Wolf and Fox @wolf-and-fox - Tumblr Blog

The hunting route recently shifted back to Greymoor - for the main group, at least. With the hunt being a priority, the route was already planned out almost days in advance and, as far as everyone was aware, should have gone smoothly. Or, as smoothly as a hunting party aimed to mitigate a curse. ..Up until Crimson slipped too close near, with everyone almost slowing down directly behind, listening intently at first. Was that… The very faint sound of accordion- and, like moth to flame, Crimson recognized it quickly. Perhaps too quickly. Above the sound of a constant downpour, Crimson pulled Wolf along to further investigate (with Fox insisting to come along, with Wispspark close behind). For anyone else part of the Troupe, what would have been probably seen through heavy rain is Crimson very much standing very still (were they debating on what to do? Were they looking for a direct confirmation that they weren't in fact seeing things?), two vessels, and one very soggy fox.

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Crimson kept the rest of their group behind them (much to Wolf's low growl of confusion), very cautiously encroaching closer within conversation distance with the silence that you'd expect from a hunting cat. Which is then promptly broken by a very frantic shaking of rain off of them, sparking off a low whine sounding, before it formed into a short howl of- some form of greeting. Crimson proceeded to instantaneously regret the howling from them, freezing on the spot and watching very intensely, gauging anything further while their brain was in the process of both being very stuck in a thought processing loop and going almost a mile a minute - mostly gauging if they recognized anyone in the opposite group.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

Too much? Too much. They are- scarily quiet, though that would be very quickly less of scarily and more of an attempt to figure out just how to phrase words, shaking off more rain off of them. Bit soggy out here, yeah? Also why were you two arguing? They don't- sound angry? If anything it's like they're trying to control their volume to not sound too overly curious.

Grimm and Cynthia quickly relax upon hearing that the ones approaching them are civilized.

“Yes it is. We are merely in a disagreement about a card game. Have you come to see us perform? I am Grimm, and-”

It couldn’t possibly be! The one he speaks to looks like him! It’s just like when he met Scarlet.

“Who are you?”

Crimson almost startles, head tilting. The question almost- appears to have thrown them for a loop, but they quietly step forward (apparently this is just a thing they do), trying to make themselves look less like the equivalent of a stray cat. With the rain, it is.. very much not working. I, uhm- hi I'm Crimson, uhm… I'm with them. They gesture with a paw to the rest of their group off to their side, almost looking like they wanted to elaborate more before deciding against it and instead shuffling their outstretched paw to tug a bit at their cloak.

Grimm looks at the group, then back at Crimson. He bows to them all.

“Crimson, hm? Well met. Please, all of you, come inside.”

He leads them into one of the smaller tents. Cynthia goes off somewhere else on her own.

“Crimson. You and I look… quite alike. Yes?”

The second everyone manages to get into one of the tents (with Crimson immediately telling Wolf and Fox to not pull something silly), everyone's immediate focus was almost instantly changed to getting dried off from the heavy rain, and also to make sure Wispspark would be okay if left alone. Crimson does respond though, after the initial shake. Y- yeah, that's- an accurate observation. M' a Grimmchild, promise. Wolf's my primary guardian. Crimson awkwardly gestures to Wolf, who is very focused on literally anything else BUT the current conversation. Crimson themselves sounds- almost hesitant on the matter, despite telling the truth.

Could Crimson also be related to the Grimm that houses Incubo? Their forms are quite different, but who knows what is possible.

Grimm bows his head to Wolf respectfully. “So you are a Grimmchild. You are not the first I have met, so I do wonder what you know about your biological father. It is.. not me, of course.”

Crimson quietly fidgets with their paws almost methodically, with Wolf giving THE fastest thumbs up of all time in the same span of time it takes for Crimson to fully come up with something that could passably be a sentence. He's uh.. he's cool, yeah. Only really properly met him after my sibling got bit really bad and got the same issue Fox does- Crimson almost gets sidetracked for a second in an effort to defend Fox's credibility on their biting, but stops themselves almost seconds before, -but I think he wants to… be there in some way, I don't know. It was… tricky, to properly describe him- unbiased. Early memories were nearly untrustworthy, but they didn't outright say that. Or, more accurately, as bluntly as possible. Wolf and I traveled a lot in my early years, and I was being taken care of mostly by Wolf's group when I wasn't doing that, so I didn't really.. visit often before the whole bite incident. That felt safe enough to say for now. Don't.. don't tell Scarlet, I don't even know how accurate sibling is at this point- or if they're even okay with that.

Scarlet! Scarlet and Crimson are siblings! Grimm had met them and their father within such a short amount of time. What are the odds? What was it about Pharloom that causes him to meet all sorts of unique bugs?

“Yes! It was Scarlet! I met your father, and Scarlet, and now you!”

Grimm sounded oddly excited.

Crimson almost shrinks back out of sheer bafflement, trying to click together pieces in their head, but the internal surge of hope overpowered that particular question with more pressing matters. Wait- you saw them? Are they okay? More importantly, are they alive? They forgot to keep their voice at their usual volume, equally being startled by just how much hope and concern they could somehow put in their own voice.

Crimson seemed nice. Grimm wanted to comfort them.

“Yes. Both are alive. I offered Scarlet food and rest when we met, and I have met with Grimm multiple times. He and I are quite different, yet good friends.”

It’s probably best if he didn’t bring up the conflict between Incubo, Grimm, and Scarlet.

Crimson, despite the earlier bafflement, looked- genuinely invested in this. They almost looked equally overjoyed at the notion that Scarlet was alive and doing moderately okay. That was a potential crisis narrowly dodged, to them. The best noise they could make was a droning warble for a few seconds, before finding the proper words. It's good to hear that you three- I think?- are doing alright, yeah. Just… overall. They quietly fidget with their paws, thinking.

Crimson’s fidgeting caught Grimm’s attention. Were they nervous about something? Was he coming off wrong?

“Please feel free to make yourselves comfortable. You are my guests.” He gestures further into the tent.

“This is the same tent Scarlet rested in.”

#encounter #wisp-warble #pharloomblr #IM SO SORRY ON HOW LATE THIS IS THERE WAS A FEW DAYS OF JUST “ok! who goes next” IM SO SORRY AGAIN SOBBING))

Crimson's head snaps back up, trying to focus back in on the conversation. A- you're all good! Just- thinking, is a- During the entire time they were talking, they had been exploring around, sniffing at the air every now and then… And freezes on the spot once they properly recognize, slowly backing away in the same way someone would in an attempt to not wake up a roommate.

@scarlet-and-dew

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

Grimm and Cynthia quickly relax upon hearing that the ones approaching them are civilized.

“Yes it is. We are merely in a disagreement about a card game. Have you come to see us perform? I am Grimm, and-”

It couldn’t possibly be! The one he speaks to looks like him! It’s just like when he met Scarlet.

“Who are you?”

Grimm looks at the group, then back at Crimson. He bows to them all.

“Crimson, hm? Well met. Please, all of you, come inside.”

He leads them into one of the smaller tents. Cynthia goes off somewhere else on her own.

“Crimson. You and I look… quite alike. Yes?”

Could Crimson also be related to the Grimm that houses Incubo? Their forms are quite different, but who knows what is possible.

Grimm bows his head to Wolf respectfully. “So you are a Grimmchild. You are not the first I have met, so I do wonder what you know about your biological father. It is.. not me, of course.”

“Yes! It was Scarlet! I met your father, and Scarlet, and now you!”

Grimm sounded oddly excited.

Crimson seemed nice. Grimm wanted to comfort them.

“Yes. Both are alive. I offered Scarlet food and rest when we met, and I have met with Grimm multiple times. He and I are quite different, yet good friends.”

It’s probably best if he didn’t bring up the conflict between Incubo, Grimm, and Scarlet.

#encounter #wisp-warble #pharloomblr #the brain decided to. draw a blank for a good while apolocheese))

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

Grimm and Cynthia quickly relax upon hearing that the ones approaching them are civilized.

“Yes it is. We are merely in a disagreement about a card game. Have you come to see us perform? I am Grimm, and-”

It couldn’t possibly be! The one he speaks to looks like him! It’s just like when he met Scarlet.

“Who are you?”

Grimm looks at the group, then back at Crimson. He bows to them all.

“Crimson, hm? Well met. Please, all of you, come inside.”

He leads them into one of the smaller tents. Cynthia goes off somewhere else on her own.

“Crimson. You and I look… quite alike. Yes?”

Could Crimson also be related to the Grimm that houses Incubo? Their forms are quite different, but who knows what is possible.

