The Countryside III

[Hawkeye]

Outisde the busy bustle of the Town, in the idyllic fields that feed the chaotic mess, farmers busily go about their lives.

Generally oblivious to the struggles of gods and greater mortals, they peacefully earn their living from the fertile soil and gentle climate.

[Hawkeye]

She glances over her shoulder at him. Oh great, another wacko. And what can I do for you? No...I'm not drinking the water, and that's the last time I'll ever say to people that they need to shut up.

"I want to know how you opened up that portal. It wasn't by the normal means."

[Wukei]

She shakes her keys at him. I've got my ways. But their only my ways, Bub. They don't work for others. So don't even think about stealin' 'em. She lets the keys loose before swinging her hand around and snatching them from the air and pocketing them once more.

[Hawkeye]

Merant smiles "Really? I know someone that might be interested in them."

[Wukei]

Well two bad for 'im then, innit? I told yas, it works for me, Crazy. Go back to yer little insane town an' leave me be. She takes out the key and locks the portal, closing it.

[Hawkeye]

"You'll be well rewarded for it, as in what would you like as a trade for it?"

[Wukei]

The woman raises an eyebrow. I suppose ya just want the keys? Nothin' doin'. Won't work. Ya gotta have the Gatecrasher workin' with ya ta get the keys ta work. Can't cast Mordenkeinen spells unless yer a spellcaster, can ye? As fer what I'd like...I suppose I wouldn' say no te a little greasin' of me palms.

[Hawkeye]

"That can be arranged. Shall we go to a place where the person who is interested in it likes to do business in?"

[Wukei]

She shrugs. If'n ya trust me enough. Like ta let ye know that once I'm in a place, I've got a key fer it. Ye not sure ye don't want me there, ye shouldn't be bringin' me.

[Hawkeye]

"It's a place that is relatively easy to get to, however not many people go there. We have nothing to fear with you being there."

[Wukei]

She nods. Alright then. Lead the way.

[Hawkeye]

Merant smiles "Ok then" he goes over to her and plane shifts them both away

[Kyrian]

That's where I think we should regroup. Alex and Lykan are the only two in the family that have anywhere near the power to beat Bane at this point.

((:smallfrown: So I'm not able to get on for a whole day, and I'm no longer part of the family? :smallfrown:))

((EDIT: Should probably make a note that I'm teasing, here.))

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony yawns, expecting some sort of answer from the robot by now. Maybe it's this "dead time" thing...

[Hawkeye]

Alex and Alena appear in a quiet spot of the countryside by a little stream.

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles and gratefully spreads her wings out to catch the breeze. Thank you Sweetheart, just as wonderful as I remember it.

[Hawkeye]

Alex wraps his arms gently around her neck "Not as wonderful as you."

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles lovingly at him and kisses him.

[Hawkeye]

Alex sighs happily and kisses her back.

[wxdruid]

Now...before we get completely distracted, shall we eat?

[Hawkeye]

"Yeah, we better eat now or we'll never get round to it."

[wxdruid]

Alena laughs and steps back. She puts the basket down and pulls a blanket out of it and spreads it on the ground. She puts the basket on the blanket and then kneels down next to it.

[Hawkeye]

Alex sits down besides Alena and leans on her gently.

[wxdruid]

Alena puts one arm around him and starts getting out the food and drinks with her other hand. She keeps her wings arched up and off the ground behind her.

[Hawkeye]

"Need any help?"

[wxdruid]

It depends, how are you going to help me? Alena arches one eyebrow at him.

[Hawkeye]

"With getting the food out and stuff."

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles, Then you'll have to move, Sweetheart, the basket is over here. (on her other side)

[Hawkeye]

"Alright then" he kisses her on the cheek and then scoots around to the basket.

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles and starts arranging the food and stuff on the blankets as he takes it out.

[Hawkeye]

"How much food did you pack in here?"

[wxdruid]

Only sandwiches, cornbread, brownies and drinks.

[Hawkeye]

"Just wondered, since the basket looks big enough to feed an army if full."

[wxdruid]

Well, it did have the blanket inside. Alena finishes setting out the food and drinks. She smiles at Alex and hands him a sandwich.

[Hawkeye]

Alex munches on the sandwich, and he pours a drink for Alena.

[wxdruid]

Thank you Sweetheart, Alena sips her drink and then takes a bite out of a piece of cornbread.

[Hawkeye]

Alex smiles at Alena and reaches across to kiss her on the cheek. He pours a drink for himself.

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles at him, I love you, she gets a sandwich and starts munching on it.

[Hawkeye]

"Love you too Angel." he lies down on the grass and stretches out fully.

[wxdruid]

Alena finishes her sandwich and eats a brownie. When she's done she lies down perpendicular to Alex, resting her head on his chest. She offers him a bite of brownie. She slowly fans her wings, creating a small breeze.

[Hawkeye]

Alex takes the offered bite. He sighs happily and runs a hand gently through her hair.

[wxdruid]

Alena sneaks another bite before she offers him another one, It's a beautiful day.

[Hawkeye]

((*checks weather*))

"It's very warm" Alex takes the offered bite.

[wxdruid]

Yes, which is why I'm creating a breeze with my wings... She giggles and causes a slightly bigger downdraft over them.

[Hawkeye]

Alex smiles and tousles Alena's hair.

[wxdruid]

Alena giggles again, You can be glad there isn't any sand here, or you'd have it in your shirt again.

[Hawkeye]

Alex rolls his eyes "It was worse in my hair, do you know how long that took to get out?"

[wxdruid]

Alena innocently smiles at him, You could have asked for help...

[Hawkeye]

"Well you were clean then and I didn't want to risk getting you sandy again."

[wxdruid]

You're silly, the sand would have ended up down the drain. Alena offers him another bite of brownie, feeling quite lazy. Her wings continue to provide a gentle breeze.

[Hawkeye]

Alex takes the bite and chuckles "You're going to make me fat if you offer so many tasty treats to me."

