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	=Log=		=Log=
−	<div></div>	+	<div></div><br> <br>Hamish Tuttle, the shelled clan inventor has invited a number of Freeswords to his workshop to help him test his latest creation.
		+
		+	"Welcome!" cries the old tortoise as the freeswords arrive. The old turtle seems hale and healthy enough, waving the beings he has called into his well used, and well kept work space. Tools hang neatly on the walls and parts are separated into neatly labeled bins. Above the main work table is a blueprint for some sort of firearm. Probably the very contraption that lies below it on the table.<br> <br>Jera makes his way into the turtle's workshop, admiring the gun. He's decided to tag along to get inspiration for ideas for his Hwa Cha. He bows politely to the inventor, and moves to the side to make room for the others.<br> <br>Thelergramor adjusts his plague mask as he is led into the room. No coat nor chainmail is worn, just a simple shirt of leather. Still has a pistol and knife with him, but is otherwise unarmed. Doesn't expect much trouble from this, sounded fun, really. Stands next to Jera, glances around at the tools,; wondering what he could make with some of this stuff...<br> <br>Having noticed a request for a few people to test a new gun posted on the freeswords board Sara's eyes begin to widen considerably and her mouth goes slightly agape for all of a few moments before she shakes it off and goes rushing off into the city on her way to the clients location.
		+	$r Eventually finding her way to the workshop the lizard-woman passes through the doorway and looks around before being greeted by the inventor himself.  "Hello, sir." she responds before making her way in, giving Jera a brief friendly wave along the way as she notices the man.  Once at a comfortable place in the workshop she gives her hands a readying clap and states, "I'd be proud to help.  Now, what would you like us to do?"<br> <br>Cassidy shuffles in shortly behind Sara, Natska at her side. "This should be interesting, don't you think, love?" She brushes her gloved hands along her black sleeves before nodding at Jera. "Ah! Jera. Hello to you, as well!"<br> <br>Natska nods her head, taking a moment to glance around the gun shop. The jaguar gives Hamish a small salute, fingers lightly tugging at the brim of her hat. "Yup! So what are we testing, mister Tuttle?"<br> <br>Having heard of this small expedition, Sh'liek's curiosity got the best of him. Firearms are still a new thing, and learning more about them can only help him in the long run. That and learning more about the other freeswords that lurk around the city. Dressing himself in his best clothes (which aren't very nice at all), the small Bearded Dragon walks into the addressed workshop, finding several people already present. Ducking into a corner, he says nothing, but uses his small stature to avoid bringing attention to himself.<br> <br>Siyu walks quickly and nervously into the shop. There's one thing that would really pry him away from the Freesword in at this point when he's alone now. The chance at a new type of firearm or gun is one of it. He sucks in a deep breath and finally pushes through, seeing who else might be here, or who else might have come. The rodent is looking gaunt, dressed in muted earthtones. Wearing mail and leather. And carrying powder and firearms over nearly every inch of his body. <br> <br>"It's good to see so many young people interested in my little engineering project!" Hamish says, following the last of his volunteers into the room. "At least," he amends with a twinkle in his eye, "So many young people who want to see something blown to bits!" The tortoise taps on his remarkable invention. "This is the Hamish Air Cannon MKIII," he says, "Please don't ask about MKI and MKII, they did not turn out nearly so well as I would have liked."
		+
		+	The Cannon in question is a large, sleek looking, well, cannon inscribed with complex air math and fitted with a number of inexplicable levers and pins and doodads and googaws of all kinds. It is quite lovely as far as cannons go, but seems awfully complex.
		+
		+	"First things first," says the tortoise, "Let's get this puppy loaded on to the cart! Then we will take it out to the firing range!" The old Tortoise grins and waves at the group to lift the device and follow him out. "Cart is just outside!" he calls as he totters out the door.<br> <br>"Yes. I am much more reassured by the fact that this is a third model. Third time's the charm, they say?" Jera rests his hands on the side of the cannon. Staying way clear of the front and the back.<br> <br>Thelergramor coughs, stretches slightly, then steps up to the cannon besides Jera. "Right. Anyone want to help move it?" Avoids boasting about how he could do it alone. Because he couldn't. Puts hands on the cannon, waits for others.<br> <br>"Right, I'll be there in a moment!" Sara answers Thelergramor as she rushes to the cannon, eager to place a hand against the MK III weapon.  "Alright.. how are we going to do this?" she asks as she tilts her head to look around the weapon to Thelergramor and Jera, "Lift on three?"<br> <br>Cassidy declines to help move the cannon. Not out of laziness or anything of the sort, but simply because... Well. Her size was not very conducive to helping larger folk move things. Instead, she resolves to just stay out of the way. "Hello to you, too, Sara! I still have that gift for you later, Jera!"<br> <br>Natska eyes the cannon, and eyes the people assembled around to carry it, then steps up opposite of Thel. "Sara, you and Jera grab arms under it. I'll partner Thel. That way we can cradle it, and still have some hands free for steadying." And she can cover for Thel if he can't take as much weight, but she doesn't add that out loud. She grins, then, ears perking. "Hi guys, by the way. Alright, let's move it."<br> <br>Being small of stature and not the strongest reptile about, Sh'liek passes on getting under the heavy artillery and instead stands off to one side and starts barking instructions in his dry and accented voice to the others doing the lifting, trying to guide them to the cart.<br> <br>Siyu looks rather...incredulous, "An air...cannon?" still he doesn't offer to help or anything, he just stays in the back, staying away from most everyone in fact. Nervously glancing around the room. He just waits to see what's next.<br> <br>With some careful maneuvering, and a whole lot of grunting, sweating and shouting, the group manages to manhandle the cannon out the door and onto the waiting cart. The little lizard's well meant squeaking more annoying than helpful. "That's right everyone!" Hamish cheers, "Just set it in the supports there at the back!" The tortoise comes around and checks everything over, making sure that the cannon is secure before climbing into the driver's seat. "All aboard everyone!" he calls, "The range isn't too far from here!"<br> <br>"Mmmh. Oh crap..." Jera feels a lot less fit with the soul gem. "On the count of one, two, three..." He pushes the cannon a little once the cannon is somewhere near the supports...