Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 3, 2023 14:45:14 GMT -5
Sylvari squinted in the morning sunlight, already warming the air to uncomfortable levels. With her thick padded armor and cuirass, Sylvari found herself grateful, not for the first time that she no longer was affected by temperature extremes as when her heart still beat. I can only imagine I'd be swimming in sweat. Memories leapt into her mind of days gone by, training with her peers, cooking in their armor. Memories painful for more than the reminder of discomfort they evoked. Sylvari looked back at her companion who had joined her for this assignment. She hadn't had much experience with fellbloods and had never worked with one. Time was, when she was under the teachings of her people, she would have innately distrusted them for their infernal blood, but these few months since Sylvari's world came crashing down around her forced her to reconsider a great many things she had once taken as unshakeable foundations. Sylvari faked wiping her brow where her black and silver veil met her platinum blonde hair. " Looks to be a scorcher, darling. Glad we had the good sense to start early. I must admit, I'm rather new to the area. Do you have any recommendations for where we should begin?" Quest Name: That's a nice boulder
Participants: Two or more
Location: Ashlands, Dragon's Cradle or Zeinav Desert
Post Requirements: 5 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown
Description: The recent eruption at Mt. Drakolt has caused hundreds of massive, flaming rocks to soar across the eastern coast of Charon. The primary roads and countryside around the Ashlands, Dragon's Cradle and Zeinav have all been littered with the giant rocks. They block travel and trade routes, as well as disrupt the local wildlife population. Some have landed in local farms, destroying important crops for the winter, and some have even landed on unsuspecting homes or wagons. Adventurers are needed to help rid the east of these giant stones, some still extremely hot from their time inside the volcano. How you get rid of them is entirely up to you, you can move them to a better suited area, or break them up into tiny, more manageable pieces. It does not matter how you dispose of the boulders, as long as they are removed.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 3, 2023 20:00:51 GMT -5
This was an interesting job for the fellblood. Being one of the many involved with the fight against the god of rebirth that caused this mess, it felt apt that they needed to help with the clean up. The heat of the desert was new to them but after fighting in the midst of magma and fire, it wasn't entirely terrible. The small manta floating with them, however, was in agony. Ube wasn't exactly sure if it was because she was a water creature but it was clear the heat wasn't enjoyable. The little manta took to hiding in the woman's shade, as for some bit of relief.
As they followed the woman whom they were working with today, her appearance reminded them of a friend they'd met back in Starlight City. Even nearly mistaking her for Danae when they first saw her. Ube needed to apologize for that later. Stuck in their thoughts, Ube snapped out as the woman called out to them. Retrieving their small leather book and a charcoal piece from their makeshift belt (their tail wrapped around the waist), they wrote their reply. "We should focus on the ones on the main road. Not sure how you planned to deal with them but I'm sure we can just break them apart." Ube showed their book to them, eyeing the boulders that were on the approach.
Ube smiled. Smashing a couple rocks will be a good way of gauging their progressing strength. They walked up to it, taking a deep breath before leaping into the air and bringing down a heavy axe kick into the top of the rock. The strike causes the rock to crack, sending shattered pieces to the side. Ube stood over the stone, looking over at the damage they dealt. It wasn't bad for all the fighting they've done in recent times, though it could be better. Ube bit their lip bit, slightly annoyed. Perhaps they've been putting too much focus into magic lately.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 3, 2023 20:20:47 GMT -5
Sylvari widened her eyes slightly at the unorthodox method of communication, and then wider at the impressive kick. Sylvari gave a light clap for her violet companion. "Impressive show, darling. You remind me of a friend I used to know. Xeltrice was abler with her fists than any two men with swords put together." Sylvari's smile at the memory warped into a pained frown, as recalling her friend sent her reeling with longing for the past.
Not today, Sylvi. You've got a job to do. She walked up to the next boulder along the path and hefted her club thoughtfully in one hand, considering the hunk of rock before her. I know Romarii said it was reinforced with tempered metal, but it's really just a glorified stick. How the mighty have fallen. Sylvari sighed, before cocking back her arm and bringing it down on the boulder, lightning quick. Luckily, the still-forming sediment cracked easily enough, and with a few more swings, the rock was in several more manageable pieces. Sylvari began to ferry them off the road a short distance and deposit them into a loose pile.
