveling together. I'm sure of it." said the stranger evenly as he followed after the bearkin.

Together they would begin moving along the main trail that led from Kruhrin to the monastery. Though the sounds of the frogs and the fleeing weren't far off, it seemed as though they always turned away from where the group was heading. There were few bodies to be seen. One bearkin lay crumpled just off the left side of the road, clearly crushed to death. The scout noticed it first and directed the two bearkin to look away as they passed.

Next they came upon one of the carriages that had turned over on its side. The scout stepped closer to examine it. A dead bearkin was in the wreckage--one of the scouts. Stepping around to the front of the cart, a dead horse remained harnessed to the cart. The second horse had been unhitched.

"Someone survived and had time to unhitch a horse here. That's good news at least." said the scout as he looked around.

As they were moving on, a shadow came lumbering towards them. Boris reacted first, interposing himself between the group and the shadow. He relaxed however when what approached them was revealed to be a bear.

"Haha! Honeybear is that you?" the scout asked as he approached the bear, which responded in a friendly manner to the scout. "It is you, isn't it? This is Honeybear, helpmate to the scouts and hunters--much like your own bear is to you, girl."

The group would be on their way after that.

(For clarity: Crymaria is in the very back of the caravan. Ciu'nan/Jia are in the middle area trying to catch up to the front. Hathaway/Bao are the front.)

saxon saxon

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Character Grade - E

Titles: Human, Martial Artist, West Empire Adventurer, Do-Gooder, Loyal

mentions: Clyvelle Clyvelle Kenju Law Kenju Law

Actions/Cooldown


Crymaria watched as the Bearkin rifled through his bag curious to see what he was going to bring out. When the root pulled out she looked back over her shoulder at the new arrival. There seemed something off or maybe familiar about them, but for the moment, there were larger, more important things to worry about. When the scout started to talk she returned her attention to him. When the scouts resolved had returned she nodded her head, there was still a ways to go but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

"Right, though we shouldn't remain here for too long, you never know what will happen if we remain in one spot for too long," Crymaria pointed out as she returned her attention to the stranger who had asked if the way was clear. When the group got underway Crymaria kept her eyes along the edges of the road, the last thing anyone wanted was to get crushed by a frog that decided to leap on them last second. "Do any of you Comrades find the fact that the we haven't seen a single frog in awhile concerning? We can hear them but they seem to be getting further away from us as we approach," She pointed out glancing around at he tree line expect some kind of ambush was going to happen.

Crymaria moved to the look in the cart and quickly glanced over the body before rejoining the scout by the front of the cart. "Well that is something, though with all the chaos being able to track down a single set of specific tracks will be very unlikely, if they survived they are probably toward the front of the group by now I would assume," Crymaria concluded as the group continued on again until Honeybear appeared and Boris put himself between them and the bear. When it was determined to be a friend she walked over to Boris and gently patted Boris. "Calm down, Comrade Boris, this one isn't your enemy, well now I didn't think the scouts would use regular bears to assist them, but the more help we have, the better," She acknowledged.
 
Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon
1719278728626.png

Hathaway grinned upon seeing the visage of the monestary up ahead. At last they would be freed from this whirlwind of chaos. Atleast, that was what he thought at the moment. For not long after, the cart would practically fall apart and end up crashing.


Thankfully for them, they were spared from any injuries as a result. However, that didn't stop the feeling of frustration from rising within. "We're so close!" Hathaway grunted while rising to his feet. After checking their distance, the priest turned toward Lady Bao and the driver, "Are you both alright?" He questioned earnestly. Once he made sure they weren't harmed, Hathaway used this moment of respite to calm himself down and think.


"Looking back on it,...those creatures are more sensitive to light than I thought. That last spell I used could barely be considered offensive but it was enough to obliterate them..." Hathaway spoke to himself while gazing at the abyss behind them. If his spells were so effective, perhaps he need not fear them so much. After contemplating this, the young man spoke to Bao and the Driver, "..Here's what we'll do. You both will get on the horse and continue on ahead and catch up to the cart ahead of us. I'll follow behind and join with the group behind us. We should be able to meet up with you not long afterwards."


