[Log] The Baron [1/2]
Who: Agrias Oaks, Alicia Winston, Baron Devon Sunderland (as temped by Mercade Alexander), Christoph Schmidt, Gwen Meynolt, Rhomarathin Feverfew, Simon Parker
Where: The Yuguewood - Kingdom of Ivalice - Fantasy Sector
When: 13 August 2008
What: The necromancer that's been plaguing Ivalice finally makes his appearance, much to the dismay of the kingdom's would-be defenders. Baron Devon Sunderland, unfortunately, is a little more than the Agency defenders bargained for.
Watch For: Simon's expert riding skills, tree-on-tree violence.
Missing Tags: Rhomarathin Feverfew
Fantasy Sector - Lesalia Imperial Capital
Lesalia Imperial Capital lay at the heart of Ivalice, in the central province of Lesalia. It is among the largest cities of this medieval kingdom, as well as one of the most ancient. The city has closely-packed houses, made of timber and sloped roofs, that hug to winding narrow streets. At the center of the city is an immense castle - the palace of the Ivalician royal family. It also houses the Senate, and countless nobles.
Contents:
Agrias Oaks
Alicia Winston
Baron Devon Sunderland
Christoph Schmidt
Gwen Meynolt
Rhomarathin Feverfew
Simon Parker
Obvious exits:
Northeast leads to Fantasy Sector - Nelveska Temple.
Zack Fair says, ".... Sooooooo...."
Naruto Uzumaki says, "Hmm?"
Zack Fair says, "... still no word from Shane? Anyone?"
Maria Tegawa says, "No."
Maria Tegawa says, "These past few days I have been monitoring the location of his radio's tracking crystal. ...it's shown no movement."
Zack Fair - "You can do that? Err, I mean.... ... wait, so if it's not moving.."
Maria Tegawa says, "Zack, you're coming with me. The office is closed for the rest of the day."
Zack Fair says, "... then that m- wait, huh?!"
Maria Tegawa says, "We're going to Germany."
Angeal Hewley says, "Guess you'll get your outing after all, Zack. Good luck in finding Shane. Both of you."
Zack Fair says, "Alright!! - uh, I mean, yes ma'am!"
Turok says, "Ey, get me some of them strudle!"
Turok says, "Did I pronounce that right?"
Zack Fair says, "And thanks, Angeal! Heh, I better dress appropriately, right, Miss Tegawa? You know, in case we run into trouble?"
Maria Tegawa says, "Yes."
Zack Fair may or may not be fistpumping right now.
Turok says, "Hey umm...how'd that thing with the undead go anyways? Is Miss Meynolt still in the case?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "I am investigating the matter, yes."
Turok says, "Cool! 'Ey listen, if ya need any help with that stuff don't hesitate to hit me up Miss Meynolt. I know about that stuff too..sort of"
Captain Agrias Oaks jangling of harness and other gear. Flatly, "The matter is still being investigated." Pause. "Factotum, have you provisions for a trip to Ivalice? I intend on investigating the area, if you've a mind to come."
Zack Fair says, "- hey, what's going on in Ivalice?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "There have been a rash of disturbances in local cemetaries and mausoleums. Someone or something is taking the dead."
Zack Fair says, "... ugh..."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "It is not grave robberies; no items of value have been taken. The corpses themselves are missing."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Indeed, I have gathered pertinent supplies courtesy of my church, and have prepared appropriate spells recently."
Simon Parker says, "...Oaks, hold up."
Turok says, "Oh snap, looks like crazy shiz is going down tonite!!...I take it yer gonna report to that situation too Miss Meynolt?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Good. Have you any transportation? Chocobo may be the most convenient; there are areas difficult to travel afoot just outside of the Gate. -What is it, Parker?"
Simon Parker says, "Where the hell do you keep the chocobos?"
Zack Fair says, "In stables, of course!"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Ah. Right near Lady Duelar's facilities. ...Mind that you don't disturb Alkoun."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Indeed, I do. It would likely be a detriment to Captain Oaks' investigation if I did not."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "It is my investigation, ser; she is reporting to me. I intend to get to the bottom of this and put a stop to it. If my suspicions are correct, this could be... a... problematic situation, if what we suspect is indeed at the heart of it."
Zack Fair says, "Captain Oaks..?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Aye, Ser Fair?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Accompany us, if you like? We've room for another." Wryly, "It is not my preferred method of showing you Ivalice, but I suppose it would suffice."
Zack Fair says, "If you, uh.. if you need anything, just gimme a call, alright? And take care of yourself. Since, well... ... ... well, anyway, good luck."
Zack Fair says, "Oh, well, uh..."
Zack Fair says, "... uh."
Captain Agrias Oaks pauses. "Since what?"
Zack Fair says, "... are you going right now?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "We are preparing. I intend on leaving within an hour."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "I shall leave shortly, Captain."
Captain Agrias Oaks clattering of what's presumably armour, a knife rattling in its scabbard, and the buckles of leather straps jingling. "At your leisure, Factotum. I would recommend waiting at the Gate; I know how to reach the Yuguewood without alerting Glabados to our presence."
Turok says, "What about that thing 'bout the locals not liking foreigners? Are there any weapon regulations I should be aware of?"
Zack Fair says, "Ah... well, I wanted to say I'd be happy to go with you, and I would, but there's something else I've gotta take care of."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "I will not take any that cannot handle themselves under orders, ser." To Zack, "-I see. Be well, then, Ser Fair."
Maria Tegawa says, "I'm afraid I need his help tonight."
Zack Fair says, "But if you run into real trouble, just... uh... call Cloud, I guess."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Of course. I must prepare appropriately anyhow."
Simon Parker mumbles something along the lines of 'overgrown chicken'.
Turok says, "Dun worry about nothin' Miss Meynolt! I got your back!"
Angeal Hewley says, "...Simon, have you ever been on a chocobo before?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "...I thank you for your concern."
Simon Parker jangle, jangle, jangle, WARK. "I swear, what the hell gave you people the idea to domesticate these things."
Zack Fair says, "And be safe! And, uh... ... yeah."
Simon Parker says, "...Alkoun, sort of."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "..."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "You're trying to ride Alkoun?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "I see. I will keep that in mind, ser." Pause. "No, he isn't."
Captain Agrias Oaks might be trying to stifle a snicker.
Meliadoul Tengille says, "Mmm hmm"
Turok says, "Oh no need ta thank me. Warriors ought to defend those they love right?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt might have just choked.
Maria Tegawa mmmms.
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "...Pardon me."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt click.
Zack Fair says, "..."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "..."
Turok says, "Kinda like what the elders use to tell me. They were like "Not all of us get cool animal names"...Wait that wasn't it"
Turok says, "....how come everyone went silent?"
Simon Parker transmits a loud WARK.
Simon Parker says, "I will call this one 'dinner' if it doesn't cooperate."
Zack Fair says, "Aww, don't be mean!"
Captain Agrias Oaks mutters under her breath, while messing with what sounds like a riding harness. Jingle, jingle. "Oh, for the love of... Parker, stop that. The harness goes over the head this way, and you do not wait for him to open his beak to put in the bit."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "Hah hah. CHocobo meat is quite ah... interesting."
Simon Parker says, "It just tried to take my fingers o-"
Simon Parker says, "Fine, fine, you do it."
Captain Agrias Oaks supplies, "Tough and stringy. Rather much tasteless, I've found."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "It's good for emergency rations, but they work better as mounts."
Simon Parker jingle jingle. "All right, am I set?"
Simon Parker fully heals Simon Parker with his Just in case... action.
Captain Agrias Oaks transmits more jingling. "There you are. It isn't quite like a horse's harness." Sounds of patting a chocobo's beak. "That should do it. See that the girth and throatlatch are tight." Wryly, "You do not want them falling off."
Perfected Engine of Harmony sounds politely inquisitive. "Have you remembered your rations?"
Turok says, "Horses make's good eatin'"
You fully heal Agrias Oaks with your Potion chug? action.
Captain Agrias Oaks footfalls, followed by rustling of equipment, and Alkoun's unpleasant hiss. Light rap of something against a chocobo's beak. Quietly, "Stop that. Behave yourself, Alkoun." Louder, "Aye, I've my rations, first aid supplies, map, compass... ah, what else..."
Simon Parker says, "Okay. Onward!" Wark. "I said onward. Get moving. Yah, yah." Jingle. "There we- Oh, what's the matter now."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "Did it stop?"
Jack Harkness says, "Of course it didn't. It probably kept on at it unt- wait. Did what stop?"
Simon Parker says, "It stopped, yes."
Captain Agrias Oaks sighs a long-suffering sigh. "Press your knees to its sides, Parker."
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Stopped? Why should it stop?"
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Limitless stamina is something to be enjoyed, after all."
Simon Parker says, "-Aha! It's moving now."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "If it still doesn't move, then snap the reins. Firmly, like this." Jingle-pop of leather. "Hyah!" And the sounds of Alkoun taking off at a brisk run."
Simon Parker says, "That's it, follow Alkoun!"
Simon Parker says, "I said, follow Alkoun-"
Meliadoul Tengille says, "..."
