Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The stealth part of the journey felt miles and hours longer than it actually was. Stress and anxiety levels ran high, blood ran fast, but under the temporary command of Fenna, along with the support of Second Chance's might, magic and intellect, they made it to the walls of Valhiem. After a nod from the other Ranger, MacKensie fired her grapplehook up to the battlements, then scaled the wall with quiet speed, her feet occasionally touching the stones as she went up. With agility and ease, the popped up onto the walls on her feet and hopped down from the battlements to rendezvous with Silver Arrow.

"Second Chance."

MacKensie nodded in affirmation. "How do you do?"

"I'm Wulrick and we are Silver Arrow. We've been sent by Lucy."

"My team are down by the riverside. How should we proceed?"

"We can lift the water grate," Wulrick answered, then moved to act quickly.

Once regrouped with her friends at street-level, everyone followed Wulrick's lead. MacKensie was walking by Fenna, but also close to one of Silver Arrow's members who wore a hat that reminded the frenchwoman of Lillianna. Perhaps it was this that prompted her to speak to the mage. "Thank you again, for your assistance," MacKensie said, getting the mage's attention.

"A pleasure," she replied warmly. The tall elf introduced herself as Vaella. MacKensie reciprocated and they shared a smile. "You have been busy, that much is clear," she said, looking at the Ranger's torn clothes.

MacKensie combed a hand over head to get her wet hair out of her face. "We were returning from the nearby Temple of Hades after cleansing it of a Greater Wraith. We did not know the city was under attack."

"The Greater Wraith?" Vaella recalled seeing the mission on the Open Jobs List at the Guildhouse. "I thought you were a Bronze Ranked party."

"Yes," MacKensie said, embracing an air of humility. "We had good reason to step above our grade and take on a Gold Mission. It was not easy but worth it, in the end."

"Wow," Vaella was a little stunned. MacKensie understood. It was one hell of a risk. The frenchwoman went on to explain that they were lucky enough to have an experienced and ascended Paladin join their party and that without him, they would not have been successful. "That is still quite the feat."

MacKensie spoke with Vaella a little longer before having her attention drawn by the words, 'Bronze Tier trash.' Her temper flared as she saw the owner of the voice, a gnome, speaking with venom to Adam. There was not even a question in MacKensie's mind that Adam had done anything to deserve such vitriol - it wasn't in his nature to provoke animosity. Of course, it wasn't in his nature to stand up for himself either, as she'd seen back when they were up at the hermit shapeshifter, Gilligan's house. Gilligan was all kinds of awful, but Adam's only response to the hermit's attitude was a calm and measured attempt to defend MacKensie's honour, when Gilligan had shot one of his many barbs at the frenchwoman. And so; the gnome did not get a rise out of Adam, but he'd certainly gotten a rise out of MacKensie, who was about to march ahead and intervene - unable to stop herself from being offended by something so unjust happening in front of her.

Barracker and Zell beat her to it, approaching the situation not with moral outrage - rather; bullying the bully. It was justice, most certainly, but MacKensie was worried about the potential fight about to happen, so when Wulrick demanded a stop to the situation, MacKensie stepped in also with the intention to de-escalate. Fortunately no one was interested in fighting and the matter resolved itself. MacKensie shot a brief glance at Barracker and Zell, a slight smirk on her face, pride in her eyes. She was glad that Second Chance were so defensive of eachother. They'd been through a lot in their short time together, so it was no surprise, but the moment still made her proud to be a part of their family-like party. And Barracker had fit in seamlessly, his values aligning with the rest of them, in spite of not being from another world. She went ahead and checked on Adam as they walked into the hospital, finding him to not be overly bothered by the gnome's words and so all was well.

This was her first experience in Valhiem's hospital, missing out on the first time Second Chance had visited. She and Joji had split off from the party to go and bury Clive's body. And so she was in awe of the technology, the cleanliness and the other similarities to Earth's hospitals. It was similar except the computer systems were laced with magical components, making them seem both more ancient and advanced than anything she'd seen in a hospital before. Her Source Crystal was linked to the computers and her body was healed fully and thoroughly within an extremely short period of time. It felt almost too easy, prompting her surprise and hesitation when she was told that she was done and could go back to the waiting area.

She smiled and nodded at whoever beat her to the waiting room, then greeted each member as they came after her. When Zell entered and gave her a pat on the back, she returned his touch on his lumbar spine. "Good as new," she noted, a pointed glance at his previously injured leg.

