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Post by Deaths on Dec 10, 2016 15:54:44 GMT
There was this sinking feeling, was it his stomach, or his heart? Maybe all of him just wanted to shrink away, turn into a little mouse, and run. What the fuck was he thinking of course now wasn't the time to say something like that. Tired of apologizing, tired of feeling sorry for himself, he got up and walked away. Sigeberht had apparently shown up, giving him a small nod he limps by. Going through the camp was different this way time around, the mood was better morale was higher,and a lot of the men were drinking singing songs, and enjoying life. Heading towards the medic tent an old voice called Artorias.
"You look like hammered shit boy!" It was Augustine an old knight now mostly retired, not a soldier around here hasn't gone through his boot camp at one point or another. Artorias smiles at the comment, and approaches the old man.
"War does that to you. I know it's been a long time since your swords been used so you must have forgot. Also when was the last time you were in a battle?" He snipes back at the old man. Grabbing a cub of ale and sitting by the fire with the rest of the men.
"Oh the young lad has jokes everyone." Augustine announces. "So what happened to your head? Sera finally have enough of your shit?" His comment hitting closer to home than he realizes.
A fake look of merriment overcomes Artorias, he takes a gulp of his ale, and looks over the crowd. "If you must know, I was shagging quartermaster Marcus' sister...you know the ugly one. Anyway I was plowing his sister, when their dad walks in, and starts beating my ass. It turns out it was his turn, and I cut him in line." He gives a chuckle as all the men around laugh, Marcus especially.
"Where have you been I don't see a rabbit with you?" One of Sigeberht men spoke up.
"Oh yeah I went rabbit hunting, and caught a rat instead." A confused look falls across the crowd wondering what he meant. Artorias goes on in length, about how the boy was a spy and how he was personally responsible for stopping him. Seconds turn to minutes as more drinks are shared, more insults flung, and more stories told. Augustine's song finished some old song he sang in his day when Artorias drunkenly starts one.
Little drunken Wilhelm wants to be a solider
Little drunken Wilhelm far away from home
On his way to muster, finds a little tavern
Little drunken Wilhelm has a few too many
Little drunken Wilhelm meets a pretty barmaid
And the pretty barmaid, she takes him upstairs
Little drunken Wilhelm feeling slightly legless
Little drunken Wilhelm can't get it up now
Hurries back on downstairs, to the sound of laughter
Little drunken Wilhelm finds an angry Sera
Little drunken Wilhelm flees from the tavern
While he's running blindly, runs into Artorias
Artorias takes him home and thwacks him on the head.
A chorus of drunken cheers erupt as the men take turns modifying the song in there own way. Drink after drink Artorias feels much more relaxed, maybe this wasn't the worst day of his life after all. A true smile falls over him as he joins in on the singing.
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Post by Serph on Dec 10, 2016 16:06:15 GMT
Sera didn’t flinch away from the loathing expression on the boy’s face. She didn’t need to be psychic to figure out what he wanted done to her. Maybe not all the details, but it wasn’t hard to catch the gist. Her face never shifted from its blank expression as she watched him. Her moment of observation didn’t last long when she finally heard Sig’s voice. How he got here faster than the medic was a bit of a mystery, well unless they ignored her since she had no real authority here, but she figured since these people recognized Artorias they might care a bit that he was bleeding everywhere out from his head. Still she shifted her gaze from the hate filled child beneath her and instead turned her gaze to the general. Her ears picking up the sound of Artorias limping off, but she forced herself to stay focused.
“Oh yes, certainly,” she waved off in a fake cheerfulness, a rather evident sign of how done with this entire escapade to anyone who knew her. “This one here,” she said gently rolling the head of the boy under her hand a cm or so for emphasis, “was being a nice little wealth of information and we thought it a shame not to share.” She continued, before dropping her cheery tone and lowering her voice so no eavesdroppers could pick out her words. “He’s the messenger for a ‘King Jaeger’. Jaeger apparently overthrew the men at Fort Daxio and took out Hitchen’s forces who were en route here as reinforcements. Supposedly Jaeger is using some sort of magical spears that has helped him take victories. News of such hasn’t been spreading because Jaeger made sure any witnesses were dead or prohibited from leaving the country, but that’s evidently not going to be the case soon enough. Our friend was kind enough to let us know back at the Seven Cats tavern, if we kept to the road we’d see these weapons ourselves soon enough.” She finished trying to force out every scrap of information she had retained from their encounter before she forgot it. It was a messy and choppy delivery at best, but it would do she hoped. Still she can’t help but feel like she’s forgetting something…. “Oh and I’m pretty sure whoever is coming is going to be arriving in the area around the tavern tomorrow,” she continued, remembering what the child had said to Artorias after he’d freed him, My King will be coming soon, he'd want to meet with you , meet me back at the Seven Cats tavern tomorrow night. She was fairly certain that was actually all of it, or at least what she could remember at the moment.