[wxdruid]

Fat? you can get fat? I don't think so, and this is only one brownie. I'm not stuffing the entire pan in your mouth. Alena scoots up so she can kiss him.

[Hawkeye]

Alex kisses her and puts his arms around her.

[wxdruid]

Alena kisses him back and then looks down at him...

[Hawkeye]

Alex strokes one of her wings "What Angel?"

[wxdruid]

Alena suddenly smiles again, Just admiring your handsome face, as she twitches her wing away.

[Hawkeye]

Alex smiles lovingly at her "And I could look upon your beautiful face all day and night long Angel." he leans up to kiss her.

[wxdruid]

Alena passionately kisses him back, her hands moving up to run through his hair.

[Hawkeye]

Alex continues the kiss and puts his arms around her waist. He gently moves her so she's on top of him.

[wxdruid]

Alena's wings slowly stop, she brings them in to cover them completely as she moves her kisses along his jaw. She reaches his ear and breathes lightly into it as she whispers, All those people at our house...I never knew when they might knock on our door...

[Hawkeye]

Alex shivers when she breathes into his ear "They're my family...I can't really shut them out."

[wxdruid]

Alena softly chuckles and whispers lightly into his ear again, I know that silly, of course they're welcome into our house, but you know...possible interuptions? She waits for him to shiver again.

[Hawkeye]

Alex chuckles again and shivers "Well I'll just have to magically shut the door when we're alone like that..."

[wxdruid]

Alena passionately kisses him in response.

[Hawkeye]

Alex closes his eyes "mmm...I think if we continue like this we'll need some privacy soon..." he strokes one of her wings.

[wxdruid]

Alena smiles and kisses his eyelids, then his eyebrows, followed by his cheeks.

[Hawkeye]

Alex shivers as Alena kisses him. He waves a hand and the picnic stuff wraps itself up and goes back into the basket.

[wxdruid]

Alena giggles as she hears it (her wings are covering them up) she kisses the hollow of his throat.

[Hawkeye]

Alex tries to capture her head gently.

[wxdruid]

Alena lets him and smiles down at him, love clearly showing in her eyes.

[Hawkeye]

Alex leans up and kisses her passionately.

[wxdruid]

Alena eagerly returns his kiss.

[Hawkeye]

Alex hmms in pleasure and strokes her wings with more force.

[wxdruid]

Alena leans down and whispers in his ear again, I thought you wanted some privacy?

[Hawkeye]

Alex whispers almost breathlessly back "Didn't want to interrupt that moment...home now?"

[wxdruid]

Alena nods a yes and presses her face against against his neck and shoulder.

[Hawkeye]

Alex wraps his arms tight around Alena's waist and they, and the picnic basket, disappear from the countryside.

[McBish]

A small figure that has been lurking around the woods and mountains comes to where Alex and Alena had their picnic and looks for scraps of food. After collecting all there is he heads back into the woods.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony hiccups, accidentally bumping the thread.
He then punches himself in the chest, which stops the hiccups.

Hey, it actually does work.

[AmberVael]

Fenix lands in the countryside, holding a small cat in his arms, which happens to be Gwen.

[wxdruid]

Gwen looks around with interest, her tail starts twitching.

[AmberVael]

Fenix kneels on the ground and loosens his grip so that Gwen can get out of his arms.

[wxdruid]

Gwen, the cat, jumps down from Fenix's arms. She promptly rolls in a dirt patch.

[AmberVael]

Fenix smiles and stands, looking around and feeling the wind blow through his red and white hair.

[wxdruid]

Gwen gets back on all fours and crouches down. She looks around and pounces on a waving blade of grass, then she chews on it.

[AmberVael]

Fenix sits down, smiling and humming a soft song.

[wxdruid]

Gwen briefly licks her paws and cleans her whiskers before she crouches again, her tail flicking back and forth. She pounces and misses a grasshopper.

[AmberVael]

Fenix goes into a short stint of meditation.

[wxdruid]

Gwen acts like a cat.... and pounces and chases after bugs, insects, spiders and even a mouse or two, losing herself for the moment.

[AmberVael]

Fenix remains meditating.

[wxdruid]

Gwen, having pounced on everything she can find, is tired. She flops down next to Fenix to rest.

[AmberVael]

Fenix opens his eyes and gently pets Gwen.

[wxdruid]

Gwen purrs for him, but lets her thoughts go across the surface of her public mind. I... I should get home, there's a hint of disappointment at the end, hard to tell if it's because she mentioned home or because she would be leaving Fenix.

[AmberVael]

If that is what you want, Gwen.
He looks down at her with a friendly smile.

[wxdruid]

Gwen mentally sighs and lets Fenix read, Rain tells me that Barnabas and Bolt are worried and want me to come home.

[AmberVael]

Fenix nods and offers to pick her up.

[wxdruid]

Gwen jumps up in Fenix's arms, she extends her claws just enough to give her a grip on his clothing.

[AmberVael]

Now I've never been to your house before, so you'll have to give me directions.
He takes flight and heads off towards the woods.

[Terumitsu]

Taking his time to cross the winding roads, Terumitsu continued on his way upon the dirt roads as the after noontime sun danced off his hair. Many a worker looked up and wondered if they had laied eyes upon one of fair or fey blood but he paied no attention to them. Coming to a halt at the border between the woods and the fields upon a quaint grassy knoll, he rested upon the trunk of a maple and slowly drifted away in the warmth of the day.
Later he came to a vast night sky. Giving it a passing nod, he continued into the woods

[Xssar]

Xssar wanders out from in town and through the fields and open pastureland of the countryside. Only a little way though, as he soon finds a nice barn to sleep in... it has lots of nice, comfy straw. Hopefully the farmer wouldn't mind. He lays down and quickly drifts off to sleep.

[Metis]

Deme comes out into the countryside and begins using his magic, faith, and physical strength to build a small chapel.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Two wolves run down the road that ends at DeMort Manor. A large white one chases a smaller brownish-red one, suffering an injury to the leg. Amelia steadily begins catching up to Nikolai...

