Aqua Utopia｜海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
Show & Tell
Claire Keane
Kaledo Art
taylor price
sheepfilms
trying on a metaphor
祝日 / Permanent Vacation
Today's Document
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
Game of Thrones Daily
Origami Around
⁂
Acquired Stardust
hello vonnie
Product Placement
Kiana Khansmith
art blog(derogatory)
Discoholic 🪩
No title available
seen from Australia
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from France
seen from Malaysia
seen from Singapore
seen from T1
seen from Czechia
seen from T1
seen from Romania
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Brazil
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from New Zealand
seen from Poland
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from T1
@shieldsresolve
A will forged in ice, shall never falter!
───── ⋆ ⋅ ⛊ ⋅ ⋆ ─────
Private and Affiliated blog to Gnostic Hymns. Role-playing Gepard Landau from Honkai: Star Rail.
— penned by Veran (EST Time) (Discord/Tumblr IMs for Plotting)
Talents | APP | Dossier | Mun Info | Muse Info | Threads
Venture Forth, Once More
Commission: Elation | Raiden Mei & Gepard
Gepard stands at the very edge of their temporary encampment, scanning the large expanse of snow and ice that stretches far beyond the Guard Captain's line of sight. Eyes staying vigilant in inspecting the snow-clad terrain, with Earthwork at the ready by his side. His hand, the one holding onto the weapon's handle, uncomfortably tightens, using that weight to stay at the ready to drive back any and all monsters if the need arises once again.
Consciously, he forces his hand to relax as it begins to become intolerable. Releasing a breath that undos the intense memories that latched onto the forefront of his mind, that dissipated the feelings of anger, of sadness, that he felt since the end of the Solwarm Festival, into one of relief. Reminding himself that things were getting gradually better as the fear, the uncertainty, that was once all too suffocating before, now, was bearable as the clean-up efforts around the city were almost completed, resulting in a semblance of normal to return into the lives of most Belobogians. Faces were more relaxed, but the ghosts of those worry lines would forever be fixed into his mind as a reminder of the disaster.
Of his own failures...
Before he could get stuck in his own mind, the sound of snow crunching gets louder, indicating that a person is getting closer. He turns his head and his eyes widen when he sees a familiar face. Mei, if he remembers correctly. Instantly being thrown back to their brief interaction they had by the campfire all those days ago before all hell broke loose. A kind smile forming as he greets the other.
"It's a pleasure to meet you again." This time, fully rotating himself to face her "Truthfully, I am surprised to see you still in Belobog after Solewarm Festival's conclusion. Most, I believe, had returned home after lending their aid to us, so, what brings you back out here in the Snow Plains, if I may be so bold to ask?"
@originsrebirth
No Peace Lookin' at the Sky
Not friends? NOT friends? With such emphasis, too! Ack!
“Ol’ buddy, ol’ pal, that hurts Sampo’s tender feelings.”
All is, of course, forgiven the moment dear Geppie looks to actually wanna help Sampo out with his current predicament. What a pure-hearted kind of a guy… No wonder Sampo always gets away.
Hehe.
In any case,
absolutely tempted though he may be to make a fun little quip or two, Sampo, for once, wisely shuts his yap while Gepard goes about figuring out the best and safest way to free him.
And boy, does freedom ever taste good! Sampo wastes little time in picking himself up and cautiously looking himself over. Dusts himself off a little (nice threads don’t come cheap, yaknow?), and hmm, hmmm…
Nothing broken as far as he can tell. Yay. Sampo typically prefers it that way.
“Nay, good captain, I think ol’ Sampo’s gonna pull through just fine! My thanks to you, of course.” A mock bow accompanies genuine gratitude. “Kinda ironic of you to be the one cutting me loose though, huh? Hee hee.”
Okay okay, let’s not push his luck. Besides, mister Captain’s question isn’t one Sampo's deigned dance around. It isn’t worth stowing away.
“Soooo it was spos’ta be a run-of-the-mill kind of a deal, a simple exchange of goods for cash,” hand gives a flourish, “as one does… But.” Sampo scratches at the nape of his neck idly. “I think my partner got cold feet…?” How’s that for ironic? Or maybe that’s just funny little coincidence. “Or he had a bone to pick? I gotta say, I wasn’t expecting your mug to show up here, though. I’m still not sure if he was, either.”
Hands fly up to shoulder level in a show of innocence.
“Dealings all aboveboard by the way, if you must know!! Or, it was intended to be…”
Okay, so Sampo may not be fully on the straight and narrow, but he’s been (mostly) behaving himself lately, pinky promise!
His eyes narrow at Sampo as he listens, scanning the self-proclaimed businessman, trying to detect any falsehoods or tricks, but, gradually, that steeliness fades away. Eventually coalescing into a weary sigh that he felt in his bones, some of the tension leaving his shoulder's despite the situation, but just genuinely relieved that at least neither of them had suffered anything serious.
"I don't know how much I believe that." Straightening himself back up whilst scooping up the lantern that he had placed down earlier. Turning to face the room while trying to contemplate their next course of action, which, in his own opinion, seems quite obvious.
To leave. To find a way out and report the events that transpired here. Though, he wasn't all too sure of the facts as everything unfolded too fast and his main priority was getting people out, but there definitely was something off that left a bad taste in his mouth... or that could be dirt, but regardless. Whoever they were dealing with was dangerous if they access to materials that can cause a cave-in like this. Just who was Sampo dealing with? What bone do they have with the other man?
... Was this an attempt on his life?
What did...?
Gepard stops himself before he starts thinking in circles. There were too many questions without answers, and he doubts Sampo would tell him everything, or possibly know more than he did at this every moment... Would he?
Letting out a sigh, he continues. "The main reason I showed up was because I was in the area on patrol when someone came to me in a panic about there being trouble in the Great Mines." He scrunches his brows, trying to remember that specific person's face, but, for some reason, couldn't. Chalking it up due to the chaotic circumstances then.
"I couldn't ignore it, and, well, I believe you know the rest." Extending his arms out to gesture around them. "Regardless," Walking towards the middle of the room as he spots a large opening on the other side, looking to be their only way forward that evidently leads further in the mine.
"It looks like the only way is forward." He turns back with an eyebrow raised. "Are you familiar with the caverns down here?"
'Cause Stealing's Not Okay!
Commission: Elation | Alhaitham & Gepard
Alhaitham rarely visited Gandharva Ville, save for the occasional visit for medical supplies, or the rarer official business visit. Today, however, Alhaitham was tasked with picking up some salves for his home—it had been quite a while since he and Kaveh had restocked their medicine cabinet, so their current medicines were a bit... outdated, to say the least. It would've been easier to find a merchant at the Grand Bazaar, but even he couldn't deny the appeal of a nice walk after being cooped up in the Akademiya.
Seated on a rock off of the main walkway, Alhaitham flipped through his current read. A Brief History of Inazuma, the cover proclaimed. Alhaitham, being the avid learner he was, had already studied far more than just a brief history of every nation in Teyvat. But he couldn't deny the appeal another author's interpretation of history had on his curiosity.
As he skimmed the preface, he suddenly felt eyes on him. Looking up from his reading, he saw a familiar face—it was the blond soldier from the icy land of Belobog. Alhaitham nearly shivered at the thought of those hellish days with barely any warmth.
"I'm Alhaitham. Was there something you needed?" He replied, attention already drifting back to his reading.
He pulled his extended hand away from the man, politely nodding at him whilst shifting himself to stand beside the rock the other was sitting on, deeming it more appropriate to initiate further conversation if he was not blocking the path for the many locals going about their day once again. Leisurely, Gepard stands nearby with his arms folded, taking in his surrounding's in once again. Shaking his head as he answers.
