|
Post by Vincent on Oct 3, 2014 15:29:59 GMT -6
"Doctor who?" Vincent asked. This was the second time meeting and he had yet to learn a name. "Actually it doesn't matter who. I suppose you are blunt straightforward and honest so that is unusual. Telling me you just want to use me is not a strong recruitment method. As well I know these mercenaries are the ones causing harm throwing around the name of the noble. I'm not the rash idiot I was before. I need to know of his innocence or guilt first."
To trust this doctor was a tall order even with his less than noble intentions laid bare. His role was no more than scape goat. "I'll give it some thought. Regardless I want the mercs responsible. Your affair is your business. Understand however that if this goes south you've chosen no allies and I will not hesitate to let you fall instead of me." This was going to become a shaky team and God only knows what the bandit had planned. Perhaps it would be better to not get involved but it is his home, someone needs to protect it.
Even if this was successful, Vincent was certain he could beat the axe fighter. The swordsman however was like no one he'd ever seen. "Say we do this. You stated the swordsman would be an issue. We know nothing of the other mercenaries and i know nothing of your combat capabilities." Too many x variables and no numbers to help find it. "Can you fight well or just assassinate?"
|
|
Dayan
Thief
Posts: 40
Profession: Doctor
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Wyatt
|
Post by Dayan on Oct 4, 2014 10:45:47 GMT -6
Dayan chuckled at the boy's response. "The mercs are responsible? Even if you were right, it is a poor noble who does not protect his citizenry. He sits calm and content in his manor and pays no attention to bandits ravaging his people? Then what, exactly, are they paying taxes to him for? If the mercenaries are working for him or not does not change his guilt in the matter. He is unfit to rule over himself, much less others."
Dayan sighed a bit, shaking his head at the boy. "Excellent. I would expect no different. So we both have business in the manor house. You want to deal with the mercs, I wish to deal with the pathetic excuse of a 'noble'. I can promise you some time without the swordsman there, but I don't intend to engage him unless I have to. If you want to strike against him, that's on you. Perhaps he'll just leave once his fat, meal ticket is punched for good?" Dayan suggested.
"At any rate, whatever happens to the little men is of no matter to me. Those who hold the power are who will be held accountable. I will strike them down if they get in my way, but I am not going out of my way to kill them all. If you want into the manor, listen closely. Wait until that fool starts causing trouble, then get close and watch. When you see a fleet of horses leave, you'll have your time to move in. How long depends on how much trouble the fool makes, but I can promise at least ten minutes."
Dayan already had the plan formulated, assuming that the mage from earlier was good for nothing and ran at the first sign of trouble. If he showed more tenacity, the mission would only get easier.
Only time would tell.
"Try not to die before then," Dayan said as a means of farewell, as he got up and headed for the door.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Oct 10, 2014 19:27:47 GMT -6
Vincent watched as he let the man leave. Vincent sighed an exhausted chuckle. This was one of three assassins he had met on his travels thus far. It seemed like he was destined to have a bounty on his head or join them. ...Wait, that was his current situation already. Oh, the tragedy.
Vincent took a moment to reflect. Despite never letting her see it Ajari left an impact on the boy. He does not need to kill them but they deserve death. They extorted the people and even killed a child. But, why would he consider killing them. He brought so many to justice without resorting to lethal means. But these people were sitting above the law in the lap of their noble. Now was not the time to dwell on heavy hearted matters. Ajari was a good woman and wise but she was wrong about some things. She convinced him against seeking Near but regardless he had a responsibility to his home, to the defenseless. He had to be the blade that protected those that lived peacefully. Like a knight, laughable, he was far from it.
---------------------------
That night Vincent did not go home to rest. He traveled the town to see what had all been done. Destruction, theft, and crops left in shambles. It made him sick. In the end Vincent needed little convincing to cooperate with "The Doctor" though he would certainly not trust him. Perhaps if chance was good he could bring everyone involved to justice... fat chance of that though.
