Latest revision as of 02:03, 7 September 2012

Participants

Date

6/9/475

Log

Nemoric wanders into the room and looks to the hunched over officer at the desk. Moving to take a seat in one of the chairs figuring they'll be filled in when theres enough of an actual group.

Ictus hmms as he enters the building and salutes the officer, "Ictus of House Solacious, Sir." he smiles as he moves to stand nearby and nods to Nemoric

Sandy was an oppourtunist, this was one of those times where it would pay. Mostly, she'd make money to get more food with out having to hunt it down her self, that is her theory. Thusly does the cantankerous female thud her way into the barracks, looking more akin to a pile of moving weapons and armor, then any thing else, that is until you try to see closely, then you realize there's scar tissue and slabs of muscle in there. "Sandraudiga." She says to the officer once she spots him, moving in closer with her peculiar galumphing gait.

Ryusho would of arrived a little later then some but possibly before others, though he is not sure as he arrives, though he checks himself over quickly before he enters, making sure he was geared properly, before he enters, ducking through the door as he arrives, with a partial Salute as well, "Ryusho, House Ironsoul Retainer, Sir." he says with a bit of a bow of his head in respect as well.

The soldier lifted his head from the papers, a brow rising as he looked over what was to be the scouting party send back to the ark. His eyes narrowing as he peered at Ictus before his snout wrinkled and his lips fell into a frown as he looked over the heavily encumbered Badger. Rising up to his full height and turning toward the arrivals, he raised his arms and thrust one across the other, bringing his forearms down against his chest with a metallic clash of steel on steel before speaking in a commanding tone "So this is it? This is all the city had to offer? This is going to be a scouting mission. I hope you all are prepared for the trek out and back."

Nemoric doesn't look to be arms near as much as some others, mostly wearing some light padded armor and a pair of sharp claw weapons at the back of his belt. He looks over at the officer, "I assume if we encounter trouble we're to take care of it ourselves as well." Glancing at Sandy almost asks how they can walk with so many weapons but decides not to.

The Ratel's eyes narrow a bit at the soldier, he dares to question her capacity for long treks? "I am a Ratel, we do not know pain, fear, nor fatigue. Where the others rest, I shall continue the mission. When their bodies fall, I shall use them as provisions to continue the hunt." She says in her peculiar accent, it's hard to percisely say where's she is from, a southern dialect in origin? Possibly, her kind is known for dry climates, also, she's a touch insane.

Ryusho turns his head and looks to the Ratel, with a slight scowl, "..Of course, -EAt- the members of your party rather then consider giving them proper respect, what a way to try to -impress- someone." he mumbles softly, shifting his position a bit where he stands...

Ictus blinks at the officer and grunts a little, "A smaller party is better for scouting missions and I believe we are all capable, Sir." he glances at the Ratel at her speech and shakes his head a bit

The officer half turns from Sandraudiga, staring at her for some moments and beginning to wonder if this isn't the idea team to send for the job as at the very least it will put one member of the lest stable element of society outside the city walls. With a loud snort and a hiss of breath between his teeth he reached out behind to pick up one of the maps. Pulling it up in front of himself for all to see it clearly depicted the area around the Ark, the original landing sight from which all the original settlers had emerged. "You all know what this is I am sure. Recently we have had confirmed reports the shadow have moved into this area and defiled the sacred ark. This is less than a days hard march from the city and because of this we need to ready our defences, but we also need to know what the shadow are doing. That is where you all come in. get out there and find them. See where they are coming from, see if you can get any information on their numbers and determine where they are heading. Any questions?"

Nemoric rises from the chair, studing the map for a few moments and nods, "Then lets be off." Nodding to Ictus and Ryu then looking at sandy, shrugging and moving over toward the door to wait for the others.

The Ratel stares at the map, asborbing what she can through rote memorization, it may come in handy later, who knows what might change under the Shadow's influence, but once Nemoric makes the motion to move out, she gladly does so, her galumphing gait being apparent again, she's peculiar when moving in that shuffle, but seems to be like a tank, slow, ponderous, and unwilling to stop.

Ryusho hums softly as he takes the moments to study the map to get an idea of the area as he can then hums, nodding a bit as well, before he turns and begins to follow after Nemoric as well, though he does almost stop to wait on Ictus as well

Ictus knows the area well as he studies the map with a nod, "I was with the party that discovered that... We will return with the info, Sir." before he salutes and heads off with the others

Sandy's peculiar gait picks up as they traverse the road, often ranging out into the woodlands and back, always holding one her longarms at the ready, she seems to expect trouble before they even get there, a prudent notion. She wasn't lying about her endurance either, she doesn't seem to show signs of tiring, it's a foreign concept to her.

Nemoric moves at an even pace, his claws out instead of resting in their holders on the back of his belt. Ears peeled for any sounds out of place as well as sticking more to the edge of the path for quick cover incase they need to fight something.

Ryusho would be moving evently as well, though with his cast, though he naturally might not be a high paced species, he would be able to recover if they needed to pause quite quickly, since he is able to keep going incombat or out of it quite some time, from his own stamina, and endurance aided by his species.

The officer nods in approval of the groups willingness to get under-way, setting down the map and following the group outside where a pair of armoured guards are waiting. With a nod and informing the guards that you all have agreed to be the scouts the guards look quite relieved having just been let off the hook for this task. They gladdy offer to give you what advice is needed and provide basic, fairly minimal supplies. Enough rations to get you there and back but little else. You are left to fend for yourselves in terms of gear. What they tell you outlines the options for a quick day march that will get you to the ark by nightfall or a two day trip that would allow you scout the area by day. they outline the pros and cons of each in detail before following you to the gates and bidding you good luck

Nemoric moves at an even pace when they are finally underway onto the path toward the ark, his claws out instead of resting in their holders on the back of his belt. Ears peeled for any sounds out of place as well as sticking more to the edge of the path for quick cover incase they need to fight something. He'll let the 'Nobles' decide if they want to do the 1 day march or the 2 day march, basicly leaving it up to ictus. He'll just make sure the noble makes it back to town alive. (edits for prosterity)

Ryusho would be in a similar situation, true the nobles decide, though ..well he is a retainer, but his house has little to no powera nyway right now, so doesn't matter much one way or the other his decision >.>

Ictus nods to the guards and ponders a bit before looking to the others, "I say we march during the day, that will give us the most intel." he heads out with Nemoric after the descision is made

The Ratel is seemingly uncaring to the decision, once it is made, she'll rapidly disappear back into the woodlands along the road to follow the group, or range in front of it, occasionally she'll meander back with berries in her paw. Food, it motivates her.

The travel over the road is quick and easy. The group makes great progress, encountering no obstetrical to bar the path, no signs of doom give cause for pause and the countryside is peaceful as far as anyone can see. There are no signs that you all may be walking into a nest of shadows. Sadly as the day drags on clouds grow thick, approaching from ahead of you spreading a gloomy darkness long before sunset and a chill that grows steadily worse as you reach the foot of the final mount that marks the last assent before reaching the Arks resting place. Though the sky is hidden by anyone estimation sun down is very near and the world around you has taken on a much more sinister feel with little being visible at any great distance and no sounds being heard beyond the whistle of the wind over rocks and the rustle of grasses. This may well be the parties last chance to make plans before reaching their destination.

Nemoric pauses back and looks to the others, "So whats the plan, this much quite means even the natural creatures around have most likly fled." Keeping his claws out, not sense putting them away, but still sticking to the edge of the path, though doubts shade will help hide them from shadow beasts.

The Ratel will kneel with the rest of the group, though she's keeping her eyes open for movement, occasionally sweeping the area with her blunderbuss. "We should move fast, we are few, they are many, and I strongly suspect the city Garrison will provide any aide if we come back with shadow chasing us." She says, shifting just a bit, itching to just get this part over with.

Ryusho hums softly, "I feel we should be quiet, and try to just do our job carefully, it might be slower to do such, but being slow and careful, would allow us to do our job without being spotted, and then be able to get away without them being any the wiser......at least that is my guess on the situation..."

Ictus hmms at that and looks around suspiciously, "Yeah, seems like it." he looks at Ryu and ponders a bit, "Those wings work?" he shakes his head at Sandy a bit, "They will likely take offense if we bring too many." he nods in agreement with Ryu

Ryusho nods a bit, "They work quite well, and effectively." he says with a simple nod....

There is a seance of dread pressing in on you all. A feeling of being watched from afar and yet all around there is no indication of activity, no sigh of the shadows though against the darkness it is hard to be certain.

Ictus nods to Ryu and hmms, "Think you'll see anything from above?" he glances around and draws his blade as well as unslinging his shield

Sandy, being small, decides to cautiously move into Nemoric's shadow, and place the tiger between her self, and the Ark, she has that bad feeling, the one you get before things to hell around you. She slowly cocks the hammer back on her Blunderbuss and peers into the darkness, eyes narrow slits. "Trouble." She says, helpfully.

