The Bandit King | Page 4

• 138/148 HP
• 112/132 EN
Tunnels


-10 HP collateral damage / -20 EN for actions

This is why he tried to do jobs by himself; a group was too difficult to manage if they were not gathered in a way that was able to command. When people could not follow one plan, they would have no real feeling of comradery. It was that feeling that was affecting the job; everyone had different ideas on how they should go about this assassination. That along with the other kind of people who had gathered for the job, Vivian was so far removed from someone like Emil it was almost funny. They were supposed to work together hand in hand to kill a person that the king hired to ride the countryside of bandits. People wondered why he was found passed out in bars most of the time; he needed nights like that to make up for days like this. As the worked lead them to the passage, he faded from view for a few seconds as he trailed slightly behind the group. He had to double back and make sure that they had forgotten anything that was needed to finish the job after all. For example, he had seen no one pick up the poison bottle before they had left the room.

He did reach in time to see that they were clearing the tunnels with little problem and that was something he always found fascinating. That if a person was able to take emotions out of the equation, then it was much easier to get a job done. They had cleared a good amount of the tunnels the most anyone seemed to be damage was a few small cuts and bruises. However, it was time for him to get to work they were a bit too far ahead of him to catch up unless he sprinted but he was not going to shot like that. So he stuck to the shadows and picked his targets letting arrow after arrow fly as he made his way closer to the back of the group. Making sure to pick targets that were just picking their heads out of the darkness, he needed to ensure that it was dangerous to be curious. While the group was some ways ahead, he would be able to catch up with a light jog. If things were this well underhand, there was no reason to rush.

32 + 25 = 57
Tracker / Roll
698 / 850​

 

• 80/100 HP
• 60/100 EN
Tunnels

-10 HP collateral damage / -20 EN for actions

Iván could no nothing else but narrow his eyes under his goggles at the realization that one of them, the witch, was nowhere to be found. Betrayal? It was understandable. The Aristocracy didn’t technically inspire devout loyalty from its members and he had heard about its reputation being muddied by greed and pride and selfishness. Not that most of its members served those three vices. It’s just that, unlike the stereotype of a Pride knight, the stereotype of the Aristocrat was something that lived in the heads and hearts of the uninitiated, and with so many uninitiated around, spreading that stereotype like wildfire would be too easy.

Although he didn’t join the Aristocracy to serve himself, his greed, or his pride, Iván also didn’t join the Pride because of the whole hero thing, the knightly adventurer. He felt like joining the lions would be more tedious than being a part of the Aristocracy. For one, Iván was more accustomed to blending in the background, staying in the rear, collecting information, and silently judging those who spoke loudly. Those things, he didn’t see as Pride qualities. He also didn’t like the idea of being forced to be loud or getting judged for being quiet, ironic since he likes judging people.

He gave @Portia Ahrens a look at her statement, taking a step back from Endilix who was splashing ant guts like there was no tomorrow, “Just our luck.” Iván was not a fan of luck.

21
Tracker / Roll
719 / 850​

 

• 128/148 HP
• 92/132 EN
Tunnels


-10 HP collateral damage / -20 EN for actions

Aalamkeepsp picking his shots as he made his way down the path, at least there was some light on the path even if it was a bit ran down. It was taking time to get to the group, there some creatures that they weren’t able to see as they made their way forward. It was a thing that he was good at however making sure that a trace wouldn’t be left. It was getting more difficult as they started to reach the area however the path was expanding. As such there was more area that he needed to cover and he wouldn’t be able to do it from this far back.

That meant he was going to need to speed up, so he threw on his stealth fully, it was always interesting when he was fully committed to the action. It was like he got bland to the world he was still there by eyes moved passed him. Never truly seeing that he was there, it was like he was not just the wolf in sheep clothing but a sheep itself. As he ran in the full sprint his footsteps disappearing in the echo of the cave system, his breath hidden between shafts of light and shadow there was a feeling of joy that his mode brought him. Every step got him closer to the group but yet he did cry out, he knew beasts and those that spent such long times in the dark tend to have excellent hearing. If he was too loud it would draw some of the bigger creatures out of the shadows and this job was complicated enough. However if they were able to make it though can complete the mission, it would begin with it higher standing in the aristocracy. As with everything that would bring him more job that he needed and maybe he would spend less time with people who had problems keeping to a simple contract.