Vincent found Dayan waiting at the meeting place. He kept his voice low though it was far enough away volume would not be a major concern. "Ah, you're here." Vincent looked around for any fellow gang members as though it was a setup but none reared their heads. "I suppose a quick last minute rundown from here is in order?"
|
|
Dayan
Thief
Posts: 40
Profession: Doctor
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Wyatt
|
Post by Dayan on Oct 11, 2014 21:30:43 GMT -6
Dayan was already waiting when Vincent showed up. The plan was already well in motion, though that wouldn't seem obvious to anybody except himself. He had a short, thin needle prepped with a potent toxin, far more than he would need to kill anyone. He'd also done a quick preliminary search of the surrounding area. he didn't believe he was seen, but there was no way to be sure of that. There seemed to be roughly a dozen mercenaries all said and done, and maybe half as many horses. That suggested that they shared horses, meaning that if a group of them left there would be roughly the same amount left at the manor house.
Something about this bothered Dayan. It was too simple, too obvious. Something about this wasn't how it appeared, which meant he needed to be extra careful in dealing with this situation. He had managed to procure one 'Trump Card', though he hoped he wouldn't have to use it yet.
As Vincent came up, Dayan watched him closely. "No. I think the mission will begin right now," Dayan declared. He wasted no time and threw a punch at Vincent, aiming to strike his face. The attack missed, even with the element of surprise. Dayan didn't hesitate at all, however, and took another two swings at Vincent, closing to almost on top of him.
If Vincent didn't react, the doctor would continue to press the attack. He gave no explanation or reasoning for his sudden assault, and remained silent as he continued to try and strike him.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Oct 11, 2014 22:10:14 GMT -6
Vincent was still far from a master and his style was rough but he would not let more than one strike take him by surprise. As the second swing came for him Vincent blocked with his gauntlets. "What the heck are you doing!?" Vincent was more than a little taken back. Was Dayan actually with the mercenaries and all this was some ruse and trick? No, this trick probably is his way in. Vincent decided not to be beaten here.
Blocking with gauntlets he quickly managed to kick his attacker back. The force of hitting metal and being kicked ought to throw the man off. He did not know how skilled his opponent was but it didn't matter. One on one combat was his specialty. Vincent kept Dayan off balance blocking and dodging blows. He decided he would not mess around now. He could not afford to.
Backing away Vincent drew a blade. "Stop this at once or I will be forced to use lethal means." Vincent took a stance. He was deathly serious. He would kill Dayan if he needed to. Or at the very least Dayan may very well lose a limb or two. All up to him. "Stop this nonsense now and there will be no problems. If you charge me I will counter." Would Dayan call him out or let the fighting end here? Vincent watched him closely. His breathing seemed level and he was relaxed. Almost as though he did not care about what they were doing. On the other hand Vincent felt stirred by the surprise. Put him on edge. It showed too.
|
|
Borgus
Acolyte
DEAD
Getting money is easy. The ahrd part is keeping it.
Posts: 90
Profession: Bandit
OoC Alias: Butorega
|
Post by Borgus on Oct 13, 2014 18:08:01 GMT -6
"It is time", spoke Borgus as he walked into the local Bar. The Acolyte had his own plan in the works. He may not have his boys to back him up but he was still capable of creating anarchy all by his own self. The Acolyte pulled out a bag of coins, which he received from a merchant on the road not five days ago, and tossed it onto the counter top. Inside the bag was enough coin to burn the bar down and rebuild it back up again. "Free Drinks on me tonight", shouted Borgus as he grabbed a glass from a nearby table and raised it in the air! His actions were soon followed by a wave of cheers as the patrons of the bar began to celebrate their free alcohol.
Without another word Borgus walked out the bar dragging the local drunk with him. "Hey you", he spoke as he rose the half drunken man up to his feet. "Go spread the word that there is free mead here", spoke Borgus as he put a few gold coins in the man hand. With a half drunken stutter he accepted and began to run through the streets telling everyone about free mead and ale. While he did that Borgus walked off to meet a group of children he had gathered up earlier.
"Alright Mr, I got my friends", spoke one of the kids. From their faces you could tell that they were hungry. The taxes had been hard and families were missing meals this made it easy for Borgus to do his work. When there is desperation their will always be puns.
"Here you go kids", spoke Borgus as he gave the kids a few gold pieces each. "Now", he spoke as he gave each of them a torch. "Go hit the targets like I told you. If you all hit all the targets then I will triple the gold I just gave you."