[RabbitHoleLost]

Nikolai yelped as she felt her legs give in, slowing herself considerably in her pace.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia reaches up to her prey. Running at full speed probably taken a lot out of her foe, and she herself pants. She attempts to bite her right back leg to stop her in her tracks.

[RabbitHoleLost]

(( crap. Something came up. Be back in a bit))

[RabbitHoleLost]

And, with a loud yelp and snarl, Nikolai found herself in the clutches of Amelia, digging her claws into the fresh grass and dirt beneath her in order to try and gain some ground to pull herself away from the bigger wolf.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia puts in more effort, with all intent on insuring her prey does not escape again. With her teeth clamped firmly on the smaller wolf's back leg, she attempts to drag her back.

[RabbitHoleLost]

Twisting her body in quite a painful way (anything is better than death, oh gods oh gods), Nikolai attempted to snap at Amelia's nuzzle once more.
She remembered vaguely her father telling her that if a dog had taken a bite of her and wouldn't let go, to hit it in the nose.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia yelps, causing her to let go. At the same time, a paw aimed for Nikolai's body violently swings downwards.

[RabbitHoleLost]

And the paw hit, causing the smaller wolf to roll and whine, though she stood shakily to her feet and slowly attempted to drag away.
Poor thing isn't going to get anywhere...

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia attempts to rush forward as to headbutt her prey; hoping her next assault will cause her to stop moving.

[RabbitHoleLost]

And Nikolai finally fell down, twitching a few times and attempting to get back up, but to no avail.
Ah, jeez, I'm going to die...by being eaten by some crazy woman. This was not how I imagined my death..

[Admiral_Kelly]

"Beg for me not to eat you like the bitch you are." She growls as she looks upon the helpless victim.

[RabbitHoleLost]

Nikolai rolled onto her back, exposing her gray tummy to Amelia, however...she shook her head.
No. I'm not scared of you.

[Admiral_Kelly]

She glares upon the creature. Driven by anger and lust, she stops holding back. Amelia attempts to use her maw on the wolf's exposed belly; to eat out her innards and make her cry in agony.

[RabbitHoleLost]

With her one decent back leg, Nikolai kicked out at Amelia's face, snarling. The smell of blood had awakened dormant needs in her wolfish body, and, oddly, Nikolai tilted her head as she glanced at the ear she had bitten before.

[Admiral_Kelly]

This stops Amelia, at least for a mere moment. Blood drops from underneath the werewolf's jaw. She attempts to push Nikolai's back leg down so that it bends the wrong way.

[RabbitHoleLost]

There was indeed pain, and the sound of breaking bones were obvious. Even so, Nikolai's green eyes focused on the blood. She couldn't seem to look away...
And so she sat up, and attempted to lap the dripping fluid from the bigger wolf's face.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia stops to what she perceives as affection. She growls; even now she mocked her. Amelia attempts to clamp Nikolai's mouth shut with her own, then twist her over again.

[RabbitHoleLost]

Nikolai made a whimpering noise through her nose, attempting to gently dislodge Amelia's hold on her muzzle.

[Admiral_Kelly]

She succeeds; Amelia pants. "Give up. You're barely making me tired." She takes a swipe at Nikolai's head

[RabbitHoleLost]

Shattering pain, her brain felt like it connected with her skull. Great. A concussion.
It was looking easier to just give up and die at this point.
Oh, fine. My shattered heart is located here. She gestured to the broad ribcage of a wolf.
If you'd eat that first, I'd be much obliged.

[Admiral_Kelly]

The heart, oh, she just had to point to the heart... Amelia thinks in her mind. Although she dealt more physical damage to Nikolai, she felt like she was the one being tortured. Amelia attempts to pin Nikolai over and dig for the organ, just wanting her to die already.

[Gem Flower]

Lillianna undeadtimes.

[RabbitHoleLost]

And Nikolai just laid there, unmoving, though a quiet whimper, almost inaudible, every now and again broke through.

[Gem Flower]

Lillianna throws a spell at Amelia, which should throw her off Nikolai.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Or Lillianna would, if she were in range to cast the spell since it is unlikely they are in the same area. Or if they are, Amelia's spell resistance blocks the spell from taking effect.

----

Amelia pulls her precious heart out; holding it with her maw. As much as she wants to devour it right there and then, she holds back, dropping the piece onto the ground. She transforms back into her human form, naked. The top part of her ear is still missing, and her face is still bleeding, including below the neck. She also looks quite exhausted.

She picks up the heart. "Now you can see what you did to me." She says, looking over the organ in her hand. For a moment she sucks on it, drinking the blood. "Tore out my heart." She throws it onto the ground. "Stomped on it." With her foot, she crushes it.

[Gem Flower]

((So what, is Nikolai dead now?))

[RabbitHoleLost]

(( She's getting there... =/))
Nikolai's eyes fluttered away from Amelia. Honestly, how could this woman have claimed love if they'd only met the day before?
Death would be coming soon.
Heh.
If only she had taken Faust's advice, and had him turn her undead. Or if she had remained a vampire without having that Avatar person reverse it...
She wouldn't still be here. Her heart being removed wouldn't matter...

Thoughts were hard to keep up...

[Admiral_Kelly]

((She is not exactly claiming love; saying Amelia's complicated is an understatement.
And if RabbitHoleLost wants, you could have your character save hers; assuming she has some way of keeping her from dying. Of course, there is still Amelia to deal with...))

Amelia bends down and puts a hand near the wolf's throat. A faint, faint, pulse remained, growing fainter. She smiles cruelly at the creature, wanting for those eyes to close and her body to become limp.

[Gem Flower]

((Hmm, I could probably figure out something to save Nikolai. Want me to, RabbitHoleLost?))

[RabbitHoleLost]

(( Well, I know that it wouldn't be as simple as that, but Nikolai is young and dieing.
And, if you've got anything in your sleeves, Gem, by all means, do.))

