[IC] Plague-Hunters

[Eklispe]

Alexander turned in surprise as the "bagman" ran past them, he somewhat belatedly chased after him snapping his fingers to get Larion's attention. As they worked on catching up he saw Sapphire tackle him to the ground and quickly get shaken off. The resulting speech made the speakers identity as Joshua rather obvious. At the very least the game seemed fun, though a rather strange test, in particular as they were in the middle of town. "Alright Larion lets go, sic 'em." he said to his pet pointing at bagman hoping that the Ironback would be able to resist all the distractions in the city. They both immediately sprung into action chasing after bagman, Alex quickly making his way to the rooftops and Larion racing through the streets. Alex briefly considered attempting to shoot bagman in the leg but decided it would most likely be both ineffective and overkill, instead he gathered power for his Flare spell, just in case Joshua turned around long enough for him to use it.

[M127]

As Iṃgor looked onto the main street while passing through a crossing with a path that crosses the main street he saw Alex jump from one roof to another on the other side of the main street.
Reverting his focus onto the map of the tracking spell he smiled; a Y crossing was up ahead on the main street, Joshua had to decide where to go. He could block one way, and if Alex would be aware of this too, he could block the other way. As Iṃgor couldn't know for sure, he asked his familiar to block the way instead. Both moved as quickly as they could to get there before Joshua does. If Joshua was to choose the path which he blocked, Iṃgor planned to use a reflex to stop him, or at least slow him down. He'd shout "HALT" as loud as possible to startle everyone around by surprise.

[LHG100]

BAAAAAGMAAAAN continued running, jumping, cartwheeling, and just plain parkouring around the primary road of the town, bouncing off of sturdy things like some sort of rabbit. He came to the crossroads, and as Imgor shouted "HALT!", it reflexively made him do so. He remarked upon Imgor's familiar, "Lovely little mole, by the way!", then braced to jump above and behind his little harasser. This would be Eresings' chance to capture...

THE ELUSIVE BAGMAN!

Yet, Alex jumped from roof to roof, and landed on one nearby, shooting off a flare-spell before Joshua could jump. "AAAAH, BAGMANS EYES!", He'd shout. He stopped his little stance and landed on his own ass. "BAGMANS' eyeballs were still adjusting to the light some! Now they're ON FIRE!".
He'd try to rub his eyes, being mostly stopped by his own paper bag.

Now, it was perfect for a DOUBLE CAPTURE! OH YEAH!

[M127]

Iṃgor used his chance, propelling himself towards Joshua with a mix of sprinting and jumping, while his arms unfolded like praying mantis' arms. Iṃgor had made sure his legs were using all their force by being at an angle of 30° between him and the ground, an angle which would cause him to fall on his face within some seconds despite propelling himself that fast reflexively.
The time it'd take him to reach and grab his target was shorter though, otherwise this would be a stupid move.
His familiar also attempted to tackle the bagman, if Iṃgor's attempt failed the tackle would throw Joshua off balance and slow him down, especially since he was blinded by the flare spell.

[NanoFreakV2]

“Hmph, rude.” Sapphire said as she stood up after being throw to the side by Joshua. She immediately continued her pursuit of the bagman and was rather amused at the scene that ensued, with Imgor ordering the bagman to halt. She noticed Alexander take position near a roof and instinctively looked at him only realizing too late that he’d be using his flare. Luckily her hood obscured the spell to some extent, not blinding her for as long as Joshua. As the bagman was still busy rubbing his eyes she proceeded to apply an air burst to his legs hopefully causing a comical tumble on his posterior. Ruby immediately knew where her place was in the ensuing struggle and would attempt to land on Joshua, hopefully keeping him down with her sheer weight. “Hey Joshua, does a familiar immobilizing you count as a capture?” She would shout in a not very serious tone as Ruby approached preparing to land on top of him.

[Eklispe]

Alexander grinned surprised at how easy that had been, Joshua must be holding back on them, oh well; as long as got free food and something extra to boot he was fine with that. He quickly made the leapt across rooftops and closed in. He didn't opt for the tackle as it seemed his allies already had that route of attack. Instead he felt he could safely simply get close enough to latch onto Bagman's arm.

[LHG100]

Ruby landed on top of Joshua and immobilized him further, with a somewhat pained "OOMPH!" from Joshua. He ripped off the bag from his head and declared, "Damn, this was a horrible idea for my back... Fine, I surrender! A little prematurely... but nyar! Now get your bird off of me, please?". Ruby then jumped off, landing next to him. Joshua got up, before Alexander grabbing his arm, then suddenly the both of them being tackled by a fourth individual. Schulze, finally doing something. "Ah.. wait. Did he say 'I surrender'?", Schulze asked as Joshua was saying a few mild curses in pain. Joshua got up again, letting out, "Well, that was kind of fun for a few minutes."

