The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

A motley group from the Syliran host break away to recover a cart from the mud.

(This is a thread from Mizahar's fantasy role playing forum. Why don't you register today? This message is not shown when you are logged in. Come roleplay with us, it's fun!)

While Sylira is by far the most civilized region of Mizahar, countless surprises and encounters await the traveler in its rural wilderness. Called the Wildlands, Syliran's wilderness is comprised of gradual rolling hills in the south that become deep wilderness in the north. Ruins abound throughout the wildlands, and only the well-marked roads are safe.

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Imass on August 26th, 2012, 1:44 am

Secret :
OOC Music for this post ( Imass's and Markus's two man charge :D )



Imass looked at Markus Andres with a gleam in his eye. There was a big grin on his face, for today was the greatest day of his life! This was Imass' first battle despite. He could feel the bloods of excitement coursing through his veins. His whole mind was buzzing with adrenaline. He got this feeling of total excitement up his back. He twitched randomly with all the excitement that was going through his heart.

Markus reared his horse next to his fellow comrade and ordered to strike straight down the center. Their plan was simple aim right at the far center. If they could divide the Yukman it might give the whole Syliran army an extra few seconds, but that was enough.

The Akalak knight jaws dropped as the experienced, valiant, and talented Markus raised his sword to rally his fellow team mates. He had the natural aura of a leader in battle. The Akalak only gawked. Imass repeated, "FOR SYLIR!!!", as he raised his broad sword in hand just like Markus.

Imass kissed his sword and thought of Neasa. That is when he realized that he had much more things to say to her. He would not let this cloud his mind though. Setting his gaze on the charging Ser Andres, the unranked Knight got into gear one stride after his comrade.

Clasping the shield close to his heart and holding the sword at his arm, Imass beckoned his warhorse to gallop. He shortened his grip on the reins and shoved his spurs into the animal's flanks, "Ride now! Ride for Sylir!! Ride! Ride! Ride!" Imass yelled at the top of his lungs. The animal took one or two awkward strides, but quickly got into its floor. It was breathing heavily and almost frothing from the nose. It too new battle was upon them.

Goose pimples went down his neck and arms as cold runnels of sweat went down his arms and into his gauntlets. The horse gallops as fast as it could. His mind began to race. The big moment was almost upon them...Contact was about to be made...

...This is my destiny. This is what I trained for my whole life. For battle. Death is the only inevitable outcome...

The charge struck right in the center of the formation as the two knight did their mortal duty to the Windoak. Everything was going at one hundred miles per hour. Imass had no time to think, only react.

Immediately, Imass felt his horse run over one of the Yukman. The weight of the horse shifted as it stepped on the earth filled face. Imass leaned forward for an unknown reason and almost lost his balance on the stead. The warhorse had much more experience though and it continued galloping through the host of Yukman. Imass however was still trying to rebalance himself on the saddle.

Countless Yukman filled his vision. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Markus slaying earth boned horde.

The Akalak swung his broadsword haphazardly. He felt it make contact with the heavy material that made up the flesh of a Yukman. Sand sprayed instead of blood. Imass had no idea who he had hit as his vision was disoriented.

He had no idea what was going on. He did not have battle-field vision yet. He was consumed with the fact he was surrounded by Yukman.

He swung again as his horse galloped alongside Markus. It hit nothing, but it brought the Knight's weight back forward. He was finally sitting on the horse properly.

The sound of the Syliran Host's horns could be heard in the distance. The main group of Knights was charging. In Imass' subconscious he knew that they had between one and two minutes to cut through the lines and divide the group. It was the simplest of tactics learned by knights.

"Press forward!!!" Imass exclaimed. He was not ordering Markus, but his tone of voice showed he was trying to encourage himself and his comrade.

Imass blocked with his shield a random Yukman that has flung his body at the horse. Imass twisted and hacked at the monstrous thing. The monster was either ignorant or very stupid because it made no attempt to escape Imass' blade. His broadsword hit the Yukman and sawed right through its head.

The Knight spurred his horse again and slashed horizontally at the next Yukman, "Press forward!!"

And thus the valiant Markus and zealous Imass fought through the mass.
User avatar
Imass
Veteran of the Sahova Campaign
 
Posts: 708
Words: 431651
Joined roleplay: June 19th, 2012, 4:35 am
Race: Akalak
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Journal
Plotnotes
Medals: 3
Featured Thread (1) Trailblazer (1)
Overlored (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Eridanus on August 31st, 2012, 9:00 am

Image
Eridanus reached back towards the black mud to see that the creatures were already being engaged by several of their group. The gleam of steel flashed as the blademaster joined in the fray, quickly dispatching any of the remaining creatures. Their mutilated bodies collapsed as the mud stopped bubbling, and Eridanus turned his attention towards the army who were now aware of the stampeding yukmen further up ahead.

Glad that his warning had worked, he also noticed two knights from their group who were already charging ahead. Placing his energy into his legs, he began the start of a process what flux practitioners termed "juggling the hot potato". Energy streamed into his legs as he kicked off, trailing not far behind the horses as he ran quickly.

The swath of destruction that the two horses cut through created a path for him, and Eridanus headed towards the group that was cut away from the knights. The army would be able to dispatch the closer half.

