Graded [Kananto Village] The Dead awake at Night (Blue Viscera Occult Questline)

[Skyhunter]

5:30 PM - Windy - Cloudy, looks like it may rain soon

In the Northern Forests of Ryken, a stench of death lingers in the air around the quite large village of Kananto, sitting at a 2 miles long (3.219 kilometers) and 3 miles wide (4.828 kilometers) the village was fortified, having strong walls here and there then makeshift weaker walls everywhere else. The walls were painted with old dried blood and fresh wet blood. 6 towers have been made with large ballistas on top of them around the walls, a few of them looked damaged and wouldn't work since no man was manning one.



A creek ran through the village and pass the three just coming into view of Kananto, a sign written with Kananto showed the name of the village, Gawain, Atiifa and Renee would see the creek was a deep red and polluted with decayed and rotten flesh of corpses. The way the current was headed towards the village, corpses laid in the creek and was polluting the water for Kananto. Around the village laid many dead and cut up corpses that plagued the field. But a stranger sight was all the standing bodies around the village, there had to be at least 100 people standing around the village, but a closer inspection would show these were not regular people but decaying corpses rather. Each faced the walls of the village, it was as if they were waiting for something or someone.



At the walls of the village, there was a look of someone climbing over the wall! But it wasn't from the outside in. It was from the inside out! Someone was jumping the wall. " Harris! No! " A woman shrieked as the man landed on his feet now outside. A couple people on top of the walls looked over to see if this Harris was okay, the man held a scabbard and had a small bag on his back. He tried making a run through the wall of bodies that surrounded his home, any corpse in the vicinity turned their head towards this renegade and immediately they shambled towards their prey.

There was yells and screams from the man as he did his best to fight. Hacking and slicing but it didn't work, he was overwhelmed easily and at least ten bodies brought him to the ground as he was left to his fate. Screams filled the air as the zombies feasted. The woman on the walls cried as she watched the man become lunch for these hungry heathens. Soon the screams and yells stopped and only silence filled the air. " Well shit. " Renee commented quietly as she crossed her arms watching the scene unravel.

Elsewhere...



For Kalina, the journey has been long and rough, heading north to find a old friend hadn't been easy, especially with all the creatures that lingered about and pockets of strangeness that happened up here. It was no wonder no one lived up here or less and less people were. For the vampire she would remember of a old friend that greeted her in that church a few years back, she would remember that she told the undead rogue that she lived up north where not many people stayed at. For the isolation and strangeness that occurred really. While Kalina was in deep thought, a horrid stench would hit her, reeking of death and decay. Tainted blood was in the air, Kalina would taste it.

But before she could think as she traveled down a dirt path, she would see a sign that was written with, Kananto 1 Mile (1.609 kilometers) The village's name. The sign looked old, moss and fungus grew on it, the sign was slowly rotting away. Becoming one with nature. There sounds of walking, from the side of the forest, a hooded figure was shambling in direction towards the village quietly. He had the height and size of a old man. He groaned a little, sounding like he was in pain.

Mentions: Dante Verren Vexumin Elvario EMIYAman

 

[EMIYAman]

HOST CONNECTION DETECTED

EXECUTE NEW HOST REGISTRATION PROTOCOL

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ERROR HOST VITAL SIGNS UNDETECTED

KURIKARA UNIT-01 CANNOT BE REACTIVATED UNTIL HOST CONNECTION IS ESTABLISHED

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ERROR HOST CONNECTION DETECTED
ERROR HOST EXISTENCE UNVERIFIED

ERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERRORERROERROERRORERRORERRORERR-

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EXCEPTION HAS OCCURED

BYPASSING HOST REGISTRATION PROTOCOL

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INITIATING KURIKARA UNIT-01 SYSTEM INTEGRITY SCAN

ARTIFICIAL SPIRIT INTELLIGENCE. OPERATING 200% ABOVE SYSTEM CAPACITY
WARNING: MANIFESTASTION OF LEGENDARY DEEDS DRIVE. 9% FUNCTIONAL
WARNING: MANA ENHANCEMENT GESTATION ACCUATOR. 5% FUNCTIONAL
WARNING: SIX REALMS ACTUALIZATION. 16.67% FUNCTIONAL ATTEMPTING MENTAL ELIGHTENMENT PROTOCL FIVE RINGS

...

-SIX REALMS EARTH. TRUE
-SIX REALMS WATER. FALSE
-SIX REALMS FIRE. FALSE
-SIX REALMS WIND. FALSE
-SIX REALMS VOID. FALSE

FIERCE DEITY KURIKARA CONCEPTUAL FORTIFICATION ARMOR. 2% FUNCTIONAL

...

SYSTEM INTEGRITY SCAN COMPLETE RECOMMEND TO SEEK GRAND FORGEMASTER UNIT AMANO
REBOOTING...
ALL HAIL ALVHEIM

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Kalina was in a tad bit of a bad mood. As always, she was carrying her weapons in a concealed way and had disguised her most vampiric feature, namely by wearing fake teeth implants to hide her fangs. The latter meant she could travel relatively safely along the roads, as far as guards and patrols were concerned, but it didn't make things less of a headache. Anytime she saw a patrol, she had to smile and hope they wouldn't suspect her of anything. It was rather tiresome.

To make matters worse, the weather looked like it was about to turn. It was the least of her concerns. Now that she had gotten this far north, the area felt like a mixture of bad and worse. At this rate, the person she was looking for might be the only good thing left this far north. The scent of death and decay that eventually hit her were rather unwelcome. She liked her blood a lot fresher than the horrid smell suggested the nearby source to be.

She spotted a decaying sign, but could still make out the name and distance. It'd still be a bit of a hike, if she were to go there. Well... She probably should go there, as she was getting more than a bit lost in these woods. Risking exposure to guards was currently a lesser risk than straying further and further into the forests. However, a third option exposed itself, as she spotted an old man.

Normally, she wouldn't think twice of people wandering the roads, but the scent of death and decay had made her weary. Her hand instinctively reached for her crossbow, loaded and ready, but she left it hidden underneath her coat for now. “Sir?” She called out to the man. “Are you alright?”

 

[Vexumin]

Atiifa




The small masked creature looked on as the poor man sought to free himself from the confines of the town, for whatever reason. The male did not last long in the field of dormant undead as they 'woke up' in mere moments after the man had drawn near. Even as the individual met a gruesome and far from merciful death, Atiifa did not feel all too affected by the unfortunate death. Something in his mind was glad that the three now learned that the undead were still trouble, even if they were still. Another part of him was unsettled that such a fate could possibly befall him if he was not careful. However, not a moment passed where he demonstrated worry or care for the mans passing. It was as if he viewed the death as an informative event.

With each passing encounter with other people, he discovers the unsettling mindset that this body has bestowed upon him. He had to focus though. He did not want to fall prey to wandering zombies that he was unaware of. The new thing that worried him was just how effective his spells would be against a tiny army of the dead. Perhaps his ability to sap the life from creatures could come in handy if needed, maybe. Otherwise he was going to be rather useless against these creatures. It was something worth testing eventually.

"How are we even going to get past this?" Atiifa asks, tilting his head slightly to the side. "Was the plan to stop in this place? If so, I only wonder what our next step is. Maybe we wait and see what happens?"

Interacting with Skyhunter Dante Verren

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
Interactions: Skyhunter Vexumin


Gawain remained silent as the horde of undead spread out before him. The only noise he made was the creaking of bones as his head turned to scan to the left then the right. When the brace yet foolish man made his desperate attempt at freedom only to meet a gruesome end, Gawain's hands balled into fist. What a truly horrible way to die. What options did these people have? To be eaten alive by the undead horde or to starve inside their walled city. As the cry's of the screaming woman washed over the infested plain and across Gawain's ears he felt a surge in his body. Like a burning inferno he felt his anger well up/ It was a good thing he didn't have lips or a tongue, if he did he would have likely bit one of them so hard they would have bled.

How was this fair? To be sandwiched between two horrible fates. What had these people done to earn such a brutal end. What sins could warrant such evil? Gawain likely already knew the answer, they had probably done nothing and were merely victims of circumstance. These people were just like the victims of Luca, normal folk who ended up in a bad situation and now were going to be devoured by evil. Gawain could not allow this. Gawain would not allow this.

