samuel
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Post by samuel on Jan 10, 2009 0:00:15 GMT -5
It was a relatively strange sight and seemed to set beasts at a slight unease. He pulled a cart behind him with numerous weapons and armor in its confines. Spear heads, javelin tips, and sword hilts protruded from the top making it quite obvious what sort of cargo was being transported. The animal was a red fox. Tunden Riversprout wasn't of any significant build or brilliant colors, but there seemed to be an atmosphere about him of confidence and intelligence. He wore a simple leather jerkin, but more notable was the sheathed arming sword at his side. In its polished leather sheath and nearly flawless craftsmanship, it was beautiful in a very efficient, chilling way. It had no ornaments or gems but only well tempered steel. The fox's paw unconsciously felt the curved steel pommel and black leather grip as if an intimately acquainted friend. Indeed, he and the blade had good experience together in combat. Out of all his weapons, he had used his arming sword the most; it was quite suitable for armored or unarmored combat, and worked well with a shield.
Tunden continued on up the path observing the woodlands surrounding him. He had passed through a land called Southsward, but the creatures there had reluctantly informed him that they had no work for a warrior. He had pressed on to the North towards the land called Mossflower. Tunden wished to teach, but it was likely he would have to make a name for himself in battle first in order to gain students. While passing through Southsward, he had heard of two places: Redwall and Salamandastron. Perhaps he could find a cause or master to pledge his sword to at one of these places.
In the mean time, he continued up the path not knowing what the future held for him. Perhaps he would meet some goodbeasts on the road; perhaps evil beasts would threaten him; perhaps someone would need his help; or perhaps nothing at all would happen. While in a somewhat awkward situation, Tunden was still prepared for anything.
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Jan 10, 2009 1:02:32 GMT -5
A long distance away. There was a scout patrol which was really made up of about seven cats in black or pine green roman-style tunics or shirts with vambraces of bronze and breastplates of solid steel, although one did wear a black coat. They were all armed with swords, daggers and more importantly, their bows and quivers. Their most favorite and important weapon.
The reason why they were here? As scouts of course. They had been checking up the lay of the land and places and areas like Redwall and places where barbaric tribes were known to camp at. Secretly spying on them from a distance for any signs of uncomfort or any sign of easy profit by raiding. Though more importantly they were scouting for any sign of Long Patrol. Long Patrol is considered a huge threat to their leader. A king of a island known as the Marlfox Isle. But they really didn't understand why, because most beasts thought the fox had been either killed in the woods by barbaric tribes, woodlanders or killed by they themselves. Little did the beasts of Mossflower know that the Bowcats are actually under the grey fox's command!
They seven cats had taken a break by the path and were drinking some water,eating the flesh off the legs of birds and overall, resting up to continue their scouting routine.
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Garret Strife
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Can I... Can I have the last cupcake?
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Post by Garret Strife on Jan 10, 2009 1:52:04 GMT -5
((I'm thinking of a way to introduce his abilities. Without killing somebeast important.))
Dante Shandow stalked through the woodlands. He was now in mossflower. Nearer than ever before to his mark: Garret G. Strife. He'd been on this trek for months. I'll kill him slowly. He wasn't supposed to be this distant. Why, I'll... who is this? I the distance, he could see the column of smoke from a small fire. Maybe somebeast who could lead me to the abbey? That would make my job THAT much easier.
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samuel
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Post by samuel on Jan 10, 2009 3:19:28 GMT -5
((Well, I saw your post in the chatbox. Don't worry about it ;D I said anyone could join right? OK so let's get this going. I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen or how our characters will meet, but Tunden will just keep traveling down the path until something happens. I suppose that Dante Shadow is probably headed towards the scout party; however, it could just be NPCs or something since Cole didn't really mention a fire... That's up to you guys. I guess I'll just play it by ear. Also, about how far away are the scouts?))
With a distant look on his face, Tunden continued on step by step. He'd been traveling like this for weeks now; it was the most walking he had ever done and his paws were certainly becoming sore. His training had taught him mental discipline, to push forward and never give up. Ignoring any pain or soreness, he picked a particular tree twenty paces ahead as a short term goal. Upon reaching this goal, he would repeat over and over again.
Stoically pressing on, the fox wondered what awaited him. His legs began to mechanically move and his mind seemed to become momentarily detached from reality exploring various lines of thought. It was is if he was in a dream, as if some body was walking down a path with a cart and he was floating along in its head. Quickly coming back to reality however, he remembered that he would have to forage for some food at some point; his provisions were getting low. He never really liked foraging because it was awkward while lugging his portable armory around. Maybe he would run into some beast with food, and if so, hopefully that beast would be kind. In that train of thought, Tunden examined the surrounding woodlands. It would certainly be foolish to walk into an ambush.
