Graded [Dawngarde Village] Hunt for Rageful Badgers

[Skyhunter]

Welcome to Isekai Hell! Thank you for checking out this thread, we have a part one to this thread linked here! Fantasy - [Isekai Hell] Badgers, Bees, and... Werebadgers? If you are interested of course, if not but you're interested in joining Isekai Hell itself, well, the links above will take you to the threads where you can get better acquainted with how this all works, there is also a discord on the OOC tab above where we are an ever growing community with very welcoming and encouraging people! (Mind 'God', he's a bit weird.) And if you have any questions but don't want to join the server, PM me, I am a mod for the server and know most of the rules for IH (Isekai Hell). Anyways, thank you for checking this out, I hope to see you soon!

---

The Deep Forests

​

The hunt was on, getting on into the forest, whatever was left of this tribe was angry. Angry. Angry that their tribemates were so brutally slaughtered, so easily ripped and torn apart by a rageful beast while the other was distracting the strongest in their tribe. It was a planned-out event by these two rage-induced werebadgers that were thought of too angry to do something like this. Fortunately for the tribe, Gnarlate was able to injure one and kill the other. Although this would turn him into one of these RID Badgers, Rage Inducing Diseased Badgers. In his rage, he killed and completely tore one of the werebadgers apart, not even realizing he turned into what he had killed till afterwards. But he was able to do what no other was able to do which was transform back into his regular form beforehand. And even to think consciously during said execution.

Now walking into this forest, following a trail of blood where Gnarlate had injured the first werebadger, the tribe was following after it. There were only a few warriors left since most have been slaughtered, Tarofry was amongst them, even though he wasn't fully healed he was still here to help the best he could, Okras was leading the group along with Hunter, Shappa and Vasimur. A few other badger warriors that survived the night and Gnarlate following in the back. Having his sword on the ready as he thought about the night previous, he felt different after his transformation.

Hunter of Skies

​

As Hunter moved through the forest with Okras following, he couldn't help but think of what happened last night, the horror and screaming. It reminded him of his previous life, remembering what happened in the middle of the night when fighting, yelling and screaming filled the air. Hunter found the bodies of those torn apart and even found a transformed Gnarlate, who was able to revert back. There was a lot of questions and no answers, although they needed to focus on finding the last remaining Werebadger, they would come to a clearing where many deaths of small critters and other badger warriors. In this clearing there was a large crystal near the large roots of a tree.

There were a few survivors in this attack, this looked like a desperation skirmish than a real attack. Most of these bodies weren't torn to bits and were quickly killed off. A few warriors were crawling across the ground trying to make their way to the large crystal construct.

​

 

[RavenSong]

Haunted by the screams; the horrible screams of agony that rang in her ears with an echo. Shappas mind flew back to the previous night. To when the fiend Were-Badgers raided their camp most calculatedly. Shappa did what she could to alarm the others when she heard the first gurgling sounds of the slashed necks once numerous, the clan of badger warriors had been reduced significantly. With their numbers reduced and the emotional burden of losing members of their dearest friends and family. No celebration followed that fateful night, only the weeping of the mothers and children that solemnly watched as their fathers and some mothers burned in the funeral pyre.

Unable to contain her anger, Shappa set off to find these merciless beasts. As she made her way into the forest, she followed the tracks, almost as if by the rage itself that coursed through her body she felt her eyesight begin to take more detail and at further range. Her eyes glowed a pale grey unbeknown to her, for now. [heightened senses]

She looked for clues, but it seemed that Hunter was already ahead of her by now. She slowed her pace as she observed all the dead that had been slaughtered before them. Eventually shedding a tear. “Why do these bad things keep happening to this badger people?” She said almost begging the trees for an answer. “It’s not right that a lot of these badger warriors had children and now they’re dead.” She bowed her head a bit, and she would have continued but turned to face Gnarlate. He was apparently a skin changer of sorts, she did wonder however, how long Gnarlate was aware of this power.

“Chief Gnarlate, pleased to see you here.. are you aware you become one of them at times?” Shappa asked, but with a melancholy tone. He’d become a critical piece to the eventual eradication of the werebadgers. [perception F]

 

[squidpeanut]

A short distance away from the gory clearing, A young woman by the name of Alys stared intently at a crude paper map, utterly oblivious to the violent goings on in the surrounding area. She had only just entered the forest several days prior, having thought herself very clever to cut through the woods on her way to Ryken from the eastern mountains of Nhev. Her map showed the main road taking a lengthy detour to avoid trekking through the forest, a decision she had come to find far less ridiculous after several days of blindly wandering in what she thought to be the correct direction. Now with little more than desperation and stubbornness pushing her forward she had turned to pouring over her map yet again, eager in to ignore the gaze of her beady eyed companion.
"You can hardly blame me for thinking this was a good idea Ven." Said Alys, intimidated by the two foot tall shadow ferret sat perched atop her shoulder. "the main road is meant for merchants and merchants bring with them their heavy carts that can't as much as wade through a shallow river, how was I supposed to know the detour around the forest wasn't just for something similar." Alys held the map in various ways and orientations, hoping to cause some innate path-finding skill of hers to miraculously awaken. "I swear I can hear the spirits of my ancestors mocking me from the great beyond. They be saying stuff like "oh if it was me I wouldn't even need a map!" or like-" Alys paused for a moment. She looked at the map, then at the forest around her, then at Ven, and then finally herself. The cogs in her brain slowly turned before finally reaching an epiphany. "Wait, why am I trying to look at a map that goes around the forest for a way to go through the forest? That doesn't make any sense."
And it in fact did not. proud then of her masterful problem solving, Alys folded the map away into her bag as she hatched a clever method to escape the rather large forest. "I've got an idea Ven" She excitedly proclaimed. "we just keep going going straight ahead until we either make it outside of the forest or run into someone who has a map for traveling through the forest instead of around it." Alys grinned from ear to ear. "It's foolproof!" Then before Ven could get squeak in edgewise, the pair was off with breakneck speed across the forest floor [Fast F]
quickly arriving at the gory forest clearing and spotting Shappa and Chief Gnarlette not far way "Wow! that didn't take long at all!" remarked Alys, followed shortly by. "Wow! that's a lot of dead bodies."

 

[Laszalet]

Vasumir

Death, and Destruction.




How curious…


And.


How.


Utterly.



Illogical.





He had felt gratitude for all the help which he had received from the badgers, especially, the healer, yet unlike the feelings he had entering the village of badgers, now he felt… nothing? Just the thoughts of his temporary compatriots dying, made him overthink his prior decisions, so what was so different from the help he had received from the badgers, compared to the group he was travelling with? Both had helped him in invaluable ways.

Was it even the help he had received, that created these feelings of dread? Or was he just a hypocrite? Hesitating, because his only chance of getting out alive, could perish, while the death of even a thousand badgers, would not impede that goal? Was it possible, his… change of perspective, and the coming turmoil within himself, had not yet stabilized? No. The night prior, if even for a moment, he still had felt at least for an instance dread that his other compatriots, could have perished during the attack.