Meliadoul Tengille dryly, "Watch out for that ditch."
Simon Parker says, "...ACK."
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "It sounds like the Chocobos on your world are a little more difficult than the ones on my world."
Simon Parker says, "No, bird, get out of the ditch, follow Alkoun, don't wander-"
Captain Agrias Oaks sighs crossly. "Honestly, Parker, it isn't difficult-" Pause.
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "You should try feeding them one of these fruits I found - it tends to perk them right up."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "Oh my. It appears that your familiar is having some difficulties."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "No. Only Dame Oaks's chocobo. That and Parker is rather... new to this."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "Have you attempted to interface with its mind directly?"
Simon Parker says, "It's not my familiar, it's a mount, and it's eating the berries off this bush."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "Ah, I see."
Zack Fair chuckles.
Captain Agrias Oaks sighs. "Control your chocobo, Parker."
Zack Fair says, "Hey, Mister Parker?"
Zack Fair says, "You know what I found always helps?"
Simon Parker says, "What?"
Zack Fair says, "Talk to him like you're really excited to be going wherever you're going!"
Zack Fair says, "Be like... 'Alright come on, let's go! Go faster, come on!'"
Captain Agrias Oaks jingling harness. Amusedly, "It doesn't work that way, Ser Fair."
Simon Parker ...
Zack Fair says, "Always did for me..."
Simon Parker says, "...Luckily, I picked up a little something before I left..."
Angeal Hewley might sound like he's trying to hide amusement. "For Zack, it does sometimes."
Simon Parker says, "Carrot on a stick. Go get it, dinner!"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "You didn't-" Pause. She might be staring as Simon's bird passes hers. "...he did."
Zack Fair laughs!
Maria Tegawa says, "Well, whatever works I suppose."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "I still believe you would have better luck with a neural interface spike."
Zack Fair says, "Alright, Miss Tegawa, I'm gonna head home and get changed. Should I bring anything special?"
Angeal Hewley stopwatch clicking.
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Bring a towel, Zack."
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Never know when you're going to need it."
Captain Agrias Oaks snaps the reins again. "We're heading northeast! Follow the coast and you should be alright! Don't leave one another's sight - there are still Glabados agents in this place. Hyah!"
Zack Fair says, "Huh?"
Meliadoul Tengille says, "don't get captured by the Inquisition."
Zack Fair says, ".. guess I'll take what I can carry... Hm, Cloud won't mind. Alright, see you soon, Miss Tegawa."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "The Glabados; agents of the Church. They are corrupt, but they are nothing if not persistent."
Captain Agrias Oaks harness jangle. "That is to say, the Glabados Church; the Inquisitors are the agents."
Though its structures may stand and life seems to proceed normally, the Kingdom of Ivalice is crumbling from the inside.
Two brutal, bloody wars have pressed Ivalice to its limits. The crushing defeat of the Fifty Years' War destroyed the kingdom's morale, and the War of the Lions has destroyed what little remained of its treasury - not to mention what was left of its soldiers.
The result is a kingdom broken. It would give the impression of solidarity from the outside, but there is a certain oppression to the people here; a broken look in the eyes of the smallfolk that suggests otherwise.
Thankfully, the lowest rung of Ivalician society are too docile and too downtrodden to present any threat to travellers. Taking the lesser-known routes north, Agrias Oaks seems to know this as well, avoiding the few woodcots and farmhouses the small contingent passes along their trek. The route takes them north, past but not through the Walled City of Yardrow; its impressive turrets rising above the surrounding forest like the reaching grasp of some stout, graceless beast of mortar and granite.
Ten thousand years of history and defense pass by them, and Agrias turns the party a bit west, towards one of Ivalice's northern forests. The Yuguewood is known for its history, a vast and sprawling weald boasting trees whose average age is some two centuries. Even this primeval forest was not spared the ravages of war, though, and the perceptive may hear the whispering of the restless dead; losers of the Fifty Years' War on both sides of the kingdoms' banners.
It's here that Agrias finally slows her chocobo, casting a critical eye about her. She wears her usual equipment, hair braided securely, Defender drawn slowly from its sheath. A flick of the wrist turns her chocobo to face the others. "Be wary," she cautions quietly. "This land was not spared the ravages of the Fifty Years' War. Do not listen to the spirits here... and do not follow them. They will lead you so deep into these woods you'll have no hope of finding a way out."
Golden eyes flick sidelong, then back to the party. "I do not know exactly what we seek, but I've a good idea. These spirits are not hostile, not directly - if they should become as such, then we've found what we seek." She shakes her head. "In addition to that, there should be no one here. Not even the woodcots will lay down here. No axes have bitten into these trees for nigh on a century - if we see any skulking about here, searching for the bones of these fallen warriors, then they'll have no business here."
"Spread out if you like, but do not go alone. Move in pairs or more." Agrias turns her chocobo again, harness jangling. "Report to me if you should find anything. And remember - try to ignore these wretched spirits." Her head shakes, slowly. "There is naught to be done for them, anyway. Their time is past."
Golden eyes turn back towards the small contingent. "Parker, with me. The rest of you, search as you see fit. Best of luck to you all."
Simon wishes, dearly, that Ivalicians were less likely to freak out at the sight of modern transportation. As-is, the demon has been forced to adopt the local standards of transport-but he's adapted quickly enough. A second chocobo trots along behind Alkoun, keeping its distance from the fierce war-chicken; its feathers are the standard yellow, and it's bearing a tall, lanky man in military duty dress. It does so somewhat reluctantly-Simon took its treat away to get it to calm down, and now it's being finicky.
"Understood, Captain," Parker says. He nudges his mount with his knees, urging it after Alkoun. His mind is open, his senses extended to cover the area on the physical and metaphysical levels. He can sense the faint echoes of whispers at the periphery of his hearing, but he doesn't focus on them. It's never a good idea to listen to the restless dead.
Dinner trots along after Agrias' mount, looking faintly uneasy.
In any given situation, many creatures, whether they're living, supernatural, or otherwise, are generally not hostile unless they have a valid reason to do so. And in the case of these spirits, it sounds like they may not be as bad as one might think of them to be. But then again, Alicia Winston never had supernatural training as part of being in the VSSE. She's more of a rebel soldier/secret agent type of person. Still, she heeds Agrias's words fully, giving a nod and replying with, "I understand and I'll remember that." She does slap a clip into her handgun just in case, though...
Rhomarathin Feverfew switches armor modes to Travel Form.
Thankfully, there were chocobos to borrow for the travel Yuguewood. Sigil is not kind to animals of riding stock; the diviner did not keep any animal stabled. Of course, being only slightly used to horses in no way prepares Gwen for handling a chocobo: while her riding bird isn't as unruly as some, she does have to work hard to get it to do as she wants.
She's dressed for travel and battle: while her clothing is in no way suited as armor, it's at least more durable than her usual dress. More importantly, in light of recent events, she's also wearing boots. While she doesn't have her full travel kit on her, it's clear the wizard is prepared, from the weathered backpack to the component pouches at her hip.
Drawing her mount up to a halt as Agrias addresses them, Gwen remains silent as the knight explains the dangers of the land before them, and what will be required to survive. Finally, she nods, saying, "Understood. I shall not engage these lost souls save if they become hostile." It goes without saying to ignore what the tormented dead speak of. She does, however, comment, shaking her head sadly, "It is a pity this land has, ah, difficulties. The proper thing to do would be to lay all the wandering dead to rest..." Glancing at the others, the Guvner asks, "Would anyone wish to investigate with me?"
The fifth member of the unusual party has so far kept pace on foot. While an impossible task for a human, keeping up with a party of mounted travellers was little difficulty for a druid. As the group draws to a halt, Feverfew joins them in his travel form, settling onto his haunches and looking up at Agrias with brilliant yellow eyes. He listens attentively as the captain explains their objectives, seeing little reason to add anything; familiar with the undead as he might be, the Yuguewood was not his territory.
Feverfew nods, once, at the end of the explanation, looking sidelong at Gwen as she asks for accompaniment. Getting to his feet, the cat paces over to stand alongside Gwen, giving another of those strange nods before looking off into the woods. Hopefully her bird's calm enough not to spook in the presence of a large predator-because there's a good bet he'll probably take some form less inoffensive than the dire cheetah before their investigation is over.
A chill wind blows through the woods, conjuring images of a frigid tundra, far from warmth and light. A land where darkness reigns for months at a time, where the Light is not wanted or needed.
Rime curls from the nostrils of a horse that is clearly not of this world, and wafts of freezing air curl around the man seated upon it. Shadow obscures his form as he looks down from the ridge upon the woods and city before him... And he inhales, slowly. He is silent for a short period of time, as if savoring the scent, the palpable fear, loss, and death that hangs in the air over the land... And he finally speaks.
"Gentlemen... I love war." The man straigtens, the wan light gleaming off of his black armor, white skin, and piercing ice-blue eyes. He turns, looking to the ranks of ghouls and skeletons behind him. "Do you feel it? The land below teems with the sorrow and rage of the fallen. They will serve well as your comrades."
