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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jul 25, 2017 15:43:37 GMT
Judgement day commenced 50 years ago... But what was written in the Bible was only predictions and theories, regardless if it was guided by faith or lunacy. The age of humanity was over, no ascension to heaven was given to the pure and everybody was left on earth, humans were left confused until they came to a dreaded conclusion... Judgement day wasn't to judge who was destined for heaven or hell, it was to judge who would rule the next age.. The humans were caught in a seven year war between God's army of angels and Lucifer's legion of demons. Demons were the catalyst of nightmares, twisted and hellish sadists that lust for power and malicious control. They are unpredictable, dangerous and lack honour. The Angels to what was thought to be Guardians of humans with passion and kindness, turned out to be enforcers of brutal justice by any means. While they did their best effort to avoid human casualties, the belief of angels protecting mankind were false... For the war, they were tasked to vanquish the demons.
Seven years later, countless casualties and more than half of the world's lands were decimated and burned down into a ruined wasteland. Human's population was reduced into the millions, both angels and demons suffered terrible losses and the war never reached a certain conclusion... With the demon's numbers greater than any other, they claimed most of the barren wastelands and damaged cities as their territories, the most notable is former California and the United States of America now renamed the Deadlands. Sanctuaries in the surviving civilisations were erected by the Angels as Strongholds for their little numbers and some refugees, but not all were accepted into the Strongholds, for these were their remaining compounds for combat and not shelters, whose goals are to expand and push back and claim Demon territories, they are highly defensible and only overwhelming, extraordinary power or force can pose as a threat. The remaining places were newly erected settlements for humans and the broken angels that were exiled. Most had a rocky government or diminishing resources, but it was the best that the humans could hope for these days. The world has turned into a state of post-apocalypse full of demons, ghouls and malevolent spirits of the damned. The Age of Armageddon has begun.
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During the war, many human cities took heavy collateral damage in the crossfire and became urban ruins. Buildings crumbled like the old castles of an age centuries ago, some withstood heavy damage but somehow remained standing and stable, memories and monuments of humanity during it's reign on Earth. Concrete roads are cracked, cratered and scorched from the hellfire of demons and the effect of divine, iron justice of the Angels. Demons were drawn here by the high population of humans; fresh meat and slaves for the picking. This in turn brought the arrival of the squads of light whose duty is to vanquish this corrupted darkness. Angels in religion were described as higher, white winged beings that were regarded for their guiding light and protection for humanity... The only truth was that they were higher beings. Angels paid no special attention to the humans and gave them a cold shoulder while hunting the demons. They never made any attempts to harm them and did their best to keep the mortals out of the fight, but their goals were clear, and it didn't involve protecting the humans.
Although they serve as a painful reminder of what used to be, the ruined cities provided decent shelter and hiding spots from passing demons. One such settlement used this to their advantage, Orstenvale. A large, mostly intact building houses an apartment complex of 3,000 units. The population had received their own rooms for families and some were turned into stations that produced water and food as best it could. While it has become victim to attacks from pairs and trios of large demons, the concrete and steel walls held strong against them and provided great defence and camouflage. Some of the residents were lost and kidnapped in the starting years but people have been kept relatively safe. Few demons pass by, not minding what appears to be another abandoned pre-war structure like the many others. One reason for this is Orstenvale is close to the territory of a terrifying Rogue Demon. People never know it's name, or if it even has one, but have grown to call it Swarm. The mortals made precautions to make markers around the city where they're about to enter what is believed to be the powerful demon's grounds. Nobody has seen it, not truly. Those entering there have extremely low chances of returning and those who do are shaken to their core, skin as pale as a ghost. They have mentioned many different experiences such as seeing somebody, fellow humans or even angels and demons, with a murky green glow in their eyes. Or have felt a deep feeling of violation to their minds. There are many statements but one remains the same everytime... The voices. Like a hundred men and women speaking in perfect synchronisation. Coaxing, persuading and sometimes threatening them into 'becoming one of the many'.
Orstenvale is unfortunate to be so close to such dangerous areas and with the frequent demonic attacks, but it's a home that is better than going outside and they have the Demon-Runners for protection. The Runners are volunteers of the settlement that put their lives and sanity on the line for the benefit of their people. They venture out far from their homes to complete harrowing missions from collecting valuable supplies essential to survival or getting rid of a hostile being that has decided to stick around the area and cause upset and disturbance. The life of a Runner is a short one due to the dangers and those who survive long periods wonder if they still have the willpower to go on. But these men and women selflessly take the hard tasks so the others don't have to.
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One unit of the complex was stripped down and built into a meeting room for the Runners, where they are given their briefing and debriefing. The neighbouring units on this floor mostly belong to a Runner and their families so they are close for any urgent gatherings. There is nothing special about these units, nothing that gives them a greater luxury than the others living here, just another living area... Captain Ambrose, the silently agreed on leader of the Runners, leans on one of the tables and awaits for all to arrive. Many fresh faces sit waiting, some are nervous while others are looking naively pumped up. Newbies are a common sight, replacing those who perished or stepping up to pull their weight. Veterans are very rare members that have overcome almost impossible odds of survival and lived longer than most, earning the revere and sympathy of the residents. It's difficult to keep the will to carry on this life and nobody is stopping them from retirement, so Veterans that choose to stick to it are consider brave souls or a walking tragedy.
