The Endless Hunt: Season 1, The Fabulous Beast

[Legendary Sidekick]

Bouldergut, the Barbarian

Thames



Huh... that's Sage Greymoore's talking pet!

"Hey... Bat-Parrot!" That was stupid! I should whisper much softer. Whatever that thing is, I'm sure he has good ears.

Ah! And he really does talk... so I'm not nuts.

"Thames, is it? Well, it's good to see you again! I imagine you're aware of the situation going on at that camp.

"I was sincere when I told Sage Greymoore I would one day call on him for help, but I didn't think the day would come this soon."

It's not the first time I've ever talked to a bat before, but definitely the first one that ever talked to me. He's polite, but he's still giving me the willies. I must never admit this!

"Well, even if you did know when the Sage would return, it wouldn't matter. I can handle Bearmouth as long as he..."

Aw, son of a...!

"Those knuckleheads keep setting off Bearmouth's traps! It's a wonder none of them got killed!

"Ah... the pikeman has the right idea. Perhaps I judged this small army too quickly.

"But I can see how this is going to play out. Bearmouth will come out with a hostage"--a young one, the bastard!--"and start barking orders. We'll have to stay put as long as he has a blade against that poor girl's throat.

"I don't know what he's about to ask for... I hope the commander of those men is as wise as Bearmouth is merciless.

"As for you, I might need you to divert his attention as soon as he let's the girl go--in one piece, I pray.

"There's no bounty in it for us, Thames. Are you still willing to help?"



(NOTE: The above scene takes place at the same time as THIS one.

GREY SAGE: Have Thames answer BG's question.

MYRDDIN173: Have Kristof make the next move.

Each character's response should be written as a scene that would take <3 seconds in real time, assuming internal monologue is instantaneous.)

 

[The Grey Sage]

Thames

This man really doesn't get it does he? Bat-Parrot, I suppose to a human I look rather like a bat, but where does the parrot come in? Doesn't he notice I'm a humanoid? At least he knows I'm intelligent...
"...ere's no bounty in it for us, Thames. Are you still willing to help?" Thames' snapped back from his thoughts to give a quick nod to Bouldergut. His yellow eyes took the big man in for a moment, He's nervous talking to me... With that thought Thames flipped around and took off his wings pulled in and his arms outstretched.
He extended his wicked sickle-like claws and aimed straight for Bearmouth...

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

(Thanks, Sage. As soon as Myrddin writes Kristof's next move, the scene will continue.

The parrot part had to do with Thames being a talking creature of flight, but apparently Bouldergut didn't notice he's humanoid. Maybe BG's weakness is "bad eyes.")

 

[myrddin173]

Baronet Kristof Kovacs

Bearmouth ordered Kristof and his men to throw away their bows. Kristof hesistated for moment weighing his options, Bearmouth wasn't kidding around. He sighed, and then an idea sparked. He looked around, under the prestense of sizing up the situtation, but in reality to make sure Nym was around. There she is...

Kristof turned and whistled, I hope he thinks that is just to get the men's attention. It wasn't it was one of the numerous signals Kristof had taught Nym, this one was for attack. She began a dive just as he was saying, "Throw down your bows." He turned back towards Bearmouth, crossbow still in hand, Mother Below I hope this works...

 

[The Grey Sage]

Thames saw the bird swooping in on Bearmouth and for one split second before they were onto Bearmouth he thought. Isn't that Kristof's hawk?

 

[Philip Overby]

Den Fowler

You decide against pursuing Kelly Ward and the beast and head back west towards Linley Cemetery. As you cross the path, you see several of Gunnie Mac's guards patrolling around the front of a collapsed church leading up to the cemetery. There are perhaps five guards. They don't look to be particularly focused on their task as some are talking to each other or smoking or examining their bows. Pretty confident that no one would dare try to enter the cemetery.

Harlan looks to you.

You hear a whistle blowing in the distance, which seems to get the guards attention. They are heading towards you now.

(You can continue west either evading the guards, attacking them, or trying to find another path by going southwest or south. By going north or northwest you are heading back in the direction of where the beast went)

Sage Auron Greymoore

Your alchemy blasts the man off of his gurney, showering him in magnetized spikes of rock. He lies dead, buried underneath rubble. The others spin on you, but you already have your swords out.

One blows a whistle around his neck.

"You screwed up, whoever you are." One of the men sneers. "These woods will be swarming with our friends in just a few seconds."

(You can fight the remaining three, run away in any direction (your path is not blocked), wait and see what happens, or talk your way out of it.)

