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Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
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Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#1Swords... The universal keys to one of two things. In the hands of evil, they are used for violence. But in the hands of a true warrior, they are used for protection. Even so, not all those strong minded and phyically strong people can become true warriors and stay that way. They must be strong at heart, and must over come their own inner demons.
Many years back, a young man of exceptional strength and courage victim to a weak heart. Everyone who knew him, and even some around the world knew this man to be one of the strongest if not the strongest alive. But as the young man was forced to overcome an evil with not his physical strength, but his mind alone... In the end, he was unable to hold his own and lost to the darkness...
Swords are ancient creations that have been around for generations. Developed over the past 100 years or so, a new source of power has come from a different form. Symbols grafted into the skin by ink, otherwise known as tattoos. With no ordinary ink, these tattoos each hold a certain power and ability accessible to only those who wear it. In this clan oriented world, alot of clans have made their own unique symbol that is only available to those born into the clan. These "Clan-Only", or Kigou, are often superior to normal tattoos as the eldest and most powerful members of the clans combined together to give them powers almost godly. Many different people have many different tattoos and powers. The blades of certain warriors have been engraved with markings that identify that sword's owner. Also, that marking not only binds it to it's one and only soul user, but magnifies that person's power when used in battle.
In this world, the continents aren't seperated by large oceans, but by small rivers. There is an eastern cluster and a lone, immensely larger continent in the west. The story takes place in the east, where little is known about the west. However, Legend has it... A unmatched, but familiarly bone-chilling power can be felt when one sets foot into the waters that seperate the east from the west.
(background info)
the eastern cluster of smaller continents is home to 6 diverse cultures. Each culture in made of clans. The first, The Orient, is sort of an old time japan. The 2nd, The Rural, Basically a vast land of country; a simple place with no big city buildings. 3rd, The Urb, Like one big utopia, or just a giant never ending city. 4th would be Star Country, where the day is short and the night is always lite by bright stars and the moon(when it's out), also very mountainous and is sort of a desert setting with lots of canyons((It's kind of red looking because of the red dirt and sand)). 5th, The Tundra, the permafrost is bad here and the rain and snow seems to fall almost constantly; towns here are usually seperated by large mountains covered with snow and ice. And Finally, the 6th, which has no name, but is where everything originated from. The history of the world basically lies within this suposedly forbidden part of the world.
OOC: Okay, I think I've covered everything except the purpose of the characters. First off, You may have a character from any of the 5 'countries' I named. Swords are the main and basically only weapon in the story so I suggest you pick a sword. There are many types of swords and so I'd like a variety if that's alright. Next, about tattoos, just state how many your character has, (the spot where it is on their body), what the tattoo is of(like a symbol or animal or something) and what powers it gives you. For the Kigou of any clan you might want to create for your character to be in, The power limit is nonexistant, which means you can think of anything cool you want for that. BUT MAKE THOSE ORIGINAL AND COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHERS(unless you are in the same clan as another person). So, a character with a sword, tattoos with powers, and a clan only tattoo if you want it. The young man who lost out to evil will turn out to be ONE of the main villains in this but for now, there will be a few supernatural monsters and beings.
I came up with this idea on my own, but did ask for help here and there. I think it's something different and could be really cool if enough people were to join. The more the merrier. As always, if anyone needs help with powers or different tattoos, or anything else, just pm me and I'll be glad to help.
Character Sheet:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Appearance:
Country: One of the 5
Clan: Only If you want to have one or a Kigou. Add the Kigou to the tattoo list.
Sword: Description of the appearance and type of sword you chose.
Tattoos: Include:# of tattoos. (and)What the tattoo is of(animal, plant, symbol, person, etc), it's location on the body, and it's power: (better if you make a list)
Bio: Optional.
((I haven't been able to revise this yet or anything, but please excuse the mistakes. I'll be posting my character next. If you have any questions, ideas, or anything else, feel free to post them. Help and advice is always welcome!))
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Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#2Name: Selene Noel Dr’Meire, Mistress of the Mountains of Carist and The Oriff.
Age: The Oriff doesn’t track life by age, but instead by ranks of the people. A Carist Mistress is usually in the range of twenties to thirties, but Selene being a member of the Dr’Meire family, she is somewhere between eighteen and twenty.
Gender: Female
Appearance: Eyes the color of light midnight blue stand out against her tanned skin, a marked characteristic of the People of Oriff. Hair the color of the blackest night, hangs loosely to her waist, threads of various hues of white and blue are braided among the strands, marking her rank, power, and experience amongst the Oriff. The clothing of the Oriff consists of cloaks of black, blue, and white, given out among the various ranks. The women wear long dresses of the finest material, and men where leggings and tunics. Because of her rank as Carist Mistress, Selene wears dresses of gauzy white and pale blue, a striking contrast to her skin tone. Her black cloak is decorated with the ancient symbols of the Mountains, symbols that protect and ward against the elements and dangers. She does not possess the tall and willowy frames of her people, coming to just three inches above five feet, her frame petit and slender. She is the shortest person in the Carist Mountains, which does not undermine her powers.
