Graterras: A Clash of Fates {IC}

[Noir]

A shell of flesh, or a shell of metal? Both ring hollow.

Matthew's unsuccessful attack wasn't entirely in vain, Debronee had to admit. It was an elaborate plan; it was simply that the enemy was beyond an opponent to scath with anything material. At the very least, well, despite the heavy consequence that followed -- that the enemy's body was empty. A blade against empty armor was, needless to say, a ridiculous matchup, akin to the servants that stood on his door before guiding him to the halls. Nothing remained inside. No weak spot, no opening. Debronee knew not if the revelation was an omen of capital realization or that of despair; was there actually a way for the three of them to defeat her?

Debronee eyed the suit of armor solemnly from his directed gaze towards the injured pirate, knowing that she was now expecting, anticipating his turn to attack, after watching the other two. As if to deny him of his initial thought, the woman didn't seem inclined to take the advantage of the injured man's severely crippled state, black and blue with wounds and bearing the excruciating gaush he was now putting the final touches in cauterizing. If she wanted to, she would have done so any second instead of giving him the time to heal. The silver-haired elf faced her own gaze, and he who had been barely scathed in the action -- well, he did little of it, if at all -- would now fight her alone, perhaps. Zagi had to attend to Matthew's injuries, but at the very least, Debronee had to buy time until Matthew was capable again.

He then pondered on what he was supposed to do. Taking a deep breath upon noticing Snow's icicle blades, he decided his first move. It wasn't like him to use such it especially when initiating a fight, but it was his best choice, as of the moment. A direct, frontal assault would be nothing but reckless, even with Debronee's speed. Analyzing Snow's initial attack on Matthew, he was convinced that she was at least as fast as he was, but she had both powerful offense and defense to complement such speed. She would at the very least parry him, but she had to have a weak spot; she was distracted through their combined efforts, but perhaps her sheer defense itself would be enough. Opponents like her were, as much as he hated to admit it, a real pickle for a more opportunistic fighter like him to face.

Debronee smashed the tip of his signature blade into the ground, before a giant sword appeared from the heavens crashing down onto the battlefield from directly above Snow at an unseeable speed. ((Execute -- Active))

Edited July 18, 2015 by YagamiNoir4896

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The Ivory Tower

Snow was privy to even the slightest change in the winds, or the make up of the air around her. The solid blade appearing and taking the space of air caused it to immediately rush out from where it appeared, and as such it's path pushed the air out of it's way as well. She could use this to pinpoint it even without seeing it. She grabbed it with the her hand midair, stopping its descent. Anger emanated for the Woman, it was clear from her next action as she took the large blade and smashed it to pieces on the ground. It was a feat of unnatural strength. She seemed to not really even pay attention to the attack and very little to where it originated from after she had dealt with it. She stared directly at Matthew. It was unnerving as it would be impossible to tell where she was looking if it wasn't for the sockets in her helmet. The two empty sockets.

"Don't pretend to know me Matthew Corwil. If you knew anything... then you would have known I choose this form. I choose this to forever be the servant of My Lady. The Goddess of the Winds. It was no sacrifice, it was no choice. I wanted this. Don't pretend that you can understand me, my form, or my motivations. You wouldn't want this... that is why you can't understand it. Don't pretend that my wants match yours. You mortals really know nothing if you think you can understand me." Anger welled up inside the Avatar. Anger at one not understanding the honor in the form she was standing in front of him in. "I was chosen by Milady to be her champion and her avatar for my life was that which she recognized to be fitting of her value. She called me to service by her side. There was no other choice then that to accept. To say you wouldn't want this.... you'd never even been given the chance and Aelia would never extend it to you. So... don't pretend you can understand me. Don't pretend you understand my life and the choices I made. Because you know nothing Corwil. If you hadn't earned my respect, your head would be mine right now for uttering those words."

The Crimson Keep

"That is true, an actual opponent means I don't have to fix the board. But, times get lonely when you are the avatar of a god. The Clockwork Gentleman is also busy this time of day. He also lacks imagination and is easily defeated at this game of stratagem... and creativity." The Crimson Knight mused scratching his helmet chin. He shifted all over the place looking a bit like a kid that couldn't sit still. It was strange to have such a childlike behavior out of what appeared to be a grown man, hell a Knight even. But something told Varick and Neville that even if this was the case.... This Knight wasn't to be taken lightly. Being Pyron's Divine Knight... there had to be a reason he was picked. God's were hardly ones to pick those that weren't suited for the tasks given to them. So, there was something to this Man they couldn't quite understand at just surface value.