"So, shall we go to that diner I mentioned? I love the little baguettes they have. They're infused with cheese somehow. Pretty great!", he then stopped himself, "Oh, wait, yes, yes, yes, switch-weapons. Those things we use to stab things. Yes, let's go back there first.". He then jogged back over to Harolds' Armaments.

They met halfway, as Harold came out It seems like Harold 'saved himself' and was cleaning the inside, as both of them striking a conversation about how fun that was, and how amusing that was to watch respectively. Everyone would then notice Harolds' full appearance, an eyepatch, his little blacksmithing apron, and a steel helmet. Presumably for safety. Don't want an ingot of anything on a shelf smacking your head. He's a tanned one as well, probably not from Coalstrike. He does have an interesting scar on his left eye, probably why he has an eyepatch.

Their conversation halted as Harold realized they were here for their switch-weapons, "Alright, then." he bluntly said, "Switch-weapons. Those are a pain in my ass, but might as well. So, tell me, what's everyone wantin'?" "I can forge pretty much anything as long as it ain't too crazy. And don't worry too much about the Smetal... Err, Starmetal, got a shipment damn recently. No idea why, just a gift from someone I reckon."

This is the time of destiny... This man, with his small and simple forge, will create your switch-weapons with his own blood, sweat, and tears. Forged by materials that come from the very skies, these fine pieces will be silent friends for life. Make sure you're getting what you desire, you won't have another chance soon, if at all.

[NanoFreakV2]

Sapphire was rather disappointed that their little game had ended so soon and she promptly returned to her stale and emotionless posture and attitude.
At this point after the long walk to Coalstrike and the quick ‘tag’ game Joshua put them through, Sapphire was starving. She was looking forward to the dinner, especially since she assumed the dinner was on Joshua. Even though he didn’t state specifically it was all on him, he did say he’d bring them along.

Her dreams of having a nice warm meal were shattered and when Joshua decided to deal with their switch-weapons first. Despite this she knew their weapons had a higher priority than anything else.
She then followed Joshua to Harold’s shop. Harold mentioned that he had received a shipment of starmetal and Sapphire was glad Miss Abigail had kept her end of the bargain. Recalling her, to some extent, bad attitude Sapphire half expected her not to. She thought it'd be wiser to not let anyone know where the shipment of starmetal originated.

Seeing that no-one intended to begin first Sapphire stepped forward facing Harold and began explaining the design she had in mind. “I’d like the base weapon to be a double bladed scythe, meaning two blades next to each other. It should be able to transform into a double ended glaive form by shifting one blade to the other end of the pole and straightening the other. The blades should also be large enough to allow rune placement on them.” She also pulled out her Kris and held in front of Harold. “This has a. . .” she paused for a moment “. . . significant sentimental value to me, so I’d also like a custom made holster for it attached to the pole of the scythe. Is all that achievable?” She finished with her question.

[M127]

Seeing as Joshua surrendered, Iṃgor got up and headed for Harold's shop. He was hungry, but food was not scarce within the city, so the weapons had priority.

After Sapphire had elaborated what switch-weapon she envisioned for herself he remarked "Not bad".
He waits for Harold and Sapphire to find a weapon that suits her and can be made to explain his envisioned switch weapon to Harold.
"I definetly need some versatility, so one ranged and one melee mode would be appropriate. I thought of a crossbow for range and a picaxe for melee. Both ends of the picaxe should be pointy, unlike standard picaxes, and a chain attached to the free end of the handle in order to build up extra momentum and extend the melee range a littlebit. I don't care if that chain persists throughout the crossbow mode or not. The easiest way I could imagine the transformation would be to have the bow be a part of the picaxe, which is freed from the rest of the picaxe upon changing to crossbow mode, to allow cocking the bow. Upon changing back it is interlocked with the remainder of the picaxe again. I am sure that would be possible for you, right?"

[LHG100]

"Of course all that's possible. Just to get this straight, though.", the Smith wanted to confirm, "A scythe with two blades, and the blades can straighten, with one also going to the bottom end? Would you mind if you had to manually grab the second blade and put it on the other end of the pole?", he wondered. He then commented on Imgor's concept.

"I'll be honest too, a sort of... Crossbow-Morningstar-Pickaxe... pretty damn unique. Does make sense, however.", "You got the crossbow for long range, and if someone comes at ya just bash their damn skull in with the pointy bits. I can see that being pretty practical.", he openly approves.

"So what do you other kids want?", he then asks, wanting to begin his work as soon as possible, it seems.

