Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 2, 2023 11:10:34 GMT -5
"The more magical the undead, the more troublesome they like to be. Vile creatures like that usually aren't keen on making themselves known, so they find ways to hid and obfuscate themselves." He sighs as he stokes the campfire, an idle motion just to keep himself busy. One hand works the fire as the other picks at the meal he has. Aledune's plan was a solid one, there really wasn't much they could do except scout at the current moment. They had no clue where this thing might claim its lair and the fog was doing a good job of hiding any potential spots. The knight looks at the embers of the fire as he thinks. "As terrifying as this thing is supposed to be....I doubt it would come right for the both of us...It would probably try to pick us off separately, Lloyd's notes do say it is an ambush predator....though if it is part nature spirit...we could perhaps anger it into making itself known first. Knock down trees and such...though angering it has its own risks." Leandros sighs and leans back taking the last bite of dried meat. He slowly chews as he thinks, there really weren't many good options which was annoying. It's in this moment of thought something comes whispered along the winds. The knight furrows his brow and looks out the broken window of their shelter. "Did you hear that?"
starting part 2 Quest Name: Calls in the night Participants: Two or more Location: Marsh Flats Post Requirements: 4 post per person, 200 words per post Description: A night or two into your search, you begin to hear voices coming from the woods, but only at night. These voices are faint and far, but are calling out for you! You can occasionally hear your name being beckoned into the void of the swamp, and while this would normally be enough to send you running the other way, you know this is the work of a Bogaboo, the very thing you are after. So, to do your job, you trek out into the swamp hoping to find this mysterious monster. But its a very elusive creature and finding it comes with it's own obstacles. Mud, bugs, thick vines, thorny bushes and more stand between you and your goal.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 4, 2023 13:57:43 GMT -5
He had actually. A soft voice that had called out to him, sounding eerily familiar almost. The Bogaboo was surely on their trail.
"Seems we caught its attention. How do you want to handle it? Try and follow the voices, or should we wait and see if it comes after us here?" He gets up from his seat and walks over to look out from one of the broken walls.
"I would think us looking for it is exactly what it wants, but if it is an ambush predator it likely won't show itself here were we have made camp. If we want to anger it now would be the time, though how to do so is a question I do not have the answer too."
He whistles and calls his familiar back to him, giving it a few instructions the bat flies off in the direction of the voices. As the bat flies off he turns back towards the good knight, a sombre look in his eyes. The voice had sounded like his mother he realized. He hadn't heard that voice in so long he had almost forgotten it, and while he knew that it wasn't real, it bothered him. In fact he had never heard that the Bogaboo could mimic the voices of actual people, but maybe it was just his mind playing tricks on him.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 4, 2023 22:07:08 GMT -5
"I doubt following it aimlessly into the fog is wise....but neither is sitting idle." Leandros sighs and sets his jaw as he looks to the woods.
Huffs and stamping from the stables show even Byrr is unsettled, his animalistic senses telling him something is off. The tension in the knight likely doesn't help given their bond. Leandros takes hold of his halberd in one hand, not baring the blade just yet, but he would be ready if it materialized.
The whispers still hang on the wind, hitting their ears with a sour melody. The words try to feel sweet and welcoming, but it is hard for the boogaboo to hide its malice. Hatred and anger weigh heavily in the air.
Leandros stands with a resolute look tapping the butt of his halberd into the ground. An ethereal armor started to brim up around the knight, translucent lion fur lining his gauntlets and greaves, a mane like helmet covering his head.
"Waiting around paranoid about what this thing might do will solve nothing either. Let us take the fight to it, it will likely work harder to keep us from it the closer we get, so that will be how we guide ourselves."
Of course that didn't know do anything about pointing them in the right direction to start or tell them how they would know when it is pushing harder. On the one hand Leandros was trusting Aledune would have a solution and on the other his pride just wouldn't allow him to sit and wait.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 5, 2023 12:27:28 GMT -5
The knight was obviously more used to taking action than sitting still, and while Aledüne prided himself on his patience, sitting in a swamp for hours wasn't exactly what he considered entertaining either. As such, chasing the Bogaboo might be the better option all in all, and in the very least would allow them some chance of learning more about it.
"Very well, I can agree to the attempt. I suggest however that I trail behind to keep an eye out. I can stay undetected and hidden somewhat easily, and could keep an eye out from the skies. With you alone, you are also more likely to get attacked, something I am confident you can handle. Naturally I will be there to back you up should you find yourself in trouble."
He looks to the horse, unsure if taking it into the swamp was such a great idea. "Not sure if this would be better on foot or on horseback, I will leave that up to you." He didn't say it out loud, but at least should the monster attack and they needed to run, the horse might function as ample bait for the both of them to run away. Without knowing how strong this thing really was, it would be difficult to know the best way to engage it.
