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+---- Thread: [PQ] let go of the anchors (/showthread.php?tid=11093)
let go of the anchors - Deimos - 04-07-2025
In between all the other rushes of calamities and plots, the Monster Hunter’s Guild had been collecting information. It would be of no surprise to anyone in the local vicinity that there’d been another rush of voidshade ursurs stalking the white plains of the Tundra – either interrupting trade routes, hunters and trackers paths, or being a general violent nuisance to the rest of the world. And though they couldn’t pinpoint their reckless behavior upon the Citadel, Halo’s Warden would take it upon himself, and anyone else willing, to go dispatch the sudden influx.
In fact, he found it almost a relief to be doing something normal, rather than waging onslaughts within caverns and plotting out the next bout of machinations. Mauling dangerous, threatening, and parasitic animals was a significant way to curb any restlessness miring its way through his bones.
So earlier in the week, he’d sent out missives and information, invitations and inquiries for anyone interested, and then on the corresponding day, at the first sign of morning light, they were to meet at the Citadel gates. Deimos came with his own assemblage of companions and necessities; including weapons for those not properly equipped, furs, and an assortment of breakfast food and beverages to keep them going.
--
[say]Welcome to the Monster Hunter’s Guild hunt for voidshade ursurs! Please post your character arriving and grabbing any equipment, clothing, or food and beverages they might want to have on hand. Please let me know what they’re bringing as well.
1. Deimos
2. Koa
3. Colt
4. Sohalia[/say]
RE: let go of the anchors - Colt - 04-07-2025
Though Colt's ranch was typically safely secluded in Meadowreach, where threats were minimal, such peace could not endure beneath the insidious spread of the void. Derranged animals, sick with violet, seemed to wander through nearly daily. Some were just a heartache to watch, knowing what peaceful, beautiful beings were sealed away by the poison. Others, however, left a different kind of heartache in their wake. They weren't always seen, but Colt felt their presence as she cradled the mauled heads of her herd in her lap, fiercely snuffing out their suffering and bringing them the rest they deserved. Loss was a part of her world, but this had become unbearable. She could not stand another morning watching the dawn break over a field of corpses, uneaten. While they shored up their defenses at home, Colt set out to learn more about how to take these monsters down, happy to hunt the rot out of their vicinity.
She was far less happy about the location.
Bundled up as best as she could manage, Colt still sank miserably into her saddle, pulling her coat tighter against her. The black gelding beneath her plodded along dutifully, his breath visible as he worked through the spring snow. [say]"Sorry bud,"[/say] she muttered apologetically to him, patting his neck roughly. [say]"You'll get all the oats when we get back,"[/say] she promised with a slight smile. The smile grew as she looked up and found the designated meeting place, a foreboding figure already there. She could hazard a guess who it was based on description. As if understanding, the gelding drew closer to Deimos, gradually slowing until he was close, at which point he reached out a curious nose for a treat. [say]"Is this the Monster Hunters?"[/say] she asked as she fought to pull the hungry beast's nose back to his own personal space. [say]"And you're Deimos?"[/say] She looked him up and down, nodding to herself. [say]"I'm Colt, from King's End. I'd like to join up, if you'll have me."[/say]
She slid down from the saddle with deliberate slowness, careful not to jar her knees, which were stiff from the journey. She tossed the reins around her saddle, a quiet bid for the steed to stay still, so he immediately began to creep closer to Deimos instead. Colt strode towards him, hand out in greeting, though her gaze was already moving past him to the assorted treats and trinkets on display. [say]"Oh tell me that's tea,"[/say] she pleaded, not waiting for an answer as she moved over to investigate. She poured herself a warm cup and shrugged on some additional furs, content at last as she huffed her breath over the steaming liquid.
Colt brings her horse, a lasso, and a bow with a quiver of arrows. She takes a cup of tea and additional furs.
RE: let go of the anchors - Sohalia - 04-10-2025
The last time Sohalia had ended up in Halo to help fight the Void, she’d almost died. You’d think she’d have learned her lesson the first time, and yet, here she was, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest, ready to face her fears and attempt the same thing yet again.
She’d showed up dressed for a hunt in the tundra (which, in her opinion, was frigid even in springtime): fur-lined pants; comfortable and functional boots; a parka that wasn’t quite enough to cut the wind chill to zero, but that wasn’t so bulky that it would get in her way in a fight. Her hair was tied back out of her face, and she grasped her glaive in one hand as she joined the others at the appointed meeting place. She wasn’t sure yet if it would be better to shift or to stay human, but she was prepared either way.