The vantha grinned as he twirled one of his blades as the group of yukmen stared at him cautiously, after having been cut off from the other half of their party.

This was not a battle, this was going to be a genocide.

The helpless yukmen were no match for the blademaster, and he grinned as he headed forward, his dual blades flashing in the air as they laid waste to the landspawns. Flux energies jumped up and down continuously, powering specific muscle groups in his body as he juggled the flow of djed throughout, granting him what would seem to be supernatural speed and power in every step, and in every move.

He thought about the times when he had to sacrifice a fixed amount of something for another thing, but those times were past. He had learned enough of flux to understand that this exchange was still in place, but one could essentially boost all areas by exchanging parts that were not in use for parts that were in use. By juggling this concept continually, he would reign supreme in all aspects of the physical body.

It took little time as the scholar waded his way across ever larger piles of yukmen bodies. His blades cut through the toughened landspawn as though they were mere paper, as if he were a twenty-foot giant boasting immeasurable strength. Yet, he was like a sure-footed Okomo in his movement, dancing and twirling as he struck forth with measured vengeance.

This was a genocide.
Image
NOTICE: I am currently mostly inactive til August. As such, guild activities are temporarily halted (watch out for major revamps, changes and organizations when I'm back in full force). Any activity with Eri will be rather slow as well, but I am slowly readjusting back to "Mizahar life", so to speak, so do PM me if we have a thread that I left hanging and we'll talk.



"You must be one hardcore scholar, Eri." (Laszlo)
First winner of the prestigious Mirage's No Kill Medal.
User avatar
Eridanus
It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!
 
Posts: 1893
Words: 1312082
Joined roleplay: October 24th, 2011, 2:03 am
Location: Sylira
Race: Ethaefal
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Scrapbook
Plotnotes
Medals: 8
Featured Character (1) Overlored (1)
One Thousand Posts! (1) One Million Words! (1)
Extreme Scrapbooker (1) 2012 Mizahar NaNo Winner (1)
2011 Mizahar NaNo Winner (1) 2011 Top NaNo Word Count (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Markus Andres on September 10th, 2012, 3:35 pm

Thoughts were a luxury in combat. Everything was decided in instants. From heartbeat to heartbeat. Markus’ own raced as adrenaline connected with his bloodsteam. Making everything go quicker. His natural fear of death was kept hidden behind a dour determination. Every direction he was surrounded by monsters. Their wicked, inhuman appearance made Markus feel something different than fear. Hate and excitement. Battle was glorious!

Markus did not have any plans for conserving energy. He either broke through or he did not. He was a diversion. A time giver. Not a war party. Conserving energy would be foolish. He was to create a swathe of destruction so wicked that the creatures were split in two. He more than happily obliged.

So the bastard blade swung. The distance to the creature had been gauged. The power in the swing unrelenting. The beast paltry defense broke as the stick split in two. The top of the blade slid across the face of the beast. Cutting a deep line. Tearing its face a part. The creature fell with a vicious howl, then a gurgle. Markus was carried fast forward.

Despite the grisly death, the next in line did not falter. They tried to step in the way, but the powerful warhorse smashed right through them and they were blown to either side. Markus thrust his sword forward. Nicking one of them in the jugular as he passed. Beast would die from blood loss in moments. Moments filled with agony.

In the distance, he heard horns. In the vicinity, Imass. Both made him smile a grim smile. Markus joined in his powerful shout.

”FORWARD!” He echoed the fellow knight, voice full of energy. More things to slay forward. It was a great morale booster and perhaps make the creatures fear the duo even further. He had never felt as truly alive as he did then.

Markus leaned forward. Swung his shield down and blocked an attack against the neck of the powerful mare between his legs. The shield absorbed the powerful blow with ease. He did not like that they had dared attack his horse directly. It just made him even angrier and he bashed out with the shield. Unfortunately it barely missed the beast as the horse carried on.

"YEAAA!"

Markus independent right arm swung down. Cutting deep into the bridge of a creatures nose. Breaking it and blinding the beast. As Markus got up on his seat again, his eyes went wide as instincts had him raise the shield. The blow was heavy. Far heavier than Markus had expected. He was pushed back in the saddle. A flash of searing pain as Markus own shield cut a gash just above his left eyebrow. Markus could feel warm blood ooze out of the wound. Markus bit his teeth together as he forcefully bashed out with the shield. The stick flying away and Markus was angry that the horse brought him away from that petching beast. But he had other things to worry about. As not getting thrown from the horse.

The warhorse trampled a filthy beast. Markus’ shield hand grabbed the reigns to not throw him off. He could hear the crunch as she crushed the beast's chest beneath her hooves. It brought a smile to his lips. Markus could feel blood getting in his left eye. So he closed it. Effectively removing the advantage, not wearing a helmet had provided.

"CARVE A PATH!"

A creature on the right swung high. Perfectly mimicking the action of the previous beast. This time, however, Markus was prepared. The attack was telegraphed. Obviously so. Markus could see through the attack, even with one eye.