"Not particularly no. I recognized you in the crowd, and just wanted to express my gratitude for your aid in the Operation back in Belebog. While everyone who volunteered received some sort of thanks for their efforts, it still doesn't feel like enough." Gepard eyes turn downcast as his jaw clenches itself. Frustration cresting over his features as he remembers it all. The reports that Donnie and the other guard's that kept him updated on the Fragmentum's movements throughout the Solwarm Festival, thinking they could silently deal with the issues as to not cause any alarm, only to be blindsided by an unexpected power outage and a swarm of Fragmentum monster's that seized their chance when they were scrambling to control the situation.
The strong levels of frustration he felt wasn't directed at anyone in particular, only the unfortunate—an understatement—circumstances that turned a joyful vacation into battles that, thankfully, most seemed to have got out relatively okay, but he still can't shake the guilt that insistently gnawed at him. Gepard knew their situation, saw how outnumbered they were, and the decision was beneficial as they successfully drew the destruction back, however it still ate at him regardless. Shaking himself out of his rumination, he turns to Alhaitham again, giving the other a smile before continuing.
"You didn't have to, but you all did regardless." The words, though awkward held great weight to them, but doesn't add anything else, not wanting to sound like a broken record. Uncrossing his arms, Gepard moves from his spot to begin his trek back to his accommodations. "That's all. I won't keep you any further and let you get back to your reading. Have a pleasant day."
Gepard barely took a step forward, when he suddenly heard panicked shouting and the sounds of multiple rapidly approaching footfalls that resounded throughout the open space as they bowled their way through locals and fuana alike. Causing anger shouts and confused eyes to follow them. One of disheveled individual's wasn't watching where he was going and trips over himself, almost faceplanting if it was not for Gepard's fast reflexes. Grabbing the person by the arm that cushioned the fall just a little bit but still ending up on the ground. His friends stopped also, noticing their downed companion, then all hell broke loose.
Floundering about, the four rush over to the both of them, all talking at once, pointing the way they came from in a frantic manner that was just downright chaotic. The Captain flicks his gaze over to Alhaitham for a quick moment in question, before raising his voice over the clamor that quickly silences them. Feeling a bit bad for doing so, but knowing if he let it continue, nothing of value would be learned.
The blonde addresses the group calmly, staring at each of them as he asks. "What happened?"
'Cause Stealing's Not Okay!
Commission: Elation | Alhaitham & Gepard
Gepard desperately needed a vacation, and much to his own surprise, his own subordinates thought so too.
Since the incident with the power-outage and the operation to push the hordes of Fragmentum out the city, the Guard Captain found himself with an immense amount of paperwork on his desk and taking on extras shifts to ensure that Belobog's surrounding areas were clear of any hostiles that might still pose a threat to the city. So, to say he was exhausted was a huge understatement.
It came as a big surprise when some of his colleagues literally cornered him at his own desk, filling out report after report, logging the recent most skirmishes they had while also trying to play catch up with older ones he couldn't get to. It was on a random day like no other when his office turned from empty to swarming with people. Confused, before he could even ask what this was about, they all but wrenched him from his chair, and now, he finds himself somewhere unfamiliar. Staring at a plethora of large trees and houses that were made from the surrounding fauna. Gandharva Ville, his mind supplies him with as he remembers what the kind Forest Rangers had called this place once they found him wandering the nearby area.
'So, this is Sumeru?' Gepard could not help but think, waving a fan at himself to try to cool himself off, not used to the climate that was so drastically different from Jarilo-VI's constant chill that he was accustomed to. He basks in it all with a genuine curiosity.
'Will Jarilo-VI grow to look as beautiful as this one day?'
The blonde is then ejected out of his own daydreams when he feels someone brush past him, carrying a large crate in their hands. The individual turns around to throw him an apologetic look before continuing on their way. It reminds him where he was, and, yeah, he probably should get out of the middle of the walkway.
Gepard follows along the planks for a little while until he sees a familiar tuft of grey hair in the distance. Remembering the gentleman's name to be Alhaitham as they were assigned the same squadron as him during the Fragmentum Operation in Belobog. Not missing a beat, he makes his way to him for proper introductions this time.
"Hello. I believe we were briefly introduced during the operation in Belobog. While the circumstances there were a bit... intense." He winces as he speaks that last word, but it doesn't stop him, as he extends a hand out for the other to shake. To show their camaraderie during the hard battles they went through. "I still would like to make my formal introduction to you properly. Hello, my name is Gepard Landau, and, I just want to say, your home is quite beautiful."
@silentintuition
Foulplay
Commission: Preservation | Bronya Zaychik & Gepard
Watching on as the shouts fill the racetrack area, Bronya couldn’t help but cringe. She was interested in ‘Roboball’, whatever it had been, and wished to see the game with her own eyes. Rather unfortunate, it was, that she rather quickly met with some attempt at sabotage.
Before the shouts began, Bronya watched a tall man adorned with a halo and feathered ears hurriedly bump into another man donned in shades of white and blue, and then the shouts of sabotage soon followed. She couldn’t conclude if his rushing was connected to the shouts, but that much didn’t matter. It was inelegant to jump to conclusions without proper cause.
As she begins to wade through the crowd, a voice calls out to her, and when she turns to meet the source, the tall blond in white and blue gazes at her with surprise. She scans his outfit, as recognition registers her expression. Though only briefly, Bronya had set foot on Belobog, though she was conscripted to aid in an issue that their governmental body seemed to have with polar bears (or plains bears, as they called them). This tall man’s outfit reminded her of those soldiers, those Silvermane Guards. The way he regarded Bronya as well, as this ‘Lady Bronya’ made her understand that it was likely that he too mistook her for Belobog’s leader.
To that, Bronya bows, “Apologies, I believe you have a mixup. My name is Bronya, but I am not the Supreme Guardian.” She felt weird apologizing for this, considering this mixup was far from her own fault. However, it would feel rude not to apologize, either, given the confusion on the tall Silvermane Guard’s face. Bronya’s eyes squint as she stands upright again, scrutinizing the Guard before her. “May I ask you a question, Silvermane Guard?”
She looks off in the direction in which the Silvermane Guard and the winged man initially stood. It was hard to see amongst the crowd of people, but Bronya knew that the winged man was long gone. Damn it. She then meets the gaze of the Silvermane Guard before her once more. “That man who bumped into you, did you know him?” She tries not to speak too obviously, but her eyes dart between the Guard and the victim far behind her, who was still shouting about his sabotage. “I think there’s a bit more to what’s going on here than what meets the eye.”
Gepard breaks out of his confused stupor at the correction and lifts himself up off the ground to stand at the line of questioning the young lady—Bronya—had posed. Nodding his agreement at her own assessment of the situation at hand. "I agree." Turning back towards the tampered Roboball to gesture to his own findings.
"Inside, there is decisive evidence of some form of tampering during my brief inspection." Bringing his hand to his chin in deep thought. "The damage matches the owner's accusations. The Roboball was definitely sabotaged, as most of the wires looked too cleanly severed to call it a mere 'malfunction'." Gepard looks off into the noisy crowd full of onlookers that had flocked over when the altercation had started. Scanning the many different faces from the crowd, trying to see if he could try to locate the man he had accidentally bumped into, even though he knows it to be futile.
His eyebrows furrow as he remembers the brief meeting. Those deep red eyes that held so much anger and hatred in them that had him frozen in place before it was gone just as fast. The interaction gave him a bad feeling all together as he would have questioned the man, but the escalating fight had diverted his attention, habit had him prioritizing that over anything else. He shakes his head at his own mistake. "No. That interaction was an accidental meeting on both our parts. But from what I gleamed from him; he looked to be in a hurry to escape and not at all pleased to have been halted. Likely he is involved in this somehow, if I may state the obvious."
