Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
1
Renown
Male
Frostgale
17 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Baron V. Gubb on Apr 12, 2023 17:17:04 GMT -5
Gubb was very use to all of the stares they were receiving, crowds of locals stopping to notice the tiny two foot white frog trodding along through the Pale city. The small Ribbinynh was wearing a maroon buttoned up vest with a black trench coat on, a red scarf around their neck and a small black top head resting on their froggy head. They had come to town to resupply, buying various goods for the house like tea, wine, little crickets, the good stuff. Visiting the pale city was always an exciting experience, even if they constantly got looked at, they enjoyed the attention, after all what point was there in wearing fancy clothes if no one looked at you right?
Shopping was going pretty well, having already bought a new pair of slippers, the little Ribbinynh continued their journey, moving from store to store. It was a rather warm day, much warmer than what the north was use to, and the locals used this break from the harsh cold to enjoy their days, shopping around, playing in the fields, building lizardfolk out of snow. It was a nice sight to see, considering how rare it was for this area of the world. Most of the time people were hurrying from building to building to avoid the cold, grumpy sour looks on their faces.
Gubb just left the cheese store, making his way into the center square, when a light rumble moved through the earth. It jolted the tiny creature, causing them, as well as everyone one else in the street to freeze. The tremors only lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to catch everyone's attention. What had caused that rumble? Was it possible a giant worm had gotten this close to the city? Gubb shrugged, fixing his top hat and heading back out into the street, paying no care at all to the slight disturbance.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
315 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Apr 12, 2023 19:26:32 GMT -5
A tiny tremor in the earth meant nothing to a woman as big as Ak’ka. She almost missed it, too - wouldn’t have noticed if it weren’t for the looks of fear on the faces of the few folks that were hanging around in the town square. Usually, people in the city were so damn miserable they didn’t bother stoppin’ while they ran from store to store with their heads pointed to the ground. The cold didn’t bother Ak’ka any. She usually wandered around the streets at an unbothered pace, whenever she didn’t have somewhere to be - so she noticed when folks were acting different than usual.
She was just minding her own business, bored between jobs - her last one had been a protection detail for some noble rat fleeing Sol City, which had net her a pretty damn good amount of coin. She was sitting pretty, waiting for the next gig…
And she was really, really bored.
The shaking earth only lasted a couple of seconds - so fast that by the time Ak’ka noticed something was wrong it was already over. Ak’ka stopped walking in the middle of the street, frowning. That was weird. Frostgale didn’t usually get many earthquakes. Just a metric fuckton of blizzards. Something strange was going on…
Whatever. Not my problem.
With a shrug, she set off through the street.
Unfortunately for anyone else that was minding their own business, Ak’ka was pretty damn tall - big and bulky enough that she wouldn’t notice anything small getting underfoot. Something as small as a little fancy-dressed bipedal frog man accidentally getting in her way.
She nearly punted the poor guy into the air before Ak’ka caught herself, stopping in her tracks to stop from barreling into the little man.
“Whoops. Sorry ‘bout that, little dude.”
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
1
Renown
Male
Frostgale
17 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Baron V. Gubb on Apr 13, 2023 16:00:04 GMT -5
Despite being much shorter than the majority of residents in the city, Gubb was not one to watch where they were going, and instead just day dreamed, zoning off into space, thinking about the glazed scones waiting for them back home. They were of the mind that it was other peoples responsibility to watch their step and get out of the way when they were approaching, Gubb was incredibly vane and thought it was beneath them to step aside for others. So as both individuals walked right at each other, neither of them noticed the other.
Disaster was only seconds away, the large, bulky woman catching herself mere moments before launching the tiny frog airborne. Her size versus Gubb's meant if she had walked into them it was all over. Luckily for the white frog however, they both noticed last minute, giving them enough time to side hop out of the way. The orcish woman was already offering a kind apology when Gubb snapped his tiny head upwards, ready to chew whoever this person was out, giving them a piece of their mind. However as their beady red eyes laid upon the person, Gubb could not help but be baffled, almost stunned.
"My what a specimen who are, Lunala be damned you're a big woman! It is clearly my fault for not watching my step, no apologies needed Madam."
Gubb gave a little bow, one hand on their tummy while the other held the rim of their top hat. They were laying it on thick, and was amazed at how strong this person looked. They were always in the market for new allies, and having someone this intimidating on the pay roll would allow a few more doors to open for the Baron.
