[Open] grim tidings

Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:12 pm

Though she had suggested that they make themselves scarce, Imogen was too curious about the proceedings outside to go with Carina through slipspace. It wasn't just that information on the comings and goings of the Kalzasaern princeling might be worth something--though the thought did cross her mind--but also that if something dramatic was about to happen in the middle of the Imperium, there was no guarantee that a few city blocks and a mortar wall would be an effective shield. Sometimes, knowledge was safer than ignorance.

Sometimes.

Well, no time to lose. Imogen invoked the power of Animus again as she watched the light-wreathed warrior and his companions depart from the high window, making for the house's balcony even as her legs shifted and squirmed beneath her. By the time she had opened the door, she had assumed the guise of a human woman, almost as short in stature as Carina herself. She shrugged out of her outer coat, which was now far too large for her, and hopped up to the rooftop. There, she collected her long lemur's tail and wrapped it lightly about her own waist, to avoid enlarging her profile in the darkness. Lastly, she summoned her quarterstaff, preferring the light and balanced weapon over a bulky sword or partisan on the dark, slick tiles.

Thankfully for her, the fighting in the street was attracting the monsters like flies to a cowpat. With a cat's eyes, the subtle shift in tone and color of night marking the rushing form of each umbral beast was plain, even before they reached the light cast by lamp and fire and Dawnfire. She moved slowly across the rooftops, her stride unhurried, and when one of the beasts paused in its rush towards the quay, Imogen simply swept it off and into the street below with a strike from her momentarily-glowing staff.

It wasn't long before she was in position to observe Aoren and Talon fight the beasts, which seemed to be swarming now in numbers greater than anything she'd seen since she left Southern Ecith. Though she was tempted in the depths of her soul to attack the monsters herself, it was quickly obvious to her practiced eye that neither of the royal avialae were in danger of falling to the mob.

No, more interesting at the moment was the panic at the dock, where figures were scrambling to grab a hundred points of light which had scattered to the ground- dragonshards of some kind, surely, though she couldn't make them out in detail from this vantage. She watched, bemused, from the cover of a chimney, as shadow beasts surged past her on the roofs to either side... and a series of fireballs erupted in the sky above, just before one of the Kathar guards fell to the dock himself.

"...what the deuce?" Humanogen muttered to herself, reaching out with her staff to poke another beast off the edge of the roof. Surely the captive nobility of Kalzasi weren't here just to fight some shadow monsters and save a load of dragonshard cargo? Could the chatter they'd heard when they came to the city that Prince Talon had become the emperor's servant be true? But what explained Aoren, then? He'd been in Kalzasi just a few fornights past, why would...

Imogen supposed it didn't matter. Pondering that sort of thing rarely turned out well. In any event, it had just occurred to her that she might be able to draw some number of the beasts away without revealing herself; a proposition she thought too tempting to ignore.

The Sunsinger made her way cautiously towards the river, away from the dock, knocking another two beasts out of her way, then materialized her great golden spear. She touched the end of her staff to the spear, exposing the weapon to the quiescent Dawnstone she had taken from the Railrunners' storehouse months prior, and willed it to Varnish the spear with the light of noon. The crystal began to glow with golden hues, but the energy spread down the shaft and into her partisan as it grew. The large dragonshard poured sunrise aether into the weapon until it burned to look at.

Imogen waved the blazing weapon in the air over the rooftop for a moment to attract the attention of the shadow beasts, then drew her arm back and chucked her pact spear down into the street below. As soon as she was satisfied that some number of the things were moving towards her weapon, she began to run across the rooftops once more, the spear trailing behind her in the road below.

Sat Feb 11, 2023 5:24 pm

T A L O N

He looked into the face of the lone survivor that they had rescued. Talon’s eyes drifted to the sack of moonstones that the man carried.

“Mathias.” Immediately, his squire stepped forward, placing a hand on the human’s shoulder.

“Come on. This way. There was a fortified position in this direction.” Mathias jerked his head in the direction of the ogre that they had encountered. It was a more secure position than the deep shadows that seemed to blanket the docks. Before any of them could take off however, a hail of fireballs rained down upon them or rather the shadow creatures that were swarming the area. Talon did not flinch as several of the beasts were set ablaze. He watched quietly then eyed the Kathar that stepped forward offering his assistance. There was a momentary pause. He could practically feel Mathias radiating slight anger at the appearance of a Legionnaire. He could feel Aoren’s discomfort but they would be dumb to refuse the assistance of another capable fighter.