She offered Deimos a smile that might have been a little sheepish. [say]”Hi, Deimos. I hope you don’t mind my joining.”[/say] She hadn’t been particularly impressive in the Sword’s eyes in the past, but she was willing to put in the work if he would have her. Honestly, she half expected him to send her packing. Last time she’d seen him, she’d been half dead, after all - not the look one would expect from a monster hunter.
RE: let go of the anchors - Koa - 04-10-2025
Koa would have liked to have made it back to Safrin before setting out on this hunt, but few are the plans that go as one expects. Similar to his companions, he is dressed for winter's chill, a thick coat pulled tight over his armor, hat and bandana occluding much of his face. Not having found a pair of gloves that works with his wraps-and-bracers combo, his poor fingers have been left quite bare; he compensates by shoving his hands in his pockets, though this respite is abbreviated when he nears the group, extracting his hand to wave a greeting to his companions while trying not to think about the sting of the cold on his skin.
Ever more enthusiastic when it comes to Halo trips, Pipsqueak leads their approach like splotch of ink carried on the wind. She circles the group with a trill of greeting, opting to land on the breakfast table and tear viciously into a sausage roll. Koa shakes his head at her antics, but goes for a cup of coffee anyway, shooing her off as he pours.
Warm beverage defrosting his fingers, the Dragoon at last settles into the team. [say]"Deimos,"[/say] Koa greets with a respectful bob of his head, voice warming considerably as he turns to the next familiar face. [say]"Soh."[/say] He smiles, cheeks rosy, then looks at the stranger. [say]"Koa Carpenter, Stormbreak Dragoon,"[/say] the boy greets warmly, extending a hand. [say]"He yours?"[/say] he asks, jutting his chin toward the handsome black gelding.
Greetings complete, Koa straightens, turning his eager attention the Warden's way. [say]"Well then, Warden. What's today's mission?"[/say]
RE: let go of the anchors - Deimos - 04-10-2025
At ease in the cold, Deimos watched the others trudge in, one by one. Most were unexpected – and his features reflected his surprise by the minute arch of his brow. The first he didn’t know at all – but he nodded nonetheless, glancing from horse to rider. Zuriel pinned her ears in the gelding’s direction, but remained otherwise regal and haughty. [say]“I am. Good to meet you, and yes, you may join.”[/say] What Colt 's caliber was - they’d all find out together.
Sohalia surprised him far more though, because last he’d seen her had been when the Tundra had been no longer infected, but hordes more effected by the danger they’d been quartered within. He didn’t mind her joining – just mildly bewildered by the notions. And with such a crew, he knew he’d been doing multitudes of shielding and defending. [say]"You are welcome to participate."[/say]
Koa was the only one he’d figured would be on this expedition, and he offered a brief snort and a nod of his head. [say]“Thank you all for coming. Today’s mission will be going after three voidshade ursurs that have been bothering some of our trackers.”[/say] He jutted his jawline towards the wide, open, and vast ivory plain before them, though his eyes shifted towards an outcropping of large stones nestled over to the right. [say]“They have been residing over by those rocks, and while they are not stealthy, they are certainly dangerous.”[/say] He waited, gaze flickering at all of them, intending to see the state of their reactions, if anyone was going to evade and depart on the further intel, or simply stay, dedicated to the cause. [say]“Follow me, and stay close, in case anything else crops up.”[/say]
And with that, the Warden began heading along the snowy path, Belial immediately flying upwards to cast a longer line of sight.
--
[say]Head out with Deimos towards the rocks! Feel free to ask any questions or prepare your character for the inevitable, or look for any signs of any wildlife. Please indicate your actions in your description! No post order.[/say]
RE: let go of the anchors - Sohalia - 04-10-2025
Welcome to participate was perhaps not the warm welcome that Sohalia had hoped for, but it was better than being sent packing, so she offered up a smile and a nod before lingering and waiting for their group to be completed. Turning to Colt, she said, [say]"Hi! I'm Sohalia."[/say] But before she could say or do any more than that, Koa had arrived and greeted her warmly enough to bring a faint flush to her cheeks. [say]"Hey, Koa,"[/say] she said, voice softening almost imperceptibly.
But there was no time to linger over friends or strangers as they started to move out. Soh listened to the instructions Deimos gave with a seriousness that at least said she understood the gravity of the situation. She'd encountered an ursur before, but she wasn't inclined to think that a voidshade version would be any more pleasant. With nothing in particular to add or ask, she simply nodded, her face set resolutely, and followed Deimos down the path. Shifting her eyes into a snowy owl's, she gazed at the rocks that the man had indicated, searching for signs of life.
