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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jun 26, 2024 17:34:57 GMT -5
It always seemed to confuse some when the Lion of the Landing came to take on small jobs like fighting off crabs. If they had heard of him, then why was one of the adventurers who helped slay Vulcadreus coming to take out crabs? Even if they didn't know the name, this was still a very well-armored and clearly well-off man that did not need to be taking these jobs.
In most cases, he was simply that pure of heart that he wished to help people in need no matter how big a job. However, this job at the Oasis had a secret second objective for the knight. Clearing the way for a more peaceful vacation with his wife when the time comes. It is hard to relax in the sun with crabs on the prowl.
This is the motivation he brings to the table as he soars towards the oasis on the back of Haurach. The dragon's scales glint off the sun as they turn towards the oasis.
"Giant aggressive crabs...this should be relatively simple...." He pauses before sighing. "Though now that I've said that something will inevitably go sideways as they always do."
Well, there was only one way to find out what would go wrong.
Quest Name: King Crab
Participants: Two or more
Location: Zeinav Oasis
Post Requirements: 6 posts per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, Choice of 2 Common crafting materials
Description: A particularly large Paradise Crab has taken control of the Oasis, bullying out other male crabs in the attempt to dominate the area. This has caused both the larger crab and most other males in the area to become hostile, not only with each other but to travelers seeking refuge from the desert. They are becoming a hazard and something must be done. The crab population is important to the Oasis, so removing the large, aggressive male is not only for the benefit of the travelers but also the crab population. Go in, brave the horde of angry crabs, and defeat the aggressor.
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 26, 2024 18:22:10 GMT -5
A normal Paradise crab is around the size of a small dog- and one could see the especially large male all the way over here. It looked the usual height of a table, towering over the rest of the crabs- but, you know, not very large when you think of other dangers one would encounter. Still, a table sized crab is still going to be dangerous, with those giant pincers and all.
And the lion of the landing was not particularly alone in the area- which had been crab infested enough to make passersby opt to take a longer route around it.
Marion had chosen to check out this issue as soon as he had heard about it. He had started out on this journey out of the love for the various wildlife and biomes- and when something like this happens, when the goings of nature is starting to have conflict with the interests of people, the elf felt obligated to go and take a look at it, possibly sorting it out.
The golden haired silhouette stood a fair safe distance from the crabs, hugging a leafing staff, and observing- and he moved when the crabs did, midful of giving them enough breath as to not agitate them further.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jun 28, 2024 13:58:58 GMT -5
The arrival of a dragon did send a small scattering of the average sized crabs scuttling away. They may have the numbers, but numbers don't matter much comparing a dragon to a crab. Leandros stepped through the parting crowd looking to find where this oversized crab was.
"Shame my schooling never thought to teach me how to hunt crabs, where could it even hide? With how big it is supposed to be could it even submerge itself in the water?"
The knight half mused to himself, half to Haurach. She trudged through the sand beside the knight, tail swaying and occasionally thwacking against a crab that decided to be brave. Snacks for later was the thought that ran through her mind.
Leandros finally spots the elf, riasing a hand in a small salute/greeting. Thank Solaria, this person looked much more knowledgable about the natural world than he was. Maybe he wouldn't have to crack open crab shells until the big one appears after all.
"Well met friend, I'm Leandros Aurthurian of Capitol Landing. I imagine you've caught word of the crab situation here? We might be able to help each other, you seem to know a bit more about these things than I do."
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 28, 2024 18:15:24 GMT -5
Marion was not quite expecting to spot a literal dragon knight out here.
To be fair the other looks (and sounds) like someone straight out of a fairytale book, the way he talked and the whole getup just painting the words 'noble white knight in shining armor' all over the man. It was sort of stunning to see in person, and Marion rubbed his eyes to look again to make sure he wasn't just seeing things- and then he waved back.
"oh... Oh. yes, I am here because of the crabs- "
Picking up his staff and wading through the shallow parts of the water in which he before stood, the little elf made his way to where the other pair was.
"I'm Marion Aurea, from King's Valley! To be honest, I also know relatively little about crabs- I'm more well versed with the vegetation, you see, but I did manage to make some observations just then."
