Tales of Darkness

Skadi was unsure of what to make of the forest. It was interesting, yet at the same time an eery feeling could be felt by her. She was still focusing on the surroundings, still trying to figure out why it was called the forest of deception, when a voice brought her back to her current situation, asking if someone could light a stick on fire. She nodded her head. "I am a mage, allow me" she said. She bent down and picked up one of the many sticks that lay around the forest floor, and after mumbling a few words she lit the stick on fire. She then held the stick out to Mist, not wanting to lead the party herself. "My name is Skadi Wynter" she stated, waiting for Mist to accept the stick.

 

As the other members introduced themselves, Aiden jumped from treetop to treetop behind them. He decided if they wanted to know his name they could ask: If they didn't even care he was there, or didn't want him there (Which was quite possible based on his appearance) Why bother? He wondered about the mage though. Crystal mages as far as he had noticed so far, were not that common. So what had led her to become one? What was happening here?

 

Sol had eventually made his way to that town, the name of which he still couldn't recall even while was there and was enthusiastic about what he saw. What he saw being nothing interesting at all. Just a regular ordinary town that people happened to be getting together in and teaming up and all that other crap. Despite the boredom he had encountered once arriving after joining up with whateverperson he was assigned a number that would apparently tell him what his mission was. Mission meant fighting, and fighting meant kickass. His expression brightened as the prospect of new fights to come entered his mind. Only downside, teamwork. Which meant he would have to share the fun and not go all solo on every enemy in the entire world. Regardless he walked on towards his new journey, mission, thing.

Once there Sol examined his surroundings. The place was apparently called the Bandune Ruins and it was something interesting. The marshy swamp like area that they were in certainly didn't make Sol any happier. He liked being fast, and swamp lands were nature's middle finger to moving fast. Furthermore there seemed to be some strange formation of ruins and bridges, which would hopefully prove to be a bit better for the man's fighting style than this stupid marshy hellhole. Regardless there didn't seem to be any pressing threat...which was a shame because that meant there was nothing to be killed. 'Oh weelllll' he thought. He remembered something about introductions and figured that even if he didn't right now people would still try to get one out of him. "Hello people of presumably the same team. My name is Sol Adler and I'll have you know I'm quite fond of letting monsters end up on the other side of my sword." He said this in some sort of formal-ish tone, though that was mostly because he was in unexcited mode. Hopefully shit would go down soon.

 

Takeru watched his companions in the forest as a fire got going and someone suggested they introduce themselves, Rechelle he believed was her name? He took it to note and knew teamwork was going to be a vital piece within this group. "A good point of getting everyone together, I'm Takeru Yuanji, if you heard of my surname before, then I'm not surprised." he said, simply waving that off.

 

As the group approached the Forest and introductions were done, Elisa went after Rachelle. "I'm Elisa, how do you do?" she said with a small curtsy. It was a habit of hers because of the life she was a part of. Her parents had basically punished her whenever she wouldn't curtsy or show manners.

She looked over to Rachelle and noticed the wound getting larger. "Hey! Anyone have a way to fix Rachelle's injury? She's being thick and not letting me do anything but please, somebody help!" Elisa didn't think she was being loud enough, but she was more afraid to go louder.

 

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Eventually the group made it towards the ruins. Looking around, it wasn't very impressive to look at. Just a big old landbridge in the middle of s swamp. Seriously, it shouldn't even be called "ruins" in this case. Man I wished I got to go to the forest instead instead of this bland and boring looking place...​

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Now that they arrived at the "ruins," Sasha decided that she would introduce herself first. "Well right then. I am Sasha Tayes. I WAS the best shot in my town until it got burned down. Now I'm just your average elf going around and kicking ass wherever I'm needed." ​

 

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Lennox had passed out in the field. When she came to the following morning, it was a miracle that she hadn't been eaten by anything. Her shoulder hurt terribly and the sun was blinding. The rest did help though. She managed to pull herself to her feet and unfastened the plating around shoulder. She hooked the straps around the hilt of her sword and took a few minutes to inspect the injury. It wasn't so bad. Her armor deflected most of the damage. There were a few small teeth marks that broke skin, but nothing that would put her out of commission. Fortunately, she was right handed. Unfortunately, it was a two - handed sword. She would just just have to work more with her knives and less with her sword until her shoulder healed. None of the muscle tissue seemed to be torn or damaged, so it wouldn't take long to heal.​

