Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Nysa trembled all over at the sight, a fallen angel... she's only heard stories about such creatures, but they were more than enough to cause a few sleepless night for the young Kitsune. Now here stood one, beyond any nightmarish apparition she could dream off. What was she going to do with this 'sword-spear' against such a creature.
The girl clutched the weapon tightly, a steadied her breathing. Playtime was over, she did not want to die here at all. Not here. The heroine frowned lightly, feeling the collar on her. There was no question about it, if she'll be of any use here she needed her magic, even if the cruel mage would hardly listen to her, she had to try.
'Poopy-head! P--- Gregor! GREGOR! You see him too aye? Nysa needs her magic. Please, Gregor help Nysa save Emi! And Rekki!... maybe even Horry, but Nysa not sure.' shaking her head the girl quickly got her concentration back, she almost eased up for a brief moment there.
Still right now, all she could do is beg Gregor for freedom and defend.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Fallen Angel Does something! Casting Success.
Requis Attacks! Denied.
Horus Buffs! Arcane Apotheosis Confirmed.
Nysa Cowers and Calls for help :3 Success. Gregor has joined the battle.
Emi Attacks! Nope! Resistance 20+15=35 vs 72=7+65. Fail.
Gregor Appears, is Annoyed! Saves Emi's Bacon >.>
Horus swore loudly as the shards of shattered wood had interrupted his first attempt at a spell, but he recovered quickly and even as Nysa cowered behind her allies and called for aid from someone who's help was unexpected, Horus' eyes suddenly alit with a savage blue glow, his mind expanding in an instant as he backed up, made space between himself and this horror from the nightmares of mortal men. Requis, to his credit charged immediately, his shield lowered even as the Angel finished his first casting, and laughed as something turned away the charge and Requis found himself standing entirely too close to something that wanted him very dead.
It was soon explained as to why his blow, which appeared to have been well placed was turned aside, as an almost palpable black wind had started to enshroud the body of their enemy, the harsh current cycling his body having literally redirected the blow. Emi faired even worse as her blade simply came to a grinding halt inches from the creatures flesh, and a harsh laugh sounded in his throat. Ahhh hahaha, do you even comprehend who you have angered? DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE FURY OF A GOD!? He all but screamed as his wings spread out behind him and his eyes narrowed.
And then... their luck turned a little towards the better even as the first steps of this dread play had taken them forward. Nysa's pleading had brought them an unexpected ally. Gregor had appeared standing behind her, and patted the young Kitsune's shoulder. Stand back child. O look~ Discarded and tainted Refuse. You know... It will be fun... to have something as rare as you to dissect Fallen one... He suddenly called out to the Fallen Angel, who had stopped his hand midswing, the blow aiming to cleave Emi's head clean from her shoulders as he turned to glare at the new arrival.
More Ants. An Academy lackey. It seems when I'm done here I'll have to bring another corpse to my Lady. He said grinning madly, if anything the angel growing more and more excited as more combatants arrived, as if each one had removed a restraint, as if shackles had been pulled away from his limbs and he was free to enjoy his power as he was meant to once more... And there was no hiding the sadistic glare in his eyes. I wonder how many of you I'll have the joy of tearing apart with my bare hands... He breathed, loud enough for Emi and Requis to hear, his breathing quickened and the smile on his face only growing wider, and more insane with every passing second.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Nysas eyes light up with hope and joy at their new ally. She REALLY disliked the mage, as in she'd have very happy dreams of beating the dummy mage with a especially pointy stick, but at this moment of despair there was hardly anyone else she'd rather see.
The Kitsune gulped lightly at the seemingly invincible enemy who only grew more and more fearsome and menacing as time passed. Requis and Emi couldn't even touch the seeming demigod, what hope would the kistune have with her 'swordspear'?!
Still if she decided to flee the predatory opponent would likely dive directly for her, doing much more than ruffling up her tail. Still if she stood among the company likely she'd get caught in the crossfire. Hopefully the fallen angel would focus on it's main courses and only go on Nysa last.