"By the way darling, I hope that my speech does not bother you," Sylvari began, indicating the small book her companion carried. "If I can be in any way more accommodating, please let me know." Sylvari gave the fellblood a closed-lip smile as she moved to the next boulder.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 4, 2023 19:32:17 GMT -5
They smiled at the compliment, throwing a peace sign up at her. Although the usage of hand to hand combat probably had differed reason than the friend she mentioned, Ube agreed that honing your raw strength can ultimately be more potent than weaponry.
The fellblood took a deep breath and started repeatedly striking the boulder, chipping out large chunks with each heavy fist till all that remained was a pile of rubble. Happy with their work, albeit the slightly numbed knuckles, Ube began tossing the shattered pieces of stone to the side. Cebu herself helped her friend and the white haired woman via carrying pieces on her back off the pathway.
Ube’s focus on their work was pulled away for a moment when the woman gave worry to communication. They panicked a little. That was a packed topic in and of itself, one that the fellblood wasn’t sure if they should dump onto this stranger they had met. Should they try speaking to her? Would they be able to? They thought for a moment, a lightbulb going off. Perhaps she knew sign?
They began moving their arms and hands, signing to the woman as they moved to the next boulder. ”Its not an issue, don’t worry. I’m just like this.” Being that she held the appearance of an astralblood, it was a little easier to feel comfortable around them. However, Ube knew that even still, demon-folk like them weren’t always received well. A plethora of overthinking started washing over, though quickly put aside. Rather than worrying about it, they should just focus on the job at hand.
Stepping up to the next big ol’ rock, Ube opened a hand as a dark miasma formed around it. 1It crawled up the fingers, eventually forming and hardening into black claws. Cebu already recognized what the fellblood wanted, flying over and getting in position. Ube held onto their tiny friend as she started flying and pulling them off the floor. She circled around the rock as Ube sunk their claws into it. The two spun around it, slowly moving up till they reached the top. With a simple stomp, the stone fell to pieces, nearly causing the fellblood to fall over as it all crumbled down.
1. Death Swipe
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 4, 2023 21:10:23 GMT -5
Sylvari stared in concentration as her companion spoke through their hands. Growing up in her tribe, her people had communicated frequently with Motions, when words failed to encapsulate their meaning, but it was decidedly distinct from the more common language of signing. She groaned internally, thinking back to the lessons her mother had tried to teach her on the subject before her passing: lessons Sylvari was typically too preoccupied with exercise to fully invest in. She was her father's daughter through and through, and while not inept in intelligence, preferred action over book-learning. Sorry mom. Wish I'd paid better attention back then. Wish I had done more with you.
In any case, Sylvari persisted, piecing together meaning from half-remembered gestures. The only word she caught for certain was 'worry', but given the fellblood's pleasant facade, Sylvari figured they intended to ease hers.
Deciphering the meaning of the gestures that took a mere fraction of a moment for her violet companion to convey took longer than Sylvari cared to admit, and so, she was not fully aware of her surroundings until her new friend was in the air. [Chaos Touched] Sylvari felt the pulse of arcana channeled before she saw it, her hidden fangs chafing against her lip in instinctual response. Turning to look at the marvelously executed maneuver, she was already in position to hold out her arm to steady the fellblood as they stumbled back. Sylvari pulled back her arm instantly after she was sure they had regained footing, fearing in equal parts the discomfort of her partner and the dark thirst building within her.
She shook her head to clear away the thoughts, motioning with her own hands, "That was very good! May I know your name?" In truth, the only things discernable in her butchered execution were 'good' and 'name'. Sylvari looked to her companion for a response, oblivious to her terrible grasp of sign.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 6, 2023 19:48:37 GMT -5
Ube looked to the woman, noting the partially understandable sign. I guess she only knows a little. They thought for a moment, realizing they never figured out the sign for their name. Though considering she didn't completely understand the language, it may be better to resort to the way they always used. Pulling out their book and charcoal again, they wrote a response. "My name is Ube. And the manta here is Cebu. It's nice to meet you miss." The fellblood offered a bow as they allowed the woman to read the book. Cebu did away with the introductions and took to performing her highest form of respect: Planting herself on Sylvari's head. When Ube looked up, an audible chuckle escaped them. While it was her way of giving friendship, it also helped the fellblood know that the person could be trusted. It was a helpful tool, especially with the trust issues they had.
