Fire Emblem: Requiem

[Psyker Landshark]

Jorin Adelas

Truth be told, he wasn't too bothered about having an eye kept on him. It was only understandable. Not having a horse wasn't exactly preferable, but he'd suffered worse marches, especially forced ones. All in all, Jorin supposed he really couldn't complain. The group was still entirely within their rights to kill him should he step out of line.

The talk of the beast stalking the Ebonwood drew a raised eyebrow from the former bandit. Whatever it was, the fact that it had already made short work of most of the town's hunters was concerning.

"Those girls never mentioned how large the hunting parties sent into the Ebonwood were." Jorin grunted, folding his arms. "If the village hunters only sent groups of three or four, this may not be that large of an issue for us, so long as we stick together." He paused, shaking his head at Chidori. "No point expending that much effort into something that'll happen anyway. Judging from what those villagers said, the beast'll come to us whether we want it to or not."

A few moments later, Jorin turned back towards Beatrix, wanting to clarify something he'd heard. "I'd taken you for king's men from the beginning, but what exactly is the point of all this? If you were on official business, I'd assume you'd have more actual knights with you, rather than hired mercenaries."

 

[Fyrra]

Left alone in his tent to an uneventful night beyond the new guests in the encampment, Isra found himself dwelling over his offer of friendship: a laguz, and a knight. That it appeared to have fallen upon deaf ears was of little concern: he was pressing to involve himself where his input wasn't needed, and he wouldn't begrudge anyone for paying him little heed. Perhaps he seemed insincere? Or perhaps the native Yveltskr knight, the princess, and the nobles' servant did not take well to their country being called cold, but how else would one describe a country whose commonfolk are used like chattel and allowed to starve on the plains?

The archer lie on his back, adrift. Perhaps this distance was for the best: nobility seldom blend with vagrants and foreigners, and even with the plague ravaging the countryside, there stood some chance of everything falling apart with a single disagreement, or a difference in principles. Given enough time, something would split the unit apart, and until Isra fell asleep, he dwelled upon whether setting his own principles aside could serve a greater purpose here: strength through unity and deeds, as opposed to strength in conviction. In his sleep, he tossed and turned about, likely disturbed from a dream.

Once packed up to resume the last leg of the journey, the blonde settled into the rear guard, uncomfortably changing his stance in the saddle every few minutes. The group's arrival in the village did little to raise his spirits: the townsfolk were starving, and their complaints and worries only started with that issue: with a significant portion of the population gone, and the granary all but empty due to these villagers depending on hunters and foragers entirely for their food, they also found themselves isolated from other communities. And this was all because of a... monster?

Isra slipped from horseback and onto his feet, wary. The lack of farms and livestock on the outskirts of the village had not escaped his notice.

"To think it's spread this far north so quickly," Isra mused, "Did anyone bring jars? A preserved sample would do wonders in the right hands, but carrying such a thing around unprotected could be deadly. In any case, the first step to fighting a plague is to understand it. How it moves, how it feeds..." He paused, stringing up his bow for battle. A thought occurred: "Have only hunters met their end here? It could be a creature defending its nest."

Does it have a family?

Offspring?

Is it the only one of its kind?

Isra looked at his bow again, then back out toward the woods. It wouldn't have been the first time he'd heard exaggerated tales that turned out to point toward refugees, but the circumstances at play here were too eerie to doubt completely. That Beatrix was worried was cause for concern, but Velita had stepped forth like nothing would stop her from pursuing the travelers ahead of them, and Jorin appeared to be piecing together the puzzle faster than Isra was.

"But if every hunter has met their end in these woods, it would have to be very large and agile, or it might not be alone. But fear not, for the moment your lance arm trembles is the moment your swing falters. We will be with you."

 

[Marlowe]

Taltfallow
Yveltskr

Interacting with: @Fyrra (Isra), @Vayne (Dustice), @Demon Shinobi (Roq), @Thaleko (Chidori), @Psyker Landshark (Jorin), @Jessica2477 (Velita), @Azurian Dream (Castex)
​

Another person had approached them. Beatrix gave them a wary glance, noting his somewhat disheveled appearance. It seemed to be an older man that was interested in hunting this beast... or whatever in the heavens it was. Honestly, she didn't want to encounter it. While it was a two days' journey, there was a chance that they could be quiet enough in order to avoid it entirely. Her blue eyes watched the man enter the forest as she sunk her teeth into her lip. What could they do? Take down the threat and rid Taltfallow of its horrors? And what about Redstall?

Chidori piped up, and Beatrix turned to her next. The swordwoman babbled about hunting down the "monster" for fame and glory. She tipped her head to the side. Even though they were in a rush, her idea did seem like it made sense. And, like Jorin said, the beast would likely come to them rather than the other way around. It was actively hunting people, after all.

"Very well then, we'll kill the beast if we come across it," Beatrix told them with a stern look toward Chidori. "But what I said before still holds true. Do not go on your own to hunt this thing. It seems like it does well in picking off people rather than attacking a large group. If you see something strange, then tell me." Jorin drew her attention, next. Oh, right. They still hadn't told them exactly why they were going on this journey all throughout Yveltskr. A sigh left her lips. Hell, she didn't even know his name yet. "We are on an expedition to find a treasure that will stop the plague from ravaging the Realm. Too many people have become ill. King Leonhardt has stated that if we find this treasure, we will be able to save not only our country, but all the others, as well," she explained to him over her shoulder as she began to lead them into the Ebonwood. "As for the king lending us knights, Yveltskr's efforts to dethrone King Roidnell has expended much of our men. King Leonhardt stated that it would be best if common men and women would go in his men's stead. He also stated that such individuals chosen to go on this trek would be rewarded in some way or another... I assume that you will be as well, despite our... interesting chance encounter."

Then their otherwise quiet archer spoke up, talking about a jar and samples. Damn. Isra was already a couple of steps ahead of her. If it was some plague-ridden monster, a container would be great. "I'm sure we could store it in one of the containers in the wagon. As for me being afraid, well," she smiled, "I'm glad you all of us will be here to support one another. Thank you, Isra. Just stay close and I'm sure we'll be fine."

With that, Beatrix led them into the Ebonwood. She silently prayed that they would not encounter the creature at all. There was something about the people's stories that frightened her more than bandits or bloodthirsty highwaymen.

The Ebonwood
Yveltskr
​

The deeper they went, the darker it became. Slivers of sun would penetrate the canopy here and there, but the Ebonwood was mostly covered in shadow. Luckily for them, there was just enough sun to see where they were going, and Pascal was able to guide both the wagon and his horses through the underbrush. Sometimes, their feet would be caught underneath concealed roots, but no one fell for the time being. Thin, low-hanging tree branches or long, whip-like twigs that poked out from bushes and small trees would tug at their clothes and weapons. But, other than that, the first half-hour of their expedition through the Ebonwood was void of any monstrous visages.