Either way it seemed they were about to move out, and so he stepped up and over the ruined walls of the building and unto the wet ground of the swamp outside. Cringing internally he shrugs the sensation off as he turns around to wait for the knight to get ready.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 6, 2023 9:52:30 GMT -5
"I've put Byrr through enough carrying me through the swamp, he's earned his break." Leandros smiles gently and laughs. "Plus with the ground so obscured, it is better not to risk his health...he knows to escape should the thing take the cowardly route...though I imagine Byrr would be more than capable of handling it."
The armor and sure-footed horse clearly had plenty of training that it wasn't going to be spooked easily, but taking on a boogaboo? That might be a bit more wishful thinking. Either way Leandros seems to put his confidence in the horse as he heads out.
A well-armored greave hits the mud with a dull thud as they cross the threshold of the makeshift shelter they had found. The voice continues to whisper in their ears, trying to pull them in any direction it can. With the voice seemingly coming from inside their own heads, it was hard for Leandros to try and pinpoint anything. To him, it sounded as if it was coming from every direction.
All he could think to do was keep moving, holding his halberd out in front. It would serve as both a warning to the boogaboo, but also a walking stick to catch any obstacles in front of them before he can trip over them.
"This thing hides well....it's hard to pick up on anything....the swamp is silent which makes this even harder...I wonder if this thing has a lair of any sort...it might leave something behind we can trail."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 6, 2023 13:22:44 GMT -5
Following on foot, make sure to step on mounds of dirt and grass as to not wade through the dirty water, clearly preferring to stay dry. He looks through some of the trees around, almost absentmindedly.
"Likely, as most creatures with an intelligence of some kind tend to create a home for themselves. And from what I understand this thing is a very intelligent predator. I am sure it is keeping an eye on us even now, from a distance." He loses his balance on a mound of grass, his foot slipping into the water. "Salina be damned. Why does water have to be so god damn wet."
He pulls his foot out, boots filled with water. Continuing to mutter under his breath, the two continue to walk for a while in silence. Taking their time to circle around their campsite to look for any clues. The voices keep echoing, seemingly from all around them. In their minds and in the shadows of trees and bushes. Many times the both of them would see a shadow move in the corner of their eye, only to turn and lose it. This was either a clever predator, or some kind of illusion was playing tricks on the both of them.
"Some times I wish I didn't pick these kind of jobs. I should have pulled Lloyd out here himself so he could take proper notes instead of relying on word of mouth from random adventurers that on his odd jobs."
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 7, 2023 10:31:13 GMT -5
"The small benefits of so much armor is sometimes a nice extra layer from the elements." He offers a hand help Aledune right himself again. While it may be true his boots are relatively dry, the process of cleaning and maintaining his armor after this is going to be a nightmare.
Leandros is making an honest attempt to be quiet, but the way his footsteps squelch into the muck make it hard. The natural sound of his armor moving about doesn't help either despite his best efforts to pad the sections. He does pause a moment as he looks around, taking the brief moment on dry land to assess their progress so far.
"Normally I would agree, but when it comes to things like this I imagine he would be more of a liability than an asset. I would hate for him to flee in terror and get lost...wouldn't look good for either of us to be the adventurers that lost Lloyd."
The knight feels his foot tap against something solid in the swamp sludge. There is a pause as he reluctantly reaches downs to pluck out whatever it was. As mud is flicked away, it is quickly clear the knight has retrieved a skull. Humanoid of some kind.
"A treasure of the boogaboo I would wager...This is hopefully good news we are getting close."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 9, 2023 18:53:36 GMT -5
"Maybe, but it feels like a bad omen. In fact that is what this whole search feels like. Keep an eye out from here, I think I will keep to the skies. Maybe get the jump on him. I assume you can manage on your own, but I would advice you to be ready to defend yourself." With a jump he takes the edges of his cloak and lifts off, leaving the wet ground behind happily.Leaving the ground he enters the mist covered skies, and once there he pulls the shadows the mist created over himself, blending in with the dark shapes of the forest canopy. (1)
Having made sure to be as difficult to spot as possible, Aledüne makes sure to keep close to the path Leandros took. Moving from tree to tree, field to field. Always within short distance of the man he still tried to give his advantageous point of view the best chance he could. But after about an hour of searching there was still nothing. It felt almost like this thing was capable of avoiding them with ease, and it wasn't all that surprising considering that this was its hunting grounds, giving it a natural advantage. Still it annoyed Aledüne that he would be forced to spend so much time looking for this thing.