"Perhaps while we wait for your last companion... Let's play a round. How does that sound? I do love me a good game of chess." The Crimson Knight proposed. He balled together his two hands in front of him, in anticipation of the prospect.

[Felicity]

"I have no objections though I doubt I'd be much of a challenge. I only have a passing acquaintance with the game." Varick replied. "Unless you think you would have a sporting chance against our mentor?" Varick asked Neville. Varick really didn't mind playing the game, he knew the bare-bones basics but that was it. Varick would rather not play a disappointing game, especially when facing one of the Divines. It'd be as bad as a child trying to duel a famed warrior.

Varick mulled that thought over in the back of his mind. That may be a more accurate comparison than one would think at first glance, considering how long the legends were around.

[Ragnar]

"Sure, I'm up for the challenge... I mean it's just a game, right? besides, it's not that complicated as you think Varick, the objective is simple really.. take out their king before your opponent takes out yours." Neville snobbishly answered like a know it all as he shrugs and looks at both men in the room.

Neville is pretty confident in taking the Crimson man in this the game of wits. The wizard knows at back his mind that he wasn't the most strategic man there is, but he wasn't the dumbest one either. Neviile can think, but his impatient nature clouds him from doing something tactical.

Edited July 19, 2015 by Ragnar

[Felicity]

Varick groaned mentally. Maybe he should play instead. If this fool wasted time on gambits to corner the king then the assuredly experienced player in front of them was about to bait and trap him like an experienced hunter, even Varick saw that. So why couldn't Neville?

"Perhaps not... Should the army fall, the king is your by default, right?" Varick suggested politely as he stepped out of the seat for Neville to take his place for the match.

[Kurotsune]

Matthew chuckles. "Well, now I know what makes you tick. And why you're so powerful. Goddess of the wind, huh?" Matthew wondered for a moment if there was such a thing as the goddess of the ocean. Maybe that's why he was the way he was. Maybe not. It didn't matter.

He tests his arm momentarily, deeming the pain dulled enough to continue. "Are we still fighting, or have you seen enough?"

[Flux]

Vayne let loose his first arrow. It was not meant to harm Dust, but rather to serve as a distraction. He could see that the Victonari was up to something, and it appeared that Dust hadn't caught on yet. Furthermore, he was a bit worried about allowing Dust the time for a counterattack against Silef, so he hoped the arrow would draw his attention for even just a second, allowing Silef to regain her composure after her attack. The arrow flew towards the side of Dust's helmet, exactly where Vayne had aimed. He was doubtfful that it would break through the thick stone, but it would at least make Dust glance in his direction.

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

Naturally, Ayla was grouped together with the woman who killed her as well as that uncouth stranger. She swallowed down a growl.

Just what in Graterras was Fate playing at...? And to think she would be placed under Headmaster Ignacio, servant of the water god Seeker.

Once an infamous pirate lord, the man had lost his freedom and sanity when he touched forbidden treasure: The Book of Maddening Waves. What arcane secrets and information lay written on those pages, nobody knew exactly what they were. They were said to not have been meant for the world to know in the first place.

So she would be dealing with a madman.

... And woman. Whether the other was mad too or just outright arrogant, Ayla couldn't tell or care less.

After Helen opened the door and slammed facefirst into the bookshelves, Ayla's keen sense of smell was taken aback by the smell of parchment. Parchment, tomes, books, scrolls seemed to fill the room. The druid suppressed a purr, though the corners of her lips twitched upward momentarily. Reading was a favorite pastime. If she had no mission from Draven, she would regularly nick something to read from the human settlements or dig through the material she snuck from the Underdark when she left. A genre she loved in particu- a pungent, sharp odor pierced the musty air like a sudden unwelcome visitor. Following suit was a squelching sort of slap-sound. Wet. If Ayla focused, she could faintly hear the air hiss, as though something sizzled. Acid? Does Ignacio keep a laboratory of some sort here? With slow, silent footfalls, the Drow walked towards the direction of the sound and very-out-of-place smell.