Still, it was quiet. Too quiet. Birds did not sing from their places within the verdant trees. Squirrels didn't scamper over boughs. There was nary a fox bark or hoot of an owl, or anything small rummaging through the layer of leaves on the floor. Even the wind did not permeate the forest. The only sounds she heard were those of the wagon wheels and the nervous whinnying of Azure and Sapphire.

And so they continued to walk. There was nothing in the path right in front of them other than trampled overgrowth and small trees that had toppled over, but there was a flash of crimson in a larger tree nearby. Beatrix furrowed a brow, peering closely at the splotch of red. At first, she thought it was a cardinal, a bird that would often come with winter. But the closer they got, the more she could make out. There were eyes, a nose, a face-- that was a person clinging to that tree branch!

"Good morning, sir." Beatrix was confused to see the man clinging so vehemently to the bough. "Tell me, what are you doing up there?"

"Hurry! Get in a tree or run away before it comes back!" the young man cried out.

Beatrix stiffened as if she braced herself for what came next. But the forest was still silent and nothing moved. In fact, it seemed like it had become even more silent than before, and she felt the quiet was going to suffocate her.

"What do you mean?" she asked the red-haired man almost unwillingly. Beatrix took a few steps closer to her troupe, noting that Azure and Sapphire had become fidgety. Was there something among them that she couldn't see? "Stay on your guard," she muttered. "I don't think we're alone."

 

[Thaleko]

Chidori Tsubasa

location: the Ebonwood
interactions: @Luminosity​

"If??.. ouangh~" Chidori groaned quickly, slumping. Though she perked back up fast. "If! Yes, if! Of course!" She clapped her hands together. "Only if the beast attacks us, shall we slay it! Right! That's what I meant, of course, boss lady! Yes, absolutely, absolutely~!" She nudged the boss lady before she started speaking to Jorin, "You got it, ma'a~am!" Beatrix's attention was now focused on the bandit dude; someone Chidori only marginally cared about. Actually, she did still owe him for food the other night.. Anyway, the shinobi turned, whispering, "Not that it matters.. it'll absolutely show up.."

So the forest wasn't anything special. A bit gloomy.. They were plodding along on foot, and it was boring Chidori. "Give me a mo', boss," she chimed. Chidori leaped at a tree, then began scampering up it like the nonexistent squirrels would. That was the moment when they finally stumbled across something, pausing Chidori half-way up the tree. "Monster?!?!" she asked aloud, her voice a little too excited. Then she slumped once more upon noticing that nope, it was not, just a man. Hearing his words perked her right back up, "Haha! Already ahead of you, sir!" She clapped the tree she was in, grinning under her mask down at the group.

His words also seemed to hint that the monster was nearby, immediately increasing Chidori's excitement. Her eyes peered forward into the gloom, searching for the beast. She couldn't wait to see just what it was --and kill it! Chidori heard Beatrix and their horses. Her excitement elevating even more, her entire skin tingling.

 

[Jessica]

Location

Within Ebonwood

Interactions:

Shivers rolled up her spine the further they stepped further into the forest, the once sunshiney path becoming enveloped with shadows save for a sliver of light every now and then. Velita, having lived and grown accustomed to the darkness, didn't take too long to adjust to the shadows. She couldn't actually see in the darkness, but her fear of what lingered within was quickly replaced with a feeling to power through. So long as she was mindful of her surroundings, she'd be fine. For now, she would have to be extremely cautious 'less she wanted to risk death from the forest or from the group she traveled with...