“Seemed important enough for a small detour,” she said with a shrug. “And he’s here,” she said tapping the boy’s head lightly with her index finger, “in case you wanted to try to get a bit more information out of him,” she said, though the idea of using him as a trade for something wasn’t off the table in her head. If Jaeger actually cared about protecting his personal messenger at all, then he might be helpful for something later down the line, but she kept that to herself for now. “He gave a couple miscellaneous comments about the leader’s mental state too, but otherwise you should have just about everything,” she said.
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Post by Raz on Dec 10, 2016 17:00:05 GMT
At the head of the column rides Adrian Sanada. Dressed in the typical attire of a Kleinburgian officer. His black peaked cap and his grey uniform certainly differed from the norm of the time. Often people of importance are dressed in fantastical attire to show their rank and station. This tradition has allowed for the forces of Kleinburg to eliminate the nervous system of Hitchens force. Those in charge were removed first, once they were gone the battle was won. The soldiers of the Empire aren't fighting because they want to. It's because they had to. Most would much rather be on their farms rather than on a battlefield against a foe determined to fight tooth and nail for their homes.
Adrian felt concerned that his Lord was taking such aggressive measures so soon but he supposed the surprise their new weapons will be to the enemy was their biggest weapon at the moment. As of now the plan was a simple one. Create a defensive line and then one behind that. The infantry would be butchered in their assaults which they'll have to undertake since they'll be under constant bombardment from the mountains as well as from Jaeger's own guns. Assault and try to break through or be whittled down to nothing. Elements of the Kleinburgian military were trying to get in contact with the Wolf. If they could encircle the camp then the noose only begins to tighten. However, they'll need to break the enemies spirit. Offers of safety will be offered to the soldiers of the empire if they surrender. These who surrender will be able to walk free. This will be extended to officers as well. The trick after all is to make them believe that there is a way out, cornering this many men and forcing them to fight to the death was folly. Feeling in need of something to distract his thoughts, he said. "Give voice my friends. Let the voice of the Fatherland be heard."
As if on Que the entire army picked up a tune in the language they had been discouraged from using.
Auf der Heide blüht ein kleines Blümelein Und das heißt: Erika. Heiß von hunderttausend kleinen Bienelein Wird umschwärmt Erika. Denn ihr Herz ist voller Süßigkeit, Zarter Duft entströmt dem Blütenkleid Auf der Heide blüht ein kleines Blümelein Und das heißt: Erika.
2. In der Heimat wohnt ein blondes Mägdelein Und das heißt: Erika. Dieses Mädel ist mein treues Schätzelein Und mein Glück, Erika. Wenn das Heidekraut rot-lila blüht, Singe ich zum Gruß ihr dieses Lied. Auf der Heide blüht ein kleines Blümelein Und das heißt: Erika.
3. In mein'm Kämmerlein blüht auch ein Blümelein Und das heißt: Erika. Schon beim Morgengrau'n sowie beim Dämmerschein Schaut's mich an, Erika. Und dann ist es mir, als spräch' es laut: Denkst du auch an deine kleine Braut? In der Heimat weint um dich ein Mägdelein Und das heißt: Erika.
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Post by silent15 on Dec 10, 2016 17:18:05 GMT
"Did our new friend mention anything about the nature of these enchantments? Sigeberht asked, keeping his voice low as well, "Either way, knowing where they are going to be tomorrow is good, we can make use of that." Already, he was considering the feasibility of ambushing Richthofen's forces en route, now that he knew where they would be. They would have to both plan and move on it quickly before this window of opportunity closed, but the chance to catch an enemy army in a marching column was too good to pass up.
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Post by Serph on Dec 10, 2016 18:38:19 GMT
“Not anything other than what I’ve already told you. He’s most likely seen one of the weapons, but whether he’s seen it used is another matter entirely,” she continued in her hushes tone. “Though you’re more than welcome to try and have someone get the information out.” She already knew well enough from how hard the child had been thumping his head against the wood, or well attempted to, that he was anticipating something close to downright violence. It showed good insight into what interrogation stories are being passed around by him, but there were other ways to get information besides outright violence. Sera eyed her bag for a moment, before returning her gaze to Sigs. She could already see the wheels turning in his head as he plotted. She worried a tad about the tavern information, but considering his confidence in being with an ally, she was fairly sure he honestly believed that the forces were arriving around there. It might also explain why he was hanging around so deep in enemy territory, well unless Jaeger was planning on leaving his personal messenger to who knows what kind of fate.
