[IC] Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

[Tae]

Map of Abona

Morning dawned over the capital city of Abona and the streets were starting to fill with people of all walks of life. The sun bathed the dark streets in color. On the western end of the city sat the Brooks District, one of the largest areas of Abona and where a vast majority of its inhabitants lived. It held a variety of areas, including the slums and the more rundown areas of the city. Moving farther east you would enter the district of Raven Ford. This area held a vast majority of the markets and shops that Abona was quite proud of. At the edge of this district lay a large wall that separated the castle and wealthy nobility from the common folk. Within the walls of the castle, inside the throne room, paced a tall and slender dark haired high elven woman. Queen Maeve sat upon her throne awaiting those who would answer her call, her fingernails tapping eagerly against the side. A servant stood near the entrance of the room, watching the queen nervously while also continuously glancing out into the hall as they watched for the guest to be brought in.

About a week ago, Maeve had sent out a letter to all the towns within her kingdom in search of the best monster hunters in the land. The counsel of Abona had met, determining that the threat of monsters had become too great and something needed to be done. So here she was, awaiting those eager for money and land to enter the throne room.

The servant glanced out into the hall once again and jumped as he saw the guards leading a large group of people towards him. ”My Lady, they have arrived!” He said quickly as he spun back around to face his queen. In the hallway, two guards led a group of 16 in before Queen Maeve.

[HeroBot]

*Muttering to himself about being hungry after walking through this maze like castle, Versle looks around the hall for any sort of food before lowering his head as he fails to find anything. His stomach audibly growling, catching the attention of the some of the other members in the group*
"What do I have to do get some food around here? I already beat up three different guys at the bar, and now I'm being led through this castle! What else is gonna happen today?!"
*walking into the main hall before the Queen, Versle realizes this must be something serious and starts to look at the other members of the group, all of the members ranging in appearance. Unable to figure out why they have all been summoned together, he looks eagerly to the Queen. His urge to prove he's the strongest in the room starts to take the better of him as he idly flexes amidst the group.*
"Ragtag group of misfits this is... barely enough muscle in here to lift an ox..." *Versle mumbles to himself as he waits for the Queen's announcement*

[Alivefalling]

Nikolai Maximillion

Nikolai moved through the halls of the castle. It had been a pleasant walk from the silk steps and he did not carry a worry in the world. This was not his first meeting with the royalty in the city being from a noble family, they had met numerous times. It was not his first time being called upon to hunt for the Queen. Over the years, he had a name for himself and his skill. His stride had a purpose and he wore a confident grin as he made his way into the throne room. However, he did not expect to see fifteen other people alongside him. He had gotten the impression from the letter that only the best of the best would be called. Considering he had not heard of some of the folk nearby, he was uncertain that was the case. Then there was the matter that there were so many of them. Nikolai wondered if something big was happening. Nikolai kneeled before the Queen "Greetings, your Majesty." He said before he was given a nod by the queen to stand.

Nikolai continued to peer around the room at the others noticing Alice and Adelaide Varo had entered along with them. He moved over beside them and faced the two giving them a cheeky grin. "You sure you Varo girls are up for this?" He laughed at his own teasing words. Nikolai stopped and returned his attention to the Queen to await the briefing.

[Tae]

Adelaide Varo

A curly blonde walked beside another pretty blonde, glancing around at those walking through the hall with them. Adelaide was dressed in her favorite go to monster hunting outfit, hood currently pulled down. She found herself intrigued by some in the group and while others completely bored her merely off of their looks. Were these really the best monster hunters in the land? How disappointing. She did spot a familiar face, however, and found herself smirking as they entered before the queen and he was quick to address Queen Maeve herself. She watched as Nikolai kneeled and then was glancing around to see if anyone else would do the same, not planning on doing so herself. She, unfortunately, had very little respect for anyone in an authoritative position as they never really seemed to be worthy of her regard.

She watched as Nikolai approached her and her sister, smirking at his words as she crossed her arms over her chest. Of course he would tease them, this certainly didn’t surprise her and she was sure it wouldn’t surprise him how she would respond. ”Oh darling, please underestimate me. That’ll be fun.” She blew him a kiss, but then another voice caught her attention. She turned to see the giant of a man, blinking at him for a moment.