"I wager you have no issues in a scrap huh, got a nice right hook do ya?"
Gubb began to bounce in place, throwing imaginary punches as if mimicking a boxer. They still had no idea who this woman was or what she was capable of, but they did know they wanted her on their side.
"Oh my, I have forgotten my manners. I am Baron V. Gubb, at your pleasure. Might I inquire your name?"
Both individuals still remained in the middle of the street, random citizens back to their business as yet another tremor vibrated through the city, this one much stronger and much more noticeable than the one before. Gubb rocked once more from side to side, unintentionally this time as the little thing tried their best not to fall over.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
315 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Apr 14, 2023 17:01:41 GMT -5
Ak’ka was used to people spittin’ insults at her when she nearly rammed into them. For someone of her monumental size and stature, she usually wasn’t considerate of other people when she moved. Mostly she just heard folks mutter shit like 'move, brute' as they passed, annoyed by her but too chickenshit to say it to her face. Even from a little fella as small as the frog folk at her feet, she was ready for them to hurl some kinda harsh word or shake their fist at her. Didn’t bother her any - just the way life was.
But then the fancy guy dipped into a low bow, tipping their top at at her like a lord bowing to a lady. Ak’ka’s brows rose as they talked about her size, soundin’ more surprised than angry.
“… Thanks.” They weren’t lying - she was pretty damn big. And good in a scrap, even though she’d never heard someone call a fight that before. Ak’ka crossed her arms, staring down at the little guy.
“You’re pretty tiny yourself. I shoulda been watchin’ out, too. If I wasn’t careful I coulda kicked you into the sun. Or squished you.” She huffed out a laugh with a puff of cold air from her nose. “You could say I throw a pretty mean right hook, yeah.”
She raised her right arm, where it had almost completely disappeared right above the elbow, leaving behind only bone reinforced by ice.[1] Looked pretty sturdy, even if losin’ the flesh on it had hurt pretty damn bad. Not that she’d ever admit that.
Ak’ka’s lips split into a toothy grin when the little guy started shadow boxing, hoppin’ around back and forth like they were begging for a fight. Okay, she had to admit. The little fella was pretty damn cute. While they were busy endearing themselves to the mercenary, Ak’ka was already pretty fuckin’ charmed. Little did they know she secretly had a soft spot for cute animalfolk.
“Smooth moves there, slick.”
Then they started going on about manners and all that, before finally giving them her name. Baron V. Gubb, huh? Sounded all fancy like.
Ak’ka shifted her weight from foot to foot, snow crunching under her boots as she did.
“You some kinda lord or something?” She actually sounded pretty impressed at that. “Name’s Ak’ka. Folks ‘round here call me the Bonegrinder. My enemies probably would too, if they weren’t too busy screaming in pain.”
Probably not the most polite thing to say to a lord or whatever, but before either of them had the chance to say anything else another earthquake, more violent than the last one, started shaking the earth. Ak’ka held her ground, but the Baron didn’t seem to be doin’ real well. They almost fell over before Ak’ka picked them up by the scruff of their coat and scarf, holding her in the air.
“Whoa there, you alright?” She held him steady, lookin’ around her. Other folks weren’t farin’ too well as the earth shook like a dog, getting snow from rafters everywhere. There was a loud CRASH somewhere in the distance - some screams - Ak’ka couldn’t tell what it was.
Still holding onto the Baron, the half-orc’s eyes narrowed while the earth died down again. It was still, but who knew how long that would last?
“… The fuck was that?” 1. Durabone Arm Graft
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
1
Renown
Male
Frostgale
17 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Baron V. Gubb on Apr 18, 2023 18:58:00 GMT -5
Gubb's tiny frame was easily hoisted into the air by Ak'ka, their tiny white frog legs dangling beneath them as the earth rumbled for a moment more before finally settling back down. Normally the vampire would not have let anyone touch them, let alone lift them into the air, and while they considered this an insult in any normal situation, something about the brute made it alright, even if it was just the fear of getting popped. Still hanging in the air, Gubb brushed off their coat, made sure their top hat was still in place and offered a rather awkward smile.
"Just as I thought, your strength is staggering! You yoinked me right off the ground like I was nothing! Impressive. As for these tremors, I have no clue what is occurring, but I am far less concerned now that I have had the pleasure to meet the Great Bonegrinder!"
