Fantasy The Guild Stone ((Old Questing Thread))

[Ace Cream]

Apple

"Mama will burns these cyclops if she ever see how messy this ruin is." Apple commented at the state of the stronghold as she stepped into the lower floor. It was even more unkempt than the upper floor. Rubbles, rotting odor, and acidic smell everywhere! Apple felts an urge to just burn down the place. She was a bit startled when booming voices came from both east and west corridor, but immediately regained her composure and crouched behind a half-destroyed sculpture with her bow drawn.

"Cyclops! Apple is ready to attack." She nodded to the others.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Tapfic

 

[Zef The Owl]

Regil the Thief
~I know those words...~
------------------------------------------------
​

Regil didnt make a peep. Ears visibly folding back at that booming voice. He watched the darkness a moment, waiting for movement as his mind raced through scenarios. Given the laughter and revelry, it wasnt likely the Cyclops heard he and Leonins banter, as quiet as the hallway was it was obvious to him now that most of the Cyclops had to be on the other side of that lit door. However, above all of his other thoughts, he had a hunch based on experience. This wasnt his first scouting or spying trip, the Skullsplitters often had him spying on rival gangs or lords.

In his experience, 'SILENCE' was usually the start of a speech, which matched up with so many cyclopses being in one place. This was a meeting, he was willing to bet, thats why they hadnt run into any guards.

He looked over as Apple spoke, and put up a hand to hush her. Not a single word escaped him as he inched closer to the light and to the door. His ears perked, trying to rely on sensitive hearing. He was looking to overhear what these Cyclopes were scheming, maybe figure out which one was the leader. He would move cautiously, only getting as close as he thought safe based on instinct and experience.

This left Sir Ducci, Apple, and Leonin a choice. They could either try to join him while he spied on the potential meeting that he hoped was a meeting-- Or that the trio could take this chance to investigate one of the other paths.

Ducci's call, he was leading this operation afterall and he had no veterancy to order Leonin around...

Rurnur | Ace Cream | Tapfic

 

[Tapfic]

Leolin​

It was good that he wasn't full-cat form right now, because that series of events definitely startled him enough for cat-brain to happen.
Maybe he should quiet down a bit more, is what he thought as soon as his fur was no longer standing up straight.

The second thought he had was, that sounded a whole lot like a dad to him. This was a family unit wasnt it? His mind wandered through the possibility of little cyclops babies and angsty teenagers to- oh no.
...They wouldent have to kill any kids would they? Even if they where evil; child killing was way messed up.
Hopefully the earlier giggling was some crazy man-child and not like... a toddler. Leolin shivered at the thought.
Maybe he packed enough Graham crackers in his bag of holding to convince any kids to not try to murder them. He didnt think that would work on teenagers though.
Leolin tapped his chin in thought.
He had a ton of Graham crackers, but only like three bags of the ones shaped like tiny lions.
His ears flattened in concentration and he shut his eye.
They had bad eyesight so he doubted they could see the shape anyways. Hey wait Lin forgot to feed his fish this morning- who would take care of them if he died trying to feed a cyclops Graham crackers? Miss Land Lady always over feeds them when he asks her to. Does he know anyone that is good with fish? What if he asked Regil and he ate them? Some cat boys do that. Apple also might eat them, she seemed wild enough. He trusted Sir Ducci but was unsure if the guy could fit into his little room.

Oh right he was on a mission.
Leolin's ears perked again and he crept closer to the glowing door, ever so slowly. Concentrating on listening to what might be going on in there.
Rurnur Zef The Owl Ace Cream

​

 

[Goonfire]

Osgar Press
“Excellent. I’m familiar with most of your abilities, and we have Ivar bringing ambush tactics to the table.” Osgar conveniently left out his disdain for the plaguelands and its rulers, as it was both irrelevant and a potential point of conflict.

The others were describing their talents painlessly enough when Zeno drew a dagger. Osgar knew what was coming, and he narrowed his eyes. They followed the faint streak that took only a fraction of a second to reach his neck. The paladin’s expression was one of sheer disapproval. “You should know better than that,” he scolded without raising his voice or even turning his head. “Now, please demonstrate your silence once more.” Harsh as the remark was, he found the act of putting a knife to an ally’s throat most uncouth and unsettling.

Osgar pulled away from the man of tasteless displays and bowed to Pri. “Indeed, much has happened, Guildmaster. To what do we owe this pleasure, though?” He was eager to embark, but, in his opinion, one did not simply walk away from the guildmaster when addressed.