And there a distance down the path was a small group of creatures. While they were too far away for him to notice much detail, Tunden thought he could make out the forms of weapons. They were relatively uniform in dress as well. Could this mean they were a successful group of bandits? Perhaps a scouting party for some army or castle? A party of warriors? He could not be sure, but they appeared to have provisions and might be able to tell him the current situation in Mossflower. This also may be quite good for Tunden; an armed party very likely meant that there was at least some work for a Beast at Arms somewhere in Mossflower.
Just to be sure, he reached back to the cart to adequately arm himself lest any trouble started. He put a bundle of javelins across his back and slipped his left arm through the straps of his kite shield. Putting a metal helm over his head, he set off. With his arming swords at his side, he was now prepared for whatever kind of combat he may face. Hopefully there would be no such trouble.
As he approached the creatures he could now identify as cats, he knew he was close enough to be seen. They had undoubtedly noticed his approach.
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Jan 11, 2009 3:50:06 GMT -5
When the seven cat party noticed the fox pulling on a cart. They at first gave him weird looks. Mainly because not many beasts walk around by themselves with a cart full of valuables, if there was any that is, so this was a rare sight indeed. When a real trade cart passes by. They would mostly leave it alone or attempt to buy things from it, which is hard to do because most of these traders are often goodbeasts who have problems with "vermin" and often drew blades on them before they could ever talk, but in this case. They might be in luck! The one in the black, knee-length coat spoke when the fox got close enough.
"Got anything for sell? Or you just managed to get out of an ambush alive with some of your valuables? Did they have black pants and wide straw hats or did they look like barbarians? Or maybe the woodlanders?"
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Garret Strife
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Can I... Can I have the last cupcake?
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Post by Garret Strife on Jan 11, 2009 16:04:33 GMT -5
Dante had drawn considerably closer, though taking a flanking approach to the right of wherever the smoke was coming from. He found himself facing a path. The lack of vegataion on it indicated frequent use, and there were some bootprints in the soil, inside the tracks of a wagon. He followed them with his eyes.
At the end of the tracks, there was a fox in light armor, and accompanying the fox was a large weapon ladden wagon. The fox was conversing with a group of what appeared to be wildcats. One of said cats glanced in his direction, and the beast's ears perked up. He's seen me. So much for scoping them out for weaponry.
He walked down the path toward the group. On his muzzle he wore a wide smile.
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samuel
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Post by samuel on Jan 12, 2009 0:45:40 GMT -5
"Got anything for sell? Or you just managed to get out of an ambush alive with some of your valuables? Did they have black pants and wide straw hats or did they look like barbarians? Or maybe the woodlanders?"
Tunden regarded the speaker. He certainly didn't seem threatening at the moment, but it was still wise to stay on guard for anything. Carefully measuring his words, he answered.
"Fortunately, I have suffered no ambush. I could perhaps sell some training weaponry, but am not a merchant. Are there many bandits about? A particular group perhaps?" He would not readily give away the fact that his provisions were low; it was unwise to reveal such a weakness so quickly even in business. If they did trade, he might get more if they didn't know he had a high demand.
He noticed one of the cats direct its attention elsewhere. Taking a quick glance over his shoulder, he noticed a smiling fox walking down the path. Turning slightly so that the newcomer was in his peripheral vision, he waited to see what would happen.
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Jan 12, 2009 2:24:08 GMT -5
The cat who spotted Dante had noticed the smile and automatically did not trust him, beasts which smiles like that usually like causing trouble. At lest that was what his conscience and gut was saying. The cat was of athletic stature and figure. In fact, all but one of the cats had that figure. The one in the coat however was more muscular and and maybe about 20 or 30 years older and much more scarred up than the younger ones. So likely he was the one pulling them around by their whiskers. In short. He was the one calling the shots because he is the one leading these cats about.
This older cat turned his head and gave a simple look at the other fox for about a full three seconds before he simply dismissed him as a threat, the other cats had noticed him now and a few more others than the first cat will keep an eye on him. All he really had to worry about was the fox in front of him, the one that looked like he came from a castle or something. If things went wrong. He wanted at lest the bigger threat to be right in front of him. This fox looked more killed in combat.