While everyone gathered to exit to the hospital, she stayed close to James and Zell, interested in hearing James' answer to Zell's inquiry. Knowing more about Zigmund the ninja had brought about a morbid curiosity. What was he? He seemed humanoid, at least. He was intelligent, that was for sure. Why be evil? All these things, she found herself wondering as she anticipated James' words on the matter.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Hey guys, sorry for the silence, accidently fell on my ankle on the way to work and sprained it so I have been busy handling all the healthcare and work related paperwork

@Teyao

Ouch! Feel better soon, Teyao.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The first thing MacKensie did, when the party stopped at a suitable place to make camp, was speak to Adam. Since the Zigmund fight, Adam and James had been suffering from fatigue a little more than everyone else. (MacKensie suspected it had something to do with their magical reserves being so used up.) But Adam also seemed as though he may also have a concussion. Hospital wasn't far away, but there still might be some action involved between, so once the young man had finished creating a natural camouflage for the camp using his plant-growth magic, MacKensie was quick to accost him.

"Adam, please try to get some sleep," she asked him. "You have looked on the verge of collapse all morning."

After a reassuring smile and rub of the shoulder, she went on to other duties, which for her involved scouting a perimeter around the encampment for any signs of hostile creatures. With the use of her grapplehook and nimble hops and leaps, she traversed the hilly terrain easily, her sharp eyes and ears alert for signs of life. The morning after their very first night in Mytheria (which seemed so long ago now, even though it really wasn't) MacKensie had asked Fenna for some lessons on scouting and tracking - the more seasoned Ranger accepting - but there had been no free time available. However, one random evening in Valhiem, the two women had been chatting over dinner and MacKensie had recieved some good advice about matters of wilderness protocol, animal tracks and other things.

MacKensie returned, satisfied that all was well as far as current activity in the area goes. Perhaps Fenna would do a second round later, no-doubt doing a more thorough job than the novice frenchwoman. With that done, she gladly partook in the food laid out by Zell, enjoyed a small meal, then went and took a seat on a bedroll, double-checked the bandages over her injuries and waited it out until it was time for her to leave and go to meet Clive.

Some time later...

"It is time for me to depart," she said to everyone, getting up from her bedroll. "I will return with Clive as soon as possible."

Before she could go, she heard, "Hey:" Zell's voice. She half-turned back to meet his concerned green gaze. "Watch yourself out there, kay. If there's trouble, just disappear. Don't be fighting on your own."

"I won't," was her quick and amiable assurance, appreciating his gesture. They exchanged a nod and then she was gone.

She'd left it a few hours, guessing that Clive's ghostly summoned steed could surely not be there and back faster than this. Now she went back along the same path that Second Chance had taken through the hills. Altough she'd not had the privilege of that one-to-one scout training with Fenna, just that conversation over dinner had been a boon, as she looked for footprints and broken branches to indicate she was on the right track. She saw one or two of the classic signs (and had probably missed a truck-load too) and that was enough, coupled with her good memory, to successfully double-back over the course through the hills.

She found herself on the Main West Road, right back at the point where the flat-bed wagon had turned itself around to retreat and Clive had also left them. Just off the road, she sat in a tree, one leg hanging from a branch as she lounged, dancing an ice-enchanted crossbow bolt back and forth over her knuckles with perfect dexterity, passing the time.

Fortunately there was no trouble in the amount of time it took to first hear, then catch sight of the Texan, coming down the road toward her. She hopped down from the branch and walked out into the road to greet him with a smile.

"How did it go?" she asked, hoping he would fill her in on the details. Once he dismissed his steed back into the non-existance, she would be ready to lead him back through the hills to their camp.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Paladin's gonna Paladin xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie had never seen so much fire in her life. The long inferno raged and smoke plumed into the air - A barrier of destruction between them and the tall walls of Valhiem that could be seen behind. High up in the air, even more distant than the west-facing carnage before them, were explosions - projectiles of some kind, hitting a barely-visble forcefield of Source. MacKensie's sharp eyes struggled, but she could saw enough detail to surmise it all. And what's more, there was something else in view, completely alien to MacKensie's mind...

Sacre bleu.

Dinosaurs? Dragons? "What on earth are those things?" she commented. Huge reptilian beasts, fierce and scaley, moving fast in groups, cavalier riders atop their backs. The enemy were not limited in their imagination when it came to constructing military forces. And god help those who would ever have to feel the battering cavalry charge of these monstrosities.