There was something...on her...something...
Thoughts were drifting in and out, without cohesion. Wasn't there supposed to be a light?
Why?
Why would there be a light? What would that signify?
Her vision had gone completely, at first black ebbing away, and now..nothing. Her body had shifted back to human form, clothes appearing a few seconds later, the blood instantly saturating her lilac top.

[Gem Flower]

((I'll try. If it doesn't work, I could always raise Nikolai anyways.))

Lillianna does happen to be in the same area, and runs as hard as she's ever run before to Nikolai. Which is considerably fast. She decides this is important, and calls on her Goddess's power, throwing raw energy at Amelia. It should destroy any shields and blast her unconscious, but not dead.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia kisses the other girl's lips as the sun rises. She gets up, satisfied in her kill. Of course, now she would have to explain why she was naked and covered in blood if anyone saw her. And the body-

Her thoughts cease when she is hit by a blast of- something. She is instantly knocked out by the spell and thrown a few feet back. She lays up on the ground with her head tilted to the left, her eyes close.

[RabbitHoleLost]

There were sounds...that's what those were called, weren't they? Whatever. Those were the only things she knew she could be aware of...

[Gem Flower]

Lillianna goes to Nikolai's side and puts a bit of herself into her, seeing if she's actually dead yet.

[RabbitHoleLost]

Not quite yet...but, without a heart, she's getting there...

[Gem Flower]

Lillianna casts what's basically Regenerate, it should grow back her heart and any other organs or limbs she may be missing, and heal any other wounds.

[RabbitHoleLost]

It was sort of like waking up after one of those long catatonic sleeps, the ones where you had fallen asleep without knowing it and had slept blissfully for hours.
It also left Nikolai feeling rather groggy, and she sat up, holding her head, tousling her red-brown hair.
"...what?"

[Gem Flower]

Are you all right?

EDIT: As an afterthought, she puts sphere of force around the unconscious Amelia that will not let her leave the sphere.

[RabbitHoleLost]

"I..um..yeah?" Nikolai glanced about for her square-framed glasses, which...had been lost some time ago, when her eyes fell on Amelia, and she grabbed for Lillianna's hand.
"We have to go. Right now."
((Lunch break))

[Dallas-Dakota]

The Cookie Monster pops in.
He hugs Gem Flower.
He then pops out.

Partially stunned from the sudden action it takes you a bit to see that he left a bag with a note behind.

Inside the bag you find some cookies.

[Gem Flower]

She's not getting up any time soon. Where do we need to go?

So, what does the note say?

[Dallas-Dakota]

For you.
And if you don't mind, leave a few for RHL to be eaten at her insane tea party.

[Gem Flower]

:smallsmile: ((Ya know, you're really not supposed to do this in the Town; it's in-character.:smalltongue:))

[Dallas-Dakota]

((I have the cookie monster as a character. a real one, I occasionaly pop in these days. I even used to be active in the town.... He's conveniently nick-name Dallas-Dakota:smallwink:)

[Gem Flower]

((I have no such character, so Lillianna, who's my active character at the moment, would probably be very surprised...:smalltongue:))

[Dallas-Dakota]

((Heheh, well my character is nice, and he's in HALO and such.... Even though he usually stays in his labs))

[Gem Flower]

((Hmm, Lillianna has met at least one of your HALO characters... Do you have more than one?))

[Admiral_Kelly]

((Hey guys, can you continue this over PMs? Your kindof cluttering the thread with OOC chat - no offense.))

[RabbitHoleLost]

"You don't know that she's not going to wake up. She's a lycanthrope. They tend to heal much more quickly than your average person." There was a hint of urgency in her voice. True, she wasn't afraid of Amelia, but death wasn't necessary at the moment.

[Gem Flower]

((Sorry.:smallfrown:))

EDIT: I blasted her pretty hard. Even if she does get, she's not getting out of the force sphere I put on her. So can you explain why she was trying to kill you?

[RabbitHoleLost]

Nikolai's cheeks flushed a bright red, and she shook her head.
"Trust me, Miss, you don't want to know."

[Admiral_Kelly]

((It's okay, not like I haven't been guilty of it.))

For now at least, Amelia remains where she was knocked back, still unconscious.

[Gem Flower]

If you're sure. So, you said we need to leave. To where?

[RabbitHoleLost]

(( And, sorry. Need to run and go take driving lessons and such. Dunno when I'll be back >.< ))

[Gem Flower]

((See ya.:smallsmile:))

EDIT: ((Deadtime.))

[RabbitHoleLost]

Nikolai quickly moved both her and Lillianna away, back towards Town, which would surely be much more safe.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amelia stirs awake trapped within Lillianna's force field, standing on her legs. She tries breaking through the force field with her fist, failing. That would not be enough.

[Gem Flower]

The force sphere will weaken and fail in about 5 hours.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Assuming Lillianna is still there, Amelia turns to her captor. "Keeping me locked up?" She asks with a malicious grin.

[Gem Flower]

Nikolai quickly moved both her and Lillianna away, back towards Town, which would surely be much more safe.

Nope, not there.:smallamused:

[Admiral_Kelly]

In which case...

A simple touch of corrupting magic should cause the shield to erode away; since nobody likes having their characters trapped in the middle of nowhere.

[Gem Flower]

Yeah, that should do it.

[Admiral_Kelly]

With the shield down, Amelia paces in an oval for muttering in anger.

"She's still alive somehow... I can pick up her scent... She was helped by someone... I can identify her scent too." She stops pacing and cringes her fists. "I'll get back at that bitch; and her accomplice. If they think I'm nothing more then a deranged woman who lives at the road I'll show them. I'll show them all!" She exclamation she screams out into the air, disturbing the nocturnal wildlife.

Amelia transforms into a werewolf once more; than runs back to her home.

[Gem Flower]

Just pointing out something about Lillianna's scent; it changes often, because she does many different rites and spells that involve incense, etc. Her actual scent would be difficult to narrow in on.

[Rebonack]

In the countryside there's a village.

And in this village there are farms.

