[PQ+] it just waved

I carried my own ashes to the mountains

Deimos abhorred complacency; it made sharp blades dull, quicker bodies sluggish and lagging. Nor did he want any of his constituents, soldiers or not, to become slack and lazy – simply because there’d been progress lately didn’t mean something would not come to counteract all their perseverance. Better still to keep the minds and frames going, constantly thinking, pursuing, and consistent.

So it was on a morning with fresh snow and a keen endeavor that the Sword arrived to appointed portions of the Citadel – intending to involve outlined areas for the task at hand. Amusing and fun, but also intense, was the name of the game; intentions for strategy, collaboration, and teamwork to rise over the tides of those who found themselves faltering.

He’d given his warriors a heads-up on the notions the day before, so they’d be prepared upon arrival. No doubt they glanced around curiously, however, at the setup – for there in the middle of the square, surrounded by their usual buildings, marketplace, kiosks, and stalls, was a flag. A few grinned, clearly understanding the nuances immediately, and others furrowed their brows, perplexed. The Warden was certain to explain, regardless, and gave pointed looks to those around. “Today we are going to play Capture the Flag,” he announced, granting a large, juvenile grin. “Your task will be to do exactly that – grab the flag and take it back to your area to secure the win.” Those around would be able to take note of three separate colored areas with distinct banners; each around fifty yards apart from one another. At times, it would be close quarters; purposeful notions. “We will have teams of three. You will be allowed to use any abilities, items, shifts, or magic at your disposal. Anyone touched or tagged automatically goes to the tagger’s “jail.”” He pointed towards the banners, figuring they could use that as a holding area. “You may choose to rescue any of your team members jailed by touching them, if you can get past those around. Only one member may be freed at a time.”

Pondering over further explanations, he gave a long slow breath, then extended his hand towards his companions. “I will be overseeing. If anyone is seriously hurt, Zuriel and I will come to you.” The unicorn snorted, but otherwise remained her imperial self.

His gaze landed upon Sah, Elizabeth, and Rhiannon. “You may choose two team members each.” All the Shields immediately puffed their chests out and stood a little straighter, as if to appear worth an option. “And ask any questions you have before we begin.”

--

Welcome to the Capture the Flag PQ+! This thread must be finished by February 10th.

At this time, you may pick your team members (and ask any questions). These are NPCs whom you can tell what to do, but be careful – some dynamics will be determined by interactions with you and others!

Each may choose two! By dice roll, Rhiannon may pick first, then Elizabeth, then Sah. Please put your choices at the bottom of your post.

NPC Options:

Stephanie: Attuned. Ningo shift. Very sweet and kind, but can change that to ruthlessness on the battlefield. Main weapon is a spear.

Figgy: Abandoned. Earth magic. Stubborn, obstinate, likes to be in control. Tends to use magic more than weapons, but carries daggers.

Hunter: Accepted. Very sharp and astute, good observer. Main weapon is pike.

Emma: Attuned. Wolf shift. Cunning, strong, and brave. Main weapon is her shift, but also utilizes bows and arrows.

Daniel: Abandoned. Water magic. Quiet and composed. Relies heavily on his use of the staff.

Gala: Accepted. Trickster, witty, and best friends with Emma. May or may not affect dynamics across the game. Favorite weapon is a whip.

Ziel: Attuned. Bear shift. Rugged and menacing when he wants to be, but otherwise very chill. Has just started practicing with a sword.

Frederick: Abandoned. Healing. Unassuming and calm, but can be very sneaky.  Recently acquired skills in using a staff.

DEIMOS

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time

Rhiannon stood at attention in the fresh snow, alert and ready for the game ahead. She wore dark pants tucked into black combat boots, a light coat on over a tight-fitted top. She wore her tight braids tied away from her face at the nape of her neck, and for all that she wasn't in uniform, it was clear that she was a soldier.

She listened to the instructions, her face emotionless but alert. This was just the kind of game she enjoyed, and she was rather looking forward to the exercise. It was always nice to have a test of strength, agility, and wits - and this event combined all three.