Country: The Tundra, the mountain-town of Oriff. Oriff, hidden inside the Mountains of Carist, was the first city to ever thrive inside a mountain. Mysteries lie deep within the ice and snow of the mountains, kept hidden by the people of Oriff. Not much is known about the people, for they do not like to talk about the purity of their home or race. Children are taught the secrets of the people and of the mountains around them. From the time of birth, they are taught how to harness the powers of the mountain, and of the power that surrounds them. Feeling is unknown here as the people are taught not to feel, for when one feels, hurt usually follows. They are taught not to place too much into one another, and to guide and help yourself through your problems. Advice is sought, but never given, as that shows weakness of strength and character. Though guidance is given and acceptable, though you can only ask for guidance from someone of superior rank to yourself. Asking someone equal or lower in rank, often results in the revoking of your title. They are a mysterious people, the Oriff, and gaining the trust of one would be trying to live in the tundra with no protection, almost futile.
Clan: Oriff
Sword: La’rune. A sword of the sleekest steel, made deep within the ice of the mountains, forged in the fiery snows. A La’runian sword is given to those that have reached the rank of Masters and Mistresses of Carist, a sword that will protect its owner until they are parted with death. Each sword is forged individually for each Master or Mistress, and before they are made, the greatest thought is put into them. Selene’s sword glows a pale blue when in use, symbols etched into the steel that bind the sword to her, also telling of the sword’s power. The hilt is made of Oriff blue-gold, strange among the outside lands. A sapphire lies in the middle of the hilt, the stone of the Dr’Meire family.
Tattoos: 6
1. The first tattoo is engraved on her left shoulder blade, a tattoo of a white tiger. An animal is the first tattoo the Oriff are given, usually when they enter the first rank. The Choosing usually takes place in a room with several elders, all of whom study the student, watch as they present everything they have learned thus far. The presenting doesn’t really matter, for it’s the personality of the student that decides the animal they will be pair with for life. The white tiger symbolizes strength, the ability to adapt, and hidden power.
2. The second tattoo is a blue band of sorts, wrapping around her upper right arm. This tattoo gives the wearer the ability to control the elements of water and ice, to manipulate them as the wearer sees fit. With this tattoo, the wearer can cause an avalanche in the blink of an eye, or just melt ice into water for a drink.
3. The third tattoo is a white band of sorts, wrapping around her right ankle. It gives her the ability to control the element of air. This tattoo allows one to move things, to stir up winds and windstorms, and anything else the wearer might think of.
4. The fourth tattoo is given to all Masters and Mistresses of Carist. An invisible coil making it’s way up the left leg, from the ankle to the thigh, its power is mysterious and kept hidden by the Masters and Mistresses. Each tattoo is different for the wearer, and the strength varies.
5.A circle of blue ink was engraved into her left palm when she was born. It is probably the most dangerous tattoo in all of Oriff. It is impossible to duplicate as it is always moving and Selene has to wear a glove of bandage over her hand to cover it. Anything can result when she touches something, depending what that thing is. It can melt, freeze, burn, or kill. Never shake the bare the hand of a Dr’Meire, the Oriff say.
6. The last and final tattoo was a mistake. It happened when she had been just a child, running around with several of the other children. They had happened upon the Inking Room, a room forbidden to all, save for the Inkers. It is where the Oriff go to have their tattoos etched into their skin. Selene ventured inside the quiet room, blinking rapidly in the dark light. The further she walked inside, the colder it became and just as the young girl was turning around, she slipped, landing into a puddle of burning liquid. She screamed as the liquid molded and etched its way into her skin, burning as it spread and grew. Adults came into the room, picking up the child as their eyes widened, looking at each other covertly as they carried her from the room. They neared the Children’s Common, placing her face-down on the bed. The liquid had disappeared, yet when the adults touched her back, they jumped back as many markings lit up., and young Selene went into a bout of rage. Since then, Selene has become prone to random moments of anger, random moments of feeling, something she has kept hidden all throughout her years. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#3((Just so everyone knows...if anyone does join or anything...I will be leaving for ten days on April 5th, this Thursday. I will be back April 14th. So, if anyone does join, I'm giving whomever permission to use my character.)) -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#4I might suggest having the offical starting date for the actual adventuring be that nifty date... (4/14) -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#5The 14th would be superb. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#6Name: E'ae Wheln ap-Sha'ir
Age: E'ae has seen 559 moons (approx. 46 years)
Gender: Male
Appearance: Of average height and lanky, sinewy build, E'ae has nonetheless and imposing presence. His skin is somewhat fair from a lifetime in the shortened days of the Star Country, but it is leathery and thick from decades of hard work in red desert sands. His hair falls in dense, tight black curls, forced into place by a leather band; silver hairs are evident, showing definate age. A thin black beard frames his face, a narrow moustache crowning his thin and chapped lips. Narrow hazel eyes peer out from beneath a furrowed brow. His attire is simple: a thick cotton short robe dyed ochre over a homespun cotton tunic and brown woolen pants. Leather sandals with thin thongs are tied intricately up to the knee. A leather baldric holds a scabbarded backsword and a canteen.
