Bandit Slaying (OPEN)

[Marcus Delren]

I've been running from that thing for what....15 minutes now? I don't know what it was, but it wasn't human, that's for sure. I hope green guy is okay. As I continued running, two men stepped out of the shadows of a large boulder on my left, one tall and thin, the other muscular and stocky. Bandits, just what I need. The muscular one stepped forward " Oi! yer gonna give me and ma friend evrything ye got, or yer gonna dye! His hand fell to the pomel of a long knife in his belt.

"Now, why should I do that? You'll kill me either way." I said. The muscular bandit scoffed." Think Yer smart,Eh? Toni! Ye know wat to do!" The tall man stepped forward. "Aye, I do." He drew a slightly beat up sword, and suddenly lunged forward. "WHOA!!" I stepped to the side, avoiding the gist of the attack but the tip nicked my shoulder. I drew my sword as the bandit swung at my neck,but I ducked in time and lunged forward, depositing my sword in the bandits chest. The bandit slumped forward as I pulled my sword lose,and turned to the muscular bandit.

"Y-e-e k-killed Toni! Yer gonna regret that wen the Boss hears bout tis!". Great, there's more of them. Isn't this my lucky day. He sprinted away, to what I could only think was a bandit camp. Well, better follow. I sprinted after him as he gained more ground, surprisingly quickly.

[Garrit]

Garrit had run from the monster for what seemed like hours, then his feet had begun to bleed. He had allowed himself to stop, but his mind did not rest. His body slowly recovered, but his emotional core remained ruptured. He had begun to walk again, and was pleased that the plains seemed to be changing. He slowly gained his composure back, and was pleaded when he felt that his heart would not burst. However, he quickly saw a new problem. A more mortal one.

A young man was accosted by two bandits. Garrit broke into a run. The young man killed one of the bandits, which was admittedly impressive. One of the bandits, the larger one started to flee, probably going to go and get his boss, not if Garrit had his way. Large ones were almost always stupid, but this one was playing it safe, a concept that Garrit could accept. He pushed himself harder to reach the man before he could get away, himself being at such an angle that he could most likely reach him before the younger swordsman.

Garrit did reach the man first, and slid so that his feet took out the muscle bound villain. Garrit leapt onto his feet before the man had a chance to react, and took his dao, removing the scarf from around its blade, stabbing the man in the gut with it, and wrenching it fiercely to the side. Garrit then pulled out the lance's blade, wiping it free of blood on the grass before wrapping his scarf around it once more. He had to assume the boy would want to talk.

[Marcus Delren]

Marcus skidded to a stop as the armoured man came outta no were and kicked the bandits feet from under him. He recovered first and pulled a scarf off the blade of his lance as he stabbed the man in the gut and twisted the blade violently to the side. Then he stood and wiped the blood off his lance and rewraped the lance in the scarf. He glanced at Marcus, as if he expected him to talk.

"Thank you for the help, sir. I'll also admit that I'm impressed with your skill with that lance of yours." Marcus stuck out his hand. "Delren. Marcus Delren."

[Garrit]

Garrit sighed, people always wanted to talk. That was no skill. I am Garrit. It is good to meet you Marcus." Garrit gave the boy a quick once over, he was green, very green. Not in the literal sense, he looked relatively well health wise, and he had far fewer green components to his wardrobe and hair than most did in this country. He was inexperienced, so inexperienced that the blonde lancer would not be surprised if the blood on his hands now was not the first time they'd been made red. Garrit leant on his lance and continued to look at the boy. He seemed brave, but Garrit sensed he was running from something. There was no chance he was running from the same thing that had Garrit so terrified, was there?

The man of the Isles spoke once more. "You are going to be chased by more of this breed of bandit if they find their comrades. You should hide their bodies, or your tracks. You seem to be running from something else. If a man of black and purple armor follows me, which I pray he does not, he will kill you in an instant, best you are not here when he comes. I would suggest you do not try and fight anymore than you need to, and without adequate support. These are highwaymen, you will need to move quickly before they were to be relieved and are discovered." Garrit took his eyes off the boy, and kneeled down over the body of the man he'd killed rifling through his pockets. He found a few possessions, then rose again.