---
Soh follows Deimos with her glaive held at the ready! She shifts her eyes into a snowy owl's to better see the rocks that Deimos had indicated and search for signs of the ursurs.
RE: let go of the anchors - Colt - 04-11-2025
The gelding straightened up real fast when he caught Zuriel's ears, and promptly decided a quick doze was a safer use of his time than seeing what Deimos had in his pockets. As Colt settled into her new furs and blew over her warm tea, she smiled at the others who arrived, looking them up and down, each in turn. At Koa's hand, she extends her own, the grip not matching his, but firm and confident nonetheless. [say]"Colt Winchester,"[/say] she returned to him, [/say]"and yes, that's Bean."[/say] As Sohalia also approached, Colt dipped her head in greeting, her hat tilting.
Colt straightened up a bit as Deimos called them to order. She sipped at her tea to keep the grimace from fitting onto her face as he revealed their task. She hoped she'd actually live from this mission to learn from it. Not that she had no faith in herself, but well she wasn't sure she wanted to find out what happened when you lassoed an ursur. At least Deimos and Koa seemed like seasoned fighters, and she was certain Sohalia was here as an expert in her own right. The man provided no more tips, and Colt was left wondering if the beasts had any known weaknesses, or at least weak spots, other than the usual face. Guess she'd find out.
Guzzling down the rest of her tea, she moved to Bean's side. She checked the cinch, then swung up into the saddle. Straightening out after a moment, she pushed her heels against the broad side, and with a low grunt Bean began to pick through the snow after Deimos.
Colt gets on her horse and follows Deimos
RE: let go of the anchors - Koa - 04-14-2025
As much as Koa would like to flirt with Soh and pet Bean, he is here in his capacity as a soldier, a persona he slips into with comfort and ease. He stands at attention as Deimos speaks, taking in the mission and information given. Nodding understanding, Koa downs the rest of his coffee before doing a quick check of his gear. Bracers, rings, chakram, gloves - all are equipped and ready to wield as they set out into the cold.
Koa falls into step beside Deimos, looking to the General. [say]"Any further information on these ursurs, sir?"[/say] he asks as they push on, the attentive soldier gathering what knowledge he can. [say]"Hunting patterns, strengths, weaknesses? Do we know what effect contact with them might have?"[/say] Given the odd reactions people have to void monstrosities, he cannot imagine it would be good.
Up above, Pipsqueak joins Belial in the scouting party, sending Koa mental flashes of what she can see beyond the stones.
RE: let go of the anchors - Deimos - 04-14-2025
They walked along – companions as scouts, information relaying back and forth. Nodding at the inclusion of more details, he persisted, his own eyes glancing over the horizon lines. [say]“Voidshade ursurs are different from their normal counterparts – dark hued, very easy to spot against the snow. We do not have too many accounts from those who have been mauled by them,”[/say] they could fill in the gaps as to why, [say]“but supposedly they can drain the warmth out of individuals.”[/say] Leaving a despairing soul left in their wake – if they survived at all.
But given who Deimos was, the certainty of their hunt had already chiseled its way firmly in his mind. He’d protect, defend, and maul; he just couldn’t do everything entirely on his own. Measured steps and strides were taken, and he persisted in more demographics; some of which would be known to those who’d been around the void long enough, and new barbs for those who hadn’t. [say]“They can be greatly affected by air and gravity magic too. Anything long range would be best, which is why we are going to use the rocks for cover.” [/say]
He pointed their destination out, several yards ahead. Sohalia would have spotted several tracks, all leading directly behind the cluster of stones; but certainly not anything too fresh. “Hunting patterns have been around here all week.”
Quieting and stilling, Deimos narrowed his eyes as notions began to saunter forth in in his mind. Belial and Pipsqueak would be able to relay the sight of the pending beasts – two small, one large, on the opposite side of the rocks from where they stood now. They seemed content and busy now, munching on a latest kill. Belial, for once, didn’t hoot or blow their whereabouts, and persisted as though it was an everyday flyover for the peryton.
Stopping entirely, the Sword looked to each of them. [say]“We are going to crouch down below these rocks so we can observe them. Do not do anything else.”[/say] They would need more observations, more position taking, more notations in what to do next. [say]“We need to prepare before we commit to any actions.”[/say] He’d seen enough ridiculous maneuvers in the past that had gotten multitudes killed. If they were more experienced, they'd try a different framework - but Deimos' occupation was ensuring education and safety.
