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Post by SummerCrow on Dec 26, 2016 19:56:54 GMT -6
Lily gathers everyone and cautiously advances down the road, watching a pair of enemies do the same from behind the row of houses. As they come to the end of the street, the groups rush at each other.
Rakim and the mercenary lock blades, both swinging and deflecting with neither able to score a solid hit. Kelly chucks a javelin into the mix and it pierces the enemy's chest. Gale tries to tackle the myrmidon, but the swordsman manages to sidestep and she barely leaves a scratch. The myrmidon takes a swing at her as she passes, but she lets her momentum carry her well clear of the swing. As he turns to face Gale, Lily unleashes a burst of dark magic beneath his feet. As he recovers from the sudden blast, Gale grabs him by the neck, shakes him a bit, and throws him lifeless to the ground.
Storm charges one of the mercenaries. He stabs at the mercenary, scoring a hit on his chestplate and piercing deep enough to leave a serious wound. The mercenary swats the lance aside and swings at Storm. Storm's mount hops into the air and over the slash, before dropping down for Storm to stab him. Hawke goes after the other and chops into him with his axe. The mercenary swings at Hawke's mount trying to get at the rider, but only manages to scratch the armor. Harv chucks a hand axe at the back of the mercenary's head, bringing him down. Shep walks over to Hawke and heals him.
Zenia stops at the unvisited house. A young woman peeks out at her from behind a closet door. "You aren't with them, right...? But you aren't with the local garrison either... Where are they? What are they doing...!?"
Zenia shrugs noncommittally.
"Something's wrong..." the woman says. "Um... I don't know who you are, but thank you..."
"Er... Fine. Just go back to cowering," Zenia commands. "There aren't many left. We'll be done soon enough."
Lily and the others charge the enemy commander from all sides at once. "Grr... How did this happen!? One target and an undefended town... This should've been an easy job...!"
"Enough," Rakim says. "You've gone too far this time. I'm going to do what I should have done weeks ago..."
"You... traitor!" the pirate yells.
"You are the traitor. You betrayed our former ideals. Enough talk." Rakim leaps at him and brings his sword down towards the pirate's head. The pirate swats the blow away, but only manages to deflect the blow enough to leave a large gash in his shoulder. The pirate swings back and Rakim leaps backwards. He barely avoids a lethal blow, instead receiving a matching cut just below his armor.
"Hey! Not nice! You're supposed to just die!" Gale calls out as she slams into him, preventing him from following up his attack on Rakim. The blow knocks him back a bit, but he still manages to nick Gale as they fly apart.
"You will pay for this," Lily promises.
"What? Who are you!?" the pirate demands, whirling around to face the new challenger.
"Lily, daughter of King Paen. By my authority as Crown Princess of Carcina, I sentence you to death."
"Shut up!" the mercenary leader yells as he hurls a hand axe at her. Lily twirls out of the way and sends pair of shadows racing along the ground. The pirate leaps over the first as a ball of darkness explodes beneath him, then sidesteps the second as he attempts to rush at Lily. Kelly throws a javelin that that goes far to one side, and Harv throws a hand axe that the mercenary swats down, though it leaves a wound on his hand. With a loud shriek, Hawke's mount suddenly appears between the pirate and Lily. The pirate doesn't break stride, instead leaping towards the wyvern. He lands on its back even as Hawke takes a chop at his legs. The pirate kicks back at Hawke, then leaps from the wyvern's back and towards the princess.
Storm crashes into him in mid-air, sending the pirate careening down to the ground just beside his intended target. Storm rolls off his mount to follow. "Fall!" he yells as he drives his lance home.
"Dammit... It shoulda been... easy money..." the enemy commander chokes out. Lily unceremoniously kicks him in the side of the head, then stomps him a few times.
Zenia walks up behind Lily and folds her arms. She looks down at the corpse with animosity. "Hmph. No better than he deserved. Now, then..."