'For Khirel. For Khirel!' She thought to herself to push herself forward.

~~~

Khirel knew coming into Ebonwood was a mistake.

Now sitting within a tree, holding onto the trunk to take some of his weight off the branch he sat on; he knew that life was only going to throw him a bone or kick him while he was down.

He sighed, listening for any sort of heavy steps or movement that would signify that the beast was returning.

The damn thing... Immune to his fire magic. How in the world did it become immune? Had it adapted after years of being hunted with said magic?

'Once again the Goddess has decided to shit on my breakfast...' He thought to himself, wondering what he could do now. Khirel didn't have much of a choice; He would either have to die or waited until the beast left him alone... But no way could he take either of those risks...

He heard footsteps against the dirt's path.

Khirel stiffened and held still, hoping the leaves of the tree would camouflage him at least a bit.

He watched the group, his eyes falling on what appeared to be the leader.


She called out to him, her eyes meeting his.

Of course luck wasn't on his side.

"Hurry! Get in a tree or run away before it comes back!" He called back to her in warning.


Within the group, Velita instantly perked up. His voice; it couldn't be...

"Khirel?!" She called up to the man in the tree, recognizing red hair from within.

Khirel's heart instantly dropped into his stomach, eyes widened in terror. "V-Velita?! Wha- Why?" He took a second to shake the stutters from his voice. "Heed my warning! The thing is immune to magic and strong! Escape or hide!" The mage lowered his voice towards the group, not wanting to attract too much attention but needing to warn the group. Especially since his sister was with them.

 

[Psyker Landshark]

Jorin resisted the urge to groan. A fool's errand to find a treasure capable of curing plague? What the hell had he gotten himself into? On the bright side, he reasoned, being stuck with a group sent to find a way to cure the plague meant he surely wasn't going to contract said plague. Hopefully. Still, he noted with some dark amusement that the blueblood's explanation sounded more that she was expendable, considering the king wasn't even willing to send his own men along to save his nation.

The promise of a reward was interesting, though. If, by some miracle of the Goddess, there was a cure? A royal pardon would do quite nicely. Or perhaps a peerage would cover that already. Either way, he was already a dead man walking at this point. Any chance to continue to prove useful enough to convince these people to not kill one of their former enemies was a chance worth taking.

The Ebonwood itself was...distressing. Enough like the forest surrounding the village of his youth to be somewhat familiar, but everything about it now was unnatural. Likely due to the presence of the beast.

Both of the warnings given by the men were concerning. What was even more concerning was the fact that Beatrix didn't have the presence of mind to heed them.

"They've clearly been smart enough to survive whatever this is thus far." Jorin snapped at Beatrix, already starting to clamber up a tree. "I suggest heeding them."

 

[Solace]

Interacting with: Luminosity, Fyrra, Jessica2477, Demon Shinobi, Psyker Landshark, Thaleko, Azurian Dream
​

The morning had come and gone in a blur. Dark circles strewn underneath of his gray eyes spoke of the mercenary's uneventful watch and inability to find the comfort of a night's rest, an exhausted effort barely carrying his body into the next leg of their journey. Dustice's mouth had hung ajar for the greater part of the earlier hours, threatening to spill a trail of saliva as his gaze emptied ahead. Though, the young man found his muffled awareness to be that of a blessing; the incessant, nagging chatter from the more dramatic hens in their coop traveled from one ear to the other, filtered out in favor of an ounce of peace.

Regardless, the swordsman would eventually come to his senses as their company trekked into the Ebonwood. For all that his ears had managed to actually catch at the time, a despicable monster roamed among these trees, stifling Taltfallow's game and even its inhabitants. Dustice found it fortunate to have returned to himself at that moment, wiping a hand up and down his face as he focused on their environment. What normally should have been a luscious, green expanse of nature and its quipping children was instead substituted with an absence of anything. Plants and foliage lay trampled in a sea of decay, the bark of some trees splintered or even fractured altogether. Silence and the odor of dried blood, almost metallic, permeated from beyond the boundaries of the Ebonroad. The smell had become all too familiar to him after the war, and where they stood now, it reeked of expiration.

Swallowing the trepidation that grew at the back of his throat, Dustice clung to the reins of his horse with his left hand, his right arm looping over his torso and poised to draw his sword at a moment's notice. As much as he would have enjoyed a good fight to better his mood, all of the signs pointed towards a dangerous situation where they happened to be the prey. His horse trotted just a few steps further ahead of the pack, training his ears to perk at even the slightest of sounds should any arise. Immediately as the voice from the treeline called to them from above, his weapon gleamed at the ready, looking up to the man as his boots met the earth with his dismounting.

"So it's here, then?" Dustice regarded their warning, scanning around for any signs of their mysterious assailant. Where? His eyes circulated in an almost desperate effort, coming upon the bizarre tree to his left. A dark purple mist-like aura had begun to emanate from its branches above, slowly rolling across the treeline like clouds in the sky as it reached the other side of the Ebonroad. What little light from the sun dimmed to the shade of the ominous fog, the lilac hue assimilating itself over the already-dull colors of the forest. The swordsman felt shivers crawl across his skin from the prelude in violet, turning to rejoin the rest of his allies.

Only to find that he had been moving in place, at the same exact location beside the tree. "What?" the young man exclaimed with a hint of desperation, feeling a weight suddenly cast over his entire being. Dustice looked down across his body to find the purple haze shackled to his feet and wrists, unable to overpower the restraints that held him in place. Three stomps thundered from within the forest, with almost an intentionally slow and long pause between each to spell impending peril as the aftershocks following each stomp nearly caused him to fall off-balance. More followed suit as the stomps dramatically hastened with nearly the force of a miniature earthquake behind them, rapidly approaching their position.

He was a dead man.

The tree suddenly split into two as the upper bark fell across the road, not even having enough time to regard the monster's features. For the first time in a long time, fear reflected in the gray of his pupils as the creature rammed forward and cracked its head over his entire upper frame, instantly knocking the wind out from his lungs. His body flew across the road with a scream, rolling among the dirt as blood burst from the piercing wounds across his chest. His hands twitched in shock as every breath only spurted more blood from his mouth, unable to reach for his sword or anything. His eyelids blinked uncontrollably, barely able to lift his head from the ground to look at the monster.

​

Encounter in the Ebonwood

Map Theme — Dread Intrusion
Battle Theme — Same as map theme.

Jagged, antler-like appendages adorned its hellish visage as three mouths barring monstrous fangs salivated where the face of a stag should have been. Standing ten feet tall, sickly muscle rippled across its skinless gaunt figure, an extra pair of skeletal legs sprouted from its front set of legs. Dark spines similar to bones in nature rippled across its underside and back, the fibers and tendons of its flesh exposed. Never had Dustice imagined that he would lay eyes upon such a demonic sight; as children, creatures such as this had been simply the subject of horror stories at the bedside. The swordsman felt his chest crush under pressure as the mist rolled across his body. It was then that he recognized it to be the work of dark magic — it uses dark magic to ensnare its victims.

The pressure forced more blood to expel from his mouth, feeling his life force begin to drain. Several of his bones had been broken from its assault, and as he had already lost too much blood, any ounce of strength followed. His horse gave a fearful cry as he could only watch the monster drive its antlers into its body, forcing its prey to the ground where its three mouths began to feast on its meals. There was no way that their group could defeat this monster, and even if they tried, it would take their lives just as easily as it was taking his.

"S-stay.. back," What little breathes that he could muster weakened even further. Not here... Not now... His face paled with declining resolve, turning his head to the group before it fell back to the ground as Dustice Nastrond fell unconscious.

 

[Marlowe]

The Ebonwood
Yveltskr