Thames

Currently interacting with Bouldergut and Bearmouth.

Kristof Kovacs

Currently interacting with Bearmouth (awaiting Bearmouth's response to Kristof's action)


The rain is scattered right now, but can make firing bows and such a little more difficult.

 

[The Grey Sage]

Sage Aeron Greymoore

Swarming with men? Perfect, I can practice a little swordplay, my blades thirst for more blood.
With a crash, a dozen new men arrive. Aeron brandishes his swords, twirling them this way and that, and drops into a fighting stance.
"Come at me simpletons! You dare challenge the Third Sage, Aeron Greymoore. Today you'll all die."
Aeron throws off his cloak to reveal his blood stained clothes. He smiles at the nearest of the men, "It truly is your unlucky day..." And with that, the battle began.

 

[Sparkie]

Den Fowler \ Harlan Logerson

Den's eyes met Harlan's. Den spoke in a rushed, quiet tone as he handed Harlan his quiver and bow.

"Alright, Harlan, here's what we'll do: I'll meet these men unarmed. I'll tell them that I thought someone was following me to try and rob me. That should convince them to either escort me to their leader or to look for our imaginary thief.

"In the meantime, try to get into that church unseen. If Dyet is in there, get her out. Get her to safety. Remember that, Harlan. She's the priority, not me. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir, but what if these bandits try to track your ruse thief and end up following me?"

"Kill them."

"Yes, Sir," Harlan said with the trace of a smile on his lips. "And what if Lady Moorstead isn't in there?"

"Then use your best judgment. I don't know what those men could be guarding, but it must be important. I trust you, Harlan. Save her."

"Yes, Sir."

"Hurry now. We haven't much time."

Harlan nodded, slung his master's bow and quiver over his shoulder, and padded quickly to the west toward a nearby brush line.

Den watched his lieutenant for a moment, then headed in the direction of the oncoming guards. He hoped this was a good idea.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Bearmouth ordered Kristof and his men to throw away their bows. Kristof hesistated... then an idea sparked. He looked around, under the prestense of sizing up the situtation, but in reality to make sure Nym was around. There she is...

[Nym] began a dive just as [Kristof] was saying, "Throw down your bows." He turned back towards Bearmouth, crossbow still in hand, Mother Below I hope this works...

Thames flipped around and took off his wings pulled in and his arms outstretched.
He extended his wicked sickle-like claws and aimed straight for Bearmouth... saw the bird swooping in on Bearmouth and for one split second before they were onto Bearmouth he thought. Isn't that Kristof's hawk?

Bearmouth was satisfied that all but one of the men dropped their bows. He anticipated that the commander would be the last to drop his... but one bow would be enough as he only had one human shield.

He did NOT anticipate the two flying creatures whose simultaneous attacks couldn't have been timed better if they were planned! Bearmouth swung his blade at the larger creature, slashing his left arm--or is it a wing? His fist knocked the hawk flat on her back.

(THAMES is unable to fly.

NYM is unconscious.)

* * *

Kristof was ready to fire his crossbow as soon as the human shield was out of the way. He hesitated, however, as she dropped... just long enough to see the wet blood across her neck, and the stain on her white dress.

Just long enough to see that the blood was not hers.

* * *

Damn beast!

Bearmouth was quick enough to fend off the surprise attack and strong enough to overpower the flying creatures.

But the injury he received from the female beast had apparently reopened during the scuffle.

The large man with the hammer charging in from the west wasn't about to make things any easier for Bearmouth.

I have my chainmail, my shield, and my blade... and the means to even the odds.

Bearmouth pulled a switch. The cage opened, releasing the female beast.

* * *

As the cage opened, two crude gates made of sharpened sticks came crashing down from either side.

The pikeman quickly pulled the young girl to the company of Kristof's men.

As for Kristof... he found himself alone with Otis "Bearmouth" Waley and the beast.

Well... not quite alone, he thought as he saw the fat man blocking the entrance to the tent full of women. Is this another unexpected ally?

The fat man appeared to be sizing up both Bearmouth and the beast. Kristof knew the attack would be quick... he'd only have time to fire one shot if Bearmouth and the beast both rushed him.

The fat man looked like one of those guys who talks too much, but apparently he was smart enough to keep his introduction brief. "I'm Bouldergut - a friend," he whispered hastily.




(KRISTOF'S next move = one action + one sentence spoken to BOULDERGUT or BEARMOUTH.)