[Aurorix]

Zagi waits for Snow to answer Mathew's question, though he stands ready if the fight should last any longer. Right hand on his sheathed blade, ready to pull it out on a moments notice if she should launch an attack their way. Though judging by he anger by the man's last comment she could still be coming after their heads even if she stopped to let them lick their wounds. Or in this case, burn them.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The Ochre Dreadfort

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E_hF5vxrZ0

Dust deftly grabbed the arrow in-between his index finger and his thumb witohut making any other outward movement then his hand. "Thanks for the toothpick, i was needing one of those." He said in a somewhat silly tone. He was clearly making light of the situation but he wasn't mocking Vayne. If anything it sounded a bit condescending. The earthen titan finally moved from the bath of flames. "Also, spent enough time in the sauna. My skin is probably nice and clear. My Sinuses too!"

He took a big step forward sending a ripple through the ground towards Silef, he slowly followed behind it, his hammer over his shoulders. His stride was very nonchalant and it was clear he wasn't breaking a sweat ((if he even could.))

The Ivory Tower

"Well... what do you think Corwil? Are you finished? Is this battle over to you?" She hissed. She stood confidently at the center of the room. The anger turning quickly into the more quiet kind. The sort of silent resolve that could kill a man all on it's own. It was an inner rage now, one that hummed rather than roared. If one was smart... they knew this was even more dangerous. That a hum was concentrated unlike a roar. It had a focus point and could be just as deafening... if not more so than a Roar. She was poised, ready on guard on the middle of the room. She stood there holding herself in a way that conveyed her graceful power. Much like a Jungle cat readied to strike. Her limberness was impressive for one who was plainly a suit of armour. It was hard to believe there wasn't a person in there at times since it seemed like it was. It moved as if there was a woman inside it.

The Crimson Keep

"Well gentleman, who will it be? Who wishes to match their mettle against mine in a game of wits, and strategy? Will it be the big Half-orc fella? Or the honourable wizard here? We do have time after all, perhaps we could get in a few games. But, who'd like to be first?" The Crimson Knight asked. He seemed overly enthused with the idea, announcing it as if he were at some sort of event. He seemed pleased with himself to some degree and very eager to start.

The Library of the Waves

Nadia still felt sick to her stomach. Such was the side effect of not releasing her acid breath. Though she knew she would probably be feeling worse if she had let it loose. She kept plodding on hoping to find something.

As such, if Ayla followed her nose to the smell, she wouldn't find anything other than the horrible bezoar. It lay there glistening with some sort of fluid. It was sickly green colour it stank to high heavens, Especially to those with sensitive noses. It smelled like a combination of stomach acid and ever so slightly of ammonia. It was a ghastly combination that assaulted the nose and caused not only a burning sensation, but was enough to make ones eyes water. Clearly whatever reaction it was causing mostly stopped as the pale greenish substance sat there on the floor. What was for wouldn't be common knowledge. Dragons were rare enough, let alone the occurrence of Black Dragons holding back on their breathe weapon. Most people hadn't even seen the creature let alone this.

Loud yelling came from somewhere followed by a loud slamming of something. "Arr... Where did I put ye, ya damned bastard? I know yer around here somewhere. I'm not crazy after all, I know I put ye somewhere around 'ere I did. I'd bet my whole right 'and and at least five bottles o' rum." It was probably safe to say who this noise was coming from as it was clearly a male voice. Where he was though would be tricky to discern as most noise echoed all around the hall. Other than the bookshelves the room was rather bare and it carried noise all too well.

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

urk-

Disgusting. Why'd she choose to follow the smell again...? The stench sent her reeling, but not as much as the source itself: a nauseating greenish liquid- acidic indeed, judging from the way the ground around it had been burnt. Swallowing the bile rising in her own throat, Ayla quickly backtracked and chose a pathway that would hopefully take her further from the putrid substance. The stuff resembled vomit in terms of smell, but it was overpowered by the reek of- of what was it called again...? Amon- Amina- Ammonium- Ammonia-- there; she'd taken a whiff once, accidentally, while taking flight from the window of a scientist's room. Whatever it was couldn't have been human vomit, then- or could it have been of a human after all, and they'd ingested too much of the chemical and thrown up? Ayla shook her head vigorously; she didn't deal with chemistry or alchemy; it was out of her field of expertise. It seemed unnatural, to her. Or was it natural after all? There was something about it that signaled danger to her, something to flee from. What it was she had to flee from, though, she couldn't imagine or envision; the stink permeating the air was giving her a headache, now. In fact, she barely registered the loud banging and shouting that echoed throughout the bookshelves.

For a labyrinth of bookshelves, the place carried the sound waves well; Headmaster Ignacio could've been anywhere to make the commotion. He was- looking for something? Ayla frowned. Nothing was making sense to her at the time being as she continued to stumble around, trying to navigate the confusing hallways, escaping the fetid smell, and to locate the Dread Captain.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The Library of Waves

((Ignacio's verses might differ a bit, just want to give an idea of what he song sounds like to those that might not know.))

"Maybe if I sing to ya, I'll find ya easier now? Ye did take quite the shinin' to my lovely shanty spewin' voice here." The voice of Ignacio rang through the halls of the Library again.

"What shall we do with a drunken sailor,

What shall we do with a drunken sailor,

What shall we do with a drunken sailor,

Earlye in the mornin'?"

Rang out a somewhat half decent singing voice. At least it wasn't a complete racket or offense to the ears. It could be much worse. He kept singing for awhile as he walked around for awhile singing as he searched. It at least gave the members of his crew an easier time to find him. He was now making such a racket.

"Weigh heigh and up she rises,

Weigh heigh and up she rises,

Weigh heigh and up she rises,

Earlye in the mornin'!

Give 'im a dose of Seeker's Special,

Give 'im a dose of Seeker's Special,

Give 'im a dose of Seeker's Special,

Earlye in the Mornin'!

Stick on his back a mustard plaster,

Stick on his back a mustard plaster,

Stick on his back a mustard plaster,

Earlye in the Mornin'!

Stick him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on 'im,

Stick him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on 'im,

Stick him in the scuppers with a hose-pipe on 'im,

Earlye in the Mornin'!"

He went on for some time each time a unique verse... one wondered if he'd ever stop singing and what the hell he was looking for if he was singing to it.

[Code: PIRULUK]

A loud, racuous singing echoed throughout the library, carrying the voice of a croaky adult man. The song was a sailing tune, too. Based on what she knew, Helen readily concluded that the man searching for something or other was Ignacio; the Knight who was apparently meant to be her mentor.

Well, he was singing. That's usually not a sign of a bad person.

It seemed a bit odd to have him singing alone, though. The song was a sailing tune. It was meant to be chorused by a cacophony of voices, not a single searching soul.

Helen shrugged. She guessed it couldn't do any harm.

She took a breath, then sang a response in a clear, lyrical voice, resonant and pure, with the clarity of a well-cut diamond and the sparkling life of cider:

"Off the deck, and in the water!

Off the deck, and in the water!

Off the deck, and in the water,

Went the drunken sai-lor!"

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

Now what in the name of raven's bottoms was this noise all about? In the midst of it all, a man's voice rang through the maze of bookshelves. Ah, now she could use this to play Hot or Cold with; the louder the captain's voice would be, the closer she would get. Next to and above her, the shelves towered into the air... but just how high did this place go...?

She'd find out herself; and, hopefully, find Headmaster Ignacio in the process. Closing her eyes, she allowed her form to change- in that state, she was free, free to become one with any creature she chose. Much like water, which became the shape of its container, yet retained its properties and power. Fluid, but only for a split second; in the next, she was a cawing raven flapping her wings to rise over the bookshelves.

[Chevaleresse]

As their attacks seemed to be having no affect whatsoever, and didn't even illuminate a weak point, Silef let them fade. She had no idea how they would get through that armor, but she was contributing nothing standing here. That and Dust's commentary irked her. She started to gather energy internally when Dust began to advance towards her, the earth rippling at his tread. She dodged sideways with an acrobatic roll, jumping through the air and coming deftly to her feet once she ran out of momentum.

Silef began shouting as she planted her feet, bracing herself for what she was about to do. "You may be the mighty Lord of Heroes out of legend, but do not doubt the power coursing through my veins! I am a true heir of Asterlux, and our power has been said to rival the very heavens!" It wasn't said that way, of course, but Silef's intention was not simply to boast. Shouting moved breath and energy though the body, and helped the sorceress focus. The power that was building in her, the power she spoke of, showed very clearly as the noblewoman began to literally glow slightly. Her eyes became a golden color as she channeled the power, and her palms - which were both faced toward Dust now - were almost impossible to look at as the energy gathered in front of them.

A short moment after Silef finished her yelling, she released the attack, which took the form of a bar of blazing, golden light that lanced toward Dust. She aimed for his chest; ideally the attack would travel too quickly for him to dodge, but she wasn't familiar with all of her opponent's abilities.