Grimm bows his head to Wolf respectfully. “So you are a Grimmchild. You are not the first I have met, so I do wonder what you know about your biological father. It is.. not me, of course.”

“Yes! It was Scarlet! I met your father, and Scarlet, and now you!”

Grimm sounded oddly excited.

#encounter #wisp-warble #pharloomblr

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

Grimm and Cynthia quickly relax upon hearing that the ones approaching them are civilized.

“Yes it is. We are merely in a disagreement about a card game. Have you come to see us perform? I am Grimm, and-”

It couldn’t possibly be! The one he speaks to looks like him! It’s just like when he met Scarlet.

“Who are you?”

Grimm looks at the group, then back at Crimson. He bows to them all.

“Crimson, hm? Well met. Please, all of you, come inside.”

He leads them into one of the smaller tents. Cynthia goes off somewhere else on her own.

“Crimson. You and I look… quite alike. Yes?”

Could Crimson also be related to the Grimm that houses Incubo? Their forms are quite different, but who knows what is possible.

Grimm bows his head to Wolf respectfully. “So you are a Grimmchild. You are not the first I have met, so I do wonder what you know about your biological father. It is.. not me, of course.”

#encounter #wisp-warble #wolf-spark #pharloomblr #!! youre all good dw!!))

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

Grimm and Cynthia quickly relax upon hearing that the ones approaching them are civilized.

“Yes it is. We are merely in a disagreement about a card game. Have you come to see us perform? I am Grimm, and-”

It couldn’t possibly be! The one he speaks to looks like him! It’s just like when he met Scarlet.

“Who are you?”

Grimm looks at the group, then back at Crimson. He bows to them all.

“Crimson, hm? Well met. Please, all of you, come inside.”

He leads them into one of the smaller tents. Cynthia goes off somewhere else on her own.

“Crimson. You and I look… quite alike. Yes?”

#encounter #wisp-warble #wolf-spark #the barrow dens #fox-weave #pharloomblr #crimsons just skittish dw !! :tada: /whimsy))

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

Grimm and Cynthia quickly relax upon hearing that the ones approaching them are civilized.

“Yes it is. We are merely in a disagreement about a card game. Have you come to see us perform? I am Grimm, and-”

It couldn’t possibly be! The one he speaks to looks like him! It’s just like when he met Scarlet.

“Who are you?”

#encounter #wisp-warble #pharloomblr #!! apologies for how late this is on my part - got heavily sidetracked TWICE))

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

Cynthia seems to have noticed the howl, quickly hiding behind Grimm’s legs like a scared child clinging to a parent.

“Who is there?” Grimm’s voice sounds on guard, but not quite aggressive.

#encounter #wisp-warble #pharloomblr #“BIT WET OUT HERE AINT IT” god speed crimson /whimsy))

(hi it's @wolf-and-fox hiiii waves excitedly) ))

“We have been over this countless times. Yes, I could stack the deck with ease, but I did not do it, Cynthia!”

Grimm holds his hands up innocently outside the main tent. Beside him, a weaver scolds, she looks and sounds old.

“You would lie to me and cheat while playing Hearts! ‘I also see myself as somewhat of a magician.’ That is what you said to me one of the first times we spoke!”

“Does that imply that I cheat in cards games??”

Amusingly to him, Grimm’s face gets a swat. Neither of them notice the group in the distance.

#encounter #wisp-warble #wolf-spark #pharloomblr

*all is peaceful. all is quiet. all is as it should be as those who have earned victory celebrate or rest, relieved that this is finally well and truly over. at long last, the Steelwyrm had been felled and his city turned to rubble. slaves and nobles and surviving Sentinels all stand, confused, lost, without purpose, without home, and the heated rubble where the Pale King had speared the ground with endless nails of soul sits there smoking, a stain left behind

...

until it moves. the pile shifts, rocks falling to the side as a single grey hand pierces though the mess, bloodied and broken. the Steelwyrm crawls free, maskless, amrourless, and completely and utterly defeated. he crawls up, shaking with agony and effort, his voice a rough slurred growl*

You.... haven't won..... I... am the one who... wins!!

@xero-and-markoth

Heheheheh

Us, weak, mere, mortals...

Managed to turn your daughters against you, from what i know, they are to blame for what has happened to you...

Your kidnapped bride is on our side again.

Your soldiers are either dead or have deserted.

There is no other ones you can turn to

You have lost...

Y'know i once knew someone who was a victim to someone like you.

You know what i did?

Me and a few others burned the abuser's house, him still inside...

His screams was like music to me..

Now i like originality.

So i'm not burning you to a crisp.

Your victim will probably want the kill...

So i'm doing this instead.

*Glacier steps on the Steelwyrm’s head, pin in their hand*

*They won. The person who harmed Pane, their father, and who knows how many other is at their mercy. If this was only a few months ago, maybe they’d consider a peaceful approach, a pacifist way to end this, but now? Now, when they’ve seen so much loss, killed so many people?*

*…*

*Their throat is closed up, and yet…*

H…e..he…h…

*They laugh. The sound isn’t a true laugh, more of wind echoing through ice in a sound that slightly resembles a laugh, but it gets louder, more joyful (or crazy). They fucking won*

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya punches Xero to the ground and kicks Glacier down from the Steelwyrm's head. She was not going to stand for torture. She bows down and heals the injury Xero caused.

"If you're in this army, you adhere to our laws! If you lay a cruel claw on him, I will fucking kill you! Baldwin, make sure nobody hurts him. The order to execute is the Pale King's, until then he's a prisoner of war and shall not be harmed!"

@baldwin-the-protector

I can only make sure that he doesn't die...

Baldwin looks at the monster

You are pathetic, so pathetic that i almost feel sorry for you...

Almost

@blackguard-sentinel

blackguard-sentinel

You didn't pay me at all! World's shittiest boss.

The last time we were satisfied with our links to your city was when we stabbed him! And that wasn't even in my lifespan!

Oh and also you hurt people I suppose...

@wolf-and-fox

#tw: gore #tw: genitalia #tw: genitalia mutilation #<- never thought I'd see that tag #ME NEITHER))#h. HOT NEW TAGS JUST DROPPED /SILLY))#<- tags for earlier postings btw!))#encounter #the barrow dens #live north reaction post-severe injuries. dont worry guys they'll recover. eventually.))#and also give everyone in their group a moment of panic but its FINE TRUST))

..It's over. The fight is over. Blood is on her mouth and paws, and her fur is matted and stained, paws (claws? they were unsure) gripping the ground. There is a few seconds of silence from them, heaving breaths from something further than just exhaustion - staring down the Steelwyrm, waiting for any sense of him still being a potential threat. Something in them hurts. Not a "what have I done" hurt, more of internal wounds from getting electrocuted and also shot at several times. In the back of their mind, the moon was a crimson red. In the back of their mind, they wanted to rip further, but the pain of several wounds forced her to reconsider. They still stand. They want to see their kin again. They snap teeth at Steelwyrm, hissing out words that came half-formed and not at ALL comprehensible, wincing every couple of steps as they turn and just... walk away. Where are they going? Only they really know. Preferably somewhere quiet.

@scarlet-and-dew

*fragile it looks. small. shaking. in pain. the Steelwyrm finds himself feeling a sliver of regret. finds himself feeling a fragment of pity for it, a slice of empathy as the Whitewyrm almost sways on its feet, eyes unfocused behind the clouds of dancing veils draped over its dimutive form. not long now though. no, not long. not long until he has claimed his deserved reward. not long until he can finally own his mate of old. Delphinium, that root, that stupid moth... all of them have lost and he? oh how he has won! how he has claimed victory! how he has—*

We did not think one would show ones face here. After all, is it not painful to see one's mate take the hand of another?

*the Steelwyrm steps forth, looking down from the grand stage at the gathering of pathetic little morsels headed by the moth who, by all accounts, should be rotting on the ground somewhere. persistent little mite, isn't he? and his friends too. a rough shove has the Whitewyrm positioned behind him, out of sight out of mind, but that damned dream drenched mortal simply stares him down, practically vibrating with rage so hot it could melt the very metal his city is built from. well, this'll be a bit of entertainment for the crowd...*

So... that's how it is. Very well. Fight well, Our friends! May glory guide your souls unto oblivion! To the visitors, I offer the first blow!

[Steelwyrm health 1000/1000]

[Pale King health 100/1000]

*the crowd erupts into cheers louder than ever, echoing through the eletric air, breaking the tense silence with revelry untold. this is it, the grand finale!*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

*there he is. there! right there! dressed in a gown so artificial, so stifling, so unlike him that for a moment Lurien barely even knows its his Strelitzia, His Beloved. he looks... thin, broken, he doesn't even respond when shoved, he doesn't even look towards him. void below what has this shitworm done?!*

[Lurien health 300/300]

[Lurien rolled 5d20 to attack! 20 + 20 + 12 + 14 + 13; total 79 damage!]