"Triple", spoke the kids with excitement. Their eyes lit up with both excitement and hope.
"Yep triple", spoke Borgus. "However you have to hit all the hay wagons marked with red paint. If you miss one you will not get your bonus, understood."
"Understood", spoke the young children in unison as they ran off. Their touches lit up the night as they dashed in different directions.
"Good now to part B", spoke the Acolyte as he walked to a local wine shop. Finishing off the last of the gold in that bag Borgus bout the oldest and most expensive wine the store had to offer. He then wrote a letter and had it delivered to the lord of the castle. The Letter read "Good Luck".
With his tasks complete and his plan on its way Borgus moved to a hill top to watch his plan take motion. All across town people clamored and rushed to the bar in order to get a free drink. The streets started to fill up as the young children began to set fire to the hay carts Borgus had scattered across the town. The sudden outbreak of fires grabbed the attention of the nearby guards and with the mass of people chaos soon began to fill streets. Like a hawk Borgus watched the gate to the Lord's Estate. He waited for him to send out his reinforcements in order to quell the chaos. Borgus may not be a unstoppable Juggernaut, but he was a good thinker. Once the reserve forces were gone Borgus would enter into the estate and complete his task.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Oct 30, 2014 19:59:15 GMT -6
There they stood, two figures illuminated by the pale moonlight. One relatively relaxed and another with pointed blade panting. The night was silent save the chirps of night creatures and rippling in the nearby pond. Vincent waited for Dayan's response but none came from him before something caught Vincent's eye. A distant light shown in the night. Not the light of the stars either. Then another, and another. Rapidly light burst forth in the distance from the town. Horrified Vincent realized they were fires.
Then there came more lights. Lights born from torches moving swiftly in the night. Horsemen moving to aid the village. Vincent was about to run off himself when he realized this must be the opportunity provided to them. With gritted teeth Vincent left it alone. He had to see this through. He could deal with the reckless bandit later, for now he needed to teach the mercs a lesson.
He wordlessly ran toward the manor, he would have but one opportunity. He must not miss it. Soon he crossed over the wall that lead into the manor grounds. The night hid him well and the lights from indoors provided ample sight for him to maneuver. Peering around a corner he saw a guard approached by another.
"Hey! all guards are to leave their posts and head to the village! The fire is out of control!" The more frantic of the two shouted.
"Are you insane!? All guards!? This place would be free for invasion! The lord would be at risk!" The second argued.
The first shook his head in acknowledgement. "He says he will be protected by those he can trust. Those damned black-hearted mercenaries he seems to like so much. Says coin breeds loyalty more than vows ever could. Now come on!" The two guards hurried away leaving it open for entering. Vincent cringed to think of what was to come. Was the lord truly that vile? Still he was offering more aid to the village than another would ever have, but it seemed more due to paranoia. He would have to be careful going forward.
----------------------------------------
"You must send them away! All of them!!! This is a trap, I just know it! You are the only ones I can rely on here." The lord spoke to the five mercenaries he hired. "Those guards would use this opportunity to kill me in the chaos. They just want my MONEY!!! THEY CAN'T HAVE IT!!!" He was shouting now hoarding a chest of jewels and gold to himself. His breathing was strained and ragged under the weight of himself and the screaming made it worse. His face was beat red and beads of sweat formed upon his brow and at the purse of his pudgy fat lips.
"Understood your grace, we will protect you and your hoards until the trouble has passed." The mercenary leader said drawing his blade. "'Till then, go stand guard and keep any intruders from coming in. No questions, just bloodied blades, got it?"
With various replies from the other four they all began to leave the room. "Except you James" The commander placed a hand on the swordsman's shoulder, "You will stay here with me."
With his back to the leader the swordsman tried to suppress a grin of wicked satisfaction. "Understood," he said with a quiet grace.
|
|
Borgus
Acolyte
DEAD
Getting money is easy. The ahrd part is keeping it.