[Kurotsune]

Matthew felt a disturbance in the force. Somewhere, a chanty was being sung, and he was not a part of it.

"Wey hey, indeed." The man muttered softly, before shooting a smirk to the armored woman.

"I sure hoped that it wasn't."

The time had given him the chance to get used to the pain, to flex and see how far his scarred muscles would go.

Far enough, one supposes.

Holding his sword with his right hand again, Matthew withdrew another pistol and held it with his left. "Time for the next attempt."

"Zagi, throw a fireball and move to the side. Attack her from the right flank."

He had heard their names during selection, but hadn't seen a purpose in calling them by name until now. Building kinship among the team members would be important, however, and so he should.

"Debronee, summon your sword at my position. Let me know when you're about to do it, though."

Matthew was speaking calmly, loud and clear so that all people in the room could hear him without difficulty.

"If you were a mortal, you'd have been injured by my last attack. As anima, this next one won't hurt you either, but I'll make sure that, if you were mortal, it'd have killed you." With this announcement, Matthew's muscles visibly tense, and his eyes sharpen, staring patiently at Snow for signs of movement.

"Zagi, we begin at your mark."

[Ragnar]

Neville ponders and stares blankly at Varick for a moment, wondering why the Orc stepped out of the chair. Like it was some sort of a hint for the wizard, like a message saying that Neville shouldn't rely on his luck in making tough decisions, especially when facing an experienced opponent such as the crimson man in this contest of wits. Something tells me that I should be more cautious in facing this man, that I should use my noodle and have a strategic plan in order to succeed. Luckily for me, i have a plan right even this match even started, that is: not to lose miserably in this man's own game.

"If Varick doesn't object, I would gladly accept the challenge and be your first opponent." Neville said to the man.

[Felicity]

"Go for it" Varick said dryly, as though he hadn't already made it clear he wasn't bothered. Courtesy run wild? Who knew.

[Ragnar]

Neville smirk at the Varick's remarks as he takes his place, not sure if it's cheer of encouragement or the orc just wants to see the cocky wizard to fail so hard on his face. Actually Nevile has a plan, to eliminate the most versatile piece there is: that is the Queen from the early start. from there on all the pieces are easy pickings, if he plays his cards right.

"So shall we begin? I'll take the black piece, seeing this is your house after all." Neville said to his crimson mentor.

Edited July 26, 2015 by Ragnar

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The Ochre Dreadfort

The blast of light seemed to have collided with the stone giant sending a giant puff of smoke, dust and debris everywhere. It hung in the air for a second, the haze dissipating ever so sluggishly. Ress'nok kept moving. He had a feeling the Stone titan wasn't going down that easy. He was the Lord of Heros after all... there was no way he'd be taken down by just one blow.

He found himself to be painfully correct. A slab of stone stood in front of the stone clad man, a hole burned nearly all the way through it. It stood at chest height to the behemoth of earth. He could move the earth that quickly? It was a frightening thought. Though, it was well known that the stronger the Templar the faster they could enact the spirits to aid them. As these Divine Knights were the founders of those orders... well, they would clearly be practiced at their craft. Ress'nok didn't wait though, he had little time to sit around. It was time to strike. He landed one last time before making sure he got good leverage on his next jump. And then he sprung into the air. ((Using: Dragoon's Dive)), He came falling quickly down at Dust pointing his harpoon straight down towards the rocky colossus. He aimed right for the lip where the helmet and the chest plate sat together. He hoped to pierce through and hit something. Ress'nok made small last minute judgments making sure he'd hit and at least do something. *slinck*, the sound of metal scarping against stone. It hit true. However, it wouldn't seem to be too effective.

Ress'nok found himself flying back towards Silef as Dust picked hims up and threw him at her.

"Hey, have you're friend back. He's really cramping my style." Dust exclaimed as he chucked the overgrown lizard at her.

The Crimson Keep

"No, no, no, no. I cannot allow that. After all, Black has a disadvantage. You're my guest you shall have the first move. The red side is yours." he said gesturing towards the board. He idly watched Neville in anticipation. He was fixated on the wizard, wondering what move he'd make what kind of person he was. It would be vastly interesting to find out.

The Ivory Tower

"Hmm, that is the answer I was hoping for. If you had been done I would have killed you now and with no regrets." nearly growled the feral woman. One could tell i she still had traditional eyes she would be half-scowling at Corwil. "How about we even the odds though? It's no fair three against one." She said in a somewhat mocking tone. Clearly she was messing with them trying to get them off-kilter. Though it most likely wouldn't work it didn't hurt to try. She quickly grabbed a horn from her belt. It was made from beautiful Ivory and engraved with many pictures of war and battle. It held together by small silver rivets and a silver cap on the end of the horn. She blew into it, and what resulted was a blast that sounding like the dawn of a Winter's Storm. Nothing seemed to happen at first. Though, Snow was clearly up to something.

[Chevaleresse]

Silef was still recovering from her attack when the Victonari flew at her. The best evasive maneuver she could manage in time was a maladroit dodge to the side that looked more like a fortunate stumble rather than an intentional maneuver. She barely managed to recover to her feet as the knight flew past her. "There has to be some sort of weak point we can exploit. No one is invincible," she called back, hoping Ress'nok had recovered sufficiently. She began gathering energy once again, breathing deeply, but didn't launch an attack immediately.

[Flux]

Vayne took a step back, lowering his bow. Dust had just caught his arrow. Sure, he'd heard of and legends of heroes who could do such things, but to see it with your own eyes was completely different. To stop an arrow and block Silef's magic so quickly... Dust was fast, that was for sure. Still, Vayne couldn't help but wonder...

"Perhaps I'm the only one here with a chance of outspeeding him... And that's assuming he engages me head on, without retreat."

Vayne smirked at the thought. Dust didn't seem like the type of person who would retreat, especially from people who would seemingly pose no threat to him. He would give Silef and Ress'nok some more time. If they couldn't land a damaging hit, then he would step in and attempt it. He didn't want to reveal one of his secrets so soon, but if they were to earn Dust's approval, he might not have a choice, depending on the next few moments. That being decided, Vayne readied a second arrow in his bow. This time he aimed for one of the chinks in Dust's armor, an attack he couldn't ignore. Somewhat reluctantly, he turned towards the other two as he drew back the arrow.

"Silef, Ressnok!" He called out. "When I fire this arrow, take the opportunity to strike! It will be difficult for him to handle all three of us!"

As much as he disliked the idea, they would have to work as a team to stand a chance against Dust. He was used to working alone, but this was an exception. He would have to learn to trust these two if he was ever going to see her again. That much he knew.

Vayne made sure the two of them had heard him and understood before returning his gaze to Dust. He aimed for a chink in the chestpiece, the largest target and hardest to dodge. He waited only a moment, giving the other two a moment to prepare, before he loosed the arrow. It flew straight and true, right at Dust. He had no doubts that Dust would stop the attack, but he was relying on Silef and Ress'nok to do the real work for this part. And if they couldn't... he'd step in as well.

[Ragnar]

"very well," Neville said as he stretches out his arms and cracks his fingers. the wizard produced a minimum amount of electricity in his fingers as he levitates and moves the pawn with style, Making space for his white bishop to attack. Neville's plan is simple really: pure offense just like his spells and destroy the pieces that are protecting the CK's king. Neville's strategy is risky and readable like an open book, yet can be dangerous if not prevented by his opponent.

[Aurorix]

"I have a bad feeling about this, though I trust you know what your're doing Matthew." Zagi said to the man standing next to him. He knew his name since Snow had said it multiple times. With that he drew his previously sheathed blade in his right hand and created a fireball in his other. He launched the ball of flames towards the possessed armor and began running to her right side, preparing for the second part of his attack. He had his guard up since Snow was definitely up to something, he just didn't know exactly what.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The Ochre Dreadfort

Ress'nok put his hand on Silef's shoulder. He didn't try to hurt her, but she could feel immense strength in his grasp. It was partially due to his ragged state of being. He wasn't horribly injured but he was using quite a bit of his strength to stay upright, his breathing was ragged as well, having had the air knocked out of him. "Milady... that won't work." he said as quiet as he could. Ress'nok noticed something after his attack. Though it was a subtle, he still felt it. He figured out what Dust was doing, his secret. Or at the least what he figured Dust was up to. "He knows the speed of your attack and will be able to adjust next time. Look." Ress'nok pointed to the pillar that was nearly in front of Dust and the hole that was nearly borne through the center. If one looked, the pillar wasn't the same thickness all around, It was wider where the hole was ever so slightly. "He used it to gauge the velocity and more importantly how thick the stone would have to be protect himself. He found the correct pattern right when the explosion happened, because he let it happen then. He watched my attack too in a similar fashion. He let me hit him. He measured the length of my harpoon, its thickness, weight, and how fast I was going. After he sees an attack, he knows how it works. So... we need to be careful."

