Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
13
Renown
Crescent Isles
268 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 6, 2024 18:23:04 GMT -5
The sunset Plains of the King's Valley, beautiful grassy fields spanning as far as the eye could see, Arashi headed towards one of the nomadic tribes current settlement, he had found out they were asking for help since a pair of Wyldmares had been spotted fighting for territory near their settlement, and were getting closer day by day and people were worried they would get too close and either directly or indirectly hurt and destroy the settlement. Thankfully by when Arashi arrived the beasts hadn't yet made their way that close. While talking to the locals he discovered that apparently they were basically meeting up to fight, as every time the sky began turning orange they came to the fields to try and 'solve' their territorial dispute, fighting until nightfall at which point they'd seemingly accept the stalemate and go nurse their wounds, until the next evening. It was currently a bit past mid-day so it might be better to wait until the Wyldmares arrive at their usual area instead of searching the one side of the field for one odd looking horse, and then repeating towards the other side... He was also told he would have a companion for this quest, something that is definitely welcome, the more the merrier as they say. He would look for their partner for this quest, they shouldn't be too hard to find all things considered.
Quest Name: Why the Long Face Participants: Two or more Location: King's Valley Post Requirements: 6 posts per person, 200 words per post Reward: +1 Renown, Choice of 2 Common crafting materials Description: Two Wyldmare's have been causing problems for locals, having engaged in a fight among themselves outside a nearby village or town. Something has stirred the two and enraged them, causing them to become even more violent than normal. Their fight is disrupting trade and travel as locals are afraid to further disturb the creatures. Help is being asked for, someone who can come in, break up the fight, and deal with the creatures any way they can. Be cautious, however, as one disgruntled Wyldmare can be a handful on its own, let alone two.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS ONLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
321 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Jan 8, 2024 7:57:05 GMT -5
If ya thought about it, King’s Valley tribes weren’t all that different from orc tribes in the mountain. There was a sense of community in the song on the air and a togetherness that made her heart ache for old times.
Only difference was the horses.
They didn’t have horses in the mountain; just griffons and a coupl’a pack mules when they could manage to keep ‘em. Harsh winters meant they had to eat whatever animals they had on hand, even the beasts of burden. So when she left the World’s Crown she was pretty damn surprised to find these fuckin’... long-faced little bastards that most folk used to travel around. Freaky, was what they were. Some of the fastest creatures alive but it would only take a flick of her pinky finger to break their bones. Ugh. She didn’t like ‘em all that much.
Good thing she’d get the chance to show them who was boss.
Job was simple. Couple’a Wyldmare were havin’ some kinda territorial dispute near a temporary settlement belonging to one of the horse tribes. Most of their warriors were away on a hunt, and with the monsters fightin’, they needed any helping hands they could. Cue the Bonegrinder, merc from the north, and her partner. She ain’t met the punk yet, but she was makin’ her way to the field where the beasts were clashing. No sign of ‘em yet, but she did see a shorter dude in the distance, standin’ around and waiting for something to happen.
She turned to the tidal serpent slithering through the grass by her side. Keiga’d just snacked on a mouse, less alert than he usually was, but a coupl’a horses with funky teeth were hardly a threat. “Think that’s our guy?”
Keiga stopped and raised his head, eyes narrowed. “I don’t see anyone else around here, and the locals have found safety in the camp.”
“It’s as good a bet as any. Either he’s this… other merc the Oh’Mek hired, or he’s some unlucky chump who’s about to become horse chow.” She shrugged, nonchalant either way. Only one way to find out. She stomped up to him, ten feet of hulking half-orc, a menacing scowl on her face as she called out, “Oi! You the guy?”