During the closest commotion Nysa would get some distance away from the group, duck behind cover and look around the room carefully. Even if she couldn't engage in direct combat, perhaps there was something else she could do to help the group!
{Full defense}
Look for something of use versus the angel. For the love of god don't get near that thing :<
{Apparant Innocence passive effect hopefully protects my lil Kitsune}
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Emi took little notice at stopped the potentially fatal blow. Instead she lashed out again at her target with Spring Wind the steel of her blade flashing bright even in the dark confines of their combat. Sure the foe before her was nigh impervious to her attacks but eventually something would get through. While her bloodlust called out Emi was far from a mindless berserker and kept some tactical sense to her.
Emi drops battle dance and fights defensively using lighting strikes
What stood before them, this, undying twisted abomination of what such a creature was meant to represent in this world continued to ignore Emi and Nysa as almost inconsequential as Emi's blows couldn't pierce the barrier of wind around his body.
Even in her blood driven Frenzy, Emi realised the importance of giving their mages as much time to cast as they could and so did Requis, though the act was far more costly to the shield wielding warrior. Every time the Fallen Angel tried to step further into the room, he find Requis there in front of him I've had enough of you, Insect. He said darkly, before his pale hand shot out to grasp the man by his skull. A brief consentration and Emi watched as black spikes, the remnants of Requis' own shadow, tore through the inside of his body, the blood spattering in a wide arc, before the man fell to the ground, clearly dead.
Screaming in rage as he finished his incantation, Horus having watched his friend die, he held out his hand where a bolt of blue fire lanced through the shoulder and wing of the angel, scattering the wind around the wound for a moment as it tore a clean hole through their enemy. The Angel showed no reaction to either pain, or injury, and just turned his attention to the mages. If Emi wasn't a threat, then the casters were living on borrowed time.
But something had changed, Gregor's spell, whatever he had been doing in his place at the back of the room, had either failed or... Swordswoman! Attack now! Make the blow count. Gregor was seaking into her mind, the Fallen one's back was turned to her as he advanced, the shadows and the dark wind twisting around him like a maelstrom of malice and hate.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Nysa felt a sudden sinking feeling course through her, as 'Rekkis' lifeless body hit the floor. The brave warriors blood covering a hefty amount of the room! The Kitsune quickly ducked into cover shivering in fear, Requis looked strong! Very strong! And he was so easily...
EMI! Emi was now the Vanguard for the mages! Nysa eyes quickly shot open in fright, the fallen angel would kill Emi too! The girl looked to her hands that used to possess such powerful spells... Where was her magic when she needed it the most!
Just one spell to assist or distract the dreaded creature away from Emi! That's all she needed, just one spell! Work damn you!
Screw it's better to try and fail than to never try at all!
Attempt to cast Flare (Bolt)(lvl5)
[Creatures struck by this spell must win a Resistance check against the caster or become Blinded.]
If casting posisble Empower dat shazbot! [+8 EP cost. Max rolls]
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Emi felt the warm splatters of blood hit her in the face the sudden influx of the coppery smell causing her hands to tighten on the blade. Feeling the mage's magics upon her body Emi let loose on the fallen one after all with such magic at its command her pitiful defense's wouldn't matter at all. No it was best to die on her feet like a warrior.
Action!
Emi spends 10ep using spirited warrior gaining 2X to damage!
Emi Uses Battle Dance with Lightning strikes!
Gregor: Laser.. Resistance Check... Fail. auto Miss.
Emi took the chance, she struck with all her skill, her blade howling and biting as it tore through the black wind that surrounded the powerful creature, but as soon as the Angel noted the penetration of his defense, he turned, twisting and writhing unnaturally around not 1, but ALL of Emi's blows, one stopped by the sheer strength of his spirit, the rebound against her blade almost breaking her arm outright. His face was a twisted rictus of complete insanity now, his eyes devoid of any kind emotion as he glanced down at the swordswoman. Shall I show you real power? Mortal? He hissed, as Horus raised his hands to cast a spell. And then... Horus' life was snuffed out like nothing more then a candle in a strong wind as their dread opponent made his next move.