Lily ignores Zenia, turns to the others, and starts issuing orders. "Pair off. Sweep the city for any stragglers or survivors. Shep, wait nearby in this central area in case they find someone in need of immediate attention. Kelly, go find the other survivors and call them back. We'll gather them here and guide them to... to the local garrison, for now. We need to figure out what in Grima's name they're doing."
"Well, it'd be reprehensible to rest on our laurels..." Harv signals to his crew. "Oi, you mateys! Get down 'ere an' give us a hand!"
"Thank you," Lily tells him.
"Ah, it's... nothing noteworthy," Harv says. "Thems may be too irresolute to fight, but this sorta thing's innocuous enough."
"Still, you have my thanks," Lily assures him. She turns back to the woman glowering behind her. "Now, then. My apologies for the delay, Champion Zenia. I'm afraid we've made a terrible first impression."
"That's certainly an understatement," Zenia spits. "Not only did you insult me with that accursed nickname, not only fail to have any escort to meet me upon my landing... I fell under attack within seconds - seconds of arriving in your country. And this is how you protect your own countrymen!? Such utter failure. Absolutely insulting."
"I-"
"Princess Lily, need I remind you the importance of this meeting? I bear the full authority of the Khan of Regna Ferox. It is no understatement to say the fate of your nation is on the line. Should I order it, I could order my countrymen to wash over your pathetic country like a flood. Now, throw yourself at my feet and beg for forgiveness! I demand to see you on your knees before me - perhaps you may recover some of my favor." Zenia stares at Lily with an expectant glare.
(A) Submit to her request
(B) Politely refuse
(C) Call her bluff
(D) Punch her in the face
(Supports are still coming, but I want to get a jump on the next level)
(1) Rand 2
(2) Lily 3
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 26, 2016 21:48:34 GMT -6
Warrior nation, right? D. She'll probably appreciate our spirit. What could possibly go wrong?
Also 1.
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Post by SummerCrow on Dec 26, 2016 22:54:46 GMT -6
Lily closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, steps forward, and throws a viscous right hook into Zenia's cheek. Zenia's head snaps to the side. For several seconds, she doesn't move. An intimidating smile slowly spreads across her face. She steps forward and returns a punch of her own, sending Lily sprawling onto her back. Zenia reaches down and yanks Lily back to her feet, then turns and strolls away without another word. Lily can faintly hear her chuckling to herself.
Choose 8.
(A) Lily/Storm C
(B) Lily/Rakim C
(C) Lily/Harv C
(D) Lily/Zenia C
(E) Gale/Hawke C
(F) Gale/Storm C
(G) Gale/Rakim C
(H) Hawke/Shep C
(I) Hawke/Kelly C
(J) Hawke/Harv C
(K) Storm/Shep C
(L) Storm/Kelly C
(M) Storm/Zenia C
(N) Shep/Rakim C
(O) Kelly/Rakim C
(P) Rakim/Zenia C
(Q) Harv/Zenia C
(Small typo, it's actually Rand 2, and that poll's still open until supports are done)
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Post by Neo on Dec 26, 2016 23:13:33 GMT -6
A, D, E, F, I, H, M, Q.
Also, 1. Also also, I'll try catching up tonight.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2016 23:27:05 GMT -6
What Neo said for supports and 1
So ummm Punching Ziana in the face was it a good idea or bad idea??
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Post by Neo on Dec 26, 2016 23:29:09 GMT -6
What Neo said for supports and 1 So ummm Punching Ziana in the face was it a good idea or bad idea?? Most likely a good idea, and definitely the right idea. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2016 23:30:41 GMT -6
What Neo said for supports and 1 So ummm Punching Ziana in the face was it a good idea or bad idea?? Most likely a good idea, and definitely the right idea. okay so begging for mercy and getting on our knees was probably the worst thing we could have done then |
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Post by SummerCrow on Dec 27, 2016 0:17:15 GMT -6
Eh. No, not really. There was only one "wrong" answer that would've bit you in the butt later. When people ask, I usually go over the potential background results of this sort of poll.
