Latest revision as of 11:57, 29 July 2014

Participants

Date

29/7/477

Log

Within the halls of the Solacious Manor, Mirana Solacious was holding a meeting. A temporary base of operations for the Hands of Dawn, a simple call was made. There have been some disterbing reportscoming from the Eastbank Forest. She listens to the reports from the beings about. "They were using some... strange creator things to do it, runes and lunar dust." She nods as she looks to the next, and the next. Assembled where also a handful of beings, Sweetwater Nationals with some good repore. She shakes her head, most of her concealed behind a desk, "Thank you for bringing this to us. I home my brother and cousin can get word of this. This is something that the Lightbringers should investigate into as well." The room itself is wide and open, chairs assembled here and there, a few desks, it seems to be a meeting hall, wood floors and light white painted walls. Looking over the papers, Mira gives a frown.

Siyu is dressed in leathers and mail again. The rodent is dressed for an expedition and not in his usual silks and what not. He gives a nod to Mirana as he waits there. "Lunar dust? And creator artifacts? Good to investigate then, especially with everything else that's been going on." he looks over to the others.

Hartford stands at attention, awaiting instructions. He does not know much about these Dawn Hand folks, but Mister Siyu had said that they could use some help. And if there was one thing the skunk-striped stag was good at, it was following orders. He wears the fine plate armor of a retainer in House Blackback, his enormous halberd peeking over his back.

Calisiel is wearing her usual dress, mostly unarmed aside from her staff and magic. She waits for the others questions to be answered, leaning on her staff heavily, having not slept the previous night.

Yysara heads to the Manor in a simple suit of armor, given to her free by the Freeswords upon her arrival from the Creator ship. She's shunned the helmet though, protecting the delicate flower nestled into her hair. The flower blushes, still not sure what's going on...or what this world was even about. All she knew was that she was foreign, and trying her best to fit in. "H-Hello..."

Pyra walks in behind the flower. "If that armor's made right, your not gonna be able to hide in it there flowery." She comments while passing Yysara. "So, Lunar dust, more working Creator space junk, why are we not on site now?" The impatient lizard makes sure to stand out of the way of most lights. She peers at the rest of the room, a few wisps of black smoke curling off her tail as it passes close to a lamp.

Mirana looks to Siyu first, "First Sargent, good to see you." Then next to the other freeswords arranged there. "Good to see you all, gentleman, ladies." Hearing Pyra's comment, she chuckles a bit, "Sweetie, all in good time. One step before we run." She arranges her papers again, "And thank you for coming here all of you, those not going out on this, unpleasent, trip you are dismissed." She says, not standing from the desk. "Everyone else, I've got some startling news. It seems that shadow presence out in the forest has increased greatly. Some of those beings coming in have informed me it seems to be due to the use of some creator artifacts in a far off section of the forest. Dears, I don't have to warn you about shadows I'd hope. I fear however, that is more behind this. There are not many groups I know of that have access to creator artifacts like this, nor as much lunar as seems to be being used." She says. "In any case, whomever is doing this, go out there and stop them. First Sargent, you are in charge of this, do the Hands of Dawn well out there, all of Freeswords, and for all of Sweetwater. We don't need another war with shadows, even less at a time like this." She says. Finally getting up, the gravid and 'blessed' vixen walks over to Siyu, passing to him a map. "Here are some critical areas to check, come back safe. I wish I could go with you." She says, then looks around to all, Gifted and Souled alike, "Good luck out there, there are carts that will be arriving any moment outside for you all.

Siyu turns and nods to all of those who come in, "Hartford, good to see you, hope the guarding is going well..." he bows his head to Calisiel and...yysara? A flower? Interesting, and to Pyra too. The short rodent smiles, "Greetings, and thank you all for coming. If you do not know me I am Gang Xi Siyu, and I appreicate your help." he rests a had on his wide hip, and listens to the briefing. "Shadows are active again? I was hoping they'd have calmed down. You think prehaps the creator artifacts are making them feral again?" he inquires as he flicks his ears. "Either way still a threat." he blinks as he's put in charge "Ah all right..." he checks over the map and finally nods, "I see, thank you, we'll do well Lady Solacious." he glances to the others, "I suppose I should ask if anyone has any questions?"

Hartford has not heard of any shadow incursions in ages! But it is not the place of a manor guard and part time Freesword to question nobility. The stag falls in behind Siyu. As soon as they leave the office behind he leans forward a bit, high over Siyu's head. "What sort of artifacts are we looking at, Mister Siyu?" he asks in his slow, deep tones.

Calisiel shakes her head, having no questions. "No questions. Lead on then. You're in charge, apparently." She yawns, leans on her staff, glances at the others who will be accompanying her. Or, who she will be accompanying. Either way.

Yysara falls in line. Surely there were enough men to keep her safe. She holds her medicine kit tucked under an arm and nods. "I'll just be the medic...medics can't be attacked, right? There are...conventions in place?" Her voice is so soft that it's close to a whisper.

Pyra shrugs. "Shadows, cults, sounds like monday." She shakes her head, leaning against the wall. She stays near the group, ready to go. "Doesn't much matter what it is, they have stuff other people want."

Going back to her seat, Mirana huffs slightly getting back into it. "I've not laid eyes on it, and the description of it was not so useful. If I had to guess, it is an altar, or chamber, or something of that nature." A far off ring sounds through the manor, "But those would be your carts. Feel free to discuss things along the way, and do be very careful." She says. "Cults, shadows, and such indeed, what a time to live in..." She says, eyes going a bit far in th distance, then looking to the door. A heavy sigh, "By Shialla..." She says. "If you aren't sure you can handle it, feel no shame in returning here." She says.

Siyu nods his head ,"I'm not sure." he looks over the description, "Still it must mean that there's some interaction with Lunar dust we should be careful of. If any of you have lunar dust I'd leave it here. We don't want any accidental activations." he pulls out his own pouch to secure it in the manor. He glances at Yyas and he shakes his head, "There are no...conventions? No, Medics die same as everyone else. But do not owrry, there's enough of us here to help. The Hands specialize in medics and healing I'm one of them, I'll support you as best I can, if you're worried you can hang in the back," he smiles, trying to reassure. "I'll look over the maps and decide where to go first...everyone ready then?"

Hartford nods and follows with no more questions. The two toned deer is ready to be pointed at a target!

Calisiel yawns, a bit of flame escaping her beak. "Look, if you're afraid, stay near me. I'll burn anything that tries to hurt you." Standing up straight, she creates a small flame in her hand, then extinguishes it. "So, we ready to go then?"

Yysara seems even more afraid of the fire than anything else. She just stayed towards the back of the group and nodded softly.

Pyra pushes herself off the wall, walking to the front, or near front of the group. "Yes, let's move. Cultists don't usually off themselves... Though, I have to admit, some of them have been creative about it when they have."

The ringing continues to sound out, "Such impatience. But the Skink is right, the sooner you are all out there, the sooner you can all figure out what is going on and hopefully stop it." She says, more and more ringing, "However I do agree with Siyu about caution. There is little telling what could be going on out there other than it will not be friendly.

Siyu nods his head and he bows to Mirana and leads the group out. To head to the wagons and start the mission. He does lay out the map and examine it. Seeing what locations there are to go and what intel there is on thenm...

Hartford sits quietly in the cart, composing himself for combat. He has never found himself under the command of someone as small and soft as Mister Siyu. "Are you sure we are ready for this, sir?" he asks nervously, eyeing his fellow volunteers.

Calisiel takes a seat in the wagon next to Hartford. "I'm sure we'll be fine." She crosses her legs, leans back and smiles at the other volunteers. Proceeds to once again ignite and extinguish flames in her hand.

Yysara politely takes a seat in the wagon. Deciding to stay next to Hartford on the trip, considering how gentle he seemed. And how nervous he looked as well.

Pyra sits herself in the cart with the others, she sits eyes forward towards where they were off to, not really saying another word. A hand on her sword an one pulling her dagger from her pocket.

Siyu lays out the map, "All right, the areas of note, we have our intersection here...the one north, north west and northeast. Prehaps it's best to go to the intersection first and set up a base we can fall back to and then investigate each region together?" he asks the group, giving a glance to Hartford, "Ready as we shall ever be. We are Freeswords after all yes?" he asks with a smile. "Any other questions or comments?"

With everyone assembled and ready, the wagons get moving out. It is a bit of a bumpy ride, taking them toward the entrance of the East Forest. It would be some time before they all get there, leaving plenty of time to discuss among themselves. Rain comes down upon the coverings of the wagons, lightning flashing and the clash of thunder here and there.

Hartford frowns at the map, ready to defer to orders. "I don't think we will get a second chance to get the drop on these shady folks," he says, "Maybe slow and methodical isn't the best way, sir."

Calisiel jumps at the lightning, slides closer to Hartford. "Sorry, don't like lightning." She smiles at the group again, ceases to create flame. "I agree with the deer. Who needs slow planning when we can just torch the area?" Cal has an... affinity for fire it seems.

