[IC] The Order of Hunters: Tales of Fort Raven's peek

[drallinix]

"See what we can do eh? Sounds like a challenge, and im ready to go. So what are we doing head to head one on one combat to determine battle skill?" Adrian smiled as he said this his hood up and concealing his eyes in dark shadows. All that could be seen were his slightly elongated teeth as he let out a small chuckle. "Well im not hungry so ill be here when the time to prove ourselves has arrived" he said simply then took off towards the building. Reaching the wall Adrian took a leap, planted one foot and leaping of it caught the roof with one hand. Kicking with his legs he swung himself up over the edge of the roof in a fluid movement where he then sat down with a satisfied expression on his face.

[Gareth]

The two handed battle axe swished through the air as Mosh practiced his battle forms at a clearing, a short walk away from the 'Hunter's Fort'. He was starting to understand the saying; "A change is as good as a break", that was told to him once. The reason of his enjoyment of this solitude, away from others was that it was so much quieter. The raucous laughter and non-stop chattering of all the people in the fort, was starting to irritate him. This whole time he was in full armor, and he still trained in it, to improve himself by pushing his limits. And so, He decided to finish his combat exercise by dashing forwards, leaping and then spinning his whole body and weapon two full rotations and then while still airborne-crashing down with his weapon as it sliced a deep groove into the ground below him.

He then walked around a little to calm the rapid beating of his heart. As his breathing became normal, he reached underneath his helmet to wipe the sweat off his forehead. Satisfied with the exhaustion his training brought him he then heard someone nearby talk about breakfast and how good it was.

He knew from that, that he was late and needed to hustle in order to save as much face as he could. So his adrenaline kicked in as he swiftly strapped his weapon to his back and stormed past the two he had overheard, ignoring their gasps of shock as he proceeded towards the fort's front doors.

He ignored his loud, clinging and clanging of his armor as he ran. Several minutes later arriving at the dining hall.

He raised his voice to be heard through his helmet, "You people better have saved some for me!"

He then quickly grabbed a plate and hoped that he wasn't out of luck.

He was slightly worried about what Heidrek would think of him being late today, as he was the only one that Mosh ever really respected or cared about. Even all the great things that were spoken about the new commander didn't convince mosh that he was worthy of being a leader and mosh knew that for him to follow the new guy that this new guy would have to prove himself first.

[Malikoy]

Jagrid was served his mead alongside a generous plate of roasted beef, specially cooked for him by good old Heidrek. He started to drink from his mead mug and used forks to slice the beef, he was barbaric in a sense in battle, but his Cadium Empire upbringing made sure he had decorum on the table.

He moved his arm, the fork pierced a cube of roasted beef, chewing it with delicate speed. The breakfast was good, Jack is getting nagged by the house blacksmith, Christoth. They talked about enchanting armors and the like, Jagrid nodded his head when Jack suggested him to maybe try out some enchanted armors, "O' course, whenever I'm free."

Moments later the redhead warrior approached the table and sat next to Jagrid, now finally seeing his face and recognizing him, it was his old Order companion, he had done a few hunts with him before. Silus Drakos.

"Times been good, the hunts better and harder by the weeks," Jagrid took a drink from his mead mug and asked for refill from a passing Order guardsman, "Ahh that damned Orc, I enjoyed tearing him in half and delivering each to the Empire and the Order, they thought I had gone mad.

"But yeah I did get paid, generously, and I did spend it well on my lovely family back in Dragon Tail. So tell me, looks like you are our appointed captain after all!"

