Guild Hunting
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Having ventured around Falderen the male would have explored, quite a bit of the land; Adecus Forest, Brisshal, Dunnstads and even Stokbon. These were just some of the locations he'd visited; each with a unique tale all their own. Many faces met and friends made, but all in such a short time. Regardless of the fact; it had been just a short time before his choice to take to the sea. Yet, she was not as kind a mistres as he'd hoped thus, his journey took a bit onger than he'd anticipated. Fighting off a storm and some rough waters, he'd eventually reach his goal of course. One of the few places he hadn't quite stumbled upon; at least not until today. It was that of the infamous Druuk Island.

He'd hear rumor of its size and even more about its rough terrains. But all of which made sense in the long run when he was investigating the lore and details of the world around him. It was the perfect place for the alleged banishment of prisoners for many generations, so what else was one to expect the environment to be like. Yet despite the rumor of the lawless place full of criminals, savages, and other evils. He ventured forth hoping to discover much more. Perhaps a series of adventures, a use for his darned key or otherwise a place to earn some coin and respect as a hero of sorts; if not enough fear built up as a player of great respect.

Whatever power hungry method he'd take one thing was for certain he was going to make something of himself on Druuk Island, that or die to try. As such he'd made his way into the corrupted port; already becoming hassled by taxes and fees for visiting such a shameless place, but subsided with his gut feeling and gazed off to scan the area. Parting lips to inquire about a place to get some food and a cold beer he'd be led in the direction of the Pub; making his way there he'd soon venture forth into the building and claim his seat. Sitting at the bar our brave hero couldn't help but notice the local chatter. Word spread quickly about rumors of a secret guild formed or some organization.

Something else about a string of attacks and raids against players. His eyes shifting he'd put his guard up a bit more and rethink his choice to be in the town; he'd managed to survive this long. Was he really going to risk getting assaulted or killed by some Player killers? Arching a brow he'd shift his gaze to the quest board; finding one in specific that stood out. One crafted by a @Roland Rutledge who requested aid in something related to the chatter. Intrigued he'd delve deeper into the quest, details as he read them to himself quietly word for word. It seemed that the male didn't wish to get his hands dirty; perhaps differing sides in this event or a scorned follower. But the message followed;

It has come to my attention that there is a guild by the name of, "Dead Eyes" working out of the city of Sodom located on Druuk Island. This guild may or may not be actively behind a string of attacks, and raids against player characters traveling outside of the town. Please locate the leadership of the guild and deliver their player information to Roland Rutledge. Use any means necessary.

Objectives:

• Locate Dead Eyes leadership, and obtain the character(s)' player information
• Deliver said information to Roland Rutledge
• Optional: Stop the Dead Eye's operation

As he finished reading it he'd accept the quest and note that he'd been placed in a party already with another, perhaps this was another one of those instances where party members were auto locked. but seeing as it stated they were good to go he'd smile and nod. Three other folks, a mage, a rogue and the other tank; @Kessler Cole. Nodding he'd begin writting his own message.

Mail

Hey guys, I think it might be best if we all meet up somewhere near the edge of town; best not to leave on our own given the rumors of folks getting jumped and Robbed. But if you all don't mind I will discuss the plan further in person. So meet me there, I'll be looking forward to your arrivals.
From: @Aaron Steele

Getting up from the bar he'd make his way over towards the door not noticing the two gruff looking men behind him following shortly after. Making his way to the outskirts of town; not quite having left he'd look about for his allies. A fair looking male, slender and short arrived; their mage he assumed. Not far from there in a blink of an eye the rogue appeared laying upon the roof of a nearby house. As his eyes scanned for their last arrival he'd begin the boring introductions as to get them out the way and formally adress each other. Lips curling they would begin to spew their secrets as he spoke prying eyes watching them from afar.

"The name is Aaron, Aaron Steel, pleasure to meet you all. I'm a tank, I mainly focus on sword and board but if I get angry enough I can punch holes into the enemy. Lets try to avoid that as it's bad for my health. So with my introduction complete lets hear from the rest of you."

It was then the mage would speak. Hey I'm Umbra, I practice the dark arts and light, So I hex and heal then finish them off with my arcane magic. I'll stick with the other tank in case we get jumped.

Perfect, I'm shadow the rogue. I know, very original but fuck it too late to change. Anyways I am an assassin type, I can phase in and out of battle easily, duel wielding is my specialty. I'll go solo and surprise anyone who thinks they can handle me.