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
13
Renown
Crescent Isles
268 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 10, 2024 16:07:48 GMT -5
Arashi was looking the other way when Ak'ka began approaching, even without looking he could hear someone coming, she wasn't particularly stealthy stomping like that. He turned to face her right before she asked her question "If you're looking for one of the people who took the task of getting rid of the Wyldmares then yes, that'd be me." he looked up at her and smiled not phased by her size or scowl in the slightest "I'm guessing you're the other one on this mission?" to her he would probably look either extremely foolish or way too confident, the truth was he was used to not being the biggest one around and even if he wasn't alone after facing Vulcadreaus everything else seemed... small in comparison... even the Huge Akhluts he had fought a while ago with a size comparable to a 5 story building, didn't feel that intimidating, sure they were a threat but so can be a regular sized poisonous snake if you're not careful or if you are unprepared.
So an Orc woman roughly twice his size had a big part of her fear factor nullyfied against him, the rest of his unphased behaviour being more than likely due to a mix of his confidence in a physical confrontation, and the fact that they were in the same team, so he didn't need to worry about that. Or at least that's what he thought.
"I am Arashi Tento, pleased to meet you." he did a small respectful bow, "We might have to wait a bit still before they show up... I rather stay near the settlement in case they show up and attack who we are meant to protect. Besides where would be the fun in taking them one at a time" he chuckled hoping she would agree.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS ONLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
321 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Jan 16, 2024 18:04:39 GMT -5
“Yeah, that’d be me.” Ak’ka crossed her arms over her chest, all the bluntness of a hammer - or her fists - in the way she spoke. The merc took a moment to size up her new ally, the short bearded fella with the accent that took her a moment to place. Most everyone was shorter than her, so that hardly meant anything. But the orc woman was a warrior, and she knew a fighter when she saw one. The stance, the way he considered his surroundings. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to worry about him being horse chow.
She held out a hand to him.
“Ak’ka. Most folks call me the Bonegrinder. Don’t steal my shit or insult my da and we’ll get along fine.” Her handshake was a calloused one; knuckles split and bloody a thousand times over. Even though she carried a hefty tree on her back, it was obvious what her primary weapon of choice was.
The guy chose that moment to… bow, for some reason. Ak’ka shoved her hands in her pockets with a snicker. “Arashi… yer a pretty polite guy, aint’cha?” She didn’t seem especially bothered by the difference in their demeanor. She didn’t seem like the kinda gal who was bothered by much; she held herself with the attitude of someone who could handle most life threw at her and was cool with it, so long as she was still alive and kicking.
As Arashi spoke, she brought a hand to her eyes, providin’ some shade to scan the area. The plains of King’s Valley were quiet… ‘xcept for the wind whispering in the tall grass. No sign of the horses they were after.
“Yeah, ya might be right about that.” She agreed. “Don’t look like they’re here yet. In any case, it’s better to stick around here since we know this is where they hang out. Me n’ Keiga came here for a proper brawl, and that’s what we’re gonna get.” She jutted her thumb in the direction of her Serpent friend, who poked his head outta the grass when she brought attention to him.
Speakin’ of…
“Hey, mind lookin’ around for any sign of ‘em?”
“I eat Wyldmare for breakfast.” Keiga replied, slithering through the grass. Like her, he longed for the thrill of battle. Ak’ka watched him disappear into the wilds for any scent of the predators they were after. Once he was hidden, she turned back to Arashi.
“If Keiga catches any whiff of them, he’ll let us know.” She cracked her knuckles and stretched her arms, ready to be loose n’ limber for battle. “Now. I’m guessin’ you ain’t a local. I’m not either. But from what I know of these guys, they’re pretty vicious, but if there’s two of us, and two of them, shouldn’t be too hard.”
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
13
Renown
Crescent Isles
268 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Arashi Tento on Mar 21, 2024 17:05:21 GMT -5
Arashi bowed Just as Ak'ka stretche her hand for a handshake, it took him a split second to identify what she was going for and he began to straighten up, sadly that split second was enough for Ak'ka to retreat her hand into her pockets as before Arashi could extend his, so while extending his hand he noticed the handshake moment had passed and so he lifted his hand and arm pretending to do a stretch. This was awkward, he was awkward, he made it awkward.
