There was a thickness in the air, the taste of bitterness, 'sour grapes', hate, regret; the eyes of horsemen were haunted, filled with anger and loss, turmoil as inside many battled to control the feelings that came forth and threatened to burst out, joining the chaos that was insanity. Joining in the cacophony of emotions. This was their home. This was all they had lost. This was all they could hope for and perhaps... perhaps even more. Tendrils of grey came out with each step, swirls of odorless smoke billowing up with each step from the protection of the barrier. The protection of the tower.
It was 5 paces out that Thera was forced back, scowl set as the thunderous sound of a titan drew far too close for comfort. And the spikes and spines almost took her wings, and her FEAR. Looking back at a few of those she'd deemed worthy, the hesitation in their stances were clear, the fear of insanity plain. Spineless cowards she might have called them, but there was reason for it. Insanity was not a thing to underestimate.
Having retreated back to the tower, the weapons master looked to those gathered, faces etched with old wounds, wounds that had scarred with time and healed with heavy hearts. Those were the faces of the ones who could fight, who would fight. Because they would have the will for it, the desire. They might have the strength to reach the outer wall- to reclaim a part of that which had been lost.
Looking from the tower she felt her own pain. All that had once been, and what it had become. Yet she would hope. And from hope? She would fight. Insanity or no- fragments of who they were remained, there were still pieces of the past they might take back. Weapons that might be of use once again. Tools that could be altered to further their cause.
A deep breath, pink eyes scanned the grey shapes, the tower holding against that which would swallow them whole otherwise. They needed to move. A motion to several horsemen, word quickly spread.
It was time for War.
---
Horsemen that heeded the call would find a gathering near the gates of War, the way to the land of the once proud warriors and battle hardened soldiers. The clan of fighters, of kin. Thera stood at the front, eyes fixed at the expanse of grey just beyond the protective barrier that was the tower. "I see you all.. your faces, some of you have seen this before. The ruin insanity brings. What it can do. Some of you this is your first time- you have never encountered insanity before. You there!" She pointed to one horseman. "Who the hell are you?"
A stiffness in the horseman's spine he answered, "Frey! Jewelmaker of Death!" Thera scoffed. "Sure you are, good name for a fool? Your mommy call you that?" The horseman replied, voice cracking so slightly, "Yes ma'am!" "Frey, why are you here?" "To contribute to the victory of the ******** splendid! You'll make wonderful insanity fodder! Line one, turn!" The entire first line of horsemen turned. This was indeed, the start of something. The process repeated, Thera going up and down the lines, harassing, intimidating those that had arrived... skipping some, those who seemed to have already, what she was looking for in her fighters.
Quote:
Stage 1: Recruitment.
Thera is leading an expedition into the insanity, and she means business. Your horseman might have come on their own or heard the rumors- either way they are now in rows, the chieftain assessing their worth.
Rolling 1d100- If over 50, Thera passes you by, and all you have to do is state your name and rank in your clan. 49 and under, and Thera berates you, calls you insanity feed, a burden. She's not got much hope for you. How will she make a horseman out of you?
IF YOU ROLL 1-5 or 96-100... YOU HAVE 'FOUND' A BOILED POTATO. IT IS DELICIOUS BEST EATEN HOT. Realizing you haven't eaten in a while, you begin to eat it on the spot. (Quote iStoleYurVamps)
This stage is basically a sign up stage. It will end on Saturday night ~10 PM PST
Shaheen stood tall in her row among the ranks of horsemen, her head held high as she waited for Thera to approach. Recently the grey of insanity, which had previously been diminished nearly to non-existence, and begun it's steady spread across her features once more. The whispers had returned, but were still quiet, still quite manageable and hardly anything to even think about. Still, it was enough to make the war chieftain, who had become fairly high strung in the past year, easily irritated, snarky and fairly quick to snap on those that caused her any annoyance.
But today was going to be different. Despite the fact that she again found herself willingly trekking dangerous ground, made more dangerous due to her susceptibility to influence by insanity she was sure, she couldn't help the certain amount of excitement that coursed through her, giving her lips just the smallest upturn at their edges into a smile.
