As he made his way through the forest, he'd do so in a specific and determined breathing pattern. You see inside this large forestland that spans almost all of Falderen. It is full of all sorts of dangers from wolves to bears to goblins and even bandits. But a place of such danger is only accompanied by beauty as well, many rewards lay hidden within to be reaped as well as traps. So being one of the Ambitious few Donovan was quite alert and willing to explore these woods. He knew any of the villages that were found through out, were key on hunting and gathering goods; typical of people during the time period. But at the same time, fitting of his skill sets. Being Beast tamer and a hunter he knew exactly what he'd need to do or at least in theory or from his roleplaying aspect.

Being new to the game still, require him to be a bit more studious about the matter. So as such he'd spent most of this fine morning running about the forest in hopes to slay and gather pelt, trading them with the humans of the villages. Not being able to live there due to his lineage or the assumed lineage thanks to a highly adaptive and fun AI. He was considered halfling; human and elf hybrid. So the humans didn't want him, he assumes the same of the elves; a perfect way to be the loner he normally was. Yet this wasn't much of a problem, as he found a system for him that worked. Hunt and train, turn into the village to claim coin, spend it on what he couldn't get himself and repeat. Taking up the life of a hunter, it was far easier to just chase down his prey at the same time the male also wanted to learn to befriend other animals perhaps making his hunting tasks easier.

Regardless today's adventure took him deep into the heart of the Adecus Forest. Passing a few caves along the way, but here today he was for a particular reason. An old abandoned ruin laid waste and overrun by the vines and divided by a river that once brought it so much business and trade; not just devastation and destruction. The structures still crushing beneath their own weight as well as the elf slowly began to explore the area. His eyes keen and searching out for some form of traps or beast; trying to stay on guard he'd walk about with a bow and arrow drawn ready to strike. His eyes soon took note of a rather old looking home, partially destroyed. A faint smile passed at the thought of some loot, if not a promising story to be shared with those at a tavern later should he feel the need to celebrate. So the halfling would make his way into said home in search of any hidden treasure to raid. Yet to no surprise it had been raided before, yet some old traps still remained. Hunting ones at that, given he was familiar with these he'd disarm each one at a time, resetting them.

A hunting skill that any good hunter would use, if they thought it was their own they'd move carelessly about unafraid of the repercussions. Had they stumbled across a different trap they'd become susceptible to its effects. So, it was a fair trick to place on another trying to take over the forest; human most likely as elves were only there to kill what they needed nothing more. Most of what he killed he exchanged for meals and money. But it wasn't nearly as much as the humans who nearly hunted down certain species into extinction. So sympathizing with animals more; perhaps due to his beast taming skill, he'd found it more acceptable to let the human pay for his own trap.

Exiting he'd soon scan the rest of the forest, his bow still drawn he'd venture deeper into the forest. Nothing, after a bit of time he'd managed to explore most of the ruins; well all but the hidden tunnels below as he hadn't ventured into the caverns alone. He thought it might be best to bring along an ally or perhaps tame some beast; venturing off without some protection or some source of aid. He would sigh and rub his temple some; his frustrations about finding no loot nor anything worthwhile so far was a depressing thought. Yet he'd do one more scan of the area just to be safe; his bow raised and arrow scanning the area like a true sniper.

One eye staring as he held the other shut scanning the area with his arrow he'd note off at a distance a being moving; what appeared to be a female. Taking interested he'd move about in attempts to conceal his whereabouts as best he could, were they an adventurer? Perhaps the same person setting up traps in the wood. All in all, it mattered little as the male slowly began to stalk his possible prey; if not he'd soon make his location known offering to greet and converse with the stranger.

@Gwyn ap Herne

 

Gwyn had set out early, before the sun had risen in the game world's sky, and set out after a creature who had proven to be a constant problem for one of the nearby towns. The unknown beast was a nebulous quarry. They knew little to share with her and could only offer two hints at it and its patterns. It denned in the ruins and roamed, always striking somewhere new. She had spent the evening before talking to various NPCs around and outside of the town who had run into the creature's handiwork. It mauled their prey and their livestock, ate a few pieces, and left the rest to rot. A waste that had her, and the villagers who depended on the wilds, exasperated. She'd lay it to rest and reap her rewards in the form of experience and a meager amount of gold.

After a visit to four different ruins dotted along the side of the town that had last seen evidence of the beast, many a trap found a home. She nestled them down in the leaf litter or behind ridges of rock and debris. One fit perfectly between the gnarled roots of a tree that had grown to block off a path entirely in one room of the southernmost ruin. With her traps set there was little else to do but wait and wander. Perhaps she'd cross the beast's tracks before it stumbled into the iron grip of the tiny, toothed trinkets.

The human breezed through the thick underbrush of the overgrown forest, moving without stop through the dawn turning to day in earnest. She didn't find herself tired so much as impressed. There wasn't the tremble of excitement and the rush of pumping blood without the heat of the hunt started, but she was still thrilled to have clever quarry. Whatever it was must be a wicked beast to face. Without enough training she couldn't yet tame it, but she could certainly slay it. Senseless slaughter was pointless, but any kill could be used and at the end of the day... what better way to prove oneself? If you kill the beast, then you earned it, bested it in combat. A wolf did not bow to sheep, but it would kneel to a hunter who proved itself better. She'd show the creature her worth. If she truly was worthy, it would fall to her. If not, well she'd respawn and it'd be annoying, but she'd be back to claim it's head or heart once more.

Gwyn paused for a moment in her passage to release the harsh grip she'd kept on the body of her longbow. The length of the weapon fell into the crook of her arm as she flexed and bent her fingers a few times to lessen the numbing and the dampness. The ranger didn't think the bow needed to be treated, much less with sweat of all things.

She had just settled the weapon back into her hand and lifted a boot to carry on when she dropped it suddenly, body tensing. The hairs at the back of her neck prickled. That instinctive feeling of being watched made itself known with a quiet whisper against her neck. Her firing hand slowly lifted as her eyes began to dart about, fingers curling loosely around the feathered end of an arrow.

Her hunting skill flared to life, the faintest inkling of 'there' in her mind that had an arrow snapping down to fit against the bow's body. Gwyn leveled her sights, thanking the improved detection that came with her skill set for warning her about- Not the beast? Something had moved behind a tree, moving parallel to her, but it hadn't been low to the ground and now would something that tall not be wide enough to be seen around the trunk between them. Humanoid. Aware of her? Almost certainly.

Either an NPC was scripted to be incredibly creepy, she was going to get in a fight with a humanoid enemy, or there was another player present. No need for secrecy, she supposed.

"Out here, with you! No need to be shy." Gwyn's tone wasn't aggressive, not yet, but there was a certain steeliness to it that warned off nonsense. Hopefully.

 

Having watched the figure from far, scanning its movements and following he hunted the being yet in the process of his following it appeared he'd snapped a branch on the ground; despite his stealth, even the mightiest of hunters could fall susceptible to the suffering that was bad luck. As such he'd scold himself within, his bow drawn as he hid behind the tree; hearing her words and the sound of her movement he'd close his eyes and smile some. Pulling back and to the right, as to avoid visibility he'd fire an arrow arched up into the sky that was to come down at her location; or just behind her to the left. His second arrow drawn quick would be fired as he popped out from the left of the tree; true was his aim as he fired off at the female. A natural some might say as the arrow went flying forth; in hopes to hit her or get her to dodge it; perhaps leading to the other arrow; causing her to react once more and dodge again, his bow immediately aimed with grace locked upon her body as he prepared to lead the shot regardless of which path she chose.