With what could be described as a mere flick of his wrist and arm, the blade cut deep into the exposed ribs of the creature. He angled his shield so the blow would be deflected and redirected rather than absorbed. Simple, but effective tactic. Useful against powerful opponents who telegraphed their attack way a head of themselves. Markus saw how well the creatures could mimic things around for them. For he swore that the next creature in line attained a level imitation that was unparalleled.

The wicked creature came in sight. It seemed eager for death. Markus viciously chopped the blade down. The skull parting in two for the steel. The creature splendidly mimicked its brethren in death. Markus could see the end of the army. They were almost through the army. He could feel the toll on his physique, his breath a little laboured. Training was one thing, actual battle was something else entirely. Especially when he did not try to conserve energy at all. But he did not pay it any heed. He wanted to destroy more. Kill more.

Markus turned his head and saw a creature on his left strike at him. Markus twisted his upper body. Deflected the attack with a shield bash. The blade was thrust deep into the soft spot just above the torso. A quick, accurate stab and withdraw. For then he shifted, torso twisted and swung the sword in a powerful backhand. Cutting deep into a neck on the other side of the horse until stopped by the spine. Markus was carried fast by the creature, and as fate would have it, clear of the army. Not a single monster in sight. It felt a little disappointing to the battle loving squire. Perhaps he could split the army even further. A smile crossed his bloodied face. Some of it his own, some of it not. Markus hardly cared.
Last edited by Markus Andres on October 3rd, 2012, 8:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Image
User avatar
Markus Andres
The OTK
 
Posts: 1220
Words: 1104443
Joined roleplay: September 14th, 2010, 7:43 pm
Location: Zeltiva/Sunberth
Race: Human
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Journal
Medals: 3
Featured Character (1) Trailblazer (1)
Overlored (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Imass on October 3rd, 2012, 8:43 pm

His sword came down on the Yukman's chest. His mighty cleave hacked the monster above the solar-plex in horizontal fashion. Imass used the momentum from his horse and all his strength to smash the target. He made no attempt to actually cut or saw at the monster, for such a devastating hack from a broadsword would leave the creature help less regardless.

Ser Markus Andres yelled a scream of motivation back at Imass and continued to push forward. The young man was fighting away like a hero whose very saddle was burning ferociously from beneath him. The valiant knight fought with such great skill and pleasure, it motivated Imass to fight harder.

The Knight glanced back in front of him. The warhorse continued to hustle forward. It was difficult for Imass to keep balance with so much things going on in front of him. All he could do was squeeze the saddle as hard as possible with his legs and tighten his abdomen. There was no time to think, his mind was racing.

He swung his longsword again from overhead as he rode through the countless Yukman about him. It was impossible to anticipate the attacks and movements of all the ranks of enemies. All that the Knight could do was swing at every single creature he saw. They were weak and stupid so it was easy enough; hacking, smashing, and trampling over them with righteous flurry. Even though Imass was a green warrior, he was doing absolutely amazing considering the circumstances.

Yukman rushed onto his horse only to be trampled. The Akalak felt his sword smash the skull of a creature. Unnatural life blood sprayed him in the face. The horse reined up again, Imass grabbed the saddle horn with his shield arm in order to stay on. He leaned forward and stood on the saddle straps as much as possible. It felt like he was going to fall. He brought his sword down again, hitting a monster who had crawling up the side of his horse. He felt a barge of attacks come from his left flank. Imass relied on instinct and ducked behind his shield until the horse was down again.

The Knight was quickly getting overwhelmed by Yukman. They were swarming around his horse like insects in a hive. The warrior reached over his torso and slashed at a Yukman that had jumped on the neck of his horse. The warhorse brayed and began to fight back. His horse started to bite, snap, and swing its body. At this point Imass had very little control of his horse, he just needed to hang on for dear life and keep hacking away. That would be his only survival.

Suddenly Ser Markus bellowed. The Akalak’s sweat sheered face and frantic eye turned to see that his comrade had found a way through. There was a path in the ranks of Yukman. Imass had only one choice: force his way to Markus and carve a path out.

“HIYAAAHHHHH!”

Imass would need to use all his energy and desperation to get out of the situation. He felt dark hands clasp his leg and begin to drag him off his horse. He swung his shield downwards, not once, not twice, but trice in order to get free. He chopped with his right arm haphazardly. There was not much use for technique or strategy in this situation, he just had to swing as hard and as fast as possible. His mind was in frantic fear as he swung away. Hatred filled his core, but fear overwhelmed him.

The Yukman thinned just enough for Imass to break free. His shield arm felt shattered and his legs bruised. He raced hard to Ser Markus’ position and cut free from the pack. The two knight where once again side by side. Imass hacked again and again, trying to time his blows, but he missed many times in his exhaustion. He was beginning to lose energy, but he would not stop until his body failed him completely.

Without words, he nodded at Markus as they cut through the last of lines, but suddenly he felt his body lurch from under him. It was as if his whole body jolted. The treacherous under footing, plus the horse’s exhaustion suddenly caught up to the knight. The Horse got stopped by the last rank in the Yukman line, which devoured the beast as Imass went flying in the air.

There was a loud thud as the armored Imass hit the floor. There was a flash of white light from the impact and a moment later the Akalak had opened his eyes only to see mud and grass: he had fallen on his face!