A hand rises up and reaches for the blade across his back, drawing it. A brief flash of unearthly light is visible for some distance as he points into the distance. "Come Darkstorm, let us recruit! FOR THE SCOURGE!" The Baron calls, his Deathstrider rearing and trotting off at a fast canter, the undead minions following close behind as they move from the ridge into the woods...
Towards the old battlefields.
Simon Parker says, "...Okay, something just spooked the chocobo, and it wasn't the druid."
Captain Agrias Oaks, over a hissing Alkoun and wildly jangling harness, "-What was that?"
Simon Parker says, "...It sounded like... someone talking? Here?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Something... is off."
Simon Parker clearly cannot make the words out over what sounds like a hissing, balking chocobo.
Captain Agrias Oaks, lowly, "Something is amiss."
Vent says, "Where are you guys?"
The Holy Knight turns her chocobo in a tight circle, casting an eye to all of her companions. It isn't the largest group, but that never seems to be a problem with the Agency. Every single operative here is skilled, and having been told what to look for, Agrias is confident in them.
Half a glance is cast to Parker and his chocobo troubles, but the knight doesn't comment. He'll figure it out! Eventually. Or he won't, thus necessitating a hasty rescue. Isn't riding chocobos fun?
"Engage them if you must for your self-defense, Factotum. I would not ask you to present no defense." Agrias shakes her head, shifting her grip one-handed on the reins. The other holds Defender, ready. "I do not think they will attempt any action, but-"
A chill wind whips through the clearing, skirling amongst the ancient yugue trunks. As though on command, Alkoun hisses violently, backing his crest and rearing up, as though he were preparing to rake at something with his talons; large eyes rolling in terror.
Agrias hauls down on the reins in a swift, savage yank. The sudden motion seems sufficient at calming the chocobo, bringing it down. A firm hand ensures that he stays there.
"Something is amiss." Her voice is low, as she glances past her companions. "Voices...?" She turns Alkoun in a tighter circle, the chocobo trying to crab-walk sideways, but the gauntlet around his reins keeping him in place. "Be ready for battle," she commands, eyes scanning the woods. "I do not think we are alone, here..."
Captain Agrias Oaks, lowly, "Ivalice. We are investigating the recent disturbance of the graveyards." Off-radio, "Voices...? Be ready for battle. I do not think we are alone, here..."
'Dinner' apparently does not like ghosts. The bird balks as Simon urges it after Agrias', ultimately coming to a stop in a desolate little clearing in the trees. "What now?" Simon grumbles. He leans out of the saddle for a moment, putting a hand to his brow and glancing about. Finally, he turns his head and speaks into his radio. <>
"Come on, you," Parker says. He digs his knees into the chocobo's flanks, but it still doesn't budge. "Come on!" Simon reaches into his pack and pulls out the carrot-on-a-stick, dangling it in front of 'Dinner's' face; the bird does not fall for it this time. Simon puts the improvised trinket away, sighs, and grabs the bird's reins. "I think we may have found our mystery reanimator," Parker says. "Just a gut feeling."
Alicia's chocobo is also a little spooked, but she manages to keep it under control somehow. However she does it, though, is irrelevant. "Whatever's going on here, I don't like it," Alicia says, narrowing her eyes. She'd reach for her gun, but given that they're dealing with supernatural forces, a gun isn't likely to work too well.
"Of course, Captain," Gwen replies, "I am well prepared for handling the undead." There's a brief glance downwards at one of the small bags at her hip; she's not just carrying components around.
A chill wind blows, too, causing the genasi to involuntarily shudder. "...Like the air of a tomb," she murmurs, squinting into the woods ahead. "Something seems... off," Gwen says louder, glancing at her companions. "...This bears investigation.
Unfortunately for both Gwen and Feverfew, the chocobo she's riding isn't used to being near potential predators. In fact, at the sight (and smell?) of the shapeshifted druid, the bird quite frankly freaks out. With a sudden squawk, the chocobo abruptly sidesteps away from Feverfew, before taking off into the woods, fluttering its wings as Gwen pulls at the reins, shouting at it to halt in vain. Sadly, she's an inexperienced rider, and can't seem to calm her spooked mount.
Factotum Gwen Meynolt suddenly panicked, "No! Stop-halt!"
Simon Parker says, "-Factotum?!"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt's radio also transmits terrified chocobo cries.
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "To me! Turn that chocobo around, Factotum! Those woods are not safe-" Sharp sigh. Tensely, "Too far gone. Bloody bird..."
...Damn. That's the last time Feverfew will overestimate the tameness of chocobos.
The druid raises his head as the chill wind washes over them, scenting the air. There's a familiar scent there, almost more of a taste than a smell; tomb-dust, decay, and-the Plague. He hackles visibly, cheetah's ruff standing on end as he identifies the scent. He's about to shift out and inform Agrias and Simon that their suspicions of the Scourge are correct-
And then Gwen's mount spooks. Feverfew, already on edge, starts to his feet at the bird's squawk-then whips around to follow it in one rapid movement. The druid dives into the underbrush as he reaches the treeline, all but disappearing as he chases after the bird and novice rider. At least this time he won't be so thoughtless as to let the chocobo know he's there; no, he's working his way upwind of the creature, hoping to cut it off before it can get much deeper into the Yuguewood.
The fact that they happen to be running right toward the scent of the Scourge-taint does not escape him. This is very, very bad.
Maria Tegawa says, "..."
Maria Tegawa says, "Mercade."
Maria Tegawa transmits coordinates. "Please come here right now, I need you to confirm something important for me."
Mercade Alexander says, "Hmm?"
Mercade Alexander says, "Uh, sure."
The ride continues into the Yuguewood, the undead leaving ample signs of their presence. The mass of grunts are poor at stealth... But then, the dark rider saw no need for it here. who would come? And if someone did, well...
It's the latter situation that causes the rider to draw up his horse in the midst of a clearing choked with vines and detritus. His eyes search the boles, ears listening intently... He looks to the troops beside him, and nods to his officers of the dead. "Go on ahead. Use the ghouls to recover any corpses and carry them to the rally point. Do not allow them to eat them. I will meet you there."
The dessicated undead man in armor nods, and replies, "In the Lich King's name, Milord Baron." He turns, gestures to the troops, and continues on.
This means that there's a neat trail heading right through that clearing... A clearing in which the Baron remains, looking intently behind with his blade at the ready. "Come... I always have room for volunteers."
The buckles on Alkouns' harness jangle loudly as Agrias turns the chocobo again, this time to keep an eye on the proceedings around her. There's a lot of activity going on, enough that might spook any lesser bird, but for the most part this one was trained to keep its cool in the heat of combat.
"Factotum!" Agrias' call is a despairing cry. This is exactly what she was trying to avoid. She stands in the stirrups, the better to see where Gwen and her frightened bird ran off to. "To me! Turn that chocobo around, Factotum! Those woods are not safe-" She sighs, sharply. The bird isn't coming back. Her voice is tense when she speaks again, turning to survey the wood. "Too far gone. Bloody bird..."
She can hear the whispering dead around her, but their mindless, quiet pleadings are ignored for the time being. Agrias has greater concerns on her hands.
Parker's statement seizes her attention, and she gives a curt nod, though nobody can hear it on the radio. "Aye. Wherever it is... and whatever it is..." She shakes her head, glancing off towards where Rhomarathin dashes off. He can fetch Gwen, and hopefully he'll have the presence of mind not to frighten the chocobo any more than it already is.
All of these things are sounds she knows - panicking chocobos, her companions' voices. But something just beyond the edge of hearing does not belong. Agrias whirls her chocobo around, cloak flying behind her. Defender is brought up in a flash of silvered steel, and her golden eyes narrow sharply.
That is definitely not one of their party.
"This is your work." It's a simple accusation, and by the look of the Baron's attire, not very likely to be a false one. "What business have you with the dead of Ivalice? Is not their penance through life enough? Now you must make them suffer in death, as well?
She urges Alkoun forward, the bird backing its crest. Alkoun obviously doesn't want to, but she won't have no for an answer. "And what, then, would you do with these restless dead?" Her eyes blaze, and her arm trembles just slightly in anger.
"Come, abomination," she snarls. The sword rises, point trained on the Baron. "If you seek to wage a war on Ivalice... you go through me, first."
Simon's mount nearly bolts as Gwen's does-damned herd instincts. The Balseraph manages to keep it from doing so, mostly by finally capitulating and offering it the carrot. The bird does not actually eat the vegetable, but the presence of food calms it down ever-so-slightly.
Parker got one of the dull ones, it seems.
Then the hair on the back of the demon's neck stands on end-he hears the sounds of something (no, a great many somethings) rustling through the bush. And there's no mistaking the distinct scent of rotting flesh for anything else. "Captain, we-"
Simon's face pales as he sees the corpse-pale man on the unliving horse. An Abyssal? Or is this one of those Death Knights Feverfew was talking about? The demon reaches for his gun, draws it, and levels it at the Baron. He's content to let Agrias do the threatening, at least for now. He's got a foe to size up.
