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+---- Thread: [PQ+] Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark (/showthread.php?tid=10054)
Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Talyson - 09-02-2024
There had been rumors of the Barrows growing more dangerous of late. Tal had initially ignored them as being someone else's problem, but in the end things weren't getting any better, so he'd finally used the excuse of his quest for Ludo to do something about it himself. For the sake of his own house in Meadowreach, if nothing else!
And, hail, it was the least he could do now that he and Alys were traveling aboard the Peregrine again and so rarely in King's End. They barely counted as residents these days, so maybe he could do one last big push or two to help Sunjata and Ru out?
He'd sent out letters to Zavien as his friend and calling in a favor owed by Torchline's King to make sure he had plenty of strong, reliable backup. He'd asked them to meet at the Last Step an hour before sunset, and he'd parked the Peregrine at the very top of the stairs so he didn't have to use his rope ladder for once. Now Tal sat on the bottom step of the lonely spiral, rubbing Boreal's head and looking pensively out over the Barrows as they stretched away around him, waiting for the others to arrive. The hills were painted in the deep golds of early Longheat, the day's warmth lingering deliciously after the cool nights of Flowerbirth, and the skies were clear and cloudless. It was good weather for finding trouble.
Lots of trouble.
Welcome to a PQ+ to reduce the dangers of the Barrows in King's End! Please post your character's arrival and anything unusual they have on them! (all items on profile will be assumed to be available unless otherwise noted)
1. Talyson
2. Zavien
3.
4.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Hadama - 09-02-2024
Though surprised at receiving a letter from the courier, Hadama did, indeed, owe the man a favor or two and he had business in King's End to attend to. After some thought on the matter he had asked
They had taken a skyship together to the Boondocks in King's End and from there made their way north and west through Mourn to find the Last Step.
When the King arrived he nodded courteously to the dark-haired young man and his dragon. "Talyson. It is good to see your skyboat is repaired." After their last encounter with the Void Horror and the Peregrine's unfortunate crash landing on the beach in Torchline. Hopefully a scenario which would not be repeated during this particular hunt.
Hadama arrives with everything on his profile and brings Aurelia along!
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Zavien - 09-02-2024
Just as he'd promised, Zavien arrived at the requested time and place, ready to eliminate whatever trouble the courier had identified. As he approached, he noted the optimal placement of the Peregrine, quickening his steps towards the friend he knew awaited him. And apparently the one he didn't know awaited him.
Seeing Tal first, he gave an enthusiastic wave, picking up his pace to a jog across the grassy meadow. Then he saw Hadama and immediately raised his other hand as well, excitement widening his green eyes, and making him completely oblivious to how stupid the movement looked.
When he finally got the others, he came to a stop, catching his breath around a bright smile peeking out from his light scruff. After an acknowledging nod to Tal and a piece of jerky tossed towards Boreal, he looked to the Mer King. [say]"I wasn't expecting to see you here! Glad to have your help!"[/say]
Zavien arrives in his usual fashion with a sword on his hip, a travel pack, and energy to spare!
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Aurelia - 09-04-2024
It had been a long time since she'd been to King's End, and never before had she made her way to the Last Step. Something foreboding about it.. But the Mer-King had asked her here, to accompany him on some form of a quest; to aid the courier, who he called Talyson, in a hunt of sorts. Aurelia was no stranger to hunting or fighting, and indeed she did intend to prove herself - to those that might be willing to acknowledge her efforts. And if this helped Sunjata somehow, then that was all the more reason for her to come.
She didn't travel too lightly. She carried a small pack filled with some essential gear; basic things like rope and a med kit. And sheathed at her hip was her sword.
Aurelia watched with quiet curiosity as she followed Hadama's lead to greet Talyson, though her gaze lingered for a bit longer on the dragon companion. Then another person suddenly arrived, jogging through the meadow towards them, waving both hands in greeting like a lunatic, and treating the dragon. He certainly made the impression of someone overtly nice. Aurelia couldn't help an initial bristle of suspicion at someone that friendly, though she immediately dismissed the intrusive thought and reasoned with herself that she needn't be so paranoid.
When the opportunity to speak presented itself, she took it: [say]"Hello, my name is Aurelia. Hadama asked me along,"[/say] she smiled politely, looking back and forth between the two people she had not met before. [say]"I'm glad to offer my skills today. What will we be hunting?"[/say] She raised her brows at Talyson then, waiting with keen interest to hear what he had to say.
Aurelia arrives with a backpack and some gear, her sword, and she is also wearing her Shield Bangle.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Talyson - 09-04-2024
Tal bobbed his head in respectful greeting to the Mer King with a quietly murmured: "Thanks, sir." He glanced curiously at the woman the King had brought with him, but before he could ask any questions of her a familiar dragoon came jogging up the hill, and the courier broke out into a lopsided grin. "Zavien! Y'made it!" The Breaker might have been a bit silly, but Tal's craggy face warmed at his presence on the hunt, and the pale dragon beside him bounded over to give the Accepted her own exuberant greeting (and pocket-snorfle).
His expression sobered quickly as
Not that it usually did much good.