One such Veteran is leaning against the far wall and away from most. She's a closed off member, speaks only when spoken to and even then she has very little to say. She's known to go out there and kill any demons encountered with swift brutality, similar to that of an Angel... Little do they know that this woman is not a mortal but an Angel that was exiled from heaven, dubbed as a Broken Angel. She lacks wings, because they were torn off. She lacks that divine aura, because she was stripped of it. Eternal punishment for whatever she did wrong is to walk the mortal realm forever, their place in heaven, their home, made forfeit. She goes by the name Harriet Morrison and pulled off the disguise as a human well, nobody suspects otherwise and leave her alone for the most part, understanding she is not here to make any friends but do a job. Some of the newbies are oblivious to it at first and attempt to befriend her but only met with one worded answers and stonewalling. She is twirling one half of her obsidian-black revolvers with a finger as she silently waits. The firearm looks like it was pulled out of hell itself and the glowing of a deep red can be seen inside the bullet chamber. Forged from the kill of a Pride Demon named K'varsh and came with the unique Trait of replenishing it's own enchanted ammo. Due to the demonic essence inside, K'varsh is still conscious but unable to resurrect.
"Pitiful creatures, the lot of them." A voice speaks in Harriet's mind, words aimed towards the newbies in the room. "So eager, so ignorant that their weak flesh will be torn to pieces the moment they step out the door. Why fight back against your superior beings? You are throwing yourself to the slaughter. A painful slaughter." The voice belongs to K'varsh, still able to perform telepathy with the user. His voice is arrogant and stuck up, the kind of voice expected of a Demon of Pride. Harriet ignores his words and continues to twirl the revolver. The Demon growls in her head. "I know you can hear me, Angel! I maybe vanquished but you will not disrespect my presence! Your ignorance and childish spinning of my defiled body is--" "Cease." Another voice in her head speaks, this is her own mentally commanding the demon to shut up, she stops twirling the revolver and slots it back into her holster on the hip with deft hands. K'varsh begrudgingly obeys, the Former Angel's willpower has not left her since the stripping of her divinity and easily overcomes the tantrum-throwing 'almighty me' being. Why did it have to be a Pride Demon? The ones whose personality is a pain to hear, she muses. She knows K'varsh can hear her, which makes her internally smirk. With her dominance over the demon asserted, she can only wait impassively for this super important mission to be briefed.
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Post by Shift on Jul 25, 2017 16:28:42 GMT
Kyle laid his back against the chair he sat on, tapping his foot lightly on the floor as he waited for the mission. He glanced over at Harriet, a veteran, like him. Her fighting ability is well know, and so is her lack of socializing. He turned back, still tapping his foot. He wondered what the next mission would be. Perhaps another demon that decided to stay, or maybe another trip for supplies. His hand hovered over his pistol. The pistol hummed with divine strength, glowing a mystical light blue. He had retrieved it from the battleground of a fight between a scouting Angel and a Demon squad patrolling. With a thought, it can transform into a sword to fight in an instant. His mind went to the other pocket, which held a cracked pocket watch. Him and his twin found it when they were looking for food, before they found Orstenvale... and before he died. He internally shook his head, dismissing the thought, abrubtly stopping the tapping of his foot, before it started up again.
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Post by Envy on Jul 27, 2017 20:02:26 GMT
Lying his coffin on a nearby table, Michael begins to look over it to see if the locks are property bolted down. Looks of nearby newbies graze over the coffin as he slings it back over his back. La’Outh-ka and Touksa were the name of the two of the pair that went into the making of this thing. “So when are you finally going to give us a chance?” Asks La through telepathy. “The looks of these people excites me, the look of there faces would be priceless if you decided to turncoat.” Co says through telepathy. Forcing his will onto the two to get them to be quiet; He slings the coffin over his back and then finally gets to his other weapon. Looking over his his shotgun he calls for Leviathan in his head “Yes you want me?” Ask Levi. “Yes, we are going on a mission here in a bit. You ready for this sea lizard?” Says to Levi. Leviathan just gives Michael a simple yes. Looking over towards the others of the group he sees both new and old faces in the crowd; But he doesn't want to talk to anyone he just wants the briefing to go by quickly. He looks over towards Kyle and Harriet; Those two are Vets just like him seeing them here reassure him that the mission we'll be a success, than again I'm here so that makes our chances go through the roof.
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jackygirl
Red Card
My milkshakes bring all the girls to my dungeon
Posts: 704
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Post by jackygirl on Jul 28, 2017 13:43:23 GMT
Angie was sitting at one of the tables carefully cleaning her Hand Cannon. She wasn't sure if weapons made from Demon bones actually needed to be cleaned but better safe then sorry and it helped calm her mind. Her jaw was busy working on a lump of tobacco she'd found the other day, it had a tendency to stain her teeth brown but she needed something to chew and nicotine had a pleasant effect on the brain. Her knife, the same bone white as he gun, was strapped to her thigh within easy reach if need be the last demon she'd cut with it was dead so it was hungry for a new victim it's whispers seeping into her mind, the gun never talked and for that she was glad the knife alone gave her bad dreams.
Angie had been a Runner for a few years but she was new to Orstenvale having mostly worked on her own out of smaller settlements so she didn't know anyone here, she decided to take this chance to evaluate some of those she might be working with. One was carrying some kind of glowing pistol, clearly magical but his clothes left little of his appearance visible. The next was a big guy with a powerful body but he also seemed kind of weird though, was that a coffin? Finally there was the lady with her back against the wall; she was beautiful in a cold kind of way wielding twin revolvers and not saying anything. Angie coughed accidentally kicking her bag full of explosives. "So..." She started but realised she had no clue really what to say. "Uh... you guys been doing this long?"
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Post by Shift on Jul 28, 2017 15:22:26 GMT
Kyle turned his attention to one of the others, who had coughed. The tapping on the floor ceased as she asked a question. He didn't remember her before, so she was either new to Orstenvale or new to Demon-running. She began to try and ask a question, but it stopped short, before she seeming decided what to say. "Yeah, I've doing this for about seven years, give or take a few months. I'm Kyle, by the way. Kyle Fletcher." He gave a small salute as he gave her his name, with a small smile. "How about you? I don't recall seeing you here before."