As Atiifa started to speak Gawain moved his hand to the sword that hung at his waist. Slowly he drew the blade taking comfort in the sound of the metal being pulled free of the leather. "Wait here if you wish, But I am going." He took a few steps before stopping and lowering the hood to reveal his skeletal face to the open air. "If I am lucky, the dead won't pay attention to another undead walking amongst them".

 

[Skyhunter]

Renee's eyes watched these corpses tear at the body of their victim, blood splashed into the air as body parts were ripped off and apart. She had seen zombies before, her old master would keep them around as thralls to do whatever she required as servants. They listened and understood whatever her master said, if Renee ever tried to tell them what to do they would get angry and "hungry." As she called it when they tried to eat her, her master would stop them then scold her for trying to command them. But Renee was used to zombies and other weird things that happened during her time in training with her master.



Renee was snapped out of her thoughts when by Atiifa's words, she turned her head to face the smaller creature. She crouched down to his size as her hand rubbed the top of his head. " Well this was going to be our first stop after what happened not long ago, I wanted to sleep in a bed and have a nice drink. " Renee grinned happily. " This town was a nice place to stop at when me and my master needed to stop by the city for supplies we couldn't find up here in the north. These people are kind and usually had a lot of business in hunting. " Renee explained, reminiscing the old times her and her master would travel together.

Renee was knocked out of thought when she heard a sword unsheath from its scabbard, turning around to see the Skeleton Knight, Gawain, about to walk out into battle with a whole field of undead. The witch stood up and quickly ran in front of Gawain. " Wait. " She made sure not to yell too loudly, surprisingly zombies could hear better than humans could. If Renee spoke too loudly, these shambling and patient corpses would know where they were at and would attack without hesitation. While not exactly scary on their own, in a whole horde they were terrifying, power in numbers. " Do not go out there just yet, Gawain. " She placed her hands on his chest to try and stop him, " We need to come up with a plan. You go out there you'll show them our position and they'll attack us. We may escape but we could jeopardize Kananto into a worst position than it already is in, Sir Knight. "

Renee looked out to the field to where the corpses feasted on the dead body. One eating raised its head only for a arrow to fly through it's skull, putting it down. A few more arrows came from the wall of the town, sticking a few more feasting corpses through their heads. That woman was holding a crossbow, crying as she pulled it back and loaded a arrow, firing it at the group of zombies. Crying as she fired. " You bastards! You killed my only love! " she vented. But as each of these corpses fell, from the forest towards the West, a corpse came shambling out for each that was put down. Only to replace each that was killed off. " It won't matter how many you kill Gawain. A new one will only take a dead... More dead's place. " Renee explained. " I don't know what this is, what kind of magic this is but this has to stop. Whoever is doing this has what looks like complete control over these undead. Its a strategic plan it looks like. "

Looking to the two of her companions. " We have to get into that village. " Renee told the two. " It's safer in there than out here. "

Below in the small catacombs of Kananto...



Kurikara would be able to move slightly, trapped inside a pitch black box, but this was made of stone not wood. Inside this box it was quiet and cold. Nothing moved within and there was no sign of life. But something strange happened. The lid of this box opened up and fell forward, slamming onto the cold ground. Torches hung on the walls, illuminating the inside of the box. From the confines of the box, Kurikara would find himself now able to move freely, but upon getting out, he would hear the groans and moans, in front of him laid a hallway with what appeared to be holes in the walls with coffins laying within these large holes, the coffins began opening up, hands from within moving the stone lids to the side pushing them off as they slammed down with a loud THUD.

Then corpses began to rise from these coffins as they rolled out of these coffins and fell to the ground, many slowly got up to their feet and began to move away from where Kurikara laid. They were heading in a certain direction, the way out. Then a shriek of a woman was heard, another man yelled. " Oh gods! Our own tombs are now infested! " The man yelled. " Sally, hurry, run upstairs! Tell everyone- AGH AGGGGGGGHHH! " The man began screaming as he was most likely attacked these creatures. They kept moving, even pass Kurikara's coffin to where this hallway lead and around a corner. A feast was beginning as a Trojan Horse was brewing.

South of Kananto...



As Kalina approached the old man, calling out to the man, he did not answer, but as she grew closer the stench of death reeked terribly off this man. When close enough. The man turned around, blood dripping from his mouth. He groaned as he faced Kalina. There was quiet muttering and whispering. " H-Help... Me.... " he sniffled and pleaded but just as he finished his words he lunged forward to attack Kalina like a madman, hungry. Eyes full of ferocity, hunger and death. His face looked like it had been bitten, one of his eyes was missing there was nothing but rotten flesh and tendril.



While this turned and decayed man charged Kalina, a figure moved out of the forest and onto the path, holding a crossbow, he aimed it and fired it, his arrow finding his place in the skull of the turned old man. Footsteps shambling from behind Kalina could be heard, if she was quick enough and turned, she would see a couple more undead making their way towards Kalina. " Oi, little lady. Come on this way, they're starting to wake up now! " the man called as he loaded his crossbow with another arrow from a quiver on his leg. The man looked like a Hunter as he was ready to aim and fire his crossbow again.

But from behind him a shambling corpses grabbed his crossbow arm and caused him to aim elsewhere and fire into a tree. The hunter caught off guard and surprised, slammed the contraction into the face of the undead, taking it to the ground where he raised a boot and stomped on its head, making it pop like a zit. Leaving the two in front of Kalina for the vampire to handle, their tainted blood reeked.



Mentions: Dante Verren Vexumin EMIYAman Elvario

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Kalina was surprisingly unsurprised when the man tried to attack her. The stench of death and decay was simply too strong for her to trust whomever or whatever he was. She'd been keeping her hand-crossbow at the ready, intending to pull it out and shoot before the man could cross the distance, as she wouldn't have had a single good reason to get in arms reach of him. The grossness of his face took her a little-off-guard and made her glad she didn't have anything in a her stomach that might have otherwise been forced out.

Before she could fire a bolt at the old man, however, she was beaten to it. Someone else managed to finish off the old man with a bolt. As the hunter responsible called out to her, her mind started to turn in full gear. Should she fake being a damsel in distress? No. He might have called her a 'little lady' for some reason, but he'd have already seen her with her weapon. Should she pretend to be a huntress? She doubted she would get away with it. In the end, she figured she had to go with a plain reply, as delaying her answer would only make her look all the more suspicious. “Who... what are they?” She was pretty sure she already knew the answer, but asking the question was important to not look too suspicious and she might just learn a thing or two regardless.

There wasn't any time for an answer, as the 'waking up' happened faster than she expected. Whilst the hunter was almost caught by one, more undead were making their way towards her. Taking an example from the hunter, it looked like the skulls were the place to fire at, she she'd shoot her crossbow bolt at the skull of the nearest zombie. Any chance at faking innocence would be ruined by showing combat experience, but she'd rather not risk dying to a zombie over being forced into coming up with an explanation later. A quick estimation of the distance and speed of the zombies would tell her whether or not she'd be able to load and fire another crossbow bolt at the second one's skull, or whether she'd have better luck stabbing her rapier at the skull of the second one. Be it with her crossbow or rapier, she'd attempt to 'pop' another head, before addressing the hunter again. “What's going on here?” She sincerely hoped this wasn't Renee's doing.

 

[EMIYAman]

KURIKARA​

Kurikara slowly came to as the reactivation sequence finished running its diagnostics. What immediately struck him was how weak he felt, never before had he felt so... feeble. His power, which he instinctually knew the heights it could reach felt so distant. He could never be an effective weapon for his user like this, he felt frustrated... This was strange to him never before had his thoughts felt so, inefficient. He was an onboard Artificial Spirit Intelligence meant to support his user, but now things felt different. Why can he think like this? Why can think at all other than running the armors magical programs and providing tactical data he should not be this conscious! Was this how the users felt he wondered. Such chaotic emotions, so inefficient no wonder they had needed him. But as he is now what could he possibly offer them, and if they had no need of him what then was his purpose? Speaking of which... He brought himself back to the current situation to gain a handle on his current mission.