Tellussoil Not Sure Reinhardt II-CinderRadcliff-II Funnier President Sylph

 

[Rurnur]

Staying near Apple with his body lowered to the ground, Ducci whispered seriously "We should remain in this chamber and stay alert, so that the others may not be ambushed." As he feared that with all these interconnected rooms, it would be devastating if some of their party ended up on the bad side of multiple foes at once. By staying here, they would be able to prevent any surprises, and also be available for support if things would go wrong in the next room. "Young Apple, have you any ideas for a trap we could set if we end up with a Cyclops on our tail? Did you perhaps have a plan to use the enemy's trap for our own purposes?" He spoke quietly with her, keeping an ear out for any approaching footsteps. Ace Cream

As Leolin and Regil approached the large iron door, it became apparent that it wasn't closed, leaving plenty of room for someone smaller to sneak past or peek through. Voices could be heard from the inside now, whereas the laughter from the western chamber went silent. What would be revealed was a smaller room with a raging bonfire in the center. Sat next to the flames was a terrible figure; massive, bulky and clothed only in a few animal hides. It was difficult to tell from his seated position, but the creature could easily stand up to 25 feet tall, and was clearly one of the quest targets. With a turn of it's head, it's true nature was revealed. The Cyclops did not appear as it did in tales of legend, artworks or stories, no. It's eye was a bulbous and horrific disfigurement, an unnatural fusion of both eyeballs into one. It's skin was a sickly blackish gray, it's gums receded showing a set of rotted yellow teeth. Other elements of it's face showed similar signs of deformity, with it's ears reduced to slits and it's nose malformed, with only tiny nostrils being noticeable.

Spoiler: Example of a Cyclops

This Cyclops was accompanied by another, stood apart from him, who was of a wholly different build, so much so that you might think of them as completely different species. This one was significantly less muscular, with elongated, gangly limbs similar to the first silhouette that the party had witnessed. It's eye was larger and instead of being sunken into it's skull, it bulged outwards and seemed to pulsate unnaturally. Taking a better look at both the creature's eyes now, they were both milky white with an occasional revolting yellow-ish texture mixed through. This Cyclops had no sign of nostrils or ears, as it wore a black hood of a tattered coat, hiding the top part of it's head. It's complexion as well was much paler, with a blue-purple tint in it's joints. At first, one might think this was an elderly creature, although the lack of wrinkles and scars compared to the larger Cyclops might cause one to rethink that assumption.

"Father says.." "Uncle kin find his own meats. I always got to get the meats." "Says he wants to make special stew.." The thinner creature had a softer and almost whispery tone, contrasting heavily to the rough and stony voice of the former. Upon mention of this stew however, he seemed to relax somewhat, brushing himself off and standing up. "Well, if it's just Dwarves he wants." The Cyclops announced, causing the second one to clap his hands together in a brief moment of glee. "Very good, brother Keel.." He grinned eerily, crouching down where his brother previously sat. After a few moments, the large Cyclops named Keel began stomping towards the door Regil and Leolin were hiding behind. But he stopped in his tracks, turning back around to address the other one. "Des.. don't.. let Byle, mess around in my chamber!" He seemed to struggle to get the words out, as if speaking came unnaturally to them. The Cyclops referred to the thin one as Des, while also confirming the presence of another family member, with the title of Byle. Keel grunted, before pushing open the iron door and slowly making his way down the hallway into the main chamber.

Tapfic Zef The Owl

 

[Ace Cream]

Apple

"Yes, yes. Apple rigged the trap upstair so Apple can activate it manually. We can retreat there in case we're being chased." Apple explained her trap to Ducci enthusiastly.

After thinking for a moment she also kneeled on the floor and pulled several javelins, arranging them in a formation that could best be described as a stickman. She made the javelins grow, twist and bend in several places. The result was a wooden figure barely resemble a man with a sword. It's far from perfect, but if the cyclops truly had bad eyesight then a shadowy figure with a flaming sword should be enough to draw their attention. She grinned at Sir Risoria while showing the thing she just made, clearly took a pride of her 'masterpiece'.

Apple placed the figure under the shadow of one of the statue to make it unnoticable until it was needed. She wanted to make a few more dummy but the sound of iron door being opened startled her and she immediately hide behind a pile of rubble.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Tapfic

 

[Zef The Owl]

Regil The Thief
~Eye don't want to be here.~
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Oh sweet Empress's Bossom it has a six pack.
Why does something that big get to be that ripped?!

​

Regil had no other thoughts, the thief was brave against that Ogre, sure. However it was disoriented in the middle of a city, it was on his turf and he had every advantage. Currently, he was in unknown territory, against unknown enemies who seemed to have VERY different appearances and likely dangers to each of them. It almost felt unfair for them to be this big and powerful, his hear traced and head thrummed with fear a moment as he almost froze up. He was all bravado and jokes until the moment he actually laid eyes on what they were dealing with, then he felt his throat go dry and his breathe pick up. Shit, shit, shit...

