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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Sept 22, 2022 19:49:23 GMT -5
Xalmann walked through the forest, a familiar scene before him. He had spent quite some time in this forest as he had assisted Granth. It had been some time since he'd last seen the man, and seeing the man was not his intention in this trip. He had heard that, yet again, a group of bandits was causing trouble here. He had already wiped out one group of them with the aid of a pale healer, but apparently they were not the only one. As he walked along, he suddenly spotted something else familiar, but this time far less expected and even less appreciated. Perrath, that coward who had turned tail and run on Mount Drakolt when that horrid beast emerged from the volcano. Honestly, his choice of action was understandable in the face of that monstrosity, but it still angered Xalmann that the Dragonkin had turned invisible and left him to deal with the thing alone. He drew his axe and dagger from his waist and glared at Perrath with disdain. He noted the man seemed significantly more armed than before, a heavy hammer in his hand that still had blood splattered across it along with some chunks of something. And he wasn't alone, but Xalmann did not recognize the new face. Quest Name: Raid the Raiders Chapter: Two Description: After dealing with the group of bandits you have learned that they belong to a group known as the Clasp, a group of bandits united under a single name. Who their leader is we do not know yet, but your encounter with them has allowed you to find one of their camps. We need you to go to this camp, deal with the six bandits staying there and find any clues that might help us determine who is leading them. Requirements: - Requires at least two people (you and one other, if the other participant does not qualify they will not gain the reward. ) - You must make at least 7 post to complete the mission with each post being at least 200 words - Must locate the bandit camp - Must deal with the 6 bandits - Must find clues to who their leader might be (do not actually find them) - Once you complete this mission you have completed this quest chain and may turn in the mission.
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Post by Perrath on Dec 1, 2022 23:52:38 GMT -5
Walking through the forest in silence with Akari, Perrath struggles not to ask the man cursed without speech many questions. In few instances does the dragon find himself inquiring about those he meets, but this man touched by Mother Moon has his curiosity. However, writing and walking, handing the notebook back and forth, that thought does not entertain him. So instead he speaks of himself, his deeds and victories, and his ambitions to be champion of his faith. He even finds himself speculating on how to restore the mute man's ability to speak.
Then, just when they're getting close to the camp or fort or whatever it actually is, Perrath sees red movement in the trees. He drops into a ready stance, gripping his hammer and pausing when he approaches as quietly as he can. Upon approach, it becomes evident who it is, and his body relaxes. "Ah, kin from the volcano!" A friendly smile spreads across his maw as if greeting an old friend. He completely disregards the threatening demeanor of the lizardfolk, turning to Akari. "Blessed Akari, this is Xalmund-"
"Xalmann."
"Xalmann, a kin I met upon a great flaming mountain some weeks ago. Together we made a narrow escape from a great beast that emerged from the magma. A skilled warrior, indeed." Perrath turns back to Xalmann. "Slip of the tongue. What brings you to the forest?"
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Post by Akari on Dec 2, 2022 21:17:15 GMT -5
Despite his inability to speak, Akari is actually a decent conversationalist, though not in the traditional sense. He listens to all that Perrath tells him attentively, nodding and looking suitably impressed at this escapades. He seems to enjoy the company, truthfully. Most of his travels since leaving home on his journey had been alone, in total silence. The jovial conversation seemed to brighten his mood, even if his eyes do dim a bit at the mention of restoring his voice.
That would not be possible, but he would not tell Perrath that just yet. He seemed to enjoy the mental exercise of trying to puzzle out a solution.
When Perrath drops into a ready stance, Akari prepares himself for a fight as well, his hand resting on the borrowed dagger on his hip, but it proves to be unnecessary. Well. Maybe it wouldn’t be necessary. Perrath recognize the… Red dragon man? Xalmund- No, Xalmann. Perrath recognizes Xalmann and introduces them.
Akari gives a small, polite bow when Perrath introduces him by name to Xalmann, something he is grateful for, as he would not be able to give his own name without some difficulty. Unless this other dragon-man happened to know some sign language. But that would, perhaps, he a touch too lucky for Akari.
Akari does take note that Xalmann seems to regard Perrath with some disdain, if the look on his face and weapons in his hands said anything. Hopefully this would not turn into a fight, that seemed like an unnecessary obstacle on their way to deal with those bandits and would, frankly, be a waste of their time and resources.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Dec 3, 2022 1:10:03 GMT -5
Xalmann narrowed his eyes at Perrath. So, he couldn't even remember Xalmann's name properly? And what did he mean they made a narrow escape together? The black Dragonkin had left Xalmann to die along with that idiot researcher, Stanley. He corrected Perrath's incorrect name fore the red Lizardman emotionlessly. Something like that wouldn't normally be something that bothers him, but it was just another twig tossed into the fire when it came to his anger at Perrath. Even Perrath's compliments toward the warrior were tinged with disrespect in Xalmann's mind.