”Pray tell, why the fuck would we want to lift an ox? Are we going to be throwing it at the monsters? Is this a new discovery of how to kill vampires or something?” The sarcasm dripped from her words, but the sweetest of smiles graced her face as she looked up at the man.

[GingerBobOh]

Takin Bent

Takin followed the group down the hall and into the throne room, turkey leg in hand as he took a bite. He really did not feel like being here, but the lightness of his purse paired with the rare invite from the Queen piqued his interest. The rhythmic tapping of his sword on the fine marble mingling with the light chatter and equipment of the others. He craned his neck as he entered the throne room, his mild interest quickly succumbing to the fact that he just really didn't care. None of the pomp or flare impressed him, bottom line in his mind was that something needed to be killed and he knew he could do it. A queen is no different than a farmer when their land is threatened, queens just pay better.

Looking over at the hulking figure that had been complaining about food, about to offer some turkey before he made the comment about the ox, Takin could not still his tongue, "Lift an ox? Is that the only way a giant like you can get your cock wet or something?" He took another bite of the turkey leg before succumbing and offering it to the hungry man, "You're gonna owe me one of those if you survive this, Tiny"

Freed of his meaty burden, Takin reached his arms above his head, stretching his joints and clearing his head. Upon relaxing, the words of the blonde woman catch his ear, "Vampires you say? I think throwing this big lug might provide a better distraction if that's what we're going to be dealing with. Do you already know what this is about or something?

[Infinite Cosmos]

---

Rayland sat alone in a tavern tucked away in the Silk Steps. The music that played in the tavern was relaxing, and just what Rayland needed. After hearing about the royals seeking out the best monster hunters in the lands, Rayland matter of factly made his way to Abona. After all, he is the best monster hunter in the lands.

If not him, then who?

Finishing his mug of ale and whatever morsels of food left on his plate, he dropped a few coins on the table and flicked one more coin into the hat of the musicians, he stood from his table and daftly sifted through the other patrons of the tavern and made his way into the streets. Lightly tugging on his bow and quiver, the morning sun was far too bright for Rayland's liking. All of his years of working as a monster hunter has made him more accustomed to the dark and the gentle moonlight. By contrast, the sun's rays were a harsh reminder that he must still sing for his supper...

Meandering through the streets, Rayland made his way into the palace, where some other monster hunters have gathered. Very quietly, Rayland took mental notes and studied those who would set out on the same mission as him. The Varo sisters. He has heard of the elven sisters. Their feat of killing a vampire lord is very well known, though Rayland doubt it's validity. Nest was a giant of a man. Easily over seven feet tall. Rayland is not aware of another monster hunter of that build. Nor was he familiar with this man. If he had to guess, Rayland would guess that this man came from the mountains. A bumbling oaf, that is for certain. Next was a man that had near identical build to himself. This could be none other than Nikolai Maximillion. The one that rid a dungeon of it's lord in years past. An impressive feat, for average monster hunters. Finally there was a man that was smaller than his weapon. This one would be the first to die, Rayland guessed. Rayland shook his head softly as he walked and 'approached' the gathered group, making sure to keep his distance should any one of them gets any ideas.

[Lava Alckon]

---

Latrell walked along the streets of Abona, wandering and letting his curious streak flare as he looked at each of the buildings, the people, and the way they all looked at him strangely as he got far too comfortable with his surroundings. He was far more used to the port town of Shestead, and was almost looking too hard for some of the usual mannerisms he'd seen back in his hometown. He'd find no such comfort here, in this far off capital city where everyone felt much more important than they really were. At least that's the case on the Silken Roads, and Latrell found his original impression of the place to be rather accurate. Too many important people doing too much 'important' things, it seems. He thought to himself as he continued walking along the well-kept streets.

It wasn't until he reached the walls of the castle that he finally reached into his bag and pulled out his dear friend, Buki. Mechanical gears whirred inside his currently lifeless body, and with a flick of a switch the light bulbs adorning his head where his "ears" would be came to life. Blue-tinted electricity soon filled his body to give him motor control and sentience once more, a form of magic imbuement that Latrell had gotten rather accustomed to. Buki looked to his creator and his cheeks clicked upwards in a smile. "HELLO LATY. HAVE WE MADE IT YET?" Latrell chuckled and gave Buki a slight "nuggie", which the robot did not react to one bit. "Only to the castle walls. I couldn't risk showing you off to the common folk who may try to scrap you for less than a silver piece." His words were cold but he had his fair share of ragabond and ne'erdowell activity back home. Too many folks wanting to take apart such a cute creation of his just to make a quick coin.

