Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 2, 2009 14:17:19 GMT -5
The sun began to rise, and high commander Kpsydor gathered his army together to give them one last morale boost. Howl quite liked this part of battles; it was one of the last moments of sanity before the quick, changeable tide of battle and death swept over the land. Howl listened intently to the high commander’s words, he didn’t quite like the assumption that all of the people on the other side of the field were evil and mindless savages that want to slow the evolution of society, but he knew that they all were helping whether they knew it or not. Howl also appreciated Kpsydor’s speech because it consisted mostly of how we were going to win the battle, if the small number of infantry could be taken out, the archers and healers would all be left almost defenseless.
As the Sonambulists charged forward with their hopes and spirits high, Howl took a look at the rising sun, a good smell of the morning dew, and a lavish feel of the gentle breeze; he didn’t know whether or not it would be his last.
Howl was among the front lines during the charge, he had his claymore held high and his potions at his side. When the two armies initially crashed together, it was mostly a colliding of shields, but howl brought down his sword upon his opponents head, forcing him to block that instead of ramming Howl with his shield. Howl's opponent thrust his spear at him, but Howl moved to the side to avoid it. Howl had trained with a spear for a while, he didn't quite like it because if someone got in close he'd have to change weapons.
And so Howl got in close. He thrust his Claymore into the bottom of the Firestarter's shield, and then he raised his sword and sliced at his enemy's neck while he was recovering. Howl looked up to see what was going on around him. The battle was fairly equal so far, the Firestarter's infantry was dying out quickly, but their mages were devastating the Sonambulists' troops. The Sonambulist Archer's were wasting their arrows on the mages, because whenever a mage would get hit with an arrow, a healer would just heal him and he's be ready to fight in a manner of seconds.
Howl un-clipped a few bottles from his belt and started running towards the western edge of the battle. He hurled three of his dust potions over the line of infantry and did a rallying call. A few of his fellow Sonambulists came to his side, and they charged into the small line of Firestarter infantry.
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Badgerlord
Swordsman
Lord of the Badgers. Ninja. Surprisingly good dancer.
Posts: 157
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Post by Badgerlord on Aug 2, 2009 18:42:57 GMT -5
The Somnambulist battle group led by Howl strikes like a thunderbolt under the cover of the dust potions, quickly breaking through the defensive line. Elsewhere the battle is still caught in the bloody stalemate, but if this group can break through and start killing mages, then the whole battle would turn in favor of the Somnambulists, ending in a vicious rout. The enemy morale begins to dissolve, until some Firestarters seem ready to turn and run.
One of the soldiers turns to Howl and grins. "We have them n-"
He is cut off as he sucks in a pained breath, twitches, and falls to the ground. A simple, well-made throwing knife is embedded in the back of his head, in a joint between the spine and skull. Five more knives fly out of the Firestarter's line, each plunging home to a vital point in one of the soldiers near Howl. All die within seconds from the pinpoint strikes.
A monotone, raspy voice projects through the battlefield, speaking at barely more than a whisper yet still carrying above the loud chaos coming from the clashing armies.
I am the Shadow. I have come.
A black sillouette speeds from above the Firestarters in a tremendous leap, landing in the middle of the Somnambulists near Howl. It is a figure out of a nightmare: it is black, seemingly made of the shadows themselves, with tattered bits of cloth streaming behind it. A battered, weathered cloak clings to its back, flapping in the breeze. Its right hand and feet are made of metal, advanced prosthetics of complex design. Perhaps worst of all, it has no face, only a black void of a helmet which has no eyes, nose, or mouth, a blank slate that seems to absorb the light around it.
Four knives are clenched in each hand. Eight knives find homes in the vitals of eight different soldiers within the next few seconds. The Shadow instantly draws a katana from its back, a blade of excellent make and darkened steel. It leaps, parrying an attack with deadly accuracy, slicing through another soldiers neck, stabbing a third through the heart. It dodges or blocks every strike made against it, almost as though it can see all around it at once. It is moving quickly now, killing all in its way.
It is moving towards Howl.
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Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 2, 2009 18:59:37 GMT -5
Howl gapes in amazement as his allies fall around him. He notices the greatest enemy threat, a black figure with a battered cape. Howl realizes that this is something beyond him, and the best course of action would to to retreat to High Commander Kpsydor. "There's almost no way I can retreat across half a battlefield with that thing following me" Howl thought "But wait, it has metal on it, and it has metal equipment, maybe some rust potions could slow it down". Howl gathered 3 of his 4 bottles of quickrust and threw them in triangle formation at the black menace. One was to land to his front-left, which is the direction he would go if he followed Howl, one was to land behind him or hit him if he stood still, and the last was to land to the front right of the figure.
"That should get him, unless he can burrow underground of fly, the dust clouds they leave should linger long enough to get him if he can 'jump' ((In reference to the spell/potion)). As for burrowing underground..... lets just hope" Howl thought to himself as he started to run through the Sonambulists ranks "On the topic of hope, maybe it's job is done. It took out most of my group and caused the rest to retreat... it may not be such a good idea to lead this monster towards the High Commander anyway" Howl massaged his vial of jump and sped up, trying to get farther into the Sonambulist forces.
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Badgerlord
Swordsman
Lord of the Badgers. Ninja. Surprisingly good dancer.
Posts: 157
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Post by Badgerlord on Aug 2, 2009 21:16:35 GMT -5
The Shadow paused for a second, scoping out the battlefield. The soldiers that had nearly broken through Firestarter lines had been routed, and the remaining Somnambulists in that area had given way to his presence, none daring to approach. Some were circumventing him, others were retreating in fear. Fools. Somewhere, he heard a call for archers being given by an officer of some sort. The calls were cut off after a knife found his throat.
All of a sudden, three small vials are thrown from the enemy lines at him, originating from a retreating figure. The Shadow immediately marks him as a target of interest, placing him into a moderate threat category. He mentally triggers the air jets in his boots, launching him high into the air, above the vials, which leave an acrid cloud where he was standing. In three swift motions, the Shadow aims, activates, and triggers his mechanical arm, launching his hand towards the retreating figure. The aim is spot on, but the figure somehow puts on an unnatural burst of speed, and the Shadow's hand embeds itself in the ground. He is quickly pulled along with it, and slams into the ground with the force of a meteor, allowing the shock absorbers in his legs to handle it.
The figure is lost in the crowd of soldiers, who quickly overcome their surprise at the newcomer's entrance and begin to attack the Shadow. This far from allies, he his odds of survival seem slim if he continues to fight. The Shadow dodges through the ring of Somnambulists around him, coming up swinging as he retreats, leaving a swathe of death in his wake. He mentally notes the gait and observed characteristics of the figure for future reference.
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Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 2, 2009 22:16:42 GMT -5
"I think I lost him" Howl thought as he put the 3/4 jump potion back into his bag. "It's too bad I had to test that on the field, but I'm glad it worked." Howl thought over what to do next. "Should I inform someone of the powerful enemy? Or should I get back to the front lines?"
He decided on the former, but with the previous thought lingering in his mind. He joined the most crowded fight in the front and used the cover of his allies shields when it was offered to him. He had nothing to fear above or behind him, the long ranged enemy's wouldn't fire this close to the front lines, where their allies backs are exposed.
Howl remained in the front lines, he was almost out of dust potions, and flash powder was too close range to use with so many allies around. So he started focusing on pushing the enemy infantry back, and lowering their numbers. He sustained a slight injury to his right leg, but nothing major enough to take a break from fighting to fix. The adrenaline and testosterone were running through him now, and he managed to ignore the pain of his body and the remorse of his mind.
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Badgerlord
Swordsman
Lord of the Badgers. Ninja. Surprisingly good dancer.
Posts: 157
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Post by Badgerlord on Aug 3, 2009 14:13:00 GMT -5
The Shadow fought his way through the legions of Somnambulists, eventually reaching enemy lines, nursing a large, deep gash on his left arm and a number of unpleasant bruises and cuts all over his human parts. He runs further, through the battle line of Firestarter infantry, all the way back to the mages. He motions to a passing healer, who fixes his arm.
The Shadow keeps moving, eventually making his way to the command platform for the commander leading the battle, Knight-General Doyle, who is giving orders to mages to send to individual lieutenants and leaders on the field itself. The Shadow moves silently through the mass to stand at the General's side.
"New orders?"
"None. Go wherever the fighting's thickest."
"As you command."
The Shadow is gone, moving for the thickest parts of the fighting, bolstering the Firestarter line wherever it grows frail.
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Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 3, 2009 20:39:47 GMT -5
Howl fought alongside his allies, the fighting was dull, almost a stalemate, but then the Firestarters started getting issued commands from their General Roderick. They suddenly formed up, creating a wall of shields and spears. The Sonambulists acted differently, but one brave soul shouted out a command. Howl didn't quite listen, because he knew it would involve shields. Instead, Howl stepped back a row ((a row of people)) and readied his claymore for an attack.
Suddenly, everything got darker. "Am I hit?" Howl thought, then he looked up. A volley of magicked arrows and spells were hurling towards them, and with another command the Firestarters raised their shields over their heads. Howl took cover behind a few of his allies shields and hoped for the best.
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Badgerlord
Swordsman
Lord of the Badgers. Ninja. Surprisingly good dancer.
Posts: 157
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Post by Badgerlord on Aug 3, 2009 21:24:51 GMT -5
Shadow. Return. We are initiating contingency plan 14. You know what to do.
The Shadow retreats from his embattled position, slicing necks and breaking heads as he maneuvers bloodily back to Firestarter lines. He stalks silently through the line of mages and archers, who are forming up for the volley entailed by plan 14. Behind him, he can hear the consternation of the Sonambulists. They have no idea what they're in for.
The Shadow finally makes his way to the field hospital, where a number of injured soldiers and mages are being attended too. The Shadow stored one of his most useful pieces of equipment here; the field hospital was one of the last places to be attacked in a battle, making it excellent for storage. He walks to a corner, and picks up a large pile of wood and sails.
Taking the seeming junk outside, he snaps the various components together until they form a large, jet black, triangular glider. Grabbing onto the handlebar, the Shadow stands upright and triggers the air jets in his legs, forcing him high into the air.
Once aloft, the Shadow activates the jets once more. This time, however, they are on a lower, sustained setting, propelling him further upwards at an angle. The Shadow gazes down on the battle. From his vantage point, the whole battlefield appears as a field of ants. Beneath him, the Firestarters launch a barrage of arrows and spells out onto the battlefield.
They arc, and when they fall, another projectile joins them.
The Shadow withdraws sensation from his mask, staring into the blackness with his normal senses.
"Activate voice effect: laughter."
He pushes his senses back into the mask, and views the Sonambulists coming closer...closer.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA...
The Shadow hits the ground like a meteor after the initial, devastating volley, crushing three Sonambulists underneath him. He can feel the strain on his body that results from the impact, but the impact dampening enchantments woven into his legs absorb the blows. He comes up swinging, killing five Sonambulists within a few seconds, before leaping off to a different part of the battle line. He continues in this vein, never stopping for more than a few seconds and sowing confusion and death within the wavering Sonambulist lines.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA...
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Soggydog
Archer
Damn, we lost another one to DieTech!
Posts: 53
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Post by Soggydog on Aug 3, 2009 21:30:56 GMT -5
Jack wanted to avoid becoming directly involved in this battle. He wanted to retreat, however his body would not let him. He was filled with the urge to kill, and his will was rapidly fading. He could no longer resist, he had to revel in this slaughter. He drew the Nex Complexo from his coat pocket and extended it to broadsword length.