After James had broke the news, on the wagon journey to this point, Zell had said that they needed to see what they were working with before they could decide what to do. Now, he delivered with a solid vision on how to proceed. As James had mentioned before; Zell was smarter than he liked to let on. Adam built on his previous idea of making contact with Lucy or Clarissa, with a great question to Fenna. If Sil really could deliver a letter, that could possibly bring about a much easier entry into the city. MacKensie looked to Fenna for the answer.

Clive however, had other plans. The maverick had shown this side of him on their very first day here. When everyone was heading to meet battle, Clive had split from the group, turning his attention to the helping the village of Hommas evacuate. Now MacKensie was reminded the Texan's somewhat-unreliable nature as he decided to split off on his own again, in the face of potential battle, seeing more value in sending for reinforcements. It wasn't a bad plan, quite the opposite, but she did not like it when Second Chance was not whole. As she turned to him to speak, she glanced over the beautiful horse that had been summoned from thin air, stroking it's ethereal mane. "Be quick and return as soon as you can. Once we find a good place to hide, closer to the city, I will return to this spot to meet you, to bring you to our camp." her brow furrowed slightly in worry for the man who'd been killed once already in this world. "Please... be careful."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

And here I was thinking I might post twice this week lmao. I've just been so tired recently. I will try to post tonight, if not then I definitely beat the GM update as I'm not doing anything tomorrow.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

True Jay, that would have been epic! I think Option 5 is a decent path to saving Valhiem, but it's probably going to be way more fun for us to write from POV's inside the city. I get your thinking though xD

I'll do a short reaction post tomorrow. I left it a little late tonight.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I really like what everyone has said. Sil being used to message Lucy or Clarissa is genius. It seems like Option 4 mixed with Clive going to the village of Cherrad is the idea forming, so far. I like it.

To add to what others have said; I'd say Clive should take some gold to sponser the journeys of the prospective 'Cherrad messengers.' The closest city that could have reinforcements might not be too far for the one messenger. Capitol City, however, might require a long trip - like, weeks maybe - that needs resources, so a gold piece or two, might go a long way for the other messenger to take up the big task.

Also; if a message can be sent to Lucy or Clarissa and Second Chance's arrival can be expected, our characters can probably be successful as soon as midnight replenishes the magical abilities. Coupled with Adam's ability to create cover, I don't think a distraction would be necessary from anyone except maybe Sil. Our two Rangers should make this a breeze. Fenna is perfect to be in the lead for the path of best stealth. MacKensie can get up the wall easily to make contact with whoever in Valhiem is waiting to greet them.

If our lovely GM's dice rolls try to screw us over, then we could rely on Clive/Daisy or Adam/Bear for an emergency distraction.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie found herself becoming a captive audience to Barracker and Zell's discussion until Fenna pulled her attention away.

"After the hospital I'm going to find a glass of that champagne-like drink they served us in the clothes shop and drink to the demise of the water ninja," she said.

MacKensie gave a small smile and gave a single resolute nod. "And I will gladly join you in that." She sighed. "Whatever happens after that, I only know that it will involve a good sleep. The chances are high that whoever sent this message to us through the Source Comm; they will require travelling to, in order to meet them. And if this is the case, then we should be better ready for the road ahead." Her fingers touched the hilt of her dagger as she spoke on. "This mission has showed me some of my limits, and I think I know where I need to invest my money for future expeditions. I will be better prepared."

James interrupted the two women's conversation, rising up to address them all.

"I would like to congratulate you, all of you, Second chance for beating m- Zigmund, a no small feat" He tried to direct a smile but failed midway. For MacKensie's part, she was wondering what on earth James was about to call Zigmund by mistake.

Perhaps he was going to say 'metal ninja,' she decided, although addressing Zigmund as such would surely come out as 'THE metal ninja' and not just 'metal ninja.' It was a strange moment, but he continued to speak so she let it go and listened.

"Sadly there is no time to celebrate, the thing I did with Zigmund was basically an exchange of memories and we got a problem, Valheim is under siege by forces of the Witch Queen, I calculate we have enough time to rest before we need to get in the thick of it again but I thought you would appreciate more being in the known" MacKensie tried so hard to stoicly refrain from groaning a sigh, but failed completely. She was way too tired and mentally drained for this, a far too looking forward to just relaxing after their trips to hospital and the Guildhouse. "Sorry for dropping it like this but from the memories, the situation ain't pretty"

MacKensie shook her head disappointedly as she looked off into the distance. She wasn't sulking. Well, not completely. She was looking for something constructive to say, but she couldn't think of anything right away. She had some vague memories of History in school. From what she could remember, particularly from Napoleonic history, was, "Under siege could mean that the battle has not yet begun. But it might be impossible to get past the invading army. Are cities under siege not usually fully surrounded?" she asked.