That being said though, the Yukaman host was not very smart and completely leaderless. Their lines were broken and they were completely confused. Markus and Imass had maybe a minute breather at this point.

Imass stumbled to his feet and tried his best to get in a stance. His vision was blurry and he couldn’t stand straight, but by the will of Yahal he blurted out, “To the horse Ser Andres! To my mount!” Hopefully, Markus would help Imass remount.
User avatar
Imass
Veteran of the Sahova Campaign
 
Posts: 708
Words: 431651
Joined roleplay: June 19th, 2012, 4:35 am
Race: Akalak
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Journal
Plotnotes
Medals: 3
Featured Thread (1) Trailblazer (1)
Overlored (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Eridanus on October 4th, 2012, 2:29 am

Image
The knights were engaged in their own battle behind him as the vantha took on half of the horde on his own. The yukmen started off slow and weak, making him feel like he was a farmer clearing pests from a field rather than a warrior exacting death on the battlefield. His blades cleaved through their mud hides easily, not even meeting resistance. It was like taking candy from a child, and so he focused on maximum efficiency. Leaving little for defence, he placed his attention on offence, slaying the creatures quickly and efficiently as piles of bodies began to pile around him.

However, slow but surely, they began to get smarter. They began to use his own techniques against him. That forced him to reduce his reliability on offence and to invest more on defence. Slowly but surely, the level of difficulty increased as the yukmen's racial ability activated, their mimicry synergizing with their hive mind\-like tendencies.

That meant that he had to kick it up a notch. Tapping the back of his neck, the bladesmaster activated the latent energies of Evantia. The divine aura spread from his body, though at the moment he could not take in the entire battlefield without risking being overwhelmed. He could only focus on an opponent or two, which is fine for he directed the aura at whoever he was attacking.

The yukmen blocked an oncoming slash like it already knew what the scholar was doing, but Evantia warned him and he swerved his blade at the last minute, cleaving through the creature. The remaining yukmen were beginning to surround the vantha, mimicking the formations of the Syliran Knights from the other half the horde. A nearby one struck at him with an oddly shaped arm reminiscent of a poorly made stance. But still a stance recognizable to be a crude form of the Suvan-Denvali Swordsmanship Style.

They learn too fast!

As he turned to cut that one down with several alternative strikes of his blade, the warrior snarled, "Creatures such as you are not allowed to defile the honor of this style. Behold the punishment for your transgression!"

Eridanus activated the dam that kept the djed strands within his body secure, releasing a flush of flux energies that allowed him to redirect and jump the astral rivers in his soul. Pushing them up to his arms, he further redirected the flux energies to separate muscle groups simultaneously, strengthening the core parts of his arm without sacrificing too much from the rest of his body. It blocked the attack with a defensive stance that was now more well-made, but it was using stone to block steel. It was stone to block steel enhanced by unnatural strength.

It did not work.

The blade cut through the valterric's arm and into its body, cleanly bisecting it as both sections quivered and fell to the ground. Yet the vantha was no longer paying attention to it, already turning his attention to his other foes as Evantia and flux worked in an integrated manner to dispose of his foes.

The remaining enemies in his half of the horde became stronger exponentially, but their growth in strength was too late for it could not keep up with magic and the divine support from Wysar. The adrenaline boost from the battle almost doubled his strength, and the acrobatic style of his combat form meant that severe physical conditioning was required to even hope to pull it off.

The yukmen may have learned his style through mimicry, but their bodies could not handle the strength and stamina required to pull it off. As he eradicated the survivors, one of them wobbled as it attempted to dodge a slash by doing backflip on its palms that it witnessed the scholar doing before. It failed and crashed, causing a harsh laugh to emanate from the warrior. There was no mercy as he cut the creature down in its comically failed state.

The last of the survivors at his side neutralized, he turned to see Imass fly through the air as his horse encountered difficulties. Cursing to himself, he channeled flux energies to his legs as he sped up, running in the direction of his friend. When he was close, he leaped up into the air, leg muscles boosted by unnatural strength, causing him to fly like an arrow through the air and landing in a clean tumble as he recovered beside the knight.

Already, instructions were coming to mind as he gathered djed from his body. Releasing the astral resource before his palms, he suddenly impacted all the djed into a solid wall that would protect him and Imass, his mind immediately commanding the shield to task against biological interruption. The yukman that almost struck Imass was blocked by the shield, though its attempts destroyed the spontaneous and poorly made djed construct. Still, hopefully it bought enough time for Imass to recover and to strike back, for there was not enough time for the scholar to strike down the yukman before its second attack towards the akalak.
Image
NOTICE: I am currently mostly inactive til August. As such, guild activities are temporarily halted (watch out for major revamps, changes and organizations when I'm back in full force). Any activity with Eri will be rather slow as well, but I am slowly readjusting back to "Mizahar life", so to speak, so do PM me if we have a thread that I left hanging and we'll talk.



"You must be one hardcore scholar, Eri." (Laszlo)
First winner of the prestigious Mirage's No Kill Medal.
User avatar
Eridanus
It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!
 