Country: Star Country
Clan: Sha'ir, the "Canyon Folk." The Sha'ir clan has occupied their river-cut Shahal canyon for just over two hundred years, making them a fairly young clan. Founded by pilgrims looking for their promised land, the Sha'ir have strict laws encompassing society and religion. The Sha'ir consider their ancestral spirits powerful, vengeful beings that can either protect or curse them. They have been using tattoos since before they arrived at the canyon, but have only in the past two generations used Kigou extensively. Most are skilled warriors, used to defending their precious Shahal River - a source of life for their clan - from barbarian raiders and the like. This experience also makes them strict isolationists, trading with very few folk.
Sword: Huo-Ying. A sabre of typical Sha'ir style, Huo is forged from dark Star Country steel. The blade is narrow with a gentle curve, the double-edged foible of the blade ending in a hooked martle. A miniscule fuller is cut down the center, and maroon runes are visible flush against the dark blade. Huo-Ying features a four-quillioned cross-guard made of bronze, covering the sides and edges of the blade. The grip is made from dragon ivory, a flame-colored bone, carved with intricate geometric patterns. The pommel is bronze and stylized into a hawk's head, the beak plated in silver and the eyes made from small garnets.
Tattoos: 6
1. A pair of intertwining snakes rising up the spine. A symbol of E'ae's gang, the Serpentii Umbrarum, they symbolize loyalty, danger, and feral freedom. The bearer of this tattoo is able to detect threats moments before they happen, allowing a slight edge in combat.
2. A knotwork crescent around the left eye, marked by three four-point stars on the outer edge. A common tattoo of the desert, it reminds those of the Star Country where their true home lies. It grants the bearer the ability to see stars even on the cloudiest of nights, allowing a Star Country soul to navigate by the old constellations and find their way.
3. A series of numbers and the word "CHYANG" between the pectoral muscles. Almost more of a brand than a tattoo, it is nonetheless enchanted. This was E'ae's criminal number from his years in labor prison, the label marking him as a brigand. Though he has tried to remove it many times, the curse remains: the bearer is rendered immobile at the will of a Star Country Imperial Guard who sees the mark (the guard must have a guardian Kigou, as most Imperial Guards do).
4. A long red flame surrounding the right shoulder, entwining the arm, and branching out onto each of his five fingers. This is a Kigou granted to warriors of the Sha'ir clan, allowing them to better protect the Shahar Canyon. At will, the bearer of this tattoo can heat into flames any object in their hand, but the item will not be consumed. It is used usually with weapons, giving Sha'ir warriors a flaming sword to ward off enemies.
5. A stylized cactus on the left palm with two branches extending to the tips of the index and middle fingers. A Kigou all Sha'ir are given, this is a very practical tattoo: touching the ground with these two fingers will summon all water in a hundred yard radius to the soil just beneath the bearer's fingers. This is a vital tool in desert survival; its effect in very moist places or on bodies of water is yet to be witnessed...
6. A stone obelisk marked with an eye on the right ankle. A common symbol for those in the Star Country, it is an ancient sign of the First Emperor's reign and a remembrance of the desert. With a single stomp, the bearer can summon a harsh sand storm and control it with ease.
Bio: The Star Country desert is no place for a loner. Even those who become outcasts from their society must find refuge with others or they will be unable to survive. E'ae was one such man. A member of the Wheln family in the Sha'ir clan, Ea'e has been a troublemaker from birth. He enrolled in the Protectors Guild at a young age and became a lieutenant in the organization, never able to achieve captain due to his frequent insubordination and ignorance of procedure. At 20, he became involved with a Star Country gang of bandits, the Serpentarii Umbrarum (Snakes of the Shadows) and abandoned his position as guard. He robbed caravans and towns for two years with the thugs until he was finally caught by the Star Country Imperial Guard and forced to serve twenty grueling years at the Crimson Gultch labor camp. The work was backbreaking: stonework and mining, fighting desert heat and fierce cave beasts. Hatred for the Star Country Empire built up in his heart and he escaped only months away from his release date, stealing back his Sha'ir protector sword as he did. He now wanders the continents, stealing where he can and surviving where he cannot.
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Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#7:mrgreen: Bump! :mrgreen: -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#8Placeholder for a character. This is a really cool idea.
Name: Tenji Omishi
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Appearance: Soon
Country: The Orient
Clan: Soon
Sword: Soon
Tattoos: Soon
Bio: Coming to a movie theater near you soon! -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#9Done!
Name: Kaun
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Appearance: Kaun wears his hair in long braids, well past his shoulders, with bits of beads and other shinies braided into the hair. He wears lenses of smoked glass strapped to his face with bits of twine. His clothes are black and grey, worn loosely. He stands at about a palm shorter than your average person, and is thin and lithe.