Suddenly, there is the sound of a couple of fast approaching footfalls can heard off the side of them both. Gepard shifts his gaze as he notices two new individuals exit from the crowd wearing dark clothing and a silver insignia on their upper bodies that resemble a wolf—Bloodhound's if he were to be so bold to assume. A tall muscular lady, wearing a black two-piece suit scans the area before moving towards them all, a furrow to her brow as she moves to intercept the belligerent tournament goer, pulling them back by the collar as they raised a fist to punch the worker.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." A scowl on her face as she glares at them.
"I would listen to her if were you, her bite is more dangerous than her bark." A short Pepeshi man said with a smirk and with a touch of humor present in his voice. Hands brushing down his black and white dress as he finally made it to his companion's side to stare into the aggressor's eyes. "Let's not do something we might regret, hm?"
Gepard watches the deescalation unfold, turning to the light-gray haired women to ask. "Should we inform the authorities of our findings? Maybe they could be of help to us."
The Flower That Smiles Today
Commission: Preservation | Dainsleif & Gepard
Dainsleif had been watching, but his senses weren’t what they used to be back in his prime as the Captain of the Black Serpents. He’d only been vaguely paying attention anyway, too caught up with the unfamiliar sights and sounds of this world to hone in on one singular girl. Had this been in Teyvat, perhaps he would have been able to tune out the extra noise and focus in on the little thief. But here he was still familiarizing himself with his surroundings far too much to take in the details like that.
“Dainsleif,” He responds tersely to the other man’s introduction, “Afraid I didn’t see much other than the girl stealing something and then running off. I’m not used to being in a city like this, lots of unfamiliar distractions, you see. I’d be more than happy to help you hunt her down though. My… old job was rather similar to yours.”
He scoffs to himself. Old job. That was certainly one way of putting it. A way of putting it that didn’t cause another scar to his heart, one that he didn’t have to explain any further. It wasn’t exactly easy to say ‘Oh I used to be a Knight Captain, but my kingdom was destroyed and all its people cursed with immortality’.
“Since I have failed you with my observation, it goes to follow that I should help in another way,” His own fault really, for getting distracted so easily. If he had been paying attention a little more, they might have been able to eliminate the tedium of finding the girl and get right down to the root cause of her theft and handing down a rightful punishment, “If you don’t mind accept my help, that is.”
Gepard couldn't help but blink at the stranger--Dansleif, he introduced himself as--caught off guard by his words but immediately shakes out of it to give the other blonde man a reassuring smile. "Your aid in this would be most appreciated, Mr. Dainsleif, but please, do not fault yourself for something such as this. The robbery happened under Silvermane Guard watch, it was our duty to prevent this occurrence from happening, yet it slipped under our notice until it was too late. So, please do not feel like this is a sort of 'failure' on your part."
He holds his stare for a little while longer before moving his gaze around the Administrative District. The streets were abuzz with more energy than it was previously when he had gotten here to question the cashier about the break-in. The much more relaxed atmosphere of his surroundings calming his before saddened mood by the circumstances at hand, but not completely. It was always hard to learn about these sorts of crimes as it means the perpetrator was desperate likely due to a lack of funds which hurt his heart every time, he learns about their reasonings. It just proves that even with all this influence he holds and the many things he did to help the city he loves; he is also just as powerless.
Turning back towards the Eversummer Florist with look of determination, scanning the few nearby streets that lead to the shop. Looking for any indents of footprints in the snow that semi-covered the cobblestone, or just about anything that could be a clue to wear the little girl went. Gepard's mind had the terrible thought that she ran into the restricted areas for her escape, his head tilting towards the gated alleyway's a little ways away, and he felt his heart sink. "Did you happen to see the direction she went in after the theft? A vague direction is fine as I can send some of my men in the areas that we don't search." Shifting his gaze back to Dainsleif as curiosity gets the better of him.
"Also, if you do not mind me asking, what was your old job like? If it is too much than I understand. Being in this line of work can be..." His words drift off as unpleasant memories flash in his mind but snaps out of them just as quickly. "Difficult to put it lightly. Do not feel pressured to answer if you do not wish to, but feel free to speak your mind."
Commisson Board: Elation
Hello everyone! This is my plotting call for the month of December! (christ where has the year gone??) Here are some of the commissions I am interested in, just ping me, DM, or tumblr IM me if you are interested! Also, I am a-okay with doubling up on commissions! 👍
[ REPAIR ] - The fires won't stay burning forever, and every able body is being called upon to try and get some heat back into these streets. Whether you've been tasked to try your hand at repairing broken Geomarrow heaters, or sent down to the mines to help keep it flowing up to those that still work, it's all hands on deck for as long as anyone can stand to bear the chill.
Alhaitham stuffed his hands deep inside his pockets. Even under the light of day, Belobog was still determined to turn Alhaitham into a human icicle.
Just over an hour before, their tour guide—Donnie, was it?—tasked a handful of them with assisting in various tasks. Alhaitham tried to discreetly slip away, but was, unfortunately, volunteered (told, really) before he could make his getaway. Now, he found himself attempting to make repairs to one of the heaters near a group of Silvermane guards.
Originally, he had thought that the technology on Teyvat wouldn't be too different from the technology here. But after Alhaitham had pried it open, he realized—no matter how well-read he was, he had no experience or knowledge of the technology here. And so he did the next best thing:
Tapping a blond guard's shoulder, he gestured to the heater. "Are you able to help me fix this?" he paused. "I'm not familiar with these mechanisms."
Gepard turns when he feels a tap on his shoulder, turning to spot a gray-haired gentleman who was asking for his aid in repairing one of the many broken heaters that Donnie had requested a handful of volunteers to fix. He gives the man a smile, and a nod.
"Of course, but I must warn you. I'm not too keen on the inner-workings of these machines, but I can absolutely lend a hand where it is needed." He kneels down to the Geomarrow powered machine, and begins to inspect the inside. From what he could see, most of the wires are seen to be intact, or, at least, he hopes they are. Most of his engineering knowledge comes from watching his elder sister fix these heaters while he was somewhere in the same room. So, to say his own engineering skills were sub-par, was a total understatement.
"Wait... I think I see-" He reaches his gloved hand into it, trying to be careful, as his first assessment was wrong. Noticing one of the wires was disconnected from the geomarrow power source. "I believe I found the source of the problem, the wire-" Suddenly, he lets out a surprised noise that is followed by him quickly ripping his hand away from inside the heater when he felt an unexpected jolt on his hand. An uncomfortable tingle then begins to bloom on his hand, shaking it to get feeling back.
Embarrassed, he turns away from the other man. Not looking him in the eye as he clears his throat. "I... I think maybe we should ask someone else for further assistance..."
[ CONFLICT ]
He is situated a tad farther away from the main lights, sitting upon a box that could be for disposal yet dipped perfectly for his comfort as he finds himself people-watching. In his moving hands and what is surely drawing attention, a map he found within the snow plains that he plays well with as he thumbs over the locations he sees.
It's when the space is filled particularly full of festive people, deep lines on their face or not, and life goes on as he pulls the harmonica from his lips. He notices he's not exactly alone anymore via proximity alone. Should he… try making his way out through this? The people file in and with that the main staff, or people who simply reside over the pots and food stalls that would go into the festivities, all welcome and warm up as people come in. But that facade is easy for Otto to see through as he gets up and walks amongst the crowd. The mix of nice clothing and more ragged busy man wear mix like oil and water as he notices the start of shoving, mumbling, and grimacing even between happy families and friends joining with no care of status.
It was a good thirty minutes in his walk when he saw a statue amongst the humans. A man of white, silver, and blue ripped in golden, layered hair that turns slowly to scan the people. A good twenty feet they're separated by and yet that blonde head swivels like it knew he was there—a Weeping Angel, to use the statue metaphor again.