For one, I'm still hammering out the details of Lily's personality. So that effect's pretty obvious.
Begging, Zenia would've been all "oh, at least you're wise enough to swallow your pride sometimes." Storm would've joined in to apologize for his role in the "failure." Affinity with Storm would've increased. Definitely not my first pick, but... not the worst.
Politely refusing was the wrong "hmph, whatever" answer. That one would've bit you in the butt later. Hard.
Calling her bluff and pointing out even if Carcina's tiny, Ferox can't really spare the troops while dealing with Valm as well. Gale would've backed her up. Zenia would've admitted she's right and a bit smarter and ballsier than she thought. Affinity with Gale would've increased.
And punching her increased affinity with Zenia.
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Post by SummerCrow on Dec 28, 2016 4:56:30 GMT -6
Gale scurries along the town, searching for survivors like Lily ordered. Unfortunately, the thick smell of blood and burning is making it hard to track any scents. She's so intent on her job she doesn't hear the intimidating flapping sound until it's almost on top of her. She looks up just in time to see Hawke and his wyvern landing right next to her. Gale squeals and dives behind a handy piece of rubble, though it's far too small to hide much more than her head. "G-g-get that giant flying li-lizard away from me-e-e!"
Hawke ignores her panicked response. "Mm. Don't worry, I'm on the way to collect the survivors hidden in the woods. Princess' orders. But my primary duty's to protect her. So I want to make sure there's someone who I can trust to watch over her in my absence."
"S-s-sure!" Gale stammers.
"Good. If she trusts you enough to travel with you after your little ambush stunt, I suppose I can trust you, as well. And you're certainly capable in combat. I suppose I should be grateful for this."
"Yes, yes y-y-you should be! Now get out of here! Lily's my friend, of course I'm not going to let anything happen to her...!"
"See that you don't. Or I'll have my friend here eat you," Hawke threatens. He signals his wyvern to take off without another word.
"Th-that... Th-that... D-don't even joke about that...!" Gale calls after him, long after he's too far to hear. She pauses to catch her breath when a voice calling for help catches her attention. She shifts and takes off towards the sound. She finds Storm standing over an injured young man stuck under a partially collapsed roof, his mount standing nervously off to the side.
"Gale! Perfect. He's still breathing. Give me a hand with this damnable thing...!" Storm spits out.
Gale hops over and wedges herself under part of the beam. "OK, I'll lift and you push. On three..."
With some effort, they manage to toss the wood aside. Storm drags the man a few feet away. "OK... Um... This is really bad..." Storm admits.
"Aren't you trained in healing?" Gale asks. "I thought that was a pre-requisite for joining the Holy Knights?"
"Well, yes, healing magic is part of our training, just like riding, lances, swordsmanship... But I'm nowhere near experienced enough to treat this bad of an injury. Dammit, we've got to get him back to the priest! Hurry, help me load him onto-"
"It'll be hard for you to fly and carry him, right? I'll do it, you get back to searching." Gale bundles him up and tosses him over her shoulder. "I'm not usually the type to say this, but you need to calm down! No one can do everything. You did good finding this guy, and you protected the princess earlier - focus on the positive and the things you can do, not what you can't, K?"
Storm nods. He seems to have calmed down a lot. "Um... Ye-yeah. OK. Sorry. Thanks, Gale."
Gale sticks her tongue out at him. "Good! Now get back to work."
"Right!" Storm swings up onto his pegasus and takes off.
A few hours later, Lily's group has gathered the survivors near the center of the town. They've swept the area several times and made sure any remaining enemies have been dealt with. Those in good shape are busy scavenging for any useful supplies. Shep sits exhausted in the shade of the buildings by the docks. Hawke's wyvern sits on the dock and splashes in the water a bit. Hawke walks over and leans against the wall by Shep.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Shep asks.
"...My wyvern? Well, yes..." Hawke answers.