Posts: 1893
Words: 1312082
Joined roleplay: October 24th, 2011, 2:03 am
Location: Sylira
Race: Ethaefal
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Scrapbook
Plotnotes
Medals: 8
Featured Character (1) Overlored (1)
One Thousand Posts! (1) One Million Words! (1)
Extreme Scrapbooker (1) 2012 Mizahar NaNo Winner (1)
2011 Mizahar NaNo Winner (1) 2011 Top NaNo Word Count (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Talulah on October 10th, 2012, 6:24 pm

"Shyke shyke shyke!!" Talullah shouted, though she doubted anyone could hear her over everything that was going on. She had the Syliran army on one side of her and a bunch of yukmen on the other side. She had no idea what was going on or who was winning the battle. "What do I do?!" she thought frantically. Her thoughts immediatly went to the wellbeing of her horse, however, when she heard her Strider whinnying in panic and confusion. She looked around and saw her horse behind the army. She sheathed her sword and used her small body to help her slip through the horses, whispering reassuringly to them if they got frightened by her. She ignored all the questions directed toward her and soon made her to Jewel.

"It's ok girl." Talulah cooed gently, feeling guilty for sending her off on her own. But as she started to get onto the saddle, the already frightened horse was spooked by a yukmen that had ventured too close. Though the creature was quickly killed by the other knights, Talulah fell off Jewel as she galloped away from the battle. "Jewel!" Talulah yelled but the Strider kept moving and she ran after her. She only caught up with her when she stopped at large, steep, rocky hill. She heard squawking in the rocks and when she tried climbed up to look, a large, vulture-like bird rose into the air above her. Talulah immediatly dropped to the ground again then grinned as an idea came to mind. She picked up rocks and shoved as many as she could into her crude pockets then mounted Jewel.

She gulped and threw a rock at the hill, aiming for where she thought she heard birds. She threw them as quickly as she could and then dug her heels into Jewel's side and rode as fast as she could back toward the battle, the birds hot on her trail. She turned around every now and then to toss some rocks to make sure they kept following her. "SHYKE!! EWWWWW! PETCHING BIRD!!" she shouted as she felt a warm substance with chunks of unidentified...meaty bits in it hit her back and get in her hair. She rode directly through the yukmen when she got to them, avoiding injury only thanks to the element of surprise and the birds. The yukman luckily got distracted by the squawking, puking birds and batted at them, which only angered them and caused them to start clawing at the yukmen. Talulah panted as she reached the wagon and stopped to look back to see the chaos she had caused.
Last edited by Talulah on October 18th, 2012, 2:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
They say stubborness...

Image
...Is a curse...

Text
"Common"
"Pavi"
"Thinking"
User avatar
Talulah
Player
 
Posts: 79
Words: 29551
Joined roleplay: May 24th, 2012, 4:18 pm
Race: Human, Drykas
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Scrapbook

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Markus Andres on October 11th, 2012, 9:40 pm

Markus would be reminded of the grim consequences of war as he turned the horse to face the horde. To face his stalwart companion with a smile.

”NO!”

His smile stiffled. For his brave companion fell before his eye. Flying through the air. Markus let out a howl of anguish. He spurred the powerful steed between his legs. Hardly a thought into what he had planned. Only that death was on his mind.

There was someone closer to the knight though, something human. Trying to protect the body, Markus pressed his horse harder. A beast attacked the body. But – it was stopped? … Midair… By something Markus did not know what was. But the second strike would never happen. Markus’ blade easily cleaved off the disgusting beast’s arm that was raised to strike. A follow-up backhanded chop into the back of the creature’s neck sent it to the ground, dead. He turned to face the mage. About to give him a mouthful of hate for abandoning the carts, but then he saw Imass rise. He felt quite relieved and his anger was forgotten for the moment. Hearing the knight, Markus knew he had to help the knight. His honour and pride demanded it.

”Ser Imass!” Markus said as he dismounted quickly. ”Mount my horse and ride straight, no beasts there. I will get your horse. You, mage, PROTECT HIM!”

Markus turned to face the conflict. It was not hard to spot the horse. As a beast flew far away from the powerful hind legs. But Markus heart wavered for a moment as he saw the horde from the ground. Seemed much larger and much more imposing. From horseback, he had felt on top of the world. Capable to take on the horde. But from down here. He did not feel so certain. He took a deep breath, straightened his back and calmed his nerves the best he could. By reminding himself of his duty. Before he put himself into a full out sprint towards the spot the horse was at. It had moved further into the horde. But Markus had promised he would get it, and he was not one to back down from his words. Still, their constant ’Yuk’ sounds was getting to him. He let out a defiant shout to dispel any lingering fear or doubt.

”FOR SYLIRAS!”

A pair of beasts turned to face the charging and shouting knight. Markus ran directly into the first, shield leading. The impact was brutal. Even to Markus' armoured self. Throwing the bewildered creature to the ground with the shield charge. Markus’ sword swung out in a powerful backhand. It slashed open the jugular and main artery of the second beast. The beast ceased its constant ’yuk’ sounds- quite the relief. Markus’ heavy foot stomped down on the back of the beast he had thrown to the ground. As it struggled to not join its comrade, Markus pierced the beast’s disgustingly dirty skin with the bastard. Taking care not to hit any of the embedded rocks. The bastard pierced right through the back and into the right lung. It did not struggle for long. It too ceased the annoying 'yuk' sounds.