[Marcus Delren]

Sensing Garrit no longer wished to speak, he simply nodded. He then knelt and begun to search the body of the man known as Toni. Finding nothing but a few gold pieces, Marcus begun to move tonics body into the cover of the boulder. Marcus begin to do the same to the muscular bandit, but froze when he heard Garrit mention the man in purple and black armour. "So, you've encountered that monstrosity too?".

He finished hiding the second bandits body, and then began covering his tracks, all the while waiting for a response

[Mel]

It had been a nice little stroll through a bandit camp, switching the sugar and salt as she pleased and other little pranks about. There had even been a fresh apple pie that she had swiped still warm from the oven and smelling of wondrous buttery apple love, who knew bandits could bake so well? It wasn't particularly something she had expected, that was quite for sure. With the pie in tow she shadowed a few, watching them go about their day with interest and taking note of the intricacies of their operation. Banditry was certainly something that she could envision in her future, it was best to learn from the men themselves, or so she thought.

When two had left to mug some poor lonely traveler she had little reason not to follow and continue her observations, creeping behind them with nymph like grace and silently watching them accost their prey for goods. Yet it didn't seem to go they way they had envisioned, rather a quick death from some rogue savior wandering the plains. It was pitiful, where were there any able bodied bandits capable of succeeding?! It seemed all she heard lately was bandits being skewered on the ends of long pointed sticks. Though, if she brought the whole band down on the two it was sure to be a success, and she would be free to plunder their valuables as she pleased whilst they were away.

A flawless plan. They got their revenge and pride back and she got their money. An even exchange as any.

[Garrit]

Garrit nodded when the young boy made reference to the thing he had run so long from. "I have felt my soul dragged away from me, and barely managed to get it back. That thing is not of this world and must eventually be cast out. I had hoped one such as you had not encountered it, but sadly that must come to pass as long as he forces men to run away. I doubt there are many in this world who can stand against him. I know only that I cannot." He was talking quite a lot today, perhaps fear of the beast which stalked him created a great enough fear to loosen his tongue. Garrit squinted and peered around the plains, nothing appeared to be greatly amiss. Good, he should be able to see the bandits coming if they were going to come anytime soon.

The boy had taken too long to hide the bodies, Garrit should have simply let him. The boy was of no consequence to him, but now that he knew he'd seen the monster, it was different. Maybe he had noticed something Garrit had not. "Tell me Marcus Delren-" Garrit whipped his head around, off in the distance thought he saw the faintest movement of a large group. He'd say four men, probably not the whole group of bandits, maybe not bandits at all. Still, better to not risk it.

He'd use their own tactics against them, he shouted at the boy without raising his voice, "Get behind the boulder, there are men coming. If I say, 'Your friends deserved it' come out from behind the rock and assist me in killing these new men. Do you understand?" Garrit did not need to listen, either the boy would follow his lead, or the two of them would die. He moved farther away from the boulder to draw their vision and attention. They had come at a time that was coincidentally inconvenient for him and his new 'companion.'

[Shugo]

From high in the skies the boy wonder watched over the plains. It was not Shugo's first time traveling to this region, but it was the first time had done so on Luna's wings. The plains were a marvelous sight. Everything seemed to just stretch on for miles all around. From the back of Luna everything below looked like dots. There was a serenity in the skies, a peace one would say. Shugo could sit up here forever, but fate had other plans. Shugo had given himself to becoming a Wyvern Rider, a knight of the skies. A warrior of legend. It was his job to protect all those who can not protect themselves. He was suppose to be the spear for the just and the light in the darkness. He had no time to simply enjoy the skies. Every moment he was lazying around was another were somebody was being hurt. "Alright Luna lets go down", spoke Shugo as he rubbed the head of his white wyvern. The beast sent the duo into a dive. Dropping from the heavens like a shooting star Shugo looked around to see if he could notice anything. Everything was a blurr for the moment. Shugo had forgotten how this all worked. Pulling on luna's rains the boy shifted from a dead drop into a looping turn. Now the young man could scan the horizon and see if he could notice anything.