Interacting with: @Fyrra (Isra), @Vayne (Dustice), @Demon Shinobi (Roq), @Thaleko (Chidori), @Psyker Landshark (Jorin), @Jessica2477 (Velita), @Azurian Dream (Castex)
​

The quiet in the wood was deafening. Beatrix could hear the snuffling of their horses and even her own breathing on top of that. Now that she looked closer, the shrubbery was not only trampled, but also wilted and blackened at the tips. Some of the plantlife was completely shriveled up and limp on the ground. It was as if the Ebonwood had not been blessed with rain in months, which was interesting, because the the ground was damp and dark brown.

Chidori and Jorin were quick to climb into trees. It was wise of them to act quickly, but Beatrix didn't do the same. Pascal was still on the ground, along with several others of their party. There was no way that Velita was going to be able to drag herself up a tree in that heavy armor. Roq would be fine, and so would Dustice, but would it really be wise for them to leave their horses and supplies behind? But the desperation in the red-haired man's-- Khirel, Velita's brother --made her uncertain of what she had to do.

Dustice walked a little away from them as she turned back toward Jorin. "What will happen if the beast knows how to get into the trees? Or is big enough to topple them over?" she hissed up at Jorin, Khirel, and Chidori. She kept her voice low, her tone becoming traced with fear. "Then we must deal with the falling trees and the creature. Lorelei forbid if you get pinned underneath one--"

Wait. Did it just get darker? A thick fog began to swamp the forest, blocking out whatever sun filtered through the trees and cloaking the area in a dastardly purple mist. The ground trembled as she heard Dustice cry out behind her, and Beatrix turned around in time to see a monstrous shadow rend a tree in half and slam into the swordsman. As Dustice was thrown aside like a rag doll and remained limp on the ground, her fear turned into horror.

"Dust--" it was all she could say before her throat closed up. Beatrix reached for her lance, pointing its tip towards the beast. It tore into Dustice's horse, its mouths dripping with flesh and blood as it devoured mouthful after mouthful. What in the Lady's name is THAT?

Sapphire and Azure let out horror-filled bellows as they kneaded the ground, Pascal fighting to keep them from bolting. Their wagon-driver had paled with fear, now ghostly-white as his eyes remained locked on the beast. The creature was around twice their height and half the size of the trees that Jorin, Khirel, and Chidori were in. But what was more terrifying was the absolute mass of the beast; it could cleave a great oak in half with a rush of its horns.

The beast raised its head, its maws dripping with gore as it turned towards them. What left its terrible mouths were not grunts or whimpers, but human-like screams and wails that chilled Beatrix to the core. With long, gliding strides of its sickly-gray legs, it rushed towards them in a screaming frenzy.

"Watch out!" Beatrix cried out, leaping out of the path of the charging monster. It rushed by her and towards the cloaked figure of the old man that was with them. It lunged towards the old man in an attempt to grab him between his teeth, but Beatrix was quick. She drove her lance into its back leg, its tip sinking into its rubber-like flesh. Some blood poured from its wound as it whirled towards her with an ear-piercing scream. It attempted to gore her with its hellish antlers, and Beatrix leapt away in response. Even though she had put all of her force behind her attack, it only seemed to give the creature a fairly minor wound.

"We have no other choice but to fight!" she screamed up at the three in the trees. "Get down here and help!"

 

[Azurian Dream]

???/Castex
Location: The Newly Forsaken Forest
@Luminosity @Vayne

"Its here," the old man grunted as a unsettling fog had rolled in. What the party hadn't know was there had been a single survivor yet her mind had been broken to the point that no one took what she had at face value, but one thing that was always consistent with her story was a demonic fog that seemed to cater the beasts rage. All the proof that the woman wasn't insane was given bare as the warrior Dustice was thrown with little effort by a creature sought only in ones nightmares. A Stag of Hell was no in their mists, and it was hungry tearing apart the horse the warrior the old man shifted his whole body grunting loudly for the beats to hear. The creature wailed as if accepting the challenge bulldozing towards the massive man. The lord knight did her best to save him, but upon the beast wild turn was sliced in half by the massive horns strangely swirling a storm of leaves all around as it turned its attention to Beatrix. Before it could charge again in the midst of Beatrix's call to arms the beast would meet a second attacker as a shadow ran fast delivering a flurry of strikes upon the beast left side before dodging any attack the beast could perform at its sides. Quickly meeting to the side of Beatrix as the leaves seen from the now gone old man revealed someone completely different.

"Heh, tis a response only the insane, or hero would issue so which do I have the honor of meeting," he spoke briefly to Beatrix as the last of the leaves settled onto the ground. His feature placed him around her age though his unusual silver hair, and eyes made it hard to place his birth land. Before any heads, or tales could be made from where the hell he had come from he was off to fetch the now unconscious Dustin. Though lugging a man would definitely lower his speed their was no option as the almost rogue looking characters attack had probably done very little.

"I'll handle your wounded for now I suggest you either impale, or crush this beast with the environment," he suggested as he did his best to pick up Dustin without insighting further damage to the wounds sustained. Yet It seem such a attempt was not destined as the unconscious man would not budge from the ground. Well that was a massive problem... one he was sure magic was to blame for. Before further query he started checking his dagger... the edges had been dulled heavily in that one assault with very little blood to show for it. The beast could clearly be made to bleed yet from the attempts of the lance, and dagger clearly this would not be a easy feat to outright bleed the creature to death.

"Damn that beast daggers of steel are not easily replaced," he grumbled before turning around taking a few step away from the koed ally, and towards the beast he would need to keep some distance to avoid any chance of the beast just devouring the warrior. Reversing his grip to have the unfazed edge ready he watched to see when the next opening would be, or when to play distraction for the others. At this time attack wise he was useless for now yet unlike the rest he seemed not as distracted by monstrosity level of what they were dealing with.

"Any of you happen to be able in magic because I can't seem to move your unconscious friend from the ground," he called out knowing for now he, and the knight could do well enough for bidding time against the beast, but by no means for very long.​

 

[Thaleko]

Chidori Tsubasa

location: the Ebonwood
interactions: @Luminosity​

"Silly noble," Chidori chided from above. If such a beast existed, then the entire forest would be trampled down like the stalks of crop at a farm. "If that were the case, then it wouldn't even matter." And all of her bluster about fighting -let alone, killing- the monster was foolishness. However, a certain dread filled the air, that was liable to take the breath from her lungs.

"What?.." Chidori looked at the rolling mist, as it darkened the area in a deep purple haze. The thunderous meticulous stomps shook the earth, and the tree she held to. The leaves beside her rustling as if in warning.

Then the tree shattered, and where she was, she could see the whole thing. A beast of hellish origin crashed through the perennial plant, shattering it to splinters instantly. This monster was truly what "monster" meant. It was unlike anything in this world, and Chidori could only think of such demons from the various myths from her home. Still, none did this thing any semblance of 'justice'. Its semblance only vaguely was that of a buck. Its sinewy flesh was skin-crawling, and its bone-like protrusions made her own bones crack. The voice from it was not from this earthly plane, raising the hair on the back of her neck. She would literally have preferred any sound to that.

Maybe. Maybe she was wrong. Wrong about fighting this thing. Killing it seemed so absurd now. This thing was an avatar of death.

It crashed right into Dustice, and to his credit, he didn't mirror the tree just before him, suddenly exploding into viscera. Good for the other sword-wielder. Her rivalrous feelings towards the other sword wielder now seemed petty.

Her eyes spotted the caravan, ignoring really mostly everything else. Anyone who had attempted to attack that thing were freaking idiots in her mind. Brave perhaps, but still vehemently stupid.

Sure, she could stay up in the treetops; hell, if the light shinobi ascended more, she could possibly hide in the canopy, among the frightened leaves. This thing could break trees, but didn't seem to actively attack trees for no reason, so hiding seemed smart.