"Bandits? More like peasant army invaders, tribes and the more deadly Long Patrol. Training weapons? Does that mean your a trainer? Well I'm sorry sir but if your thinking of teaching anyone here about weaponry or how to fight. Your in the wrong place. The only beasts other than us who MIGHT talk first before attempting to kill you would be the Redwallers, but it would be a waste of time. They are 'Peaceful' creatures who shun these types of training... But... You may be in the wrong place, but your are NOT at the wrong time...."
The Older Cat hoped he got the clue on what he ment when he said 'Not at the wrong time.'
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Garret Strife
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Can I... Can I have the last cupcake?
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Post by Garret Strife on Jan 12, 2009 12:56:15 GMT -5
Dante's grin wavered, but only momentarily. He wanted to look like a drunk. Toward this end, he stumbled, and nearly tripped. He straightened, and then continued down the path, weaving back and forth, slightly. He could see that none of these creatures trusted him. That he could see in their eyes.
This was a phenomenon know as assassin's sense. Many professional contractors had the ability to instantly guage a beast's colors, from the slightest hints. Dante's father, Nearo, had been an expert at body language. He would notice things like a change in respiratory rate, and be able to tell he made the beast decidedly nervous.
Dante, of course, didn't know the ESP science of it, but he was aware of the talent, and grateful for it. He drew closer still, his strides sloppy.
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samuel
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Post by samuel on Jan 13, 2009 0:41:53 GMT -5
"Hmmm," Tunden mused; the cat seemed to be trying to imply something. "So this seems to be a land in turmoil, eh? Yes I am a trainer, but I'll gladly fight for a noble cause. Combat keeps you sharp, you know?"
Momentarily giving a strange glance at the approaching drunk, he returned the majority of his attention to the cat in the coat who was apparently the leader of the group. "I suppose you know of a place where a trainer may find work then?"
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Jan 13, 2009 18:07:44 GMT -5
The cats were not easily fooled. They saw key point on observation that proved to them the fox was not that drunk as he looked to be. First and the most noticeable flaw in the assassin's attempts they knew is the tail. It was not limp and dragging behind him. When beasts drink a lot. They start to lose control of their thinking and their ability to move their limbs correctly. Causing bad decisions, clumsiness, idiotcy, bad footing, bad aiming with a ranged weapon and eventually, loss of consciousness and their ability to stay up on their feet. What was the Assassin's biggest mistake? When beasts become drunk, the first limb that becomes limp and useless temporary until sober is the tail. Most drunk beasts have their tails dragging behind them. This proved the fox was not as "drunk" as he seemed.
Second of all. No matter what. No matter whether fellow beasts are around or not. Drunks are often slurring their speeches or sentences out loud. If a drunk was not running his mouth like that or at all. He is often either mute or he has passed out already. this further proved that the fox might not be drunk much at all.
Third. Pretending to be drunk is a stupid idea. You have a better chance at fooling your foe by acting like your blind. Most drunks are trouble and unpredictable and therefore, can be dangerous. So pretending to be a drunk would only highen the awareness and the readiness of your foes. Instead of lowering their guard or making them more easy to surprise. Pretending to be drunk is a useless move if used on smarter vermin or goodbeasts.
The older cat. Who was a sergeant (bronze vambraces with two red gems being the sign of rank) spoke. "A noble cause? Where we live at. Our cause is always noble and just. Otherwise you might have already been attacked before you ever made it this far. We had been clearing out most problem tribes and gangs. Even though our numbers are slightly stretched. "
When the fox trainer mentioned a place to work at. The cat replied with a grin. "Yes i do know of a place for beasts like you. It's a large castle where no one can find it. A secret place, but you will have to make some loyal promises and commitments..."
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Post by Karasu on Jan 14, 2009 17:27:38 GMT -5
Moonclaw was starving. The big lizard had been traveling near nonstop since leaving the wreckage of the corsair ship, living off of plants and the occasional slow bird, and that wasn't near enough. Then he saw them.
Strange beasts, unlike any in the Southlands where he hailed from, speaking amongst each other. The bigger of the beasts were feline in nature, short eared and long tailed, while the other had a canine look to it. Cats and foxes, he placed them from descriptions he had overheard from searats and other slaves.
The foxbeast was obviously no good, teetering about like a bungler, fooling noone. He stepped out of the shade of a tree to get a closer look at these strangers.
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Garret Strife
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Can I... Can I have the last cupcake?