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jackygirl
Red Card
My milkshakes bring all the girls to my dungeon
Posts: 704
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Post by jackygirl on Jul 28, 2017 15:33:30 GMT
Angie returns the salute still chewing her tobacco. "I'm Angie, been doing this five years or so mostly small stuff out East but with the Swarm expanding there were fewer and fewer jobs as people moved here so figured I'd follow the crowd." She shrugs. "This is my first job around these parts, any idea what we're in for? Not that I can't handle it but biggest job I ever did was killing these two" She taps her knife and gun. "And I lost a good friend doing it so I'd just like to know what to expect."
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Post by Shift on Jul 28, 2017 15:38:53 GMT
Kyle shrugged, saying, "Sorry, but I don't have much of an idea about it either. We're just going to have to wait until the briefing."
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jul 28, 2017 16:19:20 GMT
Harriet glances over to the voice, seeing a girl addressing her and the other two veterans in the room. She's seen her in the field before, capable but very reckless. She tends to do things her way or the highway and doesn't do well working together with the team. A sure way to get you killed easily... Though that was a year or two ago, so she's strong enough and smart enough to survive this far so perhaps Harriet is judging to quickly. K'varsh would love to jeer and speak down about the girl and how she foolishly kicked the explosives bag, most likely wonder how she hasn't killed herself yet but he's still under Harriet's will, something the demon can never quite work out how to break out of.
"Swarm." Harriet says in a neutral voice, looking at the girl. "The mission is going in their territory. At least, that's what I heard."
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Post by Envy on Jul 28, 2017 16:46:16 GMT
Looking over towards the girl who broke the ice "Me I've been doing this gig for the better half of 14 years." He says to her with his usual deadpan voice. "But who cares about that I'm Michael Simcoe, but people around here call me Butch." His ears peek up when he hears Harriet says there going into Swarm's territory; At the same time the coffin on his back begins to glow red and shakes a little bit, but Michael forces the two to calm down. "If we're going up against Swarm then I should pack a flamethrower just in case!" Said Michael jokingly. Leviathan on the other hand recalls there last encounter with Swarm, and silently reminds Michael about what happened last time they went up against Swarm.
"So, we're going into Swarm's territory this oughta to be fun." He said with a grin.
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Post by Alexodia on Jul 29, 2017 0:07:22 GMT
"What's the matter? Feeling a bit nervous, hmm?"
Struggling for something resembling an acceptable answer, Mazla-Tu fought the impulse to lower their head even further and curl their serpentine form into itself even more in a show of submission as the Demon General Lilith chuckled sadistically, her form bowed slightly as she looked down on the lesser demon, her crooning voice resonating around the room in a deep purr as the grin on her face widened slightly at the show of submission before her.
"Fear not, though; I understand. After all, it isn't every day that one is sent on a veritable suicide mission, don't you think?" Lilith continued as she started to pace leisurely around the lesser demon's form, her steps thudding louder than they should and her voice carrying more dread than any voice ever should, the ghosts of amusement in her otherwise casual tone evident as she circled the lesser demon slowly and deliberately. "You know, they say that Swarm can smell fear as soon as it steps onto his lands. The element of surprise isn't exactly on your side, then."
"With all due respect, Ma'am, my mission is not one that invokes feelings of fear." Mazla-Tu spoke up, hissing slightly as their telepathic message made it into the vicinity of the Demon General hovering above them, keeping their body close to the ground in their show of submission towards their superior and keeping their emotions as discreet as possible to avoid an incident with their indignance and humiliation at having to show such submission towards their superior. In any other situation, the Demon General above them would have discerned their true feelings in no more than a second, but in this circumstance, their true feelings were so varied, running so wild that they didn't deem it likely for the Demon General above them to deign any energy in seeking such feelings out. Even if the Demon General did know, however, it was clear that they considered their particular feelings to be above their concern at the present moment.
"Oh?" Lilith responded, her amused voice taking on a questioning lilt as she raised her eyebrow, entertained by the spectacle. "It should. Remember, there's no running back to Hell to rest up before your little sojourn is done, so you'd better make your actions count."
"I'm the best suited for this mission, Ma'am; despite the dangers. That's why you chose me, after all" They announced telepathically to the Demon General towering above them with a confidence atypical of those literally under the boot of Lilith, even if they didn't quite believe the words they had chosen. "I'll carry out this mission to the best of my ability, and I'll succeed in spite of Swarm's power. I'm a true soldier of the Legion, and I'll make you and our Lord proud." They continued with conviction. Most of it was true, at least; irrespective of the dangers, this was their chance to truly stand out among the Legion and prove themselves worthy of the attention they were beginning to receive from their superiors.
They'd proven themselves time and time again to be one of the most skilled demons in the Legion, but nothing on this level; nothing with this level of risk and subsequent reward. Granted, it was merely a task of locating important supplies and tagging their location for forces of the Legion to extract, but the supplies were extremely deep into the territory of the abomination Swarm; there wasn't a single demon in the Legion that had gone deep into Swarm's territory and returned. Even the Demon Generals would find an extremely tough match in Swarm, but there had never been any reason for them to bother the abomination, given that Hell was not their goal. Until now. Even so, they felt their nerves begin to heighten slightly as Lilith resumed her deep, throaty purr of a sadistic chuckle, measured and deliberate.
"You know, Abaddon thinks...that you're going to die. I think...that he's mistaken." Lilith began again, circling the serpent once more with her hands behind her back, affecting a tone as casual as one would expect from mortals discussing the weather. "I think that you're going to lose everything that you are, and your mind will be very efficiently pulverised as dear old Swarm sinks his hooks into you and pulls you into his little collective. That sounds infinitely more fun than simply 'killing' you, don't you think? So boring and unimaginative, that one, sometimes. Always with the destruction. Although, I can see where he comes from; after all, Swarm isn't the nicest of beings. He was created for such destruction, after all, and he is undoubtedly more powerful than anything you could hope to bring to the table."