She half expected to be cross examined when bringing in the information. In fact she was expecting it. So much so that she wasn’t sure what to actually do now that she was done just reporting what she’d learned. Ears twitching, she took her time to actually look around her. She was rarely in the Queen’s army camps to begin with and she wasn’t even born the last time the Forest Elves fought a war. Suffice to say it was almost confusing to look at what was going on. Soldiers running everywhere to either go drink or train or carrying something. An angry snort broke her train of thought as Nan tried to get her attention. She seemed very unhappy about still being hooked up to the wagon still. Sheriff at least had the dignity to wait patiently, even if his ears twitched every now and then while he waited. “Well, I really hope someone here knows how to unhook a horse or two from a wagon,” she mumbled more to herself than anyone else as she remembered Lone had been the one to set it up in the first place. She hadn’t even been able to see him set the horses up in it, so no matter how much Nan swished her tail or snorted at her, she really couldn’t help the poor horse out.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 11, 2016 3:45:17 GMT
The celebration was in full swing, as Artorias sat there still in muddy clothes, he turned to the old knight. "Hey I'm gonna leave have some 'heretic bullshit' to do, can I borrow your dagger?" The old knight never liked his witchcraft,and when he was a child he tried to beat it out of him, to no avail. A sigh and a nod are his response as he hands the blade over. "Thanks I'm going to assume you won't want it back." After a thankful glance he goes to find somewhere more quiet. Walking the camp was quite peaceful it reminded him of home. The tents were similar to their huts, soldiers drank and sang just like the warriors. Priest pray for favor just like home. A small campfire sits alone only embers now almost cold with a faint glow.
Dragging a few logs over he places them over the last flickering soul of the flame, with a wave of a hand he brings it back to life. Sitting cross legged he removes his muddy over shirt, feeling better immediately, he continues with his chain mail and undershirt. Showing the world his burned and scar covered body, he stretches inhaling deeply he begins to relax. The cuts and burns were never anything serious, just offerings to the flame. The circle burn the size of a closed fist was still proudly displayed on his sternum. He earned that mark, passing his test, and becoming a true acolyte of the sacred flame. As the fire dances temptingly he closes his eyes and speaks in the cursed tongue.
"Izalith grant me forgiveness for I have let darkness into my mind and into my soul." He begins to pray aloud. "I offer all I can to you in hopes you hear my words." He grips the dagger with his left hand sliding it down the blade, then cupping the blood in his hand. He throws the blood into the fire and starts chanting again. "Blood is all I have, blood is all I can give. For the flame I give all." He repeats the ritual with his right hand throwing the blood in the fire. Dragging the point of the blade from the back of his right hand to his elbow he pleads again. "I ask for clarity in my decisions." Mirroring the cuts he continues "I ask for courage." Taking the dagger to his face he cuts lightly down his left cheek. "I ask for forgiveness of those I've let down." He pauses for a few second and places the dagger to his right cheek. "I ask for the power to destroy my enemies." Hypnotized by the flame, he mediates calming everything in his mind and spirit. His body though tired and broken feels better. A wave of peacefulness washes over him. In this state he begins to cut his torso randomly offering more and more to the great witch in the hopes she answers him.
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Post by Raz on Dec 11, 2016 19:49:19 GMT
The wind was howling causing the trees to shake and bend against its might. Christo had been riding for weeks through what felt like every swamp, mountain pass and forest that this world had. He'd been sent with the task of contacting the Wolf and his people. At least that had been his mission when he left, but that felt like a life time since then. He's done many things he never expected to do on this mission. Hiding in the dead corpse of a horse to avoid being spotted by a raider group. Saving a village from an enormous bear, had to use one of his precious rounds for that one. Which was an extremely dangerous thing to do when he had so few. He has to demonstrate what this weapon can do for the rebels after all. The villagers rewarded him with a new horse, an old grey nag that looked like she'd fall over at any moment. But a horse nonetheless. Now that he was behind the frontline though, he was finally able to see his objective within s- Just like that the old mare simply gave out, it collapsed onto the ground. Luckily for Christo he was able to pull his legs free before the poor thing up and quit. He hit the ground as she did, with a thud. He removed his equipment and supplies and sighed. The rebel camp was still eight miles away. Sure he won't be in danger being attacked by Imperials but still....more walking.
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Post by Alexodia on Dec 11, 2016 22:01:51 GMT
Striding through the main entrance into the camp once more with a slight limp, Saira effortlessly kept her expression arrogantly cheery while simultaneously sending the most amount of venom towards her knight striding besides her as she could, whom to her credit was also effortlessly looking like she hadn't just beaten the crap out of her Lady for retribution of her earlier actions. As she headed back into camp and went to go to her tent however, she rather quickly took note of a carriage in the middle of the road, Sigeberht standing next to it engaged in intense conversation with an elf decked out in uniform. Turning her head to the side slightly in confusion to look at Clea, she was unnerved to see Clea looking just as perplexed about the entire situation; the entire thing seemed to be kept out of her loop. Which either meant that Sigeberht had suddenly become a much better liar than she had imagined since she had last seen him, or this entire thing was unscheduled. Changing her pace and direction to head towards the tent with Clea closely behind, she headed over to the carriage with soft but large steps, her eyes focused on the back of the tent. Deliberately ignoring the increasingly raucous sounds of the soldiers from the other tents, she covered up her condescension by substituting it for curiosity of the situation in front of her, having reached the back of the carriage with Clea sharply in tow, Sigeberht and the Forest Elf still engaged in conversation, too deeply to notice either of them arriving at the tent. Stepping forwards and sharply moving the curtain to the side to view exactly what was of so much interest, Saira felt her eyes widen in shock as she saw a small child bound in the back of the carriage, his head lolling side to side slightly in delirium. As the kid continued to moan, she felt her mouth drop open slightly in surprise. That was the kids voice; the messenger kid that had disappeared before. He was back; and apparently not in the best position. Her eyes darting to the side as she regained control of herself, she saw Clea's expression frozen into one of shock similar to hers, unmoving. As she raised her eyebrow at her companions expression, she realised that Sigeberht and the elf were still lost deep in discussion, and she let out a shrill, loud whistle from her lips; shocking Clea out of her daze and undoubtedly alerting Sigeberht and the elf to their presence.
