@Aaron Steele

The moment Alpha set foot onto this dismal plain, she began to suspect that her grand expectations for Norforva may have been exaggerated and had been a deceptive fantasy. Her previous experience with this unexplored territory had been at the border near Harbard which, compared to the deeper parts of the area, seemed to be pleasant. Although she knew not to anticipate grandiose surprises like what she had found in Stokbon during her earlier days in participating in this game, she couldn't help that budding sense of curiosity and excitement at such a novelty. In the end, she was hopelessly disappointed when, instead of being surrounded by life, greenery, and marvelous architectural constructs, she was bound by rotting tree trunks and weary stone mesas. It had seemed that the coven of hemomancers she had long ago encountered had successfully deteriorated the chance of survival among the flora and fauna here. There was not a human soul in sight and all she had found during her hike was the remnants of lost civilizations. Her only company was her beastly companions and that of the chattering of cockroaches and desert rats who attempt to cling onto a semblance of life. Idly, she opened her pack and threw a fish stick at Terry who, with a great leap, caught it mid-air and gulped it down. Afterwards, she had done the same thing for Luna and Corn, throwing a carrot and a cockroach she had found respectively. The latter was the most happy with his meal, the fish stick and carrot having started to rot with the lingering dark magic in the air.

She sighed and, after a few more minutes of walking into an unchanging environment, she plopped down onto the floor. Terry seemed restless, Luna seemed to be in a zombie-like trance, bored out of her mind, and Corn was, oddly, content with the utter destruction in his surroundings. In fact, he continued strolling with a blissful ignorance and waddled so contentedly that Terry had to grab the critter by the scruff of his neck and deposit him in Alpha's lap to cease his soldier's crawl. Alpha couldn't help but be impressed by the tiny creature. Corn seemed right at home and unaffected but, during other dangerous times, seemed to have the bravery of a cowardly rooster. She sighed. "What're we gonna do?" she whined, slamming her head down to the dusty ground and rolling over a couple of times, Corn a safe distance away after being lightly tossed. Alpha spawned her sleeping bag next to her and, grabbing it, muffled her despairing scream. It took her a long minute before removing her face from the soft material, breathing heavily as she glanced at the wide-eyed Terry and Luna. Corn was still preoccupied with playing with a dust bunny. "There's nothing here and there's no one here and this is so boring!" she complained, pouting. "Let's just go back already!"

Caption: Corn walking in his own dreamworld. He has long since gone insane by the desolate sight of Norforva which bored him (literally) out of his mind.​

Just then, as she said that, she spotted something move in the distance. She tensed and, with her sudden alertness, so did her trio of friends. She slowly unsheathed her dagger, holding a single finger up to her lips to signal for the loud Luna and the boisterous Terry to quiet down. Corn, oblivious, went on hopping and stomping at his imaginary playmate. The sounds of his tiny thumps were loud and stark in the pervading silence. That, and the slithers and hisses of something behind the rocks. Alpha gritted her teeth, ready for a fight. What sort of beast could survive this wasteland? Most certainly a brutal and powerful one. Right as she finished her thoughts, however, the silhouette which stealthily maneuvered between rock formations and dead trees had revealed itself. Alpha stared. "Aww!" she broke the tension in the air with her coos, Terry and Luna staring at her incredulously. "Who's a good snake, who's a good snake? You are!" she began fawning as the shy and small serpent (about three times the size of Corn who was the size of a potato) began to approach. In real life, this would normally surprise her but, in this game, she felt safe. Her beast-taming mastery had given her a strong empathy for the animals of this world and she couldn't help but feel happy at the sight of one of nature's children. Not to mention that, with the lack of life around here, her naturamancy was potent and drew her to any source of, well, life. "I'm gonna call you Fish!" she declared as the krait coiled itself around her arm, immediately taking to this strange girl.

Caption: A real picture of Fish the Sea Krait.
​

Alpha looked over to the others. Corn was still playing and hopping around and Luna and Terry looked on with slack-mouthed expressions and disapproval. "Look, we got a new friend! At least this trip was kind of worth it!" and the newly baptized Fish hissed in agreement. Then she stopped for a moment, realization dawning onto her features. "Do we, uh, have a map or something? I have no idea how to get back," she sheepishly rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment as Terry and Luna groaned in unison. Hopefully there'd be someone else wandering around here that could help. Hopefully.

