Graterras Chapter 2: A Second Chance [IC]

[Chim]

The Victonari moved fast for someone wearing heavy armor. Sigurd was taken by surprise and was only able to dodge because he already had enhanced his movements with a Wind Spell. He felt something sting him slightly. His right sleeve was cut and a small drip of blood was visible. I didn’t dodge him completely? My senses must have been too slow because he’s hard to see. Damn that armor in the sun.
“Not bad,” he said while he circled around, trying to get the sun behind him. “Looks like that armor can be useful after all. But two can play that game.” He swung his swords at the ground, creating a forceful wind that blew dirt and dust at his opponent. Sigurd ducked and charged in the cloud of dust, aiming at Orpheaus legs.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Orpheaus closed his eyes. Might as well eliminate the least useful sense to him at the moment. He listened, it wasn't perfect, but he figured out where the man was roughly. He struck Downwards, in such a way that, either Sigurd would have to dodge, or risk taking a dangerous blow.

[Chim]

Sigurd was forced to jump out of the way. Orpheaus proved to be more than just talk. His shining armor was a pain and blurring his vision didn’t help either. He enhanced his speed using the wind again and moved around Orpheaus. He kept circling while trying to come up with a plan. Meanwhile he would drag the battle out since he wasn't wearing heavy armor like his opponent.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Orpheaus felt the man circling him. having been trained to fight with without his own vision, Orpheaus kept his eyes shut. He put his sword to his chest. "Let's see how you do without magic." Orpheaus held the sword up, the pommel of the blade higher than his head. "Bloccare Magia!" with that, all of a sudden the pommel opened up. before it had been in the shape of a flower bud. Now the bud opened, and a flower of pure golden light was at the end of it. This was the thrum of energy from the Blade. It was an anti-magic shell, though unlike the Shell of the Officer the heros fought before, it used a different energy. It felt Holy, and like it was protecting Orpheaus rather than the sinister aura the Officer's had. "Don't worry though Sigurd, my Magic is also not going to work, but I never planned on using it." Orpheaus said, a small grin on his face. He awaited the man's response. With his eyes still closed.

Edited May 22, 2014 by Hukuna

[Chevaleresse]

Xavier took a step forward, then slammed his other foot down in a stomp, releasing a wave of (harmless) fire over the combatants. Most of it impacted the anti-magic shell and fizzled. "Don't you think we should be trying to defeat the living dead intent on devouring everyone in this town rather than risking the lives of our valuable combatants in a duel over pride?"

[Flux]

"Don't you think we should be trying to defeat the living dead intent on devouring everyone in this town rather than risking the lives of our valuable combatants in a duel over pride?"

----------------------------------------------------

Nero nodded, in agreement with the elf, not just because he wanted this done quickly, but because the Templar spoke sensibly. He stepped forward, arms crossed over his chest. He spoke in a bored, yet annoyed tone.

"Enough of your foolish squabbles. You can test each other's mettle on the battlefield. There is no point in receiving injuries before the battle has even begun."

He met the eye of the golden Victonari.

"This, you of all people should be enforcing, as the leader of this group. Try to play a better role model, and let not insults distract your attention from where it should be."

Edited May 22, 2014 by Flux

[Chim]

This was getting ridiculous. Orpheaus was looking down on Sigurd and it pissed him off. Not only did the Victonari keep his eyes closed, but he wasn’t planning on using his magic either. Sigurd felt his pride as a warrior was at stake and went on offense again. “That arrogance will be your downfall,” he said as he got closer to his opponent only to be stopped by flames. He looked over to see Xavier was the one responsible. “What do you think you’re doing? Our golden hero here needs to be taught a lesson that his arrogance won’t find him any allies,” Sigurd said while glaring daggers at Orpheaus.

[Notus]

Marcus stepped closer to Sigurd, with a shade of a smile on his face. "Hey folks, I will agree with Xavier on this one. If you guys spend too much energy now, it'll be too easy to beat you on our little contest, and easy is not fun." he said, ending the sentence with a laugh. "So, shouldn't we discuss the details of our offense on the undead?"

