Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Feb 26, 2017 22:32:08 GMT -6
The trio had made it well into Bern before finally stumbling across a town, and what a sight this town was. The populace had seemingly retreated inward, leaving a few scorched farmsteads abandoned on the outside, and built simple wooden and dirt barricades around the larger buildings in the town's center. Arrows and javelins stuck out from the ground, the barricades, and the walls and roofs of buildings, like little trees that were trying, desperately, to take root. There were some people out and about, though none seemed to stray far from their defended location, and the majority of them were wearing "armor" for protection, composed of various household items strapped to their bodies. Only three few, one man and two women who looked like they had seen some actual combat in the past, had a piece of actual metal armor or a shield. "Well, this is a grim place." Isabel kicked a rock. One of the women scrounging around outside of the town proper had spotted the group as soon as they got close enough to see with the naked eye and had run back, and now some of the scared-looking townsfolk wearing thrown-together armor were making their way toward the trio, led by a red-haired woman, one of the three who had actual armor. "Should we just leave? I don't see what good could come of staying here."30 yards from the group, the woman threw a hand up, prompting the townsfolk behind her to practically fall upon themselves before pulling out their simple bows, which they did their best to train upon the trio. The woman leading them pulled out her own spear - one that looked like it had actually been handed out by a military group, rather than the sloppily constructed bows of the villagers behind her - and plunged the butt of it into the ground, doing her best to make up for the inexperience of those she led with her own commanding presence. "Stop where you are, travelers." Her voice was as tired as she looked, but it carried the tone of one who had once led professional troops. "I am Rory, captain of Greenhill's militia. I wish we could give you a warmer welcome, but I must ask - are the three of you affiliated with Chains and his men, or some other bandit group? I promise you, you'll find nothing valuable left here, save for our lives."Spoiler Rory's text color: [font color="d84b14"][/font]
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Scar
Cat Tribe
Posts: 46
Profession: Hunter
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Scar's Profile
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Scar on Feb 27, 2017 13:37:43 GMT -6
So here they were in Bern. Scar wanted to avoid this place with every fiber in his body, but that group of humans back in the plains made it impossible. Humans were weak, scar believed that with his whole heart. However in groups they were strong and that last group held the advantage in numbers. Not to mention they had the one thing that Scar feared more than anything, fire. Scar had never told the boy and he was most certainly not going to tell the girl, but fire was his great weakness. Scar prided himself on his adaptation that allowed him to deflect weapons off his hide. However fire, the crimson devil of the world, could bypass that defense. The same with magic to be honest, but magic did not stick to him. Scar's fur could catch on fire and that was what the real danger was. As a result fleeing was Scar only option against that massive part of humans. It would be only a matter of time before one of them got the bright idea of setting him on fire.
Now that they were out of the plains and moving in human lands Scar was back in his normal traveling clothing. He had on his dark druid looking robe. His hands were covered by black gloves and his face shielded by the placement of a dark clothing tied around his face. The only part one could see was the eyes as the hood to his robe was pulled down. For extra insurance Scar had belts inside of the hood in which he strapped up. This prevented the wind from blowing it back and revealing his face.
As Scar brooded a new group of humans made there way toward the ground. Villagers, and weak ones at that, Scar noted. The women began to speak for there community, but Scar ignored her. He could car less about there fortune and bandits. "Listen here meat bag, I don't care about your crappy village and I don't care about your worthless lives. We are simply passing though. I have no desires on your dirt and your flee ridden belongings."
There, thought Scar. That should do it. Now he had made it clear that he did not give a rats behind about there territory, nor there belongings.
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Cardin
Hunter
Friend to Taguel and Dragon alike!
Posts: 48
Profession: Mercenary (Hunter class)
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Loko
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Post by Cardin on Feb 27, 2017 15:11:45 GMT -6
"Scar..." said Cardin. Why did it have to be this way no matter where they went. Scar's temper was going to get them killed one of these days, he just knew it.
"My apologies about him, he can be... hostile toward people he doesn't know. Who is this 'Chains' you speak of? I have never heard that name, and I can tell that you fear this person." The village's condition had peaked Cardin's interest; it reminded him of the way his birth village had looked after the Flame Raiders had attacked it. If anyone was being made to suffer by people with evil intentions, Cardin would stop them. He wouldn't let anyone suffer what he had at such a young age. One of the men before him looked familiar... 'oh my lord...' he thought, 'it couldn't be...'