"Huh...? Oh... No, I meant the ocean. A shame we're here for such unpleasant business." Shep sighs. "I'd love to live in a place like this. The sea breeze, the spray..."
"Hm. Personally, I prefer the mountains," Hawke says.
"Oh? I've been never actually been up one."
"Shame. The view's incredible. Almost as good as the view from a wyvern. And the air's amazingly clean and crisp."
"Huh. You've spent a lot of time in the mountains?" Shep asks.
"Mm. Born and raised, until I ran off to become a mercenary." Hawke folds his arms. "Dunno that I'd want to retire to the mountains, though. Too many memories."
Shep and Hawke sit in awkward silence until Hawke's wyvern finishes playing and comes looking for him. Hawke gives Shep a small nod and walks over to put his mount's armor back on.
Kelly walks over while he's busy and unable to run off. "Hey," she calls out to him. "Got a minute?"
Hawke shrugs. "Depends what you need."
"You used to be a mercenary, right?" Kelly asks.
"Yes."
"And you don't even try to hide it..." Kelly says accusingly.
"Not something to be ashamed of."
"Really? Because mercenaries burned this town to the ground."
"Not my group," Hawke says flatly.
"But you don't-"
"I don't feel the least bit of remorse or responsibility for what happened here today, no. Why should I? Besides, I'm not a merc anymore. Now I'm a royal guardsman. Maybe I've got less polish than some because of my background, but I earned my rank. Besides, the past is the past." Hawke finishes preparing his mount and jumps up. "Any other stupid questions? Otherwise I'm going to scout a bit."
"Oh, no, go right ahead," Kelly says. Hawke doesn't hesitate to fly off, leaving Kelly glaring after him.
Storm finishes preening his mount's feathers and starts working on his own equipment.
"You take good care of your mount," Lily says.
Storm turns to face her with a start. "Oh? Um, thanks... Sorry, I'm still a bit rattled from earlier."
"This was your first real battle?" Lily asks.
"Well... Yes," Storm admits. "How are you so calm?"
"I've gone on a few bandit-hunting missions before," Lily says. "Still, this was... something else. We did all we could, but it's still... horrible. But for now I need to stay strong and put on a brave face. It wouldn't do to let everyone see the leader falter. And like Hell am I going to show any weakness in front of Zenia."
"Oh... Right. I heard you... um..." Storm trails off.
"Yes. In the face." Lily answers.
"I'm not sure that was a great idea. You're going to apologize, right?"
"I... don't know. She was laughing about it," Lily says. "I must admit in all my training in proper etiquette, I never came across 'punching foreign dignitaries.' And the way she reacted... I'll talk to her a bit and feel it out, I suppose."
"Right... Sorry, I must seem a bit pathetic."
Lily smiles at him. "Not at all, Sir Storm. I understand. Just don't let Zenia see.
Storm smiles back. "Right, thank you. Well, I suppose the Valerian representative should go formally introduce himself."
Storm gives a wave and heads over to find Zenia. He finds her relaxing on an abandoned chair. She rises and walks over to greet him. "You're searching for me?"
"Yes, I never had a chance to properly introduce myself," Storm says. "I am Storm, Valerian Holy Knight. My apologies, we didn't receive a formal notice of your arrival and couldn't prepare a proper escort."
"Hmph. Yet you had time to set up this 'summit' thing you're dragging me to," Zenia says accusingly.
"Ah, so your messenger already explained everything? I'm glad to hear he made it through unharmed."
"I suppose," Zenia says with a shrug. Her eyes narrow and she stares at Storm intently. "This may be sudden, but tell me, young knight - why is it that you fight?"
"Excuse me?" Storm asks.
"I wish to know why you became a knight," Zenia insists.
"Erm... That's a bit personal," Storm says.
"Was it just because your mother was a knight?" she asks with a slightly accusatory edge to her voice.
"I... Frankly, that's not your business, Zenia," Storm says with an annoyed tone.
"Oh? Did I touch a nerve?" Zenia asks. "Are you worried you can't live up to mommy? Or perhaps you've realized how selfish and pathetic of a driving motivation this is?"
