Erion saw that there was a ambush now, which meant there would probably be more trouble up ahead. Erion quickly moved to the Risen Knight before striking him with his spear a couple of times. Although just then he though about something. Armor... normal attacks would probably not work as well. He quickly switches tactics and then started to use choco cure, aiming to heal both himself and Jo-Anne with this, as well as striking the knight with it, hoping to do damage. It was undead, so it would probably hurt him quite a bit with that.
Erion: SPD 20 = 10 actions.
Move towards Risen Knight. 1 action. Attack with his spear 3 times: 3 actions. Use Choco Cure 5 times: 5 actions Move back to the main group for safety (even if the tihng survive, for safety): 1 action.
"Supplies to the center! Soldiers, form a perimeter and lock shields if you have them! Do not break formation, for everyone's sake!" The man called Robin's voice shouted out, his commanding tone echoing within the trees as many of the soldiers fell in line without hesitation. The archer's had prepared themselves as well, knocking an arrow shortly after Robin's orders and point them at the tree line from within the defensive perimeter. Cursing softly under his breath, Robin called out once more, "Keep an eye open! The Risen don't often organize like this. There must be someone at the helm!"
"Aye, and I'll see his cleaved clean off!" Vernire spoke from Robin's side, the heavily armored man spurring his feathered mount onward towards the defensive lines. Despite his best efforts to call out and calm the man, Robin was left clutching his reins in frustration.
Behind Arus, he could hear the familiar sound of a chocobo behind him. Though his focus was on the tree-line, he couldn't help but notice the sound seeming to approach him. All at once, one of the feathery creatures pulled up beside him, carrying an unfamiliar human man in heavy black armor- his beast clad in a similar fashion as it gave a harrowing squawk. At this moment, everything fell eerily silent... None of the beings around Arus dared speak, and no other sounds came from the woods.
"Something is wr-" As the man formed the word with his mouth to speak it, an arrow plunged itself into his shoulder, causing the beast to rear back in surprise as his rider fought to keep his balance. At once, dozens of Risen exposed themselves from the treeline, a fair number of them wielding bows and crossbows while others sported one handed weapons and shield. Though the armor looked shoddy, it was clear that they were strong than the last batch.
As Jo-Anne and Erion began their approach, the knight lifted his sword into the air with a horrible guttural roar. Though having no effect on the duo themselves, they suddenly heard rustling from the woods around them.
As Erion draws within range:
Erion strikes at Risen Knight A x3 1st attack: Miss! (44 vs 66) 2nd attack: Miss! (58 vs 66) 3rd attack: Miss! (51 vs 76)
Risen Knight A counters Erion 1st attack: Hit! (71 vs 48) Damage: Erion loses 5 health! (27 vs 22)
he stabs wildly at the Risen. To Erion's surprise, the creature merely groans as the spear tip bounces off his heavy armor. Drawing forward slightly, the creature would come into striking distance of Erion and deliver a solid blow the the moogle's side, denting whatever armor and cleaving shallowly into the flesh if bare. Alarmed slightly by it's master's assault, the Chocobo squawk wildly.
Shortly after, the one named Jo-Anne strides up beside her comrade and proceeds to assault his assailant:
Jo-Anne attacks Risen Knight A x5 1st attack: Hit! (85 vs 76) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 0 health! (27 vs 28) 2nd attack: Hit! (76 vs 69) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 1 health! (26 vs 25) 3rd attack: Hit! (81 vs 78) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 6 health! (30 vs 24) 4th attack: Miss! (77 vs 80) 5th attack: Hit! (88 vs 63) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 0 health! (25 vs 27)
Risen Knight A counter Jo-Anne 1st attack: Hit! (78 vs 75) Damage: Jo-Anne loses 6 health! (25 vs 19)
tearing through portions of his armor as she feels her claws bury into his skin. However, the creature merely brings his shield round, clocking the Taugel squarely against his muzzle.
It was then that Erion had the idea to circumvent the armor, attempting to heal his and Jo-Anne's wounds as well as damage the unholy beast:
Erion heals himself x5: 25 health restored! Erion heals Jo-Annex5: 28 health restored!