Once instructions were given, Rhi considered the team options shrewdly. There was no room for emotion in the decision, she decided; she was here to win, and that meant picking a team strategically rather than worrying about hurt feelings. After a moment's pause, she made her selections. "Daniel," she said. "And Hunter." Then, turning her attention to Deimos. "No questions, sir."

---

Rhi chooses Daniel and Hunter. She carries a plain longsword on one hip and a plain dagger on the other.

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

RHIANNON

Elizabeth

Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.

Having heard that this was a 'training exercise,' Elizabeth arrived in appropriate attire. Her hair was pulled back in an elegant braid, although her neck was protected by a fluffy black scarf that bulged out of her thick brown jacket. She traded her usual dresses for a pair of warm trousers stuffed into her brown travel boots. As she listened to the instructions, she leaned a gloved hand against her staff, head tilted curiously. 

When Deimos had finished, she gave him an excited grin. "Sounds like fun!" Elizabeth watched Rhi pick, noting the militant habits but not choosing to adopt any herself. She hummed thoughtfully as she considered the remaining options. Her own mind focused on team building and relationships, homing in on the connection between the two girls around her age. That was something she could work with. Shooting them a playful wink, she called out, "Emma, Gala, what do you say we show the boys how it's done?"

---

Elizabeth picks Emma and Gala! She brings her staff and a small hidden dagger with her.

Sah

It had been some time since Sah had played Capture the Flag and he'd eagerly made his way over to the meeting point, plans already whirling in his mind. It seemed that he'd be up against two familiar faces. This would certainly be a challenge. He didn't know Rhiannon very well, but he knew that she was a soldier and came across as an intelligent individual. Elizabeth was a friend, and he knew full well that she could hold her own in a fight. He also suspected that her often cheerful demeanor was just a part of an adaptable mind. He grinned at both of his rivals, "This is going to be a tough match. How about dinner is on whoever's team is taken out first?"

Sah considered the soldiers available, weighing the pros, cons, and possible complications. It was unfortunate that he had to choose last, but much to the hybrid's relief, one of his top picks and a second pick were still available. The Wild Thunder's grin turned mischievous, and he nodded to each in turn, "Frederick and Stephanie. Care to team up with me?" These two had the potential to be an efficient combo. Especially given that Sah had the perfect idea of how to use Frederick's stealth to their advantage.

~
Sah chooses Frederick and Stephanie. He has everything on his profile except for his companions. He also has 3 hunting knives.

I think therefore I am,
But what if all I do is bleed?

I carried my own ashes to the mountains

Deimos arched his brow, watching as his soldiers were selected one by one. If he was surprised by those left behind, he didn’t say, though one widened her eyes in utter shock – but the Sword wouldn’t leave them amiss. “You two can patrol with me.” At least they’d learn from other segments and potentials, alongside everyone else.

Then there was the rest of the game to be had – a juvenile grin spread across his features as they all began to circulate and stand amongst one another. “Pick your team colors and base,” to which he pointed to the appointed sanctions nearby – banners flying in green, red, and blue. “You may take jerseys and bandannas as well,” as identifiers, boxed and ready for everyone to wear. “Once you have decided, you may head to your area and strategize. You will be given ten minutes.” Opting for who might guard (if at all), who would be running, striving to tag…

With another boyish smile, he nodded his head at each, then headed towards the middle sanction with Belial above, Zuriel at his side, and the other two warriors – ready to deliver the starting signal.

--

Deimos, Ziel, and Figgy will be observing for any issues. In the meantime, Rhiannon, Sah, and Elizabeth may choose which is their team color, assemble jerseys, and strategize with their teammates.

You may tell NPCs where to go, but not wholly control them. They will have minds of their own.

No post order!

DEIMOS

Sah

Sah double-checked with his team before reaching for the necessary jerseys and banners, "We'll go with blue."