<br> <br>Thelergramor helps get the cannon onto the cart with the others help. Rubs at his chest once done; only a little pain from the exertion. Glorious. With no words to the slightly annoying orders barked from the small one, Thel looks to the others, waits to be the last to pile in to the cart.<br> <br>After all is said and done and the cannon was loaded, Sara nearly doubles over and breathes a heavy "Whew.." her tail swaying back and forth to signify some elation.  "Well.. that was exillerating.." she mutters before raising herself back up and looking around.  Only noticing Cassidy, and Natska only moments before, the lizard gives each a wave before saying, "Ah, hello Cassidy, Natska.." still panting heavilly as she speaks, "How're you two.. doing?"  As she finishes she drags a forearm across her forehead before dropping it to her side again.<br> <br>Cassidy moves to climb onto the cart, nodding. "Excellent! And we're doing pretty good, Sara. At least I like to think so! Hard to not be doing okay these days," she says with a gentle smile, reaching up to remove her mask for the time being.<br> <br>Grinning, Natska pats Jera, Thel, and Sara on the shoulder in quick succession, then hops up into the back of the cart. She gracefully settles down into her seat, checks her hat, and nods. "Oh, quite excellent. Most excellent, even!" She glances around, then nods at Siyu. "And Siyu! I did not expect to see you around. Looking forward to getting into production on the latest thing?"<br> <br>Feeling content that his instructions were pretty much deciding factor between failure and success in the transferrance, Sh'liek crosses his arms and smirks. Pacing around to look at the cart more closely, he hops and climbs up it, finding a place to fit himself in, curling his tail around himself to avoid it getting stepped or sat upon.<br> <br>Siyu will hop onto the back of the cart, he's not going to speak to anyone, or say much. He looks over towards Nat, he shrugs, "N...no I'm not doing...anything" he says with a stutter. Only responding to what's asked. He Just is staring at the cannon and trying to figure out how it works.<br> <br>After a surprisingly short ride, the group finds themselves at the quarry in front of an abandoned mine, a number of signs are scattered around warning the good Beings of Sweetwater to STAY OUT because of the DANGER!
		+
		+	"Here we are!" Hamish says, dropping his horses' reigns. The inventor totters to the back of the cart and starts making adjustments on the big cannon. "Eh?" he says, stopping to look at a spot on the cannon, "What's this?" The tortoise starts to rub at the spot vigorously.
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		+	Suddenly, the runes along the side of the cannon burst into light and there is a loud BANG! Across the way, one of the signs posted outside the old mine is torn away to clatter loudly down into the mineshaft. "Oops," Hamish says, "Didn't expect THAT to happen. Just let me make a few adjustments. . ."
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		+	Unfortunately, it looks like that bang was all it took to attract quite a bit of attention as a number of rock spiders flood from the mine!<br> <br>"Are you absolutely sure we should be testing this in a mine? Absolutely sure? Mine dust causes explosions, you know..." Jera gulps, fur standing on end from the unwarranted explosion.<br> <br>Thelergramor coughs, dropping ou tof the cart quickly. Having never seen a rock spider before, and thoroughly unimpressed by their appearance, and by the explosion. Thel asks: "Those things, hostile, you think?" Figures it might be a good idea to ask before trying to make them bleed internally. Draws his pistol, waits for direction.<br> <br>Waiting in the cart, Sara begins to swish her tail back and forth and looks at the scenery of the Eastbank Forest and then the Quarry moves past.  As the cart rolls to a stop Sara hops out and looks to what Thelergramor had pointed to.  "Might be, best not to agitate them if they are, not really up to fighting at the moment.." before walking past Jera, and answering him next, "Don't think we've got a lot to fear from that.  Think of how many freeswords must have been here armed with cannons themselves.. if something were to happen, I'm certain we'dve known by now." giving the kit-fox a soft smile as she explains it.  After all is said and done, Sara stretches out wide and turns to Cassidy and Natska, "Out of curiosity, how's that castle project of yours coming along?"<br> <br>Cassidy grimaces at the sudden fire from the cannon and the appearance of the rock spiders. "Here we go, I guess!" She brings her gloved hands up, ready for the probably inevitable-scuffle. "It's going well, Sara! Construction of the terrain has started to get it into a ready shape, then the building itself will start!" She brings her hand up, then gives them a snap, launching out a volley of firebolts towards the approaching spiders.<br> <br>Natska very nearly falls out of the cart as she jumps when the cannon goes off. She catches herself though and shakes her head, then blinks and points towards the mine. "HEY. SPIDERS," she says, tone far louder than it needs to be. Her ear twitches as she sees people talking, but can't quite seem to make out what they are saying. Still, she knew what she had been hired on for, and she stands up to place one foot on the edge of the cart, ice gathering in her hands. "HOW LONG DOES THAT take to reload, mister Tuttle? I hope there are targets left for you!" With that said, she begins flinging handfulls of ice at the oncoming spiders, matching Cass' fiery assault.<br> <br>Shliek leaps his whole height into the air at the surprise at having such a loud noise happen next to him. He leaps off the edge of the cart and away from the cannon, not wanting it to go off again with him next to it. Shaking himself out of his daze, he peers around and sees others gestuing towards the mine. Removing a few traps from within his cloak, he tosses them in a scattered formation, after which they quickly arms themselves and prove to be small claw traps. Drawing two daggers afterwards, he assumes a fighting stance, nervously readying himself should it come to a fight.<br> <br>Siyu dives under the cart as the cannon goesoff unexpectedly, his ears flat against his head. Damnit that was loud! That was loud and not pleasent at all! He grunts and pulls out some pistols, expecting to be attacked now. He woll at least roll ou from under the cart and begin o fire at will<br> <br>Hamish looks up from his tinkering. "Oh! Oh yes," he says, "They are very hostile. You will have to hold them off for a minute until I am ready. I just hope the big one does not come out for a while. The spiders are exactly the reason we are here." The tortoise goes to work on his cannon, "Those little ones shouldn't be too much trouble for you freeswords, right?"
		+
		+	Cassidy immediately proves Mister Tuttle right as she rains down a hailstorm of fiery arrows onto the approaching hoard of spiders, taking out the vanguard! Natska's equally impressive rain of ice takes down a few more and slows the rest of the scuttling beasties. Siyu gets in his two bits as well, picking off two of the smaller spiders and injuring another.