Nemoric nods a bit to that and crouches down so his movements harder to see from afar, listening to Ictus's plan but keeping an eye out a bit, "Anyone else get the feeling we're being watched?"

Ryusho hums slightly as he slowly shifts and rubs his head, "I suppose I can do my best to see what I can, though depending on how it is above the ground very far, but I may need to attempt to fly low if I can not see from a decent altitude." he says simply, "It really depends on how well visibility is as I go up...but I can try my best."

the wind picks up suddenly and thunder claps off in the direction of the ark or perhaps it wasn't thunder but a hollow metallic boom and each of you is afflicted with a new sence of dread

Nemoric's ears flick and he doesn't even think on it, shifting around quickly and coming up from that crouch to quickly rush by the source of the sound with those claws held out to slice into it. Moving quick enough that the movement would not only slice but burn from sheer friction, though he wouldn't stop by the source but move beyond it so he's not right there for a retaliation.

Ryusho seems to shiver as he hops away from something on the ground shaking his leg out as he 'Gah's' a bit, looking at where he had been standing, with a bit of a -yuck- look as he tries to shake the sensation off his leg, then just brush it off instead....

The Ratel stiffens a bit and her lips curl back into a snarl, a grimacing disposition suddenly, she is not happy, and her weapon shifts in the vague direction of what disturbed her. "We should shift quickly to a defensible position." She says, suddenly shifting when Nemoric moves by..moving where? Towards the Ark, let the idiots be her distraction, she shall get the intel, or die trying.

Ictus flicks his left ear towards the whispers he hears and frowns as he peers into the darkness hissing out, "Get behind cover!" as he looks to do exactly the same

all around the road at the base of the mount is grasslands, with the uneven terain broken by the odd rocky protrusion but otherwise devide of any substancial cover besides a few scruffy trees, the odd bush and tall grass.

Bite slithers onto the path carrying a few shiny and rusted pieces of metal. Upon closer inspection it appears she has found some discarded tools from various now gone owners. She drops it all with a clatter as she hisses and begins prepping an explosive spell before recognizing some members of the group. Calming down from her startle she gathers her things and approaches them. "Hello there sssweeties, what are you all doing here?"

Nemoric manages to strike at nothing but air, his frantic charge and clawed swipes meeting no resistance. Sandraudiga is uncontested in her advances and Ryusho manages successfully to swat at his lower leg several times while Ictus gives into some long grass

Sandy wasn't going to do much but keep traversing towards the objective, her stocky stature possibly an advantage now as she moves, her galumphing gait easy to spot though when she isn't in the tall grass or the like, Bite? Well, she stops to peer at Bite. "We are being hunted!" She'll say before going right back to her brazen charge, tactics? There isn't much involved here, she's going to let every one else follow her, or not.

Nemoric flicks his ears keeping them peeled and scaning the area as he moves back, "Swore I heard a weapon being drawn, stay alert." Keeping those claws out as he moves nodding to bite, "Fancy seeing you here."

Ryusho looks up as he glances around, to ictus, then to Sandy and..then Bite, then back to Sandy, "What are you..." he sits there, and shakes his head, Fine, let the idiot get herself killed, This is a -SCOUTING- mission, not an -assault- but someone seems to think they can take on the world...he shifts and looks to Ictus, "You want me to try to get in the air now?" he says after a moment, "...Since She is being an idiot anyway, and goign to apparently be a -distraction- with her stupidity...." well that is one point..it will keep the shadow distracted with her, and not him flying around.

Ictus growls as Sandy moves onwards and shakes his head, "Yes, see if you can." to Ryu as he moves as stealthily as he can in heavy armor towards the Ark, he looks at Bite and nods, "Either get out of here or join us... But you're magic would be welcome."

Ryusho nods as he shifts, scooting away from everyone slightly and working his wings a bit, looking up to the skies, and sure, he would get himself ready, "This is a scouting mission upon the ark, considering the shadow has infested it, Talk to Ictus to get details, Alright? I need to get in the air.." he says before he would grunt, and -leap- into the air, using those big ol' wings that are needed to get him into the air to..well..get him into the air!

Bite nods and begins stowing her findings as best she can and preps a minor fire spell. "Attack by what?" she hisses and shifts in position, getting ready for whatever may come. "I guess we can talk later." she says with a nod.

Nemoric moving near bite to help fill her in a bit, "Long story short, scout the shadows using the ark as a base and bring back intel. Thats the short version anyway." Keeping with the group, they're all more likly stay alive that way.

Ryusho takes to the sky, though moving toward the ark would prove more difficult than expected as there is a rather strong headwind and flying against it is troubling. This is made all the worse by the cloudy sky obscuring the moon, starts and whatever is left of the sun shrouding the ground below in darkness out of which few shapes can be identified. Sandra can see far more, from her ground level perspective she can make out the outline of the hill ahead against the sky as well as the path ahead and the open land on either side

Nemoric shakes his head a bit and looks about, "Its like something is whispering ideas out here, I think it may be the proximity to the shadows." Looking to the others to see how they might be reacting, "We should finish this quickly."

Sandy might not be able to fly, but she can see what is in front of her alot easier. Hill? Hill means vantage point, so she'll shift her blunderbuss to rest against her stomache and quickly cock the hammer back on her musket as she starts to make her way up, if she can see targets from the hill, maybe she can take pot shots.

Ryusho would stil be doing his best to fly forward, or at least if he could at angles, gliding 'in place' against the headwind as much as he can, trying to keep a view, though with a grunt, he does slowly shift to -lower- his altitude somewhat, if he can, but onyl to try to get a better view, but he would scrap that idea if he feels he would get too low and potentially get hit by something from the ground, though he is guessing the lower the altutude might have a better airflow situation..

Bite giggles and shakes her head at something before mentally working to tune them out. She looks to the others. "Well shall we sssweeties? I bet they are guarding soem... nice things." she says with another giggle. She holds the prep work for her fire spell in place.

Ictus nods to Bite as he continues his stealthy attempt at advancing

Those taking a slower more cautions pace in their advance find no trouble in climbing the hill, the slope is gradual and not particularly taxing, and it should take little time to reach it's peak from which a clear view of the ark should be possible.

Nemoric Sticks with the others for now, keeping an eye out the best he can for an ambush of some type. He's more cut out for the 'heres your target kill it' work than scouting.

The Ratel is having notable problems, her musket drooping heavily in her paws, and she more then once has to stop to shake her head, she effectively looks as if she's suffering some sort of break down as she droops heavily on the hill. "The voices aren't real, and there is no hell about me." She says, as if to force the Shadow's influence back at bay, and then tries to steadily continue her climb. It's hard to drive crazy.. crazy.

Ictus hmms as he looks at the others and grunts as he looks up to Ryu, seeming to want to call out but not wanting to give away what little stealth he has

Bite slithers effortlessly up the mountain. She watches the honey badger seemingly break down and shakes her head. When they get there they can sort this out.

The going up the hill quickly becomes surprisingly taxing but never becomes more than the party can handle. Sandra is worst effected, as long as they stay out in front hindering their progress while Ryusho feels little of the effect, only seeing the rest of the party bellow begin to slow their pace as they approach the top.

Nemoric still sticks with Ictus and Bite, moving as they move while tring to keep an eye out.

Ictus hmms as he looks around and shakes his head before looking at Bite, "Think you can fire off a delayed flare?" as he eyes Sandy's plight

Sandy ultimately, doesn't reach the top of that hill, instead, she'll just end up dropping down in the path, clutching her head as she kneels there, musket laying in the ground in front of her, muscles tense with the mental assault's side effects making her all the more worked up to just rip some thing asunder.

Bite nods and does the work for this, needing to adjustfor the delay. She doesn't have so much of a problem going up the mountain in her light armor, but keeps pace with the others for safetys sake.

Ryusho grunts slightly as he looks back at the others as he begins to get ahead a bit, so he slowly would only move untill he was almost a few lengths ahead, then slowly curve his path, to -glide- back and forth somewhat just waiting on them to catch up as he keeps his eyes open

The top of the hill is a welcome sight outlined against the sky. You can all see the path ahead shortening as you approach the summit, the slope lessening until it is almost level. The party on foot catches up with the stricken badger while the solo member overhead can see what lies ahead.

Nemoric continues with the group as he can't really see anything just yet, sparing sandy a glance and shaking his head.

Ictus looks at Sandy and shakes her lightly when he gets to her, "You ok?"

Sandy is still kneeling, breathing heavily. "Can't they just have us kill the undead..or burn faeries alive.." She says, forcing her self to stand up with the aid of her musket, grinning broadly at Ictus

Bite giggles softly and says "You should talk to someone about that later." as she preps work her heavier fire spell. With the other set to take effect any time, she has idle hands to fill.

Ryusho shifts as he looks though he soon swoops back down to almost come to a glide above the others, and flaps a few times to somewhat be in place as he speaks to them, "I see quite a few shadows, walking, or being still, doing things...several -remains- of various bodies on the ground in various places too, also various fires around it as lights that I could see shadowns 'near' in a way." he would tell the group once he got close, though he would head back up and ahead to keep looking if he was asked too, or land to join the group directly

Now with the mention of fire it does seem the clouds overhead have a faintly orange tint though not one easily seen against the black and angry looking tone of the sky

Nemoric archs a brow at that, "Fire?" Looking to bite, she's the better mage, "Shall we take a peek at this was sure fire worked the best aginst shadows."

Ryusho would shift, "Though I am only partly sure of what I can see, I am having to deal with a decent bit of wind at the hilltops..." he says as he is there, "...You all might see different from what I can see being moving 'so much' in the air compared to a stable ground view." ...

Sandy didn't really care what the flapping critter has to say, mostly because this became a private Vendetta, the thrice damned noise in her head made her reveal weakness, now she was going to find it, and pump it full of lead and her claws. "Lets see what's been causing us to feel..weird." She says towards no one in particular, stocky frame going up towards the crest of the hill, to lay down on it, and observe the enemy forces.

Ictus hmms and nods to Ryu, "Good job, lets see if we can get closer... The slightist hint of detection and we will withdraw though."

Bite is still preparing her firey payload, nodding to Nemoric. "Well lets go see whats up there sssweetie." she hisses and pushes forward to follow the honey badger.

Reaching the top of the hill the entire group can see quite clearly ahead, the entire scene illuminated in the harsh orange glow of the fires that now burn within the once great craft that had carried the ancestors to this world. It lay broken and fractured, parts of its hull scattered about, crushed, torn, while what remained intact was now engulfed in flames. Tongue of fire dancing above it and sending a great plume of smoke up to vanish into the overhead clouds. All around the shadows move in most unnatural ways. Some holding dead still despite the flickering light while others moved in and out between scattered fragments of metal, all holding their distance a safe way from the flames. It is hard to gather just how many there are as some seem almost formless while others are more solid. In the grass around the vestal you can see the darkened bodies of what may once have been pilgrims and priests laying out some whole and some, whom were closer to the craft, lay in as many pieces as the ark itself.

Sandy keeps her musket levelled at the site from their perch, but even she isn't crazy enough to take a shot, instead, she presses her self down lower in the grass atop the hill. "I think we should report there is no Ark to speak of, and they'll need to draft militia." She just says in a very matter of fact tone as she watches the site. "Thats if we ever get back to make the report." She points out.

Nemoric looks over the area taking what he can see. "We should pull back and report what we've seen, theres far to many to deal with ourself."

Ictus gasps slightly at the sight and growls with a shake of his head, "Damn those Shadows..." it's barely audible as he nods to Sandy, "Agreed, we're going back..." as he starts back down the mountain, though he stays alert

Ryusho hums slightly as he would go back to ictus, "If you want, I can fly around the perimiter area of it...to try to check and see if I can get a rough count of how many I can see or something." he suggests, "If you think that would be a good idea for our report."

Overhead there is a sudden crack followed by a burst of light as Bite's flair ignores sending out a wave of colour before fading back to a glistening red point that cracked and spits while descending slowly toward the ground. All around the shadows can be seen to move. Those that had something that can pass for a head turning it skyward and even many of what appeared to be bodies rising from their prone position to look up toward the falling flame before their attention turned outward, scanning their surroundings for sigh of the source

Nemoric moves back from the hilltop in a crouch to make him harder to see, "Back up now they might see us we may have to get out of here quickly." Thankful for his dark armor and fur.

Sandy drops down when the flare goes off. "What fucking twit did that?!" She says, the element of surprise gone, now the Shadow knows some thing is up, and she's pointedly aiming her musket at the party she's with. "New theory on survival, I blow some one's knee cap out and leg it." She says, sounding serious as she begins to edge around the party in her crouched stance, other hand moving to shift the blunderbuss so she has a longarm in either paw, this is one pissed off Ratel.

Bite winces and drops down, quickly moving down the mountain. She still holds her battlefield purification at ready in case they are pursued but the situation looks dim despite the light source. She hisses softly and waves the rest of them to come with her. "No time to be a hero sssweeties lets go."

Ictus blinks as the flare goes off and ducks down in the grass, grumbling lightly "Great, -now- it goes off..." he looks at the others and motions for a retreat as well, he glares at Sandy as she aims the gun at them

Ryusho would land as he scrambles away from the hilltop but the first thin he says is "You lower that weapon -immediately- unless you don't want to be -gutted- and your sowl stones removed for threatening assault and murder with a loaded weapon.." he hisses, though he already was moving away from the edge, not to mention he had kinda -landed- while moving away -anyway- as he knows he would not care if the shadows spoted the idiot who is considering attacking her own -party- like an absolute dumbass....and already is drawing his blade to defend those -in- the party from a -insane- -moron-

Many of the shadows gather their wits, beginning to move away from the ark itself and out into the surrounding grasslands. Several cluster further up the road, a vaguely fox kin like form along with two quadrupedal shadows all shrouded in a haze that shifted and swirls around them. With a look to eachother and a quick scan of the road ahead they all beginning to move along it, following the path layer out for them toward the bickering party.

Ryusho was still backing away from the situation, because he is not an -idiot- like Sandy who is just -standing- there like an idiot waving a gun around and apparently threatening the party ...

Sandy doesn't seem to rightly care as she keeps her weapons levelled, watching the way they came, that was an obvious retreat. "This is where we part ways, you are a tempting target." She says, preferring to go around the bulk of the forces that might come, it might take longer, but she's also not part of a giant moving bullseye. "She's also much faster then appreciated, she doesn't need to rest, not for a while, she has water, and munitions, she would be safer taking a route she spotted on the map back, much safer then the marked road.

Nemoric continues to move away with the others glancing at the others as if to say next time leave the midget out of it without talking so his voice won't carry.

Ictus is also backing away from the group of shadows and nods in agreement with Nemoric

Ryusho shakes his head as he puts his blade away, and turns to begin with the others a promt retreat, hoping that the dumb badger gets herself killed sometime out here so the guard won't have to deal with her ass when she finally snaps in the middle of town...

Bite continues down the mountain as fast as she can slither, looking back for any signs she should fire off her mighty spell as a deterant.

The shadows are not rushing, they aren�t in any hurry and they are still some distance from the party, enough that those retreating loose sight of the shadows quite quickly once they start back down the hill, the downward slope making escape quite a bit easier as it quickens everyone�s pace regardless of whether they stick to the path or not

Nemoric continues away with the majority of the group, keeping silent till they are well well away just incase the shadows went down the path a ways tring to find anyone.

The party, though fractures, flee the scene, all managing to make an escape from the advancing shadows whom were in truth not particularly interested in leaving the sight of the ark while any of it still stood. Giving up the chase quickly once the surrounding area have been cleared of potential opposition they returned to wait on the flames dieing down so they could resume their gradual destruction of the ancient artefact of the creators. All members of the scouting party were left to make the uneventful if exhausting trip back to town either together or appart, none getting much sleep on the journey home and eventually reaching the city where they could report their findings.

The military officials that debrief each of you are less than pleased with the results of the scouting expedition, having already known of the presence of the shadow at the Ark. They are however very disturbed to learn of the true magnitude of the force that had gathered even if they still lacked a sign of where the shadows were coming from and where they were going.