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"It is not arrogance." he said as he planted his blade back into the ground. The Flower still blooming in the pommel. "Your resolve is strong Sigurd, the most powerful thing to have as a Warrior, never lose it." he opened his eyes. "And I do not shame you by fighting you with my eyes closed, if that is what you are concerned about. The fact that I had to close my eyes fighting you means you are a powerful warrior. I fight using the Golden Lotus Stance, it is a fighting style devised by my Mentor, to let go of the things that are unnecessary to fight at the utmost capacity. The Creatures of Darkness will not allow you their eyesight if at all possible, therefore whynot rid of it, and learn to fight without it?." He pressed his finger to the pommel of his blade and pushed the flower back down inside, the anti-magic shell dissipating. "Now, if anyone else would like to question me, please talk with Brass, I need to ready the defenses." With that we walked away, he had learned a lot about the people in this small group. He saw their relations to each other, and how they saw the world. Even without his eyes, Orpheaus knew Sigurd was a fine warrior, and a man that held onto his own resolve, and was ready to defend others. All his doubts about this few Brass had brought to him were now quelled. He would fight next to him. Not only did they all show their passion, they showed that they would not blindly follow as well.

"What the hell was that about, eh?" said Odin, after having blanked out reminiscing about Brinestar.

Brass, piped up quickly. "It was Orpheaus testing all of you guys. He has a thing about people. He doesn't like those that blindly follow a leader put up in front of them. The fact that you all questioned why he was leader, means he probably will let you help us out." Brass sighed. "I have been friends with him ever since he showed up here 15 years ago, and even I don't understand him sometimes." Brass grabbed out a map and walked over to a nearby building. He picked up a giant wooden table (probably from the Inn), and slammed it down in the middle of the square. "Gather round, all you lot, we got war to discuss!"

((Fing Wynaut emote........so yes that whynot up there is intentional...... without a space it becomes the emote....really annoying.))

Edited May 22, 2014 by Hukuna

[Code: PIRULUK]

Jeneve was slightly miffed at being called an "unarmed little girl", but she decided not to show it. In fact, when Orpheus kindly - rightfully - insinuated that she was a backstabbing murderer, she put on an expression of horror and shock.

Once the big golden glowy person left, she gathered round with the others and mentally steeled herself for what was certain to be an extremely boring and dry strategy session.

[Ragnar]

Akuma has witness the small skirmish between the wind knight Sigurd and the captain of defense Orpheus, as the Victornari displays a swift movements with his golden weaponry with ease. Akuma was quite content of what he just saw and stand corrected about his previous doubts.

"Man I got get one of those seems to be heavy tho." as he mumbles while scratching his beak in a thinking manner just as the fight breaks up and the golden Victornari left.

"Well the wicked never sleeps, neither do we" as he said with a jolly tone.

As the group gathers, the Birdman was all ears about what Brass was planning.

Edited May 22, 2014 by typhlosionrulez

[Notus]

"Oh, testing us uhn?" Marcus thought to himself. It seemed like this Orpheaus guy had quite the personality.

He than walked down to the table to take a look at the map. "So, show us where the bastards are so we can burn them to a crisp" he said in a playfull tone.

Edited May 23, 2014 by Notus

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

Having had an arm raised to block the sunlight, both natural and reflected, along with the sudden flash of fire, from penetrating her eyes, the ranger had a slightly annoyed expression on. Fighting alongside such strangers felt like trouble enough. Revealing her identity to an increasing number of people was worse. But if she had to fight with all the light of Graterras piercing her eyes, she would have to throttle a man- or reptile, or whatever being- by the neck.

Fighting without her sense of sight wasn't too large a problem, it was something she'd practiced back in the darkness of the forests of the Shattered Hills-- just that she wasn't too fond of bright lights flashing in her keen eyes all at once.

Lowering her arm and crossing it across her chest along with the other, she neared the group reluctantly, with the intent to get things done.

Hunter had been eyeing the golden Victonari, interested; now he merely yawned.

[Chim]

There was something about Orpheaus that made Sigurd angry. He had trained all his senses at the Temple and knew a warrior shouldn’t rely on sight alone. But he still found it ridiculous that someone would close his eyes by choice. Or maybe he thought that because it was Orpheaus’ style. Sigurd walked toward the table while still mumbling words as ‘showoff’ and ‘ridiculous armor’.
“Place me in an area with lots of enemies. I need to cut something badly,” he said to Brass with an angry voice.