As soon as Alicia spots the Baron, she immediately stops her chocobo from moving further, and a scowl forms on her face. "So you're involved with this whole thing?" Her look becomes even more stern. "Well, if it's war you want, be warned that I've been through one myself, and I'm not about to let a foul being like you start another war!" She doesn't reach for her hand gun yet though.
He can hear the Scourge, the chattering of ghouls, the rattle of unprotected bones against armor. He can sense them, a perception that goes beyond sight, scent, and sound-a prickling unease like ice crystals against unprotected flesh. The druid has never let it hinder him in any way, but that first frisson of ice-cold unease is always there. And it gets worse as-unseeing, most of his attention focused on getting Gwen's mount to stop-they close the distance with the Baron.
Feverfew shoves his way under a deadfall of wood and brambles, squeezing free on the other side with dirt and burrs clinging to his fur. Then he's off again, weaving through the trees of the wood on a path oblique to the one Gwen's panicked chocobo has taken. Frightened animals are predictable, at least; they tend to take the easiest path away from danger, which means the druid has the freedom of the straighter route. He goes scrabbling over another fallen tree, short claws unsuited to the climb, and catches sight of what awaits them in the clearing ahead.
...No. Don't think about it. Gathering himself, Feverfew leaps from his perch, shifting out of the cheetah form as he does and landing cat-footed between Gwen and the verge of the clearing. Though the druid can't help but stare at the Baron, eyes narrowed and a half-formed snarl of defiance in his throat, his mind is still on what he's here to do.
An upwelling of natural energy coallesces around the runaway chocobo as Feverfew -reaches- through the local forest. It's a variant of the entangling roots spell-one that should snare the the woman and her mount securely in a sudden rush of plantlife, bringing them to an abrupt stop. The thorns have been left out, though; it may come as quite a surprise to be stopped so, but not a painful one.
The noise as errant chocobo and rider crash through the forest probably alerts anything within hearing distance of their approach. It's not just the terrified sounds of the chocobo and the crunching of the twigs and underbrush, it's also Gwen yelling at the poor bird to stop. She's invoking the names of quite a few deities as she does so. The worst part of this, though, is not just the utter lack of control, it's the sense that, with the chill wind in the air, she's about to stumble into something terrible.
A clearing's coming up, and there's a figure within it; Gwen can see that much, as hunched over the chocobo as she is. But seeing another person here isn't really a good thing and-
Her mount abruptly jerks to a stop. It's a good thing the genasi is relatively well seated on the mount and has her arms around its neck because otherwise there would have been an unfortunate demonstration of physics here. It still leaves Gwen shaken, and doesn't really serve to calm down the bird at all, which starts to kick up a fit that makes the previous one look tame. Meanwhile, Gwen moves once she's recovered enough to try and dismount. Which... given the chocobo's state...
There's a sharp cry from Gwen as she tumbles from the saddle. Her foot had slipped when she'd tried to get free from the panicking chocobo, and the result is a wizard sprawled on the forest floor. Although she's pretty quick to crawl away from the bird once she's able-the moment the bird's free again won't be a pretty one.
The Baron gives Agrias a salute as she appears. "Ah, a follower of the Light. A pleasure to meet you, milady." He smiles, but it is without mirth. "You say I make them suffer? But they are already suffering. I am giving them release... and a purpose. Otherwise, they will linger here for all eternity, and that's simply wasteful."
He then chuckles, leveling the runeblade Rimehowl at Agrias. "You think I want to war on Ivalice? You're sorely mistaken. This land is practically dead already. I am doing the lot of you a favor for cleaning up after your messes! Bah! Completely unsatisfactory burial conditions, have you barbarians no courtesy?"
He clearly seems to recognize Agrias as the leader of the expedition, not even giving a response to Alice. "Milady, do teach your soldiers proper care for their tongues. Perhaps you will have the leisure to do so shortly." Eldritch, unholy power surges around the Deathknight as he raises his blade into the air. "I am glad you've come. Thank you all for volunteering. After some minor discomfort, you will be pleased you did. I, Baron Devon Sunderland, The Scourge, and the Lich King welcome you all!"
A sickly green flame roils up the length of the blade as Rimehowl launches into the air and slams down into the center of the clearing. Immdeately, the grass blackens and dies, the dark energy racing outwards in a wash of green flame. everywhere it passes, life is consumed, the trees crackling and twisting, vines turning brown and dying, small animals perishing immediately. For more significant life, it's no picnic either.
==============================================================================
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
- BARON DEVON SUNDERLAND -
- DEATHKNIGHT OF THE LICH KING -
- PREPARE FOR BATTLE -
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
==============================================================================
Baron Devon Sunderland gets a glancing blow on Alicia Winston with his Unholy Blight attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland hits Rhomarathin Feverfew with his Blight for You attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland hits Simon Parker with his Demons Get Blight Too attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland critically strikes Gwen Meynolt with his I'LL SWALLOW YOUR SOUL attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland critically strikes Agrias Oaks with his sup blight lol attack.
You take 36 damage.
Maria Tegawa says, "Damn it."
Mercade Alexander says, "Damned indeed."
Angeal Hewley says, "Did you find Shane?"
Mercade Alexander says, "Nope. He's been taken."
Maria Tegawa says, "We found where he was though."
Mercade Alexander says, "We also found the most obvious damn trap ever."
Angeal Hewley says, "Taken by whom?"
Maria Tegawa with absolute seriousness, "Nazi werewolves."
Zack Fair mumbles something.
Angeal Hewley short pause while Angeal probably needs to look up what Nazis are. "...I... see. Zack?"
Maria Tegawa says, "Worse, as Mercade noted, they're expecting people to come after them."
Tepet Tilis Tirana says, "Excuse me, did I hear someone say 'Nazi werewolves?'"
Zack Fair doesn't say anything.
The Holy Knight holds her position. It's likely that the visage of the Death Knight may well unnerve her, but if it does, she doesn't show it. She does sit back on the saddle, settling the stirrups against her boots.
Agrias lowers the point of Defender, but not to withdraw her challenge. No; she lowers the blade so she can spur her chocobo forward in a charge, whipping the blade up in a furious charge. Too late she notices the unholy aura, the sickly green flame searing its way through the air, straight for her and her chocobo.
Alkoun stumbles, screeching in fear and anger. He thrashes his useless wings to keep himself balanced, righting himself before he can send his master sprawling. Agrias herself hangs onto her chocobo like death, coughing suddenly as the wave of corruption reaches her. She hacks and coughs through the charge as though it might clear the toxin from her lungs, a thin trickle of blood at her nose. Oh, that hurts. One hand clutches Defender, the other holding to the reins and saddle horn.
"I am sworn to naught but the Agency, and Ivalice picks up its own pieces," the Holy Knight growls. "You presume overmuch, ser." She affords the title to a fellow knight, but it's spat with such scorn that there's no questioning that it's an insult. "I volunteer for nothing, nor do any of those placed in my temporary command. You've no place here, and those spirits who roam Fovoham have no need of a corrupt master such as yourself!"
She reaches up, swiping a sleeve across her face. Apparently her nose bleeds from that wave of destructive corruption. Yup. Still hurts. She wrenches the reins sidelong, sending Alkoun straight for the Death Knight.
"Begone from this weald!" Her roared command accompanies a swing of Defender as she passes near to the Baron, brilliant and sacred energies crackling in counterpoint to the Death Knight's corruption. "Leave this place, or I will put you to the sword...!"
You miss Baron Devon Sunderland with your Hallowed Bolt! >:( attack.
Angeal Hewley says, "Zack?"
Captain Agrias Oaks hacking cough, as one trying to clear their lungs and failing. "We have found our necromancer!"
Zack Fair says, "Sorry, Angeal. Be with you in a bit."
Zack Fair's radio desynchs.
Simon's chocobo hackles and starts at the Deathknight's terrible presence-as the sword flies through the air, the creature bucks the demon from his saddle. The Gamester hits the ground with a heavy thud, shoulder-first... and is caught in the spreading blight. The color drains from his face, and ugly purple bruises appear on his exposed skin. He coughs violently, hacking up blood that spatters the dead grass.
Then Parker forces himself to his feet, levelling the gun at the Deathknight. "Get lost," the demon growls. He fires two normal bullets at the man before the third round in the clip is chambered. Unholy energy crackles through the weapon as Simon channels Essence through it, aims at Sunderland's center of mass, and fires the Symphonically-empowered round.
Simon Parker misses Baron Devon Sunderland with his Arcane Shot? attack.
As soon as the Deathknight's presence is known, Alicia's chocobo immediately plants itself firmly into the ground, causing Alicia to get hit by the incoming blast of energy and knocking her onto the ground. She doesn't blame her chocobo in the least bit, though, since she can understand why it did what it did. The rebel soldier goes tumbling into the dirt, but quickly gets back up, with her gun drawn. "Never mind my soldiers, I'm here to teach _you_ a thing or two!" With that, she opens fire with three semi-automatic rounds, aiming it directly at a larger part of Sunderland's mass.
Alicia Winston critically strikes Baron Devon Sunderland with her Gunfire against someone like you? Oh well! attack.