*he leaps into the air, his wings spread in a flash of vivid blue but his pin strikes in an arc of gold; glimmering and perfect and almost sickly. almost like a memory of the infection that destroyed Hallownest. he jabs and slashes at the Steelwyrm in a frenzied furious flurry, the blaze of dreams at his command fueling him even further*

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya remembers the advice Pieris had given the group. The bastard could burn, huh? See if that'd do him good. Dryya summons in her hand the only spell she knew besides Focus.

Soulfire, a white burning plasma of Soul harvested from the Blackguard. She winds up and tosses it straight at the Steelwyrm.

((1+1+16+13+10)×2=82 damage!)

300/300

@baldwin-the-protector

HEY!!! SHITASS!!!

The asshole doesn't have time enough to react to Baldwin rolling right at him, sends himself jumping and hits him right in the face

Baldwin rolled a 20+17+15+4+17=73

300/300

Holy fucking shit, and here i thought that i was surrouned by the biggest bitches and morons in the world, but now that i have meet you, i can see i was wrong on both of those.

Did you really think that you could take our bitch from us, then you must have severe brain damage.

I'll ignore how comically evil you are, which by the way you must be compensating it for something.

I'll say this too, a face that not even your mother would love, and dressed like that, you must think that you are the most beautiful thing around, but i have seen roadkill from a stag prettier than your face alone.

Fucker is so ugly you should be put in a show about animals, just need some old geezer doing a voice over.

I can't even remember what your kid said, but i can see that your ugly ass got the least protective shell i have ever seen, and already know what i should do.

Xero arm changes and he starts shooting fireballs at the ugly freak.

I was going to say this is going to make you prettier, but not even you being born a different person would make you that.

Xero rolled a 17+14+9+19+17×2=152

300/300

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm armour defence; 100]

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to defend; 143 total; total defence 243]

[Steewyrm rolled 5d20 to heal; 52 total]

[Steelwyrm health 909]

*he simply dodges and walks around most attacks, the pathetic insults rolling from him and the flames of soul and Xero's fireballs licking at him but he hardly seems to give a care, almost laughing as he rips soul from the Whitewyrm cowering behind him, the poor thing screaming in pain as he does so*

[Pale King health 95/1000]

You are good, but, not that good We are afraid.

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to attack; 80 total]

*a slave bows before him and with a swift motion, a single touch, their body is torn asunder, their shell reforming, their limbs snapinng, as they become a blade for their master. with a sick twisted laugh the Steelwyrm dances through his enemies, slashing and stabbing. Lurien, Dryya, Baldwin and Xero take 20 damage each!*

What shall one do, little shadow?

@glacier-the-vessel

*Glacier is shaking with rage, staring at the Steelwyrm. How dare he first take Pane, weak and suffering, to get close to their dad, and how DARE he hurt their dad, break and harm him, thinking he's on top of the world?*

*The temperature around them drops slightly, the tip of their pin becoming coated in ice. Their throat feels closed up, but they don't mind. They don't need breath after all*

*The Steelwyrm's weak to fire, they know this. They should be at a disadvantage, since ice is their weapon as well as their pin. But they can help their allies by cooling the Steelwyrm down, no?*

I swear... with every fiber of my being... you will pay for everything you did... for Dad... for Pane... I will make sure you die!

*They stab the ground, causing giant icicles to erupt from the ground in the Steelwyrm's direction*

[20 + 20 + 13 + 19 + 13 = 85 damage! (since it's a big attack I'm using all the dice for it)]

[HP: 300/300]

@eternal-voidbound-fire

*Initially, the ironically familiar larger vessel's eyes widen, shock and annoyence fighting for dominance all the while, before they force neutrality and coldly (ha the irony) state,*

Well. Short time no see, steel problem.

*Before both their 'hands' clench and gain flame and, with both, they two massive fireballs are sent directly at the shit- Steelwyrm.*

*Though, once thrown, the tension in their partner is quite obvious, as they just nudge their sibling, who glances down and immediatly murmurs a "oops" while slightly retracting their claws.*

(17, 12, 9, 18, 13 -> 69 × 2 -> 138 damage dealt!)

(Health - F: 299/300)

(Health - T: 300/300)

(Anger Meter: 35% +)

(Combat Rolls! 6, 12, 14, 18, 19, 69 damage!) (Total HP: 300/300) The air shifts, dropping a few degrees in temperature - the only warning before The Biting Wind -shatters- the veilstep that was shrouding them. That was their target, their focus isn't even on the Pale King (though, seeing the state he was in… it only made their blood boil more.) This ends HERE, is the only screaming thought in that mind of theirs, the fury alone biting at their mouth, demanding they bare their teeth early. They do not. Instead, they charge forward, only opening their jaws to try to catch the blade-arm to mitigate further damage. Reckless? Yes. Was there a plan behind that? Also yes. The only actual sentence from them was a violent warcry in words that only they knew. BANDU THORIBAS! CUT HIM DOWN!

@scarlet-and-dew

[Dew: 300/300]

Dew freezes slightly at the sight of the Pale King screaming in pain. But he quickly steels himself again. Can't run, can't hide. Gotta fight.

That method...

Hmm? Does it know something?

I have a suspicion, but I'd need to see it a few more times. For now, focus on the Steelwyrm.

Dew nods, then turns his gun on the Steelwyrm, fires twice, then rushes in to strike twice before stepping backward to strike again.

"DIE!"

[Dew rolled a 28 to attack (3+4+3+4+14)]

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm armour defence; 100]

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to defend; total 127; total defence 227]

[Steelwyrm health 816/1000]

*a barrier deflects all but the flames, with a hiss the Steelwyrm shows signs that his defence is starting to waver! but, his rage, his fury, his willingness to attack has not*

[Steelwyrm rolled 15d20 to attack; total 200!]

*the blade forged from slave is driven into the metal at his feet as he raises both hands to the sky. as if summoning down the unseen and distant stars shimmering glitter begins to drift down before, sudden, violent, the Steelwyrm drops both hands, bringing down a storm of lighting. each party member takes 16 damage!*

[20 + 16 for Lurien, Dryya, Baldwin and Xero]

Strelitzia... I believe you have sat idle long enough. Come, show them that you are not bound by mortality. Show them how powerful you truly are!

@the-pale-king

*for the first time, he moves. lurches. like something on a string. like a ball jointed doll with loose limbs. like someone half-starved and fully mad. he staggars and sways up to stand besides the Steelwyrm, the too long veil draped around his wasting form billowing out behind him*

[the pale king The Steel Bride rolls 5d20 to attack; 20 + 20 + 19 + 18 + 18; total 95]

*without hesitation a single pale hand grips at his chest pulling free something brilliant, something blinding. a blade forged from the purest of soul. and once again, no hesitation, no signs of free thought in his head, he lunges, the blade blazing with soul fire as he attempts to slice Lurien's head clean from his shoulders. black leaks from his mouth, clearly this action pains him more that he is allowed to voice*

[Steel Bride health 85/1000]

@pluralhornet

Hornet did not see what was happening around her.

She only saw her father.

The few memories of him she had flashed before her eyes. Mostly, they took place in his workshop, or the White Palace.

He was never a great father. But he clearly cared.

... And now, here he was.

Battered. Clearly worse for wear.

... And then he was attacking his own... Watcher? She did not know his relationship with Lurien, nor did she especially care.

She didn't even care about the lightning(?) that struck her.

She simply walked forward, interposing herself between the moth(?) and the Wyrm, and then grabbed her father, Silk flying from her spine as she attempted to mend the King's wounds.

(4 + 5 + 8 + 11 = 28 healing for the Pale King)

... And then did her best to restrain her father and keep him from harming anyone else

(17 to tie him up. Uh. You get to determine what effect, if any, that has).

@beast-queen-of-deepnest

*Herrahs eyes widened when she saw the pale king. She had always seen him as pathetic, weak, not worth the worship he gets. she always saw him and revolted in disgust as she does to all pale beings... but now when she looks at him she just feels... pity. Sad, even. Why was that?*

*she snarls and rushes for steelwyrm, claws bared. She came here for battle... to support Lurien... but she felt more purpose behind her attacks now. She didnt understand why or where it came from, but she would fight to the end regardless.*

[3+19+1+15+12= 50 dmg!]