Markus did not stay to witness its death throes. He had a duty to his friend. He continued into the fray with his sword cutting into the meaty beasts. Markus turned his head and saw in the nick of time a creature strike from the enormous blind spot he had on the left side. Markus stepped back with his right foot, lifted his shield and spun his torso as the creature’s paltry weapon connected with his shield, before Markus’ shield gave way on the right side, leading its weapon away from Markus. The creature’s weapon slid harmlessly off and hit the ground. Markus crossed his right arm with the left on the inside of the shield and from this, odd angle, slashed into the exposed right side of the beast. His blade slashing open the side of the neck, Markus turned the wrist as he made contact. Twisting the sword, creating a wider wound. Blood gushed out as Markus pulled his blade back. Cutting deeper. As the coup de grace ,Markus stepped into the beast and knocked it to the ground with his shield and he advanced over the writhing creature.

It would die soon enough.

His blade flashed to the right. Blocked a Yukman’s swipe with its arm. The block passed right through the attacking limb. Cutting off several fingers before it continued into the chest of the Yukman, not enough to kill it. Enough to stun it and incapacitate it. Better than nothing. Markus had not the time to finish the beast. He continued forward.

Markus was starting to feel the fire burn in his lungs and muscles as exhaustion started to take its toll. But he could not stop now. He had to press on. Markus did not bother with feigns against such creatures. His tactic was simple. Strike fast and hard. Markus stepped over the dead beast and another beast swung at him, Markus, ironically, mimicked the creature. Markus shield’ absorbed the blow. The creatures shoulder did not absorb Markus’ attack and he cut deep into its torso. Markus felt something hard hit the side of his head. Markus could tell it was not a real strike, for then his brain would have been bashed completely. Markus struck quick and hard with the inside edge of his shield in a forward punch as he withdrew with the blade. Slicing deeper into the meaty shoulder, as well as punching the beast in the middle of its stupid face. He heard something break. It made him feel good and sick at the same time. He looked to the ground and saw what had hit him. The beast's stick had broken off against Markus' shield and flown into his face from the impact. - His shield stance had been improper. Markus silently cursed his unusable left eye.

Second time Markus lamented the fact he wore no helmet. Markus realized how foolish he had been in his method. He had been bogged down by the many small and insignificant skirmishes, when he should instead just have blasted through them and completed his mission. A tactic he would be implementing right away. For the fighting was too chaotic for Markus to keep up. Every time he advanced a beast came and he defended himself and left a gashing wound upon the attacker. Each time a new one just appeared to replace the one defeated.

Markus pulled his blade free and sheathed it as he turned to run towards the horse. Pushing the monsters aside with his shield. He made sure to come from an angle where he would not be met with hooves. Markus had managed to get to the horse, who was kicking with his hind legs. Blasting disgusting Yukmen back. Tumbling over several other Yukmen as they flew into those behind them. It bought valuable time and gave Markus a free moment.

”Easy now, boy! Easy!”

Perhaps the horse recognized a knight. Perhaps Markus was a horse whisperer. Markus did not know the reason, but he did not receive a kick to the face. With a single, luckily placed step into the stirrup, he swung himself over the horse’s back. Seated in the saddle, the horse seemed to respond to him. Well trained horse. Trained for battle. Trained for knights.

”FORWARD!”

Responding quickly to his new rider, the horse rode forward. Markus tried his best to steer the horse away from any clusters of enemies. The side of Markus’ head was stinging really bad. He had been lucky that it was a broken off piece. Or Markus would probably have had a cracked skull. The brave horse brought him clear of the battle. Markus' breath was heavy. He was just happy to be out of that mess. He was covered in blood from the many creatures he had felled. But also with his own blood. He was just glad to be free of the thick of battle. With only one good eye and a headache that could wake the dead, he rode on. Once he spotted the mage, if he was not in the fray of battle, he would yell to him.

”Mage, if you are able, torch the group behind me!” He ordered, he recalled the mage having conjured fire earlier. It would be quite useful. ”If you need time, then don’t bother and just get out of here before they overrun us.” They were far too many for them to handle, just the three of them.
Last edited by Markus Andres on February 3rd, 2013, 8:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Image
User avatar
Markus Andres
The OTK
 
Posts: 1220
Words: 1104443
Joined roleplay: September 14th, 2010, 7:43 pm
Location: Zeltiva/Sunberth
Race: Human
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Journal
Medals: 3
Featured Character (1) Trailblazer (1)
Overlored (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Imass on October 18th, 2012, 1:49 am

The world was a blur of time and space. The sounds and smell of battle was all that guided the Knight now. Lifting his steel plate visor, he took the reins from Markus and followed his directions on point. Imass was not in a condition to argue with Andres; he would need to have faith in his comrade. Just as quickly as Markus had arrived he had left to join Lord Eridanus in the battle.

"Gods'speed Markus! For Sylir!" was all Imass could manage to say as his comrade went back into the fray.