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Post by Garret Strife on Jan 15, 2009 8:21:53 GMT -5
(Good observation, Hans. Very good indeed, you shall prove to be a worthy opponent. ) Dante noticed again the change of disposition in the eyes of the cats repeatedly glancing at him. Either they saw through the ruse, or had an extreme dislike of the alchoholic. He pondered his next action. He couldn't simply stop the act, as that would be a complete givaway, and possibly even cause him to look hostile. Then again- Wait, what was that? He'd heard a noise, a branch snapping. He looked over, and what he saw was one of the few things he'd ever seen that came close to frightening him. A massive reptile, with vicious claws, and cold, calculating eyes. He stopped in his tracks. He didn't want to be within this creature's line of sight, let alone within engagement range. He very slowly, methodically, aligned himself so that his back was to the cat group, and began walking backward, eyes fixed on the moniter. He flicked his wrist, careful to make it look as though he'd brushed something off his cloak, and continued backing away from this creature. He didn't like having the cats to his back either, but he felt less likely to be attacked by them. And far less likely to be eaten, which was what reptilian creatures did to goodbeasts and vermin alike.
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samuel
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Post by samuel on Jan 16, 2009 12:07:02 GMT -5
"Hmmm," mused Tunden Riversprout. "This sounds rather interesting. Perhaps I could travel with you and learn more."
The strange fox in his peripheral vision suddenly shifted around, turning his back to Tunden and the cats. Casually glancing to the side to get a better view at what had happened caused the hair on Tunden's neck to raise. There, standing just beyond the shade of a tree stood an enormous monitor lizard. Tunden had never seen the likes of such a creature, the cold gaze and vicious claws.
This was all very strange for him. He had been walking alone for at least two days and suddenly he was encountering all manner of strangers. Of course that must be what happens when one stops progressing forward. It was often not a good idea to halt for too long.
Tunden could see that the lizard possessed two long daggers in addition to its claws and was protected by mail. He considered dropping his shield and taking the longsword from his cart designed for armored combat. Then he thought better of it. Skilled application of the shield could easily protect him from any blade attacks while giving him a very good chance of counterattack. That was the proper use of sword and shield: attack with the sword while guarding against any possible counterattack with the shield. Unless of course there was another shield present, but that was not the case. His single handed arming sword was certainly sharp enough to cleave any unarmored target and with a good thrust would easily pierce through chain mail.
That was of course only assuming the lizard was hostile. Hopefully he would not have to engage such a fearsome looking beast. All planning, training, and equipment aside, it would certainly be a ferocious adversary. He hoped the lizard was a friend rather than foe, but his seasons upon seasons of training as a Beast at Arms caused him unfailingly to be ready for a fight. He kept his arms crossed so that he could easily draw his arming sword at moment's notice.
And what about the other fox? Would he back into them? Either he or the cats might have to restrain the drunk temporarily to keep him out of the way. Tunden might have to drop his shield after all. He wasn't sure about the cats. They certainly appeared to be capable fighters, but the Beast at Arms only knew that he himself for certain was a good wrestler. He would wait to see what happened next.
((BTW, when I say wrestling, I'm referring to Medieval style wrestling which is strikingly similar to Jujitsu. Imagine that! And also, I'm not trying to imply that the cats couldn't do it or aren't good wrestlers. It's just that Tunden only knows for sure about himself. Just wanted to clarify.))
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Jan 16, 2009 13:28:50 GMT -5
Now this was becoming a multitasking situation, these cats had a possible trainer they could recruit, a not-so-drunk fox who might be asking for trouble and finally a monitor that might either attack or run. Which they do not want to happen, in fact. They want it to STICK AROUND! These cats were not scared of this monitor at all! They didn't have to be! Hans Vermeer's royal guard had NOTHING but monitors as it's members. So they were very used to having these huge lizards around them almost 24/7.
So now there are three cats keeping an eye on the "Drunk", two on the monitor and two on the trainer. This showed obviously that the "drunk" was saw through and not trusted at all. One of the cats watching the monitor tried communicating with it by speaking in it's own way of speaking. All monitors usually spoke with their s' replaced with z's. "Hello there monitor! Come over here! Do not worry, it iz zafe!" the cat listened for a reply. He could not believe his eyes. This monitor was huge! Maybe almost as big as Salvador and if not. At lest only an inch or two shorter. Another amazing thing to note was the monitor's strangle blueish scale color...... Isn't that supposed to mean he is sick?
The Cat Sargent noticed Tunden becoming very uncomfortable with the monitor. "Do not worry. We have hung around with monitors before. He won't hurt you....... Now about traveling with us. Sure you can. Just remember, You will have to make these promises eventually before you can ever get near or see the castle...."
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