“Escort this one.” He pointed to the human carrying the sack of moonstones, observing as the Kathar made the quick assessment that the stones were important cargo. A cursory glance over the Kathar aura told him enough surface-level information to know that he would be better suited serving as an escort guard than contending with the mounting swarm. Several of the monsters leapt forward. Without even needing to be prompted, Aoren jumped forward to meet them, blinking in rapid succession to decapitate a number of them before catching the final one by the throat. He raised the monstrosity up by the throat then slammed it down onto the ground once, twice, then twisted and tossed it back into the shadows.

“Go.” Aoren looked squarely at Mathias who nodded. Mathias tugged the human toward the direction of the more secure position. No sooner had Mathias taken a few steps when a blazing noonday light shone off in the distance. It drew not only Talon’s attention but the attention of the incoming surge of creatures. They stared at it for a moment before the horde shifted its direction as some of them broke away to pursue the light. Talon had to admit that one of the most unnerving things about them was the silent way in which they pursued their targets. There was no shrieking, no growl of beasts, at least not until they were descending upon their prey.

“We will hold them off.” With the mass of shadowspawn divided, it would be immensely easier to deal with. Talon nodded to the newly arrived Kathar, jerking his head in the direction of Mathias and the human he was urging toward where the group of ogres had been seen.

“Do you remember the Battle of the Writhing Crevice?” Talon extended his hands. Into his palms appeared dual swords. Along the blades, runic markings began to glow with a silvered fire that soon ignited and covered the swords. That same silvered light began to shine within his eyes. Beside him, Aoren chuckled.

“You take the left? I take the right?” Fire and Shadow began enveloping Aoren’s blades. His husband was still exploring the power of shadows that had become his in recent days. They both were. The dark shadows called to Aoren in a way that concerned him but he would trust his bondmate and be there for him to overcome any problems that might arise.

“On my mark.” Talon watched as the numbers of the shadow creatures swelled, even with the group that had been diverted to the sunlight shining in the distance. He counted their numbers. He lowered himself into his stance, spreading his feet and extending his wings.

“Ready…” The shadowspawn surged forward. “Go.”

Silver-white fire formed an arc as Talon lunged forward. Volcanic fire and shadow followed where Aoren moved. Together, the two of them began cutting through the shadowspawn in their path.

Off Topic

Mathias is escorting Leon back to where Gresh Skullcrusher and his group were sighted. Talon has directed Zev to accompany them. A group of the shadowspawn has broken off to follow Imogen. Talon and Aoren are holding back a large number of the swarm.

Sat Mar 04, 2023 1:20 pm

Grim Tidings

Frost 14th, 122nd Year, A.o.S.

For Zevern the mission became easier to grasp once the esteemed Demigod pointed it out. An escort mission to safeguard an invaluable quarry, given he had a handful of stones he could use as necessary. "Understood! Go, I'll cover you!" He urged the human carrying the stones as the young boy soon tugged him forward, the soldier quickly turning to their rear flank as more shadows were encroaching on them yet.

Yet the distant radiance which garnered much of their attention allowed for a break from this place, and the two other Avialae present were quick to generate an opportunity to push through. As the air felt charged with a concentration of aether Zev had never felt, the soldier focused on his Kinetics rune to generate his own backup contingency. Though he might not have possessed powers similar of their caliber, he wasn't going to allow himself to fall short of the expected role given to him.

Thus, the bloodhound cast his free hand outward toward the mob of shadows at their rear, releasing a current of Kinetic aether that filled the space before him. No sooner when he unleashed the Lift effect, shadows were sent flying back from them into the air, buying the carrier and cargo of the time to move after the other two; once they were off on a shadow-culling spree. Such brilliant light burned from the one, while the other generated intensive heat with each attack! Zevern had no idea such powerful men once served the Empire, though, with them here there might perhaps still be hope against the lingering darkness.

As the group moved forward, the soldier kept behind the man carrying the Lunacite, only to hurl a combination of spells in tandem where needed. The heat of their raven-winged companion felt enough to fuel even his flames, though, Zev could still only pull off smaller-level spells compared to the output these two brought. It was both inspiring and maddening, to witness such great synergism between two great beings, two supersoldiers that the Empire would clearly have further need of in the future. Where the bloodhound tossed a fire spell in one direction at their flanks, he peppered the shadows with a backup wind spell to follow each firebolt.