Posts: 90
Profession: Bandit
OoC Alias: Butorega
|
Post by Borgus on Nov 3, 2014 20:39:25 GMT -6
"Like candy from a small child", spoke Borgus as he watched his plan from a nearby hill. with the guards leaving Borgus made his move. In the dead of the night he hopped over the wall and moved into the manner. He had taken note of the guards movement before hand and planned out his route from there. Their were fewer guards and from what he could see only the mercenaries remained. Mercenaries were skilled in fighting, but they were poor in guarding. These men were taught the blood of battle not the dreary night watch of a castle. They were hyper aggressive and would be easy to fool.
Seeing two mercenaries posted at a choke point Borgus decided to use a little distraction. He picked up a stone and tossed it into a nearby bush. The sound caught the attention of the two men. They began to question it and as a result one of them began to move to investigate. As he moved Borgus moved up on the left flank of the guard guarding the door way. He had not seen Borgus yet as the acolyte turned their attention away from where he was. Quietly Borgus charged up a light magic spell from the inside of his shirt. He used it as a method to not only mass the light, but to muffle the small pining sound that came from charged magic. With one swift move Borgus pulled his hand out of his shirt and smashed it and the magic against the guards head. As the light magic dug into his skull Borgus covered his mouth preventing him from screaming. withing a moment the man was dead.
"I don't see anything", spoke the other mercenary as he turned around. His eyes were meet with the steel knuckled gloves that Borgus wore as he knocked the man out with a single punch. Using that man's own knife Borgus slit his throat and dragged him and his partner body into a nearby bush. Satisfied with the results Borgus moved to enter into the manor. Beyond this point his information he collected would become obsolete as he was unable to view the inside. However his second portion of his plan came into action. The bottle of wine Borgus had sent earlier was resting on a nearby desk. It seemed the mercenaries were planning on drinking it themselves rather than give the wine to the lord of the manor. This worked in Borgus favor as he took the bottle and acted as if he was a servant simply bringing wine to his lordship.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Nov 22, 2014 22:42:57 GMT -6
Vincent rushed indoors with a simple blade in hand. He scanned the corridors anxiously expecting anyone to strike out at a moment's notice. Peeking down a hall he saw the warrior from the bar looking peeved as usual and behind him was... an archer? The woman had an arrow ready, he must have been seen or expected.
Vincent jerked pulled away staying against the wall feeling the intensity of a potential close call. Suddenly there was a light whizzing sound and a thump. What!? Vincent peered out to see the warrior slumped over dead with an arrow in the back of his skull. Shocked Vincent exposed himself and found the archeress was gone.
Continuing down the hall he passed the fresh corps with a shudder and found that all the mercenaries in the area were dead? What was going on here? It made no sense whatsoever. Alas there was no time to dwell. The woman was gone and around another corner was THE BANDIT!? Vincent dived behind a table and hoped he didn't see him.
The bandit came his way grabbing a bottle of wine that had been set out. He seemed not to have taken notice of him. That was good. Or he did not care he was there. Still, Vincent was able to now follow him right to the lord himself.
--------------------------------------
James stood by 'his lord's' side, hand resting on the hilt of his wo dao. He was motionless and still. His eyes however were darting around the room. He watched as the 'servant made his entrance. James was emotionless but he knew who the figure was. Inside he knew all the going ons and felt absolutely wicked. It was only a matter of time before the white haired youth revealed himself and everything was settled.
"You there, servant. Leave and come later. The lord is tired." The mercenary leader barked.
The fat lord shifted in his seat and spotted the wine. With a snort he spoke, "Ooooo, it looks vintage! Let him pass! I could use with a good drink and massage!"
The shrill voice of the lord was horrific but orders are orders. The leader stepped aside.
|
|
Borgus
Acolyte
DEAD
Getting money is easy. The ahrd part is keeping it.
Posts: 90
Profession: Bandit
OoC Alias: Butorega
|
Post by Borgus on Jan 14, 2015 14:23:37 GMT -6
Just as planned, thought Borgus to himself. However he realized that the swordsmen might have noticed him. It would be best to take him out first before he tried anything. Still Borgus taste in wine proved to be keen. As soon as the lord saw the bottle he let him pass. The fat fool did not even think anybody would poison the brew, but that was another trick for another assassin. Borgus preferred to do things personal. He was going to snap this man's neck with his own hand. However he still needed to be rid of the swordsmen. From what he could tell of the "lord" of the manner he was not a fighter. Once the swordsmen was out of the way Borgus could do his thing. Still he was going to need to keep the fight as distant as possible. He fought a swordsmen up close once before and that nearly ended with him bleeding to death. He was not going to make the same mistake again.