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		+	"It should reload almost instantly, Miss," Hamish says as he continues to work, "Just gotta fix a little calibration issue. Give me about three or four minutes!"<br> <br>Jera stays snugly hidden in the cart, not wanting to risk getting hurt. He mumbles an enchantment and his fireball of a wisp forms itself. He murmurs a command to it and it flies out of it's own accord, the fireball charging up something and swelling for a moment before it expels a chunk of burning magma at a spider! Ptchuu.<br> <br>Thelergramor smiles at the words 'hold them off'. Figures that translates to 'butcher them'. A low chuckle, as the spiders attack missed him with only a slight movement from the wolf. Drawing on his knowledge of Dark magic, Thel doesn't even move while casting entropic fortune on the nearest spider. Should effect several other spiders if he did it right. Is careful to avoid affecting his allies...<br> <br>It only takes a few moments for her to get out of the odd daze caused by the loud BANG of the cannon for Sara to look over her shoulder to notice an army of spiders heading the groups way, "Well.. shit."  Noticing a spider just in time, Sara jumps back as it attacks, "Ack!" she cries as she moves.  "Fuck.. s-sorry Thel!" she calls to the wolf in question before pulling a pistol, aiming it at the spider that dared to attack her and pulling the trigger.
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		+	Miss or no, the lizard does an about-face and rushes behind a rock formation and out of sight before discarding all her clothing and growing at a tremendous rate, emerging as a full dragon whose first act is to breathe a cone of flames towards its attackers.<br> <br>Cassidy hops off the cart and rolls her shoulders, plotting her next course of action. She brings up her OTHER hand and snaps her fingers again. This time, instead of firebolts it seems to be a wall of heated air that radiates outwards, trying to catch the spiders in the blast.<br> <br>Natska sways sideways as one of the spiders actually reaches her and makes a leap at her, the motion just barely getting her out of the creature's lunge. She turns to follow it into the cart proper, smoothly drawing her heavy knife in her offhand and pouncing on the beast.<br> <br>Shliek eeps in a high voice when a spider leaps and crashes into him. Being as small as he is, the thing is practically larger than he is! He rolls backwards, using the arachnid's momentum to try and propel it off of himself before spinning around and slicing at its abdomen in an 'X' pattern with his daggers.<br> <br>Siyu grunts as he drops the spent pistols and is quickly pulling more from his person, he at least knows how to handle himself in a gun fight, the next row of spiders is coming, and he takes a deep breath and aims towards the group. Firing rapidly, more so then a normal being should, and ricocheting them from spider to spider.<br> <br>So far, so good! Jera's little wisp, while not overly impressive manages to startle away a spider that had started climbing the wagon! And Thelergramor's haze of dark magic has sent a small group scurrying about in haphazard circles! It is a good thing that all of this is happening in a bare, stone canyon, or all this fire flying about could cause some real trouble! The wave of superheated air from Cassidy's magic pushes back the main body of the swarm for now, but it may not last for long. Sara manages to blast her unlucky attacker before dodging behind a stone to assume dragon form. Natska manages to slice her target away and fling it from the wagon and even little Shliek has managed to toss his attacker aside. Siyu's rapidfire shots ring loudly through the canyon, agitating the swarm and even dropping a few of their number. One shot even manages to ricochet into the open mineshaft! The sound of the pinging ball echoes back into the canyon.
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		+	"Almost there!" calls Hamish, "Any of you kids do any air math? I could use a hand here!"<br> <br>"I can, if you give me a while." Jera murmurs softly as he switches souls, staying hidden in the cart for now.<br> <br>Thelergramor laughs, as his magic did what it was supposed to. Clearly amused, the wolf points his pistol nonchalantly at another spider. Pulls the trigger, then holsters it and pulls his knife from its sheath.<br> <br>After turning a clump of spiders into little more than ash and slag with the well-placed cone of flames Sara bellows a keening triumphant roar before turning at a rate that leaves her lashing her long tail towards a few of the spiders.<br> <br>Cassidy settles the mask back on her face and starts drawing her throwing knives in large amounts. Normally, it'd be terribly unwieldy to throw in such a state, but she starts tossing them into the air, utilizing her windmath in a way that Jera might recognize as a spin-off of a windrunner specialty, sending her manner blades raining down upon the mass of spiders.<br> <br>Natska watches her fellow adventururs laying waste to the spider horde, but has chosen to remain with the cart; her wariness pays off, as she catches a spider trying to sneak up the side. Her rapier is out in a flash and a neat, precise lunge pierces the critter, with a flick to send it tumbling back down as she slips back to stand near the cannon. "I'm pretty great with air math, boss," she says. "And Jera is amazing. What do you need?"<br> <br>Shliek spins around after clearing himself of his many-legged adversary and rejoins the fray, darting back and forth between rushing spiders, hacking at one, stabbing at another. He keeps moving and not standing still for more than a moment, hoping to the Creators that he doesn't end up under another one of those things.<br> <br>Siyu takes a moment to pause and start to reload his pistols, pulling out powder and stuffing lead and powder back into his various pistols, watching the clean up of hte spiders, he glances back at the air cannon, "How are we doing on time. Is it ready yet" he asks. <br> <br>"You folks are certainly worth the fee!" Hamish chuckles still puttering around with the cannon. It's like he has not even noticed the hoard of stony arachnids! "I just need a cutting winds equation right here," the tortoise says to Natska and Jera, pointing at a smudged spot, "That's what set it off all wrong earlier!"
		+
