Men Wanted

Billgar · Men Wanted

As a group of unsavory characters gather around a rather fancy sea vessel, I few catch your eye. Off to the side, one man leans against a post on the dock. digging his knife into the wood,he peels off some barnacles and crunches them in his mouth. Another man dressed quite well, has two servants by his side. Each holding a rather lavish pillow, one with a pair of white gloves on it, and another with a small velvet box.

A woman is also present among the men. Wearing a tattered tunic she picks at her teeth, a rather peculiar bow is present on her back, as well as a quiver with a few varieties of arrow within it.

The ship near by is a beautiful black, polished and glimmering with a sense of wealth and power. The chatter among the gathered dies down as a presence can be felt. Slowly exiting the main cabin of the ship, a rather robust looking man clad in what seems to be 'armor of the gods' makes his appearance. From the front of the ship, he peers down.

"It would seem all have gathered. Let me welcome you. However, there is no time for a lengthy explanation, know only that we depart soon, and that it shall be quite a while before we return to this kingdom. We sail north, far north, into the frozen wastelands beyond the end of the earth. Be ready soon."

*there is short while for individuals to board the vessel.*
*note if you embark on this quest, you will be outside of Nocte, and thus should not act is if you are present, until your return.*

Beanbaker

Following the crowd on board, I make my way to the port side of the boat. I casually lean along the railing, curiously watching the man eat the barnacles he harvested. Before he notices me, I turn my head slowly towards the sea. "To think some of us might not be coming back."

I look down at my jutte. Realizing it is the only sign that I am a part of the guards, I bury it deeper into my vest and bundle up with a large overcoat to hide my armor, a handmade gift from my friends on Mt. Shiro for my parting.

I turn my attention to the dock. I wonder what other characters will be joining us.

[ooc: I have put in a request to change to the bronze armor; overcoat does nothing]

Billgar

Not much time passes, and soon the ship is underway, it seems that more than a few of the volunteers are knowledgeable about the sea. Traveling for what seems like an eternity, the air chills slowly and inevitably becomes near unbearably frigid.

A blizzard kicks up once you pass the continent that is home to Nocte, and large chunks of ice float through the sea.

the presumed 'captain' Sir Earnest Shackleton makes his way onto the deck. As soon as his presence is recognized, the man who before was consuming barnacles, charges up to him, and lifts him by the collar of the armor. Putting a common knife to his throat, the unsavory character threatens the captain.

"Ye bring us all the out to where the gawds can't see, and for no reason udder dan to freeze to death? Where exactly are we going?"

The captain assures him that all is going according to plan, but the man still holds the captain at knife point.

Koku

Making my from the crowd I take my scythe out and quickly sever the hand to the rowdy person. "Shut the heck up and put the captain down before I cut off that entire arm. We are here for an adventure, I am sure he has a plan that will involve must of us dying, but the other portion to experience great events. Trust in him, he is after all one of the only ones here who could control this ship." With that I walk away Looking at beanbaker with a quick glance and very easily missed nod before hiding away.

Billgar

The crew surprised by the strong actions of the cloaked figure almost goes into a state of shock. the man with the severed hand drops to the ground holding his wrist to stop the blood from flowing about and squirms quite a bit.

Beanbaker

I help the man up and bandage his now newly formed, bloody stump. I walk away and make my way through the crowd to where Koku walked off. When I was well out of earshot from the other people, I said somethings in a loud whisper, not knowing where Koku is.

"If we're both here, than that means Gerald is guarding the castle."

I sit down and wait for a response.

Billgar

While waiting, beanbakers thoughts are interrupted, as a group of screams and shouting echos from the hold. Water splashes up the stair way, the woman from before comes running up the stairs, and falls onto the deck. On her but and backing away slowly, she seems crippled with fear, unable to stand. The ship shakes violently, and with its tumultuous movements, the main sail comes crashing down. The man who before ate the barnacles, wobbles over the the woman, falling several times along the way. Blood dripping from his stump(bandaged or not), he looks down at her on the deck and extends her other hand.

Just as this happens the mouth of a massive beast descends upon him consuming him whole. It appears to be a close relative of the validian serpent. . . but much much much larger.