Having listen to their intros they'd shift focus to the final member then once that intro was complete Aaron would once more flap his lips to discuss the plan of action.

"Alright so our target is these Dead eye guys right and they rob folks who are on their own. I'm thinking what if I go ahead and head off ahead on my own and we all part ways; take a different path to loop back towards the forest and allow for us to surround any possible attackers I may face; I being tank should be able to hanle this for now. Thoughts?"​

He'd ask waiting to get confirmation and move along with their plan; should all be fine he'd take the lead off into the woods as the mage headed off with the other tank and the rogue seemed to disappear; something he was surpisingly good at. It was at this time that the two males following Aaron would take forth behind him; members of Dead Eye, perhaps planning to confront him. However this was all unknown, for now. As the male ventured off deeper into the woods the assassin would dash from tree to tree, similar to that of a shinobi. Clearly a class he'd regret not taking. Had it not been for the team function revealing names he'd never know where the male was.

As they came to a small clearing and he sat to rest the two goons would then make themselves known. A faint smirk passed their lips as they began to surround the boy, a two handed sword in one hand a staff in the other. His eyes shifted as he looked to the bigger male of the two, whom by this point was laughing confidently as he pointed the blade at arron, who simply sat there smiling.

Give it up chump, we heard you talking. Hand over your gear and we'll let you live...wait why you smiling? You think this is funny you little punk, I'll fucking kill you.​

His blade came down crashing hard as he raised his shield in defense, the mage charging up to strike. Had the others not arrived yet. He'd wondered as he kept blocking the strikes made upon him. The rogue off at a distance in stealth mode appeared to appear in a flash disrupting the powerful cast made by the mage throwing the barbarian fellow off as the shield pummel smacked his had some enough to shake him momentarily creating space; a rogue of their own soon appearing. As they laughed; two verse three the odds seemed stacked against them. As the dagger laid firmly against his back; having pierced the armor cutting him lightly, as he backed up beside his assassin.

 

Kessler had started his adventure a little late, but that's more or less to be expected, he wasn't in a rush to return back to home base to struggle with the locals again. His choice of ship however, wasn't exactly the norm either; anyone looking at him would think he was some kind of mad man no doubt. His was one among dozens of uncountable dingy ships. Small five person crafts that were all tied and hitched together here or there like a convoy, they moved in clumps to protect themselves from the large waves. Kessler himself reclined in one of the ships with a large bottle he'd stolen from a noble in one of his missions, pouring a near infinite amount of liquor among other things out of it as if it were connected to a different dimension.

This was certainly the ideal of many who wandered on these ships, a great many of them no doubt joined this strange ship party purely because of that bottle. What normally would have spelled disaster from either larger ships or sea monsters though became rather relaxed thanks to a group of hard working entertainers. A few muses were beating drums and other tools creating a thick reverberating song that shook the waters. To one side Illumancers were firing off strong channeling spells creating dazzling patterns in the sky as the ships swayed. It was the kind of atmosphere Kessler was most relaxed in, and the few on the ships no doubt were being drawn in by the sounds as well. Those ships became grounds for a party that monsters stayed away from, purely from the display of energy and magic flying around.

Despite the partying, and the other interesting reasons for gathering, this colorful party wasn't all merely partiers and fun-time havers. Instead, they shared a like mind with Kessler as well, even if most of them were more motivated by the bottle, the reason they didn't hesitate to put in effort was because of mutual gain. That reason certainly became clearer as they neared the port. High taxes, dirty exchanges were obvious, but rather then the port, the dingys all suddenly changed directions to head towards the rocky beach. After all, small ships were typically used for landing ships when there was no port to ground themselves with. The few guards and soldiers who recognized what was happening began to move, but the bumping base and lights were motivation for the crews that leapt out of their boats into the water and turned them over without hesitating.

Dragging their ships out of the water was taxing, but every ship had a head count of five, each one didn't pause and turned their boats over when their feet could reach the sands and every man grabbed an end with the last man at the back hauling the ships off with loud laughter. Even as they ran, the few musicians and illumancers were the only ones allowed to not grab their own ships as their sounds and lights continued to dazzle and shake the sands. Like a well oiled machine, the ships were carried off with rhythmic and unrelenting steps; their stamina healed by Illumancy, their speed increased by Music, it wasn't hard to outrun the local authorities.