"You insult me," Storm says.
"You insult your country," Zenia says.
"YOU-!" Storm bellows.
"Excuse me," Lily calls over. "Storm, I need speak with Zenia for a few moments."
"Ah. Of course, by all means. Miss Champion?" Storm looks at her expectantly. She gives him a small nod and he takes his leave without hesitation.
Zenia watches him retreat, then turns to Lily. "Princess. Come to apologize?"
Lily gives an endearing smile. "For punching you? Of course not. Though you have my sincere apologies for how things have come to pass."
"Interesting. You're prideful, perhaps foolishly so, but I suppose that's preferable to spineless. You're as eloquent as they say, but far more impetuous than I was led to believe," Zenia says. She folds her arms and grins. "Far cuter, as well. Hmph... You would make a most excellent personal attendant."
"Thank you for the kind words. And I must say you're as much of a terror as they say." Lily rubs her chin where Zenia punched her earlier. "You've certainly got the strength to back up your confidence."
"You, on the other hand, hit like a little kitten! Hmph... On second thought, it wouldn't do to have a weak attendant. Regardless of her skill in magic. Perhaps you wouldn't make a fitting servant. Yet. Heh... I believe we should rectify this. You've got potential... Yes! I shall train you, yes, help you grow strong. I'll make you worthy of scrubbing my floors, at least."
"I pray I can live up to your great expectations," Lily says pleasantly. "Though I fear your disposition bars you from returning the favor."
"You insult me?" Zenia laughs. "Definitely not the spineless court beauty I expected...!"
Lily giggles. "Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I need to make sure we're prepared to march to the garrison. I've made arrangements for you t-"
"Bah. I need to make sure my cute little kitten survives long enough to grow into a mighty dragon. I'll travel with you for a bit. I need to go make my own arrangements with the pirates that brought me here." Zenia turns and walks off without waiting for permission.
She makes her way down the docks and up the gangplank. "Harv! Where are you?"
Harv climbs out from below decks. "Quit yer hollerin'! I'm just concludin' replinishin' our stores an' makin' ready fer departure."
"And where, praytell, do you think you're going? Our new contract isn't up," Zenia says.
"Huh? Wait, waitwaitwait, what? I thought you just wanted me to fight that battle," Harv says. He suddenly changes his demeanor.
"Was I unclear? You're coming with me until I decide you're done or no longer useful," Zenia orders.
"No, thanks. I don't need that sort of money. I'm a sailor, not a mercenary."
"I want you," Zenia insists.
"...Why?" Harv asks.
"Because."
"I'm not-"
"Not only will you be paid handsomely, I'll make sure your mother's whole organization receives recognition and favor from the Feroxi government." Zenia folds her arms and observes Harv closely.
Harv is silent for a moment, then goes back to his former attitude. "Well, for my dear matriarch, I suppose I'll deign to engage in further partnership... ma'am."
"That's better," Zenia smirks.
"Alright. We're taking the survivors to the local garrison for now, then we'll decide where to go from there. Alphonse, your group will stay back with the civilians while the rest of us take point, just in case we're running into a trap." Lily finishes explaining to the others. "If they aren't all already dead, I'll kill them myself," she adds quietly under her breath.
"I suppose I'm officially coming with you?" Rakim asks. The young girl he saved earlier clings close to his side. Rakim seems resigned to it at this point.
"I can't tear you apart from this kid... I believe I should make your employment official," Lily says. "At least until we find a place for her." She crouches down next to the child and offers her the Angelic Robe. "Here's your security blanket back."
The young girl shakes her head. Rakim gives Lily a questioning glance.
"You would return a gift?"
"Well, if she's sure..." Lily says in a soft voice. "Thank you. What's your name?"
"...J-Jan..." the girl says softly.
"Jan?" Lily asks.
"J-Janice..."
"Well, Janice, you can stay with Mr. Rakim for now, but if any fighting starts, you need to run back and hide with the others, OK?"