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 =Log=
-<div></div><br> <br>Nemoric wanders into the room and looks to the hunched over officer at the desk. Moving to take a seat in one of the chairs figuring they'll be filled in when theres enough of an actual group.<br> <br>Ictus hmms as he enters the building and salutes the officer, "Ictus of House Solacious, Sir." he smiles as he moves to stand nearby and nods to Nemoric<br> <br>Sandy was an oppourtunist, this was one of those times where it would pay. Mostly, she'd make money to get more food with out having to hunt it down her self, that is her theory. Thusly does the cantankerous female thud her way into the barracks, looking more akin to a pile of moving weapons and armor, then any thing else, that is until you try to see closely, then you realize there's scar tissue and slabs of muscle in there. "Sandraudiga." She says to the officer once she spots him, moving in closer with her peculiar galumphing gait.<br> <br>Ryusho would of arrived a little later then some but possibly before others, though he is not sure as he arrives, though he checks himself over quickly before he enters, making sure he was geared properly, before he enters, ducking through the door as he arrives, with a partial Salute as well, "Ryusho, House Ironsoul Retainer, Sir." he says with a bit of a bow of his head in respect as well.<br> <br>The soldier lifted his head from the papers, a brow rising as he looked over what was to be the scouting party send back to the ark. His eyes narrowing as he peered at Ictus before his snout wrinkled and his lips fell into a frown as he looked over the heavily encumbered Badger. Rising up to his full height and turning toward the arrivals, he raised his arms and thrust one across the other, bringing his forearms down against his chest with a metallic clash of steel on steel before speaking in a commanding tone "So this is it? This is all the city had to offer? This is going to be a scouting mission. I hope you all are prepared for the trek out and back."<br> <br>Nemoric doesn't look to be arms near as much as some others, mostly wearing some light padded armor and a pair of sharp claw weapons at the back of his belt. He looks over at the officer, "I assume if we encounter trouble we're to take care of it ourselves as well." Glancing at Sandy almost asks how they can walk with so many weapons but decides not to.<br> <br>The Ratel's eyes narrow a bit at the soldier, he dares to question her capacity for long treks? "I am a Ratel, we do not know pain, fear, nor fatigue. Where the others rest, I shall continue the mission. When their bodies fall, I shall use them as provisions to continue the hunt." She says in her peculiar accent, it's hard to percisely say where's she is from, a southern dialect in origin? Possibly, her kind is known for dry climates, also, she's a touch insane.<br> <br>Ryusho turns his head and looks to the Ratel, with a slight scowl, "..Of course, -EAt- the members of your party rather then consider giving them proper respect, what a way to try to -impress- someone." he mumbles softly, shifting his position a bit where he stands...<br> <br>Ictus blinks at the officer and grunts a little, "A smaller party is better for scouting missions and I believe we are all capable, Sir." he glances at the Ratel at her speech and shakes his head a bit<br> <br>The officer half turns from Sandraudiga, staring at her for some moments and beginning to wonder if this isn't the idea team to send for the job as at the very least it will put one member of the lest stable element of society outside the city walls. With a loud snort and a hiss of breath between his teeth he reached out behind to pick up one of the maps. Pulling it up in front of himself for all to see it clearly depicted the area around the Ark, the original landing sight from which all the original settlers had emerged. "You all know what this is I am sure. Recently we have had confirmed reports the shadow have moved into this area and defiled the sacred ark. This is less than a days hard march from the city and because of this we need to ready our defences, but we also need to know what the shadow are doing. That is where you all come in. get out there and find them. See where they are coming from, see if you can get any information on their numbers and determine where they are heading. Any questions?"<br> <br>Nemoric rises from the chair, studing the map for a few moments and nods, "Then lets be off." Nodding to Ictus and Ryu then looking at sandy, shrugging and moving over toward the door to wait for the others.<br> <br>The Ratel stares at the map, asborbing what she can through rote memorization, it may come in handy later, who knows what might change under the Shadow's influence, but once Nemoric makes the motion to move out, she gladly does so, her galumphing gait being apparent again, she's peculiar when moving in that shuffle, but seems to be like a tank, slow, ponderous, and unwilling to stop.<br> <br>Ryusho hums softly as he takes the moments to study the map to get an idea of the area as he can then hums, nodding a bit as well, before he turns and begins to follow after Nemoric as well, though he does almost stop to wait on Ictus as well<br> <br>Ictus knows the area well as he studies the map with a nod, "I was with the party that discovered that... We will return with the info, Sir." before he salutes and heads off with the others<br> <br>Sandy's peculiar gait picks up as they traverse the road, often ranging out into the woodlands and back, always holding one her longarms at the ready, she seems to expect trouble before they even get there, a prudent notion. She wasn't lying about her endurance either, she doesn't seem to show signs of tiring, it's a foreign concept to her.<br> <br>Nemoric moves at an even pace, his claws out instead of resting in their holders on the back of his belt. Ears peeled for any sounds out of place as well as sticking more to the edge of the path for quick cover incase they need to fight something.<br> <br>Ryusho would be moving evently as well, though with his cast, though he naturally might not be a high paced species, he would be able to recover if they needed to pause quite quickly, since he is able to keep going incombat or out of it quite some time, from his own stamina, and endurance aided by his species.<br> <br>The officer nods in approval of the groups willingness to get under-way, setting down the map and following the group outside where a pair of armoured guards are waiting. With a nod and informing the guards that you all have agreed to be the scouts the guards look quite relieved having just been let off the hook for this task. They gladdy offer to give you what advice is needed and provide basic, fairly minimal supplies. Enough rations to get you there and back but little else. You are left to fend for yourselves in terms of gear. What they tell you outlines the options for a quick day march that will get you to the ark by nightfall or a two day trip that would allow you scout the area by day. they outline the pros and cons of each in detail before following you to the gates and bidding you good luck<br> <br>Nemoric moves at an even pace when they are finally underway onto the path toward the ark, his claws out instead of resting in their holders on the back of his belt. Ears peeled for any sounds out of place as well as sticking more to the edge of the path for quick cover incase they need to fight something. He'll let the 'Nobles' decide if they want to do the 1 day march or the 2 day march, basicly leaving it up to ictus. He'll just make sure the noble makes it back to town alive. (edits for prosterity)<br> <br>Ryusho would be in a similar situation, true the nobles decide, though ..well he is a retainer, but his house has little to no powera nyway right now, so doesn't matter much one way or the other his decision >.><br> <br>Ictus nods to the guards and ponders a bit before looking to the others, "I say we march during the day, that will give us the most intel." he heads out with Nemoric after the descision is made<br> <br>The Ratel is seemingly uncaring to the decision, once it is made, she'll rapidly disappear back into the woodlands along the road to follow the group, or range in front of it, occasionally she'll meander back with berries in her paw. Food, it motivates her.<br> <br>The travel over the road is quick and easy. The group makes great progress, encountering no obstetrical to bar the path, no signs of doom give cause for pause and the countryside is peaceful as far as anyone can see. There are no signs that you all may be walking into a nest of shadows. Sadly as the day drags on clouds grow thick, approaching from ahead of you spreading a gloomy darkness long before sunset and a chill that grows steadily worse as you reach the foot of the final mount that marks the last assent before reaching the Arks resting place. Though the sky is hidden by anyone estimation sun down is very near and the world around you has taken on a much more sinister feel with little being visible at any great distance and no sounds being heard beyond the whistle of the wind over rocks and the rustle of grasses. This may well be the parties last chance to make plans before reaching their destination.<br> <br>Nemoric pauses back and looks to the others, "So whats the plan, this much quite means even the natural creatures around have most likly fled." Keeping his claws out, not sense putting them away, but still sticking to the edge of the path, though doubts shade will help hide them from shadow beasts.<br> <br>The Ratel will kneel with the rest of the group, though she's keeping her eyes open for movement, occasionally sweeping the area with her blunderbuss. "We should move fast, we are few, they are many, and I strongly suspect the city Garrison will provide any aide if we come back with shadow chasing us." She says, shifting just a bit, itching to just get this part over with.<br> <br>Ryusho hums softly, "I feel we should be quiet, and try to just do our job carefully, it might be slower to do such, but being slow and careful, would allow us to do our job without being spotted, and then be able to get away without them being any the wiser......at least that is my guess on the situation..."<br> <br>Ictus hmms at that and looks around suspiciously, "Yeah, seems like it." he looks at Ryu and ponders a bit, "Those wings work?" he shakes his head at Sandy a bit, "They will likely take offense if we bring too many." he nods in agreement with Ryu<br> <br>Ryusho nods a bit, "They work quite well, and effectively." he says with a simple nod....<br> <br>There is a seance of dread pressing in on you all. A feeling of being watched from afar and yet all around there is no indication of activity, no sigh of the shadows though against the darkness it is hard to be certain.<br> <br>Ictus nods to Ryu and hmms, "Think you'll see anything from above?" he glances around and draws his blade as well as unslinging his shield<br> <br>Sandy, being small, decides to cautiously move into Nemoric's shadow, and place the tiger between her self, and the Ark, she has that bad feeling, the one you get before things to hell around you. She slowly cocks the hammer back on her Blunderbuss and peers into the darkness, eyes narrow slits. "Trouble." She says, helpfully.<br> <br>Nemoric nods a bit to that and crouches down so his movements harder to see from afar, listening to Ictus's plan but keeping an eye out a bit, "Anyone else get the feeling we're being watched?"<br> <br>Ryusho hums slightly as he slowly shifts and rubs his head, "I suppose I can do my best to see what I can, though depending on how it is above the ground very far, but I may need to attempt to fly low if I can not see from a decent altitude." he says simply, "It really depends on how well visibility is as I go up...but I can try my best."<br> <br>the wind picks up suddenly and thunder claps off in the direction of the ark or perhaps it wasn't thunder but a hollow metallic boom and each of you is afflicted with a new sence of dread<br> <br>Nemoric's ears flick and he doesn't even think on it, shifting around quickly and coming up from that crouch to quickly rush by the source of the sound with those claws held out to slice into it. Moving quick enough that the movement would not only slice but burn from sheer friction, though he wouldn't stop by the source but move beyond it so he's not right there for a retaliation.<br> <br>Ryusho seems to shiver as he hops away from something on the ground shaking his leg out as he 'Gah's' a bit, looking at where he had been standing, with a bit of a -yuck- look as he tries to shake the sensation off his leg, then just brush it off instead....<br> <br>The Ratel stiffens a bit and her lips curl back into a snarl, a grimacing disposition suddenly, she is not happy, and her weapon shifts in the vague direction of what disturbed her. "We should shift quickly to a defensible position." She says, suddenly shifting when Nemoric moves by..moving where? Towards the Ark, let the idiots be her distraction, she shall get the intel, or die trying.<br> <br>Ictus flicks his left ear towards the whispers he hears and frowns as he peers into the darkness hissing out, "Get behind cover!" as he looks to do exactly the same<br> <br>all around the road at the base of the mount is grasslands, with the uneven terain broken by the odd rocky protrusion but otherwise devide of any substancial cover besides a few scruffy trees, the odd bush and tall grass.<br> <br>Bite slithers onto the path carrying a few shiny and rusted pieces of metal. Upon closer inspection it appears she has found some discarded tools from various now gone owners. She drops it all with a clatter as she hisses and begins prepping an explosive spell before recognizing some members of the group. Calming down from her startle she gathers her things and approaches them. "Hello there sssweeties, what are you all doing here?"<br> <br>Nemoric manages to strike at nothing but air, his frantic charge and clawed swipes meeting no resistance. Sandraudiga is uncontested in her advances and Ryusho manages successfully to swat at his lower leg several times while Ictus gives into some long grass<br> <br>Sandy wasn't going to do much but keep traversing towards the objective, her stocky stature possibly an advantage now as she moves, her galumphing gait easy to spot though when she isn't in the tall grass or the like, Bite? Well, she stops to peer at Bite. "We are being hunted!" She'll say before going right back to her brazen charge, tactics? There isn't much involved here, she's going to let every one else follow her, or not.<br> <br>Nemoric flicks his ears keeping them peeled and scaning the area as he moves back, "Swore I heard a weapon being drawn, stay alert." Keeping those claws out as he moves nodding to bite, "Fancy seeing you here."<br> <br>Ryusho looks up as he glances around, to ictus, then to Sandy and..then Bite, then back to Sandy, "What are you..." he sits there, and shakes his head, Fine, let the idiot get herself killed, This is a -SCOUTING- mission, not an -assault- but someone seems to think they can take on the world...he shifts and looks to Ictus, "You want me to try to get in the air now?" he says after a moment, "...Since She is being an idiot anyway, and goign to apparently be a -distraction- with her stupidity...." well that is one point..it will keep the shadow distracted with her, and not him flying around.<br> <br>Ictus growls as Sandy moves onwards and shakes his head, "Yes, see if you can." to Ryu as he moves as stealthily as he can in heavy armor towards the Ark, he looks at Bite and nods, "Either get out of here or join us... But you're magic would be welcome."<br> <br>Ryusho nods as he shifts, scooting away from everyone slightly and working his wings a bit, looking up to the skies, and sure, he would get himself ready, "This is a scouting mission upon the ark, considering the shadow has infested it, Talk to Ictus to get details, Alright? I need to get in the air.." he says before he would grunt, and -leap- into the air, using those big ol' wings that are needed to get him into the air to..well..get him into the air!<br> <br>Bite nods and begins stowing her findings as best she can and preps a minor fire spell. "Attack by what?" she hisses and shifts in position, getting ready for whatever may come. "I guess we can talk later." she says with a nod.<br> <br>Nemoric moving near bite to help fill her in a bit, "Long story short, scout the shadows using the ark as a base and bring back intel. Thats the short version anyway." Keeping with the group, they're all more likly stay alive that way.<br> <br>Ryusho takes to the sky, though moving toward the ark would prove more difficult than expected as there is a rather strong headwind and flying against it is troubling. This is made all the worse by the cloudy sky obscuring the moon, starts and whatever is left of the sun shrouding the ground below in darkness out of which few shapes can be identified. Sandra can see far more, from her ground level  perspective she can make out the outline of the hill ahead against the sky as well as the path ahead and the open land on either side<br> <br>Nemoric shakes his head a bit and looks about, "Its like something is whispering ideas out here, I think it may be the proximity to the shadows." Looking to the others to see how they might be reacting, "We should finish this quickly."<br> <br>Sandy might not be able to fly, but she can see what is in front of her alot easier. Hill? Hill means vantage point, so she'll shift her blunderbuss to rest against her stomache and quickly cock the hammer back on her musket as she starts to make her way up, if she can see targets from the hill, maybe she can take pot shots.<br> <br>Ryusho would stil be doing his best to fly forward, or at least if he could at angles, gliding 'in place' against the headwind as much as he can, trying to keep a view, though with a grunt, he does slowly shift to -lower- his altitude somewhat, if he can, but onyl to try to get a better view, but he would scrap that idea if he feels he would get too low and potentially get hit by something from the ground, though he is guessing the lower the altutude might have a better airflow situation..<br> <br>Bite giggles and shakes her head at something before mentally working to tune them out. She looks to the others. "Well shall we sssweeties? I bet they are guarding soem... nice things." she says with another giggle. She holds the prep work for her fire spell in place.<br> <br>Ictus nods to Bite as he continues his stealthy attempt at advancing<br> <br>Those taking a slower more cautions pace in their advance find no trouble in climbing the hill, the slope is gradual and not particularly taxing, and it should take little time to reach it's peak from which a clear view of the ark should be possible.<br> <br>Nemoric Sticks with the others for now, keeping an eye out the best he can for an ambush of some type. He's more cut out for the 'heres your target kill it' work than scouting.<br> <br>The Ratel is having notable problems, her musket drooping heavily in her paws, and she more then once has to stop to shake her head, she effectively looks as if she's suffering some sort of break down as she droops heavily on the hill. "The voices aren't real, and there is no hell about me." She says, as if to force the Shadow's influence back at bay, and then tries to steadily continue her climb. It's hard to drive crazy.. crazy.<br> <br>Ictus hmms as he looks at the others and grunts as he looks up to Ryu, seeming to want to call out but not wanting to give away what little stealth he has<br> <br>Bite slithers effortlessly up the mountain. She watches the honey badger seemingly break down and shakes her head. When they get there they can sort this out. <br> <br>The going up the hill quickly becomes surprisingly taxing but never becomes more than the party can handle. Sandra is worst effected, as long as they stay out in front hindering their progress while Ryusho feels little of the effect, only seeing the rest of the party bellow begin to slow their pace as they approach the top.<br> <br>Nemoric still sticks with Ictus and Bite, moving as they move while tring to keep an eye out.<br> <br>Ictus hmms as he looks around and shakes his head before looking at Bite, "Think you can fire off a delayed flare?" as he eyes Sandy's plight<br> <br>Sandy ultimately, doesn't reach the top of that hill, instead, she'll just end up dropping down in the path, clutching her head as she kneels there, musket laying in the ground in front of her, muscles tense with the mental assault's side effects making her all the more worked up to just rip some thing asunder.<br> <br>Bite nods and does the work for this, needing to adjustfor the delay. She doesn't have so much of a problem going up the mountain in her light armor, but keeps pace with the others for safetys sake.<br> <br>Ryusho grunts slightly as he looks back at the others as he begins to get ahead a bit, so he slowly would only move untill he was almost a few lengths ahead, then slowly curve his path, to -glide- back and forth somewhat just waiting on them to catch up as he keeps his eyes open<br> <br>The top of the hill is a welcome sight outlined against the sky. You can all see the path ahead shortening as you approach the summit, the slope lessening until it is almost level. The party on foot catches up with the stricken badger while the solo member overhead can see what lies ahead.<br> <br>Nemoric continues with the group as he can't really see anything just yet, sparing sandy a glance and shaking his head.<br> <br>Ictus looks at Sandy and shakes her lightly when he gets to her, "You ok?"<br> <br>Sandy is still kneeling, breathing heavily. "Can't they just have us kill the undead..or burn faeries alive.." She says, forcing her self to stand up with the aid of her musket, grinning broadly at Ictus<br> <br>Bite giggles softly and says "You should talk to someone about that later." as she preps work her heavier fire spell. With the other set to take effect any time, she has idle hands to fill.<br> <br>Ryusho shifts as he looks though he soon swoops back down to almost come to a glide above the others, and flaps a few times to somewhat be in place as he speaks to them, "I see quite a few shadows, walking, or being still, doing things...several -remains- of various bodies on the ground in various places too, also various fires around it as lights that I could see shadowns 'near' in a way." he would tell the group once he got close, though he would head back up and ahead to keep looking if he was asked too, or land to join the group directly<br> <br>Now with the mention of fire it does seem the clouds overhead have a faintly orange tint though not one easily seen against the black and angry looking tone of the sky<br> <br>Nemoric archs a brow at that, "Fire?" Looking to bite, she's the better mage, "Shall we take a peek at this was sure fire worked the best aginst shadows."<br> <br>Ryusho would shift, "Though I am only partly sure of what I can see, I am having to deal with a decent bit of wind at the hilltops..." he says as he is there, "...You all might see different from what I can see being moving 'so much' in the air compared to a stable ground view." ...