Left: This is what Luna looked like as a bunny before she got her hanbok and grew up to the size of Alpha's knees.
Right: This is Terry after his fur got singed by the magical statue in the Raid of the Mist Wolf.​

 

As the brave Knight had made his way off into Norforva the male would have gathered the proper provisions. His goal to see what he could do to help resolve and fix things in the area; albeit limited on what he could do he would have gotten word from Tyl to investigate; little did he know the destruction in the area was thanks to a select few mages. Blood magic that was frowned upon by society the cause of such destruction; perhaps this was why it was shunned and sought out to be so evil. None the less the Clueless Paladin in training would have made his way to the lands. Barren, boring and bad for business it seemed the area was a complete and total loss. The sources of life which were scattered about were so scarce and uncommon one might mistake the land as a bomb testing site for nuclear weapons. Aside from the missing glow and occasional glass, this seemed a most accurate statement.

As he continued his adventure within the confinement of his search radius he'd travel along the border of Norforva, examining the land and trying to figure it's mystery. However, this wouldn't last long as he'd spot a group of bandits, following close behind they appeared to know the lay of the land better; heading to some small hidden town not far from the area; one composed of shit tents and a few souls brave enough to venture the land. It wouldn't be long before the battle broke out. A sense of danger exhibited from the bandits who went straight to killing members and setting the camp ablaze. Regrettably unable to cast magic of use in this scenario Aaron would rush in none the less and assault the dastardly bandits, his blade swinging about, slashing as his shield went a bashing. The bandits, running had they not been slain would have left fewer survivors than not.

Terrified yet thankful, they'd prepare to pack up their goods and leave. Yet before they could the brave Paladin in training would stop to ask the eldest what had happened. Although silent at first, he'd eventually inform the male despite being hesitant. As he spoke he'd explain the land and how it used to look; then briefly describe the war like onslaughter. His eyes shifting to try and envision the land the old shaman would conjure up some magic creating an illusion of the area; truly beautiful. As he spoke and told the tale he'd show the blood mages destroying the land. Most of it in ruin; many citizens and such scattered. The history and ruins of what was left of the city now was just a tale; a grand land of mystery and adventure awaited; just begging to be discovered. A faint smile passed as the male ended the show.

"So you experienced that all huh. Sorry such a heavy burden has fallen upon your shoulders but I'd like to learn more, where is this lost city you speak of? I must find it, perhaps it has some ancient history of sorts, something worth learning or digging into, if not for my sake or yours but the sake of your people's culture and history." he'd say bidding the male farewell. But not before gaining an update on his map to find said location a lot faster. As such he'd set the marker to be his goal. Following the path as he made his way deeper into the land he'd soon be greeted by the gaze of something truly strange; another pack of beings. All alive, thankfully, but mainly of animals. He'd traveled a fair way about the land but never seen that, but amidst the beasts stood a being a warm smile passed as he'd wave and approach them.

"Hi, hello. A pleasure to meet you, stranger. Guess it's safe to assume you're some sort of quest marker if not a PC. I've not seen anything out here in this wasteland beyond a small village of nomads. But I did get some information on a nifty place of interest, so what's your quest or are you someone of significance related to these lands? I apologize if I don't know, still new to gaming and adventuring. The name's Aaron, Aaron Steele by the way, it is a pleasure to meet you and your crew of merry beasts."

he'd say teasing some suggesting they were a group of heroes like robin hood. None the less he'd open his menu to scan the player; scouting for visible information, "So these your pets. What would you say to a little adventure; it's just due north of here...I think, can't read the map all too well. But yeah, party up and score some loot or information to what this land was like before the fire nation attacked?"

Invite

Aaron Steele has invited you to their party. Accept?

He'd ask snickering at his own joke. Although calm and joking, he was on guard as he hadn't quite trusted this stranger with his life yet, his shield and sword rest at his side in either hand as he looked to the wolf, then a snake. The other two animals were a first, "Is that a Hedgehog?" he'd ask curiously to spark some conversation a bit more casual if not relax the other player and get them to chat with him; killing some time and boredom.


@Alphabet Chocolate

 

Invite

@Aaron Steele has invited you to their party. Accept?