Yet he'd pay particular interest in which hand she held the bow and the foot she leads releasing the third arrow he'd fire it at her; had she any skill the two would seem to be pulling off some either coordinated show. Arrows clashing or otherwise missing as he'd attempt to dodge roll and fire back. A faint smile would pass, "Pretty good for a human, let alone a female. You'd make a mighty warrior in our army." he'd say teasingly with each passing second getting closer. His Arrow drawn, yet no longer on the offensive as he prepared to deflect her shot should she try to continue, "I respect your skill human, what is your name? I am Morohtar, Bastard son and heir to the Elven Kingdom of the Woodland Realm." he'd say as he gave her a serious look, "Shall we call this a draw and continue another time or do you wish to end this game?" he asked some curiously with a smile. Although not a fan of death he found the thought of another archer excited; at least one with an equal skill to his own.

Lips curling he'd lower his bow cautiously should she agree. A hand slowly extending he'd offer her a handshake, "So, human. What brings you into my woods. You come to over hunt the game here like your fellow man or do you have some sense of balance and respect nature taking just what you need to survive?" He'd ask some curious, his eyes fixated on the female as he noted a bit of blood from his arm from a passing arrow, Perhaps a striking blow. Yet her battle scars seemed to make his smile. Especially the obvious one across her nose, "So, forgive my intrusion but I'm going to go ahead and be that elf, what happened with that scar upon your face. Were you blessed by the gods and given an honorable opponent, one worth your merit or was that punishment for failure?" He'd ask curiously his lips shifting to a frown as the sounds of howling and snarls seemed to pass.

"It appears our merry little conversation has been cut short, a pack of wolves. Although I'm sure a huntress such as yourself knows. Such a shame such beautiful beasts are hard to tame." he said teasingly as he heard their footsteps approaching faster; raising a hand he'd open a party menu and offer her at the very least a truce and pact to remove the problem at hand.

Invite

Morohtar has invited you to their party. Accept?

Upon the invite sent they'd have about ten seconds before the wolves arrived. A faint smile passing he'd begin to run and head towards the path, hoping that the female might follow suit and help them get to some higher grounds. Jumping up he'd attempt to scale the wall some before laying upon it and offering her his hand to aid her up; had she followed. Following this path he'd soon note the wolves running along the path and jumping off a rock chasing him, the restless and undying desire to kill him seemed to motivate the wolves. Running up some stairs he'd turn back and aim at the first wolf; his knee bending as he squatted to hit it hard with a well aimed shot at its leg causing it to wince; the arrow piercing and locking up the bone causing it to topple taking some other wolves out as the fell off the sides. The ones further back jumping over as the continued their hunt.

Taking forth once more he'd laugh, the thrill the adrenalne. The entire ordeal it was exhilarating, but this was only part of it, his eyes shifting in search of the other he'd holler, "Hey, mind helping me out Hawkeye." he'd say as he spun around to kick the wolf. Shoot another and slam his bow into the final, knocking it off the edge before he too himself was slowly heading towards that fate. A faint smile passed as he drew another arrow and noted an opening. His bow drawn and the bow ready to unleash it's final arrow full power he'd smile warmly, "If I die here today, let it be with honor." would these be his final words?

@Gwyn ap Herne

 

Gwyn tensed as the barely audible sound of an arrow in flight caught her ear. He had fired, but was still out of sight. The thin projectile sailed up in a graceful arc above and began a sharp curve downward. Aimed toward her position. She didn't bother dodging at the moment, content to wait until its fall came closer. She was glad she hadn't since the human facing off with her whipped around the other side of the tree and fired a quicker shot toward her. Between the two, she didn't bother leaping to either side. She lunged. The ranger threw her body forward, firing arm lifting to brace against the ground as she fell and used the momentum to roll smoothly to her knees. The longbow was lifted, the base sitting against the toe of her left shoe as the leg slid forward. The arrow still in hand from her earlier draw was easy to fit as she accounted for and adjusted to the new position.

The arrows that had passed her by were well aimed. The heavenward one had landed a foot to the left of her previous position. If she had moved farther right to avoid it, she'd have caught the second arrow in the side. If she had stayed, the second arrow would have found her torso. If she had forgotten and dodged to the left, the first would have found purchase in her shoulder, arm, or leg. A nasty trap.

Gwyn heard the second hum of wood and feather and fired without thought. Her eyes could barely track her own arrow, much less the man's and it took her a moment to realize why neither of them had one embedded in them. The two had clipped each other just enough to split their directions. His arrow clattered softly to the leaf litter far to her right. Her own arrow rebounded into a bed of moss where it lay in a patch of shadow. They were both at odds, it would seem. They were left staring each other down, both with an arrow drawn at eye level, ready to continue should the other strike. He had attacked first without prompting, but he certainly wasn't the beast she sought and- "Excuse me?" Gwyn dropped the line of her arrow down, the aim harmlessly focused on the ground in her disbelief. "What year is it that you just said that to me?" Did this fucker want to get decked?

She was tempted to snarl back a response or take her leave to continue the hunt when he continued speaking. Either he was an NPC or a very dedicated player. Gwyn- Sabine was a woman of the outdoors, not the arts. She had never really done something like the VR games and she felt bad interacting with those who did take the in character side of things seriously since she was bad at returning it. She honestly didn't have much made up for her side of things after all. The noise she made at that was a cross between a resigned sigh and a low growl. Whatever.

"Gwyn ap Herne. Nobody's daughter and Nothing of No Where. I've bigger quarry than you so I'd rather not waste the arrows. Not today, at least."

The ranger remained wary as he approached slowly and she couldn't help but feel he was treating her like she would a wild animal. The subtle closing in between two forces at opposing ends, waiting for the other to bite or to give. When he held out his hand she felt a quiet power and lifted her chin imperiously at the so-called bastard prince. They were the same height, similar long blonde hair, identical in skills so far. The difference? She was build like a brick house compared to the delicate grace he'd molded into his 'elf.' Gwyn accepted his handshake after a moment's pause and let her grip show just how much muscle she and her player boasted. She was suddenly quite tempted to take up Body Combat for her next mastery.

"I'm here hunting for one of the villages. Something decided it wanted livers from livestock and hunting hounds and nothing else. It's getting sloppy and causing an issue. I'll fix the issue." They eyed each other as they spoke and there seemed to be some unspoken conversation happening in body language alone as they gauged one another. Fuck. She had no story for the scars besides what happened to her in the real world- wait! She could do this. She just had to reflavor the truth, right? "No. No blessing, no cur-" The sounds of the hunt cut her off. It looks like the wilds demanded a bit more blood than the thin trickle down his arm.

Gwyn stiffened and without a moment's hesitation accepted the invitation. No NPC it was, then. Definitely a player. The two turned in time and he seemed to already have a heading. It would be stupid to argue it so she followed, keeping an icy blue eye on the shadows cast by the canopy. She tore her gaze away long enough to watch him climb and couldn't help a snort of derision at his technique. He seemed adept enough that she could trust her weight to him and let him lever her up. It was quicker that way. Morohtar carried on down the path while Gwyn took a long leap up onto a crumbling wall running along it, eyes set on a single pillar standing surrounded by the ruins they were using like a child's playground turned battlefield. The wolves snarled and snapped behind them and she arched her back in a half-turn to aim blindly toward the sound of one falling. A glance over her shoulder showed a wolf behind the fallen one catching an arrow in the side of its muzzle before it tripped over the one her companion had felled. There were more.

She lifted the longbow to her mouth, teeth biting down into the worn leather wrappings of the handle and made her jump. The end of the wall she'd run along crumbled beneath her, but she'd seen the weakness in it like the chalky holds of one of the canyons in Utah. It gave and her course dropped a few inches, hands finding a singular block of stone that stuck out a mere seven or so inches. Her lower body collided with the side of the tower, but she kicked her feet into the wall to swing her torso back and up enough to be carried higher than the block. Her ribs pressed uncomfortably into it and she hauled herself up with a grunt around the bow. Gwyn rose to her feet and rolled her shoulders as she fell into her firing stance.