He was in a tomb of sorts all around him laid coffins and other burial sites. Kurikara then realized that he too had been in one those his had been made entirely of a black stone, whose lid now lay upon the ground. He grabbed the sides of the coffin and pushed himself out, he was not alone. Others were emerging from coffins though they were nothing like him they were animated corpses, zombies. Data came to him one of his previous users had copious amounts of experience fighting these abominations, monsters which went against the sanctity of life! He could not suffer them to exist any longer!!! Ah, was that thought... his or was it someone elses? Before he could pursue this line of thought a women's screech pierced his sound detection system and soon after a man was brutally eaten and ripped apart by the undead. He felt it again that rage that was both his and wasn't, this was a time for action he was a tool a weapon he was meant to be on the battlefield user or not.

He gripped the familiar blade he felt in his hand, yes this was right. While he had been weaken he was till a match for the rotting flesh of the undead. He held his sword parallel to the ground in a tight grip and dashed forward cleaving a zombie in two. Weak, sloppy he had atrophied in his slumber now he must shake off the rust . One slice, quick, efficient, perfect that is what he aspired too. He dashed from zombie to zombie decapitating them as often as possible. He used his Kishin-ryu style to the fullest extent possible he would cleanse this place of the undead filth and leave this place. What came next did not matter, not on the battlefield. Here Kurikaras mind was clear no other fleeting distractions materialized. In this place a weapon may find meaning a satisfaction granted only to a tool, let all who witness this see that THIS is his worth!

 

[Vexumin]

Atiifa



Atiifa blinks as a hand run across the top of his head. He looks up at Renee for a moment, making him realize just how lost in his own mind he was. It was like being pulled up from the depths of a deep black pool of thought. His focus had been on the situation before him, so much so that he forgot about those he was with, even if it was just for a moment. Now that he thought about the others, he worked on trying to think of some kind of plan as well that would allow them all to reach their destination.

He considered his spells for a moment. No Man's Land existed to ward off creatures, but would it work on the dead? If it did, he might just be able to help clear a path through this horde, if that was even an option. The only problem is that he had no way to test out his idea. If they tried to experiment on one of these undead, it could alert the entire horde to their presence, and whether the spell worked or not would not matter, as they would be swarmed and overwhelmed in the matter of seconds. No Man's Land offered only ten seconds of continuous use until it wore him out and he had to take a moment to get his strength back enough to use it.

If he wanted to be useful towards his comrades, then he would likely need to be honest now. While he didn't have to be completely honest, he at least had to tell some kind of truth about himself. He turns to his companions and steps towards them as Renee stopped Gawains advance. "I should probably let you both know, but I know a bit of magic as well. The only problem is that I'm not sure it would work on these zombies. My magic is a bit... different, I think." Atiifa crosses his arms. If he did not have fur on his body, these straw robes would be hell on his body. They kind of already were hell on him, but he didn't mind it very much. "Going after whoever is doing... this is likely untouchable or... quite defended," he says, gesturing to the field of undead. "Perhaps there is another way into the town? That, or we try to spearhead our way through the horde. That man was by himself. We are three potentially capable fighters."

Interacting with: Skyhunter Dante Verren

 

[Skyhunter]

(For this round, skipping Dante Verren and Vexumin get the others caught up)
5:34 PM

Below inside the catacombs of Kananto...



With each hack and slash, blood splashed onto the floor and painted the walls, each zombie was unsuspecting, growling and groaning as their heads each was sliced with clean and precise strikes. Heads fell onto the ground, still growling and groaning, moving their mouths as they desperately tried to bite anything that came near their maw even if there was nothing. The Trojan Horse had been dismantled.

The man that the animated corpses got hold of was no longer breathing and had been torn to shreds, his body was broken, distorted and ripped. Face no longer recognizable while a pool of his blood surrounded him along with the tainted blood of these animated dead. There was screaming from above, a hysterical woman yelling and screaming.

Then loud thuds came from above and made their way downstairs where Kurikara was meters away from. A man in clad and leather armour holding a war axe stood in the doorway. Wearing armour that a zombie wouldn't be able to bite through. Kurikara's new opponent stared him down. " You brought these corpses back to life? Looks like you killed them. " the man rumbled. " No. You killed them all, but doesn't mean you're trustworthy, especially with how you look and with that blade in hand. Who are you? " the man held his axe now, assuming a stand with his side directed towards Kurikara, raised his axe like a sword, pointing the top towards Kurikara. Then with quick movements, the man charged forward and began swinging his axe quickly like it made of air, trying to disassemble Kurikara as quickly and aggressively as possible. Stepping on the eaten man's skull as it began to now turn making noises. His quick and powerful swings would push Kurikara back easily, his strength was insanely high.



South of Kananto...



The Hunter laughed at Kalina's question as he had killed his undead attacker. " Come on now. You know what these are, a young looking lady dressed as a capable fair Maiden wielding a crossbow and rapier knows these are undead. Resurrected corpses. " The hynter readied his crossbow again, placing another bolt into it. When finished reloading, the hunter faced Kalina when questioned.

" My fair lady, whats going on is the Village of Kananto is being besieged by Undead. " The Hunter explained. " You're not undead so we are allies. " he held his hand out to the disguised vampire. " Garvin. A pleasure. " whether Kalina took his hand and shook it did not matter. He turned around and began walking away, waving a hand for her to follow. " I left to go grab supplies for our village, two weeks i was gone, when I came back my entire village has been attacked and surrounded. I have a camp nearby with supplies for the town but I'm not able to get in. " Garvin explained.



" The undead 'sleep' during the day, they don't move at all unless provoked like someone attacking them or running by them. They will then attack them and well... you know what happens next. I've been studying them for a week now. My village doesn't know I'm back yet. " Garvin looked back as they walked north towards the village. " But no matter how many we kill, they seem to always replace their fallen. I've watched from the trees the Kananto defenses kill off many of the horde but from the West, more seem to come and take their places. Its rather strange. " Garvin explained. " Now. Tell me, what brings a fair maiden such as yourself up this far north? " the Hunter asked Kalina.

Mentions: Elvario EMIYAman

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Her fist lie was seen through like it was made out of glass should've gotten points in deception, but that was of no real concern. She was able to back-up her statement with something that was actually true, at least to some degree. “I'm sorry, that old one took me off-guard, as he sounded like he was calling for help at first. I thought that all that undead did was make gurgling and growling noises.” She too, reloaded her crossbow.

“They're besieging an entire village?” It was a little difficult to believe, but she didn't have any particular reason to distrust him. He wasn't able to look through her disguise, but she was hesitant about the handshake. It might give away her lack of body-temperature. However, with the current temperature being somewhat on the colder side, a short hand-shake shouldn't be too suspicious, as he'd likely just think her hands had gotten a bit cold from having held the cold metal of her weapons. As such, she took his hand and shook it.“Kalina Chivernu, the pleasure is mutual.”

The hunter being unable to get into his village sounded problematic, but the man's next sentence confused her. “Pardon my ignorance, but if they sleep during the day, what's to stop you from sneaking into town during the day?” He didn't make it sound like sneaking past the sleeping undead would be too difficult, or perhaps he was just horrible at stealth.

Another thing he said stood out. “If they're replacing their fallen, does that mean someone is actively turning more and more corpses into undead? Are their numbers growing or keeping steady?” If the numbers were growing, it'd suggest that someone was trying to built up an army of the dead. If the numbers kept steady, it suggested someone was just keeping the village suppressed. Both scenario's assumed that this was a being's doing though, rather than some odd natural phenomenon.

Finally, the dreaded question arrived. An inquiry after her business here. Luckily enough, she'd been given enough time to spin a tale. “I've heard rumours that bad things were happening here, so I came to look for my sister, who I've lost contact with.”

