The Demon Dragon

[cityship]

The group had gotten an opportunity to gather some information on their mission’s objective, but morning arrived swiftly. In the distance, the forest from the day before still smoldered, though by now the blaze had mostly run its course.

Neese was in attendance, along with a smattering of the villagers. At her side were two familiar faces: Orson and Shiris, the two who had rode out to meet the crew earlier. Shiris looked vaguely mutinous as she clutched a cloth-covered parcel; Orson merely stood back a few paces from Neese, tending to a group of horses the village had provided for their use. The animals seemed a little skittish, as if they knew their destination, but were otherwise well-behaved.

Neese raised the long white staff in her hand, closing her eyes as if in prayer. “Marfa, goddess of creation, bestow your divine protection on these travelers. Guide them to their destination, and shield them from harm.” In response, a soft, warm light suffused the area; the crew would find their bodies just a little lighter, their stamina restored, and their anxieties soothed.

With that, she lowered her hands, blessing completed. “May you find your journey swift and safe,” she said somberly.

And with that, they were off.

Orson helped those of the crew that were amenable onto a horse, giving them some basic instruction on how to steer the animal or tell it to halt. For the most part, however, the horses knew what they were doing. There might have been a slightly uncooperative animal in there. Or two. But you know, for the most part.

Comments

THE RIDE

[cityship]

The group headed directly for the smoking volcano in the distance. Those on foot would not find themselves left behind; the horses took a slow, steady pace across the rocky soil. As they approached, however, they’d find the land growing ever more lush and green. In fact, the area closest to the mountain was filled with wild grassland and game, a stark contrast from the environs they'd just left behind.

“The land is most fertile close to the dragon’s lair,” Orson said in his dispassionate manner. “That’s why the village was originally built this far out. Unfortunately, Shooting Star views encroachment upon it as a threat.”
[subthreaded, go crazy]

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

Ronnae's encounter with the mysterious Karla had given her answers but it had also put doubt into her head and left her with more questions than she had before.

Was this really the right thing to do? For the environmental evidence, it seemed Karla had been truthful as to the dragon's purpose... the land was indeed very cared for and alive. Wouldn't killing him only render the balance of this world uneven? Maybe even cause it more harm?

It was with those thoughts in mind that she was silent through the trip, a light frown on her face as they went through.

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Ronnae might be feeling some doubt, but Soren wasn't. He was, however, having some issues with his horse, who apparently thought every passing weed was an invitation to stop and browse. Apple-eating hairbag.

"If you've regrets, perhaps you should set them aside for the course of this mission," he said to her, voice cool. "Our purpose serves all life, regardless of what happens to the people here."

Well, he wasn't sure if that was true or not, but like hell he was going to let a bunch of giant space bugs off Ike while he was still sleeping in a pod somewhere.

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

"I... I understand. I just wanted to be sure we weren't damaging one world for nothing is all... I would have liked a bit more certainty when it came to the artifact we seek. If it doesn't work for us..."

Then this whole thing had been a waste of time, and should they succeed, the possibility of them screwing over this world for nothing made her upset.

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Soren gave her a considering look. "Magic works on set principles, just as everything else. I doubt this Scepter is so different that its power could not be adapted for use outside of this world. But if it bothers you so greatly, consider this: perhaps the beast can be reasoned with. Perhaps."

He tapped a finger against his saddle, thoughtfully. "That geis the sorceress mentioned interests me."

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

"I don't doubt that there could be talk involved, at least even the most evil of dragons in my world could be talked to. Even if it didn't always turned out how you desired... but it's an option, yeah."

At the latter comment she nodded. "Many of the things she mentioned made me wish we had more time to explore and do more research before doing this. Alas..."

[zenithianhero.livejournal.com]

"We do not always have the information on hand," Sofia answered. "The best was can do is ask around and get as much information as we can." Number one rule in all RP games.

"but perhaps talking with the Dragon could at least give us a bit of extra time to mount an attack, if things do turn sour."

PURSUIT

[cityship]

As they reached the foot of the mountain, Orson brought the group to a brief halt near a shady tree grove to allow the horses to drink and the crew to regain their strength. It was likely as far as they could get on horseback; the mountain path was littered with treacherous rocks and jagged overhangs, so they’d have to manage the rest of the way on foot. When he returned from instructing the animals to leave, however, it became evident that at least one of their number was missing.

On the ground at the edge of the grove were two spears, formerly wrapped in familiar-looking cloth and now gleaming with cold light in the afternoon sun. The third was missing.
[One thread, please! Feel free to have your character figure out WHO IS MISSING OMG]

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

Ronnae dismounted and followed the horses, taking the moment to rest near the pool of water and gather her thoughts. They were now at the creature's entrance, it was only a matter of time before they engaged and the more she thought about it, the more she began to believe that this was a bad idea.

Not because she was afraid, or doubted their success. She had fought bigger and more dangerous dragons in her world. It was because of the things Karla had said that she was wondering if they should had left this alone.

But, then again, it wasn't her place to question orders, at least that was how she had been trained as a soldier. But she also had to take into account her own thoughts, would she be okay with all this?

She settled nearby, taking a few of her rations and her canteen and taking a moment to simply clear her mind and refresh her body, making sure she was at least fed and hydrated enough to head on in.

[guardian-wakka.livejournal.com]

Wakka was standing around, scratching his head and thinking about just exactly where he'd put a blitzball stadium up here.

It was proving quite a challenge, because this wasn't a terribly good spot to have a blitzball stadium.