He looked past Perrath to the man that had been introduced as Akari. They bowed in greeting. At least this person seemed respectful. Xalmann nodded back to Akari before looking at Perrath again.
"We are not kin. I am a Lizardman." he hissed with noticeable hostility in his voice.
He disliked the Dragonkin, but fighting him now would be a waste of time and energy while he had an objective to complete. Though, he was confident he could crush them in a battle. Perhaps it would be enjoyable to challenge him to a duel at some point, maybe after he was done here. For now though, he lowered his weapons slightly and took a deep breath.
"I am hunting bandits." he replied, much more calmly, his anger tamped down to a controllable level. He wouldn't let his anger be out of his control.
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Post by Perrath on Dec 4, 2022 5:33:28 GMT -5
How dare this insolent, red simulation of dragonkind turn down his niceties? To seem annoyed by it even? For Xalmund to turn down the honor of being called "kin" by a dragon sets a quiet, cold anger through Perrath's blood, but he keeps his smile. "What a coincidence," Perrath begins in a cool, collected, but unenthusiastic tone. "I happen to be doing the same with Akari here. He is blessed with the gifts of Mother Moon." He says this as some underhanded jab to insinuate that Akari is a better companion than Xalmehn. This is true, of course. Anyone with the gifts of the dark moon is a better partner than a lizardman. What lizardfolk refuses to be acknowledged as dragonkin? Perrath decides that since this seems to frustrate Zellman, he will continue to refer to him as kin. After all, Perrath has an additional ally this time to back him up should the lizard decide to take up arms against him.
"In fact, we come from a successful bandit hunt. Their camp isn't too much farther from here. Few things would bring me more joy than spilling their blood in this moment." What would bring him more joy is to pummel the reptile for his disrespect. In time, Perrath. In time.
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Post by Akari on Dec 6, 2022 18:51:01 GMT -5
Akari blinks when Xalmann denies being ‘kin’ with Perrath. Were they… Not related then? From the way Perrath had worded it, Akari was under the impression that they were perhaps cousins or something similar. Though he does not attempt to communicate his thoughts and questions, he cannot help but wonder what the difference between them is. There seems to be something in the way Xalmann declares ‘I am lizardman’, but were they not both lizard-men...? Were dragons not just large lizards?
Curious and confusing, but not really his problem at the moment.
He is drawn out of his internal musing when the topic of the bandits arises once again, and he nods in agreement with Perrath’s statement. Though he… Does not exactly know what Perrath means by ‘blessed by Mother Moon’. That was an odd way to refer to Lunala, one he had never heard before at least. And Akari was not quite sure that he was ‘blessed’.
Maybe Perrath said that of everyone who followed the Moon Goddess in some way. That would make some sense, he supposed.
Noticing an opening in the conversation, Akari perks ever so slightly and turns to dig in his bag, quickly pulling out his notepad.
’We do not know how many bandits await us. Would you care to join us, Xalmann, on our hunt?’
He presents the note to Xalmann, but his eyes are glancing at Perrath, almost as if he is wondering if this is okay for him to ask.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Dec 6, 2022 21:14:27 GMT -5
Xalmann didn't know who Mother Moon was, but Perrath's devotion to some godly figure just proved to be another thing that Xalmann could hate about the man. After the death of his tribesmen brought about by the god Dagon, he would never trust or worship another as long as he lived. Whatever gifts this Mother Moon offered, he didn't need them. Though Akari seemed a bit confused about this statement himself, even as the one with the supposed gifts. Maybe the Lizardman wasn't the only one that Perrath spouted false information about.
Xalmann took the note from Akari and took a look at it to find that it was writing. Xalmann honestly wasn't the most proficient reader. Not only did his tribe simply not read or write much in the first place, but the little they did write was mostly in the Lizardfolk language. But Xalmann really didn't want to admit in front of the annoying Dragonkin man that he couldn't read the note. He felt like Perrath would use this against him, but he didn't have much choice other than just ignoring Akari's note entirely. He just had to accept whatever rude remarks the Dragonkin had for him.
"Read it for me." he said emotionlessly, and handed the note to Perrath, trying not to reveal any of his embarrassment.
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Post by Perrath on Dec 7, 2022 22:35:03 GMT -5
Read it for him? Read it for him?! Does the lizardman find himself too good to read and respond to the silence-cursed Akari? Is he being petty for petty's sake? Perrath snorts in annoyance and looks at the paper then at Xalmann again. Some nerve he has, being rude to one blessed by Mother Moon's gifts. So he challenges the lizardfolk. "Don't you consider it rude not to engage in conversation with someone you've only just met?" he asks.