"You're just....you're just going to kill people like that? A-And we're in a forest...how much of it do you want to burn down?" Yysara voices her concerns.

Pyra says "I can think of a few reasons, mostly blowing our cover and killing ourselves along with them spring to mind first." She flips her dagger over in her hand. "Yep. People are dumb enough to do really 'bad' things and get caught. We're doing them a favor really. Its that or spend the rest of their days locked up in the crown's dungeon." She says to the flower. "Not like their doing anyone a favor alive."

Wheels squeek, and the beings inside are bounced, but it isn't too long before a tiger can be heard shouting back, "We will be there within minutes my lords and ladies. We will not take you in, not with things like they are now. But if you can get to us and need a quick escape, we will be waiting a click and a half outside." Comes the low male voice to those within. Before much longer after that, the wheels squeek to a halt... The forest in the distance, the presence of... things within it is almost tangable even that far away...

Siyu blinks a bit, "It's EASTBANK FOREST, It's the property of the king, the source of our wood supplies, home to any number of species I...no we're NOT just torching it..." he shakesh is head, "But everyone supports a lightning strike? The question is. A lightning strike on which location?" He stares at the others, "We're entirely better then cultists...we give justice. Whoever falls, falls, but those that surrrender will be taken and given over to face trial..." he says firmly. He looks up and nods to the wagon man, "Thank you..." he hops out. "So we wish a quick strike...a quick strike where my fellows?"

Hartford shakes his head as he steps from the wagon. "Don't know Mister Siyu," he says, "I'm just a guard, but I will follow your lead, sir." The big deer quickly checks over his gear, and finding everything in order, waits for instructions.

Calisiel shrugs. "Alright, I'll contain myself." Stepping from the wagon, staying close to the guard deer. Her staff taps against the wet ground lightly. "Look, just point me at what you want dead. And I'll do my best to make it so." A small flame left her beak at the word 'dead'. The crow adds: "I can fly, if it helps. Can scout, maybe?"

"On, torching it is perfectly fine. I was really just curious about how large of an area you wanted to torch was all. Cause it's a forest and all, everything might just burn." Yysara doesn't seem very impressed by Siyu's reasoning, grumbling softly. "How is that different from being a cultist, exactly? They don't mind killing us unless we surrender..."

Pyra nods "That's why we kill them first." She hops out of the back of the cart, shuddering. Never did like the rain. "Well, where do we think they are?" She asks the rodent, dagger in hand.

With everyone loaded out, the forest still lays in wait for the plan to be made. The rain slowly draws to an end, clouds overhead obscuring the moon and its shattered brother. Meanwhile, that... feeling continues to pulse out from the forest, as if it was alive with some strangeness...

Siyu nods his head, "A good thought, not many thing to look up. The canopy is pretty thick, but if you can see things through the break in the trees, prehaps you can scout and alert us where to strike. As I said, we have these three sites here on the map" he hmms, "Do you have good night vision?" he inquires

Hartford shakes his head again. "Which is closest to us, Mister Siyu?" he asks, "There has to be something there from what the scouts saw. I think they will know we are here by now." The stag looks out into the darkness and unhooks the halberd from his back. Best to be ready.

Calisiel thinks for a moment. Then, nods. "Good enough, I suppose. And when the lightening flashes, can see everything for a moment." At the deers words, Calisiel smiles. "Well, if they start shooting at me, then we'll know for sure." The crow extends her wings, asks: "So, where should I head first?"

The Kadupul shakes her head lightly at the plan, but gives the party her blessing. Resting her hands on Calisiel for a moment to give her what support she could. "Good luck."

Pyra quickly vanishes into the underbrush, black scales and blue coat giving her a little cover in the darkness. She keeps quiet and out of sight to survey the perimeter, if they DID know they were here, she'll catch the patrols. Hopefully.

Siyu shakes his head at Hartford, "Nothing really in te report to let us know what might be happening. I think scouting would be a reasonable thing. Not charge in blindly..." he looks ot the others. "I'd start with the west and swing west across the north and the east site and then back to us to gve a full report."

A plan of sorts coming together. There is little change in the forest off in the distance. A wind picks up, a chill beginning, rather, a chill to those who are used to the heat of the desert, or the humidity of Sweetwater.

Hartford frowns, but agrees to wait for the scout, keeping his weapon at the ready. "What d'you s'pose they're doin' out there anyways?" he asks quietly.

Calisiel pats the kadupul back, her vision being enhanced through magic. "Thanks, I'll be fine. So, west, then? Alright." With a flap of her wings, and some assisting air magic, Calisiel takes to the sky, heads to the west quickly. Head on a swivel, looking for any sign of the enemy.

Yysara waits for the others! "Don't know. Cultist-y stuff." She adds to Hartford with a smile.

From within the forest, a light starts to shine, bright as the full moon. It is coming from the north east part of the forest. It pierces the night sky, and my be confused for a large bolt of thunder if one didn't look close at it! Soon after, it is gone, fading rapid into the night!

Siyu nods as he readies his weapons, "A lightning strike is all well and good Hartford, and we can inded hit them hard and catch then all unaware. But by the same token it would do no good to run right into a trap. If they know we are here already, a scout will not give them more information, and if they do not know, then the advantage is ours." he reasons. He glances back at the group, "If they're using Lunar dust they're trying to activate artifacts. Probably experimenting with them to see what they do. They have had some nasty surprises b efore" He grunts at the suddenly flash of light North east, "Uh...ya, that might be a good indication..."

Hartford's big, leaf-shaped ears perk up at the brilliant flash of light and the oversized deer charges forward toward the phenomenon. "Here we go then!" the big guy calls back. No sense in passing up a sign like that!

As Calisiel flies toward the indicated location, she feels something is wrong... A feeling of corruption creeps towards her heart, though her soulgem seems able to protect her for now. It's as if something is trying to force its way into her skin... Shaking off these feelings, though she will share them with the group, she continues to get closer, the feeling growing stronger. She looks to the northeast, light blinding her momentarily, then turns back to the west. Probably just lightning.

Yysara looks out towards the skies as lightning strikes. She frowns softly as Hartford starts to charge, loading up her musket and then watching the cervine's back. Keeping up the best she can even in her heavy armor and her vigilant state.

Pyra sneaks off to the northeast, making toward the light silently. That was no lighting. There was something there, quite possibly what they're looking for. But it's hard to say. She keeps a sharp eye out for anything suspicious.

In the are Calisiel is tackled mid flight by a Griffon, pushing her back away from the forest! After getting stable herself, the Griffon caws at her before continuing in common, "What are you doing out here!? Can't you see how dangerous this is? What brings you here right now!?" She asks, but then looks down to the ground, "I can hear you Jermey, that Messanger Spirit we've got is working wonderful." A few nods, "Yes, I've found one up here too." She listens for a while, "YOU WHAT!? If.. you think that is a good idea, you know better than anyone."

Down below, Hartford gets a similar treatment from a... flower!? It is hard to tell what kind of flower, bright purple petels over a green body, "Hey! What are you doing!?" She shouts, looking around, "This place is more dangerous then you know warrior... no.. not a warrior, but you use the warrior's gems... hold on." He says, looking toward the Sky, "Jessica... Jessica Blackback, can you hear this one? Good? It has two of them down here, it doesn't think they know what they are getting into." After a while, "Really, another up there? Bring them all to me, we will have to make sure they are informed if they are to be helpful." The flower continues.

Siyu grunts a bit as Hartford charges in, "Wait for the...damnit all...all right folks, the die is cast, on me, keep together, and remember, we're fighting shadows...support Hartford..." he tries to fall in and rush with the group towards the northeast. He grunts as we're suddenly stopped, "What in the hells...Jessica Blackback, what is going on here." he still has a pistol out. So far there's nothing overly hostile. Mostly just restraint.

Hartford roars out a challenge, but all the fight goes out of him at the sound of the name Blackback. "Lady Jessica?" he asks, dumbstruck, "What is going on here?" The stag shrugs off the plant being and dusts himself off.

Calisiel stabilizes herself, wings working to keep her stable as she looks over the griffon. "...The fuck is your problem? I'm here to massacre cultists, or shadows or something. I wasn't paying attention... But, I'm here on behalf of... shit who was it... One of the Solacious. Anyway, what are YOU doing here?" She creates a small flame in her hand, smaller flames leaving her beak between words, adding to her horrible an attempt at intimidation.

All the names go over the Kadupul's head! The flower going glossy eyed for a bit as she tries to understand exactly what is going on. "Nobody is hurt yet. I am not sure what to feel." She admits, just looking between the two groups of people. "Are we attacking innocents here?"

Pyra smirks. A feeling of wrongness? She's in her element. She keeps moving forward, oblivious of anyone else speaking. She keeps her eyes open though. SHe know's that the feeling's not good as well, its still dangerous.