He looked up to the man, and extended his hand, most probably offering a handshake in spirit of introductions.
"It is quite fortunate for me that you are here too, I'm not the best at fighting- is it alright if I stay with you going forward?"
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 1, 2024 15:20:37 GMT -5
"Of course, though let us hope it doesn't come to fighting." He smiles broadly, taking the hand offered careful not to make it too firm a shake.
The crabs did not seem too happy about all of the new intruders on their beach. They were especially displeased with Haurach making a snack of many of their friends. There was not much they could do about it though. There were little bugs to the massive creature.
However, unbeknownst to the people above the water something was stirring. An ancient protector of the crabs sought to rise and protect its bretheren. Bubbles slowly rose to the surface, the only signal of its forthcoming arrival.
Unfortunately, Leandros did not know enough about local stories or wildlife to be afraid of the big bad crab. He was totally oblivious to any of the changes or the tell tale signs of what the kids call "trouble brewing."
"Perhaps they just aren't happy with us. I can't imagine I would be to excited if some strangers wandered into my home. Haurach can eat a bit and get a drink....Are you in need of food or water? I believe I have plenty to spare in my things if need be." He motions with his hands back to Haurach, saddle bags resting against the dragon's haunches.
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jul 1, 2024 18:10:01 GMT -5
"I do have my own food, actually! But probably after the current issues are dealt with first. It could have buried itself under the sand in the water, I mean, well, even if paradise crabs are abit misleadingly called land crabs, as in they do not owe anything like swimmerets- swimming flippers nowadays, they are moreso semi-terrestrial, and can still stay underwater for quite a length of time, and still need to keep their gills moisturized to function breathing on land- that is the contributing factor of the population being limited to the perimeters of the oasis, actually. And that they lack functional natural predators in the area since the human population moved in and cleared the area of large dangerous animals."
As he talked, you could clearly see how the train of though de-railed into a different direction, which, Marion did not seem to mind.
"Which is why intense inter-special competition is starting to occur due to the overpopulation, as can be observed in this happening, and that mutations that makes the crab larger, stronger and more aggressive are supported and encouraged. On a long time scale of things, it would breed a new look for paradise crabs, but I don't think anyone would like to live alongside giant-giant murder crabs. Curbing the population is one of the few things that are somewhat emergency treatment for now, while the people of the oasis must consider their relationship with these crabs and the oasis ecosystem."
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 2, 2024 13:42:28 GMT -5
Leandros offers a small laugh as Marion goes on. He is happy to let the man speak and speak, it is all information that he didn't have. Fortunately most of it was relevant too, so that was just an added bonus. He might not understand all of the intricate things at play, but it was more than he had started with.
"See? You know plenty about this situation." He smiles brightly. "So, how do we get the crabs to leave here? Haurach seems to be scaring them off, but she certainly can't live here we do have work to do."
Once more, the knight looked over the crabs milling about. The water continued to burble, the bubbles getting larger and larger. Leandros raises an eyebrow at that. Is this simply a side effect of the Oasis being fed from a spring below? What a strange site.
Haurach lays down into the sand with a huff, scooching herself into the sand to enjoy some warmth on her scales. A large claw stomps through another few crabs before pulling them back towards her to continue eating. A satisfied little clicking noise exited her throat as she continued her meal.
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jul 2, 2024 18:05:28 GMT -5
"- I don't think driving them out of the oasis will result in a kinder result then death for the crabs, I think. "
Marion spoke it slowly, like he was deeply considering his words, but he said it none the less, and looked to th other.
Oh.
"- Let's remove ourselves from the imminent area."
The little elf was abit terse, as he picked up his staff and headed towards the shallower bank. Marion's expression when he had talked about the whole situation and so on was abit odd- his ears are flattened and he would have looked almost mildly distressed, yet it looked as if he was smiling the whole time regardless with the way how the corner of his lips dipped.
"The oasis is not a gaseous spring, Leandros. It's something breathing out- Walk, now, as you normally would, and do not run or move suddenly and quickly."