After fiddling with his staff a bit, Hathaway looked up at them with a smile, "Don't worry about me. I think they know I'm not to be underestimated." Hathaway would begin his jog down the road towards the direction of the monestary. All while, he kept his ears listening for either the sound of the cart or the avian creatures behind him.
 
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Ciu'nan


| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

Ciu'nan was at a loss. She honestly hadn't expected Jia to become overwhelmed like that. Half of her expected him to come dashing out of the darkness and hopping up onto the cart, scolding her for not having come to help him. Her expectation would go unfulfilled, however, as their cart drove on.

She did notice they passed a cart, but she couldn't tell who was on it. Beni and Wei were still nowhere to be seen. Not that there was much to see presently. What was this darkness anyway? What were these shadowy creatures? She wouldn't know much sitting on the backside of the cart.

Standing, she began delicately stepping through the passengers filling the cart towards the front. Climbing out onto the bench up front, she tried to get a bearing of where they were.

"Do you know where we are? How can you tell where we're going?" Ciu'nan asked the driver.

"To be honest...I can't. I didn't want to scare anyone." the driver whispered back. "I can sort of tell by the shape of the landscape, but I'm driving blind for the most part. There was a flash of light just a moment ago that gave me some idea of where the road is at least. I think we're very near the monastery now."

"Well, keep it up. Everyone is depending on you."
Ciu'nan said as she stood up on the bench.

Leaning against the wagon, she peered over its top to survey around them. Still no sign of Jia or anyone.

ecad7748732a93cae79a8d3547053978.jpg

Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (1/1), D (Ready)






supercell_16803.gif

SCENE: Black fog creeps along the ground in all directions, obscuring the ground. Darkness still swirls overhead presumably from both the ongoing storm and this present phenomenon. The horizon is illuminated but obscured, providing just enough contrast to see the general flow of the landscape and objects thereon that are about four feet or taller.

The driver was fairly panicked as the cart slid to a halt. It was only due to Hathaway's instruction that he was able to collect himself enough to act. He immediately hopped down and began unhitching the horse. Bao would begin slowly climbing through to the driver's bench. Hathaway would notice her movements seemed to be more ginger and slow all of a sudden. Once the driver had the horse unhitched, he eagerly moved it about to where Lady Bao could mount it from the wagon.

"May Orson protect you, Priest Hathaway." Bao said weakly.

Behind them the dark avians had approached the cart from the rear. They weren't moving with any particular urgency, perhaps due to the cart's scuttled nature. That said, they weren't pausing to watch their quarry get away either. Stalking up to the cart, Hathaway would have three make a joint attack against him as the driver hopped on the horse and whipped the reins. The horse took off at a trot, tired from having ran so hard for so long already.

Hathaway must defend himself.

Kenju Law Kenju Law

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-----

Boris Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (Ready)
Boris Health: 2/3

Boris nuzzled Crymaria when she comforted him.

"We should move quickly then. No telling what state the front of the caravan is in. I can only hope we bought them enough time." said the Scout as he began walking quicker than before.

"I second that motion." said the stranger as he too began walking more quickly as he moved to the front of the group. "Perhaps we should use our furry friends to quicken our pace?"

Over the sound of rain, steady thumps were soon heard from somewhere behind them. The sound continued to get louder, presumably as whatever was making it got closer. The stranger would look to Boris as the Scout started loading the two bearkin he had onto Honeybear. As soon as they were loaded, Honeybear would take off with the three bearkin, leaving the stranger with Crymaria. He would forcefully climb Boris if refused. Boris would take off as soon as Crymaria climbed aboard.

The thudding would become a chorus as several creatures got hot on the trail of the remaining survivors in the area. Boris would lag behind Honeybear, despite having less passengers. He was clearly a bear not built for speed. As such their pursuers were soon revealed to be frogs. One frog in particular, however, was deep brown in color, almost red, and possessed stubby horns along its brow. Its impacts sounded heavier as well.