Country: The Urb
Clan: None
Sword: Gladuis Hispania with a handle of bloodwood. The blade is pretty bland, without any external markings. The pommel, likewise, is plain steel. Kaun picked this sword up in a game of dice, and has held onto it ever since. Since he's picked up this sword his luck has taken a noticable turn for the better.
Tattoos: 3
1 - On his forearm he has a tattoo of an owl in flight. A tattoo picked up off of a roaming band of {insert gypsy-esque peoples here}, it gives the bearer increased night vision, often to the point where they can see in night what many others can't see at day. The only downside, due to the accidental application that made this tattoo too effective is that Kaun suffers from light sensitivity.
2 - A rat rolled unto itself into a spiral, with its tail at the center. A tattoo common among the thieves of the Urb, it makes the lighter on their feet and more able to slip through small holes.
3 - On his neck, peaking above he collar of his shirt, is a blood red, stylized eye. The eye grants the bearer increased bloodlust and fervor in combat, often at the expense of their control once they've sented blood. It's said to be a common tattoo among barbarian tribes of the Tundra, that Kaun has had his entire life.
Bio: Kaun has been a streetrat his entire life. At first he was put to work by the Blackbirds, the local streetgang, as a sentry and then as their lockpick. About 4 years ago, when they lost their territory to a new gang, and many of the members were either dead or fled, Kaun left the neighborhood that'd been his home for the past 13 odd years and became a petty thief.
For the next while he made his living through what he stole from random shopkeeps and what he made on odd jobs. In recent years he's also turned his hand to the odd assassination, but usually only when the time's have demanded it. The joy he feels when he makes one of his kills is what drives him to not pursue murder as his primary means of support, ya see, it scares him. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#10OOC: I am extremely, terribly, incrediably sorry to all of you!!!! I just now got my internet, after several long weeks of my parents trying my patience with the phrase "As soon as it comes" or whatever. Please please please forgive and I don't plan on leaving soon. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#11OOC: Alright, we need to decide where the setting is going to be, so our characters can meet and talk and whatnot. Any suggestions anyone? -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#12Hm... Where would a rogue bandit, a Carist Mistress, a young urbanite, and an Oriental swordsman meet? :shock: -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#13In a bar fight, where else do people like us meet... Yeah, uhhh. Wow, what do we've got in common? -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#14Ahh, I hadn't known that ya'll had replied, sorry! Umm..a bar fight does sound good. How about in the Urb? Everyone could be there for their own reasons and then they all meet one night in a bar? If not, we could think of something else... -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#15Mm... Not sure that these four would hang out in the same bar. A street fight, perhaps? Some sort of gang war in the Urb? Selene might get jumped by some unfortunate gang members, perhaps Kaun included. E'ae happens to be in the alley at the time and sees a chance to fight. And Tenji... is there for whatever reason, assuming Alexander comes back to us. :wink: -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#16Street fight...very good Dozus! I think that will work. Well, whenever everyone is ready, we will begin. I will start working on my post right now. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#17((It might not be very good, but I tried.))
She had just entered the large city, and already, her nerves were screaming. Never in her entire life had she seen so much chaos; nor breathed air that was weighted by of pollutants. Children begged and cried, adults took no mind to them, often kicking or hitting the children. Dirt clung to the side of buildings; windows were covered with layers of soot. Selene glanced around the large hellish municipality around her. Perhaps it had been a mistake to come here….no. Her fists clenched beneath the heavy cloak, one of the few belongings she had brought. Life in the mountains had become difficult, no matter how hard she had studied to achieve her goals. And with the Curse, she had become an outsider in her own land.
She brushed a loose strand back with her covered hand and stepped onto the smooth cobblestone road, pausing only to dodge the occasional street urchin. She breathed sparingly, her lungs working frantically to take in the air that was so foreign. How do people live here? The question rang in her mind as she continued walking, the hood of the cloak shielding most of her face and a hand resting on her sword. Smoke rose from structures as tall as the mountains in Carist, poising the air still. Selene rounded a corner, stopping with narrowed eyes as she watched the scene before her:
A small girl, no more than seven with ratty blonde curls and rags, was trying desperately to catch a heap of rag that several young boys were busy throwing among themselves. When the child let out a desolate cry, their laughter grew; grew until every other sound was drowned out. The child wiped her eyes, only smearing more dirt on her already sooty cheeks, jumping as high as her little legs would allow to reach her precious bundle. But the boys teased; lowering for her to grab it, and snatching it back up when she tried.
“Hey!”
The boys froze, including the little girl, and turned to see who was disrupting them. They stared at the foreigner for several minutes, sizing her up, wondering if she were a threat or not. Obviously, they thought the latter because they just turned back to their game and continued teasing. Selene frowned, her grip tightening on La’rune as she took several steps forward. “Haven’t your parents taught you how to treat a girl?”
This time, the boys did not resume their game. Instead, they glanced at each other, the largest one –presumably the leader- nodded and one of them dropped the heap, which the girl ran over to immediately, and walked forward until they were just a foot away from the intruder.