Beanbaker

Pulling the hidden jutte from under its cloth wrapping, I quickly jump from my sitting position and run in front of the woman, utilizing the defender capability if necessary. Fiddling the weapon in my hand, I position my fingers between the prongs with my right hand, and repeatedly beat back the creature alternating my weapon and left fist.

Billgar

Brining down its massive head one more, the beast open wide and lets out a horrific hiss. The smell is more pungent than the sound. In that moment, Bean attacks. With both fist and jutte he beats at the face of the beast. Roaring back, it breaks through the deck of the ship. Shards of wood fling around. Looking up as the monster tosses about, bean notices a billiant red arrow fly though the sky and stick into the serpents snout. Clearly coming from the woman who before was down on the ground.

*Serpent takes 133 Dam*
*Serpent takes 321 Dam*

Beanbaker

Looking back, "The good thing about this trip is how everyone can at least fight...."

I rush forward and jump the whole in the deck. Jutte prone, I aim to latch onto the beast by sticking into his skin and using the same momentum to kick the bronze boot into his side.

Koku

Seeing things getting interested I make my way and charge at the end of the ship and jump onto the beast, kicking him while I land on his head. I then take my scythe and try hard to cut into the skull of the beast before back flipping off of it and back onto the deck, preparing to take his hit.

Billgar

The beast lunges downward, as Koku and bean unplanned but in perfect harmony latch onto its head. Beat beating furiously at the creature's noggin. Koku, with quite a bit more experience holds on steadily and takes his aim. Swinging the scythe into the beasts skull. Combat however is always an uncertain game. The blade of his scythe surely sinks into the skull, but gets caught part way through the bone. the beast flailing about about knocks Koku off. Landing on he ground, for but a brief second, the vision of the Imperial Advisor blurs. Teeth suddenly in his face, he takes some minor damage, but manages to escape. As the serpent rears its head up into the sky Koku sees his scythe still sticking out from its skull.

*Koku takes 516 dam*
*serpent takes 194 dam*
*serpent takes 734 dam*

Koku

I charge at the beast and grab onto my scythe. Knowing the direction the scythe went in, I pull it out following the slight curve. With one more quick kick into the old wound, I jump out and away without cutting it again.

Beanbaker

I climb up the side and take hold of the fin. Grabbing one of the spines with my left and jamming my jutte into the base with my right, I attempt to create enough pain in such a sensitive (and needed) area that may drive off the beast.

Billgar

The beast shudders as Koku retrieves his scythe. Weakened from all the attacking, it seems to take great pain from Beanbakers jutte jamming. As it rears it head and opens its mouth. A crimson arrow pierces though its upper jaw.sinking back into the deep, it retreats. The ship is in shamble and is slowly sinking.

Koku

Looking for a large piece that can be used as a raft, or for a actual life boat I make my move.
(If I see a life boat I take it for myself, the captain, the women, and beanbaker. If not then I just break off a large piece of the boat to use as a small makeshift boat.)

Beanbaker

Quickly glancing at Koku, I quickly see he is already figuring out a way to handle the lifeboat situation. I direct everyone more towards the bow, in order to keep them out of the freezing water.

Running up to the bridge, I knock on the door of the captain's quarters. "Captain Shackleton, your boat is sinking. One of the passengers is attempting to find a makeshift escape. Do you have any lifeboats on board?"

I wait for a response, refraining from entering, for despite my social position, I am not of high enough rank (guard or naval) to enter the captain's quarters.

Billgar

The captain literally shatters the door as he exits. looking over he sees, Koku rip off a plank of wood to use as a makeshift raft. Grabbing beanbaker under one arm, and collecting the woman as he runs, he jumps on the raft with koku, just in time to avoid the freezing water. the ship sinks, as the 4 individuals drift on their shoddy excuse for a raft.

Beanbaker

Sitting up, I rub my head then check my possessions to make sure I have everything.

Looking over at the ship, "Not exactly an escape I had in mind, but I guess it was just in time. I really hope nobody was below deck."

I pull off one of my arm plates and use it as a makeshift paddle and wait for directions.

Billgar

After some time, the group of the 4 travelers come to a land mass, a barren land of ice stretches out infinitely before them.