Finally he had gotten enough and lands back close to Leandros to suggest that they head back to camp."Seems we are not going to find it by searching randomly. I suggest we start making our way back to get some rest before continuing tomorr..." His sentence was cut off mid sentence as the creature they had been hunting this entire time launched itself at them from a nearby tree, having been waiting in ambush. Aiming for what it thought was easy prey, Aledüne with no armour was its first target, and wisely so as Aledüne had no time to dodge its powerful fist due to the ambush. With a thud he is sent flying, crashing into a tree with enough force to cause splinters to fly.
- (1) Cast the spell Cloak of Shadows
Starting part 3 Quest Name: Ambushed!
Participants: Two or more
Location: Marsh Flats
Post Requirements: 5 post per person, 200 words per post
Description: Well you found the Bogaboo, or it found you! In the dead of night the undead amalgamation has sprung, using the darkness and mist as a cover. You are now in a fight for your life. Defend yourself, fight hard and bring down the ominous Bogaboo!
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 10, 2023 16:09:22 GMT -5
As much of a protector as Leandros is, it is always a relief to work with someone used to working in the shadows. He had less to worry about when someone could come in and out like that. If he can keep the monster's attention, then the other can just pick them off. Of course, that works in theory. No plan is ever executed with 100 percent efficiency. The spiritual shroud around Leandros catches the bogaboo slowing it down just enough for Leandros to swing his halberd forward.[1] The blade hits into its top arms, but an unseen second set of arms still land the hit on the elf. Leandros finishes the follow through for his swing, sending the bogaboo flying back as well though it is able to recover in the air. In one move the bogaboo braces itself to land against the trunk of a tree and launches itself back at the knight. It tries to bull the knight over, but is met with the steel of his shield instead. [2] The Lion of the Landing is unmoved, but the bogaboo returns to the shadows before he can respond with another attack. This thing is fast, the shroud slows it down, but it is still moving faster than the knight can respond. "Come on then creature, quit your hiding and show yourself!" He shouts to the trees to keep the creature focused on him.[3]
1. Overpowering Presence The shroud that an individual spirit gives off is now increased to a 20 foot diameter, increasing its range of effectiveness while it is active. Additionally any enemy inside of the shroud will find their movements and reactions hindered, making it harder for them to close the gap or flee. Any movement increasing buff from spells, abilities or effects of the enemy will have no effect while inside the shroud. This includes speed buffs or movement enhancements such as dashes, blinks or teleports. 2. Tower Shield 2/3 HP left 3. Challenging Mark This feature allows you to call out an enemy, marking them as a challenger. This forces the marked enemy to focus their attacks and their attention on you, now their primary target. Any offensive move made, such as an attack or a cast spell must be made against you and no one else. However you must also only make offensive moves towards them. If you attack or make an offensive move against anyone that is not your marked challenger, the mark will fade. This mark will naturally last for four post, unless ended early, and has a three post cool down before it can be used again.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 12, 2023 12:49:29 GMT -5
With the impact being strong enough to have knocked the air out anyone normal, Aledüne still gets back to his feet quickly. Bruising on his neck and left ear due to the impact doesn't seem to affect him as he starts casting his magic with the Bogaboo now aiming its attention on him.
"Keep it busy." With agile steps he finds an arial view of the two and fires a black bolt at the creature, he aims the bolt clear into one of the heads intwined into the rotting vines making up its body putting it off balance, but the damage seems to be minimal as it continues to charge after Leandros. Aledüne curses under his breath as the limited magic he can use at the moment without revealing more about himself isn't sufficient. (1)
Realizing that his presence as a range support isn't enough to deal with the creature he charges down from his vantage point, his nails growing into black claws, ignited with a dark flame. With far less experience being in melee than the paladin, Aledüne can only rely on him to keep the focus of the creature on himself. Taking advantage of this face, he begins using his claws to dismantle and tear at the creature whenever possible, ripping at vines and bones were possible. (2)
(1) Chaos Bolt
(2) Eldritch Claws
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 12, 2023 21:36:15 GMT -5
Honestly, when it came to a fight Leandros didn't ask questions about what peopel were capable of if they were on the same side. He might have concerns or follow ups after the battle, but in the midst of it he just had to follow his instincts.
Leandros could keep the bogaboo at bay with his halbed, but it was hard to land a hit. Clearing the space in front of them did give Aledune time to get in and make a slash. The knight could then close the distance and get a shield in the way before it can land a hit on the elf.
The trouble with the bogaboo is its four arms make it harder to block than the knight would like. A fist slips over the top and crashes against the ethereal armor the knight summoned, thankfully not reaching his actual form.