They could tell that Lilith greatly enjoyed this; it was what she was known for, after all. Being the most sadistic being in Hell was an extremely prestigious title, and one that in any other scenario would take a lot of effort to maintain in Hell, of all places. Not Lilith; so little even believed her to be a 'natural' demon, so easily sadism and suffering came to her that it was much more plausible to imagine her being specially created by the rulers of Hell in a similar manner to Swarm himself to surpass all other demons in her capacity for cruelty. Everyone broke before she could demonstrate the depths of her depravity, however; demons, mortals, and angels alike. Not even an Archangel proved resilient enough to last long enough for Lilith to reveal just how far her potential for brutality went. Her frustration was clear to all the denizens of the universe, and the higher targets of Heaven and Hell alike knew it was only a matter of time before Lilith turned her sights to prey more powerful and resilient.
"I wonder if Swarm has any use for lieutenants in his collective, hmm? Perhaps you should try and last longer than a split second and try to impress him. Might as well make your demise count for something, after all." Lilith continued, stopping at the serpent's bowed head and lowering the top half of her body at an increasing angle, her hands behind her back and her signature smirk plastered across her lips. "But I've kept you waiting long enough, don't you think? You have a mission to get to. Good luck, little one." Lilith offered coyly, the mocking in her tone faint but starkly clear. "Don't disappoint." She finished, the coy warning in her words evident before she turned on her heels and vanished, conducting her next order of business and leaving the lesser demon alone in the sweltering hot chamber of Hell, the faint, faraway grinding of metal almost lost on their ears as they uncurled themselves and stretched their serpentine body out once more.
Lilith was right, they mused. As hyperbolic as her statements were, their success had to be assured, or else it would mean their death; either through the hands of Swarm or, assuming their failure and return to Hell, the torturings of Lilith before her merciful execution, most likely. They weren't entirely sure which option was more repulsive. All the more motivation to succeed then, they mused once more as they turned around with their serpentine form and headed for the chamber doors towards their area of preparation for the impending mission. They would succeed, and they would prove themselves worthy of the power they were on the brink of receiving, the respect that they were so close to earning. They would do their Generals and their Lord proud, and show them their worth.
And if anybody got in their way, they would burn them all.
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Post by Deaths on Jul 30, 2017 4:34:11 GMT
"Well we don't need no one to tell us what to do." Scorch rocks his head as the music plays through his headphones, he was lucky enough to find this old mp3 player a few years back, and to him it was worth it's weight in gold; and then some. He was able to repair his hand crank generator, without that he'd lost his mind long ago, well maybe more of it. Walks done the halls towards the meeting, flashbacks of old run through his head, a pretty girl with her hair in a ponytail, it was dyed pink she was wearing a black T-shirt of a band who's name escapes him. The lack of memory blurs the image in his mind, the girl smiles and lets out a giggle. "Dude ____!" She says a word, perhaps his real name? No sound comes out and her lips become unreadable. "Mrs. Griffin is going to lose her damn mind when she see's our hair." Her voice is excited like a child breaking the rules for the first time.
Scorch lets out a laugh in agreement, as they walk down the hall the classroom bell rings. "Oh shit! We're late!" The ponytailed girl puts on a face of dread, but then a flirty smile erases the scared expression. "Oh whatever should we do?" She laughs as she grabs a firm hold of "Scorch's" hand and pulls him into their class. He grabs the knob turning it and letting out a playful giggle "Sorry we're late Mrs. Griffin!" He lets out a laugh, but the memories fade as his music snaps him from them. All that lays in front of him are the demon runners old and new, Captain Ambrose stands there not looking amused. Scorch lets out a stupid grin and looks embarrassed by the outburst but lets it go.
Most people were used to his actions by now and just attributed it to his slow hollowing. He walks to the first open seat and sets down his bomb. Kog'maw well what is left of him anyway, is a grotesque stomach pulsating and gurgling it is almost as tall as scorch and nearly as wide. The hind legs of a deer protrude out of the top as they slowly slide inside. A gross gnashing sound can be heard of the belly of the beast eats. "Sooooo hungry." Kog'maw growls in Scorch's head.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." Scorch responds out loud, his music blasting through his speakers anyone nearby would easily be able to hear. Rek'sai was unusually quiet right now and that concerned Scorch though there was nothing to be done about it. He sat with his feet on the desk enjoying the memories the music brings him.
You'll see I'm not the enemy
Just a Prisoner of Society
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jul 30, 2017 22:57:34 GMT
Captain Ambrose nods, satisfied with everybody now present. "Good day, Runners. I'm going to cut straight to the point, as this mission is great importance." He moves to the whiteboard, where a map of the whole region was made post-apocalypse for marking demon routes and territories. He circles in a yellow marker on the outskirts of Swarm's territory. "Here, an abandoned supply of large amount of Skyrian was located. For the new kids who do not know, Skyrian is the metal used by the Angels to forge their weapons and armour. Obtaining this will improve our defences against the demons. There is a good chance it will guarantee protection for our residents, making living a lot more peaceful. This is top priority, which is why I'm putting our best Veterans on the job with the most promising recruits." He points to the circle. "As you can see, this is on the outskirts of Swarm's territory. There hasn't been any reports of attacks in this area lately, but keep your wits about you because that does not mean they aren't roaming it. Take it from the Veterans, if you encounter them then you get the fuck out of there. No playing heroes, you hear?" Some of the Runners give their affirmatives while Harriet just nods silently. "Check your gear and Good luck, people. I hope for our safe return."