If things get awkward, or boisterous…
It was with his retreat and escape that he ends up kicking a pot of stew over for a rather disgruntled gentleman. Because the man hadn't been looking and Otto had long used his stride to get away, he loudly blamed the rich woman with loud and running kids to his right. From the next bout of yelling, the husband must have returned to retaliate against the underworlder worker yelling at his wife. And between him and the Guard Captain was a fight over food and crowding people.
Gepard was ever diligent as he scanned the dining area. Not taking his eyes off the room as he can feel the immense tension that surrounds the room, on high alert, as he waits the pin to drop, whether that be a raised voice, a swipe of another's food, anything.
Today, he was extra on edge, and he had no idea why. While the recent black-out had caused innumerable stress to both the citizens and the Guard, so this newfound mysterious feeling was strange, considering the circumstances, but warranted. He can't let himself falter now, even as the weariness, from the constant worry, is beginning to creep up on him.
His head immediately snaps to the altercation as soon as it started. Body moving on instinct as he speed-walks over, ready to placate the two men shouting at each other before the potential of an actual fight breaking out instead of the verbal cage-match they were locked into. As he is right beside the disgruntled gentleman who was covered in stew, he reaches out to touch his shoulder, but stops once he spots a familiar figure weaving their way through the crowd away from him.
... Was that... Mr. Apocalypse?
He stiffens before his eyes furrow in anger, making sure to keep the guy in his line of sight at all times, as to not lose him… for a second time. This time he won't let the man slip out of his grasp, this time he will bring him to justice for what he did in the Golden Theater all those many moons ago. Remembering the chandelier, the Aeon's awful plan, Erne-
A shout brought him out of his rumination. Grabbing his attention and reminding him of the reason he came over here in the first place. His hand still hovering over the man's shoulder as he stood there in place. Torn between following after Mr. Apocalypse, or stopping the altercation. Feeling guilty for having his mind divided in this instance, but, his own men were his saving grace. Feeling a hand land on his shoulder, and was told that they could handle the situation. He lets out a relieved sigh, giving them a thankful nod before moving quickly.
Weaving his way through the crowd, while trying to remember where he purple-suited gentleman had fled too. He lost sight of him, but Gepard was determined to locate him once again. His eyes dart around, and catches long, blonde hair leaving the venue. The Guard Captain tries to quickly make his way over to the exit, but the rowdiness of the crowd seems to have grown larger, which constantly forced him to stop his forward progress.
After a couple of minutes, finally, he was able to break through the crowd. Not wasting anytime as he sprinted around the camp, hoping he could find the culprit, searching everywhere he could think of, but the Captain couldn't find him anywhere. Meaning, Mr. Apocalypse had escaped... Again...
... Shit.
Follow my Lead and You Will Be...
Operation: Fragmentum | Board B | Dr. Ratio & Gepard
The two men have hardly gone far enough even to be swallowed by the plains' snow when there's a cry of pain that turns Cyrene's spine stiff. She skirts a glance to Alhaitham, her arm raised to stop him before they might traverse any further.
"They seemed a bit worse off than they acted, don't you think?"
It's dark and frigid and their numbers are thin. She recalls the young captain's most impressive resolve well before she had seen him in the field, and the other in his company seems no less stoic. Cyrene has never been one to underestimate the abilities of her companions, nor one to coddle them, but there is something to this that she cannot swallow. They had said to call, but the feeling that they will be called first simply does not shake.
"We should help them," she decides, before her partner can disagree, "it's only right."
And then she is jogging through their still fresh footsteps, towards where the sounds of combat are beginning to decrescendo into simply those of pain. In starlight she at last makes out both of the others, crimson stark and impossible to look away from in what is otherwise endless, uninterrupted white.
"I thought you had told us to call!" Her voice is light, or tries to be, a smile that hopes to seem reassuring offered between both faces as she sinks to her knees in the snow by a head of sandy blond. They'd not traveled with much more than a first aid kit, it would seem, and even at a glance she can tell that there is no patching an injury quite so large while they are so far from camp. For Alhaitham, she waves him nearer.
"We should get him back," Cyrene's expression turns more serious towards the man currently attending the other's wound, "there's no sense in dying out here."
It's the sort of scene she has seen played out by heroes that she has never lived to be, one she has written in ink tenfold but not touched so plainly with her own hands. There is a strange deja vu, following motions that are not hers and yet are so familiar, tearing fabric from one of her dozen layers to offer in hopes of staunching the bleeding long enough to return.
To the wounded, she smiles again. "Try not to fall asleep, okay?"
Gepard could only nod to the Cyrene's request. Wincing as both pressure and medicines are applied to his gaping wound. He tries to keep his face neutral, but it proves futile as tears begin to coalesce behind his eyes, not allowing them to fall as he closes them.
"Yep. I can do that." Voice tight, speaking the words as if trying to convince both himself and everyone fussing over him. Feeling a little embarrassed as he told both Alhaitham and Cyrene, if they were in need of assistance to call them, but it seemed like fate had other plans this night. Letting out a little self-deprecating laugh at it all.
Opening one eye, he observes the other two, looking them over for any injuries they might have sustained. "Please, you guys have also sustained injuries from your own battles, there's no need for-" A wince as he tries to get up. "All I need is a couple of minutes to catch my breath, and I'll be right as rain."
He lifts an arm in a 'help me up' gesture, waiting for someone to take it.
[ FIRE . ]
mei was never truly used to the cold , no matter how many times she'd meet it , a place this cold always felt a little off to her , but sitting there surrounded by others made it feel a bit better , warmer , of course , the bundling up in a ton of warm clothes definitely helped out .
although some may find the joy and comfort she can have around strangers , well , strange . . . Mei found it refreshing , even if she didn't recognize a single face here , they all had some story to tell , whether spooky or joyous , extending a marshmallow out to Gepard .
" so , how about you ? got any little stories to tell us ? "
there was a smile on her face , a hint of curiosity as she extended her offer out to him , listening to so many stories has made her want to hear what everyone around here had to say , especially someone like Gepard , there's something behind those eyes that tells her there's a lot hiding back there , so even a glimpse into his world . . . seems like it might be a fun story to hear .
"Oh. Thank you." Taking the offered marshmallow from the purple-haired stranger, Mei, she had introduced herself earlier as, and placed the confectionary upon a roasting stick to hover it over the fire. "Stories? I have lots."
He intently stares at the fire in front of them. The light dancing across the ground and their faces. Pushing back the darkness that completely surrounded them and wanting so desperately to consume them both back into its clutches, but, in the face of all this, the Guard Captain smiles. His eye's hoarding so many emotions, but none of them encroach on his face.
He lets out a small laugh before he dives into his story. "In my more newer years of being a Captain, I felt like I had a lot to prove. To myself, and-" His face sours, almost like it was painful to say the words. "My father."
"I was very stuck in my ways, which is to say, was not to the liking of most of the men under my command." He fondly smiles. "It took a couple of instances to 'knock some sense into me' as they say, but they all had me learn some valuable lessons that, while I did not understand at the time, really impacted me to this day."
"One instance was when my men and I were tasked to find and eliminate a suspected Fragmentum beast sightings that were detailed to be wandering close to Belebog's walls. There was a blizzard out that night, meaning it was hard to see anything that was just about in front of us. My squadron had spotted something in our hours long search, and me being the, to put it kindly, 'self-righteous' man I was, went ahead to deal with it. Turns it, out it was not a Fragmentum monster, but a bear. It got spooked when it saw me and knocked me over in the snow, leaving me in a confused daze."
A loud, boisterous laugh leaves him as he continues. "Aeon's the laughter and teasing after that was ruthless, but all I can say is, it was worth it. I could tell they that they needed it." Those many years fighting during the Eternal Freeze had been hard on a lot of them. The fear and uncertainty was so noticeable on everyone's faces, as no one ever knew if they were going to make it back alive...