[284/300 hp]

@partialpablo

partialpablo

*Pablo sees the state of the pale king, and his demeanor shifts. Not angry. Not sad. But its different.*

*Pablo lobs two pimpillos at the steelwyrm as a distraction, and rushes towards the Pale King*

*He raises his hammer above his head when he reaches the pail king...

And chucks it straight towards the steelwyrms head*

*with his hands free, he kneels down and begins focusing to heal the pale king. It's not very strong, but it's the best they're all getting*

(8+16=24*2=48 on the pimpillos, a single 11 on the hammer throw, and 10+15=14 on healing the Pale King)

[Health is 284 of 300]

@theabyssalshaman

Uunvraxis stares at the King.

The feeling of the Void within the king is... palpable.

... He cannot say, from this distance, whether or not he can cure the King for certain. But he is almost certain he can't. He can MAYBE by the King a little bit more time before being completely killed by moving it away from the King's vital organs. Perhaps, if he were to spend every waking moment with the King and then never ever sleep, he could keep the King alive for... a year? A month? A week?

But he would just be delaying the inevitable.

He's not even going to try to heal the King. It seems like, er... The small one with the Silk, and... the one with the hammer... have it covered...

Uunvraxis doesn't know these bugs' names. The only name here he knows is that of Lurien.

So, Uunvraxis turns to the Steelwyrm, and he says,

"My ancestors wielded the darkness that lies deep within the bowels of the earth.

"I am the first in generations to wield this nothingness as well.

"I understand it better than almost anyone else here.

"It is the scourge of all life. Including your own.

"And it is only deadlier with a will to compell it.

"You cannot hope to win this fight so long as I am here. And here I stand; here I'll stay."

Using all of his might, enhanced by the Shaman Stone, Uunvraxis casts Nightfall Spear, the Void-based, Soul-infused projectile hurling itself at the Steelwyrm.

(2(5 + 10 + 12 + 17) = 88 damage received (OOC: OH MY FUCKING GOD THAT IS NOT ENOUGH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)

... And then, with a flash of Soul along his shell, Uunvraxis heals his own wounds.

(20 = 20 healing received) (OOC: OKAY THAT'S BETTER)

(300/300 health)

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm base defence; 80]

[Steelwyrm rolled 5d20 to defend; total 63; total defence 143]

[Steelwyrm health 762]

*the pimpillos blind the Steelwyrm for a moment, enough time for Herrah to make a dent in him, enough time for the Nightfall Spear to hit, but he recovers, growling but not at the party, at the other Wyrm*

How pathetic is one to accept heals from the enemy?! Strelitzia; I once considered you my better but no longer! Act your part!

[Steelwyrm rolled 5d20 to attack the Pale King! total damage; 45]

[Pale King health 102/1000]

*the Steelwyrm drags his 'mate' away from the troublesome moth before striking him hard across the face, knocking him to the ground in a heap of limbs and silks. for a moment, he simply lays there before slowly pulling himself up. the look given to the Steelwyrm is proof enough there is still some of him left in there, buried under the murk. in his rage, the steelwyrm forgets who he is fighting and neglects to attack!*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[Lurien rolls 5d20 to defend; 20 + 19 + 17 + 16 + 10; total 82]

[Lurien health 251/300]

*he's able to dodge the Steelwyrm by flapping his wings and dancing out of the way, no problem, he's smaller and faster and smarter than he is, even the soul lightning isn't a bother as he takes the chance to dive out of the way, but, that's when things start to go wrong

Strelitzia moves. and he moves quick. quicker than Lurien does, he knows that for certain, they have fought before. he won by dumb luck but here, when its real, when its so very real, its all he can do to block as many swipes, his shell crackling under the heat of the soul flame wreathed blade*

Love. Love its me, I'm here, I came for you I'm here I'm here. Please please hear me. Look! Look even Herrah came to save your rear! Even Hornet came all the way from Pharloom! You don't want to let her down, do you? Come on, you... you know me... You know me...

*his words don't seem to make a difference... for now*

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya had been smacked and struck by lightning, the aftermath of which still tingled in her system. But she smiles at the wound over her side. The blade had cut through the armor and dealt damage. Nut well, that'd be something for Thistle to look at.

(264/300)

Dryya stands up and rushes at the Steelwyrm again, clambering up on his back and attempting to saw through his armor to slice his throat.

(12+7+3+1+2=25 damage.)

@eternal-voidbound-fire

*This time, upon registering the events, the larger vessel (with the small one holding on for dear life-) just looses a vast majority of whatever composure they had, giving a wordless, flat-out angry scream and lunging for the Steelwyrm themselves, arms ablaze as they swipe at him with both sets of blazing claws, as the general vicinity has suddenly begun to heat in spite of the prior cold.*

*(Why is there smoke coming from them? That is unusual...)*

(19, 18, 7, 19, 20 -> 83 × 2 -> 166 damage dealt!)

(Health - F: 299/300)

(Health - T: 300/300)

(Anger Meter (F): 85% +)

(Stress Meter (T): 45%)

(Combat Rolls! 17, 8, 19, 4, 18, 66 damage!) (Total HP: 284/300) The lightning bolts from earlier find purchase into North's fur, slicing clean. The only noise they make is a furious growl, feeling their blood already matting their fur. They need to keep adding pressure, hackles bristled and already feeling their fury roil underneath both old and new wounds and thick fur. Cut him off from the Pale King, RIP HIM APART, was the current plan. And when they see an opportunity, they take it. North swings back around, and snaps teeth again at the same blade, trying to put themselves between the Steelwyrm and the Pale King, baring teeth to the gum and ears so pulled back they could be possibly considered as part of their fur, keeping themselves almost firmly in place. They aren't moving out of the way. They WON'T MOVE, watching almost too intensely.

@scarlet-and-dew

[Dew: 284/300]

“URGH!”

Dew is knocked back by the lightning strike, just barely avoiding lethal areas.

I see now.

Hmm?

It’s Soul Manipulation. The Steelwyrm is using him as a Power Source.

Without an Extractor? He thought only beings of the Void could do that. Hell, even the Gods of Steel needed to use Extractors to get to Soul out of someone.

The Steelwyrm has an awesome amount of power. I have no doubt it figured out a way to do so. And it did so in a terrifying way as well. Look at the Pale King. He doesn’t even look alive. He might as well be a walking corpse.

…So then what do they do?

Isn’t it obvious? We kill the king. Cut off the Power Source, weaken the Wyrm.

WHAT? DIDN’T THEY COME TO SAVE THE PALE KING?

The others came to save the Pale King. We are here to kill the Steelwyrm.

Can’t they try to bring reason to the Pale King?

I have seen the way the Steelwyrm is able to break those in its captivity. The Pale King is gone. We’re putting down a shell.

But Lurien-

Will come to understand someday. The lives of millions of innocents are not outweighed by the life of one broken king.

Dew pauses. And then, he does something he has not done in a long time.

“…May the gods above forgive me for what I am about to do.”

And then Dew spins around…

…Turning his weapon right onto the Pale King. He fires, once, twice, thrice, four times, and then charges in to strike with his nail.

[Dew rolled 50 to attack the Steel Bride (9+18+7+9+7)]

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm base defence; 60]

[Steelwyrm rolled 5d20 to defend; total 61; total defence 121]

[Steelwyrm health 626/1000]

*his armour is beginning to weaken, it won't hold much longer, it can't hold much longer but, upon seeing one enemy raise their weapon towards his conquest, towards his bride, he growls in fury, whole body shaking with it, but... he is too late to defend it. he is too slow to block the blow. instead he howls, a great warbling screech that shakes the ground spilts the very sky. it sounds like the promise of utter destruction...*

[Steelwyrm rolled 20d20 to attack; total 400; each party member taks 33 damage unless blocked]

*he raises up to his full height, an imposing terrible thing, all sharp corners, all trembling rage. and his maw splits open, jagged and cruel, head raised to the heavens and with a scream, louder than before, terrible, enough to quiet the cheering crowds and again rains down a storm of lightening bolts, more powerful than before, searing bright and angry. so very angry. you should not have done that...*

@the-pale-king

[The Steel Bride does not defend]

[Steel Bride health 52/1000]

*Lurien cries out, an anguished pitiful thing, as the shots jerk him left and right before the nail knocks him down. but once more, he raises, jittery and shaking and... his eyes, black, glassy, unseeing, unfeeling snap onto a new target now. the one who dared to harm, dared to injure, dared to... dared to... in its confusion, the Steel Bride attacks the Steelwyrm*

[The Steel Bride rolls 5d20 to attack; 20 + 19 + 15 + 14 + 10; total 78 damage!]