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
interactions: Skyhunter Vexumin


As Renee stepped in front of him to stop him from his advance the empty sockets that served as his eyes glared down with her moving his anger off of his enemies and down onto her. After she explained herself and Gawain had a second to think it over he calmed down a bit "Fine you are right." he hissed. His frustration only grew as the screams from the wall continued to echo across the empty field. It was then that Atiifa chimed in with his magic, though the little creature was unsure that it would be able to effect the undead. This was certainly complicated and he was no strategist, but charging in wasn't going to work and they couldn't just stay here. If the stayed in one spot for too long the chances of them getting spotted were higher then he would like to admit.

"So what is the plan? Do we find a way around or to we go for the source." Gawain said in a hushed tone. Gesturing with his blade he indicated to the side where the undead were coming from. "Should we cut around to the side and potentially find either the root cause? We could also look for a secondary way in, perhaps an area where the undead is thinner that leads to a sewer or perhaps an underground area. If we are lucky we might even discover a part of the wall that is easier to get over or through that the undead haven't found yet."

No matter what they did Gawain knew they had to move fast. If something happened and the wall was breached while they waited to come up with a plan then they likely wouldn't be able to save anyone. Perhaps trying to save everyone in the village was a foolish idea. Even then it was something he wanted to do. Something he had to try.

 

[EMIYAman]

KURIKARA​

The passing of time was a fleeting distraction. As far as Kurikara was concerned he could have been down there fighting for minutes or days, it mattered little. He cut the zombies down like weeds in an otherwise perfect garden. No spare though was given to anything outside of the battle, this was simply the place his mind was most clear. Here the sudden disorientation that came with his newly gained free will did not trouble him, here he was in his most natural and comfortable state. It might seem strange but for a being like Kurikara to fight is to be at peace its an almost therapeutic or even spiritual experience. For a weapon nothing is as welcoming as battle.

There was none left alive within the catacombs to witness his task yet he continued all the same, he cut through scores of the undead one after the other. They were all the same and offered no challenge to him. He took no joy from destroying them yet he did feel the stirrings of an emotion which had been alien to him, disappointment. It would seem to him that he now possesses desires, chief among them is "challenge". This development was troublesome to him a weapon need not desire. This change he now suffers may be more problematic than he could have imagined... Kurikara stops for a moment normally the flow of battle should not have allowed him such time for stray musings, ah, that was it.

He stood alone in the catacombs the moaning and shuffling of the dead have ceased. All that is left is a large quantity of rotting corpses and blood. Before Kurikara can wonder what next to make of himself loud thuds echo throughout the tomb coming from the stairwell in front of him. With slow deliberate steps showing not an ounce if worry or fear appears a large intimidating man. His visage was one of power, the armor he wore was large and heavy interspaced between layers of thick leather armor were pieces of studded steel and the design seemed to evoke the style of an executioner. The huge axe he wielded with extreme deftness only strengthened the image. With a deep gravely voice he accused Kurikara of summoning the undead, before quickly dismissing the idea. The man seemed to not be in league with whatever power had raised the dead, but that did not make him an ally. It seems the man had also reached the same conclusion as he readied himself for battle settling into a stance before charging Kurikara and demanding he reveal his identity. Despite the circumstances, despite their reasons these two were warriors and when these two meet a clash is inevitable.

The hulking man had addressed Kurikara but didn't seem willing to wait for an answer. Not that he would get one, Kurikara was barely getting used to independent though let alone conversation. So he said nothing merely readied himself. He held his blade aloft in his right hand bringing it up in front of his face till its edge was parallel with the ground, then he brought it down in a swift motion in a warriors salute the blade now held out in front of him at an angle. He had never performed this action before now, but it felt right. The man wasted no time and with a surprising speed for one so large swung his axe at Kurikara. His swings were wide and aggressive but this was no mindless berserker his power was tempered and used effectively. Kurikara was strong by normal standards there was no doubt of that but this man was greater still, in his prime the axe wielding warriors strength would have been something to take note of but would be a far cry from his own power. This is just further proof of how far he has fallen, nevertheless... Kurikara sensing the raw power behind his wild swings dodged back with a quick step hoping to distance between them, however the size of the catacombs was not suited for such a task it was narrow and the ceiling fairly low. Retreat was not an option the reach of his blade could not rival the mans axe and the quick powerful sword style he made use of could not end the man swiftly enough a decisive blow as he was now and against the mans defenses was simply too difficult to manage. If he could not leverage his advantages, then he would just have to invalidate his enemies! Kurikara ceased his futile retreat and met the mans charge with his own. He stepped into the mans defenses where only the shaft of the axe could strike him without the man shifting his position or pulling the axe back in, and in such confined space that was easier said than done. Despite the mans intimidating armor the nature of vulnerabilities in man never changed. The joints, armpits, groin and knees those would be where his armor was most vulnerable. Due to the dimensions of the catacombs the man would not be able to do overhead strikes with his axe without having to hold it awkwardly which meant his most likely move would be large swings from the sides, powerful but predictable and leaving him open even with his speed. His plan was a sound one, it was simple enough but it would still be sufficient for most human enemies. Yet, Kurikara couldn't shake that despite the remains of his tactical data and the logical conclusion to his plan. This would not be easy. With his goals centered in his mind he swung his blade.

 

[Skyhunter]

5:43 PM





North of Kananto...

Renee Nyx



Could see the frustration, even though he was a skeleton, on his emotionless face, the way he stood and held his sword, he wanted to help these people. And so did Renee, for a little bit at least. When Gawain was able to calm himself, Renee gave a assuring smile of kindness. " Calm down, skeleton knight, we will figure a way out. " she turned to face the field, when considering they go to the source or if they should find a way in. " We shouldn't go to the source just yet. There could be more waiting in there. Besides, we don't have a lot of information on what is happening. Going in would be a trap. " Renee explained to Gawain and Atiffa " What i think is happening here though... The way these animated dead are being controlled like this... It reminds me of something. " Renee began to think but she couldn't remember it was, something her master taught her or told her. She couldn't remember.

Atiifa then joined the conversation, explaining he knew some sort of magic, immediately Renee grabbed the small beast by his shoulders. " I knew it! " she began to gently shake him, her eyes were wide. " What ancient magics do you know, little one! " She looked a bit crazy, realizing what she was doing she stopped and shook her head. " Sorry. I don't know what took me. " she rubbed Atiifa's head and gave him a gentle hug. " I'm sorry, my little beast. I hope I didn't scare you. " Renee sounded sincere. She pulled away and looked at him now with a more serious look. " Tell me what you know and I'll decide if it will be useful in our current situation. "

Looking up at Gawain when asked what were they to do, Renee nodded a little. " We need to wait and find a opening, if we run head in we will be eaten. If we try to find a way around to get into the town, we will be torn to shreds. I think we should either try to make ourselves known and show to village people we are here. " Renee let little Atiifa go and patted his head standing up. " What do you think we should do? " She asked Gawain. " We could wait but as you said, that leaves us vulnerable. But if we make ourselves known to the village, that could also make ourselves targets for these undead. Getting into that town is our best bet. " Renee explained.

Underneath in the catacombs of Kananto...


Throughout the little bout these two warriors had, not knowing the past of one another, the only thing that explained anything to them was what they wore and what they held as weapons, Kurikara's description of this unknown bulky warrior was pretty close to truth. As this warrior applied the pressure, pushing back Kurikara deeper into the catacombs, the sounds of metal clanging and scraping against each other were loud.


Even this warrior's axe slammed through a couple of walls and coffins, causing dust and rocks to fly into the air, he didn't sound the least bit tired and his movements did not slow down. Swinging the axe sideways, Kurikara stepped in ready to stab the man, as the axe flew over his head and slammed into the wall getting stuck, one hand had released the handle and as Kurikara swung, his hand grabbed the handle where his hand was. " What do you think this is? " He asked. " Thought this was going to be easy? " the rough man chuckled a little, enjoying their little fight.