*****

The arrow flew straight towards the Stoney Giant. This time he didn't catch it, and instead, let it land in his armour. He seemed to not even notice it as he carried on doing what he already was.

"Did you feel that? Hmmmm..."

"Yes, I did Dust. The draft of air on that arrow suggest that it was traveling at great speeds. That archer is clearly skilled as this second shot proves. How did you guess where the first one would go? You hadn't seen his skills yet."

"It was entirely a Hunch. Knowing where his allies were I knew he wouldn't shot on that side of my body unless he had no care for the safety of those who were helping him. Most humans and humanoids aren't that reckless, even if they seem to be on the outside. They take calculated risks, but would never horribly endanger those that are helping them even if they do not like that individual. They need not even be working as a team, no person would fire directly at a teammate that early in a fight. They had no idea of my abilities and had no way to assess if they'd win or not. It was much before the time were the horrible would do anything to just survive rather than care about the well-being of others. It was that which allowed to deduce where he would place that shot rather than merit of his own."

"So... humans and demi-humans are that easy to read?"

"No, they aren't. It was entirely a guess. An educated one, but one nonetheless. It was merely chance that I caught that. But, If I play it off like I knew, it scares them; It puts them off kilter. It effects their fighting chances. Never let you opponent know how much of a clueless fool you actually are."

The world sighed heavily. "So you're still an idiot, nice to know."

Dust chuckled internally. "It doesn't matter what you are if you know you're limits and strengths. Even an idiot can rise to greatness, even a fool can lead. If you make your weaknesses your strengths... they have nothing left with which to exploit. They might as well go pound sand; It'd be about as productive as trying to break you down."

The Crimson Keep

Offensive strategies were the Crimson Knight's favourite to play against. They were the easiest to lull into a false sense of security and then suddenly turn the game quickly on it's head. He did just that to Neville. He allowed the man to execute his plan, and while he was focused on his conquests, he snuck in; Crimson quickly pinned down his opponents king nearly undetected. And as it was released it was much to late, the bulk of Neville's army was too far out of the way to help. And the worst of it, The Crimson Knight used only two Knights and three pawns to do it. He dangled his powerful pieces in front of Neville like candy easily allowing his queen and rooks to be captured because he didn't need them. And while his opponent was busy catching them and taking them out he was slowly putting his pieces into position.

"Well, that was certainly a hot-blooded game Neville. Not many a Player is as aggressive as you are. I really felt the pressure there, things were really heating up." He whistled. Clearly he meant some truth in it, but he knew from the start he'd win. He was a master after all. He orchestrated it near perfectly. The first few plays he used to read his opponent, then from there on he played a game of cat and mouse with him. He puppeted the whole downfall right under his nose. Neville would have played a good game against anyone else, but the Crimson Knight played his opponent. He folded his hands together and looked towards the Half-Orc. "So, we are still waiting for our third member, how about we play a round?"

The Ivory Tower

Snow didn't move to dodge the fireball, because two currents of air whipped up immediately. However, they weren't her doing. At least, it wasn't evident she was doing anything. Most magic she would have to do some sort of action, which would tip of others that well... she was using it. However, she showed nothing. She laughed heartily. "Oh, Adalbern. I didn't expect you to come. Have you missed the Queen of Winter?"

After the current dissolved the fireball, a windy figure could be seen. The very air distorted into the shape of a burly man. It was both pillars of wind ad two misty soldiers stood either side of Snow.

"Aye, about as much as I miss having a thorn in my arse. Just cause you're the only one I respected enough to follow don't mean I like ya, you frosty bitch." The misty figure said with a hearty laugh.

"You and me both know how the horn works Adalbern. You have to decide to show up. So it was you're choice." she said in a stern tone. It was the most evidence of Snow so far being relaxed and actually enjoying herself, however she still kept a strict tone. Perhaps men under her service once?

"Oh fine, ya got me. I just wanted to bash in some heads. The afterlife gets boring after awhile. So, glad to be back. Now point me in the direction of a fella that deserves an axe upside the 'ead." Adalbern barked with delight.

"With pleasure old friend." said the Lady of Winter.