Where: The Yuguewood - Kingdom of Ivalice - Fantasy Sector
When: 13 August 2008
What: The necromancer that's been plaguing Ivalice finally makes his appearance, much to the dismay of the kingdom's would-be defenders. Baron Devon Sunderland, unfortunately, is a little more than the Agency defenders bargained for.
Watch For: Simon's expert riding skills, tree-on-tree violence.
Missing Tags: Rhomarathin Feverfew
Fantasy Sector - Lesalia Imperial Capital
Lesalia Imperial Capital lay at the heart of Ivalice, in the central province of Lesalia. It is among the largest cities of this medieval kingdom, as well as one of the most ancient. The city has closely-packed houses, made of timber and sloped roofs, that hug to winding narrow streets. At the center of the city is an immense castle - the palace of the Ivalician royal family. It also houses the Senate, and countless nobles.
Contents:
Agrias Oaks
Alicia Winston
Baron Devon Sunderland
Christoph Schmidt
Gwen Meynolt
Rhomarathin Feverfew
Simon Parker
Obvious exits:
Northeast leads to Fantasy Sector - Nelveska Temple.
Zack Fair says, ".... Sooooooo...."
Naruto Uzumaki says, "Hmm?"
Zack Fair says, "... still no word from Shane? Anyone?"
Maria Tegawa says, "No."
Maria Tegawa says, "These past few days I have been monitoring the location of his radio's tracking crystal. ...it's shown no movement."
Zack Fair - "You can do that? Err, I mean.... ... wait, so if it's not moving.."
Maria Tegawa says, "Zack, you're coming with me. The office is closed for the rest of the day."
Zack Fair says, "... then that m- wait, huh?!"
Maria Tegawa says, "We're going to Germany."
Angeal Hewley says, "Guess you'll get your outing after all, Zack. Good luck in finding Shane. Both of you."
Zack Fair says, "Alright!! - uh, I mean, yes ma'am!"
Turok says, "Ey, get me some of them strudle!"
Turok says, "Did I pronounce that right?"
Zack Fair says, "And thanks, Angeal! Heh, I better dress appropriately, right, Miss Tegawa? You know, in case we run into trouble?"
Maria Tegawa says, "Yes."
Zack Fair may or may not be fistpumping right now.
Turok says, "Hey umm...how'd that thing with the undead go anyways? Is Miss Meynolt still in the case?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "I am investigating the matter, yes."
Turok says, "Cool! 'Ey listen, if ya need any help with that stuff don't hesitate to hit me up Miss Meynolt. I know about that stuff too..sort of"
Captain Agrias Oaks jangling of harness and other gear. Flatly, "The matter is still being investigated." Pause. "Factotum, have you provisions for a trip to Ivalice? I intend on investigating the area, if you've a mind to come."
Zack Fair says, "- hey, what's going on in Ivalice?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "There have been a rash of disturbances in local cemetaries and mausoleums. Someone or something is taking the dead."
Zack Fair says, "... ugh..."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "It is not grave robberies; no items of value have been taken. The corpses themselves are missing."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Indeed, I have gathered pertinent supplies courtesy of my church, and have prepared appropriate spells recently."
Simon Parker says, "...Oaks, hold up."
Turok says, "Oh snap, looks like crazy shiz is going down tonite!!...I take it yer gonna report to that situation too Miss Meynolt?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Good. Have you any transportation? Chocobo may be the most convenient; there are areas difficult to travel afoot just outside of the Gate. -What is it, Parker?"
Simon Parker says, "Where the hell do you keep the chocobos?"
Zack Fair says, "In stables, of course!"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Ah. Right near Lady Duelar's facilities. ...Mind that you don't disturb Alkoun."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Indeed, I do. It would likely be a detriment to Captain Oaks' investigation if I did not."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "It is my investigation, ser; she is reporting to me. I intend to get to the bottom of this and put a stop to it. If my suspicions are correct, this could be... a... problematic situation, if what we suspect is indeed at the heart of it."
Zack Fair says, "Captain Oaks..?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Aye, Ser Fair?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "Accompany us, if you like? We've room for another." Wryly, "It is not my preferred method of showing you Ivalice, but I suppose it would suffice."
Zack Fair says, "If you, uh.. if you need anything, just gimme a call, alright? And take care of yourself. Since, well... ... ... well, anyway, good luck."
Zack Fair says, "Oh, well, uh..."
Zack Fair says, "... uh."
Captain Agrias Oaks pauses. "Since what?"
Zack Fair says, "... are you going right now?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "We are preparing. I intend on leaving within an hour."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "I shall leave shortly, Captain."
Captain Agrias Oaks clattering of what's presumably armour, a knife rattling in its scabbard, and the buckles of leather straps jingling. "At your leisure, Factotum. I would recommend waiting at the Gate; I know how to reach the Yuguewood without alerting Glabados to our presence."
Turok says, "What about that thing 'bout the locals not liking foreigners? Are there any weapon regulations I should be aware of?"
Zack Fair says, "Ah... well, I wanted to say I'd be happy to go with you, and I would, but there's something else I've gotta take care of."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "I will not take any that cannot handle themselves under orders, ser." To Zack, "-I see. Be well, then, Ser Fair."
Maria Tegawa says, "I'm afraid I need his help tonight."
Zack Fair says, "But if you run into real trouble, just... uh... call Cloud, I guess."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Of course. I must prepare appropriately anyhow."
Simon Parker mumbles something along the lines of 'overgrown chicken'.
Turok says, "Dun worry about nothin' Miss Meynolt! I got your back!"
Angeal Hewley says, "...Simon, have you ever been on a chocobo before?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "...I thank you for your concern."
Simon Parker jangle, jangle, jangle, WARK. "I swear, what the hell gave you people the idea to domesticate these things."
Zack Fair says, "And be safe! And, uh... ... yeah."
Simon Parker says, "...Alkoun, sort of."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "..."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "You're trying to ride Alkoun?"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "I see. I will keep that in mind, ser." Pause. "No, he isn't."
Captain Agrias Oaks might be trying to stifle a snicker.
Meliadoul Tengille says, "Mmm hmm"
Turok says, "Oh no need ta thank me. Warriors ought to defend those they love right?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt might have just choked.
Maria Tegawa mmmms.
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "...Pardon me."
Factotum Gwen Meynolt click.
Zack Fair says, "..."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "..."
Turok says, "Kinda like what the elders use to tell me. They were like "Not all of us get cool animal names"...Wait that wasn't it"
Turok says, "....how come everyone went silent?"
Simon Parker transmits a loud WARK.
Simon Parker says, "I will call this one 'dinner' if it doesn't cooperate."
Zack Fair says, "Aww, don't be mean!"
Captain Agrias Oaks mutters under her breath, while messing with what sounds like a riding harness. Jingle, jingle. "Oh, for the love of... Parker, stop that. The harness goes over the head this way, and you do not wait for him to open his beak to put in the bit."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "Hah hah. CHocobo meat is quite ah... interesting."
Simon Parker says, "It just tried to take my fingers o-"
Simon Parker says, "Fine, fine, you do it."
Captain Agrias Oaks supplies, "Tough and stringy. Rather much tasteless, I've found."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "It's good for emergency rations, but they work better as mounts."
Simon Parker jingle jingle. "All right, am I set?"
Simon Parker fully heals Simon Parker with his Just in case... action.
Captain Agrias Oaks transmits more jingling. "There you are. It isn't quite like a horse's harness." Sounds of patting a chocobo's beak. "That should do it. See that the girth and throatlatch are tight." Wryly, "You do not want them falling off."
Perfected Engine of Harmony sounds politely inquisitive. "Have you remembered your rations?"
Turok says, "Horses make's good eatin'"
You fully heal Agrias Oaks with your Potion chug? action.
Captain Agrias Oaks footfalls, followed by rustling of equipment, and Alkoun's unpleasant hiss. Light rap of something against a chocobo's beak. Quietly, "Stop that. Behave yourself, Alkoun." Louder, "Aye, I've my rations, first aid supplies, map, compass... ah, what else..."
Simon Parker says, "Okay. Onward!" Wark. "I said onward. Get moving. Yah, yah." Jingle. "There we- Oh, what's the matter now."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "Did it stop?"
Jack Harkness says, "Of course it didn't. It probably kept on at it unt- wait. Did what stop?"
Simon Parker says, "It stopped, yes."
Captain Agrias Oaks sighs a long-suffering sigh. "Press your knees to its sides, Parker."
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Stopped? Why should it stop?"
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Limitless stamina is something to be enjoyed, after all."
Simon Parker says, "-Aha! It's moving now."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "If it still doesn't move, then snap the reins. Firmly, like this." Jingle-pop of leather. "Hyah!" And the sounds of Alkoun taking off at a brisk run."
Simon Parker says, "That's it, follow Alkoun!"
Simon Parker says, "I said, follow Alkoun-"
Meliadoul Tengille says, "..."
Meliadoul Tengille dryly, "Watch out for that ditch."
Simon Parker says, "...ACK."
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "It sounds like the Chocobos on your world are a little more difficult than the ones on my world."