*hands raised, a five gleaming nails are summon and shot towards the Steelwyrm, shattering into millions of razor sharp shards upon contact, becoming a whirlwind of cutting blades. when it is finished, the Bride doubles over and vomits black onto the ground*

void corruption 92%

@pluralhornet

Hornet tried to dodge the attacks.

(16 + 18 = 32 defense)

Then she tried to heal some of her wounds.

(1 = 1 healing received)

Then she tried to heal her father's wounds, or she was going to, until she watched him vomit Void onto the floor.

This... This was worse than anything she had ever seen before.

She stood, frozen by the horrid, grim, macabre novelty—.

Oh, hell no Hunter, we aren't having any of that, The Reaper told her.

And then the Reaper was in control.

Heartless and caring only for herself, the Reaper was unbothered by the sight of her father vomiting up Void.

Heal him, The Hunter urged, backseat-driving.

"Are you serious?" The Reaper hissed, accidentally speaking out loud.

YES. HEAL HIM.

... Fine.

Begrudgingly, the Reaper attempted to bind the Pale King's wounds.

(8 + 11 = 19 healing received)

DO IT BETTER THAN THAT! The Hunter shouted.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!?! I'M A MURDERER, NOT A HEALER!

(284/300 health)

*Herreh braces herself, covering her face and vitals with her claws.* [16+13= 29 to defend]

*She launches herself forward again, tearing into the steelwyrms armor and peircing the flesh beneath.*

[18+17+18= 53 dmg!]

@partialpablo

partialpablo

(Sorry I'm late, was watching a movie)

*Pablo doesn't try to block anything. He just focuses on the pale king*

(2+2+4+9+10=28)

[251/300 hp]

@theabyssalshaman

Maybe Uunvraxis should have blocked the attack. Maybe he shoud have.

But he didn't.

He was one of this team's best weapons against the Steelwyrm. He would not let them down. He would trust the others to heal him when necessary. He would not fail.

Just in case, he began inching closer to the Pale King, who was currently vomiting Void (that perhaps Uunvraxis could use his Void control on at some point) and surrounded by the other healers who, if Uunvraxis was lucky, would spare some time to heal him. He hoped. He sincerely hoped.

Uunvraxis did, however, spare some time to heal himself, at least.

(13 = 13 healing received)

Then, he reached out his hand and cast Razor Shadow.

Sharp tendrils of Void emerged from his palm and fingers, huge and lashing, before slashing at the Steelwyrm

(2(2 + 5 + 6 + 19) = 64 attack)

(264/300 health)

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm base defence; 40]

[The Steelwyrm does not defend!]

[Steelwyrm health 471/1000]

Not in ones fucking dreams—

*neath his feet the city trembles fiercely groaning and screaming and... it sways, lurches, enough for the whole stage to shift to wobble, enough to knock him off his feet, a sharp clawed hand daring to reach out towards the Whitewyrm but he is too far away, too distant, and he fails

below, something... happens. the legs buckle under the force of several large explosions, their joints melting, tearing, shattering but those flames, foolishly set, put something else in motion. the army, the legion that has done war with his own soliders, they had won, they had shattered the gate and slaughtered their way through the sentinels and they had injected into the very pipes and corridors of his beloved creation a gas. poisonous... and explosive

those bombs create a spark, a flame, one that mingles with the gas, one that causes a chain reaction, one that rends the city of steel once and for all

the Steelwyrm panics, flapping his wings but is unable to take off as his home lists to the side, sending hordes of nobles sliding and skittering through the city streets, upending buildings, shattering all he's created. he howls for it, mourns for it, is unable to escape from it...

and the City of Steel... it falls*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

*Lurien panics. because of course he does, what else can he do, what else is there to do? he panics. he panics and like the Steelwyrm he lunges for Strelitzia. but unlike that bastard, he is fast enough, mobile enough, close enough, to reach, to grasp, to feel his heart thump in his chest as finally, finally, he can wrap his arms around him, as he can shelter that pale face in his shoulder, as he can hold him

at last. at last... its over, isn't it?*

I've got you love. I promised I'd save you, didn't I? I've got you now, it's done, it's over, I'm here.

*and he means it. it truly is over, the end, because Lurien despite not having the blessing of foresight knows that there is no way any of them are surviving this. killed in the explosions. crushed by rubble. dead and gone and—

a hand balls in his robes, one not his own, one with clipped claws, small and thin but strong enough to tear the fabric, strong enough to tell him his thoughts are stupid and that he's an idiot for giving up so easily

he looks around as one by one his allies, friends and strangers both, vanish in flashes of shimmering silvery light, safely taken away from here, safely saved from the crumbling city around

he stares at the falling buildings, flaps his wings as hard as he can to slow their plummet into the awaiting doom and for a moment, the world, it goes white...

and Lurien, his allies, the Pale King, even the support group, even the slaves and living nobles, all safely find themselves in the bloodied sand of the surface below with the Steelwyrm nowhere to be seen...*

@the-pale-king

*the sand. the cold. the air. the breeze upon his shell. the arms holding him tight. the solid reality of it all. the way it slams into him, more real than anything has ever been, more real than anything he's felt for... too long. far too long. far far too long. his claws twist in Lurien's cloak, his breath comes fast, fast fast fast, burning in his throat, stinging in his mouth as he gasps, ragged and real

so so real*

"I have you I'm here it's okay you're okay you're here I'm here everything is fine everything is okay—"

*Lurien is practically wrapped around him like a scarf at this point, mumbling repeating nonsense like it makes sense, like it makes it real but... he can see the way this all ends so clearly now, like glass, like a mirror, and all it does is make him sink his claws in, all it makes him do is cling even harder but—

a sound

a shuffle

the Pale King lifts his head from where it is buried in Lurien's shoulder as the battered form of the Steelwyrm crawls out of the smouldering wreakage of the city. with a snarl, the broken lord stands. that snarl becomes a scream. the scream causes the ruins to heave and shift. those ruins become form, the form of limbs and torso and head, the form of cannons and weapons and punishment

as the Steelwyrm rises as a hulking behemoth of metal and war, the battle has not ended but now, now... he is free to fight*

We talk later, thou all shouldst ready thine claws to end this once and for all!

[The Pale King has been released from control!]

[The Pale King has joined the party!]

void corruption 94%

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya is not doing too well. She had been hit by lightning twice, the second of which had knocked her out. Now, she was awake, dust in her armor and lungs. But, she sits up, because they had won.

Until they hadn't. The Steelwyrm rises as a hulking mass of metal, and Dryya is so over it. She just wanted to go back home.

So, she pushes herself up and conjures two flaming masses to toss at the beast.

(231/300)

(2(2+11+15+16+12)=112

@baldwin-the-protector

Great...

(280/300)

Baldwin starts to charge, and charge, and charge, and charge...

He starts burning...

And he releases himself against the monster.

Like a comet...

Baldwin rolled a 16+7+10+20+17×2 for 144 damage

HAH!!!

THATS IT?

GOD FUCKING DAMN YOU ARE UGLY, IN ALL THE WAYS THAT EXISTS

WE!!! MERE WEAK MORTALS JUST TOOK DOWN YOUR CITY!!!

AND YOU STILL THINK YOU CAN WIN???

YOU MUST BE MENTALLY DISABLED...

MY OWN MOTHER USED TO HIT HARDER THAN YOU, AND SHE WAS NEVER ABUSIVE!!!

JUST A FUCKING WARNING, YOU ARE LOOSING YOUR DICK AFTER THIS

Xero starts to fly away, before coming back, like a missile on fire.

Xero starts spinning, and hits him like a drill

Xero rolled a 13+16+5+17+14×2=130

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm barrier 114/500]

[Steelwyrm health 471/1000]

Bold words from a dead man. Ones mother must weep for having a wretch as a child.

[Steelwyrm rolls 25d20 to attack; 261 total! all members of the part take 20 damage!]

*the mechanincal suit the Steelwyrm resides within whips its tail left and right in rapid motions, compartments on the side of it clicking open with small hisses of steam before a barrage of missiles shoot out, peppering the battlefields with explosions that ring out in the heavy silence*

This will be your end.

@glacier-the-vessel

*They stare up at the Steelwyrm, anger still coursing through them. Their throat gets even tighter, more restricted, the air dropping to a freezing temperature, as they summon more icicles to stab into the Steelwyrm*

[16 + 15 + 16 + 15 + 9 = 71 damage!]