With that, some Runners head over to their gear and begin to ready themselves. Harriet checked herself over twice and is confident in her choices. Near her is a new recruit, looking like he is ready to pass out judging from the colour of his skin. Guess the idea of going into the possible territory of a Demon of mindfuckery is not what he was expecting for his first mission. "Scared?" She asks him nonchalantly without looking his way, checking her revolver. In her peripheral vision, she sees the boy nod while looking at her. "Good. Fear keeps you alert, kid." She looks in him the eye as she speaks, most people believe Harriet is incapable of Fear with how she fights. In reality, she does feel fear against some demons. That fear kept her on high alert and fought viciously for survival. It can be a good emotion as well as a bad one.
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Post by Shift on Jul 31, 2017 23:36:23 GMT
Kyle listened intently as Ambrose briefed the runners on their mission. Harriet was right, it seems. Looks like they'd have to get some Skyrian in Swarm's territory. Hopefully they don't have a run in with it on the way.
He ran his hands over his weapons, and got up to grab a sniper rifle he brought along and strapped it to his back. He glanced over at Harriet, who gave some advice to a scared runner on his first mission, and he smiled. He walked over to the newbie, and said, "Just be careful, stay on your toes, and you'll be fine." The boy looked at him in suprise, then nodded gratefully. He went back to his seat, tapping his hands as he did so.
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jackygirl
Red Card
My milkshakes bring all the girls to my dungeon
Posts: 704
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Post by jackygirl on Aug 7, 2017 22:38:28 GMT
Angie's hands tightened on her weapons when she heard they were going into Swarm turf. She hoped the Swarm was there... a good day for revenge. She checked her weapons then her bag full of explosives. "Ready to go." She told the room in general.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Aug 8, 2017 12:31:30 GMT
Within ten minutes, the Runners are all prepared and ready to go. Ambrose explains that they will be splitting into two groups and taking two different paths towards the destination. It makes sense, larger groups attract a lot of unwanted attention from the Demons. Harriet finds herself with the Veterans Michael, Angle, Scorch and Kyle. Some recruits and Ambrose's trusted right hand, Harry, to lead them. Many just call Harry 'kid' due to his youthful appearance, but his experience and skills are anything but below average. Since they were assigned the longer route, they would be taking transport and the second group will hike their way there. Harriet, preferring solitary and something without excessive noise, will be taking her other companion with her on the journey; Celeritas. Cel is a pale white stallion with a luscious mane flowing down the back of his neck. She adopted some time ago while on a tow person scout, losing her partner and having to make it back alone, when she discovered the horse taking shelter inside an the ruins of a former settlement that was probably destroyed by demons. The poor thing was malnourished and close to death when she found him. Showing her barely seen compassionate side, she took the horse to Orstenvale and nursed him back to full strength. Perhaps she saw herself in those glazed eyes of the stallion. A broken shell of their former self, left to die without a place in the world... Cel was very mistrustful of any kind of humanoid, making Harriet believe he was abused and neglected before. Gaining the trust was a difficult task and training him to be rideable even more so, she was bucked off several times and calming him down was worse. But she didn't give up, that determination lead them to now, she is the only one he trusts to ride him and tolerates the rest. A mutual respect is clear between the Angel and stallion.
Placing one foot into a stirrup, she hoists up Cel and swings her leg around other side, hooking her other foot in the second stirrup. He has a pack on the back of him for carrying supplies or to carry a human-sized body, best case scenario that it's an injured Runner. Cel is well equipped for long journeys with food and water in the pack and like his name indicates, his speed is something to witness with awe. Cel snorts with a shake of his head, mane swishing a little from one side to the other with a strange elegance. He is ready to go. Harriet flicks the reigns with an encouraging 'hah' and the two gallop their way to the convoy. With her dual revolvers at her hips and riding a stallion while it's mane flows through the wind, Harriet pulls off the look of an apocalyptic gunslinger. She had to go separately from the others and into the stables to grab Celeritas so it's not surprising to see the small convoy already moving. It consists of a jeep and a large flatbed truck to carry the supplies back. Team 1, if they reach there first, are tasked to secure the area until team 2 arrive and begin loading the supplies. Both teams will then leave together in the convoy, knowing that demons would most likely attack to grab ahold of the treasure trove once it is moved out of Swarm's territory. Harriet and Cel gallop up next to the Jeep in impressive time then slowing down a little to match speeds with the convoy. Harriet hopes that they do not encounter demons on the way for the sake of the recruits, but that's very unlikely. At the same time though, part of her hopes they come across them. Deliver a brutal end that all demons deserve.
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Post by Envy on Aug 8, 2017 14:08:11 GMT
“Ahh this mission getting my blood pumping!” He says with a grin. Looking over the news he spots a few here and a few there that’ll make it out alive. Then again they have me so what’s there to worry, aside from that hive mind fucker. Grabbing his saddle gun, Michael begins to load in the salt rounds, this time hoping not to use them this time since he is running low on them. Picking up his AR-15, he walks out of the room and lits a cig. Opening the his cig case he grabs a Outlaws slims his favorite brand; looking over towards the left-hand side of the case is a picture of her. He always kept it there to remind himself of who he is and not what he is supposed to be. “Hey, Michael you ready to roll out?” Calls out a recruit he’s talked with before in the near past. Quickly closing the case he flashes his trademark grin and yells “I’m always ready to dance with death baby; But, I’m afraid they aren’t the best dancer considering how old and brittle they are!”
Walking over towards the main group looks over towards everyone who is setting up for mission. Harriet who was on her horse that was a graceful sight in a wasteland like this like a rose blooming in the desert. Hopping in the back of the jeep, Michael looks up at the sun and wonder how is swarm will be graceful enough to pay us a visit. Making sure he ready he asks Leviathan to turn into an LMG with a stand so he could lay down fire in case of hostiles. Laying his coffin down next to him he sits there till they are ready quietly smoking away at his cigarette.