The application of the wind briefly fanned the flames to some extent, generating smaller bouts of heat waves before the small gales died out. Overall, the soldier remained close to the tail end of the group, lending his support where it was most necessary, ready to cut down any shadows that might've slipped past the other two before them. Hopefully, before long, the group in its entirety would reach the destination that had been described as better fortified.

"There's no question whether it comes to can or can't, some things you just do."

"Common" "Kathalan"
"Dialogue" Monologue

► Show Spoiler

Sun Mar 05, 2023 9:25 am

“Ah, Skullcrusher,” Leon mumbled as Mathias motioned him toward the direction of the marketplace. Does that brute of an ogre employ them? He thought to himself. Having a Legionnaire in your pocket would be impossible unless you’re the Emperor himself. Leon hugged the sack of Moonstone tightly. Yep, just like the good ol’ days. But this time, I’m the one carrying the bag of hot potatoes. Leon nodded and followed Mathias toward the aforementioned fortified place. He then looked at the newcomer. It seemed like they were not of the same chapter. But come on, only four Legionnaires? Northsiders are really at the bottom of the list, huh?

“So, Mathias, right? I’m Leon.” He introduced himself as he followed Mathias closely. He then turned his head slightly to the side. “So, what should I-“ He paused briefly and decided not to disturb the Legionnaire guarding their back. “I’m Leon.” He half-shouted at the other Legionnaire.

Leon followed Mathias close behind as they navigated through the war-torn street. Leon shuddered at the sight around him. It felt different, navigating through war-torn streets in foreign cities and in your own city. As they crouched behind a half-wall, he felt the familiar shape of a blade on the muddy ground. After putting much thought into it, he looked at his two companions. He brought the knife to his side and hugged the sack of Moonstone closer. The idea had crossed his mind; slashing the sack made it look like it got stuck on something and ripped. After all, they are running through a lot of debris. Little Lioren’s nearby. I could make an excuse with the torn sack to look for another container and stash some of the Moonstone in the workshop-

SHREEEEEKK

“Fuck,” Leon recoiled in surprise. The sack got caught on a piece of metal sticking out of a nearby broken carriage, causing a tear. He quickly covered the hole with his hand. “Let’s make a quick stop over here. My grandfather owns a workshop nearby. We could find a more suitable container there. We still got a block or two before reaching Skullcrusher and the others.”

Without waiting for an answer, Leon dashed toward the workshop. Arriving there, he felt around the window sill to look for the spare key that he had hidden. “Mind keeping an eye out?” He told both of his companions.

“Aha, got it. I’ll be quick.” He exclaimed as he showed the key to his companions, unlocked the door, and made his way inside. Leaving the door ajar, he rummaged around the workshop, ‘looking’ for a better container. He ducked under one of the workbenches and pulled open the hidden storage compartment underneath. He was about to stash some of the Moonstones when his gaze met a familiar locket lying on the floor.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it. Stop watching over me and rest already. What an annoying bastard.” He clenched his fist and pounded the floor. He took a deep breath and closed the hidden storage. He then emptied the content of a nearby leather bag, transferred the Moonstones inside, and went back outside.

“Sorry for the wait.” He took a deep breath, “Shall we continue then? We’re not far out. As long as we could made it within earshot of that brute of an ogre.” Leon said, referring to Skullcrusher. He then strapped the leather bag tightly and rolled up his sleeves. Whew, reminds me of basic training’s obstacle course. He thought to himself.

Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:17 am

The shadow spawn crashed in waves against the human bulwark that was the two aviale warriors. Individually they were weak, but coming as they did one after another the unending tides were steadily pushing the two back, or perhaps it was simply a strategic retreat from the banks of the river. The group that followed silently behind Imogen quickened their path, those with wings quickly leaping into the air and swooping down on the glowing light, mouths agape and displaying twisted masses of teeth and foreign appendages. It was chaotic and desperate, but not hopeless. The power of those who fought was enough to stem the tide, and there was little risk of being overwhelmed... for now.

Within the darkness of the largest shadow cast by a broken building, something began to stir, drawing in the surrounding shadows until a great canopy of black steadily began to rise from the ground. First came a clawed hand that gripped the side of a building, crushing its roof and spilling broken tiles on the cobblestones below as something drug itself free of the void. It rose higher and higher until its head-like appendage stood nearly twice as high as the nearest apartment. The creature shuddered, unfolding from the darkness as more arms, legs, wings, and various other limbs sprouted from its body. Finally, a series of eyes opened along its oily black skin, each without a pupil and glowing a dull violet hue.