The Griffon looks to Calisiel, "You may be here by command of a Solacious, but I'm a Blackback, here under my own work, sent by Good King Good himself." She says, before looking down to the forest below, "Come on, my friend wants to see you." She says, "Follow close." Swooping down into the forest through a small clearing in the trees down to where Hartford and the rest are, an eye kept back to make sure that Calisiel will indeed follow.

Below, Jermey looks about, "You are walking right into a shadows' nest, all of you, or what could be a shadows' nest, this one can't tell yet, but keep close and keep safe." She says, "Have you seen Clyde or Timothy yet Jessica? Or are they still scouting." She continues to the Griffon, though no answer yet. Jessica is a bit to high up to hear Hartford nor Siyu as she comes down for a landing. A look to Kadupul, "Warrior Being, no one is hurt, Creator's Choosen, but these Souled as you know them should be very careful, Jessica was Souled before." She says. Pyra so far goes unnoticed!

Siyu gives a grunt, "Hold up guys hold up..." he gives a sigh and looks up, "Jessica Blackback, the Griffon. Shadowhunter, under Good's orders? We have intelligence it's not just shadows, it's cultists and artifacts manipulating the shadows. Not just the mindless ones but begins with artifacts too." he offers.

Hartford seems to remember stories about a fighter Blackback named Jessica, though he had assumed that they had been talking about the proprietor of the Twin Pillows. It becomes apparent to the big guy that things have just gotten complicated. He falls back on what he knows and salutes smartly. "Hartford of House Blackback, Sir!" he cries, "Orders, Sir!"

Calisiel says, "Pfft. Like I care what the king wants. But, I'll follow you." the crow does indeed follow, swooping down toward the rest, trying to get there before the griffon to prove superiority.

Yysara keeps her musket away, not wanting to shoot anyone without knowing what's going on just yet. "I'm no warrior...I was a consort in the creator ship...and a bodyguard, when I needed to. Here I am just a simple priest, living out what few years I have left. She looks to Siyu. "I think your information might be wrong..."

Pyra keeps her course toward the flash, undetected, which is good for her, easier to kill. Shadows nest or not she's intent on finding out what's in this forest... Though something seems odd, there's alot more chatter on the airwaves that shouldn't... Because only 2 people know of it, Soulless, and Shadows themselves. And she had no indication that any of her compatriots knew the language...

Looking to Siyu and Hartford, the Griffon nods, "I'm Jessica Blackback, but... Shadowhunter, I'm not sure I like that name." She says, shifting herself back into a skunk, fortunately her clothes made to more adapt to her shape. As a skunk, they are very baggy, as a Griffon almost form fitting. "Anyway, yes, you are all in danger here, and no Jermey, I haven't seen them yet. They are likely near the center of it." She looks back to Siyu though, "Creator artifacts, Jermey, do you know anything?" She asks. The Flower nods, "A chamber, ours was kept in chambers for longer flights, a few woke early, they were the supporters, the 'Good Shadows' if you will. If a chamber survived until now, then anyone foolish enough could awaken those within. They would still be on their original mission. They would know nothing of what has happened so far!" She says, looking toward the light, "Haste is needed!" She says, running off toward what is most likely danger! Jessica stays behind a moment, "This could be worse than before, if you are going to come with us, be careful." She cautions. Looking back to Calisiel, "You'd best respect Good King Good's word here in his kingdom. A look back to Yysara, "You are a new comer, aren't you, well, going to see what you can do now, perhaps you and good Hartford are the best protected of us all... then again..." She brings a hand to her own soul gem. "Maybe not... anyway, you are here now, so, fall in and follow forward?" She says, not exactly used to taking such a directly leadershiped role.

Siyu blinks a bit and he turns back to Yysara, "You're creator made? I...wel...sorry. Ahem. I'll offer..." he stops then, "Nevermind, what exactly are you all doing out here. And more importantly are you creator made too?" he asks the plant, "Are you free here ,or on a creator mission. Is this connected to the crown?" he grunts, "It seems as if there is even more wrinkles to this.." he winces at the light, "Yes we should stick together, if there are shadows sent to destroy us in stasis still all haste should be made to keep them shut..." he glances around, "Still forced posession should take days shouldn't it?"

Hartford salutes the Lady Blackback and takes up his hefty polearm again, ready to charge into battle. "I am yours to command Lady Blackback," he says with all the fervor of a knight to his king, though he is really only hired help. His devotion to House Blackback as much a shield as the bracer on his gauntlet.

Calisiel shakes her head, caring nothing for the word of the king. She sets about creating and extinguishing flames again, leaning against her staff. "Never seen a shadow before, so long as they burn there'll be no problems." She eyes the group, takes a few steps away from the skunk. Doesn't like that one.

"I am creator made, yes. Though I find the ways of your kind...unusual." Yysara laughs, and then shakes her head softly. "Lead along. I'll follow behind and see what use I can be."

Pyra keeps a low profile, singling out one 'voice' amidst the rest of the noise. There has to be some way to determine what the best course of action is, kill, or talk... Both could work, though if these are the 'kill everything in 100 yards' types, then the static. She peers around, it doesn't LOOK like anyone is here... But she knows there is something. ShadowTalk doesn't go off for nothing.

Jermey bounds and bounds off, "We are all creator made Warrior, even if you don't know it yet." she says behind her, continuing toward where the light was, until she stops dead in her tracks! "Go no farther! They are awake..." She says, looking back, shaking her head. "This one will go talk to them." She says, walking forward, but Jessica pulls at her shoulder, "Remember what happened last time a group of shadows..." But Jermey shrugs her hand away, "Stay here." She says, continuing in where Pyra had recently ventured! Jessica looks around, "If you aren't a gifted, I'd listen to him, or.. her, I'm still not sure how you call a shadow, but, if you are souled I'd stay around here, and use this." She hands a device over to Hartford, "We will keep in touch with the one Jermey has." She says, "Otherwise, follow me.. but stay close." She says, her voice a bit shakey.

Siyu readies what he has, a pistol, his dagger, his fists. Shadows. He takes a deep breath, "I always fancied calling them Shades..." is his weak reply, "So they're awake, they're here...I wonder how they survived crashing into the moon..." is just an idle thought, but he follows Jessica.

Hartford accepts the device and stands at the ready. He has no idea what is happening here, but a Blackback has just given him an order. That was comforting in and of itself.

Calisiel follows after those who leave, not getting left out when something might need to be set on fire. "Yeah, stay close." She chuckles. "You sound scared, it amuses me." Her tone is teasing, and almost joyful. Seems to be looking forward to whatever comes next.

Yysara follows behind quietly, though this time she seems a bit more reassured with other people similar to her.

Pyra hmms, these ones are at least capable of speech. [Right, I'll bite. Friend or foe? Not actually looking to fight anyone.] She pockets her dagger again for the time being. Should be interesting to see if she gets a response.

Jermey unknowingly runs by the hidden Pyra, stopping dead in her tracks shortly after. Looking around at the disipated shadows, she shakes her head, "This is... unwell." Settling down for a moment, she decides to get to work, however is shortly there after cut off as one of the shadows launches itself past her, and directly toward Siyu, another coming up after, once more toward the little being! As Pyra attempts to communicate with the shadow she'd selected, it unfortunately doesn't take the welcoming words to heart, lunging after her soon after! Jessica for her part watches this and manuvers, shards of ice at her finger tips, "Definately worse than before! Don't let them touch you!" She calls! Hartford able to hear over the device he was handed!

Siyu grunts a bit, ghasping as he ducks, he hits the ground with a thud, feeling ringmail splinter under the claws of the shadows, the metal links sparking and clinking to the ground, "Damnation!" He takes aim and fires with his pistol.

Hartford is not sure what to do. He has been ordered to stay put, but does not see how that is supposed to help! He keeps his Halberd at the ready, prepared to cover an escape should the chance come.

Beak turning up into a wicked grin, Calisiel uses her less than disciplined control of magic to her advantage. She slams her staff to the ground, simply to look cool, as an explosion of flaming force ripples outward.

Yysara draws her musket but keeps her shot on hold, waiting to see if it is needed. A few days at the library and she already knows how dangerous the shadows are if they got up close. Instead, she just holds steady...

Pyra sighs, right, foe it is. She hasn't even taken her hand out of her pocket. Soon enough though, she has her dagger back in hand, quickly making strikes at whatever looks vital, there has to be something holding it together, that is if the fires from her dagger don't burn it all away.

With Siyu and Pyra ducking and dodging out of the way, and attacking the two shadows are struck, followed by Calisiel's use of magic, the masses without form are pushed back and away! Jessica looks to Jermey as a squirrl and another skunk come up from the east and west respectively, Jessica seems relieved in an instant! "Clyde! Timothy!" She calls, looking back toward the way everyone had came, "Go back, umm... retreat! We will hold things here." She says, looking to her companions. The jittery squirrl smiles, never seeming to keep still for more than a moment or two, while the bigger skunk draws a twohanded warhammer, saying back, "Yes, fall back, report back to Firmament what is happening here, we will make sure nothing goes farther." He says, and as the Shadows come forward, the quirtet gets to work holding the line.