As for where the boats would end up? Well, they did have a home base after all, but exactly where it was was anyone's guess. It would always be somewhere different, the ships hoisted up on trees or other things to make tents, dressed with clothes or materials pillaged or stolen. This was how Kessler's crew of random and insane individuals came together to form a horde of partiers. Though small, they were his 'family' from reality, the few that could afford to game, that had stuck with him despite his parole, they associated through the internet since he couldn't reach them legally in reality. Just as Kessler was about to set his own things down though, he felt a hand on his shoulder whirling around with a piqued glare.

"Hey Boss, we got word of something weird happening in town."
"... Weird like how?"

Kessler asked perplexed, his brow furrowed in infinite irritability. While he was perhaps the weakest among them in this game, he was still their superior in reality. Old habits didn't die, when they approached him, he was still their boss as he was outside; The Enforcer Lucien, none of them would forget his real identity and what he was capable of even on parole.

"It looks like there's another group in the area, the Dead Eyes."
"... Again? Do these jack asses not get tired of springing up everywhere?"
"Should we snuff them out again?"
"Nah... I'll take care of the small stuff, just bring their businesses down again. I'll need Night Gobbo and Cain."
"Shishi, I'm on it boss."
"Count me in then!"
"Just point out the ones in the guild. If I don't throw some weight around they'll think you're carrying me."

Kessler complained thinking that he'd be underestimated if he was protected. He picked his own masteries to be a monster after all, but he wasn't strong enough to barrel through people like his group was. He'd had an unfortunately late start in this game because of his life matters.

Along the way he'd heard stories of how the guild operated, it used quests to capture and ambush people, waiting by the quest targets or going along as if they were participating members. Whether or not they were killing for pleasure or profit, Kessler didn't care too much, the boys behind him seemed to understand that as well as they explained only the details he wanted to know. Kessler didn't care much about the reasons, only ever the results. As long as they didn't violate his code, he wouldn't care, but face and reputation was important for an organization, he wouldn't let anyone slap his face metaphorically.

"That's them boss-- Except, that one there isn't on the list."
"Eh? Could he be a new recruit?"
"Then... It looks like they're fighting, over loot?"
"It isn't loot..."

Kessler answered the confused pair with sharp eyes. It wasn't loot, it was a mark. It wasn't as if Kessler didn't know this kind of scam, it was something he'd done in the gang a few times as well. But... in a game? Could it really work that way? Kessler couldn't help feeling a little puzzled, he'd need to get more experience fighting players if this was the case, he couldn't have people suddenly ambushing him from his own group.

"It's a good show, they're losing health evenly, they'll turn eventually though."
"Then, you want us to step--"
"Go back and help Ziggy, I can clear up this group."

Kessler thought out loud lowering a hand towards the earth as he hoisted up his large hammer. The hand towards the earth glowed a dull brow as he began his advance with a heavy run. His frame wasn't overly bulky or muscular like a lot of heavy tanks, but he didn't need it to be with magic. With every step he took, the soil surged up around his foot as if gripping his body clinging to him. As he approached the clearing it was gripping his body like a thick suit of armor. He resembled a large golem, the only indicator that he was human was the pair of eyes looking out through the shadows of his armor's mouth keeping his eyes protected. The whole armor itself vaguely resembled a Cyclops or a giant, but it's height wasn't nearly as intimidating, standing at only an extra two feet taller then he once was.

"This isn't a place for the Dead eye to do what they want! Get the hell out!"

Kessler cursed using his new heavy frame to swing his two handed hammer. The large armor complied and gripped his weapon firmly with both hands swinging it down into the nearest assassin to launch them away from Aaron. Whether or not the man would understand Kessler's intentions were another story, but if anyone was to look at his HP, they'd see it was covered up by a thicker gray bar.

 

Beatle was, for all intents and purposes, lost. Not the kind of lost where you think you're on one street but actually you're on another. The kind of lost where you're not even sure what country you're on anymore. Nothing in Beatle's immediate vicinity was familiar; not the grass, not the shops, not the people.

"Perfect..." Beatle thought to himself, smiling.

"I knew there would be some kind of benefit to taking that boat! Sure, it wasn't cheap, but this place definitely reeks of adventure! Plus..." Beatle looked at the arm band he wore, sighing a bit. "If this thing can be used at all, it'll be here. It's got to be good for something, right?"

Beatle shrugged off his doubt as best he could as he walked into the town, enthralled by the many opportunities available to him.

