The Battle for Astaria

[TheDudeManJohn]

((also sorry for not being here.....RL happened and i havent been with a computer this entire time....lol library and work is where i post....ill do my best to get all caught up on this site))


Talasadar turned and looked at Kreto.....he was acting strange considering Talasadar had been here for weeks.....and knew him personally......"im not sure why you needed the cook Kreto.......but we all understand your rules....and i have done nothing but abide by them......my demeanor....and sound of my voice.....seem to get me attacked anywhere i go....especially here in the land of The Mystics.....so much miss trust....." Talasadar shook his head and took two steps back......"But now that everyones attention is on me......i will restate what my purpose here is.....and perhaps i can leave a lot sooner as everyone here would seem to like." He motioned to everyone as he next spoke....."Most all of us have heard the rumors of the malevolent being stiring up the tribes of The Dark Woods for war once again........i have made it my mission....as hard as it will be for you to believe coming from the looks of me, to seek out this evil....and put a stop to it before another war and thousands of lives are lost once again.......now all i ask....is for a select few...to over look what you think of me......and join me in my quest to root out this evil." a slight pause as Talasadar looked around the room......."anyone feel they are adequately skilled enough to help me with this task?......if so.....please follow me outside." his voice that same cold neutral tone.......and at that.....he casually walked....past Kreto and all the others......and stepped through the doors.......figuring disappearing again would just lead to more suspicion........Talasadar then seated himself on a bench on the other side of the only street in this outpost.




no sooner than Xierra had spoken Wrath appeared with the other two in their party at the front gate. Theracles had not been able to take his eyes off of Xierra....for multiple reasons....but as soon as Wrath made his presense known....Theracles turned and saw just the man he expected.....here stood the man Theracles lived for.....his purpose in life....to destroy and bring to justice beings just like this man....nothing but sheer hate rose up inside Theracles at the site of Wrath......and then Wrath spoke "it seems you have accepted my challenge Theracles.......good.....id have hated to come back and have to slaughter your entire clan," a sick smile now crossed his face, "and yes as my sweet Xierra already stated.......your choice of where this battle takes place........all i ask.......is do not dissapoint me Theracles....the grand storys that are told about you....best not be a lie." and at that he flexed.....you could all most feel the power coming off of him........the more he talked the more Theracles's face tightened with a mixture of determination and loathing, "I can not wait to put an end to you Wrath.......its as almost as if its my calling......as if.....every day up until now has lead me to this pivotal moment.....and fear not......i..will..not..let..you..down." the seriousness and matter-of-fact tone dripping in that last statement.........Theracles pointed a short distance behind him........"we will conduct this at the ceremonial battle grounds......it is where my warriors go to prove themselves.....and i can think of no better place..........after you." Theracles motioned with his hand and his eyes never left Wrath as he passed.....that sinister smile still lingering on his face.

((lol the more i post the more i like this Theracles character i have no idea if hes going to die now....i may flip a coin when the time comes but dont worry Wrath certainly cant die either....hes for Talasadar and all the others to kill.....if they can ))

[XierraXYZ]

Vinter wasn't certain what to do. Of course he'd heard the rumors, but to actually follow a stranger and act upon it? He hesitated. It's not like there was anything better for him to do in this little town. He couldn't expect to stay forever, going nowhere. The wolf at his feet paced after Talasadar, then stopped and waited for Vinter to follow. A smile spread across his face at Tirven's decision. 'Suppose that settles it,' he thought to himself, striding out after the two of them. 'I'm ready for another adventure.'

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Xierra witnessed the exchange in reverent silence. She waited until Theracles had passed before turning to follow, watching him carefully in case he decided to attack Wrath with his back turned. The two shapeshifters moved close behind her, the other eight warriors of the sky tailing them, in turn. Eagerly anticipating the bloodshed that she knew was about to ensue, fire rushed through her veins with excitement. The gate creaked closed behind the entire company, effectively locking them behind enemy territory. Oh yes. Xierra wanted to kill.