Siyu picks himself up off the ground, "More nests, this late in the war, ominous...let's follow their advice, retreat and get a full unit of Freeswords or Lightbringers ready"

Hartford nods at the instructions from the device and makes a hasty, but orderly retreat. Better to fight another day.

Calisiel rises back up, flames flowing from her beak. "What, fall back? Alright, fine." She tries to set fire to the ground where she is standing before taking to the sky once more, heading back to the city.

"Yes, I think it's wise to pull out this time." Yysara takes her shot blindly towards the nests anyway, not wanting to waste good gunpowder, and then she beats a hasty retreat with the others.

How'd that creator song go again? Know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run? Something like that. Folding and running seems like the best course of action to get out of there. A quick throwing knife at the advancing mass of shadows to distract before she starts tearing out of there, moving as fast as she can out of the underbrush.

As the group continues back to where the carts await, the rain picks up again. The four are left to fight alone, left to their fates. The final few attacks giving all that is needed to let them all make it safely back out of the forest. In the distance, it can be discovered, that the four of them are, for now, beating them back. Perhaps, the forest will be safe for a time, but, this was not something that could be left forever. The cart drivers look to the returning heros, "Well, what news?" One of them asks.

Siyu gives a soft little sigh, "Some darkness my friend. Some darkness...hopefully soon it'll be scoured by the light..."

Hartford snorts and clambor back into the cart. He has no idea what has happened tonight, but he can tellit was big!