Alpha stared at the man for a good while, recognizing the name from somewhere. She was about to point out the resemblance in name-choice that the man had with her good friend, Aaron....something (Malone, if she remembered correctly). Before she could say a single word, however, a mischievous grin broke out on her face and she subtly accepted the party invite, using her own stealth to attempt to press the button unnoticed. She face straight at the man. There was no real distinguishable trait to tell apart regular NPCs and player characters. In fact, the only way to tell was to ask them questions about the game and real life and, through that, gauge their reactions to the information. It would be easy enough for Alpha to convince the man that she knew nothing about the game and her lack of knowledge would be Aaron Steele's only lead.

There wasn't any real motivation for her to do this other than the suffocating boredom she had felt during her journey exploring Norforva and, with her knowledge of player contracts and such, she gave a broad grin at the approaching man. "Hello, my name's Alphabet Chocolate! I'm an explorer of Norforva and I've been looking for someone to help me back to my home in Brisshal after I had, unfortunately, gotten lost. Would you help me?" she pleaded with puppy-dog eyes and, following her lead, her little menagerie all had their own eyes watered and, for those capable of it, soft pouts. She quickly formed the details of the contract while Terry rubbed himself against the man's leg, momentarily distracting him. Contracts could only be social or for bookkeeping services between players so she'd have to word this carefully. Excitement at the prank led to twitching fingers and an overtly eccentric chuckle she attempted to keep under her breath.

​

She giggled. This would be the best prank ever! "I do not understand what the 'fire nation' is or such, but there is nothing left in Norforva," she spoke with a stilted tone, trying her best to sound uptight and almost robotic. It was an overt exaggeration of what regular NPCs in the game acted like, but she hoped he wouldn't notice her hammy acting skills. "But thank you in advance for your help!"

 

His huge grin fading as he heard what he thought was a Player Character acting like a Non-Player Character, but never having been able to get an NPC to join a party through invite let alone be in an official party with one he'd decided that either this was a rare NPC or one of those freaky folk who got highly immersed. Certainly indulging into the game was fun but why here of all places. None the less he'd look over to her and chuckle, of course, she was a player. How could they make an NPC with such a junk name. A brief sigh passed as he was just glad he hadn't said anything aloud but wanted to test a few more things. As they spoke of the fire nation with little clue and the animals seemed to like them he'd arch a brow at the contract put before him. Well, guess it was official, wait. No, that same menu popped up in trades and player made quests too. A faint smile passed as he looked to her and took one knee

"Alas, the perfect NPC, so young so beautiful. Sure I'll accept thy quest with one alteration. You take I the powerful and sexy paladin to be your husband one day and bare my children. I'll wait for you, but a beauty such as yours can not afford lesser genetics and as a man of the Lord can give unto you the perfect material." Bowing with his own theatrics, of course, would kiss her hand and move back her hair to gaze lovingly into her eyes. A menu popping up itself. with his request for marriage to be added. An obvious joke, yet something to throw her off. Refusing to move he'd remain bowed as he remained still and extended his hand to her pets, "You can come live with me in my guild. It will be our castle and home to all your furry friends. All that it will cost you is your body, soul, and mind." he'd say some with a cheesy grin before raising to his feet.

Dusting off he'd laugh a bit and ruffle her hair. "Alright now if we are done screwing around pipsqueak we can get going. I'll take you to your home, no need for payment that extreme. What kind of hero and paladin would I be to request such things from a child let alone an actual woman? Also Alphabet Chocolate. No NPC would be named so out of place in the wilds but I admire your attitude. So short stuff, which way are we going and I'll accept the friendship part of the deal at the least; unless you are one of those weird little Tsundere girls. I got no time for midget lovers who try to kill those around me." he said nudging her lightly trying to create some playful banter as they walked. All the while his shield and sword were drawn, given their location and the sense of urgency among the dead and living. If it was alive it wasn't going to be a pushover in these parts; there is a reason it's alive.