Finally, he snatches it back and reads in a regal voice, like a squire presenting a knight. "Akari invites you to join us in our slaughter of bandits." Then his expression and tone drop as he hands the notebook back to Akari. "But if you find yourself too above this heroic task, feel free to continue about your business, and we will continue about ours. I anticipate some rewards and riches, but I'm happy enough to split the prize in two rather than three."
Hefting his much too heavy hammer over his shoulder, Perrath looks at Akari. "Come. We have no use for those who don't respect you enough to read your words themselves." Then he starts walking in the direction of the camp once again.
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Post by Akari on Dec 8, 2022 23:15:05 GMT -5
Perrath’s sudden anger seems to catch Akari off guard, much as Xalmann’s refusal to read his note surprises him. There’s something off about this situation, though at first Akari cannot puzzle out what it may be. True, Xalmann did not seem to like Perrath, but Akari was sure he’d done nothing to offend Xalmann to the point of doing something so petty as refusing to read his words. Was merely traveling with someone Xalmann disliked enough to warrant such a reaction? That seemed odd, and perhaps a bit over the top in terms of pettiness…
So if it wasn’t a refusal, then maybe…
Akari tugs gently on Perrath’s arm to prevent him from walking away. He looks between Perrath and Xalmann for a moment before he scribbles down a new note that he quickly shows to the dragonkin man.
‘Are you sure he is doing this out of disrespect? What if he cannot read what I have written?’
Of course, Perrath must know this Lizardkin far better than Akari would, so if he truly believed that Xalmann was simply disrespecting them both, then Akari would walk away with him. But something in Akari’s gut told him that there was a misunderstanding happening here. If that was the case, Akari would do his best to rectify the situation. Though he was not very good with people, the least he could do was try.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Dec 8, 2022 23:34:19 GMT -5
Xalmann was surprised by just how skilled Perrath was at jumping to conclusions. Did he really believe that the Lizardman was being petty, or was this just some strange way of insulting him, possibly an attempt to get away from him. Xalmann didn't care much about others' opinions of him, so he didn't mind the Dragonkin thinking badly of him. He had nothing against Akari, but him having a negative impression of the Lizardman was also acceptable.
However, if Perrath was trying to run away from him now with this as an excuse, he didn't want to allow it. And besides, their interests in defeating the bandits aligned. It would be easier to do so with allies. Though he wasn't sure he trusted at least one of these allies. He could also possibly witness some of the Dragonkin's fighting skills since he hadn't been able to see much while they fled the volcanic abomination. It seemed to be in his best interest to join them.
Xalmann stepped forward and placed a hand on Akari's shoulder as Akari handed another note to Perrath. He silently hoped that note wasn't about him and spoke.
"I accept." he said simply. "I will join you."
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Post by Perrath on Dec 10, 2022 2:11:34 GMT -5
With Akari's tug of his arm, Perrath pauses and looks at the mute with a raised brow ridge and a skeptical look on his face. Then he watches his new companion scribbling more writing, and to his surprise, he suggests the lizardfolk can't read? His nostrils twitch, his lip threatening to curl up - whether in disgust or amusement is left to be determined. A thoughtful look crosses the dragon's face. Interesting dilemma. Does he admit he was wrong to make accusations or does he simply let this brush off his shoulders? Xalmoon could be a useful ally in defeating the bandits. Having an additional hand means that the ill-equipped Akari and Perrath himself wouldn't risk themselves as much.
Self-preservation wins.
But spite persists.
"Fine, lizardman," Perrath says in a relenting tone, turning to look at Xalmond. "You may join us, but if you won't communicate by Akari's means, then you should provide a solution. How will you communicate with my friend cursed with silence? It's important to work together on dangerous missions such as this." If his hands were free, he would cross his arms, but instead, he situates one clawed hand on his hip. It's a surprisingly sassy pose for an imposing draconic figure such as he, and his tail swishes in the grass behind him giving away his agitation.
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Post by Akari on Dec 12, 2022 23:19:28 GMT -5
“It's important to work together on dangerous missions such as this." Though the rest of the sentences that come before that one make Akari wince a bit, the last part is a sentiment he can agree with wholeheartedly. Truth be told, Akari was not one who often worked with others because of his issues with communication.
And his… general disposition, but that was neither here nor there.
…
And his goals in general.
And–
Getting back on point, Akari looks to Xalmann, studying him for a moment. He tries to figure out a way to mime to the lizardman that he will follow his lead, but cannot figure out a way that would be easily understandable. So, in the end, he simply shrugs and gestures to Xalmann to lead the way. Hopefully that would make sense to him…
It would likely make sense in general for Akari to allow Xalmann and Perrath to call the shots. Akari knew little of the area they were in- A fact demonstrated by how easily he got lost and then subsequently kidnapped. Akari did well in situations where he had easy, clear goals to achieve anyway.