25 + 25 = 50
Tracker / Roll
769 / 850​

 

• 80/100 HP
• 60/100 EN
Tunnels


-10 HP collateral damage / -20 EN for actions

Portia saw it fit to agree with Iván's statement, which mimicked the one she had used before when the threat to which they were exposed to was explained to the group. She nodded in response and her gaze lingered on the hooded man for more than a second before returning to her feet, where she carefully traced every move she made. There was a halt on the pair's steps as the red-haired male expressed his frustration through rather inconvenient means, causing the female to sigh in clear exasperation at the sudden outburst of anger. Yes, it was understandable when one of their own had left to pursue their own interests because they were denied earlier, yet she still recognized the sudden waste of energy.

"Won't you please try to restrain yourself?" If there were any hints of concern on her voice, they were born out of the pure necessity to remind him of the wounds he had sustained before entering the tunnels because of their plan. They might need their energy later, or perhaps not. But with their rest meters below half, it was impossible for her not to try and reach out to @Endilix Takagi, placing a hand atop his shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze. There was also the fact that the Lions were right above them, fighting against one of the bandits' beasts and it was causing enough of a terrible situation as it did. No need to even further the possibilities of the tunnel collapsing.

A final reassuring pat on the shoulder was all she could offer him before she stepped to the side and moved ahead, unwilling to stay and see if he would listen to reason.

31
Tracker / Roll
800 / 850​

 

• 90 HP
• 80 EN
Tunnels


-10 HP collateral damage / -20 EN for actions

It was all happening so fast.

Madison remembered zoning out when everyone was busy telling others that their ideas sucked and were The Absolute Worst while keeping any possible plans of their own to themselves. Then, this Bandit King mothereffer was all, "Nah, I'm going to be an unappreciative prick to those who were sent to help me out of a jam and be a completely unhelpful nerd who obviously doesn't really want to keep his shitty little castle in the middle of the forest. Wench, top my goblet off with more bleach, if you will."

She should have stayed in Brisshal. Coming here was a mistake.

She was even less impressed with how the members of this Aristocracy were acting. Buncha' single-minded asses who didn't seem to want to work together, just work solo and hope that they didn't end up killing each other first.

In that moment, Madison's solemn thoughts drifted to her old guild in a game that had long since died out.

Before she could quietly make her exit, find her ride, and hoof it back home, the group decided on a course of action that she was unaware of due to the whole being lost in thought thing. Perhaps she should have been paying attention after all, since the assembled group of mercenaries and magicians managed to agree on a plan.

And now, she found herself cursing under her breath in the damp darkness of a series of underground caverns.

The burgeoning witch was tired, cold, aching, hungry, and ready to punch someone in the throat.

She could hear the sounds of battle overhead. The Pride Or Whatever must've found something to fight. Whatever the noise was, it cranked up the uncertainty and regret she was feeling.

The piece of shit flimsy deck of cards she gripped tightly may as well have been seventy-eight pieces of scrap paper with stick figure drawings on them, for what good they'd serve her this day.

"Just keep quiet and stay in the back," she mumbled to herself as she pressed on, trying to keep within spotting distance of the others.

40 + 10 = 50
Tracker / Roll
850 / 850​

 

• 99/119 HP
• 115/140 EN
Path: Undecided

With the things how they went, Vivian dusted off the majority of her clothing. The falling debris from the tunnel, the claustrophobic area making it hard for her to really breathe not to mention the massive stench coming from the two unlucky individuals. But they had made it to this point and now it was time to make a decision.

"Alright. Decision time. Those of you who wanted to make yourselves prisoners may and go do so. But I offer a new plan, I am giving you all two choices. You either surrender to me or die. You see, it was never my intention to betray the Player Kingdom. And I trust the Aristocrats as much as I trust a knife to my back. So this is how things are gonna roll out. You either fight with me and help Zeus, or you all die a very painful death. I can collapse what is left of these walls, and we would all probably die. Most of you are newbies with a lick of no armor, and I highly doubt any of you could survive my Apocalyptic Magic. What will it be? Death or a noble victory to the Player's Kingdom?"