" HEY! " A man called behind the hulking executioner. When they both looked, they would see a older man in a well dressed suit. Staring at the two with a couple of townspeople behind him. They all looked very hungry and starved, their clothes were all baggy on them. " Would you two fools stop this at once, we have bigger problems. Mainly the desecration of our sacred tomb for the previous mayors of Kananto! " He looked unhappy. The executioner sighed and released Kurikara, pulling the axe from the wall, breaking it more. " And mainly that young Harris just threw himself over the wall only to be devoured by those... those corpses! " He continued to berate them. " Garrett! They need you at the wall. I need to talk to our new friend here. "



The man stepped forward as Garrett, the hulking executioner walled away from Kurikara, he was bigger than everyone else in these catacombs. He just a little taller than Kurikara, standing at 6' 4". The well dressed man moved for Garrett and approached Kurikara. " Hello, friend. My name is Dovus, or Mayor Dovus as people call me. I apologize for our... Friend, he is very aggressive if you know what I mean. " He leaned forward and whispered the last part, smiling, the mayor beckoned him forward. " Come friend, we could put that sword to use. " Dovus turned back around and headed on up the stairs. As Kurikara approached, it looked like people were afraid of Kurikara, his size and foreign armor along with his sword made him intimidating. " Just up here, we are having problems as you will soon see. " Dovus called. When Kyrikara reached the top of the stairs he would see that he was inside a village, with most of the villagers surrounding the entrance of the tomb. Dovus was standing before them on some sort of box to see and speak to everyone.

The village wasn't too impressive, people looked very down or depressed, it would smell terrible, some of the buildings and homes looked run-down, but Dovus still looked kind and hopeful. " My fellow villagers! Fear not! The undead did rise inside of our sacred tomb but they were dispatched by our new friend here. Garrett went down to see and it seemed they were already dealt with, besides the desecration of our previous mayors below, we may have hope my fellow villagers. This foreigner is a warrior! A warrior who may help us rid away with these heathens that have surrounded us and pushed us into our homes to starve! " This Dovus basically had forced Kurikara to say he would help. " Now please, our new friend. Tell us your name! " he slid a hand towards Kurikara for him to speak.

South of Kananto...

" Well my dear Kalina, what's stopping us is even in the day, they act like sentries, I've been studying them for a while now and watched people try to escape. I can only get the supplies through the front gate and that's where most of the undead are at. " Garvin explained, leading them off the path and into the forest. Still holding his crossbow in one hand, ready for anything. " They will jump onto anyone, as if they wake up from their slumber, once they're done eat and devouring their prey. They move back into position and face the village again. At night, its worst. " The Hunter sighed. " They constantly move to the walls and pound on them, trying to break them while they make as much noise as they possibly can. Trying to deprive the villagers of sleep while trying to break into their homes. Then when morning comes, they move back to their original positions. "



Upon hearing Kalina's very well mannered question, he laughed a little. " My my, very well mannered. Aren't you? Well my dear, it seems they may be growing their ranks or trying to. I haven't tried to go and investigate where they are coming from yet. My people need these supplies or they'll surely die. " Garvin looked to Kalina. " My camp isn't too far from here where the supplies are at and where my currently horse is with the wagon of supplies. We'll be safe there. " He looked to the vampire before turning to lead her farther into the forest.

After what seemed like fifteen to twenty minutes, Kalina would see what looked like a large Grove and grass that looked smash from a while back by wheels. Garvin moved to the Grove and pulled back some of the Bush to reveal the inside, there was a large wagon with a horse. " Here's where home has been for the meantime. " The horse looked disturbed seeing Kalina, slamming its hooves onto the ground making scared noises, its eyes staring at her like it was terrified. " Aye aye aye! Easy girl, this isn't one of those corpses, she's friendly. She'll get us back safely. " Garvin moved to his horse and began to pat and pet her gently, calming the spooked animal, although it never took its eye off of Kalina, could that be because it knew what she was or was it just scared of what has been happening for the last week and it is terrified of anyone that wasn't her owner.

" So, Kalina. You said you were looking for someone, eh? " He asked as he moved to the center of the Grove where a cold firepit was at, he moved wood from the wagon into the pit and began to light a fire for them to sit next to. " Your sister? You think she may be okay? With all the dead waltzing about? " Garvin asked looking up. " Ah, never mind. Not my business. Look, girly, I need your help. I need to get these supplies to my village. After that, I'll be in your debt. I'll help ye find your sister after these damm buggers are dealt with. Can you help me out? " he asked. " I'm sure my brother is doing well right now, damn you Garrett... " The hunter shook his head.

Mentions: Dante Verren Vexumin EMIYAman Elvario

If you guys got questions, I got answers, just ask in discord

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Kalina couldn't make a lot of sense from the Hunter's explanation. Either he was overly careful or she was underestimating the situation. In either case, she could come up with various ideas to circumvent what seemed to be the issue. She figured she'd pitch one of them to the hunter. “Would those undead still be alerted if you were to sneak around to the backside of the village and chug some supplies over the walls there? During the day of course. You could even have someone lower a rope or basket to hoist up supplies after firing an arrow with a letter over the walls to notify them of your presence and intentions, which might work if the walls are too high to simply chug supplies over them. That's assuming you have no reason to deliver everything, cart and all, at the same time.”

The behaviour of the undead seemed very suspicious. “Did you notice if they reacted to anything in particular? Sound, perhaps, or maybe movement? Perhaps to a source of body warmth or even scent? If they lie in wait to hunt, surely there's something that triggers them to start hunting, a subject you seem knowledgeable in. From my own limited understanding, knowing what to look out for means you can create distractions or mask and disguise whatever triggers them to attack. Either might help getting into the village.” A lot of other things the hunter told her pretty much confirmed that there was an intentional siege going on. Depriving the villagers of sleep and being located in relatively tactical positions, having their ranks bolstered... It sounded rather bad. The fact that they were growing their ranks was even worse, as it meant someone likely intended to take over the village, rather than just keep it pre-occupied with undead.

The hunter's 'home' was not an ideal place, but it'd have to do for a bit of rest. She tried to act natural when the horse got spooked by her, deciding not to get too close to it. To make matters worse, the hunter started to inquire about her sister, although the question wasn't all that thought-out. “I'm here precisely because I fear she's not.” She sneered as she replied. She hoped this wasn't Renee's doing, as she had her reservations about using armies of undead. They smelled horrible and were useless as sources of blood. Then there were also the ethical concerns about commanding armies of the dead to besiege a village, of course. She quickly realised she might've come across as impolite. “My apologies, I'm a bit on edge, as you might understand.”

She sighed. “Helping you out would be acceptable, as getting you into that village might also be in my own best interest. However, I'd prefer using a plan that doesn't face them head on. From what you've told me, I'd put the best chances on shooting an arrow with a message to the villagers, having them lower ropes at the back of the city and hoisting as much of your supplies over the walls as we can, along with you yourself, if you wish to enter that place personally. I could stand-by and create a distraction to lure them away if need-be. If such a plan, or something similar, were to work, I'd be on board.”

 

[Vexumin]

Atiifa



One thing that Atiifa had learned he had not enjoyed in this body was surprise, so as his shoulders were grabbed and he was shaken a bit from Renee's surprise at his knowledge of magic, his body tensed rather fiercely. With Renee, he expected calm pats or something of the sort, but when it came to magic, Atiifa felt like there might be some manner of obsession with the subject matter. The sudden and aggressive touch caught him off guard and he could feel the strength of No Man's Land bubbling to the surface, as if triggered automatically inside of him. He felt his tongue twist, ready to incant the spell, but he bit it before he had a chance to speak.

Soon the witch calmed down and he felt the need to speak the spell fade away. That was a pretty dangerous reaction for him. To feel the need to instantly resort to wielding spells in situations where he felt caught of guard. That could be potentially disastrous, especially if the magic at his command only got stronger. Once Renee had backed off a bit and returned to treating him gently, Atiifa takes a breath, making sure he was calm as well. He soon decided that a small demonstration might be best, as to keep any aggressive approach like that from happening again... or it will turn his comrades against him the moment they saw it.

