[Northern Falyndar] Crackin' Skulls (solo)

[Naar]

53rd of Winter, 511AV Northern Falyndar; Near the Northern Pass [Naar was feeling more at ease with himself since the group had left the vicinity of Taloba and ventured back towards Northern Falyndar. Vynxia had only told them all that they were to patrol near the Northern Pass again and that they would remain there for some time unless circumstances dictated otherwise. No one questioned the orders and the group of Myrians had set out. That was eight days ago. They’d made good time to the Northern Pass and were encamped in the jungle where the terrain would serve them the best and the scouts had been sent out to prowl the area. Naar was a warrior, not a scout, so he stayed back at the camp with Vynxia. Despite the disdain that the Myrian woman showed him Naar was mostly compliant to her.] [While the scouts were gone they’d set up the camp in its entirety. A small fire pit was made. Tarps were used to create a barrier for the Myrians to sleep underneath while still providing some camouflage with the natural elements of the jungle. Altogether the entire process took less than a bell and when they were done the Myrians would rest, remaining on guard as they did so, while the scouts were out on their patrol. Of the Myrians that were in the group Naar knew Vynxia of course and Aila, the scout, as well; the others, a male and two females were largely nameless to Naar save that he knew one of them was a scout and the others were warriors like him. Distancing himself from the group largely because of his own desire for solace Naar would relax at the edge of camp while waiting for word.] [Taking his Bagh Nakh Naar would curl his hand tightly around the handle after setting it against his palm until the bladed claws were extending past his fingers. With a branch he had pulled from a tree in his left hand Naar began to draw the claws of the Bagh Nakh over the wood slowly. Using the claws to strip away the wood each stroke he made carved away another layer from the branch. Every time Naar drew the Bagh Nakh over the branch he’d take the claws back down to begin again except he pressed them a little higher than he had the last time. Eventually the branch had started to thin into a point at its end. Naar was carving out what was a very primitive spear to be sure but still an effective one. All a spear needed was a sharp point on one end to plunge into the meat of a man after all.] [When he finished Naar would look at the wood he’d sharpened to a point on end, the branch wasn’t that large really so it wasn’t much of a spear, it was actually more of a stake than anything else. He could use to nail something into the earth. Admiring his work quietly Naar would have been summoned back to the present by Aila and the other scout returning with news. Looking in their direction he watched as Vynxia rose to meet them before climbing back to his feet and moving in their direction so that he could catch the tail end of what was being said. Apparently they’d found someone and Naar listened closely.] [Aila was focused completely on Vynxia as she gave her report saying...”Men. Not more than a few hours away. There are not many but they mean to come this way.”...now most of the others attention was on her as well and she’d continue...”They’ve found a sparse trail it seems. Likely used by other travellers or game. They have a tracker. I think they intend to follow it as far as it will take them.”...that was interesting but foolish. Trails in the jungle could often lead you to your death. Naar was nodding his head as he listened when Vynxia responded...”Idiots. They’ll be sacrifices to Myri this night.”...which essentially bellied what all of them were thinking, Naar included. Laying his hand across his side briefly Naar was reminded of the wound he’d suffered though, it was still healing though largely better than before and might hamper him to some extent in combat, he could not let it be his liability.] [Already, the news from Aila delivered and the orders from Vynxia clear, the Myrians were ready to move out it appeared but Naar would catch the attention of their leader with a look that she had no choice but to answer before saying...”If you’ll hear me. I have an idea.”...which Vynxia permitted with a nod of her head. Perhaps Naar could be a benefit to his brethren with his ideas rather than something of a liability because of his wound.]

[Naar]

