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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 4, 2023 20:58:51 GMT -5
Korsur had received notice from a noble friend of his in Eclipse City that he was in need of aid in reaching Starlight City. Normally, the noble would already have plenty of escorts at the ready, but these trying times have pulled his workers from one crisis to the next. And on top of that, the journey was an arduous one. The Eclipse jungle was a feat within itself to traverse, but that didn't compare to the horrors of Shadewood with its dangerous creatures and suspicious individuals lurking beneath the shadows. Korsur would do almost anything to keep a high standing among the nobility, and thus he accepted this lowly task.
The noble in question stated in his message that they would meet before the White Walled Castle on this day and at this time. He stated that he would meet his escorts (plural) in front of the castle while on his noble steed. One detail that befuddled Korsur was at the mention of meeting more than one escort. Who else did he call upon for help? Am I not enough? he thought grimly to himself. Speculation wouldn't be productive, and so he decided to wait until someone else showed up.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 4, 2023 21:17:25 GMT -5
Many days of travel had brought Socket across the Marshflats, through the wilds and into Eclipse City. Receiving the job to accommodate a noble as their escort was unusual, as the elite of this world often hired their own company of soldiers for such tasks. According to the letter they'd received, this noble had their men tied up in other incidents and emergencies. The construct made their way through the city, wanting to show up early and gather as much information about the task ahead as possible. The letter mentioned at least one other contracted individual, and they pondered what that person might be like.
"Before the White Walled Castle" was an apt statement from the letter, great stones had been hewn from quarries to build a thick, sturdy wall to protect the manor in question. The gleaming, polished walls must take a small army of people to tend and garrison thought the automaton. Making good time through the city proper hadn't been difficult, but there were more than a few hiccups getting this far that had made Socket wonder if they'd be able to get here on the designated day, at the right time.
Approaching the lavish, iron banded gate house, they gave the guardsmen the letter. Instructed to wait at the gatehouse, all they could do now was keep watch and wait for the other parties to arrive.
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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 5, 2023 9:44:16 GMT -5
Korsur was not a patient man, especially with those who were tardy. The noble in question was late to his own escort party, how uncouth. He was so distraught by this, that he barely noticed the construct's arrival.
Alas, the gates parted and our esteemed noble finally decided to show up on horseback, smiling down at the elf. How humiliating.
"Greetings, my good friends!" announced the noble as he and his silver mare trotted past Korsur and the other escort, which he'd finally taken notice of. A machined individual; something you don't see very often.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, my esteemed friend," said Korsur in his most diplomatic voice as he nodded to his employer for this journey.
"Have you introduced yourselves to one another?" asked the noble as he turned his horse around to face the two escorts. Judging by the silence that followed, it seemed he expected the two to make introductions right there and then.
"Korsur Dradaal," stated the elf importantly as he faced his colleague. "Pleased to meet you."
After the introductions, the elven noble smiled, a giddy expression on his face. It was quite evident that the royal didn't realize what an arduous journey this would be. Hopefully, he won't cause the escorts too much trouble.
"Shall we commence?" announced his employer, as he began to head in the wrong direction. Korsur sighed deeply, regretting ever having met this man in the first place.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 6, 2023 1:26:20 GMT -5
"Greetings, I am Kosoku, though most call me Socket. Let's have a swift and safe journey." Said the construct, looking about between the small traveling group.
"Perhaps Korsur, you could guide our charge along their path and stick close? I have some skill as a scout and lookout and work best when mobility is paramount." Noting the nobleman had already wandered off in the wrong direction. Socket looked about, 'ears' actively searching for unusual noises or approaching threats. Not one for waiting around, the automaton hopped up into the branches of the trees and surveyed the path ahead for a good distance before moving forward. Escorting others was perhaps one of the least manageable tasks to take on. Their skills weren't suited to protecting others in most cases, scouting, hunting and rapid aggression were their forte.
Dropping from a branch about halfway up the tree, Socket signaled the all clear and moved ahead along the road between cities. It would be unfortunate, after a string of recently successful excursions, to be inattentive and fail this one. The automaton took every precaution they could, including a long rest and plenty of maintenance and supplies just before leaving out on this journey. The distance wasn't the enemy of their journey on this outing, but rather the amount of time they'd be out in the open and exposed to the less than pleasant individuals who'd like to make their living taking from others.
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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 7, 2023 21:14:58 GMT -5
As the noble began to trot in the wrong direction, Korsur nodded at Socket's suggestion. "That's a fine plan, Socket," the man started. "I'll lead the way and you'll do... what you do best." Korsur was unsure of what his colleague really meant by scouting. That was until he witnessed the automaton leaping into the tree with such grace and precision. How fascinating, and rather helpful too.
Speaking of being helpful, Korsur realized he needed to guide the noble in the right direction. "Sir!" he exclaimed with a booming voice, which caught their client's attention.