And on these farms there are peasants.

These peasants do what one would expect peasants to do. They farm. And raise some livestock as well, if they own enough land.

Villages are also good for something else.

They make a good backdrop to introduce a band of pillagers.

And that's exactly what's going to happen today.

One particular peasant looks rather surprised to suddenly find some arrows sticking out of his torso. That's usually how it works, of course. People get hit with arrows and look very surprised. Fred's family, as Fred happens to be the fellow's name, doesn't look quite as surprised when there are likewise arrows in their torsos. Mostly because they had seen Fred shot.

Those who shot poor Fred appear to be a band of archers. Raiders on horseback.

With odd conical helmets under red turbans. In fact, red seems to be a bit of a theme with them. Red paint on their faces. Red cloth on their thick robes worn over lightly armored frames. All appear to be armed with exquisite re-curved bows.

And so with the peasants slain they begin to pillage the village.

They actually seem somewhat surprised by their location, having been snatched up by the Nexus. But they're rolling with it and just doing what they do best. Their leader sends a trio off toward the city in the distance.

Scouting and stuff, no doubt.

[Pandaren]

Fire is involved, no doubt?

[Rebonack]

Like setting thatched roof cottages and fields on fire?

No, that would be stupid. They just ganked everyone to use the village as a temporary base of operations until they figure out where they are and what to do about it.

Well... There's a fire that they're cooking some butchered cows over. Smells tasty.

[Pandaren]

Awwww....but the pillaging.

But the red makes up for it.

[Admiral_Kelly]

A pack of white wolves enter the village, enticed by the smell of blood. They enter the village and do pillaging of their own. They number at least two score.

Interestingly, they only attack the villagers, not other invaders.

[Rebonack]

Well, if the wolves feel like coming after the village that has been captured by the raiders they'll find precious few villagers left. As in none. Because the raiders killed them all.

And they don't appear to be too keen on the appearance of the wolves, either.

A call of alarm goes through their ranks and weapons are readied as horses are mounted. Should the wolves press in they can expect a lethal greeting of arrows.

[Admiral_Kelly]

Amongst the wolves a figure emerges. Amelia; dressed in full occult sorceresses robes. Perhaps the raiders take her to be a witch.

"I heard the screams all the way from my house." The girl says as she and the wolves move closer to the raiders. Hopefully, they speak English/Common. She looks about herself, seeing a bunch of dead villagers and destroyed houses. "You certainly made quick work of this village."

[Rebonack]

That probably isn't too much of a stretch.

Several of the men mutter amongst themselves, though one fellow waves their weapons down. He really isn't dressed any differently than the others. That's a great way for leaders to be singled out and killed.

"What brings you here, witch?" the man inquires in a deep baritone voice. "And call back your wolves. They're upsetting our horses."

[Admiral_Kelly]

She waves her hands, signaling her pack to fall back, which they do.

"So you and your men enjoy pillaging hapless villages? There is another not far from here... but it is much, much bigger and you will find more resistance." the girl tells him. "However, with my help you could have an edge over them. You can call me Amelia."

[Rebonack]

"We're aware of the city's presence. But it is walled, well fortified. We would have little reason to attack it directly when there are so many easier targets in the outlying lands," the leader responds, providing a respectful not to the woman as the wolves back away.

The nod is also a signal to lower the weapons trained on the animals.

"I am Khan," the fellow continues. "And even now my scouts are learning of the city. I expect that they will be returning shortly. Depending on what they inform me my actions will be decided."

[Admiral_Kelly]

"Then attack them first, by all means. But the larger town will still be at large and prepared to stop you." Amelia points out.

[Rebonack]

"If they are the fiefdom of the same lord? Perhaps," Khan muses. "If anyone inside will miss the villagers delivering their goods. Eight miles of distance is an excellent damper on news."

The bearded man smiles wickedly. "And if we leave none alive then who will tell them?"

This provokes a laugh from the raiders within earshot.

[Admiral_Kelly]

"So you presume," she says, walking around him, "But what about when you think you have killed everyone, but you discover one escaped your fingers and tells the good people, who at that time have you surrounded?" She queries.

[Rebonack]

"Impossible," Khan snorts. "We surrounded the village before we attacked. They didn't even know we where here until they were dead. The second parameter would have caught any who managed to flee past the first wave and there are already scouts between here and the city."

[Admiral_Kelly]

"So you have no back-up plan for a counter attack?" She questions with an amused expression.

[Rebonack]

"We have eight miles distance between ourselves and the city and scouts set at several ridges between here and there. If they mount an offensive we will be gone long before they arrive."

Relay messages by torches. It works really well.

Khan's eyes narrow dangerously. "And I suggest that you mind your tone. You are a guest at my camp."

[Admiral_Kelly]

"My apologies." She replies, actually being apologetic. "Your escape plan is well thought out, but cowardly. You seem to aim small, Khan. Why don't you aim for the big picture? Take the whole area for yourself and live like a king?" She says, brushing some of his loose strands of hair aside.

[Rebonack]

"Bravery isn't standing against impossible odds. That's a foolhearty action of a man who knows little of true battle," Khan responds levelly. "To know when to be scarce is tact, not cowardice. My men are few. I would need an army and siege equipment to take a city like this one."

[Admiral_Kelly]

"You have what you need here." She says, waving a hand at the decimated village. "Build trebuchets and other such weapons out of what you can gather. As for an army..." Under her breath, Amelia recites an incantation. With a finger, she beckons the nearby dead consisting of a man and woman to rise; which they do. "You can create more. I can make them obey you. Would you like that?"

[Rebonack]

Several of the barbarians mutter as the zombies? rise to their feet. Khan doesn't seem very impressed. "Would I presumptuous to assume that you have some kind of grudge against this city?" he inquires, dodging her question completely.

[Admiral_Kelly]

"There is a certain someone within the city whom I hate. Otherwise, you and I have simply crossed paths and I see how this can favor both of us." She walks over to the corpse of the woman, putting an arm around it affectionately. "After all, if you are to use my minions I want something out of this."