[Naar had went on to explain his idea to Vynxia who accepted it as a sound tactic. The Myrians would ambush the Intruders and drive them ahead towards a trap which Naar had suggested. Inspired by the stake he had created Naar suggested they make several such wooden stakes and plant them in the ground, tip extending out, before covering them with brush so that the foreigners wouldn’t notice them as they fled. Battle would still be fought and honour satisfied. Vynxia had agreed to the plan though she regulated Naar to ensuring that his plan worked by telling him that he would stay with the trap along with Aila while the others drove the men to them. Naar agreed of course.] [Now, several bells later, the Myrians were all in place. Naar rested behind a thick tree which he used as a camouflage for himself along with the natural cover of the jungle. Aila was nearby and likewise she was also hidden behind a tree. The rest of the Myrians were somewhere up ahead waiting for the men to cross their path so they could ambush them and drive them towards the trap. The trap itself had been a simple one to create. The Stakes had been carved from branches broken off the trees and planted into the ground so that only their tips extended outwards and then leaves and other brush had been used to cover them. A skilled survivalist may have noticed something amiss but people running in a panic weren’t likely to.] [Naar remained hidden behind the tree. Pressing against it so that he could remain comfortable and as motionless as possible while looking around to the other side. Using the natural environment of Falyndar remained one of the greatest advantages the Myrians had. You’d think that outlanders would have known this but they never seemed to clue in which was all the better as far as Naar was concerned. Like hunting the helpless almost. Nothing there to disturb him at the moment Naar relaxed, listening to the sounds of the jungle, as he waited for the inevitable to occur.] [Above him he heard the calls of a bird, squawking as it made its decent, before it was answered in kind by another avian. Naar let his eyes peer higher momentarily and even though he couldn’t see the birds he knew that they were there. Sensing them above the same as a man might sense that something was creeping up behind him when his hairs stood on end though Naar related the feeling more to one of awareness than anything else. It was such for all things here in the Kingdom of Myri where only the strongest could survive and you were either predator or prey. Predators of course just being the prey for something much more deadly than they, themselves, were.] [Unable to mark the passage of time but for his thoughts and breaths Naar would eventually look across into the forest towards where Aila was. She was much more apt at hiding than him. Naar could barely see her at first but when he finally recognized her she was already looking at him and, likely, had been watching for quite some time. A faint chuckling threatened to spill from his mouth but he contained it as he recognized now that Aila was quite competent concealing herself within the jungle. Maybe he would have her show him how it was done some day.] [Footsteps would suddenly be heard ahead. Running towards the trap that had been prepared and Naar knew it was time when he heard the screams of men saying...”Quickly! Get to cover!”...shouting orders at one another before they were followed by...”Where are they!?!? Run!!!”...as the men continued charging through the jungle. Herded like animals towards their doom. Watching Naar caught sight of the first men running ahead of the others towards the concealed stakes and he waited for them to fall into the trap. It was like clockwork.] [Naar watched as the first of the men ran hard and fast, they didn’t even know where they were with the thick vegetation and trees all around them, right into the cover stakes. They made it a handful of footsteps before screaming in pain...”AIIIIIIYYYYEEEEEEE!!!!”...went their cries as the wooden stake punctured up through their feet effectively immobilizing them. Behind them others were quickly running as well and they only ran into their companions. Bodies were soon colliding with bodies. Men fell and were impaled on the stakes. Others stepped on stakes for the first time and cried out and when the outlanders finally realized what was happening they had no choice but to separate. Now it was time to strike.]

[Naar]

[Waiting behind the tree he’d blended with Naar would take his Bagh Nakh and fit it into his right palm. Gripping it tightly he’d wrap his fingers around the handle of the Bagh Nakh until its claws extend out away from him and he handled it comfortably. Listening to the screams of pain caught by those on the stakes he waited then, allowing the men to separate into the jungle, before moving away from the tree he’d hidden behind to another and similarly using that one for cover as well. Ensuring that his movements went unseen. In their panic Naar likely didn’t have to hide his movements as well as he did from the men anyways.] [Moving from tree to tree Naar would eventually position himself into the path of one such retreating man. Naar heard him coming, his footsteps quick as he stepped over branches and through foliage pushing himself ahead, and moved out from behind the tree he’d been hiding behind just as the man came within striking distance. The Bagh Nakh poised and ready to strike, his right arm raised and drawn backwards, Naar would slash the terrible claws of the weapon across the surprised mans face causing him to issue a terrified cry mixed with one of severe pain as his flesh was rend wide open. Swiping with the Bagh Nakh again as the man raised his arms to defend himself Naar would come beneath his cover and rake him across the ribs before stepping in close.] [It was a short and bloody battle. Naar hooked his left arm behind the mans head and neck before yanking down to draw his head in that direction. Planting his left foot onto the ground then he’d begin to raise right knee into the midsection of the man. Kneeing him again and again. Driving his knee over and over and he pressed the mans head down and limited his movement before finally crushing a finally knee into his jaw and feeling the body go limp in his arms. Unconscious. Naar released the man and let him fall onto the ground where he raised the Bagh Nakh one final time and delivered the killing blow by thrusting the claws down across his opponents throat.] [Naar was moving again after the man was dead. There was still more fighting going on in the jungle. The Myrians had broken their enemies will already though. All around them in the nearby vicinity Naar could hear it as men were screaming, trying to escape certain doom, but to no avail.] [When Naar had next happened upon a fleeing man he saw him running ahead as fast as he could, putting as much distance between himself and the sounds of his dying comrades as possible, and he pursued quickly. Leg muscles tightened as Naar followed this new man, a faint grin appearing over his features when the man looked back and noticed that he was being followed, pumping his legs harder Naar would feel them beginning to burn subtle as he worked himself to make ground on his quarry.] [Leaping when he at last came within the range of a few arms lengths Naar would extend his right knee as he did so and drive it ahead. Using his knee to drive into the back of the man between his shoulders Naar would feel a satisfying impact before the man lost his footing and fell onto his chest. Naar was back to his feet almost as soon as he’d come down and stalking the man who continued crawling away but he should have known it wouldn’t have been that easy. When he went to deliver a blow the man rolled onto his back, throwing a handful of dirt into Naars face and causing him to stumble, before rising to regain his footing.] [The Warrior was using his left hand to clear his eyes when he was thrown backwards. Groaning as a shoulder was rammed into his midsection Naar fell backwards but wrapping his right arm, the Bagh Nakh still grasped in his hold, downwards he’d trap the head of the man against his side as they went to the ground. Wrestling for control Naar used his legs to wrap around one of the mans as well to stop him from squirming as he tried to escape the headlock he’d been caught in and then bringing his left arm across Naar would begin attacking again.] [Elbowing the man in the back of the neck Naar felt his movements become tighter before the both of them started to roll again, aided by a thrust of the Warriors hips, and before long Naar was on of the man. Using his left arm to grapple the man by the throat he’d release his headlock and sit upright before driving the Bagh Nakh down into the mans skulls. Cracking it wide he’d see the last lingering look of fear in his eyes as he died before Naar uttered a...”Dira take you.”...and then rose back to his feet so that he could move on.]