So frustrating. Vasumir, had finally, started to change as he desired, he had thought it to be over, mostly, but now entirely different questions were plaguing him. He had not predicted, nor could he have, this predicament, which seemed as if it might just go on till his last breath. As such it seemed, the journey of his mind, was still only at the beginning.


But regardless of how he felt about the slaughter of the badgers, his current situation, and his obligation still lead him, to aid Gnarlate and the rest of the warriors who survived. Be it coincidence or fate, his change and recovery, had triggered? Maybe unlocked? Whatever was more fitting. His body had physically changed, such that Vasumir was certain, that at least for short periods of time, he himself could potentially fight directly, instead of just sitting back, and at most help with stabilizing spells or the like.

How unfortunate, that neither his predecessor, nor he himself, for the short time he had lived now, ever learned to use any kind of tools, that could utilize physical abilities to a greater degree. Or at least if his predecessor did, then such memories might either be lost or still in a deep slumber. Slumber seemed to be the right word to describe his attention as well. Someone, somewhat far away, was clearly starring in the direction of the train of folks, wandering either towards their end or absolution. And only now, after his thoughts had stopped completely, had he even noticed! He was still very much walking in front of, despite not necessarily directly leading it.

Hunter's focus had been drawn towards a large crystalline construct, Shappa was conversing with Gnarlate, but he? He had no excuse to not notice something that was so vital. Or at least could have been, since the entities he had spotted way too slow, were not hostile. At least it was unlikely that they were, based on the assumption, that they would have been attacked already, if that was not the case. So hopefully, the state of peacefulness, so to speak, would not change.

“It seems, we have guests.”
A short warning towards hunter, should not be a bad idea, though he himself, had potentially already noticed these entities. It could not possibly hurt to be safe, now, could it?

Ironic. Unimaginably so, for he was now walking straight towards this mysterious crystalline construct. Who talked about safety? Or at least thought about it? Vasumir did not make a good preacher, that was for certain after his many encounters, in which he contradicted himself more than one too many times.

Skyhunter RavenSong squidpeanut

 

[Orikanyo]

Okras

​

"A battle to be certain... but these... Are not my warriors..." The old badger spoke up, eyeing with his singular... Eye... The fallen... Such waste of life.. he had to send off so many just last night... And now more? Their numbers dwindled each day... The old badger dwindled with each withering thought... Were they truely, truely so doomed...?

No.. They had to survive, they had to continue!

Deep breathes, old badger, your day and duty is not yet done.

"They were moving towards the crystal.. perhaps..." Another face not too far off.. Another human? perhaps..?

The old badger shifted the mace upon his shoulder, after the last night and the fury burning inside from their unjust loses, he couldn't bring himself to put it down... he had barely slept, but he had long since wept. He remembered the names of the lost, counted them, each moment he felt fear, each time he felt fatigue... he and who was left, needed to keep moving, carrying the torch and keep on!

"..These warriors.. They belong to our sister tribe... I... Think they may still be near... A word of caution, they embrace the frenzy, even if they do not change fully, my... They are a brazen lot... Proven by strength, but untempered.." The old badger warned the troop as he approached. "...Perhaps they still yet linger..."

 

[Skyhunter]

​

As the group was making their way, following this old trail of blood, Gnarlate continued to think back on what happened, he didn't even realize what he had turned into until the moment was done, it felt so right and so good. This was the beginning of the Rage Inducing Disease, he was surely certain he would become one, and from what it sounded like, he would become a very large one, bigger than the previous ones they had already seen. Gnarlate wasn't very sure how he would be able to keep this up, this did shake him a bit, while he felt like he could control this transformation, there were a couple cases in which some badgerfolk said they felt like they could control it only to fall under its influence and become totally enslaved to their own mindless fury on the world. He wondered if the best course of action would be to simply kill himself to not have the tribe suffer from his future actions or even destroy all that he loves. Which was this tribe despite his cold and outspoken demeanor. He would be shaken from his thoughts when Shappa appeared beside him, immediately questioning him about his transformation, that didn't really bother him but what did was being called chief. His head turned towards her with a fury in his eyes, " What did you call me? I am no Chief, outsider. Do not disrespect Okras like that. " Despite their differences, Gnarlate still recognized Okras as the leader of the tribe. Before he could further educate Shappa, the scene with the crystal and other tribe came up. Over by the crystal construct was a large figure, wearing leathers and improvised armor of bone and metal. The figure stood up from an injured warrior also wearing leather armor. Raising an axe onto their shoulder, he heard the group coming and turned his head.

​

With a growl this obvious warrior saw who the group was, " Hello, father. " The large badger called down from the crystal construct. From out of the woods on the other side, there would be a couple more female badgers with dresses made of leather decorated with shiny looking rocks, bones and symbols written in blood. There was about three of them as they moved to the crystal construct to the leader of this tribe that was Okras' son apparently. " Chief Oata, what do you want us to do? " These females fell to their knees in front of Oata, he looked at the three then over the battlefield, " Find any survivors and try your best to heal them, our tribe has been routed but we will be so easily defeated, the survivors need their rest and treatment. " Oata told these shamans as they then stood up and quickly scurried off across the field, while there were dead badgers here and there, there was a lot of survivors as well. It seemed that whatever had attacked them was quick and sloppy, trying to go for the easy kill rather than fully focus on killing, almost like a hit and run tactic. " So. That rageful beast that was here was yours. I should have known you were close by. You allowed them free to ravage my clan, father? Did you know of our travels this way? Try to easily kill me, eh? So, you didn't have to face me? " Oata asked as he lowered his axe into both hands now, looking at his father that was less than one hundred feet away. " And you even brought humans into our fued, you must be very desperate, old man. " Oata spoke with malice in his voice.

Gnarlate's eyes would widen seeing Oata, his eyes looked like they were full of anger, like he wanted to kill Oata. " Is that Gnarlate back there, acting like a scared pup with it's tail between his legs? " He taunted looking pass the group to Gnarlate, who quickly made his way to the front, pushing Hunter and Vasimur out of his way to stand with Okras, " Quiet your tongue, traitor. " Gnarlate growled at the other chieftain who looked less than impressed. " Those eyes, you don't look like the proud warrior you used to be. " Oata stated with a smile. " What happened? You finally snap? " He asked. Gnarlate looked like he was going to let his anger explode, but then a hand was placed on his arm, looking Gnarlate would see Tarofry there, still wearing his battered armor but yet he was here and had faith in Gnarlate. The warrior exhaled and stared at Oata without saying a word, enduring his goading words.