She wiped her knife off on her stockings and shoved it back in the sheath on her inner calve. Lennox needed to get back to town. There was probably tons that she had already missed. Gripping her left shoulder in one hand, she began the mile run back to the city.​

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Lennox breathed heavily as she entered the square. Normally, a mile run would be nothing, but with her armor, sword, and not developing the right motion for running because she had to hold her shoulder; it took a lot out of her. People were just beginning to gather in the square and she breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't too late. She would have to find out what she missed the night before from someone. Lady Kessha climbed to the stage and beside her stood her trusty knight Fredric.

❝ Today we set off to both the Guardian Core and the Knights Institution. However, the journey will involve us going through some dangerous terrain. ❞ She grabbed a basket that sat beside her. ❝ Earlier you were all given a number. ❞

Oh no! Lennox began to panic. There was someone standing near her with a ticket. She needed that ticket! The man was holding it out carelessly. Lennox began to walk by and accidentally bumped into him, knocking the ticket out of his hand. He didn't seem to notice she had swiped it. If he did, she was well out of sight by then.

❝ Everyone who has been given the number 1 shall head to the Crypson Forest where I myself shall accompany you. Those with the number 2 will be heading to the Bandune Ruins where you will be accompanied by the man you met yesterday, Fredric. ❞ Lady Kessha continued.

Lennox looked down at her number. Two. Bandune Ruins it was.

Fredric walked up to the stage. He smiled at the Warriors in front of him. ❝ We shall create peace together my brothers and sisters. Let us march forth together! ❞ He yelled trying to rally everyone together. ❝ As soon as you are ready, we shall depart and go our separate ways. You others better keep Lady Kessha safe. ❞ Some people laughed. Lennox didn't seem to get the humor in it.

She wandered off to one of the produce stands to get something to eat and replenish her stock of food before leaving. They could be gone for awhile and she didn't know what hunting would be like in the ruins. Better safe than sorry. She ate quickly, then moved to where the other warriors were beginning to gather. The ruins were in the north. Hopefully it wouldn't be too cold.

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Bandune Ruins​

It didn't take them long to set off. When they did, Fredric led the way. They were headed for some swamp. Lennox had heard rumors of the swamp -- none good. ❝ When we get there, I expect you all to introduce yourselves. We have a long journey ahead of us and I would hate to lose someone without a name. ❞ He was stern and monotone as he said that. He wanted them to wait to introduce themselves until after they arrived? All right then.

Lennox had refastened her shoulder plate after tending to the wound. She didn't dare take the sword off her back, it was much too heavy to lug around with one hand, but she did keep a pair of knives between her fingers -- just in case. When they arrived at the swamp, she could see ruins past it. There was a bridge that seemed to stretch on a long ways and she swallowed nervously. The ruins seemed to be in some strange formation that she couldn't quite seem to make out. She didn't like not knowing.

They gathered together. Now was apparently the time for introductions. A man in the group turned to face them. He looked ... bored ... ? ❝ Hello people of presumably the same team. My name is Sol Adler and I'll have you know I'm quite fond of letting monsters end up on the other side of my sword. ❞

His introduction was followed by this girl with long flowing white hair. Long hair seemed like it might get in the way as a warrior, unless pulled back properly. ❝ Well right then. I am Sasha Tayes. I WAS the best shot in my town until it got burned down. Now I'm just your average elf going around and kicking ass wherever I'm needed. ❞ Oh. It was then Lennox noticed the bow and quiver filled with arrows. She was an archer. Just great.