"I want to show what I have to offer, but please... don't worry about what you see. I would never use such magics on a friend." The small creature takes a few bounding steps away, making some distance between himself and his allies. "The first spell I have to show is one I call No Man's Land. It disturbs things within the area of the spell, warding off things that try to enter." Atiifa draws his staff, a hand reaches for the end of the item, focusing on it as he spoke the words he found necessary to create it. "I cast No Man's Land. Summon forth my domain and ward off all who would cross the threshold into my home." As he speaks the words, a dark haze of energy travels from his fingers and pools at the tip of his staff. The energy was black as it built up, but soon he raises the staff and taps the opposite end against the ground. In half a second, a bubble of wavering air develops all around Atiifa, laying claim to the land as his own and threating unease for all who would enter. The very grass beneath his feet seemed to shrink away from the energy as it washed over the plantlife.

"It's meant to ward off creatures, but I am not sure if an undead would feel the effects as much as a living creature would. Every time I have had to use this so far, it has sent wild animals running as soon as they passed into the spell. I think that it brings them discomfort and paranoia that something bad is about to happen." With the explanation out of the way and allowing a few seconds for the spell to end, Atiifa then turns his attention to a tree. It was time for a demonstration of his next spell. He raises a hand towards the tree, his fingers tightened up, looking like he was pulling at something unseen from the tree. "A hunger calls, only sated by vigor and vitality. Hex of Drain Life." Instantly, a shadowy essence is ripped from the tree, pulled from it as it begins to whither and sag. The wood of the tree splinters from the movement, as if the tree could not bear its strength taken from it and is beginning to crumble as a result. The creaking and cracking stops after a moment and the tree stands there different from the others. Damaged but not destroyed, it would not perish, but it would take some time before it would recover from the effects of the spell.

Atiifa soon approaches his allies once again, though he does so slowly as he gauges their reactions. "Those are the only spells that I know, but they have helped me quite a few times so far."

Interacting with Skyhunter Dante Verren

 

[EMIYAman]

KURIKARA
​

The sudden de-escalation was bizarre to Kurikara. Here he was, a being who has spent most of his time in conflict suddenly being wrenched away from it, and now he was placed into this peculiar position. His enemy was now his ally and had ceased all hostilities, other than the side glances he gave which showed he itched for more, and the undead he had been focused upon were now also out of his immediate proximity. Kurikara was as uncomfortable as someone like him could be. The clear mind he has attained through battle was gone and with it his doubts and that feeling of being lost had returned. Now he has been thrust into a position of peace and cooperation. He was at his most at ease in the midst of battle without it he was unsure. At this point Kurikara would have preferred to have kept fighting the axe warrior, Garrett as he was called, even if his chances of victory had diminished as the fight continued.

This man, this "Mayor Dovus" had manipulated Kurikara his situation must have been quite dire if he was willing to rely on a foreign warrior who seemingly appeared from nowhere with no questions asked. Of course Kurikara as socially inept as he was had no idea as to this he had simply followed because he had no other directives and had been requested too. At the very least he could tell that Garrett was disatisfied with how things had turned out in the end probably wanting to continue their clash, Kurikara found himself agreeing with the sentiment.

Kurikara had been silent their entire walk the people reacted as they saw him and his silence certainly didn't help his image neither did the blood and gore which still covered him from the zombies the stench was likely strong. He was briefly alarmed by the village surrounding the catacombs. The Kurikara armor, or rather he, must have been sealed in there for some time for a whole village to spring up, and then forget about his presence there. No one not even the mayor had shown a shred a recognition, Kurikara wondered if they even remembered his previous user. His memory was corrupted and muddled but he could at least remember a few details as to his past.

As they walked out into the village people seemingly starved and depressed looked at their procession with interest and confusion. They were wary of him but the mayor's presence seemed to alay their concerns. When the mayor started up his uplifting speech more people came until a large crowd surrounded them. Kurikara was quite unhappy when focus had been shifted to him and mayor asked him to introduce himself. To be frank Kurikara didn't know what to say he wasn't quite sure who he was anymore himself and before now he had only ever spoken to his users and few of them had ever addressed him like a person let alone for an uplifting speech and introduction to a mass of despairing villagers. He was stoic and silent for a while just staring out at the crowd not moving and inch. After deliberating what to say he decided to stick with the facts the people were concerned about the situation so he should give a tactical assessment it was what he was good at after all.

A deep but rich voice came from Kurikara it had a quality to that made it sound almost melodic but it was deadpan and without emotion.

"My designation Kurikara, I am a warrior, the total threat the undead pose is inconclusive, total numbers unknown, base of operations unknown, summoner or magic support structure unknown. Further investigation is necessary, but current data concludes that you cannot face them and win."

Kurikara pauses as his words sink in. He isn't doing it to give them time to understand or to inspire despair. He pauses to run further tactical assessment with a variable thrown in.

"This unit can assist and has the necessary power to face the undead based off previous data. Fear not, I shall cut them down no abomination has survived my blade yet. They shall be dashed upon me like the waves upon a cliff and for their efforts they shall be given no quarter. For they face Kurikara."

With that he ceased his words and began walking towards the walls to assess the enemy and defeat them. Kurikara wasn't sure where that last bit had come from he had never give a tactical assessment like that before it was inefficient after all, but something within him had manifested those words and before he realized he had said it it had already been done. He briefly wondered whose words had those been?

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
interactions: Skyhunter Vexumin


Gawain paid little attention to his companions outburst. Between Renee's strange outburst and Atiifa's reaction he was still hard focused on the fate of the village before him. In any other circumstance he might have gotten slightly jealous of the little furball or even impressed by whatever magic's he was putting on display, but for now he did not have the luxury to do so. It was only when Atiifa started the incantation for the draining spell that Gawain turned to watch. If he had eyebrows they would have gone wide as he questioned the spell. Sure he had played games with magic before, but this was his first time actually watching a spell be used. To see one so sinister caused him to be taken slightly aback.

Gawain made a mental note to question Atiifa more about what exactly he was, then swerved his head back to survey the undead. "So we are still left without a plan and teh agreement that we need to get into the city." Tightening his grip on his sword once more Gawain peered from side to side. "How long can you keep up that No man's land? If you can keep it up long enough without driving Renee away the two of you could make it to the wall. I would follow behind and blend in with the other corpses. Moving slowly like the dead would probably be easy enough."

His gaze moved down to the creek, it was another option. "We can take the creek. If you can swim we can make our way through there and go straight into the village. The dead seem to be avoiding it so that might actually be our best chance in. If that doesn't work then I can take the creek myself. I don't need to breathe so I can walk along the bottom and make my way inside. I can then find a way for you both to get in and signal you with some kind of waving flag of the sorts."

 

[Skyhunter]

5:49 PM





At the gates of Kananto...

While Kurikara left the town in shock and silence after what he had just spoken, even the Mayor Dovus didn't really know what to say at first, standing there with a surprised look on his face that all that build up to make these people hopeful again fizzled away like fire to water. Cinders and ash. But as Kurikara made his way towards the gate, everyone moved out of his way and Dovus cleared his throat getting ready. " Alright! Our foreign friend here says he will help push these undead back! There is yet hope! With him and Garrett! We will survive this! " Dovus called to the people as they all began to nod and looking hopeful. Although the anger on his face showed he disapproved of what Kurikara had said.

Reaching the gates, there was a large wooden gate that had steel enforcing the walls and gate itself with a large slab of steel keeping the gates sealed. There was stairs to the sides of the gates and a catwalk above the gate for those to get on top and look over. This catwalk traveled around the village.

Garrett was waiting at the gates as what remained of the guards were readying their crossbows and torches. Garrett stood there quietly with his arms crossed and his axe hacked into the ground. He turned his head seeing Kurikara arriving. He didn't say anything to the lone warrior and looked back to the gates. The guards, 3 of them, wearing basic leather armour and caps, made their way up to the cat walk as one more stood at the gates. Seeing Kurikara approach, Garrett grunted and pointed a finger effortlessly at the gate. The guard quickly pushed the metal slab off the gate and pushed the doors open where the field of undead stood.

Garrett uncrossed his arms and grabbed his axe moving forward out of the village with Kurikara behind him. The zombies 'woke up' now and began moving towards the open gates. The gates closed as the guards on top began raining fire arrows down on the undead creatures. Garrett was a whirlwind of death, moving quickly as he slammed his axe through bone and flesh. Making quick work on the undead as they fell to the ground. From the west, more undead began to approach slowly. Undead from around the walls began to make their way towards the front. Becoming two large hordes as they were being dealt with by Garrett and Kurikara.