Erion casts Heal on Risen Knight A x5 1st heal: Risen Knight A loses 1 health (20 vs 19) 2nd heal: Risen Knight A loses 4 health (20 vs 16) 3rd heal: Risen Knight A loses 0 health (18 vs 21) 4th heal: Risen Knight A loses 0 health (19 vs 19) 5th heal: Risen Knight A loses 1 health (22 vs 21)
successfully easing his and Jo-Anne's wounds, but seeming to have no effect on the creature. It was then that everyone would notice the sounds of combat further down the road, but out of sight for most. Holliander cursed under his breath near Robert, "Damnit. Perhaps we should have waited. This is no Esper for sure, but we played right into their hands."
"To be fair, the strategist did call this. But we both know we can't afford to be held up here for long," The Summoner spoke just to Holliander's side, "I'm sure Vernire and the others will be fine. We have to focus on getting these people off the road!" With that, the cloaked man would motion to the people and wagons that followed behind.
With a resolute nod, Holliander would draw his blade- the metal's ringing echoed about despite the chaos, "Draw back and take the people out of the woods. I'll stay here with those willing to fight and attempt to beat back our aggressors."
Only a simple nod was given in reply, the green robed man spurring his feathery beast onward as he began shouting commands. All at once the caravan would begin to turn upon the road and exit, a few strong enough to bare arms marching up beside Holliander and the others.
I managed to hitch a ride on Jo-Anne just before she bolted off towards the knight, and after watching things unfold for a bit, I figure that either we're incredibly unlucky, or that knight's the leader of this squadron. I get off of Jo-Anne, and move to where Erion stood, just in case they try any magic, though, somehow that seemed unlikely. I then fired off several fire spells directly into the knight that was blocking our way, hoping that it would at least do something to it. "Come on, Erion, we've fought more than our fair share of these things on the way, I think we can handle this one," I then say to Erion in an attempt to cheer him up a bit. Of course, the rustling in the bushes told me that we were going to be up against several more monsters, but I didn't want to focus on that right now. These zombies are certainly smarter than the ones I'm used to, or, rather the ones that appeared before this plague... they've even set up ambushes, and worse, somehow, they've forced us to head right into their traps... maybe they didn't expect that dark esper, and it was just a bonus to them. I think as I try to stay alert to everything, the knight, the bushes, my friends, the rest of the enemies who were attacking the rest of our group. There was a lot going on, and I had to make absolutely sure that I didn't get attacked by any sort of weapon, and thankfully, Erion and I were at a distance where they couldn't immediately attack us, though, it still wouldn't take too long for them to rush up to us, and then attack, it was better than being right in their face. SPD 13 (6 actions)
Head towards Erion from Jo-Anne's position (1 action) Use fire as many times as possible (5 actions) 19 MAG (that's including the staff's stat increase), 10 SKL
AFter having failed to do much damage as he wanted, Robert came and then cheered at him. He then breathed deeply. "Alright! I think I can do it..." He then says, before thinking and then suddenly using a new move, choco barrier. He uses it on Robert and Jo-Anne. He then breath deeply. "Alright... lets do this!" I say, before starting to use choco-cure rapidly, aiming it at the zombie, aiming to actually strike it down quickly with that magic. Lucky he could use that on them, but other creatures... he needed to find another way. And his spear... Maybe... maybe he should start using something else as a weapon. He was doing more good using magic then physical damage usually. Maybe he would be better using magic instead.