He continued through the doors, an armed escort flanking him on either side as he looked with quizzical expressions. "I doubt I'm dangerous enough for 4 guards, gentlemen...I don't even have an-"

"Pipe it, hunter. We know that little gadget you keep talkin' to could fry our insides. We also know about most of your little "gizmos" that have backfired and cased folks to meet an unpleasant time. Some inventor you are if half your shit doesn't work."

Latrell turned to the guard and gave him a slightly raised eyebrow. "Who says the invention was for them? It did exactly as I intended. Don't ask for something you can't pay for and don't try to insult my work. Thank you."

The guard's face turned pale for a moment, another one behind Latrell piped up with a question. "So that guy with the missing finger...you uh-" Latrell spoke before he could finish, knowing exactly who he was speaking about. "Yes."

"And the fella with water coming from his..." "Yup."

"But what about the lady whose hair went-" "Oh for god's sake, yes! All intentional! Now shut up the Queen's chambers are right there!"

Latrell walked in through the doors, looking at the entourage and taking notes of each unique character who stood before him. Many seemed to be either scowling, yelling, or moving to prove themselves as the alpha in the group almost immediately. Latrell held no such notions and simply introduced himself as any masterclass engineer would.

"Right then. Hello all present company, the names Latrell. I make things. Very creative things. No I won't make you that weird obscure invention unless it proves very fun or interesting. This here is Buki. "I'M BUKI!" You hurt him. I hurt you. Badly. "OH DON'T DO THAT." You all seem pleasant enough though! How is everyone this fine gloomy, foggy, and somewhat dreary day?" "IT WAS VERY DARK FOR ME. I JUST WOKE UP!"

He pauses for a moment before looking up towards the Queen who would likely seem extremely unamused with his rambling. "Oh, Your Grace! I do hope I wasn't interrupting anything. I suppose I can wait on the introduction for now, and let the last of the group funnel on in." He spoke lightly and shifted to the side as he finished his air-headed introduction, curious to see their reactions and retorts.

[samreaper]

Izushima Ashari

---

Up in the rafters above the throne room, a single tiny red blaze shone within the darkness. A small flash of red illuminating an intricately designed fox mask; a faint inhale followed by an equally faint and slow exhale sending whispy smoke to exude and puff around the mysterious individual's head. Sitting in a crouched position, nearly two hour's past since having stealthily snuck his way inside.

The job itself held little interest to the lone fox. No, curiosity and intrigue were what had drawn him to this throne room this day. For it was not often for one of the royal family to put together such a job that requested so many hunters.

Everything about this seemed sketchy and likely had some underhanded motive beneath this whole situation that was certain to lead to trouble. And that is exactly what Izushima was hoping for. The mere idea of whatever deception the queen or some other unseen party might have excited him far more than the job in question. Especially when it led to a group of hunters, whom each viewed themselves as the best or strongest.

Hardly a minute passed by since the group were brought in and like clockwork, the majority of them started sizing up and bickering. Of all the groups he has seen on his travels, none amused him more so than monster hunters and their never-ending need to showboat their swagger. As is typical, most of the hunters viewed this a competition; a battle of ego and pride and this group certainly stunk of ego. He couldn't help but hope that the queen had enough sense to know that these hunters could never work as a proper team. Knowing this only made this whole gathering even more peculiar. But, while this job would be viewed as a conquest to compete over, to Izu this was all a game, one he neither cared to win or lose, just to play and have his fun.

And fun he will have, he mused with a deviously playful Cheshire smile hidden beneath his mask.

Silently observing the group with a puff from his pipe here and there, taking in the interactions of the group with their egotistical dick measuring contest. A typical eyerolling display that always followed this sort of people and yet it always brought a giggle to his lips. At least one amongst the prideful rabble seemed to share such thoughts and said person was the smallest of the bunch which only added to his amusement. This job was sure to give him plenty of entertainment.

With one last deep inhale from his pipe, the robed fox chose to hop down, his body falling fast at first though shortly before landing two trails of smoke drifted beneath his shoeless feet. A gentle and graceful landing followed with nary a sound save for the quiet fluttering of his haori sleeves and soft thump of bamboo flute strapped to his waist.