"So many options! Should I try sailing? Maybe fishing would be useful? I wonder if there are any quests in the area? There should be a bulletin board around here somewhere... aha!"

Spotting the quest board, Beatle walked towards it in hopes of finding something entertaining and/or rewarding. Through the clutter of your average fetch quests and kill quotas, one quest stood out. It was posted by a player, in search of some information about a clan. Not only that, but a familiar player.

"Hmm... never really fought a player before. I don't know if I can take down a guild, but stealth is definitely within my range of capability. I should be able to gather some info on these guys."

Beatle made a mental note of the posting's location, then proceeded to the nearest bar to gather information on the case. On his way inside, he managed to narrowly avoid running into a rather large player, possibly a tank of some kind, followed by two other individuals. Seeing as how the hunt he was on involved player prey, his hunting tactics would have to rely on player contact. Beatle watched the three turn a corner, and right as he was trying to decide if he should follow them or not, two individuals took the same turn. Curiosity piqued, Beatle began tailing the two parties. It was difficult staying far enough away to seem inconspicuous yet close enough to follow them efficiently, but the two in front of him seemed awfully fixated on the group they were following.

Suddenly, Beatle saw that both groups had stopped. It was just the tanky man from earlier, in a clearing with the pursuers. There was some kind of exchange going on between them, but Beatle was out of earshot.

In a flurry of motion, combat began to come from nowhere. The other two party members of the tank appeared seemingly out of thin air and began assaulting the two. Beatle wanted to help, but was unsure of the entire situation at hand. For all he knew, either party could be the one mentioned in the posting. In that case, Beatle's best bet was to stay hidden and watch.

(OOC: sorry it took so long, i thought i had submitted this but it was just sitting as a draft at the bottom of the screen. my bad)

 

Eyes shifting some as he was betrayed; the bastards seemed to be ganging up on him; even the so-called ally his back was turned to; so when the sudden other appeared shouting to be against them; the so-called Dead Eye he'd grin. "Finally a true ally, thanks." he'd say himself turning quick to slash at the incoming attacker; his shield slamming up to block and push them back. Lips curling into a grin he'd disband his party as to remove any friendly fire restrictions from the one fella and turn to the newcomer, "Names Aaron, Aaron Steele. Thanks for coming to my aid, I was afraid I'd be leaving this place with little to no health. But all is well, I'll slay these bastards for their betrayal. Just watch my back and I'll watch yours. He'd say as he cocked his blade back facing its edge away; entering a new stance. This one using the weight of the blade and his own to body the enemy, for heavier hitting damage. So it would come to no surprise as he did so, but the stance lacked defenses. So his health would drop; not necessarily a bad thing for a tank.

Let alone a tank who was a berserker. His eyes slowly glowing red as he grinned, since his last bout his mastery over the skill had become quite adept and as such he could control it. Rushing forth he'd picked up some speed striking again with more damage; the same song and dance would last a bit as the bout continued. As the others slowly began to take their beatings Steele's health would continue to drop but at the same time; a member had fallen unconscious. One down three more to go. Eyes shifting he'd call out "How are things going on your end?" he'd ask being more verbal as he ran at the male popping up from behind him to bash the guy in front of the newcomer; stunning him as he slashed the blade at his back knocking him forward into his ally as if to set up for a combo. His shield spinning to come back and down upon their skull had a combo indeed been executed.

As combat continued; his health too dropped to a low of around seventy percent. It was here that it came down to just one member running away. His eyes shifted as they seemed to have two choices chase him down or let him go. Opting for the former to avoid blowing their cover he'd leave the new member to question the few left; popping up an inviting menu to those names nearby that weren't the enemy; one he recognized but hadn't seen since the initial party.

Invite

Aaron Steele has invited you to their party. Accept?

As he ran off he'd chase the being down and get into a one on one; challenged to a duel at lower health he'd accept the two fighting; his blade clashing and his shield breaking the stalemate. Yet he remained vigilant about winning as such the two fought for what felt like about five minutes before they seem exhausted; having exchanged blows the two were both near 60% health for Steele and 40% for the other; his damage hitting about 5% each hit. Just eight more and it would be over. A faint smile passed as he lifts his arms cockily. A ploy to get him to come in and strike. Grasping him with one hand and stabbing repeatedly. The male dropping the other. HIs health at 55% he'd drag him back and toss him with the others.