The young girl nods. Lily stands back up and gives Rakim a glance. Rakim gives her a subtle nod.
Lily signals everyone to form up and get ready to march. She pauses to look at the Angelic Robe. Is there someone that should use it...?
(A) Lily
(B) Storm
(C) Hawke
(D) Gale
(E) Kelly
(F) Shep
(G) Rakim
(H) Harv
(I) Zenia
(J) Save it for now
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 28, 2016 6:39:10 GMT -6
J. Save it for the folks at Alice's team because they're struggling with survivability problems more often.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2016 9:10:13 GMT -6
J
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Post by Neo on Dec 28, 2016 15:02:00 GMT -6
J. Give it to Alice. I'm totally not biased or anything.
I haven't caught up yet, but from what I have read, it seems like last chapter was an Ozbutcher chapter.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2016 16:51:43 GMT -6
Ozbutcher ..... shivers...... So much blood so much death.
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Post by SummerCrow on Dec 30, 2016 19:17:17 GMT -6
I had an idea to improve efficiency. Rather than do inheritance skills when the unit arrives, I'm going to do all of them now a few at a time. In the discussion page for those that don't read it. The first batch will be going up in a bit.
Small but somewhat significant correction. Available chapters should also have included "Alice 3 - Locked, complete Rand 2." I didn't think to include it since it's... locked.
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Post by SpringForest on Dec 30, 2016 19:46:38 GMT -6
Sorry I haven't been voting Crow, I need more time to catch up to where we are right now.
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Post by SummerCrow on Dec 30, 2016 23:30:12 GMT -6
"I think I'll just hang on to this for now," Lily says. "Thank you, Janice." The young girl ducks further behind Rakim. Lily frowns, but stands up and heads to the front of the column. She raises her arm and starts marching towards the local garrison's fort.
End of Chapter 2L: Rising Conflagration - Lily's Route
Chapter 2R: Rising Conflagration - Rand's Route
In the early morning, as the fog hangs thick in the Meridian air, Rand and his makeshift team are nearing the port to meet Hyun'ji. After escaping the Risen ambush, they've not found anything out of the ordinary along their route. The towns they've stopped in have promised to spread the news about the attack, though not everyone seems to believe them. At least the town they stayed in the night before seemed peaceful enough.
"Rand... I haven't seen any birds or wildlife in a while," Mina says softly. "Something's wrong. This is a trap."
Rand nods. "Almost definitely. That attack can't have been a coincidence, and I doubt we were the real target. We may be marching into a trap, but-"
A brilliant light flares up through the fog, and a sound like thunder slices through the stillness a second later. Rand stands in shock for a moment, then jumps on Hector. "Come on, we need to hurry!"
A young woman struggles to cling to a large chunk of wood blasted from the now-ruined ship while holding the unconscious man afloat. She says a silent prayer, desperately forcing him up onto the flotsam. The tide is with them, catching them and dragging them slowly towards the shore. As soon as she's able to find solid footing on the ocean floor, she grabs her charge and drags him to shore, up and clear of the water. She carefully places him down, then collapses to her knees. Her scarlet, silken armor is soaked with the salty spray, and she pulls a sopping strand of her silver hair from her face. She lets herself catch her breath for a few seconds before forcing herself back up to hover over the young man.
He's dressed in brilliant emerald robes, befitting his position, and his long dark hair spreads across the beach beneath him. Clumps of damp sand cling to his bare legs. The young woman examines him nervously. "Please, master... Breathe... You have to breathe..." His chest moves shallowly and he coughs weakly. Her face lights up and she gingerly rolls him onto his side. He coughs again, spilling a small amount of water onto the beach. She huddles over him, unsure what else to do. She realizes she's shivering and decides getting somewhere warmer and building a fire's the best thing she can do for now.
Fortunately, they were almost at port when the ship exploded and they seem to have washed up just outside the edge of town. A group of locals are even already on their way to help, it seems. A chill runs through her heart as she realizes they're armed and advancing menacingly.