Edited May 23, 2014 by Chimchain

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

The Giant sat down at the table. He sprawled the map out as much as possible so all of the heros could see. Brass pressed his pointer finger to the ground, and pulled it up, making a small Rock pointer. "Here is the front Gate. This will be where the brunt of the enemy force will pile on so most of the warriors in your group will be posted there. Drug'thok and Helzebeth." He said turning to face them. You two will be up on the walls with the archers. Dru' you will be stationed at the Northeast wall, Helzebeth, you are stationed at the Northwest." He pointed towards both locations as he spoke. Now he pointed towards the gate. "This is where the main fighting force will be welled up. You are being lead by Orpheaus. Xavier, Sigurd, Akuma, and Marcus, this is where you four will be stationed." Brass then looked straight at Sigurd. "I expect you to hold your composure, you are a Warrior and a Man, and I expect you to be an example to all of these Militia men. They have never fought in a real war, this is just fighting for their lives. We cannot afford any discord in the ranks." Brass then raised his head again. "Now this is the most dangerous part. We need a scouting party, we need to have eyes on their position. Luckily it is day time, so the undead won't be very active, but still be careful." Brass looked at Odin. "The members will be Odin, Nero and Jeneve. You lot have been chosen as you have the most necessary skills. Now, you will be led by this man." Brass pointed to a man nobody saw before, it was as if he appeared out of thin air. He had Steely Grey hair, and dark brown eyes. He was in Mostly Black dress, and and had wide-brimmed hat. "This is Steele ((just pronounced Steel)), he is local hunter, brings back a lot of food for the town, he knows these woods better than anyone." Brass cracked his knuckles loudly. "Alright any questions or complaints? All complaints come with a mandatory thrashing from me, just so you are fore-warned." He laughed, Brass for whatever reason, never stopped kidding around even in times like these. Perhaps it was his way of showing he was confident.

((if I forgot any characters somebody let me know.))

Edited May 25, 2014 by Hukuna

[Notus]

Marcus raised his hand. "Question here. What exactly should we expect from these Undead? I figure they won't be very fond of fire, but is there any other usefull information when attacking and defending from them?"

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"If they were the fleshy type maybe, but we are mostly dealing with Skeletons. They will mostly be more terrified by the light they put off." Brass said. "The only problem is their are the base grunts, we haven't seen to many of their more powerful troops. Though we have seen an Infernal Bone Golem, which I highly advise not using Fire on. The thing is it is hard to get a look at the other forces. Now that you few are here, we may be able to fight off the horde, but they may send the Elites. So we must be prepared for everything." Brass looked serious throughout his answer, a rare thing for the Victonari. "Any other Questions? Or Shall I send you guys to your posts? We have a bit of work to do at all of them before the battle."

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

"Alright, good. Helzebeth! Dru! You two with me. Frontliners, report to Orpheaus at the front gate, it is big can't miss it. Scouting team, Meet up with Steele at the Southern Gate, we will brief you there. The War Planning is now over!" Brass said his loud voice booming like an earthquake.

Wall Team

Brass walked with Helzebeth and Dru in tow, not looking back once to see if they were following him. If they got left in the dust so be it. As he led them to a small area, covered in Hay with rough targets pinned to the walls. Some men were practicing their shots, though not really hitting much, except for one young lad. He walked over as soon as he saw Brass. "Hawke, have the men been making any progress under your tutelage?" Brass asked in a hushed tone. "Not much sir, they are all pretty new at this." Brass looked at Helzebeth. Then he shouted loudly, his voice sounded like Granite crashing against the sound of a mountain. Everyone stopped what they were doing and listened to him. "Men! Hawke has told me you have had a hard time improving! But tonight of all nights, we need you to be at your best, because tonight we drive back the Hordes of the undead, ONCE AND FOR ALL!" This was met with a loud cheering. Brass held up his hand, and closed it into a fist. The cheering subsided as quickly as it started. "But we have no time to celebrate, we need to get you combat ready. I have brought you a second teacher. Hawke will be working aside Lady Helzebeth to train you all in the ways of archery. You will treat Lady Helzebeth as if she was me, and with the utmost respect, she is a friend of mine." Brass passed his wild Brown eyes over the crowd, they seemed to thrum with a power that wasn't there when the heros first met him. He had lost his normal cocky attitude, and seemed like a natural leader. Helzebeth and Dru, couldn't help but think if Brass was this calm, why wasn't he the leader of this village, why was this Orpheaus character their leader? Orpheaus seemed brazen, and a little hot-headed compared to Brass. either way now was not the time to question, there was work that needed to be done. "If that is all I will be in my tent if you men need me." With that he backed up, and came back to Helzebeth and Dru. "Dru, I ask you come to my tent good man, I would like to have a chat with you. And you Helzebeth, remember you have Hawke with you, you Two will be leading the training exercises. I know you are a more quiet individual, but you are the best shot we have, no one is more qualified to train them than you. Oh and make sure none of the men try and pet your wolf...." Brass started to slip back into his jokester ways. "We can't have to many of our archers getting decommissioned before the battle." Brass chuckled, his voice grumbling like the Earth.