However, she spotted the shrieking horses, and before she could even think, she was already moving. Slipping out of the tree, she landed on the ground, speedy feet carrying her over. With a glance at Pascal, Chidori's sword sliced clean through the restraints keeping the horses rooted. "Go! Get!! Go, leave!" The girl shouted, waving her hands at the horses, while she slapped both Azure's and Sapphire's rumps. "Get!! Damn stupid animal, get out of here!"

 

[Fyrra]

Surveying the decay of The Ebonwood did much to ease Isra's doubts concerning the claims of these townspeople: that odd feeling that accompanied Beatrix's appreciation soon fell to frustration, as the worst noise he could ever hear in a forest was nothing. Neither the songs of a bird nor the buzzing or chirping of mosquito or cricket filled the dead air, and while there were people on the road, the archer found his eyes wandering elsewhere in a fruitless search for wildlife. Naturally, the missing travelers were found with little effort, nested up in a tree: a perfect vantage point for those with the means to hunt from on high, but they had the look of prey.

When the sky darkened, Isra suddenly knew why. In a mere moment he felt himself frozen, the words of his companions all but a haze, blurred together into an incoherent thought.

This creature was what killed everyone. This consumed the life of all it touched, and if left unchallenged (as if anything could challenge it) it would not stop until the entire land lie barren. And keeping a sample for an expert to study was.... well, certainly dangerous even at first thought, but certainly an important step. But now Isra had no idea how one might acquire such a thing and survive.

He shook in place, and the creature fell upon Dustice, driving its hooves into him long past what it would take to prevent him from getting back up. And then again. Its mouths shrieked with what must have been the voices of those it consumed, and trailing behind its front hooves appeared to be legs designed for impaling. No part of it looked like arrows would do much to slow it down, except perhaps the hooves themselves, but to get so close would be suicide.

He still remain frozen, even when the beast charged, searching for some sort of vulnerable point yet too frightened to move, but at the moment of Beatrix's shout, it all fell into place.

...topple them over...
....falling trees....
....impale, or crush this beast with the environment!

Isra rolled past the beast's charge, a little too late to have the caltrops in place, but that was a dangerous gambit to play on its own, with everyone else in the fray. Reaching for his woodcutting axe, the blonde turned his attention back to where it should have been from the beginning: the trees. Just like its name suggested, and perhaps even more frightening in the context of the creature goring through them with little effort, the ebonwood's trees were dense. There wasn't enough time for Isra to fell one of these, much less hope for everyone else to harry the creature for long enough that it could hit its mark, and judging from the warmaiden's thrust it might not do them any good either.

Briefly, thoughts of fleeing clouded Isra's judgment, but he couldn't outrun this. Gone was any bravado from earlier, despite the claim that everyone was here to support Beatrix in her quest.

Chop.

Isra winced. He was so dead.

Chop.

He and his axe.

Chop. Chop. Chop.

He turned to see where the monster was now, letting out a frustrated gasp from the repeated impact. The next chop hit the tree at a different angle, wedging past the bark and into the trunk itself, for all the good aiming might accomplish if the beast were to suddenly move again.

 

[Demon Shinobi]

The Ebonwood
From Camp to Taltfallow to Battle
Interacting with: @Fyrra and everyone else indirectly (kind of)
​

Amaroq had awakened shortly after Chidori. He's gone to walk through the woods, foraging for fruits and berries while scouting for any unsavory individuals who might serve to attack his companions or master. The time had also been allotted for a bit of early morning exercise. He'd felt the warmth of the sun wash over his skin before taking a bit of time to feel it warm the fur of his wolf form. Sometimes it was hard to tell which form he preferred. He loved being able to lounge about as a wolf; he loved how powerful he felt. But it was a temporary power. He'd always need to turn back. Even so, he returned to camp soon after his stroll with berries and other things he'd been able to scrounge up and catch to help add to their supplies. He doubted that anything would go unused before it reached the point of no return.

From there he would help Roland clean up their tent as Ferice ran out for a bit to stretch his legs (and wings presumably as he would eventually return from the air). Roland rubbed the sleep from his eyes, yawning as he moved at a slower pace than Roq. The mess got cleaned all the same before they left and that was all that mattered, even if Roq ended up doing a bit more of the work.

Still, he rode his horse as Roland rode Ferice first to Taltfallow. The two took note of the state it was in. In truth, Roland hadn't been all too sure about going to through the Ebonwood upon the warnings of the local, but he couldn't let the fear he felt stop him. Especially not when Roq was so determined to help.

Roq had been sympathetic of the struggles of the people and had been glad when Beatrix had stated they would cross the Ebonwood. However, the thing that caught his nose was a familiar scent. He'd been prepared to mention it to Velita but they were soon on their way again. Besides, it didn't matter as they soon came into contact with her brother, Khirel. He'd was glad to see them reunited, and also glad to have yet another companion. The problem was, it didn't last. He growled as the area around them darkened with an ominous fog.

Ferice's eyes narrowed. He and Roq, who were generally at odds, were equally on edge. Roland pet Ferice's head a tad bit oblivious to the change before the rumbling began.

"Be on guard, master." Roq said calmly. He didn't feel like he'd need to tell everyone else the same; especially after the warnings they'd received. He glanced around before beginning to transform. He wanted to be ready if something came to attack them. However, nobody could have prepared for what came. He was shocked as he jumped out of the way, Ferice bringing Roland to safety immediately in response.

To Roq's surprise, Dustice was incapacitated almost immediately by the- "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" He shouted, his initial shock causing him to speak aloud. The wolf shook his head, bringing himself back to his senses as he steeled himself for the battle they were being thrust into. He wanted to yell for everyone to jump out of the way, but this wasn't like the bandits though. Beatrix managed to cut its leg. One of the newer members of their rag tag group was attempting to tend to Dustice.

"Wait! Chidori no!" Roland shouting, pulling Roq back to reality as the young ninja woman released their horses.

"Master, we don't have time to worry about the horses." It was an annoying fact to have to state, especially when the better course of action would have been to allow Pascal the time to try and calm Azure and Sapphire. Then, they could have attempted to draw the monster away from this area, even if only a bit. That would have spared the horses and decreased the chances of Dustice dying, even if only by a little bit.

"I know!" Roland's previously jovial and cheerful manner of battle displayed when confronting the bandits was gone. He was clearly out of his element as he readied his lance and tightened his grip on Ferice's reins. That's when he noticed Isra. He gasped. That was an incredibly smart idea. Or incredibly stupid. There really was no telling. Upon Roland's mark, Ferice charged forward. The Ebonwood restricted the wyvern rider and his partner's mobility, but they'd just have to make due. They moved forward at incredible speed attempting to reach and help Isra. As they approached the tree, Roland pat his wyvern's head and whispered softly. "Isra! Here's hoping we can pull this through." He said, managing to force a nervous smile, trying to put on a brave face. Hopefully with Ferice's strength they could knock down the tree rather quickly.

"I'll try and buy a little bit of time." Roq said to the two, having gone with Roland and Ferice to try and help and to have his master's back. The thing was, he would have to take a different approach at attacking the beast. "Please cut face though." Roq growled as he stared down the monster and ran towards it. He couldn't just charge head on though. He began to weave through the trees to try and take advantage of the layout of their surroundings before emerging to try and flank the hellish cervidae from its right side. He leaped off the ground, lunging at the monster to attempt a twofold attack. He would try to sink his claws into the monster, followed by his fangs to try and distract it. If he was lucky, he would wound it too. At the same time, he was hoping he might be able to keep the deer monster in place long enough to provide some time for Roland and Isra's plan to work.