Upon reaching their flag, the Wild Thunder created a paper and pencil and sketched out a rough map of the area against a wall. "Thank you both for agreeing to join my team. I'm envisioning three roles. One to defend the flag, one to try and capture the other teams' flags, and the third to try and tag as many people as possible."He reached into his bag and pulled out his invisibility cloak and handed it to Frederick. I think with your stealth; you'd be best for tagging. This cloak will make you invisible and make you harder to hear or smell. You'll still need to be careful but with this as an edge, I think you can cause some serious damage to our opponents. What do you think? "

Addressing Stephanie next he instructed, "I think either of us could attack or defend. Do you have a preference? I'll take the other." Taking out his knives he handed one to each of his teammates, "Oh, almost forgot. Here. It's always good to have a backup weapon."

After both had had a moment to digest his plan Sah tilted his head, "Any questions or ideas?"

~
Sah chooses blue. He hands both of his teammates one hunting knife.

He lets Stephanie decide if she wants to defend their flag or try to capture the other teams' flags. He'll take the other option.
He gives Frederick his invisibility cloak to borrow and the instructions to use it and focus on tagging as many opponents as he can.

Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Invisibility Cloak | A cloak that can hide one person or medium item, conceal their scent, and muffle whispered sounds and footsteps. Made by Sah

Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Lucky Star Earring: A studded star earring that grants the wearer +3 luck when worn. (Made by Sah)

Regional Score bonus: +9 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +9 should be included)

I think therefore I am,
But what if all I do is bleed?

Elizabeth

Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.

Elizabeth might have felt bad for the two left out soldiers if she wasn't so excited for the games to begin. She leapt forward when the opportunity arose. "We'll be red!" Snagging at jerseys and bandanas, she looked around for her crew. When Emma and Gala joined her, she shared a wide smile, leading them towards their territory. "I think we're going to make a great team. I'm not very strong or powerful, but I make up for it with incredible communication skills. As long as we work together, we'll be unstoppable." Her expression was certain, footfalls confident as she entered their base.

She immediately started braiding her bandana into her hair, eyes inspecting the space with a critical eye as she spoke. "I'm open to suggestions, but I think it'd probably be best if we use our strengths to our advantage." Looking more fully at the two woman, Elizabeth grinned. "Your friendship and sharp eyes make me think that you'd be a great duo on the field. Maybe you could both go out to tag and steal the other teams' flags?" Her warm brown eyes looked between them, curious if they were amicable to the plan. Tilting her head, she added, "Although perhaps we should start slow, play the defensive to start - to see the other teams' strategies?"

---

Elizabeth picks red! She suggests Emma and Gala use their teamwork and speed to alternate between tagging as they go for the flag while she stays to guard their base.

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time

The other participants selected blue and red, which left Rhiannon and her team with green. It didn’t really matter much to her. She didn’t need to be any particular color in order to win.

With Daniel and Hunter selected, Rhi led the way to their base, where she began to strategize. ”Okay, so I think we should have one of us defend, one go for the flag, and one be a sort of in-between,” she told them. She considered the two carefully. ”Daniel, I think you should defend. With your water magic, you can manipulate the snow and ice to help strengthen the base.

“Hunter, with your pike, you’d probably make a good secondary defense, if you wanted to start a little ways out from the base and play the field. Then I can go for the flag.” She paused again, looking between her two companions. ”We can always switch it up as we go,” she added. ”But do you have any questions or suggestions?”

—-

Rhiannon is left with green. She suggests that Daniel guard the base, Hunter take a mid-range position, while she goes for the flag.

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

RHIANNON

I carried my own ashes to the mountains

Necessary collaboration still counted in the Sword’s book; carefully watching as teams hustled and huddled together to design either elaborate schemes, in the case of Sah’s ventures, or more defensive measures, like Elizabeth’s. Rhiannon was exactly where he’d expected her to be – being the most experienced soldier in the group of designated captains, and he continued to give them ample time to discuss – but the moments were ticking down.

For the Blue Team, Frederick immediately snagged at the knife and cloak. A man of few words, his grin was enough to ensure he was content with the arrangement, nodding along enthusiastically and already beginning to place the cloak over his shoulders – so for the instant, only his bobbing head appeared. For her part, Stephanie nodded, also satisfied with staying behind. “I can guard,” she offered, leaving Sah the ability to go capture.