+<div></div><br> <br>Nemoric wanders into the room and looks to the hunched over officer at the desk. Moving to take a seat in one of the chairs figuring they'll be filled in when theres enough of an actual group.<br> <br>Ictus hmms as he enters the building and salutes the officer, "Ictus of House Solacious, Sir." he smiles as he moves to stand nearby and nods to Nemoric<br> <br>Sandy was an oppourtunist, this was one of those times where it would pay. Mostly, she'd make money to get more food with out having to hunt it down her self, that is her theory. Thusly does the cantankerous female thud her way into the barracks, looking more akin to a pile of moving weapons and armor, then any thing else, that is until you try to see closely, then you realize there's scar tissue and slabs of muscle in there. "Sandraudiga." She says to the officer once she spots him, moving in closer with her peculiar galumphing gait.<br> <br>Ryusho would of arrived a little later then some but possibly before others, though he is not sure as he arrives, though he checks himself over quickly before he enters, making sure he was geared properly, before he enters, ducking through the door as he arrives, with a partial Salute as well, "Ryusho, House Ironsoul Retainer, Sir." he says with a bit of a bow of his head in respect as well.<br> <br>The soldier lifted his head from the papers, a brow rising as he looked over what was to be the scouting party send back to the ark. His eyes narrowing as he peered at Ictus before his snout wrinkled and his lips fell into a frown as he looked over the heavily encumbered Badger. Rising up to his full height and turning toward the arrivals, he raised his arms and thrust one across the other, bringing his forearms down against his chest with a metallic clash of steel on steel before speaking in a commanding tone "So this is it? This is all the city had to offer? This is going to be a scouting mission. I hope you all are prepared for the trek out and back."<br> <br>Nemoric doesn't look to be arms near as much as some others, mostly wearing some light padded armor and a pair of sharp claw weapons at the back of his belt. He looks over at the officer, "I assume if we encounter trouble we're to take care of it ourselves as well." Glancing at Sandy almost asks how they can walk with so many weapons but decides not to.<br> <br>The Ratel's eyes narrow a bit at the soldier, he dares to question her capacity for long treks? "I am a Ratel, we do not know pain, fear, nor fatigue. Where the others rest, I shall continue the mission. When their bodies fall, I shall use them as provisions to continue the hunt." She says in her peculiar accent, it's hard to percisely say where's she is from, a southern dialect in origin? Possibly, her kind is known for dry climates, also, she's a touch insane.<br> <br>Ryusho turns his head and looks to the Ratel, with a slight scowl, "..Of course, -EAt- the members of your party rather then consider giving them proper respect, what a way to try to -impress- someone." he mumbles softly, shifting his position a bit where he stands...<br> <br>Ictus blinks at the officer and grunts a little, "A smaller party is better for scouting missions and I believe we are all capable, Sir." he glances at the Ratel at her speech and shakes his head a bit<br> <br>The officer half turns from Sandraudiga, staring at her for some moments and beginning to wonder if this isn't the idea team to send for the job as at the very least it will put one member of the lest stable element of society outside the city walls. With a loud snort and a hiss of breath between his teeth he reached out behind to pick up one of the maps. Pulling it up in front of himself for all to see it clearly depicted the area around the Ark, the original landing sight from which all the original settlers had emerged. "You all know what this is I am sure. Recently we have had confirmed reports the shadow have moved into this area and defiled the sacred ark. This is less than a days hard march from the city and because of this we need to ready our defences, but we also need to know what the shadow are doing. That is where you all come in. get out there and find them. See where they are coming from, see if you can get any information on their numbers and determine where they are heading. Any questions?"<br> <br>Nemoric rises from the chair, studing the map for a few moments and nods, "Then lets be off." Nodding to Ictus and Ryu then looking at sandy, shrugging and moving over toward the door to wait for the others.<br> <br>The Ratel stares at the map, asborbing what she can through rote memorization, it may come in handy later, who knows what might change under the Shadow's influence, but once Nemoric makes the motion to move out, she gladly does so, her galumphing gait being apparent again, she's peculiar when moving in that shuffle, but seems to be like a tank, slow, ponderous, and unwilling to stop.<br> <br>Ryusho hums softly as he takes the moments to study the map to get an idea of the area as he can then hums, nodding a bit as well, before he turns and begins to follow after Nemoric as well, though he does almost stop to wait on Ictus as well<br> <br>Ictus knows the area well as he studies the map with a nod, "I was with the party that discovered that... We will return with the info, Sir." before he salutes and heads off with the others<br> <br>Sandy's peculiar gait picks up as they traverse the road, often ranging out into the woodlands and back, always holding one her longarms at the ready, she seems to expect trouble before they even get there, a prudent notion. She wasn't lying about her endurance either, she doesn't seem to show signs of tiring, it's a foreign concept to her.<br> <br>Nemoric moves at an even pace, his claws out instead of resting in their holders on the back of his belt. Ears peeled for any sounds out of place as well as sticking more to the edge of the path for quick cover incase they need to fight something.<br> <br>Ryusho would be moving evently as well, though with his cast, though he naturally might not be a high paced species, he would be able to recover if they needed to pause quite quickly, since he is able to keep going incombat or out of it quite some time, from his own stamina, and endurance aided by his species.<br> <br>The officer nods in approval of the groups willingness to get under-way, setting down the map and following the group outside where a pair of armoured guards are waiting. With a nod and informing the guards that you all have agreed to be the scouts the guards look quite relieved having just been let off the hook for this task. They gladdy offer to give you what advice is needed and provide basic, fairly minimal supplies. Enough rations to get you there and back but little else. You are left to fend for yourselves in terms of gear. What they tell you outlines the options for a quick day march that will get you to the ark by nightfall or a two day trip that would allow you scout the area by day. they outline the pros and cons of each in detail before following you to the gates and bidding you good luck<br> <br>Nemoric moves at an even pace when they are finally underway onto the path toward the ark, his claws out instead of resting in their holders on the back of his belt. Ears peeled for any sounds out of place as well as sticking more to the edge of the path for quick cover incase they need to fight something. He'll let the 'Nobles' decide if they want to do the 1 day march or the 2 day march, basicly leaving it up to ictus. He'll just make sure the noble makes it back to town alive. (edits for prosterity)<br> <br>Ryusho would be in a similar situation, true the nobles decide, though ..well he is a retainer, but his house has little to no powera nyway right now, so doesn't matter much one way or the other his decision >.><br> <br>Ictus nods to the guards and ponders a bit before looking to the others, "I say we march during the day, that will give us the most intel." he heads out with Nemoric after the descision is made<br> <br>The Ratel is seemingly uncaring to the decision, once it is made, she'll rapidly disappear back into the woodlands along the road to follow the group, or range in front of it, occasionally she'll meander back with berries in her paw. Food, it motivates her.<br> <br>The travel over the road is quick and easy. The group makes great progress, encountering no obstetrical to bar the path, no signs of doom give cause for pause and the countryside is peaceful as far as anyone can see. There are no signs that you all may be walking into a nest of shadows. Sadly as the day drags on clouds grow thick, approaching from ahead of you spreading a gloomy darkness long before sunset and a chill that grows steadily worse as you reach the foot of the final mount that marks the last assent before reaching the Arks resting place. Though the sky is hidden by anyone estimation sun down is very near and the world around you has taken on a much more sinister feel with little being visible at any great distance and no sounds being heard beyond the whistle of the wind over rocks and the rustle of grasses. This may well be the parties last chance to make plans before reaching their destination.<br> <br>Nemoric pauses back and looks to the others, "So whats the plan, this much quite means even the natural creatures around have most likly fled." Keeping his claws out, not sense putting them away, but still sticking to the edge of the path, though doubts shade will help hide them from shadow beasts.<br> <br>The Ratel will kneel with the rest of the group, though she's keeping her eyes open for movement, occasionally sweeping the area with her blunderbuss. "We should move fast, we are few, they are many, and I strongly suspect the city Garrison will provide any aide if we come back with shadow chasing us." She says, shifting just a bit, itching to just get this part over with.