[wnxcogboy]

Jürgen having known that his job as a cook would only last as long as kreto’s sons remained in the woods, which of course isn’t much in job security. This task the dark one speaks of seems like something worth doing. Jürgen noticed the only ones to go outside with the dark one was the grungy man with the dog. Jürgen looks at kreto and ask,” are you okay? You look a little red in the face.” Kreto stared at Jürgen for a minute, and then he said,” my boys are late; they were only to make a two day journey into the wood. They should be back by now, will you tell Talasadar sorry for me. I am a little on edge and just saw red for a moment.” Kreto looks at the four drunken fools in front of him and says,” get out or ill drag your limp bodies out.” Jürgen followed kreto to the counter as he paid extra attention to the one who pulled himself up and had his friends half carry him out the door. Jürgen put the clever and took off the apron, then put them on the bar. Jürgen looked kreto in the eye and said, “I quit, please take my earnings so far and put them into two water canteens, a hundred feet of rope and all the beef jerky you can spare into a leather bag.” Kreto simply looked at Jürgen and said, “Ok.” Jürgen headed into the back room to wash and grab the trench coat from the hay/straw he was sleeping on in the corner. When Jürgen went back into the main room, he caught the black hog hide back pack kreto threw at him. Kreto with a stern expression on his face said, “I only have twenty feet of cord, no rope. Tell Talasadar to come back in before he leaves, and good luck, you’ll need it.” Jürgen settling the back pack over his trench coat leaving opens the door and announced to the two men he assumed were still outside the pub, “I will come with you if you will have me.”

[XierraXYZ]

Vinter broke out in a broad smile at the appearance of the one from inside. The cook, he gathered. The more the merrier, he reasoned. Answering for Talasadar, he said, "Welcome aboard. I'm Vinter." He extended a friendly hand out to the newcomer and the wolf by his side paced restlessly.

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Borta's catlike eyes shifted back and forth from the warriors behind him and the demoness ahead. On the one hand, he was wary of the enemy guards. If anything went awry, they wouldn't hesitate to stick him in the back. But on the other, he couldn't bear to take his eyes off Xierra's sleek figure. If she noticed his lingering gaze, she didn't object, so he saw no reason to avert his eyes. The company proceeded through the camp, approaching a circle of wooden stakes lodged in the ground. Each of the poles had a few feathers strapped to the top, and each impaled a pale, dried skull all the way through.
Xierra made a quick assessment of the arena. It was awfully open, ideal for aerial attacks. She counted the sticks that marked the boundaries - there were twelve. The ground looked parched and cracked, dirt packed together in tight slabs incapable of sustaining life. She could taste the scent of iron in her throat. So much blood had been spilt here. And today, she would spill some more.

[wnxcogboy]

Jürgen gratefully shook the hand of the grungy man with the dog who could not sit still. Jürgen thought to himself, why would this man refer to himself and the dark man as a mobile vessel of some sort? Jürgen’s teacher had warned him that only people in gander would say what they mean, the outside is very partial to colloquialisms and slang. Jürgen just now getting a good look at this man named victor in front of him, victor seemed to Jürgen as if he was really happy that he came outside. The fact victor seemed happy wasn’t what Jürgen had paid the most attention to, apart from the scar on victor’s cheek; it was the eyes of this man. Jürgen had seen these eyes before in the men who taught him swordplay, the eyes of a man with no mercy. Coming back to his senses, Jürgen let go of the man’s hand rather in a jerking motion. Jürgen had lingered while looking into victors eyes for too long. Jürgen thanked them both for letting him join and apologized for muddling a simple handshake. Jürgen also asked Talasadar to go talk to kreto before we leave. Jürgen almost forgetting to introduce himself said,” I am Jürgen, and i can cook and fight. But there may or may not be some people after me. All the special equipment I was raised to fight with is somewhere in gander, but that is also where the group is that is after me. The most I can tell you is that I was meant to be “”crowd control””, whatever that meant. I am not leading this expedition, so I’ll just follow whatever you two think is best.”

[XierraXYZ]

Deciding not to question the awkward stare he received from the stranger, Vinter turned to Talasadar and folded his arms across his chest. "When do you want to head out? My belongings are hidden on the outskirts of town; I'd like to pick them up before we depart." He absently reached down and ran his calloused fingers through the fur of Tirven's head. The wolf's tail swished back and forth in response like a domesticated dog.
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Each of the sky warriors spread out, and several more began to rush up from the thatched huts set up nearby. Women and children approached as well, but it was obvious that even the little ones were not to be reckoned with - some had vicious talons for fingers and some had full-fledged wings sprouting from their backs. Borta's rough, pink tongue passed across his lips. Felines preyed on aves. Xierra shot him a menacing glare. If he attacked before the right moment, chaos would ensue. She was not about to allow this.

[AlexaWarrior]

Sorry, went on a stupid vacation and couldn't post my absence.))