"So we've been havin' problems around Mourn, mostly," he explained, then started checking off possible threads on his fingers. "Th'villi an' daemons have been movin' farther from their barrows an' attackin' folks comin' t'grieve, but I've even spotted an enenra there before." A shiver ran down his spine at the memory and he quickly tried to shake it off. "Some o' th'unicorns have gotten corrupted by th'Void, too, so don't hold back if we run across any." His brow furrowed as he tried to decide if he was missing anything. "Uh... so, unicorns an' daemons can be hit by pretty much anythin', but if we run across villi they're a lot more..." he wiggled his fingers, "like, ghosts? So you'll need magic weapons t'hit 'em an' magic armor t'block 'em."
He gave another, firmer nod, pretty sure that he'd hit the important notes. "Let's go around an' figure out who's got what, so if we run into somethin' someone isn't equipped t'handle they can duck behind someone who can. I've got magic armor an' a Dagger, an' I can use mastered Healin' if anyone gets hurt. Oh, an' I'm an Accepted, so I can try an' call down a god if things get real bad. Uh... any other questions before we get started?"
Any questions, concerns, or helpful info for the group before we get started? If not, just a list of assets you're willing to share with the group will be enough.
No posting order!
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Zavien - 09-05-2024
Noticing the woman standing amongst them, he immediately felt bad for ignoring her, remedying that quickly with a bright smile and another wave. [say]"Hi Aurelia! I'm Zavien. Nice to meet you."[/say] Since she was obviously accompanying Hadama, the Dragoon was confident that she'd be a valuable asset to the quest. That didn't mean he wasn't curious about her. Yet, that would have to wait for another time, when they weren't about to hunt dangerous creatures.
Zavien listened closely to the information, familiar with the Daemon part, but otherwise impressed by the animals they might face today. The soldier part of him switched on, his feet spreading as his arms came to cross at his chest. Even his smile faded to a more serious expression as he nodded his head. [say]"I don't have any magic items, but my sword usually does the trick. I'm also an Accepted, so I can help with channeling if necessary."[/say] He knew it didn't sound like much, however, Tal and Hadama both knew him well enough to recognize his value, so he didn't feel a need to exaggerate or protect his pride. The fact that he didn't have any magic items to combat possible villi sightings might be a problem, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Aurelia - 09-05-2024
Aurelia listened intently as Talyson explained, glancing over at Hadama and Zavien to try and gauge their reactions to all this information. For the most part, everything sounded manageable, up until the mention of ghost-like Villi and their immunity to physical damage - which did draw a thread of apprehension between her brows.
It was interesting to note that Zavien and Talyson both were Accepted. Never a bad thing to have the power to call down gods and spirits for aid. Though Aurelia hadn't had many positive interactions with spirits, and the only herald she prayed to was Safrin, she had seen an Accepted channel once or twice before. Always kept things interesting.
As apprehensive as she was starting to feel about the Villi, she was also feeling excited about it all. This was a chance to use her powers and abilities for something good, and for something that mattered.
She nodded at Zavien when he finished explaining what he had to offer, and she spoke up after him, [say]"I'm alright with a sword, I suppose, though it's not magical,"[/say] humble beginnings, but with more confidence she went on, [say]"I'm capable of some magic and shifting. This bracelet becomes a shield if I will it to,"[/say] she lifted up her arm for a moment to show them the golden bangle.
[say]"My strongest magic is fire. The rest, I'm still honing. As for my shifts, I've got a tiger and a... well, something smaller."[/say] She then addressed Talyson with another query: [say]"Will my magic be effective against the Villi?"[/say] Or was it strictly magical items?
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Hadama - 09-05-2024
If Hadama was surprised to see Zavien approaching he did not show it. Instead he greeted the Breaker with a deep inclination of his head and a slight crinkling at the corners of his eyes for the younger man's antics, though the expression quickly sobered as Talyson detailed what they could expect. The Tidebreaker nodded once in understanding and then listened with interest to the abilities of the others who had gathered before speaking himself.
"I do not have useful shifts here," he admitted, glancing to
Hadama offers Zavien his trident to use during the hunt:
Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Startide Trident | A trident formed from coral and starlight. Can be used below or above the water. Shoots a blast of arclight water that's infused with starlight up to 10ft.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Talyson - 09-05-2024
Introductions were made and Tal listened curiously to Aurelia in particular as the one he was least familiar with, though his dark brows rose in surprise to hear that the Mer King had a few more abilities under his belt than the last time they'd fought together. He nodded encouragement to Zavien to take the offered weapon - just in case, before turning his attention back to
"Okay, since no one has any questions, let's head out," he decided, shooing Boreal back to the steps to guard the Peregrine. "Let's scout the south first. Keep your eyes peeled and give a shout if y'see somethin' we should check out."
The sun was still up, but it was swiftly sinking behind the hills to the west as the shadows lengthened and deepened between the Barrows, hiding dangerous and treasures alike amidst the ancient burial mounds.
Time to get started! Keep an eye out for trouble, and choose where in the marching order you want to be! Towards the front, in the back, firmly in the middle, or scouting ahead. First come, first served, and Tal will take what's left!