He lept from the tree he had been hiding in directly into the enemy ranks. He dispatched five of the enemy soldiers before they could even react. His movements were super human. The arrows began to fall around him, yet none of them even grazed him. He ran through the enemy ranks, cutting a bloody swath as he went. The soldiers wanted to run from this small man that was decimating their ranks. Yet they could not break the shield wall, for fear of being killed by the arrows that were continuing to fall.
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Post by Athena on Aug 3, 2009 22:26:00 GMT -5
Athena had watched the battle at Alsua Lake with great interest. She idly wondered what she would call it in her notes. "The Battle of Alsua Lake" had been taken already, so eventually she scribbled down "The Seventh Battle, of Alsua Lake" in her notes, promising herself that she would add more later.
Athena was watching through a window, a magical window, if you want to get all technical about it. Its partner was in the middle of the battlefield by Alsua Lake, literally hanging in the middle of the air. She stirred her ramen absent-mindedly and looked out again. A fly buzzed through. With a slight movement of her hand, she froze it, and so she simply tossed it out the window again. Yes, her plans were going very well indeed. Life was good.
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Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 4, 2009 0:19:29 GMT -5
After the initial volley had stopped, the surviving Sonambulists charged the Firestarter forces. For a few seconds the Sonambulists seemed to be coming back, but their front lines had sustained heavy losses from the volley, or otherwise.
Howl had only been mostly protected, and had a minor freezer burn from being skimmed by a Frostball. So he retreated a few rows back to be mended by a physician. After he was mended, and as he was returning towards the front lines, he found a window. He stared at it in disbelief, it was, in fact, a floating window in the middle of a battlefield.
He turned around to see if the area was clear, but it wasn't. To his right approached a small figure with a broadsword chopping his way towards him. To his left there was the shadowy figure he had retreated from before. Standing next to the window, Howl got an idea. He put down his sword, took up a grappling stance, and braced himself for a bit of inevitable injury.
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Esther
Archer
for the love of clockwork
Posts: 83
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Post by Esther on Aug 4, 2009 17:53:07 GMT -5
Esther rounded the curve in the woods to find herself facing a rather large battle. Men (and a few women) were hacking each other with swords. Some were even using magic. "Good grief. Leave these people alone and they tear each other apart...And people wonder why I prefer books." Esther sighed and laid Remi on a pile of leaves by a tree. "Go on. You're not gonna want to be here for this." The little snake slithered away. Esther drew her sword, but before she could do anything, she saw a familiar silhouette being rapidly approached by two very strong-looking humanoids-- one waving a huge broadsword and the other cutting through Sonambulist ranks with a huge glider. The silhouette seemed completely oblivious to the incoming danger, instead staring at a floating window. Esther readied herself to join the battle. "HOWL!" she bellowed. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? MOVE!"
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Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 4, 2009 18:07:27 GMT -5
((Did Howl accidentally spill some fast-grow potion or do tree's normally grow in plains?))
Howl looked up at the figure. "Esther! Quick, help me get these things in here!" Howl pointed at the only two Firestarters on the Sonambulists side of the front.
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Esther
Archer
for the love of clockwork
Posts: 83
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Post by Esther on Aug 4, 2009 19:13:42 GMT -5
{{No, it's like there's a giant plain, and surrounding it, at least partially, is an effing enormous forest...}} {{Also--"Help me get these things in here!"? That's what she said.}}
"Get what in where?" Esther shouted back, already running as fast as she could towards Howl and the window. "For Goddess' sake, Howl, MOVE! Get out of the way! Or help me get rid of these idiots!"
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Howl
Scholar
I know I'm crazy, thank you
Posts: 283
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Post by Howl on Aug 4, 2009 19:28:00 GMT -5
"Yes, that's the point!" Howl motioned again at the small thing and the dark figure. "We're going to throw them in here!" Howl pointed at the window.
((I wonder if Athena likes staring at Howl yelling and pointing at her.... lets assume she's busy with her noodles))
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