Arus resisted the reflex to gap at the well armed and numerous risen that came to attack. Unfortunately this was exactly what he feared would happen, he quickly fell into formation along with the others. Last battle had already displayed the cost of rushing recklessly forward, and Arus was loath to make the same mistake twice, even if it was to help a comrade again. He unsheathed his sword and held onto the reins with one hand holding his sword in his left. As a ground solider he knew well the power of cavalry, though he wished he was a good enough rider to direct his horse only with his knees it simply wasn't realistic for him to do so in a combat setting. Hopefully the mages and archers would return fire or those ranged risen would tear the front line apart. He would have to keep an eye out for projectiles as well as melee attackers. SPD 22(11 actions)
Get into formation(1 action) Actively dodge ranged attacks(??? actions) Attack any enemies that get into range maximum amount of times(??? Actions) Effective Strength of 19 Skill of 21 Def of 3 Res of 3 Luck of 8
"OK, looks like physical attacks don't work against this guy. Great, just great." Jo-Anne thought to herself as she thought of what to do now. She didn't want to waste her beaststone use but it was obvious that the Taguel form was not going to work against that guy. Then she spotted Erion and his friend's new position and saw the rustling of other Risen in the bushes. "Well, they can't all be immune to non-magical attacks." The Taguel supposed as she shrugged her front shoulders. Then she galloped towards them, feeling like she could withstand most enemy attacks, and shouted, "Focus your attention on the knight-ish one. I'll handle any others that come close."
As Arus braced himself for the coming assault, he couldn't help but over hear the whispers of those around him. Some where resolute, ready to face the oncoming adversity; others resisting the urge to fall back in fear of the present enemy.
Beside Arus, the man upon the chocobo would growl loudly, bellowing out in a commanding tone, "Open fire!" By his command, the twanging of bowstrings and whistling of arrows overhead could be heard by the myrmidon. Despite the heavy volley, few of the Risen fell to the assault, returning with one of their own. Before him, a hail of arrows came surging towards his formation:
Risen Archers fire at Arus x3 Risen Archers attack Arus: Miss! (108 vs 105) Risen Archers attack Arus: Miss! (99 vs 124) Risen Archers attack Arus: Miss! (98 vs 121)
Through his skill and tenacity, Arus is able to dodge all of the bolts that are headed his way, though the pained grunts of those around him indicate they were not so lucky. As the commander at his side watches the oncoming volley, he shouts, spurring his beast forward as he forces himself through the defensive line.
"Vernire!" Robin's voice calls out over the ensuing chaos, his tone a mix of annoyance and surprise, "Calvary! Break formation and assist Vernire in his charge! Infantry, continue to hold formation!" As Arus prepared himself for the charge, he'd notice Vernire crossing the tree line... And a sudden wall of Risen would emerge from the trees just behind him. If Arus looked back, he'd the worried expression on Robin's face turn to shock, "No! How are they-?!" Drawing up his tome, the tactician would begin chanting under his breath before losing a orb of fire from his palms into a nearby assailant.
As the creatures approached, Arus would prepare to strike down that drew within range:
Arus strikes at Risen Horde x10 Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (116 vs 93) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 7 Health Loss (27 vs 20) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (92 vs 90) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 7 Health Loss (29 vs 22) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (106 vs 88) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 7 Health Loss (32 vs 25) Risen Horde suffers a loss (50) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (121 vs 81) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 3 Health Loss (27 vs 24) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (121 vs 81) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 6 Health Loss (28 vs 22) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (117 vs 94) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 5 Health Loss (28 vs 21) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (122 vs 82) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 5 Health Loss (28 vs 23) Risen Horde suffers a loss (49) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (113 vs 94) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 3 Health Loss (27 vs 24) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (122 vs 82) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 6 Health Loss (30 vs 24) Arus attacks Risen Horde: Hit! (107 vs 90) Damage: Risen Horde suffers 5 Health Loss (29 vs 24)
cleaving through a good number of the undead as their bodies fall heavily to the ground. The Risen vanguard meets with the defensive line of the survivors, loud echoes of the clattering and clanging ringing out into the woods. At his point, no one has eyes on Vernire, nor do they have time to search. It has now become a fight for their lives here in the woods.
As the forces continue to slam themselves against the Risen down the road, the four heroes stood before the heavily armored undead as it merely growled as it's harrowing eyes glared at them. Holliander paused a moment, setting himself in the middle of the trio just behind the moogle, "Focus on this one. I'll watch the perimeter and ensure that our flanks are not exposed. With a hearty squawk from his mount, Holliander would turn from the group as he made his way to the treeline.