[Naar]

[Moving back towards the ambush after finishing with the last man Naars pace would slow briefly as he felt pain from the wound on his side flaring up. It’d likely been irritated in the scuffle before Naar had killed his opponent but the pain disappeared soon after and was replaced by the adrenaline of battle. Legs pumping Naar raced back to join the other Myrians as the fighting came to its slow conclusion. Up ahead there was still more fighting to be hand though.] [Ahead of him Naar saw a man with blade drawn, a Gladius, who had apparently come to terms that he was going to die and decided to make a stand. Using his left hand to brush aside foliage as he moved ahead Naar welcomed the challenge by rushing at the man and issuing a guttural snarl alerting him to his presence. The Bagh Nakh swiped out as Naar came at the man, its claws knocking his Gladius aside, and letting the momentum carry him in the Warrior would turn his right shoulder into the man as wall and ram it into him before watching as he stumbled backwards, away.] [The Outlander seemed a bit more seasoned than his fellows though. He regained his footing quickly. Naar came at him again using the claws of his Bagh Nakh to lock with the steel of the Gladius in a contest that saw both men delivering blows back and forth at one another. Naar wouldn’t try to meet the sword every time though and occasionally the Warrior had jumped back causing the Outlander to miss his swing entirely in what was a slow duel.] [Footsteps circled Naar to the left of the Outlander who was always turning to keep the Warrior at his fore. Stepping in quickly Naar would make another swipe with his Bagh Nakh, a ruse this time, which the Outlander tried to meet with his Gladius only to find that Naar was shifting his weight onto his left foot and drawing his right side back and away. The Outlander would overextend himself then and Naar, darting back in, would deliver an overhead blow with the Bagh Nakh that caught the man behind his shoulder and made him wince uncomfortably.] [Naar shuffled backwards before the Outlander could return the favour with a blow from the Gladius then. Leaning backwards on his last step as the Gladius almost skimmed itself across his chest but just barely missed instead. Resetting his stance then Naar watched the Outlander before the two moved ahead to trade blows again. Naar would sidestep to the right as the Outlander thrust with his Gladius, drawing his left side back in the same motion by sliding his left leg behind the right, avoiding the blow before snapping his left arm around the forearm of the Outlander and hooking it. Drawing the arm close to his side so that the Outland couldn’t pull it back he’d tug it once to ensure that it was straight before delivering a knee to the underside of the mans arm near the elbow, causing it to break painfully and forcing the Outlander to drop his sword, as the combat came to a close.] [The Bagh Nakh came in then. Naar raked it across the mans face letting the momentum of his swing draw the claws over his flesh before curling his arm back around to follow with an elbow that collided with the Outlanders jaw and dropped him to the ground as Naar released his arm. Looking down at the man Naar only let his head tilt to the side as though he were admiring his handiwork though he added...”You fought bravely. It is a shame you must die.”...before turning away from the Outlander momentarily. Crouching down he’d find the mans Gladius and take it in his left hand, his fingers curling around the hilt of his sword, before rising back to his feet and moving to circle around the Outlander.] [When Naar came around to stand over the head of the man he’d turn the Gladius into a reverse grip so that it was pointing downwards and without so much as a moments hesitation he drove the sword into the chest of the Outlander. Burying the Gladius into his flesh until he felt the resistance of the body lessen and knew that the blade had exited out the other side of the man. Withdrawing it from the corpse next Naar decided he would keep the blade as he turned and strode back towards the site of the ambush. Everything had gone silent so he reasoned the battle was over.]