Sticking to the shadows, Arisa continued to travel along the tree line. Paws thrumming across the earth, she was surprised how much stamina a wolf has. Her keen ears shoved forward, Arisa stopped in her tracks as voices reached her. Instantly she began changing. Her fur ran together, then etched a feather pattern on her skin. Her teeth disappeared and her muzzle became hard and curved. The feather pattern became three dimensional, and her front legs became wings. I less than a minute, she was air-born as a Barn Owl. Raptor eyes scanning the earth below, Arisa soon spotted a small encampment. She turned and rocketed into the forest, and quickly demorphed. Approaching the entrance, she passed by the guard with an enhancing smile. As she came across an inn, Arisa cast a quick glance towards the three men in the front. She then adverted her eyes, reminding herself, All I need is a new bow. I can do this. No turning back now. Approaching the counter, she asked the man, "Ehh, Do you by chance sell any archery weapons?" Her gaze flitted across the room. Arisa then produced a few gold coins she 'permanently borrowed' and put them on the counter. As the man came back with a rather well manufactured bow, she couldn't help asking, "Do you know who those men were out in the front?" (Is it ok if I can morph different animals, but all of them ordinary? Or do I have to choose one animal?)

[TheDudeManJohn]

(i sent you a message on that actually lol....but yes multi forms are fine and even more so if their just the basic animal version....only thing is...is its a limit of 3 or 4.....and you have never seen Wrath change forms yet lol...but he only has 4 different ones)


The man behind the counter, another relative of Kreto, smiled at the young girl and glanced out the window beside him and was able to see the three she was talking about, "ah those three.....well i know the strange being in the dark cloak......he calls himself Talasadar....i dont know to much more....but i do know he hasnt caused to much trouble since hes been here....just been sneaking around the place....the other man with the wolf next to him......i actually didnt get introduced not sure on who he is.....but the third guys name is Jurgen....Kreto, the leader of this outpost, has had him in the kitchen......hes a strange one.....but all togeather harmless in my opinion.......i think something just happened in the pub.....i just saw Kreto march in there.....and now those three are standing outside it.......anyways....anything else i can do for you?......possibly some arrows?.......im the blacksmith i do all forms of weapon and armor but if you need supplies of most any kind.....thats right across the street.....most any provisions you need he'll have....and he excepts most forms of trade and barter."......He had spoken more than he probably should......but it was nice to have a change from all the rough hardened journeyman that normaly come through......


Talasadar watched the stange man.....Jurgen's introduction and interaction with Vinter, the sun had just started to go down the last lights of day casting shadows all over the encampment......and Talasadar took more interest in what Jurgen said than Vinter seemed to......trained in Gander........hunted by Gander......it would mean one or two things....he would be a great asset or a burden......but talasadar knew he couldnt do it alone.....and certainly not just him and Vinter....it would be nice to have someone for "crowd control" Talasadar decided to confront him for details later and he finaly stood after spending that time silent and calculating.....and in that same cold tone, "Welcom Jurgen...and to you as well Vinter....im glad that the both of you have decided to help me on this mission......now i will say this is not going to be easy....and i hope your confidence in your abilities is not missplaced.......now as for leaving.....its safest in the woods during the day....but we are going to be out there for quite sometime so its inevitable we will be out there in the night......so i leave it up to you.....shall we wait till morning?....or leave promptly?"......and after a short pause he added, "oh....you may want to gather supplies as i understand it....something to eat and drink......i do not require such things so it is easy for me to forget how the human body works.....maybe a tent or what have you.....heh....(was that a laugh?).....i also do not need to sleep.....anyways.....like i said its up to you....leave now or in the morning."



Wrath stopped and stood right in the center of the arena and watched as everyone took their place and more bird people gathered
(((and ill have to get back to this....uhg....sorry Xierra lol we are BOTH ready for this fight lol but this will allow the good guys to progress a lil further along)))

[AlexaWarrior]

(Forgot about messages... o.O lol. Arisa's forms are so far a wolf and a Barn Owl, and I have an idea for her other one or two. As for the arrows, I meant like deer and rabbits etc.)

Her gaze traveling to the widow, Arisa now recognized the name. He had been travailing around, trying to gather an army for another blasted war. She smiled. "No thanks, I have everything I need for now." Turning, she headed outside and stopped near the figure named Talasadar. "So, I heard you are looking for a team?" Arisa had to force her gaze to hold steady, and her voice to sound strong. She had never seen any being like him before, nor been near people this long of a time. Though she did not think these men were a threat at the moment, her muscles were tense in a fight of flight response.