Crymaria would have to guide Boris as two frogs came in close enough to leap at him. Up ahead, the area of darkness could be seen a good ways off still but fast approaching.

saxon saxon

2d2c5ed92cdd3ee106cc1a3e4a08988f.jpg
 
Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon

"Get moving!" Hathaway encouraged his allies to hurry along down the down. Unfortunately things wouldn't work out so well for himself. As he was swarmed by a trio of the avian creatures coming their way. He well that running away wouldn't work since they were much faster and the chase would only lead them towards the horse and it's riders.

"No choice," Hathaway said to himself, he stopped and turned to face their attackers. Already they were on their way to strike him down. In a panic, the priest used Light Affinity F to coat his staff in a shroud of light and raised it to protect himself. Once that was done, Hathaway's body moved on its own. It was instinctive the way he raised his arm and staff defensively.

Hathaway's body reacted to protect himself the same way for next strike coming at him. Noticing it, the young man remembered the training and cooking he did at the monk monastery earlier! These were the same movements that were literally beaten into him to defend himself at a quick and sudden notice.
 
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Character Grade - E

Titles: Human, Martial Artist, West Empire Adventurer, Do-Gooder, Loyal

mentions: Clyvelle Clyvelle Kenju Law Kenju Law

Actions/Cooldown


Crymaria watched as the group with the scout was loaded onto Honeybear. "The quicker we catch up, comrades, the better off we will be," She concluded with a nod of her head, turning to see the stranger was the only one left. Needless to say there was still something odd about him something that could be brought up later once the threat of the frogs had come and gone. There was something that didn't sit right with her about the stranger.

Once everyone was on Boris, Crymaria would give a gentle nudge to signal for him to take off. Though she made sure to sit behind the stranger, showing her back to him was not something she particularly wanted to do in close quarters. As the thudding got louder and revealed them to be frogs, she shook her head and silently cursed her luck on the matter.

"Comrade Boris, take to the trees but keep the path in sight might be better than being in the open," Crymaria told Boris.
 
24750ed38ce17ea22d8e5634a726a72e.jpg
Ciu'nan


| Fae | Merry |
Merry - character is frequently overcome with fae like merriment. While more respectable individuals may try to hide their amusement at improper times, character freely displays their amusement. It is often contagious.
Rain fell heavy on the meadow behind the mountain village of Kruhrin. The wind had relented, allowing the droplets to fall more or less straight. This caused puddles to form over the meadow in low places. The dirt path that passed for a road was awash under the relentless runoff that came in from the untrodden ground to either side.

It was a good thing the beasts were sturdy that hauled the caravan across the soaked meadow. A couple of horses pulled Lady Bao's wagon at the front. A bear hauled the scouts in the rear. The remaining wagons were pulled by a mixture of horses and beastkin power. Several of the able-bodied walked alongside certain wagons, assisting them through particularly mucky portions of the path.

Ciu'nan's cart careened through the dark, presumably towards--at least according to the driver--the monastery. Darkness below and darkness mixed with heavy rain clouds above. All was wet and dark.

Looking out straight towards the horizon to the northeast, one could see daylight off in some distant land. Out there, they knew nothing of plague or bearkin-eating frogs or the untimely deaths of several close friends and relatives. Out there in the light was a land that would seem most strange to those here in this present darkness.

"Hurry...." Ciu'nan urged quietly, knowing such a command would do nothing. Her ears suddenly perked up as a new sound came to her from in front of them. "What's that...?"

ecad7748732a93cae79a8d3547053978.jpg

Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (Ready), D (Ready)






supercell_16803.gif

SCENE: Black fog creeps along the ground in all directions, obscuring the ground. Darkness still swirls overhead presumably from both the ongoing storm and this present phenomenon. The horizon is illuminated but obscured, providing just enough contrast to see the general flow of the landscape and objects thereon that are about four feet or taller.

Hathaway produces his light, which successfully impedes the oncoming triplet attack. As the next round of attacks came in, Hathaway would find his earlier conditioning helped to navigate the onslaught. He was safe so long as his light and stamina held out.

As the power of his ability waned, the light on his staff winked out. More dark avians would rise all around him. He was surrounded. They all converged on him.