The thrill of battle was nearly upon them! It was almost impossible not to be happy at such a prospect.
With Thera arriving in front of her, Shaheen announced her name and station, though she hardly found it necessary. Thera knew who she was, by this point, surely! Still, certain expectations needed to be met.
"Shaheen; Elder Cheiftain of War." She stated, a certain amount of pride in her tone.
The words were hardly out of her mouth before Thera unloaded on her with shouted insults, and Shaheen's eyebrows raised in surprise. This was hardly what she had been expecting! One particular jab to her ego had her inwardly cringing, however, and that happy moment that Shaheen had felt quickly vanished, her small smile fading as her face took on a stony expression, her golden eyes narrowed and burning with anger, and hatred. Not hatred directed at Thera, no, but at her words. Insanity fodder?
"I can assure you, Weapons Master, that that is not the case." She practically spat the words, her wings twitching behind her and feathers bristling. "A fact that I will gladly prove."
She waited until the abrasive woman had moved on before glancing beside her towards Shik, eyes still smoldering with pent up rage, her hands balled into fists and fingernails biting into the palms of her hands as she willed him to just keep his mouth shut on the matter and not make things worse.
Shik followed soon after because <******** finally he got to be in a massive battle. There was a gleefully impish look in his eyes as he stood beside Shaheen, stretching his arms. "Shikoba Len, Executioner," he stated, rolling his head around.
Insanity fodder he was not, thank you very much. He also didn't imagine Shaheen took to it very kindly. "Let her go on," he murmured, unable to help the grin he wore. "I believe she likes hearing her own voice more than anything else."
Being an Executioner naturally meant that the majority of Yves' tasks were carried out all by himself. Alone. Which suited him fine really with his nature until he found himself right here and now among those from the other Clans who had gathered for the expedition that Thera was organizing.
Standing in the same line a few heads down from both Shaheen and Shikora, he found himself unsettled for a few reasons - being in a group and very likely having to work with others first and foremost, doing battle with these Insanity Titans that they seemed to still understand little about. This was also part of the reason he had willingly decided to make himself a part of this expedition. Even Executioners were aware that there were times when they needed to work together with others towards a common goal.
"Yves, Executioner of War." He introduced himself when Thera passed him, already thankful that she didn't seem to disapprove of his presence too much with the lack of insults to his self worth. He might not stay put for long had he the misfortune of having to be put through that like some of the other horsemen before him.
No matter the situation and setting, Jay’s innermost desire would always be for war and aggression. She bubbled with happiness and smiles, but the need to fight and to feel adrenaline drum through her body had existed since her creation and would remain for the rest of her life. This she didn’t mind. This, after all, she had lived with for many years now. Perhaps there were horsemen from other clans that would scoff at this driving need, but Jay couldn’t miss what she never had.
Not even the voices whispering in her ear temptingly could drive the desire away. She wondered what to think of this, of how easily the bluejay had grown accustomed to dealing with Insanity. True, the warrior had never been tainted like Senga had, but sometimes the voices rattled and banged against her head, begging for her to succumb. So annoying she mumbled to herself as she stood in a line of horsemen. Narrow sea-green eyes eyed the weapons master carefully as Thera walked down each row. It didn’t take long for Jay to realize what to do as the other war horseman approached her.
“Jay; Warrior.” She nearly recoiled at the woman’s barrage of insults. The feathers of her brightly colored wings fluffed up while Jay craned her neck back slightly. Unlike Shaheen, her eyes reflected not anger but cooler irritation. It wasn’t the first time she’d been criticized, especially due to her whimsical and puerile personality.
“I’ll gladly prove otherwise in battle,” she answered in a calm, sharp tone.
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:19 pm
It was over and done with. They had what they needed, she had what she wanted. She had fighter, soilders. She had enough. What they lacked now? Now they lacked time- and time was as ever, of the essence. "All right babies, time to make your mommas proud." A clatter as the 'gates' were opened, tendrils of grey quickly swirling about, reaching into the tower- The horsemen would have been rushed out, gates sealed shut behind them. The was only so much they last fortress would risk after all. Going out was easy- coming back? Hard to say. That was part of the choice they had made, taking this task. Others might catch up, but once done there was no going back.