It seemed to observe the surroundings for a brief moment before a slit cut down its center, and where there was one shadow spawn there were now two, each half the size of the original, but still standing above the tallest building. One began to make its way in the direction of the glowing spear, slithering over buildings and between debris as all of its eyes locked on the glow. The other began a slow trudge in the direction of the faintly glowing encampment, where a waiting Gresh Skullcrusher eyed its approach with a hard expression.

There was a faint sound of undistinguishable origin coming from each of the creatures. Those who heard it were struck with a powerful wave of exhaustion, their eyes growing heavy as if they had just finished their fourth keg of ale. The sensation intensified as the creatures drew closer, some already losing consciousness and more quickly following as time passed.

.

Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:00 pm

Imogen watched the tide of shadow creatures surge on the street behind her, feeling awfully smug. Another perfect plan, flawlessly executed. She'd split the tide of darkness, taking pressure off the beleaguered fighters in the square and could now slip off into the night undetected. Well done Imogen, that'd be a promotion for sure, except that she had no intention of ever reporting it or being promoted.

But when the witch next turned, she found that some real fuckin bullshit was going down.

"What the-?" Imogen hissed, watching the towering shadow rise from the edge of the square, "Oh, come on. You can't change up the rules on me like that!"

It was unclear to what cosmic referee the Orkhan girl was complaining; in any event, they remained silent. Hissing with frustration, she forced herself to stop on the edge of one roof, reassessing the situation. She'd intended to simply string the creatures along for a bit before wiping them out and disappearing into the city, but as the tower-shadow split in two and began advancing down the street, she realized that she had no idea what that thing was or if she could kill it.

Cussing quietly under her breath, she switched plans. That was the true art of the warrior, after all- any idiot could swing a sword or shoot a gun, but only an expert could make, adopt and discard plans while they continued to carry out the necessary actions of battle. Thankfully for Imogen, ideas ran through her head freely like water, and she had long experience with devising and ignoring dozens of stupid schemes at a time.

First off, she'd need to redirect the shadows if she wanted to maximize the power available for obliterating them. The young Ork filled her compact (for her race, anyway) frame with the familiar totem of the lemur. She felt her skin bristle, as if her scales were about to burst into fur, but she contained the change to her own internal aether, borrowing the movements and instincts without rendering her own flesh down into silvery slop for the rune of Animus to reforge. She jumped lightly down from the roof, landing in a crouch, her long white tail following a moment behind the rest of her body.

Grunting, Imogen darted forward with unusual speed, racing across the pavement to grab her sunlit spear, squinting against the golden radiance she'd filled it with a moment before. She rose to her feet, turning and pausing a moment to get her bearings and acquire an aim.

"ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"

The force of the shadow-tower's song hit Imogen like a physical force, as though she'd been drinking all night. The witch flinched under the surprise of it... but thankfully, a little exhaustion was no serious impediment. She'd practiced fighting after days without sleep, after all; a keg of ale wasn't enough by half to knock her off her feet.

Focused once more, the Ork jerked her arm forward, a motion which carried throughout her entire body, and cast her spear again. The shining spear soared over the rooftops, guided by force and will in equal measure, and arced downwards towards the road between the square and Skullcrusher's rude fortification.

Imogen wasted no time after tossing the spear, but darted after it. She sprinted to an intervening wall and grasped at it, her lemur-infused fingers finding purchase in the small crevices. She felt wind at her back as shadow-beasts snapped at her, but she did not turn to confront them; instead, moments later, her fire-limned sword crashed out of the dark sky behind her, crushing the creature. Unmolested, living only in the moment, the Sunsinger scaled the building.

Thu Mar 16, 2023 2:54 am

If only there were another exit from the apartment complex aside from the alleyway leading into the main road and the rooftop. Traversing the rooftops would be easy for his comrades. One has wings, and the other is as agile as a cat. It wasn’t long before the group exited the alleyway and into the main road.

“Well, it’s roughly a straight shot from here. The fortified position your friend mentioned was the marketplace at the park, right?” he asked Mathias.