"So, your name stranger and what do you know about the Dead Eye, I have a mission to deal with them." he'd say as he then looked over towards the tree in scouting mode; seeing beetle due to his name and possible party joining, "Is he with us or is he a mute tree dwelling weirdo?" he said teasing some before motioning the boy to come down and hopefully aid them in their quest; a proper introduction was made; "The names Aaron, Aaron Steele. These scum are Dead eye, now we need to be rid of them. But first either of you good a torture?" he'd ask turning to the males tied up and spouting rather nasty terms and thoughts. "Best we gag them and slay the useless...right no. They'd report to their guild master or whatever." he said some rubbing his head thinking on the matter confused.

@Kessler Cole @Beatle the Bard

 

Kessler only flashed a dark grin, friendly fire wasn't so easily solved in this game where immersion was deep and an effort to make it as real as possible had been made. Naturally the pointy end of the sword going into the other guy would do damage whether or not they were in a party. Though Kessler himself wouldn't be so hung up on such a thing, accepting the invite with a thought and a sweep of his hand as he continued swinging his hammer. His actions rough and violent, it was clear he'd fought a great deal even in reality, his movements were far too practiced and fluid to just apply to this game.

Unfortunately though, his actions were what you might consider 'rough'. He didn't use very many 'combat skills' or combos. His strikes connected fluidly but they were very monotonous like a thug beating someone to death. The hammer swung into the first assassin, the weight of his stony body and his heavy mallet throwing the man off his feet and even a few feet back. Kessler's blows came with an intense, even cruel amount of knock back thanks to his skill set. Those few people who did approach him for retaliation though would from time to time be blocked by the hammer's base from time to time. He wasn't an expert at parrying, but it was enough to at least slim down on the damage he was taking. Even those real few blows that slipped past his beginner guard only crashed against his stone armor. His weighted frame gaining cracks here or there from the rain of blows and projectiles here or there.

Without his health dropping though, Kessler let out a loud shout, more out of savage frustration then it was any battle ability. Kessler's technique was that of a savage warboss after all-- He played the role he made for himself quite spectacularly. With his shout, with every portion of his armor that came crashing down from his body the craigs and stones exploded forth like shrapnel pelting the foe who was unlucky enough to score that winning shot exposing a portion of his skin. Even so it didn't do much to cause him direct damage. The grey bar of his health needed to run down before his HP started taking damage. Even if his more agile and long ranged foes could avoid his wrath, it didn't help them.

The more they fought though, the more fiercely he tried to fight, eventually seeing that his hammer and armor wasn't enough to win the fight he tried his second spell. What was exposed of his arm began to glow a dull brownish gold as the tattoos once more began to rise to the surface of his skin. "I am the Tyrant's Avatar; Rage is my blood and Greed is my spirit, I've sacked over a hundred homes and turned over tens of villages-- All for the sake of Oppression." His incantation was a bit dark and cruel, not some mythical language, not some fantastical thing with a deep and valued meaning. As if he was proclaiming himself a vicious and cruel warlord for any who heard his words his magic shook the surroundings as his voice faded.

The wave of magic stretched out, but didn't seem to change anything. At least, it would be something unnoticable for Aaron and even Beatle, it's effects hard to recognize. If they were paying attention though they'd find those opponents who weren't meeting Kessler blow for blow would grow sluggish, their feet sinking into the grass and soil a bit deeper then before. Surprise in a few of their eyes, confusion at he same time, distracted as they'd glance about their HUDs for an explanation. Kessler didn't hesitate to continue smashing into them despite their confusion though; he didn't care if they were perplexed, he kept fighting them regardless. In reality it was a debuff, Kessler's skill increased the gravity raising his enemy's weight. Their items encumbering them more then before causing them to be a great deal slower.

"Kessler Cole, Local Warrior Savage, my boys have beef with them, simple enough eh?" Kessler answered Aaron's curiosity, dusting himself off when the battle finally ended, his stone armor largely annihilated by the time he was done, his health dropping only by a quarter though by the end of it thanks to his armor and limiting his victim's mobility. Though he'd lost sight of the few archers and mages in the distance-- whoever took care of them, how or why Kessler didn't mind, even if they ran back to their base they'd no doubt be taken out soon. "Not going to let them off with just this though. Nobody picks a fight with the great Waaagh." Kessler scowled as he thought about it, shaking off the last of the soil from his shoulders and dreads before hoisting his large hammer back up onto his shoulder where it could be stable.