"What the", spoke Shugo as he saw something in the distance. He saw what looked like four human figures. Two were on the ground and two were standing. It was clear to Shugo that something wrong was going on as the two standing figures seemed to be dragging the ones on the ground. "Bandit scum", shouted Shugo as he sent Luna in there direction. Shugo was not a hundred percent sure what was going on, but he knew he needed to check it out. During his journey Shugo had learned to look before you leap, so he was not going to attack them out right, but he was going to find something out. As he flew over head he got a clear view of the bodies. Yep, Shugo's instincts were right. Those were dead people. Pulling on the rains Shugo sent Luna down. The massive White Wyvern straddled itself ontop of one of the large stones. He was sure his landing would have grabbed the attention of the two perpetrators.

"Bandit scum you will pay for what you have done", shouted Shugo toward the two men. The boy watched the one who was visible like a hawk. His movement would tell young Shugo if they were bandits or not. Bandits would most defiantly try to attack or move to draw there weapons. The innocent would first move to defend there honor. Even still Shugo could not be a hundred percent sure if they were bandits or not, but it was better to try than to simply guess.

[Marcus Delren]

I heard the bandits before I saw them. I glanced at Garrit, who seemed to be just as worried as me. Suddenly he was telling me to get behind the boulder. I was just slipping behind it when some kid on a wyvern came outta no were, screaming something about "Bandit scum". " Hey, kid! We're not the bandits,their over there." I pointed to the oncoming group of four men. They were closer now, and I could make them out more clearly. There seemed to be 2 axe men, a guy with a lance, and a really, really tall man with a sword.

They reached us. The tall man stepped forward. He was bald, wearing a steel chestplate, and had a large, crooked nose. "I am Olaf, leader of these bandits. I take it you killed both Toni and Derrek? That is good, for they are weak if they were felled by the likes of you. Now, you WILL give us every thing you have, or you will die." He gestured with his hand, and the other three men stepped forward. The two axe men went towards Garrit, and the lance guy towards the kid. Seems they still don't know I'm here. ( don't kill olaf yet)

[Mel]

Another hoard of bandits began to approach in the distance, their weapons drawn and raised in rage at their fallen comrades. Blood for blood. Their vengeance would be heard for the brutal and humiliating murders of their fellows that the terrified young girl had described for them in vivid detail. They didn't want simple coin anymore, they wanted blood, and soon.

They howled, smashing their fists to their chests as they grew closer to where their leader stood, axe held at the ready.

"Tear them limb from limb!" screamed one of the approaching bandits, vibrant tear tracks marring his face as he screamed in utter rage. "Cut off their fingers one by one like they did to Derrek!" bellowed another, knuckles white with how tightly he was gripping his sword. "Stab in their eyes with stones!" "BLOOD FOR BLOOD!"

---

Mel had informed them of the very violent deaths of their comrades at the hands of such travelers, with tears in her eyes and a tremble of her lips. Of course many points were exaggerated, greatly, quite possibly grabbed out of the air to find something vile to rile them up. Then again, who ever liked a story that was the truth? All the best stories only had inklings of the truth, were seasoned with vibrant exaggerations, and were at the heart simply the best kind of lie. Yet after hearing how they laughing at their companions pain they were suitably enraged and off in a violent hoard of testosterone and spittle to set matters right, leaving their base ripe for the picking.

She focused on the important things as she combed through the rooms, the items that would sell quickly and without any questions. Gold of course, money that didn't require any work was the top of the pyramid of looting as it was hardly traceable and held the most immediate reward. Next were the eye catching little bits, gems, regal weapons, and jewelry that always held value but required a little legwork to access. Anything else was simply a pain unless it was something of obvious high value, most usually too heavy and too boring for her to even bother paying attention to. 