Hunter of Skies

​

As the group faced the opposing tribe of badgers, multiple shamans began to come to survivors, pulling a strange balm of medicine from these small bags they carried, applying it onto wounds of the injured, then to use healing and mending magic on them to further expand their healing time. Quickly, the shamans were able to save a lot of the injured and even had them up on their feet. Hunter stared at this Oata, who acted like he was a king to his tribe just from their first interaction and he lorded around, even accusing Okras of sending the werebadger to attack his tribe, he wasn't sure about the history between the two, but he was positive that these two had a very long and bad relationship. Hunter had taken Vasimur's warning, he stared at the new figure on the other side of the field, seeing some... tall woman talking with some strange black looking ferret with purple eyes that had this strangeness to it, like it was a shadow of some sort. His eyes darted back to this Oata, who held his large axe in his hands, Hunter moved his hand to his tomahawk on his hip. " Just in case, Vasimur, get ready. " He whispered lowly to the albino man. He didn't want to make the first move and it may be better for Okras to make the move right now.

---

As the Shamans moved around the field to get their injured healed or stable, one of these shamans would come across the newcomer, a tall female human that stood there at the field. The shaman's eyes widen as she didn't know what to really do, the badgers were like three to four feet tall, they weren't that big but they don't usually come across large humans like. " O-Oh by the Gods. " The shaman's legs shook a bit as she was stuck in place, " Gods preserve us. " She backed up a bit but ended up falling down onto her knees from fear. She then placed her hands together in front of her and closed her eyes, expecting this to be the end with this large woman here, the badger most likely thought she was dead and already accepted it, she so afraid she was willing to let herself die.

 

[Orikanyo]

Okras

​

"Not bad enough to find kin dead and wounded but now this..." the old badger stood strong against the hateful gaze of his own pup, but the old badger still looked to be very much unwilling to be here... If in a glance. But he stood firm, and spoke with clarity. For her knew his son, and his ways, very well.

"I have not come to feud, nor have I ever ordered such. Your feud and war will not come, today, tomorrow or the next.

For today..." he sighed.

"...The last night, we were attacked by a duo of the afflicted. They rampaged as beasts, killing for the sake of it." He added the last part with particular bite. "Death with no reason, we've not even provoked them, but they came in the dark like cowards and prowling beast...

The day before Tarofry and theee humans slew one, and that night, Gnarlate slew one as well. A female..." he paused once more his eye closing.

"The mate of the one that did this, no doubt. One you would remember... A warrior, from your group. Then he fled, not after dealing much loss..." he gritted his teeth.

"Each day this gets worse... You can see it yourself! It came upon you as well!

That is why I brought these humans. They proved themselves already, and today we hunt the last one and try to bring a damned end to this curse!

Spilt from the blood of elves..."he growled the last bit, one filled with meaning and disgust....

 

[Laszalet]

Vasumir

Escalation. And a skirmish right before attempting to take down a dangerous beast. Exactly what was not needed. No. Possibly what was needed the least bit, probably right after finding out that the number of expected beasts, was higher than anticipated, which seemed to be one, if Vasumir had heard Okras correctly. Now that he thought about it, he should have inquired a bit more about these “fallen” badgers on the way here. And if only to satisfy his curiosity, but then again, Okras, seemed reluctant to speak about that which had directly lead to these unfortunate circumstances. There was no reason nor need to displease him any further, this badger, who at least posed as his son, Oata, already heavily influenced the old badger for the worse.

Truly strange, that so many puzzle pieces seemed to suddenly be forced together. What would the appearance of Oata and his tribe bring? Soon new to-be adversaries? Helpers required to take down, potentially, one or more of the “fallen”? It at least very much seemed that the curse would reach its conclusion, be it through eradication or thanks to another, maybe even entirely different outcome. Gnarlate, after all, seemed to have demonstrated one of the many possible outcomes. Or not. Perhaps Vasumir overthought again, looking at an epic tale, where there was only a simple story to see.


“It is my utmost pleasure to meet as well as greet you and your companion? If I dare presume. Regardless, my apologies, if my questions draw your ire, but may I inquire, for what reason you are visiting this specific part of the forest? As you may have already presumed, these parts are somewhat dangerous for travelers.”

Vasumir did not possess much right to ask such a question. After all, he himself had trespassed into this forest without much of a proper reason, but at least, with that unique experience, it should be easier to understand the intentions of these travelers. That was the reasoning, at least, on which he had decided to approach these newly arrived folks. The sooner this potential trouble could be taken care of the better, since a bout with Oata and his clansmen, was not yet prevented. And by the looks of it, this trouble could be quite literally huge. This traveler, which had scared one of the badger healers, was possibly till date the biggest human he had seen. And if the size allowed any guess about the combat proficiency, then Vasumir really would prefer not to have to deal with badgers and, for human standards, a giant.

Skyhunter RavenSong Orikanyo squidpeanut

 

[RavenSong]

The huntress was helping one of the wounded badgers, pressing onto a wound that looked like a claw had stabbed right through. She would quickly pull a thick strand of leather and wrap it before the wound. Then using herbs she gathered before, pressed the leaves onto the gash. It wasn’t a perfect method, her expertise was mostly from [Survival F]. Figuring she could keep the badger alive until the healers arrived.

It wasn’t until things got heated within the leadership that Shappa beheld the events unraveling before her. The foreign badger who seemed to have a connection with Okras. And then the attention shifting towards Gnarlate, whom only moments prior had lectured Shappa about addressing the leadership, which to her nieve mind Gnarlate presented an air of leadership and mistakenly referred to him as such.

However the conversation quickly escalated to downright aggression with Okras son, as he went about almost interrogating and even accusing the humble chief about being behind the slaughter and maiming. Shappa would prepare an arrow, yet she didn’t quite feel like it was her place to intervene. But if it was to defend her fellow comrade and kin then so be it. Being foreign to their clans customs and traditions regarding the matters of inter clan conflicts, Shappa pondered. But overall didn’t leave her ground.

She decided to keep a low profile. [Stealth E] hiding behind the trees to get a better view, and a clear shot should it be required. She hoped it wouldn’t.

Beyond the small crowd of badger folk she could see Hunter and Vasumir come alert however, Shappa shook her head in disbelief when the taunting became worse.

Then, something strange happened.

Surprised really and almost missed the presence of a human shaman standing in the field. [enhanced sense: Sight] She seemed threatening but it was impossible to tell due to lack of any aggressive actions, but she kept close eyes on both events going on.

She quickly mimicked the call of an owl she'd been hearing in these woods [Mimic Sound], surely Hunter would want to know of her location and at the ready. If his hearing could discern he would notice her eyes glowing faintly with a misty yellow light.

 

[squidpeanut]

Looking out across the gore covered clearing, Alys tried to process what she had just walked in on. She did not know what at happened or why this forest was inhabited by very hairy dwarves, but clearly something was up.
"I think something's up." Alys whispered to Ven. She began to ponder what that something might be and a giddieness began to creep across her her expression as she couldn't help but imagine the makings of a daring adventure to be involved.
She even spotted what looked to be a pair of adventurers, likely there to aid the harry forest dwarves in their hour of need. a pair that were rather short by Nevian standards, with one seeming to be a very fancy child with some kind of skin condition and the other a hunter who looked too old to be a child though not being much bigger then one (again, by Nhevian standards). Regardless Alys could tell the two of them were ready for combat at any moment, with perhaps something having put both of them on edge. Better then, thought Alys, to go over and see if she could aid these veteran do-gooders in the quest to help the harry forest dwarves.
"Hello!" yelled Alys across the clearing. "I come in peace from far away!"
After muttering something to the hunter the fancy child then appeared to begin approaching and spoke across the clearing.