		+	Meanwhile, the spidery horde is being held off quite admirably! Many falling under Cassidy's blades, Sara's powerful tail swipes and the combined efforts of Siyu and Shliek and Thelergramor are keeping back those that slip through. But something is wrong! From within the mineshaft comes a rumbling sound and one long, arachnid leg stretches from the entrance!<br> <br>"Mmh, something like that shouldn't be too difficult to come up with on the spot." Jera begins corrections on the equation now that he has his soul gem switched out. He scoots a little to the side to give Natska room to work and correct any errors he might be making on his haste. "By the looks of it we should hurry!"<br> <br>Thelergramor smiles maliciously. Big leg, big spider. Probably. Thel tries to cast a Shaded Hex on himself, potentiall wrapping his body in cloying darkness. Then glances back at the others. His face is hidden, but the evil cackle... Well, clearly, he's about to charge this thing once he can see it. Bad idea, given his recovering injuries.<br> <br>Still oblivious to the looming giant spider, Sara continues her earlier assault on the arachnid swarm with the occasional swipe of a claw, snap of her jaws, and eventual fling into another group of spiders.  "I think we're winning!" the dragon roars moments before she lets loose another torrent of hellfire in the spiders direction.<br> <br>Cassidy folds her hands behind her back as she watches the leg poke out from the mine. It wasn't yet time for her to act, so she simples waits, regaining her focus while she rests for the time being. No need to fire blindly and risk making it angrier!<br> <br>Natska eyes the cannon, and the air magic glyph, but it seems Jera had everything well in hand. She gives the kit fox a nod and a small salute, then turns to kneel at the edge of the cart and lean over, calling to Cass. "Cass~! Hey, love, could you come here and do me a favor?" She grins, tail swishing. "Give me a moment to see your next batch of knives; if the cannon doesn't take it down, then we'll give that big one a nice surprise," she explains, as ice and frost begins coating her gloves.<br> <br>Sh'liek's eyes widen when he sees the giant leg appear from out of the cave. Drawing his cloak over himself, he tries to make himself scarse, looking for a place to climb up the rocks and wait in ambush for the much larger creature.<br> <br>Siyu grunts a little again, "Damn damn damn!" he says as he rolls to the back of the cart, squeeking loudly he goes to get his medium sized cannon. Stuffing it full of powder and with a spitzer round he just stuffs it in and gets ready to line up. Not sure if the old cooks weapon is gonna work or not. But going to be aiming his own heavy cannon towards the spider and let it have it! <br> <br>"Yes, yes," Hamish chuckles, as Jera adds a fine bit of mathemagic to the cannon, "That should do just fine!" The old tortoise makes his careful way around to the back of the cannon. "Oh, look at that!" he says, perking up happily, "The big one certainly has good timing!"
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		+	The mouth of the mineshaft rumbles a bit as an enormous rock spider sqeezes through the entrance! It must be nearly ten feet tall! The other, small spiders have scattered, save for the multitude of curled spider corpses littering the ground. "Get clear, folks!" the tortoise shouts, aiming his new cannon.<br> <br>Jera clears out of the cart. Somebody gonna get hurt reaaaaal bad.<br> <br>Thelergramor blinks at the 'get clear' order. Severely disappointed, the wolf complies. But, not before throwing his knife at the spider, aiming for it's eyes. Thel wipes off his masks lenses; not that there was anything to clear from them.<br> <br>As the spiders skitter away and the giant rock spider makes itself known, Sara turns her crimson gaze to the monstrous creature and her eyes go wide.  While her bloodlust addled mind screams at her to attack it, the dragon keeps her distance.  Her tail begins swishing back and forth as she waits to see the damage the weapon would cause on a living creature.<br> <br>Cassidy stares to shuffle away, smiling. Well! This would be an interesting show at least! Worst case scenario, she was confident that her companions and she would be able to handle the beastie.<br> <br>Natska laughs once, agreeing with Jera. She hops out of the cart and lightly dances out of the immediate proximity of the cannon, taking up an on guard stance at Cass' side. "That is a big one, love. This really HAS been interesting!"<br> <br>Shliek hears "cannon" mentioned again and immiediately abandons his plan for ambush and high-tails it away from the mouth of the cave. Scampering away, he hides behind a nearby shrub, peeking his head out meekly.<br> <br>Siyu grunts as he hears it's ready to fire and he gives up his own plan, and he ducks and covers near the wagon again. At least it's an aircannon and it wont have the gunpowder blast...right?<br> <br>Staying clear was probably the best choice as the cannon lets loose with another resounding BANG! The tortoise's aim was a little off, perhaps, but it hardly seems to matter as one of the giant rock spider's legs crumples, completely missing below the middle point. "Hmm," Hamish hums, sticking his tongue out and making a slight adjustment before the barrel of the cannon lights up again with another BANG! This time, the enormous spider is flung backward, crashing down the canyon! It does not fly far, but curls in on itself a bit before making a scrabbling retreat.
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		+	Hamish beams over the barrel of his cannon, looking around at the battle-weary freeswords. "This is the highest setting," he says, "On lower settings, I imagine it would be good for crowd control!" The tortoise pats the side of the cannon as if it were a prized horse that had performed well. "Pretty great, isn't  it?"<br> <br>Jera is fortunate to be taking cover! Though his large ears are rocked by the loud sound. "Oooooooh. That went fantastically. At least you didn't need a MKIV." He chuckles as he surveys the damage.<br> <br>Thelergramor blinks at the cannons power. Disapproval. Unamused by the fact that there was no fight: "...Where's the fun in that?" He gestures to the cannon. Still wreathed in shadow, the wolf shrugs. His knife is gone, needs a new one. Kicks one of the nearby dead spiders. Walks back over to the cart, sits in it. Proceeds to reload his pistol.<br> <br>Cassidy laughs softly and gives a happy clap. "Yes! Wonderful show. And nothing went too terribly wrong today! Very interesting indeed, Natska." She offers a hand to Natska, smiling before looking to Jera. "Jera, if you've got no other plans, I have a gift for you! You're welcome to come, too, Natska!"<br> <br>Natska nods her head, bringing her hands together to clap for the demonstration. "Excellent show, mister Tuttle! Well done. Although... a bit harsh for crowds, I think. Still, very nice!" She grins, then nods at Cass. "Of course! Once we get back to town?"<br> <br>Shliek reappears next to the cart, looking off at the fleeing spider. "Of course! Such a task is a trifle for us!", he says, trying to sound confident and make an impression to the rest.<br> <br>Siyu lifts up his cannon to try and get a parting shot...but it's already fleeing. No way to actually chase it and he gives a little frown, "This was not the result, nor the power I was looking for..." he sounds dissapoined in the whole affair.<br> <br>"Well!" Hamish says, "That went as well as I could have hoped for!" The tortoise fiddles a bit longer with the cannon, then climbs back into the driver's seat. "Off to the academy!" he says with a grin, "Can I give you folks a ride? I have your fee back at the workshop."[[Category:RPLogs]]