"It taught me how fragile life can be. To not take those small moments for granted, as you never knew when it could yours, or someone else's last day. Also, to know when to set aside my own hardheadedness, as it helps no one." He winces as he remembers the events with the Astral Express crew, but quickly dismisses the thought as he turns to Miss Mei with a kind smile. "How about you? You got any stories that you are willing to share?"
Follow my Lead and You Will Be...
Operation: Fragmentum | Board B | Dr. Ratio & Gepard
As the sun sets, Alhaitham rises—it didn't please him to know what when he got back to Sumeru—if he ever got back, since this Fragmentum and Belobog's average climate seemed to want to freeze him alive—his daily routine would need adjusting. Again, like after every single 'vacation' he'd been on.
Alhaitham presses the sore spots on his body—only light bruising. A few shallow cuts litter his forearms, but thankfully not severe enough to debilitate him. He fishes out a roll of bandages and tape from his pouch and wrapped his forearms. It wouldn't do him any good to let them get infected. They did decently yesterday night, save for the small rough spot that the second Shadewalker put them in—nothing that a small break couldn't fix, though.
Sliding the bandages and tape back into his pouch, he makes himself get up and head to the resource tent. It would be good to see for himself what everyone had gathered. As he lifted the tent flaps, he saw that there were people already there—the man with what looked to be a suit of armor, and the man with purple hair who Alhaitham assumed to be a fellow scholar.
Cyrene, who had appeared behind him at some point, joined him inside the tent as the other scholar gave them a brief rundown of their situation.
"Block 3 fell under the control of the Fragmentum after reinforcements overwhelmed the area at around 6 hours of deployment. While we held out against the aerial units enough to clear them out, our humanoid Shades put up a harsher fight the closer you get to the Ice Out of Space hiding in the north." The man hummed. "From our final moments before we retreated, I could say we saw the end of the tunnel in so few words, but it's an uphill battle. Do be careful. We'll be listening over the radio for any assistance you may need, Gepard will be in charge of handling communications."
Alhaitham nodded in mute understanding. "I will be handling communications for Cyrene and I." He made a move to leave the tent, but paused. "Please lead the way when you're ready."
CYRENE & ALHAITHAM move to Block 3 [Time Left: 7 hrs 45 mins]
As the pair of men brought them to their destination, the other scholar gave them a parting warning: "We're low on resources ourselves from a stray Guardsmen needing assistance, we won't be able to help you besides physical labor for awhile. Safe travels."
"We'll be fine." Alhaitham replied curtly, nodding. "Thank you for your concern." A short pause. "Don't overextend yourselves." he added, slightly awkwardly.
After the four parted ways, splitting off into their respective pairs, it didn't take long for Alhaitham and Cyrene to run into one of those Shades.
CYRENE & ALHAITHAM [Rolls: 9,2] attacks SHADE [Roll: 1]. -9 DAMAGE. 1/10HP [Time Left: 7 hrs 30 mins]
Alhaitham reacts quickly, with Cyrene following up after his sword slashes through the creature. It falls, opening itself up entirely.
CYRENE & ALHAITHAM [Rolls: 9,4] attacks SHADE [Roll: 2]. -7 DAMAGE. SHADE is DEFEATED. [Time Left: 7 hrs 15 mins]
It takes just one slash from Alhaitham to finish this one off. Like the previous two, this one writhes miserably before disintegrating. In the silence, he hears commotion in the direction their companions set off in. With a quick nod at Cyrene, he sets off hurriedly—it wouldn't do good for them to arrive after irreversible harm had been done.
They arrive to see the purple haired man and armored man—Gepard, he recalled his name being—caught in a back-and-forth with another Shadewalker. Alhaitham flicked his blades, lunging into the conflict.
CYRENE & ALHAITHAM [Rolls: 8,7] attacks SHADE [Roll: 8]. NO DAMAGE. [Time Left: 7 hrs.]
Alhaitham's first hit does nothing but irritate the monster further. It swings wildly, exposing itself.
CYRENE & ALHAITHAM [Rolls: 7,1] attacks SHADE [Roll: 2]. -5 DAMAGE. 2HP. [Time Left: 6 hrs 45 mins]
This time, Alhaitham connects. It is visibly slowed, but undeterred.
CYRENE & ALHAITHAM [Rolls: 4,2] attacks SHADE [Roll: 2]. -2HP. SHADE is DEFEATED [Time Left: 6 hrs 30 mins]
A follow-up from Cyrene finishes it off. Alhaitham reorients himself to face Gepard and his partner, giving them a once-over for any outstanding injuries.
"Any damage?"
Gepard hides the wince that wants to desperately show on his face at the other's question, but all they see is a sturdy look before giving his reply.
"We took a little bit of injury, but." He gives Dr. Veritas Ratio a concerned look. While Gepard has seen the Doctor in battle, watching him throw powerful blows that turned the tide of battle and has withstood blow after blow, but he doesn't know the other's history when it concerns these matters. The blonde has, for many years, fought these battles since he enlisted into the Silvermane Guards. Seen how terrifying and messed up it can be, as well as trained relentlessly for these kinds of conditions. Guilt begins to creep into his mind, not just for Veritas, but for everyone.
Remembering his speech to all the volunteer's... The faces of those people... He hopes with all his being that they make it back to them safe. Shaking the feelings away as pity is not something that they don't need, or want.
"Nothing we can't handle. Thank you for the concern." Nodding to the two newcomers, Alhaitham and Cyrene, if memory serves him right. "If you need any assistance yourselves, do not hesitate to call."
Then the both of them charged back into the fray. The reinforcements, thankfully, have been largely taken care of due to the assistance, but there are still quite a few that remain. The Shade also charges at them at full speed with their long axe pointed directly at them. Gepard tries to gain the monster's attention, and begins to move to its flank, and it works. The Shade quickly turns to him, much faster than what Gepard was expecting, and blade of the axe sinks deeply into his side.
Letting out a pained yell when the object was extracted, violently. Toppling onto the ground at the immense pain and how it took his breath completely away. His own blood splattering on the ground as he tries to put pressure on the wound.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 1,4] attacks SHADE [Roll: 9]. -5 DAMAGE to US. 16/30HP [Time Left: 6 hrs 45 mins]
Gepard weakly lifts his head to watch the beast as it spins around to Ratio. Marching towards him, with a sick-line of confidence in its stride, glee read all over it as it believes it had taken down one of them. While Gepard tries to get up in a futile attempt, the Doctor's eyes are seen to dart around. The purple-haired man suddenly is moving, keeping his eyes on a thing in the background, until as a large shadow is seen, encompassing the Shade in its approach, the beast not realizing until it was too late as a pillar crushes it.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 9,8] attacks SHADE [Roll: 1]. -9 DAMAGE. 1/10HP. [Time Left: 6 hrs 30 mins]
Gepard watches as the pillar falls, and Ratio pulls him away from the carnage. The body of the monster still stuck underneath the piece, stretching one of its arms out, trying to futilely reach them. Growls and screeches escaping it in its fury.
As Gepard watches the disgusting sight, Ratio begins to apply quick medical care to his gaping wound. The Guard Captain, while in excruciating pain, keeps himself alert, ready to administer a shield if needed.
DR RATIO & GEPARD take 30 minutes to HEAL +1HP. 17/30HP. [Time Left: 6 hrs]
Follow my Lead and You Will Be...
Operation: Fragmentum | Board B | Dr. Ratio & Gepard
> cw: fifth paragraph is all about medic-like field treatment. Syringes, blood, bones setting all happen; please be advised of the paragraph starting with 'First, is administration of pain relief'.