He didn't really doubt the other's ability to do so, with the whole setup and a dragon as a mount, Marion is confident that this man have known more battlefields than he ever did, and veterans in such a field would understand and have honed themselves to be calm in any situation.
"I cannot make out what exactly it is, since I cannot see it fully yet. But you always want to move yourself slowly. You must never run from an ambush predator or a opportunistic hunter. It attracts their attention."
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 3, 2024 13:50:39 GMT -5
"This is why I am leaning on your experience." Leandros looks to the water as Marion grows more concerned.
Without a change in his demeanor, he listens to the elf and follows. The knight knows there is wisdom in his course of action, but one of his few faults is his pride that refuses to let him appear as if he is backing down.
"There is merit in standing firm as well." He glances back towards the water before turning his attention back to Marion. "The larger and more imposing you look, the less likely a creature is to want to challenge you.....it works surprisingly well on people too. I don't intend to bully people, but my size tends to discourage some from acting out.
As he gives a light chuckle, the water burbles to its highest point. There is no ignoring it now or hoping that it was just some strange and temporary phenomenon. Bursting from the water comes the large Paradise Crab, towering at around eight feet tall as it scuttles out. The water falls down in a gentle rain from its explosive entrance.
It hisses out as the other crabs join in a cacophony of crustecean chaos. Haurach hurries to her feet with a roar, wings flexing out and kicking up sand. Instinctively, Leandros steps forward and gently moves Marion behind him.
"Hold a moment Haurach....friend, do you have any ideas on how to resolve this without killing it? It can claim this place as its territory and harrass people, but I don't wish to harm it if it is not necessary."
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jul 3, 2024 18:07:48 GMT -5
“It is, when confrontation is inevitable. I do have a friend that can help me in that regard- he is very good at bluffing."
Marion was not very startled, and he kept a steady gaze before him and reached his hand into the air beside him, and a rift appeared, and this large, fluffy, moth-ish dragonfly like creature crawled out. It is not really that it is especially large in the body, but its wings are quite ridiculously large, iridescent gold flashing as it beat down and took to the air.
"- Leandros, this is a crab taller than a doorframe and at least three times as wide. Think about the amount of food that it needs to be sustained and the territory it takes up."
The little elf kept his vision on the crabs, making sure that there are few that surrounds behind them. Crab hoards is not the sort to be particularly organized, that Marion had gathered, but there is also the possibility that they would quite accidentally pour around any obstacle and place, well, the pair of unfortunate people, in a more dangerous position.
"He needs to be removed from this current habitat. You either kill it, which is easier, or try to control it and relocate it, which will be a much harder task."
The golden shadow cast by the giant moth went in close and swooped over the crowd- which sort of shrinked tighter into themselves together for protection. As the same with their marine relatives not being able to deal with rays, these fellas also have no answer to potential death swooping overhead. Kweh, on the other hand, spat out two big glob of its honey sap onto the large crab, one for each side, the amber spread and hardened to lock it's joints in place.
"Flip it over, now, and We'd start tying it up. You know how they sell them at markets?" ———————————————————————————— The Dragoonfly is able to spit a sticky substance similar to honey within a five foot radius, trapping anyone standing within it for one post, as a form of self-defense,
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 7, 2024 7:20:43 GMT -5
"The ocean would be the only place large enough to sustain something like this and I do not think we have the means to carry it that far....or subdue it for that long." Leandros takes out his halberd and shield as Kweh flies overhead.
Haurach likely could carry the crab, but it would fight the entire way. He didn't know if there was any way to knock it out long enough and it was hardly worth the risk if it were to drop over any town or city. The risk was too great it seemed and well....it was just a crab.
Leandros didn't like when those thoughts crossed his mind. Animal or not, it is a sentient creature that just wants to live. It is unfortunate that it chose a spot that simply puts too many people at risk.
While Kweh binds the crab, Haurach breaths in and exhales a cone of cold and ice. The crab's lower half is now covered in webs and ice crystals. It gurgles in a rage as it tries to free itself.
Leandros charges in ready to try and flip it over. Shield in front of him, he sprints out as fast as he can.[1] The shield slams into the body with much more force than a normal man could.[2] The crab wails as it wavers back and forth before it lurches backwards to land on its back, legs kicking in the air.