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Latest revision as of 03:59, 21 August 2014

Participants

• Cassidy
• Fenris
• Jera
• Natska
• Sara
• Shliek
• Siyu
• Thelergramor

Date

20/8/477

Log

Hamish Tuttle, the shelled clan inventor has invited a number of Freeswords to his workshop to help him test his latest creation.

"Welcome!" cries the old tortoise as the freeswords arrive. The old turtle seems hale and healthy enough, waving the beings he has called into his well used, and well kept work space. Tools hang neatly on the walls and parts are separated into neatly labeled bins. Above the main work table is a blueprint for some sort of firearm. Probably the very contraption that lies below it on the table.

Jera makes his way into the turtle's workshop, admiring the gun. He's decided to tag along to get inspiration for ideas for his Hwa Cha. He bows politely to the inventor, and moves to the side to make room for the others.

Thelergramor adjusts his plague mask as he is led into the room. No coat nor chainmail is worn, just a simple shirt of leather. Still has a pistol and knife with him, but is otherwise unarmed. Doesn't expect much trouble from this, sounded fun, really. Stands next to Jera, glances around at the tools,; wondering what he could make with some of this stuff...

Having noticed a request for a few people to test a new gun posted on the freeswords board Sara's eyes begin to widen considerably and her mouth goes slightly agape for all of a few moments before she shakes it off and goes rushing off into the city on her way to the clients location. $r Eventually finding her way to the workshop the lizard-woman passes through the doorway and looks around before being greeted by the inventor himself. "Hello, sir." she responds before making her way in, giving Jera a brief friendly wave along the way as she notices the man. Once at a comfortable place in the workshop she gives her hands a readying clap and states, "I'd be proud to help. Now, what would you like us to do?"

Cassidy shuffles in shortly behind Sara, Natska at her side. "This should be interesting, don't you think, love?" She brushes her gloved hands along her black sleeves before nodding at Jera. "Ah! Jera. Hello to you, as well!"

Natska nods her head, taking a moment to glance around the gun shop. The jaguar gives Hamish a small salute, fingers lightly tugging at the brim of her hat. "Yup! So what are we testing, mister Tuttle?"

Having heard of this small expedition, Sh'liek's curiosity got the best of him. Firearms are still a new thing, and learning more about them can only help him in the long run. That and learning more about the other freeswords that lurk around the city. Dressing himself in his best clothes (which aren't very nice at all), the small Bearded Dragon walks into the addressed workshop, finding several people already present. Ducking into a corner, he says nothing, but uses his small stature to avoid bringing attention to himself.

Siyu walks quickly and nervously into the shop. There's one thing that would really pry him away from the Freesword in at this point when he's alone now. The chance at a new type of firearm or gun is one of it. He sucks in a deep breath and finally pushes through, seeing who else might be here, or who else might have come. The rodent is looking gaunt, dressed in muted earthtones. Wearing mail and leather. And carrying powder and firearms over nearly every inch of his body.

"It's good to see so many young people interested in my little engineering project!" Hamish says, following the last of his volunteers into the room. "At least," he amends with a twinkle in his eye, "So many young people who want to see something blown to bits!" The tortoise taps on his remarkable invention. "This is the Hamish Air Cannon MKIII," he says, "Please don't ask about MKI and MKII, they did not turn out nearly so well as I would have liked."

The Cannon in question is a large, sleek looking, well, cannon inscribed with complex air math and fitted with a number of inexplicable levers and pins and doodads and googaws of all kinds. It is quite lovely as far as cannons go, but seems awfully complex.

"First things first," says the tortoise, "Let's get this puppy loaded on to the cart! Then we will take it out to the firing range!" The old Tortoise grins and waves at the group to lift the device and follow him out. "Cart is just outside!" he calls as he totters out the door.

"Yes. I am much more reassured by the fact that this is a third model. Third time's the charm, they say?" Jera rests his hands on the side of the cannon. Staying way clear of the front and the back.

Thelergramor coughs, stretches slightly, then steps up to the cannon besides Jera. "Right. Anyone want to help move it?" Avoids boasting about how he could do it alone. Because he couldn't. Puts hands on the cannon, waits for others.

"Right, I'll be there in a moment!" Sara answers Thelergramor as she rushes to the cannon, eager to place a hand against the MK III weapon. "Alright.. how are we going to do this?" she asks as she tilts her head to look around the weapon to Thelergramor and Jera, "Lift on three?"

Cassidy declines to help move the cannon. Not out of laziness or anything of the sort, but simply because... Well. Her size was not very conducive to helping larger folk move things. Instead, she resolves to just stay out of the way. "Hello to you, too, Sara! I still have that gift for you later, Jera!"

Natska eyes the cannon, and eyes the people assembled around to carry it, then steps up opposite of Thel. "Sara, you and Jera grab arms under it. I'll partner Thel. That way we can cradle it, and still have some hands free for steadying." And she can cover for Thel if he can't take as much weight, but she doesn't add that out loud. She grins, then, ears perking. "Hi guys, by the way. Alright, let's move it."

Being small of stature and not the strongest reptile about, Sh'liek passes on getting under the heavy artillery and instead stands off to one side and starts barking instructions in his dry and accented voice to the others doing the lifting, trying to guide them to the cart.

Siyu looks rather...incredulous, "An air...cannon?" still he doesn't offer to help or anything, he just stays in the back, staying away from most everyone in fact. Nervously glancing around the room. He just waits to see what's next.

With some careful maneuvering, and a whole lot of grunting, sweating and shouting, the group manages to manhandle the cannon out the door and onto the waiting cart. The little lizard's well meant squeaking more annoying than helpful. "That's right everyone!" Hamish cheers, "Just set it in the supports there at the back!" The tortoise comes around and checks everything over, making sure that the cannon is secure before climbing into the driver's seat. "All aboard everyone!" he calls, "The range isn't too far from here!"

"Mmmh. Oh crap..." Jera feels a lot less fit with the soul gem. "On the count of one, two, three..." He pushes the cannon a little once the cannon is somewhere near the supports...

Thelergramor helps get the cannon onto the cart with the others help. Rubs at his chest once done; only a little pain from the exertion. Glorious. With no words to the slightly annoying orders barked from the small one, Thel looks to the others, waits to be the last to pile in to the cart.

After all is said and done and the cannon was loaded, Sara nearly doubles over and breathes a heavy "Whew.." her tail swaying back and forth to signify some elation. "Well.. that was exillerating.." she mutters before raising herself back up and looking around. Only noticing Cassidy, and Natska only moments before, the lizard gives each a wave before saying, "Ah, hello Cassidy, Natska.." still panting heavilly as she speaks, "How're you two.. doing?" As she finishes she drags a forearm across her forehead before dropping it to her side again.

Cassidy moves to climb onto the cart, nodding. "Excellent! And we're doing pretty good, Sara. At least I like to think so! Hard to not be doing okay these days," she says with a gentle smile, reaching up to remove her mask for the time being.

Grinning, Natska pats Jera, Thel, and Sara on the shoulder in quick succession, then hops up into the back of the cart. She gracefully settles down into her seat, checks her hat, and nods. "Oh, quite excellent. Most excellent, even!" She glances around, then nods at Siyu. "And Siyu! I did not expect to see you around. Looking forward to getting into production on the latest thing?"

Feeling content that his instructions were pretty much deciding factor between failure and success in the transferrance, Sh'liek crosses his arms and smirks. Pacing around to look at the cart more closely, he hops and climbs up it, finding a place to fit himself in, curling his tail around himself to avoid it getting stepped or sat upon.

Siyu will hop onto the back of the cart, he's not going to speak to anyone, or say much. He looks over towards Nat, he shrugs, "N...no I'm not doing...anything" he says with a stutter. Only responding to what's asked. He Just is staring at the cannon and trying to figure out how it works.

After a surprisingly short ride, the group finds themselves at the quarry in front of an abandoned mine, a number of signs are scattered around warning the good Beings of Sweetwater to STAY OUT because of the DANGER!

"Here we are!" Hamish says, dropping his horses' reigns. The inventor totters to the back of the cart and starts making adjustments on the big cannon. "Eh?" he says, stopping to look at a spot on the cannon, "What's this?" The tortoise starts to rub at the spot vigorously.

Suddenly, the runes along the side of the cannon burst into light and there is a loud BANG! Across the way, one of the signs posted outside the old mine is torn away to clatter loudly down into the mineshaft. "Oops," Hamish says, "Didn't expect THAT to happen. Just let me make a few adjustments. . ."

Unfortunately, it looks like that bang was all it took to attract quite a bit of attention as a number of rock spiders flood from the mine!

"Are you absolutely sure we should be testing this in a mine? Absolutely sure? Mine dust causes explosions, you know..." Jera gulps, fur standing on end from the unwarranted explosion.

Thelergramor coughs, dropping ou tof the cart quickly. Having never seen a rock spider before, and thoroughly unimpressed by their appearance, and by the explosion. Thel asks: "Those things, hostile, you think?" Figures it might be a good idea to ask before trying to make them bleed internally. Draws his pistol, waits for direction.

Waiting in the cart, Sara begins to swish her tail back and forth and looks at the scenery of the Eastbank Forest and then the Quarry moves past. As the cart rolls to a stop Sara hops out and looks to what Thelergramor had pointed to. "Might be, best not to agitate them if they are, not really up to fighting at the moment.." before walking past Jera, and answering him next, "Don't think we've got a lot to fear from that. Think of how many freeswords must have been here armed with cannons themselves.. if something were to happen, I'm certain we'dve known by now." giving the kit-fox a soft smile as she explains it. After all is said and done, Sara stretches out wide and turns to Cassidy and Natska, "Out of curiosity, how's that castle project of yours coming along?"

Cassidy grimaces at the sudden fire from the cannon and the appearance of the rock spiders. "Here we go, I guess!" She brings her gloved hands up, ready for the probably inevitable-scuffle. "It's going well, Sara! Construction of the terrain has started to get it into a ready shape, then the building itself will start!" She brings her hand up, then gives them a snap, launching out a volley of firebolts towards the approaching spiders.

Natska very nearly falls out of the cart as she jumps when the cannon goes off. She catches herself though and shakes her head, then blinks and points towards the mine. "HEY. SPIDERS," she says, tone far louder than it needs to be. Her ear twitches as she sees people talking, but can't quite seem to make out what they are saying. Still, she knew what she had been hired on for, and she stands up to place one foot on the edge of the cart, ice gathering in her hands. "HOW LONG DOES THAT take to reload, mister Tuttle? I hope there are targets left for you!" With that said, she begins flinging handfulls of ice at the oncoming spiders, matching Cass' fiery assault.

Shliek leaps his whole height into the air at the surprise at having such a loud noise happen next to him. He leaps off the edge of the cart and away from the cannon, not wanting it to go off again with him next to it. Shaking himself out of his daze, he peers around and sees others gestuing towards the mine. Removing a few traps from within his cloak, he tosses them in a scattered formation, after which they quickly arms themselves and prove to be small claw traps. Drawing two daggers afterwards, he assumes a fighting stance, nervously readying himself should it come to a fight.

Siyu dives under the cart as the cannon goesoff unexpectedly, his ears flat against his head. Damnit that was loud! That was loud and not pleasent at all! He grunts and pulls out some pistols, expecting to be attacked now. He woll at least roll ou from under the cart and begin o fire at will

Hamish looks up from his tinkering. "Oh! Oh yes," he says, "They are very hostile. You will have to hold them off for a minute until I am ready. I just hope the big one does not come out for a while. The spiders are exactly the reason we are here." The tortoise goes to work on his cannon, "Those little ones shouldn't be too much trouble for you freeswords, right?"

Cassidy immediately proves Mister Tuttle right as she rains down a hailstorm of fiery arrows onto the approaching hoard of spiders, taking out the vanguard! Natska's equally impressive rain of ice takes down a few more and slows the rest of the scuttling beasties. Siyu gets in his two bits as well, picking off two of the smaller spiders and injuring another.

"It should reload almost instantly, Miss," Hamish says as he continues to work, "Just gotta fix a little calibration issue. Give me about three or four minutes!"

Jera stays snugly hidden in the cart, not wanting to risk getting hurt. He mumbles an enchantment and his fireball of a wisp forms itself. He murmurs a command to it and it flies out of it's own accord, the fireball charging up something and swelling for a moment before it expels a chunk of burning magma at a spider! Ptchuu.

Thelergramor smiles at the words 'hold them off'. Figures that translates to 'butcher them'. A low chuckle, as the spiders attack missed him with only a slight movement from the wolf. Drawing on his knowledge of Dark magic, Thel doesn't even move while casting entropic fortune on the nearest spider. Should effect several other spiders if he did it right. Is careful to avoid affecting his allies...

It only takes a few moments for her to get out of the odd daze caused by the loud BANG of the cannon for Sara to look over her shoulder to notice an army of spiders heading the groups way, "Well.. shit." Noticing a spider just in time, Sara jumps back as it attacks, "Ack!" she cries as she moves. "Fuck.. s-sorry Thel!" she calls to the wolf in question before pulling a pistol, aiming it at the spider that dared to attack her and pulling the trigger.

Miss or no, the lizard does an about-face and rushes behind a rock formation and out of sight before discarding all her clothing and growing at a tremendous rate, emerging as a full dragon whose first act is to breathe a cone of flames towards its attackers.

Cassidy hops off the cart and rolls her shoulders, plotting her next course of action. She brings up her OTHER hand and snaps her fingers again. This time, instead of firebolts it seems to be a wall of heated air that radiates outwards, trying to catch the spiders in the blast.

Natska sways sideways as one of the spiders actually reaches her and makes a leap at her, the motion just barely getting her out of the creature's lunge. She turns to follow it into the cart proper, smoothly drawing her heavy knife in her offhand and pouncing on the beast.

Shliek eeps in a high voice when a spider leaps and crashes into him. Being as small as he is, the thing is practically larger than he is! He rolls backwards, using the arachnid's momentum to try and propel it off of himself before spinning around and slicing at its abdomen in an 'X' pattern with his daggers.

Siyu grunts as he drops the spent pistols and is quickly pulling more from his person, he at least knows how to handle himself in a gun fight, the next row of spiders is coming, and he takes a deep breath and aims towards the group. Firing rapidly, more so then a normal being should, and ricocheting them from spider to spider.

So far, so good! Jera's little wisp, while not overly impressive manages to startle away a spider that had started climbing the wagon! And Thelergramor's haze of dark magic has sent a small group scurrying about in haphazard circles! It is a good thing that all of this is happening in a bare, stone canyon, or all this fire flying about could cause some real trouble! The wave of superheated air from Cassidy's magic pushes back the main body of the swarm for now, but it may not last for long. Sara manages to blast her unlucky attacker before dodging behind a stone to assume dragon form. Natska manages to slice her target away and fling it from the wagon and even little Shliek has managed to toss his attacker aside. Siyu's rapidfire shots ring loudly through the canyon, agitating the swarm and even dropping a few of their number. One shot even manages to ricochet into the open mineshaft! The sound of the pinging ball echoes back into the canyon.

"Almost there!" calls Hamish, "Any of you kids do any air math? I could use a hand here!"

"I can, if you give me a while." Jera murmurs softly as he switches souls, staying hidden in the cart for now.

Thelergramor laughs, as his magic did what it was supposed to. Clearly amused, the wolf points his pistol nonchalantly at another spider. Pulls the trigger, then holsters it and pulls his knife from its sheath.

After turning a clump of spiders into little more than ash and slag with the well-placed cone of flames Sara bellows a keening triumphant roar before turning at a rate that leaves her lashing her long tail towards a few of the spiders.

Cassidy settles the mask back on her face and starts drawing her throwing knives in large amounts. Normally, it'd be terribly unwieldy to throw in such a state, but she starts tossing them into the air, utilizing her windmath in a way that Jera might recognize as a spin-off of a windrunner specialty, sending her manner blades raining down upon the mass of spiders.

Natska watches her fellow adventururs laying waste to the spider horde, but has chosen to remain with the cart; her wariness pays off, as she catches a spider trying to sneak up the side. Her rapier is out in a flash and a neat, precise lunge pierces the critter, with a flick to send it tumbling back down as she slips back to stand near the cannon. "I'm pretty great with air math, boss," she says. "And Jera is amazing. What do you need?"

Shliek spins around after clearing himself of his many-legged adversary and rejoins the fray, darting back and forth between rushing spiders, hacking at one, stabbing at another. He keeps moving and not standing still for more than a moment, hoping to the Creators that he doesn't end up under another one of those things.

Siyu takes a moment to pause and start to reload his pistols, pulling out powder and stuffing lead and powder back into his various pistols, watching the clean up of hte spiders, he glances back at the air cannon, "How are we doing on time. Is it ready yet" he asks.

"You folks are certainly worth the fee!" Hamish chuckles still puttering around with the cannon. It's like he has not even noticed the hoard of stony arachnids! "I just need a cutting winds equation right here," the tortoise says to Natska and Jera, pointing at a smudged spot, "That's what set it off all wrong earlier!"

Meanwhile, the spidery horde is being held off quite admirably! Many falling under Cassidy's blades, Sara's powerful tail swipes and the combined efforts of Siyu and Shliek and Thelergramor are keeping back those that slip through. But something is wrong! From within the mineshaft comes a rumbling sound and one long, arachnid leg stretches from the entrance!

"Mmh, something like that shouldn't be too difficult to come up with on the spot." Jera begins corrections on the equation now that he has his soul gem switched out. He scoots a little to the side to give Natska room to work and correct any errors he might be making on his haste. "By the looks of it we should hurry!"