"Well, well, well. Looks like there were some survivors after all," a fighter says.
"Let's mop them up quick so we can get paid," a myrmidon standing behind him suggests.
The young woman lets out a frightened gasp and reaches for the glowing pearl pendant around her neck. As her fingers wrap around it, she calms down. Her eyes narrow, and she jerks herself up. She slowly walks several paces towards the enemies fanning out around them as she pulls a bow from her back.
"Looks like that one's still got some fight in her," a mage says. No one seems too enthusiastic to step up and stop her.
She jams one end in the ground and starts running as she traces a wide arc in the sand, then slowly backs away. She stands over the still-unconscious man and pulls out an arrow. She lets out a steady breath, then inhales sharply. "In Naga's name, I swear! Any who dare cross this line shall forfeit their lives! I shall strike down any who would dare threaten my master!"
Partner Unit!
Eun'ji
Class: Archer
HP: 11 Str: 10
Magic: 7 Skill: 12
Speed: 9 Def: 6
Res: 9 Luck: 7
Skills: Skill+, Lethality
Rand's group arrives at the edge of the village only a few short moments after the blast. The fog is still hanging in the air, but thinly enough to merely add an air of unease without obscuring vision. "I knew it... They were after the emperor's nephew! Dammit! If only we'd been here sooner..."
"There's nothing we could have done, Rand," Nevyn assures him.
"Can't beat an explosion into submission," Fei agrees.
"Well, you can beat a fire out..." Judoc points out. "If you have the right tools and know what you're doing.
Fei smacks him. "Not helpful," she whispers.
"Wait, Rand...!" Mina calls out. "Maybe we aren't too late. Look!" She points to a swordsman laying out on the beach and a female archer standing over him.
"Survivors!" Nevyn says. His tail starts wagging. "And... Gods, are those bandits?" A collection of eight mercenaries stand menacingly near the two survivors, while a pair of pirates comb the coastline far to their north and south, cutting off any hope of escape.
"I don't know, but assume they're hostile until proven otherwise!" Rand orders. "Everyone, prepare to charge!"
Several enemies are scattered throughout the small village. A small fort lies just in front of Rand's group and another is a bit to the southwest. A pair of mercenaries are directly to the west between three patches of trees, and northwest is a fighter. Due north is a myrmidon standing watch over a small fort. Far to the northwest, a trio of mercenaries gather around a house and fort. Another group of forts is present far to the west.
"We can cut northwest and rush towards the enemies on the beach," Nevyn suggests. "But I don't like the looks of those forts over to the west. If I were the enemy, I would have reinforcements lurking in wait - we could end up outflanked. We could attack the forts directly and flush anyone hiding there out. Or we could give them a wide berth and take a slightly longer path hooking around the north. For now, I think we can ignore most of these houses - it looks like they're all shut up tight."
(A) Head west and attack the forts
(B) Cut straight northwest
(C) Loop around north
(D) Split up
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 30, 2016 23:51:01 GMT -6
A
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Post by SummerCrow on Jan 4, 2017 3:13:45 GMT -6
"Take the forts!" Rand orders. He steers Hector towards the west and attacks the mercenary with a ferocious tackle. The mercenary, watching the show on the distant beach, turns just in time to see claws and fangs and an axe before his death.
The surviving mercenary turns on Rand. Nevyn jumps in front of Rand and blocks the attack, then bites back. The mercenary struggles to throw him off as Rand chops at him. The mercenary manages to jerk back and avoid the worst of it, but Rand turns around and slashes him again.
A nearby fighter goes after Judoc as the others struggle to keep up with Nevyn and Rand. Judoc gracefully slides out of the way, then stabs back at him. He barely manages to pierce the fighter's breastplate. Mina runs up and tosses a javelin at him. He twists to the side and it leaves a deep gash across his stomach. Fei jumps in and chops at him, landing a glancing blow on his shoulder. He staggers and swings blindly back at her. She's caught off-guard by the sudden blow and doesn't manage to avoid the attack in time. She swings again, taking another chunk from his flank. The fighter sloppily raises his axe to take another swing. Fei steps back and the fighter slowly falls over.