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 =Participants=
-* [[Angus]]
 * [[Calisiel]]
 * [[Hartford]]
@@ Line 6: / Line 5: @@
 * [[Pyra]]
 * [[Siyu]]
-* [[Technetium]]
-* [[Thelergramor]]
 * [[Yysara]]
 =Date=
 /7/477
 =Log=
-<div></div><br> <br>Within the halls of the Solacious Manor, Mirana Solacious was holding a meeting. A temporary base of operations for the Hands of Dawn, a simple call was made. There have been some disterbing reportscoming from the Eastbank Forest. She listens to the reports from the beings about. "They were using some... strange creator things to do it, runes and lunar dust." She nods as she looks to the next, and the next. Assembled where also a handful of beings, Sweetwater Nationals with some good repore. She shakes her head, most of her concealed behind a desk, "Thank you for bringing this to us. I home my brother and cousin can get word of this. This is something that the Lightbringers should investigate into as well." The room itself is wide and open, chairs assembled here and there, a few desks, it seems to be a meeting hall, wood floors and light white painted walls. Looking over the papers, Mira gives a frown.<br> <br>Siyu is dressed in leathers and mail again. The rodent is dressed for an expedition and not in his usual silks and what not. He gives a nod to Mirana as he waits there. "Lunar dust? And creator artifacts? Good to investigate then, especially with everything else that's been going on." he looks over to the others.<br> <br>Hartford stands at attention, awaiting instructions. He does not know much about these Dawn Hand folks, but Mister Siyu had said that they could use some help. And if there was one thing the skunk-striped stag was good at, it was following orders. He wears the fine plate armor of a retainer in House Blackback, his enormous halberd peeking over his back.<br> <br>Calisiel is wearing her usual dress, mostly unarmed aside from her staff and magic. She waits for the others questions to be answered, leaning on her staff heavily, having not slept the previous night.<br> <br>Yysara heads to the Manor in a simple suit of armor, given to her free by the Freeswords upon her arrival from the Creator ship. She's shunned the helmet though, protecting the delicate flower nestled into her hair. The flower blushes, still not sure what's going on...or what this world was even about. All she knew was that she was foreign, and trying her best to fit in. "H-Hello..."<br> <br>Pyra walks in behind the flower. "If that armor's made right, your not gonna be able to hide in it there flowery." She comments while passing Yysara. "So, Lunar dust, more working Creator space junk, why are we not on site now?" The impatient lizard makes sure to stand out of the way of most lights. She peers at the rest of the room, a few wisps of black smoke curling off her tail as it passes close to a lamp.<br> <br>Mirana looks to Siyu first, "First Sargent, good to see you." Then next to the other freeswords arranged there. "Good to see you all, gentleman, ladies." Hearing Pyra's comment, she chuckles a bit, "Sweetie, all in good time. One step before we run." She arranges her papers again, "And thank you for coming here all of you, those not going out on this, unpleasent, trip you are dismissed." She says, not standing from the desk. "Everyone else, I've got some startling news. It seems that shadow presence out in the forest has increased greatly. Some of those beings coming in have informed me it seems to be due to the use of some creator artifacts in a far off section of the forest. Dears, I don't have to warn you about shadows I'd hope. I fear however, that is more behind this. There are not many groups I know of that have access to creator artifacts like this, nor as much lunar as seems to be being used." She says. "In any case, whomever is doing this, go out there and stop them. First Sargent, you are in charge of this, do the Hands of Dawn well out there, all of Freeswords, and for all of Sweetwater. We don't need another war with shadows, even less at a time like this." She says. Finally getting up, the gravid and 'blessed' vixen walks over to Siyu, passing to him a map. "Here are some critical areas to check, come back safe. I wish I could go with you." She says, then looks around to all, Gifted and Souled alike, "Good luck out there, there are carts that will be arriving any moment outside for you all.<br> <br>Siyu turns and nods to all of those who come in, "Hartford, good to see you, hope the guarding is going well..." he bows his head to Calisiel and...yysara? A flower? Interesting, and to Pyra too. The short rodent smiles, "Greetings, and thank you all for coming. If you do not know me I am Gang Xi Siyu, and I appreicate your help." he rests a had on his wide hip, and listens to the briefing. "Shadows are active again? I was hoping they'd have calmed down. You think prehaps the creator artifacts are making them feral again?" he inquires as he flicks his ears. "Either way still a threat." he blinks as he's put in charge "Ah all right..." he checks over the map and finally nods, "I see, thank you, we'll do well Lady Solacious." he glances to the others, "I suppose I should ask if anyone has any questions?"<br> <br>Hartford has not heard of any shadow incursions in ages! But it is not the place of a manor guard and part time Freesword to question nobility. The stag falls in behind Siyu. As soon as they leave the office behind he leans forward a bit, high over Siyu's head. "What sort of artifacts are we looking at, Mister Siyu?" he asks in his slow, deep tones.<br> <br>Calisiel shakes her head, having no questions. "No questions. Lead on then. You're in charge, apparently." She yawns, leans on her staff, glances at the others who will be accompanying her. Or, who she will be accompanying. Either way.<br> <br>Yysara falls in line. Surely there were enough men to keep her safe. She holds her medicine kit tucked under an arm and nods. "I'll just be the medic...medics can't be attacked, right? There are...conventions in place?" Her voice is so soft that it's close to a whisper.<br> <br>Pyra shrugs. "Shadows, cults, sounds like monday." She shakes her head, leaning against the wall. She stays near the group, ready to go. "Doesn't much matter what it is, they have stuff other people want."<br> <br>Going back to her seat, Mirana huffs slightly getting back into it. "I've not laid eyes on it, and the description of it was not so useful. If I had to guess, it is an altar, or chamber, or something of that nature." A far off ring sounds through the manor, "But those would be your carts. Feel free to discuss things along the way, and do be very careful." She says. "Cults, shadows, and such indeed, what a time to live in..." She says, eyes going a bit far in th distance, then looking to the door. A heavy sigh, "By Shialla..." She says. "If you aren't sure you can handle it, feel no shame in returning here." She says.<br> <br>Siyu nods his head ,"I'm not sure." he looks over the description, "Still it must mean that there's some interaction with Lunar dust we should be careful of. If any of you have lunar dust I'd leave it here. We don't want any accidental activations." he pulls out his own pouch to secure it in the manor. He glances at Yyas and he shakes his head, "There are no...conventions? No, Medics die same as everyone else. But do not owrry, there's enough of us here to help. The Hands specialize in medics and healing I'm one of them, I'll support you as best I can, if you're worried you can hang in the back," he smiles, trying to reassure. "I'll look over the maps and decide where to go first...everyone ready then?"<br> <br>Hartford nods and follows with no more questions. The two toned deer is ready to be pointed at a target!<br> <br>Calisiel yawns, a bit of flame escaping her beak. "Look, if you're afraid, stay near me. I'll burn anything that tries to hurt you." Standing up straight, she creates a small flame in her hand, then extinguishes it. "So, we ready to go then?"<br> <br>Yysara seems even more afraid of the fire than anything else. She just stayed towards the back of the group and nodded softly.<br> <br>Pyra pushes herself off the wall, walking to the front, or near front of the group. "Yes, let's move. Cultists don't usually off themselves... Though, I have to admit, some of them have been creative about it when they have."<br> <br>The ringing continues to sound out, "Such impatience. But the Skink is right, the sooner you are all out there, the sooner you can all figure out what is going on and hopefully stop it." She says, more and more ringing, "However I do agree with Siyu about caution. There is little telling what could be going on out there other than it will not be friendly.<br> <br>Siyu nods his head and he bows to Mirana and leads the group out. To head to the wagons and start the mission. He does lay out the map and examine it. Seeing what locations there are to go and what intel there is on thenm...<br> <br>Hartford sits quietly in the cart, composing himself for combat. He has never found himself under the command of someone as small and soft as Mister Siyu. "Are you sure we are ready for this, sir?" he asks nervously, eyeing his fellow volunteers.<br> <br>Calisiel takes a seat in the wagon next to Hartford. "I'm sure we'll be fine." She crosses her legs, leans back and smiles at the other volunteers. Proceeds to once again ignite and extinguish flames in her hand.<br> <br>Yysara politely takes a seat in the wagon. Deciding to stay next to Hartford on the trip, considering how gentle he seemed. And how nervous he looked as well.<br> <br>Pyra sits herself in the cart with the others, she sits eyes forward towards where they were off to, not really saying another word. A hand on her sword an one pulling her dagger from her pocket.<br> <br>Siyu lays out the map, "All right, the areas of note, we have our intersection here...the one north, north west and northeast. Prehaps it's best to go to the intersection first and set up a base we can fall back to and then investigate each region together?" he asks the group, giving a glance to Hartford, "Ready as we shall ever be. We are Freeswords after all yes?" he asks with a smile. "Any other questions or comments?"<br> <br>With everyone assembled and ready, the wagons get moving out. It is a bit of a bumpy ride, taking them toward the entrance of the East Forest. It would be some time before they all get there, leaving plenty of time to discuss among themselves. Rain comes down upon the coverings of the wagons, lightning flashing and the clash of thunder here and there.<br> <br>Hartford frowns at the map, ready to defer to orders. "I don't think we will get a second chance to get the drop on these shady folks," he says, "Maybe slow and methodical isn't the best way, sir."<br> <br>Calisiel jumps at the lightning, slides closer to Hartford. "Sorry, don't like lightning." She smiles at the group again, ceases to create flame. "I agree with the deer. Who needs slow planning when we can just torch the area?" Cal has an... affinity for fire it seems.<br> <br>"You're just....you're just going to kill people like that? A-And we're in a forest...how much of it do you want to burn down?" Yysara voices her concerns.<br> <br>Pyra says "I can think of a few reasons, mostly blowing our cover and killing ourselves along with them spring to mind first." She flips her dagger over in her hand. "Yep. People are dumb enough to do really 'bad' things and get caught. We're doing them a favor really. Its that or spend the rest of their days locked up in the crown's dungeon." She says to the flower. "Not like their doing anyone a favor alive."<br> <br>Wheels squeek, and the beings inside are bounced, but it isn't too long before a tiger can be heard shouting back, "We will be there within minutes my lords and ladies. We will not take you in, not with things like they are now. But if you can get to us and need a quick escape, we will be waiting a click and a half outside." Comes the low male voice to those within. Before much longer after that, the wheels squeek to a halt... The forest in the distance, the presence of... things within it is almost tangable even that far away...<br> <br>Siyu blinks a bit, "It's EASTBANK FOREST, It's the property of the king, the source of our wood supplies, home to any number of species I...no we're NOT just torching it..." he shakesh is head, "But everyone supports a lightning strike? The question is. A lightning strike on which location?" He stares at the others, "We're entirely better then cultists...we give justice. Whoever falls, falls, but those that surrrender will be taken and given over to face trial..." he says firmly. He looks up and nods to the wagon man, "Thank you..." he hops out. "So we wish a quick strike...a quick strike where my fellows?"