"What is the matter, my friend?" the noble asked, seemingly confused.
"I'm terribly sorry, but I must redirect you to the correct path," Korsur explained as he pointed to the opposite direction the noble was going. "Just follow me and I assure you, we'll get you to the crescent isles in no time." Korsur began to walk toward their destination and listened for hoof steps following him, and they eventually did. Now they were finally on their way.
Looking up into the trees, he could see Socket making their way from one branch to another until they turned to look in his direction and offered what looked like a clear signal. Korsur nodded and kept his focus on the road. This was the easy part, the danger comes later when they have to cross that forest.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 8, 2023 9:04:48 GMT -5
Setting out early in the morning, most of the road was clear. Other than a few stragglers, the group proceeded mostly unhindered for a good while across the open road. Sparse trees, short grass and scruffy bushes didn't offer much in the way of cover for the first bit of their journey. Socket stayed ahead of the group, taking up a high vantage to keep watch both on their way, and following. They dropped from another tree, this one less grand and overgrown with lichens, moss and vines that made homes upon the gnarled and scarred bark.
Approaching the woodlands, Socket grew more cautious. Sight lines along the road had been a joy so far, but they would grow increasingly difficult in this thick growth of trees and shrubbery. It would be a fine place for an ambush, shakedown, or other forms of surprise attack. After sweeping the area several times, Korsur and the nobleman caught up.
"A word of caution, the woods do not afford us good visibility. Should I come across a threat along the path, look for a bright, blue glow, listen for the sound of thunder and lightning... either is a signal for danger, both is a signal that danger has found me and I'll be trying to lead it away." Stated the construct calmly, confident that the winds would carry them through any danger. 'Ears' on a swivel, the automaton bounded off into the trees, silently working their way forward towards the city.
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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 9, 2023 19:05:20 GMT -5
Their journey was going smoothly thus far. There wasn't much cover for anyone to ambush the group so nothing bad really happened. But that would change once they arrived to the edge of the forest they needed to cross to get to the crescent isles. Luckily, Socket seemed more than eager to start ahead and shape out a safe passage for the group. Korsur nodded at the automaton's declarations and proceeded cautiously with the nobleman in tow.
"Surely we won't come across any danger, right?" The noble shivered as he spoke. Did he think this would be a walk in the park? Was he serious? "Let us hope we don't," Korsur replied coarsely as he trudged on. So far, no danger signal from Socket yet. That's the best everyone could hope for.
Leaving in the early morning allowed the group to take advantage of the daylight for as long as they could, meaning they were well illuminated at the moment. But as time went on, the darkness threatened to make itself known. Hopefully, they would be out of the forest before nightfall. Korsur prayed under his breath for luck to favour them. Unfortunately, that may not be the case. A distant shrieking sound came from behind them.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 9, 2023 23:15:42 GMT -5
Catching a branch overhead, the construct halted at the sound. Looking back, a disheveled woman raced up the road, carrying something cumbersome and pursued by figures even more difficult to make out.
"Time to hide good ser, take some cover. That cannot be good news." Socket called down from above. The construct raced toward the group, spotting a pack of Slaadi chasing an older human lady carrying two children. These giant toads were dangerous in large numbers and could even pose threat to small villages in low numbers. A few could handily dispatch the untrained and under geared, and commoners feared the vicious and torturous ways they chose to live.
Dropping from the trees in front of the frightened woman probably wasn't the wisest decision from her perspective, but Socket needed to understand the situation fully. Her clothes were spattered in blood, though it didn't seem to be hers. The children she cradled were of age to afford to walk, but not to flee from the hopping terror of the Slaad group on their tail.
"What happened miss?"
"Dem toads, dey killed my boys... tryin to kill me now..."
"Keep moving up the trail, you'll meet another further along this path... I'll slow them down."
Breathing heavily, she heaved herself up and moving again. Much longer and she would be spent, facing the same fate as those who'd protected them. Socket stepped forward, arcs of electricity dancing across their panels and seams. A bright glow warned Korsur and the nobleman there was trouble. Summoning the pillars of Lightning Lure across the path, the construct made ready to engage the closing group of Slaadi.
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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 11, 2023 13:24:06 GMT -5
Korsur urged the noble off the path and into the undergrowth where he could remain hidden just as Socket issued their warning. He pressed a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture with the hopes that the nobleman won't make a sound. He seemed too petrified to do so anyway, so it worked out.
Upon seeing Socket's signal of danger, Korsur made his way into a shadow and emerged out of it barely visible as his cloak of shadows came into effect, hiding the sun elf from those seeking him out[1]. As he approached the commotion, he could see the poor woman fleeing the scene. She was likely the source of the scream, though he had yet to learn the reasoning behind it.