The white frog did a little clap, excited to have bumped into someone such as this. Being a tiny dead frog in Charon was dangerous, so having someone like this on their side was always a plus, and Gubb was always in the market for new accomplices. Deep down they actually hoped that whatever this disturbance was, it was dangerous, giving Gubb a chance to see Ak'ka in action. Just as the thought entered their tiny brain the ground started shaking again, as if their prayers had been answered. It started light, a few stones rumbling from side to side, but in a matter of seconds, the entire section of the city was shaking. Screams and cries filled the air as a red glow filled the sky just a few blocks down the road. The sound of crunching stone and shattering buildings echoed behind the screams, a massive fissure now splitting down the middle of the city, running through streets and residential areas.
Gubb had no idea what was happening behind them, still being held by Ak'ka, the frog was facing the opposite direction. While the shakes and screams gave enough away, Gubb was clueless on what exactly was going on. Their awkward smile turned into a scowl.
"What in the bloody divines was that!"
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
315 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Apr 22, 2023 21:50:42 GMT -5
Ak’ka huffed at the Baron’s compliments. They sure were layin’ it on thick - wasn’t like they were even all that heavy. Picking them up was roughly the same as hoisting up a bag of rations. The compliments were a bit much though. They probably wanted something from her… probably a job. That was what most folks wanted. She guessed she couldn’t blame him.
It wasn’t overconfidence for Ak’ka to say that she was one of the strongest out there. If Baron Gubb needed shit taken care of, he could do far worse than the Bonegrinder. ‘Course, that wasn’t important at the moment, not with the ground shaking all around them. Before she could set the frog back down, though, the ground started shaking again.
But there was something different about this one. It started small, shaking the cobblestone under Ak’ka’s boots, not enough to throw her off guard. But then it started getting bigger, ‘till the buildings all around them were wobbling from side to side - and behind Gubb, an awful CRACK sounded through the air before the sky started to turn red.
Gubb couldn’t see what the hell was going on, but Ak’ka had a front row seat to everything. The people running and screaming like an axe murderer was after them, and this weird, simmering kind of heat in the air, melting the snow on the surrounding rooftops.
Oh, hell.
Looked like this was gonna be Ak’ka’s problem after all.
Exactly what she’d be able to do about the earth breaking apart, Ak’ka didn’t know. But she damn well had to try something.
“Looks like we’re goin’ for a ride, little dude.” Ak’ka said, putting the baron on her shoulder before sprinting in the direction of the earthquake. It didn’t occur to her that she should probably drop Gubb off before running into the action. They were just a little guy, didn’t need to be involved in trouble. But she was a woman of action, not thought. Besides, if they found themselves in danger, she’d just rescue them. It was the duty of the strong to protect the weak, after all.
As she ran, the bottom of her boots frosted over in a thin layer of ice, propelling her even faster to the scene of mass destruction.[1] 1. Frozen Feet
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
1
Renown
Male
Frostgale
17 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Baron V. Gubb on Dec 1, 2023 11:38:29 GMT -5
It was apparent that something had occurred, the sounds behind them now accompanied by the shift in Ak'ka's facial expressions, which was Gubb's only insight into the occurrence. The little frog was beginning to well up inside, excitement building at the thought of a huge event taking place, even if it was catastrophic for most involved. They began to vibrate, shaking with excitement as the giant hoisted the tiny frog further into the air before plopping them down on her shoulders. It was not the first time they had gone for a ride on the shoulders of someone much taller, and quite enjoyed each time it happened.
Now with a clear vantage point, the entire scene came into view. Buildings had already begun to shake and crumble, walls toppling over and crashing into the streets. Crowds of people flocked towards them, and away from the city center, where most of the commotion seemed to be coming from. While most sane people would flee in a situation like this, not knowing the full extent of the danger, but Gubb was an eager vampire and enjoyed the excitement life threatening situations offered. It seemed their massive companion shared this sentiment, now sprinting towards the commotion instead of away from it.
"There appears to be a massive hole ripping the earth a part! How exciting!"
Another tiny clap came from Gubb, their red eyes now filling with the glow of fire roaring in the distant. A fissure had formed and was now spewing magma, coating many of the nearby construction in the gooey, flaming material. The majority of the civilians had managed to flee the initial area, but a few still remained trapped in buildings and under debris. Gubb was never that useful in crisis like this, having no real tools at his disposal, but enjoyed the chaos none the less. What they were even more eager for was Ak'ka, and what they would decide to do, offering to fan the flames a bit, leaning down and addressing the now sprinting behemoth.