The longbow lined up like a guillotine waiting to fall, the fate of the wolves sealed. She picked off the ones desperately trying to get their paws underneath them after tripping over their fallen packmate. The human began to follow up the trail chasing down the other archer. She took her time, breathing as slow as she could force herself after the exertion and letting her attacks hit in the space between an exhale and inhale. Morohtar could fight, she'd admit, and she bit down on a laugh as he slammed one with the bow itself. His final arrow stared down one of the two wolves left. He'd get one and the last would get him. Were it not for the bolt streaking toward its ribs from her own weapon. "Down, boy."

 

As the mini bout of skill passed between them he'd arch a brow as he spoke it appeared he'd offended her. A faint chuckle passing as he waved her anger off trying to lighten the mood, "Easy there M'lady. I meant no offense, I merely was stating your skill was far beyond my expectations Although the female elves are quite skilled males generally seem to be superior in some cases. Although in your case you are quite the warrior, for that you've earned my respect." he'd say repeating himself some as he was supposed to be somewhat ignorant of humans and a prince. Yet as he offered to shake her hand he'd note her grip, "Whoa, easy their killer. We've agreed to piece no need to break my hand in vengeance. I've conceded my words to apologize." He'd tease some shaking his hand; clearly exaggerating but letting her know once more he acknowledged her skill,

"Such a strength and a rather popular build; how do you have such a heavy top yet such a great center of balance. Yes, you'd make a perfect warrior one day; I envy the male whom has the honor of mating with a goddess such as yourself. But that is neither her nor there" He'd say before changing topics again no longer flirting or complimenting it was a fine line between the two as he stuck to his role quite seriously. His ears twitching some as the wolves arrived; the events unfolding as he continued. As they ran off and he helped aid her up he'd tease, "Girl you're as light as a baby bunny, we must feed you properly after this." he'd say grunting as he got her up and ran. The two dropping the wolves some he'd soon be chased down by the last two as he slid up against the wall. His lips curling he'd laugh as he let fire the arrow at one of them as he was prepared to bolt forth; hearing her words he'd grin and run forth attempting to kick some and remove the arrow only to jump back, firing it again square into the skull of the beast before it dropped.

His eyes locking with hers, he'd bow, Standing tall once more as he walked over and then took her hand gently placing a kiss upon it "I thank you, M'lady. I'm in your debt. But as a prince I do not like this feeling, so allow me to repay the favor now. Allow me to help you hunt this alleged beast. He'd say some rubbing his head before walking back and collecting some of his arrows. Looking at her he'd chuckle and point to her nose again, "You are not getting away with this though Missy. I didn't just try to replicate your race's hero Green Arrow without a loss of some pride. I don't know how he does it. I prefer distance..." he said some as he then returned to his point no longer joking. "Now where were we love, yes. That scar, it's enticing, was it from a god you beat in an arm wrestle. Details." He teased as he motioned for her to take the lead, perhaps helping better lead him to where they were to take down this target, should she share the story or not he'd try to reclaim focus,

"Now tell me what I need about this beast, it's patterned, it's preferred schedule? How long have you been hunting it, what is it? Details M'lady. Please, and thank you." He'd say following her lead as the two began to explore the ruins a bit more. Listening to whatever it was she had to say. A brief hand raising he'd motion for their conversation to end as he noted the home he had raided earlier had been raided again; door open he'd motion for her to follow as he soon peered around the door and rolled over to the opposite side arrow drawn aiming at the figure captured in the Bear Trap. "Bandits. . . what are they doing here?" he'd ask curiously before turning to her and motioning to follow as he walked in arrow drawn at the one trying to aid his teammate; "If you move another inch and this will pierce your head, speak foul scum. Why are you hunting in my woods." he said taking his role seriously as he kicked the male onto his back; crushing the other's leg beneath the trap screaming.

Blood filling the air as the male aimed at his head, "Silence or I'll silence you permanently. How can you handle less pain then the beasts you capture. Man up...now again what brings you into my forest, tell me your not hunting animals and robbing people; does scum such as yourself know no limit?" he'd say turning to her to let her question them as the male screamed again; an arrow shot through his throat as he bleeds out the other charging forth would be met with a second swift shot to the knee, "Now, lets try this again...an arrow to the knee is fixable, but one to your coin purse, test me human." he'd say aiming at the man's crotch. The male in pain turned to her, Are you not going to stop this insane elf....stupid bitch must be an elf lover. The male turned to her with a smug look as if he was waiting for her to handle the bandit, his bow lowered as he simply walked back and would let her deal with the fool.

@Gwyn ap Herne

 

She'd had to let some of his comments go between their odd standoff and the arrival of the pack. Their flight didn't leave much time for sniping quips back and forth and while Gwyn had no issue running her mouth, she wasn't the type for quick witted bites. The more aggressive or blunt approaches suited her style, though one might expect that of a berserker rather than an archer. Regardless, they had corpses to make and between both of their quivers the pack was quick to fall. Wolves weren't overly hard enemies since their numbers were the real danger... until one got into fighting the dire wolves that dwarfed their smaller cousins and the like. Those were a different beast entirely.

Gwyn ignored him as the fight drew to an end and the last fell, preferring to take in the ruins around them to ensure no lurking shadows remained nor traces of her mysterious predator turned prey. When he took her hand she barely had time to choke out a noise before he pressed a kiss to it and continued to speak. She snatched back the limb with an expression of shock turned to anger. "You don't owe me anything but my personal space." She stepped back pointedly with a wary leer, lip twitching like it'd pull over her teeth. She could snarl just like wolves if she pleased and bite near as fierce. They both set to gathering their arrows and she let him prattle on as he seemed content to do, checking the dangerous tips of her ammunition and their feather-lined ends with a critical eye. They never chipped though, at least nothing in the game had yet managed. She wasn't sure if that was a feature or not and shook off the train of thought as she rounded up the bolts.

Morohtar said something about a Green Arrow and she scratched the back of her head idly in confusion. She had no idea what he was going on about. At least she was decently sure that the Green Arrow was a comic book character, but that was about all. Hadn't he said something about Hawkeye earlier? Whatever point he was trying to make he ended back up at the same topic from before their interruption. Her scars. Gwyn groaned quietly to herself over it and took a breath before answering as best she could figure this world would see her history in the real one.

"As I said before, no curse and no blessing. Gods don't mark me, I don't belong to them anymore than a wild hart belongs to a king." As she swung her longbow comfortably to her back, careful of the egg bundled up warm in her pack, and hooked her thumbs in belts along her leathers. They began the time-consuming task of returning to the original ruins she was haunting and hunting, speaking as they walked. "The scars over my eye and forehead are from a loose grip. I underestimated a cliffside and it saw fit to drop about twenty pounds of broken rock on my head. Two shards got me good." Slate was pretty until you were looking up into falling pieces of it and then down at a gorge below as they struck and threatened to send you spiraling into the gaping maw of the earth. She'd been fine, thankfully not free climbing that day. "The long one across my nose was a storm. I was half up hiking a mountain's hills when the winds started. I tried to hook myself with equipment to hunker down when the cord broke. Snapped across my face. Don't need to fight gods, what is important is that something was lost, something was learned, something was won. I lost a bit of blood and pride. I adapted to fix my missteps. I won some pretty sick scars." She couldn't help but smirk to herself at the memory of a tether line cutting on a steep hike. It was actually from a fray in the thing, but whatever. It taught her not to buy shitty nylon from crap sporting goods stores.

"The beast is, well, an enigma. They didn't give me much to work with. Just the habit of eating the liver, maybe the heart and lungs if it was peckish I guess, and vanishing. And the fact it's been changing which ruins it dens in to be closer to wherever it strikes." Gwyn fell into a more serious tone as she spoke of the creature. The faint pops of her knuckles as she cracked them the only other sound that accompanied them for the moment. She could almost feel the tension grow between her and the animal that couldn't possibly know she was coming. "That means it's smart. It can adapt. I put traps out, but to be honest I don't expect it to fall into one. But the chance it'll leave tracks or traces while trying to avoid them? Worth the shot-" She cut off at the sound of muffled voices and jerked to a stop at the same time he lifted a hand. People.