Point him in the direction of a target, and he would hit it. Give him something to kill, and it would be dead. All he needed was for these two to help him get to the bandits, and he’d be fine from that point on, even if neither of them could really understand him.
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Post by Xalmann Dakarr on Dec 13, 2022 3:13:28 GMT -5
Xalmann narrowed his eyes as Perrath. This guy just oozed spite and agitation. He clearly wasn't actually interested in helping communications between Xalmann and Akari, he was just being difficult. Even if Xalmann couldn't read, he could communicate silently with his tribesmen easily. He looked at Akari and saw them trying in vain to signal something with their hands. Of course, he knew exactly how he could communicate with the mute man and it was much more efficient that passing notes.
"Hmph. Fine. Repeat my signals." he said, standing in front of Perrath and Akari. He didn't want to show these to that annoying dragonkin, but he guessed they'd have a fit if he refused to, and him knowing would help Akari communicate with both of his companions on this mission, so he accepted it. Besides, it wasn't as if he needed to keep them a secret. He hadn't used them since the night of the fire and doubted any other survivors would truly care.
"Enemy." Xalmann recited emotionlessly as he placed his left hand on the inside of his right elbow. This was the hand signal in his tribe for silently conveying that an enemy had been spotted.
"One. Two. Three. Four. Five." Xalmann showed, holding up just his index finger, then middle finger, ring finger, pinky finger, and thumb in order. Then showed holding up all his fingers while touching his pinky to his thumb. "Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten." His thumb connected with each finger and then holding up only his thumb while rotating his hand back and forth for a moment in order to show the signal for each number on one hand. Xalmann didn't think they would need to go past ten for now, so moved on.
His lesson continued, waiting until Akari had repeated his hand signal before moving onto the next each time. He showed the signals for different weapons the enemy might carrying, sword, dagger, bow, crossbow, spear, axe, and shield. He also showed a signal that meant the enemy was alert and a signal that meant they were asleep.
Xalmann then taught signals for go, stop, wait, hide, come, retreat, an entrance, and attack. Just to be safe, he also included the signal for I understand and I do not understand. It was obvious that these signals were entirely focused on combat. They had come from his tribe's tradition of raiding travelers as they passed through the marsh flats.
The last signal that Xalmann demonstrated was crossing his index and middle finger and pointing them at Perrath. He explained what the signal meant, but spoke the Lizardfolk language as he did so.
"Good?" Xalmann asked, crossing his arms in front of him as he glared at Perrath.
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Post by Perrath on Dec 17, 2022 3:05:56 GMT -5
To Perrath's genuine surprise, the lizardman has an entire gestural vocabulary in order to communicate. It's clear the red reptile has plenty of battle experience given his build, weapons, and seeming experience. Interesting how well-versed he is in these hand signals. Perhaps he does battle with others often. That will pose helpful here given that they will truly be working together for the first time, and they have no idea how many enemies they'll be facing in this camp.
The last gesture doesn't receive an explanation, just a delayed, "Good?" That's a bizarre way to communicate with someone asking if things are alright with them, but being that Xalmunn's well-being might rely on Akari being an effective communicator, he decides to take this at face value. Deciding to test it out, Perrath crosses his two fingers and points at Akari, the question, "Are you well? Does this work for you?" written on his face.
Then he turns the gesture toward Xalmund with a somewhat confident nod. This would work for them. His hand drops back to his hip. "This will work fine," he says as flatly as possible to avoid showing any genuine appreciation for the abrasive and irritating lizardfolk.
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Post by Akari on Dec 18, 2022 20:29:35 GMT -5
At first, Akari is confused when Xalmann stands in front of him and instructs him to repeat his signals. But when Xalmann showed him the first, the signal for enemy, Akari’s eyes light up with understanding and he is quick to repeat.
He’s an attentive student, one who watches Xalmann intently and is careful to be precise as he repeats the symbols back to him. They were simple symbols, the basics they would need in an emergency situation but Akari clearly takes learning them seriously, just the concentrated, solemn look on his face as he practices is enough to show that.
Akari proves to be a quick study, and it isn’t long before he is reliably able to repeat the signals back to Xalmann. The young man was not sure who else besides the Lizardfolk would understand these, but Akari would remember them anyway.
Most people didn’t really view hand signs as language, but without any other way to communicate, Akari did. And being taught a language was an honor Akari would do his best to be deserving of.
‘I understand.’ He repeats the symbol Xalmann showed him, but this time instead of just practicing he is clearly signaling his competence.
Then he notices Perrath looking at him, clearly a bit worried, but there is no need for that. Akari nods in response to his unspoken question.
He even smiles a little bit. Clearly pleased to have learned something new and useful for him. He was touched even by the consideration Xalmann took in taking the time to teach him just so they could work together.
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