"Excuse me," he asked the boy, "Is your name... Ren, by any chance?" "Twas' once, but not any more," the boy said, "I am no longer worthy to bare that name." "Did you, by any chance, know a boy named Cardin during your youth?" Cardin asked. Cardin had known a boy named Ren Schnee when he had lived in Sacae before his parents were killed. He and Ren had become fast friends, they both trained in archery. They were also the only surviving children from the Flame Raider's attack. From what Cardin knew, Ren had gone to live with an uncle in Bern after the village was destroyed. Now, before Cardin stood a boy around his age, with dusty blonde hair and blue eyes; the spitting image of Ren.
"My god!" Exclaimed the man, "Is that you Cardin?" They embraced each other tightly, having not seen each other in years. "I understand why you do not go by that name anymore," said Cardin, "What should I call you now?"
"You may call me Skye," he said.
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Feb 27, 2017 20:27:33 GMT -6
Rory tightened her grip on her lance at Scar's comments, swinging it to her side. "You best watch your tongue." She softened a little at Cardin's comment, though. "I suppose that's fair. Things have been rough around here, and I've been a little prickly myself. Chains is... Something of a local nuisance. This area of Bern has always had problems with bandits, but they were small pests who would never come close to the town proper. They've been emboldened by Chains, who routed them and brought them under his thumb." The red-haired woman took a deep breath. "So there's your answer. Chains is a self-styled warlord, and he's bringing his wrath down upon this town."
Isabel was only half-listening to all of this. After Cardin got his answer, he started talking to one of the poorly-armored boys - he recognized one of them? Well, that was interesting. The mage shuffled her feet and then looked over at Scar. "Hey, Scar? Cool down for a bit. Why don't we stay here for a little bit and help out?" It wasn't typically her first instinct, to put her life on the line for some strangers, but there was an ulterior motive. The blue-haired mage very much wanted to sleep with a proper roof over her head, and if they were lucky, maybe even on a real bed! Plus, if they could help these people, then perhaps they would be hailed as heroes, and people would usually do things for heroes. "Maybe help them fight back against these bandits?"
Rory laughed a little. "We could use all the help we can get. If you three are willing to help... Well, I wish I could guarantee more, but at the very least, we could make sure you all get a good meal. Greenhill is, or was, known for its hospitality, and it'd be a shame to let a few bandits ruin that."
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Scar
Cat Tribe
Posts: 46
Profession: Hunter
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Scar's Profile
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Scar on Feb 28, 2017 13:14:26 GMT -6
Disgusting and weak, thought Scar to himself as he took in all that was going on. The women seemed to take offense to his words, but it was not like she could do anything about it. Shoot she could not even stop a human with a pointy stick. What makes her think she could stop a powerful Lion. Of course Cardin stepped in before Scar could tell her off. One part of him wanted to push the boy aside and assert his power and the other did not care enough to do anything. The latter won out. These weaklings were beyond him, plus he needed Cardin weather he wanted to admit it or not. Scar's social skills, well they were lacking and he needed the boy to navigate though the human world. The human mage on the other hand he really did not need. To be honest he would not have brought her along if it was not for Cardin. He was sure the boy was going to wine and complain if he had left her behind. Now she seemed to have wormed her way into there little group. Scar did not need her, but she was useful for keeping his primary meat bag alive. So she was tolerated.
"I am cool", roared Scar as he looked at Izzy. "If I was angry there would be blood. I just don't care for these meat bags. They have the nerve to assert power when they have none. They can't even stop a shirtless man with a wood cutting axe, but they think they can dictate terms to me. As for the brigands I can care less. It is simply the strong dictating there will over the weak. The natural order of things. If you two want to fight against it go ahead. I won't let them kill the boy. I still need him. However we better get something useful out of this. I have no intention of helping out every random meat bag we meet on the road."
As the women began to speak about a meal Scar feel into doubt. Humans have this tendency to plants and other junk. Scar was a Lion! He ate a diet of mainly meat! Looking at these humans there would be no way they could provide a good meal.
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Cardin
Hunter
Friend to Taguel and Dragon alike!