He waves away his tome. Veritas had to keep himself from tracing the Guardsman Captain with his eyes as he passed the man with their resources. The suddenness of their situation was no shock to his system or even set him past expectations as he finds himself encumbered with a good portion of their supplies—his face daring to search for any hints of regret or discontent within Gepard's face. He does not speak his mind as the question finds itself quite redundant in the end.
He has the trooper sit on a trashcan that is folded and bent like something heavy had impacted it, stable and sideways as if it had been trampled. Ratio finds himself kneeling to sift while the mechanical whirling of Gepard's shield goes up again. And Gepard pushes the enemies.
Taking the supplies and finding himself a set of tools, instruments, and remedies to potentially assist the Guardsman troopers injury, he finds himself having to open quite a bit of supplies. A metal welder in his hand used by civilian mechanics is turned all the way up to burn through armor to separate it from the shoulder entirely, falling from its suspended straps. The groans of wallowing pain continue but the sparks do not catch the outfit of the Guardsman, it must be insulted against catching and the heavy cold. Resourceful.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Roll: 1,9] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 5]. -4 DAMAGE. 6/10HP
[TIme Left: 1 hr 45]
From the street they left it sounds like the flapping of a squad of birds of prey just picking up blood and had taken to attacking Gepard with volleys of ice and ramming their little bodies into him. From the sound of their agony, Gepard didn't spare his swings when they came close enough to face his stalwart attacks. But Ratio paid him only enough mind he could spare as he worked diligently with the trooper's arm.
First, is administration of pain relief via syringe that Ratio had to pop and find a vein of his non-injured arm for. Next was pulling the Fragmentum creature shards from his arm with a set of clamps to keep his hand from staining and freezing over, going against the noises of pain as he works fast. He had to set the man's arm quickly as he put pressure on the biggest wound—quickly finishing that. Packing all wounds with disinfectant and padding to absorb and seal skin, he has to cut into the fabric of his armor as they are covered in blood enough that it wants to congeal to the skin. Wrapping the arm in a sling uses a lot of the thermal bandages, but it keeps him still secure against the elements until—
A shard or two of ice hits right by his feet, having gotten past Gepard to try and hit Veritas—but Veritas makes himself smaller in his kneel, his supplies taking a horrible hit as they get sent flying. His only remaining resources from his pile being a thermal bandage wrap he had just had in his hands.
"Stay here. If you need to back away, fall on your side to make yourself a smaller target." The Guardsman trooper wouldn't be able to stand for a while, it's all he can offer the man before he gets to his feet and summons his tone once more.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 10,8] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 4]. -6 DAMAGE.
FROSTSPAWN IS DEFEATED
Enemy Drops: 3
[Time left: 1 hr 30 mins]
Veritas opens his tome again to put it between the soft part of his elbow and downward facing hand, his scribe hands ready to trace back whatever had shot at him and taken their supplies. It seems that their earlier singular bird had struck itself big with two more friends with Gepard crushing this third ally of theirs as Veritas returns to the field.
Veritas watches their flapping and failed attempts to break Gepard's guard as they ram against his shield like it meant anything. As they both took a swing at the same time, Veritas summoned a contraption of chalk to strike them both at their center mass, only changing its trajectory as a richocet factor on his calculations. The heaviness of his attack with their feeble centers of mass combined to a double noise of shattering and they both end up disintegrating with audible CRACKS, THUDS!
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Roll: 4,4] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 2].-2 DAMAGE. 8/10HP
[TIme Left: 1 hr 15 min]
Their relaxation is cut short as a set of steps come from the alleyway far beyond them. Bipedal footsteps, he catches them. There is a group of them but this information doesn't give off diligent marching or boots hitting the ground rhythmically, it was heavy and akin to tripping over one's own feet. It was fast too, slightly above natural human speed as Veritas tracks it—just behind himself. The birds had provided audible distractions and a beacon of noise, he assumes as he feels a weight slam into his back just before he takes off. His injured hip finally retaliates from the sudden movement and he does take the slam of the frozen body into his, its tackle meant to distract from its upwards swing of its axe.
Veritas falls back before it could cleaver at his vitals vertically but he finds a few strands of his hair falling as he pushes himself back and his arm holding his tome gets its fingers nicked, his blossoming red hip spitting more as he finds himself running into Gepard. It seems they both retreated to their right, away from that trooper. It matters not as Gepard seems to realize they're under attack and. Veritas has to catch his footing, the Guardsman stabilizing him before moving past him.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Roll: 3,9] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 5]. -4 DAMAGE. 4/10HP
[Time Left: 1 hr ]
That's when the shield is dragged from its sitting position on the field, it's sturdy and stable body is able to sit in the wind with not an inch of movement except when Gepard pulls on it. The three Shades—identified now that Veritas was facing them, one a face of fire and two of ice aplenty—were not prepared for the wind up it took Gepard to hit the ground and shards of ice bloom before and behind them. While the Shades retreat is cut off, the walls are covered in frost, their feet and body take a piercing quite well enough.
With all the alleyways into the café and bar area they reside in, it's not any loss to plug the Shades immediate retreat. Why are there so many ?
Raising from this kneeled position, having just slammed his fist down on the ground, and using the powers of ice, gifted to him by the Aeon of Preservation THEMSELVES, splinter's out across the ground. Covering the alleyway they saw the giant Ice out of Space, and its called reinforcement's, with a thick layer of sleet that congeals the path forward. Sharp glass-like icicles sticking out from the all surfaces, meant to stab and slice anything that dares try to get through.
In the cascade of his powers, one icicle rapidly shoots up from the ground violently. Skewering a FrostSpawn through completely. Its wings stop flapping to hang sadly from its elevated position, its body twitches for a couple of seconds before eventually stilling. The colors draining away as it disintegrates into a shadow of particles.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Roll: 8,6] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 2]. -6 DAMAGE. FROSTSPAWN IS DEFEATED Enemy Drops: 5 [Time Left: 45 mins]
While the hazardous environment created by him was meant to cover their backs, stopping any possible ambush coming their way, some of the Fragmentum were persistent. Recklessly, one charges forward, the humanoid like body slipping without much thought for its own safely. It glides and slices itself against the sharp spikes, but not deep enough to give it pause. Gepard's eyes widen as one almost slices Veritas, then this new one tries to cover for the other's miss. Going for Veritas again, but the ice impedes its strike as it begins to slip, the Captain moves to push the Scholar out of the way just as soon as the poor trajectory of the axe comes down. While the hit wasn't as powerful as it would have been, it still manages to cut into his armor deeply. The attack slices through the material, shocking him for a second too long as Dr. Veritas Ratio had to cover for him, causing the beast to fall backwards on the unsteady flooring.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 4,1] attacks SHADE [Roll: 6]. R&G take -2 DAMAGE. 21/30HP. [Time Left: 30 minutes]
Quiet, pained expletives escape out of the Guard Captain's mouth, he turns around, and, before the other man could react, wraps his arm around the scholar's waist and grabs the back of the wounded Silvermane's collar. Picking them both up off the ground to run.
"Apologies, but this position is compromised. We need to move now." Grunting due to the excess weight, he sprints through the familiar cityscape, with the sounds of enemies close on their tail. He runs and runs for who knows how long, until the noises become distant. Stopping abruptly in his hurry to listen, then sighing in relief when his assumption was correct. Gently, he puts both of his companions down, hoping to not jostle them even further.
Sending Dr. Veritas Ratio a look of apology, even though he had stated it before. Hoping the other understands his reasoning for doing so. They held no match against the newly arrived forces, especially since they had injured.
"We'll camp here for right now to gain our bearings. We've been locked in the art of battle for hours now, so some rest should do us some good." Saying in a steady tone, while weariness was present in both his face and stride. Moving to one of the buildings off to the side that had a little sitting area, dropping in a random chair with all his weight. The sight unprofessional he knows, but, in this instance, uncaring with the current circumstances.