[Rebonack]

"You would condemn a whole city to the sword for the death of one person you detest?" Khan inquires, his tone hinting at bemusement. "You are a curious creature. But I have no need of your minions. Should I attack the city you may feel free to take advantage of the confusion as you wish."

Another raider walks up and whispers in his ear, where upon he simply nods. "But for now I have business to attended to. My scouts from the city have returned."

And with that he heads off into a tent that has been set up in the village.

[Admiral_Kelly]

...Well, this was a waste of time. Amelia thinks to herself, allowing the corpses to return to lifelessness. She dismisses the wolves, allowing them to travel through the village and eat the dead civilians. They were promised meat after all. She herself travels back to her house.

[Rebonack]

Khan, seated in his person tent, has been listening to the report of his scouts. The reports of Town and all the strange and fantastical things. A report which troubles him greatly. "Dragons you say? And users of great magic?"

The scouts nod in reply. "This is a strange city. It has no king, no lord over it. All men simply do what is right in their own eyes."

"If we were to attack the outlaying regions I doubt they will mount an offensive against us."

Khan nods, stroking his beard. Another question remains unasked. Something that is troubling his men. That has been troubling them since they arrived.

"Do you think that we have been-"

The leader raises one hand to silence the scout. "It is too early to tell if we have been swallowed up by the City of the Lost. Do not speak among the other men of this subject, it will be poor for moral. Now go, muster the troops. We will be pillaging the next village soon."

The three men bow to the ground before taking their leave.

Khan looks out of the tent, gazing off at Town. "Would it really be worth it? A land with no king, where chaos reigns?"

Some Time Later...

The barbarians are creeping now, slowly approaching the borders of the next villiage. Unwalled. Unprotected. Easy pickings. The few sentries that guard the community are dispatched easily enough by the first wave of raiders and any who escape the slaughter only run into a wall of arrows once they have reached a respectful distance from their homes.

As before a second line has been set up to ensure that none escape to warn the Town of what is transpiring here.

[Pandaren]

That is really efficient. Wow. Wait, do they check bodies?

[Rebonack]

The bodies of dead are checked, stripped, and piled up in the middle of the village.

And it isn't long before Khan arrives to look over the work. Already supplies have been pilfered to be used by the raiders. Though for the time being he has his mind on other things.

There is a bemused smirk as he thinks back on the witch's offer. One hand is held out, clutching a massive emerald orb clamped within a bronze fitting. The war-lord begins to intone an ancient formula of his own now.

Flesh sizzles from bone as a mound of earth rises up to consume the corpses. Sickly green light pours from the soil as the mound gradually slides away, revealing a small army of terra-cotta soldiers. Warriors armed with spear and sword. Warriors filled with the bones of the dead.

A fate that those slain by the barbarians of Kel-Nath can expect.

"Go test the city's defenses. Damage the gates if you can. But do not attack the civilians. Only fight against those who attack you first," the war-lord commands. "Now go!"

"We obey!" thunders twenty or so warriors who march off toward Town.

Khan motions to one of his scouts. "Follow them. Bring report to me of how the people of this 'Town' respond."

The scout nods before wheeling his horse around and galloping off after the undead.

Some time later...

After some time the scout returns alone to the camp of Warlord Khan to deliver his news.

Into the fearsome warrior's tent he comes, bowing to his leader respectfully. "So, Yun. How have the people of Town responded to our attack on their gates?"

A cruel smile creeps across the messenger's face as he relays his news. "They have not, my lord. No forces have been mustered to repulse the terra-cotta warriors. We hold the gates unopposed."

Khan strokes his beard, pondering this news. "No king. No one to direct them. No cares aside from their own. If each is only interested in their own affairs then I believe this will be a simple enough matter. Should we invade we need only take locations that are of use to the city itself, not to its inhabitance at large. Properly executed they may not even protest," Khan settles back in his chair now, hatching schemes in his evil mind. "Depart from me now. And summon my generals. There will be much to discuss."

The scout nods to the warlord before taking his leave.

[ApeofLight]

A man with Platinum hair walks out of The Town and heads for the raider's camp.

[ApeofLight]

He comes upon the entrance of the raiders camp.

[Rebonack]

((Usually a PM will catch my attention if I miss one of your posts ^^))

Well excellent. It's about time someone decided to do what they can against these vile brigands.

Though... doing something may not be the simplest of things. Or, well, something will probably get done. Though whether or not this something will be productive remains to be seen.

The platinum-haired fellow won't even get within one thousand yards of the camp before several men camouflaged with grass spring up before him, battle bows held taunt. "What is your business here?" one of their number growls.

[ApeofLight]

The man has several packs and a sword. He looks over to the person that talked. " Just wanted to see what you people are doing out here. " If they look at his eyes they'll seem them. They are red..... and look fractured.

[Rebonack]

There are a disproportionate number of people in Town with spooky eyes.

Now, since the raiders are fairly humble folk they find the eyes a bit unusual. And not to mention disturbing. But they don't budge. No sir. They have orders. And failing one's orders results in death.

"That's none of your business. Just turn around and go back the way you came."

[ApeofLight]

Cal sighs. " Agh here I thought we could be friends. " He starts to turn around.

[Rebonack]

The sentries exchange baffled looks with each other.

Friends? Was this guy serious?

They keep their bows trained on the fellow just in case he does something funny.

And not funny like hitting himself in the face with a pie, either. Funny like spinning around and hurling a lightning bolt at one of them.

[ApeofLight]

Cal stops and turns around. " Ohh I almost forgot I got you a present! " He then goes over and tries to hand the brightly wrapped thing to the man that spoke to him.

[Rebonack]

Cal will soon find an arrow quivering in the ground between his feet.

"Don't come any closer! Put the box on the ground and go your way, if you're so intent on delivering it."

They sure are a bunch of kill-joys, aren't they?

[ApeofLight]

Cal stops and puts the package down. " Fine okay. " He then starts to walk away seeming to count.