The masked individual stood quietly his right-hand lifted holding an elegantly crafted smoke pipe though its length was half size longer than usual.

" Forgive the intrusion. It seems I have taken a wrong turn in Alburquerque but since I'm here I might as well participate in this gathering... " Tilting his head to the left as he peered over the hunters before turning to the queen shifting his head to tilt to the right as he did so." That is if it is fine with you, your majesty... or was it perhaps highness? Royals with their titles and honorifics have always been... perplexing to me." He finished with a muffled giggled, his voice gentle and soft as silk soothing to the ears albeit muffled by the mask and carried with a hint of a devious nature.

[princess]

Alice Varo

Alice had walked in, hood over her forehead as she did her best to ignore those who set forth with her. Despite her initial silence and folded arms, she had come to dressed to impress as she always had. She hadn't even glanced the way of the others. They weren't her problem. As far as she was concerned, she and Adelaide had the drive required. They'd simply be icing on their cake if they could prove to be useful. Besides, she had been able to pick up from the heavier footsteps that they were in the company of men and she knew they'd start talking soon enough to give her a better idea of what they were dealing with.

She fell into place beside her sister, neither of them in a hurry to make themselves known. The Varo sisters had preferred the shadows. She lowered her head slightly as if she wasn't watching. The first to speak up grumbled about food. Why he felt entitled to any right now was beyond Alice. He was quick to mumble something about them not being strong enough to lift an ox. She wasn't impressed with him either.

The next voice was that of an idiot, but an idiot they knew well. Alice cocked one of her guns at him immediately as he addressed them, her face visible as she gave him a grin. After a pause, she added softly and slowly, practically mouthing her words, "Fuck around and find out." She should have known he was here. It had gotten a little harder to breathe just as always when Nikolai's massive ego was in the vicinity. He looked well enough and the same as he always had when they crossed paths. She'd never tell him, but he was an impressive talent; it wasn't surprising he was here.

Her attention was subsequently stolen by her sister addressing ox-man, to which she quickly spun the gun in her hand and whirled her gaze threateningly to finally look at him as her sister spoke. Alice hadn't directly pointed the gun, but it was clear she had an itchy trigger finger. Called together or not, she trusted none of these bastards. If any of them so laid a finger on Adelaide, she would shoot them until they started looking like swiss cheese. She tapped her gun against her hip as if to hold herself back. Alice bit the inside of her lip, her lavender gaze wandering toward the man introducing himself as Latrell. His little introduction became background noise as she honed in on the strange, speaking contraption 'Buki.' She felt a sense of frustration as she stared at it for longer than the necessary amount of time. It was an unfamiliar being and like anything risky, Alice felt on edge around it. She liked to simply remove unknowns. However, it was also really cute. Her brows lowered as she continued to devote some of her focus to Buki and the rest to staying alert to her surroundings and sister.

[Tae]

Queen Maeve

---

Maeve watched as the group of monster hunters and her guards entered the room. Immediately she began regretting her decisions as the group started bickering. My god, I’m surrounded by idiots… She thought to herself with a sigh, but she kept her regal appearance as she glanced over them. Nikolai, a noble and monster hunter she’d grown fond of, greeted her and showed her the proper respect a queen deserved while the others seemed less apt to do such a thing. While this enraged her a little, she simply ignored it as there were more important matters at hand.

The one with the…whatever that little creature was, seemed to deem it necessary to introduce himself and prattle on about this and that. She stared at him, simply giving him a warning look before her eyes now fell on the creature who came from the rafters. ”Ah I see you finally decided to join us. I was wondering how long you would keep yourself hidden up there.” She said to Izu, her own Cheshire grin appearing for a brief moment and then she moved on to the matter at hand.

”If you all are quite finished with needless introductions, blatantly disrespecting me, and having a pissing contest right here in my court, perhaps we can move on to the matter at hand.” She said, calling each of them out and giving them a stern look before continuing on. ”As you all clearly know, the monster problem has been on the rise once more. After some research, the council and I have discovered what we think may be the cause of such issues. In the mountains north of Jale, there is a cave where many have noticed these monsters coming and going from. We believe there is a bruja living within this cave, using her magic to create many of these creatures and setting them loose on the people of the land. We have decided to call in the best monster hunter to hunt her down and stop her nefarious deeds.” She paused for a moment, letting the information sink in, before continuing.