Kenju Law Kenju Law

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-----

Boris Cooldowns: F (Ready), E (Ready)
Boris Health: 2/3

The frogs made their move as Crymaria spat out her order. Boris darts to the right up a steep grade towards a small woods. The frogs would barely miss as they faceplant into the slope mere inches from the large bear. All of the frogs without exception follow after Boris as he runs up the slope. His claws dug into the earth, assisting his movement. [Climbing F]

Dipping into the edge of the treeline, Boris would turn to run parallel to the path below where Honeybear and the bears were now free of pursuers. In fact, Honeybear's speed was carried them far ahead. Undisturbed they would enter the shadow zone.

The trees would end sooner than was most likely desired, but they did provide cover from the frogs now hurtling themselves at Boris and co. Up ahead, the ledge they had climbed to ended abruptly in a drop off. The border of the shadow area was below them, a drop of 40 feet. Frogs oblivious to the danger had already lunged at Boris. The horned frog, seeming a bit keener than the others, inched just close enough before launching its tongue at Crymaria.

[The fall will injure Boris and passengers.]

saxon saxon

2d2c5ed92cdd3ee106cc1a3e4a08988f.jpg
 
Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle Clyvelle saxon saxon
1720489198082.png

Hathaway had been surprised by his own physical prowess and agility. No doubt thanks to adrenaline and the training from the monks being ingrained into him. He was so pleased by himself that he grinned in face of the terrible odds still facing him. Those odds still being the avian monsters he managed to hold off for the moment. Even so, throughout this entire ordeal, despite the stress and hurdles that had mounted upon him, the youth felt proud of himself for coming this far.

"Well, I shouldn't count my chickens before they hatch, as they say. I could be dead in the next few seconds. Then there won't be anything to smile about," Hathaway commented to himself dryly as he measured his surroundings once more. The bird creatures converged all around to tear him to pieces. Thankfully, the priest had managed to hold them back long enough to gather his strength. Despite his nerves telling him to run for his life, Hathaway used all he could to stay still and allow the avian beasts to come in closer. As if waiting for that moment, the priest raised his staff with both hands and called out, "Illuminating Flare!"

Just like last time, a blinding flash of light released outward at the multiple targets surrounding him. Hathaway then used his staff to swing at the closest one near him. Once he had done that, Hathaway had enough to time think, "Just what are these creatures? And where do they manifest from?" He said that, but he had an inkling it had to do with the darkness swirling overhead above them. He didn't have many options, so the young man came to the conclusion to just try anything. Holding his staff in the air again, this time at the swirling dark mass about, Hathaway yelled a familiar spell, "Bright Blast!". With that, a blast of light shot forth upward. It was a meager prayer that he hoped with have some affect on the situation. At the very least, it would be a flare to call for help.

  • Illuminating Flare(flux) - Light Affinity F, Flare F, Magic D>>F(-2) - Hathaway shoots off a flash of light at multiple targets, which blinds them. - Targets F>>D(+2) - 2 Post Cooldown

Action 1: Illuminating Flare(flux)
Action 2: Staff Attack
Action 3: Bright Blast
 
2d2c5ed92cdd3ee106cc1a3e4a08988f.jpg
Atop the cliffside, Boris and company were facing down the toads. Crymaria and the masked stranger rode atop the Russian girl's faithful comrade. One of Boris's massive hind paws touched the edge of the cliffside, causing some earth to crumble away from underneath it. This only reinforced the reality of their scenario: the frogs had backed them into a corner. The fall was a dangerous one even to a bear as massive as Boris. Options were limited. Crymaria and the stranger were short on ideas as they braced themselves for the coming engagement.

There a handful of yards away, the frogs--led by this new horned frog that had emerged--crept closer, believing their prey to be within grasp. The horned frog and those near it paused for a moment as though assessing the situation before pouncing. Other more eager frogs came bounding up behind them and launched themselves up and over the other frogs at Boris. Their haphazard approach cost them dearly as Boris simply sidestepped the first and smacked the other aside with his massive paw, sending the overzealous pair over the edge without a meal.