Before Emi could stop him, or Gregor could finish the chanting that signalled a powerful and dangerous spell to the Kitsune next to him, The Fallen One had shot across the room, and slammed his palm into Horus' chest. The Mage let out a horrifying scream of shock, and pain, and loss, as Emi watched the Fallen Angel literally tear his soul from his body, the spectral form of the mage twisting and writhing in his grip in utter agony, his screams beginning to echo into the unnatural as the Angel smirked, and then opened a rift into the abyss, casting the Mage's soul into oblivion and leaving his body lifeless and broken upon the stone floor. Cackling madly, he turned to regard the other mage, the last real threat in this room as Gregor opened his hand, a scorching beam of light tearing across the room, only to refract and scatter around that dark wind, tearing molten gouges into the walls, severing chains and cutting stone like paper, but leaving the powerful enemy completely unscathed.
Look at me... See your death approach... He whispered, beginning to advance upon the mage, his expression full of hate and malice and rage, his hand once again glowing with a dread light as he approached to shred Gregor's soul as he had Horus'...
The world slowed as Emi watched the Fallen One move again, watched him close that gap of distance in frighteningly short time, watched his hand move to slam into the mages chest once more, before the wall behind them exploded in a shower of molten stone and falling debris, the angel diving out of the way at the last moment as a beautiful woman, wearing the uniform of a maid floated down through the hole she had caused. Flowing red hair trailing down her back, her hands outstretched, she regarded the Fallen Angel, before the creature paled, recognizing this newcomer, fear showing on his face for just a moment before his face twisted with concentration and his form shimmered.
Trying to teleport away to safety, the Fallen Angel was fractions of a second too slow, managing to escape, but one of his wings held in the woman's hands, blood dripping from the torn joint, white bone showing amidst the gore as she regarded the wing, and tossed it through the hole the way she had come. Vermin. She muttered, spitting on the ground where the Angel had been just moments before, her hand stained scarlet with fresh blood.
Looking around, she snorted at the assembled people, before turning her back, and leaving as suddenly as she had come, Gregor left panting on the floor, having been only inches from his own death.
With trembling hands, he rose slowly, and Nysa felt a light brush along the back of her neck, the collar splitting away with a soft tink as he moved to inspect the corpse of Horus. Looking his body over, if only to keep moving, to deny what he had just seen for a moment and gather his thoughts. Nysa could feel her power rushing back to her in a flood, her mind once again open, her abilities restored in full as Gregor spoke. The Warrior... I can bring back, his death is fresh, We have his body. Same with the child, in fact it was already done, Nysa you can see him yourself later. I can safely assume you understood the lesson I was trying to teach. Never in my life... Did I expect... No. It doesn't matter now. This man though, is beyond saving, entirely. I suspect this entire confrontation has bought the people above ground some safety for now, and yourselves some reward and recognition. You should go to them... I'll come with. I need a drink and you both deserve the rest.
With a gesture, the broken body of Requis floated up from the ground, limp and lifeless, following the mage as he made his way out the old fashioned way, on his own two feet, his voice without it's usual power or majesty, the man clearly shaken by the short but intense battle that had transpired. It was clear he expected Emi and Nysa to follow him, and the question of Horus' body was answered as another dismissive gesture set it ablaze with a cold blue flame, turning it to ash that wafted into the wind in moments, gone entirely, no secrets to be stolen from it's remains...
Nysa and Emi both gain 8 Exp for this entire venture. Nysa has her powers back.