”With how many of you have answered our call and with how competitive you all seem to be, perhaps we split you into teams of two and make this a little competition. Whichever team can bring back proof of the bruja’s death will be granted land and riches beyond imagination. Be warned, however, as this bruja seems to have some large creature protecting her. We have yet to be able to lay eyes on the monster, but we know it is reptilian in nature. Take her guardian out and then take her out, bring back proof, and the reward is yours.” Maeve then motioned for some servants to start passing out slips of paper. ”On these pieces of paper is either the number one or the number two, find your corresponding numbers and that is who your team will be. Good luck and may the gods be on your side.” With that, Maeve dismissed them all and left the guards in charge of escorting them all out while she went on to leave the throne room to attend to other business.

[Alivefalling]

Nikolai Maximillion

Nikolai stuck his finger into the barrel of Alice’s gun as she had pointed it at him. With an arrogant smile, he said cheerfully, “Oh honey, I would love to…Especially with you. ” He gave her a wink and then winked at her sister, Adelaide, a moment later. The two of them did not take a joke as well as they had used to but he found it more fun to tease them for that reason.

As others spoke, he had totally been in his own world, ignoring the happenings around him until the Queen spoke. Nikolai listened intently as she debriefed the situation at hand. I see no reason for 16 people for one small Bruja in a cave. They could have just called half as many if not less… I suppose whatever that reptilian thing she’s referring to must be the trouble. He stood with his attention turned towards the queen’s every word. Ohhh… a little piece of paper, Damn… Why we can’t just pick and choose? I guess it will be fine but they better not pair me up with any of these loudmouths shouting amongst each other. Nikolai grabbed his paper and looked at it. “Hey, I am number one. Who else is number one?” He said aloud. Nikolai could feel the guards were about to shove them out, so he decided to take the lead before things got confusing, “Everyone who’s number one, come over by me!”

[Lava Alckon]

---

Latrell certainly didn't expect the backlash from the Queen. He knew respect was needed, and perhaps he had been a bit forward. But he was merely introducing himself! Call us out here and get all pissy when we show up. Figures. He took a piece of paper from a nearby servant and began to look around. He saw the gentleman who was kneeling earlier motion that he was number one, which happened to be Latrell's number as well. He took a short walk and gave a mild wave to the man as he approached.

"Right, looks like we're on the same team then. Don't think I've heard your name friend. I seem to have arrived a bit after everyone." "NEW FRIEND? OH BOY!" Buki interjected right after Latrell, who lightly rolled his eyes at his companions excitement.

Latrell looked around at the group and took stock of their actions and reactions. They certainly were a mixed bag of expertise, moxie, and general hubris. He found this all very amusing and would have some fun getting to know these folks. He noticed the gaze of one of the twins towards Buki, which certainly put him on edge. However as he thought it out, it was rather strange to see a sentient invention of his, so he dismissed the suspicion for the time being.

"This here is my pride 'n joy. He can really prove useful in a pinch. But don't rough him up too much or I'll need to build the poor fella a new body." He lightly chuckled as he broke the ice and awaited more figures to join their group.

[princess]

Alice Varo

Alice found the situation distasteful. It was either disgusting that Maeve felt that they needed competition to feel motivated toward protecting people or she knew those she called were too cold to care otherwise. She took her piece of paper and glanced at it before crumbling it in her fist. A bruja with a reptilian guard. Considering the lack of information and the number of people called, she decided this was not something to underestimate, though she was sure the others would. She made her way over to Nikolai, who she was annoyed with. He had been lightheartedly joking around, winking at them, sticking a finger in her gun...She rolled her eyes at the memory and came to stand beside him and the man with Buki. She resisted the urge to kneel down and touch it. Instead, she averted her gaze from all of them and folded her arms.

Both of them seemed to be in cheerful spirits as if this was all a game. This wasn't a competition nor a fun party game- People's lives were at stake. Their homes, their families, and everything they had ever known. Alice did not care if this was an easy nor a difficult mission. She just wanted to slaughter whatever foul beasts were out there greedily taking what was precious from the innocent.