Beanbaker

I stand up to revel in the snow-ice's beauty and purity. I take one deep breath and feel the freezing air cooling my lungs and chilling my heart. My chest shutters in recoil, and a breath comes out stunted and heavy with condensation.

"Technically, it is still your ship, Shackleton - are we disembarking here?"

Billgar

"Call me Earnest, and I see no reason to stay on this sinking plank of wood, I suppose we shall worry about how to return once we get our prize. Which reminds me, that I have yet to tell you what we are after. Sadly only the four of us have survives, but I seek the shell of the Kamekichi, a powerful Ice Turtle that roams in these very lands. Though alone it boasts no threat, in numbers it is surely to be feared."

Koku

"So what you are saying is we should find either one that is for some reason left by the others, or we should find a pack and pick off the weakest, drawing it away form the others. Easy enough, but I must ask why we are doing this, I am not a fan of killing creatures for no reason." With that I try to find land to set foot on.

Billgar

"Its not simply the fact of killing creatures, so much as obtaining on of their shells. Stories tell of a single shell in perfect condition selling for as much as 3MC. Though of course one in that good of shape is near impossible to obtain. However, if it takes too much damage, then it becomes valueless."

The four disembark and step foot onto the ice.

Koku

Walking with the captain I look at him. "So you plan on killing a creature to sell it shell for money. What makes it so valuable exactly? Is there a use for their shell?"

Billgar

*surprisingly, beanbaker stays silent*

"What makes the shell so valuable is that despite how common place the Kamekichi are in this region, only two shells have ever been sold. They are a fierce species, and hunt in packs, dwelling beneath the ice. Surely when they first attack, one of us will die before the fight even begins."

Beanbaker

(sorry, didn't want to interrupt)

I hide my jutte again, hoping he didn't see it. Thinking to myself "So, Earnest, you're a poacher? I expected exploration, not this." I look over to the woman without turning my head. "Considering Earnest is in this all for himself, and Koku is strong enough to get out alive..."

I pick ice out of my eyebrow. Mumbling, "...It's either me or her."

Billgar

The ice starts to shake and rumble as cracks form along its surface.

Earnest's eyes light up with great enthusiasm.
"THEY"RE HERE!!!!"

Revealing a bag, he opens it and pulls out a mysterious contraption. some sort of bow afixed to a plank with a small finger lever. Perhaps when puller, it will release the arrow.

"Ahhhh this?" he explains as the ice continues to break. " Once upon a time I was a great archer, not unlike yourself young lady, but with experience, my weapon gained a soul and became this, Its name is X-caliber, the first and only cross-bow in all of. . . "

His sentence is cut off as the ice breaks from beneath his feet. He is pulled under and a spray of blood flurishes immediately after. From all around, Kamekichi appear, encircling the three survivors, there are 6 in total.

Spoiler:

Koku

"Good it is what he deserves. To kill for such a poor reason is unacceptable. I am not going to fight them, you guys can if you want." with that I turn my back and start to run from the location to look for higher ground in order to possibly see a route to get back to some civilization.

Beanbaker

I run behind Koku, looking back to make sure the archer is following.

"Perhaps if we can make it back to shore - break off a portion of ice - and go as far as it takes us. Once in warmer waters, we should fine a shipping lane... hopefully..." I yell to Koku.

Koku

Breaking off the ice is not a good idea. It may be too deep to fully creak, may not go where we want, and it may melt before reaching any place safe. We just have to find a safe place to go quickly. Now hurry up and let's go near some trees. Going from tree to tree seems much safer than being on the ground.

Billgar

Looking around, Koku immediately realizes he needs to eat his own words. The enviornment is a barren frozen wasteland, not a single tree in sight, nor mountains for that matter, nothing but a desert of ice, endlessly stretching out. As the two attempt to avoid combat, the turtles dig back underground, Koku running off, trips on some ice as it is pushed up from underneath him. The Kamekichi responsible appears and latches its jaw onto his ankle.

*Koku takes 94 Dam*

Spoiler:

Koku

Seeing that Kamekichi I try to cut at its neck to cleanly cut the head off, and if it does not cut it cleanly off I plan to grab its face, compress it while chopping at its neck. If it is dead I plan on picking up the body and running again, trying to make only one or two of them catch up to beanbaker and I in time to actually attack. "It look like we have no choice but to fight, let's at least try to get their shells. We may be able to use them as a type of make shift shield if cleaned out well in an emergency. At the very least we will need to eat and they seem like a good sources of nutrients.