Lennox rolled her eyes and pressed her lips together. Suppose that meant it was her turn for introductions. Ugh. ❝ Lennox Young. ❞ she said simply. ❝ As you can clearly see, I'm a swordsman, but I specialize in knives, ❞ she held up the pair in her hand. ❝ Anything else? ❞

 

Aiden just kept to himself up in the trees. Apparently, the girl named Rachelle was in need of medical support. It mattered little to him: he did not have the skills to heal her. All he had was his gel, and why waste that when Artes could be recovered? The mages would handle it. He would merely stay out of the way until the fight came. There was no reason he had to go down there and immerse himself in their conversations if they did not concern him. He would continue to think and plan as he pleased for now. His thoughts were still on the Crystal mage as well. He decided that he would keep a very close eye on her...

 

Kessha smiled at everyone who introduced themselves. It was nice to have everyone together and play nice. She had hope that everyone would be able to work together. However, one seemed to be in some serious pain and the injury was noticable. "Excuse me, Rachelle, you seem injured. Please allow me to heal you." She placed her hands slightly above the wound. They began to glow a white aura and the wound quickly healed completely. "We mystics are trained in healing artes. If you ever are hurt, please don't feel alarmed to ask me."

"Let us begin our journey into the woods. Mist, if you would be our lead since you have the torch." Mist and Kessha wne tout hoping the others followed as well. A bush to the left of the group began to shake some. Kessha turned over to it and tried to give it a small peak. Perhaps it was an injured animal. "Come out, we won't hurt you little one.' Once she spoke, the monster came jumping through the bush and attacked her. Multiple began to appear from the trees up top and the bushes around.

Mission Start: Frette Battle​

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Defeat the Frette in 5 posts. ​

Frette are known for digging themselves into the ground then lunging themselves with a twist to hit their targets with their sharp nails and sharp flowers. They also have a painful bite. ​

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The man laughed at them all. "You all have many different personalities. Don't let that effect your team work. Lets move out. Lennox, if you would please take the lead." He demanded. As they walked he began to explain some things to them. "This place use to be home to ancient technology and a great nation. What do you assume did this? Perhaps the climate. Or maybe it was the power of the Crystal's we all use toda-' He saw some monsters ahead of them. He reached back for his sword and prepared himself. "Everyone, get ready for a fight."

Mission Start: Diltoads​

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Defeat the Diltoads in 5 posts. ​

Diltoads may look cute and innocent but they have a poisonous sac that attaches to their tail. Their round shape also allows them to jump and tackle hard. ​

 

Aiden had indeed kept a close eye on Kessha: He shot an arrow at the Frette before it's attack could connect. He jumped down from the tree and shot two more arrows at it as he managed to move between it and The mage. He would hold that position as the others attacked.

 

Sol had looked around at the cast and crew that was with him in this "team" of theirs. One was named Sasha, an archer who apparently had her whole home village completely destroyed or something along the lines of it. Sounded like a fun time really. Though he didn't quite care for archers that much. All they did was stand back and pelt the monsters with arrows without doing much in the heat of things. Next up was another female by the name of Lennox and she was apparently a knife man. Knives were fine, because they were still blades, but he still like the idea of wussing out and using knives as throwing knives. That just sort of defeated the purpose of melee weapons. Regardless with introductions out of the way big man Fredrick started explaining something about the ruins being ancient and technologically advanced and blah blah blah. He yawned a bit as explanations were going down and zoned out a bit. His attention snapped back when he saw that monsters were popping up. His expression changed from one of boredom to a large grin on his face. With a loud "wahoo" he sprinted forward, drawing his sword, and slicing through the first unlucky diltoad he happened across. Wanting to have more fun he started slashing and kicking at and all monsters that unlucky enough to cross his path.

 

OOC: Pressed for time, posting in here quickly to re-establish Elisa

Elisa looked at her friend. "Sorry!" She said, holding her hands up in protest. She knew Rachelle hated the attention and help, but Elisa didn't know the cure spell yet, and she wouldn't let Rachelle endure the pain.

Suddenly, a weird looking green thing popped out. "Oh, fun..." She said. Elisa ended up back to back with Rachelle. "Think these'll be as easy as the wolves?" She asked.

 

Skadi wasn't entirely sure why the creature was attacking. Why would something attack the one that had shown kindness, the one that was trying to help? Such a beast had to be taken down to ensure the safety of all. Brandishing her staff, Skadi thwacked a Frette away from herself as it tried to leap onto her. The hit didn't keep the Frette down for long, however, and it leaped once again at her. "I will do what I must" Skadi said quietly as she murmured a few words and sent a sizzling fireball at the creature.

 

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Sasha examined the others. Not to be a downer or anything, but these people seem annoyed to be here...or near other people like her and others. Well it couldn't be helped. Everyone had their opinions on others, good or bad. Bleh. Humans.​

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Sasha was about to suggest her method of traveling through the 'ruins' here until the monsters showed up. She pulled out her bow and aimed at them until Sol ran off at them and swinging his sword at them. She sighed and fired off arrows at the others not along. "Shame that they're adorable creatures, but alas monsters are monsters." She fired off arrow after arrow at the enemies.​

 

Sol, being the only one actively fighting right now, was relishing in all of the fun. He was giggling like a madman as these weird round snake tailed monsters started just bouncing around trying to beat down the group. Try as they might Sol kept avoiding them. He was actually trying to start to get a rhythm to fight these things efficiently, by himself. One leaped at him and he kicked it back while another one tried to assault him with its tail. Unfortunately the tail was soon on the ground wriggling next to weird round thing as Sol's sword swept through it. With a creepy grin on his face he punted that one into far enough away and ended up stabbing one that tried to tackle him through. With a devilish grin he continued his sweeping sword movements through all the round ball monsters. This was just too much fun!

 

The creature tried to get past Aiden, but it failed miserably. It had faked left, but He saw that trick coming. He kicked it across the clearing and shot an arrow at it. He then continued to launch arrows at the other attackers. "Such a waste of valuable life." He said loud enough for Kessha to hear. He hadn't actually directed the comment at her though. Thinking his words may have sounded to harsh, he quickly clarified. "I mean, throwing ones life away in pursuit of battle is meaningless, and being protective of territory isn't even a logical excuse to fight if you haven't warned the offender before hand. I don't think that's why they're attacking us, but..." Aiden stopped speaking and resumed shooting arrows. "It doesn't matter what she thinks." He thought to himself. "I know what I mean, and any misconceptions can be cleared after this battle."

 

Sol was continuing to fight all the monsters around him. He glanced back and saw that someone actually was assisting him now. Only it was the archer. Boo. He would've much rather prefered the swords lady to help him. Then he would have more respect for his helper...and he could probably still steal all the kills from her or something like that. The weird rolly monsters kept coming at Sol and he was laughing even more. It was too fun fighting these things. No matter how many he killed they kept coming back and kept thinking they had a chance against him. What a laugh that was. One tried to tackle him but was immediately impaled by Sol's blade. A second and third one tried the same thing only to meet a similar fate. However now Sol's blade was completely blocked out the bodies of the monsters. With a bit of neutral expression at first to this development a sinister smirk grew on his face and he had formed quite the idea. When more started rolling at him he started knocking them away with his monster covered sword like it was a bat. Smashing his monster covered sword against more of the monsters he killed many more monsters in a more comedic fashion now. It was all great fun until the bodies slid off the blade and the monster group was thinning out. He was reluctant to keep going on because he knew the fight was going to end soon, but he stopped focusing on that and charged into the remaining group to begin the finale of this fight.

 

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Sasha continued launching off arrow after arrow at the bouncing blobs coming at them, targeting the ones that came after the more fragile members like her and the mages in their group. She ignored Sol's side because she was well sure he could handle himself hearing the large sounds of hacking and slashing coming from his side. "One less side to worry about" She snapped her head sideways to see one of the Diltoads launch itself at her. She hopped sideways and stabbed its body with an arrow in her hand before kicking it away and stomping another one near her. ​

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After minutes of fighting waves of the Diltoads, she could see them thinning away. Only about 20 or so left. I don't remember seeing this many monsters in one area before unless it's a traveling location. I highly doubt that...She shot at another one and stabbed another close to her. I need to know why they are so many in one location...​