North of Kananto...



Renee watched Atiifa perform his magic, she looked impressed as he casting these spells. The first one could be of use, it could push the undead away but if she was wrong, they could be killed. The second one surprised her, she had the same sort of siphoning magic, but hers was able to mend her own wounds and could easily kill weaker beings with it. She had practiced it on animals and such after cutting herself at a younger age, it did work but it wouldn't work on undead maybe. Her electricty powers could work, fry these animated dead, uh, dead again.

Renee turned to the Undead Knight when the creek was mentioned " We could try to swim up the creek. But it looks... Infected. " she pointed it out. " It looks red and I bet undead were killed or dumped in the water, purposely. " Renee pointed out as then she noticed something. Looking to the village again. " What the...? " she muttered. She saw all the undead heading towards the gate. Blood was splashing up into the air along with body parts, fire could he seen as guards from up top were raining fire onto them. " Look at that! " Renee bumped Gawain and looked to Atiifa. " We could use this opportunity to get in there! " She said to both her companions excitedly.

South of Kananto...



Garvin laughed a little at the mention of sneaking supplies in. " Possibly, but I haven't tried it yet. As you've seen my friend here gets spooked very easily. " Garvin pointed to his horse. " Scab here would give away my position and I could easily get trapped. The bastard also could possibly abandoned me. Her last owner wasn't very good to her. I'd only get her killed or me killed. " Garvin sighed a little frustrated. But the idea of shooting a arrow into the village caught his attention, he didn't think about that, he should have. " You know I never thought about that. " He stood up nodding his head. " Yes, that could work. "

" Only problem is, " Garvin started. " Half the village can't read. But if they can get that note or letter to that damn mayor. " He sounded like he did not like this certain mayor. " He could help us. " Garvin looked at Kalina strangely when she got snippy about her sister, but he soon smiled a little when she apologized. " No. You have no need to apologize. I can understand, I'm the same with my brother. " Garvin explained. " I get pretty protective of him. Even though he can handle himself better than I can. " Garvin shook his head.

" Actually. One more thing I forgot to mention. " Garvin looked to the sky above the Grove, telling the time. " Its almost 6 o'clock, thats when a wave comes in to back up the already settled wave. My brother usually thins their numbers everyday from what I've seen. Its actually almost time. " Garvin said getting his crossbow ready. " Stay here if you want, I'm heading out to see how my brother is doing and if the village is still standing. " he made sure to bring his notebook and a bottle of ink with a quill with him. The hunter then left the Grove, heading north.

Mentions: Elvario Dante Verren Vexumin EMIYAman

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

The hunter was a peculiar fellow. Kalina had to suppress her desire to reply something along the lines of “Can't you just leave the horse here and drag the supplies there yourself and make a few extra trips? You've been here for enough days to have gotten quite a lot done if you'd kept it up.” She knew it'd probably only start a pointless argument. At the very least the idea to use an arrow-message connected with him. She was also a little curious to learn more of what was up with this brother of his, but she didn't ask.

Instead, she figured she'd follow the hunter as he went to check in on the village. The fact that he went there by foot, and without even a sliver of supplies, made it too difficult for her to ignore her previous conclusion yet again. So she spoke up. “Shouldn't you at least bring a small bag of supplies or something, to see if you can toss it across the walls at some point? If they're really desperate, even some herbs or some bread or jerky can come a long way.” She truly didn't manage to figure out what was with his 'all or nothing' attitude regarding those supplies he'd brought up. Why not just try to get them handed over bit by bit?

When they arrived at the scene, however, she could confirm a few things. The walls were definitely low enough to toss over some supplies if you could throw well enough, while the towers with ballista would be ideal to hoist up heavier or larger quantities of supplies. Far more important, however, was the scene that was unfolding. She'd spoke up in a hushed voice, as to not alert the undead. “Those two seem to be going all-out on the undead. I'm assuming one is that brother of yours, but who's the other?”

She clicked her tongue. “If they thin out the numbers this much, you might even get that mare of yours to the village... I could help them out a bit and make it count even more... should we engage as well?” She already had her hand on her crossbow. If Garvin were to agree, she'd stealth her way to a better vantage point, from which she'd start using her [Precision Strikes] to fire her crossbow at the skulls of these undead and would switch out weapons to jam her rapier through the head of any of them that'd get close to her.

 

[Vexumin]

Atiifa



As Renee turned back to the field of undead and began to speak as if their luck was turning around, Atiifa did so as well, viewing the chance they had so desperately needed in this moment. His gaze fixes itself upon Gawain for a moment before returning to Renee. There was no real chance of turning back now. With one of his companions preaching that this town was the right place to be in and the other of the two having his mind set on slaying some undead for the sake of the suffering townsfolk, he was thoroughly outnumbered. This was going to be interesting.

He has yet to find himself face to face in combat against an undead being, so Atiifa was incredibly nervous about what lied ahead. He wondered if others were waiting in the forests like he and his allies, lying low and patient until the right opening came. Surely if they managed to make their way here, then others had done the same. Now all he had to do was figure out if No Man's Land would be effective. Until they decided to advance, he thought on the uses of the spell and how well he could control it. For the most part, it is a spell to speak doom to those who pass through. However, it is also a spell that revolves around his plague-craft. Perhaps the effect it has on the mind could threaten to destroy the undead and they would part, not knowing that it was a limited effect. Could these kinds of undead even be tricked though?

They sure seemed smart enough, maybe. It could just be that the pack mentality or whatever magic bound them was driving them to seek the living. Even if the spell did affect the undead, they could simply plow their way through. Atiifa decided to keep his hex-craft more available, but he would attempt the other spell at least once.

Interacting with: Skyhunter Dante Verren

 

[Dante Verren]

Gawain
Interactions: Skyhunter Vexumin


It only took the slight touch from Renee and indication of what was going on to set Gawain charging down the hill. He had seen the horde begin to move, he had heard the call of the horde, and he recognized he sound of battle. He could not stop himself any longer, not that he wanted to. The gates were open and a bloodbath had issued. If he didn't join in the fray now the he would never be able to look either of his companions in the eyes, hell he would never be able to look at himself again. The emotionless expression he was cursed to carry, the empty eye sockets that held nothing, and the grey bone that served as his being. All of that was a reminder for him to strive forward and do better then he had. He had helped Renee, now it was time for him to help this village.

Sword held in his right hand he charged down the hill running faster then he had ever ran in his entire existence. His bones rattled and creaked as they rubbed together against the gear he was carrying. He did not bother to take the time to throw back up the hood of his cloak. Gawain did not have time to consider if those on the wall would fire at him or not. Instead he could hope they would recognize that his movements were less stiff, more alive then those corpse around them. Combined with the fact that he would be cutting through zombies they would probably consider him an ally for the time being.

It took the undead night a moment to catch up with the rear of the horde, but when he did he quickly sniffed out his first foe. A zombie at the far rear of the horde. A creature which was once human, now just a rotted corpse lookin to tear the life out of something that still drew breath. Gawain would have no mercy. Remembering the tale of Zombies from his previous life he aimed straight for the head. Aiming his blade in a downward cut straight to the corpses skull intent on cutting as far down as he could.

 

[Skyhunter]

5:56 PM

North of Kananto...





The witch watched the field as two warriors, some sort of large executioner wielding an axe slammed his way through one side of the undead while another tall white looking warrior with a sword was slicing his way through the other side of the dead. Both were their own forces of nature as they were quickly and easily taking out the dead. Looking to Atiifa she gave a gentle smile, " We'll be able to get in easily and quickly if those two can deal with the dead. We'll get in and be able to get a place to sleep and get a bite along with a drink. " She smiled happily, reassuring the small magical beast everything would work out, but quickly turned her head when she heard running.