"Would someone care to explain to me..."She began, her voice dangerously low. "...Exactly what is going on here?"
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Post by Raz on Dec 11, 2016 22:22:24 GMT
Wilhelm opened his eyes once more only to see the elf who had shouted at him before was staring at him in slight surprise. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to run away from her. To get away as fast as he could. He tried to, which only resulted in his limbs beginning to twitch frantically as he tried to shrink away from her. He clenched his eyes shut tight and looked away. His pleas for help turning now into terrified whimpers.
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Post by silent15 on Dec 11, 2016 23:06:09 GMT
Sigeberht looked up to see Sairahiniel standing over them. "That was pretty much my reaction when I saw this." he answered, before shrugging and elaborating, "Turns out our new friend here was getting whammed at the Seven Cats and running his mouth about a certain "King Jaeger" when Sir Sera here and Sir Artorias walked in. They then decided that he should act like a proper messenger and share all the news he had with us." Walking close to Sairahiniel, he lowered his voice and continued. "Honestly there wasn't much to hear, beyond talk about some sort of "magical spears" which sounds to me like the ramblings of a drunkard. But one thing he did say was that Richthofen is going to be passing through the Seven Cats area tomorrow. If there's an opportunity to take him unawares, that may well be it."
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Post by Deaths on Dec 12, 2016 5:25:11 GMT
The dagger falls from his hand, and splats into the mud. He doesn't feel it slip through his hands, his body is stiff and his mind is gone. For a moment there is only darkness and silence, but an explosion of fire comes into existence. The warmth washes away his fears,only good memories remain. The scent of his mother's stew, his father sitting in front of the hearth singing about Ragnar the red. Karla laughs mockingly as she blows fire into Artorias' face. The first time he met Sera. When Curtis and his wife Martha, bought him his first sword. The time Sera went out into the woods for seven hours, just to find a flower to make a medicine for him. The day of his knighting ceremony. Getting accepted into the queens guard. All the long horse rides Sera and him have had together,just spending the time talking.
A snake made of fire slithers towards him, it curls around him resting comfortably. The flames dance enticingly calling him to join the kindling. To join his ancestors and rest in the ancient flame. He refuses and tries to stand,but the snake squeezes tightly around him. He pulls away breaking the body of the snake. The fire dims, and the dark returns. Whispers fill his ears, words about people he doesn't know. Tales of places he's never seen. The world spins fast and faster, as it spins around him. A sense of vertigo fills him, as he stumbles through this black world. He falls backwards hitting the ground hard, and the world leaves him. Artorias' body falls back his head hitting the dirt. He lays still unresponsive to the outside world.
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 0:28:46 GMT
The sun was beginning to disappear into the distance when Christo reached the outskirts of the rebel camp. He was huffing as he had been jogging the way to the camp. Wooden stakes were positioned around the camp to protect the vulnerable tents inside. In the valley beyond was a muddy battlefield where corpses of the dead are left to rot. Neither side was looking to lose more men to enemy archers as they tried to retrieve their fallen. Not that it's stopped some unfortunate bastards from trying to recover their wounded or dead. These poor individuals were turned into pin cushions by the many wooden shafts that pin them in place. The crows were taking advantage of the lull in the combat, however groups scatter every now and then as someone from either side fires at them. Christo couldn't help but feel sick to his stomach at the sight of it. With these new weapons, battles such as this will end fast enough that long drawn out conflicts like this will be things of the past.
"Or at least I hope so." He says as he straightened back up. He marched a bit farther until he saw the arrow plant itself in the ground before him. "State your business!" He heard from somewhere behind the wooden pallisade. "I'm here to see the Good Wolf. I'm an envoy from an interested third party." He shouted back.
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Post by projectekertest33 on Dec 13, 2016 4:29:26 GMT
Felix opened the Good Wolf's tent flap and let out a long sigh. "I did recommend you stick to three flasks a day." P33 let out a long groan. "Block out the sun and keep quiet please my head feels like a cavalry brigade ran through it." "There is a messenger to see you sir the pickets found him he claims to be from 'an interested third party' and refuses to say anything further to anyone except you." "Probably another sodding merc company wanting to rob us blind and bugger off at the first sign of trouble." "Possibly sir but I don't think so he doesn't seem the type."