“It is my utmost pleasure to meet as well as greet you and your companion? If I dare presume. Regardless, my apologies, if my questions draw your ire, but may I inquire, for what reason you are visiting this specific part of the forest? As you may have already presumed, these parts are somewhat dangerous for travelers.”

"wow Ven, foreign cultures sure are something?" Alys Remarked, having utterly failed to follow Vasumir's eloquent pontification. "we must have traveled quite far if the people are speaking in tongues. Though we shouldn't think less of them because of it, I'm sure we must sound just as strange to them as they do to us."
Alys then began to candidly approach Vasumir, blissfully unaware of the unease she commanded across the clearing. "Yes, meat is very great indead you and your allies." She replied. "I dont think I have any Ires on me, but I'm here on my way to Ryken and was wondering if you needed help with whatever parts were making this place dangerous for travelers? "
Alys then held out her hand to Vasumir and continued. "Oh yeah, my names Alys by the way and this buddy here is called Ven, we're adventurers from the mountains of Nhev."

 

[Skyhunter]

​

Oata growled when Okras said that he would not get his fight today, he wanted to attack his father for this unforgiving weakness of not accepting his duel. But then Okras spoke of his tribe being attacked within the night, something even he would not have done, Oata knew he was a bastard, but he would rather slaughter Okras in a fair fight than snuff him in his sleep. So, for the brother tribe to be attacked within the night by their more rageful siblings, showed their cowardness and hate for them. Oata looked over to when Tarofry was mentioned and the three humans that were behind Okras, " Baby Taro killed one of them? " He asked with a look of surprise on his face, despite his voice being the same, cocky and angry sounding. But despite that, his eyes locked with his father's, and for the first time since their last departure, Oata had a pensive look on his face and spoke with sincerity, " I am sorry for that loss, Father. I never would have imagined for them to do such a disgraceful and horrid tactic. " Oata let his axe fall and placed the head of the axe into the ground as his hand held the handle.

​

Both Tarofry and Gnarlate had looks of surprise plastered on their faces, they knew of Oata, how much of a bastard he was and how much of a respected warrior he also was. Although one thing that was out of the normal was him ever apologizing, they never would have thought they'd hear that, even after such a tragedy the tribe Okras lead had faced the previous night. Although, it had seemed that this tribe has also faced the same thing. Looking over the field they had faced casualties and a lot more injured. There was only so many healers or shamans they were called, that the sister tribe had. Despite this being a small portion of the sister tribe, there wasn't many warriors. " Father. I just arrived here myself. Help me with my warriors, injured and dead alike, and I will help you track down that last suffering sibling and will crush their skull myself. " Oata requested to Okras.

​

Although before Okras would be able to respond or even decide on a decision, there was the sound of a scream, heads turned to see what was happening and before them, coming out of the trees and tall grass were these strange large dog sized snakes with multiple heads came out onto the field. One of these snakes had attacked a shaman, one of these dog sized hydras had constricted around the body of the badger as there was a wounded warrior in front of it, trying to reach for their weapon to attack, then a few more surrounded the field they were in, there was in total about six of these hydras on the field. One being in the middle with the field attacking the shaman, two by the crystal attacking uninjured warriors, and three landing around where the shaman and stranger (Alys) was at. Being behind Alys, the shaman stepped up to help Alys, " Damn Pseudo Hydras, sneaky bastards. " The Shaman pulled out a club that was on her back, the three of these hydras began moving around, the middle was the biggest, hissing at the two. " Gods preserve us... " The Shaman muttered.

Hunter of Skies

​

Hunter noticed these hydras come down from the trees and from within the tall grass to attack the off balanced tribe, Hunter pulled out his tomahawk, he heard Oata growl, unhappy seeing what was happening, an ambush by snakes, one of his healers even attacked and constricted around. Warriors fighting off two on top the crystal platform, this was not a good situation for the tribe, the shamans were most important especially in a dire situation like this. Oata roared, " KILL THEM ALL! " He charged into battle wielding his large battle axe, running to the constricted shaman, Oata leapt and cleaved off all three heads and caused the body to release the shaman who was coughing as they regained their breath, Oata knelt down beside her, making sure she was okay.

 

[Orikanyo]

Okras


​

"...Gladly, your wounds are ours my pup..." he couldn't help it... He was his boy... Even of he still had that damn haircut, seriously he told him many a time it looked silly... Really, it made him look like he had a brush on his head. Or a small fuzzy bush. He remembered long long years ago he tried trimming that thing when he was a pup but oh no he would not sit still, always a rascal that one... Much like his mother, firey till the end that one...

...

....Oh snakes where'd they come from?

The battle ensued, healers from Okras' tribe began to take up their shields and and protect the wounded, some already making way to heal those they could back into fighting form. The badgers put up a fierce defense against the many nipping heads, but not doing much damage against the quick hydra heads nipping at them.

Okras himself moved on ahead, until one came upon him it'self. A big one, with four heads, one bit down upon him causing him to plant his mace sideways to keep it from hitting him, the other heads seemed to hiss loudly in the air, as if barking orders...?

A smaller one slithered out from the bushes, making it way to accost Vasumir with it's two heads!! Laszalet

 

[RavenSong]

Shappa peered over to the clearing, the field in which many fallen now laid still and lifeless. Things then turned solemn with the clans, but the huntress wondered why as her brow furrowed with confusion. Then a scream was heard throughout the clearing, snake predators began their ambush on the clan.
Shappa, drew an arrow towards the clearing but then out of the corner of her vision spotted a snake much closer to Vasumir, her aim shifted quickly as her braids swayed behind her. "Vasumir!" She called out to the pale one in warning.

She drew her bow, the wood of the weapoon creaking under the stress of the drawn arrow now right behind Shappas cheek. The huntress took aim at the snake attempting to use one arrow for two heads. This was a difficult shot, but after holding her breath she finally fired. Sending an arrow through the sky into the snakes heads.

Reloading quickly, she continued to fire if she'd miss, then continue her volley of arrows towards the approaching multi headed snakes.

 

[Laszalet]

Vasumir

Vasumir had finally found it. Or more like the ambush had found him, finally. It was close, he was so close to relaxing, tough the exchange with the one who proclaimed itself as Alys, lead him back toward alertness. It was just so strange, that this entity misunderstood him so strongly. Or was this entity just ignoring his inquiries? Regardless, it kept him on edge, thankfully, though not because of what he had expected. A sudden ambush by serpents with multiple heads. Another new discovery for him, not for these badgers, since one of the healers called them hydra or at least ones to be similar enough to whatever a hydra was.

Since he lacked any information about something so basic, he was quite taken aback by the sight. There had been grotesque creations in his memory, nothing akin to having multiple body parts where there should only be one though, however. Anyway, now was time to think. Quickly.
Were these serpents teeth carrying an even deadlier concoction of poison? Or were these just regular big serpents that just had a few more heads, making attacks aimed at their heart, under the assumption they had only one, to be much more effective?

At least thanks to Oata's swift actions, Vasumir now knew that their skin could be pierced even by regular weapons, so a fight was viable, and even their surprisingly high number, was therefore not that discouraging anymore. While sunken into his own thoughts, however, he was abruptly forced back towards the less pleasant reality, still filled with serpents. One such serpent had approached him, nearly took him by surprise, were it not for Shappa shouting his name, he might have just ended up finding out firsthand, whether these serpents bites were toxic or not.

Despite that, the serpent was already close, and from the corner of his eyes Vasumir believed, he could see Shappa readying her bow, So at least he had not needed to face this serpent entirely without aid. Still, there was only so much he could do, on his own, as such before he took action against this fiend moving towards him, he had a few words left for Alys.
“If your offer still stands, I would appreciate any help against these serpents.”

These two did not seem in cahoots with the serpents. An assumption, that with enough luck, would at least not be disproven until he had taken care of his little problem. An issue he had to solve in a way which felt shameful. So uncharacteristic. Yet the best option seemed to just try to overcome this situation with brute force, most likely even kick and… gulp… punch the serpent either into death, submission or until another could finish it off. He had not expected, that not only his beliefs were to be challenged so soon but on top of that his way of life.

Should he change to become a martial artist in the future? Abandoning or at least for now stopping his pursuit of magic? What a dreadful thought. Certainly, the coming experience would just reinforce how horrible of an idea it would be to walk the way of a… non magic-user.

Skyhunter RavenSong Orikanyo squidpeanut

 

[squidpeanut]

Alys had stopped walking as it was clear that her words had left the inexplicably fancy child lost in thought. Perhaps her silver tongue had shaken him and his weird way of talking to their very core, creating a sense of unease that would inevitably eat away at the young boy. In fact, she could see the look of confusion and unease that had taken the boys face for its own. Clear evidence that her theory was absolutely true with no chance for this to be her completely misreading the proverbial room yet again. This potential mistake mattered very little however, as suddenly there were giant 3-headed snakes just about everywhere.

from all around Snakes were poring into the clearing, with violence in their eyes and fangs ready to strike. Nearby, a club-wielding Hairy forest dwarf called them psuedo Hydras and alerted Alys to three that were charging towards her and the dwarf from behind. Without a second thought, Alys drew her spear.
"It's time Ven. let's show these snakes the terror of a mountain."

In one swift motion Alys took a fighting Stance primed to strike enemies below her. Her feet planted firmly in the blood stained mud, The butt of the spear held above her head as the shaft pointed downward. It was a simple stance, but one that felt surprisingly terrifying when preformed by with such remarkable size and stature.

"I'll need you to help me with the timing Ven." Alys whispered to her companion, who was still gripped firmly to her shoulder.

One of the Hydras charged, it's eyes locked on to the club wielding Shaman who had very little time to react to the in coming attack. The serpent leapt into the air, it's 3 sets of fangs ready to dig into fur and skin alike, but Alys was ready. Shifting the spear in her hands and carving through the mud with her foot to shift her posture, she swung the pole of her spear to catch the hyrda in one of its open mouths. Twisting the spear and using the serpant's own momentum against it, the Hydra was fliped on its back like a misshapen strip of bacon [Jagged Rebuke]. With the hydra now supine, Alys wasted not a single second to dash towards the smaller of the two other hydras. Her impeccable speed allowing her to cover 15 feet in a single second as black and purple smoke billowed from the tip of the spear. The smoke coagulated around the head of the spear as Alys used the momentum of her charge to thrust her spear at the point where the three hydra necks fused together. As she did so, Alys then called out "[Nox Charger]!"

 

[Skyhunter]

​

As these smaller hydras made their attack, the first was Vasimur, a two-headed snake that wasn't all that deadly but it's size would be a bit intimidating despite being the size of a dog. Shappa had her bow readied with an arrow, planning on taking it out, but rather she messed up with her timing as the snake moved and her arrow made its mark, the arrow penetrated through the flesh of the neck of one head, causing both to recoil and hiss. The head that was struck was more in pain than the other, in which caused the second head to lean down and wrap its fangs and lips around the shaft of Shappa's arrow. Pulling it out rather quickly and biting down, snapping it in half. It opened its maw and let fall out pieces of whatever was left of the arrow. Within their eyes were anger, [Retaliation]. The two headed snake lashed out at the Vasimur, striking at the man with both heads, fangs embedded into Vasimur's flesh on both his shoulders, a stinging pain was released as venom would course through Vasimur's bloodstream. The two-headed hydra released Vasimur and backed away hissing, their [Retaliation] ending.

​

With the help of Tarofry, he charged in after the snake had bitten Vasimur who would be feeling the effects of the venom by now, his body would feel very lethargic and hot, his head began to throb as his equilibrium would be majorly off balanced. Causing him to constant move back and forth, let alone even walk. Tarofry pulled Vasimur back by his hand, causing Gnarlate to catch the albino human, in the same instance of pulling Vasimur back, Tarofry leapt up and summoned a large glowing yellow sword, swinging it horizontally through the snake's heads. The heads stopped moving until Tarofry landed on the ground in which the body and heads fell to the ground severed. The sword Tarofry held now disappearing while he stood up straight. Turning the Vasimur, the young still somewhat injured badger moved to the man just as one of the healers moved to Vasimur's side. Tarofry conjured a small yellow knife and cut his shirt into tatters to allow oxygen on the wounds and for the healer to access his wounds, but it was also to not have Vasimur overheat from the side effects of growing hot. The healer began to apply a white cream to both wounds before adding some sort of balm. Luckily for Vasimur the poison wasn't deadly to a human, but its effects made it seem deadly.

In a couple minutes, the poison quickly subsided and Vasimur would start to feel better, his shoulders sore as she began to scoop away the cream from his bites, instead of a white cream, they were a dark green. " Damn poisons. " The healer mumbled. Gnarlate then pushed Vasimur up onto his feet. " Keep moving, and don't get bit again idiot. " The large badger berated the man as he moved pass him, unsheathing his blade, running into the midst of battle with these snakes. Tarofry moved passed Vasimur and looked up at him, " Don't mind him. He cares, he just shows it in a different way. But he's right. Don't get bit again. We don't have a lot of healing supplies with us. " It made sense, especially with what happened the previous night, they wouldn't carry too many healing items and aid. The young Tarofry ran into battle after Gnarlate.