Unfortunately, the distraction of dealing with them was what the other frogs were waiting for. While Boris batted the second frog away, the horned frog and its compatriots made their moves. The horned frog launched its tongue at Crymaria, while the other frogs launched themselves bodily at Boris. In trying to defend Crymaria, Boris rears up on his hind legs to interpose himself between her and the various attacks coming their way. The tongue smacked him in the face, hidden barbs in the tip piercing him, as the frogs tackled his body, sending them, bear and all, over the edge of the cliff. Boris would flail his arms and briefly manage to dig a claw into the cliff face as they fell, slowing but not halting their rapid descent. The motion would allow him to better stabilize himself underneath Crymaria as she fell. All would fall into the shadow zone below.












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In the center of the shadowy zone, deeper in from the outskirts where Boris fell, Hathaway the priest was making a defiant last stand against the seemingly unending horde of dark avian creatures. They had toyed with him long enough that he regained use of his more potent magics. Now as they moved in for a would-be killing blow, the priest unleashed a weak but broad light spell that dusted the majority of his assailants once more. Instead of more avians spawning, however, the dark zone was eerily quiet. Only the rain provided ambience in that moment.

That is, up until Hathaway fired a projectile of light magic into the air. Immediately, an ear-splitting shriek echoed over the cadence of the rain. A pair of glowing eyes appeared in the darkness overhead, moving in a circle above Hathaway's position. Suddenly, a large bird emerged from the darkness above as it descended in a circle towards the ground. Landing with audible heaviness, the huge bird peered down its razor sharp beak at the human morsel.

"You pesky insect. Die!" It squawked as it plunged its beak at him.

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Ciu'nan peered curiously ahead of the coach. Sounds approached them from somewhere up ahead in the darkness. A small glow steadily grew brighter until several bearkin riding horses and holding torches charged past the coach. Four of the riders pulled around to trot next to the cart. Among them was Akim.

"Who rides with you?" he called to the driver.

"Beh'zig, Anasi, the catkin pair, and a few other residents of Kruhrin!" answered the rider.

Akim nodded and looked to Ciu'nan.

"My name is Ciu'nan!" she called to him.

"You're one of the prisoners we were told about. Where's Jia?!"

"He fell off some ways back while defending us! I don't know his fate!"
Ciu'nan called back.

"Escort them to the monastery and take her into custody!" Akim barked to the other three riders before riding off.

The bearkin would stick close with their torches as they led the cart to the front gates of the monastery. As Akim instructed, Ciu'nan was promptly taken to a holding chamber, while the driver and other passengers were escorted into the main hall of the monastery.

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As the dark avian was about to gobble up Hathaway, a series of lightning bolts struck it from behind. Several bearkin came charging onto the scene on horseback, some holding torches while others held hands wrapped in beads that conjured lightning bolts to hurl. The bird was taken by surprise and staggered away from them before flapping its wings and taking flight, eventually disappearing back into the darkness. The bearkin closed in around Hathaway, some keeping eye on the sky while others studied him. He'd recognize Bai among them, who spoke up once he recognized Hathaway.

"You made it! What a relief. This is Master Akim's student." He informed everyone.

Akim would then arrive in a hurry.

"Has Master Jia been located?" he asked.

"It's just the priest here, sir." responded Bai.

Akim would pause for a moment upon realizing Hathaway was there.

"I'm glad you are safe. Allow my students to escort you to the monastery. Bai, take an extra and get the priest back safely. The rest of you with me!" Akim would bellow before charging off once again.







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Akim and his posse would scour the field of darkness, searching for Jia and any other survivors. In their travels, they would find Wei and Beni skirting the border, unsure if the darkness was safe. Escorts were granted and they were led to the monastery. They also found the surviving scout riding atop Honeybear with the two survivors. An escort would take them to the monastery as well.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the dark zone, Akim finally located Jia. From afar off, they saw a large figure moving slowly towards them. At first they believed it to be some kind of monster. Perhaps they were right. What came to meet them was a beast standing 8 feet tall and dragging Boris by his hind legs with the masked stranger and Crymaria on top. The beast was covered in blood. It was unclear if it was his or not. When the beast came close enough to see Akim and the monks, it spoke in a strained voice, "Hello, Akim. I think...I may have miscalculated this time...."

END

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Kenju Law Kenju Law
 

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