The Good Wolf let out a grunt and got up from his bed before staggering the room spinning around him. "I have taken the liberty of preparing a bowl of water for washing sir and your favorite hangover cure." Felix held out a full flask of Ursine whiskey. P33 took it and took a large mouthful feeling it burn down his throat. Felix had been born to a noble family's butler which was were he'd picked up his impeccable manners, some of the militia didn't trust Felix or even made fun of him for his "high-born ways" but they normally stopped after they'd seen him fight. When Felix was eight he'd been chosen as his his lord's son's whipping boy. The first time he'd been whipped for the young noble's crimes he'd attacked the guard whipping him leaving the sod badly injured. After that he'd been kicked out of the castle and joined up with the army where he'd found an outlet for his repressed anger whilst his intelligence had quickly seen him promoted. He'd been P33's aide-de-camp for five years and there was no one he trusted more.
Once the Good Wolf was respectable enough for guests the messenger was shown into his tent. Felix gestured for him to take a seat at the simple wodden table opposite the Wolf who watched him intently before asking. "Well you've been very secretive with my friend here so why don't you tell me what it is you want."
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 4:45:27 GMT
Christo had been waiting with his pack in his hands, waiting for P33 to arrive. It was an odd name though it wasn't nearly as odd as he himself was. Christo had been expecting a feral looking man with unkempt hair. The usual hardened soldier look. Instead he found himself staring up at a six foot tall wolf in man's clothing. His coat was a dark grey yet it was his face that really caught his attention. He wasn't simply covered in fur, his body was completely different from normal humans. His elongated muzzle moved up and down though Christo didn't catch the creatures words. He was quick to regain his composure though hesitant to extend his hand. "My name is Christo Ortega. I come representing the interests of Lord Jaeger Von Richthofen of Kleinburg. We wish to form an alliance between our two causes. I also bring a gift as a show of friendship." He removes from his duffle bag a long wooden rifle with intricately carved patterns of a pack of wolves hunting a rabbit.
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Post by projectekertest33 on Dec 13, 2016 4:53:00 GMT
The Good Wolf raised an eye-brow as he took the gift. "I approve of the decoration but I must admits I don't a clue what this damn thing is. Additionally I thought Governor..." "Hitchens, sir." Interjected Felix from the corner. "Right Hitchens controlled Kleinburg and last I heard he was loyal to the crown, nominally at least the old man seemed to prefer to stay out of this war. So who exactly is Lord Jaeger, I have a very good spymaster and I've never heard of him."
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 5:07:00 GMT
"As of right now Govenor Hitchens is likely being dealt with by those new weapons as we speak. Our forces are all equipped with weapons such as those. No force that the Empire fields can even begin to attempt to match the destructive power that we have unlocked. I could give you a demonstration if you'd like, perhaps after this meeting."
"As for my Lord. He is the sole heir of the Von Richthofen bloodline. They were the family that originally held that land before the Empire snatched it up many years ago. We've been consolidating power for the last few years in preparation for this day. Now, the reason why you haven't heard of him is because we've been a relatively unimportant force for the last few years. I don't fully believe anyone expects any resistance from us. Also you're agents have likely been found if you sent them to Kleinburg. He's...very perceptive of those who aren't on his side."
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Post by projectekertest33 on Dec 13, 2016 5:18:33 GMT
"Is that so." Said P33 skeptically. "Well I think I will have to send a missive to Jacky regarding this." He attempted a grin although this was clearly some idiot come to waste his time. He stood up and took a metal stein from his cupboard before filling it with whiskey from his flask and placing it in front of his guest. "Have a drink, it's good Ursine Whiskey it'll make your hair white and your teeth curly." He picked up the odd gift again "So this is a weapon is it? May I ask how it works." He put his eye to the opening, his thumb resting against the bit that looked like a trigger from a crossbow, but all he could see was darkness. "I can't even see an arrow."
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 5:29:11 GMT
His eyes widened in surprise as he dove and yanked the weapon out of his hands as he pulled the trigger. The discharge was louder than any sound P33 had ever heard. With the gun that close to his face and enhanced hearing, it was probably ten times as loud as it was for Christo. He sighed as he set it down against the tent. If only it was this easy to kill the Imperials, that would be a laugh. He looked to the side of the tent and saw that the round had punched through a shield that had been hung on the wall. He gestured at the hole punched clean before he poured himself a glass of the ursine whiskey. A sly smile on his face. "Certainly. As you can see, when you pull the trigger after loading it it discharges the weapon. It punches harder than an arrow and is devastating in large numbers."
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Post by projectekertest33 on Dec 13, 2016 5:51:37 GMT
The Good Wolf had to bite his lip to stop himself from screaming, what a noise! Combined with P33's hangover it felt like someone had dropped an anvil on his head! Felix was probably had it almost as bad, demi-foxes had even more sensitive hearing then wolves and Felix was crouched in an attack position his eyes darting around with that look he got normally just before he bit someone's face off. The messenger seemed to be saying something though P33 couldn't tell what but as he looked around he saw that his shield now had a hole punched clean through it. He couldn't help himself he started howling with laughter surprising two of his personal guard who had just rushed in to to investigate the noise. "You say your lord has LOTS of these lad? Well then consider me very interested, very interested indeed..."