" Oh, come on! " She watched the undead knight Gawain running down the field with his sword unsheathed, Renee sounding annoyed. " Atiifa, follow close. " Renee sounded serious as she began chasing after the knight, she was hoping she wouldn't get involved, zombies were messy and always got blood everywhere. EVERYWHERE. The witch chased after the knight, watching him cut through the back of the horde, the sounds of groans and moans were loud and almost deafening, it would most likely be they wouldn't be able to hear each as they grew closer to the horde. Placing her hand into her small satchel, she pulled out a strange looking journal, the front was glowing an eerie green where a gem was laid. Renee opened the journal, the pages flipped open by itself as a strange shadow manifested behind Renee, the journal floated next to Renee as she kept on moving down the field.



The shadow had two red glowing eyes as it began whispering quietly in a foreign language. Nearing the horde with Gawain, Renee let loose an ability [Electric Sparks] (2 post cooldown) electrocuting and frying a zombie till it burst into flames.

Atiifa's spells would have effect on the undead, his [Hex of Drain Life] could drain the undead of whatever life essence lingered in their bodies that kept that together, he could sense the life within their bodies. His [No Man's Land] would thwart the undead and mess with their coordination, they would look confused and move away from the horde, becoming stragglers and moving from the horde. Gawain would cut through undead left and right, each undead unknowing of the fellow undead skeleton being an imposter. Until the few behind Gawain began to turn on him, almost on command, Gawain would be slapped from behind by multiple undead, forcing the skeleton to turn around and retaliate. Each body that was cut down with the head being smashed would sink into the ground along with their body, almost as if the battlefield was being cleared or something was taking the body away.

Outside the gates of Kananto... 6:00 PM



The clouds above began to bring down rain, rain droplets descended and splashed onto everyone and everything. The executioner, Garrett, kept his onslaught up. Hacking and slashing through undead like mincemeat, the rain was warm and soaked each character. Garrett made quick work of his side, easily ridding of the undead in a quick fashion to that he was covered in blood, it looked like blood was almost floating around as he made his way through the horde, like a cape of blood that followed after him as his whirlwind of death spiraled across through the horde.

Kurikara would be able to show off the extent of his abilities, slicing through the horde with Garrett, taking the north side as he made his way through the undying horde, they were relentless and unending, Kurikara would be able to see some strangely armored skeleton racing his way through the field, behind the undead knight being a woman dressed similar to a witch with a small, masked beast beside her, they looked like they were aiming to help with the horde. He would notice the undead knight slicing through the animated dead and the with her strange magic and weird shadowy beast behind her. But these undead were soon begun to thin out, each sword strike would reduce the undead to body parts.

South of Kananto...

" Not yet. " Garvin answered Kalina's first question. " I'd rather get it all there in one delivery and risk less vulnerability and traffic. These undead are pretty smart. " He commented, being stubborn, there wouldn't be any convincing him. Upon reaching the tree line that reached that was outside of the village, both Kalina and Garvin would see an executioner eviscerating through the besieging undead, " That's my brother. Garrett. A raging whirlwind of anger. " Garvin noticed the cape of blood that followed his brother as he cut his way through the horde like a storm. " What the hells is that? " He whispered to himself, he shook it off, he noticed something entirely. " The horde is getting thinned quickly and easily, either Garrett has grown stronger and faster, or they have help around this time. " He commented. When the mention of getting his horse, Scab, into the village if they were to help thin out the horde, Garvin liked the idea. " You're right, lass. We must move. " Garvin was the first to move out, holding his crossbow in both arms as he sprinted out towards the village with Kalina behind him. Garvin aimed his crossbow and fired a bolt that slammed through the skull of one undead and into another.



Garvin swung his crossbow like a bat into the maw of an undead straggler that got too close, breaking its jaw off and snapping its head back in a violent fashion. Loading his crossbow, he fired at a few that too close to Kalina as she came out using her [Precision Strikes] (Post Cooldown 1) taking down a few zombies with ease, each hitting the ground dead, arrows through their skulls or eye sockets. Seeing the horde thin out, Garvin looked to Kalina, " Help my brother or avoid him, get those gates open! I'm going back for Scab and the supplies for the village! " He yelled as he turned around and began running back to the forest, making a quick escape after all the undead that came after the two were dealt with or thinned out. If Kalina got closer to the village, Garrett, the raging executioner was too busy swinging his weapon to see Kalina, if she got too close, she would easily be slice into two along with the undead. She could make her way the gates, doing this she would see the white armored swordsman taking on the north side. A voice above called to Kalina. " Oi! Lady! What are you doing here! The undead are here! " A guard on the catwalk called.

To the east of the village at the tree line... A foreboding fog was settling through the rain...

Mentions: Elvario Dante Verren Vexumin EMIYAman

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu
​

Interactions: Kurikara EMIYAman

The hunter, stubborn as a mule, had kept to his own flawed logic. It was what it was. In the end, it didn't even matter, as they were able to aid in thinning out the horde, prompting Garvin to go get his horse. Kalina had instinctively winced a little when she saw him slam an undead with his crossbow, seemingly uncaring about how easily a hit might screw up its mechanism and disable it. Either he had a really good crossbow or he was reckless. Neither option was something she could afford thinking about, however, as she had to focus on not getting herself killed by undead.

She'd utter a confused “What?!?” upon receiving the order to either 'help' or 'avoid' Garvin's brother. What in the world was she supposed to make of that? At least the second part of the instruction was clear, so she made her way towards the village gate. When she got closer, she also started to understand the first part. It didn't look like Garret cared much about what he was slashing through, so she decided to approach from the other side. After all, she liked being in one piece too much to risk approaching him.

She was caught aback by the call-out from atop the catwalk. “I noticed.” She replied with the first thing that came to mind, as she wiped some blood and brain-fluids off of her rapier and reloaded her crossbow. It was a little difficult not to notice the zombies as some of them were actively trying to come after her. “I'm with Garvin, the hunter. He'll be here with supplies soon. Make sure you open the gates for him whilst the horde is thinned out enough for him to pass through.”

With the message out of the way, she could focus on trying to get somewhere behind the two warriors from where she could use her crossbow to back them up. She didn't like fighting on the forefront on the battle. She'd try to call out to the strange white-armoured swordsman. “I'm here to help thin out the horde until Garvin, the hunter, can come through with his supplies.” She wasn't sure if this strange person even knew Garvin, as he didn't seem to fit in with the type of people she'd expect to be in this part of the country, but it she'd have to gamble on him going along with the plan.

 

[Vexumin]

Atiifa



This was going to be Atiifa's first true battle. Sure, he had gotten into small scraps with other creatures and beings as he travelled, but it's never been against more than one other creature and usually flashing a bit of shadow in his hands was more than enough to send an enemy scurrying away. As he watched his companions charge into the distracted horde of undead, Atiifa questioned if he was crazy enough to join them... then he started running as well. It doesn't take him long to join Renee in their charge, quickly advancing beside her. After a moment of their charge, he pushes forward ahead of her a bit, bringing his hands together.

The first of the undead that the three had come close to were suffering their end at the hand of Gawain, the skeleton slicing his way through shambling corpses with ease. Atiifa guessed that undead were just naturally stronger, not having bodily limitations and what not. However, the undead were wising up to their attempt at seeking the safety of the walled town. Some turned and others were already seeking them, hands grasping at the three. Atiifa was unnerved by the attempted grasps and decided that he wanted a little space. Dark energy builds between his fingers as he initiates a spell cast.

"I cast No Man's Land. Summon forth my domain and ward off all who would cross the threshold into my home!" Atiifa incants before spreading his arms open wide as he claims the area around him as his own. Renee was certainly within the radius of the spell, but under the control of his will, she remained unaffected by the area's effects. If Gawain was within as well, then he would find himself under no effect either. Undead that were not granted mercy from the areas effects would retreat outside of the barrier and wander away from their own, clearing only more space for the lot to push forward.

Despite the drumming upon his eardrums of groaning and snarling from these creatures around them, Atiifa kept himself eerily calm. So long as he could keep these flesh puppets away from him, he would live, and he can only do that if he remains calm. As such, his body forced the feeling onto him, keeping him focused on their race to safety. The only problem with that was the two warriors already slaughtering undead ahead. They were either going to be a problem, or the boundary between himself and his friends and the safety of the town.

Mentions: Skyhunter Dante Verren