Thelergramor smiles maliciously. Big leg, big spider. Probably. Thel tries to cast a Shaded Hex on himself, potentiall wrapping his body in cloying darkness. Then glances back at the others. His face is hidden, but the evil cackle... Well, clearly, he's about to charge this thing once he can see it. Bad idea, given his recovering injuries.

Still oblivious to the looming giant spider, Sara continues her earlier assault on the arachnid swarm with the occasional swipe of a claw, snap of her jaws, and eventual fling into another group of spiders. "I think we're winning!" the dragon roars moments before she lets loose another torrent of hellfire in the spiders direction.

Cassidy folds her hands behind her back as she watches the leg poke out from the mine. It wasn't yet time for her to act, so she simples waits, regaining her focus while she rests for the time being. No need to fire blindly and risk making it angrier!

Natska eyes the cannon, and the air magic glyph, but it seems Jera had everything well in hand. She gives the kit fox a nod and a small salute, then turns to kneel at the edge of the cart and lean over, calling to Cass. "Cass~! Hey, love, could you come here and do me a favor?" She grins, tail swishing. "Give me a moment to see your next batch of knives; if the cannon doesn't take it down, then we'll give that big one a nice surprise," she explains, as ice and frost begins coating her gloves.

Sh'liek's eyes widen when he sees the giant leg appear from out of the cave. Drawing his cloak over himself, he tries to make himself scarse, looking for a place to climb up the rocks and wait in ambush for the much larger creature.

Siyu grunts a little again, "Damn damn damn!" he says as he rolls to the back of the cart, squeeking loudly he goes to get his medium sized cannon. Stuffing it full of powder and with a spitzer round he just stuffs it in and gets ready to line up. Not sure if the old cooks weapon is gonna work or not. But going to be aiming his own heavy cannon towards the spider and let it have it!

"Yes, yes," Hamish chuckles, as Jera adds a fine bit of mathemagic to the cannon, "That should do just fine!" The old tortoise makes his careful way around to the back of the cannon. "Oh, look at that!" he says, perking up happily, "The big one certainly has good timing!"

The mouth of the mineshaft rumbles a bit as an enormous rock spider sqeezes through the entrance! It must be nearly ten feet tall! The other, small spiders have scattered, save for the multitude of curled spider corpses littering the ground. "Get clear, folks!" the tortoise shouts, aiming his new cannon.

Jera clears out of the cart. Somebody gonna get hurt reaaaaal bad.

Thelergramor blinks at the 'get clear' order. Severely disappointed, the wolf complies. But, not before throwing his knife at the spider, aiming for it's eyes. Thel wipes off his masks lenses; not that there was anything to clear from them.

As the spiders skitter away and the giant rock spider makes itself known, Sara turns her crimson gaze to the monstrous creature and her eyes go wide. While her bloodlust addled mind screams at her to attack it, the dragon keeps her distance. Her tail begins swishing back and forth as she waits to see the damage the weapon would cause on a living creature.

Cassidy stares to shuffle away, smiling. Well! This would be an interesting show at least! Worst case scenario, she was confident that her companions and she would be able to handle the beastie.

Natska laughs once, agreeing with Jera. She hops out of the cart and lightly dances out of the immediate proximity of the cannon, taking up an on guard stance at Cass' side. "That is a big one, love. This really HAS been interesting!"

Shliek hears "cannon" mentioned again and immiediately abandons his plan for ambush and high-tails it away from the mouth of the cave. Scampering away, he hides behind a nearby shrub, peeking his head out meekly.

Siyu grunts as he hears it's ready to fire and he gives up his own plan, and he ducks and covers near the wagon again. At least it's an aircannon and it wont have the gunpowder blast...right?

Staying clear was probably the best choice as the cannon lets loose with another resounding BANG! The tortoise's aim was a little off, perhaps, but it hardly seems to matter as one of the giant rock spider's legs crumples, completely missing below the middle point. "Hmm," Hamish hums, sticking his tongue out and making a slight adjustment before the barrel of the cannon lights up again with another BANG! This time, the enormous spider is flung backward, crashing down the canyon! It does not fly far, but curls in on itself a bit before making a scrabbling retreat.

Hamish beams over the barrel of his cannon, looking around at the battle-weary freeswords. "This is the highest setting," he says, "On lower settings, I imagine it would be good for crowd control!" The tortoise pats the side of the cannon as if it were a prized horse that had performed well. "Pretty great, isn't it?"

Jera is fortunate to be taking cover! Though his large ears are rocked by the loud sound. "Oooooooh. That went fantastically. At least you didn't need a MKIV." He chuckles as he surveys the damage.

Thelergramor blinks at the cannons power. Disapproval. Unamused by the fact that there was no fight: "...Where's the fun in that?" He gestures to the cannon. Still wreathed in shadow, the wolf shrugs. His knife is gone, needs a new one. Kicks one of the nearby dead spiders. Walks back over to the cart, sits in it. Proceeds to reload his pistol.

Cassidy laughs softly and gives a happy clap. "Yes! Wonderful show. And nothing went too terribly wrong today! Very interesting indeed, Natska." She offers a hand to Natska, smiling before looking to Jera. "Jera, if you've got no other plans, I have a gift for you! You're welcome to come, too, Natska!"

Natska nods her head, bringing her hands together to clap for the demonstration. "Excellent show, mister Tuttle! Well done. Although... a bit harsh for crowds, I think. Still, very nice!" She grins, then nods at Cass. "Of course! Once we get back to town?"

Shliek reappears next to the cart, looking off at the fleeing spider. "Of course! Such a task is a trifle for us!", he says, trying to sound confident and make an impression to the rest.

Siyu lifts up his cannon to try and get a parting shot...but it's already fleeing. No way to actually chase it and he gives a little frown, "This was not the result, nor the power I was looking for..." he sounds dissapoined in the whole affair.

"Well!" Hamish says, "That went as well as I could have hoped for!" The tortoise fiddles a bit longer with the cannon, then climbs back into the driver's seat. "Off to the academy!" he says with a grin, "Can I give you folks a ride? I have your fee back at the workshop."