<br> <br>Hartford shakes his head as he steps from the wagon. "Don't know Mister Siyu," he says, "I'm just a guard, but I will follow your lead, sir." The big deer quickly checks over his gear, and finding everything in order, waits for instructions.<br> <br>Calisiel shrugs. "Alright, I'll contain myself." Stepping from the wagon, staying close to the guard deer. Her staff taps against the wet ground lightly. "Look, just point me at what you want dead. And I'll do my best to make it so." A small flame left her beak at the word 'dead'. The crow adds: "I can fly, if it helps. Can scout, maybe?"<br> <br>"On, torching it is perfectly fine. I was really just curious about how large of an area you wanted to torch was all. Cause it's a forest and all, everything might just burn." Yysara doesn't seem very impressed by Siyu's reasoning, grumbling softly. "How is that different from being a cultist, exactly? They don't mind killing us unless we surrender..."<br> <br>Pyra nods "That's why we kill them first." She hops out of the back of the cart, shuddering. Never did like the rain. "Well, where do we think they are?" She asks the rodent, dagger in hand.<br> <br>With everyone loaded out, the forest still lays in wait for the plan to be made. The rain slowly draws to an end, clouds overhead obscuring the moon and its shattered brother. Meanwhile, that... feeling continues to pulse out from the forest, as if it was alive with some strangeness...<br> <br>Siyu nods his head, "A good thought, not many thing to look up. The canopy is pretty thick, but if you can see things through the break in the trees, prehaps you can scout and alert us where to strike. As I said, we have these three sites here on the map" he hmms, "Do you have good night vision?" he inquires<br> <br>Hartford shakes his head again. "Which is closest to us, Mister Siyu?" he asks, "There has to be something there from what the scouts saw. I think they will know we are here by now." The stag looks out into the darkness and unhooks the halberd from his back. Best to be ready.<br> <br>Calisiel thinks for a moment. Then, nods. "Good enough, I suppose. And when the lightening flashes, can see everything for a moment." At the deers words, Calisiel smiles. "Well, if they start shooting at me, then we'll know for sure." The crow extends her wings, asks: "So, where should I head first?"<br> <br>The Kadupul shakes her head lightly at the plan, but gives the party her blessing. Resting her hands on Calisiel for a moment to give her what support she could. "Good luck."<br> <br>Pyra quickly vanishes into the underbrush, black scales and blue coat giving her a little cover in the darkness. She keeps quiet and out of sight to survey the perimeter, if they DID know they were here, she'll catch the patrols. Hopefully.<br> <br>Siyu shakes his head at Hartford, "Nothing really in te report to let us know what might be happening. I think scouting would be a reasonable thing. Not charge in blindly..." he looks ot the others. "I'd start with the west and swing west across the north and the east site and then back to us to gve a full report."
+<div></div><br> <br>Within the halls of the Solacious Manor, Mirana Solacious was holding a meeting. A temporary base of operations for the Hands of Dawn, a simple call was made. There have been some disterbing reportscoming from the Eastbank Forest. She listens to the reports from the beings about. "They were using some... strange creator things to do it, runes and lunar dust." She nods as she looks to the next, and the next. Assembled where also a handful of beings, Sweetwater Nationals with some good repore. She shakes her head, most of her concealed behind a desk, "Thank you for bringing this to us. I home my brother and cousin can get word of this. This is something that the Lightbringers should investigate into as well." The room itself is wide and open, chairs assembled here and there, a few desks, it seems to be a meeting hall, wood floors and light white painted walls. Looking over the papers, Mira gives a frown.<br> <br>Siyu is dressed in leathers and mail again. The rodent is dressed for an expedition and not in his usual silks and what not. He gives a nod to Mirana as he waits there. "Lunar dust? And creator artifacts? Good to investigate then, especially with everything else that's been going on." he looks over to the others.<br> <br>Hartford stands at attention, awaiting instructions. He does not know much about these Dawn Hand folks, but Mister Siyu had said that they could use some help. And if there was one thing the skunk-striped stag was good at, it was following orders. He wears the fine plate armor of a retainer in House Blackback, his enormous halberd peeking over his back.<br> <br>Calisiel is wearing her usual dress, mostly unarmed aside from her staff and magic. She waits for the others questions to be answered, leaning on her staff heavily, having not slept the previous night.<br> <br>Yysara heads to the Manor in a simple suit of armor, given to her free by the Freeswords upon her arrival from the Creator ship. She's shunned the helmet though, protecting the delicate flower nestled into her hair. The flower blushes, still not sure what's going on...or what this world was even about. All she knew was that she was foreign, and trying her best to fit in. "H-Hello..."<br> <br>Pyra walks in behind the flower. "If that armor's made right, your not gonna be able to hide in it there flowery." She comments while passing Yysara. "So, Lunar dust, more working Creator space junk, why are we not on site now?" The impatient lizard makes sure to stand out of the way of most lights. She peers at the rest of the room, a few wisps of black smoke curling off her tail as it passes close to a lamp.<br> <br>Mirana looks to Siyu first, "First Sargent, good to see you." Then next to the other freeswords arranged there. "Good to see you all, gentleman, ladies." Hearing Pyra's comment, she chuckles a bit, "Sweetie, all in good time. One step before we run." She arranges her papers again, "And thank you for coming here all of you, those not going out on this, unpleasent, trip you are dismissed." She says, not standing from the desk. "Everyone else, I've got some startling news. It seems that shadow presence out in the forest has increased greatly. Some of those beings coming in have informed me it seems to be due to the use of some creator artifacts in a far off section of the forest. Dears, I don't have to warn you about shadows I'd hope. I fear however, that is more behind this. There are not many groups I know of that have access to creator artifacts like this, nor as much lunar as seems to be being used." She says. "In any case, whomever is doing this, go out there and stop them. First Sargent, you are in charge of this, do the Hands of Dawn well out there, all of Freeswords, and for all of Sweetwater. We don't need another war with shadows, even less at a time like this." She says. Finally getting up, the gravid and 'blessed' vixen walks over to Siyu, passing to him a map. "Here are some critical areas to check, come back safe. I wish I could go with you." She says, then looks around to all, Gifted and Souled alike, "Good luck out there, there are carts that will be arriving any moment outside for you all.<br> <br>Siyu turns and nods to all of those who come in, "Hartford, good to see you, hope the guarding is going well..." he bows his head to Calisiel and...yysara? A flower? Interesting, and to Pyra too. The short rodent smiles, "Greetings, and thank you all for coming. If you do not know me I am Gang Xi Siyu, and I appreicate your help." he rests a had on his wide hip, and listens to the briefing. "Shadows are active again? I was hoping they'd have calmed down. You think prehaps the creator artifacts are making them feral again?" he inquires as he flicks his ears. "Either way still a threat." he blinks as he's put in charge "Ah all right..." he checks over the map and finally nods, "I see, thank you, we'll do well Lady Solacious." he glances to the others, "I suppose I should ask if anyone has any questions?"<br> <br>Hartford has not heard of any shadow incursions in ages! But it is not the place of a manor guard and part time Freesword to question nobility. The stag falls in behind Siyu. As soon as they leave the office behind he leans forward a bit, high over Siyu's head. "What sort of artifacts are we looking at, Mister Siyu?" he asks in his slow, deep tones.<br> <br>Calisiel shakes her head, having no questions. "No questions. Lead on then. You're in charge, apparently." She yawns, leans on her staff, glances at the others who will be accompanying her. Or, who she will be accompanying. Either way.<br> <br>Yysara falls in line. Surely there were enough men to keep her safe. She holds her medicine kit tucked under an arm and nods. "I'll just be the medic...medics can't be attacked, right? There are...conventions in place?" Her voice is so soft that it's close to a whisper.<br> <br>Pyra shrugs. "Shadows, cults, sounds like monday." She shakes her head, leaning against the wall. She stays near the group, ready to go. "Doesn't much matter what it is, they have stuff other people want."<br> <br>Going back to her seat, Mirana huffs slightly getting back into it. "I've not laid eyes on it, and the description of it was not so useful. If I had to guess, it is an altar, or chamber, or something of that nature." A far off ring sounds through the manor, "But those would be your carts. Feel free to discuss things along the way, and do be very careful." She says. "Cults, shadows, and such indeed, what a time to live in..." She says, eyes going a bit far in th distance, then looking to the door. A heavy sigh, "By Shialla..." She says. "If you aren't sure you can handle it, feel no shame in returning here." She says.<br> <br>Siyu nods his head ,"I'm not sure." he looks over the description, "Still it must mean that there's some interaction with Lunar dust we should be careful of. If any of you have lunar dust I'd leave it here. We don't want any accidental activations." he pulls out his own pouch to secure it in the manor. He glances at Yyas and he shakes his head, "There are no...conventions? No, Medics die same as everyone else. But do not owrry, there's enough of us here to help. The Hands specialize in medics and healing I'm one of them, I'll support you as best I can, if you're worried you can hang in the back," he smiles, trying to reassure. "I'll look over the maps and decide where to go first...everyone ready then?"<br> <br>Hartford nods and follows with no more questions. The two toned deer is ready to be pointed at a target!<br> <br>Calisiel yawns, a bit of flame escaping her beak. "Look, if you're afraid, stay near me. I'll burn anything that tries to hurt you." Standing up straight, she creates a small flame in her hand, then extinguishes it. "So, we ready to go then?"<br> <br>Yysara seems even more afraid of the fire than anything else. She just stayed towards the back of the group and nodded softly.<br> <br>Pyra pushes herself off the wall, walking to the front, or near front of the group. "Yes, let's move. Cultists don't usually off themselves... Though, I have to admit, some of them have been creative about it when they have."<br> <br>The ringing continues to sound out, "Such impatience. But the Skink is right, the sooner you are all out there, the sooner you can all figure out what is going on and hopefully stop it." She says, more and more ringing, "However I do agree with Siyu about caution. There is little telling what could be going on out there other than it will not be friendly.<br> <br>Siyu nods his head and he bows to Mirana and leads the group out. To head to the wagons and start the mission. He does lay out the map and examine it. Seeing what locations there are to go and what intel there is on thenm...<br> <br>Hartford sits quietly in the cart, composing himself for combat. He has never found himself under the command of someone as small and soft as Mister Siyu. "Are you sure we are ready for this, sir?" he asks nervously, eyeing his fellow volunteers.<br> <br>Calisiel takes a seat in the wagon next to Hartford. "I'm sure we'll be fine." She crosses her legs, leans back and smiles at the other volunteers. Proceeds to once again ignite and extinguish flames in her hand.