[HP: 280/300]

@eternal-voidbound-fire

*They just... stare for a moment, processing all that happened while very much forgetting to defend themselves and tanking the explosions (lucky them; they've a resistence to such) before just rushing the Steelwyrm once more, though this time, their arms and tail are both on fire, as they not only slash at the legs of the mech, but tail whip one while moving back away.*

*(No more smoke... for now.)*

(17, 18, 12 -> 47 × 2 -> 94 damage dealt!)

*All the while, their partner in arms- sibling decides to use the opportunity (and soul gained from taking hits) to heal both of them.*

(13, 20, 13 -> total 46; 23 health each!)

(Health - F: 286/300)

(Health - T: 287/300)

(Anger Meter (F): 65% -)

(Stress Meter (T): 50% -+)

#[caged wyrm]#encounter #the barrow dens #GO NORTH MORE DAMAGE SOAK /WHIMSY))#god i hope the hp tracker for pre- and post-teleporting between phases goes well i had to do that bc i was panicking for a second))#their hp currently is 231 to clear any confusion!))#and i threw somethin together wough))#also north. friend. what is your rolls this time around??? /silly))#i'll be afk for a While afterwards so apologies if im late on anything after this!))

(Combat Rolls! 3, 18, 3, 5, 3, 32 damage!) (Total HP: 231/300) Yes. YES. BE MAD, STEELWYRM. DIE MAD ABOUT IT. The lightning bolts from earlier had seared across them again, this time taking a good score across their shoulder, the wound visible. This doesn't appear to deter them just yet, snarls now mixing between bitter fury and some kind of thrill-seeking emotion. THIS was a HUNT now. NOW they can do real, proper damage that wasn't just biting at limbs. Staring down threats larger than her was what she was built for. (HP at that moment: 251) Recovering from the sudden uptick of several concerning things happening at the same time, but especially the sudden teleport, their focus fully locks onto the Steelwyrm proper this time, and the rippling growl already existing in the back of her throat explodes into a nearly enraged roar. The price of the torment wrought will be paid in blood, and it is a price North was HAPPY to both pay and deal with. And then the MISSILES come out, blasting the already bad shoulder wound worse (let alone opening new injuries), and it STILL doesn't appear to deter. It just made the snarls worse, as North slips through veilstep and charges until they're right there, slamming themselves into a joint or anything that they can reach - and proceeds to RIP AND TEAR until they can taste blood.

@scarlet-and-dew

We did not think one would show ones face here. After all, is it not painful to see one's mate take the hand of another?

So... that's how it is. Very well. Fight well, Our friends! May glory guide your souls unto oblivion! To the visitors, I offer the first blow!

[Steelwyrm health 1000/1000]

[Pale King health 100/1000]

*the crowd erupts into cheers louder than ever, echoing through the eletric air, breaking the tense silence with revelry untold. this is it, the grand finale!*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[Lurien health 300/300]

[Lurien rolled 5d20 to attack! 20 + 20 + 12 + 14 + 13; total 79 damage!]

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya remembers the advice Pieris had given the group. The bastard could burn, huh? See if that'd do him good. Dryya summons in her hand the only spell she knew besides Focus.

Soulfire, a white burning plasma of Soul harvested from the Blackguard. She winds up and tosses it straight at the Steelwyrm.

((1+1+16+13+10)×2=82 damage!)

300/300

@baldwin-the-protector

HEY!!! SHITASS!!!

The asshole doesn't have time enough to react to Baldwin rolling right at him, sends himself jumping and hits him right in the face

Baldwin rolled a 20+17+15+4+17=73

300/300

Holy fucking shit, and here i thought that i was surrouned by the biggest bitches and morons in the world, but now that i have meet you, i can see i was wrong on both of those.

Did you really think that you could take our bitch from us, then you must have severe brain damage.

I'll ignore how comically evil you are, which by the way you must be compensating it for something.

Fucker is so ugly you should be put in a show about animals, just need some old geezer doing a voice over.

I can't even remember what your kid said, but i can see that your ugly ass got the least protective shell i have ever seen, and already know what i should do.

Xero arm changes and he starts shooting fireballs at the ugly freak.

I was going to say this is going to make you prettier, but not even you being born a different person would make you that.

Xero rolled a 17+14+9+19+17×2=152

300/300

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm armour defence; 100]

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to defend; 143 total; total defence 243]

[Steewyrm rolled 5d20 to heal; 52 total]

[Steelwyrm health 909]

[Pale King health 95/1000]

You are good, but, not that good We are afraid.

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to attack; 80 total]

What shall one do, little shadow?

@glacier-the-vessel

*The temperature around them drops slightly, the tip of their pin becoming coated in ice. Their throat feels closed up, but they don't mind. They don't need breath after all*

*The Steelwyrm's weak to fire, they know this. They should be at a disadvantage, since ice is their weapon as well as their pin. But they can help their allies by cooling the Steelwyrm down, no?*

I swear... with every fiber of my being... you will pay for everything you did... for Dad... for Pane... I will make sure you die!

*They stab the ground, causing giant icicles to erupt from the ground in the Steelwyrm's direction*

[20 + 20 + 13 + 19 + 13 = 85 damage! (since it's a big attack I'm using all the dice for it)]

[HP: 300/300]

@eternal-voidbound-fire

*Initially, the ironically familiar larger vessel's eyes widen, shock and annoyence fighting for dominance all the while, before they force neutrality and coldly (ha the irony) state,*

Well. Short time no see, steel problem.

*Before both their 'hands' clench and gain flame and, with both, they two massive fireballs are sent directly at the shit- Steelwyrm.*

*Though, once thrown, the tension in their partner is quite obvious, as they just nudge their sibling, who glances down and immediatly murmurs a "oops" while slightly retracting their claws.*

(17, 12, 9, 18, 13 -> 69 × 2 -> 138 damage dealt!)

(Health - F: 299/300)

(Health - T: 300/300)

(Anger Meter: 35% +)

@scarlet-and-dew

[Dew: 300/300]

Dew freezes slightly at the sight of the Pale King screaming in pain. But he quickly steels himself again. Can't run, can't hide. Gotta fight.

That method...

Hmm? Does it know something?

I have a suspicion, but I'd need to see it a few more times. For now, focus on the Steelwyrm.

Dew nods, then turns his gun on the Steelwyrm, fires twice, then rushes in to strike twice before stepping backward to strike again.

"DIE!"

[Dew rolled a 28 to attack (3+4+3+4+14)]

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm armour defence; 100]

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to defend; total 127; total defence 227]

[Steelwyrm health 816/1000]

*a barrier deflects all but the flames, with a hiss the Steelwyrm shows signs that his defence is starting to waver! but, his rage, his fury, his willingness to attack has not*

[Steelwyrm rolled 15d20 to attack; total 200!]

[20 + 16 for Lurien, Dryya, Baldwin and Xero]

Strelitzia... I believe you have sat idle long enough. Come, show them that you are not bound by mortality. Show them how powerful you truly are!

@the-pale-king

[the pale king The Steel Bride rolls 5d20 to attack; 20 + 20 + 19 + 18 + 18; total 95]

[Steel Bride health 85/1000]

@pluralhornet

Hornet did not see what was happening around her.

She only saw her father.

The few memories of him she had flashed before her eyes. Mostly, they took place in his workshop, or the White Palace.

He was never a great father. But he clearly cared.

... And now, here he was.

Battered. Clearly worse for wear.

... And then he was attacking his own... Watcher? She did not know his relationship with Lurien, nor did she especially care.

She didn't even care about the lightning(?) that struck her.

She simply walked forward, interposing herself between the moth(?) and the Wyrm, and then grabbed her father, Silk flying from her spine as she attempted to mend the King's wounds.

(4 + 5 + 8 + 11 = 28 healing for the Pale King)

... And then did her best to restrain her father and keep him from harming anyone else

(17 to tie him up. Uh. You get to determine what effect, if any, that has).

@beast-queen-of-deepnest

[3+19+1+15+12= 50 dmg!]

[284/300 hp]

@partialpablo

partialpablo

*Pablo sees the state of the pale king, and his demeanor shifts. Not angry. Not sad. But its different.*

*Pablo lobs two pimpillos at the steelwyrm as a distraction, and rushes towards the Pale King*

*He raises his hammer above his head when he reaches the pail king...

And chucks it straight towards the steelwyrms head*

*with his hands free, he kneels down and begins focusing to heal the pale king. It's not very strong, but it's the best they're all getting*

(8+16=24*2=48 on the pimpillos, a single 11 on the hammer throw, and 10+15=14 on healing the Pale King)

[Health is 284 of 300]

@theabyssalshaman

Uunvraxis stares at the King.

The feeling of the Void within the king is... palpable.