Alone once again, the Knight placed a trembling foot on one of the stirrups. He could hear the Son of Leth and Ser Andres scream battle cries amongst the nasty hum of Yuk-man. Although the scene of the battle was only forty yards away right now, no opponent appeared to fight the blue-knight. Still holding onto his blade he reached up a gauntleted hand to grab the horn of the saddle. Hoisting himself up, the Knight tried to swing an armor leg over the mount. One moment it seemed like he had enough momentum to swing over, but he quickly found himself falling again. His armored boot remained stuck in the stirrup though, so it was pure comedy to see him flail around on the floor and scramble to get back up.

The horse whined loudly. It felt the battle ensuing and was eager to rejoin. Imass on the other hand was dazed, confused, and stumbling. After a good ten seconds Imass found himself on his feet. The full plate armor had made it difficult to mount in his altered state of conscience. Markus' warhorse was a smart one though and understood Imass needed to mount him. It knelt down and Imass easily swung over it this time. The horse brayed and stood up strongly, jolting Imass.

His head was beginning to clear now, but it was apparent he had received a concussion to the head. Reeling the horse in a quick circle, he gazed at the scene. The Syliran host was charging and would soon be upon the Yukman. Eridanus and Markus only needed to hold them off for a few more seconds before the calvery came. The charging Knights made an uproarious sound that made Imass' hairs stand up. The anticipation of the clash made him shiver in excitement. Adrenaline started pumping through his body and his senses were coming back in full effect now. Markus Andres was on his horse now and had left a trial of dead Yukman behind him. Eridanus was slaying so many Yukman it was like music to Imass. The battle would soon be coming to a conclusion.

Just as Imass drew his sword to re-join the conflict, he saw something off on the north hills that caught his eye. Running up the hill was the little woman from before. She was chasing her horse up a steep rocky hill. From her vantage point she couldn't see it, but coming from over the ridge was a bunch of birds. The girl did the most insane thing and threw a rock at them. She began to gallop back to the battle.

Imass took a deep breath and dug his spurs into the horses' flank. He needed to warn Markus and Eridanus. Riding back into battle Imass would take the opportunity to slay Yukman as he went. Without wasting his horses' stride, he swung his broadsword down on a Yukman's back. He felt his blade hit flesh and rock for but a moment, before he dragged his sword across his back using the momentum of his mount. The wound was massive and the Yukman fell.

Another monster crossed Imass' path as he rode, but he was easily trampled by the horse; the Knight almost fell out of the horse again at the disruption, but instead he clenched as tightly as possible to the animal's sides. A Yukman flung its body at Imass' shield arm. The Akalak saw this coming ahead of time, so he cocked his shield and punched right as the beast flanged itself up. The rim on his shield met the beast in the crown. Imass felt its bones shattered under his shield arm, and then it disappeared out of sight forever.

After cutting down another Yukman, Imass finally reached Markus' location. At this moment the charging Knights hit the mass of Yukman and the slaying continued. The Knight pointed a gauntleted hand at Talulah who was some hundred yards away by now, "Gods damn it! More Wild creatures! They attack our rear! Forget these Yukman our fight is up there!" He said these words to both Eridanus and Markus Andres.

"Sylir wills it!!" The battle was all but over and already Imass, Markus, and Eridanus were drenched in blood and mud. It was pure grisliness incarnate. Luckily for them, the encounter was only simple Yukman. Now the opponent was far more dangerous. Not to mention there was a fair maiden to save as well.
User avatar
Imass
Veteran of the Sahova Campaign
 
Posts: 708
Words: 431651
Joined roleplay: June 19th, 2012, 4:35 am
Race: Akalak
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Journal
Plotnotes
Medals: 3
Featured Thread (1) Trailblazer (1)
Overlored (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Eridanus on February 10th, 2013, 3:31 pm

Image
"I need time!" Eridanus shouted apologetically back to Markus when the knight demanded him to conjure fire. He was not a proficient enough reimancer to the point where he dared to use fire in an actual combat situation. It was far more prudent to utilize that djed in the Flux that he was much more confident of. Fortunately, the knight understood his inability and yelled for him to escape.

Yet, there was no need to. Though his body was beginning to degrade from optimal combat efficiency, the joy of combat continued to sustain him. It was the sort of savage, brutal joy that only warriors understood. That only slayers understood. That was the kind of connection that brought him in line with Myri, and was probably why the Goddess of War might have a little soft spot for him.

He was no warrior. Not in this situation. He was a butcher, slaying the Yukmen horde as if they were children or cattle. They began to improve through Mimicry, no doubt, but it was futile to attempt to follow his combat style - one would even say counterproductive. They lacked the physical conditioning, battle experience and appropriate magical skills that were all essential to his mixed form of fighting.

"The cavalry approacheth!" The vantha grinned as he planted yet another boot on an incoming Yukmen who was attempting to copy what Eridanus did earlier in a backhand swing. Charging forward, the warrior slammed several more kicks into that Yukman's chest, stumbling it into the claws of another Yukman behind and with a lightning quick movement he impaled both valterrics as if he were using a rapier. Momentarily they were valterric shish-kebab, then the blade withdrew and they fell senseless.

The stench of mud and blood was beginning to get overpowering, yet Eridanus was changing. In the heat of battle, he was recalling back to easier, simpler times. Times when everything was settled merely with a blade, with no need for discussions, morals or any higher order thinking. Enemies existed to be murdered, and that was all.