--
[say]Decide how your character is going to use the rocks as cover (where they’ll station their companions, things, etc.). [/say]
RE: let go of the anchors - Sohalia - 04-14-2025
Soh's lips tightened into a thin line as she listened to the description of the voidshade ursurs, filling in the blanks easily. Having been around plenty of void creatures - and at least partially drained by her share - she wasn't keen to repeat the experience.
But what was more concerning to her was that she hadn't brought anything of use from a distance. Her glaive would offer her a few feet of protection, but she was lousy with a bow and arrows and therefore hadn't thought to bring any along. Her shifts, too, would offer little by way of distance. And she didn't have the mindset of a warrior, so she wasn't quite sure where that left her.
So she crouched behind a rock, near enough to Deimos that she could still participate in the discussion. She'd seen tracks on their approach, but nothing particularly fresh. Nothing that she could contribute, really. [say]"I don't have anything particularly long range,"[/say] she said to the group, a blush creeping up her cheeks at her lack of preparation. [say]"But I can shift, if that would be helpful? I have an owl and a tide jaguar."[/say] And a swordfish, but that wasn't going to be useful here.
---
Soh crouches behind a rock near Deimos, then offers up her shifts for use as Deimos instructs.
RE: let go of the anchors - Koa - 04-14-2025
Once again Koa regrets not yet having finished his quest, rubbing unconsciously at where a future ring will be. Alas, it's too late for regrets now; the mission is active, and the boy will have to make do with what he has available.
In his case, a lot of brawn and not much brain, but some pretty decent wits and adaptability.
Pip spots the ursurs, sending Koa an image before soaring on, a dark streak against the iron sky. They're fucking huge, even the small one, but Koa isn't going to let that slow him down. Following Deimos' directions, he pauses to inspect the distant rocks. [say]"We should make sure to stay downwind,"[/say] he murmurs, glancing to the other three. [say]"I have around fifteen feet range - and someone can borrow this, if they need,"[/say] he adds, holding out the chakram.
Looking back to Deimos, he hums in thoughts. [say]"What if we send the companions - and Soh - north, past the rocks? They could create a diversion - maybe throw some stones down, or burning timber. Best case we might get one or two to head off and investigate, worst we still have a better chance at surprise."[/say] He waits for the Sword's judgment hopefully, wanting very much to be told he's done good.
Koa suggests a diversion. He'll also lend his chakram to someone who needs range, if they want!
Type: Dark | Style: Offensive | Level: Upgraded
Leviathan Chakram | An unbreakable chakram created from the scale of a leviathan by the Voice. With razor-sharp edges, this discus will always return to the hand of whoever throws it, and will always do so without injuring the hands of the thrower.
RE: let go of the anchors - Colt - 04-14-2025
Colt glanced over at Koa under the rim of her hat, thankful he'd asked what she'd felt too foolish to voice. She wouldn't make the same mistake again. If she was going to join this hunt, join this guild, then this was part of her team, and she couldn't afford to keep anything to herself if it would help any of them. It was no different than work on the ranch—help each other and don't be dumb. Generally good advice for anything in life. So Colt listened attentively to Deimos' understanding of the ursurs, taking it all in.
As they pulled up to the rocks and Deimos provided his instructions, Colt halted her steed, glancing around the area with steady analysis. She dismounted smoothly, not wanting to be too tall as they neared the rocks, but she chewed on her lip a bit, unsure where was best for Beans if not beneath her. [say]"I could stay mounted and lure them out."[/say] he offered them, picking up on Koa's thinking. [say]"We could outrun them,"[/say] she says confidently. Additionally, Beans would only be useful while mounted, otherwise he might be prone to becoming a snack, or running off like an idiot at the first sign of commotion and causing a scene to go a way they didn't want. [say]"I have my bow and arrows, so I could fire at them while I keep my distance, but they're just regular, nothing special. Maybe with that distraction, you guys could flank them? I could even lasso one, try and get it more separated."[/say] She didn't think she could control the ursur with the rope the way she did cattle, but it sure would piss it off and that would help her lead it in a way the other two might not be so enraged to do. If they could split them up, she bet it'd help. [say]"Then maybe between Jaguar and your skills, we can get one surrounded."[/say]
Colt and her horse are by the rocks. She offers to run out on Beans and distract the ursur, try to lead them away - could lasso one and might help split it off from the group.