[Exit Thread]

[Garrit]

Before the bandits reached them, a great white Wyvern dove from high in the sky and landed in a great crash onto the boulder. Riding it was another kid. Did someone forget to teach kids not to run away from their parents in Sacae? However, this kid was in complete and utter command of his mount, giving Garrit the feeling he was not inexperienced. Garrit eyed his young companion, hoping he would not make any rash decisions. "We are not bandits Wing Rider, only travelers who were ourselves beset upon. However, as my young ally here has said, there does come this way something wicked. You should run if you do not have the stomach to face the men you see."

Garrit was silent as the bandit leader spoke to the trio, though the leader perceived that he spoke to a duo. "I am not giving you shi-" Behind Olaf came something Garrit definitely did not want to see. It was a force of bandits som massive that the three strangers would be slaughtered within moments of their arrival. He dropped into a defensive stance, "Wing Rider, I do not know your name, but you wished to bring justice upon two bandits. This must mean you are a good person correct? If you are, take that boy and get out of here, I will attempt to hold them off, or flee and create a distraction. Fly high and safe." Maybe to make up for lost pride, or to live up to some long dormant hero fantasy, Garrit was giving up his survival if necessary. He'd most likely run, but he had already been wounded on these plains in terms of pride. He did not long for a second wound.

[Marcus Delren]

I stood there, listening to Olaf speak, when lance guy passed by me. I stepped out when he passed, and shoved my sword into his back, severing the spine. He fell to the ground at my feet, dead. Then I noticed the group of oncoming bandits. There seemed to be around 20 of them, and they were MAD.

EDITED: Removed 45 Sacaen horsemen

[Shugo]

Shugo stared for a moment at the two. He was not sure if they were telling him the truth or giving him a good lie. Then just on time the leader of the bandits presented himself barking orders and giving commands. He gave promises of death, but for Shugo it was just a big sign that said kill me. From what he could tell these brigands meant to kill them out right, him included. Without another word Shugo jumped down from his mount, completely ignoring the first man. To be truthful Shugo stopped paying attention to him after the bandit leader started to talk.

"Up", spoke the boy as his feet hit the ground. His white wyvern suddenly screamed and flew off seemingly leaving the boy behind. "So you all are not bandits, but these guys are", spoke Shugo. Without another word the young warrior charged forward. The image he presented was a perplex one as a young boy around the age of twelve rushed toward a fully grown man carrying nothing but a spear. Shugo's attack made the bandit laugh. Who did this kid think he was, thought the brigand as he thrusted his spear toward the young Wyvern Kngiht.

As predicted thought Shugo as the two spears cross one another. Taking advantage of his shorter high Shugo redirected the man's spear slightly causing it to stab into the ground and miss him entirely. Taking full advantage of the opening Shugo rushed forward and stabbed toward the man's heart. As the young Wyvern Knight expected the brigand leaned back dodging the blow. However Shugo's counter attack was not meant to kill, but to actually distract.

"You little", he spoke before the wind was knocked out of his chest. Luna had returned and at full flying speed. As Shugo engaged the bandit his wyvern swung around the battlefield and flew back down and assaulted him from his side. That was the command Shugo gave her when he said the simple word up. Using its massive weight and fearsome claws Luna pinned the man to the ground. With a single fearsome bite Luna ended the man's life and gained herself a afternoon snack.

As Luna finished off Shugo's first opponent the little knight rushed to attack one of the two bandits assaulting Garrit from behind. A sudden spear stab from the back caught the man off guard as shugo stabbed the man in the back of his knee. The boy would have went for a vital organ, but he figured crippling his enemy would be more effective as a whole than simply stabbing him in the back while he was not looking.

"One opponent against me", spoke Shugo as he pulled the lance out of the man's knee. "I am not so weak. I may look young, but I am a Wyvern Knight of Bern."