The Red Team’s strategy, created by Elizabeth, seemed to be acceptable to the ladies – though both warriors were quite sneaky, and Gala’s greater height suggested she was glancing around at the other teams. While Emma answered in her usual agreeable approach, “That should work for us!”, her best friend’s shrewd eyes were catching other things. In a low whisper, she added, “Why can we only see Frederick’s head?”

And the Green Team, with experience and cleverness on their side as well, were already readying some weapons. “Sure. I can build some stuff up,” and Daniel’s eyes were roaming over the collective forces he’d be able to ensure. “So no one could even find our jail,” he added. If…they ended up getting anyone in it, anyway. Hunter rolled his eyes towards Rhiannon, perhaps in shared exasperation, but otherwise seemed fine with the machinations.

After the ten minutes, Deimos’ voice, though not often resonating, boomed and carried over the expanse. “Time is up!” Watching as everyone scurried to their positions, he walked around the flag once more, ensuring everything was fine. After backing away, and making certain his own portions were in place, he started again. “You may begin!”

--

Time to try grabbing the flag!

NPCs may or may not notice things, depending on situations. I will do my very best to handle the chaos. ;D

No post order! Please put down every action at the bottom of your post (where you want each NPC to go, weapons and items used, etc.)

DEIMOS

Elizabeth

Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.

Staring out at the other teams, Elizabeth caught the floating head amongst the snow, eyes widening with a considering hum. "Hmm.... That's a good catch. I wonder if he has an item?" Maybe something that would render him invisible or allow him to separate parts of his body. Narrowing her eyes, Elizabeth shook her head, "Regardless, try to keep your eyes on him. It might be best to tag him first to eliminate a complicated variable." She wouldn't fault them for choosing a different path, but it seemed risky to have such an opponent on the field. Who knew what other tricks he had up his sleeve. 

She glanced at their own base to gauge the area. "I think if I stay to the side, I can generate enough electricity to stun anyone who gets nearby then tag them." Or she'd just deter them with a force field of lightning. Whatever got the job done while keeping their own jail and area protected. Glancing back at the two women, she gave them an encouraging smile. "I'll also try to provide support from a distance with lightning or thrown objects." The glint in her eyes turned slightly cunning, confident with their plan as she waved them off to do their parts. Shifting to a hidden portion, she rubbed her hands down her jacket, letting the static electricity spark over her hands in preparation. 

---

Requested NPC movement: Emma distracts with her wolf shift by going for the flag while Gala uses her whip to catch Frederick. 

Elizabeth stays behind to guard the base, keeping her lightning magic at the ready.

Sah

The Raven must be sent
before the Dove

As Frederick became invisible, Sah gave him one last instruction, "Frederick, if it looks like your task is getting too risky, feel free to change roles and come join me or Stephanie. Maintaining our numbers is also crucial." If they had to abandon their posts to free each other, their flag could end up in jeopardy.

As for Stephani, the Wild Thunder nodded, "I'll take offense then. If it looks like our flag is in serious danger, feel free to contact me through the Attuned bond. I'll come provide back-up." He didn't want to abandon her if she needed him. Their flag was their lifeline.

Taking a moment to answer any of their questions, Sah grinned, "Let's do this."

Shifting into raven form, Sah took to the sky to pick his target. He needed to know where the key players and objectives were. If he could identify where the jails, opponents, and flags were in relation to each other, he'd be able to make a well-informed choice.

~

Sah shifts into raven form and surveys the battleground to locate flags/jails/opponent positions to search for any openings. Using his plus 2 Intuition! 

NPC movement:
Before Frederick vanishes, Sah warns him to be careful of not being tagged himself. And if he feels like it becomes too risky, to join either himself or Stephanie at their position.
+
Sah asks Stephanie to warn him through the Attuned bond if it looks like their flag is going to be captured. So that he can come back her up. 