As Robert eyed over his assailant, he'd begin hurling fire spells at the Knight-
Robert casts Fire against Risen Knight A x5 Robert casts Fire at Risen Knight A: Hit! (63 vs 61) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 10 Health (32 vs 22) Robert casts Fire at Risen Knight A: Miss! (56 vs 76) Robert casts Fire at Risen Knight A: Miss! (58 vs 62) Robert casts Fire at Risen Knight A: Miss! (53 vs 61)
one of his spells hitting home as it heavily singes the metal of the Knight's armor, causing the creature to let out a horid screech as it attempts to right itself- the other spells missing their mark, but just barely.
As his friend assaulted the massive creature, Erion fell back just long enough to place a ward on both the Taguel and Nu Mou. As his spells settled upon his allies, Erion felt compelled by Robert's words and began to channel his confidence into his heal spell against his assailant-
Erion casts Heal against Risen Knight A x8 1st Heal: Risen Knight A loses 6 Health (25 vs 19) 2nd Heal: Risen Knight A loses 3 Health (23 vs 20) 3rd Heal: Risen Knight A loses 0 Health (21 vs 21) 4th Heal: Risen Knight A loses 1 Health (25 vs 24) 5th Heal: Risen Knight A loses 0 Health (21 vs 23) 6th Heal: Risen Knight A loses 1 Health (25 vs 24) 7th Heal: Risen Knight A loses 0 Health (22 vs 23) 8th Heal: Risen Knight A loses 0 Health (20 vs 24)
dealing a moderate mount of damage as the creatures struggles to it's feet, the soft light from the moogle's spells reacting violently with his nature. As the creature growled violently, it focused it's gaze on those before him.
As Jo-Anne looked about for other Risen to strike, she'd notice a distinct lack of new assailants... Also a distinct lack of Holliander. Though she didn't have much time to think on it as the Risen rushed towards her and her comrades, presenting her only target as she prepared to strike the beast-
EVEN RHYTHM
Jo-Anne strikes at Risen Knight A x5 Jo-Anne attacks Risen Knight A: Hit! (84 vs 74) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 4 Health (28 vs 24) Jo-Anne attacks Risen Knight A: Hit! (76 vs 74) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 0 Health (29 vs 29) Jo-Anne attacks Risen Knight A: Hit! (84 vs 78) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 1 Health (30 vs 29) Jo-Anne attacks Risen Knight A: Hit! (80 vs 62) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 7 Health (32 vs 25) Jo-Anne attacks Risen Knight A: Hit! (75 vs 70) Damage: Risen Knight A loses 4 Health (31 vs 27)
rending through the creatures armor and striking savage blows against his flesh. As he final swipe cut through, she could feel him toppling almost instantly, the undead creature falling before her and her allies. The path to the other group was now clear, no sign of any Risen around them... But Holliander is no where to be found. Which path will they take?
Arus began breathing heavily as he fought back the risen, fighting these creatures was by no means easy work. Worse yet Vernire had charged to far ahead and was now cut of from the main group. The only solution was to destroy the risen here and search for him later, hopefully Vernire could take care of himself, because getting through this many risen was no simple task. "Do not falter!" Arus cried out above the melee and surged forward with the front line, which was now separating as the battlefield turned into a series of fights, the formation deteriorating as such things always did. Arus fought as best he could from his horse, the extra height and battle trained hooves proving to be an invaluable advantage, even with his relatively small amount of experience fighting from horseback. SPD 22(11 actions)
Attack any enemies that get into range maximum amount of times(??? Actions) Strength of 17 (5 additional damage from Skillful Edge) Skill of 21 Def of 3 (5 more defense from Swordsman's Grace) Res of 3 Luck of 8
I notice one of our generals leave before we finish off the zombie knight, and I turn towards my teammates, and try to come up with a plan. Eventually, I end up saying "Erion, you should try to find that guy. Jo-Anne and I will keep fighting off this ambush," I then look forwards, and notice a shield wall, with a few people outside of it, particularly, the one who was rude to the town of Dorter. I try to look for any possible attacks, or anything like a rustling bush and make sure to only attack those who aren't currently in a tree, given that a fire spell hitting a tree could lead to some pretty bad consequences. I notice that strange, armored phantom again, but notice him block an attack from one of the zombies, meaning that he was an ally... maybe? I also notice one of our allies from before, but this time, on horseback. I didn't know his name or anything, but I recognized him as the one who started slaughtering the zombies once he was in danger of getting killed, himself. "Hey... I'm here to help, and I brought Jo-Anne," I say to the sword-wielder who seemed to be doing pretty good at attacking whatever came his way, generally injuring whatever zombie was dumb enough to get close to him. SPD 13 (6 actions)
Move into a new position (1 action) Attack whatever zombies I can with a fire spell (? actions), 19 MAG, 10 SKL, 14 LCK
Jo-Anne nodded and went with Robert. The Taguel hated the idea of leaving Erion alone, but the main group needed as much support as possible. Besides, the mage needed to be sure to at least have one meat shield in front of him. When the odd duo reached the group, she saw the shield wall containing among them that trouble making mercenary from earlier and Arrus fighting horse-back pratically alone. So Jo-Anne moved beside him and did what she could. Her hand-to-hand lessons wouldn't progress that far if her teacher died.