Alys was perhaps a very lucky individual this day, the snake was being foolish and ended being flipped onto it's back thanks to her ability, this did leave the snake a bit winded and stunned. Her onslaught did not stop there either, she charged in on the snake just as it was getting back up, but her spear, with speed and magic combined, slice through the distracted snake's head, the snake didn't even realize what happened until it was too late. Heads and a body fell onto the ground, the body writhing pathetically as it could do nothing else, all three head's tongues twitched and moved while their eyes moved around, looking around with worry. This was what survival of the fittest was. No mercy. But Alys still had two more to take on, luckily, she had the help of a badger healer with a club. " Nice one! " She yelled as she moved on in and swung her club, striking the head of one of these snakes, the body moved backwards on instinct while all three heads hissed in pain, their eyes shutting from the blunt attack. The third snake moved in and struck at Alys, swiping their tail and slapping Alys across her face, knocking her to the side, a stinging pain upon her cheek and side of her nose. The snake hissed in triumph.

As for the rest of the field, there was still the clearing to take on in which Oata was helping his surviving and injured tribemates, there was a couple of these pseudo-hydras attacking uninjured warriors and a few near the crystal monument, where the fiercer battle was at. There were about five snakes there now and only a few of Oata's warriors there, fighting back the snakes, daring to not retreat.

Hunter of Skies

​

As Hunter witnessed was transpiring, he couldn't help but wonder why these snakes had attacked them, was it because the tribe was in a weakened state? Or were they perhaps they were coaxed to attack here? Or maybe they were desperate. There was so many of these snakes that it had to be a act of desperation. Rather than a few down on their luck. But that didn't matter, they were on the move to attack and he witnessed what they poison could do when Vasimur, who just couldn't catch a break with getting injured, was injured by a two-headed hydra. To Hunter these lands were strange and dangerous, a land of mystery and wonder. He had his tomahawk out and ready to fight, he rushed into battle, passing Shappa and Okras, sprinting towards a distracted two-headed snake, Hunter released a loud cry of war, leaping up as the snake turned around, Hunter brought his tomahawk down on the neck of the hydra in which it went clean through. The body and heads fell over, blood gushing from all wounds as Hunter backed up, he knew the bodies and heads were still alive. Sometimes even after death, the snake heads instinctively would bit people. These hydra's had to be the same as he looked back at the group and around his surroundings, he could feel the surge of battle once more.

 

[RavenSong]

After all the interactions had happened, Shappa moved swiftly to Vasumir. “Vasumir, are you alright?” She asked with her native accent, in concern. “Come on, on your feet.” She said calmly as she helped her fallen companion. “Right.. do what you can..” she said quickly as she saw Hunter tearing through a snake. “..if Hunter asks for me, I’m headed towards the crystal monument.” Without another word she darted into the brush, towards the Crystal Monument, where the battle was fiercest.

She would [Stealth] through the thick brush as she approached to support the overrun allies. Using [Perception F] she rushed through the thicket avoiding any enemies, before standing next to a tree and assessing the best shot to take. Unfortunately, she was behind the badgers and didn’t have the skill to plan the angle of her shot. So instead she decided to climb [Climbing F] a tree. After climbing about halfway up the tree she finally sat upon a branch.

She looked down, noticing some snakes slithering past her, as the huntress observed carefully. Then without a sound she loaded her bow, took aim and fired at the snakes joining the fight.

 

[squidpeanut]

"Ow Myph Faiph!" Cried Alys, her ability to speak hindered by the blow to her face. She Staggered back as her hand reflexively shot up to grasp at her bloody cheek. The Hydra's jagged scales had left several cuts upon her skin, though thankfully none that were deep enough to puncture her oral cavity. This was a small comfort as while bruises and cuts along her face definitely stung, Alys felt far more disturbed by the prospect of having a hole go straight through her cheek.

This was hardly the time for Alys to be discovering a new phobia however, as the pseudo Hydra was still standing (can a serpent even be described as 'standing'?) right in front of her. The beast hissed and shot forth a barrage of bites from its trio of heads. Alys quickly shifted to the defensive, using her spear to reduce the barrage down to glancing blows and incidental scrapes. It was clear that this Hydra was a cut above the two smaller ones that had emerged from the forest beside it. This wasn't just thanks to its greater size and speed, but also the clearer thought and intent that permeated it's actions. This Hydra refused to over commit with any of its attacks. it maintained a defensive posture as it struck, denying Alys any openings to riposte or shift the melee's momentum. It was likely that its initial surprise attack was also meant to serve this strategy, choosing to aim a quick strike for Alys' head and eye instead of a heavier lunge like the first of the Hydra's had attempted. Or for that matter like Alys had attempted, which gave the Hydra the opening it needed to strike with its tail.

'I should probably try to remember all of that for the future' Alys thought to herself.

The Hydra went for another swift blow with its tail but this time Alys was able to stop the blow from striking her face.
"Ha! I'm not going to fall for that twice mr. Danger Noodle!" Alys exclaimed, giving her best attempt at a smirk amidst the pain of moving the right side of her face at all. The grin quickly shifted to a wince as she tried to silently signal her companion to start looking for openings to attack the Hydra with magic.

 

[Orikanyo]

Sneaky Snakes

​

Slithering serpents abound! But faltering, under organized assault from the veteran warriors and prepared adventurers alike! The venomous hydras continued to hiss and nip at those they could, but seemingly with people under the careful eye of the healers, they were getting nowhere. And fast, with the remaining warrior from the sister tribe rising once more the suprise the Pseudohydras had quickly sputtered out.

RavenSong from her height she could see the packs numbers,doing a quick head count she counts roughly 15 heads!

...Which amounts to one with four heads, 4 with two heads and one with three.

Her arrow takes flight and pierces the conjoined body of one of the hydras with two heads, causing them to fall to their side, twitch a few times, then die... Perhaps a epiphany, to kill a tree you strike it's root not it's branches, the same for these hydras?

From her years of living, she knows to fell a beast one must strike the heart, perhaps, that is what she had just done?

With the two headed hydras down to 3, the chaos continued.

Okras

​

Okras' battle with the four headed one continues, struggling eith the beast, they are in a lock. He twisted his long handle mace to catch another bite coming his way from another head, then a third! The fourth however went over and bit into his shoulder,not able to pierce his thick armor but with the strength of all four they lifted him above!

His footing lost the badger began to yell and struggle.

"Put me down to damnedable pest!" The one eyed badger yelled struggling to hold onto his weapon!

Instead of wriggling helplessly in the air, the badger planted a foot on one of the hydra's head, grasped his mace hard and SPUN!

The mace ripped hard from the grapple and collided hard with the three heads grasping him. The three heads were gone and sailing off into the distance with but a trail of blood in their wake!

The larger four headed hydra now down to one hissed in pain and let go of Okras, the badger landing hard on the ground, He doesn't fall well, pain in his leg shooting up.

But he stands still, ready to face the.... Now very large snake?