The enemies holding at the group of forts come running to help. The outlaw and myrmidon move to attack as Nevyn leads the charge. The outlaw takes a shot and Nevyn rolls out of the way, then leaps at the myrmidon. The myrmidon swings at him wildly. The attack forces Nevyn back before he can land a solid hit, but Nevyn quickly attacks again and tears him apart.
Fei moves up and chucks a hand axe at the outlaw and goes wide. Rand follows close behind the attack and slashes at him. The outlaw staggers away from the attack badly injured only to run into Judoc.
Judoc and Mina run into two of the forts and manage to catch a few enemies unaware. Four more enemies - a fighter, mage, myrmidon, and mercenary - come out of the other forts. "We need more reinforcements!" one of the fighters yells. Troops pop out of the other forts and a few of the houses.
On the beach, one of the fighters brazenly steps forward. "You cowards just stay back while I take care of this great noble hero ov-" Eun'ji unleashes an arrow into his arm. He turns back to her with a furious expression. "You shot me!?"
Eun'ji calmly nocks another arrow. "That should have been your neck, but I've yet to warm up. My apologies."
The fighter charges at her with a yell before she finishes her draw. She leaps back, but the axe swing leaves a gash in her dress and a shallow wound. The fighter loses his footing in the sand while Eun'ji manages to catch herself and fire another arrow into his chest. The fighter slumps over.
"I told you what would happen if you chose to cross that line," Eun'ji reminds them.
"Damn you!" One of the mercenaries shouts. He rushes forward, also failing to account for the sand. Eun'ji takes the opportunity to put an arrow into him, but the mercenary keeps coming at her. She starts to fire another arrow when a fireball hits her from the side and knocks it off-course. Eun'ji turns and unleashes an arrow at the mage, taking him in the throat. The mercenary uses the distraction to close the last bit of distance and leaps at Eun'ji. She tries to roll out of the way and escapes with just a small wound to her thigh.
"Grr... Just stop moving and die!" the mercenary yells.
Eun'ji stands up, twirls an arrow, and pulls the drawstring taut. "I shall do my duty!" she yells as she leaps back and unleashes three arrows at the mercenary in rapid succession. Eun'ji lands and tries to catch her breath.
The man at her side starts coughing and rolls over. He looks around in confusion for a moment, and staggers to his feet. "Eun...ji...?"
"Master!" Eun'ji yells happily. "You're alive... Oh, Naga, thank you... Thank you...!"
"You're bleeding..." he says, confused. "What happened to you?"
"Don't worry about me, Master," Eun'ji insists. "Please, you must escape while I hold them off!"
"Hold who off...?" he asks.
"Everyone, rush them!" one of the surviving enemies yell.
"Run, Master!" Eun'ji yells.
The man looks up at the charging enemies, looks back to Eun'ji's injuries, and understanding flashes in his eyes. "You damn fools...! Do you know who I am!?" he yells angrily. He pulls Eun'ji back and raises his sword weakly. "I will strike down any who would dare lay a hand on my servant!"
Partner Unit!
Hyun'ji
Class: Swordmaster
HP: 15 Str: 14
Magic: 7 Skill: 12
Speed: 13 Def: 12
Res: 9 Luck: 8
Skills: Avoid+, Vantage, Focus, Strength+
Rand: 12/14
Nevyn: 12/14, Transformation 25%
Fei: 11/15
Eun'ji: 7/11
Rand:
(A) Secure the other two forts
(B) Ignore the new enemies and move northwest towards Hyun'ji
(C) Split up
Partners:
(1) Wait
(2) Move north
(3) Move south
(4) Move east
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Post by empireoffire on Jan 5, 2017 21:04:30 GMT -6
AB
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2017 21:05:47 GMT -6
A 2
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