Then as if it couldn't get worse, the damn thing started stomping their way. Regil motioned back to Leonin some vague hand motion that roughly summed up to 'GET THE FUCK DOWN' as he scrambled for cover. Thankfully, that pause that the Cyclops took to talk to his brother was all the time that Regil needed to scramble behind some loose debris and tuck himself away in the shadows, nice and low. He held his breathe as the Cyclops passed, trembling as it passed by and praying to whatever deity would hear the wretched thief that he wasn't spotted. Keel, was it? The big one. The scrawny one was Des... Then there was another called Byle. Then of course the Father.

Four Cyclops, four of these blasted things. He just kept hidden, well, well hidden until Keel passed and started making his way to the main chamber...

...Wait, wasn't that where Sir Ducci and Apple were?

All at once his fear left him, fear for himself gone. Shit!

He had to make sure they weren't spotted! His weakness he hadn't shared with the others, the thing he kept hidden. That despite working for the Skullsplitters for a long, long time, the man still had a conscious. He could just imagine Apple getting smashed by something that huge and he'd be damned if he sat by and did nothing. So, silently, so as not to be spotted, he trailed behind Keel, just to make sure a fight didn't start without him. Motioning for Leonin to follow close behind. If there was a fight to be had, it needed to be all hands on deck against this hulk.

Tapfic | Rurnur | Ace Cream

 

[Rurnur]

The immense weight behind Keel's footsteps could be heard likely throughout the entire lower floor, the vibrations would be overwhelming for Regil and Leolin who were in the closest proximity to the Cyclops. In the main chamber, Ducci's eyes widened at the approaching sound, he gave an approving thumbs up to Apple's plan before rushing to a larger area of collapse away from the opening door, so that even his large form would be hidden from immediate view. Tucking himself down and flattening his feathers, he felt somewhat confident that he'd be hidden from that viewpoint, although the same couldn't be said regarding any of the other open corridors. From the enemies relaxed state, he assumed the others had not been spotted, so he was reluctant to immediately attack, also due to the fact that at least two other cyclops were in the next two chambers across. It would seem more ideal to wait until one had seperated themselves by at least a couple of chambers, judging from how sound tended to carry down here.

The Cyclops stepped into the main chamber, scanning the room before heading in the direction of the stairs, mumbling to himself. "That Bloodus.. thinks he can order me round'.. he ain't me father.." Keel angrily spoke out loud, seemingly on a reluctant mission at the behest of a higher-ranking family member. In one of his hands he carried an enormous rune-encrusted axe, appearing like some kind of ancient artifact, not the sort of thing a creature like this would be capable of crafting themselves. He would ascend the staircase if uninterrupted, his pace slowing down, taking some amount of care not to step on the weaker sections, while still crumbling some of the steps anyway. "Stupid.. traps.. stupid.. Byle.." He spat down the stairs, before stepping through the archway, confident that he wouldn't trip the rope which was typically prepared there, without needing to look down and check it.

Ace Cream Zef The Owl Tapfic

 

[Tapfic]

Leolin​

"Des.. don't.. let Byle, mess around in my chamber!"

Yep, those guys sure were big and ugly. They sort of looked like a Necromancer had tried to reanimate a giant and gave up half way through.
Leolin held in a giggle at that thought, nope- now was not a time to laugh at his own inner monologue.
The moment of humor was over when Leolin's ears picked up Regil's up take of breath, and his nose the bitter smell of fear. Oh yeah, he guessed that the thing could kill them pretty quickly if they weren't careful, couldn't it? Somewhere down the line Leolin had become desensitized to his own mortality, but now with this party- he could feel the lives of his friends balancing perilously on too thin a wire. It made his stomach hurt.

Regil's frantic motion for him to take cover tapped him back into the moment, in an instant Leolin had shifted to his small cat form and hidden in the shadows of a broken rock. With expertly controlled breaths, he put all his concentration into remaining calm as the vibrations shook him to his core and the Cyclops passed by.

Wait- it seemed Leolin realized the direction the Cyclops was heading in the same instance as Regil had.
With wide eyes he shifted back into his ( mostly )human form, this time keeping his claws ready- his hands larger than a human's should have been; somewhere between a man and a feline, and a tail to keep balance as he traveled silently behind Regil and the lumbering monster.

"That Bloodus.. thinks he can order me round'.. he ain't me father.."

Bloodus, Des, Byle, Keel, and the Father. That made five now, maybe more. Leolin hoped not more.

"Stupid.. traps.. stupid.. Byle.."