In truth, the chance for success was really low. But maybe there was even a chance that somebody else would be able to attack it as well. After all, now would likely be the best time for others to attempt to attack it if they hadn't already. Or to, at least, take the time to prepare something themselves before he was either swatted away or shaken off the monster. This was especially important since Chidori had taken it upon herself to rid them of a possible means of escape. So, fighting was probably their only option at the moment. Even so, as the Laguz attempted his attack, hoping others would join as he, Roland, and Isra attempted their plan as well, he couldn't help but think that this hadn't been how he'd planned the day when he woke up. He figured they'd face something more akin to the bandits or perhaps have an easy day altogether. Wishful thinking at it's best.

 

[Marlowe]

The Ebonwood
Yveltskr

Interacting with: @Fyrra (Isra), @Vayne (Dustice), @Demon Shinobi (Roq), @Thaleko (Chidori), @Psyker Landshark (Jorin), @Jessica2477 (Velita), @Azurian Dream (Castex)
​

The man did not exactly get hit by the beast, but it instead tore into the figure's cloak and revealed the old man for who he really was. She was somewhat surprised to see that the old man was not really an old man, but a younger person who was rather loud and boisterous. Beatrix wanted to know exactly why he had been in disguise, but there was no time for that when there was a vicious beast on the loose. Beatrix whirled towards the beast again, listening to the strange man's words. There was no way they could focus on Dustice right now. She was worried for him. The faster that they got rid of this thing, the faster they could help Dustice. ​

​

The monster wailed again its attention towards her. Beatrix couldn't help but be frightened. This thing was too big and too strong for them to take down on their lonesome. They would need a miracle to get out of here alive, perhaps even a miracle and a half. She braced herself before lunging towards the creature's torso in an attempt to dig the steel tip of her lance into something that wasn't hard as bone. The tip drove into the beast's hide, but this time it didn't produce a fresh blossoming of blood. The point was wrenched into muscle and tendon. Beatrix almost couldn't pull it out in time before the beast swung its head towards her. Its horns sung just by her arm. A moment too late and it would have come clean off. ​

​

"OY! WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YE DOIN'?"​

​

The cry, accompanied by nervous screeching of horses and the thunder of hooves, drew the attention of both the beast and Beatrix. She caught the sight of Azure and Sapphire rushing through the forest and a very distraught Pascal screaming at Chidori from atop his wagon. The beast let out a ghastly snarl as began to run after the fleeing horses, the ground once again coming alive with the sound of its hellish hooves. Beatrix was stunned. They had not just lost their wagon horses, but they had lost the attention of a beast that might as well go on a rampage in Taltfallow. ​

​

But Roq was quick; the great white wolf had latched onto the beast with tooth and claw. The monster screamed, wrenching back from the wolf. After it saw that the Laguz was adamant about hanging on, the mist around it grew, and spectral, violet tendrils began to twist and turn as it spilled toward them. Beatrix stepped away from it-- it was another of its magical attacks. She knew that if she was caught in it for too long it would keep her rooted to the forest floor. The mist licked at her feet, and she stepped back again, bumping against a tree. If it pinned all of them, they were done for. ​

​

Something that sounded much like thunder cracked through the air. It was a deep, penetrating roar, crackling and rushing down towards them. A wild rush of wind fell upon them as a tree tumbled to the floor. No, not to the floor. It crashed on top of the vicious beast! The monster screamed as if it had been rended in half, crashing to the ground as it was pinned underneath the tree. Beatrix rushed up to it, brandishing her lance. That was her opening. She had to pierce its head, its heart, anything. "Die!" she snarled as she drove the lance into its head. Like before, the tip was not able to penetrate its hide. Beatrix pushed, trying to drive the rest of it into its skull. It thrashed as it fought to get back to its feet. I can't-- get to its brain! No matter how hard I push--​

​

It screeched again, and this time its hooves buried themselves into the floor. It rushed back to its feet at an unholy speed, tossing the branch off of its back. Beatrix watched in horror-- the branch had basically done nothing to the creature. It had only bruised its hide. Beatrix was caught in its shadow as it loomed over her, her lance in her grip. There wasn't a way that she could move out of the way. All she could do was stand her ground. ​

 

[Psyker Landshark]

What in the Goddess's name was this thing?! Jorin kept one hand on his axe as he watched from his position in the trees, eyes wide. In nearly a decade of war, he'd seen some shit. Enough that some of it would likely stick with him to the rest of his days. But at least those atrocities were human. Understandable. This beast, whatever it was, was much less comprehendable.

Damn it all. Beatrix was right. They didn't have any choice but to fight for their lives against this thing. Hefting his axe up, he watched with trepidation as the rest made their attempts at disabling the creature. Felling a tree on top of it did something, at least. That was good. Better than he'd feared. The beast was mortal. It could be hurt. It could be killed.

Crouching on the branch he was perched on, Jorin gripped his axe tightly, looking below him as the creature loomed over Beatrix. It was close enough. This was his chance. Hopefully, the fall would add force to his blow. With a savage roar, he leapt off the tree, pouncing down towards the beast and swinging his axe towards its neck.

 

[Fyrra]

Isra panted through his teeth when he saw the tree shake, much sooner than it should with the headway he was making with the axe. The sudden gust from Ferice's wings nearly sent the archer back early, but with another few good swings and a shove from the mighty wyvern, the tree had come crashing down upon the monstrosity terrorizing the forest! His axe fell from his stinging hand as he studied the creature: the archer's hand trembled from the repeated impact against the tree, and probably also from the sight of the beast shrugging off a fallen tree and forcing itself back onto its feet.

Again, Beatrix shouted, this time about the creature's brain. There was certainly an idea, but the flesh could not be easily rent: if even a powerful lance-thrust struggled to pierce, then what could he accomplish apart from running his hands raw trying to fell a second tree?

When the abberation shrieked, Isra saw his answer: he drew his bow, nocking an arrow back and circling toward the front, behind Beatrix. With Jorin entering the fray from above, it made the shot far hairier than the archer was comfortable taking, but no other angle provided the opening he needed. Taking aim, he let loose a shout.

"Someone get another tree on it!"

In the meantime, he waited: the beast loomed over the warmaiden, its mouths not just visible but within Isra's sight. He knelt down while taking aim, giving the arrow the upward angle it would need for any hope of hitting something important once it bypassed a mouth, and the moment an opening presented itself, his arrow flew.

 

[Demon Shinobi]

The Ebonwood
In the midst of battle
Interacting with: @Luminosity primarily as well as @Fyrra and @Psyker Landshark briefly
​

As the creature wretched and cried out in pain, Roq knew one thing above all else: it could be hurt. He held his position on its hide for as long as he could until the tree came crashing down.

"Roq!" Roland's voice strained to carry over the sounds of battle, "Move!" Roq had to let go now. He was sure he wouldn't want to be crushed along with their foe. That would be a very unbecoming end, even for a Laguz slave. he leaped from the beast, but was just a hair to slow. The falling tree grazed him, if only slightly, throwing him off balance and sending him tumbling to the floor below. He braced himself, but still came down pretty hard.

That could have been worse. The wolf thought as he came picked himself up, only to yelp in pain. He tilted his head to look down and briefly inspect himself as Beatrix attempted to end the beast, finding herself unable to pierce through to the beast's brain. He growled quietly. Of course this wouldn't end so quickly. Why the hell would it? They were only down one capable mercenary and possibly two horses. They should have had the advantage. Roq couldn't help by roll his eyes at their own misfortune. It didn't help that this was unlike anything that evidently anyone of their party had seen before. But that was to be expected wasn't it? It wasn't like this was the run-of-the-mill deer.

Still, there was no time to rest. He tested putting a bit of pressure on his leg. This was gonna need a bit of treatment left, and the time to fix it wasn't a luxury he had at the moment. Especially not when... when... DAMMIT! Roq took off running. Beatrix was in the shadow of the beast who would likely be attacking again soon. They couldn't risk being down another able bodied combatant. Even so, as he charged ahead he took note of Jorin and Isra. It wasn't like he was in a position to call anyone else a fool, but not would have been the time to regroup. Even if only briefly.