Vivian did not waste any time, she was always barefooted for a reason. She could feel the earth below her feet, she could roll the ground and the walls could crush them all. Her eyes would light up with flicks of red, her hands would start to burn a glowing hot red aura as a flickering flame could be seen from her fingertips. But there was more than that, she was holding an even greater secret. There was a sharp, seductive smile on her lips as she inhaled the gaze from the individuals in her party. It was do or die. She was gonna have her fun.

Tracker​

 

• 90 HP
• 115 EN
Path: Undecided


Goo’ed (Condition) You are alarmingly rancid 3/3

Emil was…rancid.

The smell the wafted from his robes made his face contort into a look of undignified horror and disgust. He couldn’t link the scent to anything he had ever smelled before; not a carton of week-old milk, not a human body left unattained for weeks at a time as it decomposed in an apartment, not vomit allowed to fester in the back seat of a car over the span of a warm June day. He only knew that he stunk, he was uncomfortable, and breathing through his nose was no longer an option. Of course, breathing through his mouth wasn’t the best for him either, but that was the picky thing about needing oxygen.

He wiped what he could off his face and neck and shook his head, hoping that the little bits of goo and gunk that splattered the wall helped his appearance. He doubted it. The only thing he could think of right now was a hot shower or a hot bath…and maybe bubbles and a bit of Epsom salt. Ah, a bath bomb would actually be a luxurious feat for his current predicament. The mage was so…wrapped up in his fantasy of being clean that he nearly missed Vivian’s words floating over the group at large and implanting themselves within their ear canals.

The spellwaver merely arched a slender eyebrow and pressed his lips together, but he couldn’t help the smirk that lingered in his eye. He thought it folly, when she confided in him, but to see that she was a woman of her word, and presumably had bigger balls than any male here in attendance, did something for that lick of desire that still curled through him. However, perhaps there was a way to diffuse this situation.

Lady @Vivian Cruz , Emil murmured in his signature culture voice, his words smooth and honeyed, his good eye twinkling in the low light. Covered in muck though he was, he refused to not be a charming presence in the room. I have to wonder, if I may, why you feel so beholden to the ‘Player Kingdom’ as it were. I know nothing of Zeus and have heard only rumors of his strength and prowess in battle. I would not believe you afraid of the man, though, his rumors are to be considered as fact, perhaps that is your hesitation?

There was an edge to the smile he allowed to slip forth before he looked over those assembled. As I am sure none of us wish to die, you have locked us in a predicament with only one answer. Clever, really. Again, if I may, what do assume to gain from…double-crossing the Bandit King and the aristocracy? You are marking yourself a target, if anything.

Tracker​

 

• 99/119 HP
• 115 EN
Path: Undecided

Lucia couldn't help bringing a hand to her head. Certainly, this wasn't how she'd thought things would end up. She loved Vivian, she did with all of her heart, the woman was very important to her, but she couldn't understand. Lucia'd been riding the fence throughout the quest, leaning against the Bandit King certainly, but she'd yet to see Zeus to judge, they'd been used by the aristocracy clearly, but she wanted to see that the Pride was better. As a noble, as an aristocrat, Lucia believed in supporting her people, supporting her comrades. The prospect of Noblesse Oblige appealed to her; the concept that those with great wealth and great power should make use of that wealth and power to support others. The prospect of great power having great responsibility to take on calls of duty to be both impartial and supportive. It was for that reason that despite being a part of the aristocracy, she could in good faith support the quest's objective flexibly to kill the leader of a faction that supported the country.

She felt that Vivian had acted too early though, without consideration; Certainly she encouraged the woman to play and be herself, but she hadn't expected the woman to be triggered so suddenly. Without signal, without warning, Lucia couldn't help rubbing her brow. At the very least, it did help her take a side. Lucia would support her people, particularly those she cared for, without hesitation she would rise and fall with those who counted on her. Though... They would have to 'talk' about this at a later date she thought in her mind.