<br> <br>Ryusho hums softly, "I feel we should be quiet, and try to just do our job carefully, it might be slower to do such, but being slow and careful, would allow us to do our job without being spotted, and then be able to get away without them being any the wiser......at least that is my guess on the situation..."<br> <br>Ictus hmms at that and looks around suspiciously, "Yeah, seems like it." he looks at Ryu and ponders a bit, "Those wings work?" he shakes his head at Sandy a bit, "They will likely take offense if we bring too many." he nods in agreement with Ryu<br> <br>Ryusho nods a bit, "They work quite well, and effectively." he says with a simple nod....<br> <br>There is a seance of dread pressing in on you all. A feeling of being watched from afar and yet all around there is no indication of activity, no sigh of the shadows though against the darkness it is hard to be certain.<br> <br>Ictus nods to Ryu and hmms, "Think you'll see anything from above?" he glances around and draws his blade as well as unslinging his shield<br> <br>Sandy, being small, decides to cautiously move into Nemoric's shadow, and place the tiger between her self, and the Ark, she has that bad feeling, the one you get before things to hell around you. She slowly cocks the hammer back on her Blunderbuss and peers into the darkness, eyes narrow slits. "Trouble." She says, helpfully.<br> <br>Nemoric nods a bit to that and crouches down so his movements harder to see from afar, listening to Ictus's plan but keeping an eye out a bit, "Anyone else get the feeling we're being watched?"<br> <br>Ryusho hums slightly as he slowly shifts and rubs his head, "I suppose I can do my best to see what I can, though depending on how it is above the ground very far, but I may need to attempt to fly low if I can not see from a decent altitude." he says simply, "It really depends on how well visibility is as I go up...but I can try my best."<br> <br>the wind picks up suddenly and thunder claps off in the direction of the ark or perhaps it wasn't thunder but a hollow metallic boom and each of you is afflicted with a new sence of dread<br> <br>Nemoric's ears flick and he doesn't even think on it, shifting around quickly and coming up from that crouch to quickly rush by the source of the sound with those claws held out to slice into it. Moving quick enough that the movement would not only slice but burn from sheer friction, though he wouldn't stop by the source but move beyond it so he's not right there for a retaliation.<br> <br>Ryusho seems to shiver as he hops away from something on the ground shaking his leg out as he 'Gah's' a bit, looking at where he had been standing, with a bit of a -yuck- look as he tries to shake the sensation off his leg, then just brush it off instead....<br> <br>The Ratel stiffens a bit and her lips curl back into a snarl, a grimacing disposition suddenly, she is not happy, and her weapon shifts in the vague direction of what disturbed her. "We should shift quickly to a defensible position." She says, suddenly shifting when Nemoric moves by..moving where? Towards the Ark, let the idiots be her distraction, she shall get the intel, or die trying.<br> <br>Ictus flicks his left ear towards the whispers he hears and frowns as he peers into the darkness hissing out, "Get behind cover!" as he looks to do exactly the same<br> <br>all around the road at the base of the mount is grasslands, with the uneven terain broken by the odd rocky protrusion but otherwise devide of any substancial cover besides a few scruffy trees, the odd bush and tall grass.<br> <br>Bite slithers onto the path carrying a few shiny and rusted pieces of metal. Upon closer inspection it appears she has found some discarded tools from various now gone owners. She drops it all with a clatter as she hisses and begins prepping an explosive spell before recognizing some members of the group. Calming down from her startle she gathers her things and approaches them. "Hello there sssweeties, what are you all doing here?"<br> <br>Nemoric manages to strike at nothing but air, his frantic charge and clawed swipes meeting no resistance. Sandraudiga is uncontested in her advances and Ryusho manages successfully to swat at his lower leg several times while Ictus gives into some long grass<br> <br>Sandy wasn't going to do much but keep traversing towards the objective, her stocky stature possibly an advantage now as she moves, her galumphing gait easy to spot though when she isn't in the tall grass or the like, Bite? Well, she stops to peer at Bite. "We are being hunted!" She'll say before going right back to her brazen charge, tactics? There isn't much involved here, she's going to let every one else follow her, or not.<br> <br>Nemoric flicks his ears keeping them peeled and scaning the area as he moves back, "Swore I heard a weapon being drawn, stay alert." Keeping those claws out as he moves nodding to bite, "Fancy seeing you here."<br> <br>Ryusho looks up as he glances around, to ictus, then to Sandy and..then Bite, then back to Sandy, "What are you..." he sits there, and shakes his head, Fine, let the idiot get herself killed, This is a -SCOUTING- mission, not an -assault- but someone seems to think they can take on the world...he shifts and looks to Ictus, "You want me to try to get in the air now?" he says after a moment, "...Since She is being an idiot anyway, and goign to apparently be a -distraction- with her stupidity...." well that is one point..it will keep the shadow distracted with her, and not him flying around.<br> <br>Ictus growls as Sandy moves onwards and shakes his head, "Yes, see if you can." to Ryu as he moves as stealthily as he can in heavy armor towards the Ark, he looks at Bite and nods, "Either get out of here or join us... But you're magic would be welcome."<br> <br>Ryusho nods as he shifts, scooting away from everyone slightly and working his wings a bit, looking up to the skies, and sure, he would get himself ready, "This is a scouting mission upon the ark, considering the shadow has infested it, Talk to Ictus to get details, Alright? I need to get in the air.." he says before he would grunt, and -leap- into the air, using those big ol' wings that are needed to get him into the air to..well..get him into the air!<br> <br>Bite nods and begins stowing her findings as best she can and preps a minor fire spell. "Attack by what?" she hisses and shifts in position, getting ready for whatever may come. "I guess we can talk later." she says with a nod.<br> <br>Nemoric moving near bite to help fill her in a bit, "Long story short, scout the shadows using the ark as a base and bring back intel. Thats the short version anyway." Keeping with the group, they're all more likly stay alive that way.<br> <br>Ryusho takes to the sky, though moving toward the ark would prove more difficult than expected as there is a rather strong headwind and flying against it is troubling. This is made all the worse by the cloudy sky obscuring the moon, starts and whatever is left of the sun shrouding the ground below in darkness out of which few shapes can be identified. Sandra can see far more, from her ground level  perspective she can make out the outline of the hill ahead against the sky as well as the path ahead and the open land on either side<br> <br>Nemoric shakes his head a bit and looks about, "Its like something is whispering ideas out here, I think it may be the proximity to the shadows." Looking to the others to see how they might be reacting, "We should finish this quickly."<br> <br>Sandy might not be able to fly, but she can see what is in front of her alot easier. Hill? Hill means vantage point, so she'll shift her blunderbuss to rest against her stomache and quickly cock the hammer back on her musket as she starts to make her way up, if she can see targets from the hill, maybe she can take pot shots.<br> <br>Ryusho would stil be doing his best to fly forward, or at least if he could at angles, gliding 'in place' against the headwind as much as he can, trying to keep a view, though with a grunt, he does slowly shift to -lower- his altitude somewhat, if he can, but onyl to try to get a better view, but he would scrap that idea if he feels he would get too low and potentially get hit by something from the ground, though he is guessing the lower the altutude might have a better airflow situation..<br> <br>Bite giggles and shakes her head at something before mentally working to tune them out. She looks to the others. "Well shall we sssweeties? I bet they are guarding soem... nice things." she says with another giggle. She holds the prep work for her fire spell in place.<br> <br>Ictus nods to Bite as he continues his stealthy attempt at advancing<br> <br>Those taking a slower more cautions pace in their advance find no trouble in climbing the hill, the slope is gradual and not particularly taxing, and it should take little time to reach it's peak from which a clear view of the ark should be possible.<br> <br>Nemoric Sticks with the others for now, keeping an eye out the best he can for an ambush of some type. He's more cut out for the 'heres your target kill it' work than scouting.<br> <br>The Ratel is having notable problems, her musket drooping heavily in her paws, and she more then once has to stop to shake her head, she effectively looks as if she's suffering some sort of break down as she droops heavily on the hill. "The voices aren't real, and there is no hell about me." She says, as if to force the Shadow's influence back at bay, and then tries to steadily continue her climb. It's hard to drive crazy.. crazy.<br> <br>Ictus hmms as he looks at the others and grunts as he looks up to Ryu, seeming to want to call out but not wanting to give away what little stealth he has<br> <br>Bite slithers effortlessly up the mountain. She watches the honey badger seemingly break down and shakes her head. When they get there they can sort this out. <br> <br>The going up the hill quickly becomes surprisingly taxing but never becomes more than the party can handle. Sandra is worst effected, as long as they stay out in front hindering their progress while Ryusho feels little of the effect, only seeing the rest of the party bellow begin to slow their pace as they approach the top.<br> <br>Nemoric still sticks with Ictus and Bite, moving as they move while tring to keep an eye out.<br> <br>Ictus hmms as he looks around and shakes his head before looking at Bite, "Think you can fire off a delayed flare?" as he eyes Sandy's plight<br> <br>Sandy ultimately, doesn't reach the top of that hill, instead, she'll just end up dropping down in the path, clutching her head as she kneels there, musket laying in the ground in front of her, muscles tense with the mental assault's side effects making her all the more worked up to just rip some thing asunder.<br> <br>Bite nods and does the work for this, needing to adjustfor the delay. She doesn't have so much of a problem going up the mountain in her light armor, but keeps pace with the others for safetys sake.