“Huh, it sounded less noisy than before. Did that ogre take care of them?” Leon told his two companions about the dwindling number of shadow creatures they had encountered since exiting the alleyway. The sound of a crushed roof and cobblestones falling to the ground could be heard in the distance. Leon turned around and saw something growing taller and taller than the nearby apartments.

“Wh…what the fuck is, “he slowly walked backward while still keeping an eye on the shadow giant that was now almost twice the size of the nearby buildings. Leon then turned around and sprinted toward the marketplace, “R….ru….run…..RUN!” He shouted at his comrades. He wasn’t going to wait until whatever that thing was to emerge fully.

Arriving at the makeshift fortified outer perimeter’s entrance, he lightly patted Mathias on the back, “Thanks,” He said before pausing for a breath. He gestured toward the river, “You sure the two of them gonna be fine against that thing?”

After catching his breath, Leon rushed to the towering figure, Gresh Skull Crusher. He shook his head side to side slightly and exchanged a knowing look as he handed the bag of Moonstones. There’d be time to mourn the dead later.

“Got a spare gun?” He asked a passing ogre.

“Ask Doc.” The ogre pointed toward a makeshift barricade within the inner circle of the marketplace.

Arriving at the place, the person called ‘Doc’ placed a rifle on the table and several cartridges of dragonshard ammo. He paused momentarily, “Well, it ain’t a Stavix IV, buuuuttt you don’t need that kind of range, right Jaeger?”

“It’ll do, old-timer, it’ll do.” Leon patted the rifle before picking it up and returning to the outer perimeter.

He hunkered down near the outer barricade where Gresh Skull Crusher was standing. He quickly checked the rifle to ensure there were no empty casings stuck in the barrel, then loaded a new cartridge, rested the barrel on the sandbag, and aimed at the incoming shadow monstrosity.

“So, Mr. Skull Crusher, how much do you think the palace would pay us for that creature’s head?” Leon chuckled nervously. He then wiped the glass scope and peered into it, aimed at the shadow giant headed their way, pulled the bolt handle then the trigger.

“No need to fuck around and find out, right?” He said out loud to no one in particular while pulling the bolt handle, ejected the empty casing, loaded a new one, and pulled the trigger again.

“Shit….” He grumbled as he pulled the trigger again.

Sun Mar 19, 2023 4:49 pm

Grim Tidings

Frost 14th, 122nd Year, A.o.S.

As it stood the soldier could barely hold a candle compared to the intensive flames and combos that the two mighty Avialae in their party displayed. They seemingly had a clear-cut path through the shadows that roiled at them, though, it seemed as though their combined efforts to reach the destination had been met with a couple of snags. When the one they were escorting the cargo off appeared to have a random accident, well, now was certainly not the time to dawdle when they were in the midst of a skirmish against unrelenting entities.

Though he had yet to face such creatures, Zevern would easily have compared the shadows to demons. Creatures born with a hunger to swallow all things bright within the world, destined to consume everything with their insatiable appetite no less. "Hurry!!" He beckoned at Leon as he pivoted to swing his sword with practiced form, he could at least take pride in being a combative soldier at heart. Yet as they continued, suddenly, it seemed like the odds were ever-increasing against them now.

Within the dark of night there was one massive shadow born, a colossal, that the bloodhound knew would be impossible for him to beat. This was too much now! The mission was at stake and for what? A bag of shining stones? That's right! He realized when he remembered he'd pocketed a handful earlier, and how useful they would be for culling more numbers from these creatures of the night. But against a massive one? Even when it seemingly split into two both of their figures looked to be threatening!

A weighty feeling washed over Zevern as he heard the underlying tone of these shadowy titans, a strange and unusual sensation for him to process alone; but with the added weariness settling in he suddenly felt threatened. Overwhelmed some would actually agree, yet even so, the bloodhound stood his ground in an effort to resist the shadow's song. Whatever influence it had over him needed to be fought off, which was exactly why he pulled a Lunacite out from his pouch. Whether it'd protect him from their influence or not, he still would need it to repel the lesser shadows that might teem the group.

The cargo carrier moved once more, the scurry to their destination soon finished when they all arrived at the barricaded corner. A makeshift fortification perhaps but one that held well, this Skullcrusher character obviously knew how to coordinate with his peers. "Whatever they are, they look big but also slow! If they're going to just lumber around, then we'll need to find a way to cut each one of them down." Not that it would be a problem for his fellow Avialae in the group, that pair seemed quite good at chopping oversized creatures down a few pegs.