 

[myrddin173]

"Get Bearmouth," replied Kristof taking aim at the beast before him and firing...

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Bouldergut, the Barbarian

"I'm Bouldergut - a friend," I tell a man I don't really know. But the way he handled that hostage situation tells me all I need to know about the man.

"Get Bearmouth," he commands me.

I obey his order "with pleasure!"



Otis Waley is a weakling, at least when it comes to moral strength. Physically speaking, he would pose a worthy challenge for me if not for the wounded arm. Perhaps the armor and shield will compensate for his weakened state, but I don't care one way or the other. He used a teenage girl as a shield, and would have gleefully slit her throat if those men failed to obey their commander immediately.

If not for Thames' assistance, I'm not entirely sure that hawk would have been enough of a distraction to keep the girl alive. There is no question that Thames must be compensated for his trouble. For the Bat-Parrot, I shall keep Bearmouth alive, if I can, and give Thames the honor of turning him in for the bounty.

Bearmouth charges at me, attempting a shield bash.

I let it connect. His sword is faster than my hammer. I guard my left, forcing him to attack with an overhead--or so I thought--he thrusts with what I call a scorpion strike. He grazes my left arm. A small price to pay since I got what I wanted out of the deal.

I immediately drop my hammer--crush his wrist--force the sword from his hand.

We struggle and--*


Bright green sparks obscure my vision. Time slows.


Bearmouth tries to strike my temple with his shield a second time, but I stun him with a headbutt and tear the shield from his arm.

With one wounded arm each, we are equals for the time being. Arms locked--we test each other's strength. I am stronger, but not significantly enough to end this quickly. Bearmouth attempts a groin kick--what a jerk!--I retaliate with a knee strike. It connects. Bearmouth doubles over.

I carry him upside-down with his back to me.
Leap in the air
and slam him down,
head first
into a
tiger
trap?
HOLY
C
R
A
A
A
a
a
a
.
.
.
!



"Still alive, Bearmouth?"

He says something that those ladies in the tent didn't need to hear.

I shove his teeth down his throat with my fist.

That'll shut him up.



My ears are still ringing from that blow to the head. I wonder how that other guy is doing with the beast.



(Myrddin, please write KRISTOF'S battle with the beast.

Sage, BEARMOUTH is now in THAMES' custody, if you choose.)

 

[The Grey Sage]

Thames

Thames saw Bouldergut silence bearmouth. With a deep gash in his wing and a similar wound on the opposing arm, Thames was losing blood fast. Considering that this was the first time he had been injured this badly, Thames thought he was handling it well. He calmly took a bandage from his pouch and wound it around the superficial arm wound. His wing would need a splint, but the bleeding had stopped and that was good enough for now. He stumbled over the hole in the ground where the two big men had fallen.

Looks like I might get compensation for this mess. He smiled his fanged grin down at the heavily wounded giant. Bouldergut glanced up at him and, hesitantly, smiled back. The two hauled their quarry out of the hole and onto the stony ground above. The effort made Thames weak but he remained conscious long enough to hear Bouldergut say, "So you'll be taking him into custody I suppose..." Thames managed a thin, "Yesssz..." And then he passed out with what little blood he had left pounding in his ears.

 

[Philip Overby]

Den Fowler

Some of the guards rush past you with the sound of the whistle, but one slows down and grabs you by the wrist. "Where do you think you're going?"

When you tell him the story about a thief stealing your money, he laughs and spits on the ground. "You must think I'm stupid. Gunnie Mac is going to be disappointed you don't have the money. I'll let him deal with you though."

The guard ushers you away to meet with Gunnie Mac.

(You can go along, try to fight him, try to run away, or try to talk more)

Harlan

You sneak into the abandoned church rather easily, being that it's not very well guarded. At least it doesn't seem so. Upon looking around, it looks like it burned down several years ago and has since been gutted out. There are some cots laying on the floor and some scattered food, so it appears as a make-shift barracks of sorts.

"Hey! Who the hell are you?" You hear a voice. When you turn around you see a dirty, chubby man in boiled leather stalking toward you with a short sword. "Hey! Someone's in here!"

A groggy voice answers from the floor, buried underneath mounds of tattered blankets. "Huh?" You can hear a fumbling with steel and then you have two men on either side. The other man is only wearing his underwear and carrying a long dagger. He still looks very sleepy.

(You can run, see what happens, talk or fight)

Sage Auron Greymoore

The three men square off against you, but your blades are too quick for them to keep pace with you. Several men start to fire bows at you from further away. It looks like about four bowmen.