But he would just be delaying the inevitable.

He's not even going to try to heal the King. It seems like, er... The small one with the Silk, and... the one with the hammer... have it covered...

Uunvraxis doesn't know these bugs' names. The only name here he knows is that of Lurien.

So, Uunvraxis turns to the Steelwyrm, and he says,

"My ancestors wielded the darkness that lies deep within the bowels of the earth.

"I am the first in generations to wield this nothingness as well.

"I understand it better than almost anyone else here.

"It is the scourge of all life. Including your own.

"And it is only deadlier with a will to compell it.

"You cannot hope to win this fight so long as I am here. And here I stand; here I'll stay."

Using all of his might, enhanced by the Shaman Stone, Uunvraxis casts Nightfall Spear, the Void-based, Soul-infused projectile hurling itself at the Steelwyrm.

(2(5 + 10 + 12 + 17) = 88 damage received (OOC: OH MY FUCKING GOD THAT IS NOT ENOUGH AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)

... And then, with a flash of Soul along his shell, Uunvraxis heals his own wounds.

(20 = 20 healing received) (OOC: OKAY THAT'S BETTER)

(300/300 health)

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm base defence; 80]

[Steelwyrm rolled 5d20 to defend; total 63; total defence 143]

[Steelwyrm health 762]

How pathetic is one to accept heals from the enemy?! Strelitzia; I once considered you my better but no longer! Act your part!

[Steelwyrm rolled 5d20 to attack the Pale King! total damage; 45]

[Pale King health 102/1000]

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[Lurien rolls 5d20 to defend; 20 + 19 + 17 + 16 + 10; total 82]

[Lurien health 251/300]

*his words don't seem to make a difference... for now*

@dryya-the-fierce

(264/300)

Dryya stands up and rushes at the Steelwyrm again, clambering up on his back and attempting to saw through his armor to slice his throat.

(12+7+3+1+2=25 damage.)

@eternal-voidbound-fire

*(Why is there smoke coming from them? That is unusual...)*

(19, 18, 7, 19, 20 -> 83 × 2 -> 166 damage dealt!)

(Health - F: 299/300)

(Health - T: 300/300)

(Anger Meter (F): 85% +)

(Stress Meter (T): 45%)

#[caged wyrm]#encounter #the barrow dens #the scream i scrumpt when i realized i could try to do this. lmk if i. was not supposed to try to split the two))#it WAS worth a shot regardless))#what i would affectionately call: border collie strat /whimsy))

@scarlet-and-dew

We did not think one would show ones face here. After all, is it not painful to see one's mate take the hand of another?

So... that's how it is. Very well. Fight well, Our friends! May glory guide your souls unto oblivion! To the visitors, I offer the first blow!

[Steelwyrm health 1000/1000]

[Pale King health 100/1000]

*the crowd erupts into cheers louder than ever, echoing through the eletric air, breaking the tense silence with revelry untold. this is it, the grand finale!*

@lurienthewatcherofficial

[Lurien health 300/300]

[Lurien rolled 5d20 to attack! 20 + 20 + 12 + 14 + 13; total 79 damage!]

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya remembers the advice Pieris had given the group. The bastard could burn, huh? See if that'd do him good. Dryya summons in her hand the only spell she knew besides Focus.

Soulfire, a white burning plasma of Soul harvested from the Blackguard. She winds up and tosses it straight at the Steelwyrm.

((1+1+16+13+10)×2=82 damage!)

300/300

@baldwin-the-protector

HEY!!! SHITASS!!!

The asshole doesn't have time enough to react to Baldwin rolling right at him, sends himself jumping and hits him right in the face

Baldwin rolled a 20+17+15+4+17=73

300/300

Holy fucking shit, and here i thought that i was surrouned by the biggest bitches and morons in the world, but now that i have meet you, i can see i was wrong on both of those.

Did you really think that you could take our bitch from us, then you must have severe brain damage.

I'll ignore how comically evil you are, which by the way you must be compensating it for something.

Fucker is so ugly you should be put in a show about animals, just need some old geezer doing a voice over.

I can't even remember what your kid said, but i can see that your ugly ass got the least protective shell i have ever seen, and already know what i should do.

Xero arm changes and he starts shooting fireballs at the ugly freak.

I was going to say this is going to make you prettier, but not even you being born a different person would make you that.

Xero rolled a 17+14+9+19+17×2=152

300/300

@the-steelwyrm

[Steelwyrm armour defence; 100]

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to defend; 143 total; total defence 243]

[Steewyrm rolled 5d20 to heal; 52 total]

[Steelwyrm health 909]

[Pale King health 95/1000]

You are good, but, not that good We are afraid.

[Steelwyrm rolled 10d20 to attack; 80 total]

What shall one do, little shadow?

@glacier-the-vessel

*The temperature around them drops slightly, the tip of their pin becoming coated in ice. Their throat feels closed up, but they don't mind. They don't need breath after all*

*The Steelwyrm's weak to fire, they know this. They should be at a disadvantage, since ice is their weapon as well as their pin. But they can help their allies by cooling the Steelwyrm down, no?*

I swear... with every fiber of my being... you will pay for everything you did... for Dad... for Pane... I will make sure you die!

*They stab the ground, causing giant icicles to erupt from the ground in the Steelwyrm's direction*

[20 + 20 + 13 + 19 + 13 = 85 damage! (since it's a big attack I'm using all the dice for it)]

[HP: 300/300]

@eternal-voidbound-fire

*Initially, the ironically familiar larger vessel's eyes widen, shock and annoyence fighting for dominance all the while, before they force neutrality and coldly (ha the irony) state,*

Well. Short time no see, steel problem.

*Before both their 'hands' clench and gain flame and, with both, they two massive fireballs are sent directly at the shit- Steelwyrm.*

*Though, once thrown, the tension in their partner is quite obvious, as they just nudge their sibling, who glances down and immediatly murmurs a "oops" while slightly retracting their claws.*

(17, 12, 9, 18, 13 -> 69 × 2 -> 138 damage dealt!)

(Health - F: 299/300)

(Health - T: 300/300)

(Anger Meter: 35% +)

#down with the shitworm!!!!#<- (gonna yoink that cause its fun :])#yoinking that as well))#[caged wyrm]#encounter #the barrow dens #was given confirmation on whipping out possibly THE phrase i know best - which translates to PREPARE TO FIGHT!))#GO MY NORTH GO. KILL :TADA:))#also lmk if i fricked up anything combat wise north may not be thinking properly but i sure am))

@scarlet-and-dew

*the distant revelry of the crowd drifts through the empty city, the sound of countless voices all crying out in a joy barely felt between these metal walls and scraping spires that scream up at the sky. Pieris stands directly in the street, her staff in hand, held before her like a life line, like she needs it to keep herself up. and she waits.

this fleeting crumbling world, this monument to cruelty and pain... how had she ever called it her home? the nobles laugh at misfortune, prey upon the weak, live upon the bones and broken bodies of the less fortunate who live upon the toil and agony of slaves and stolen. and at the heart of it, at the centre of that writhing rot her father rules supreme.

cruel and cold like the howling winds that surround, a wicked thing, a wretched thing. a thing that believes itself the apex of all creation. a thing that believes itself owed everything it wishes for. she had bowed before it. swore fealty to it. had been sired by it unwillingly.

her fingers tighten. her breath is harsh in her throat. and many footsteps approach...*

So you have come; I knew you would...

I should warn you poor lost things, I will not fall as easily as that automata of metal.

[Pieris, Steel Princess Health 750/750]

@lurienthewatcherofficial

*its... her? Lurien, leading the charge, skids to a stop but despite Pieris' desire to do battle his hand does not drop to his pin. she knows, as he knows, as he can see and tell, that she does not have the strength to truly attack him, she does not have the willpower to fight. especially when he sees her take a tiny almost unnoticeable step back. she fears, as she should, she remembers their last fight, as if he could forget it. he stares her down, all three eyes glaring hard*

You fell pretty easily last time if I recall, or at least you surrendered without complaint. Do you really want to fight? Now I've come with allies? If I was enough to defeat you what hope to do stand now?

Look; last I recall the Steelwyrm had tossed you like garbage, why not help us instead?

@the-steelwyrm

*Pieris seems to consider that, her head tilted in a very familiar way, tail swaying behind her, wings opening and closing as she mulls the thought over. yes, father had discarded her and her sisters, yes he is a master most unkind, but he is still her father, he is still deserving of her best... is he not?

but then again, her sibling, the one that saved her, saved Emilia, saved Baptisia, they plan to fell the gods it seems, or remove their power, or destroy their rulership. wouldn't offering what help she can, wouldn't aiding these fools in killing her sire help in that matter? ...it seems her choice is made. her stance relaxes*

I will neither fight you nor fight with you. But I can offer what information I hold. Ask your questions; lingering here ere long will only make me doubt myself further.