[Rebonack]

The various sentries eye the man suspiciously, though finally the leader nods to the box. One of their number heads over to the 'present' and kneels down next to the thing, no doubt with the intention of opening it.

Rebo has the feeling that it's filled with explosions.

[ApeofLight]

Guess what Rebo's right. When the man goes down to open it explodes most likely killing him and releasing a cloud of smoke. Cal pops up behind the man that talked to him and puts his sword to his throat. " To bad we couldn't be friends. " He then tries to slice his throat. He then turns to the other man. " Think you can take me? "

[Rebonack]

The force of the explosion sends the poor barbarian rolling through the gross, bloodied and smoldering. May or may not be dead. Hard to tell at the moment.

A for the attempted throat crushing, the leader fellow catches Cal's sword-arm before swinging his head backwards in a bid to crush the assailant's nose with his helmet. By no means deadly, but that sort of thing really hurts.

They others back away a bit before firing on Cal with their bows. All of them happen to be quite skilled, easily able to hit a mark that's locked in melee combat.

[ApeofLight]

The man breaks his nose. Cal falls over striking up with his leg. He then drops a bomb and throws a smoke pellet. When the smoke clears Cal is gone and the bomb is about to go off.

[Rebonack]

By the time the bomb in question explodes the various sentries have hastily scrambled out of range. After all, they aren't terribly well equipped for melee combat at the moment.

And so the bomb explodes.

Blasts a few of them off their feet, but otherwise they seem to be alright. One crawls over to the fallen comrade and checks for breath, only to find nothing. The man just shakes his head.

"Go tell warlord Khan that we have been attacked."

Two of the sentries nod before darting off toward the camp.

[ApeofLight]

The two that went off meet Cal. He then takes two strikes at them trying to behead both of them. He then jumps back leaving a bomb at there feet.

[Rebonack]

What, did he just pop up out of nowhere all of a sudden? Wouldn't be terribly surprising. People in Town seem to be able to do that quite well. The whole teleporting around trick.

One of the men gets gashed across the neck, leading him to stagger back a fair bit, clutching the flowing wound. The second manages to duck under the attack and punts the explosive happy mock-ninja's bomb at him.

See how he likes it.

The second explosion alerts to the rest of the squad of the goings on. Uh oh. Sounds like trouble. The leader fellow holds a horn up to his lips and blows a long blast on it.

[ApeofLight]

Cal falls onto the ground in pain. " Ahh ok about I surrender? You havent lost too many men and you would only lose more in a fight. " He says this trying to get back up a bit.

[Rebonack]

At the moment the remaining soldier doesn't seem to be terribly keen on this idea. He responds to the proposition by shooting an arrow at Cal whilst he's rising to his feet.

At this very moment more barbarians are mustering their weapons. Within a short time the interloper will have a few dozen angry raiders to contend with.

[ApeofLight]

" Agh for the love of....... " The arrow hits him grazing across the top of his leg. He then throws somethings at the ground and there suddenly appear to be dozens of Cals.

[Rebonack]

The poor sentry glances about with confusion before he begins to fire wildly in the direction of Cal's previous location. He's also keeping a close eye on how the men move. See if any aren't acting like they didn't just get gouged by an arrow.

[ApeofLight]

The place where Cal was is hit by an arrow and the area seems to shatter. Any other arrows hitting the Cal's or close to them they will seem to shatter. None of them seem to be limping but one is going back to the main camp to inform it of the trouble.

[Rebonack]

The lone sentry swears as he heads off to make take a quick jaunt around the veritable swarm of, hopefully, illusionary Cal copies. 'course, they may be real. That would result in a whole lot of death for the poor guy, no doubt.

As before he fires a few arrows at the fleeing interloper from behind. Just seems like his only real option at the moment.

[ApeofLight]

The illusions seem to disappear as he passes them but if he looks he'll see bombs behind each one. Lucky for Cal the arrows miss.

[Rebonack]

Bombs that explode?

If so then he gets blown to bits. Poor guy.

[ApeofLight]

Not yet but there fuses are close to going off. Half of them have a different design then the others. ( They release a sedative gas when they go off. )

[Rebonack]

Ah, excellent.

In which case the poor man is running for his life. He really has no idea how this crazy bomber man keeps teleporting around. He's a simple guy, after all. He shoots things with a bow. Sometimes stabs them with a spear. All this magic stuff is what the boss and a few of the shamans do. It's all above his head.

[ApeofLight]

And thats when the bombs go off. Half of them exploding the other half releasing a smoke cloud that if any of them inhale too much will make them fall asleep/pass out. The one man continues to the camp.

[Rebonack]

Thankfully the sentry is far enough away to avoid being blown up and/or sent into a drug induced stupor. His day has been rough enough so far already.

The lone Cal will soon be coming upon many many more persons than one. Though that might not matter too much. Because as of this very moment three of them are slinging spells his way. Spells to magically bind him in place.

[ApeofLight]

Cal keeps on going for a second and then gets hit by the spells. " Well crap..... " He says being stopped in place.

[Rebonack]

One of those at the front of the line snaps his fingers in Cal's direction. "Kill him."

Two men dismount, drawing their swords and heading over with the intent of running the interloper through. Possibly several times.

[ApeofLight]

" Ahh come on I didnt do anything. " He then starts trying to break free of the spells. When the swordsmen are almost there he breaks free drops a small explosive with a card on it that says happy birthday:smallbiggrin:. He then jumps several times to the side and makes for the spell casters.

[Rebonack]

The pair of swordsmen tumble away from the explosive, having heard all the things blowing up and figuring that it must be this strange guy's fault.

As Cal rushes the line he'll have approximately a whole hell of a lot of arrows whizzing his way. At the same time the shamans are casting spells to slow the bomber-man's speed to a snail's pace.

[ApeofLight]

The bomb goes off not a large explosion but might still hurt them. As soon as Cal feels his pace slowing a bit he throws down a smoke pellet. Once the smoke clears it will seem like three Cals are moving towards the line the one getting hit by arrows shattering.