She would not dare voice her other thought, Should we change course?

That felt cowardly. Perhaps they could help. Surely, even with their Source Crystals and abilities, they could not fight a whole army. But still, "There must be something we can do to help," she said aloud, not so embarrassed to verbalise that.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

A tired smile stayed on MacKensie's face as she recieved treatment from the villagers. Her deep lacerations, now treated with healing ointment and salve, were fairly noticeable, highlighted by the tears in her tunic and undershirt. Rips and ladders in her tights showed the minor cuts and scrapes she'd recieved from the various times she'd been thrown around the courtyard. Her swollen eye had gone down but was still difficult to see out of. She was pretty beat up. And yet that tired smile remained. Clive was alive. Although he didn't give much of an explanation, it didn't matter. He was alive.

To add to this; so much of her anxiety had been resolved during this mission. Her strong-headed push for her friends to take the Gold Class mission had not resulted in any deaths. Her confidence issues, regarding her acrobatics, were no more. And Zigmund was dead, never to haunt them again. The metal ninja's death had provided a distinct, dark sense of satisfaction. Back in the Mazy Hillocks, it had been chaos - with Lillianna clinging to life after being impaled, Aurok the Maneater stomping around the confined canyon and demanding most of the attention... amidst all of that, it had been MacKensie and Zell who stood against Zigmund towards the end, furious anger in the frenchwoman's eyes and the englishman's voice as Zell promised to cut Zigmund's head off. And in spite of the seeming futility of the promise... in spite of the extreme power-gap... it had been MacKensie and Zell again, at the end, delivering that promise. Of course, none of it would've been possible without all of the courage, skill and fury of Second Chance as a whole (and however the vicory came, it would have been a bittersweet joy,) but the way it ended, made victory just that little sweeter.

And so she sat there, beat up and aching, with a tired smile, staring through the busy scene around her sightlessly, only occasionally paying attention to see her friends were doing well, and sharing her smile with them.

"Adam," she said to the red-eyed man she sat beside. "What was it like?" She let the question hang for a moment as she stared into the distance, before finally turning her head to look upon her equally beat up friend. "To shapeshift - to be an animal." Many things in Mytheria were fantastical, but there was something special about Adam's new power. After all, what young child hadn't dreamed of being a bird in the sky? Or perhaps played pretend as a lion. It was almost like he'd lived what was a wish of so many. She would digest his answer thoughtfully (tiredly) but her follow-up statement would remain the same. "You were incredible."

She stayed put, content to rest, until she noticed the young man who approached Barracker and remembered his face. That made her get up and go over to where the Paladin was, approaching as she heard her name. "Steven," she greeted.

Steven Sullivan. In reality, he was the luckiest of all of George's ambush squad, yesterday evening, in the fight before the moonlight opened up the temple. He was the spearman who surrendered. Others were not so fortunate to survive, let alone escape without injury. But it was all in the past now. MacKensie shook the man's hand and recieved his thanks with warm humility, wishing him well and thanking him for coming back up the hill to give Second Chance aid. She spent a moment with Barracker, speaking with the village elder, Antonius, finding out that Cherrad was offering them a choice to get some bedrest in the village or give them a ride back to Valhiem.

"What do you think?" she asked Barracker.

Bedrest sounded good, but many of their injuries would be best dealt with at Valhiem's hospital. After hearing the vampire's answer, she went around to hear what the others thought. Seeing James asleep in the shelter, right in the spot he first sat down, brought a smile to her face. He certainly deserved a good sleep after his performance. Their leader's genius had once again shined brightly, somehow out-thinking a seemingly invincible foe. She would not disturb him. The rest of them were capable of making this decision without him. Zell was nowhere to be found, but she was confident that he would go with whatever decision the rest of them made, so that left Clive, Fenna and Adam.

"It wouldn't take long to reach Valhiem by wagon, seeing as we walked here and it only took an afternoon," she said to the others. "I think that a quick nap and some food would not hurt, but perhaps a direct and prompt heading for the city hospital would be the wisest course of action." She shrugged weakly and apologetically. "In truth, I am not sure."