Suddenly, the sound of a chair scrapping against the ground is heard as he lowers his gaze from the sky to the Doctor, who shuffles closer. In his hands is a needle and thread, and begins to work on his shredded armor. Gepard moves his gaze away to look towards the passed out guard and shifts to unclip the walkie-talkie from his belt.
"Thank you. You absolutely do not have to do this." Closing his eyes to rest for however long he can. "I'll radio Donnie to notify for immediate rescue to get them more efficient medical care than we can give them currently." Bringing the electronic device to his lips to do just that.
They bask in the silence after that. Not sure what to expect, but knowing, for right now, they were safe.
DR RATIO & GEPARD take 30 minutes to HEAL +1HP. 22/30HP. [Time Left: 0 hrs 0 mins]
Night 1 End.
Follow my Lead and You Will Be...
Operation: Fragmentum | Board B | Dr. Ratio & Gepard
He doesn't understand the Captain's prerogative to shout loud enough that the foes not far from them could turn on them, but he can understand the shock of the foe outright. Ratio was not the vocal type, even in combat he kept his words and exclamations to himself as best as he could, so to say the shout startled him too would be an understatement. The bulbous spine of his marble codex cracked the Shades faceplate in a good stagger enough to fall back, its axe making its weight uneven more afterwards.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 3,8] attacks Shade [Roll: 6]. -2 DAMAGE 6/10HP.
[Time Left: 3 hrs 45 mins]
That distance was not enough so Ratio, usually a man of tools and gears, ends up raising his free hand and upper cutting the Shade on the dark underbelly, its supposed chin. The creature did not let any humane noises slip but the crackling of Destruction underneath its skin blended with the chipping of ice on its face. His tome had done something after all.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 10,1] attacks SHADE [Roll: 10] NO DAMAGE 6/10Hp
[Time Left: 3 hrs 30 mins]
Ratio had to retreat back towards Gepard past the awnings, umbrellas, and tables. He retreats as the creature staggers, rolling its head and readjusting its axe within its grip, and truly they are at a stalemate.
Another Shade from the alleyway used its human body type to its advantage and a few seconds of chaos, taking advantage of its hips to swing back to its left with a windup time on its swing. It's double handed grip tightening as Veritas is carefully inscribed within the air a quick schematic of a statue. The quickest and most memorable, sturdy, design he could handle to cover his retreat is a clone of himself. The statue falls heavily a few centimeters in front of him from its recreation mid air—its posture prim and proper with his tome at his hip and free arm behind his back, nose held high.
The stute takes the strike for him and its head is shattered upon impact, now only recognizable by the design of its clothes past all the cracks splintering from the top-down. Veritas got away, but that had been too close. A split second later and surely—nevermind.
Even underneath the sound of carnage upon the cityscape, the loud intercom clicks from an established radio wave signal could be heard. Gepard was so distracted Veritas wouldn't be surprised if the man dropped the walkie talkie now, the enemies drawing in them alarmingly quick. A pack of Shades. But whatever had been spoken about by the time he drew closer and finally beside his guide. He didn't look all too happy about what he heard.
“Veritas! They need-!” The Guard Captain looks up at their own dire situation. Quickly, he picks up the radio that was given to everyone to stay in communication. “Situation is dire on our end. Unable to assist. Over."
The radio waves opened again with a loud metallic hiss and a youthful voice carries over after Gepard let's go of the button. "Please consider retreating to base camp, captain! "
With a look at the group of Shades coming from the frost and Fragmentum covered alleys towards the boulevard, Gepard silently answers the request with an audible sigh. Resignation. Veritas can feel the Captain's resolve strengthen, but not towards the sentiment shared.
[15 mintues] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 5,6] attacks SHADE [Roll: 7]. R&G take -1 DAMAGE. DR RATIO & GEPARD 29/30HP
[Time Left: 3 hrs 15 mins]
As Ratio came back to Gepard's side, a Shade grew a pair as it seemed to have some semblance of retaliation. Even with Ratio and Gepard putting themselves more advantageous on the defensive, the creature swung and kicked the last of the marble back at them. The marble flies from the strength of its swing, and they are pelted with pieces of it. Carnage happens in the streets as tables are flipped in the skirmish.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 2,4] attacks SHADE [Roll: 10] R&G take -6HP. DR RATIO & GEPARD 23/30HP
[Time Left: 3 hrs]
The destruction sent fine sandy clouds of debris at them and to Ratio's detriment, he should have worn his headpiece as his eyes are filled with the grains of his creation. From the sound of frustration, perhaps Gepard had as well. Ratio had brought his arm up too late to keep it out of his mouth and eyes and was thoroughly distracted when he heard fast, heavy footsteps with the clicking of ice. A dangerous hum of Destruction closing it. Just before Ratio felt the blunt axe strike at his lower waist and the strike carried over to Gepard's own person. From the audible BANG! it hit something with armor and he could hear the noises of pain clicking in.
He knew his belt and sash had been cut into as warmth bloomed underneath his clothes. His hip reads and registered pain but it did not cripple him. But his teeth grit as he pushes through it.
Block Three takes -5 Resources (One Hour @ 3)
Recoiling from the pain of the strike from the Shade. He lets out a pained grunt as it bounced off his armor, looking over at Dr. Veritas Ratio as it sunk into his body. Pushing through the pain, a feeling he was used too for the many years of being on the Front Lines and fighting the Fragmentum, he retaliates. Before the Shade could pull the axe completely away, he grabs it, and yanks the beast forward. The Shade letting out a confused, enraged warble, but turns into a pain screech as the momentum sends it straight into his ice, encrusted fist. Puffing it into smoke on impact, straining to collect his breath due to both the pain, and overexertion.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 8,1] attacks SHADE [Roll: 2]. -6 DAMAGE SHADE is DEFEATED Enemy Drops: +6 [Time Left: 2 hrs 45 mins]
Before the both of them could bask in the calm of their victory, there is a loud screech and the flapping of wings, another Frostspawn. Gritting his teeth, fighting through the pain, he turns, and charges once more, hitting the monster with same fist that sent the other to its grave. Not letting it show, as the ice now digs into his glove.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 3,5] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 1] -4 DAMAGE. 6/10HP [Time Left: 2 hrs 30 mins]
This time he dispels the ice, feeling the consequences as his hand stings with numbness. Grabbing Earthwork, he swings, gripping his shield so tight to hide the tremble that is quite noticeable in his hands. Not willing to show any kind of weakness, or his own limits. He will not yield. Not now, not ever.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 2,6] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 1]. -5 DAMAGE. 1/10HP [Time Left: 2 hrs 15 mins]
After the swing, he has to lean on the wall that opens up into an alleyway of the main road. The tiredness catching up to him at the worst possible time as he, once again, tries to collect his breath. Reading his own resolve before the next way to enemies are upon them, but the brief respite is disrupted as he hears slow footsteps draw closer. He immediately lifts his gaze with furrowed eyebrows until it changes into a look of horror at what he sees.
It was one of his men. Limping forward, using the wall as a crutch to move with a giant shard of ice lodged in their thigh, and a mangled looking arm that lays limply at their side with tiny icicles sticking out at odd angles. Their movements panicked, as if trying to run away from something, then he sees it. A large shadow at the end of the alleyway. Its blue, ice-like body floating menacingly at the end. Gepard stands there frozen for a moment, barely hearing the sound of a dying screech nearby. The Ice Out of Space lets out a deep rumble that reverberates throughout the narrow space, then it gets more agitated as it notices the wounded Guard, the Doctor and himself. Letting a loud roar that would have busted his eardrums if he wasn't fast enough with covering them.
Silence...
Then more sounds occur. A familiar screech, the clinking of boots with the high-pitched scraping of axes on the cobblestone ground from all over. The roofs, the roads...