Whereas Zev would be concerned, however? It took the concentrated effort of focusing the lunar energy in the gem he held, before the soft blue glow around his gripped hilt and into the crossguard. A few runes glowed on the surface of his longsword afterward, as the edges of his blade glimmered with the same gentle radiance of the moon. The minor shard he'd enchanted his blade with quickly crumbled into sand between his fingers, before the bloodhound looked among those gathered within the barricade to assess the situation. From there, he would decide his next best course of action.

So far, shots were fired and then of course, that radiant javelin from earlier had arced its way near their position. When he had a better idea of what the others might do, then, Zevern would act accordingly to provide support wherever felt best.

"There's no question whether it comes to can or can't, some things you just do."

"Common" "Kathalan"
"Dialogue" Monologue

► Show Spoiler

Sat Apr 22, 2023 11:49 am

Let us imagine, for a moment, that the world in which we live is made up of words on a page. The gods that we revere are simply constructs from the imagination of even greater beings who, even at this moment, watch us and cheer at our antics in some sort of cosmic display of entertainment. It would be inconceivable that one of these greater powers would look down upon their imaginary creations and take offense to baseless accusations of unfairness, for they would be above such trivial things. A Story Teller does not regard his characters as anything more than actors on the stage he as created... Yet sometimes, every once in a while, the actors reach out beyond their stage, past the vaulted ceilings of their auditorium and breach the heavens where their masters sit and admire their performance. Sometimes those errant words reach unintended ears. As always, Imogen was a fine source of entertainment and all eyes now fixed on her and her antics.

*****

The spear Imogen threw flew with precision and power belying its thin frame, an arrow of light that seared the the flesh of the closest shadow monstrosity as it passed. Be it luck or divine intervention the spear continued on, slamming into the ground between the second half of the monstrous shadow and the fortifications where Gresh Skullcrusher and his men rushed to prepare for the thing that drew steadily closer. The shadows that had followed Imogen followed the light of the spear with their unblinking eyes, the largest turning fully to follow its path even as tendrils of darkness snatched up its smaller counterparts and drew them into a gaping maw that ran the length of its side. As it devoured the smaller shadows, the tower beast regrew the flesh that had been seared away by the spears passing.

In wave the crowd turned and began to advance toward the fortifications, following in the wake of the largest that carelessly crushed any buildings that got in its way now.

Yet not all of the shadow spawn went after the spear. Several, having been near when it was thrown, trailed after Imogen as she began to make her escape up the building. One in particular that looked like a hairy frog leapt up with its mouth gaping wide, row upon row of jagged teeth aiming to snap the transformed Ork's leg off.

As her lemur fingers, so lithe and agile, grasped a particular stone in the building she climbed, an invisible crack split the stone away from its brothers, shaking her grip as the building as a whole trembled as if it night give way at any moment. Perhaps it was an illusion, but there was a faint sound on the wind, a sound which seemed every so much like someone chuckling in delight.

*****

At the fortifications the Ogres and Hobgoblins were forming a line facing the oncoming wave. The two towering shadows loomed as a reminder of the eminent downfall, but those who Gresh took in were not weak. Each of the Ogres held a pistol, or other gun of some sort, lines of magic glowing down their barrels as the refilled their barrels and checked their safeties. Though it might seem a bit odd, but several in his group also possessed runes of magic which flared to light now. A goblin tinkered with one of the lanterns at the outskirt of the encampment, cursing as a flash of blue lighting sizzled in the air before a dome began to spread over the entire encampment. It glowed a soft blue like moonlight, and its presence only seemed to increase the pace of the monsters coming toward them.

In the lead was the 2nd large creature, now only 100 yards from them and its middle split to reveal a gaping void with spiraling rows of teeth.

"Where the fuck is my weapon?" Gresh roared, clenching his cigar between his teeth as he nearly ripped the collared shirt from his upper body. Beneath his greyish skin was a series of scars, burns and what looked like bullet holes. His gut hung over his belt, but as he strode toward the edge of the barrier steam began to emit from his skin.

Four hobgoblins strained as they carried what looked like a small cannon between them. Large crystals stuck out the back, and its barrel was wide enough that a goblin could climb inside. It looked like a repurposed vehicle mounted cannon, yet it had a thick metal handle and grip. The four hobgoblins struggled to shuffle forward with the weight of the thing, and they were trailed by several goblins who carried two crates filled with caster shells as large as a fist.