"Everyone's gotta get away from this thing!" His voice boomed as he shouted to Isra and Jorin, though he wasn't sure if the latter of the two could hear him. Even if their attacks managed to cause more damaging getting away quickly would be the way to go. Roq couldn't really worry about them though. The biggest issue, would probably be losing their leader. So, he prioritized as Bea didn't seem to be all there. In fact, she seemed to be frozen in horror which wasn't good either. And, given her perceived state, the wolf did what he had to. Roq came up behind her quickly, running under and through her legs, in order to scoop her up. In one swift move he had the battle maiden up on his back in order for him to carry her to safety. "Cap'n! This isn't good. We need to regroup, we need orders." He said to Bea, now on his back, as he got her a good few feet away, closer to a position somewhere between the where Dustice laid incapacitated and where the carriage sat unable to move.

The two weren't quite out of the heat of battle, but this was a safer distant away at least and could give Bea a moment to try and think of a strategy. They needed a better way to try and work together than the shoddy, thrown together tactics they'd employed thus far. Everyone was currently just doing their own things and that might have worked against the bandits, but it wouldn't work her.

"Roq, Lady Beatrix, are you okay?!" Roland's voice called him to his attention as the Wyvern Rider circled around to attempt to make his way back to the group, choosing to rejoin the his servant and their leader. He'd so hoped that the tree would prove more detrimental than it had.

 

[Solace]

Elsewhere.​

It's all over.

Was that what he was supposed to accept so simply? Imprisoned within the pitch blackness that was death, all within the blink of an eye? His mouth opened to draw a breath, but this realm was absent of air; his body was the last light within the emptiness that his mind could not comprehend as the void surrounding his dimly lit features threatened the remnants of his soul. Dustice blinked and shook his head rapidly, attempting to find himself awakening from a nightmare — yet the eternal sea of shadow remained. He looked down to his bare frame, his hands patting across where his fatal wounds had seemingly disappeared without a trace. Lament rushed across his face as thoughts began to return to him once more — yet the darkness erased them, one by one, leaving only the lingering sentiment that they had never existed to begin with. As the lost spirit willed to step forward, the swirling abyss began to call to him.

Darling... why did you leave me all alone?

"What is this?" a wild look wore on Dustice's face as he searched for the source in desperation, the voice swelling within his ears.

The familiar outlines of a figure began to form from the shades as it stepped towards him slowly. A beautiful face with full lips and high cheekbones met his face, with long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. "Mother?"

I forgive you... It's okay, darling. Let's go home, now...

The feeling of tears streaming down his face surfaced from his eyes, yet they did not come. He stared at the image of his mother as she held her hand out towards him. Her nails were long and precise as she had always kept them, a certain cleanliness that he had always remembered. He was taken aback by her sudden appearance, finding his hand halfway raised towards his mother in his state of shock.

Until Dustice remembered why he was here. "No..." he tugged his arm back to his side, feeling his heart shatter into pieces as the pained despair on his mother's face regarded his rejection. "I don't belong here. I have to return."

"There is no return."

His mother's features began to contort inward of her own body, a great expulsion of dread overcoming his being as a new figure emerged from the marionette that was an imitation of his memory. It bore six arms, each of its hands clinging to an expressionless mask as its own face remained featureless. The upper half of its body reflected the brightness of the masks as if it were metallic, while darkness in the form of tendrils spilled from its waist down, somehow distinguishable from the pitch black that surrounded them.

Dustice willed his body to turn and step away from the menacing entity, only to look down and see that its coils were slowly beginning to wrap around and creep up his legs. His mouth opened to cry out, but when that moment occurred, more of its tendrils burst from his torso where his fatal wounds were supposed to be, not drawing any blood or piercing his skin. They also sprung from his throat, lashing violently before clinging around his jaw. Only his eyes could garner any sort of movement at that point, rapidly scanning across his body. It began to take on a purplish hue as flower-like constructions began to sprout from its roots, slowly enveloping his body.

"You will submit to us," it drew closer towards Dustice, beginning to affix one of its masks over his face. "Our purpose, you must serve."

---

It's in my range.

Urgency carried his feet as the monk sprinted from within the Ebonwood, following the scent of the Maruul. Sweat poured down his body, yet there was no moment to spare; he had finally located his quarry. Emerging from beyond the treeline and back onto the main road, he would realize that his arrival was too late for his liking. There was a downed tree to his left that blocked the majority of the road, the signs of its rampage evident as it had been split into two. His face steeled with determination as he very briefly studied the purple haze that surrounded the downed tree and yonder, already knowing that the Maruul's aura was capable of trapping sounds within its proximity. His theory proved to be true as the monk stepped through the threshold of the mist, where the sounds of desperation and battle suddenly filled the air.

Keeping himself concealed by ducking behind the bark of the downed tree, his eyes peered over the wood to ascertain the situation, gasping at the sight of a downed man close by. It can't be! Dark liquid that was the color of licorice seeped from their wounds where blood should have spilled, their mouth hung wide open as their eyes rapidly swung around their sockets as if it was rapid movement during deep slumber. Infected... I must be quick. The monk shifted his attention to that of the Maruul, watching as it took a decent blow to its cranium from an axe-wielding combatant and tackle the very individual with a whip of its head. There were others that stood at attention, all clutching their weapons and wearing the same look of fear that he had worn against their kind once. He was unsure if they could see him from this distance, but it did not matter. I cannot bear to let it live.

"Don't be afraid!"

Interacting with: Luminosity, Fyrra, Jessica2477, Demon Shinobi, Psyker Landshark, Thaleko, Azurian Dream
​

Encounter in the Ebonwood

Map Theme — Dread Intrusion
Battle Theme — Dread Intrusion > Don't Be Afraid

The monk climbed onto the bark of the tree, planting his feet down firmly as the illumination from his eyes shined through the mist towards the Maruul and the wayward group. "At last, I've found you," his voice seemed to carry over the distance as he reached into the confines of his garb, pulling out two tomes of identical design and scripture in both of his hands. He would have to exert himself for this form of manipulation, the ways which were impossible for any ordinary mage without his pact. The brandings near his eyes and at the center of his forehead began to glimmer like his pupils, focusing intensely as he raised the tome in his right hand high over his head. The monk held out his left hand openly towards the Maruul with the second tome affixed to his palm, suddenly slicing his right hand downward as that other tome became a fine dust in its place.

He sucked a great deal of air into his lungs before blowing the ash of the tome into the air, its particles shimmering pure light like a golden wind within the mist. "Etha im so cee hwam, sethse oot!" his voice magnified immensely as it drew the rancor of the Maruul, which turned towards the source. Fractals of holy magic like lightning crackled from his left hand, dropping the tome to his foot and placing his foot atop of it. The bolt flew across the air and embedded itself into the Maruul like a dagger, causing it to unleash a bellowing cry. Yet, as it motioned to charge towards the newfound assailant, half of the spike of magic suddenly broke off into six smaller counterparts shaped like manacles, clamping tightly around its torso and limbs as they locked the Maruul in place.

As he expected, the creature began to screech in its vulnerable state, its cries no longer that of the otherworldly beast, but mimicking that of the living which it had encountered and consumed. Both of his palms were now firmly held out as if they were against a wall, the pangs of overexertion ringing across his body. "Don't be afraid," the monk reiterated through his magnified voice and grit teeth. "Strike the insides of its mouths!"

 

[Jessica]

Velita and Khirel
~~~~~~~~~