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Post by Shift on Aug 10, 2017 20:52:44 GMT
Kyle gets up from his chair, checking over his equipment once more as he does so. He goes over the plan in his head, trying to plan for any scenario. He stops as he looks at Harriet atop Cel, looking as graceful as ever. He walks onward, hopping onto the jeep casually. He unholstered his sniper rifle from his back. He sits down next to Michael, propping up his sniper rifle to scan for any demons, although they'd probably have to go farther for that. He glanced at Micheal, who sat smoking next to him. "As per usual, Butch, you don't show any fear." He grinned as he said so, his mask moving as his lips form the smile. "I'm guessing you're ready?", he asks, his focus unwavering as he scanned ahead with his sniper rifle.
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jackygirl
Red Card
My milkshakes bring all the girls to my dungeon
Posts: 704
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Post by jackygirl on Aug 14, 2017 18:04:34 GMT
Angie was riding on the keep keeping an eye on her explosives and the other on the road behind to make sure no demons fucked the convoy in the ass. She began to hum an old country tune as she fiddled with her weapons. "What's up with Miss High-Horse?" She asked the other two jerking her head. "She's really quiet and seems kind of... off you know?" She was chewing on some gum blowing red bubbles that popped loudly. "Also dude what's with the coffin?" She asked the muscly guy. "You want to make sure you get a proper burial or something?"
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Post by Deaths on Aug 15, 2017 3:54:07 GMT
"Don't worry cutey," Scorch winks at the new girl who's name he never learned, that or he has simply forgotten. "Harrie likes to be all deep and brooding, I'd just ignore her." Strapping Kog'maw into the back of the jeep, Scorch taps on the disgusting stomach lovingly and jumps into the driver seat. Turning the key the Jeep awakens and lets out a proud roar. Scorch shifts into drive and looks over at Harriet. "Hey you two going to be able to keep up? Should I go slower or gun it to the operation?" He ask trying to get this mission on the road.
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Post by Envy on Aug 15, 2017 13:48:14 GMT
Looking over towards Kyle, with a small grin he says “Oh Kyle it may not seem like it but, I’m always afraid. I just never show show it.” He laughs a little bit at his comment. His head pops up as Angie starts to talk; He turns his head over towards his coffin as she inquires about it “First, off Harriet is just like that, but it doesn't make her any different from you or me. In the end, she a runner like all of us!” He says with a hint of Pride, then opening hi mouth a second time he says “Secondly, this thing right here.” He motions towards the coffin. “You shouldn't ask why I have it oh no you should be asking what is inside it. That is the real question you should be asking youngin.” He says smiling at Angie.
Looking over towards Scorch, Michael opens his mouth “Hold your horses boy we'll be out of here in a moment's notice, Also didn't anyone ever tell you not to judge a closed book by it's cover? Now, since our friend he is ready to roll out, let's get this show on the road!” He says trying to get everyone pumped for this op.
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Post by Shift on Aug 15, 2017 15:10:43 GMT
Kyle laughed with Michael as he answered. "That's a good philosophy to have." He looked over to Angie. "Oh, she's just quiet and likes her privacy, at least that's what I'm guessing." He shrugged as he returned his attention to his sniler rifle, putting his eye against the zoom to scout ahead.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Aug 15, 2017 17:45:14 GMT
Harriet glances over to the girl who asked the question about her, but only for a second. In that second, she got a good once over on her. She seemed... Eager, a little too eager like a recruit that doesn't know the dangers ahead. Though Angie is no recruit and witnessed her on other runs. It seems she has a personal vendetta in this run that she wants to settle. Harriet makes a mental note to watch her out there when she acknowledges Scorch's question. "We can keep up." She says in a straight forward way. There is always a slight accent to her words, but it can never be pinpointed to any nationality. At least not with 100% assurance. "Well good. Because we're gonna try and reach the point before the other team and get a head start." Kid, the team's leader, says to Harriet with his trademark smirk. "So floor it, Scorch."
With those words, the convoy is on the move. The jeep leads the head of it followed closely by the flatbed truck, then sandwiched into a protective flank by a pickup truck loaded with the recruits. Harriet and Cel gallop on the roadside, her shemagh scarf pulled up over her mouth and nose with a pair of goggles to protect from the wind and dust. The horse is in his prime, effortlessly matching the speed of the convoy without a falter in his step. The Broken Angel did well to nurse him back to health and turn him into a Stallion that is to be proud of. The journey there, even at high speed, is a long one. Luckily and almost miraculously, hardly any demons were encountered on the way. The group had to hide from a passing flock of flyers and a lesser scout got a little too close for comfort, but was easily shot dead by Harriet before it could try to sound the alarm in any form, accompanied by a backhanded comment on her shot by K'varsh.
An hour later, the team have reached the destination. They are on the outskirts of Swarm's territory. Scouts marked the danger zones with red X's on the ground or walls of the entrance points. Beyond there, they are terrible risk of being spotted and preyed upon by the parasitic demon. "Alright. Leave the vehicles here for now. We find the cargo, create a path for the flatbed and begin loading it up." Kid instructs the team. "Eyes and ears open. You don't want this thing spotting you, else it's most likely game over for you. If you see anything that isn't your team, you hide. Got it?" A few voices of confirmation and nods are the response he is looking. "Alright then. Let's move."
Harriet climbs off of Cel, but does not tie him down into position. The two have a trust for each other that they will not abandon the other, but she has a special request for her companion this time. "If something is up, don't alert me. Just run back to home." She says firmly but with care as she stares into those large and disciplined eyes of his. She knows that Swarm will not overtake Cel but slaughter him on sight if the stallion is spotted, they have no use for animals but do not tolerate them. She is not risking him just to be an alarm bell. With a gentle and affectionate pat on his nose and a snort in response, the two part ways for now. She unholsters one of her revolvers with a twirl while confirming where the hilt of her demonic blade is located on her back. She only uses it when she cannot use her firearms, but it is a weapon of devastating power. A demonic weapon with that power should always be used sparingly, lest it turns against you somehow...