Jo-Anne: 12 SPD = 6 actions
Move to new position (by Robert and Arrus): 1 action
Attack any Risen that get within range: 5 actions (Total STR: 19; Total Skill: 19; LCK: 10)
Erion sighed deeply at what Robert wanted him to do, but that other guy probably was in trouble. He looked around. "Alright... I will try to find him." he says quickly before getting Rose to move out, going to another direction, attempting to fallow the tracks of Holliander. He needed to get to him probably quickly before the Risen damaged him too much. While he was moving, Erion use Choco-cure on Risen's that were too close to him, attempting to get to where his allies would be. "Where the heck did that guy go! Kupo!" he then says.
SPD: 20. Actions: 10
Move and search for Holliander (?/? actions) Use Choco-cure on any Risen's too close to him, and possibly use on Holliander if found and damaged (??? actions)
As the fight with the heavily armored knight draws to a close, the warriors take a second to catch their breath before heading towards the sounds of the melee down the road... Well everyone but Erion. Being tasked with searching for Holliander, he'd take his own chocobo and tug on it's reins- turning the creature's heading towards the tree line before riding onward. As the moogle attempted to ignore the echoing sounds of the combat from further down the road, he'd oddly hear the sounds of another melee further into the woods. Quickly, he'd pick up his tempo- rushing forward with renewed haste. As he came near, he couldn't help but notice a pair of humanish figures squaring off with one another- swords at the ready.
When the moogle came within shouting distance, a sudden burst of light would erupt from the blade of the slightly smaller man, a blade seeming to form out of said light as it flew into the sky and rushed towards the other man. Oddly enough, the taller and broader of the two, plunged his blade into the ground as the sword of light drew near. Suddenly, the ground would begin to shake around the moogle and his mount (none of the others down the road would feel this) followed by an ebon blade erupting from the ground as it shattered the sword of light midair. Though slightly overwhelmed by the power and spectacle of it all, something else surprised the moogle more so.
The two men that were fighting? Were the brother Commanders: Holliander and Vernire.