"We'll have a discussion about timing and politics behind closed doors later Vivian." She spoke, her usual plastic smile in place, her gentle demeanor as it always was before she turned her gaze to Emil who started to question Vivian. For a moment, she exhaled a burdened sigh before unlatching the grimoire at her hip letting it fall into her waiting hand. "I can understand the intention of the Aristocracy, as well as Astor, the Bandit King and Zeus. While I can't claim to be all knowing, I can make some educated guesses using the knowledge we were briefed using. The Bandit King needing to rob and steal to support a war, Zeus wanting a place for expansion and growth, Astor wanting to protect the interests of the players, The Aristocracy endeavoring to weaken every player in the game by making them fight one another. From what we've been given, these are the objectives as I've come to assume." Lucia started with a gentle gesture of the hand, as if opening the floor to others' opinions.

With a shake of her head though, her unwillingness clear in her gaze as she continued speaking. "Now, those of you here, merely to accept a job, I can sympathize. Many do unspeakable things for profit, for power, for even the rush of the act itself; Why you all continue on with this work, no matter your reason, I'll not tell you your beliefs are worth any less or more then my own." She offered that up front, she wasn't here to judge people for how they felt, or even punish them for it. She didn't oppose the Bandit King because she wanted to bring harm or ruin any one's plans; On the contrary, she'd wanted nothing more then to ride the fence until the most beneficial path presented itself.

Unfortunately things had come to this pre-maturely before she could meet the other side of things. "Please consider this though; The Bandit King is not fighting for our sake, but for his own, as well as his own power. Even if he offers you some title or benefits, we all saw how cautious he is, how determined he is to cling to as much of his power and resources as possible. Alternatively, Zeus hasn't ever felt threatened by us, welcoming players into his factions as brothers or sisters in arms; They have a chance to learn, grow and develop along with the legend himself, a value that can't be cataloged with coins and gems." Lucia explained, the difference between the two sides, and what the player base as a whole have to gain.

"This move will certainly be advantageous to the aristocracy, using us to weaken their competitors, including our kingdom among that figure. No matter what your ambition or goal, Astorea is the springboard from which players have the potential to achieve greatness as opposed to being wandering vagrants." Lucia tried to explain, though her expression became bitter. Just how many people would listen to her reasons, her rationale, her conjecture? "Whether it's for our own interests, or for the interests of Astorea, it's not much different. While I'd originally wanted to hear Zeus's side as well before coming to a complete decision, given what I've seen thus far, I recommend we change plans a little." She tried to explain as she prepared herself for conflict.

Tracker​

 

• 400 HP
• 75 EN
Path: Middle

Endilix listened to the woman as she spoke, nothing but rage in his heart for this entire situation. This was his first chance to prove himself. His first chance to be someone great in this game, to prove to his brother that he could be something great and not just a failure. And here everyone else was screwing it up.

They were talking, when their target was just down the way. They were talking, when they should have been acting. Endilix clenched his hammer in his fist, his knuckles were white, and he didn't know what to do.

There was only one thing he could do, outmatched and out witted by these people as he was.

Without any further thought, Endilix ran. He turned toward the middle path that had been indicated, and pumped his legs as hard as he could. They had no intention of betraying Zeus, but they were fools. They already had. They were fools, because Endilix already looked like he had been tortured and beaten, bloody and bruised. Endilix would turn Zeus against them, without another word to them.

He had had faith in this team. He had wanted to be a part of them. But they were worthless now. It was all or nothing, and Endilix would take this chance. Running down the guts strewn path with a cry on his lips, shouted at the top of his lungs, "LION'S PRIDE! HELP! YOU'VE BEEN BETRAYED BY THESE PEOPLE! THEY'RE GOING TO KILL ME!"

He was taking the ultimate risk, betraying all of them to finish his own mission. But it was clear now that they weren't about to let him. It was sad. He had liked some of them. "WE WERE PRISONERS, THEY WERE GOING TO USE US AGAINST YOU! PLEASE, HELP!" he continued to cry, hoping it wasn't in vain. At least if he died now, he died taking the only chance he had left.