[Arthanus]

Silus had just started eating when Atticus came up to the table, He didn't say anything at first continuing to stand there until Silus looked up from his meal. "Well Atticus, I have never really dealt with the whole recruitment process myself, nor have I heard of someone riding out to the proverbial front lines just to ask to join. But you must have some balls to come out this far, so for now take a seat, eat and I'll throw you into the test to see what you can do." He said to the man motioning to sit at the table. Silus continued his meal listening to Jagrid recalling the events from the past. "Well you know it is the best way to settle the dispute of who got the body. Luckily enough Old Heidrek crushed the fools skull so there wasn't anything to put on a pike." he stated remembering the squabbles that proceeded the battle of which army would claim the Orc "As for being appointed captain, I'm as surprised as you are. Apparently the Old man requested that I come and take over his Assault team. But I can't really complain being out here really beats my old posting. I never liked the Tachikawa coast. Sure the view is great, but you can only kill so many crabs before you get sick of seafood." Silus added while continuing his meal

Chistoth sat to eat as Jack went on about the Enchantments some more, "Now that my be interesting, but how exactly does hiding your weaponry help against beasts and monsters?" he asked in between bites. "And what do you mean my Idea? I am all up for creating a set of armor, but that extra stuff is all up to you." He added while he continued to eat.

As Mosh bust in Heidrek gave a grin "Aye lad, there is still some left for you, but you might have to deal with scraps!" the old Barbarian joked before motioning a few of his men over. After talking to them for a bit the men went outside to prepare for the "entertainment" that would commence after the meal.

[TheBigJon]

Atticus' slight smile broke into a grin as he heard the Captain's response. A wave of relief washed over him, but he stayed composed on the outside.

"Thank you for the opportunity. You won't be disappointed."

He took a seat near the other hunters talking to the Captain, listening intently on their conversations. However, his eyes remained somewhat shifty. Atticus never stopped scanning the room, processing who was in it and what was going on. He laughed when others laughed and reacted accordingly, but he never really stopped computing. Once the dining hall seemed to empty, he followed the people outside, wondering what would happen next.

[Razqua]

Hikisaka got a plate of food and sat down at the table with the others. He removed his helmet to eat, revealing the exposed veins going up his face. Hikisaka spoke calmly. "Forgive my appearance. My body has undergone some strain from battle. Though I assure you I am still in peak fighting condition." He took a bite of food and turned to Captain Silus. "I understand you're from headquarters. Tell me do you know a mage named Josephine? If so how was she when you last saw her?"

[Arthanus]

Silus continued to eat his meal trying to eat what he would quickly as he wanted to see what his hunters were capable of. While he was eating Hikisaka sat near them. As the man took off his helmet Silus gave him a quick glance wondering the real cause of the veins. The man had an odd scent to him, although most others probably wouldn't pick up on it. "Well if you were sent to the front lines, I am sure you are." He commented before sitting to think for a bit on who this Josephine could be. "Well, I was Stationed in the Silver City for a year, but its a pretty big place and really I'm not all that important compared to the other residents of the Silver City. I have heard the name, but I don't think I ever meet her personally." He answered in between bites.

The meal went on for a little longer, and as things started to settle down Heidrek stood up hitting his cup onto the table to draw everyone's attention. "Alright everyone, I am sure you have all heard by now that our new Assault Captain has arrived." He started motioning over to Silus who stood in case anyone didn't know who he was yet. "Now that being said I want you to follow his orders as if they were my own. Although he may not look it Silus is a strong warrior and knows how to effectively lead his men." He continued going into a bit of a speech of battles fought together. After Heidrek's stories had gone on long enough for everyone how hadn't to finish their food he finally moved on remembering what he was doing. "Now to see just what you are capable of Silus has requested that each member of the Assault Team to run a course showing off your skills and weaknesses. So members of the Assault Team report to the training field. Everyone else, Get back to work!" The big man said finally finishing his speech.

With all of that done Silus got up from the table, leaving the plates for the clean up crew, and proceeded outside to overlook his new team and explain the course they would each have to run.

[Esayo]

Yasil ate alone. She had spent many of her meals that way recently, and having only been with the Order two days, she was keen on retaining that habit, at least for a while. It was peaceful, gave her an opportunity to do a fair bit of observation -a luxury she had not yet been afforded. Thus far she'd learned...nothing. There was too much going on, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing; it was the opportunity she wanted, adventure and fame and an outlet. It was exciting, so much so that she hadn't quite gotten her bearings, but they were coming, steadily. She'd gathered that Heidrek had the biggest voice in the camp, the forgemaster was something of a creep, and now, with the newest announcement, they were to be led by this 'Silus'.