Jo-Anne and Robert quickly made their way up the road, meeting up with the forward guard in a matter of moments. However, nothing could've prepared them for the sights and sounds of the brutal combat: the mounting number of bodies upon the ground a harrowing sight as the survivors fought back the Risen about them. As the duo met up with Arus, the three would begin striking out against the horde-
Robert casts Fire at the Risen Horde x5 Robert casts Fire on Risen Horde: Hit! (68 vs 61) Damage: Risen Horde loses 5 Health (25 vs 20) Robert casts Fire on Risen Horde: Hit! (65 vs 62) Damage: Risen Horde loses 15 Health (30 vs 15) Risen Horde suffers a loss (34) Robert casts Fire on Risen Horde: Miss (67 vs 75) Robert casts Fire on Risen Horde: Hit! (67 vs 65) Damage: Risen Horde loses 2 Health (26 vs 24) Robert casts Fire on Risen Horde: Hit! (70 vs 62) Damage: Risen Horde loses 6 Health (30 vs 24)
Risen Horde counters Robert: Miss! (59 vs 63)
Jo-Anne attacks Risen Horde x5 Jo-Anne strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (108 vs 75) Damage: Risen Horde loses 8 Health (28 vs 20) Risen Horde suffers loses (33) Jo-Anne strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (105 vs 61) Damage: Risen Horde loses 1 Health (25 vs 24) Jo-Anne strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (104 vs 68) Damage: Risen Horde loses 3 Health (28 vs 25) Jo-Anne strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (97 vs 65) Damage: Risen Horde loses 5 Health (25 vs 20) Jo-Anne strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (101 vs 73) Damage: Risen Horde loses 9 Health (29 vs 20) Risen Horde suffers a loss (32)
Arus attacks Risen Horde x11 Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Critical Hit! (122 vs 57) Damage: Risen Horde loses 18 Health ((32 vs 23)x2) Risen Horde suffers a loss (31) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (118 vs 63) Damage: Risen Horde loses 8 Health (29 vs 21) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (108 vs 56) Damage: Risen Horde loses 7 Health (28 vs 21) Risen Horde suffers a loss (30) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (115 vs 65) Damage: Risen Horde loses 5 Health (29 vs 24) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (121 vs 67) Damage: Risen Horde loses 6 Health (29 vs 23) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Critical Hit! (119 vs 57) Damage: Risen Horde loses 18 Health ((31 vs 22)x2) Risen Horde suffers a loss (29) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (110 vs 72) Damage: Risen Horde loses 7 Health (31 vs 24) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Critical Hit! (116 vs 58) Damage: Risen Horde loses 22 Health ((32 vs 21)x2) Risen Horde suffers a loss (28) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Critical Hit! (121 vs 65) Damage: Risen Horde loses 16 Health ((29 vs 21)x2) Risen Horde suffers a loss (27) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Critical Hit! (114 vs 57) Damage: Risen Horde loses 16 Health ((28 vs 20)x2) Risen Horde suffers a loss (26) Arus strikes at Risen Horde: Hit! (123 vs 66) Damage: Risen Horde loses 8 (30 vs 22)
Risen Horde counters Arus Risen Horde strikes at Arus: Miss! (58 vs 121)
- felling many of the horde before the undead strike back. All at once, the combat drew to a pause. For some reason, the Risen held their fire, those locked into the brunt of the melee suddenly holding their weapons aloft as they mindlessly stared at their adversaries before them. With a terrible screech from their back lines, the lines of the Undead began to retreat back into the woods. Almost everyone seemed to be taken aback by this, Robin obviously gaping at the situation. As the volunteers began to chase their prey, Robin called out, "Hold! We cut our loses here! Tend to the fallen and injured, we need to regroup with the others."
Despite their motivations, most complied to Robin's orders without question. However, one soldier near the treeline spoke up, "What of Vernire?! He ran off into the woods!"
"He made his decision. We'll make our way to a more defensible position and search for him as we make camp."
With that, the last of the Risen seemed to fade into the darkness of the woods... However, a small flash of light from deeper within seemed to catch the trio's attention. What could it be?
"Well gentlemen," Jo-Anne said to her two companions. "What if we three at least check out that flash of light over there? We're not hurt badly, Robert can ride on my back so we're speedier, and it might be something we should warn Robin about. Besides, it might be where Erion is." She then waited for their responses, wanting to see what caused that light flash but knowing it would be utter foolishness to go alone. She had already made one foolhardy charge today, she wasn't going to make another one. If both decide to examine light, Jo-Anne will go with them. If both decide to stay with the main group, Jo-Anne will unhappily follow along. If one decides to go while the other stays, she'll go with the one examining the light.