[samreaper]

Izushima Ashari

---

The fox thought himself going unnoticed and yet the queen unexpectedly noticed his presence. Impressed and curios of how and when exactly had she sensed him. Since before even entering the castle or upon entering the throne room? Questions went through his mind one after the other; some concerning the job detailed to them. The explanation was simple enough, but also made this whole gathering even more peculiar. There were much to think about regarding the queen's words and the job though one thing was for certain, this mission would prove even more entertaining.

It nearly had the fox visibly giddy with excitement as he took the piece of paper showcasing the number one. His ears soon pricked to an obnoxious voice calling out for other number ones to gather around said person. He glanced over at the man speaking, Nikolai before giving a roll of his eyes under the mask. Hardly surprising meatheads like monster hunters would use what little braincells they had to question any of this and just accepting it all at face value. He could bring it up by asking the queen some questions, but why spoil whatever surprise was in store for them.

With a wispy inward chuckle, Izushima strode over to stand at the back behind the group, the billowing of his pant sleeves giving the appearance he was gliding across the floor as he went. Once settled his hands slipped into the other arm's sleeves as the masked fox quietly observed for the time being, a hidden smirk etched beneath.

[HeroBot]

Versle Ynnmaar

Looking down at the small blonde haired woman before him, his tongue swiftly slid across his lips as she spoke. Was she really trying to "square up" with him? Surely she knows this would be a one sided contest if it were anything than more a battle of quips. Intrigued by her confidence he held her gaze. A sly smile forming on his face as the thoughts of showing her up came rushing into his mind.

"Seems like the call for hunters was mistaken as a babysitting venture. How'd you two get in here anyway? Surely your parents must be looking for you."
The sarcasm in her words match by his own. Not one to step down from a challenge, he fully stretches his frame and stares intently at her before the voice of the queen demands his attention.

After listening to the queen's announcement of why they had been summoned, it all started making sense. He was unfamiliar with most of these other hunters, but not so clueless to now know that this would be well more than a one man job so to speak. The description of a large reptilian protector caused a wide grin to reach across his face as he looked over to Adelaide, giving her the "I told you so" nod. the other sister still a mystery to him but nonetheless interesting, hiding behind her hood he wasn't sure what she could really do, but if she had any of the confidence of Adelaide then he would follow them. If nothing else to prove that silver tongues aren't enough to take down real monsters.

Looking down onto his own slip of paper and seeing the number 1 printed on it, he began to follow the crowd and joined the motley crew of hunters gathered in this area. Each one clearly with their own specialization, most of them a mystery to him. He reaches out to the noisy "invention" as Latrell had called it and poked it a bit. Unsure as to how this tiny contraption could be of any use to their upcoming mission he gave Latrell a look of "is this really coming with us?"

"Well I know why they called me here to go with you lot. Not enough muscles between the lot of you to open a locked door I'd reckon. So it seems I'll be dealing with this "reptile" while you all watch from the sidelines" he says with a chuckle as they all start to leave the room.
"Still unsure of what that fox guy is bringing to the table. Do we need decorative masks for this mission or something?" he says with a look of confusion towards Izu. "I assume you're a lot more capable than that body lets on." Looking over the small frames of his new companions, Versle thinks to the near future of what is going to happen on these mountains. Raised in the mountains north of Jale himself, he is familiar with the conditions that will soon be upon them. But is this group capable of handling the harsh climbs and frigid temperatures of the peaks? Concerns grew in his mind as he absently listened to whatever Nikolai was saying while they were congregating.

'Oh well' he thought, a mission is a mission and completing missions means more food in his belly. Hopefully one of these people could cook well enough to keep them sated during this adventure to come.

[GingerBobOh]

Takin Bent

Shrugging as the big man ignored his offer of food, Takin resumed stripping the meat from the bone. Watching as interactions between some of the monster hunters that seemed to know each other unfolded, he began to wonder What is this? Some sort of gala? Everyone likes to talk tough but none of it fucking matters until shit's dead and you aren't. Aggressively, he rips a large chunk from the leg and chews furiously as he continues to observe. Some dude sticks a finger in a gun, Wow that's fucking smart. He scoffs to himself before some dude with a mask on drops from the fucking ceiling, and there's even a talking miniature statue. Oh my gods, it's like a fucking circus in here.