He was quick to move in and she followed, bow drawn and arrow rested across it half-way drawn and ready for the last few inches it'd need to be sent flying with deadly intent. Humanoid enemies seemed a bit rarer, but with the trapping and poaching in the area she wasn't surprised if NPC enemies had routes through the woods and ruins. There were only two bandits which was a little odd since they tended to run in larger groups, unless of course they were scouts. Might be an encampment nearby to clear out, but that would be something that called for more than two bows. Perhaps even a guild's team if their headquarters was strong enough to withstand a smaller, more casual party. Gwyn scrunched up her nose at all the yelling and blood and the like. There was no thrill in trapped prey with no chance or real fight in it and the death of the first bandit was a relief.

The hunter's eyes went cold on the second one as he spoke and this time her lip did lift over her teeth as she sneered in mocking disgust. "Weak, try again." Gwyn moved closer as Morohtar shifted away and the bandit blubbered out some more insulting nonsense she wasn't paying any mind to. She was a bit more interested in why all her traps had shifted places slightly and she huffed with a look over her shoulder at the 'elf' as she kicked a trap over toward the bandit who was currently spewing nothing but audible shit. It snapped closed with a sound like a thunderclap. Music to her ears. Well, it would have been if he wasn't ruining it with all the screaming and she shushed him irritably. "Enough, don't you have any shame? Not that it'll matter. You'll be nothing but dog shit or- well, I actually don't know yet, but you'll help find out. See I'm hunting and these are my traps. Do you know what makes a good trap?" Gwyn shifted around a few of the others hidden in the room and made her way toward the door they'd entered in. With a peppy bounce on her shoes she turned sharply about to face him and grinned, teeth clenched like a threat. "Bait."

With that she turned toward the other archer and gestured toward the thick forest around the ruins. "Figure we should stake this place out? I figure it hasn't struck this side of the village in a while and it's about due for another attack. All his screaming and crying will draw my mysterious mark like a moth to a flame. Probably. Hopefully." She shrugged.

 

As the banter between them shifted from one way to another after he kissed her hand he'd rub the back of his head, "My apologies, M'lady. I'm still learning what is custom and not for humans, rarely does your kind interact with us elves, despite my mother being human I was not one to grow up with her beyond birth; as that was when she died. So I guess that sucks, but never growing up with her I wouldn't know. It's kind of like growing up being told you were a god in another lifetime; it's an interesting thing to hear yet depressing. Something that holds little importance as it's nothing you can control now but kind of wish wasn't the case. Either way, that nose.." he'd say as she slowly broke into explanation. A faint look of confusion passed. "Why would you purposely hurt yourself with rocks while climbing, that's silly. Wait for an accident that makes more sense. For a moment I thought you were one of those humans who likes to endure pain. I've met one before she had lots of whips and chains, I swore she was a slaver, but she said otherwise. I didn't like the idea of her trying to make me her toy. You humans have weird kinks."

He'd say some changing topics as they began to move once more. Changing up the topic to the newfound common enemy, a beast who liked liver and changed up it's habitat to hunt, "What is this some sort of feline...weird. But plausible, I've not seen one in these lands; but a few werewolf like beasts off in Pormont, could it be a Gnoll found it's way around here and has begun causing trouble?" he asked curiously before placing a finger to his chin as she continued to banter with him on the matter. "A beast that smart is definately worth the hunt. I can see why you're dripping with excitement" he'd say pointing out her sudden sweat.a faint smile passing as the goofball grew closer to the location in question he'd raided earlier. Once more actions following through as he reacted to her words and actions. She was rather sadistic; his inner flame raging hard as he too was enjoying it; his temper. But he'd take a deep breath in and repress the urge to give into the darker side of his desires. Instead of torturing the male he'd turn to her his lips parting to warn her of the dangers he'd attract before she mentioned bait.

Face palming he'd nod and follow her outside of the area, being careful of any other traps he might have missed. His eyes shifting towards her he'd frown some, "Are we really any better than murderers leaving a man to die by a beast; eaten alive. Sure he deserves to die, but that is a fate I'd never wish on my worst enemy. Eaten alive, don't get me wrong. I've heard tales of humans enjoying being eaten out or whatever that term is but I don't know what it means." he'd shrug nonchalantly as he made his way to the area she most desired to stake out the beast at. His bow drawn he'd scout the area for some time. Yet this was a stake out, so it would be rather boring; quiet too outside the obscene curses shouted by the male as the elf was confused, "What is this bitch? Why has he called you a whore...your language is still new to me. Why does he scream such words, are these the words of cures, is he trying to inflict further pain upon you? Shall I end his life and find a cure?" he'd say genuinely looking concerned; dedicated a single word to describe the fool.

Eyes gazing into hers, he'd then shift his gaze, "It's quiet, perhaps too quiet. Think he passed out or has your friend come to visit already?" he'd ask as he pulled the arrow back letting it soar over towards the being the arc just right as he screamed; FUCK RIGHT IN THE DICK! he'd look to her and frown some shrugging, "That was an accident, I'm good but not that good. I couldn't possibly have aimed there purposely from here. Oh, Lord, have I brought shame upon my kin." he said bowing and begging for forgiveness from the gods. It wasn't until a few moments later as the screams that were much louder seemed to cut short Raising quick he'd raise a hand to block the sun as the male's scream appeared to become that of a muffled gargle. "It's here..." he'd say running back and grabbing a vine as he then tied it to a arrow firing it off and around a nearby structure as he then slid down using his bow; clever and resourceful had she followed behind she'd arrive near the scene with him. What was this beast; could the slay it or was this going to require the return with some others for some assistance.

@Gwyn ap Herne

 

She was quick to wave off his explanation and apologies. She didn't care to hold a grudge, but her general opinion was wavering an awful lot with this particular character. As long as he remembered to keep to his space and watch the commentary on what she was and wasn't capable of then maybe he wouldn't get a boot to the balls before she left him out in the woods by his lonesome. Her eyebrow climbed as she looked on in curious disbelief at his next tangent about... well something. It clicked when he mentioned kinks and Gwyn coughed into her fist at the rather awkward conversation. Still not as weird as the mating thing. She didn't even bother to address that previous tidbit.

Their paths continued as the both pondered the beast that loomed over their otherwise off conversation. It was a serious threat and one she found more captivating than tales of scars. She didn't have much to work with, but she didn't feel she necessarily needed it. Something that smart, that dangerous? It was only a matter of time before it rose to their challenge. "I thought feline too. Like a mountain lion, but it took down some fairly stout NP- ah, hunters from the village. They also aren't common around here since they would compete with the wolf packs for food." Luckily, they had caught fresh bait to help that particular investigation along.

The hunter tossed an odd look his way as he lamented the NPC's coming death, but figured that was how it went when one was IC. "He's a bandit. Bad line of work and at least now he'll help people instead of robbing them. The village will thank him," she huffed mildly. "If it comes for him, we attack and I'll mercy kill him so he doesn't suffer. Happy?"

Setting up nearby was easy enough, a broken staircase to no where still standing in the shadow of a large cluster of trees. She tread carefully over the worn stone to avoid knocking anything loose and settled into a half-lean against the trunk of one of the oldest of the group. The rough bark bit at the skin of her arm as she shifted and pulled three arrows. The tips were caught between her index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers respectively. It'd be simple to fire off one arrow after another without the same it took to reach back and draw. Moving and firing like that was new to her and she wouldn't risk trying it, but since she was hopefully going to be hidden and stationary when it showed, she was game to try it. Gwyn had seen a video once of a man who used no quiver and instead carried all his intended to fire in one hand. She'd have to learn.