[Rebonack]

Well.

That pretty much means the archers are going to spread their fire between the two duplicates now, aren't they? At the rate Cal is going he'll probably be getting close enough to do something useful within the next round or so.

The mage-type fellows, meanwhile, cast Abolish Invisibility. Or, at least one does. The other seems to be busy doing something rather complex. Something he's casting over all those gathered.

The various horsemen begin to spread out so they aren't all clustered up from bombing.

[ApeofLight]

Once the arrows hit the two Cal's they will shatter. The abolish invisibility doesn't seem to do anything but a few seconds after the two Cal's are destroyed the real on can be seen coming at them. He then throws a smoke pellet in front of him hopefully making it so he can't be seen by them any more.

[Rebonack]

The smoke is immediately blown away by a fierce wind that has whipped up.

Hmmm... that must have been what the other wizard was doing...

Sadly, that makes the arrows that follow quite a bit more difficult to target with.

[ApeofLight]

Al throws down somethings and suddenly there appear to be three of him charging at them again.

[Rebonack]

Which is about the time that the trio will be getting close to any of the broken up groups of raiders.

He can expect long-spears to be thrust at him a fair bit. And the sages casting Dispel Magic at him in the mean time.

[ApeofLight]

The dispel does nothing but once the spear hits the trio the break. Which then reveals that Cal is in the group. He first tries to stab and slice at the spellcasters. He also starts to drop explosives to where he was and throws one further into there ranks.

[Rebonack]

The spellcasters that are riding away?

Those spellcasters?

They're out of range at the moment. And casting sleep inducing magic over the battle. This causes several of the raiders to slump over on their horses, fast asleep. Those who remain alive do their best to fend off the man with long-spears. Getting at them with a sword is a little tricky due to the height.

Mostly they get gashes around the legs.

And there aren't any ranks to throw bombs into. The raiders have scattered.

[ApeofLight]

Cal continues to fight them. He then throws down a smoke pellet and tries to close in on the people his fighting.

[Rebonack]

((Just a little something to point out. When you have a character in combat it is vital that your PC respond to attacks made against them. Because otherwise people are just going to get frustrated. Understand that if you don't resolve attacks against your own character I'll do it for you.

And I won't be nice about it =P))

The horses rear up at the sudden appearance of the smoke, kicking with their front legs in a bid to trample the sense out of the explosive-laden attacker that ahs been causing so much trouble.

Several of the soldiers pull out wickedly curved swords in anticipation of Cal appearing closer to them.

[ApeofLight]

(( Ok I'll keep that in mind. ))

Cal comes up out of the smoke and strikes at the horse as he tries to jump on it and cut the riders throat. He then tries to jump to another and repeat the process. Also the sleeping spells don't seem to be working on him.

[Rebonack]

None of these people seem to be the sort of scrubs that can be easily slain in a single attack. Mostly because there aren't that many of them and they make up Khan's personal guard.

As Cal lashes out with his blade the rider of the horse he's jumped onto catches the bomber-man's wrist before plunging a rather nasty looking dagger toward his gut. Several other raiders make a point of trying to fill his back with arrows while he's otherwise preoccupied.

[ApeofLight]

Al takes the knife into the gut. He tries to cut the saddle and flip the man into the oncoming arrows. He then leaves a bomb for the man as he jumps off.

[Rebonack]

The archers have enough sense not to shoot one of their own men. But the raider does end up getting dumped on his face after his saddle is cut. By the time he rises to his feet the bomb explodes, sending him sprawling across the grass.

May be dead. May be out cold.

With Cal now out in the open he can expect more arrows to come his way.

...

And a fireball.

[ApeofLight]

Cal starts running to another of the horse men the arrows missing but one of his packs catches fire. He undoes it and throws it at the one horse men changing his direction and heading for the other. The pack is full of explosives of course.

[Rebonack]

Cal is still dodging arrows like crazy despite the knife in his torso?

Wow. He must be some guy. Most people would get slowed down quite a bit by a torso-knife.

The thrown pack is intercepted in the air by a shot from the raider's bow, pinning it to the ground before it explodes at a safe distance. Immediately the man follows up with a second shot, aiming to bury the shaft right between Cal's shoulder blades.

That usually hurts.

[ApeofLight]

Cal stops and falls to the ground. He tries to move his arm but can't. Great it's damaged his nervous system he can't move.

[Rebonack]

And thus is discovered the reason why one person doesn't attack a band of raiders all by themselves. And furthermore, why it's a good idea to run away sometimes.

A group of Kel-Nath barbarians surround the downed intruder and proceed to stab at him with spears, repeatedly. They intend to continue doing so until he stops living.

[ApeofLight]

And thats how Cal's life is ended. Here's to hoping that a cleric raises him. * Holds up a cup. *

[Rebonack]

Or they could raise him as one of the terra-cotta warriors.

Except he might end up totally cool and free-willed and stuff. Though he might not be able to attack the raiders again he could turn his attention elsewhere.

[ApeofLight]

That would be cool........ and weird. A free willed Terra-Cotta warrior. He is insane though. And would he still be able to do what he usually does?

[Rebonack]

Absolutely.

He just wouldn't be able to do it to the barbarians of Kel-Nath anymore. Would have to go slaughter other people.

[ApeofLight]

This is sounding totally cool. Hmm what kind of powers would he gain from this transformation. And besides the only reason he attacked them was because they turned him away and got him a little angry at them.

[Rebonack]

The terra-cotta warriors are somewhat resistant to magic and highly resistant to weapon damage so long as they aren't getting shattered by a blunt weapon, such as a war hammer or a monk's fist.

They're also able to form deadly weapons quite quickly from earth. And injuries inflicted by these terra-cotta weapons can not be healed magically.

Meanwhile...

One of the raiders pokes Cal's corpse.

[ApeofLight]

This sounds great!

Meanwhile

The corpse gets poked. What does he expect for it to get back up. Well it doesn't seem like that is going to happen soon.