The Queen's commanding voice drew his attention from the absolute racket around him and he turned his attention to her, stripping the last remnants of meat off his turkey leg. Everything sounded quite route at first, bruja in a cave That's not ideal. Big nasty lizard bastard That's more like it. And.... teams. Fuck. He took accepted his ticket and let out a long sigh as he slowly turned it to reveal the number. 1. Dread sinking into his bones he saw the small group of them.... Great, looks like today I join the circus.

Walking over and joining the forming group, he is quickly overlooked as they begin to banter and flex once more. Growing increasingly frustrated by the antics, he finally cannot contain himself. Waving the stripped bone around, getting as close to the median eye level of these idiots as he could gauge, he spoke up. Alright you prissy princesses, we get it. He's overcompensating for something, she hates the world, you all are so goddamned strong blah blah fucking blah. He points the bone flippantly and vaguely in directions as he speaks before tossing it over his shoulder with a shrug. We wouldn't all be here if we weren't all needed for this hag in a cave and her lizard bodyguard. I'm sure you are all masters of whatever field you specialize in, and that's great, truly. I, however, can't do shit against magic, so I'm on team lizard fuck. What team do the rest of you play for? He crossed his arms as he looked around, gazing up at each one, not letting his smaller stature phase him in the slightest.

[Infinite Cosmos]

---

Rayland crossed his arms and listened to the queen blather on and on about the mission and whatever else she wanted to talk about. He kept his hood drawn over his head, looking at the ground. Leaning against a pillar in the great hall, Rayland secretly hoped that there was somehow a magical fast forward button that he can push so the queen can be done and they can set out already.

"...Bruja... Lizard..."

Those were the words that caught Rayland's attention. So they're hunting a bruja, a magic user. His arrows can kill those, he supposed. However, this reptilian creature... Depending on what it actually is, he may have to resort to brute strength and conventional weapons to take care of it. However, just as he was beginning to formulate a plan for tracking and killing his targets, the queen had decided to split all those that have gathered into two teams. He quietly took over his slip of paper and took a quick look. The number one was clearly written on it. Rayland had not planned to be working with others on this mission. He has always worked alone. Seeing as this is a condition that the patron of this mission had set, Rayland sighed and paced over to the rest of his 'team' when Nikolai had began boisterously calling for the rest of them to gather around him, as if he was de facto team leader.

Rayland assessed his 'teammates' and let out a small "tsk". What a hodgepodge of demon hunters. Elves, mountain man, a dwarf, a fox-kin. Just what the fuck is this group... Would he really be the only competent one? He did not like the idea of having to split whatever rewards that is coming his way AND having to drag a bunch of second-rate demon hunters through a mission. As soon as he reached the rest of the group, he would fix his posture and stand straighter than before, letting his hood fall back slightly to reveal most of his face.

In the moment, he did not even want to waste his time or energy to create small talk. He looked at the other team and deemed them to be unworthy as well. Just other no name demon hunters that thought they can step up to the big leagues and try their luck with something like this...

[Tae]

Adelaide Varo

Nikolai was either ridiculously brave or ridiculously stupid to stick his finger in the barrel of Alice’s gun. Knowing her sister, Adelaide had no doubt that if the right mood struck her Alice would have blown his finger off right there in the throne room. It seemed, however, that Alice was in a forgiving mood. Or perhaps she was more intrigued by this little creature thing that Latrell fellow had. Either way, Adelaide blew a kiss at Nikolai as he winked at the two of them.

It was then that she heard the big man respond to her and Adelaide met his stare, her own dark grin appearing as she looked at him. Something almost sinister flashed in her eyes for a brief moment, but before she could even respond she heard the Queen's voice. She turned to give her full attention to the woman now, silently scoffing as Maeve seemed to chastise them for not showing her proper respect. If she wished for respect then she should have been paying more attention to her people and the troubles they’ve had with these monsters sooner. Perhaps then far less would be taken in the middle of the night and left to fates that were unspeakable.

Adelaide did take note of the task at hand, mind trying to work out just what exactly this reptilian monster would be. She had a few ideas in her head, but perhaps she’d discuss it with Alice and see what she thought would be the most likely option. It was the last tidbit of information that sent a moment of panic and irritation through her. They were to work in a team. It wouldn’t just be her and Alice, they’d have to work with others. So far she doubted anyone here was going to be thrilled about this nor did she think any of them knew how to play nice.