No posting order!
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Zavien - 09-05-2024
He listened closely to everyone's abilities and strengths, taking note of the fact that they all appeared extremely capable. His insecurity threatened to rear its ugly head, eager to feed on his inadequacies, until the always considerate Hadama was offering him an opportunity. Although reluctant to leave a fellow ally with fewer weapons, Zavien recognized that he was the only one without a means to attack the villi. With a polite nod, he accepted the trident, spinning it in his hands to get a feel for the weight. It was beautifully balanced and comfortable in his grasp, whistling through the air in similar fashion of a spear. He gave the Mer King a smile. [say]"Thanks. This will definitely help."[/say] Both with being able to fight and setting his thoughts at ease.
Aurelia's question made a good point, and he wondered what qualified as a magic weapon or attack, however, he didn't linger on the unknown, certain that they'd discover the answers themselves at some point today. Instead, he turned towards the south, taking the lead with his observant eyes. Scouting had proven to be one of his strong suits in the past, and he hoped it would serve him well once again. Keeping his green eyes trained to the growing shadows, he kept his senses alert for any indication of trouble. The trident was a useful tool for prodding any suspicious forms while he kept it always at the ready.
Zavien accepts Hadama's offer and sets out at the front, holding the trident in preparation for any trouble.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Aurelia - 09-06-2024
[say]"Good,"[/say] she let out a soft breath of relief at Talyson's answer and let that be the end of her line of questioning. Watching as Zavien took the trident from Hadama's generous hands, she smiled thoughtfully. Her trust that this would all go over smoothly grew.
No sooner had they made their introductions and offered their skillsets were they setting off. Zavien scouted ahead and Aurelia had the thought to take up after him but, she knew less about this hunt and this land than perhaps the others did. So, instead of bringing up the front, she stepped back and motioned for either Talyson or Hadama to go ahead of her. After which she would bring herself to walk in the middle of the pack.
This made her no less alert, however, as she kept her eyes peeled for... well, anything and everything. The Barrows was a remarkable place - both beautiful and haunting. She didn't really know what to expect out of it; what was normal and what wasn't. So she kept up her guard and her wits and kept moving, periodically checking the front to see if Zavien had found anything of note.
Aurelia takes up the middle and stays alert.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Hadama - 09-06-2024
"You are welcome," Hadama murmured to Zavien, quietly pleased that his offer had been accepted and that the Breaker would have a means of defending himself against even the incorporeal threats that haunted the Barrows.
Listening to the directions of the leader of their little expedition, the Tidebreaker stayed back with
Hadama takes the rear and keeps his eyes peeled.
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Talyson - 09-06-2024
He was relieved to see Zavien take the magic weapon, and reassured by Aurelia's combination of shifts and magic. The Mer King's calm, steady presence was a big asset all on its own, and Tal fell in behind Zavien feeling unusually confident in their chance. Even so, he couldn't help but fiddle with his Dagger as he walked through the knee-high grasses, suspecting that he'd need it sooner or later...
It turned out that it was, in fact, sooner.
The Last Step was still in sight in the distance behind them, although the sun was now almost touching the horizon, when the peace of the evening was broken. Zavien, Hadama, and Tal all saw the creatures before they were in melee range, though
A silvery grey unicorn with mad red eyes crested a nearby barrow-hill and then raced down the side, charging the middle of their line. "Look out!" Tal yelled, taking his own advice. Though the unicorn had surprise and momentum on its side the courier still managed a fluid dodge and it ran past without touching him.
The same could not be said for the dragon with tarnished copper scales that uncoiled from a nearby tumble of boulders a moment later. It exhaled a frozen breath of icy daggers at the courier, but caught its fellow Daemon in the crossfire instead.
The group has encountered two Daemons!
Both Daemons attacked Tal, but the dragon rolled a nat 1 missed him badly enough that it hit the other Daemon instead. Tal was able to dodge the unicorn this time.
Zavien: 54/54
Aurelia: 108/108
Hadama: 275/275
Talyson: 720/720
Unicorn: 230/250
Dragon: 75/75
No posting order!
RE: Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark - Zavien - 09-07-2024
At first, Zavien thought that maybe their trek would be uneventful. Everything seemed quiet and peaceful as they left the Last Step and The Peregrine behind them. Only the peaceful meadows before them. However, that lasted all about two seconds before the Dragoon noticed the white figure barreling towards them. Obviously, Tal saw it as well, relieving Zavien when he was able to leap out of the direct path of the daemon. A second daemon appeared simultaneously, causing him to immediately jump into action, a prayer under his breath.
The unicorn was the closer threat, drawing him towards it on quick legs. He didn't pause, even as he leveled the trident at the beast. With the longer reach of the trident, Zavien kept a healthy distance from the creature, making sure the others were out of danger from either him or the animal before releasing the attack.
Zavien attacks the unicorn Daemon with Hadama's trident.
Type: Light | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Startide Trident | A trident formed from coral and starlight. Can be used below or above the water. Shoots a blast of arclight water that's infused with starlight up to 10ft.
Regional Score bonus: +1 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +1 should be included)