Posts: 48
Profession: Mercenary (Hunter class)
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Loko
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Post by Cardin on Feb 28, 2017 15:25:35 GMT -6
When Cardin and "Skye" were done catching up, they both rejoined the conversation. "Do you have any intel on the Bandit's location?" asked Cardin, "If we can approach stealthily we may be able to take a few of them down before they notice us, using our bows and Isabele's magic. Then you two and Scar can take on the ones come for us, and we can take down the ones further away before they reach you all." The plan was sound, now all they needed was intel on the bandit's base of operations.
"No exact location," said Skye, "But last time they were here retreated to the east. It is late though, and you three look in no shape to be fighting tonight. We'll rest for now, then head east tomorrow morning." This was just fine with Cardin. It was getting quite late, and this would give him more time to catch up with Ren, er, Skye. He wanted to know what had happened these past six years, and was sure that Skye felt the same.
They went into one of the buildings that was still intact, and Rory lit a candle. The building appeared to be a small inn, with stairs leading into an area which Cardin assumed was where the beds were. Skye stopped on the steps and beckoned Cardin to come with him.
"I'll be back in a few minutes," Cardin told the others, "I need to catch up with an old friend." The two talked through the night about what had happened since they parted. Cardin told him about his time with Dex, and how Scar was training him. He did not, however, disclose that Scar was a Taguel. As much as he wanted to tell Skye, he didn't want to betray Scar's trust. According to Skye, his uncle had been training him in a similar fashion, until they landed in this village about a month ago, and his uncle was taken by Chains and his men. It was then that he gave up his given name "Ren." He felt that keeping it after he had failed to save his parents and now his uncle would have been a disgrace to his family's memory. Cardin left the room and entered one of the empty bedrooms. It was late, and it seemed that everyone else was already asleep. He knew that he should be asleep too; they had a long battle tomorrow.
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Mar 1, 2017 0:01:27 GMT -6
As Skye gave Cardin an answer, Rory stepped in again. "Even if the three of you were going to help, going after the bandits wouldn't be a smart idea. Skye, while it's true that they left to the east last time, we also know that they've been circling the town. Ultimately, it doesn't matter. And as a matter of fact, we aren't dealing with some shirtless man with an axe."
Isabel took a step back, looking at their surroundings. There was a river running to the west of the town, and forests nearby; the farms outside of the town proper were just as ravaged as she had noted prior. A self-styled warlord and an unusual bandit? "Well, if this Chains fellow isn't your average bandit, what is he?"
Rory frowned at that. "I'll tell the three of you more once we get into the town. We shouldn't be standing out in the open like this, really..." The red-haired woman looked to the sky for a moment, tightening her grip on her lance. "If you want to come, then come. If you want to stay out here and get torn to shreds by bandits, well, remember that we made our offer."
As the red-haired woman led the trio into the town, toward the local tavern-turned-shelter, she spoke. "Chains... He's not some average bandit, dissatisfied with life, using brute strength to terrify innocent people. He's smarter and stronger than that - he's a former soldier of Bern. A wyvern rider, to be exact. He was always one for violence in the extreme, but he was bad at following orders. When they refused to promote him, he abandoned the army and vanished. He turned up around here a few months ago, still on that wyvern of his; the two must have forged an incredible bond back when he was still in the military." The tavern itself was full of people, and one of the two other townsfolk wearing real armor - an older man, with a short-cropped beard and a cap pulled over his balding head - seemed to be directing people. Rory and this man exchanged looks; the man had a look of concern as he looked over the three newcomers, but quickly went back to his work. "If it was just regular brutes harassing the town, we wouldn't have a real problem. Our townsfolk can put up a good fight, if they have to, but now that those bandits have a real leader... Well... They're something else."
The tavern was noticeably very full, Isabel noted. "I suppose accommodations will be a little... Lacking?"
"Yes. Most of the people here have had their homes destroyed. We've been using this building to keep them all as safe as we can manage."