Gwyn honestly hadn't noticed all the awful bluster the bandit had continued to spew from his trapped location, letting it fade into the white noise of the background as she focused on the rustle of wind between the trees and the living song of wildlife drifting from here or there. "I haven't a clue. I know what the insults mean, yeah, but some people just have a foul mouth. I hear cussing helps people handle pain so maybe that's why." She shrugged with a cavalier expression. "Leave him. The more noise he makes the more likely it hears him. I've been up since last night trying to track its patterns. It's time we fought." There was a distinct sound of wonder and fury mixing in her voice and it was clear it wasn't the two of them she counted as 'we.' Her and the beast had paths meant to cross. The wait wasn't too much longer as silence gave to screaming and screaming to what she could only assume was drowning in his own blood as their at least feline-esque quarry fell back on the standard target of an unprotected throat.

She took off at his heels, eyes already locked on the ruined building sheltering what must have been the creature. It would have been hard to miss a pack of wolves stalking about since they often scattered to surround prey. The ruins were winding enough to provide cover for anything smart enough and a few places led to tunnels that vanished underground. Either it had been down below the whole time, used tunnels connecting to other places to infiltrate, or perhaps had simply been stealthy enough to cross through the ruins without flashing a glimpse of itself. Truly worthy of a hunt.

Instead of running toward the gaping door of the dilapidated section, she clambered up the side to a corner where the roof had long since fallen in. She'd hidden traps in the rubble from that collapse in the room itself and knew there would be enough space to see the room from the perch. Sadly there wasn't a lot of room and it was only the traction of her boots and the strength in her core that kept her from sliding back down the stone wall. She whipped over the top to aim the bow within while Morohtar did whatever he willed. Gwyn looked down, along the line of her arrow, and her heart skipped a beat. Fear, adrenaline, and wonder coursed through her at the sight. The creature had obviously heard her as it looked up. Its eerily human face looked archaic and heavily accented with feline features, closer to a saber tooth rather than a more sleek and modern cat. She barely had time to take in the incredibly long, scaled tail before it moved.

The sandy-colored feline lunged with a roar that rattled the very bones of the ruin and Gwyn threw herself backwards off the wall to escape the swipe of a paw and the gnashing jaws of the thing. In the moments as its mouth closed where her head had been before she saw two snake-like fangs flex. It was a mercy that it couldn't fit through the hole, but the door wouldn't be a problem for it once it freed itself and turned around. "Shit."

[ OOC: This will NOT be an easy fight, assume it is 'dangerous' in comparison to both their skill levels. Luckily there are no DMs here trying to kill us, but we can still put the fear of death into both of them. ]​

 

As the two conversed and their banter shifted some while waiting for their prey it seemed awfully funny how their conclusions were the same as he smiled, he figured it must be her outdoors attitude which helped her learn. He too although not a true rough and gruff guy, spent time as a child, given his upbringing, often hunting. If it wasn't that, it was horseback riding or some sort of prestigious and old money kind of party. His attention for this though was met with that of the preferred archery. Something he was good at both in and out of the game; the former more having competed and won many contests for such. Yet unlike his prince character, the real him wasn't too far off, both were supposedly destined to rule an empire; the elf side the woodland realm. His actual side the law firm his father owned. A Family business Jones & Hardings; JH for short. So it's safe to say behind every tale or story is a grain of truth. None the less he'd been shaped and trimmed to model the life wanted for him; necenecessarily what he wanted as such he spent a grand deal of his time with these VR games seeking out romance, adventure and trying to enjoy the life he couldn't have. So when he felt that connection with the female beside him he'd smile and contemplate breaking character some to let her know a bit about himself.

"Well you see..." opinonhe'd prepared to say before all of a sudden he heard her attitude change about the bandit and he'd sigh, "I do not wish for you to change who you are or how you think for me. I was merely castiopinion. Although somethings are better off dead, we should at least make it a fair and quick death. But, if he lives beyond this yes, I'd like to if not you may kill him as mercy. That would make me happy and feel a bit more at ease" he'd say as the duo continued their banter from the accidental dick shot to the cursing explained as to why it was done and it's lack of any real damage done to her. Relieved it wouldn't be long before the sudden scream shifted to a gargle and the two set off into motion. Making their way to their trap they'd appear to each takes a different approach. Eyes Shifting from the door to a window he'd slide around a wall to peek in. Seeing the beast as it lunged forth aiming at his ally eyes would widen His bow raising to take a quick shot at its jugular, only to hit lower below the rib cage. This beast was fast. Looking up to her as she nearly escaped a single swipe he'd part his lips to vent his worries, "What is that beast, a manticore Is it feline or is its serpent. How did it get about the land, you don't think it's been sneaking about the tunnel system..."

He'd say thinking on the matter, perhaps this was what has been killing the seasoned adventurers as well down there. It was one of the very reasons he didn't travel into the tunnels, creatures like that which no one can face alone. His bow drawn he'd fire off another arrow or two at it before nailing it in the arm. Angry it would rip the arrow out with its maw and shift it's gaze to the door. "What kind of AI does this thing have...fuck." he'd say running forth as he tried to run back over towards a more secure location. His Bow drawn again as arrows shot off rapid fire trying to hit the beast, but if Gwyn paid any mind his fear or facade would lead him to run and jump just over a tree; root and remind her of a trap laid. Hopefully, such steel might slow down the beast if not do some damage. HIs heart racing from adrenaline he'd turn and take a knee pulling out three arrows as he aimed down the center attempting to penetrate the beast as best he could. His initial thought was to climb a tree, but cats were good climbers o he'd need to find a solid place to get to that it couldn't climb or that it couldn't reach him similar to where she had been given the space

"Lady Gywn head to higher grounds this beast is out for blood, we need to keep it going one way or another; it's AI shouldn't be too hard to trick, aggro it so I can rest and start up again." He'd say running about moving and trying to rest all at the same time laying against the tree as he tried to hide, the beast sniffing before swatting at the tree causing it to collapse to the left; his body barely scratched he'd roll forward and aim the arrow at its eyes, "Think we can blind it or nail a vital to cause it to bleed out slowly? It seems that the last trap did little to it. Any bright ideas?" He'd say ready to dodge leap and roll off firing at the beast when the timing was right.

@Gwyn ap Herne

OOC: You want to make it more challenging and roll for damage. Like give it 100 HP and roll a D10 til it's downed? I'll roll just in case. We can just mention total damage at end of our posts adding what the other rolls?

Thrown die:

7

 

Gwyn landed hard and was thankful she'd kept the mystery egg she'd received in her pack instead of carrying it with her in the open air. She only did so when it was safe and figured the beast she was hunting was too unpredictable to allow for it. She appreciated her own forethought in that matter. There would be no forgiveness for crushing it under her weight and she stood warily, but with relief. The beast writhed for a moment where it was trapped, a long tongue lolling out of its mouth as it clawed at the stones with the pinned leg. Suddenly it twisted and wrenched its head free, vanishing into the house. The twang of a bow and some muttered words she barely caught meant Morohtar wasn't already drowning in his blood like the bandit. "Oh now you break character? The kind of AI that kills. Move!" She called out as he finally bolted from the dangerously enclosed space.

She was quick to draw up her bow, the long curve of it straining as she pulled back to let an attack fly as soon as the manticore tore through the opening, hot on the other archer's heels. The arrow found the beast's shoulder, but it was too swift for the attack to stick. She saw nothing but a graze across the furred, and apparently rather thick, hide. She watched nervously as he fired some arrows while still on the move and hissed lowly at the speed of the enemy chasing him. Talk about a time for kiting. His chosen path cut towards the trees and it took her a moment to figure out why he'd run from the ruins when she noticed the thick root system that stuck out. The only forest floor not overgrown along those steps was that over the tree's anchors and she'd nestled one of her scattered traps in it. Morohtar continued to duck and weave about while the manticore followed close. "I don't know if trick is the right word with how sharp this thing is so far." When it went to strike the tree it stood what had to be a foot from one of the toothy traps, based on her position. An arrow fired off, sailing toward its paws and as the tree toppled, it shifted out of the way. Steeping dead into the trap's waiting maw. "Or not."