<br> <br>Yysara politely takes a seat in the wagon. Deciding to stay next to Hartford on the trip, considering how gentle he seemed. And how nervous he looked as well.<br> <br>Pyra sits herself in the cart with the others, she sits eyes forward towards where they were off to, not really saying another word. A hand on her sword an one pulling her dagger from her pocket.<br> <br>Siyu lays out the map, "All right, the areas of note, we have our intersection here...the one north, north west and northeast. Prehaps it's best to go to the intersection first and set up a base we can fall back to and then investigate each region together?" he asks the group, giving a glance to Hartford, "Ready as we shall ever be. We are Freeswords after all yes?" he asks with a smile. "Any other questions or comments?"<br> <br>With everyone assembled and ready, the wagons get moving out. It is a bit of a bumpy ride, taking them toward the entrance of the East Forest. It would be some time before they all get there, leaving plenty of time to discuss among themselves. Rain comes down upon the coverings of the wagons, lightning flashing and the clash of thunder here and there.<br> <br>Hartford frowns at the map, ready to defer to orders. "I don't think we will get a second chance to get the drop on these shady folks," he says, "Maybe slow and methodical isn't the best way, sir."<br> <br>Calisiel jumps at the lightning, slides closer to Hartford. "Sorry, don't like lightning." She smiles at the group again, ceases to create flame. "I agree with the deer. Who needs slow planning when we can just torch the area?" Cal has an... affinity for fire it seems.<br> <br>"You're just....you're just going to kill people like that? A-And we're in a forest...how much of it do you want to burn down?" Yysara voices her concerns.<br> <br>Pyra says "I can think of a few reasons, mostly blowing our cover and killing ourselves along with them spring to mind first." She flips her dagger over in her hand. "Yep. People are dumb enough to do really 'bad' things and get caught. We're doing them a favor really. Its that or spend the rest of their days locked up in the crown's dungeon." She says to the flower. "Not like their doing anyone a favor alive."<br> <br>Wheels squeek, and the beings inside are bounced, but it isn't too long before a tiger can be heard shouting back, "We will be there within minutes my lords and ladies. We will not take you in, not with things like they are now. But if you can get to us and need a quick escape, we will be waiting a click and a half outside." Comes the low male voice to those within. Before much longer after that, the wheels squeek to a halt... The forest in the distance, the presence of... things within it is almost tangable even that far away...<br> <br>Siyu blinks a bit, "It's EASTBANK FOREST, It's the property of the king, the source of our wood supplies, home to any number of species I...no we're NOT just torching it..." he shakesh is head, "But everyone supports a lightning strike? The question is. A lightning strike on which location?" He stares at the others, "We're entirely better then cultists...we give justice. Whoever falls, falls, but those that surrrender will be taken and given over to face trial..." he says firmly. He looks up and nods to the wagon man, "Thank you..." he hops out. "So we wish a quick strike...a quick strike where my fellows?"<br> <br>Hartford shakes his head as he steps from the wagon. "Don't know Mister Siyu," he says, "I'm just a guard, but I will follow your lead, sir." The big deer quickly checks over his gear, and finding everything in order, waits for instructions.<br> <br>Calisiel shrugs. "Alright, I'll contain myself." Stepping from the wagon, staying close to the guard deer. Her staff taps against the wet ground lightly. "Look, just point me at what you want dead. And I'll do my best to make it so." A small flame left her beak at the word 'dead'. The crow adds: "I can fly, if it helps. Can scout, maybe?"<br> <br>"On, torching it is perfectly fine. I was really just curious about how large of an area you wanted to torch was all. Cause it's a forest and all, everything might just burn." Yysara doesn't seem very impressed by Siyu's reasoning, grumbling softly. "How is that different from being a cultist, exactly? They don't mind killing us unless we surrender..."<br> <br>Pyra nods "That's why we kill them first." She hops out of the back of the cart, shuddering. Never did like the rain. "Well, where do we think they are?" She asks the rodent, dagger in hand.<br> <br>With everyone loaded out, the forest still lays in wait for the plan to be made. The rain slowly draws to an end, clouds overhead obscuring the moon and its shattered brother. Meanwhile, that... feeling continues to pulse out from the forest, as if it was alive with some strangeness...<br> <br>Siyu nods his head, "A good thought, not many thing to look up. The canopy is pretty thick, but if you can see things through the break in the trees, prehaps you can scout and alert us where to strike. As I said, we have these three sites here on the map" he hmms, "Do you have good night vision?" he inquires<br> <br>Hartford shakes his head again. "Which is closest to us, Mister Siyu?" he asks, "There has to be something there from what the scouts saw. I think they will know we are here by now." The stag looks out into the darkness and unhooks the halberd from his back. Best to be ready.<br> <br>Calisiel thinks for a moment. Then, nods. "Good enough, I suppose. And when the lightening flashes, can see everything for a moment." At the deers words, Calisiel smiles. "Well, if they start shooting at me, then we'll know for sure." The crow extends her wings, asks: "So, where should I head first?"<br> <br>The Kadupul shakes her head lightly at the plan, but gives the party her blessing. Resting her hands on Calisiel for a moment to give her what support she could. "Good luck."<br> <br>Pyra quickly vanishes into the underbrush, black scales and blue coat giving her a little cover in the darkness. She keeps quiet and out of sight to survey the perimeter, if they DID know they were here, she'll catch the patrols. Hopefully.<br> <br>Siyu shakes his head at Hartford, "Nothing really in te report to let us know what might be happening. I think scouting would be a reasonable thing. Not charge in blindly..." he looks ot the others. "I'd start with the west and swing west across the north and the east site and then back to us to gve a full report."<br> <br>A plan of sorts coming together. There is little change in the forest off in the distance. A wind picks up, a chill beginning, rather, a chill to those who are used to the heat of the desert, or the humidity of Sweetwater.<br> <br>Hartford frowns, but agrees to wait for the scout, keeping his weapon at the ready. "What d'you s'pose they're doin' out there anyways?" he asks quietly.<br> <br>Calisiel pats the kadupul back, her vision being enhanced through magic. "Thanks, I'll be fine. So, west, then? Alright." With a flap of her wings, and some assisting air magic, Calisiel takes to the sky, heads to the west quickly. Head on a swivel, looking for any sign of the enemy.<br> <br>Yysara waits for the others! "Don't know. Cultist-y stuff." She adds to Hartford with a smile.<br> <br>From within the forest, a light starts to shine, bright as the full moon. It is coming from the north east part of the forest. It pierces the night sky, and my be confused for a large bolt of thunder if one didn't look close at it! Soon after, it is gone, fading rapid into the night!<br> <br>Siyu nods as he readies his weapons, "A lightning strike is all well and good Hartford, and we can inded hit them hard and catch then all unaware. But by the same token it would do no good to run right into a trap. If they know we are here already, a scout will not give them more information, and if they do not know, then the advantage is ours." he reasons. He glances back at the group, "If they're using Lunar dust they're trying to activate artifacts. Probably experimenting with them to see what they do. They have had some nasty surprises b efore" He grunts at the suddenly flash of light North east, "Uh...ya, that might be a good indication..." <br> <br>Hartford's big, leaf-shaped ears perk up at the brilliant flash of light and the oversized deer charges forward toward the phenomenon. "Here we go then!" the big guy calls back. No sense in passing up a sign like that!<br> <br>As Calisiel flies toward the indicated location, she feels something is wrong... A feeling of corruption creeps towards her heart, though her soulgem seems able to protect her for now. It's as if something is trying to force its way into her skin... Shaking off these feelings, though she will share them with the group, she continues to get closer, the feeling growing stronger. She looks to the northeast, light blinding her momentarily, then turns back to the west. Probably just lightning.<br> <br>Yysara looks out towards the skies as lightning strikes. She frowns softly as Hartford starts to charge, loading up her musket and then watching the cervine's back. Keeping up the best she can even in her heavy armor and her vigilant state.<br> <br>Pyra sneaks off to the northeast, making toward the light silently. That was no lighting. There was something there, quite possibly what they're looking for. But it's hard to say. She keeps a sharp eye out for anything suspicious.<br> <br>In the are Calisiel is tackled mid flight by a Griffon, pushing her back away from the forest! After getting stable herself, the Griffon caws at her before continuing in common, "What are you doing out here!? Can't you see how dangerous this is? What brings you here right now!?" She asks, but then looks down to the ground, "I can hear you Jermey, that Messanger Spirit we've got is working wonderful." A few nods, "Yes, I've found one up here too." She listens for a while, "YOU WHAT!? If.. you think that is a good idea, you know better than anyone."
+Down below, Hartford gets a similar treatment from a... flower!? It is hard to tell what kind of flower, bright purple petels over a green body, "Hey! What are you doing!?" She shouts, looking around, "This place is more dangerous then you know warrior... no.. not a warrior, but you use the warrior's gems... hold on." He says, looking toward the Sky, "Jessica... Jessica Blackback, can you hear this one? Good? It has two of them down here, it doesn't think they know what they are getting into." After a while, "Really, another up there? Bring them all to me, we will have to make sure they are informed if they are to be helpful." The flower continues.<br> <br>Siyu grunts a bit as Hartford charges in, "Wait for the...damnit all...all right folks, the die is cast, on me, keep together, and remember, we're fighting shadows...support Hartford..." he tries to fall in and rush with the group towards the northeast. He grunts as we're suddenly stopped, "What in the hells...Jessica Blackback, what is going on here." he still has a pistol out. So far there's nothing overly hostile. Mostly just restraint. <br> <br>Hartford roars out a challenge, but all the fight goes out of him at the sound of the name Blackback. "Lady Jessica?" he asks, dumbstruck, "What is going on here?" The stag shrugs off the plant being and dusts himself off.<br> <br>Calisiel stabilizes herself, wings working to keep her stable as she looks over the griffon. "...The fuck is your problem? I'm here to massacre cultists, or shadows or something. I wasn't paying attention... But, I'm here on behalf of... shit who was it... One of the Solacious. Anyway, what are YOU doing here?" She creates a small flame in her hand, smaller flames leaving her beak between words, adding to her horrible an attempt at intimidation.<br> <br>All the names go over the Kadupul's head! The flower going glossy eyed for a bit as she tries to understand exactly what is going on. "Nobody is hurt yet. I am not sure what to feel." She admits, just looking between the two groups of people. "Are we attacking innocents here?"<br> <br>Pyra smirks. A feeling of wrongness? She's in her element. She keeps moving forward, oblivious of anyone else speaking. She keeps her eyes open though. SHe know's that the feeling's not good as well, its still dangerous.<br> <br>The Griffon looks to Calisiel, "You may be here by command of a Solacious, but I'm a Blackback, here under my own work, sent by Good King Good himself." She says, before looking down to the forest below, "Come on, my friend wants to see you." She says, "Follow close." Swooping down into the forest through a small clearing in the trees down to where Hartford and the rest are, an eye kept back to make sure that Calisiel will indeed follow.