@Alphabet Chocolate

 

Alpha's eyes twitched at the man's word, indignation rising through her as Terry seemed to step up, a low growl rising from the pit of his throat, defending her honor. "Ew!" she spat out, disgusted and face scrunched up. The man seemed to court her like one of those romantic novels she found her mom reading before and the idea of something so gushy repulsed her immensely. As he kissed her hand, she gagged and withdrew it quick and gave him a face twisted with contempt. "You're like one of those boy band guys in the novels where they get married with a woman and then they're like 'oh no, not you!' and then they ditch them to hook up with another lady and then they have babies and then the guy is all like 'no!' and then leaves her to go with his wife but and then, in the end, it turns out his wife was an assassin that was hired to kill him and then the assassin-wife and ex-girlfriend get revenge on him by spiking his party's punch with laxatives and blame it on him and then the police come and then his reputation as a singer is over cause he makes terrible songs and he's framed and then there's a top secret agent from the government that comes in to clear his case and gets wound up in an entire conspiracy because the assassin-wife was hired by the Illuminati, who were all replaced by lizardmen who are seeking out to conquer our world and destroy everything we care about and then, after that—" she paused, taking a sweet gulp of fresh air and wheezing heavily. "After that they hire an international police force that arrest all the lizardmen who are actually the former pop star guy's brethren and he had been replaced long ago and his master plan was brainwashing people with bad music to start the invasion but he was foiled because of assassin-wife who had been a double agent all along and the mission was fake because she was actually hired by some other guy that—" she stopped, taking another deep breath before Terry strategically placed his paw on her foot, calming her. Then she pointed at Aaron accusingly, suspicion aroused on her face as she contemplated the meaning behind this. Struggling to get the words out with a parched throat, she hacked out a few sentences. "Stop trying to invade Earth with your lizardmen army! I know what you're up to and I'll stop you!" she declared, stomping her foot down in defiance.

She did, however, pause when she heard the man's next words. Now she was sure that the guy was messing with her (well, fifty-percent sure) and, with that, she humphed angrily and shook her head. "You're a jerk!" but, despite her proclamation, she did walk slow enough for him to catch up. If he were running. "Hurry up slowpoke or we'll never get back!" and wasn't she in an awfully irritated mood today. Probably because her mom and dad didn't let her eat that lava cake yesterday.

@Aaron Steele

 

As the male's goal to mess with the girl in return for teasing him he'd grin, her reaction though was priceless. As she broke into the entire story from beginning to end he'd simply listen nodding his head and try his best not to laugh at how absurd it was. Yet as she paused he'd prepare to interject but before he could she'd take off once more long winded with the rest of the story. A warm smile laid there as he waited for her to finish and simply replied, "You forgot the part where he got the puppy who was actually three cats in a horse costume who were best friends with the mouse who he gave a cookie, that asked for a glass of milk right after the cow jumped over the moon." he'd say smiling as his mockery was in a playful tone. "Oh, but none of that counted and it was all a dream; you know because it was Tuesday. Your favorite nap day and you just thought you knew what was going on but it was all just a fake world in a fake game." he'd finish up and pat her head.

It was cute to see her try and create a story and accuse him of wrong doing but at the same time, he'd smirk, "Oh, but one question. Was this dream before or after you were done trying to make me think you were an NPC?" he'd ask poking her forehead trying to tease her some more. As she realized now he was messing with her he'd feel her sharpened words piercing him like a knife A faint smile passed as she stormed off calling him a jerk. His lips curling to tease some more, "But I'm your Lizard man baka Oni-chan desu sensei sama bing bong." he'd say laughing afterward and amused by his own nonsense. Following behind he'd jog up, "Please short fry I got a longer length in stride I'd out run you any day unless your some sort of Sonic the Hedgehog beast. I played Football in college and I was good; defensive and offensive. I'm a big guy but I can move as quickly as the small guys." he'd say teasing as he took note of her pets, "What are they over protective. Afraid I might do something. Hmmm, maybe they'd like my pet." he said opening his menu and summoning forth his Shadow Cat,

Two white eyes appeared to glow as the tiny little trickster appeared, meowing lightly before stretching as it floated about. Dancing on the air it found its way about the girl; moving quickly it would play with her hair on one side than the other than appearing laying on her head, "Welp looks like the little one likes you. That's usually the test to tell if you're a good person; just be mindful of this one. It's a trickster." he said in a semi-serious tone. Hoping she'd listen and not get angry when the cat messes with her later in the day. Yet with minimal banter between them thus far he'd arch a brow and shove her gently, "Yo, pipsqueak what's your deal. You some sort of mobile vet or petting zoo. What's the deal what kind of build for your character were you aiming for?" he'd ask curiously his attention upon the little one as his cat rolled about before rushing off ahead to set up a trick or something.