Congratulations, you're both still alive. Thank the dice gods fervently for your luck.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Emi was shaken not from the fear of death but from the absolute death the fallen angel would have wrote on all of them. Wiping Springwind clean Emi sheathed her beloved blade and made her way to Nysa. "Are you okay Nysa?" She needed to check to see if the kitsune was not frozen with shock after all they would be facing the towns people and the children once more.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
And just like that it was over... well maybe 'just' wasn't the proper word for how this battle ended. The angelic figure disappeared just as suddenly as she appeared, leaving hardly any trace of the seemingly invincible angel.
Nysa carefully raised her head from her hiding spot, her ear standing ready to catch even the most minor sounds, but it was really over... "EMI~~!!" Nysa quickly dashed out of cover and hugged the samurai girl who only barely had enough time sheath her blade "That was so scary! Nysa was so worried for Emi~!" Nysa looked to Emi earnestly and grinned happily that her hero was a-okay... if a little shaken.
Suddenly a particular tink echoed out as the collar on Nysas split open and fel off her. Sending a powerful surge through her body reigniting the all too missed magical powers the Kitsune had. Nysa took a step back and looked to her palm, quickly form a very small and warm fire her eyes wide in shock, before turning to Gregor.
The elder mage meanwhile went on about his own business, which seemed to have been focused the darkly mage Horus. Nysa listened out to Gregors, before squeeling out loudly "THANK YOU!" NYSAS MAGIC WAS BACK!
To say the Kitsunes reaction didn't reflect what just transpired was to be very... very generous. Nysa quickly ran up to Gregor cheering loudly in delight, her arms in the air and hugged him comfortably, snuggling her head against the mages robes happily "Thank you so much Greggy! Nysa will be always be nice. Nysa promise!" she grinned happily at the mage... who was more concerned with the mutilated corpse of a hero at hand. Still if Gregor allowed it, be it via the hug or just by holding his hand Nysa would let some healing flames seep into the beat-up mage.
If Gregor allows it use Healing Flame (touch; lvl2)
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Gregor didn't answer, and Nysa's power seemed to hit a wall concerning the mage as he walked back out of this place, wanting nothing more to do with it, and heading back towards the village, fully intent on getting that drink.
Emi and Nysa could follow, or pick over the fallen one's office for anything of value before it got left behind or scavenged by someone else. Emi in particular remembered the gold that had been on the table before the angel had attacked. Who knew what else was there if they made the decision to check.
If they headed back, they would find the path much the same, or they could follow the strange woman up through the hole in the ceiling, though whether or not she had stuck around was both a mystery, and given her sudden arrival, extremely unlikely. Gregor seemed to know what she was though, though maybe not who. Questions and Solutions found in this little venture, and no fair share of insanity to go with both.
You kiddies need to learn how to Loot -.- Because i was SO about to let you leave this place empty handed
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
It was blood money the essence of humanity boiled down into monetary worth. It was revolting but the deed was already done. No doubt more slavers would show up and take over this place after all it was far to entrenched to simply go away. No point in letting someone else make a profit off these peoples misery. Not to mention that there may be more info that they could turn over to Gregor to handle and the villagers would need money to buy supplies and medicine. Frowning Emi looked over the office briefly grabbing the coin and any other information or item that could be useful before catching up with Gregor before diverting to get her pack they left at the entrance to the tunnels.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Looting was the absolutely last things on Nysas mind. The Kitsune looked thoughtfully as Gregor stormed out, clealy having more than enough of this place. A gesture Nysa could relate to.
As the samurai girl got to scavenging Nysa, quickly got to focusing on what interested her. Getting out of here!... and the maid? Luckily both of these could be fairly easily achieved at the same time.
"Thank you, Greggy~~!" Nysa waved the annoyed mage goodbye, for all the suffering and hate he showed her, Nysa wasn't particulary hateful. The Kitsune looked back to the room and ignoring the posibilities to aquire a few extra shinnies... quickly dashed to the blasted through wall "OooO~~" Nysas eyes widened at the sheer size and display of raw force here. Unfortunately for Emi... her companions oh~ so fluffy tail was swishing side-to-side with sheer curiousity, her ears twitched with the need to explore this new pathway...