Erion stared for a bit as the figth was progressing, looking straight at the 2 commanders. Seriously, why were they fighting? Why were they doing this. He wanted to attempt to ask why, but it was risky. They were strong people... and he might get trouble. But the question was too strong here. Was it cause 1 of them betrayed the group? "What the heck are you guys doing! We are having problems with Risen's and you 2 fight like that! Seriously! Stop!" he then says before... moving quickly and using choco-barrier on both of the 2. "We should stick together in situations like this! Not fight each other!" he says, before thinking something. What if one of them was actually commanding the Risen's themselves... no... that would be impossible... would it? Then the moving would have been planned all along to hit the group or something on the road. He backed away and looked at the 2. "And don't tell me that one of you are working with those wretched beast! You want the end of the world? You want everything to end and nothing to be left? What was promised to you? Power? What good does power do if everything you know and care about is gone! And what tells you that your not being tricked!" he then says quickly, hoping to get one of them to back away and explain the situation of what was happening here, actually ready to move and dodge if something were to happen. He moved away enough after yelling to be able to go full speed into a sprint with his mount to not get into trouble. What the heck was going on here!
Speed: 20, Actions: 10
Move forwards: 1 action Use choco-barrier and yell in attempt to stop both of them to fight: 1 action Back away more in case one of them attacked, ready to use choco-cure if he were to get attacked: ???? actions
I thought about my options for a bit, and once I made my decision, I walked over to Robin and said "Sorry, Robin... but that light could be anything, and with Jo-Anne's help, I think we can figure out what it is, and whether its harmful to our camp or not... basically, I'm going to scout that area, and possibly deal with the problem myself, that is, if I think I can," I then walk back to Jo-Anne, and tell her "I think we should check out that light. I'll go with you, at least," I then jump onto Jo-Anne, though, I guess I still had to wait for everyone else to say whether or not they wanted to join us. Whatever this was, I hope it wasn't more zombies... they were literally everywhere, but, then again, we were also in the middle of an ambush, and unfortunately, it seems like our usual scouts' mounts were injured in the ambush, which of course, left us uninjured folk to pretty much take their job until they recover... or find new mounts. Without the zombies, this place felt somewhat peaceful, of course, I knew better than that, as, even before the zombies invaded the area, it was a breeding ground for monsters. Then again, this was during a time when chocobos were considered monsters, and, if you told Erion that his mount is a monster, well, it won't end well for one of you, at least.
Explain the reason why I'm leaving for a moment. (14 LCK)
Arus gave an internal sigh of relief as the Risen finally fled. Within moments the previously action filled battlefield was clear of combatants, Arus surveyed the area briefly and happened to see a flash of light from within the woods. Perhaps Vernire? He looked at the woods reluctantly, though he would like to help he disliked the thought of leaving the group if it was attacked again. "Go ahead, I'll stay here." He said somewhat curtly and had his horse trot over close to Robin awaiting more orders while carefully watching the woods for any more attacks. Hopefully Jo-anne and the... other one, found out what the light was and returned quickly. Arus would hate it if anything happened to them. Ah, so many simple choices that could ruin a life, he shook his head. He could only hope he was making the right ones.
As the trio started making their way into the woods, Arus turned back towards his recovering allies and put himself among their ranks. At once, the troops began rushing to the sides of the wounded, doing their best to provide triage care for those that could make it, and comfort for those who could not. As Robin surveyed the scene, he could help but clench his teeth in disgust, "Why? When did the Risen become so coordinated?" Shaking his head with a sigh as his anger turned to sorrow, he'd move his horse up beside Arus, "Go back down the path and call the others up... Tell them to avoid the roads and lead them just south of here, and we'll meet them there. I don't want them seeing this bloodshed, and I don't want them to present another opportunity to strike us without warning."
With that, the well robed man would turned his mount towards the bulk of the regrouping forces, leaving Arus with his thoughts and his officers orders. It was then that the realization dawned upon him, with Vernire still missing- there wasn't many left to report to. Hopefully he'd find the lead of the other caravan and be able to lead them here successfully.
As Erion shouted, both of the men stood at attention as their gaze shot to the moogle. Though their bodies still seemed ready to fight at a moments notice, they gave pause enough to address the creature.
"Begone from here, Moogle! I will see this traitor slain," The larger of the two snarled, drawing up his heavy blade as his ebon armor clattered slightly. It was obvious he was prepared to rush if the moogle moved... Or maybe even if he didn't? This man was nothing more than a spire of rage, almost impossible to read.