"So mighty Bonegrinder, what course of action do you suggest?
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
315 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Dec 2, 2023 13:07:20 GMT -5
The hulking, half-orc warrior was no stranger to danger. She relished it, really - loved it back when she was a tribe leader, and loved it now that she was a merc. There was a saying in her home, that warriors only lived in the culmination of battles they fought, the instances where the Battlesong pumped in their heart, and existed in the eternity that stretched between. Right now, she and Gubb were both strung along by the same anticipation, not that she would’a known it. She felt the little dude shaking and could only assume it was fear. “Hold tight to me, bud.” She growled, voice low in her throat. Her heart was already pumpkin’ in her ears, roaring in her chest, beggin’ to be let out… And then they found themselves in a different kinda battlefield than Ak’ka was used to. The Pale City was fuckin’ falling apart at the seams. People ran past her n’ Gubb like rats fleein’ a sinking ship. The lucky ones, anyways. While the earth shook beneath their feet, stone buildings that had only been built to withstand blizzards fell like dominoes. And while Ak’ka sprinted into the thick of it, the smoke only got thicker, like shit was on fire. In only a few seconds, she and Gubb learned why. In the city square, a big fuckoff hole had opened, and fire was spillin’ out from it. “Excitin’s one word for it!” Ak’ka yelled back to her new friend over the roar of the hellfire and the screams of the damned, but there was a spark in her eyes, too. History in the making, tragedy, blah, blah, blah, whatever. This was life or death. And the Bonegrinder never felt more alive than in moments like this. She was gonna respond to Gubb’s question when the earth trembled again and the crack widened - and to her right, another wooden building gave a violent shudder, foundations finally givin’ up the ghost. Wood heaved and gave a great SNAP as the top of the place suddenly pitched downwards, fallin’ right on top of a fleeing elf. Ak’ka acted before she thought. Sprinting faster than she ever had before, letting out a rallying roar and raising her fists, Ak’ka charged. The elf tripped on cobblestone - The building plummeted - And with a scream, Ak’ka reached it first, raising her hands and bracing herself just as the full weight of the crumbling home’s foundation hit her. She buckled, muscles coiled, every fiber of being screaming in pain. Her legs trembled. She couldn’t keep standin’ for much longer. The bystander cracked an eye open, surprised when there was no impact, only when they saw Ak’ka, shakin’ like she held the sky itself on her shoulders. “You saved me…”The building shifted again, wood grinding against the palm of her hands. Ak’ka huffed out a puff of cold breath, agony in her bones with each breath. “Go!” She barked, the authority in her voice leavin’ no room for argument. Only then did the elf obey, picking themselves up and running with a scream - only then did the Bonegrinder yield an inch, droppin’ to one knee. The house shifted with her. But she didn’t let go. Not yet. She turned to Gubb, barely able to get the words out while the tattoos on her shoulders glowed. From her torso sprouted a second set, allowin’ her to reach up and grab him while still holdin’ to the house. [1]“You wanna help? Get in there and see if there are any survivors. Get them outta there! Lead them to me, I’ll hold here for as long as I can!” Without waiting for a reply, with one spare hand she punched a hole in the wood, and with the other, shoved Gubb inside. There were windows in there. He could scout for survivors and lead them to safety. The Bonegrinder wouldn’t let anyone die on her watch. Not while she was still alive and kickin’. Grippin’ the building with all four arms, Ak’ka let out another roar, and held firm with all her might.
1. Extra Arms Tattoo Quest Name: Evacuation! Participants: Two or more Location: One of Charon's Major Cities Post Requirements: 6 post per person, 200 words per post Reward: +1 Renown, +1 Mystical Archive Ticket Description: You have found yourself caught up in one of these earthquakes, one of the biggest yet. While spending time in one of Charon's popular cities, the earth begins to shake, cracking open and throwing the city into chaos. Buildings collapse, fires spread and lava seeps from a massive fissure that has sprouted open, leaving those in the city to run for their lives. As a brave, capable member of Charon, you are needed to help evacuate the city, tend to wounded and assist civilians in getting to safety. The destruction is massive, rendering a small portion of the city destroyed and in need of repairs, but fixing things comes later, the priority now is to survive!
|
|