The screech it unleashed was sickening, like the devilish yowls of the puma she'd thought it held resemblance to when the villagers spoke of it. It seemed less pained and more frustrated as it attempted to pull away its paw. At least he would have a second to rally and beat a hasty retreat toward a better position. She curled two fingers together and brought them to her mouth as the elf spoke and let out a sharp whistle as soon as he finished. The creak and pop of metal wrung out after it as the trap failed and the large monstrosity whipped around to stare her down. Gwyn wasn't a Felis, but as a budding beastmaster she knew enough. She leaned forward slightly, as if leaning into its personal space despite the couple tens of feet between them, and hissed. It took exception to that and the fierce and intelligent golden gaze locked on her.

While an arrow might have been aimed at its eye, it took it in the cheek. The eerily human cheekbone caught the pointed end, but the aggro had switched and the four long legs carried it unfortunately far. Gwyn didn't stop to watch if her companion continued on the attack or if he focused on repositioning like he'd suggested to her.

Once more the ruins offered as much safety as they did danger. She took a running leap onto a stone block, the middle of her soles stuck out in front of her hitting the edge and letting the momentum roll her over onto her toes atop the block. It was fluid enough she didn't have to pause in her sprint, but she didn't have the muscle and four legs worth of traction. The cat was catching up quick. Gwyn hopped to the side to catch her left foot on a fallen pillar and kick off, right foot at an opposing angle only higher up to bounce off what was once a wall. The height gain and speed were enough that the beast went flying beneath her as she kicked off the wall to throw herself toward a different ledge. She wasn't expecting help from the manticore, however.

The thick tail, lined in heavy scales, slammed into her side as it lashed it upwards and propelled her a few feet beyond what she'd needed to get up onto the higher position. "Thanks, but no thanks," she wheezed out as she clutched at her ribs. Nothing broken and the small mercy of the lowered pain register in the game helped much more than the leg up. The wailing below let her know just what their feline friend thought of the whole thing and she pulled back two arrows on the string and leaned over the edge, sinking two arrows into the beast's neck and one foreleg as it was mid-leap. It fell back from the bite of the arrows and circled below. Gwyn wasn't going to wait for it to make it up there and moved farther from the lip of the ruin's wall. Out of her sight, it planned its next move.

[ OOC: Sounds good! ]

Thrown die:

9

 

As their assault on the beast began he'd look to its health, barely moving an inch. So the array of arrows between the was going to require a hell of a lot more than what was already provided. As such noticing how little and then how brilliant the beast was he'd book it on foot. The Manticore like creature was a thing of legend; yet having found one and now fighting it with just the two of them; one might assume they had some sort of death wish. Yet as he cut off towards the wood to give her time as well as keep its aggro he'd nearly get sideswiped by the tree; barely getting out in time he'd look to the beast; formidable and serious as it slowly crept closer his grin growing as the damned beast fell right int the trap; server it right for being as cocky as it was when face with a prey as bright as it or brighter. As the male seemed ready to shoot at its eye. The arrow released full throttle missing its eye only to take its face; perhaps a mark which might help later, but for now, the beast seemed uninterested in him. Giving him a moment to breathe, but not much the male would have made his way further towards the target of location. Chasing down poor Gwyn who had somehow evaded the beast but gotten hit. Standing on some pillar; it was hard to make out the ordeal from the distance.

Chasing after the beast he'd climb up and out of danger's way trying to get along the ruin's using a ver limited and sloppy parkour. But a form none the less as he nailed a few shots into the back of the beast; perhaps trying to regain the aggro and make this game of cat and mouse an interesting one. A faint smile passed as he ran behind the cat noticing a small inlet protected by rocks as he noted his allies actions of Hissing, Brilliant, using the dominance of the creature to claim your power to the area. A faint moment later he'd howl and then land before the hole like area; a small cavern laid below his range; still above the beast as he hissed loud and proud the echo larger than her and more booming almost as if another alpha were to wage claim to this territory; hoping to make it charges towards the small cavern. Now with a clear shot, he'd prepare to unleash a plethora of arrow; firing three at a time he had no reason to stick to one. The more that hit the more damage done and quicker the beast might go down. A slight thought woudl occur as he remembered a wine house not far from where he was; really old and fermented wines still rest inside turning to his partner he'd shout, "GET A FIRE READY!" he said as he tried to keep the beast busy until it grew close.

An arrow zooming close towards the building with the wine he'd slide across like a zip line; again thanks to the vines about. Yet the beast was fast on his tail. Having to be precise he'd hold his breath as he jumped off just moments before rolling and turning left. If lucky the beast would once more slide across the surface of the ground as he ran and looked upward "FIRE WITH FIRE!" he'd shout almost as if t insist on lighting the ruin ablaze The beast having most likely crashed through the wall using it's weight against it and the mechanics of the game verse frictions, the velocity and a few other options it would crash through the wall, shatter many pots of oils and wine making it highly flammable as he seemed to pause to catch his breath the rubble slowly moving some before it burst off; its sense of smell thrown off given the effect of the strong scents as well as making it flammable. It's vision upon its face too as blurry as it too had been compromised by debris and liquids. Paws angrily rubbing at its face, yet had it not been for the snake upon its backside it would not see the duo. As it ran forth blind but till able to see he'd grin. Even if she didn't hit it with an explosion the beast was at least coated if not soaked in the liquids.

This alone would give them a bit of an advantage dulling it's sense and causing it to take a fairly large debuff in comparison. Still running on foot he'd jump up and over some ruin pillar before landing hard upon a trap which was meant to open a pitfall beneath him full of spikes, eyes widen as he barely made it and seemed to catch the side crawling out and away; had the beast noticed this or would it be unforeseeable given its rare limited heat vision. Seeing just the crawling man; it's instinct as a cat would be to jump the prey and devour it but could such a trap work let alone hold the beast? Would it be likely, no but it might just pierce the ever so rough layer causing it to bleed out slowly? None the less once more on his feet, the elven male would grab his bow and arm running once more. He was becoming injured by the moment this battle far greater than he expected but it was till amazing. Not seriously injured he'd reach down for a potion of sorts before running into some sort of cover within a destroyed home hoping to buy some time looking for something to perhaps start a fire if not keep his arrows lit up with fire for extra damage; if not poison.

OOC: Let's see if we can't get a bleed effect or set it ablaze for some fixed damage. Going to let you decide because I'd like to see some serious damage taken within the next few posts. My luck with rolls are lower and I don't want to end up at 60 in ten more posts.

Health:84/100

Thrown die:

2

@Gwyn ap Herne

 

The cat below rumbled a low noise that had the hair on the back of her neck standing up. She could feel it vibrate in her chest and she laughed helplessly at the thrill of it. It lunged upwards again, both front paws gripping into the stone and she fired again. One arrow flew by as it shifted to haul itself up, but the other jammed between its toes spread wide to claw at the hold it had found. The yowl was a terrible noise and it shook off the arrows incoming toward its back and snapped the shaft of the one lodged in its foot. Morohtar had rejoined the fight across the way from her and let loose his volley before moving further in. As he moved behind the beast it flicked an ear his way but its grotesque, golden eyes narrowed back on her as she swung her bow at it. It caught the manticore in the muzzle, but did nothing but amuse the cat from the looks of things.

The howl nearly stopped her heart as both her gaze and that of the monster snapped toward where Morohtar had gone running. Gwyn grinned as she realized there was no legendary wolf come knocking for a challenge, but rather a clever ploy. The rattling hiss afterwards was more than enough of a cherry on top to catch the cat's ire.

It slid from the ledge it had only just climbed and charged with another roar of challenge, thirsty for bloodshed and bone to sharpen its claws on. She followed at a distance, readying another arrow. The manticore wove along the path, its run taking on serpentine bounds instead of a bull-headed run dead ahead. It didn't matter. Morohtar's arrows almost all found a mark on the beast and a spray of blood from what looked to be an arrowhead pierced through the side of its throat. An rather painful and unfortunate piercing. Gwyn slid to a stop at his sudden words and her faced scrunched up in confusion for a moment. No time to question what the plan was, not at her distance, and so she settled for abiding with it. Unfortunately she didn't exactly have pyromancy. Fortunately she had lived in and out of the woods for years and making a fire was a quickly picked up skill.