A test, was it? Good, great even, she'd been quiet and reserved since she'd arrived without even a bag to punch, she needed a good way to expend some energy. Plus, it would be a chance to start making a name for herself among the soldiers, whatever that would mean. She stood, taking her plate to the back, and then making her way outside. Her armor kept her warm, though to be fair she was used to far colder weather in the upper regions of Tachikawa, so the air served more to wake her up than anything. Her bow was slung over her shoulder, the bo staff collapsed and hanging from her belt, she was ready. Ready for what? She hadn't the vaguest idea, but she was eager to find out.

Despite all of that, on the outside she looked calm. She kept her focus on Silus once she reached the training field, as if she could somehow decipher the answers from his face. She had hard eyes, cold eyes, like icy mirrors that reflected the way she saw the world. It was one thing to look at her, it was another to be looked at by her. When the others would begin to filter in, her gaze would flick to them, a quick analyzing glance, and then return to Silus.

[Gareth]

Mosh grinned at Heidrek's comment about having to fend over scraps. It was funny and the way Heid. said it made Mosh think he was joking. Thankfully though within a few moments, having scanned the many dishes he was able to fill his plate with a variety of things. Everything from poached eggs to some weird, long green thing that he had never seen before in his life. He took all the stuff except the alien green thing and sat at the end of a table away from others so he could enjoy his food in peace.

Unfortunately as he was halfway through his plate there was an announcement. Apparently the new leader had arrived among them and Mosh took a quick look at the man and nodded respectfully to him after Heidrek stated his belief of confidence that the man was a strong warrior and some other good stuff.

Well if he's good enough for Heidrek, then this Silus is good enough for me.

Then something was said about a course to take in the training field. Mosh was pumped for this as this would be the first time he could really show others what he was made of... He was so pumped that he dumped the rest of his food in the garbage and made his way clanging along at a brisk pace to the training grounds without looking back.

Since he had already been around the place it was a simple task to arrive there. As he arrived the first person he saw was a woman in armor. This kind of confused him as he thought it was really only men who wore armor and took to the battlefield. In his confusion he also wondered what her skills were that could be useful for combat.

[BKburke]

Jack sat and listened to Christoth as he spoke. "Hiding your weapons from a beast is a great idea. Not all beasts we fight are mindless you know. Some will try o change up their strategy as they see what we are equipped with. I am of course talking about things such as bandits. There are plenty, along with other races we aren't known to be friendly with." Jack closed his enchantment book. "What I mean when I say your idea is that you allow me to do it. You would be surprised at how many people don't trust enchantments." Jack sat and thought for a second. "Well I do suppose they have good reason. Enchantments can be rather...explosive if not done right. Which reminds of time I almost blew my arm off. Ok so the horse is panicking, the rider is knee deep and I'm still trying to get my hat back when.." Jack was cut off by everyone being asked for some assault corse. "I'll tell you later." Jack stood up and looked at Christoth. "Could you take my book to armory. I'll be there after the course." Jack began to walk outside and he didn't show much enthusiasm. Fighting wasn't a big thing of his. He knew he was much better with support. "Silus if you don't mind me asking. I'm more of an enchanter, a support role. I can give people enchantments during combat to make them stronger, faster, better stamina. They aren't much but I'm just saying that if I could prove myself to you by maybe having them run a course twice, one on their own and another with my enchantments backing them up. Would that be ok?"

[Razqua]

Hikisaka put his helmet back on and stood up. He turned to Silus and spoke. "I'll see you on the training field sir. I thank you for humoring my question about Josephine. Me and her are close friends and I owe her a debt of gratitude." He then turned around and headed towards the training field. When he arrived he sat down closed his eyes and began to meditate while he waited for the others. Meditation when done correctly was a strange feeling. It created an absolute feeling of calmness. It cleared his head but at the same time Hikisaka was completely aware of everything going on around him. Even more aware then when his eyes were open.