Beanbaker

Catching up to Koku, I pull out the jutte from its wrappings and aim for the tail, to try and spook him and release its jaw from Koku's ankle. Jumping onto the small of the neck,, I crush the jutte down onto its skull, and twist clockwise.

Billgar

Koku, killing the one latched onto his ankle swiftly, tries to pick it up and run, however, the 800lbs of turtle seem to be a bit much, and the attempt to pick it up ends in failure(for the time being at least). Running back he sees Bean focusing his attack on another turtle, The Swordsman takes his jutte and jams it into the creature's skull It breaks the skin but the bone is immediately underneathe. Despite how it felt, it seems the Kamekichi is still in good spirits.

As another one comes up on the other side of bean, both of his opponents(Kamekichi B+C) stare at him as their eyes begin to glow an icy blue. Shards of ice form from underneathe, tossing bean about in the air an impaling his body. However, Bean is tough and won't be felled that easily. Staying on his feet, he does his best to balance as the ice continues to grow from under his feet. Looking down he seems to now be out of the frey and far above the battle. Thankfully he had his bronze plating AND northern vest.

A red light darts through the mist down below.

Koku watching the scene sees the famale archer loose an arrow at a KameKichi. It enters through the mouth of the beast and exits the rear. the turtle bursts into flames and all is ashes in but a moment.

Spoiler:

Beanbaker

I look around the barren landscape, seeing as though i should take advantage of the height to get some sort of bearings.

After seeing (whatever is there), I shimmy down the ice. Once at a safe elevation to jump from, I spot kamekichi B as the closest target, and leap off the ice, jutte prongs between my fingers, aiming for the rear leg to be crushed.

Koku

Seeing Kamekichi C unscathed I lash at it by first quickly dropping my foot on to its head trying to weakened the bone, and then attempt to cut its head off at the neck. I then turn to look at the women, who I have no doubt will try and betray us like any human would do in times of achieving fortune.

Billgar

Bean baker dismounts the ice and jams at the turtles back leg, moving to its head he slams his jutte into its skull. As his jutte comes down, an arrow pierces the creatures head. Koku taking down another beast is quite satisfied with the results. The remaining kamekichi that had appeared, tunnel back under the ice.

Spoiler:

Koku

"This is not good, be careful you never know where they will come out of. You, girl, who are you, I can not trust you you know." With that I quickly charge towards her and cut her down the middle. "Your just another human who came partly out of greed." With that I stand facing her, waiting to she if she falls dead or if she will attack back.

Billgar

Catching her off gaurd, Koku randomly disembowels the female archer.
(ooc: Give yourself some malice for that please)
He corpse falling to the ground, blood pours out and drips through the cracks in the ice. The ground then begins to rumble. From under Koku's feet, another cluster of kamekichi appear. Dragging him into the water, his skills put up a fantastic fight, but alas the subzero water temperature is too much. Koku fails to stay conscious and subsides to the water frigid grasp.

After a sudden turn of rather unfortunate events, Bean Baker finds himself alone in the barren icelands. The four Kamekichi that just appeared, facing him, all with bloodlust in their eyes.

Spoiler:

Beanbaker

"I know I cannot take you all. It is futile." I twirl the jutte in my hands. "Instead of adventure and discovery, we were crossed by one man's greedy desire, the ultimate end of him." I sit down and look at one of the kamekichis. "Koku punished for his slaughtering, and my fate for rushing head first into things."

I stare into the eyes of the beast, and await his move.

Billgar

The kamekichi go still and silent. subconsciously counting, bean realized that 6 of them have circled him. They wait.

(ooc: sorry about the wait)

Beanbaker

I crawl up to one of the giant creatures. Knowing that to outrun them in their own territory is futile, I attempt to make contact to show my passiveness here.

"I'm not here to hurt you, I was mislead. Perhaps we could go our separate ways?" As I sit talking to animals in the wasteland.

Billgar

The turtle growls and snaps off beanbakers hand. The others gather around and his life swiftly ends.

Spoiler: