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Curiosities - Sah - 09-10-2024
Although this vacation was turning out to be filled with surprises, Sah still had a few planned adventures. One was going to the Maw. When one of the Kualii isles had lined up, the Abandoned had made the trip over. After seeing the crater from Starfall, his curiosity made him question how it might be different. One, of course, was an impact crater, and the Maw was a volcano. But they both resulted in a massive concave structure.
As he walked along the edge, it became clear just how different the two were. Sah ran a hand along the volcano's side, pulling it back to run the grit between his fingers. It was chalky yet denser than he'd expected—nothing like the oddly normal soil that he'd encountered last year. Even as focused as he was, the Abandoned still sensed another presence.
Magic sparking beneath his skin, he turned to see who or what had arrived.
RE: Curiosities - Bane - 09-10-2024
As Bane approached the edge of the Maw, he surveyed the volcanic landscape with a mix of curiosity and amusement. The difference between this and the impact crater Sah had explored was quite pronounced.
Noticing Sah’s intense scrutiny of the volcanic soil, Bane couldn’t help but let a smirk creep onto his face. [say] “Well, look at you, all focused and serious,” [/say] he said with a touch of sarcasm. [say] “I suppose the volcanic grit here is a bit more exciting than what you’re used to. First time seeing a volcano, or are you just trying to impress me?” [/say]
When Sah turned to regard him with a challenge, Bane’s grin widened, though his stance remained subtly defensive. [say] “Oh, please, spare me the theatrics,” [/say] he said, his voice dripping with mock concern. [say] “I’m here out of sheer curiosity, not to start a rivalry. You can’t scare me off that easily.” [/say]
He gestured towards the volcanic soil with a nonchalant wave. [say] “The grit’s fascinating, I’ll give you that. Every place has its own charm. But don’t worry, I’m just here to soak it all in—nothing more sinister than that.” [/say] He gave an impish grin, extending his hand offering for the man to shake it. As if he were about to make a deal with the devil himself. [say] "Bane. Bane Mortala." [/say]
RE: Curiosities - Sah - 09-10-2024
Sah's eyes raked over the newcomer before he snickered. Raising a brow, he tilted his head with a smirk, [say]"You're easy to impress if that even registered as an attempt. Or are your standards just that low?"[/say] The Abandoned shook the grit off of his hand and focused on the conversation. He saw no need to explain himself to the sarcastic stranger before him. It was a long shot but the Abandoned wanted to be thorough with such a formidable threat on the horizon. Hed hoped that comparing the two locations might provide some insight, but alas.
Come to think of it, this man reminded him somewhat of how Talyson used to be. All bark and poor attempts at a bite. The courier had certainly come a long way. The Wild Thunder stepped forward and returned the handshake firmly, [say]"Sah."[/say] His lips twitched, [say]"Not sure if it's nice to meet you yet."[/say]
RE: Curiosities - Bane - 09-10-2024
Bane’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he regarded Sah’s response. “Low standards?” he repeated with a smirk. [say] “Maybe, or maybe I just appreciate a bit of flair in my encounters. It’s not every day you come across someone who’s quick to respond when someone's around.” [/say]
He accepted the handshake with a firm grip, his expression playful yet confident. Tilting his head slightly. [say] “I’m glad to see you’ve got spirit. But I’m more interested in what you’ve noticed about this place. It is pretty unique.” [/say]
Bane looked at the chalky substance with a curious gaze, his emerald eyes sweeping as he had leaned in a little closer. Truth be told, Bane had ventured out more and more with each passing day. This, was the furthest that he had come.
RE: Curiosities - Sah - 09-11-2024
Sah grinned, [say]"Fair enough. There are plenty of people in Caido who share that sentiment. They'll rip you a new one if you're not careful."[/say] Two were in his adopted family, now that he thought about it. He'd learned from the best.
[say]"Oh?"[/say] That was a surprise. [say]"It's certainly different than any volcano that I've encountered. It's probably because it's predominantly submerged. I was curious to see if it was similar at all to the crater in King's End but it's not. That one feels abnormally like normal soil."[/say]
That had been the most disturbing part of the initial crash. There was a massive crater that could only be from a meteorite, but upon inspection, there was just a hole. Deep as it was, but the area was otherwise untouched. Not like the true Starfall where Torchline was decimated.
Noticing that Bane was leaning in, Sah held out his hand for the other to inspect. [say]"What about you? How does it compare to volcanos that you've seen?" [/say]
RE: Curiosities - Bane - 09-11-2024
Bane chuckled softly. [say] "Yeah, I’ve run into a few of those types," [/say] he replied, his tone light but with a knowing edge. [say] “And trust me, I don’t plan on giving anyone that chance.” [/say] He watched Sah closely, noting the confidence behind the grin. There was a hint of respect there—at least, as much as Bane was willing to offer so quickly.
He listened to Sah’s observations, his own curiosity piqued. Bane admitted, glancing down at the volcanic rock again, his fingers itching to touch it. "Sounds like you’ve been doing your homework. Comparing it to King’s End... smart move, but yeah, craters and volcanoes are rarely the same beast.”
When Sah extended his hand with some of the chalky residue, Bane leaned in a little closer, his emerald eyes narrowing as he examined it. [say] “From what I’ve seen, this stuff looks denser, more compressed—probably from all the pressure underwater.” [/say] He straightened up slightly, still studying the grit. [say] “The ones I’ve been around are usually more… temperamental. The rocks it forms are normally porous.. Some of the soil around it would be great for farming. But, with this... It's... Similar to ash? I doubt it has anything in it that could... grow anything. Though... That still has yet to be seen...?” [/say] Bane questioned slightly, as he had tilted his head observing it closely.
He smirked, flicking a glance back at Sah. [say] “This place feels like it’s got secrets, though. Not the obvious kind. More like it’s hiding something under all that water. Makes you wonder what else is down there, waiting... Especially because that right there... ” [/say] He pointed at the endless void of hole of the water. [say] "Looks as though it has no end." [/say]
RE: Curiosities - Sah - 09-14-2024
[say]"Indeed. But it seemed worth the trip."[/say] Any possible knowledge or advantage was worth investigating. As Bane detailed his own experiences, Sah listened intently, nodding along. [say]"I think only aquatic plants have a chance here."[/say]
As for the Maw's secrets, Sah glanced down at the inky abyss with a smirk, [say]"Without a doubt. If I recall, there was a kraken that was fought here a while ago. Under the Sea of Glass in Halo there was also a massive aquatic monster that was fought."[/say] His brow furrowed, [say]"With them gone, I have no doubt that other creatures have stepped into the hole that they left behind in the food chain."[/say] He wasn't sure if anyone had spotted anything just yet. But the Abandoned wouldn't keep his hopes up.
The Wild Thunder's eyes rose towards the purple haze in the far distance, [say]"There's also Starfall to consider. I can't even picture what monstrosities are calling that home. No doubt they're on a completely different level than the void-infected creatures that have been wreaking havoc in the regions. Even still, that void sea panther that showed up just last week was nothing to scoff at."[/say] He grimaced at the memory. That fight had been brutal and if Ronin and Remi hadn't arrived when they did, Sah had a feeling at least one person would have died. Possibly two. The damn thing had just been so fast. They couldn't pin it down long enough to get a solid hit.
RE: Curiosities - Bane - 09-14-2024
Bane’s grin turned wry as Sah mentioned the kraken. He shook his head, imagining the size of the thing. [say] "Kraken, huh? That would've made one hell of a feast." [/say] He chuckled at the thought, though the idea of turning such a massive beast into a meal was absurd. Still, the mental image of grilling up kraken steaks brought a strange amusement to his mind.
[say] "You're right, though. Something else always fills the gap," [/say] Bane added, glancing into the dark waters. The idea of new predators lurking down there, unseen and waiting, sent a shiver down his spine—not that he'd ever admit it.
As the conversation shifted to Starfall, Bane’s grin faded. His expression tightened at the thought of the void sea panther. [say] “Fast as hell... can’t pin them down long enough to land a solid hit. It’s like trying to fight shadows from what I hear,” [/say] he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. The idea of going up against something that could outmaneuver him that easily was unsettling. Hearing Sah discuss the fight a little, he grimaced at the thought. He wasn't near even remotely ready to fight against one...
[say] "The town was absolutely buzzing about it when I had came back that one night from running errands. Gotta say, ya'll put hell of a fight up with it." [/say] It was true. Anything that happened in Torchline seemed to go around the rumor mill pretty quickly.
He glanced back at Sah. [say] "What’s next, huh? If things are getting worse, I’d hate to see what comes crawling out next. But whatever it is..." [/say] He shrugged, a flicker of determination in his eyes. [say] "I... guess the only thing to do then, is prepare for it as best as we can..." [/say]
In fact, it seemed to leave Bane in thought. On endless possibilities.. but most of fall, the safety of those around such creatures.
[say] "D'ya think it's going to be possible to wipe out every last one of them...?" [/say]
RE: Curiosities - Sah - 09-18-2024
Sah grimaced, [say]"We did our best. The fact that it took two of the most powerful Dem-gods in Caido to finally take it down says a lot about how dangerous these creatures are."[/say] He let out a strained chuckle, [say]"Though it does help my bruised ego to know it wasn't just me struggling."[/say] It had been horrendously frustrating to try and land a hit on the damn thing. The feeling of being useless as it continued to dodge and wreak havoc had been bitter.
What was next? Bane's question was certainly a loaded one. The Wild Thunder hummed in thought as he considered their options. [say]"Preparing is the best thing we can do. Training ourselves, bolstering the strength of our allies, and making sure that each region has the capacity to protect itself. In recent years, Halo has strengthened the walls around the city, built defensive and offensive weapons, and given our hot springs the capacity to both heal and purge the void infection. From what I know, the other regions have been hard at work as well."[/say] Torchline was nearly done with putting up barriers if he recalled.
Sah ran a hand through his hair, [say]"It's going to be hard. Harder than anything we've ever faced most likely."[/say] Could they do it? The people of Caido were powerful, but the Family was something else and beyond their comprehension to a degree. But there was only one answer. The Wild Thunder turned narrowed eyes at Bane, [say]"We have to. We don't have the option of failing."[/say]
RE: Curiosities - Bane - 10-02-2024
Bane listened quietly, his expression hardening as Sah spoke. There was no room for pride or ego when facing creatures of such magnitude, and the fact that even the demigods had struggled was a harsh reality. He gave a short nod, acknowledging the weight of Sah's words.
[say]"Yeah, well, if it took them that much effort, we’ve got no business underestimating what’s out there,"[/say] Bane agreed, his tone serious but laced with a flicker of determination. He cracked his knuckles, a reflex whenever he was deep in thought. [say]"But if we can’t fail, then we sure as hell better not waste any time."[/say]
He paused, casting a glance around as if weighing the fate of Caido in his own mind. [say]"We’ve got strength, that much I know. But raw power isn’t gonna cut it on its own. We need strategy—real coordination between the regions. Sounds like Halo has definitely put effort into ensuring for being ready and supporting and protecting everyone. The biggest thing I can think of... Train ourselves to adapt. The way these things fight, their speed from what I hear and what you are saying—"[/say] he shook his head, jaw clenched. [say]"Sounds like we all have a long road ahead of us.."[/say]
Bane’s eyes narrowed, a spark of challenge lighting up in them. [say]"Harder than anything we’ve ever faced? Probably. But that just means we've got more to fight for, right? The way I see it, the harder it gets, the more they’ll regret messing with us. I've got to believe that at least."[/say]
He met Sah’s gaze, his own unwavering. [say]"We’ll be ready."[/say]
His eyes fell down into the depths of the void of water, the temptation not there to find out what lurked beneath the depths. [say] "This... And I've never said this to anyone before." [/say] His eyes flashed wearily over towards Sah. "This is a thing of nightmares." [/say]
RE: Curiosities - Sah - 10-14-2024
Sah nodded grimly, [say]"It'll be a long road for sure."[/say] The Wild Thunder grinned ferally as the Attuned seemed to rally his spirits. [say]"We will be. We'll make them regret ever stepping foot or tentacle in our home."[/say] He really didn't understand the Family or the void creature's biology. Vox's mental voice definitely suggested it was beyond what was visible at first glance. And wasn't that a nasty thing to consider?
The Wild Thunder's eyes softened slightly at the other man's admission. He hardly knew Bane, but Sah could hear the truth in his words. [say]"It is."[/say] The Voice had been trying to survive and protect her children at the cost of eliminating the Old Gods. But she didn't seek to destroy Caido, unlike the Family whose motives appeared to be nothing but conquest. Not to mention that their origins appeared to be from another planet, realm, or other distant plane.
Reassurances were empty promises, so Sah offered something tangible instead. His eyes steadily met Bane's, [say]"If you ever want a sparring partner or extra training, just let me know. I'm always willing."[/say] The Wild Thunder had sparred with a wide variety of individuals since coming to Caido. From weaponry to magic to hand-to-hand combat and everything in between. He didn't know what level of strength or abilities Bane had, but Sah felt confident that he could help at least a little.
With that promise, he eyed the setting sun. [say]"We best be getting back. Let me know if you ever want to take me up on that offer."[/say] Parting ways, the two returned to the mainland.
-[FIN]