Simon Parker says, "No, bird, get out of the ditch, follow Alkoun, don't wander-"
Captain Agrias Oaks sighs crossly. "Honestly, Parker, it isn't difficult-" Pause.
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "You should try feeding them one of these fruits I found - it tends to perk them right up."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "Oh my. It appears that your familiar is having some difficulties."
Meliadoul Tengille says, "No. Only Dame Oaks's chocobo. That and Parker is rather... new to this."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "Have you attempted to interface with its mind directly?"
Simon Parker says, "It's not my familiar, it's a mount, and it's eating the berries off this bush."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "Ah, I see."
Zack Fair chuckles.
Captain Agrias Oaks sighs. "Control your chocobo, Parker."
Zack Fair says, "Hey, Mister Parker?"
Zack Fair says, "You know what I found always helps?"
Simon Parker says, "What?"
Zack Fair says, "Talk to him like you're really excited to be going wherever you're going!"
Zack Fair says, "Be like... 'Alright come on, let's go! Go faster, come on!'"
Captain Agrias Oaks jingling harness. Amusedly, "It doesn't work that way, Ser Fair."
Simon Parker ...
Zack Fair says, "Always did for me..."
Simon Parker says, "...Luckily, I picked up a little something before I left..."
Angeal Hewley might sound like he's trying to hide amusement. "For Zack, it does sometimes."
Simon Parker says, "Carrot on a stick. Go get it, dinner!"
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "You didn't-" Pause. She might be staring as Simon's bird passes hers. "...he did."
Zack Fair laughs!
Maria Tegawa says, "Well, whatever works I suppose."
Perfected Engine of Harmony says, "I still believe you would have better luck with a neural interface spike."
Zack Fair says, "Alright, Miss Tegawa, I'm gonna head home and get changed. Should I bring anything special?"
Angeal Hewley stopwatch clicking.
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Bring a towel, Zack."
Edgar Roni Figaro says, "Never know when you're going to need it."
Captain Agrias Oaks snaps the reins again. "We're heading northeast! Follow the coast and you should be alright! Don't leave one another's sight - there are still Glabados agents in this place. Hyah!"
Zack Fair says, "Huh?"
Meliadoul Tengille says, "don't get captured by the Inquisition."
Zack Fair says, ".. guess I'll take what I can carry... Hm, Cloud won't mind. Alright, see you soon, Miss Tegawa."
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "The Glabados; agents of the Church. They are corrupt, but they are nothing if not persistent."
Captain Agrias Oaks harness jangle. "That is to say, the Glabados Church; the Inquisitors are the agents."
Though its structures may stand and life seems to proceed normally, the Kingdom of Ivalice is crumbling from the inside.
Two brutal, bloody wars have pressed Ivalice to its limits. The crushing defeat of the Fifty Years' War destroyed the kingdom's morale, and the War of the Lions has destroyed what little remained of its treasury - not to mention what was left of its soldiers.
The result is a kingdom broken. It would give the impression of solidarity from the outside, but there is a certain oppression to the people here; a broken look in the eyes of the smallfolk that suggests otherwise.
Thankfully, the lowest rung of Ivalician society are too docile and too downtrodden to present any threat to travellers. Taking the lesser-known routes north, Agrias Oaks seems to know this as well, avoiding the few woodcots and farmhouses the small contingent passes along their trek. The route takes them north, past but not through the Walled City of Yardrow; its impressive turrets rising above the surrounding forest like the reaching grasp of some stout, graceless beast of mortar and granite.
Ten thousand years of history and defense pass by them, and Agrias turns the party a bit west, towards one of Ivalice's northern forests. The Yuguewood is known for its history, a vast and sprawling weald boasting trees whose average age is some two centuries. Even this primeval forest was not spared the ravages of war, though, and the perceptive may hear the whispering of the restless dead; losers of the Fifty Years' War on both sides of the kingdoms' banners.
It's here that Agrias finally slows her chocobo, casting a critical eye about her. She wears her usual equipment, hair braided securely, Defender drawn slowly from its sheath. A flick of the wrist turns her chocobo to face the others. "Be wary," she cautions quietly. "This land was not spared the ravages of the Fifty Years' War. Do not listen to the spirits here... and do not follow them. They will lead you so deep into these woods you'll have no hope of finding a way out."
Golden eyes flick sidelong, then back to the party. "I do not know exactly what we seek, but I've a good idea. These spirits are not hostile, not directly - if they should become as such, then we've found what we seek." She shakes her head. "In addition to that, there should be no one here. Not even the woodcots will lay down here. No axes have bitten into these trees for nigh on a century - if we see any skulking about here, searching for the bones of these fallen warriors, then they'll have no business here."
"Spread out if you like, but do not go alone. Move in pairs or more." Agrias turns her chocobo again, harness jangling. "Report to me if you should find anything. And remember - try to ignore these wretched spirits." Her head shakes, slowly. "There is naught to be done for them, anyway. Their time is past."
Golden eyes turn back towards the small contingent. "Parker, with me. The rest of you, search as you see fit. Best of luck to you all."
Simon wishes, dearly, that Ivalicians were less likely to freak out at the sight of modern transportation. As-is, the demon has been forced to adopt the local standards of transport-but he's adapted quickly enough. A second chocobo trots along behind Alkoun, keeping its distance from the fierce war-chicken; its feathers are the standard yellow, and it's bearing a tall, lanky man in military duty dress. It does so somewhat reluctantly-Simon took its treat away to get it to calm down, and now it's being finicky.
"Understood, Captain," Parker says. He nudges his mount with his knees, urging it after Alkoun. His mind is open, his senses extended to cover the area on the physical and metaphysical levels. He can sense the faint echoes of whispers at the periphery of his hearing, but he doesn't focus on them. It's never a good idea to listen to the restless dead.
Dinner trots along after Agrias' mount, looking faintly uneasy.
In any given situation, many creatures, whether they're living, supernatural, or otherwise, are generally not hostile unless they have a valid reason to do so. And in the case of these spirits, it sounds like they may not be as bad as one might think of them to be. But then again, Alicia Winston never had supernatural training as part of being in the VSSE. She's more of a rebel soldier/secret agent type of person. Still, she heeds Agrias's words fully, giving a nod and replying with, "I understand and I'll remember that." She does slap a clip into her handgun just in case, though...
Rhomarathin Feverfew switches armor modes to Travel Form.
Thankfully, there were chocobos to borrow for the travel Yuguewood. Sigil is not kind to animals of riding stock; the diviner did not keep any animal stabled. Of course, being only slightly used to horses in no way prepares Gwen for handling a chocobo: while her riding bird isn't as unruly as some, she does have to work hard to get it to do as she wants.
She's dressed for travel and battle: while her clothing is in no way suited as armor, it's at least more durable than her usual dress. More importantly, in light of recent events, she's also wearing boots. While she doesn't have her full travel kit on her, it's clear the wizard is prepared, from the weathered backpack to the component pouches at her hip.
Drawing her mount up to a halt as Agrias addresses them, Gwen remains silent as the knight explains the dangers of the land before them, and what will be required to survive. Finally, she nods, saying, "Understood. I shall not engage these lost souls save if they become hostile." It goes without saying to ignore what the tormented dead speak of. She does, however, comment, shaking her head sadly, "It is a pity this land has, ah, difficulties. The proper thing to do would be to lay all the wandering dead to rest..." Glancing at the others, the Guvner asks, "Would anyone wish to investigate with me?"
The fifth member of the unusual party has so far kept pace on foot. While an impossible task for a human, keeping up with a party of mounted travellers was little difficulty for a druid. As the group draws to a halt, Feverfew joins them in his travel form, settling onto his haunches and looking up at Agrias with brilliant yellow eyes. He listens attentively as the captain explains their objectives, seeing little reason to add anything; familiar with the undead as he might be, the Yuguewood was not his territory.
Feverfew nods, once, at the end of the explanation, looking sidelong at Gwen as she asks for accompaniment. Getting to his feet, the cat paces over to stand alongside Gwen, giving another of those strange nods before looking off into the woods. Hopefully her bird's calm enough not to spook in the presence of a large predator-because there's a good bet he'll probably take some form less inoffensive than the dire cheetah before their investigation is over.
A chill wind blows through the woods, conjuring images of a frigid tundra, far from warmth and light. A land where darkness reigns for months at a time, where the Light is not wanted or needed.
Rime curls from the nostrils of a horse that is clearly not of this world, and wafts of freezing air curl around the man seated upon it. Shadow obscures his form as he looks down from the ridge upon the woods and city before him... And he inhales, slowly. He is silent for a short period of time, as if savoring the scent, the palpable fear, loss, and death that hangs in the air over the land... And he finally speaks.
"Gentlemen... I love war." The man straigtens, the wan light gleaming off of his black armor, white skin, and piercing ice-blue eyes. He turns, looking to the ranks of ghouls and skeletons behind him. "Do you feel it? The land below teems with the sorrow and rage of the fallen. They will serve well as your comrades."