As the group stood there, a question rang in Ube's head, one that brought itself out earlier when they first saw her. Was this woman astralblood? She had the resemblance, after all they nearly confused her for one past met, but beyond that, there wasn't much else that could prove such a thing. They wanted to ask, though they held back. If memory served well with the two examples they had, it may be a touchy subject. Rather, Ube opted to ask a different question. Retrieving the book once it was fully read, they began to scribble a new sentence. "If you don't mind my asking, what brings you here?"
Rumbling began to be felt through the area, the sound of falling rock sounding close by. The fellblood turned to the noise and much to their dismay and annoyance, a familiar creature previously fought showed its face. In one of the many rocks and rubble that decorated the road, a massively hulking figure of obsidian made its appearance. It appeared to be disturbed, as if awoken from its slumber as it rose from the stones. The earth elemental stared down the two, clearly eager to pick a fight. Must've been flung by Vulcadreaus in that big fight.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 6, 2023 22:26:22 GMT -5
Sylvari flicked out her small black and silver hand fan to mime cooling herself off with the actual purpose of covering her mouth as she spoke, so she didn't have to worry about concealing her fangs. "Ube..." Sylvari rolled the name over her tongue with as much positivity as she could muster, to make up for the lack of visual signals she was giving the fellblood. "A fine name, darling." Feeling the floating creature perch itself on her long mane of white hair, Sylvari reached up to lightly pet it, happy to receive its acceptance. "And Cebu. A more majestic creature in all the lands I have yet to meet. A most esteemed privilege to make the acquaintance of you both."
Behind her fan, Sylvari grinned widely, glad to have met the pair. The fellblood began to write again and held their book out upon finishing, inquiring as to her purpose in this land. A question with many possible answers: all true, to varying degrees. The first and simplest was that she wanted to be here. Among her people, it was tradition to lay down their arms once a year, to aid in peace even as they usually defended justice in war. Preserving this custom as a tie to her old life was also a possible answer. There was also...
As Sylvari considered her response, the ground shook as if in a minor quake. Closing her fan, and her lips, quickly, Sylvari swiveled her face towards the locus of activity: an earth elemental, rapidly rising from where it had slumbered amongst a few larger pieces of the rocky debris.
Sylvari immediately, instinctively, stepped in front of Ube, holding her club defensively before her and angling her posture to the side, to present a smaller target. Sylvari was glad she had the foresight to wear her, admittedly, cumbersome armor for this job. "Hope those fancy moves of yours can be done on moving targets, darling."
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 8, 2023 3:16:22 GMT -5
The fellblood nodded, moving past Sylvari and taking the first steps towards the giant moving monolith.
For a construct of its size, this one moved with just as much vigor as it took a sweeping swing towards the demon. 1A quick reaction found its way within Ube, instinctively leaping over the attack. The golem proved smarter than its usual counterparts, however. Taking its other limb, it swung once more at Ube. Being in the air, it believed it would prove difficult to dodge. The fellblood raised their arms as if to defend. The strike drew near, close enough to connect before they performed an odd show of movement. Flicking their legs back, the momentum brought Ube upside down. 1They reached out from tucked arms to the igneous limb, placing all their weight onto it as they pushed off the black glass and vaulted over.
Ube could tell they were annoying the creature. As they touched back down to the ground, the creation held its full attention on them, now moving towards the fellblood. Just as they hoped. Moving to a full sprint right towards the elemental, it reeled back a fist in an attempt for at least one of its attacks to ring true. Throwing all of its weight and force, it twisted its body as it threw a rapidly closing in punch. 1With one last display, Ube leaned back, shifting from a sprint to a slide as they ducked under the attack. They could the hear the dirt behind them taking the blow as they quickly returned to a standing position, now behind the thing.
All that movement had to have helped with wasting energy as it pulled its fist out of the earth and turned to face the infuriating purple humanoid, conveniently putting its back to their companion. Ube leaned to the side, making sure Sylvari could see them. They put two pointed fingers close to their chest, then pointing at her: The sign for "Go". Cebu herself let out coos in confirmation for the woman that it was now her turn.