"Kill him!" One of the men screams as you plunge your sword into his chest. He stumbles back into the brush and lie motionless.

The bowmen all nock their bows. One screams, "Put your weapons down! You're surrounded!"

(You outmatch these men in combat skill, but depending on your choices in this battle, you can become seriously injured because you are outnumbered. As of now you have two swordsmen and four archers to contend with. You can write this fight scene as you wish, but be careful as one wrong choice may cause you serious injury. I will discuss the aftermath of the battle when you have finished writing it.)

Thames

You are unconscious from the wound that Bearmouth gave you.

Kristof Kovacs

You are squaring off with the beast released from its cage.

(Depending on your actions will depend on if you are injured in combat or not. The beast appears to be weakened, but still has a lot of fight left in it.)

It is now early evening time during Day 2. The weather has mostly cleared up.

 

[The Grey Sage]

Sage Aeron Greymoore

I am the shadows... Light filters down through the dense foliage but there are many darnk patches. Aeron shifts faster than the eye from one patch to the next. He has his opponents confused but that is only temporary, like any tactic this cannot drag on too long lest the enemy catch on. Aeron targets the archers first. Taking them out swiftly and with precise slices.

Even as he eliminates his opponents he knows his strength is limited. He isn't even close to a sweat yet but if he keeps up this kind of movement his body will have a price to pay. Showered in the blood of his enemies he slows to a halt, facing the now ten some swordsmen that face him. Each of them is no match for his prowess but together, if he is caught off guard, they might be enough for him to be hard pressed, even enough to subdue him. He cursed under his breath wishing he had Shiale by his side. The flood of memories press at the back of his skull, but his blood stained hands remind him of the task at hand.

We'll test the wits of these men. In his steady, cold voice Aeron began to speak. "I'd rather not have to kill you... and you obviously know that each of you is unprepared to fight me. I am the Third Sage, Aeron Greymoore. None of you yet holds his own against my power. Surrender and I will let you go, swordless, but alive." A chorus of murmurs rose from the men. Some looked hesitant, some defiant, but one, a small, thin young officer by the look of him, stood steadily and was unchanged by Aeron's proposal. His porcelain skin shone in a glimmer of passing sunshine between the ever shifting green tangle above.

So now I know the skilled from the rest of them. Aeron raised his left blade towards the pale youth. "You are the leader of this company? Tell your men to sheath their blades now. If they do not..." He twisted his blade to the side, indicating aggression. Yet still, the youth did not move, his unblinking eyes slowly sizing up Aeron. The green above was mirrored in the shining portholes of the youths eyes. Those same emerald orbs passed over their target one more time before they were gone.

The youth had dropped down and launched forward, slashing forwards to cover the extra few feet between Aeron and the officer. For a normal man this tactic would have easily dismembered the unfortunate soul. However, Aeron had studied the motions and tactics of the children of flesh for years, such a foolish tactic was far too obvious to reach him.

Aeron jumped straight over the blade, remaining in the exact same pose besides. His sword still held out to the youth, whos emerald eyes were just about to focus on this fact when... Aeron's blade went straight through the youth's neck, just above the collarbone. The spray of red that followed was the same that Aeron had expected, but the sound that accompanied it was not the expected.

Aeron had thought that with their commander dead, the rag tag company would disband faster than Thames could scarf goat meat. Instead of being in dissarray, the group had spread out into a capture formation, partially surrounding Aeron. Nothing suprising about the formation, it was standard after all, but the fact that a tall, rather mundane man was now standing in front of them.

Not good, this one was't in total control. They must have two or more leaders... The man stiffly drew his sword and pointed it at Aeron; in quite the same manner as Aeron had. "Now Aron Grimon, or whatever your name is... YOU will surrender to US." Aeron smiled and in reply faced the motly band. Just as he was about to rush in and cut the first grouping's lives short, a darkness passed through the forest. Aeron lept, faster than the eye, into the trees and called, "If you really think you would like to die today, you can face me on my prefferred battleground!" I am the shadows... If they do follow, I'll simply get away. If they decide to retreat, I'll follow them.

***
(so what?! it's long... yeah... *awkward pause*... hehehe)

 

[Sparkie]

Out of character clarification

I'm not sure how much this matters, but Den Fowler's story wasn't that he was robbed.

Rather, he was going to say that he thought someone was going to try to rob him, and that the would-be thief was probabbly still out there.