[Arthanus]

Silus watched and studied his hunters as they came out to the courtyard. Yasil although younger looked like she could take care of herself, Mosh was a big Barbarian enough said, Jason.... was an odd one, what were the big wigs thinking sending him a hunter that couldn't function on its own, Hikisaka was odd, it was clear the man could hold his own, but something was odd to say the least, Adrian was a fresh recruit with a bit of an attitude problem which Silus intended to do something about, And then there was Atticus, by his lack of equipment Silus guessed he was a mage of some sort. But looks alone wouldn't impress Silus what he was really interested in was their skills. "Sorry Jason, I'm sure your enchantments will help, but this is a test of your abilities and I need to see what you can do, you never know when you will be cut off and on your own I need to be sure you can at least somewhat handle yourself." He answered before walking off to stand in the practice arena. "So as far as this little test goes, it will be easier to show than explain. and I wouldn't want any of you to do what I wouldn't so lets get this started. Bring up a Warbreed." He said making his way to the wall of weapons as a cage was brought up from below the arena. Inside the cage a red skinned Warbreed Orc thrashed around. Silus grabbed a Great Axe from the wall and slid it to the cage before taking a spear and shield for himself. "This first part of the test is to call out an opponent from the captured monsters held by the hunters and defeat it. Now let it out." Silus half explained while falling into his stance.

The cage opened up and the Orc charged forward grabbing the Axe Silus watched and prepared for the beast's attack. With a quick roll to the side Silus avoided the first blow from the orc. While the orc recovered Silus quickly stabbed with his spear to the orc's side before hopping back and returning to his stance. The orc howled in rage as it raised its axe again. This time the Orc didn't blindly charge as it had learned from the first hit. This time Silus advanced gloating the orc into attacking again and as he came into the beast's range it swung its axe again trying to cleave Silus' head from his shoulders. He quickly ducked under the blow stabbing again into the orc's chest. The orc reacted by dropping its axe and slamming its fist back at Silus. To avoid the hit Silus let go of his spear and raised his shield. The shield smashed under the Orc's strength, Silus was sent tumbling back but was mostly uninjured. He tossed the shattered shield to the side and the Orc pulled the spear from its chest and readied itself for another attack. Sensing that Silus was weakened the Orc charged again spear in hand. Silus drew his sword and readied for the attack. With a swift movement Silus was able to sidestep the orc's attack and bring his blade up taking the Orc's head.

Its head fell to the floor and Silus sheathed his sword and turned to his team. "Now I don't expect every one of you to take on a Warbreed, Infact I want you to take on something you know you can kill. don't take a risk that will get you hurt, or worse killed." He explained. " And once your fight is done you will move on, you will enter the forest where the other Hunter's of the Fort will have challenges set up to test your character." He said stepping off of the arena. "Now I shall watch over your fight and judge your skills so any questions before we start?" Silus asked as some hunters rushed in to prepare the arena for the next fight.

[Razqua]

Hikisaka Stopped meditating and stood politely to watch the fight. The captain certainly knew how to fight. While Hikisaka knew he had nothing to gain from showing off he felt it was only proper that he prove his value. He looked towards the troll. He was fairly certain he could bring it down but it wouldn't be easy. In fact a fight like that could get pretty intense. That could breed some negative emotion which in turn could allow Ragnos to take control. "It's not worth the risk" Hikisaka finally decided. He looked next to one of the orc warbreeds. While it could potentially be a tough fight it certainly was nothing to be too concerned about. Hikisaka had done battle with and defeated some of Tachikawa's greatest warriors. An orc; even a tough one; was nothing to worry about. Hikisaka walked into the arena, drew his sword, and pointed it at a particularly large warbreed and spoke. "With your permission sir I'll take that one."

[Eklispe]

Shinion spurred her horse faster, the tests were supposed to start to today it would be no good to come in late. Unfortunately as the keep came into sight and the gathering of people in the courtyard it seemed she was indeed late to something. It looked like she had come in at the end of a demonstration, she slid off her horse and gave it a command word to stay, then ran up to the group. "Looks like i made it just in time, i presume these are the qualifying trials?" she asked the person who seemed to be in charge stepping out of the arena.