[Naar]

[Walking out of the jungle Naar would see the other Myrians as he neared them. Vynxia was standing near the trap that had been sprung and seemed satisfied. When she saw Naar approaching her head would raise, turning in his direction, and the both of them would look at one another quietly before Naar came to stand near her and the others. None of the Outlanders had survived it seemed but there was still much work to be done and this was a small victory against maybe a dozen men who were not bred for war like the Children of Myri. No one here had been destined to survive.] [Looking down towards the bodies still impaled on the stakes Naar would hear one of them moan and watch as his body began to shudder slowly prompting Vynxia behind him to say...”Not all of them are dead. Finish them off while we collect the bodies of the others.”...before he nodded his confirmation to her orders. Naar raised the Gladius he had taken off the Outlander he’d killed, he’d need a sheath for it too and there were plenty on the dead, before plunging it into the earth with the hilt extending and ready to be taken by his hand again. The Bagh Nakh too was slid from the Warriors hand and back onto his hand where he could keep it until it was needed again.] [Grabbing the ankles of the first body impaled down on the stakes Naar began dragging it backwards, leaving a bloody trail behind the corpse, before rolling it over. Noticing the scabbard on this one with sword still in it he shrugged once and removed the man’s belt, sliding the deceased owners sword from the sheath and tossing it in the process for another to pick up, before sliding it around himself. Happy with what he’d taken. Retrieving the Gladius then Naar would sheath it in the scabbard before returning to his work.] [Naar worked quietly and efficiently while the rest of the dead were recovered. Dragging bodies off the stakes and checking them for signs of life. The majority were truly dead but then Naar turned one man over and he sputtered blood that began caking across his lips. Naar watched indifferent to the plight of this man and was soon remarking...”Why do you come here? You know will die within these borders yet you still venture onwards.”...he shook his head then and sighed...”You and your kind don’t deserve to live.”...before looking away. Naar could have easily killed the man with his bare hands but he left him there, stakes puncturing his body which wept all kinds of blood, barely alive while he drug the last corpse off the stakes.] [Lips had formed a satisfied smile on his features. His plan had been successful. Nodding his head once Naar would remember to use this tactic again eventually before turning back to see if the dying man was still alive. When he saw the rise and fall of his chest, barely noticeable, he knew that he was. Yet Naar still didn’t end the man as he looked down at him though he went on to tell him...”This killing is tedious. Your kind will never stop coming here.”...though as he said this the Warrior had an idea which caused him to go on...”Perhaps it’s the will of Myri that we leave Falyndar then.”...a thought which was not entirely unappealing to him. Naar had long toyed with the idea of using his skills as a Warrior outside of the jungle. Maybe it was time.] [Nearby he heard the sounds of the others returning and looking back at the dying man Naar would raise his foot wordlessly before stepping down. Planting his heel over the throat of the dying man and killing him at long last before the others arrived. All told there would be many sacrifices to Myri this night and the Myrians would feast on the brains of the fallen.] [Naar helped carry the bodies back to the main camp with the others. It took several trips before the site of the ambush was cleared. That night Naar would clean his older wound with a cloth and water so that anything that may have irritated it could be cleansed. Drawing the cloth over the wound and washing any dirt away, scrubbing lightly, everything was healing nicely and Naar desired to keep it that way. Once that was done he likewise pressed the cloth to the bruises he’d taken as well. Nothing serious this time.] [Night came soon after and the bodies of the dead were consumed. Naar asked for the blessing of Myri as he devoured the brains of those he had killed and as he often did offered the eyes of the dead to Dira whom the Warrior also revered.]

[Rage]

GRANTING OF XP Naar Weaponry - 2xp Tactics - 1xp Trapping - 1xp Camouflage - 1xp Detection - 1xp Stealth - 1xp Bagh Nakh - 2xp Unarmed Combat - 2xp Running - 1xp Short Sword/Gladius - 1xp Lores: [Weaponry] Fashioning a crude spear from a tree branch [Unarmed Combat] Shoulder-butting Items: Gladius Scabbard Swordbelt NPC Contacts Vynxia - Fang leader Aila - Myrian Scout Notes : Just one thing. I'm not sure about the length of your bagh nakh's claws but from the images I've seen from google I'm not sure if they're even six inches long. So deflecting a Gladius blade seems a bit of a stretch for me, especially only at competent level. I've awarded you with lesser xp in your weapon skill as I normally would have. I'd like you to take into account the reach weapons provide in your future combat threads. You may PM me if you have questions/issues and we can talk things over.