"Let's see how long you can keep up with fewer limbs." The knight shoves the bogaboo back and immediately closes the gap with his shield in front to bash into it.[1]
As it stumbles back he quickly arcs his halberd blade upwards to cleave through one of its arm. The holy energy in his blade cauterizes the undead wound as the arm hits the muck with a wet thud.[2] It screeches and reels back in pain.
1. Rushing Charge 2. Momentous Cleave
Shield 2/3 HP left Spirit Guardians 7/8 HP left
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 17, 2023 9:23:11 GMT -5
Having whittled away at the creature it was clear that it was strong. Very strong. But as its attention was completely on Leandros at the moment it certainly made things easier for the dark wizard, and coming up with an idea he yells over to his companion. "Continue to keep him distracted, I will attempt to limit his movement somehow!"
Not waiting for an answer he rushes towards the closest tree. The entire march was covered in them, and they all had the same long thick vines that in part was responsible for making the traversal of the area so difficult as they covered the ground around the trees the grew from. Grabbing one of these vines that he thought had ample length, he pulls it towards the Bogaboo trying to use them to restrain its movements.
Not as easy as he would have liked however, he spends almost a minute running around the thing as he tries to find a good opportunity to entangle the creature as it jumps around and continues its focus on Leandros. But eventually he succeeds, managing to get it around one of the creatures legs, limiting its movements.
Taking the momentum, Aledüne rushes to get more of the vines, hoping to secure the creature completely.
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 21, 2023 10:44:55 GMT -5
Normally a vine would be nothing to the strength of the bogaboo, but it can't match the overwhelming presence of the knight and focus on avoiding Aledune's plan at the same time. Any time the monster looks the vampire's way its attention is quickly redircted by a halberd slash or knock from the shield.
Leandros is still somewhat limited by the bogaboo as well though. He cannot fully coordinate with his partner lest the beast slip past his defenses, thick as they are. The scrapes and gouges along his shield add up after a time. The pressure from his spiritual guardians is likely what's tipping the balance in their favor for the moment.
When its leg catches in the vine they finally have their moment to finish the beast off. Leandros feints a swing before changing the moment of the swing to strike it in the jaw with the backend of his halberd.[1] The bogaboo stumbles a moment before the ethereal armor around the knight coalesces into two large spiritual lions, each one biting down on an arm.[2]
"HIT IT NOW!" He calls out into the darkness wherever Aledune is to put this thing down for good.[3]
1. The Lion's Swipe 2. Ancestral Fervor 3. Battle Cry
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
Renown
Undead Elf
145 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Oct 25, 2023 18:14:26 GMT -5
With the deadly dance continuing Leandros managed to use the distraction brought by Aledüne to pin the monster to the ground. As Leandros yells out for him to finish it off, he jumps over the knights head, Eldritch claws flaring in black flames and plunges them into the creatures central skull. It roars in pain, writing to to toss them both off, but to little effect. (1)
Its powerful, that much is clear. The skull that was pierced shatters into fragments, and for a moment, Aledüne lets his guard down, thinking it was over when it grabs him with its massive arm. Still holding on to the creature, preventing himself from getting flung, he turns to look at the knight behind him.
"We need to destroy the other skull as well. My turn to occupy it while you finish it off."
Turning back to the creature he takes the plant matter that the creature is made up off and binds it too himself as he pushes the claws on his hands into the shoulder of the Bogaboo. Screaming in pain it seems to have forgotten the knight for a moment, instead using its last two arms it has free to start hitting the wizard with terrible force. Bleeding, but bearing with the barrage of blunt trauma unleashed on him he waits for the knight to do his job.
(1) - Eldritch Claws
|
|
Oath Watchers
IS OFFLINE
30
Renown
Capitol Landing
624 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Oct 27, 2023 21:18:51 GMT -5
"I need you alive, if you're going to do that." He gives a confident chuckle as the lions return to him, the ethereal armor protecting the knight once again. A pulse of radiance leaves the knight and attempts to heal Aledune.[1]
As the energy pulses out, the halberd comes in overhead between the elf and the bogaboo forcing the monster to let go to protect itself. In that moment, Leandros slips forward and moves Aledune behind him giving the man a chance to disengage for a moment.
The bogaboo swipes out at the knight, but is parried off the shield. Stumbling back from the knight the creature shields its face from the halberd swinging down on it, but there is little chance.
"Begone creature of the night, return to the muck and the mire you were born from!" In a cinematic moment, the blade seems to pick up speed as the righteousness in the knight's voice hits its peak.[2,3]
The creature is left cleaved in two, the holy energy of his weapon cauterizing the viney ends of the bogaboo. As it burns, the knight looks to find Aledune.
"Are you still well friend? I can offer more healing if need be."
1. Major Healing 2. Rage before the Storm 3. Sundering Strike
|
|