The samurai girl turned just in time to see Nysa scurry into the hole with absolutely no intent to back down!
Follow dat maid!
Use Light (lvl1; magic lantern 20ft visibility
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
The office that the angel had previously occupied had a wealth of things that were decidely not coin, though they obviously had their own value. Ledgers including names, and locations of buyers as well as slaves were found in the shattered remains of the desk, and once more within a small lockbox nearby that had been broken open by the tussle. The coin itself was apparently only from a recent purchase, and the rest of the wealth that should have been in this place was most likely either farther into the den, or it's location was hidden within one of the small, leatherbound books. Scooping it up, regardless of taste or inclination, as the coin was not to blame here, not truly, Emi soon had the salvagable and possibly useful pieces all properly sorted and carried within a burlap sack.
Nysa, her mad dash over to the hole to follow the maid, a small floating light popping into existence with a short gesture and a muttered word, found Nothing. The woman was gone, leaving only a small portion of scorched grass where she had been but moments before, and the torn wing taken with her, though a single, shining black feather was found on the ground, shed from the torn limb no doubt.
Pocketing it quickly out of no more then a love for shiny things, and it was shiny, and soft, the overexuberant kitsune would find that staying with her hero Emi was for the best, and popped back down into the den to follow after Gregor, the valuable stored in their pack, and the trip back to the village silent as the grave as the mage continued to magically carry Requis' body. If there were words to be said, or questions to be asked, now was most likely their last chance before hitting the village proper, and all the prying ears that such a thing would bring.
Emi and Nysa find a total of 175 Denarii, and One Angel's Feather, 2 leatherbound ledgers, and 2 maps, one above ground, and one showing the layout of the den in full.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Going over the ledger and maps would have to wait Emi was exhausted and needed rest even if the whole village turned on her for letting the boy die. In all honesty she didn't care what the villagers thought the cold eyes of a child losing thier innocents had sent chills down her spin. Still she would have to cross that bridge when they came to it for now they needed to rest.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
D'aw~ not a single angelic maid was found on that day. A little discouraged Nysa atleast found something of very grand interest. One single feather stood out, it's body seemingly shinned with foreign energies. It was splendid, grand, some may call it majestic... the perfect tickling tool!
Nysa quickly snagged the feather,taking great care not to harm even an inch of her toy, and went back to Emi.
Emi was still busy at the table uncovering whatever she could about this place and it's finances. Nysa would sneak up and tickle Emi lightly from the back... though the samurai girl heard the Kitsunes mischievious giggles from the very moment she entered the room...
After a seemingly soul-crushing amount of attempted tickles, yes whole 2 minutes. Emi would take away the feather and either noting it's splendor or not would it put it carefully in their pack.
The trip back being 'unpleasant' would be giving it too much credit. Requis broken body alongside Gregor really killed the mood for any lighthearted conversations... though one question had to be asked "Greggy~ Who saved us?" Nysa smiled warmly, it was a simple question... with a likely much more difficult answer.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Gregor held his silence for a long while, until they had made it outside, the corpse of Requis being floated carefully up and out before Gregor followed it, and the women took up the rear. When he did speak, his voice was quiet, and his eyes downcast. Someone I'd rather not meet in person, and I suspect a hand maiden of someone very, very powerful. For this one, I'm just going to count my lucky stars, and be grateful for the assistance.
The village, as they reached it, seemed to be an odd mix of intense gratitude, and broken sobbing, as children and parents were reunited, and broken families were, for the most part, put back together. There were the children, most still refusing to look at Emi or Nysa in the eye, though the small child that had been killed was indeed up and moving about.