[wnxcogboy]

Jürgen was just about to answer Talasadar’s question when a young woman walked past him to go right in front of Talasadar. The fact that she came up behind him without him noticing, made Jürgen give a little jump. Jürgen never had to worry about being quite, because Jürgen was anything but. But these three looked like they could enter anywhere and leave without a hair being disturbed. Jürgen apart from noticing she had no shoes which is probably why she was so silent also noticed that the young woman was very rude. This young woman interrupted their conversation and didn’t even introduce herself. Jürgen feeling himself with better manners addressed to victor instead his thoughts on the matter that since him and victor required sleep and Talasadar didn’t. If Talasadar watched over them in the night and everyone walked in the day, it didn’t matter when they left, as long as everyone was ready. Jürgen also mentioned to Victor that Kreto wanted to talk to Talasadar before they left. Jürgen felt accomplished in saying what he had to with everyone hearing and not snubbing what the woman had to say.

[AlexaWarrior]

Waiting for John to post... or should I post? xD))

[TheDudeManJohn]

(((sorry all.....i complain about it all the time....and now you are all the ones waiting on me .....i cant wait! for a new laptop....this is getting old quick and im sure your all tired of waiting....with the new job being late nights and me sleeping during the day....the library is becoming less and less of an option but fear not! i will find away on here as often as humanly possible)))

Wrath stopped and stood right in the center of the arena and watched as everyone took their places and more bird people gathered around Theracles was sitting in a large chair ontop of a raised platform that looked down into the arena.... and after a few moments Wrath grew impatient and spoke first, "Are we finaly ready....you seem like a real challenge Theracles.....something ive searched for for quite some time.....do not dissapoint.......now are you going to tell me a bunch of silly rules or shall we just have the battle begin......id assume my underlings will go first......otherwise it was a waste to bring them......dont you agree?"
Theracles watched him with disgust he longed to finaly rid the world of this beast, "Fine no real rules other than dont leave the arena unless you fly and dont involve anyone that is not your challenger and obviously a fight to the death.....and if for some reason you do fly you must stay above the camp," He looked at Xierra as he spoke that last part, "and sure if you insist we will postpone our battle and let your counterparts display their abilities....to have this go a little faster they will fight at the same time," and at that he waved his hand behind him and two of his men gracefully landed in the arena one a half man half bird short stubby beak and feathered arms with full hands and lacking the ability to fly....though he glided well enough......and the other a very strapping young man with a strong physique human in all ways except for the large dark brown wings sprouting from his back.....
as soon as they landed Wrath casually walked out of the arena and watched as Borta, the half man half cat, and Wourgul, the shapeshifting orange bear, stepped up to the challenge.......Wrath stood next to Xierra and asked, "how much confidence do you have in these two?.......i would hate for all these spectators to view me weak due to their loss.....ah well it will matter not after i crush! their leader," He squeezed his hand into a tight fist an all to familar smile on his face and looked at Xierra....her form calling to him like always.....he couldnt wait to see her own battle......whenever that may be......Wrath began to regret bringing these two for nothing more than that he had to wait for them to finish......

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Talasadar thought he heard fear in this girls voice.....and noticed the strange look Jurgen gave her after she seemed to startle him, Talasadar also found this girls bare feet slightly curious..........a very purposeful and awkward silence lingered for a moment before he spoke, "Yes.....im looking for a team.....though i am unsure how you knew about it seeing as the only time i spoke aloud about it was in the tavern earlier and i do not remember you being in there......i know why these two men have come to me.....and i know what to expect from them in the way of help and action......but you....i regret to say i know nothing of you, your kind, or your purpose.....so please.....young lady.....tell me why you approach me so.......and what you have to offer.".......his voice just as cold as usual....his face expressionless and hood still down...sitting almost casual on the bench and waited for her to answer his question and the others to decide when they shall leave.

[XierraXYZ]

Xierra huffed, restless. She didn't want to wait for the two imbeciles two die out there, she wanted to shed some blood. "With all due respect, my lord... Allow me to fight in their stead. I will face Theracles' warriors alone." The last sentence, she spoke with fervor, raising her voice for all to hear. Her tone dropping back to a warm hush, she lay a delicate hand on Wrath's iron forearm. "I will not bring you dishonor."
Borta looked from his companion to his opponents to his superiors. He had no particular desire to battle, though he knew a victory would gain him favor and refusing a direct order would prove fatal. If Xierra wanted to replace him, he had no quarrel with it. The decision was Wrath's, however, so he waited, hesitating, in the middle of the field.