Both of them knew that there was no way they could approach the beast and attack it head-on without some kind of safe guard. Khirel's magic had done nothing to it despite his best attempts, and Velita was not going to risk an approach if she didn't know exactly what to do. There was no room for error, and as much as they wanted to help, how could they? The monster would tear her and Khirel apart in a matter of seconds, and without their main goal in life complete, they couldn't risk being so suicidal.

What could they do..?

'This feeling... it's disgusting...' Velita thought to herself.

Guilt. Self-hatred. A desire to do better.

It was uselessness.

She felt useless. And she hated it.

Khirel could feel the same uselessness his sister did and hated it all the same. But, they've never had to face a monster like this before; they couldn't be blamed for not rushing to battle like idiots.


Though, as if an answer from the Gods, a monk approached from the trees, his voice of hope snapping Velita and Khirel back to reality. He trapped the beast with holy magic, a type Khirel had read about and seen a couple of times, and like that the monster was at their mercy.

Velita didn't need to be told twice.

She strapped her shield again and readied her lance with two hands. Velita rushed forward, keeping her eyes on the center mouth of the creature. The creature roared at her as if to try and scare her away, but she pressed forward.

She reeled back her lance, then thrust the weapon forward straight into the monster's mouth. However, she didn't stop at just a stab. With all her strength and a grunt, she thrust the weapon further and further, piercing what felt like the monster's innards as she forced her lance into the body. Velita wouldn't be content until this beast fell, even if it meant costing her lance. ​

 

[Thaleko]

Chidori Tsubasa

location: the Ebonwood
interactions: the others in general​

"What???" Chidori grunted, glancing at the wagon-driver, shaking her hands and shrugging. Was he legit complaining about her freeing the horses? You couldn't blame her! They were tied down, when this thing was obviously their predator! She'd like to see this ass tied down when something was about to kill him. He'd wish someone would free him then, wouldn't he?

A loud crash drew the girl's attention, glancing over to see a tree felled. It pinned the beast beneath it, and even Chidori had to be impressed. However, that was short lived, as the monster quickly showcased its power once more, throwing off the tree as if it was merely brushing a leaf off its shoulder.

That didn't stop the others from springing into action. An axe swung at it, an arrow fired at it, lances striking it. They knew how powerful this thing was, and were attacking? Again, she was impressed, though she could feel the fear within her. All attacks bounced off its tough hide, but the inside of its mouths were soft.. If its mouths were the apparent weakness...

"Hey! I'll draw its attention! You guys attack it when you can!" She offered, knowing she had to provide any aid she could! As the fastest one around here, she could definitely outpace it... Maybe. Probably not, to be honest, but the shinobi didn't want to admit to being completely useless. Her speed was her primary advantage, so she had to lean into it.

However, before she could even sprint to gain its attention. Someone else showed up. Who was that? He cast some spell, and the light magic rooted the thing in place. Apparently it caused it some pain too, based on those inhuman screeches it was releasing. "Uh, never mind." Chidori deflated. No need to be a distraction now, if it was rooted in place. Perhaps she could attack it? She held up her sword, looking down at it. This blade was probably too weak to do anything, and strength certainly wasn't her strong suit.

 

[Psyker Landshark]

Damn. He hadn't expected the beast to simply power through an axe to the head. Jorin belatedly realized this as said head slammed into his breastplate, sending him flying into a tree. Fuck him, that hurt, even with his armor on. He'd kept his grip on his axe, though. That was what mattered. You never lost your grip on your weapon. That was how you got killed. Sergeant had instilled that lesson into him enough times for him to remember it.

Groaning, Jorin pulled himself out of the splinters of the tree he'd been slammed into, trying to get his bearings. Some...newcomer. A monk or a priest, it seemed. He'd not seen light magic used in that manner before, but light magicians were rare on pitched battlefields anyways. At least the damned creature was restrained.

The inside of the mouth? Fuck it. He didn't have any better ideas. If that was it's weakness, he'd shove his axe right up that thing's cunt mouth. Jorin ran forward again, joining Velita in her attack. With a roar, he drew his handaxe and hurled it straight into the creature's mouth in between her lance strikes.