A hand rises up and reaches for the blade across his back, drawing it. A brief flash of unearthly light is visible for some distance as he points into the distance. "Come Darkstorm, let us recruit! FOR THE SCOURGE!" The Baron calls, his Deathstrider rearing and trotting off at a fast canter, the undead minions following close behind as they move from the ridge into the woods...
Towards the old battlefields.
Simon Parker says, "...Okay, something just spooked the chocobo, and it wasn't the druid."
Captain Agrias Oaks, over a hissing Alkoun and wildly jangling harness, "-What was that?"
Simon Parker says, "...It sounded like... someone talking? Here?"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt says, "Something... is off."
Simon Parker clearly cannot make the words out over what sounds like a hissing, balking chocobo.
Captain Agrias Oaks, lowly, "Something is amiss."
Vent says, "Where are you guys?"
The Holy Knight turns her chocobo in a tight circle, casting an eye to all of her companions. It isn't the largest group, but that never seems to be a problem with the Agency. Every single operative here is skilled, and having been told what to look for, Agrias is confident in them.
Half a glance is cast to Parker and his chocobo troubles, but the knight doesn't comment. He'll figure it out! Eventually. Or he won't, thus necessitating a hasty rescue. Isn't riding chocobos fun?
"Engage them if you must for your self-defense, Factotum. I would not ask you to present no defense." Agrias shakes her head, shifting her grip one-handed on the reins. The other holds Defender, ready. "I do not think they will attempt any action, but-"
A chill wind whips through the clearing, skirling amongst the ancient yugue trunks. As though on command, Alkoun hisses violently, backing his crest and rearing up, as though he were preparing to rake at something with his talons; large eyes rolling in terror.
Agrias hauls down on the reins in a swift, savage yank. The sudden motion seems sufficient at calming the chocobo, bringing it down. A firm hand ensures that he stays there.
"Something is amiss." Her voice is low, as she glances past her companions. "Voices...?" She turns Alkoun in a tighter circle, the chocobo trying to crab-walk sideways, but the gauntlet around his reins keeping him in place. "Be ready for battle," she commands, eyes scanning the woods. "I do not think we are alone, here..."
Captain Agrias Oaks, lowly, "Ivalice. We are investigating the recent disturbance of the graveyards." Off-radio, "Voices...? Be ready for battle. I do not think we are alone, here..."
'Dinner' apparently does not like ghosts. The bird balks as Simon urges it after Agrias', ultimately coming to a stop in a desolate little clearing in the trees. "What now?" Simon grumbles. He leans out of the saddle for a moment, putting a hand to his brow and glancing about. Finally, he turns his head and speaks into his radio. <>
"Come on, you," Parker says. He digs his knees into the chocobo's flanks, but it still doesn't budge. "Come on!" Simon reaches into his pack and pulls out the carrot-on-a-stick, dangling it in front of 'Dinner's' face; the bird does not fall for it this time. Simon puts the improvised trinket away, sighs, and grabs the bird's reins. "I think we may have found our mystery reanimator," Parker says. "Just a gut feeling."
Alicia's chocobo is also a little spooked, but she manages to keep it under control somehow. However she does it, though, is irrelevant. "Whatever's going on here, I don't like it," Alicia says, narrowing her eyes. She'd reach for her gun, but given that they're dealing with supernatural forces, a gun isn't likely to work too well.
"Of course, Captain," Gwen replies, "I am well prepared for handling the undead." There's a brief glance downwards at one of the small bags at her hip; she's not just carrying components around.
A chill wind blows, too, causing the genasi to involuntarily shudder. "...Like the air of a tomb," she murmurs, squinting into the woods ahead. "Something seems... off," Gwen says louder, glancing at her companions. "...This bears investigation.
Unfortunately for both Gwen and Feverfew, the chocobo she's riding isn't used to being near potential predators. In fact, at the sight (and smell?) of the shapeshifted druid, the bird quite frankly freaks out. With a sudden squawk, the chocobo abruptly sidesteps away from Feverfew, before taking off into the woods, fluttering its wings as Gwen pulls at the reins, shouting at it to halt in vain. Sadly, she's an inexperienced rider, and can't seem to calm her spooked mount.
Factotum Gwen Meynolt suddenly panicked, "No! Stop-halt!"
Simon Parker says, "-Factotum?!"
Factotum Gwen Meynolt's radio also transmits terrified chocobo cries.
Captain Agrias Oaks says, "To me! Turn that chocobo around, Factotum! Those woods are not safe-" Sharp sigh. Tensely, "Too far gone. Bloody bird..."
...Damn. That's the last time Feverfew will overestimate the tameness of chocobos.
The druid raises his head as the chill wind washes over them, scenting the air. There's a familiar scent there, almost more of a taste than a smell; tomb-dust, decay, and-the Plague. He hackles visibly, cheetah's ruff standing on end as he identifies the scent. He's about to shift out and inform Agrias and Simon that their suspicions of the Scourge are correct-
And then Gwen's mount spooks. Feverfew, already on edge, starts to his feet at the bird's squawk-then whips around to follow it in one rapid movement. The druid dives into the underbrush as he reaches the treeline, all but disappearing as he chases after the bird and novice rider. At least this time he won't be so thoughtless as to let the chocobo know he's there; no, he's working his way upwind of the creature, hoping to cut it off before it can get much deeper into the Yuguewood.
The fact that they happen to be running right toward the scent of the Scourge-taint does not escape him. This is very, very bad.
Maria Tegawa says, "..."
Maria Tegawa says, "Mercade."
Maria Tegawa transmits coordinates. "Please come here right now, I need you to confirm something important for me."
Mercade Alexander says, "Hmm?"
Mercade Alexander says, "Uh, sure."
The ride continues into the Yuguewood, the undead leaving ample signs of their presence. The mass of grunts are poor at stealth... But then, the dark rider saw no need for it here. who would come? And if someone did, well...
It's the latter situation that causes the rider to draw up his horse in the midst of a clearing choked with vines and detritus. His eyes search the boles, ears listening intently... He looks to the troops beside him, and nods to his officers of the dead. "Go on ahead. Use the ghouls to recover any corpses and carry them to the rally point. Do not allow them to eat them. I will meet you there."
The dessicated undead man in armor nods, and replies, "In the Lich King's name, Milord Baron." He turns, gestures to the troops, and continues on.
This means that there's a neat trail heading right through that clearing... A clearing in which the Baron remains, looking intently behind with his blade at the ready. "Come... I always have room for volunteers."
The buckles on Alkouns' harness jangle loudly as Agrias turns the chocobo again, this time to keep an eye on the proceedings around her. There's a lot of activity going on, enough that might spook any lesser bird, but for the most part this one was trained to keep its cool in the heat of combat.
"Factotum!" Agrias' call is a despairing cry. This is exactly what she was trying to avoid. She stands in the stirrups, the better to see where Gwen and her frightened bird ran off to. "To me! Turn that chocobo around, Factotum! Those woods are not safe-" She sighs, sharply. The bird isn't coming back. Her voice is tense when she speaks again, turning to survey the wood. "Too far gone. Bloody bird..."
She can hear the whispering dead around her, but their mindless, quiet pleadings are ignored for the time being. Agrias has greater concerns on her hands.
Parker's statement seizes her attention, and she gives a curt nod, though nobody can hear it on the radio. "Aye. Wherever it is... and whatever it is..." She shakes her head, glancing off towards where Rhomarathin dashes off. He can fetch Gwen, and hopefully he'll have the presence of mind not to frighten the chocobo any more than it already is.
All of these things are sounds she knows - panicking chocobos, her companions' voices. But something just beyond the edge of hearing does not belong. Agrias whirls her chocobo around, cloak flying behind her. Defender is brought up in a flash of silvered steel, and her golden eyes narrow sharply.
That is definitely not one of their party.
"This is your work." It's a simple accusation, and by the look of the Baron's attire, not very likely to be a false one. "What business have you with the dead of Ivalice? Is not their penance through life enough? Now you must make them suffer in death, as well?
She urges Alkoun forward, the bird backing its crest. Alkoun obviously doesn't want to, but she won't have no for an answer. "And what, then, would you do with these restless dead?" Her eyes blaze, and her arm trembles just slightly in anger.
"Come, abomination," she snarls. The sword rises, point trained on the Baron. "If you seek to wage a war on Ivalice... you go through me, first."
Simon's mount nearly bolts as Gwen's does-damned herd instincts. The Balseraph manages to keep it from doing so, mostly by finally capitulating and offering it the carrot. The bird does not actually eat the vegetable, but the presence of food calms it down ever-so-slightly.
Parker got one of the dull ones, it seems.
Then the hair on the back of the demon's neck stands on end-he hears the sounds of something (no, a great many somethings) rustling through the bush. And there's no mistaking the distinct scent of rotting flesh for anything else. "Captain, we-"
Simon's face pales as he sees the corpse-pale man on the unliving horse. An Abyssal? Or is this one of those Death Knights Feverfew was talking about? The demon reaches for his gun, draws it, and levels it at the Baron. He's content to let Agrias do the threatening, at least for now. He's got a foe to size up.