1. Float Like A Butterfly
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 8, 2023 16:06:34 GMT -5
Sylvari unslung her club from its resting place aside her pack and twirled the implement in her hands as she watched Ube's graceful display of athleticism and combat acumen. The fellblood had done an admirable job of frustrating the creature, to the point that its entire focus was on pinning its elusive opponent.
Seems the pair of us are both anvils, then. A shame, but a warrior makes do. Sylvari, aided by the prompting of the floating ray, sprung into motion, surging across the battlefield, her club held high, as she jumped into the air on her approach. Using the downward momentum of her falling from the apex of her jump, and the added inertia of her charge, Sylvari brought down the metal reinforced club with all her might. A sizeable hunk of the creature's rocky surface was hewn from the bulk of its body, causing it to stumble. Sylvari clicked her tongue in irritation. The claws would be better at dealing with the elemental's physical resilience, but I shouldn't out myself so quickly. Perhaps Ube can deliver a more decisive blow if I hold the creature's attention instead.
"Switch!" Sylvari shouted out, over the din of mulched earth and angry groaning the elemental was producing. [Knight, Challenging Mark] Looking into the center of the being as it turned to look at her, Sylvari bellowed out a war cry, challenging the creature and marking it as her quarry. There you are big fella. We're gonna have a dance you and I. No need to worry about the little fellblood.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 9, 2023 1:01:13 GMT -5
Ube drew a long breath, the tiger stripes that adorned their body glowing now a bright pink as the surrounding ether collected within them. 1They opened their hands as the black claws formed once more. Though this time, the intent with them wasn't on the elemental. Bringing a claw close to their palm, Ube made a quick cut, sucking in air at the pain as their hand bled. It hurt but it was a necessary pain, they had to use this spell at some point. They rushed forward, their stripes glowing brighter and brighter.
The obsidian giant raised a fist, fully focused now at the knight. Flicking their hand out, a splotch of blood flew off and landed on the arm of the elemental. The glow shined its brightest as the fellblood opened their mouth. "Halika, dugo." 2The light dissipated as the blood on the glossy monster began to form a shape, hardening till it formed a katana. Ube jumped up, kicking the blade with all their might as the katana was pushed up till it cleaved through. The limb dropped to the ground, sending up dust. The sword glowed that pink light Ube had, the cut on their hand healing completely.
Landing again, they caught their new weapon and got into a fighting stance with it. Not really being a weapon user, the stance was a poor mimic from memory: Raising the blade up to their head and pointing the tip at their opponent. The creature stared angrily, though still focused on Sylvari due to the mark.
1. Death Swipe 2. Crimson Armaments (Life-Link)
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 9, 2023 2:14:10 GMT -5
The creature stamped angrily at the ground with its remaining limbs, no doubt in agony from being relived of one of them, but the power of the mark held steady. All of its ire was necessarily focused on Sylvari, who continued staring the creature down with her profiled stance. Hers was a game of lasting, and she knew her trade as an anvil well.
Still, spurred on in a frenzy by its wounds, the elemental remained a potent foe, swinging its remaining arms in a blur and using its bulk to threaten its much smaller target. Sylvari was forced to pirouette this way and that to avoid devastating blows. She could not keep this up forever, though, and was grateful for her armor as it dulled blows aimed at her [Cuirass and padding, 1/2 hit preventions] torso and [Pauldrons, 1/1 hit preventions] shoulders that she was unable to dodge.
Sylvari was by no means a passive combatant either, getting in good wallops with her club whenever opportunities presented themselves. Several large chunks of the creature by the wayside acted as evidence of her prowess. However, Sylvari knew that her simple martial strikes would hardly be the decisive blows in this bout. Come on, Ube. You can finish it!
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 9, 2023 19:13:54 GMT -5
The fellblood leapt away once it started to swing. At first, there was worry as the monster struck the knight. Ube placed their back down after nearly casting a much more potent spell before seeing she appeared to ok. With a quick nod, they dash towards it once more.
A faint orange glow emitted from within the obsidian. Peering over, what looked like a dully glowing orb was partially exposed where Sylvari had been striking. That must be the core.