Alice took a slip of paper and Adelaide took one right after. She glanced over at her sister’s number first before looking at her own. No…no fucking way…yeah this isn’t happening… She thought to herself as she saw the number two on her slip while Alice had one. No, this wouldn’t do at all. She half ignored Nikolai as he called for all number ones to meet him over in a direction, but then she realized she could kiss him for doing that as she watched people start heading in his direction. All she needed to do was convince one of these fuckers to switch her numbers.

She spotted her prey, a man she’d seen that morning at the same inn her and Alice were staying at. They ate breakfast near each other, hopefully he wouldn’t give any issues to swapping numbers. ”Hey I see you got group one, so did my sister yet I unfortunately got group one. Switch?” She would at least try and be civil at first. That method was going quickly out the window, however, as she watched the man look her over quite blatantly and smirk. ”Depends, what am I getting in return?” A quick assessment of this brute and Adelaide had formulated a plan.

”Well I suppose I can give you the antidote to the slow acting poison I placed in your eggs this morning. I was planning on using you as an experiment to see if I got my formulation right or not, but I suppose I could use that on someone else.” She said with a sigh and watched as confusion spread across his face for a moment. He opened his mouth, but she continued to speak. ”By the way, how was that pale ale you had with breakfast this morning? Hopefully it was a worthy last meal?” She watched his eyes widen as he realized it wasn’t a lucky guess and began to question the validity of what she said. She began walking in the direction of group two, but he quickly called out for her to stop. She smirked to herself before turning to look at him again.

”Fine, here. Give me that antidote as well.” He said as he practically threw the paper at her. She handed him her paper as she thanked him before turning to walk towards her sister. ”Hey! Wait! What about the cure?!” He shouted after her and she shrugged at him. ”I’m sorry, but I’m afraid there’s no cure for gullibleness and idiocy.” The dumbfounded look on his face was one she would cherish for a while as she now joined the number one group.

She approached as the brute seemed to be saying something about not enough muscle to open a locked door. ”Of course you wouldn’t be intelligent enough to realize you don’t always need muscle to open a locked door.” She sighed before turning her attention to the redhead. His words had her smirking and letting out a small giggle. At least he seemed to be willing to try and work with them and make a plan.

”While team lizard fuck would be the easier option for me, my sister and I have dealt with our fair share of bruja in our life. I do well working from the shadows and remaining undetected so I can be on team witch bitch. I at least kinda know what to expect there while this guardian lizard is a potential wildcard.” She offered up, at least trying to work with these people.

[Alivefalling]

Nikolai Maximillion

Nikolai watched as others began to gather around him. He was about to speak when he looked over to see a guard who pointed him in the direction of the door.

“I need you all to leave.” The guard said, ushering them outside the doors of the castle. Once the group was outside, Nikolai looked towards the group “I think we should go to the tavern and get acquainted with each other and plan for our mission. A few drinks are sure to loosen up those attitudes.” Nikolai gave them a big smile. ”... and don’t worry, the drinks are on me. He added as he led them towards his favorite bar The Drunken Skunk.

[HeroBot]

Versle Ynnmaar

Hearing the guard usher everyone outside, Versle followed closely behind. Nikolai's invitation of a group dinner with drinks seeming to be a solid plan as he was both hungry and definitely too sober. Sizing up everyone in the group as they walked, seeing who would be the most interesting to hear drunken stories from later, Versle follows the group into town and into the tavern. He approaches the barkeep to pickup the first round of drinks.
"10 pints for the table, Nikolai is picking up the tab" Versle tilts his head over nodding to Nikolai in the back.

Gathering the drinks onto a tray and bringing them back to the table for the group, Versle slides a mug to each member and takes two for himself. Eyeing the final mug he looks over to Adelaide, "Takes a lot of confidence, or arrogance, to square up with me like that. But I respect a woman not afraid to stand her ground." He slides her the extra mug "Now lets see if you actually have the constitution to hold up that facade" he laughs as he starts to down his first drink. The beer here feeling like barely more than water compared to his homes brew, he knew this party was going to make some of these people turn upside down.

'Time to sit back and watch the show' he thinks to himself as he waves to the beer maiden to get his next round ready. It was going to be a long night for someone he laughed to himself.