“’Course they did. Oth’wise we woulna be ‘ere.” The leader spoke, a boy who looked to be a few years older than Selene herself. “Now, why don’ ye run ta the land ye came fro’ an’ leave us alone? We donna wan’ yer scum ‘round ‘ere.”
She would not be talked to like that. Her eyes narrowed; the liquid blue turning into hard chips of pale moonlight. It was her turn to size up her adversaries; she glanced from the leader to the two on his right, and then the two on his left. Five against one. Not bad, and she didn’t see any weapons or tattoos on them. Though, that didn’t mean that they didn’t. It was taught among the Oriff: Never judge a mountain by its color. Meaning, they could have anything on them.
One by one, the gang circled her, their eyes never straying from her body. Who did this woman think she was? Stepping into their territory and ruining their fun. Selene watched them as well. Her senses sharpened, listening to their every move. Slowly, she pulled her sword from her side, turning in circles of her own. She itched to pounce, to teach these morons something. Pouncing though, would be foolish, something she had learned very early.
The leader was the first to pounce. In only a blink of the eye, he produced a large dagger, green runes etched along it. Selene easily dodged him, though forgot briefly about the other two behind her. A sudden pain shot through her left arm though she did not pay it any mind, just spun around as swift as water, La’rune sweeping from beneath the cloak, glowing her hellish shade of blue. For a moment, the sword surprised the gang. Stunned, she was able to nick one in the side and another in the leg before they regained their senses, renewing their attacks with fervor.
She fought then, her hood falling down and her thick mass of hair streaming around her. To passersby, she was just a mass of black and tan, moving with the furry of a waterfall, as just as rapid. Her eyes glowed, the battle feeding the hunger that started in her back, at the place where the knot of runes glowed brightly, becoming brighter still as the battle wore on.
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Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#18"I hate cities," E'ae muttered as he ambled down the filthy lane. He knew he was lucky to be in the Urb, far out of Star Country where his head had a price, but it was hard to remember his fortune in such a revolting setting. The streets smelled of emptied chamber pots, the people of cheap liquor, and a thin layer of black soot seemed to cover everything. At least no one was trying to kill him.
Something caught E'ae's eye as he walked past an alleyway. A group of men surrounded a whirling hooded figure in some sort of combative ritual. The tribesman leaned against the nearest brick building and rubbed his thin black beard, observing the fight. Whoever was in the middle of the crowd was definately good, better than most in the Star Country. The style was definitely foreign, smooth and flowing. It reminded him of the Shahal River back home. E'ae breathed a deep sigh. "Aw, what the hell," he shrugged. The swordsman pulled Huo-Ying from its scabbard and tossed it over his shoulder, lumbering toward the fray. "Been a while since I had a good fight."
As he approached, one of the thugs took notice. Sneering, the thug lunged at E'ae with a bronze-colored curved dagger. E'ae felt a chill up his spine and heard a hiss from his Serpentii Umbrarum tattoo. Like a striking cobra, E'ae dodged the attack and struck out with his sabre, cutting deep into the boy's arm. He gave a yelp just before E'ae struck the side of his knee with a side kick, sending the thug sprawling to the ground. E'ae's lip curled into a grin as he turned to the next opponent. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#19Kaun was in his room, licking his wounds from a botched job that night. A pair of guards'd gotten lucky and he'd had to jump in the river to get away. The take from the heist wasn't even enough to pay for the bandages he was using, and rent was coming due soon.
Pausing for a second in his musings, Kaun heard the sound of a street fight going on in the alleyway beneath his window.
Heh, probably those d**n punks the bones getting kicked offa the turf they tried grabbin' last night. 'Bout time Kaun thinks he pays them back for those slings of theirs they were so kind to use on Kaun nights back.
Grabbing the sword from by his door Kaun leaned out his window, trying to size up the fight before he dropped down in the middle of it. Towards the main road there was one old man with a rather imposing blade dealing with a couple of them, and in the middle of the group was some sort of she-devil, spining and weaving between stabs and jabs and then swinging her piece of solid blue.
Barely looking under himself, Kaun grabbed ahold of the sill and swung, jumping off of the wall when his feet touched. Aiming on his way down Kaun managed to land on the shoulders of the closest of the gang, and rolled off of him as he crumbled. Coming up into a crouch on the oppisite side of the she-devil as the old man.
"Hitting Kaun with stingy stones when you can run wills you? Kaun teach you well!" -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#20Selene was getting tired of this. Those odious men had managed to nick her skin in three different places, including the Curse. Her ire was at its peak and her back was on fire. Wonderful, that was all she needed, Selene thought as several curses ran through her mind. The ears twitched as she felt someone else, and then another joined the group, praying that it wasn’t another member of the gang. She closed her eyes, opening her mind to all the things around her. She heard the clash of steel, a grunt from where her blade made contact with bare skin, and the panting as the gang became more and more tired. She heard another set of ringing, realizing that the newcomers weren’t against her, but with her.