[NanoFreakV2]

"Actually that would even be preferred." Sapphire responded, her tone indicating she was satisfied. Her mind immediately considered the applications of manually removing the blade. It would provide the possibility of turning it into a throw-able weapon. Considering the fact that it could also bear a number of runes. The potential creativity that could be achieved with such a weapon was almost limitless.

As Harold further conversed with Imgor and the rest of the hunters in training, Sapphire began considering the applications of Imgor's design. She had never thought of pickaxe as weapon so she knew seeing that take shape would be interesting. Despite this a pickaxe would not allow alot of creative movements. The chain helped with that but not necessarily by much. She saw it as more of a last resort close combat option and he would probably prefer to keep his foe at a distance, relying on the weapons crossbow functionality for as long as possible.

[Eklispe]

Alexander paused for a moment struggling with the question. He had never really given much thought to it, though he had known that most hunter used a switch-weapon of some sort. He looked at his blade reluctantly, it nearly the exact same as his mother's, though smaller and not made with star-metal. He listened to the other ideas but it helped him with his problems naught. Alexander shrugged and turned to Sapphire somewhat sheepishly, though she was somewhat reclusive he probably knew her more than any of his other team mates. "I don't suppose you have any ideas for me do you? Its just that yours sounds so cool, and well thought out as well." he whispered somewhat sheepishly. Alexander felt like choosing nothing would be worse than choosing something even if it wasn't very good. The only problem was he had no idea what that something was. He began brainstorming harder, maybe something to do with the gun that he had gotten from that bandit? Hm....

@NanoFreakV2

[NanoFreakV2]

Sapphire was rather surprised that Alex would turn to her for advice on his switch-weapon and she inadvertently made it very obvious too, as she paused for a noticeable amount of time. That fact that he further complimented her weapon design nearly made her blush. Being somewhat of a lone wolf her entire life and rarely receiving any compliments accentuated this even if it was just her weapon.
“I . . . well. . .” She trailed off as she didn’t know where to begin. Her weapon design was well thought out and she came up with the whole concept over a long period of time. Spontaneously coming with a weapon design wasn’t easy.
Sapphire stared at his naginata. Based on his current weapon she began mentally imagining a blueprint.
“How about your basic naginate design, but the main blade is comprised of multiple detachable shards which are also connected to the main pole with strings. And those can be launched at the enemy via a firearm like mechanism.” She explained and then proceed to scratch the back of her head while smiling awkwardly. “That’s the best I could come up with on such a short notice.”

[M127]

Noticing the cluelessness regarding Alexander's switch weapon in the room, Iṃgor proposed:
"You have already been in combat, what weaknesses regarding your weapon did you notice? Think about how your new weapon could fill those gaps. I also recommend to not have your switch weapon entirely replace your current main weapon. In my case, the crossbow can be expected to have superior range and firepower compared to the bow, however firing a second bolt will take much more time than firing a second arrow with a bow. So I will only use the crossbow whenever the additional range and firepower outwheigh the longer reload time. A picaxe is hard to wield, but can easily pierce armor; if there is no such protection for the enemy to begin with, a sword or knife will do a better job, thus I will keep it."
Remembering something he turns to Joshua:
"This reminds me, I was attacked by a dog infected with the beast plague in the forest near oakstown, I don't suppose that is normal in that area?"

[Eklispe]

Alexander nodded thoughtfully, grateful for the input. Imgor suggested that since he had already been in combat he should have his new weapon compensate for any weaknesses. However he hadn't needed to fight for his pet and the battle against the battle had been quick and as a result Alex had ended up doing actually very little and therefor hadn't found any problems with his weapon. He liked Sapphire's idea, maybe that along with sort of button to retract the blades into place. But then he'd be vulnerable if he got attacked with the shards out. So than maybe something like a gun at the base of the hilt as a secondary form of attack, yeah that sounded cool.

"Alright," he said firmly, his mind clearly made up. "I'd like to keep my basic weapon design, I'd like the blade to be able to separate into smaller shards and be launched forward, then be able to retract them into the original blade form. Finally I'd like the addition of some sort of gun built into the butt of the weapon. Does that sound alright?" Alexander inquired hopefully. From the smith's claims he sounded capable of creating nearly anything, and if he crafted hunter weapons on a regular basis then he'd have to be quite skilled indeed. "Thanks for the help by the way." he said to his teammates. Alex was surprised Sapphire had come up with such a novel idea so quickly, more so that she seemed embarrassed by it. Imgor's question to Joshua reminded Alexander of another encounter they had in the woods, "Oh Joshua, speaking of plagued beasts we also had a run in with a plagued harpy. Isn't it unusual for more than one plagued creature to be so close together?" Alex asked curiously.