Frontliners

The Four made their way to the Northern Gate. There was more of a bustle in this area than anywhere previous. They noticed all kinds of men scurrying around, and practice sparring all around the yard. They were of all ages, from 16 to 40. Any able-bodied man was here practicing the craft of the sword. The Four looked for Orpheaus, thinking he would still be in his golden armour, they almost missed him. He was now dressed in much more plain armour, a simple Leather Variety. Many of the men scurrying to and fro wore a similar suit. He saw the Four approaching and he turned his attention from an older gentleman talking to him for a brief second. He finished his conversation, then jaunted over to the heros. "Sorry Lads, a lot is going on here, we need to shore up the walls from the damage from last night and I am trying to get practice drills running. Mind coming with me down to the damaged areas? Afterwards we can get you lads sparring with a few of the lads to get them practiced up."

Scout Team

Steele stood by himself on the edge of town. The Three Approached him. There was a still air, one of danger and mystery, It didn't help that Steele was clad in all black, though it probably kept him very warm on this Winter Morn. "Alrighty, not sure what this mission is about, but I am looking forward to it." Odin blurted out as they were walking. The little Dwarf man seemed to finally have his mind on something else, it was probably the danger that caused him to snap out of his haze. He seemed to have excitement on his face, like he was ready for anything. as they reached Steele, he shifted his weight, have been leaning against the makeshift wall, he stood up straight to greet the men assigned to him. He pushed up the large brimmed hat he had on, so they could see his eyes. They were an eerie solid grey, and looked as if they were forged steel. They seemed cold, almost as cold as the next thing he would say. "This mission is dangerous, I can't have anyone with cold feet. If you think even for a second, that you aren't cut out for this, leave now." He said, his voice harsh and clear. "Y'all understand?"

((Please head your posts with what team you are on, Basically, the bolded Line at the top of your paragraph. This will make it easier for the readers to follow along, and make it easier for me to remember who is where.)

Edited June 2, 2014 by Hukuna

[Notus]

Marcus - Frontliners

"Sorry Lads, a lot is going on here, we need to shore up the walls from the damage from last night and I am trying to get practice drills running. Mind coming with me down to the damaged areas? Afterwards we can get you lads sparring with a few of the lads to get them practiced up."

"Sure" Marcus answered to Orpheaus. "Though I don't know if I'll be of much help. I have no experience with building things at all."

[Jory]

Drug'thok- Wall Team

The half-Orc nodded at Brass's suggestion, following the Victonari to his tent. Along the way, he was lost in deep thought. Why was this Victonari being hostile toward him? Was it the usual anti-Orcish sentiment, or something deeper? For some reason, Dru doubted that someone of Brass's... status.... would be so eager to judge a man based purely upon his appearance. The sorcerer decided to abandon that train of thought. He reached out to the earth around him. It seemed to be waiting for the coming conflict, its usual sounds replaced by an ominous silence. He looked toward Brass. "Do you feel it too, Brass?" He assumed the Victonari knew what he meant, as he'd displayed an affinity for the earth at the bridge.