He still intends to tell Gunnie Mac the truth, that he has no money with him, and that "The Lady" is Dyet Moorstead. More on this in a bit...

 

[Sparkie]

Harlan Logerson

Harlan didn't think for longer than a half-second. He rushed the sleepy one first, blade drawn, thinking he'd be an easier kill...

 

[Sparkie]

Den Fowler

As captive and captor marched in the direction of the cemetary, Den muttered something that was not fully audible to the bandit leading him to Gunnie Mac.

"What're you mumblin' about there?" asked the bandit.

After sighing, Den said "I was asking myself why I'm doing this."

The bandit snickered, then retorted "Beats me. Now get a move on."

Den obeyed. Despite what he told his captor, he was resolved. He would do whatever it took to be able to get this Gunnie Mac fellow to see reason. Gunnie Mac would see reason, or die seeing the red of his own blood. If Dyet came to harm, then Den would likely die anyway. So why not die fighting?

 

[myrddin173]

Baronet Kristof Kovacs

Kristof and the beast circled each other, slowly. I have to get it away from the tent...

"Noble lord?" Kristof glanced to the side, Mister Nikola and the men had recovered their bows and had them trained on the beast. "We await your command."

Kristof's men tended to get a kill through sheer number of arrows, but even the best archers can miss... And this group were average at best. Kristof couldn't take the chance of even one arrow straying towards the tent of women. "No, hold your fire."

One of the men, when setting down his bow, released one of the many traps in the area. Harsh, metallic snap sparked an idea. He moved into the danger zone, hoping the beast would follow him... And that he could avoid getting hurt. He turned and fired at the beast, angering it and provoking it into charging. Kristof started to doubt his plan the instant before the bear-trap snapped around the beast's leg.

"Nasty things, but they do have their uses..."

 

[The Grey Sage]

Thames

Thames awoke to have his head and wing bandaged and a friendly familiar face above. Bouldergut leaned down and helped Thames into a sitting position.
"Good to see you're awake. The other members of our little gathering have just recaptured the beast. Your quarry, Bearmouth, is all tied up and not going anywhere. Why not come with me and see what we can do to help?" Thames nodded and the two picked themselves up and walked over to Kristof's company and the beast.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Bouldergut, the Barbarian

Kristof Kovacs / Thames



"Kristof Kovacs, I presume."

I presume? What does that even mean? I always talk normal to noblemen! Just because I happen to respect this one doesn't make it any different.

"I mean--I'm not presuming anything. Your pikeman told me your name.

"Mine is Bouldergut.

"I'm glad to see everyone came out of this whole mess alive."

I see Krisof's men are dressing up the mother beast's wounds. She won't have much fight in her, but she'll make it.

"I'm assuming you won't object to keeping the beast for yourself and letting me hand Bearmouth over to Thames, the Bat-Parrot."

I turn to the not-at-all-bird-like Thames, "Or maybe your friend handles your finances."

To both I say, "About the women, I will personally escort them to safety. Their families are loaded, so I think a fifty-fifty split would be fair. Since all of the girls are alive, I imagine both of you will be happy with your halves.

"To clarify, that's half for you, Baronet Kovacs, and half for Thames. I was hired by the teenage girl's father, so I've been paid already.

"You have my word that the full reward will be split between the two of you. If not for Thames and Nym attacking Bearmouth at the same time, I don't even want to think about how things would've turned out for little Sylvia."

Sylvia skips over to my side, free of her ropes and free of having a blade pressed against her throat. "You're really not going to take any of Daddy's gold, Bee Gee?"

"The custom armor he promised me is payment enough," I tell the girl.

"Will you at least stay for dinner on the night you bring me back?"

"What? Just one night?"

The women all flock over to me, which hopefully isn't being taken the wrong way. My reputation has enough exaggerations without women being involved!

Maybe I should bring witnesses just to ensure there are no wild stories.

"Before I go, Baronet Kovacs, would you be able to spare two or three of your men? I just want some witnesses so there won't be any doubts about... my word. Y'know, that I truly will see you get the gold rather than keep it for myself."

"But Bee Gee," Sylvia protests, "everyone knows you never accept gold. Bouldergut always gets paid with big meals and fancy weapons!"

"Right..." I tell her, "because I always bring witnesses."



(THAMES now has BEARMOUTH in custody.)

(KRISTOF now has THE FEMALE BEAST in custody.)

(Myrddin, Sage, your characters may respond to BOULDERGUT if you wish. Otherwise, he will exit the map.)