When he saw the corpse, he stiffened, before a look from Gregor, and a motion with his hand directed the small boy to a building off to the left, a small cottage, where he nodded and darted off, Gregor following with the body before speaking again. I will be busy with this for awhile. Some I can help, others I cannot. For now... Relax, have a drink, and later tonight we can talk. The situation has obviously changed. He said quietly, patting Emi on the shoulder lightly before moving off.
The other children all shuffled about nervously as the two women approached, before darting behind the legs of their mothers and fathers, who gave them both a nod before shoo'ing their children inside, one of the men staying for a moment. "The Tavern is already up and running again, seems people want to relax, and forget a little. I can hardly blame them. Thank you both." He said simply, before following in the wake of the others and pointing at the largest building still standing, a single story, albeit large affair where most of the villagers had gathered, and a cask or two had been rolled outside and tapped.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
Well obviously Gregor was not too keen to answer the Kitsunes questions, atleast not yet. She made a pouty face to him at his vague answer and flapped her ears cutely, before almost growling out "Who~~~~~~?" in a low and very dry voice, her cheeks cutely blushed.
Even if he did answer, which seemed unlikely, the Kitsune quickly rushed forward upon feeling the fresh air "Free~! Ahaha~" Nysa giggled cutely spinning in circles as she ran around, indeed a fear and awe inducing heroine.
Though soon enough she'd note the numerous families all reunited or atleast partly, while the children will make it quite a few of their parents may not. Either starved, whipped, both or even worse.
The kitsune quickly changed to her much more smaller form, only barely taller than the children and skiped her way to a few families. While most children hid from her, quite a few casted curious looks to her perhaps even keen to join the childish Kitsune in her carefree notions, though would get shunned away by their respected families or friends.
Whatever the case, looking over the weaker ones Nysa would skip over to them and with a gleeful grin would spin playfully letting, orange wispy trails off her which would would be quickly absorbed into the weaker adults, healing them up and stregthening their bodies. Nysa wouldn't wait for a thank you and would skip along to the next family.
Even if she was fairly selfish, with her magic back the girl had a need to excercise it... and these people truly needed her help.
Heal some villagers around with healing touch(lesser)/Heat or Strength where applicable.
Spend upwards to 20 EP to this task if you must (~10 casts)
ps. Nysa still won't help if she's treated roughly or hatefully ;P
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
In all honestest Emi would have rather kept moving but it seemed her task master had changed his mind and Emi was honor bound to see it through. These were not her people and despite her appreciation for their thanks bad things seem to happen when shes in bars. "You are very kind sir." Emi gave the man a very slight bow not expecting one in return. Watching Nysa run around using her magic eased Emi's burden somewhat Gregor had released her from her sentence and was free to go and do as her kind what ever that was anyway. Sitting on a nearby stump Emi cleaned and inspected her weapons and made prayers to her gods about her good fortune in battle. It stung a little that the children were afraid of her but it couldn't be helped after all they had let one of them die and Emi reasoned that the small pain of this was light payment for watching one of their friends die.
Re: Brushfires and Blades (ranger and Ubberific) GMed by Courage Wolf
The villagers, although perfectly happy to respect Emi's wish to be alone, did, eventually, warm up to Nysa, although they didn't let her work any magic around them, visually shying away from her when her hands moved to form the signs, still not completely trusting the shapeshifting kitsune, but not being overtly rude or unkind to her either.
Emi, much to her surprise, DID receive a bow in return, and before long, the man wandered into the tavern, to return with several clean rags, a small jar of what could only be Brush Oil, and true to his word, a small flask with something that smelled rather potent to drink.
"Please, do not be too seperate, do not isolate yourself too greatly, the people, many are still quite fragile in more ways then one. It would do them a great deal of good to see their saviors smile, at least a little. Regardless, if you truly wish for isolation, I'll make sure you are not disturbed, Swords woman." He whispered, raising his eyes to meet hers for a moment, before smiling softly and wandering back to the people, making a grand show of being both happy, and in the mood to have a good time, barking out fast orders to have a bonfire up, there would be a revel tonight to celebrate!
. Hit.