As the grey rolled around them, only the color of the horsemen gave any sense of self, of place and relativity. In the far distance the ruins of war could be seen, still standing tall and proud- if a twisted, perverted version of such could be a thing to be proud of. It was all a matter of perspective really. From where Thera stood, it was a mockery, a mockery to their glory, their spirit. It was a cause for war, a cause of strife and chaos. It was indeed, insanity at it's core.
A few meters out and the sudden crackle came from the earth. Large stomps of a behomoth titan drew ever near, gold eyes glowing with malice as it readied it's attack. The chieftain hissed between her teeth, estoc drawn, ready. "Time to fight chickadees. Hold nothing back."
Quote:
ROUND 2: BOSS FIGHT YOU CAN STILL JOIN THIS ORP! IT IS OPEN TO ALL HORSEMEN!
ATM horsemen are fighting 1:
DEFENSE CLASS TITAN
HP: 30/30 ** Halved due to special effect RANGE: 0 - 25 meters CLASS: ** (2 Distortion Fragments needed to successfully purify) Attack: It shoots out spines when threatened! All damage done to this creature is halved (rounded up). All Fear attacks done to this creature is DOUBLED. Auto damage: This creature does 5 auto damage a full round. LOOT: Upon successful purification, roll a 4-sided dice to see what you obtain
1: Bonus Distortion Fragment x5 2: Insanity Nettle x2 3: Insanity Broken Core: x1 4: Insanity Fragment x3
I will be quoting players- Once this titan is down or several days have passed- THE STORY WILL PROGRESS REGARDLESS just not in ideal conditions.
Seussi
Ol-j-man
baby_gwing
Syusaki
Jay has found a hot, boiled, insanity potato. Unlike a normal boiled potato, you probably shouldn't eat it.
Lifen felt a little guilty, she was a tad bit late, but she was here! Lightly running up to the group, she gave the woman a quick little bow, one of respect and haste, before piping up a little, a little woman with a lot of heart.
"Hua Lifen, here to assist!"she chirruped, hoping it was good enough.
Shaheen narrowed eyes at her dear executioner, lips pressed into a firm and completely unimpressed line. "I do not need to pursue her, I have simply but to prove her wrong." She stated, arms coming up to cross over her chest before she leaned forward and glanced down the line at the other familiar faces about to brave this journey with them, those that she spotted first ones that she would not have doubted joining.
She straightened back up as Thera finished with her half-tirade, alert and at the ready for what was to come. Within seconds, her short sword was summoned to hand and ready, and just before they were forced through those gates she turned, reaching up with her free hand to grasp at Shik's shoulder, gripping it tight as she pulled herself up those mere two inches that distanced their heights, and unabashedly placed a firm kiss on his mouth before breathing out a whispered, "Good luck." And letting her hand slide away from him.
Turning back to the gate, she rushed through with the others, ready to throw herself into the thick of battle if need be. Her wings folded tight behind her as she stepped into the greyed out wasteland, the sight of it still stark and almost shocking despite knowing how it would be.
With one of the titan's drawing near, she planned on doing just what Thera said. She would hold nothing back!
Throwing herself forward, nearly bare feet thumping along the ground through wispy tendrils, she attempted to jump at the great beast born of insanity and stab at it with her blade, but found her attempts deflected by spikes that pierced into her shoulder.
She grunted at the pain, and shook it off. She could do better than this, and she would.
HP:45 Damage: lol Boss HP: 30
Ol-j-man
hey here have a tag
Seussi
Ice-Cold Hunter
Offline
Syusaki
Offline
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 3:18 pm
Jay squinted at Thera. This was the sort of leaders she was used to, but it felt almost like forever since she had heard such words. She fought between nostalgia and annoyance at this revelation. The warrior instinctively let out a bird-like squawk as she was pushed out of the gates. Rude. She would have gladly walked out herself, but she wasn’t surprised by the rush. It was essential to protect the area from the Insanity creatures, but the irritation refused to rub away from her face.