Leolin frantically searched from where he was for Sir Ducci and Apple; craning his neck to see over the ruble. His ear twitched with every pebble that hit the ground.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Ace Cream

 

[Ace Cream]

Apple

From the depth of the chamber's darkened side, Apple watched as the cyclops made his away up the stairs. The cyclops was bigger than she thought it would be, but it seems size wasn't something Apple consider when hunting down a target because currently her gaze was that of a hunter eyeing her prey. Focused and steady.

Must. Kill. Prey.

She had a really large smirk when the cyclops tried to step over the trip wire and Pipi on her shoulder also seems excited. Apple pointed at the direction of the trap and the wood coiling the rope reacted to the command. It twisted spirally, pulling the rope and activated the trap mechanism!

Rurnur Zef The Owl Tapfic

 

[Rurnur]

Hearing the strange twisting sound beneath his feet, followed by the squeaking and squelching of the trap activating, Keel attempted to rush through the archway. However, his massive form was too slow and heavy to evade the trap, with his foot slipping, accidentally stepping into a weakened portion of the stairs, stone crumbling under his foot. "No!" He exclaimed as the fleshy, stomach-like implement tipped over, spilling a great torrent of pale green thick liquid with traces of red that hissed, bubbling and steaming as it met Keel's toughened hide as well as the stone beneath his feet. He let out a pained roar, stumbling in an attempt to regain his footing, only to meet dissolving stone, sending the Cyclops tumbling all the way down the stairs. His skin red and bleeding, Keel groaned and planted his hands on the stone floor, beginning the slow process of getting back onto his feet. The acidic trap appeared to deal superficial damage upon his thick hide, although he was now covered in red-pink soft patches where much of the outer layer of his skin had been eaten away. Likewise, the fall didn't seem to be too problematic for such a well-built monstrosity.

After Keel's cries of pain and the thuds of his unfortunate descent echoed around the chamber, all who were present would hear a familiar sound from the west. "AAAHAHAHAHAAA" Would fill the chamber for the following moments, even when met with shouts and orders from Keel, the other voice continued to laugh in it's sickly cruel tone. "I'LL GUT YOU, BYLE." Keel shouted in rage, still rising up from where he landed at the base of the stairs. Glaring at the western corridor with hateful intent.

As the raucous laughter filled Ducci's ears, his feeling of pride in Apple's successful maneuver quickly turned into great fear and concern, noticing the attention of Keel turning towards his position. The paladin was barely hidden behind some rubble in front of the western corridor, where if someone were to follow that path, they would surely spot him hiding there. He supposed it was now or never, if he was going to be discovered, then he might as well make the first strike. He unsheathed his sword and rested it on his shoulder, so as not to create any unnecessary sounds. It did occur to him that engaging the Cyclops now would surely draw the attention of the laughing one, but then again, the results would be the same if he was spotted. Perhaps he would use this opportunity to land an especially deadly attack upon those fresh wounds, wounding him enough so that the others could escape to safety, or to potentially strike him down outright, before any more Cyclops arrive.

Zef The Owl Tapfic Ace Cream

 

[Zef The Owl]

Regil the Thief
~Yolo~
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​

Regil was narrowly keeping pace with the massive Cyclops. It had the benefit of long striding steps and not having to hide behind every convenient piece of debris. Regil saw it disappear up the stairs, cursing under his breathe. He was about to dash out, expecting to hear the worst-- When he suddenly heard Keel bellow in pain and surprise, tumbling down and falling down the stairs.

Regil, breathed a sigh of relief. Someone must have jurry rigged their own trap, good, as the cyclops cursed Regil was happy to settle down and wait out the giants fighting. Maybe they could explore the other halls in peace, that would be nice. He was about ready to consider what to explore next, when he noticed the Cyclops, noteably, NOT leaving after getting up.

Instead, looking in the direction of an all too familiar tuft of feathers.

Oh no...

He recognized the glint of Ducci's blade. The absolute mad pheasant was about to charge in!? Regil took in a sharp inhale of breathe, holding it as he inched as close as he dare, like a tiger ready to pounce.

Not... Not a Lion though that was Leonin's thing-- Big difference.

Speaking of, Regil hoped Leonin got the message, it was now or never. Despite the utter hulking menace of this monstrosity he was a bit more brave being BEHIND it. So! He darted out of cover, silently unsheathing his daggers, their tearing edge flashing as he ran for the rightmost leg. It worked on the Ogre, maybe it'd work here, he darted in close, driving daggers into where the massive hulks Achilles Tendon was, looking to carve it out and drive this monster to a knee. He could but hope his sneak attack landed true, and that Leonin, Apple and Ducci took advantage of this.