Harriet silently pairs herself up with a recruit as the team ventures inside of the forbidden area. The rookie is the young man who was shaking in his boots back in the briefing. He seems to have got ahold of his nerves now but the over caution reveals the fear is still there. She thought a veteran's presence beside him might keep him in a more stable sense of security, so he remains alert and less likely to jump at nothing.
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Post by Shift on Aug 18, 2017 2:33:46 GMT
Kyle jumped off the jeep, nodding acknowledgment at Kid's instructions. He scanned the area as he did so, strapping the sniper rifle on his back. He looked at Harriet and Cel, where two were having a heartfelt moment. The two's relationship with each other was one that is to be admired, certainly. He headed with the team further into the area, careful to stay alert.
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Post by Envy on Aug 25, 2017 11:44:47 GMT
Michael gets up from the jeep and commands Levi to turn back into a snake and curls around his neck. Jumping off of the back of the jeep, Michael reaches back and grabs his coffin to make sure he has it with him. A faint but low growling emits from the coffin as soon as Michael’s foot touched the earth below him, a small shake to the coffin stops the growling. Looking around at the wasteland, Michael keeps his senses attuned; even the slightest mistake and we’ll end up like her…. Michael pulls another cigarette out and starts to smoke, Leviathan speaks up “So, thinking about her again?” Prying at his memories “No, just keep on guard, I don’t want this mission to be a failure like before.” He whispers to Leviathan. He pulls out a pair of binoculars and scans the surrounding area for any signs of Swarm.
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jackygirl
Red Card
My milkshakes bring all the girls to my dungeon
Posts: 704
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Post by jackygirl on Aug 29, 2017 17:35:00 GMT
"Careful who you call cutey kid," Angie warns Scorch with a devilish grin. "After all I'm the one with all the explosives." To make her point she pulled a grenade from her bag and casually threw it in the air letting it slap back into her palm. "We don't want the shitter blowing up with you inside hmmmm?" She looked over at the woman on her horse and shrugged. "I'll let it be but I dunno something just feels kinda off about her, and I've met some pretty fucked up people out there although" She ran an eye over the other two. "This merry band might take the fucking trophy." She blew another bubble and let it pop loudly. Angie raised an eyebrow. "Ok I'll bite what's in the coffin Mike?"
Angie followed the other two off the jeep swinging her bag of toys over her shoulder and checking her weapons. As she sees Harriet talking to the horse she shakes her head. "Fucking weird," She mutters but takes a position behind Michael watching his back as he scans the horizon trying to ignore his whispering.
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Post by Envy on Sept 1, 2017 13:40:13 GMT
He stops whispering to himself to speak up "You really are dying to know what's in the fucking box? Let's just say it's a very, very, very angry thing that I've trap in this coffin. Well, it seems like it woken up from its slumber and decided you know what fuck this box; And it's highly pissed off at me to where I need to keep this thing under lock and key. So, this is the one warning that'll give you no matter what, don't open the fucking box, unless I say so or if we get attacked by Swarm. I repeat this thing will tear your little heart out. Now that’s done and over with let's get back to the task at hand.” Leviathan slithers from around his neck to the top of his head its jade green eyes stare down at Angie. Their forked tongue flickers out of it’s mouth and retreats back into it’s mouth; Michael says aloud “I know you are looking down on my squad-mate, but its time you to go back to your place.” With Michael saying that he grabs the snake and places back on his neck which turns into a tattoo of a snake trying to choke him. “Now, anymore questions? If not I need to get back to watch duty.” Says Michael putting his binoculars back over his eyes.
“You know you’re bashful at times.” Sings the voice in his head.
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Post by Deaths on Sept 2, 2017 7:15:16 GMT
"Careful who you call kid, hotstuff. I'm older than you." Scorch pauses pulling his left his sleeve down a bit exposing his wrist, black crudely made scratched tattooed words show for a small second. He fixes his sleeve and looks back at the demolition girl. "I think." He mumbles as he watches her walk away, speaking out to that Michael guy. Scorch never paid him any mind, he talked to himself too much. Since Scorch had a habit of talking to himself, he could tell when someone was doing it too much. Grabbing Kog'Maw off the jeep with a grunt he makes a few jokes at the gluttony demon's weight.
"Lets open it!" Rek'sai shouts, while it's listening to Michael's little outburst. "Cooooome on Scorch," He begs like a friend trying to peer pressure someone into smoking for the first time. "One little explosion and the bubble popping bitch will get what she wants." Rek'sai's words begin to creep farther into his head, tempting him even more Rek'sai switches into the form of an RPG. Scorch spins around and begins to raise his weapon, but a moment of clarity stops him. He lowers his weapon and forces Rek'sai into the form of a revolver.
"Don't start with me today remember our deal." Rek'sai goes quiet except for a begrudging whimpers. Scorch made a promise to Rek'sai, and Kog'maw, that if they helped keep him alive, and got his soul back. He would help Rek'sai get her body back, Rek'sai was then allowed to kill Scorch as long as his corpse was fed to Kog'maw. It seemed like a fair deal to all parties. Snapping out of his battle with the demons, he looks up at the others and walks over. Kid had a crude map of the area stretched out, Scorch looked at it from over his shoulder. After a few moments of silence, Scorch points out one of the buildings and speaks up.