She opened her mind to beyond the ring of fighting, to the thick air around. Slowly, as her sword connected with another smaller one, the wind picked up, a gentle breeze that grew steadily within a few short minutes. Soon, it was howling, whipping at the ends of hood of her cloak, and her hair. Selene blinked, her eyes opening. She could barely see now through the dirt clouded wind. Slowly, the gang fell back, warily eyeing each other. They had underestimated the witch after all.
“This ain’t ova’, ‘hore!” One shouted. It was hard to tell which one, for the voices were carried and broken in the wind. Selene watched as they ran away, a few glancing behind their shoulders.
Selene sighed, wiping sweat off her brow as she walked over to one of the brick buildings making up the alleyway, leaning against it as she struggled for breath. The wind did not die down; if anything, it grew frighteningly harsher and louder. “Stupid…” She hissed to herself, banging her right arm against the wall. Had she not been taught her entire life not to meddle with peoples’ problems? No, she just had to walk right into the middle of it; just had to get into a fight with a couple of street filth.
She was completely oblivious to the two strangers who had helped, but at the moment, Selene really didn’t care. She was too busy trying to calm the screaming in her back, the aching and throbbing in her hand, arms, and legs. La’rune glowed brightly at her side, sensing her Mistress’s pain.
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Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#21Kaun fought as a man possessed, his eyes clouded by the red bloodlust as the tattoo on his neck burned. He barely noticed as he tore open the wounds from the night before, or as some more wounds were added. Finally he sensed that the gang had been broken, in both body and spirit, and was running.
Holding his sword he looked towards the other two, bloodied and still high strung from the fight. The she-devil seemed to have drawn into herself, seeming to be trying to calm herself after the fight.
"Kaun apologizes for stealing part of your fight from you, but he had a debt to settle with these childs. If you wish, Kaun will take his leave from you, but he might suggest you find a safe place to stay for when the guards arrive."
Kaun looked at the bandages he'd just put on, and seeing that they'd served their purpose for now, tore one off to use it to clean his blade. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#22Huo-Ying's dark blade sliced easily through another thug's ribs as they ran, the brigand yelping and clutching his side as he limped off. "Idiots," E'ae growled as the robbers escaped.
E'ae wiped the blood off the blade with his fingers as he eyed the woman they were attacking. "Hmph. That'll make me think twice before robbing a woman," he commented aloud. "Some sword you got, too. You're not Urban, are you?"
He glanced at the boy as he made his apology and suggestion. "Kid, the guards are 'prolly the least of her problems," E'ae said. "But they ain't the least of mine. Where should we go?" -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#23Selene was busy ignoring the two, still panting as she tried to catch her breath and the fight that was raging inside of her. After many long minutes, she finally had herself under control and opened her mind once again, thanking the wind for its support and giving it permission to disperse. It only took a matter of minutes and the area looked as it had just before.
Except for the fact that now there were two men, both of whom addressed her. She looked at the younger one, probably around the same age as she, and then to the older one. His words caused her to grin inspite of herself. "That would be wise," She stated. She spoke in the Common language, a language that everyone from every country knew. Her voice was thickly accented though; the language of the Oriff being a dulcet, melodic flowing type. It was not difficult to understand her; one just had to get accustomed to the lilt with which she spoke.
She ignored the first part of his statement about La'rune and simply answered the last. "Urban?" Selene nearly snorted and scoffed at the idea. Instead, she shook her head, sending her thick black and white/blue threaded locks swaying. "I would probably kill myself if I lived here, not meaning to insult you if you did." Though technically, she really didn't care if she insulted him. She half prayed that he did live here, so she could tell him what a peace of filth city this was. "Right now, I can scarecely breath."
The older man was right. The guards were not even in her mind. Surviving was in her mind, and the urge to just turn around and head back home, to hell with all the trouble her clansmen kept giving her. She was about to thank the younger man for his interferance when the older one spoke yet again and her head swung back around to him. 'Where are we going?' She prayed that he was speaking to the younger one and not her. She had travelled here alone, and she would keep it that way.
-
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#24"Kaun's room would have to be the safest place he can find you right nows. Your a' both from the open lands, yes? Kaun's friends don't like dealing with your kind, but come nightfall Kaun would be happy to help you finding whatplace you'll be looking for."
Kaun led them around the front of the building and up through the winding halls and stairs to his room. Popping the door open to his spartan room, he led the way in, tossing his sword down on the pallet under the window. Slid up against a wall was a small table with a pair of stools where he'd been patching himself up earlier, and in the opposite corner there was a small chest.
"'S not much compared to what you two are used to outside Kaun's home city, but it is Kaun's, and it is your's till night too. Kaun wonders though, what brought you outsiders to his alleyway?" -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#25E'ae leaned on the wall near the window, watching carefully for any movement outside. "Just passing through," he muttered enigmatically, purposely avoiding the question. D*mn fool street rats didn't need to know his story, nor sword-swinging maidens. And since neither would be easy enough to rob, his stay would be short. "I'm leaving at first light," the swordsman stated. "I'll keep first watch, you two get some sleep." -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#26It appeared that they both were expecting her to stay. Selene glanced from one man and then the other, mentally taking note of their size, appearance, and any weapons that could be seen on their person. She would need to identify any of these men if they ever tried something with her, or tried to rob her during the night. She would not put it past them. Reluctantly, she followed them both inside the dirty building and up to the room. Hey, she was not going to give up a free place to stay, no matter that she wanted to be alone. Her funds were running short as it is.