@Raid Master

Tracker​

 

• 640 HP
• 82 EN

Aalam pulled an arrow out of his quiver as, and an exasperated sigh escaped his lips, as he looked at the situation that played out around him. He knew that Vivian was going to betray them that much had been visible form a few hours into the mission. With that, it was a given that Lucia was going to side with her as far as he was aware it seemed that those two had an interesting relationship. So he would have to kill both of them if there was going to be any chance to salvage this job. This is one of the many reasons he only liked working with true mercenaries. They didn’t get emotional over the course of the job. It was the difference between a professional and an amateur how distanced they were able to stay. Now he had to pick a shot, and that was annoying from if it were just how was going to be the more significant threat it would be the Duchess.

From what he knew of her she was one of the country’s best operators of dark magic, something Vivian dabbled in but Lucia was an expert. However, Vivian was threating to bring down the entire tunnel on top of them. It was times like this he wished he still had more liquor or at least he hadn’t taken this job. He was watching Endliix trying to make it to the mouth of the tunnel to try and get Zeus on their side. Ok, this was the last time he was working the people like this. Also, he was just going to kill some who might pose a problem from the beginning. It would save time in the long run.

Turning his arrow towards Vivian while the rest of the group decided on what side of the fence they would be on. He was going to need to push this altercation far; he knew how the people of Terra viewed dark magic. If he could force them to a point, then it would be possible to tip the scales in favor of the boy’s story. “This, this is the reason I trust like three people in all of Terra. Too much play their sides in the middle of a job. Hmm, the duke might be pissed about this later, damn.” So he got his bead he needed to hit her in center mass, and he needed to do it fast. After this job he was going to stick to a more manageable task, maybe feed some duck or maybe cut down a tree. Some sweet manual labor, something that he did have to worry about it coming back to bite him in the ass. Well, at least he wasn't going to miss at this range. "Emil cut her down, we have a job to finish."

Tracker​

 

• 500 HP
• 105/140 EN


Used Potion from Season 2 Storage: +15 HP

"Wha-hey! Wait a minute!" The blur of red passed by her in the direction of Zeus. Vivian furrowed her brows at the young man as he shot by her. Blood boiled in her veins. No one ran away from her ultimatums, and he was not going to be the first! With the flames licking at her fingertips, Vivina had spun around. Arms weaving in a pattern as she shot a massive whip made of fire out towards the running boy. The flames were hot on his trail as the energy ripped through tunnel.

She was unsure how much of her whip spell would extend with her adept power, but hopefully it was enough to set an example for the others. She could induce pain and fear, but she was not about to be robbed of her plans by some upstart! The female turned, hot fire in her eyes as the flecks of red burned away the warm azure gaze she once held. Her finger tips smoldering from the use of the ambitious energy as she turned her attention on the other players.

Aalam had order Emil to slay her, she turned to the Ranger and laughed in a tone that was condescending and rich, "Yes, Boy. Stick it to me hard if you got the balls! Or turn your magic on Aalam, and we'll make history happen this night!"

She had to prepare for the worst, she knew Aalam was a ranger, but she had no idea what training her had since the days of South Watch. No doubt he doesn't seem like a person who would train hard, but he was part of that whiny Duke Seto. She smoothed the strands of purple hair as the spell circle beneath her feet spread outwards from the floor. "Alright you, Dogs. I gave you a choice...I was willing to let you all live if you surrendered. Now I will just blow you all away!"

Tracker/ Roll​

 

• 450 HP
• 105 EN

-10 EN from Smokescreen

Chaos quickly unfolded in front of the mage after his words had already seeped into the air. Lucia was quick to speak her piece, but it seemed the red-haired boy cared not for inaction any longer. He tore off down the hallway, screaming at the top of his lungs. Emil merely arched an eyebrow, half of his body poised to run after the kid as Endilix was the one whom had the poison, but the other half – the stronger half – kept his feet right where they were.