"I'll go there, that was a two story chapel. I can hold up there and keep an eye on the horizon." Scorch says with a cold calculating tone. "I can do it alone, or you can send me with one of the regulars." He scans the group trying to pick out who he would prefer to accompany him. "I'm not babysitting a rookie when we are this deep in Swarm country." He looks over at the few rookies and continues to talk. "Any of you guys even know what the Swarm does to you? Listen I've been fighting swarm since it first showed up. There is only two rules when you fight it. Rule number one:" He raises a finger with a seriousness that was rare for him. "You don't attack it. If swarm doesn't attack you it means one of two things. It either doesn't know you're there, or it knows and doesn't give a fuck about you." He cracks a smile while giving his speech. "The swarm doesn't care about us it just wants to do what it wants to do. So if it doesn't see you as a threat, then it won't." He exhales and raises his second finger. "Rule number two: Retreat like hell, and save a bullet for yourself. There are worse things than death kids, believe me I know."
Turning back to Kid he goes over his mission once more. "I'll take firecracker," He points at Angie first, "Or GI Joe." His finger heads towards Kyle. "Or Princess of course." He throws a thumb at Harriet. "But not Undertaker, he talks too much." The irony of saying someone else talks too much isn't lost on him, as he shoots a grimace at Michael. Picking up one of the walkie talkies he leans against part of a wall waiting for Kid's orders.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Sept 15, 2017 18:56:21 GMT
Kid signals the group to hold position as Scorch points out the Chapel. A good vantage point would be useful, a higher chance of seeing the supplies when you have an elevated view. But at the same time, Swarm can spot them easier... The bastard is smart and has eyes almost everywhere... He would need to pick carefully with the squads. If Scorch wants to go up to a vantage point, he might as well take up somebody with a good eye... "Alright, Scorch. If you are getting a view up there, take Kyle and his eyes. Angie, you and the rookie Ryan are with Harry. You'll be taking a headstart to get a layout of the place and routes for the truck while Angie places explosive traps incase things go south. She's a good scout and you're good at doing shit when told to." He gives his signature smirk at his teasing towards her before turning serious again. "Keep in radio contact with Scorch and eagle eyes for a heads up of the paths ahead." Harriet might be creepy as hell at the best of times but she's incredibly useful for getting a lay of the land as well as fighting like a damn badass. Also, Angie has shown reluctance to trust her, more than most rookies but the demo-woman is anything but a rookie. He needs her to at least tolerate her companionship and maybe this little team up will push her into that direction. He also trusts them both to look after the promising Rookie. "Mikey boy, I need you with me and the rest of the crew. We're splitting in two squads and covering ground. Big groups makes us easier to be spotted by Swarm." With everybody got something to do, Kid feels confident in the squad. They are assigned to their strengths and this should make things go smoothly. But that's wishful thinking in the territory of a damn Rogue. "Alright ladies. I don't need to state the obvious, do I? Keep noise to the minimum, move carefully and keep an eye on your surroundings. Get to it!"
Everybody says their affirmative and gets to work on their tasks. Harriet kind of let Scorch's whole 'be scared of the big bad Rogue' monologue, which he has a habit of repeating. She could almost say it alongside him, word for word. He has one for Marbas and Xunderassa too if she remembers correctly. Wouldn't be surprising if there's one for each Demonic General too... She then glances over to the demolitionist after receiving her orders. The young human doesn't like her at all, that much is clear. The former Angel couldn't give two shits if she views her as a sister in arms or a weird psychopath. What matters is that they now need to work together with Ryan, obviously Kid's way of breaking him into the harsh tasks of a Runner while giving him his best chances of living for another day.
"How lovely. Two meat bags that put you on top of their 'friends list'." K'varsh sarcastically says in her mind. "This will be highly amusing. Not that I care in the slightest, but try not to let these ones die in half a second, hmm?" Harriet makes it a point to ignore the demon's backhanded advice and motions with her head to Angie and Ryan to follow closely before crouching low to the ground and moving deeper into the forbidden lands. Eventually, the trio disappear from sight from the others.
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jackygirl
Red Card
My milkshakes bring all the girls to my dungeon
Posts: 704
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Post by jackygirl on Sept 18, 2017 21:10:37 GMT
Angie raised an eyebrow in surprise blowing an extra big bubble, he was a soulless? She'd only ever met a couple before and even then very briefly, they'd seemed very depressed so she'd assumed all their kind were like that but Scorch seemed more lively. Maybe it's just a matter of attitude.
Angie spat out her gum onto the dusty ground, a small pink blob in miles of brown, and nodded in acknowledgement to Kid pulling out some chewing tobacco, which would be less likely to attract attention then bright pink bubble gum, and slipping it into her mouth. She grabbed her bag of tricks checking she'd brought her tripwires and claymores to make traps and slung it over her back. The red haired Runner crouched low following behind the lady she'd dubbed "High Horse". She still felt something was off about Harriett, she'd never met someone that cold but even that wasn't why she was so wary of the tall woman but just staring at her back gave her the chills making her pull her camo jacket closer around her despite the heat and check her weapons were secure. Just to be safe Angie drew her knife from it's scabbard the large bone blade making a quiet "shwww" sound as she pulled it free. She honestly wasn't sure if it was to protect herself from any demons or her supposed teammate. She looked at Ryan next to her. "Never been on a run before?" Angie whispered.
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Post by Shift on Sept 18, 2017 21:33:17 GMT
Kyle listened to Scorch go over his speech again. He had practically memorized it, but it was good for the rookies, so he didn't mind it that much. He took note of where he was planning to go. He smiled a bit as he noticed the irony in the last statement. He made sure to pay attention as Kid went over the pairings. He smirked a bit at his nickname, "Eagle Eyes". He liked it, had a nice ring to it, he mused to himself as he walked over to Scorch. Stopping besides Scorch, he simply says "Hey, Scorch". He kept in mind the warning about unnecessary noise. He kept his sniper rifle close as he stopped next to him, knowing they'd be the main look outs.
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