"Sorry about that... I'm from the Crescent Isles so respect and politeness are very much expected... I was raised with all that..." He cut himself off realizing how that might sound or what it might imply "Y-you don't have to match it or anything! I never expect anyone to... I am the one who is somewhere else after all" he let out a nervous chuckle "Besides It's not like I prefer it that way... I'm not too fond of certain hierarchies so it's not like respect and authority mean everything to me... it's just that, old habits die hard I guess..."
He nods as Ak'ka told her Serpent companion to investigate the area Arashi nodded. "I've never faced a Wyldmare, but I've heard the same... Still you're right that it shouldn't be too hard. They may pose a threat on their own right, but they are a wild beast and even if vicious and relentless, that might play against them, they'd be likely to just charge blindly and if we play it smart a one on one shouldn't be a problem, if they caught one of us alone and happened to surround us... it might get more dangerous. But being that we're two, I'm sure we'll do well"
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS ONLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
321 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Mar 25, 2024 7:17:16 GMT -5
Huh. Oh. Okay, so he didn’t wanna shake her hand. Ak’ka was about to shove it back in her pocket when he picked himself back up and held his hand to her… oh - nah, he was stretching.
She let out a bark of laughter at his apology. Goddess, the damn guy was so formal. She smacked him on the shoulder, with enough force to bruise a lesser fighter. “Man, you don’t gotta be so uptight, it’s fine.” She paused, face as serious as graves. “‘Xcept, I was raised in Orc culture, where a lot can be told about a person from their handshake. So since you rebuffed me, we’re sworn enemies now.”
A best of tense silence, before Ak’ka burst out into raucous laughter. “MAN, I’m just fuckin’ with you. Look, manners are made up by people who decided it was important to kiss the ass of everyone you meet. Be nice to me, don’t… I don’t care. Real mettle is tested in battle.”
To a guy like Arashi, who’d come from a place where pretense and respect was everything, Ak’ka might’a seemed like a pretty damn wild woman herself. But she just wasn’t the kinda gal to get ruffled by what other people thought of her. She knew who she was, and what respect she owed herself. A little awkward stint and almost-half-insult didn’t bother her any. She wasn’t the kind of person to be ruffled easy.
“Even a wild beast can fell the strongest warrior when there are enough of them.” Ak’ka grunted. even as easy as they were, she wasn’t gonna underestimate the danger the Wyldmare posed. She liked to think she could accurately estimate the kinda threats that she could handle - which was why she was nonchalant about most shit in her life, given she could take care of most dangers - but she wasn’t fool enough to think she could handle everything.
“Good thing about Wyldmare , though, is that they don’t follow pack mentality. So these two fuckers - they’re dueling it out for this territory. They’ll be fightin’ each other on top of us. We can use that.”
She cracked her knuckles, body alight with anticipation.
A few minutes later, Keiga came slithering back through the tall grass, poking his head up at her with what might be considered a reptilian smile. “One of them is approaching from the north.”
“Then it’s go-time.”
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
13
Renown
Crescent Isles
268 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Arashi Tento on Apr 4, 2024 15:25:16 GMT -5
As Ak'ka slapped Arashi's back in reassurance, he felt a bit of her strength, he almost got knocked forward but due to already being a bit tense and on the lookout he managed to resist it and not stumble or anything. He chuckled until the Buff Orc woman decided to sort of threaten him, He didn't know exactly what to make of it, he was still not familiar with her and as far as he knew the whole handshake thing might actually be a thing... but before he could think much of it the silence was ended by a hearty laugh, "Glad you were joking, I'd rather take care of this first and then maybe we could have a spar" Arashi smiled amused, feeling less tense as he began to understand more of Ak'ka's personality and demeanor.
"I do agree with that though, while manners were a big part of my upbringing that also means I know full well of their flaws and disadvantages... I rather not make enemies of everyone, and depending on who even not bother them by my presence which is what some manners are good for... but the opposite end is also dangerous, I've met more than my share of well mannered, twisted, but ultimately weak people. they are the least fun. Rather have a dangerous monster chase me than someone like that trying to get rid of me... at least the threat would be apparent and has an easy solution."