Longing filled her eyes as her gaze naturally moved toward the ruins of War. While the buildings still stood tall, she knew that if she could tread closer she would meet only broken houses and the fall of glory. Jay stood a little taller, but then gawked as her sandaled foot kicked something. The item rolled away, but she strode forward and bent down to scoop it up.
It was…a potato? Jay cocked her head. Okay. Pretty weird to find food outside of the walls, but she could roll with this. In fact, she was feeling a bit hungry…She shouldn’t eat this. It was probably contaminated, yeah…
She took a bite anyways.
iStoleYurVamps
Jay is the Sasha of the ponies see I told you
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 7:26 pm
Fai showed up late. He was busy trying to find out where the potatoes were coming from. It was a plant thing, okay? They looked suspicious.
Shik grew restless as others joined, wanting to get to the battling already. But he flashed a toothy grin at his War Sister Jay, not having seen the warrior in a while; he wondered what new voices she could mimic, or whether Senga was on her tail still. Lifen got a similar assumption, as she seemed joined at the hip with Mengyao. But fighters were fighters, and it was time to have a War Party.
"Or, you have nothing to prove at all," he countered Shaheen, turning his gaze back to her, though the rest of his response was lost by the sudden kiss.
Well, if that wasn't a send off, he didn't know what was. With a flap of wings and a grin, the executioner took to the air and followed after. His dagger gleaned dimly in the foggy Isle as he eyed the target and dove down, giving the titan's carapace a slice in passing before being forced along with a punch.
At least Shik could roll with those.
"What? One kiss and you are off your game?" he taunted Shaheen. "Pretend the thing has my face and just stab it."
About time they all started heading out to have at whatever it was that now inhabited what was once their home. Yves gave a soft snort, calling his kodachi to his hand before following after the rest with trepidation at what was out there waiting for them.
The vague familiarity of their surroundings, now reduced to mere rubble covered by the grey fog of Insanity struck a nostalgic note within his own heart when he was again reminded of how long he had blissfully remained oblivious to this until his recent return as a result of Death's summoning. This Insanity. Whatever it was, not that he gave a hoot as to its origins really, they were going to work together towards reclaiming what was rightfully theirs now that they had discovered what was possibly the means to do it.
The Insanity Titan did not faze the Executioner one bit at all with its size or proximity. Looking it over, he launched himself into action, his gaze watching and assessing the creature the entire time as he pulled his blade free from its scabbard, using the latter to parry a spike that was aimed his way while he lifted his other arm then swung it down and across the creature's carapace.
Fai summoned his meteor ball, swinging it for a moment to get up some momentum. It spun for a second before he flicked his wrist, sending the ball at the end of the chain shooting out--and barely scratching the titan beast. Well, he knew he wasn't very good at fighting, but somehow that still seemed rather pathetic.
To be honest, she wasn't totally sure why she was here. This was likely a job better suited to War, or even Famine what with their scavenging tendencies. She was a priestess. It was in her blood to sit all day for hours and focus on the ethereal, not ... slash at things ineffectually with her weapon. She was surprised the War Horsewoman Thera even let her attend. She probably thought that Nkosazana was good fodder, if anything...
The mare followed behind the others, keeping her eyes peeled for anyone falling to the Insanity Titans. If there was one thing she could do, she could heal, at the least. She knew how to tend to others. Or help others out. Was there some way she could resolve this via trance, not via slashing this sword? How did she even use it? Did she swing it like this? Everyone from War was probably laughing at her... Insanity was terrifying. How did she fight something that was everywhere, anyway?
Did she hit it? She wasn't totally sure. She thought it might have inched back, but then, maybe it was laughing...
Well.
At least she had managed to get the sword near it, she supposed. Maybe she should just get out of the way of the better fighters. Nkosazana turned around and slipped back behind some of the other mares and stallions, hand on her weapon nervously.