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Vinter remained silent at the girl's arrival. She had interrupted him, and he was slightly cross with her for it. Uncertain of whether or not she was trustworthy, he kept his guard up, eyeing her warily, his muscles tense. He took a moment to observe how she spoke, how she moved, and did the same for Jürgen. He had a bit of trouble taking her seriously. She was in over her head, it seemed. The other male, however, appeared to be suitable for the job, even if lacking in suave. He'd make a fine comrade.

[TheDudeManJohn]

Wrath considered this for a brief few seconds......and as if it had been no thought at all he simply said, "fine...id prefer to watch you fight anyways....and this is not the field we need to have losses.".......the other two backed out of the ring and even Wrath took two steps back and held is hand out as if saying 'after you'........and as soon as it began to register amongst the crowd what was happening a much larger man stepped into the arena and shoved the twisted half man half bird out of the way.....and then quickly looked to Theracles for aproval....which was given with just a slight nod of the head.....he turned and stated, "i am Petros Mar......son of Theracles.....and the most honored and decorated of all us bird warriors......the fool in here before wouldnt have even stood a chance against your charm....let alone your battle prowess.....I Petros....son of Theracles....will see the end to the likes of you and my father will destroy your so called leader." He turned and looked at Wrath with his fathers matching hate, Wrath all the while smiling...........Petros was a foot taller than the man beside him.....the captain of his armies, the winged man........Petros had long blonde hair he and seemed more muscular than his father.....but was known to be much slower.....but skilled warrior still.....why he now stood before Xierra....his form was also that of an eagle.......if there was worry for his sons life.....it did not show on Theracles's face...............after the change Wrath looked one last time to Xierra and said, "still comfortable with the odds i assume." and with a smirk, "shall i have Wourgul assist you?"

[XierraXYZ]

"That won't be necessary. I don't like sharing victory." A vicious grin on her face, Xierra confidently made her way to the center of the ring. Tilting her head slightly to her left at the new challenger, she had to fight to restrain a laugh. "Now I get to shed royal blood. This day keeps getting better and better," she murmured to herself. The other man in the arena would simply be a distraction, she knew. She planned to take him out first, quickly and quietly. An ethereal warmth rushed through her veins with anticipation, thin wisps of smoke curling off her smooth, pale flesh as the fire inside threatened to burst from its prison. The retractable blade on the edge of her tail unsheathed itself, glistening with venom, curling around her legs and wavering in front of her, ready to counter nearly anything. Her wings unfurled from between her shoulder blades and stretched out proudly to either side of her curvaceous frame. She waited what seemed an eternity for the signal to begin, tense and bloodthirsty as usual.

[TheDudeManJohn]

(hey Xierra....for the sake of time and such....would you prefer to be in control of both sides of the battle??......or did you want me to play the bird folk?.....only reason i ask is because i am going to write the battle between Wrath and Theracles....so figured it would give you more play with the action that takes place between your character)

[XierraXYZ]

((Doesn't matter to me either way. I think it'd be fun for us to play out her fight with the prince turn by turn. Makes it more challenging. I can control the other guy though, because he'll be dropping pretty fast.

[AlexaWarrior]

(Mom took my computer away lol just got it back)

Ignoring the harsh glances from the other two men, Airsa replied to Talasadar in an even voice, guard still raised. "From what I heard, though I doubt the half drunk men I heard it from had their head on strait, is that you are looking for a team to fight a rising force in the Dark Woods." Quietly, as if it was unclear of she wanted the next part to be heared, Arisa added, "My family was killed in the Dark Woods. I want revenge. I think you can help me get that." Shaking her head as if to clear the thought away, she continued, "I can shapeshift, though that's about it for magic. Anything else you need to know?"

[XierraXYZ]

Her words sparked Vinter's attention. Another shapeshifter? He was uncertain how to respond to this news; if he should resent her, understanding the ruthless ways of the nomads, or if he should be relieved that more rebels like himself made their way out of the woods. After a moment, his gaze softened, and he broke into a warm smile. She deserved a chance, and he had no real reason to doubt her. She was just a little girl who wanted justice for the people she loved. Vinter determined to help her if he could.

[AlexaWarrior]

I not little i 17 xD jk))