"I had heard they were lone creatures, that makes it easier since they likely won't have back up or work together." He looks in the direction Keiga was as she announces that it's time for action. Arashi nods and follows along.
Once closer he spots the Wyldmare, it looks almost identical to a horse at least from this distance and while just walking around, it's most monstrous aspects hidden right now. Looking to the side, in the same direction the beast is heading, Arashi spots the other one. they are both slowly approaching each other but they don't reveal themselves just yet, maybe they know of Arashi's and Ak'ka's presence? Either way Arashi speaks to her "Do you wanna wait till they are closer so we can ambush them and be in range of each other if necessary? or would you like to just go for it? I'm fine with either, but wouldn't want to charge if you'd rather wait for them to get closer."
If Ak'ka decides charging, Arashi will head to the Farthest Wyldmare, the second one they spotted, leaving Ak'ka and Keiga to handle the other one.
Otherwise he'd Join Ak'ka in ambushing the closer one taking it down before the second one gets in range
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS ONLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
321 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on Apr 8, 2024 8:30:30 GMT -5
Ak’ka’s grin widened at the mention of a spar. Such simple words were often the key to the merc’s respect. People could talk all they wanted – when all chips were on the table, what really mattered was whether they could back it up or not. Arashi seemed like the kinda guy who didn’t just ask outta some sense of bravado or pride, but for the thrill of battle, and knowin’ one’s opponent.
“Now I’d never say no to a spar.” She said. “Let’s see where the day takes us, man.” The horses came first.
The merc was only kinda familiar with what Arashi was talkin’ about. She’d been raised in the north, where the closest thing people could consider honorable was the bond between warriors and a good, honest fist to the face. If someone didn’t like you, they said it to yer face, and if you took umbrage, then you duked it out and solved the problem with blood. Politics went above her head. But in her time she’d met her fair share of knights – guys with polite demeanors who hid their disdain behind an air of fake authority. And ya couldn’t even punch ‘em in the face for fear of getting arrested. When it came to Ak’ka, what you saw was what you got. But not everyone walked around with the same courtesy.
Monsters were far, far easier to deal with.
“Yeah.” Ak’ka nodded. “Little chance they’ll join forces to fight us.”
There was no more time to talk strategy – the Wyldmares were here.
It was tough to tell if they’d been spotted, but the two weren’t especially stealthy, not while they were standin’ in the middle of the field in plain sight. Ak’ka maneuvered herself so she was back to back with Arashi; each one of ‘em facing one of the approaching Wyldmare.
“On my signal.”
She didn’t wait long before letting out a roar that was probably meant to be the signal. It was safe to say so given that she charged one second later, ice-coated boots takin’ her faster across the grass.[1]
The Wyldmare’s neck snapped in her direction.
Up close it was easy to see the little bastard wasn’t like the normal beasts of burden native to King’s Valley. It ran on two feet, its front legs more like arms ending in claws. And as it lunged at Ak’ka, it opened its mouth wider than any horse should be able to. It tried to snap down on Ak’ka’s arm, but Ak’ka was ready. She flexed her arms, coiled muscles as solid as steel.[2] Fangs bounced harmlessly off of the protective metal of her arms, and Ak’ka delivered a solid punch right to the Wyldmare’s jaw. The bastard let out a pained whinny as it reeled back, but it didn’t last for long. These little things were vicious, and their aggression was unparalleled.
Ak’ka came to win, but this monster wasn’t goin’ down without a fight. 1. Frozen Feet 2. Art of the Iron Fist (3/4 Hit Preventions Remaining), Myriad Barrier
|
|
Tradesfolk
IS OFFLINE
13
Renown
Crescent Isles
268 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Arashi Tento on Apr 23, 2024 21:23:30 GMT -5
Akka and Arashi stood at the ready, he nodded as she said to wait for the signal, once Ak'ka let out her battlecry Arashi rushed forward to face his Wyldmare. Materializing his lightning spear he jumped spinning around as he ran to throw it with all his might at the beast[1] "Take this you filthy horse knock off!" it became a powerful lightning bolt but the beast knew to jump it as an explosion lifted a cloud of smoke a bit behind the Wyldmare unsheathed his sword and stood at the ready as the monster charged at him. "Hmph... Faster than I thought... Then let's dance!"