"Pay no attention to my rabid brother. He's always been a poor lier, and even now he would feign his innocence. I caught him out here giving orders to the Risen, and he turned on me when I confronted him. Seems my brother intentionally led us out here to have us fall prey to these monsters." Holliander stood, his blade at his side as he seemed to relax at the moogle's presence. He gaze a comforting and confident smile, seeming to give Erion more attention then his brother at this point.
"Says the man with the Zodiac stone." At this remark from Vernire, Holliander turned his attention back to his brother, glaring angrily as his grip visibly tightened on the blade in his hand.
"We all know I am part of the church, Vernire. How would I have gotten my title without it? But I was lucky enough to sneak this stone away, hoping that it would lead us to salvation. I was trying to keep the stone a secret, as to not alarm the others at the outpost."
"Is that why you were waving that stone around the fleeing Risen? I've heard of hiding something in plain sight, but trying to signal the undead with it?" It was obvious by Vernire's tone that he was taunting Holliander.
As the two brothers began to taunt and accuse each other, Jo-Anne and Robert would stumble upon the odd trio in the woods, seeing Erion positioned between Holliander and Vernire... But what was with this talk of cooperating with the Risen, and the Zodiac Stones?
Jo-Anne sighed and went to stand beside Erion, while allowing Robert to get off at whatever point he wanted to. Having people in the way would probably deter the innocent person and hopefully the two together could survive whatever the guilty one might do if he snapped, if either of them were really guilty. She was prepared to dodge, just in case. Once she was in position, the hybrid said, "Could either of you have miss-interpreted what the other was doing? Do family ties mean nothing to you? If one of you is the leader though, than any Risen that arrive will be able to reveal who that person is. Therefore, unless you suddenly don't distrust each other, we'll wait here until at least one shows up." The Taguel then set herself up for the long wait, while still being ready at a moment's notice. Though she was curious about something. "What is this Zodiac stone like? I may be familiar with stones like it. Would it be possible to have a look?" It was crazy, but if was similar to a Taguel or dragon stone... The ones she had wouldn't last long at this rate, and she was practically useless without them.
Two generals and brothers, one of whom was apparently in possession of a zodiac stone, and was a member of the church whereas the other may have been controlling the 'Risen', which I had to assume were the new zombies that I've been seeing around lately. I make sure to stay out of both of the brother's way, as it seemed as if NEITHER of them were going to stop attacking for very long. Of course, I tried to remain close enough to actually hear what was going on, and to have others hear was I was going to say. I overhear Jo-Anne talking about how she may be familiar with the stone, and I say "I'm not sure if they work quite like your stones do, Jo-Anne," I then add "These stones... much like yours they do hold great power, but very much unlike what I've seen your stones do, they possess a great and terrible power. I've heard from several people, some from the church and some openly fighting them that the zodiac stones can grant the holder a wish... but they also have the nasty habit of changing the holder into a new vessel for a powerful, demonic monster... a Lucavi... of course, all I've really heard were rumors, and a few things I read in some obviously biased books, so this might be completely untrue, but if it is, then that stone could save us all... or doom everyone left alive after this whole mess," I then looked at the two, wondering who, if anyone, it could be, and secretly hoping that it wasn't the one with the zodiac stone, given that it could be our only hope in this situation. After some thought, and taking what Jo-Anne said into account, I add "Unfortunately, I don't think we have much time here, Jo-Anne... of course, it would be incredibly lucky for one to show up just to see who it responds to, and... Holliander, I think your brother might be a better liar than you think he is, that is, if he's lying, I have no idea who could be behind the Risen ambushes,"
Arus nodded and wheeled his horse around riding towards the other group. However as he rode he realized that riding off the road was unlikely to be the best choice as if there were any more risen in the area the second group will be vulnerable to an ambush. A brief internal conflict with himself and he decided to simply do as Robin said. After all Robin was the tactician, not him. Once he met up with the other group he would relay Robin's orders and set himself up at the end of things leading the way. Partly to ensure they reached their destination correctly, and partly to make sure they reached it safely. It seemed both groups had been attacked already and Arus was leery of having it happen again, not by surprise at the very least.