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 5:56:51 GMT
Christo's grin only grew as he saw the man's reaction. "He not only has many thousands more, but he has different versions and bigger ones. What was fired from that rifle was a little bit bigger than a marble. Imagine a weapon that can fire one the size of your head. Now imagine that very same weapon times twenty-five and all of them are aimed at the Imperials. Then you begin to see what we have to offer. We can offer as many of these weapons as you could possibly desire. However we need to destroy the imperial camp first."
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Post by projectekertest33 on Dec 13, 2016 6:08:26 GMT
The Good Wolf sat back in his chair his eyes focused on the middle-distance. It was if he could see the ways of war changing. Unarmored peasants would have weapons capable of killing fully armored knights, castles could fall in mere months instead of taking years to be starved out everything would be different. If ever there were weapons that symbolized the revolution these were the ones. Still haste makes waste take this slowly look for the hidden catches, the traps and the tricks and NEVER trust someone until you were sure of where there loyalties lay. "That I can most certainly do if we are assured of Kleinburg support I can pull in my reserves that were watching your border, nothing personal but your countrymen were technically allied to the crown. However I must be sure that this isn't a trick... what does your lord want and why now?"
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Post by Serph on Dec 13, 2016 6:13:25 GMT
Sera watched the generals go to confer, raising an eyebrow as Sigeberht seemed to lean over to whisper to his fellow general. Sera raised an eyebrow at the two, but said nothing. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out what was happening right here. Still she might as well take it as her cue to leave at this point. Stepping away from the generals she stepped easily back into the wagon to grab her bag and Artorias’s things that he’d abandoned in his haste to get away. Considering he’d seem to hurt his ankle she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d managed to even get to a medic. Considering he had a head injury from tripping over a rock and then made jokes about it, she wouldn’t doubt he’d managed to trip on the way to the medic, and then instead of getting up or letting others help him, he’d make jokes about his fall. Oh could she ever see it. Dead in an army camp from tripping over god knows what where everyone who tries to help gets a joke and laughs before walking off assuming he’s just fooling about instead of not being able to get up. His head wound opens, more jokes and then he bleeds out. She could see it now.
….
She wasn’t actually foolish enough to believe that, but she was pretty sure he would do something stupid when left to his own devices. He’d already done many stupid things that day when left to his own devices and at this point she wasn’t sure why she let him wander off alone anymore. With a sigh she finished gathering her things and glanced back at the small child, still tied to the wagon. Well he probably shouldn’t be in here much longer, but she still had no idea where to actually put him. It was tempting to think of just slipping off and leaving him for the generals to deal with though….
Refocusing on her task, she set about to dealing with the boy. She was about to untie the rope holding him to the wagon when she paused. It was dangerous to let him see things in camp right? Taking out a few extra bandages, she snipped some off and made a quick blindfold out of the clothes, tying it tightly before finally going for the ropes tying the boy to the wagon. Much better. Grabbing the extra rope and the boy, she managed to pick both up without much trouble. He was more like a squirmy bag of potatoes than anything else, though the rope was a tad annoying and scratching. Still, she carried him bridal style out so he couldn’t head butt her, and depositing him carefully almost immediately by Clea’s feet, smoothly moving upright and out of the knight’s reach in one motion. Smiling cheerily she locked eyes with the knight, speaking softly enough to avoid catching the general’s attention, “No backsies,” and she was off. The boy and wagon acting as natural blockers for the knight and generals respectively as she slipped off, using the wagon to help block their view of her as she sprinted away before slowing to a casual hop and step into a clump of soldiers, matching her step quickly to the step of a man much larger than herself to avoid visibility from the side and taking an immediate left between two tents to get away. She’s sure they saw her slip in with the soldiers, it was only a matter of did they see her slip out. Even so, she had a head start, a fast sprint and decent enough stealth skills that she was pretty sure she could avoid detection if she snuck around enough in her search for Artorias. Now she’d just need to find him.
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 14:42:20 GMT
This whole thing was going rather well so far. He'd convinced the good wolf of the effectiveness of Jaegers weapons. He certainly has him on the hook when it comes to their off, though now comes the bargaining and attempts at ensuring loyalty. "Wolf I can ensure you that, had we wanted your destruction, we would've been distributing our weapons to the Empire years ago. This insurrection would never have happened if we didn't want it to happen. That alone should he enough cause for you to not believe we bear you any ill will. Otherwise, why would I be here right now? If you're thinking we were going to fight you for the empire once this is done you are sadly mistaken. We have no wish for an Empire. We may take lands outside of Kleinburg but nothing substantial. To be perfectly honest, once this battle is finished we may withdraw from the war entirely and simply send your soldiers our equipment."
He almost laughed at the mention of the soldiers on Kleinburgs borders. "Ah yes, those rascals. Surely you understand that if you were to assault us from this direction you're going to be marching through swamps and into lines of these rifles? Not to mention that there simply isn't enough of them there to do anything aside from raiding. We both know that you have the vast majority of your forces engaged with the empire here. So let us dispense with the threats and formalities. Will you join with us to crush the Empire?"