Slinking in the shadows of the undergrowth, he eventually spotted Socket, standing ready for a fight. In his peripheral, Korsur finally spotted the danger. A group of Slaadi were closing in on the construct. The sun elf waited just a moment longer to issue a surprise assault on the creatures. At just the right moment, Korsur aimed an attack at the Slaad in the front of the group. A beam of purple coloration shot out from his hands and struck the toad-like creature on his back, causing a multitude of small cuts[2]. The slaad expressed its pain in an angry sort of croaking sound before turning to face his aggressor. The creature couldn't yet see who had struck him, but it wouldn't be long before he did.
[1] Cloak of shadows [2] Inflict wounds
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 12, 2023 16:04:22 GMT -5
Seeing one of the Slaad get distracted, Socket leaped at the opportunity presented. Activating Bullet Dash, arcs of lightning chased after the automaton as a rolling wave of thunder followed the path taken. Now in the midst of the patrolling group, the construct upended the tallest member of the group. With a speckled pattern and lankier than the others, it carried some form of wicked looking throwing spears and looked to be the most immediate threat to their charge. A sweep of it's legs followed by an open palm strike to it's elongated torso left the beast choking for breath and stunned on the floor.
'Must have been Korsur, that was a fine moment for a distraction indeed. They're skilled, to say the least. now on to the rest of this patrol...' thought the automaton, examining the situation at hand as the group began to recover from the shocking surprise. A day of easy prey suddenly interrupted had enraged the largest pair, their thick warty hides corded with heavy muscles and ending in webbed limbs with sharp claws. Certain members were even known to spit or spray poisons and acids, though like the thrower, usually had vibrant markings and unique physique.
Using Cat's Grace, the construct managed to keep out of the claws of the toads and spread the group out. Socket's next goal was to get the group caught in the 'net' that Lightning Lure would create when it's secondary effect was activated. The first Slaad hit was still searching blindly in the dark, it's partner on the opposite side stood confused. Five in total, how lovely thought the construct who was busy hopping over the assaulting pair of brutes.
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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 17, 2023 22:14:28 GMT -5
Worried that his cover was blown from his surprise attack, Socket came in just in time to knock the offending Slaad on the ground, stunned and immobile. For someone he'd just met not too long ago, the pair fought well together.
But now it was important to figure out what to do next. The construct seemed to be separating each Slaad from one another, spreading the group of five out. Though Korsur didn't know exactly what his companion had in mind, he figured he could aid in ensuring the offending individuals remain spread out.
Taking advantage of the shadows from the trees, Korsur continued to slink in the darkness, circling the group. Anyone who tried to approach Socket would immediately get struck by Korsur's beam of pain, making them turn around furiously in search of the perpetrator.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 18, 2023 2:40:37 GMT -5
The group of toadmen spread out, each keeping their distance until they'd surrounded the automaton. Another moment, the construct seemed to be hesitating as they closed in from all sides. When the Slaadi group were almost in reach, five pillars of electricity appeared behind each of the toads. The sparking field they created lapped at their scaly flesh, sending spasms through their muscles and nervous system. Socket turned to the largest of the group, stared into it's large eyes and made a small gesture with their hands.
The pillars collapsed, creating a bright flash that filled the surrounding area with blinding light and the sharp crack of thunder. Each pillar became a beam of lightning that passed through the group of Slaad to dance across Socket's outer plating. They all fell in unison, scorch marks and Lichtenburg patterns appeared on their flesh from the powerful currents passed through their bodies.
Not wanting to leave the grisly scene laying in the road, Socket used Gust Thrust to push the fried mass of toads off into the woods. Nature would handle the rest, and the scavengers would have a hearty meal in store. Brushing themselves off, the automaton headed back up the road to meet up with Korsur and company to see the rest of the escort through.
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Post by Korsur Dradaal on Mar 23, 2023 22:09:50 GMT -5
This was a most unsightly event. Socket looked to be completely cornered by the five monsters until suddenly exactly five beams of fatal electricity coursed through their enemies until they flopped down, motionless. All you could see were five lumps of charred flesh that still seemed to buzz with electricity.
Korsur's cloak of darkness slipped away as he began making his way back to the noble; no need to hide now, thought the elf. A sudden strong gust of wind came and went in an instant, taking Korsur by surprise. Looking behind him, he could no longer see the dead bodies of those toad creatures. Guess Socket took care of that. What a frightening ability. Very powerful and exciting.
The nobleman, still sitting on horseback, clutched the mane of his equestrian mount while sobbing uncontrollably. He seemed absolutely terrified and scarred, unable to string together a cohesive sentence. Korsur let out a deep sigh before turning to look at Socket who'd eventually joined the pair. "Excellent work out there," praised Korsur sincerely. They seemed ready to push forward and complete their journey, and that they did.
The horrid sounds of their prior fight probably scared off any other menacing creature in their vicinity, thus the rest of their trip went smoothly. Once upon the crescent isles, the nobleman eventually pulled himself together and thanked his escorts with a generous sum of currency. With one last wave, the three travelers parted ways as if they'd never met in the first place.
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