"If you have rope, now is the time for it."
1. Rushing Charge 2. Lion's Strengthx2, Baloth musclesx2
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jul 7, 2024 9:51:41 GMT -5
Marion did not proceed to produce rope- but he put the butt of his staff down into the ground under the shallow water, and sang a short verse- The words compressed into another, and the ground under erupted upwards.
And when the water cleared from the air it turned out that he had grown vines from the ground- Making it hard for other smaller crabs to get through, as well as the vines ensnaring the largest one in it's 'midst.
"Even if the ocean is vast, the ecosystem on the shorelines also must be taken into consideration. The addition of this large, omnivorous specimen without any apparent natural predators- of course, it would only be for a time, but the fact that it may not be able to adapt to saline waters, or that there will be no mates of it's own kind- there is no guarantee for a good quality of life for him, even if we go though the whole trouble of moving him away."
Marion sighed.
"- In the very least, I do not believe in wasteful killing. Such a large crab would be able to feed a lot of people- and I've heard that males generally taste better than females in the meat."
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 7, 2024 17:16:47 GMT -5
Leandros shields himself from the mist and rain created in the aftermath of Marion's spell before letting out a breath. Ropes, vines, same thing in the end. The crab is none to happy to be held in place, but it is held for the moment.
The knight considers Marion's words as he circles to the head of the crustaecean. He has a point, a creature this size will cause disruption no matter where it goes. Of course at this point in his life he knows that sometimes this truly is the best option regardless of if he likes it or not. One death to save several lives.
He nods towards Marion before raising his halberd. It is a quick push in through the shell and roughly to wear the brain is before pulling back. The crab spurts and wriggles a few moments before the vines go slack and the crab stops moving.
"Well, at least it is settled. Are you all right, friend?" The smaller crabs, seeing their fearless leader down continue to simply mill about. They are just crabs after all, they don't understand the concept of mourning.
The knight flicks the viscera from his blade before sheathing it over his shoulder and crossing the oasis towards Marion. The vines were certainly an impressive display, he'd have to thank the man for the save.
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jul 7, 2024 18:27:31 GMT -5
Marion nodded, as an answer to the question, lifting Idun up from the ground- and he waded up through the water to place his hand on one of the vines, and that same short verse he sung but in reverse somehow- and the mass of vines retracted in size in a quite miraculous manner, into just a tiney seed to rest in the young elf's palm. Which he held up to the light to examine, and stashed away in his satchel.
"I wasn't in any danger. I would like ask the same question to you, though."
Looking to the knight, Marion tilted his head.
"You are- much more sympathetic, to creatures than I have come to expect from other people. If I may ask- why?"
He didn't mean to bring anyone down in his implication, but most of the time- people just saw animals as, well, animals. Especially crustations land or sea- they couldn't talk, nor make expressions that are easy to read for people the same way mammals are able to. Some people would burn their house down at the sight of a spider.
Kweh, the large dragoonfly, swooped overhead and let out a string of chittering, and Marion heard and seemingly understood, as he made a little flourish with his staff, and a dark rift appeared above head for the giant insectile creature to fly through. It had pretty much not wanted to get it's feet wet to land- rather fussy, that, but then soggy wet fluff is the last thing anyone would want.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jul 9, 2024 13:16:45 GMT -5
Leandros laughs gently at the question, it is a fair one.
"It is hard to blame him for this situation....I doubt he meant to cause harm, if he did I doubt it would have been this easy to dispatch him. I've trained to fight monsters, undead and dragons mostly, those are creatures that can be inherently evil, but I've learned not all monsters are that simple and sometimes...what some see as a monster is just an animal in the wrong place at the wrong time."
He puts a hand to the shell of the crab, muttering some soft words for it before his hand falls. Haurach quietly eats her smaller crabs in the distance now that the dust of the fight has settled. She no longer needs to be on edge and the knight is not calling for her service, so she may relax.
"Also, killing is the easy answer in any conflict. My hope is that any situation can be ended without violence...a naive hope I know and a strange one for a man like myself, but that doesn't make it any less worth trying."
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