"It does not matter," She stated, walking further into the room and towards the window, her fingers playing with a loose thread on her cloak as she stared out into the diminishing sunlight. Her history and why she was there, was none of their business. She glanced at the older of the two when he spoke, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'll keep first watch. I don't sleep around people I do not know." -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#27E'ae laughed. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" he asked mockingly, leaning toward the woman. "Don't trust an old Star Country soul?" He shook his head. "Fine by me," he said, removing his baldric and leaning against a corner of the room. "You wanna lose sleep, be my guest." He slid down to the floor, folding his arms around the Huo-Ying. "I need my beauty rest." E'ae's eyes shut, remaining just open enough to catch movement. He wasn't about to trust either of them further than he had to. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#28Her eyes narrowed at his words. "No, I don't." Selene stated simply and cooly, turning back to gaze out of the window. Perhaps she wouldn't even wait until morning to leave. She did not care about any dangers that lurked the night and there was a slight chance that the air would be a bit better, though she was not going to get her hopes up. But first, she had do keep to her word and keep watch. And just for that rude comment, Selene thought as she sent a glare over in the older man's direction, she would wake him up just as he'd fallen into a nice, deep sleep and tell him it was his turn. And beauty rest? She resisted the urge to snort and comment, forcing her eyes to travel the length of the room. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#29"Demon-Lady and the Blade-Man need to not fight eachother. Firstly listen, the guards are coming, doubletime by the sound of it. Kaun riskes less by knowing you're here, that way they don't find you, or the most illustrious Kaun either."
Pointing out the windows are the already looted bodies to make his point Kaun continued, "You've killed more of the Ravens than the guard knew existed, and the guard doesn't take well to being bested. Kaun's bested them times before, and he knows well what they did to his friends to try and get at him."
Pausing Kaun thought, suddenly realizing that they were quite likely to sweep the buildings for anyone who looked like they might be able to win a fight with that pack of gangsters.
"If they finds us, as they might, Kaun would suggest that cowardice is the better part of bravory, and that you might want to flee as soon as you can break free of the guards." Moving to the pad on the floor that served as his bed he continued, "but Kaun worries not, and suggests that you do the same. If you don't stay the night, at least wait until the guard goes, for Kaun's and your own sake."
Gawd, writing like that strains poor my brain all outta whack. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#30She did see wisdom in his statement that they should stay until the guard passed. It would be plain stupid to leave, throwing yourself right into a trouble, and a with a guard no less. Selene just nodded, deftly removing her cloak. It was a little warm in the room and since she needed no protecting from the elements, there was no reason to keep it on. She folded the precious cloak over her arm, the cloth of her pale blue dress swaying slightly as she moved back over to the window, La'rune clinking at her side. Even though she had left home, she could not bring herself to desert the clothes that marked her as what she was, not after all those years of practice and achieving her dream. The dress she wore was simple enough; a pale blue that shimmered slightly, lighter colored threads making an intricate design down to the hem.
She was so caught up in her thoughts of home that she was not paying any attention to the approaching sound of boots and yells. She did however finally realize that someone was approaching when they banged on the door, screaming something unintelligble as they shoved open the door. Selene barely had time to drop her cloack and insheath La'rune, and kick the older man in the side who lay a few feet away from her before two guards pushed their way into the room. Glancing at Selene's sword, they sent each other unidentifiable glances and tightened their grips on their own weapons. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#31As the guards prepare to defend themselves, a commotion is heard by all. Coming from another appartment, the clearly distinguished sound of fighting assails the hears of the guards, who seem even more tense. Sweat beads form on their frown as their gaze jumps panickedly from the now wide awake opponents to the wide open door. They did not expect more assailants. Their sword still threatening Selene and Kaun, they slowly edge away from the door so as to place their backs on the wall on either side of it. The element of surprise now lost, their suprise and fear grows as the sounds slowly advance closer and closer to the cramped room. Without questions, now, another pair of guards is fighting a dozen yards from them. Shouts of battle echo down, indicating the other pair of guard advancing towards the now very tense little room.
A strange sound is heard, a mix between a rushing waterfall and a crackling fire. The screams of a guard echo down the hall just as another of the chainmail clad figures bursts through the room, blade drawn, and glittering with dark blood. Panting heavily from an exhausting struggle. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#32OOC: Sorry, this last week's been rather hectic on my end. On with the show!
Maybe that piece Kaun stole last night was a cursed as they says it was... Thought Kaun as he rolled back to his feet and got his back to the wall beside his window. "Much thanks, Kaun thinks must be due to you g'sir. But now Kaun thinks it's best if you let him take his leaves. If anyone wants to follow me out my window there's a good length of rope under that very pretty, and apparently very cursed statue."