With a rumble, the knights clashed onto the horde, and even an idiot could tell that the battle was soon to be over. The vantha himself had dispatched at least a third to half of the horde on his own, and the footmen role of the Yukmen were ill-equipped to fight against the stampede that was the Syliran calvary.
Image
NOTICE: I am currently mostly inactive til August. As such, guild activities are temporarily halted (watch out for major revamps, changes and organizations when I'm back in full force). Any activity with Eri will be rather slow as well, but I am slowly readjusting back to "Mizahar life", so to speak, so do PM me if we have a thread that I left hanging and we'll talk.



"You must be one hardcore scholar, Eri." (Laszlo)
First winner of the prestigious Mirage's No Kill Medal.
User avatar
Eridanus
It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!
 
Posts: 1893
Words: 1312082
Joined roleplay: October 24th, 2011, 2:03 am
Location: Sylira
Race: Ethaefal
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Scrapbook
Plotnotes
Medals: 8
Featured Character (1) Overlored (1)
One Thousand Posts! (1) One Million Words! (1)
Extreme Scrapbooker (1) 2012 Mizahar NaNo Winner (1)
2011 Mizahar NaNo Winner (1) 2011 Top NaNo Word Count (1)

The Trials and Tribulations of Overland Travel (Closed)

Postby Markus Andres on February 13th, 2013, 7:43 pm

Markus nodded grimly to the mage and understood the need to escape. But the mage did not turn to get away. Instead, he massacred the Yukmen en masse. He was awestruck seeing the mage wield those swords and carving through the enemies like they were not there. He could not retreat. Not now. He took a deep breath to focus himself. He focused on what djed he could muster at such a short notice into his large arm and shoulders. Reinvigorating them as he turned the warhorse and charged forward. Smashing into their disorganized ranks. Birds following that strange woman helped to create a very chaotic mess.

"FOR SYLIR!"

Naught but a gurgle could be heard as the Yukman tried to draw its last breath. Blood gushed out from the wide gap in its throat. The blade was withdrawn from its throat and hacked away at another one. He was not as well attuned with Imass' horse, but they still made a formidable team. Intelligent creature, beast of war, no doubt. Markus swung down hard and a creature face was torn in half. Out the corner of his right eye, he saw a creature approach from behind. He instinctively clenched his thighs together and pressed both feet against the horses stomach and said the command he hoped all Syliran horses had been trained to understand.

"Kick!"

For a brief moment he wondered if Imass' horse had been taught that. A moment later, the entire horse made a violent motion and Markus found out. The Yukman behind him flew back with grievous wounds. He had felt pressure against the shield and as he turned his head with the push. He noticed the creature pressing against his shield. Trying to strike around it. Markus bit his teeth together and with tremendous effort pushed the creature back. As it was about to move in to attack again. Markus spun his upper body and reached across the horse. Stabbed his blade down at its exposed throat. A rock embedded in its skin redirected the stab. Rather than a quick death, Markus' blade went deep into the creatures left shoulder. Permanently crippling the creature. His metal covered boot stomped the creature in the chest. Forcing it back and aiding Markus in pulling free his blade. He heard the mages yell. The cavalry was here, literally. But it was not over. Not yet. A creatures punch went by his defence and struck him in the side. The plate protected him from any harm. Markus hammered the sword straight down. The pommel of the sword cracking open the skull. The creature stumbled away and Markus followed up with a vicious backhand. His flux fueled arm cutting halfway into its skull before his sword got stuck. A swift kick in the chest of the Yukman and Markus pulled the blade free. He looked around. His good eye desperately looking for more enemies.

And that. Was it. At least for Markus. Some distant yuks could still be heard, but knights soon ended those. Markus part of the battle was over. His sword went into the air in a triumphant posture. Powerful arms piercing the air as his voice bellowed "VICTORY!" This battle at least. He looked to the wagon. The girl was there. With her horse. He sighed with relief. He looked to Imass, also unharmed. The Akalak could probably have wrestled half the horde down with his massive size. But his eye finally settled on the Vantha mage. He had impressed Markus, his ability with the blade was unparalleled, even to Markus. But, he had disobeyed a direct order from Markus. That made his blood boil with fury. He sheathed his sword and dismounted.

"You, mage! What the shyke are you doing out here? I ordered you to guard the people by the wagon! Don't you ever disobey a direct order like that again or abandon your petching duty in a battle. You are lucky that none of them were harmed, or this would have gone much different!" Markus voice dripped with unbridled fury. He spun around as he was done and didn't allow the mage a word in return. He would not listen to his excuses. He found Imass' horse and waved to Imass when he saw the huge Akalak. "Ser Imass! A battle well fought!" He called out while searching for a superior officer to report to.
Image
User avatar
Markus Andres
The OTK
 
Posts: 1220
Words: 1104443
Joined roleplay: September 14th, 2010, 7:43 pm
Location: Zeltiva/Sunberth
Race: Human
Character sheet
Storyteller secrets
Journal
Medals: 3
Featured Character (1) Trailblazer (1)
Overlored (1)

PreviousNext

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest