|
|
Post by Krakenbox on Jan 12, 2021 18:24:08 GMT -8
The Sunset Prince's estate was quiet, the staff having been given the week off with the lack of occupation that would inevitably befall its corridors. Buck Chasseur had not been quiet about his intent to pursue the hyrda, despite the Iron Spear's resounding disapproval on chasing a monster that posed no current threat to the Freehold. However, nobility looking down their noses didn't stop new initiates looking to exert their vengeance on the denizens of Faerie. A surprising invitation was to that of the She-Wolf. The Knight of Lores had exploded from the Hedge on Mabon, to teach the masculine Golden Hinde a lesson in humility, and apparently Buck responded by anteing up. Lacking her accepted form with the silhouette of a canine's head, the Autumn noble's helm covered her form in shadow; the face featureless behind a veil-visor that draped from the vaulted crest of hounds ears. The white flesh was cloaked in shadowy fur, with the only colour coming from the silver gauntlets. She looked like the spirit of the wild her title perpetuated. Her hands laced long fingers together as her head was turned towards her motley member, dwarfing the Wizened Oracle as he ranted something from behind the scarf wrapped around his face. The gas mask that shimmered like an oil slick currently dangled from a tactical belt, with a wicked longarm that diffused around the edges like a mirage. Lancelot's armour was unexpectedly ornate, the Onyx face shield as detailed as any lace. At first, the set appeared to be muted and grey, but as he moved into the light to answer the Wizened's question, the colours mottled and flickered with the bright of the garden like an opaque painter's palette. The Bannerman of the Golden Standard took a couple of practiced shots with his rifle at an unknown target, going oldschool with his own Hedgespun Raiment, the helm currently next to the rest of the piled weaponry and supplies in front of the hedge maze entrance. He gave a bright wave with a matching grin at the arriving parties. They were expected to be diving into the Hedge for at least four days, keeping to the main Trod that connected them to Los Angeles. |
|
|
|
Post by Kai Rose on Jan 12, 2021 23:03:28 GMT -8
Kai raised a hand in a wave as she approached, a broad smile crossing her face. Her intensified Mantle drew more light into her, bending the light around her and pouring it out through her skin. She wasn't just passively pouring off a bit of color - no, the Polychromatic had begun to glow in a greater intensity yet as her connection with Summer's light burned brighter and deeper. She wore a pair of athletic pants and a turtleneck over her Kevlar vest, a hiking backpack with several days of clothing, a spare pair of shoes, basic camping equipment, a flashlight and basic rations for a few days within. She was Summer. She knew her way around a march and what the logistics of going into the bush were. In her pocket was her little prism.
"Wow. You all have such cool armor." An smile crossed her face. Getting out of the way with light gear was more her style, but if this was a situation that Buck thought warranted heavy gear, she probably ought to ask about it. They'd come to that. First, introductions. "Kai Rose of Summer. It's a pleasure." She offered the Knight of Lores a polite bow, minding the politics and not wanting to piss off the terrifying Autumn.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rowan on Jan 13, 2021 14:29:36 GMT -8
The invitation came as a surprise. The Darkling didn't think he was on the best of terms with Spring and didn't expect to be invited to a Hunting Party. It was obviously a ploy to shame him again, explain to him that he was just not good enough. The Crown had a history of grandstanding and make 'examples' out of Rowan. He simply had to be on his guard. It should have been a strange comfort, returning to the Woods as a predator. It should have been reclaiming his power, and yet it wasn't. It was just another battleground, another gauntlet to go through. He hadn't gone camping much, so only brought the things that made sense - a sleeping bag, some comfortable shoes, field utensils. Extra pairs of socks (he'd been told soggy socks are The Worst) and military surplus satchel round up his kit. They also carried some ration packs, so he had grabbed a few, for good measure. A Kevlar vest peeked from under his black fitted long-sleeve. He looked a like archetypal cat burglar, with his dark clothes and cargo pants.
He was busy checking the contents of his satchel (ski masks - check, wolf fur - check) when he stumbled into Kai's Mantle. He instinctively brought his hands up and took a step back. When he understood what was happening, he shuffled a little on his feet. He was bracing for the impact that was of course coming.
"That's new. Congratulations."
He proceeded to get out of the way, hiding minding his business in the Autumn Knight's shadow. "Thank you for inviting me," he greeted her. Her Mantle soon made all smiles sharp and predatory, and he couldn't help but grin back. He felt insignificant, surrounded by all these heavy weights. The sheer opulence and display of Tokens dazzled him, making him wonder if he would ever reach that level. They were beating down on him already.
|
|
Firebringer
.
Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
|
Post by Firebringer on Jan 15, 2021 17:57:56 GMT -8
Firebringer makes her way up the path, seeing people in the distance. She always felt like she was late, perpetually. Whether it was to work, a gathering, getting coffee at a shop with a friend, she was always late. She walks along in a pair of long, olive green cargo pants and a black, long sleeved fitted shirt over her Kevlar vest. She trudges along in her hiking boots, her backpack of gear strapped to her. With her small stature, the pack looked as if it might be big enough to eat her alive and yet she carries it with ease. Truly, the pack wasn't any bigger than anyone else's. Inside the pack are a few changes of clothes, rations, sleeping bag, and basic hunting utensils.
As she approaches, she watches as Rowan slinks away from Kai, though she isn't sure why. "Hey, Kai. Rowan," She says finally joining them. She gazes over at Kai with a nod, taking note of her just more... radiant appearance. Was something different about her? Stronger? And Rowan seemed... like Rowan? She still had no idea what was going on in that head of his.
She finally turns her attention, though she probably should have at first glance, to the others and she gives a polite nod, "Oh. Sorry. Name's Firebringer. Thanks for the invite." Though she is rather awestruck by their armor and gadgets. Well shit am I underprepared.
|
|
Linden
.
Presence (3) Steady
Posts: 325
|
Post by Linden on Jan 15, 2021 23:20:32 GMT -8
Linden raised a hand to answer the Bannerman's wave as they approached, a bag slung over one shoulder. They looked a bit more like someone going to a construction site than on a hunt: work boots, jeans, a weathered baseball cap keeping the sun from their eyes. The Ogre grinned crookedly at the more elaborately, more appropriately, attired knights. The best they had was the leather jacket that went everywhere with them, well made and criss-crossed with soft wrinkles, evidence of wear. Still, it was tougher than it looked.
The pack on their back was an old canvas thing filled with rations, a change of clothes, a multi-tool, pocket knife, utensils, and a first aid kit, plus a handful of toiletries. The bottom of the bag was home to a couple of empty plastic bags, some rags rags, and their sleeping bag was belted to the top. Nothing expensive, nothing they'd regret if it was lost to the Hedge.
"Hey folks, good to see you." Coming to a stop near Kai, they basked in their fellow Summer's newly elevated mantle for a moment before doing a proper introduction. "Linden," they offered to the Autumn knight and her motley-mate with a deep nod, verging on a bow. "It's an honor."
And it was: despite their own humble equipment, being in a place to see people like this work was going to be fascinating.
|
|
|
|
Post by The She-Wolf on Jan 17, 2021 23:32:33 GMT -8
The Ogre left the nervous Oracle to speak with Lancelot, long fingers lacing through the veil as she peeled it off, and reality bent to accommodate the black snout and vaulted ears. She shook her head to loosen the hair as she fluffed the voluminous mane around her neck like a debutante with curls. "Oh! My, thank you for the compliment, miss," she said brightly with a musical voice as the hand was offered for a shake. White teeth flashed as she spoke, giving the edge of a grin. "A myriad of the soul sculpted across the physical. But you take vengeance in everyone's comfort, and that I thank you for. Blades into the world keep them from entering the mind."She stooped a bit to properly look at Kai, the Changeling maybe over seven feet tall. The smile grew wider, unable to be considered anything other than predatory as Rowan gave his own greeting. She could have snapped off his head if she wanted to. "Goodness, look at you!" the She-wolf purred, actually clasping the darkling by the shoulders like an excited aunt. She didn't pinch his cheeks at least. "Lovely, prepared; this should be a good venture. Cathartic for a shadow of the winding mire." The head swiveled to look to Benjamin Murphy, "But he said I needed to keep my skin. I think we shall be relying on stealth," there was a silent 'boo' to her statement, ears pressing flat as she pondered a hunt without expressing her truest state with the Wyrd. "I shall not be the Big Bad Wolf."The Elemental has her press her hands together, rounding her shoulders to the look of an alert German Shepherd, "And you offer your light with hopes none shall snuff it. You will burn bright indeed, once you stop caring about the rules." She actually offers a bow to Linden, before clasping their hand. "None compares to yours, noble knight. You enter the inferno, but your iron will shield the meek from the terrors of the edge." |
|
|
|
Post by Kai Rose on Jan 19, 2021 23:07:26 GMT -8
Blades into the world keep them from entering the mind? What did that even mean? Kai blinked, then looked way up. Up close, she was unnerving, or was that just Autumn's rampant blessings pouring off her? She accepted the shake, not wishing to offend, but a bit of brown snaked its way through her skin before being repelled by a flash of gold from her core.