+Below, Jermey looks about, "You are walking right into a shadows' nest, all of you, or what could be a shadows' nest, this one can't tell yet, but keep close and keep safe." She says, "Have you seen Clyde or Timothy yet Jessica? Or are they still scouting." She continues to the Griffon, though no answer yet. Jessica is a bit to high up to hear Hartford nor Siyu as she comes down for a landing. A look to Kadupul, "Warrior Being, no one is hurt, Creator's Choosen, but these Souled as you know them should be very careful, Jessica was Souled before." She says. Pyra so far goes unnoticed!<br> <br>Siyu gives a grunt, "Hold up guys hold up..." he gives a sigh and looks up, "Jessica Blackback, the Griffon. Shadowhunter, under Good's orders? We have intelligence it's not just shadows, it's cultists and artifacts manipulating the shadows. Not just the mindless ones but begins with artifacts too." he offers.<br> <br>Hartford seems to remember stories about a fighter Blackback named Jessica, though he had assumed that they had been talking about the proprietor of the Twin Pillows. It becomes apparent to the big guy that things have just gotten complicated. He falls back on what he knows and salutes smartly. "Hartford of House Blackback, Sir!" he cries, "Orders, Sir!"<br> <br>Calisiel says, "Pfft. Like I care what the king wants. But, I'll follow you." the crow does indeed follow, swooping down toward the rest, trying to get there before the griffon to prove superiority.<br> <br>Yysara keeps her musket away, not wanting to shoot anyone without knowing what's going on just yet. "I'm no warrior...I was a consort in the creator ship...and a bodyguard, when I needed to. Here I am just a simple priest, living out what few years I have left. She looks to Siyu. "I think your information might be wrong..."<br> <br>Pyra keeps her course toward the flash, undetected, which is good for her, easier to kill. Shadows nest or not she's intent on finding out what's in this forest... Though something seems odd, there's alot more chatter on the airwaves that shouldn't... Because only 2 people know of it, Soulless, and Shadows themselves. And she had no indication that any of her compatriots knew the language...<br> <br>Looking to Siyu and Hartford, the Griffon nods, "I'm Jessica Blackback, but... Shadowhunter, I'm not sure I like that name." She says, shifting herself back into a skunk, fortunately her clothes made to more adapt to her shape. As a skunk, they are very baggy, as a Griffon almost form fitting. "Anyway, yes, you are all in danger here, and no Jermey, I haven't seen them yet. They are likely near the center of it." She looks back to Siyu though, "Creator artifacts, Jermey, do you know anything?" She asks. The Flower nods, "A chamber, ours was kept in chambers for longer flights, a few woke early, they were the supporters, the 'Good Shadows' if you will. If a chamber survived until now, then anyone foolish enough could awaken those within. They would still be on their original mission. They would know nothing of what has happened so far!" She says, looking toward the light, "Haste is needed!" She says, running off toward what is most likely danger! Jessica stays behind a moment, "This could be worse than before, if you are going to come with us, be careful." She cautions. Looking back to Calisiel, "You'd best respect Good King Good's word here in his kingdom. A look back to Yysara, "You are a new comer, aren't you, well, going to see what you can do now, perhaps you and good Hartford are the best protected of us all... then again..." She brings a hand to her own soul gem. "Maybe not... anyway, you are here now, so, fall in and follow forward?" She says, not exactly used to taking such a directly leadershiped role.<br> <br>Siyu blinks a bit and he turns back to Yysara, "You're creator made? I...wel...sorry. Ahem. I'll offer..." he stops then, "Nevermind, what exactly are you all doing out here. And more importantly are you creator made too?" he asks the plant, "Are you free here ,or on a creator mission. Is this connected to the crown?" he grunts, "It seems as if there is even more wrinkles to this.." he winces at the light, "Yes we should stick together, if there are shadows sent to destroy us in stasis still all haste should be made to keep them shut..." he glances around, "Still forced posession should take days shouldn't it?"<br> <br>Hartford salutes the Lady Blackback and takes up his hefty polearm again, ready to charge into battle. "I am yours to command Lady Blackback," he says with all the fervor of a knight to his king, though he is really only hired help. His devotion to House Blackback as much a shield as the bracer on his gauntlet.<br> <br>Calisiel shakes her head, caring nothing for the word of the king. She sets about creating and extinguishing flames again, leaning against her staff. "Never seen a shadow before, so long as they burn there'll be no problems." She eyes the group, takes a few steps away from the skunk. Doesn't like that one.<br> <br>"I am creator made, yes. Though I find the ways of your kind...unusual." Yysara laughs, and then shakes her head softly. "Lead along. I'll follow behind and see what use I can be."<br> <br>Pyra keeps a low profile, singling out one 'voice' amidst the rest of the noise. There has to be some way to determine what the best course of action is, kill, or talk... Both could work, though if these are the 'kill everything in 100 yards' types, then the static. She peers around, it doesn't LOOK like anyone is here... But she knows there is something. ShadowTalk doesn't go off for nothing.<br> <br>Jermey bounds and bounds off, "We are all creator made Warrior, even if you don't know it yet." she says behind her, continuing toward where the light was, until she stops dead in her tracks! "Go no farther! They are awake..." She says, looking back, shaking her head. "This one will go talk to them." She says, walking forward, but Jessica pulls at her shoulder, "Remember what happened last time a group of shadows..." But Jermey shrugs her hand away, "Stay here." She says, continuing in where Pyra had recently ventured! Jessica looks around, "If you aren't a gifted, I'd listen to him, or.. her, I'm still not sure how you call a shadow, but, if you are souled I'd stay around here, and use this." She hands a device over to Hartford, "We will keep in touch with the one Jermey has." She says, "Otherwise, follow me.. but stay close." She says, her voice a bit shakey.<br> <br>Siyu readies what he has, a pistol, his dagger, his fists. Shadows. He takes a deep breath, "I always fancied calling them Shades..." is his weak reply, "So they're awake, they're here...I wonder how they survived crashing into the moon..." is just an idle thought, but he follows Jessica.<br> <br>Hartford accepts the device and stands at the ready. He has no idea what is happening here, but a Blackback has just given him an order. That was comforting in and of itself.<br> <br>Calisiel follows after those who leave, not getting left out when something might need to be set on fire. "Yeah, stay close." She chuckles. "You sound scared, it amuses me." Her tone is teasing, and almost joyful. Seems to be looking forward to whatever comes next.<br> <br>Yysara follows behind quietly, though this time she seems a bit more reassured with other people similar to her.<br> <br>Pyra hmms, these ones are at least capable of speech. [Right, I'll bite. Friend or foe? Not actually looking to fight anyone.] She pockets her dagger again for the time being. Should be interesting to see if she gets a response.<br> <br>Jermey unknowingly runs by the hidden Pyra, stopping dead in her tracks shortly after. Looking around at the disipated shadows, she shakes her head, "This is... unwell." Settling down for a moment, she decides to get to work, however is shortly there after cut off as one of the shadows launches itself past her, and directly toward Siyu, another coming up after, once more toward the little being! As Pyra attempts to communicate with the shadow she'd selected, it unfortunately doesn't take the welcoming words to heart, lunging after her soon after! Jessica for her part watches this and manuvers, shards of ice at her finger tips, "Definately worse than before! Don't let them touch you!" She calls! Hartford able to hear over the device he was handed!<br> <br>Siyu grunts a bit, ghasping as he ducks, he hits the ground with a thud, feeling ringmail splinter under the claws of the shadows, the metal links sparking and clinking to the ground, "Damnation!" He takes aim and fires with his pistol.<br> <br>Hartford is not sure what to do. He has been ordered to stay put, but does not see how that is supposed to help! He keeps his Halberd at the ready, prepared to cover an escape should the chance come.<br> <br>Beak turning up into a wicked grin, Calisiel uses her less than disciplined control of magic to her advantage. She slams her staff to the ground, simply to look cool, as an explosion of flaming force ripples outward.<br> <br>Yysara draws her musket but keeps her shot on hold, waiting to see if it is needed. A few days at the library and she already knows how dangerous the shadows are if they got up close. Instead, she just holds steady...<br> <br>Pyra sighs, right, foe it is. She hasn't even taken her hand out of her pocket. Soon enough though, she has her dagger back in hand, quickly making strikes at whatever looks vital, there has to be something holding it together, that is if the fires from her dagger don't burn it all away.<br> <br>With Siyu and Pyra ducking and dodging out of the way, and attacking the two shadows are struck, followed by Calisiel's use of magic, the masses without form are pushed back and away! Jessica looks to Jermey as a squirrl and another skunk come up from the east and west respectively, Jessica seems relieved in an instant! "Clyde! Timothy!" She calls, looking back toward the way everyone had came, "Go back, umm... retreat! We will hold things here." She says, looking to her companions. The jittery squirrl smiles, never seeming to keep still for more than a moment or two, while the bigger skunk draws a twohanded warhammer, saying back, "Yes, fall back, report back to Firmament what is happening here, we will make sure nothing goes farther." He says, and as the Shadows come forward, the quirtet gets to work holding the line.<br> <br>Siyu picks himself up off the ground, "More nests, this late in the war, ominous...let's follow their advice, retreat and get a full unit of Freeswords or Lightbringers ready"<br> <br>Hartford nods at the instructions from the device and makes a hasty, but orderly retreat. Better to fight another day.<br> <br>Calisiel rises back up, flames flowing from her beak. "What, fall back? Alright, fine."  She  tries to set fire to the ground where she is standing before taking to the sky once more, heading back to the city.<br> <br>"Yes, I think it's wise to pull out this time." Yysara takes her shot blindly towards the nests anyway, not wanting to waste good gunpowder, and then she beats a hasty retreat with the others.<br> <br>How'd that creator song go again? Know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run? Something like that. Folding and running seems like the best course of action to get out of there. A quick throwing knife at the advancing mass of shadows to distract before she starts tearing out of there, moving as fast as she can out of the underbrush.<br> <br>As the group continues back to where the carts await, the rain picks up again. The four are left to fight alone, left to their fates. The final few attacks giving all that is needed to let them all make it safely back out of the forest. In the distance, it can be discovered, that the four of them are, for now, beating them back. Perhaps, the forest will be safe for a time, but, this was not something that could be left forever. The cart drivers look to the returning heros, "Well, what news?" One of them asks.<br> <br>Siyu gives a soft little sigh, "Some darkness my friend. Some darkness...hopefully soon it'll be scoured by the light..."<br> <br>Hartford snorts and clambor back into the cart. He has no idea what has happened tonight, but he can tellit was big!

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