Speak.

@dryya-the-fierce

Dryya crosses her arms, pondering what to do next. There was so much to say, but the cheering civilians practically shook the city.

"Hell, what I need to know is how I kill him." she was blunt, direct, but nervous under all her armor. She had more to lose than just her life. Not that that would be a problem, she recognized the vessel standing by the Daughter of Steel, the same one who brought her to life. It glanced at her and nodded in greeting.

A fair question and one even I, his daughter, do not know for certain. His face bears scars, this I can say, so he is not entirely without weakness or beyond the ability to be harmed. Burns, I would guess, an ugly heinous mess. But such injuries were caused by another Higher Being, and you seem to lack one of those unless you can convince the Whitewyrm to fight along side you.

Blades and spells, claws and teeth. And luck. A bounty of luck.

@baldwin-the-protector

Baldwin has his hand on his axe just in case.

I can already tell something about you...

He's abusive...

Why not help us take him down?

I value my life. And what gave you that impression? This city, its slaves, the power he commands, the countless brides he's taken and killed in a fit of passion? Truly a statement for the ages.

No, I have already said I will not help you further than this, and, these questions and answers that follow will aide in his ending, if such a thing can truly end.

@theabyssalshaman

"I wield the Void, the primordial nothingness that hungers for Soul. Could that hurt him? It hurts everything else."

@the-steelwyrm

If it is alive, if it bears any glimmer of light within it then, yes, the void itself surges up to devour. A ripe meal he would be for your powers; afeared of them too in truth. He would think twice about attacking should you show such might.

@scarlet-and-dew

Dew’s hands still tremble, but this time he steels his resolve. He’s not running this time.

Wait.

Hmm?

Let me talk to her. Perhaps another god talking to her will help.

But what about your cover?

It already knows we are here. There is no longer any point in staying hidden.

Dew closes his eyes.

“…Chalybs.”

A small whisper. But even that was enough. When next Dew opens his eyes, the one on his left was a bright gold. When his voice speaks, another seems to boom lightly in a whisper.

“Listen. Pieres, is it? We understand your fear. The Steelwyrm is an incredibly strong being feared even among the Gods of Steel. In a fair fight, it would most likely kill some of us.”

Their eyes narrow.

“But even it is not indestructible. As you said yourself, its face is scarred. That means it bleeds. And if something can bleed, then it can die. And especially with these fine and skilled warriors, one of whom has felled a god herself, I am sure that even it shall die.”

Dew blinks, and both his eyes and voice return to normal. He stumbles a bit, before regaining his balance.

“…Sorry. That’s all I have to say.”

@the-steelwyrm

*for a moment, Pieris startled. her name spoken despite introduction; the bug before her is more than meets the eye it seems…*

Bleed the Steelwyrm can, be cut and be burned and be broken, true. But in this fight it is not just the Wyrm you would fight; tis the very city neath our feet. He is intertwined with it in ways which disgusts and reviles; he is the city and the city is he.

But you speak of a god slayer? I would assume that is you?

@pluralhornet

"I am, indeed, the God Slayer, but it is really the Void that killed her, for that was the plan. This furthermore suggests that the Shaman's Void control is our best weapon against this Wyrm."

@the-steelwyrm

Ha! It is but one tool you have, a good one, but it will take more than that. Will his void be able to consume all, this city, its sins? I doubt it. You will need more than just that no matter how under control it is thought to be. My father may fear that darkness, he may keep his distance, but fear does not work forever... if it did you would not have a traitor in your midst, would you?

What've you to say for yourself?

@blackguard-sentinel

blackguard-sentinel

I would say traitor is a rather strong word, I am simply supporting whomsoever is effective.

I may technically be bound to the Steelwyrm and his kin due to the fact that I can't shed the title of Blackguard, but I sure can assist one of his daughters in killing him.

So, I will work with the opposition for now.

@the-steelwyrm

Who said I was drawing blade? This is the third time I have declined to face my father and I will not repeat myself again; should any of you ask I shall turn on my heel and reject further questioning.

@xero-and-markoth

I won't tell you to fight your daddy.

I'm just asking where you want me to stab him.

In the dick? Sure

Up the ass? Alright.

Take your pick

You are foul, disgusting and crass. Well done on wasting your one chance to glean infomation, very wise of you I do see.

Any others wish to follow suit?

@beast-queen-of-deepnest

*Herrah yawns and then flips her off. She is here for battle. She is bored.*

@the-steelwyrm

Delightful.

Do any of you have the desire to actually survive this or are you all treating this as a joke?

@wolf-and-fox

#{caged wyrm}#encounter #the barrow dens #HI IM SO SORRY THIS IS SO LATE I GOT HEAVILY SIDETRACKED))#notably the cup of water i had spilled BUT ITS OK ITS FINE IT IS SHOWTIME))#i also proofread None of this if i fricked something up please let me know!!))

The air displacement shifts, then fully collapses on itself for The Biting Wind to fully appear. Despite the distinction of an echoing voice - about as steady as someone who would really like to bite something right now -, the only physical movement regarding their jaws is their teeth baring into a snarl. As far as I have ever been aware, your… leader, parent… some form of that role, has caused enough threat to everyone else here. I am doing this for the safety of my kindred. I do not know about how much they- Their snout swings across the main portion of the main group- care about survivability, but I can assume it's a great deal. I am doing this for a similar reason, if not my own then the rest of my home group. I will not force you to fight alongside us - I do not know you, and more importantly what your limits are. I will, however, ask of any important information be sent our way. And then, they fall nearly completely silent again, watching very patiently. Strained patience, but patience nonetheless.

@the-steelwyrm

*This ask has the possibility of being a jumpscare. Write whatever you want. You're inside the City of Steel.*

The notable thing about this place- the City of Steel, North realized and promptly corrected in their mind, was that for them, this was probably a dangerous situation for them to put themselves in, barring hunting issues (despite her resourcefulness, it's still enough of a challenge to do so undetected). They didn't care about being in the front, that's not her style, and having a wolf further in front, even without the veilstep, was a horrific idea. They still thought the idea of mercy was a SILLY idea. They were there to hunt and potentially kill a threat to everyone's home, but they figured that it wouldn't matter either way. The other key note of North is that they didn't seem to want to talk much, outside of voicing their vote. This was a group, indeed. One that once the mission was settled with, they'd have no problems not speaking to any again outside of similar missions - if there was any. Except for- well. A few exceptions. Hornet- they knew her name now - seemed to be effective at combat, and their.. guardian? Parent? Hard to tell- had cunning. They knew fellow hunters, in a sense. And the little mantis. They knew him from Greenpath, and they haven't had a proper chance to speak of the matter. They knew Wispspark's name, so they must have been in good graces (hard NOT to be, now that they thought about it) with her. Their mind wandered for long enough to almost slip back out of veilstep, but they quickly regain control of it, only shifting air in the back of the group. They're doing this for the little ember, if they come home. They're doing this for Lumin. They're doing this for the safety of the group. And if that meant that their own life (actually, more elaboration, the group's lives) are on the line, then so be it. It'll be worth it.

#the barrow dens #pharloomblr #not putting this under encounter for now heehoo))#also!! im so sorry for this being late + a slight fear of this ask. not being for north uhm. i wanted to write somethin on this though !!))#also im so sorry for how severely antisocial north is))

to crimson

AU-

WHY DID YOU LAUNCH IT AT ME????

I found it. And it reminded me of you.

Honestly should have just caught it.

There is a moment of coughing from Crimson, causing at the very least Fox to fall back to make sure they're okay, prompting a thumbs up from the extremely soggy Grimmchild. Just- warn me next time, yeah?

No, I do not think I will.

There is a droning "bruhhhhhh" from Crimson. Dang it, was worth a shot.

*A second thing is tossed at Crimson. A dreamnail, but it looks different. Larger, heavier and much more ornate.*

Crimson has to physically launch out of the way to make sure that they (and Fox, who skittered back a good few feet away) were not going to get javelin'd in the FACE. They gently reapproach the dreamnail in question, almost hesitating to reach out to touch the dreamnail. This- isn't going to accidentally burn me, right? Making sure just in case. Last they checked (read: The Curse), Nightmare essence and Dream essence did not go well together, so they're- quite wary.

That is usually raw Nightmare essence and Dream essence. This is anything but raw. Take it, do crime.