Reeling their blood weapon, they threw it straight at the core as the blade sunk in. The creature, however, stayed standing as it pulled its limb back for another strike at the knight. With heightened focus and impending panic, they rushed over, nearly tripping immediately. Time seemed to come to a crawl as Ube moved their legs as fast as they could and taking a hand back for their attack. The elemental had started to bring its fist down in a slamming motion. With one last step, Ube pushed their palm into the hilt of the blade, pushing the katana further as it pierced through to the other side of the obsidian golem.
The orange orb cracked as the stone giant froze in place. The glow slowly diminished, fading until the orb is gray. It crumbled into dust, as the obsidian begins to fall in big chunks. Coincidentally, a large chunk that represented the elemental's body dropped onto the fellblood, immediately putting them on the floor. Ow...
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 10, 2023 0:00:52 GMT -5
"Ube!" Sylvari shouted out in concern, rushing over to her companion as she felt the mark fade away with the creature's passing. With a great heave, she practically launched the bit of boulder that trapped her companion and knelt down next to them to check for injuries. The brief thought that their fight with the elemental had created more debris than they even initially started with crossed Sylvari's mind, but she quickly pushed it away, as the more powerful concerns for her companion's safety took precedence.
"Are you hurt?" Sylvari hesitated, not wanting to invade their privacy, but knowing of the need to check for injuries. When it came to blunt damage, like the elemental had inflicted, internal bleeding could occur without there ever being a very noticeable wound on the surface, until it was too late. Given her own favoring of blunt weapons, even before her demotion to the simple club she now carried, Sylvari had seen the signs many times and knew just what to look for, as well as several remedies to patch invisible wounds. She looked at the fellblood and gave a compassionate smile.
"That was very well executed, but I'm worried that you may have injuries. Will you let me check you over?"
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Fellblood
173 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ube Calisto on Sept 10, 2023 21:35:17 GMT -5
Cebu didn't show much concern for her friend, knowing their capabilities. Nonetheless, she followed right behind Sylvari just in case they needed to be carried. Ube sat up from their face down position, rubbing their now sore shoulder. The second they raised their arm up though, a jolt of pain shot through their lower chest. Weren't the worst thing but it definitely hurt. They spat out the sand they were so lovingly forced to eat before giving the knight the "Ok" hand, giving a little assurance that they weren't dead at the least.
In truth, the falling chunk of obsidian did do a good deal of damage. That much mass on their smaller body gave a few cracked ribs. The pain made them wince a bit, wrapping their arm around their chest. Ube grabbed their book and charcoal with hand, the other being preoccupied with holding their ribs. Placing it on the ground, they wrote: "Feel free to. I should be fine in a bit. I was taught a minor healing spell. Just need some time to regain all that mana I used casting." They allowed their tail/belt to unravel from their half-robe.
The fellblood let out a soft chuckle, noting the mess that was made. The road now was littered with shards of black glass and the remains of a battle alongside all the rocks and boulders they had yet to move. I don't think we're getting any solars from this any time soon. Letting a long sigh, they got up slowly and continued the job they were supposed to be doing before being so rudely interrupted. Its going to be a long day.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
20
Renown
Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
793 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 11, 2023 0:12:12 GMT -5
As Sylvari checked over Ube for injuries, their proximity made her dark thirst flare, if only just a little. It was true that they had used quite a bit of their arcana in that fight, something Sylvari was doubly grateful for in this moment. She gently prodded various spots around Ube's body noting their reactions. She set her face in a sympathetic frown at her analysis.
"A few broken ribs, three by my count, and a sprained shoulder. Nothing life threatening at least, but it will hurt like hell if you exert yourself physically or try to lift your arms too much. If that spell you know is potent enough to mend those injuries, cast it when you can. Otherwise, I think you're done with rock collection for the day." Sylvari gave a little smirk. "Too bad we weren't paid to shatter rocks instead of pick them up: we'd have earned our day's pay already, and then some."
Sylvari fished in her pack for her waterskin and bade her companion drink. "It's hot out here, and you exerted a lot of energy. We don't want heat exhaustion to set in. Take small, measured sips, so you don't agitate your wounds."
|
|