The blue-haired mage nodded at that. Solomon had vanished somewhere between the town's entrance and this tavern, so that small pillar of stability was gone. Surrounded by such sights - townsfolk doing their best to chat, as if nothing was wrong, while their town was ravaged by bandits; some younger children crying in the corners, while their parents tried to console them... Oh, it was horrible. Isabel didn't consider herself to have the strongest sense of justice in the world, but perhaps she did have some sympathy. "Ma'am, I can't speak for these other two - and especially not the brute - but... I want to help your town. My services don't come for free, but... I think I can offer you a reduced rate." The mage held up a finger before Rory could respond. "Oh, we can talk about that after I've helped you rout these bandits. I assure you, you will find my price very reasonable. I am Isabel, the wandering witch, and my considerable talents are at your disposal." She finished her little speech with a half-bow.
The other woman didn't seem to know how to respond to that, and just let it hang for a moment before responding. "Well, if you're serious about that, you'll want to talk to Cyrus and Katherine. Cyrus is that old coot directing dinner across the way, and, well... You'll know Kathy from a mile away. The three of us are ex-soldiers as well... The three of us, together, lead the town's militia." She then turned away from Isabel, walking back outside. "I'll be out and about this evening, keeping watch and making sure things don't completely fall apart out there. And... Thank you. I don't like asking for help, especially from a visitor to our town... But I can't deny that we need every last hand that we can get."
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Scar
Cat Tribe
Posts: 46
Profession: Hunter
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Scar's Profile
OoC Alias: Butorega
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Post by Scar on Mar 1, 2017 12:54:41 GMT -6
The more Scar seen the town the more he could care less. Scar was a firm believer in the law of nature. The strong prey upon the weak and the weak are preyed upon the strong. He could care less for these people plight. However after he heard the words about a Wyvern scar suddenly became interested. The two dullards had made a point to insult his skills by saying he could not beat a Wyvern and that a fully grown Wyvern would tear him to little pieces. Regretful, if those fools did not understand who they were dealing with then Scar would have to show them. This brigand was suppose to have a wyvern and considering the fact that it goes to war with him regularly it had to be a tough beast. It would make for a good hunt.
"Well, well, well", spoke Scar as a evil grin crossed his face. The problem was that nobody could see it thanks to his disguise. "It looks like you all have gotten my attention. Beforehand I told you that I could take out one of those scaly flying lizards and now I get a chance to prove it. So I am going to go ahead and let you know this Isabel, the Wyvern rider is mine", spoke Scar. With that the Lion moved to go outside. "I am hungry so I am going to do some hunting. I doubt that these humans have enough meat to fill my stomach."
With nothing else to say Scar left the house and he left the village. He was sure some of the town fools were going to say something, but he could care less. The Lion went on without saying anything to anyone. Once he was out of sight of anyone in the village Scar transformed into his true form. His massive paws rested on the still earth and his black fur matched into the blackness of the night. His red mane, as fearsome as fire, raged all around his head. With a fearsome and loud roar Scar announced his presence to the world and ran off into the dark looking for prey.
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Cardin
Hunter
Friend to Taguel and Dragon alike!
Posts: 48
Profession: Mercenary (Hunter class)
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Loko
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Post by Cardin on Mar 1, 2017 21:59:20 GMT -6
The next morning, as Cardin awoke, he saw a note placed on the table next to his bed. Apparently, a schedule had been introduced in order to keep the town functioning as well as possible. It said that he, Skye, and Isabelle were to be on lookout duty, ensuring that none of Chains' followers approached the town that morning. If any did come close, they were to quietly alert one of the soldiers, who would in turn take necessary measures to either repel them, or defend the village. After getting dressed and doing his other morning hygiene, he left his room and knocked on the door to Skye's room. He also found Solomon, Isabelle's cat, lying in front of the door to another room down the hall. He assumed that this was the room where Isabelle was staying. He knocked on that door as well. He leaned up against Isabelle's door and spoke quietly so he didn't wake anyone else up.
"Isabelle," he said, "We have lookout duty this morning, so we'd best be getting ready." He then repeated this process with Skye, who he heard get out of bed a few moments after he woke him. Cardin went down into the main area of the inn, and pulled some jerky out of his bag. It wasn't much, but it would hold him over until his next meal. Skye slowly stepped into the room, and they began to talk quietly while waiting for Isabelle. Solomon had also followed them down. He obviously wanted some of the jerky Cardin was holding, as he kept looking at him pleadingly. However, he then got distracted by a mouse, who he began to chase. Cardin laughed. He had always loved cats.
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