Tapfic | Rurnur | Ace Cream

 

[Ace Cream]

Apple

Looking at the melted stone stairs, Apple actually expected the cyclops to tumble down the stairs headless. So of course she was surprised when the cyclops was still more than capable to stand up. She let out a scoff as she nocked an arrow and aimed at the cyclops. She noticed that Regil had taken initiative to rush the cyclops' leg so she shifted her aim from the chest to the eye. Now that she wasn't hunting alone, she must consider the position of her companions before shooting. By focusing on shooting the cyclops' eye she hoped that she would prevent him from using his petrification magic and allows her allies to safely attack him.

"Move like a cockroach, sting like ants." Reciting a simple mantra teached by her aunt, Apple lit her arrowhead on fire before releasing it towards the cyclops' eye, then scuttered to hide behind a different rubble.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Tapfic

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

-Cinder Radcliff | Demi-Human | 26yo | Gold Rank-​

As Cinder finished writing what he needed to know about everyone's abilities and role for this quest, he turned to see that their Guildmaster Pri had honored them with his presence. He set the quill down and turned to face Pri, a pleasantly surprised expression on his face. To say that the two have hardly talked was an understatement, as he was usually either occupied with a quest or with his family at their carpentry shop.
"Great to see you again Guildmaster Pri. Between our Waystones lighting up earlier and the injured man wandering in with a quest, today's been pretty hectic so far." Cinder stated as he leaned against the countertop lightly. "We were just planning our strategy for how to clear the Goblin's lurking around the former kingdom of Krilgox, though I believe it'll take a few days before we have a concrete plan on what to do." He speculated lightly before the gears in his mind started to turn, thinking of possible places they could use their Waystones to reach. The nearest village would be about a few miles away, but they don't know how far the spell blocking teleportation reaches from the ruins. Too far of a trek would make the quest too risky, especially without a clear indicator as to where the zone of magic cut off the Waystone's magic. They could try using the Waystone on each village until it worked, but finding each village on old and outdated maps wouldn't work; being that any villages out in the region were too isolated to trade and too small to be noted on maps of the current age. Bingo! His cabin within the Forest of Stagnant Mists. It was fairly close to where the ruins are, and the monsters there were enough of a deterrent for any Goblins that may pursue them. Being as he had fairly recently traveled there to clean the house up, he knew that it was the closest they could teleport to the ruins without depending on outdated maps. He stood up straight and cleared his throat, attempting to catch the attention of everyone in their group.
"One final thing, we need a location we can use our Waystones to teleport us to, and I know of only one location that'll get us as close as possible." Cinder stated before pulling out his map from his bag of holding, opening it up and putting one of his fingers over the marked location of the Forest of Stagnant Mists. Almost exactly where his Cabin was. "Generations of my family grew up within these woods, and it was seven years ago that I left there to join the Guild here. My cabin is still standing as we speak, and I know we can use our Waystones to reach it as I just visited it the other day to clean it up in preparation for a short vacation, so we can use it as our temporary outpost. It also means we can gather more information about the Goblins, hopefully eliminating any possible risks before we make our move to kill them. The monsters in the forest will also prevent the Goblins from pursuing us, as most are neutral to humans and adventurers but are more aggressive to other monsters." He explained before looking to the others. "So, if everyone is okay with what I've proposed, we'll head out tomorrow and begin gathering more information on the ruins."

Sylph Not Sure Reinhardt Goonfire Tellussoil Funnier President

 

[Sylph]

Pri
Location: Guild Hall​

"Guildmaster Pri. I am honored to be at your presence."

“Indeed, much has happened, Guildmaster. To what do we owe this pleasure, though?”

"Great to see you again Guildmaster Pri."

Pri's feathers fluffed out, nodding towards the adventurers. Hopping off the chair she glided briefly around the group, before settling on Aki's shoulder as a suitable perch. "Likewise! Likewise. Such a treat to see you all here at once."

Her gaze fixed briefly on the map, before swivelling to the quest board as her eyes narrowed. "Ho ho! The forest of mists? You lot are on quite a mission, perhaps worth of joining." Cinder's explanation summed things up nicely for the owl, whose head bobbed along in agreement. A certain piece of information seemed to pique her interest over the rest. "How wonderful! A cabin would be marvelous—so rare to stay in a home away from home. It would be a pity not to use all the time available."

An eager spark lit up in the owl's eyes, ruffling her feathers as she prepared to take off again. "Yes, yes. I think I shall join after all. Let us depart at once! The forest awaits our arrival."

Never one for waiting, the guilmaster took off, diving into the air and disappearing with a faint ripple as quickly as she'd come. There would be little to worry of her finding her way to the cabin. The excitement was in the journey, not rushing to the destination. Appearing high above the Forest of Stagnant Mists, Pri paused a moment to survey the land stretching before her.
II-CinderRadcliff-II Funnier President Reinhardt Not Sure Goonfire

 

[Funnier President]

Zeno just slowly turned over to the other member of the group, and let out a smirk at the stunned faces they had ".... Well, what you idiots wait for? Time to go!" Zeno dashed towards the door, and jumped up into the air as static suddenly filled the air as Zeno shot upward into the skies like a thunderbolt, and headed straight for the forest of Stagent Mists

Zeno was essentially a bolt of Thunder, and he landed in the outskirts of the Stagent Mists area, and spotted Guildmaster Pri above him. He waved a hello to the owl as he looked over the forest....

Interactions: II-CinderRadcliff-II Reinhardt Not Sure Goonfire Sylph

 

[Tapfic]

Leolin
​

It had been a very long time sense Leolin had needed to fight without the intent of making a new friend, and the first time in a nearly a decade he found himself actively trying to remember what the hunters had taught him.

Get the first strike in, take out the eyes, and go for the kill- looks like Regil was taking care of step one. Sweeping low and aiming for the tendon. Taking out the eye would have to be left to Apple and her bow, considering both the height of the thing; and it's petrification.
That left the kill.
Leolin's claws where larger than a natural lion's, the keratin similar to steel in strength. He didn't doubt that they could puncture the newly exposed flesh of the monster after a swift climb up its back- but he faltered.

Instead of attempting the kill, Leolin set his sights on the monster's other heel, taking a note from Regil's book , and mentally preparing himself to feel his claws soaked in blood as he struck out. Better to take out both tendons than have one of the party standing around having a mental break down over technically killing something.

Sir Ducci had a better chance of finishing it off in one go than he did anyways, Leolin assured himself.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Ace Cream

 

[Rurnur]

Keel's leg muscles were straining intensely as he struggled to stand once again, but the beast could only grunt and gasp in confusion as they went limp once again, sending him back down onto his knees. The skin at the Cyclops' heel was thick and tough for sure, but Regil and Leolin's blades were enough to do the job. It's muscles gave way as the result of their deep strikes, before it's feet slipped out from underneath it, potentially striking either of the two culprits if they couldn't get out of the way fast enough. Keel was now coming to his various conclusions, that something had cut him, that something had infiltrated the stronghold. "IN- AAAAHH" He gave an unintelligible yell as a burning projectile fired from Apple's bow struck him in the eye, yellow goo spilling from the wound before he reached up, attempting to pluck the arrow from his eye socket. There was an oddly shrill chittering noise as the Cyclops tended to the wound. "Who.. ah.. BYLE.. COME." The Cyclops spoke deliriously, receiving zero responses from his brother so far.

Risoria Ducci De Columba​

Ducci had surely underestimated his companions! Looks like his work was cut out for him, as he watched in awe as they unleashed a perfect storm of surprise attacks. "Can't let them down.." He muttered to himself, wrapping his clawed hands around the greatsword, before dashing out before the Cyclops. Keel's hands were currently covering his eye, removing the option of striking it directly. Never mind, now was the time to showcase his strength and deliver one of his strongest blows. There was a resonating hum as Ducci became aglow with a faint golden energy, before it focused along the blade of the sword, transforming it into a great beacon of light. The clicking of his clawed feet on the stone floor grew louder as he focused power in his arms and legs to increase his strength and speed, with his muscles even visibly beginning to bulge outwards. Charging forward, he dragged the weapon across the stone floor, leaving behind a glowing trail with sparks flying across the chamber. When he was right in front of the crouched Cyclops he skidded to a stop, a brief moment enough to notice the monster removing it's hand from the eye, presumably to get a look at his assailant. But it was too late. Ducci swung the greatsword upwards, releasing a blinding wave of yellow light that passed through the enemy with a metallic hum, filling the chamber with a brilliant glow, but leaving the Cyclops with nothing but an enormous blackened wound running from his waist to the top of his skull, billowing steam and scattering blackened ash.

Backing away from the Cyclops, Ducci looked on as the body collapsed forward with a great thud, spreading smoke and ash in the nearby vicinity. Waving the debris away, the paladin let out a sigh as he hoisted the blade onto his shoulder, his limbs now returning to their regular size. "Forgive us, giantkin. But your terrible deeds could not go unpunished." He spoke solemnly, looking upon it's unmoving form. He was accustomed to death at this point, though his faith and his conviction allowed him to reconcile most of the unfortunate acts he was tasked with committing. He took no joy in this, but it had to be done. Now was no time for mourning however, as surely this act would not go unanswered, turning away from the body and moving towards Apple, Ducci did not see the dark, skittering shape emerge from the Cyclops' head and scurry hastily into the darkness of the western corridor. "Apple, Regil, Leolin! Exemplary work from all of you. However, I suspect it won't be long before others begin actively searching for us, making it much more difficult to pull off such a series of attacks. Let us move on!" He nodded to Regil and Leolin, still confident in their scouting abilities.

Zef The Owl Tapfic Ace Cream

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

As both Pri and Zeno made haste in heading to the Forest of Stagnant Mists, Jennie simply gave a nod of approval for the plan and began walking out; with her Harp in hand and playing a killer tune on her way out. Her hips swayed back and forth to the rhythm much like a ship on the open sea, the luscious blonde locks of hair underneath her captain's cap blowing through the light breeze in the open plains surrounding the Guild. As the breeze came to a silent pause so too did her music, lifting her Waystone up high and vanishing into thin air.

She reappeared in an abandoned warehouse located in the bustling city of Lantana, decorated with a lot of pirate themed furniture. It felt like the bowls of a pirate ship, with barrels full of gold and jewelry as the occasional gift from her old crew that still insisted on the pirate life. In the kitchen rested a wine shelf, where unopened bottles of wine rested next to a tall metal box. Inside rested a lot of ice at the bottom, with shelves full of ingredients for cooking food inside; cold to the touch. It was a little trick one of her former crewmates taught her to make food last longer, though getting the ice required to keep the food cold wasn't very easy given she couldn't create it herself. Her bed consisted of a hammock and a large assortment of instruments rested around her abode, some she was better at playing than others. Some provided better magic than others, with the three she typically used providing the most effective magic she could currently muster; with her skills boosting her performance even more. She looked around her home for some clothes before finding a suitable pair for a more casual appearance, as her current attire was to better stand out alongside her abilities; because what's more recognizable than a pirate bard that heals by singing a shanty? With two pairs of clothes to wear at the Cabin alongside of her current outfit, she was now prepared to go. With another use of her Waystone, she teleported to the outskirts of the forest; spotting Pri and Zeno up ahead before chasing after them. Last thing she wanted was to get lost.

 

[Tellussoil]

Ivar Barghest
Beastmen bandit swashbuckler

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These morons were still squabbling about leadership. none showed the balls to take up the mantle and just try to shove it upon others. Ivar found it amusing, yet troubling. If the goblins were really that capable of wiping out a small squad of another guild then these people really think of a specific strategy. so far they just call everyone's specialty. that will not cut it.

Ivar remained silent until a big bloke in golden armor came. he proclaimed to want to do some Copper or iron quest. the dude looked like he could easily do such menial tasks by himself. But Ivar had to admit that he emitted confidence and leadership. Things Ivar can respect. Yeah, this guy is worth his time more than these morons.

A gust of wind announced the arrival of some spiritual owl thing. and by the reaction of the others around this was the guild master. The bird quickly took an interest in the group. This allowed Ivar to just stand there and let them forget about him. The guild master was going to join them and didn’t waste any time starting that mission. This was just perfect. the faster they were gone, the better.

After the last of the group teleported Ivar let out an amused chuckle before pushing himself off the wall and walked over to the golden boi (Titus). "I like ya brawn. I will join you instead if ya don't mind" he said to the cleric. so far it seems he was the only one, although somewhere inside he hoped some other rookies would join too. but this can work too.


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{Location}: Guild hall | Quest board
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{Interaction}: EldridSmith (Titus)
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[EldridSmith]

Titus smiled at the copper who left the group of higher tiers who were needlessly squabbling over who was to lead. If he was to join he would easily take charge, he was used to such things by now. However he wasn't joining them, he had drank a few glasses of wine, and wasn't going out on anything above iron. "Excellent. Glad to have you aboard for the mission, as for now we don't have enough coppers to take on an iron mission, but if you can gather at least a few other coppers I'll take you on an iron mission of the group's choice. I'm Titus by the way." Titus explained. This would give the copper a chance to meet some other coppers if he hadn't already, and it would give Titus time to finish his talk with Ymir. "Since you look like the stronger sort I look forward to seeing you with a proper group." He declared with a nod of approval at the man. "Come and get be at the bar once you've gotten at least two or three more coppers, fair?" Titus had no doubts that they would gather enough for, he had a feeling about the man in front of him.
Tellussoil
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"Sorry for the delay Ymir." Titus apologized as he sat back down, but at least he didn't have to worry about any coppers dying today by going on that mission that was far over their abilities. "Do you have any more questions for me?" He inquired before looking her in the eyes. "Would you mind if I asked a few questions about yourself since I don't know you as well as I should?" He asked as he took another drink of fire wine, he loved the stuff to take the edge off, but it was also an exciting drink due to the energy in it. Most people couldn't drink much of it, but since he was half fire spirit it wasn't too bad in terms of potency.
Sylph

 

[Zef The Owl]

Regil the Thief
~The bigger they are, the further out of the way you should get before they fall.~
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Relief, that's what came over Regil's face when the hulkish monstrosity began to fall. Just, pure unbridled relief, he and Leonin had done it. Sir Ducci was charging in to do the rest, he was in stark belief they'd taken down the blasted thing so easily, and Apple's pinpoint shot to the eye worked so well. He was relieved and he was happy, he was about to give Leonin a thumbs up when-- One of those feet went up just as the Cyclops fell. His world spun as it felt like a tree trunk hit him in the midsection and he found himself flying across the room, impacting the far wall with an "OOUF!" as he slid down, grabbing at his rib cage in fear he might have broke something and instinctively as his world spun.

His vision blurred a moment, slowly shaking his head. He was sore now, sore as hell, but he didn't feel like he broke anything. Just some bruised ribs he was going to need to nurse later. "Son of a..." He seethed through his teeth, yep, helping people was a stupid idea. Should have just remained hidden you stupid bleeding heart. He took a moment to catch the breathe now that the wind had been firmly knocked out of him, and took stock of what had happened. Ducci had done it, finishing off the cyclops, and the group was regrouping to take in the kill. He tried to regain his senses, "N-Not alone... His Brother... Still in earshot." He said, between catching his breathe. He could tell them about what he heard about the plan later, right now there was more immediate danger. Given his ears were still ringing, he couldn't tell that the other Cyclops hadn't come to the brothers plight.

Ace Cream | Rurnur | Tapfic

 

[Tapfic]

Leolin
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Leolin's breath hitched in his throat as the skin gave way, and blood coated the fur of his hands. He lept back as soon as the deed was done, shifting his hands back to their human state and frantically wiping blood onto his coat as the monster's legs gave out.

"Who.. ah.. BYLE.. COME."

Leolin jumped, startled by the call. No one came, yet. That was good- but someone had to have heard them. They would need to end this fast.
Sir Ducci did just that; with the awe inspiring power of a gold rank he swung his blade, and the first Cyclops fell- the wound burned ashen black.

"Forgive us, giantkin. But your terrible deeds could not go unpunished."

Sir Ducci's words where a comfort at least. That's right, none of them wanted to kill anything; they only had to because of the eating people and stuff. This guy was on his way to make dwarf stew- dealing with him was completely called for, Leolin silently repeated the line of thought to himself. When the boy found he couldn't get his hands any cleaner he sighed and stopped trying to wipe them.
Regardless, he let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding and turned to Regil; who was- holy shit.

" Regil- " Leolin started, rushing to the other's side and crouching down beside him.
He must have gotten knocked over when the Cyclops fell. Lin sniffed him, no blood on the outside- that was good. Unless he had internal bleeding? That was bad.

"N-Not alone... His Brother... Still in earshot."

" Oh , You're alive!" Leolin said happily, clapping his hands together. He hadn't actually thought the other had died, considering he was still breathing, but saying "oh, you're not too hurt to talk!" was too many words.

"Apple, Regil, Leolin! Exemplary work from all of you. However, I suspect it won't be long before others begin actively searching for us, making it much more difficult to pull off such a series of attacks. Let us move on!"
Man, Sir Ducci was cool. Leolin bet he saved a ton of people all the time- but now was not the time to get distracted by admiration.

" Okay! But also Regil is hurt! " both statements where said in the same up-beat tone. He may have been worried if he didn't already know Sir Ducci was a healer.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Ace Cream

 

[Ace Cream]

Apple

Apple watched with a large wicked grin as the cyclops collapsed on the floor. One down, several more to go. She hadn't put her guard down yet, there's still preys to hunt. So when Regil mentioned about the brother Apple's head immediately turned towards the eastern corridor where they had done their scouting.

"There? Apple will check on the brother!" Crouching so low that she almost walk on four limbs, Apple excitedly scurried into the eastern corridor.

Prey. Must. Kill.

Rurnur Zef The Owl Tapfic

 

[Goonfire]

Osgar Press
"Idiots, huh..." A sigh escaped Osgar's mouth as he watched the assassin exit and the beastman turn his attention to another task that was likely more rank-appropriate. "Well, standing here isn't working out," he stated rather shortly. "Once we know what we're looking at, we can better devise a plan. If we need any essentials, we should fetch them now and meet at Cinder's cabin." With one last look at the map, he returned to his room briefly, to fetch his rations and a spare outfit.

Once he was ready, the paladin used his Waystone to appear at a similar starting point. He caught sight of the others in the distance and trudged along to gather with them. In one hand, he carried his shield. In the other, the knapsack with the bare essentials. He walked at a brisk pace, catching up with the others shortly.

Sylph Not Sure II-CinderRadcliff-II Reinhardt Funnier President