Type: Grey | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Invisibility Cloak | A cloak that can hide one person or medium item, conceal their scent, and muffle whispered sounds and footsteps. Made by Sah

Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
Lucky Star Earring: A studded star earring that grants the wearer +3 luck when worn. (Made by Sah)

Regional Score bonus: +9 in all shrine visits, drops, PQ+s, KQs, etc. (You must post this at the bottom of any post where a +9 should be included)

ominous controversy must precede
peace and the olive wreath

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time

Fortunately, the two soldiers on Rhiannon's team seemed content to allow her to take the lead - a relief, considering that she was technically untried and untested in the ways of actual battle. Daniel seemed excited to build up their fort, and Hunter seemed content to stand guard, leaving Rhi with the goal of capturing the flag. If she could get to it and get it back to their base, then perhaps they would be able to defend from the fortress of ice and snow that she hoped Daniel would make.

With their plan in place, it was time to go on the offensive. Leaving Daniel to his own devices, so that he could build up their base in snow and ice, as soon as Deimos called the start of the game, Rhi took off, opting for speed as a human over brute force as an ursur. Perhaps her shift could be useful later, if she needed to take the flag by force, but for now, she hoped to snag it quickly, before anyone else could do so.

---

Rhiannon sprints for the flag, trying to grab it first.

NPC Requests:

Daniel to build up the base/jail with ice and snow.

Hunter to guard the base/jail.

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

RHIANNON

I carried my own ashes to the mountains

And then they were off.

Sah would find his team working fairly amicably to start – he’d utilize his flying shift to peer overhead. And while he wouldn’t be able to notice everything, he’d be able to spot several players maneuvering about and some bases, but certainly not hidden flags. Perhaps he should be more careful as well…since he could also be noticed from on high.

So while Stephanie guarded, happily chirping in her ningo shift, Frederick was off, invisible and keen. Stepping out of their blue territory, he hovered around, trying his best not to make tracks in the snow.

While Daniel’s magic worked amidst the Green Team’s base, intending to completely build up mounds and hide their flag, and Hunter meandered slightly in the middle, so as not to appear too engrossed in his companion’s exchange. However, he glanced upward, noticing a bird, and perhaps a likely target, flying above them. Within those timeframes, Rhiannon started heading towards the Red Team’s terrain.

And certainly, with Elizabeth ‘s advice, the girls would work on those notions, right? Alas, Emma had other plans. Shifting into her hulking wolf form was wonderful, but she had no intentions of letting Frederick get away with anything, and began to sniff around, intending to catch him at his own game. Gala happily ran interception instead, and saw Rhiannon coming, flashing out with her whip.

--

Red Team:
Emma opts to go after Frederick by tracking his scent with her wolf form, while Gala tries to intercept Rhiannon with her whip. Elizabeth is vibing.

Blue Team:
Sah can see players moving around and base locations. He cannot see flag locations. He’s been noticed by the Green Team. Frederick (wearing the invisibility cloak) is slinking towards the main area, trying to make his tracks not as noticeable or visible.

Green Team:
Rhiannon is heading towards Red Team’s base, but has been spotted by Gala. Daniel is busy hiding their flag behind mounds of snow. Hunter has spotted Sah.

No post order!

DEIMOS

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time

The field descended rather predictably into chaos.

Rhiannon sprinted for the Red Team’s base, trusting her teammates to guard their own flag. The snow crunched under her boots as she flew across the field, on an intercept path with Gala, who wielded a whip in her direction. In one smooth motion, Rhi drew her sword and attempted to deflect the whip. If she could slice through it, great; if not, perhaps she could at least avoid getting tangled in it.

As she ran closer to Gala, she swiped at the woman’s legs with the flat of her blade, aiming to knock Gala to the ground without injuring her. If she was lucky, maybe it would take her breath away, and Rhi would have a few precious seconds with which to grab the flag and fucking flee.

—-

Rhiannon tries to deflect the whip with her sword. If she is successful, she tries to knock Gala over and steal the Red Team’s flag.

Requested NPC actions:

Daniel - continue building up the base
Hunter - keep an eye on Sah and any other potential threats

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

RHIANNON