Grasping the handle with one hand Gresh lifted the gun with a grunt, the muscles of his arm and shoulders bulging as veins rose to the surface. Taking his cigar between two fingers he took one final puff before putting it out on his shoulder and tossing it to the ground where he ground the last embers out with the heal of his dress shoe.

"Give me a buster round." the Ogre grunted, and a goblin who quickly took a caster shell from one of the crates and deposited it in Gresh's outstretched hand. Sliding the round down a tube on the side, a lever was pulled and the crystals on either side of the barrel glowed red as the air around it shivered with power.

The shadow beast was near enough to reach one of its appendages to brush the barrier, which made it draw back with a hissing yowl that for a moment disrupted the disorienting sound it gave off. In that moment as it reared back Gresh aimed the Big Mona, and fired. The ground cracked from the force as the unprepared around him were blasted off their feat. The round pierced through the left side of the creature, blowing away nearly 1/5 of its mass as its yowling grew louder.

"Another." Gresh said, the heat from the gun so intense that the goblin that grew close had to squint against heatwaves.

"Big Mona needs to breath." Gresh said, popping another leaver that ejected the now spent caster shell and replaced it with the new one. He then slammed a meaty hand on a button as another series of icy blue draongshards came to life, the chill they gave off slowly working to cool off the weapon, "Fight you fuckers, or I swear I'll kill you myself."

.

Thu May 11, 2023 11:46 pm

It would have been pretty great, honestly, if Imogen's little trick with the spear--conceived wholly in the moment, and formulated without the benefit of higher thought--had just worked. If she'd tossed the spear, blazing like a shooting star, diverted the shadows en masse, and scampered off into the shadows to be seen no more. A very neat trick, an easy escape, and a little smug flame burning in the breast; those were the hallmarks of a job truly well done.

But as Imogen's supernaturally dexterous fingers skirted the course concrete of the bricks and she suddenly felt the first harbingers of sharp teeth closing on her leg, it suddenly occurred to her that perhaps that was not what was happening here.

As the Sunsinger's leap reached its apex and began to reverse, she took advantage of the sudden rush of adrenaline to consider her situation. Undoubtedly, she was going to fall, now. That was just how it worked- for better or worse, the functioning of gravity had been unaffected by the machinations of the Great Eclipse. That wasn't worrying, by itself.

It also seemed that some of the shadow-beasts had declined to follow her spear, and were beginning to mass behind her. This also didn't trouble the Orkhan warrior. She was perfectly capable of disposing of them, even if it was bound to slow her silent escape into the frozen night.

No, the problem was that some kind of frog-beast of the void was just about to bite her fucking leg off.

Well, that wasn't going to do, but there also wasn't a whole lot she could do about it. No action she took would prevent it from biting down, but she definitely preferred that the bite not actually sever her limb. Luckily, she had many years of practice with a particular Ecithian style of swordplay championed by her uncle and centered around the intentional taking of wounds. As the teeth began to press into her skin, the Ork's flesh began to harden and split, keratin carapace forming an opal patina and momentarily filling the shadow-frog's closing mouth with scattered rainbow light.

The transformation did nothing to prevent the teeth from closing, but the pain splitting her thigh was the familiar agony of pierced skin and sinew, and not the unknown void of severance. As girl and frog-monster reached the ground together, Imogen grunted, forcing her leg straight through the pain of the needle-like teeth digging into it. None of Imogen's magics would actually heal wounds, but the limb did shift; as the flesh hardened into scales, her foot likewise distended into a claw. As they hit the ground together, the flame-girt claw ripped into the frog's insides, disemboweling the voidspawn from within.

Imogen did not take the time to try to extract her leg, turning her attention immediately to the other monsters. She did not try to take the time to re-arm herself, but issued telepathic commands to her manifested arms, interposing her shield between herself and the bulk of the monsters and sending her greatsword spinning towards the ones on her side, scything rapidly towards them.

The effect, in aggregate, was agonizing. Her frog-encumbered leg burned with pain, and her dancing pact-weapons could only be relied upon for so long. Even her uninjured leg ached from the impact of landing, even though it was impossibly light for an Orkhan. Still, there was no time to do anything but take the obvious paths, so she manifested claws in both hands and began tearing at the shadow-beast stuck to her leg, trying to quickly eviscerate it and free herself without clawing so wildly that she tore any additional gouges in her own flesh.