"Here is your wine sir", spoke Borgus as he opened the fresh bottle and poured a glass of the brew. Respectfully he handed the glass to the lord. His eyes were always pointed down making sure to show proper respect and to hide any chance of the swordsmen reading his facial expression. As soon as the fat lord began to take a drink from the cup Borgus sprung into action. He grabbed the wine bottle and tossed it toward the swordsmen. Borgus fully expected the man to draw his sword and cut the bottle down. However the bottle was not his goal. Borgus took the moment to jump backwards and prepare a blast of light magic. He needed the lord to be caught off guard and be stationed in one place. The moment he was able Borgus shot forth a beam of light toward the fat lord. However the lump of lard was not his target. Borgus knew full well that the mercenary would protect his noble moneybag and that would be the key to his victory. The only possible action left to the man would be to shield the man with his own body. Lets see how good his resistance is thought Borgus as he shot forth the beam of light.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Jan 17, 2015 12:00:49 GMT -6
The swordsman would prove to go against all expectations. As the bottle was thrown his way James swayed lightly aside avoiding it completely. He cared nothing for the lord, he only wanted one thing this night. As the blast struck the lord James flew forward with his blade still sheathed and plunged the hilt into the Bandit's diaphragm. "Don't worry, I don't intend to kill you."
The lord watched in confusion having failed to drink of the poison. His bottle! How dare he throw his bottle of wine away!? The insolent cur! Before he could scream at him the light had struck him in the chest. His body jerked back violently in his seat tipping back and falling with a loud crack against the stone floor. His goblet falls from his hand rolling away, spilling its contents across the ground.
The mercenary captain comes running. "You filth!" His precious meal ticket! What happened to it!? He tends to the lord who he helps stand, though shakily. "Kill that bandit! But don't stain the floor with his blood." He looks over at them angrily. He knew letting him in was a poor idea.
"I'm sorry captain but... he is filth." He drops Borgus. "But he and I share a similar desire.
"What are you talking about?" the captain was in no mood for games.
The swordsman's face began to twist maliciously into a wicked grin. "I mean, I have been planning on killing the lord anyway. I just don't want him to have the pleasure of doing it for me." Before the captain could react properly he was met with a wo dao through his chest. With a harsh jerk the swordsman stepped aside swinging his opponent's body and tossing him away.
The lord crawls in panic in hopes to escape as Vincent watches from a distance. It is now that his anger boils over and he reveals himself. "Stop!" he shouts charging blades drawn. Vincent swings at James but he merely spins his body out of danger.
James grabs a hold of Phoenix heart jerking it out of Vincent's sheath. "The guest of honor has arrived." he states kicking Vincent over. The ritual Vincent had faced with the sword was not present now. It simply accepted James as a wielder burning the sigil into his hand. Was his will truly that strong?
"Stop!!!" Vincent begged to no avail. The swordsman pointed the sword at the lord's hands sending out blasts of fire.
"SQUIRM YOU FILTH, SQUIRM!!!" the lord let out a cry of terror and turned to face his soon to be killer. "You tormented the villagers and ate away everything getting fat. You believed in the power of coin over loyalty. Look where it got you. Now burn." Raising the blade to point at the lord the lord began to cry and shake. Clawing his face and body leaving scratches and blood.
"What are you doing!?" Vincent was horrified. With no answer he watched as the man's face bulged and sweat. Before his head exploded, flames came bursting out of his eyes and mouth. "You have been judged by the holy flames." The body was soon consumed and devoured leaving not but a charred husk.
|
|
Borgus
Acolyte
DEAD
Getting money is easy. The ahrd part is keeping it.