She ripped down some of the foliage clinging to the ruins with a heavy focus on drier mosses. She hoped whatever he was planning involved kiting that massive hellion around for a bit first. Gwyn shredded the driest of the flora and ripped cloth from the edge of her shirt to bind it around the arrowhead. With a firm grip she struck the wall of the ruins, trying to keep one eye on Morohtar's status and the other on the sparks sent flying. The caught on the third strike just as the call went out and the sound of a wall collapsing echoed it. With a half-blind aim she drew the arrow, now catching a better blaze, to the string of her longbow. Fully cocked. Fire (with fire).

As soon as it left her hand she followed in its path, running toward the two she could only barely see from the wall half hiding the elf and the rubble and shadows cloaking the large cat. Gwyn picked out the head from the darkness just in time for the arrow to come close enough to cast a glow. And then it was consumed by light. The roaring of a fed flame was almost enough to out-roar the cat. Almost. The wicked scream of the thing was sharp enough to hurt her ears from where she stood and she pitied Morohtar for being so close. Between the wailing yowl and the heat suddenly pouring from the room? It would be wise to remove oneself from the area. Meanwhile, the fire licked across the creature's pelt and the manticore shook itself furiously while it clawed at its face as if it could harm the fire. It had a thick hide and while the fire bit at it, it didn't appear to be concerning enough that the manticore would flee or die easy. The lashing tail flicked the viscous, burning liquid off easily thanks to the scales and the snake's head hissed in time with the eerie humanoid one.

The reptilian eyes that scoped out their positions locked onto her until the sounds of a clatter managed to be picked up over the still roaring flames in the room behind their predator-prey. The eyes turned back to meet hers and both faces bore their fangs before taking off after the elf that had led it on a wild goose chase. "Fuck! Oh no you don't." She snarled and kicked off to run with it. It would beat her, but not by much as she clambered over the parts of the ruin to get to where Morohtar was trying to get his feet under him and put himself back in the game. It swerved wildly, tail lashing in the air to right its course as it avoided a hole in the ground. Gwyn saw the pit for what it was and pulled back to fire at the manticore's paws as it neared him with a singularly malevolent gaze. Like the trap before she hoped the arrow would suffice to get it to dodge right into the pit. It didn't work and the cat paused, but only lower itself into a crouch ready to pounce on the fleeing human's back.

She leaped before it did and landed hard on its back with a grunt as the collision knocked the air from her lungs. The cinders clung to its paws, legs, and face and so she didn't have to contend with the burning effect, but the hiss to both sides warned her that she'd not go unpunished for her actions. Morohtar was firmly safe from the aggro of the beast, but Gwyn's diversion was a dangerous one. She didn't regret it in the least. How many could say they'd ridden a fucking manticore?

"Come on then, pussy cat," she screamed out a laugh and wrapped her arms tight around its neck to hold on as it began to writhe. The snake head reared back to strike and flashed forward like lightning. Gwyn twisted to one side and the head rocketed by to bite into their shoulder. There was no additional effect. Why would something venomous be weak to its own bite? The second got a glancing bite into the meat of her shoulder and the burn was only a drop in the bucket compared to the burn of the fires tormenting the manticore. Gwyn bore her teeth through the pain and grinned at the thing anyway. "You don't have to take the 'talk shit, get bit' thing seriously." On the third she turned to look over her shoulder and kicked out with a heavy boot, thumping it in the head and leaving the serpentine head of the manticore's duo reeling. Her health bar and the poisoned status effect didn't seem quite so bold, but neither touched the thrill she felt. They weren't done yet!

[ OOC: The bleed effect can persist for your post and mine since it was a low roll maybe? The burning effect can linger for a few more though and deal out additional damage. 1d10 for our attacks, 1d10 for the fire, and 1d6 for the bleed sound good? ]

Health: 82

Thrown die:

10

 

As the two worked their best to take down the beast; it seemed their plans were not quite working but it seemed that once the duo got into a flow things changed. Starting with the elf and his ballsy move; rushing into save her which lead to the mighty beast; getting pierced enough to have a minor bleed effect; causing it to bleed out only a bit given the thickness of its fur and skin. Clotting shortly after. Now for the added damage, they mustered; pure genius and hard work on either of their parts the beast was a blaze. Trying to put it out the beast seemed to injure itself, yet the fact it was still on fire it would roar in pain; the fire roaring more as he grinned. Yet pissed at his shots it chased him. Barely avoiding the pit himself it would appear he was in a world of pain. Yet his team mate had managed to interfere. Thank god. He'd have to thank her later; as she then grabbed its aggro. Taking a deep breath he would appear to be catching his breath as he rolled over and leaned forward trying to figure what was going on. Eyes scanning back he'd note the crazy girl "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" he'd shout as the beast attacked itself; stabbing at its shoulder having noticed her placement he'd raise to his feet fast.

Running as fast as he could he'd grunt, grasping several vines running across the area. Quickly running them over his shoudler he'd start tying them to his arrows as he began to set up several traps. Firing off the arrows he'd begin firing arrows deep into a tree not far from where the fiery pussy ran about. As he finished setting up the trip wire like a trap he'd shout out to his ally, "GUIDE IT TO ME!" he'd say having her hopefully be able to force its change in direction. His trap set up using the vines to try and trip it up; cause it to fling forth into the pit of spikes form before; but since they laid upon the ground he'd need to bring them up quick and pull tight around the tree hoping to trip up the beast; at the very least it might cause it to stumble if not rip up the damned trees creating a Psuedo bolo of sorts. Once this plan failed or succeeded the effects would most likely cause the now singed pussy to skid across the land; hopefully not with his team mate. His arrows drawn he'd do his best to fire them one after another deep into it's under belly. Hoping to strike its softest spot; "Aim for its weak spot." he'd shout as he fired his heart out. One after another striking the belly of the beast.

As it used' it's tail once more to strike this time it would do so at the vines which bond it breaking free now; no longer blind. A faint look of fear passed his face as he bites his lip some, "Fuck....alright plan B." he said as he drew his arrow the beast shaking as it winces some angrily crouching lower as if ready to pounce upon the male. "I'm gonna charge it. Do my best not to die and try riding it...that looked like fun. but first." He'd say reaching for the last vine upon his shoulder tieing it to the arrow; "We need to tie up that tail." he said as he took a deep breath before running in. The creature jumping he'd fire off his arrow as it leaped over head; the arrow piercing the tail's core; near the position it connected to the body. Twitching it would fling him up and into the air, "FUCK!" he'd shout as he held onto the rope getting swing about before landing hard on the beasts back. "he'd grunt some getting up slowly or trying too. had it not been for the tail striking down left then right; as he rolled the opposite way dodging. Before he spread his legs and avoided losing his bits, "For once I'm glad I tucked it left today..." he said not afraid to break character since no one would hear. His arms wrapping around the tip as it pulled up. he using the vines now tied it down and tried to force it to touch each other. The vines now wrapped quickly around it in a loop.

The idea to put pressure on the tail and with some luck causing it to snap; removing the tail as a profound issue. But this wasn't over as the beast tried to buck him off all along the way; "SHIT! A little.HEEEEELLLLLP" he'd say as he flew up the tail now stuck for now as he landed hard on the ground next to the beast as it spun around looking particularly angry, " Hey...don't look now but there is a giant rock behind you rolling off that ledge...what fine don't believe me you dumb beast." he'd say hoping his trick worked; but it was possible the lady might have knocked the boulder down the cliff and onto the beast; injuring it or breaking off its tail otherwise he was in for some pain. Slowly crawling back he reached back for an arrow. If he was going to be eaten; he'd fill the damn thing's mouth full if not cut his way out from the inside. His breath slowing down as he tried to rise to his feet running if able to escape if not get some space before having to fight off the jaws of death.