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

Looking back a moment, she noticed one of her crew mates and smiled warmly,

"Lost in thought too I guess?"

[guardian-wakka.livejournal.com]

Oh the girl with green skin was talking to him.

"Uh yeah," he replied. "Just thinkin'." About where to put a blitzball stadium.

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

She smiled,

"Yeah, lots to think about."

Pausing for a moment, she blushed slightly and rubbed the back of her head awkwardly.

"I ah... s-sorry, I don't think we've met. You must be one of the newer crew members? Name's Ronnae, Ronnae 'Mash Belore Ryllos." She stood and bowed politely.

THE SIEGE

[cityship]

Shiris slipped her way from the trees into a hidden path. She knew from the rumors that it led underground for a ways before it eventually ended up in the dragon’s lair, but she’d never actually used it herself. It was practically suicide, after all. Shiris did it anyway, clutching one of the Spears of Myrie in her hands. If anything, she was determined not to let the outsiders swoop in and ‘rescue’ her home. Neese might be wise from long years of experience… but she and Orson could have handled the dragon just fine! …Probably.

In any case, it was awfully dark in here. But she’d planned for that, unwrapping a lightstone she’d swathed in fabric and concealed on her person, revealing the interior of the passageway.
[One thread again. Your character can either choose to have shadowed Shiris secretly for whatever reason, or remain with the main group. BOTH WILL BE INTERESTING]

Re: THE SIEGE

[masterofnun.livejournal.com]

Was Punchy totally maddogging Shiris before the term 'maddogging' ever made it to Lodoss? Totally.

With his goggles calibrated correctly this time, he follows her throughout the woods, and despite having tripped and possibly tweaked his ankle on a tree root that totally had it out for him, he's done so with relative quiet. He's getting a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he sees where she's heading.

Because talking with Shiris worked SO WELL last time, Punchy decides to hold his tongue for the second and just stay in the shadow, following the little light down the passageway. He may be needed to do a Heroic Tackle when Shooting Star decides to make Shiris flambe.

Re: THE SIEGE

[thisclinchesit]

Punchy wasn't the only one who was playing Follow the Redhead - Shoutarou was going as well. He knew all too well the kind of stuff that happened when you decided to go doing foolish things for a place you cared about.

Thankfully, the Joker armor did fairly well at keeping him hidden as he followed along. Hopefully he wouldn't startle Punchy along the way...

Re: THE SIEGE

[cityship]

As they followed Shiris down the passageway, they'd no doubt notice that the temperature was rising steadily as they moved, the air growing ever more stifling. They were apparently heading into the heart of the volcano. A low rumbling could be heard in the distance; one might have recognized it as the sound of lava.

Shiris nearly tripped over a large rock in the middle of the path, but caught herself, cursing as her light escaped her hands and skittered across the floor further along the path. Dammit! She went after it, freezing up briefly in alarm... Had she just heard Punchy or Shoutarou?

Re: THE SIEGE

[masterofnun.livejournal.com]

Punchy comes to a complete stop, still crouching in the dark. He can feel sweat pooling on his forehead under his cowl. That's so dank. Maybe he should find a more breathable costume sometime. He even breathes quietly, not easy when the tunnel seems to be approaching Really Freaking Hot degrees.

Although, even staying perfectly still and silent...he is still dressed like a traffic cone. With reflective safety strips on his arms and everything.

Re: THE SIEGE

[thisclinchesit]

Punchy, boy, we gotta get you a better costume.

Granted, Shou's is pretty warm inside as well, He stops, though his foot slides a bit, making some noise - but whether it can be heard over the rumbles is questionable.

THE SPEARS OF MYRIE

[cityship]

Orson looked visibly agitated for the first time since meeting the crew, his voice carrying an undertone of urgency that had been absent even in the presence of a fire-breathing dragon. “I should have realized she might do this. We need to go after her. I will carry the second spear -- I need someone to bear the last. We do not have much time!”
[One thread, pick either this one or THE SIEGE, as the crew is splitting into two groups]

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

She hadn't known the woman had slipped past their numbers, having been too involved in her own thoughts. So she stood quickly and got her gear in check as soon as she heard the call.

"I'm trained in polearms and spears, but if there's anyone who could have a better chance at using it to their full advantage, go ahead. I'm more specialized in axes anyways."

As if the larger two-handed axes strapped to her back weren't proof enough.

[facepunching.livejournal.com]

Ha. Mages didn't use spears! Soren took the opportunity to cast another barrier spell over the remaining crew instead. "Not my area of expertise, I'm afraid. Perhaps a soldier or knight would be better suited to the task."

He knew he'd been right to lug around this Bolting tome. Dohohohoh

[zenithianhero.livejournal.com]

"I have done training with sword,s axes and spears," Sofia answered. "If there is need for me to use one instead of my sword, I will do it."

[cityship]

Orson looked from Ronnae to Sofia, then tossed the remaining spear to Sofia. After all, you couldn't wield double axes if one of your hands had a spear in it.

"I'm not sure how well it will work," Orson said grimly, "But we can't go back for more help now. I will take us up the shortest path I know. Let us make haste."

With that, he began striding up the path to the mountain at a rapid clip, slipping past jagged volcanic rock with practiced ease.

[ronnae.livejournal.com]

Ronnae nodded and followed hurriedly after him. Even in her full gear, it seemed as if it didn't impede her at all, even in the harsh terrain. She made sure to keep an eye out for the rest of her team, places like these could make for natural hazards and they would need all their strength for the encounter they were about to face.