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Post by Envy on Dec 13, 2016 17:26:13 GMT
Blue ears reads over the report provided to him by one of his many spies that are out in the field at this time, reading over it one of his spies in the loyalists "From hearing around from drunkards and higher-ups reported that the queen was missing, and some recent rumors are here that former king jaeger haves called out for there help." Opening another report this time news on the rebels "My, sir I have found out plans for the revels the "good wolf" is visiting jaeger to aside from that, I'm still looking for more plans and kept secrets. My, sir have a good marrows rest. My the thieves guild & the black hand live on throughout the ages"
Drinking from a silver goblet on his oak table Ears starts to think to himself "So he starting to show his way in this war either way we need to chose a side anyways to pull off this coup. I'll need to send word to Spade to get his word on these matters at hand, aside from this jaeger needs to be watched and I must know what he is doing!" Accompanied by his door open in walks a hooded person he looks at them to say "Alright jackal I need you to go and find out where the king of spades and bring him to me if you would. The last of his whereabouts were around Ashford because I sent him a carriage so that he could finish a job so go fore and find that schmuck. If you happen to run into "King" Jeager get info on him will you please." The tracker wonders off to find out where Senbo is and what Jaeger is up to.
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Post by projectekertest33 on Dec 13, 2016 18:11:28 GMT
This alliance was very beneficial and seemed to be solid but P33 had long ago learnt that the only alliances that really worked required mutual benefit and mutual respect and right now he didn't feel much respect coming from the messenger who in fact seemed to be looking down on him. "Oh please indulge me my friend in one small threat." The Good Wolf's grinned showing of his fangs to full effect. "You see we carnivorous anthropomorphs have combat essentially built into our physiology from back in the olden days when everything was about survival of the most vicious and every so often one of us is born who's mind and body aare a bit of a throwback to that time, we call them half-ferals. Take my friend Felix here for instance." P33 gestured to his aide who had resumed his quiet vigil in the corner but the blood-lust had not completely faded from his eyes. "I once saw him rip a squad of knights right out of their armor despite having no less then three arrows and at least one sword stuck in him at the time. They say the only way to kill a half-feral in their blood-lust is decapitation and even then stand well back for at least a minute afterwards. Only one-in-a-thousand are born with half-feral and most never discover their talent as it generally requires a very strong emotional stimuli to awaken. Felix is one of five half-ferals under my command, the others are currently tending to business elsewhere. If your lord betrays me I will send all five of them to take his head now they probably wouldn't make it back alive and I'd hate to lose them but if he backs me into a corner I will let them loose and he will certainly die. I do hope it won't come to that but just consider this my... insurance. Now!" The Good Wolf clapped his hands to break the tension breaking into a genuine smile. "Shall we get down to strategy?"
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Post by Raz on Dec 13, 2016 18:33:51 GMT
This being believed it was so clever. Ferals as he described them certainly sounded intimidating if it wasn't for the fact that they need only be shot once for them to be rendered immobile. Swords and arrows are all well and good but they are piercing weapons that harm only the area in which they reside. What the wolf fails to realize is that the exit wound from one of these weapons is so much more grizzly than that of conventional weapons. That isn't counting in the case of the ball splitting apart upon impact either. But best to leave him in his fantasy realm of power. What good would it do to shatter his confidence? Christo broke into a smile of his own at the mention of strategy. "Ah, excellent. That would be lovely. Before we start the movement of troops I'd first like to know how many you have here, what their equipment is like, morale, rations. I need to know everything if we're to coordinate the strike in a manner that will ensure our victory."
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Post by Envy on Dec 13, 2016 18:46:20 GMT
Walking out of an alleyway in Innistrad a hawk comes soaring down on the tracker's shoulder "Seems like you've have a good time Genghis." Says the tracker pulling her hood off to reveal long white hair accompanied by two elven ears. Hopping into a unintended carriage she sends her hawk off to find him while she starts her journey to Ashford.
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Meanwhile, in Ashford "Say are you sure the king is here Sheils? Asks a big bounded man. To which a muscular woman whips back with "Yes you oaf I saw him enter here with someone else a while back, Lug if we're able to catch him and get the money we'll be able to get whatever we want let alone we could even use to help the good wolf in this war!" Says Shelis as she looks over his gear.
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Post by Deaths on Dec 14, 2016 4:38:54 GMT
Boneshaker sat calmly as it always did. Eygon's ramblings about how they should do some raiding earlier, about how he needed a ninth wife, were becoming an annoyance. Eygon was a liability now, like so may chiefs before him, they needed to see real power to understand they are nothing without Boneshaker. Staring into the fire Boneshaker's breathe begins to slow, it's body stiffens as it enters the world of the mind. Blackness surrounds him as a small flame appears though it is black with a white edge around it. Firesighting was a hard skill for any pyromancer, most had to go through inane rituals to even get a glimpse into their own psyche,Boneshaker was better it didn't need to beg for help, it simply took it.
When one is using their fire sight they gaze upon a flame, they will be transported to the realm of the mind. A flame appears in front of you, and shows you what you want to see. Now most see beyond basic urges, others can relive memories, and the most powerful can see into the minds of others in the realm. Tonight was a normal night, no other flames were present no other pyromancers were there. Boneshaker enjoyed the quiet, though he wished to find a mind to corrupt. A new one to mold as Eygon was a lost cause in his eyes. He'll be struck down by that General, just as his parents were during the last purge thirty years ago.