Manticore

51% HP

MAX HP

65% EN

MAX EN

Conditions

• Blind - 2 turns [Ended]
  
• Bleeding - 3, 3 [Ended]
  
• On Fire - 5, 5, 5, ? [Ends your reply]

Thrown die:

8

@Gwyn ap Herne
OOC: Hope you like the little addition. Also, x2 for Damage rolls cuz of under belly shots<3

 

Gwyn laughed wildly from the back of the manticore as it writhed and roared. "Ancient human hunting technique, don't worry about it," she called back and twisted to avoid another bite. It tossed itself to the side and while her body slid across its back and hung from the side, her grip was strong enough to hold on and avoid being trampled. Long fangs were flexed in her face as the feline monster tried to reach back and bite. The huntress leaned closer and blew into its face, the oxygen catching on the cinders still glowing on its face to feed them. It hissed furiously and threw itself to the right and she was caught with a thump between its ribs and the stone wall behind her. As it pulled away she got enough of a kick off the wall to throw herself back on its back.

Morohtar called out again and she took in the situation as best she could from her unsteady mount. "I'll try, but I don't think the damn thing's saddle broken yet," she said. Gwyn let go of its neck to reach up for its ears, pulling back with her weight as she dug her heels painfully into its side for the extra leverage. Another sharp yowl let her know just in how high of regard the thing held her. The tail was quickly back in play at that and bit into her side. She tucked her elbow tight to her side and trapped it as soon as it let go. With its mouth held shut she leaned suddenly to the side with a grip on the manticore's ears and jerked it to the side. It turned its path right into Morohtar's vine trap.

The vines pull taut and down it went. Gwyn threw herself off of it, baring her teeth back at the tail's head as it tried for a last bite. As the manticore rolled it went straight over its own tail, much to her amusement, and the two heads spat at each other while they tried to stand and right themselves. It'd find itself riddled with arrows all along its stomach before it could get its paws beneath it and shred the vines binding it. Meanwhile her hunting partner seemed equally excited and terrified to be trying his own hand at hopping onto the critter. "Trying to learn that ancient technique, 'elf'?" She ran to keep within range of the two as the other managed to wrangle the tail under control... for the moment at least. Their enemy had proven rather resistant, despite the embers still eating away at it, if the eyes now free of ashes and the clotted blood gummed up around the embedded arrow in its throat said anything for it.

Morohtar flew off the creature and was slammed down and Gwyn paused in action for a second, eyes flicking over the battlefield until she once again lined up the idea. It looked like Morohtar had his eyes on the same goal as he shouted out a warning to the beast. "You wanna shoot yourself in the foot and help it out a little more?" She laughed down at him. She quickly climbed up a dilapidated part of the wall and ran across where the rest of the ruins had fallen away, leaving a large support stone left standing unsteady atop it. Gwyn shouldered against it and hoped it'd topple in time to keep the other from being made a meal of. Corpses persisted in this game and the manticore would greatly enjoy picking their bones clean after all the trouble they'd given it. There was a crack, a shuffle, and clatter of stones.

The beast paused and flicked its ear back at the sound, but couldn't seem to resist the figure crawling away from it. Its predatory instinct beckoned and it answered the call. Gwyn dug her heels in harder, shoving into the stone firmly. Finally it teetered forward and tumbled over the side. As it went to move closer to the downed archer, he shot off a few arrows that had it wincing back into the toppling trap.

The stone landed with a thunderous sound and the manticore raged as its hind legs and tail were crushed beneath the weight. It struggled vainly, twisting around to claw desperately at the rock pinning it down. From above Gwyn stood with her feet shoulder width apart. Peering down at her mark she lined up a shot, sinking a strike dead between its shoulders. It wasn't dead yet, but unless it started pulling miracles then it wouldn't last much longer at their current rate. It was powerful enough to eventually free itself from the stone, but they'd make a pincushion out of it before that! Her arrows would make for a bloody rain.

Manticore

25% HP

MAX HP

55% EN

MAX EN

Conditions

• Burning: 5 [ Ended ]
• Immobilized: 2 Turns Remain

[ OOC: The amount of bullshitting we've done over the course of this thread is ridiculous, but it's been fun so there's that at least! Roll was a 10 in discord btw. ]​

 

As the duo gave it their all it seemed they were succeeding terrifically together. Yet, at the same time they were very dependent on each other; then again few could take on a manticore alone and survive, let alone a lone party of two. Their skills were highly fleshed out; perhaps not as individuals but the synergy, using their environments, their real world knowledge as well as their witty nature being quick on their feet. As such it was no surprise that his ally, much like him seem to be just as ruthless as he was; really laying into the pussy cat. Yet given this bastard of a creature's actions, it wasn't unexpected. She did, after all, want nothing more than to slay the damned thing. So as such the two would go ahead and do so. In these final moments of his life though, he'd note the severity of this battle, it was not just a simple form of combat that they used to. It was far more intricate and detailed, allowing for so many variables and things to change and help it flow in the way it did. Like Battlefield mixed with quick time events; all based on your choices. This game was truly incredible but that was the least of his worries. The duo joking from here to there occasionally as they laughed in the face of death like the fools they were.

Thrown die:

2

From the ancient riding technique to avoiding being eaten by a tail, to tripping up the beast to where they were now; he on his back leaving his fate to the gods and his ally. The beast focused on him his banter and foreshadow if not hinting to his team mate; the great minds thought a like bit it wasn't likely his plan would be truly explained to the beast as he doubts it spoke the common tongue, but then again. None the less, it would soon become striken from above with the boulders thanks to the Herculean like female, "By Odin's beard, you're a god...." he said laughing as he fired off the arrows into the beast making the plan work perfectly. Running some to the side he'd avoid the now crushed body of the manticore. His arrows launched into the beast he'd laugh some as he let one after another into its jugular again and againt its throat. The tail being tied up seemed to play a part of its miscalculated balance. Glad it was still in tact he'd turn to the female after the two laid into it with arrows; the health bar reaching 1% Pausing he'd turn to her and look to her with a smile,"This is your hunt, you honor lies in taking the last shot. I've just been glad to work with you." he said as he pats her shoulder stepping back as his lips parted once more.

"I suggest you leave the face in tact and tail, so you have some trophies, if not trading material for some serious gold. I've heard that these two, in particular, are worth quite the pay; the entire thing is worth its weight in gold. I'd like to keep its skin and turn it into some armor, or at least that is what you should do. After all, your Herculean strength should be reflected in your skills. Maybe sell the tail at the least." he said laughing. Before folding his arms and bowing as she was given the chance to finish it. Once completed he'd dab; given his signature victory move taught to him by a young human; alpha. Upon completion of the task he'd help her do whatever it was needed taking apart or helping to organize the beasts parts and of hide; given his skills. Hunting and what not. Eyes shifting he'd part his lips once more."So now, we go turn in this quest no?" he said as he picked up some of his arrows regaining more than there was, to begin with thanks to the bow skill giving him an extra every five claimed."

Once completely done with the area he'd give it one final once over. His eyes scanning the area, with a warm smile as he then proceeded to leave with her to turn in the quest; his hands raising to try and add her as an ally. "We make a good team, perhaps we should team up more often, "Besides having a partner such as yourself to train with and perhaps share a camp and meal some time might be a nice change of pace for this lonely elf bachelor." he said laughing with a blush, "Not that I mean anything disrespectful by it," he said as they left the ruins to go off and turn in the mission. As they walked he'd make some small banter here and there mainly comparing their firing skills and inquiring on a skill he learned from another human. Dabbing once more trying to understand it better, "So is this the proper way to activate the victory dance or is it more turn then forehead?" he asked laughing; the duo ending their quest and most likely starting the journey of their new friendship.

Manticore

1% HP

MAX HP

45% EN

MAX EN

Conditions

• Immobilized: 1 Turns Remain

[Thread End]

OOC:This was fun, let's do it again sometime :P