"Thanks, Rowan. Good to see you," Kai replied with a polite smile. Indeed, Summer had blessed her, and they had been through an ordeal together of late, all of them. There was no sign of disdain in her voice. She spread that smile around to the rest of the familiar Summer crew. "What's happening, team? You all ready for a hunt?!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Rowan on Jan 22, 2021 18:49:30 GMT -8
He swayed under the grasp of the Ogre's giant hands. He was careful to not show any signs of fear, both out of respect and because he didn't want to come across as prey. "I can help with the stealth part," he offered by way of answer as he patted his satchel.
Rowan nodded to Kai, something akin to understanding blooming between them since Yule. The events of the night still played at the back of his mind. His theory kept being true: to get along with the Spear, you had to almost die next to one of them. He greeted Danica with a slow wave of his hand, which was more than what Linden got. For a Spring and Fall hunt, there sure were a lot of Summer present. He gave most a wide berth, making sure to not make eye contact. At Kai's question, he glanced at the She-Wolf but didn't say anything.
"I, um, needed to get away from the city, actually. Take some holidays."
|
|
|
|
Post by Buck Chasseur on Jan 24, 2021 12:13:49 GMT -8
Buck made the rounds, offering literal chainmail to the enterprising party of fellow newcomers while getting generally acquainted. He actually seemed genuinely invested that they were prepared, running over the fact that the hydra was about six and a half meters in height and twelve meters in length, and best estimate being eight tons in weight. Despite not having the intense aura of power that the She-Wolf displayed, his Mantle was enough to get everyone giddy with the feeling of a literal adventure more suited for an Arthurian yarn than their mundane lives.
The only one who didn't seem at least a little elevated was Benjamin Murphy, more sullen then ever and clear that he was just there to make sure his motley mate and liege-lord would make it back from the Thorns. Lancelot seemed to be doing his best to alleviate the Oracle's paranoia; though the Chatelaine seemed more invested in his precognition than overcoming the uphill battle of reassuring one of the Leaden Mirror.
Ben suggested a motley pledge to borrow the Runnerswift's speed, which Chassuer excitedly agreed to, seeing the rest of the gathered had any other suggestions. He gave a heads up that if they settled on the manner, they would need to practice a bit so no one would accidentally throw themselves down a slope at eighty kilometers an hour...or hit a tree.
Lancelot went over everyone's equipment as well, giving Kai a heads up about her flashlight potentially messing with her if it gains sentience, while plugging blessings of Acaradia's Jewels to convert their affordable purchases into the best on the market. He made sure to check with Linden if the beaten leather was an aesthetic choice before converting it with their permission.
Buck excitedly slammed the table with the assorted medieval weaponry to get their attention. "Take your pick. I know most of you probably summon the Sword from the elements, but backup keeps the odds in your favour. Glamour can get tight or be a problem for attention, paints the bloody landscape with your signature."
|
|
|
|
Post by Kai Rose on Jan 26, 2021 18:55:42 GMT -8
Kai advised Ben that she wasn't opposed to a Motley pledge for the Hunt, and she took note about the flashlight, asking Lancelot if he thought it best for her to leave the light behind. She scooped up a longbow and arrows, strapping the quiver on. She contemplated the chain mail with a pensive look. Generally, her approach to armor was more modern, where speed trumped thickness. Linden would certainly benefit from it, but she wasn't so sure herself. "That's going to slow me down something fierce. Do you think I'm better off focusing on simply not getting hit, or just wear the armor?" The Polychromatic looked from the Joyeux to the Knight of Lores and back, curious about the lore of what they were dealing with. She usually went the 'stay out of the way' route, but Buck and She-Wolf knew more about this sort of thing than she did. She certainly had the muscle to carry it, it was just a strategic consideration.
Some people hunted criminals. Others were Witchers.
"I suppose part of that question is, what should we expect here in terms of abilities?"
|
|
Finn
.
Played by Swift
Posts: 139
|
Post by Finn on Jan 26, 2021 23:20:22 GMT -8
Finn had shown up at the appointed time, his kit in hand. The habit of keeping a survival bag prepped predated his time in Arcadia, from when he spent time in the Army. It was a pack suited for several days of hiking backcountry filled with military surplus items he'd either salvaged from his Fetch's abandoned belongings, or purchased when those items turned out to be too far into disrepair to save. Truth be told Finn was extremely nervous about heading back into the Hedge proper. Aside from the occasional Freehold event held in a relatively safe Hollow, he'd avoided coming back into this place. But he'd gotten the offer to come along, and if someone in the Freehold was asking for muscle for a mission into the place, he suspected it was a fight worth fighting.
He kept quiet as people gathered and exchanged compliments. The magic displayed by some of the items of the more established courtiers was impressive, and a little disconcerting. It reminded him a bit too much of all the heraldry and armaments that peppered his vague memories and hazy dreams of that Endless Battlefield. When it came his turn to give his name he did so simply. "Finn," he replied "Summer soldier, or at least recruit."
Then someone starts talking about a hydra and a plethora of armor and weaponry is offered. Finn didn't know how much he could trust the more mechanically complex items out here, so he'd kept a box of matches along with a lighter in close pocket and he'd donned his Kevlar as a precaution. He selects a large axe as well as a long knife from the set and asks, "I don't suppose you have any extra large mail in there?"
It crosses his mind that he wasn't really certain if any of the equipment would even stand up to his fire, but might as well find out if it's available before worrying if he'll damage it.
|
|
Firebringer
.
Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
|
Post by Firebringer on Jan 27, 2021 1:21:41 GMT -8
Firebringer looked confused by the She-Wolf's words. Rules? Me? Follow? She begins to wonder what the Ogre saw in her that she she didn't. That made her rather wary. Of course Autumn made her wary.
She did take notice after a bit that there was a hefty heat about the area now. Lots of Summer. I mean, it only makes sense. Still, she was looking forward to this hunt.
The Elemental also agrees that she isn't opposed to a motley pledge for the Hunt. Would make for decent benefits on that end. She'd certainly done motley pledges for less. It would feel kind of weird though.
She gazes at the armor being offered and has concerns similar to Kai, "I'd also worry about being slowed down." She makes a conflicted face, gazing at her Kevlar vest versus the chainmail. For her small frame, she just worries it will hinder her. Then again, dangers in the hedge were a lot less likely to be shrapnel and gun related. The Hedge isn't the most kind to firearms. But she agrees that she wants to know what intel they have on what they might be looking at before making that decision.
She turns a little as Finn arrives and gives him a nod, "Sup, Finn."
|
|
Linden
.
Presence (3) Steady
Posts: 325
|
Post by Linden on Jan 27, 2021 10:43:41 GMT -8
It was a little overwhelming having the She-Wolf grasp their hand; even the bow had been a surprise. But her words struck at the core of what they wanted to prove, needle-like missiles straight to the ego. Maybe if she could see it so clearly from their first meeting it was more true than Linden thought possible. But as the proximity of her Mantle began to settle the inflection of the words flickered in the Ogre's mind, unsure if they had missed something; the predatory tension left them returning the pressure on her hand, and mumbling something polite in response.
As the moment passed, they offered a grin to Kai to answer her question. It felt good to have a little Summer posse to make up for the sheer power of their hosts, and the Autumn guests. Linden accepted the chainmail from Buck, hefting it in their hands for a moment as they considered. It felt a little wrong, somehow, in a way they couldn't describe or understand. But it would help them stay in one piece, so on it went. Lancelot's question about their jacket was met with similar consideration, but they agreed to that as well and thanked him for the change.
In a similar vein, the motley pledge offered wasn't their romantic ideal of what their first motley would be, but anything that helped against a Hydra and kept everyone safer seemed like a good idea to them.
Peering down at the offered weapons, Linden picked a couple of different things up to feel their heft. The greatsword, while aesthetically appealing, brought a swift grimace to their face as they tried to imagine what that would even feel like to fight with. It was a little humbling to realize the weight would be too much. Used to relying mostly on their own hands for weapons, it took them a moment to settle on a spear.
They stepped away from the pile to make space, passing the spear back and forth between their hands, but attention on Buck for the answer to Kai's question about what to expect.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rowan on Jan 29, 2021 18:54:45 GMT -8
The Darkling retreated even further into the shadows of the Knight of Lore. He was feeling very uncomfortable. Had he been wrong to join the hunt? Everyone seemed eager for the confrontation, but his methods were different. He refused the offer of mail, trusting that if worst came to pass, speed and stealth would do him a lot better than heavy protection. He nodded silently at the offer of a motley pledge. He didn't need it to try and match Buck's speed, but he was worried of coming across as rude for refusing. Now if he could only find...
He tried to get the Oracle's attention, thinking that they could help him with his question.
"Hi, excuse me. I'm Rowan. I was wondering if you could help me with a little question."
|
|
|
|
Post by Krakenbox on Jan 29, 2021 22:50:36 GMT -8
Finn indeed was given chainmail that fitted his massive form, which Buck silently gloated about in his radiating excitement. On Kai's question of the flashlight, Lancelot shrugged, informing her it could start flashing on its own accord and that was up to her. "It's fast," the She-Wolf said, a thoughtful look taking her as she scratched the bottom of her jaw, "You could try and be faster. But if it hits you without protection, you will be flattened. Oh! Think like..." she clasped her hands together, "A T-rex! But...as fast and mean as a black mamba! Faster, likely, some of the ways of Steed goes to its head. The armour could stop a wayward swipe from splitting your delicate skin. Their scales are small razors, and can get stuck like a powdery moth, and toxic to our sensitive miens." The Ogre sniffed. "The weapons are bathed in lamp oil?"The Runnerswift snapped his fingers in an affirmative thumbs up. "Is a Bane cheating? It'll get the blood pumping, either way. I don't think anything else feels more alive, really, than forcing the laws of Arcadia to bow to our own whims by unmaking its tyranny."Benjamin asked for Rowan to wait for a minute, arguing for the Pledge to be worded as a bond 'to ensure one another return home from the trip,' without a clause about specifically completing the hunt. The Spring Courtier seemed a little annoyed with that, but Lancelot did agree that anything could happen, and cursing them to a chase was practical. "That's another word for uninspired," he hissed to his friend, to which the Chatelaine wordlessly elbowed him in the gut hard enough to produce a grunt. It was noted that Ben didn't ask for any promises that no one would die. "I swear on my honour to join this hunt for the glory of conquest.
I Promise to not take an action that will enact harm on my comrades, whether this be physical, or through deals with the devil in the Thorns.
I Promise to assist my comrades by any means necessary.
I Promise to ensure that no one is left behind, until we return home under the penalty of losing my strength of will." It was sealed with the gesture of a toast, and the Gate was opened as the modern Fellowship entered the Hedge Maze. Colour faded from the world, almost muted and half-remembered before the Changelings' blessings of the Season seemed to breathe life into the flora. It was a cacophony of colour heralding their troupe, as the intense influence of Spring, sheer numbers of Summer, and strong office of Autumn paint the world gold and shaded green. Buck lead the way, knowing the stable Trod, and bending it to his will when he forgot, though he seemed a little startled as a Sentry bid them good luck and farewell, watching them like a young widow seeing her family off to war as the Maze turned into a steep cliff for them to make their way down into the tall pillars of a greater puzzle. The imprint of LA living through the echoes of a concrete monolith. |
|