Scenes of the purge fill his mind, with just a mere thousand men Brock Astapor began to burn the north. No village would stand in their way, they would all be burned to the ground with nothing stolen beyond food, and water. This wasn't about thievery this was about spreading the flame to the world. All were killed and burned no chance for surrender was allowed. The Imperial army was to slow to catch them, they traveled the rivers at night razing villages, and escaping before the army could find them.
Eventually Lady Apollinaire took command of the army. Her plan was genius, Boneshaker couldn't deny that. She set a trap in a village, made it look prime for the taking, unbeknownst to the swamp people she secretly replaced the villagers with soldiers. When the villagers resisted more than usual, the barbarians were caught off guard. That was when the true trap was sprung, archers rained arrows down upon them, targeting pyromancers first. Reinforcements came from across the river cutting off any retreat, though a few hundred did escape it changed the perspective the swamp had for the north. A begrudging respect was formed, and a new strategy was to be implemented. Boneshaker couldn't help, but feel envious of her how he wanted just a few moments in her brain, surely untold knowledge would be locked away inside.
Boneshaker began taking the reigns of the swamp subtly influencing others. Finding which leader was right where, how to make peace between tribes. Slowly over the last thirty years the swamp was united. They were still blind to the north so a few were sent to live among them, spies were needed, and soon many former warriors became fishermen, far hands, and even a couple of bakers. All the while telling the swamp about it's enemies. When news of a civil war broke out, Boneshaker knew it was time. Over the next few years they truly gathered their strength soon they would march.
His memories broken as a flame appears far away. It's light was intense, truly a strong soul had made it. This fire was different, he's never seen it before. This flame was in the north, no spy was that far north. Curiosity took over he needed to know who this was. Turning into a snake made of fire Boneshaker strikes at the young boy. He struggles and resist, but this is nothing. A new king was coming, another target for Eygon. Good this will be helpful, the body thrashes about and through force of will alone breaks free from Boneshaker. If it could smile Boneshaker would have, finally a pupil of worth. Biting deep into the boys skull he learns more and more. His life his family his past, his current love for some elf. All was brought before Boneshaker, it wanted this boy. Before it leaves it gives him a gift a few visions to motivate the brave warrior.
Artorias' body begins to shake violently, as he goes into a seizure due to the traumatic psychic force being brought upon him. His mind was capable to withstand the abuse though his body was in a worst state. Flailing in the mud and dirt he inches closer to the fire he lit not so long ago.
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Post by Snoe on Dec 14, 2016 5:45:40 GMT
Snoe bowed to the gentleman as he introduced himself and though not sure if it was the honest truth, though not that it mattered since she wouldn’t be much different with her own answer; vague hints and near misses would suffice at this moment. “Well Sir Ranlong, I am Lilly Eons of Galiore home of the Hares.” Saying her name backwards wasn’t all that obvious but still a lever mind may discern it... if they were looking for it of course.
Accepting the meal delivered and the drink ordered before the second question was something the hare would have to consider. Mulling over an honest answer Snoe sipped at her tankard before speaking “I am a spy dear sir.” Spoken with a brazen smile and a hearty laugh “Though in truth, I’m actually studying the conflict for the time being, I haven’t decided where I stand or how to get involved so, I’m mulling things over before taking action.... So tell me ever met a Galiore rabbit?” Asking after her own people since Hares made up a good portion on royal forces but rarely traveled beyond the borders and those that did were usually non-combatants it made for good cover for actual scouts and spies.
(OOC:Envy If there’s a needed time warp feel free to pass the necessary time to catch up with the others)
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Post by Raz on Dec 14, 2016 6:20:41 GMT
The rain had been thoroughly drenching the road and surrounding forest for about an hour when it began to slacken. A few minutes later and the clouds started to clear as well. The light of the now fading Sun shone through the break in the clouds. The sounds of water dripping through the trees as well as the chirping of birds quickly replaces the rain. "Finally, out of that infernal storm." Muttered an annoyed and soggy imperial captain a chorus of ragged agreements showed his men were just as "happy" as he was about their situation. Captain Peter Dillinger and his band of irregulars had been on the road for near on four months now. Hailing from an island off the northern coast Dillinger was less than excited at being involved in this southern revolt. Invasions of his home of Vinglemark were few and far between which, unfortunately, is why he was called to action. Peter himself had the wonderful task of transporting supplies from the northern towns and cities to the imperial camp. A task that has allowed him and his fifty odd soldiers to see and experience each and every run down backwards village with a farm. The quiet sequencing wagon wheels in the mud was accompanied by the steady thuds of his horses hooves. "Sir, up ahead!" Shouted one of his countrymen who went by the name of John. The man was looking ahead in surprise. Following his gaze, Dillinger found himself staring at a young woman lying face down in the road. (Part 1. Will continue tomorrow)
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