RE: let go of the anchors - Deimos - 04-15-2025
Deimos listened – because what they offered also told of their experience, endeavors, and expertise in the finer arts of battle – and tried, with great difficulty, not to have his eyes widen in alarm or surprise. Sohalia ’s were shifts, but his head tilted; knowing full well the expanse of his own Attuned endeavors, and wondering if she'd reached those abilities yet. [say]“Would you be able to summon something to distract them, perhaps?”[/say] At the very least it would keep her out of danger, and be helpful in rendering the animals not wholly fixated on them when the time came.
Koa 's chakram, one he knew well, didn’t earn any glares – as long as it wasn’t tossed his way ever again, he’d be fine with it being utilized. Taking the notions as they were, he blended the ideas together. [say]“If Sohalia wants to call for a creature to assist, we can do the same with Belial and Pip – but I do not want them in danger range.”[/say] His own peryton knew how to make himself an irritating nuisance, and the Sword had seen the dragon at work with Erebos.
Then there was Colt ’s suggestion, to which he ceased an inevitable, impending headache, and aimed to turn the ideas into something that wouldn’t immediately end in her death. There would be times for exciting moments and ridiculous antics; and this wasn’t one of them. [say]“If there were not three, and they were likely not faster than your steed,”[/say] no offense to Beans, [say]“then that might be something feasible. How accurate is your lassoing? Would you be able to do it from here?”[/say] For there was one closer to them than the others – a good ten feet or so – and if it could be snagged while they hid behind the rocks, it could be brutalized, and cut off from is group. [say]“We do not need to put ourselves into unnecessary risk,”[/say] and he looked at all three of them – wondering if they were aspiring to bizarre heights of glory. If he said it enough times, maybe it would stay within their minds and motions. [say]“We stay at this point unless things need to change. I can always build the rocks up further.” [/say]
His gaze flickered back to the monsters below; still content and seemingly unbothered by their presence. The kill was enough to keep them occupied; but it would only last so long. [say]“Let us try these plans – summoning, distractions or the chakram, and lassoing, and I will use my Air.”[/say] Then they’d go from there; and potentially have to alter plans the moment they unfurled denizens and designs.
--
[say]Try out the plan on the voidshade ursurs below! No post order![/say]
RE: let go of the anchors - Colt - 04-15-2025
He reminded her of her father—stoic and cutting in all the right ways. He knew a lot, she could tell by looking at him, but it was even more apparent as he spoke, breaking down their mixture of ideas into something more feasible, gentling the rougher edges with nudges—teaching, leading, but equally unenthused. She quirked a slight smile in response, doing her best to hide it quickly behind a gloved hand, pretending it was a cough as she bent her head down. [say]"Valid point, the snow would slow him, and I don't know how fast Ursur run. He can outrun bulls though—he's quick for about a quarter mile."[/say] She flexed her hands, the humor gone. [say]"But he can stay here,"[/say] she agreed. [say]"I can lasso about, 35 feet."[/say] she lifted up her head, squinting under the brim at the closest ursur, nodding at that easy distance. [say]"But uh,"[/say] she paused, uncertain now. [say]"What's gonna stop him once I got him? I was planning on being on the horse when I roped him, outrun him."[/say] She didn't actually think she could control an urusur like it was a steer, she was just offering to be a distraction, but she did agree some random animal Sohalia called over was a better choice than herself.
She bit her lip in thought, strongly agreeing with Deimos' sentiments that she did not want to be more reckless than needed, she just wasn't sure what all she had to offer them. [say]"Oh!"[/say] she brightened suddenly, because Blu just remembered she could do this, seeming to have forgotten one more trick up her sleeve. [say]"I haven't summoned any spirits yet, I could ask one for aid?"[/say]
She stilled as Deimos outlined the final plan, surprised he did want the lasso. Maybe he just wanted to see her skills. She could do it, could pull that bear over here by pissing him off, but they better be ready to do something with it once it came. Sighing a bit, because she still wished she was in the saddle for this, Colt stood up and walked around their rocky barrier, lariat in hand. She breathed in, the cold air a burn, and got her loop big as she spun it a few times over her head. With a sharp eye, she let it fly at the just right moment, and the loop sailed for the ursur's head. She'd yank the slack back towards her hip, snaring it around the beast's head, at the right moment to ensure it went solidly around the neck. Timing was everything, but she had years of practice.
And then, if it worked? Hell, probably even if it didn't and it just smacked the ursur's face. Well, she was gonna run like hell back behind those rocks.
Colt also says she can channel a spirit. She throws her lasso at it and runs back behind the rocks LMAO.