Posts: 90
Profession: Bandit
OoC Alias: Butorega
|
Post by Borgus on Jan 17, 2015 15:17:44 GMT -6
"Crap", spoke Borgus as the hilt of the man's blade hit him in his gut. He had to admit he did not expect this. His well planned assault was defeated by the unexpected. He would never in a million years expect the swordsmen to simply allow the fat lord to be shot by his magic. He was so sure that he would take the blow himself or try to deflect it with his blade, but out right ignore it. Now that was unexpected. The shock of his plan's failure and the blow from the hilt of the blade was more than enough to keep Borgus down for a while. He looked on helplessly as the swordsmen stole the kill he desired, but to be truthful Borgus did not care. As long as the problem was out of the way he could go back to his inn and keep making his dirty money. Borgus looked after his own and with the death of the fat lord his old soldiers wife was safe, or at least safe for the moment.
The moment Borgus could move he took off. The confusion from the swordsmen going rouge and the foolish little brat showing back up was enough for him to cover some ground before anybody really took notice. The fat lord may be dead, but Borgus was not sure if the man might come after him next, or even the boy. It was best not to stay in the house of a man you helped murder. What if the soldiers returned or the mercenaries were angered about him helping end their meal ticket. No it was best to simply get out of here as fast as he could. "Still I had no idea the kid's sword could do that", spoke Borgus aloud as he ran off. The bandit bit down on his lip as he thought of the kid trying to stab him with that blade. "Little worm, he was trying to do that to me", spoke Borgus. Immediately his mind was brought back to his master, who he had murdered. Yeah Borgus knew that spell. He knew of the magic imbedded in that blade and he knew well enough what it would do to him if he ever got hit by it.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Jan 17, 2015 15:41:56 GMT -6
Vincent starred on in horror. Merely glancing at the swordsman. The two now the only ones in the present room. James grinned and called out to Borgus as he ran. "Run and live little worm. And tell Sir Wales that I will be coming for him." He laughed wickedly.
Vincent slowly raised a question, "Who are you?"
The swordsman sheathed his Wo Dao and stabbed Phoenix Heart into the ground with ease. "I am the leader of the Black Feathers."
"Then why me?" He asked shakily.
"Chance. You happened upon the treasure I sought after. You took it before my allies could claim it. I thought to recruit and use you but you refused." He tisked at him.
Vincent felt an utter despair at his words. All of it? Just coincidence. All of it? "You... you killed Neil!? Just because of poor chances!!!?" Vincent was enraged. Tears were welling up and he clutched his swords with a killing intent.
James smiled at him. "Stupid boy, we did not kill him. You did. We simply offered him a tool to power. HE was too weak to handle it and YOU struck him down for it." He laughed wickedly. Vincent, not wanting to hear anymore lunged at him. The swordsman was too fast however and grabbed him by the throat throwing him to the ground.
Unable to breath from the blow Vincent chocked for air in desperation. James grabbed Phoenix Heart and pointed it at Vincent. "Before I tie up the loose end of you, let me tell you why. You deserve that right? You see, my father killed my mother before my very eyes in a fit of rage. That bastard got away unpunished. My adoptive father took my sister and I in and trained us to be better than anyone else. But we lacked power to make men fear us. I am going to bring justice onto the corrupt. I will destroy the wicked at their root. I WIELD THE DIVINE FIRE!!! As such, we will no longer be the Black Feathers, those that live in the shadows. We will now be the White Feathers, in honor of our coming into the open. I will not rest until Kraft, Richter, and all others like them are not but husks."
Flames swirled around the blade, the black metal peeling away revealing a golden color. "Now die!" The flames burst forth fling around Vincent catching the tapestry and the like on fire but leaving Vincent untouched. The Sigil on his hand burned. "You are marked as well? I see." He drew his Wo Dao instead just as he heard the soldiers returning in an alarm. The bodies left outside must have been discovered. "crap." He moved to quickly strike but a voice was too near for his liking. "Fine, rot in prison." He declared before fleeing the scene, Phoenix Heart in his possession.
Vincent slowly stood reaching after the swordsman. "Stop" he said too weakly to be heard. He was lucky not to have been killed but he was the only one left on the scene with many corpses. As the soldiers entered he raised his hands in surrender trying to explain but shortly something hit him and all went black as his body struck the ground.
[Exit Thread] (If you have any final notes feel free)
|
|