[LHG100]

Harold nodded and silently approved at all of the concepts flying around in his little shop. All of them sounded a bit flashy for him, especially a... shotgun spear, but he could see how they could be useful in a fight. Close enough to a target, you could just 'fire' it and watch as it's turned into various pieces of meat instead of a whole creature. Brutal, but practical!

Joshua seemed mildly worried, "Wait wait, a plagued dog, and a harpy? That nearly sounds like a 'resurgence' is about to happen down the line... That isn't good news at all.". "Of course, there's always a few beasts running around the world, but two so close together relatively is mighty suspicious." "I'll alert a few associates of mine to prepare, just in case."

"Thanks for telling me, actually. Most rookie hunters just expect their trainers to know absolutely everything. That's cute and all but I don't have eyes literally everywhere."

[M127]

Iṃgor chuckles slightly at the "I don't have eyes literally everywhere" remark, mumbling "But I do, at least for a hundred meters and some more; if I know what I am looking for".
After some further thinking he asks Harold:
"Could I also have a set of metal bolts for the crossbow manufactured from what is left of the metal? For when wooden bolts are not enough. If possible, could they be engraved with this rune?"
Iṃgor draws the 'Ignite when ordered' rune he saw on the sword onto a small sheet of paper he carefull ripped from one of the sheets the old enchanter in oakstown used to draw the runes he gave to Iṃgor on.
Once he had his answer from Harold he flicked the piece of paper into the air, where it ignited and burned to ash before its remains fell onto the ground.

[LHG100]

Harold nodded, "I'll see what I can do." towards Imgor's request(s), "Nice little rune-trick there." he then added.

Joshua began to wonder and inquire, "Hey, where did you get an ignition rune anyway? I don't recall those being easy to find at all around here. Did... did you steal it?!". With a look of worry, "Don't tell me you stole that! I thought I taught all of you better. What the hell happened?" Harold would back away a little, making some distance between him and his old friend.

"Hell, why did Harold here get a shipment of Starmetal anyway? Did you raid a caravan on the way here?!". He continues demanding an explanation, as Harold walked back where he was. Harold calmed him down quickly, "Joshua, Joshua, calm down! They probably just traded it in for something, damn!", "They're still valid questions! I don't want to create a band of glorified criminals!"

They argued for a minute before Joshua calmed down and stood in a corner of the room. Harold shrugged, "Not my problem. In any case, What would you like, scarfy?" Schulze responded, immediately and concisely. "Scissor-blades. Two swords which can combine into a large pair of shears. Sharp as possible.". Harold commented in return, "Huh. Sounds like an Executioners' choice of weapon. Those 'ladies and gentlemen' honestly sicken me with their heavy-handedness, but their weapons are mighty effective against even the largest of beasts. Decent choice. Just note the connotations of it."

"Well, come back in a week or so, I'll probably finish them all by then. If any of you would like to note anything else you'd like for yours, now's the chance."

[M127]

"It's a long story, so why don't we talk about it over a meal? We're all hungry right now, aren't we?"
Iṃgor attempts to prevent an escalation, or to at least postpone it. Hunger tends to agitate carnivores, so Iṃgor assumes that to be the case for people too. Besides, it at least allowed the explanation to take more time.

[NanoFreakV2]

Despite being in such a tough spot throughout her life, having no parents, no home, despite all that she never resorted to stealing or other similar unprincipled or dishonest acts. Being accused of stealing angered her. By the time Joshua would turn around Sapphire would approach him with quick steps, as if she was dead set on striking him down where he stood. She stopped a few steps before Joshua. The situation was slightly amusing as Sapphire was of smaller stature then Joshua so to some extent it was hard to take seriously, though the way her frown stared from behind her hood into his eyes said otherwise. She had great respect for Joshua and therefore she maintained her composure. But inside she was boiling and it almost frightened her. She wasn't usually like this. Meaningless stuff like being accused of stealing never used to get to her. Sapphire didn't understand it and at the same time she could feel a light stinging pain on her abdomen.

"Here's the condensed version of the story. Yes a caravan was attacked. Yes we were there. And we risked our lives to save the person who was in that caravan from a bandit." She paused for a moment then turned around and looked at Nickolaus, particularly at the still visible wounds from the battle with Nawar. "And the person we saved decided to show her gratitude by gifting us a shipment of starmetal. And the rune Imgor aquired were on the bandit's blade."

Sapphire quickly turned around and looked at the ground as she realized something. Joshua was right to some extent. They had indeed stolen. She had stolen.

Had she? She did take the blade left behind by Nawar. By all accounts he was a bandit. So was it that bad? Still, Sapphire froze in place. She didn't know what to say or what to think.