 

[Dragonlord318]

DAVID LISTMAN


​

David walked through the carnage slowly, his mind reeling. He saw the bodies of mothers holding their gutted children, warriors whose faces were held in final snarls of defiance. Almost worse than the carnage was the smell. It smelled of death, yes, but something more as well. Something...demonic. It wasn't necessarily a smell one could sense with the nose, but more of a magic aura that lingered.

His magic sense wasn't very high. He could only perceive the barest of hints due to his trainee-level affinity to the craft. But, it was definitely there. The user hadn't even tried to hide it. How brazen...he pulled himself from his thoughts as he followed the path of battle. What kind of creature could do this? He kept his guard up, remembering the words of the badger healer, Laeve.

"Please, young master," she spoke in her thick accent to a dwarven warrior nearby in the mercenary tavern. "My people need you to help us. There's a wicked evil that plagues us. Please, I have coin!" The dwarf cut her off with a slam of his empty mug. "Sod off, ye old hag! Ain't no-one taking a purge quest for 100 measly crowns!" the young dwarf, looking no more than 80, said as he turned away. "Ay! Lass! More ale!" he called to a waitress moving past, completely ignoring the elderly badger.

David furrowed his eyebrows at the interaction. The only people the badger had approached were those of burly build and stature. She must've needed a warrior. And she wasn't offering much in the way of compensation. Most contracts were 300 crowns at the lowest. He sighed. He hadn't planned on taking any contracts today. In fact, he had planned on taking the week off, as his coffers were full enough to last him a month, and he hadn't had a vacation in some time. He was still new to this world, but had been fortunate so far, praise God.

With a sigh, he watched as the lady turned, defeated and waddled out dejectedly. He followed. Shortly thereafter, she disappeared into a side alley, reappearing behind him in a flash. He whipped around, hand on his sword, then relaxed as he realized it was her. She said nothing, a wicked-looking club in her paw. He stood straight, brushing his cloak. "I hear you need a sword," he said calmly.

The healer's eyes widened slightly, then smiled. "You saw me use my stealth skill?" she asked. David shook his head. "Blind Fighting. Seeing that it's dark out, my skill sought you out as a threat."

The badger placed her club on the ground. "Hmm. You seem capable. A bit scrawny though, young man."

David chuckled. "Storm Blade Warrior David Listman, at your service." he bowed with a flourish.

The badger's eyes bulged. "Storm affinity?"

David nodded. "I've only unlocked air skills so far, but they're potent."

The badger nodded. "I see. Well, young man, I've only a hundr-"

"I'll take it. Pay in full now, and I'll take the quest." Damn his bleeding heart. He'd nearly gotten killed more than once because of it. But, he couldn't help it. He loved helping people.

As he moved through the slaughterfest, he kept his senses open. Though he didn't have any tracking or perception skills, he still had his inherent skills from his previous life. One didn't forget how to track that easily. No glowing footprints or wisps of light to guide him. Just his eyes and disturbances along the ground and trees. He moved forward, his FAST inactive so far. He needed to trail whoever came this way.

A few minutes later, he heard it. Fighting. He moved into a run, FAST activating subconsciously. Maintaining a sprint over 10 MPH was envied by most back home. Now it was normal. He could push himself to go faster in bursts, though that drained his stamina greatly.

In seconds, he came up to the side of a clearing. Laeve had left him behind in the town, giving him directions as she had to go back and help her clan. He hadn't seen her yet, alive or dead. He just hoped she was ok. He saw the battle ensuing, and noticed Laeve enter from a copse of trees nearby, next to a stocky badger with an eye patch. "Too slow, Okras!" he heard her yell as a large stone flew out of her hand into the hydra's gut. Not enough to kill it, but enough to make it teeter to the side. Just as she was smiling at her friend, drawing her own club, David saw the tail of the beast whip around to strike her from behind.

He sprinted forward.

"AIR WALL!" he bellowed, sprinting as fast as as he could, clapping his hands together, then extending his palms toward the healer as he drew close. A translucent square appeared in the air next to Laeve, about an inch thick. It solidified into its called form, 6'x6' in size. Standing in between the whipping tail of the hydra and the healer, he prayed it would be enough.

Orikanyo
Skyhunter
RavenSong
squidpeanut

 

[Laszalet]

Vasumir

A most unpleasant sensation had confirmed it. These serpents, through one way or another, had pumped Venom, Poison, into his body. And one that did not take long to affect him. Was he going forwards or backwards? Where was left? Was he even still standing? It felt like it, but then again, at moments he felt the opposite. This substance, within him, had forced him into a most uncomfortable state, where he was essentially helpless. Like a toddler, or a baby. There was not much, he could do other than hope it would subside over time.

And it did. With the help of the badgers. At the cost of precious resources.
Ouch. His existence very much has a negative impact on this encounter. Something he should have taken into consideration, when throwing himself into such danger. While he had not necessarily any qualms about dying, the reaction of the badgers had to be expected. And while he was not aware of any healing items at all, he should have been. Most excellent. Two. Two mistakes, at once, were revealed. At least any remaining wound should be healed soon enough or at least not require any further attention. So the only thing that really posed a problem was the venom, or him being devoured whole, or being killed on the spot.

So there had been some gain for him from this encounter. The serpent was incapable of killing him directly, and the venom would only impede his ability to act, not outright kill him. Thanks to the lack of any kind of proper weapon, this information however was quite useless. He could at most function as a meat shield. A very ineffective one, but it was the best he could do directly in this encounter. Which made it quite obvious, since he lacked any kind of magic still, he was a greater liability than any kind of aid. It forced his hand. There was only one viable course of action. One hurting his pride, nonetheless, required.

Akin to the state he was in when under the effect of this most vicious venom, he was at best comparable to a child and at worst still comparable to a toddler, that at least could walk properly, unlike prior. He had to retreat, and accept the uselessness of himself. Just stay out. Avoid adding any more burden. And do not interfere until absolutely necessary. Every single thought was scratching at his pride and ego more and more. The most he could compromise on with himself was to either tackle or throw himself against one of the serpent if he saw one of the other entities losing against one of the beasts.

But until then or until the remainder of the serpents were slain, he would have to stand back, and avoid these serpents as much as possible.

Skyhunter RavenSong Orikanyo squidpeanut Dragonlord318

 

[Skyhunter]

​

Eventually, through the efforts of everyone, the fight would be won, the Pseudo-Hydras retreated once most of them have been killed or defeated, they would quickly scramble away into the bushes and brush, making an escape. The small hydras each got away with now the two tribes and strangers meeting them. Oata held his bloody axe and a head of one of the hydras smiling as he raised it into the air, the more savage Badger tribe, the sister tribe all hooted, hollered and roared at their victory. Oata dropped the head and faced his tribe, most of the injured have been taken care of thanks to the many healers they had. The tribe was gathered at the large crystal construct in the middle of the clearing. Oata dropped the snake's head and then addressed his tribe. Holding his head high and placing his weapon head into the ground. " My people. " He started looking at his tribe of badgers, " We have faced many challenges in these last few months. Yet just earlier today we have faced an angry beast. An angry beast that has killed many of our tribe and injured many more. " Oata clenched a fist and held it in the air, " Our brother tribe faced the same last night. Much worse than we have endured today. " The large badger stated, " My father and I have agreed that we must face this problem together. We will not attack or kill them this day. A common foe has risen up. One that I WANT dead for what he did to our people! " Oata cried out to his tribe, with anger and pain on his voice.