It jumped attempting to bite his face off, Arashi ducked below the bite as he raised his sword[2] in an upwards slash, it met the creatures face but only went as deep as it's jaw the hard but moving bone stopping Arashi's blade. The monster swiped at him, a backstep and another slash at the hand that was also stopped at the bone, "these things are sturdy..." Still it was bleeding quite a bit already, the creature was relentless though and wouldn't give up despite wounds. It kicked at Arashi trying it's best to hit or claw him, each miss was a wound to the Wyldmare quick slashes keeping it at bay and himself safe. The beast's frustration was palpable as it charged and went for another bite this time to the shoulder, it managed to slap Arashi's blade away slightly before driving it's fangs into him but as soon as the bite landed Arashi burst into a cloud of petals[3] reforming above the creature and summoned[4] his hidden blossom blade he threw the staff/sheath at the Wyldmare hitting it in the back of the head as he used a burst of wind and lightning[5] to fall at blinding speeds impaling the beasts head with the mighty nodachi the hidden blossom blade's sheath had bounced and Arashi angled it in a way it'd fall on the blade and sheath itself by gravity. Arashi spun the staff around done with his part of the job "well... That's that."
1: Lightning spear 2: katana (double strike enchantment) 3: Vanishing flowers 4: summon possession (Hidden Blossom Blade) 5: Bullet Dash
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS ONLINE
9
Renown
Frostgale
Forgiveness is for Quitters.
321 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Ak'ka the Bonegrinder on May 18, 2024 10:46:28 GMT -5
She had to give it to them.
These little slippery bastards were fast.
Ak’ka didn’t usually ride beasts of burden, mostly because horses were too small for her and she’d break their fragile little spines if she put their weight on her. This time, the spine breaking was intentional. The point being; she knew that horses were pretty fast, but this was another level entirely. These monsters were almost a blur to the eye, threatenin’ to rip apart her skin with gnashing teeth and slashing claws.
Good thing Ak’ka was fast, too.
The mercenary put distance between herself and the creature on ice-coated boots, gliding as if she was still on the ice fields and there was no friction on the ground to stop her movement.[1] The movement only caught the eye of the Wyldmare, who snorted and dashed after her on two hind legs. It snorted, gaping maw open once more.
This time Ak’ka was ready.
She stomped her foot on the ground, the earth shaking from the force of the blow; cracking shards of jagged ice shot up from the ground, forming a protective wall.[2] The Wyldmare slammed into its side with a sickening CRUNCH of bone from the impact. From the other side of the wall she heard it more than she saw it. The disorientation gave her the opportunity to vault over the wall with a roar, fists raised in a blaze of fury.
She didn’t need nothin’ flashy. No powerful finishing moves. The Bonegrinder was raw passion and cold anger and the frozen strength of a woman who should’a died ages ago, but simply refused. She clasped her fists together, and as she brought down a ton of force on the Wyldmare’s skull. Enough to crumple it in one single blow, caving bone and muscle and sinew to a pulp underneath her bare hands.[3] Blood splattered everywhere, ivory fragments shattering like glass. The Wlydmare let out one final pained whinny, unable to mount much of a fight, in the end.
That was just how life was. You went through the world thinkin’ you were the biggest and toughest predator until you found somethin’ stronger than you. You could either scale the wall… or run into it. This Wyldmare just learned what it meant to find a hurdle you couldn’t scale.
Ak’ka straightened, spittin’ on the ground where the Wyldmare’s corpse laid.
As she turned she saw Arashi’d finished his opponent, too. She broke into a grin, cracking her knuckles. “For all those rumors they weren’t that tough!” She laughed. Didn’t sound boastful as she said it – more like disappointment they hadn’t put up much more of a fight. “At least the tribes’ll be safer now that their fighting’s been stopped.” 1. Frozen Feet 2. Glacial Wall 3. Bull's Strength, Heavy Enchantment
|
|