<br> <br>Ryusho grunts slightly as he looks back at the others as he begins to get ahead a bit, so he slowly would only move untill he was almost a few lengths ahead, then slowly curve his path, to -glide- back and forth somewhat just waiting on them to catch up as he keeps his eyes open<br> <br>The top of the hill is a welcome sight outlined against the sky. You can all see the path ahead shortening as you approach the summit, the slope lessening until it is almost level. The party on foot catches up with the stricken badger while the solo member overhead can see what lies ahead.<br> <br>Nemoric continues with the group as he can't really see anything just yet, sparing sandy a glance and shaking his head.<br> <br>Ictus looks at Sandy and shakes her lightly when he gets to her, "You ok?"<br> <br>Sandy is still kneeling, breathing heavily. "Can't they just have us kill the undead..or burn faeries alive.." She says, forcing her self to stand up with the aid of her musket, grinning broadly at Ictus<br> <br>Bite giggles softly and says "You should talk to someone about that later." as she preps work her heavier fire spell. With the other set to take effect any time, she has idle hands to fill.<br> <br>Ryusho shifts as he looks though he soon swoops back down to almost come to a glide above the others, and flaps a few times to somewhat be in place as he speaks to them, "I see quite a few shadows, walking, or being still, doing things...several -remains- of various bodies on the ground in various places too, also various fires around it as lights that I could see shadowns 'near' in a way." he would tell the group once he got close, though he would head back up and ahead to keep looking if he was asked too, or land to join the group directly<br> <br>Now with the mention of fire it does seem the clouds overhead have a faintly orange tint though not one easily seen against the black and angry looking tone of the sky<br> <br>Nemoric archs a brow at that, "Fire?" Looking to bite, she's the better mage, "Shall we take a peek at this was sure fire worked the best aginst shadows."<br> <br>Ryusho would shift, "Though I am only partly sure of what I can see, I am having to deal with a decent bit of wind at the hilltops..." he says as he is there, "...You all might see different from what I can see being moving 'so much' in the air compared to a stable ground view." ...<br> <br>Sandy didn't really care what the flapping critter has to say, mostly because this became a private Vendetta, the thrice damned noise in her head made her reveal weakness, now she was going to find it, and pump it full of lead and her claws. "Lets see what's been causing us to feel..weird." She says towards no one in particular, stocky frame going up towards the crest of the hill, to lay down on it, and observe the enemy forces.<br> <br>Ictus hmms and nods to Ryu, "Good job, lets see if we can get closer... The slightist hint of detection and we will withdraw though."<br> <br>Bite is still preparing her firey payload, nodding to Nemoric. "Well lets go see whats up there sssweetie." she hisses and pushes forward to follow the honey badger.<br> <br>Reaching the top of the hill the entire group can see quite clearly ahead, the entire scene illuminated in the harsh orange glow of the fires that now burn within the once great craft that had carried the ancestors to this world. It lay broken and fractured, parts of its hull scattered about, crushed, torn,  while what remained intact was now engulfed in flames. Tongue of fire dancing above it and sending a great plume of smoke up to vanish into the overhead clouds. All around the shadows move in most unnatural ways. Some holding dead still despite the flickering light while others moved in and out between scattered fragments of metal, all holding their distance a safe way from the flames. It is hard to gather just how many there are as some seem almost formless while others are more solid. In the grass around the vestal you can see the darkened bodies of what may once have been pilgrims and priests laying out some whole and some, whom were closer to the craft, lay in as many pieces as the ark itself.<br> <br>Sandy keeps her musket levelled at the site from their perch, but even she isn't crazy enough to take a shot, instead, she presses her self down lower in the grass atop the hill. "I think we should report there is no Ark to speak of, and they'll need to draft militia." She just says in a very matter of fact tone as she watches the site. "Thats if we ever get back to make the report." She points out.<br> <br>Nemoric looks over the area taking what he can see. "We should pull back and report what we've seen, theres far to many to deal with ourself."<br> <br>Ictus gasps slightly at the sight and growls with a shake of his head, "Damn those Shadows..." it's barely audible as he nods to Sandy, "Agreed, we're going back..." as he starts back down the mountain, though he stays alert<br> <br>Ryusho hums slightly as he would go back to ictus, "If you want, I can fly around the perimiter area of it...to try to check and see if I can get a rough count of how many I can see or something." he suggests, "If you think that would be a good idea for our report."<br> <br>Overhead there is a sudden crack followed by a burst of light as Bite's flair ignores sending out a wave of colour before fading back to a glistening red point that cracked and spits while descending slowly toward the ground. All around the shadows can be seen to move. Those that had something that can pass for a head turning it skyward and even many of what appeared to be bodies rising from their prone position to look up toward the falling flame before their attention turned outward, scanning their surroundings for sigh of the source<br> <br>Nemoric moves back from the hilltop in a crouch to make him harder to see, "Back up now they might see us we may have to get out of here quickly." Thankful for his dark armor and fur.<br> <br>Sandy drops down when the flare goes off. "What fucking twit did that?!" She says, the element of surprise gone, now the Shadow knows some thing is up, and she's pointedly aiming her musket at the party she's with. "New theory on survival, I blow some one's knee cap out and leg it." She says, sounding serious as she begins to edge around the party in her crouched stance, other hand moving to shift the blunderbuss so she has a longarm in either paw, this is one pissed off Ratel.<br> <br>Bite winces and drops down, quickly moving down the mountain. She still holds her battlefield purification at ready in case they are pursued but the situation looks dim despite the light source. She hisses softly and waves the rest of them to come with her. "No time to be a hero sssweeties lets go."<br> <br>Ictus blinks as the flare goes off and ducks down in the grass, grumbling lightly "Great, -now- it goes off..." he looks at the others and motions for a retreat as well, he glares at Sandy as she aims the gun at them<br> <br>Ryusho would land as he scrambles away from the hilltop but the first thin he says is "You lower that weapon -immediately- unless you don't want to be -gutted- and your sowl stones removed for threatening assault and murder with a loaded weapon.." he hisses, though he already was moving away from the edge, not to mention he had kinda -landed- while moving away -anyway- as he knows he would not care if the shadows spoted the idiot who is considering attacking her own -party- like an absolute dumbass....and already is drawing his blade to defend those -in- the party from a -insane- -moron-<br> <br>Many of the shadows gather their wits, beginning to move away from the ark itself and out into the surrounding grasslands. Several cluster further up the road, a vaguely fox kin like form along with two quadrupedal shadows all shrouded in a haze that shifted and swirls around them. With a look to eachother and a quick scan of the road ahead they all beginning to move along it, following the path layer out for them toward the bickering party.<br> <br>Ryusho was still backing away from the situation, because he is not an -idiot- like Sandy who is just -standing- there like an idiot waving a gun around and apparently threatening the party ...<br> <br>Sandy doesn't seem to rightly care as she keeps her weapons levelled, watching the way they came, that was an obvious retreat. "This is where we part ways, you are a tempting target." She says, preferring to go around the bulk of the forces that might come, it might take longer, but she's also not part of a giant moving bullseye. "She's also much faster then appreciated, she doesn't need to rest, not for a while, she has water, and munitions, she would be safer taking a route she spotted on the map back, much safer then the marked road.<br> <br>Nemoric continues to move away with the others glancing at the others as if to say next time leave the midget out of it without talking so his voice won't carry.<br> <br>Ictus is also backing away from the group of shadows and nods in agreement with Nemoric<br> <br>Ryusho shakes his head as he puts his blade away, and turns to begin with the others a promt retreat, hoping that the dumb badger gets herself killed sometime out here so the guard won't have to deal with her ass when she finally snaps in the middle of town...<br> <br>Bite continues down the mountain as fast as she can slither, looking back for any signs she should fire off her mighty spell as a deterant.<br> <br>The shadows are not rushing, they aren�t in any hurry and they are still some distance from the party, enough that those retreating loose sight of the shadows quite quickly once they start back down the hill, the downward slope making escape quite a bit easier as it quickens everyone�s pace regardless of whether they stick to the path or not<br> <br>Nemoric continues away with the majority of the group, keeping silent till they are well well away just incase the shadows went down the path a ways tring to find anyone.<br> <br>The party, though fractures, flee the scene, all managing to make an escape from the advancing shadows whom were in truth not particularly interested in leaving the sight of the ark while any of it still stood. Giving up the chase quickly once the surrounding area have been cleared of potential opposition they returned to wait on the flames dieing down so they could resume their gradual destruction of the ancient artefact of the creators. All members of the scouting party were left to make the uneventful if exhausting trip back to town either together or appart, none getting much sleep on the journey home and eventually reaching the city where they could report their findings.<br> <br>The military officials that debrief each of you are less than pleased with the results of the scouting expedition, having already known of the presence of the shadow at the Ark. They are however very disturbed to learn of the true magnitude of the force that had gathered even if they still lacked a sign of where the shadows were coming from and where they were going.[[Category:RPLogs]]

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