​

" This problem is much bigger than our differences. We think one way and they think another. But it doesn't mean we can't come to an agreement for one day or until our goal is met. " Oata spoke to both of the gathered tribes. His eyes looked to his father, Okras. " Speak, father. " Oata told the older badger, Oata had a little resentment in his eyes towards his father. But he knew that this was a problem they had to face together.

Hunter of Skies

​

While the two tribes had their meeting to break bread with each other. The non-badgers would be standing away from the uniting tribes. Hunter didn't exactly trust the new arrivals; one was a woman who just so happened to be caught in the middle and the other was a mercenary who was hired by one of the healers of Okras' tribe, Hunter didn't really trust Vasimur fully, but he has proved his allegiance so far, even taking bites from the hydras and still staying with them. Hunter looked at Shappa and Vasimur with crossed arms. " Who are you? " He asked in an untrusting voice towards Alys and David. " Why are you guys here? "

 

[Orikanyo]

Okras



​

"...Thank you." He spoke softly to his son, though they still hrt after all this time... There was a time and place for it. The tribes came first, it was why he was a leader himself. He put others before himself... And it seems.. His own son learned that himself. He wondered, for a moment, what hardships he and his people endured for him to learn so well... Or perhaps some of Okras' old words actually stuck rather than clinked off his hard skull. He got that from him, though,

Yhe thick skull, anyways, he couldn't take for granted his pup's experiences. The woods were dangerous, always, and death lurked even amongst one's own burrow. You could become comfortable... But never safe... So it was time for him to speak on this, and so, it was...

"My people, we are here together with our cousins, brothers and sisters, with joined pain. Our meeting this day is a shining star of hope that we may recover, to breath a sigh of relief that our work may yet be done soon and we can live once again in the quiet of the wood.

But to achieve this rest, we must do as my... My son says, Cheif Oata speaks truth, we must put our kin's rage to an end...

We have long since lived in this wood, lesrning it's life and ebb. It's deep depths hide our tragic foe... But we must endure... I shall swear, we shall be whole once more. We will guide our kin's breath to the stars they belong.

And- And-" the old badger paused, heavy breaths, trying to speak but he could not... He clutched his chest and gasped for air. "I..." he buckled over, the old badger wasn't doing so well at all. His face was clutched in pain, his breathing erracting and heavy. He wasn't changing in this moment... Another affliction had took hold, perhaps had been there for sometime.

A healer comes forth, hurrying up from their duties to the wounded.

The withdrew a powder from their satchel, putting it in a rag and held it to the old Badger's nose. With another dry furtile breath it was in, and Okras slowly began to breath once more... His breaths heavy and winded, he was not fatigued from the battle, but... It was clear from the state of his lungs.

Okras had not much longer in this world.

​

The hrLer spoke "It's your breaths again, deep breaths, let the powder work." The calm voiced female patted the male's back, but he was still quite in pain. "I..thank you..." the old male croaked, patting his chest.

He looked to the crowd and breathed deep. "...I have not long... This battle to save our kin... Shall be my last... If I am to die, i am to die well...

Chief Oata... I ask... But one thing... Not as a chief but... Your father...

Please... Take care of our kin... A little as there are left..."

He was back to a wheeze, forcing the words out, he was shut up by the healer, who was done waiting to tend.

~~~~~~~~

Bestiary entry, Pseudohydra

Spoiler: Entry

The Pseudo hydra is by most accounts a hydra, serpentine, multiple head varying in number depending on age. But the key thing that differentiates them is the size, with the Pseudo-hydra typically the size of a large dog or by the largest cases recorded a small bear. They vary in types, typically most places having some form of Pseudo-hydra and varying name for them. The smaller non-venomous varieties can even be kept as, if somewhat voracious, pets.

What is most common however, is typically their unique pack hunting capabilities, one should be wary of them as much as one might a pack of wolves. Wolves with three plus heads and propensity for venom. if trained from young, one will find them intelligence animals, but much akin to adopting a wild wolf pup, care is required in tameing. trainers liken their temperament between that of a particularly mouthy cat and a protective wolfdog.

 

[RavenSong]

It seemed the waves of these hydras had subsided, Shappa taking one more shot at the fiends as they retreated. After they were out of range or sight, and the badger warriors began to congregate, Shappa diligently climbed back down from the tree. Taking a deep sigh she started towards the others. She hadn’t failed to noticed the new people among them and started over to greet them.



Bowing her head lightly she greeted them. “Mitahqueyo yiasin, Well met, I am Shappa Red Thunder. Thank you for arriving at the time you did, it was a welcomed assistance.”

Turning to Hunter she started, “Who do you suppose those beasts were sent by?” Her demeanor much more solemn, experiencing so much blood shed and violence had seemed to harden Shappa in a peculiar way. For now, it’s how she coped with the screams, yet she wouldn’t give up on herself to help these badger folk.



Although, it was good that these two tribes of similar kin were finally able to reconcile and set their differences aside for their very survival.



A bittersweet turn of events as Okras began to have a degree of difficulty. “Okras..” she muttered before running to his side. “..no.. you can’t..” she said as she held the badger chiefs clawed hand, tears beginning to well in her eyes. “..there must be something we can do.” She said turning to the badger healer, searching her face for some kind of answer, an alternative, an herb. Something. Anything.



After some time, she overcame her grief and disbelief as the others spoke among themselves about the next course of action.



Getting up she started towards Hunters side, looking over the new members among them before gazing out into the battle field which only hours before was green and lush; a picturesque horizon contrasted by the vast forest and meadows.



Now, a red stained field, she shook her head quietly as she looked down at her moccasins, wondering if she could have done more, perhaps their involvement made matters worse.

 

[Dragonlord318]

DAVID LISTMAN



​

David brushed blood from his blade, having helped Laeve and the elderly badger take down the giant hydra from before. Okras was lying down, Laeve joining the other healer in administering their healing arts. The swordsman didn't know who the Native-American-looking man was, but since he was here before him, he felt he at least deserved an introduction.

He dipped his head once in greeting. "David Listman, blade for hire. The healer," he gestured to the elderly badger woman, "contracted me on a purge quest, to help their tribe get rid of an age old enemy." He eyed the young woman, who was standing nearby, but not near him, with a ferret-looking thing as she too cleaned up after the fight. Dismissing her as another person summoned to help, he looked back at the tribal warrior. "And you are?" he asked professionally.

Orikanyo Skyhunter squidpeanut