@Alphabet Chocolate

 

Alpha giggled at the darkness-cloaked kitten that sprang out of nowhere and, watching with fascination as it levitated through the air, felt her lips open up into a wide gape. Her expression had already been like that before, confused by Aaron's jumbles of words that seemed to be part of a foreign language and his continuation of the plot line she had just told him about (was he one of those fanfiction authors who wrote continuation stories after the author axed the series she had been describing?) before regaining her thoughts. At the sight of the sly feline, her mind began to burst with ideas and, despite Terry's gluttonous interest in the critter, she pulled up her interface screen. "You wanna go to the kennel for a bit, Luna?" she asked and the small rabbit, coated in Terry's slobber as the dog continued to stare the shadowed cat down, nodded. She smiled at Luna's sweetness and, giving the bunny a playful rub on the head, flicked open her inventory and swiped a few times before Luna vanished entirely and, in her place, was a kitten with an elegant pink ribbon tied around its neck. "Welcome back Skits!" she grinned, grabbing the kitten by the scruff of her neck and placing her atop her shoulder in the limited area that wasn't taken up by Fish. Unlike previous times in which Skits had appeared, she didn't seem to care about her territory on Alpha's body and instead stared down the cat gliding in the air.

Alpha laughed as Skits leaped down from her shoulder and landed down gracefully, looking up at Trickster (that was what Alpha heard Aaron call the cat, after all) with an adorable intensity. She redirected attention back to Aaron, completely oblivious to the fact that Terry was currently trying to hop like a frog and catch the floating Trickster. "Oh, I dunno! I just saw something cool on this old Runecraft forum! My grandpa used to play the game when he was younger and when I asked him for some game advice when I started, he gave me a link! He still uses stuff from the early two-thousands! Can you believe it?" she giggled. "Grandpa's cool though, but I have no idea! I think the forum title was labeled as a 'Skill Guide' or something like that though. What bout you?"

@Aaron Steele

 

A warm smile passed his face as the small zoo made their way about the land. His teasing and messing with the small child seemed to warrant some attention; if not feed to their delusions of him being some lizard man. Either way, he was crazy or the idea was so no point in fighting what the child thought of him. Yet upon his cat being released and it's loving nature teasing the girl it would float off. Watching her reveal her own kitty and it's name he'd let his inner geek out. "Oh my Gawd, that's so cute. You named it skits, almost like a skitty. It's cute and reminds me of one. I totally didn't know they existed. I named my cat after Umbreon, but called him Eon for short. Don't often call him by his name as the little troublemaker doesn't often listen let alone follow directions." he'd say blutly as he grinned over to her pausing to try and pet and love the tiny little childhood reminder. Crouched down he'd message behind its ear; all the while the silly doge seemed to be all over the cat jumping like a frog perhaps to eat it; but how did one eat a shadow?

As the cat ran off ahead and was out of sight for several minutes. He'd look over to where it appeared to land or seemed to land shaking his head he knew better, "Don't go near it.." he'd say as if to warn the girl and shake his head. "I just hope your pet is better trained, cuz if not he's about to learn why that cat is called a trickster. Turning his attention to her words on his question of her skill."Oh, I went staple Paladin. With some DPS mixed in So when I'm solo I'm not completely useless." he'd say as he raised a hand to create an orb of light before hearing his cat HIss angrily and run from him, "Shit...I forgot he hates the light from my magic. It's a really weird and odd feeling. That he is the darkness and I the light, but normally we get alone. Oh and watch your step." He'd say as he grabbed a rock throwing it at the sand which imploded as a small hole formed, "Yep, figured he'd did that. That cat has a habit of trying to get people to fall into pit traps, where he as a shadow can rule over; he reminds me of that one cat from a long time ago; a story old as old. The Wonderland book. The Chesire Cat. It's rare but he has a creepy smile; makes sense as that cat came from the creepy mystery egg. Have you hatched any eggs?" he'd ask curiously as they continued to walk and he then turned his attention to the barren wasteland; almost as if the earth shifted beneath him.