As soon as Alicia spots the Baron, she immediately stops her chocobo from moving further, and a scowl forms on her face. "So you're involved with this whole thing?" Her look becomes even more stern. "Well, if it's war you want, be warned that I've been through one myself, and I'm not about to let a foul being like you start another war!" She doesn't reach for her hand gun yet though.
He can hear the Scourge, the chattering of ghouls, the rattle of unprotected bones against armor. He can sense them, a perception that goes beyond sight, scent, and sound-a prickling unease like ice crystals against unprotected flesh. The druid has never let it hinder him in any way, but that first frisson of ice-cold unease is always there. And it gets worse as-unseeing, most of his attention focused on getting Gwen's mount to stop-they close the distance with the Baron.
Feverfew shoves his way under a deadfall of wood and brambles, squeezing free on the other side with dirt and burrs clinging to his fur. Then he's off again, weaving through the trees of the wood on a path oblique to the one Gwen's panicked chocobo has taken. Frightened animals are predictable, at least; they tend to take the easiest path away from danger, which means the druid has the freedom of the straighter route. He goes scrabbling over another fallen tree, short claws unsuited to the climb, and catches sight of what awaits them in the clearing ahead.
...No. Don't think about it. Gathering himself, Feverfew leaps from his perch, shifting out of the cheetah form as he does and landing cat-footed between Gwen and the verge of the clearing. Though the druid can't help but stare at the Baron, eyes narrowed and a half-formed snarl of defiance in his throat, his mind is still on what he's here to do.
An upwelling of natural energy coallesces around the runaway chocobo as Feverfew -reaches- through the local forest. It's a variant of the entangling roots spell-one that should snare the the woman and her mount securely in a sudden rush of plantlife, bringing them to an abrupt stop. The thorns have been left out, though; it may come as quite a surprise to be stopped so, but not a painful one.
The noise as errant chocobo and rider crash through the forest probably alerts anything within hearing distance of their approach. It's not just the terrified sounds of the chocobo and the crunching of the twigs and underbrush, it's also Gwen yelling at the poor bird to stop. She's invoking the names of quite a few deities as she does so. The worst part of this, though, is not just the utter lack of control, it's the sense that, with the chill wind in the air, she's about to stumble into something terrible.
A clearing's coming up, and there's a figure within it; Gwen can see that much, as hunched over the chocobo as she is. But seeing another person here isn't really a good thing and-
Her mount abruptly jerks to a stop. It's a good thing the genasi is relatively well seated on the mount and has her arms around its neck because otherwise there would have been an unfortunate demonstration of physics here. It still leaves Gwen shaken, and doesn't really serve to calm down the bird at all, which starts to kick up a fit that makes the previous one look tame. Meanwhile, Gwen moves once she's recovered enough to try and dismount. Which... given the chocobo's state...
There's a sharp cry from Gwen as she tumbles from the saddle. Her foot had slipped when she'd tried to get free from the panicking chocobo, and the result is a wizard sprawled on the forest floor. Although she's pretty quick to crawl away from the bird once she's able-the moment the bird's free again won't be a pretty one.
The Baron gives Agrias a salute as she appears. "Ah, a follower of the Light. A pleasure to meet you, milady." He smiles, but it is without mirth. "You say I make them suffer? But they are already suffering. I am giving them release... and a purpose. Otherwise, they will linger here for all eternity, and that's simply wasteful."
He then chuckles, leveling the runeblade Rimehowl at Agrias. "You think I want to war on Ivalice? You're sorely mistaken. This land is practically dead already. I am doing the lot of you a favor for cleaning up after your messes! Bah! Completely unsatisfactory burial conditions, have you barbarians no courtesy?"
He clearly seems to recognize Agrias as the leader of the expedition, not even giving a response to Alice. "Milady, do teach your soldiers proper care for their tongues. Perhaps you will have the leisure to do so shortly." Eldritch, unholy power surges around the Deathknight as he raises his blade into the air. "I am glad you've come. Thank you all for volunteering. After some minor discomfort, you will be pleased you did. I, Baron Devon Sunderland, The Scourge, and the Lich King welcome you all!"
A sickly green flame roils up the length of the blade as Rimehowl launches into the air and slams down into the center of the clearing. Immdeately, the grass blackens and dies, the dark energy racing outwards in a wash of green flame. everywhere it passes, life is consumed, the trees crackling and twisting, vines turning brown and dying, small animals perishing immediately. For more significant life, it's no picnic either.
==============================================================================
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
- BARON DEVON SUNDERLAND -
- DEATHKNIGHT OF THE LICH KING -
- PREPARE FOR BATTLE -
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
==============================================================================
Baron Devon Sunderland gets a glancing blow on Alicia Winston with his Unholy Blight attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland hits Rhomarathin Feverfew with his Blight for You attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland hits Simon Parker with his Demons Get Blight Too attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland critically strikes Gwen Meynolt with his I'LL SWALLOW YOUR SOUL attack.
Baron Devon Sunderland critically strikes Agrias Oaks with his sup blight lol attack.
You take 36 damage.
Maria Tegawa says, "Damn it."
Mercade Alexander says, "Damned indeed."
Angeal Hewley says, "Did you find Shane?"
Mercade Alexander says, "Nope. He's been taken."
Maria Tegawa says, "We found where he was though."
Mercade Alexander says, "We also found the most obvious damn trap ever."
Angeal Hewley says, "Taken by whom?"
Maria Tegawa with absolute seriousness, "Nazi werewolves."
Zack Fair mumbles something.
Angeal Hewley short pause while Angeal probably needs to look up what Nazis are. "...I... see. Zack?"
Maria Tegawa says, "Worse, as Mercade noted, they're expecting people to come after them."
Tepet Tilis Tirana says, "Excuse me, did I hear someone say 'Nazi werewolves?'"
Zack Fair doesn't say anything.
The Holy Knight holds her position. It's likely that the visage of the Death Knight may well unnerve her, but if it does, she doesn't show it. She does sit back on the saddle, settling the stirrups against her boots.
Agrias lowers the point of Defender, but not to withdraw her challenge. No; she lowers the blade so she can spur her chocobo forward in a charge, whipping the blade up in a furious charge. Too late she notices the unholy aura, the sickly green flame searing its way through the air, straight for her and her chocobo.
Alkoun stumbles, screeching in fear and anger. He thrashes his useless wings to keep himself balanced, righting himself before he can send his master sprawling. Agrias herself hangs onto her chocobo like death, coughing suddenly as the wave of corruption reaches her. She hacks and coughs through the charge as though it might clear the toxin from her lungs, a thin trickle of blood at her nose. Oh, that hurts. One hand clutches Defender, the other holding to the reins and saddle horn.
"I am sworn to naught but the Agency, and Ivalice picks up its own pieces," the Holy Knight growls. "You presume overmuch, ser." She affords the title to a fellow knight, but it's spat with such scorn that there's no questioning that it's an insult. "I volunteer for nothing, nor do any of those placed in my temporary command. You've no place here, and those spirits who roam Fovoham have no need of a corrupt master such as yourself!"
She reaches up, swiping a sleeve across her face. Apparently her nose bleeds from that wave of destructive corruption. Yup. Still hurts. She wrenches the reins sidelong, sending Alkoun straight for the Death Knight.
"Begone from this weald!" Her roared command accompanies a swing of Defender as she passes near to the Baron, brilliant and sacred energies crackling in counterpoint to the Death Knight's corruption. "Leave this place, or I will put you to the sword...!"
You miss Baron Devon Sunderland with your Hallowed Bolt! >:( attack.
Angeal Hewley says, "Zack?"
Captain Agrias Oaks hacking cough, as one trying to clear their lungs and failing. "We have found our necromancer!"
Zack Fair says, "Sorry, Angeal. Be with you in a bit."
Zack Fair's radio desynchs.
Simon's chocobo hackles and starts at the Deathknight's terrible presence-as the sword flies through the air, the creature bucks the demon from his saddle. The Gamester hits the ground with a heavy thud, shoulder-first... and is caught in the spreading blight. The color drains from his face, and ugly purple bruises appear on his exposed skin. He coughs violently, hacking up blood that spatters the dead grass.
Then Parker forces himself to his feet, levelling the gun at the Deathknight. "Get lost," the demon growls. He fires two normal bullets at the man before the third round in the clip is chambered. Unholy energy crackles through the weapon as Simon channels Essence through it, aims at Sunderland's center of mass, and fires the Symphonically-empowered round.
Simon Parker misses Baron Devon Sunderland with his Arcane Shot? attack.
As soon as the Deathknight's presence is known, Alicia's chocobo immediately plants itself firmly into the ground, causing Alicia to get hit by the incoming blast of energy and knocking her onto the ground. She doesn't blame her chocobo in the least bit, though, since she can understand why it did what it did. The rebel soldier goes tumbling into the dirt, but quickly gets back up, with her gun drawn. "Never mind my soldiers, I'm here to teach _you_ a thing or two!" With that, she opens fire with three semi-automatic rounds, aiming it directly at a larger part of Sunderland's mass.
Alicia Winston critically strikes Baron Devon Sunderland with her Gunfire against someone like you? Oh well! attack.