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Brass-Wall Team

"If you mean the way the Earth itself recoils. Yes I do. Even it knows of the coming conflict." Brass sighed of relief, his suspicions had been sated. The sorcerer's he feared cared nothing about the elements they abused, and most couldn't commune with it. The fact that this half-orc could, lifted the burden from his chest, and his heart. "I am sorry I judged you to hastily Dru. It is evident to me that you aren't the kind of Sorcerer who thinks the elements are his tools to abuse." Brass looked at Dru, a kind look on his face. "I feel like I have met a kindred soul today, or at least figured out one was with me. I care not that you are no Templar, you are one to me." Brass placed his hand on Dru's shoulder. "Now let us rest up a bit. There is not much we can do for the archers, our skills are a tad different." He laughed "Got some good tea back in my tent. Best to drink the beverage of the scholar before a battle, and free the mind."

Hawke-Wall Team

"Lady Helzebeth, I assume?" said the young strapping lad from before. He had rather rugged features, though he looked no older than 22. He had a sprightly Ginger Beard growing in, to match his shaggy red hair. He seemed a bit shy and reserved for one who had been running drills for the men. It shoed that he wasn't experienced leading people. Helzebeth hadn't even seen his archery skills yet, and it was weighing on her mind without a doubt. "It is a pleasure to have you helping us out, most of the men here have never shot a bow before, but they aren't in shape to fight in the frontlines. A lot of the women are here too, the Men didn't want to force them to fight on the frontlines when they had never fought a day in their lives." Hawke was tense, probably from trying to hide how nervous he was.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Hukuna

[Jory]

Dru held up a hand, a smile lighting on his face. "Say no more, friend. Those who see the elements as tools will never be able to harness their true power or understand the true beauty of the world they live in." Brass's hand grasped Dru's shoulder. The half-Orc nodded at Brass's suggestion that they go and have some tea. "Ah, I happen to have brought my own herbal blend. Perhaps we should exchange recipes?" he said solemnly, attempting to downplay the dire situation that they had all found themselves in. "Before battle, I find it is important to commune with the earth so she knows that I will need to borrow some of her power. Tomorrow I will show you the meditation practices that I learned during my time in the Shattered Hills." He reached into his bag, then pulled out a small pendant and handed it to Brass. It was, fittingly enough, a hammered brass amulet with a picture of a lone, snow-capped mountain done in bas-relief. "Made by the dwarves. I do not wear trinkets such as these, but I have kept it for an occasion such as this. Meeting a 'kindred spirit,' as you put it." Dru smiled. "And tomorrow you shall see why I am known in the Shattered Hills as the Earth-Shaker."

Edited June 2, 2014 by Jory

[Raindrop Valkyrie]

Brass studied the small trinket in his hand. It was a simple piece, but that is what Brass liked most about it. Simplicity. It was a beautiful thing to Brass. "Earth-Shaker, huh? Nice One, though don't make Magnus to jealous though, he is an irritable old Dragon God." Brass laughed heartily, in his normal booming way. Concern however came over his face. Brass started to worry about Helzebeth a bit. He wondered how the training was going. "I hope Helzebeth is alright." he blurted out, like he didn't mean to. He looked flustered for a second, when he hastily added "I got the impression from when we were traveling she was a quiet one. I don't know how she will handle training the men. I hope I didn't throw her in with the sharks, so to speak."

[Zephyrus the Priestess]

Helzebeth- Wall Team

Scrutinizing, stormy, keen grey eyes looked the man up and down, and an equally cautious wolf eyed him warily-- almost immediately, however, deeming him to be no threat.

Without a word, she picked up an arrow by her feet and spun it around in her fingers. "It appears to me that your men are in dire need of assistance." Looking up at the young man, she continued, "You as well."

Whipping out her bow, she heard a couple of squabbling men in the distance. A look of distaste spread on the young half-Elf's face, and she sent the arrow flying.

It zipped past the men's heads and hit the target behind them squarely in the center.

"You'd all best work hard and heed my advice," she said, loudly, looking at the startled men as she addressed the archers-- no, they could not even be deemed worthy to be called "archer", not yet, at least-- people in the vicinity. Adding emphasis on the following words, she continued, "or that next arrow I fire will no longer be a warning shot."

Edited June 3, 2014 by ZephyrEnyalios

[Chevaleresse]

"I'd be happy to help with these walls. It's not my primary area of expertise, but you pick up a few things when you travel as long as I have." Xavier shrugged. "I don't know that I'd be a good sparring partner, however. The fighting style of a Cinder Knight leaves little room for holding back, and I couldn't teach it with this minuscule amount of time."