"I don't like this. Did you feel that...keep an eye out for those damned worms. You know, this game stole some inspiration from the old movies. I swore I saw a Graboid somewhere around here once....you know the damn tremor movies..." he'd say almost as if to get a blank stare, "god damn children don't know how to appreciate the classics...umm giant worms that eat you alive, travel under the sands and earths of wastelands capable of killing us and pets easy." he'd say returning his shadow cat as he soon saw where it once stood a worm spring up and wiggle about. HIs shield falling forth and his blade raising to fight he'd turn to her, "Ready to slay this son of a bitch. Looks like a baby." he'd say as he took a lower stance.

Rushing forth he'd run in and drag his blade lower before slashing up at the creature with a sudden shift in weight adding his hip into his strike. Cutting at it's rough skin. A tongue slicing off it screeched in pain. The body lashing about his shield raising as he was knocked back as he looked about; the creature returning to the ground, "Fuck...it's hard to keep an eye on these fuckers, man I wish I had Geomancy, the best tool to fight them and track them. So you couldn't happen to be good at combat or how to fight these things...stand still I'll lead it to me. Just be ready to strike. he' says as he got up quickly, and started to run. Jumping his shield slamming down as the worm shot up sending him sky rocketing into the sky, "HOLY FUC...." he'd say as he was air bound for quite some time before slamming down hard with his blade slicing into the creature before once more being slammed back. This time taking a knee only to slide back as it slowly wiggled back down again. "Such a troublesome opponent, shall I take the next hit again or you think you can handle it?

Desert Worm

100% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Conditions Blind; unable to see only feel movement.

Thrown die:

6

+4 1 handed Slash.

OOC: So to keep it simple roll a D10 and remove it from their health. at each level of your mastery add +1 to the roll. Double damage if you roll even.

​

 

Alpha watched as the worm rose from the ground and blanched as she fully took in the sight presented to her. It was a grotesque abomination and, even from the depths of Alpha's monster-loving heart, she couldn't help but feel a bit of joy and peace after Steel slashed the monster to oblivion. She prided herself on her ability to stay quiet and, well, not give out one of the shrill screams you'd hear that girl protagonist would make in a horror movie. That didn't mean she was terrified out of her mind, however. Shakily, she took two fingers and placed it at her temple before squinting.

Desert Worm

80% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Conditions - Blind; unable to see and can only feel movement.

Her eyes widened in surprise. Although Aaron had managed to pierce the worm's body and did some damage, it equated to only about 20% worth of damage. Whatever the thing was made of, it was strong, sturdy stuff. She was half-tempted to flee right there, unwilling to face this hideous beast any longer than she had to. It almost reminded her of Arachna but, upon that analogy, she shook her head. Arachna was much scarier that this thing and, compared to her, the worm was nothing more than a newborn baby. The thoughts reassured Alpha and she felt herself calm down slightly, but not enough to reliably move her paralyzed limbs.

She swallowed, trying to get her mouth to open and, after a bit of deep breathing, she managed to rasp out an order to her companions. "Cmon guys, let's fight that thing!" she shouted, squinting her eyes shut. Terry, as usual, immediately took the lead and flung into the fray, jumping as the worm attempted to wriggle down the earth once again. And, as Terry pounced, his fangs dug into the worm's flesh and the unaware creature squealed, unseeing as to what the threat was. Terry clenched his jaws harder, blood spurting out of the wound before fully chomping down, tearing part of the worm's body out with him before spitting it out onto the floor.

Unfortunately Skits, Corn, and Juno weren't exactly made for fighting and the creature was like an uglier, fatter cousin of Fish so she wasn't too excited about letting him fight. She placed her hands at either ends of her ears, trying to block out the sound of the worm's screech in pain. She didn't like this one bit and, as if trying to comfort her, Terry rushed back and began to rub himself on her, staining her clothes with repulsive worm blood. She really regretted her life right now.

Thrown die:

9

+5

 

As he saw her face, then that of her pets once it struck he knew this was a solo fight or at least one between him and her pet. Wait he had a pet, one that could get about undetected. "Umbreon you tricky kitty, come here..." he'd shout once more before calling back and forth his pet as it stretched out, "Daddy loves you, look he brought a worm to play with, what do you say you attack it and if you help me slay it I'll let you do that thing you love doing?" he'd say as the cats eyes lit up more and it yawned; a faint mew passing as it lazily made it's way about floating in the air. Growling to himself he'd mutter something about being useless an good for nothing as the cat yawned and took a nap floating in the air. Shaking his head he'd note the earth's surface shifting some as he ran as fast as he could over in the girls direction before it shot out the earth and struck at her. His shield coming forth fast to take the hit as it bounced off and at the cat; waking it.

Slamming against the ground he'd skid some before coming to a stop, lifting up slowly he'd look to her, you alright. All the while the now grumpy shadow kitty looked pissed. Hissing he'd look about now, wiggling his butt in the air as if ready to pounce, Aaron's own hues shifting a red as he grinned wide, "Now that's what I'm talking about, finally ready to roll Umbreon. Let's rock and roll, cuz its time to cut this worm to shreds. Get us some new bait for them fish you love." the cat meowed in delight as a grin formed across it's face, the worm popping up some at Aaron's feet as he swiftly slashed upwards at it it's tongue whipping forth to knock him back and on his ass he'd grunt; the damage instilled causing a rage to form; his speed and damage increasing as well. The cute shadow kitten rushing forth swiftly as it began to power slap the hell out of the worm fast nimble paws tapping against the worm; like a kitten a finger. Both cute but terrifying.

The worm mainly unphased as it seemed confused as to where the strike was coming from, yet this gave aaron a chance once more to strike forth faster before all at onc the tongue lashed again; this time hitting his shield as his pet jumped back to evade. His sword slicing up to sever the tongue then down to pierce into the beast head he'd grin wide as he shouted, "THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!" in a scottish accient quoting a famous move as he looked to the girl, "worry not lass, I get yee. Shant a thing be done so long as I'm protecting dem bunz." he'd say laughing some hoping she might lighten up and smile, "For real though yo. I got you." he'd say his rage continuing to build up as the damn'ed thing struck at him again and again; taking one hit after another; minimal at best but something to help ensure the girl that he wasnt going to let harm come to her even if it meant he'd take the hits instead; his lips parting he'd grin, "The more I take, the greater I give back, aren't I thoughtful...." he'd say hinting at the berserk skill.

Desert Worm

52% HP

MAX HP

52% EN

MAX EN

Conditions Blind; unable to see only feel movement.

Thrown dice:

5

2

(Berserk mode 2 rolls)
+4 1-handed Slash.
+4 Berserk

OOC: So to keep it simple roll a D10 and remove it from their health. at each level of your mastery add +1 to the roll. Double damage if you roll even.

​

 

Alpha laughed at that quote that she had recognized from one of her grandpa's ancient movie collections (which he would force her to watch with him despite the relatively poor animations of Disney and the graphics from films such as the Highlander which wasn't even in 4D, 100k PXL!). The giggling helped her get over that sudden burst of disgust that had wracked and stunned her body and, with that, she gave a nasty grin directed to the worm. "Try me!" she screamed victoriously. "For this. Is. Sparta!" she cheered. And, with that, she beckoned her companions away before pulling out her dagger. Using one hand, she flicked open her screen and, after selecting a spell, her lips began to form distinct syllables before finally settling on one word which coated her blade in a green light: "Accrescere!"

And, with her blade sharpened and refined from the nature magic flowing through it, she pounced straight at the worm. Although she had managed to make contact with it, latching on to its rapidly-moving form, angered and in pain from having its tongue cut down, she had winced away from disgust at the slimy yet grainy skin. It was like slime mucus and she felt herself gag. "Ewwww!" she turned away as she raised her arm and stabbed the creature, burying the sharp weapon into the worm's back. The thing screeched and squirmed, tossing her off the back.

She landed with ease thanks to her Rogue mastery and, with her nose scrunched up, wiped her hands on a pair of used pants that she had stowed away in her inventory. The muck was thick and she felt a tinge of vomit gurgling up her throat before she squashed it back down. Why did they have to fight a giant worm of all things? She looked helplessly at Aaron, hoping he could land a finishing blow and end this encounter sooner or later.

Desert Worm

34% HP

MAX HP

100% EN

MAX EN

Conditions - Blind; unable to see and can only feel movement.

Thrown die:

2

+5 Naturamancy
+5 One-Handed Pierce

@Aaron Steele

 

Lips curled as the male slowly gave into the madness that was his rage; berserk mode activated he'd prepared to release his worst and reveal his true inner self. Yet in doing such a thing he'd risk the most important thing, the way she might few him. Alas, he cared little for it in his state of mind, no this time he cared about slaying the beast and feeling something; letting him know he was alive and not some husk. Charging in upon seeing her eyes he'd grin wide his blade jamming upward as if to pierce the beast only to feign left causing it to sway into the blade as he slashed through it or attempted to dragging along the skin. His eyes locked on it as he passed he'd quickly throw his shield back to bash into the creature. Eyes locked on it, he'd jump up now and pierce down into it; or he would have if it hadn't escaped into the ground. His shadow cat all the while hissed and growled due to being ignored and otherwise useless. A faint chuckle passed by Steele, as he hadn't often get to see the cat frustrated. even it tricks it was usually the opposite way around. Some might call it Karama, Steele would call it justice.

As such he'd lower his stance once more stomping on the ground as if to call the beast. The sudden appearance of its head grasping his leg and flailing him about he'd laugh hard slicing at its tongue as it sent him flying, the beast now bleeding more than intended having cut its main artery they would have a slight advantage over the beast. Slamming hard against the cold hard ground some he'd slowly crawl back up before running back at the beast screaming His blade glowing he'd attempt to not only slash at it but use his Illumancy as a holy smite of swords to inflict additional damage onto it. His shield rapidly slapping upward as to prevent the creature from disappearing again; if not stun locking it. Had all gone as planned it might just give the girl an opening she'd need to hopefully finish if not help finish in the coming moments. His blade striking upward; his eyes glowing red as the male made what he had hoped to be the finishing blow before jumping back.

Desert Worm

0% HP

MAX HP

52% EN

MAX EN

Conditions Blind; unable to see only feel movement.

Thrown dice:

5

5

(Berserk mode 2 rolls)
+4 1-handed Slash.
+4 Berserk
+4 Illumancy

OOC: So to keep it simple roll a D10 and remove it from their health. at each level of your mastery add +1 to the roll. Double damage if you roll even.

​

 

Alpha scrunched her nose as Aaron began to slash and hack away at the worm, eyes red and a bloodthirsty smile firmly placed on his face. Out of everything she had learned about the man in this entire encounter, she felt that this moment was the most important: the man was definitely, certainly, and indisputably crazy. As she came to that realization, she felt herself slowly edging away, her eyes frantically switching between her animal companions to ensure that they were following her lead. It was almost like they had a way to telepathically communicate with how fast they caught on (or maybe it was because Aaron's lack of sanity was fully palpable to any living being). As the man jumped back, the worm screeching in pain, Alpha could feel the life draining out of it. One of the 'perks' of Naturamancy, she supposed.

She turned to Aaron, only to see that the man hadn't seemed to calm down just yet. Maybe she was just impatient and he'd relax once he found out that the giant worm thing was little more than a glorified corpse at this point waiting to be ravaged by the Blood-Cursed Wolves nearby. Despite her attempt to congratulate him on landing the finishing blow on the monstrous beast, her tongue seemed to be looped in a knot and her throat was parched; dry and unable to whisper a single syllable. Instead of a word, she instead opted to give a firm wave in farewell before turning on her heels, away to make departure and adieu from this entire messed up scenario. First was some crazy guy, then a giant worm, and then the crazy guy turned crazier?! Life was just not fair. She groaned and, once she had found herself quite a distance away, she gave a sigh in relief that her throat was no as constricted as before and her muscles weren't as stiff and tense. As the anxiety rolled off her shoulders, her little friends seemed to have fallen suite and she could, once again, hear their collective breathing and presence.

Finally at a safe distance away and assured she wouldn't get stabbed or sliced into tiny bits, she managed to gather up enough nerves to give a yell. "See ya later, loser!" and she was proud of how little her voice seemed to crack under pressure. Regardless, she didn't stay long enough to gauge his reaction as she immediately dashed off, her crew barely keeping up with her, as she headed straight back to Stokbon. She really needed some candy right about now. Maybe he could talk to Aaron (her Aaron with the holy armor and paladin gig and stuff) about this weird who shared the same name and was actually a secret lizardman rockstar in disguise to conquer the world. Oh well, she was getting tired so that'd have to be for another day.

@Aaron Steele