[Arthanus]

Silus watched as Hikisaka got up and inspected one of the Warbreed. "Sure you can take that on if you like. Just be warned if you haven't fought one before, they are a bit bigger, stronger and smarter than your average orc, most of the time one of those Red skin's become Chieftains more than not." Silus warned as the man walked up to the arena. Silus watched as the cage was brought into the arena and one of the hunters brought Silus a longbow and some arrows. "Give it a weapon if you would like, and know I'll intervene if I feel you are in to much danger." Silus said as he knocked an arrow and watched the fight about to start. As Shinion rode up Silus didn't take his eyes off of the warbreed. "Looks like you made it then, Get into the lineup and be ready to prove yourself." Silus answered. And once Hikisaka was ready Silus gave the motion to release the orc and start the fight.

[Razqua]

Hikisaka sheathed his sword and looked at the weapon wrack. He reached for two short swords and threw them into the cage with the orc. Hikisaka then took his place on the other end of the arena with his sword still sheathed he prepared for the warbreed to be released. He held his sheath in one hand and the swords handle in the other. The orc grabbed the two swords with one in each hand. The creature had more than enough strength to wield them both. The cage was opened. The warbreed charged at breakneck pace towards Hikisaka. Still Hikisaka simply stood there in the same position he had started in. The orc closed in and raised its arm to bring down one of the swords on Hikisaka's head. Hikisaka with a single fluid motion drew the sword from the sheath and cut off the hand that was about to land a blow on him. Hikisaka then held his sword in both hands readied a strike to bring down on the orc's skull. However the warbreed panicking jumped back and avoided the second strike. The orc then attempted to strike at Hikisaka with still remaining sword hand. Hikisaka let go of the sword with his left hand and held it firmly in his right as he blocked the strike and simultaneously punched the warbreed as hard as he could directly in the nose. The orc fell hard onto the ground on his back. Hikisaka wasted no time in firmly gripping his sword with both hands and sinking the blade deep into the warbreeds heart. He then loosened his grip and let out a deep breath. He then calmly removed the sword put it back in the sheath. He then walked out of the arena and spoke to Silus. "With your permission sir I need to sit down and rest." In truth Hikisaka had barely broken a sweat but still he was rushing with adrenaline. He knew he needed to meditate and get a handle on his emotions. It had been a long time since he had to fight. He had forgotten the intensity of it. How much of a rush it was. He thought to himself. "Something has to be done about this. I need to adjust myself so I can keep my calm more easily in battle."

[Arthanus]

Silus watched Hikisaka's fight, the man's movements were very controlled and precise. And even though the fight was quick Silus was able to learn quite a bit about Hiksaka from it. With the fight over Hikisaka came up and asked for a rest. "If you need a breather that is fine, but head into the forest as soon as you feel you can to finish your test." he responded before looking back to the group. "Alright, so who is next?" Silus asked looking over to his hunters.

[Eklispe]

Shinion looked around, no one seemed to be volunteering. "Hmmm ,show me the troll if you would." Shinion called out as she strung her bow and removed her cloak, it would be a tough fight but she was confident in her abilities. Perhaps she would be viewed as a showoff but if they thought they could've taken the troll then they should've volunteered then, and she was interested in a good test of her abilities.

[Arthanus]

Silus looked at Shinion as she claimed the Troll. "I know you came in late, but that doesn't mean you have to try to overcompensate. Three hunters were Injured trying to capture the beast alive. Are you sure you want to take this thing on?" Silus questioned before signalling to the other Hunters. Five other hunters with bows surrounded the arena ready just in case things took a turn for the worst. "If you are sure then I guess you can go for it." Silus said motioning for the girl to go into the arena.

[Eklispe]

Shinion grinned already excited for the fight to come, "Well i can't let the boys have all the fun can i? Unless of course one of them is brave enough to come fight it before I get in?" She said as she waited next to the entry to the Arena to see if there were any takers, she didn't want to rob anyone of a chance, but she did want to see how she matched up against the troll.