His vision coasted over to the svelte vixen whom chose to attack Endilix while Aalam’s words rang in Emil’s ears. Cut her down, eh? Except, Emil was stuck wondering how this would play out for him in the end. He was no idiot; the power that Lucia and Vivian wielded between them was enough to send the tunnel crashing around them if they desired. It was by the grace of the Gods that this hadn’t happened already. Yes, he believed Vivian to be delusional with her wants, and iodic about achieving them, but babies had to stumble before they could walk. And what if it came to pass that she did wind up as Queen of Astorea?

Still, he did not like being called a boy.

He decided in that moment that Endilix was his best bet. He threw in his chips and exhaled a huff of annoyance before quickly scribing a rune into the air. It glowed a molten red for a single moment before exploding before him, coating the area in ashen grey smoke, rending visibility to nearly nothing.

Gods above and below, he hoped he was betting on the right horse.

Action Summary: Create a smokescreen to obscure everyone but not Endilix

54+30=84
Tracker / Roll

adept pyromancy = 20 . common weapon = 10​

 

• 400 HP
• 75 EN

Iván was caught surprised at Vivian's so-called suggestion. This was his first time playing at an Aristocrat. This was his very first mission with the group, the faction. He expected some intrigue, sure, a couple of treacherous developments here and there, but what he did not expect was an ultimatum set involving his death. Someone disappearing from the group, someone betraying the group, those things he anticipated. Being forced to betray the group himself, threatened with death, was surely an interesting twist.

Despite such a grave threat, however, there was no way Iván was going to join up with Vivian. First of all, Iván and Vivian didn't have that much interaction during the entire quest. They were strangers to each other, and it's always better to trust the enemy you know. Secondly, there were more of them versus Vivian. Surely, not everyone in the group would take kindly to being threatened like that. Death or obedience? Iván looked around him and smirked. A lot of their "friends" have their own agendas. Forcing them to obey, especially outright and in a public setting, isn't going to win you any favors.

Death it was. Considering he had set his pain settings to realistic, Iván braced himself. He knew this wasn't going to be pretty. It was going to feel a hell of a lot worse. He turned to Portia and then Emil. Okay, maybe not that worse. At least he wasn't going to die smelling terrible. He scowled as the scent wafted into his nostrils. Looking away, he closed his eyes for a bit, the look of disgust on his face because of the stench would have been obvious if not for the clothing that pretty much obscured most of his face.

Before Iván could say anything, Emil asked the questions that satiated his curiosity as well, although it wouldn't be fully satiated if Vivian did not offer the answers they sought. And Vivian did not have that opportunity. As soon as Lucia took her side, Endilix bolted towards Zeus' direction, yelling, screaming, carrying out their original plan of pretending to be prisoners. This caught Vivian offguard but not for long as she used her magic to set Endilix on fire. Aalam responded with an arrow to Vivian's back. As if on cue, Emil joined the chaos and made things more interesting.

"Might as well," Iván sighed before bolting towards the man on fire.

Emil's smokescreen made things a little hard to see, but because he was wearing goggles and had the lower half of his face covered, Iván wasn't having as much difficulty maneuvering through it as he assumed the rest would. The fire helped the illusionist locate Endilix, the outline of orange and red against the smoke as well as the heat that emanated through all the black, and sooner than later, Iván caught up with him somewhat. From within his coat, he grabbed his personal container of water, which he had just filled to the brim the night before, having had nothing else to do while being unable to sleep. His original plan was to discard it as soon as they got to the prison, keep himself hydrated until the lions came to save them, at which point he would empty it and use it as a prop to emphasize how their group was badly mistreated. Or something like that. As fate would have it, his overthinking led him elsewhere.

Iván used the water that he had to put out the fire that was consuming Endilix. It would've been more effective if his so-called leader bumped into Zeus while he was still on fire but it was too risky. They needed him to be alive, not charred to the bone. Besides, those burn scars could still do their job and they could just say that they lucked out and found a water bucket that helped save Endilix's life. Behind them, it was pure chaos, and along with the smokescreen Emil had generously shared with them, it would only serve to bolster their lie. That or they would die. At the hands of Zeus or at the fires of Vivian? Iván chose Zeus, his supposed legend something his curiosity wanted to experience firsthand.

Action Summary: Went after Endilix and used some non-alcoholic water to put the fire out

64
Tracker / Roll​