He stands there stunned in place for a moment before slowly unclipping the walkie-talkie, the tremble gone, in its place just a calm acceptance of the situation they were in.
"Block 3 has been overrun." The short reply all he gets out before releasing the talk button, not listening for the radio, or a reply only focused on raising his shields up to block the oncoming wave.
"We have injured! Doctor!" Shouting to the other man, hoping the title bears true.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 8,1] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 3] -5 DAMAGE. FROSTSPAWN IS DEFEATED [Time Left: 2 hrs]
Encounter: Yes. [Roll: 1] [3] -20 Resources healing a Silvermane Guard Block Three takes -5 Resources (One Hour @ 2) BLOCK THREE IS LOST
Follow my Lead and You Will Be...
Operation: Fragmentum | Board B | Dr. Ratio & Gepard
He kept his tome resting between his downturn hand and the soft part of his elbow, the marbled surface open to transcribe his calculations through his eyes. His speech was too languid and personal to summon as quickly as his eye and mind can process and trace, so the surface burning with the energy of his tracked gaze was led to some current property damage. Sure the damage was unwarranted but the creature seemed rather sturdy until the very end, as the Destruction does, so it's fall was worth the deduction in real estate.
He didn't answer the man's obvious question with an obvious answer, the man was sure to be smart. He'll allow this moment of shock, but won't hold back if it happens again. He keeps his tone neutral but he does implore, "Mr. Gepard, we must go. I can still hear them ahead."
That's what it took for the man to continue down the thin street that weaved through hotels and apartments, all only passable on foot as the inclines get arduous. When the railing starts to head upwards and black crystals form along with the cobblestone side rails, that's when another set of flapping comes from above them. It had been perched upon a set of umbrellas no doubt for a rest, but they had been ready.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 6,6] attack FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 5] -1 DAMAGE 9/10HP
[Time Left: 5 hrs 45 mins]
The mangy bird was ready to take a blast of chalk to its one wing and purposefully dove its ruined trajectory towards Gepard, but the man was ready. A punch or grab, he was unsure what the man had planned, but the clawing motion struck the flat face of the Frostspawn, and it was hit back to where it came. It did not fall out of the sky as a sturdy thing, and shrieked as it played keep away with them.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 2,1] attack FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 2] NO DAMAGE 9/10HP
[Time Left: 5 hrs 30 mins]
The beast even tried a similar attack to its previous breatheren and charged up an attack that shot missiles of ice towards them. They were on a steep incline between two buildings, a narrow walkway, so Ratio had to play defensive as the bird on high could go above Gepard's shield. A small volley of chalk, some half formed, still sturdy enough to change the missiles course that they are unscathed. They have to move out of this narrow alley, so he pushes at the sturdy back upwards.
"Move further!" He puts some pressure in his tone and off they go above the alleyway.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 6,6] attack FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 1] -5 DAMAGE 4/10HP
[Time Left: 5 hrs 15 mins]
It was when they hit the landing that Ratio had the idea to use the street full of awnings and umbrellas to their advantage—and so he used the next volley of ice to duck under a black and red awning as Gepard defended his old position. The ice and matter reflecting off the shield gave him ample cover to ready heavy shots on his tome, algorithms already materializing like adrenaline did not narrow his vision. Through it's flimsy tarp he shoots three holes through it to strike the creature in its unharmed trio of wings. With its fall, it strikes the ground in front of Gepard .
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 5,5] attack FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 3] -2 DAMAGE 2/10HP
[Time Left: 5 hrs]
He's sure he doesn't have to yell at the Silverman Guard Captain to Finish It! but he does wonder how long this volley and then getting pinned has taken them. That volley was sure to damage anything not behind that shield of his. Not that was property damage.
Block Three takes -5 Resources (One Hour @ 5)
"I'm on it!" Gepard, seeing the creature on the ground, he surges forward, dropping his shield to unsheathe Earthwork to slam the FrostSpawn with the mechanical piece. Hearing a loud Crack! as it shatters its exoskeleton.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 5,4] attacks FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 3] -2HP. FROSTSPAWN is DEFEATED [Time Left: 4 hrs 45 mins]
As the screech rings out across their location, Gepard looks over his shoulder to Veritas. "It's taken care of. Let's go!" Clearly said as they march forward. They made it a great distance without running into any enemies, but their luck had to run out at some point as another winged creature meets them. Vertias Ratio sends out a piece of chalk that catches the Frostspawn off guard.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 5,4] attack FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 2] -3 DAMAGE 7/10HP. [Time Left: 4 hrs 30 mins]
Gepard seeing that the creature was hit, slams his fist down on the ground that sends a cluster of ice towards the enemy. Encapsulating it in ice, never to move again.
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 1,10] attack FROSTSPAWN [Roll: 2] -8 DAMAGE. FROSTSPAWN is DEFEATED! [Time Left: 4 hrs 15 mins]
Gepard let's out a sigh of relief, his eyes darting around the city streets that were thankfully empty for now. He turns to the Doctor, ready to ask if the other is okay, but his eyes widen in horror as a Shade appears right behind the purple-haired man. He moves on instinct, but Vertias, having his tomb between his soft part of his elbow and hand, suddenly straightens his arm out. Faster than what Gepard could see and smashes the spine into the monster's face, causing it to stagger.
"Veritas-!"
[15 minutes] DR RATIO & GEPARD [Rolls: 6,2] attack SHADE [Roll: 4] -2 DAMAGE 8/10HP. [Time Left: 4 hrs]
Encounter: No. [Roll: 3] Block Three takes -5 Resources (One Hour @ 4)
[FIRE] - The harsh cold of nighttime has sunk its teeth into your skin, but the campfire crackling and popping before you is miraculously enough to keep the temperature up. The company helps, too—roast some marshmallows, heat up some stew, or share some spooky stories to pass the time. You’ll be warm before you know it.
So…. so cold…
Hook thought she had enough clothes on her to adventure out into the snow. And besides, she didn’t want to wear all the ones the grown-ups gave her. How could she run around with Diggertron if she had all of that on? It’s not fair that adults get to move around easier with more clothes on while she wobbles around like those big heavy robots back in the Underworld!
And it’s a waste of fuel if she kept herself warm by revving up her trusty weapon of destruction... “It’s too dangerous,” they say. “You’ll hurt yourself!”
It looks like Hook has to suffer a pitch-dark defeat and join the others… She drags her feet closer to the fireplace, where everyone is sitting around and talking about things that Hook doesn’t understand. But she guesses it’s better to be warm and bored, than freezing and bored… The girl looks at the faces of the people next to her, and– woah!
Is that the Captain of the Silvermane Guard? That’s like, the Wildfire of the surface! But most importantly…
She points a finger and leans so far forward that she almost falls out of her seat. “Are those marshmallows?! Hook wants one, Hook wants one! Where can I get some?”
Gepard paused his own conversation, to turn at the loud exclamation. A smile cresting on his face once he notices the child-like glee on the girl's face as she stares at the marshmallow on a stick he has hovering over the fire. He looks to his left and makes a 'come over' gesture with his hands at a lady who was passing them out and gets handed a whole bag with a bright smile that was directed fully at Hook.
"Here." Extending the bag of marshmallows out to her as well as a roasting stick. "Also," He leans a little closer to directly point at a large, silver looking pot that was directly over a littler campfire a little ways away. "There is hot chocolate if you want some." Chuckling a little as he watches multitudes of children and adults alike flock to the pot with the eagerness of wanting refills.
Gepard, while not much of person for sweets, indulged a little in the merriment, and is now nursing his second cup of the chocolatey beverage. A smile growing on his face as basks in it all.
"If you want some of the recent pot, you should probably be quick. Looks like most of it is almost gone."