Grabbing the bundle his night clothes were in and tossing it out the window in front of him, Kaun once again slipped out of his window and dropped to the ground. Lacking the soft cushion of a body to land on, he rolled this time, coming up next to his clothes.
NOTE: He's just as dressed as before, but the sack contains the clothes he wears when he's doing theiving-type jobs. You don't have a naked kid jumping outta windows... :shock: -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#33E'ae cursed as he stood, quickly refitting his baldric. "Listen, stranger, don't drag me down with your blood debts," he hissed, jabbing a finger at the newcomer. "I don't know what kinda commotion you're making out there, but I don't want a part of it." He dashed to the window, grabbing the rope and tying it in place. Better hope this holds, he thought grimly as he lept from the window, grabbing the rope with one gloved hand to slow his descent. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#34Selene was now beginning to wonder if coming here had been such a wise idea. The Star Country would have been fine, she mused as she adjusted La'rune in her hand and stared at the guards. Her attention was diverted at the sound of Kaun and E'ae both. She turned and stared as first one and then the other jumped from the window. Should she follow? It was one of the only times in her life that Selene had been hesitant. She glanced from the men to the window, asking herself what she had gotten into. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#35Lyst was wounded. Severely. The guard's blade had dug into his left side, and when it slid out, had left a fountain of warm blood in its place. He had had to use his kigou on guard' to be able to escape. He was glad that the man who had wounded him had been so surprised by the kigou's magic, running back into the corridor, and that his partner had wisely decided to stop fighting after Lyst' manifestation of fire had been pressed upon his face.
But the fact remained. he had to get out of here, and fast. While he shuffled down the stairs, clutching his side, his pain was telling him to stop, to give up, but his mind was edging him to carry on. Ignoring the glances of the residents, he slowly walked down the stairs and out of the building. He was lucky, the guards must have gone somewhere else to look for god knows what. As he pushed the building's door open, he was greeted by a strange spectacle.
He nearly fell into a young, short, black-clad figure, who had seemingly jumped from one of the building's small windows. Regaining his footing, he barely had time to get out of the way before another, older and taller man fell besides him. Lyst's vision blurred, his legs weakened, and before he knocked into the new arrival,grunting, he had time for only one thought..."what a strange night...." he said to himself. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#36Making up her mind, Selene grabbed her cloak and leapt for the window. She left the rope as it was, manipulating the air to soften her fall. She landed on her feet, tightening her hold on La’rune as she turned around, squinting slightly in the darkness. A groan almost escaped her as she noticed yet another figure that had joined them, though it seemed unintentionally.
She took a step forward subconsciously, grabbing the man’s arm to keep him balanced. “Are you all trying to kill him..?” She hissed, glancing from E'ae to Kaun. And because she could never leave someone obviously wounded on the streets, Selene sighed, re-sheathing her sword. “Since you nearly killed him, help me.” She may have been perfect with a sword, and had perfected her abilities, she could not carry a grown man by herself.
-
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#37"Listen deary. Kaun may not sound like anything but two steps above the bottom rung of the stupid people, but he's also your only chance of surviving the wonderfully nice guards. So, I might suggest you think of that before you go blaming him for suffering caused to random others. Kaun will help you carry him to where ever you want to go, but Kaun needs to know what in the name of the twelve spirits you're looking for to be able to help. damn outlanders..."
Cutting off some pieces from the bag his clothes were in, Kaun tied off some of the worst cuts. "Kaun suggests that someone tell Kaun where they want to go quick, or else he'll lead you straight to the nearest gate out of the city, and'll wish you luck on getting back in."
Grabbing a hold of the guys feet so that he could lead Kaun said, "Let's go, quick before they close off the streets with the crossbowmen." -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#38"Forget him," E'ae grunted, pulling the baldric over his head and fastening the belt around his waist. "They're after him, not me." He looked to the rooftops. "Kid's right, though, we need to get moving." He sighed, fingering the grip of Huo-Ying. This is the last thing I need, he thought ruefully. "Get to the sewers, that's our safest bet. Unless these guys are real desperate, they won't follow us." And they'd better not be desperate, E'ae thought. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#39"Forget him?!" She squeaked, squinting through the darkness at E'ae. Was he really going to just leave the poor guy here? And why in the hell was she bothering herself with this stranger? He had probably led the guards to their room. But even as she thought about just dropping the man and escaping, Selene knew she wouldn't. Her back was on fire as she shifted, relief spreading through her as Kaun took most of the man's wait from her.
Her resolve hardened and once again, she squinted at the older man. "If you don't help us," She stated through gritted teeth. "I'll kill you right here and now, and the d**ned guards won't have to worry anymore. I'll kill you with no more than a blink of my eye." And then, she decided to ignore him, readjusting her grip on his shoulders and hauling him away from the building with Kaun. "Thanks.." She muttered after a few moments, readjusting the man's weight for the fourth time. -
Re: Swords: A True Warrior's Tale
#40OOC: I did have the guy's legs, ready to help you carry him. I could drag him to the sewers thow if you start swinging on us... Care to rewrite your post Maiden?