Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[Enosch Di'en]

Secrets...

Enosch chuckled inwardly, the hood of his cloak dipping low to cover most of his face. "Perhaps." He placed his windharp back into his pack, hoping that Logan wouldn't ask him about it.

"The wind is picking up. Shouldn't be too much longer now." The trees above them began to sway as the wind strengthened its intensity. The clouds seemed to roll across the sky, letting brief touches of moonlight through their thick blanket of darkness.

Something's not right here. I wonder where Grindarr is. Enosch peered into the darkness, still unable to see very far without the moonlight. Closing his eyes, Enosch stretched out his mind, trying to find his friend. There. Is everything okay? Letting his mind brush with Grindarr's for a moment, Enosch searched his friend for any signs of danger. Grindarr seemed to be okay, but felt, uneasy somehow. He was very alert, but calm.

Satisfied that his friend was not in any danger, Enosch opened his eyes and looked up, knowing the approaching storm could not mean anything good to the small group. Having spent many years hunting his prey in the woods, Enosch knew also what it was to be hunted. As thunder rolled in the distance, he knew that something was hunting them. He was not sure what it was, but he was certain that his bow would be needed this night.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine watched as the new guy left, just as he went out of her sight, her eyes fell upon the fire. Watching it to find any changes in the air, heard music, from somewhere else. It was pretty though, almost tempting to follow it. Suddenly remembering thats how she got into this position shes in now.... She followed Zarls' music.... then well...

Noticed how the flames followed Logan after he left, after that, the flames were not really telling her anything. There was something in the air, but with this area and knowing what lay within this moutain, the flames were dancing all over the place.

Lavastine sighed, swearing she saw something out there. Yet, nothing came from the shadows....

Maybe the light is just playing tricks.... that has to be it..

shook her head to ease the thoughts, went to grab for some water noticing that her canteen was empty.

"I'll be right back... looks like I'm out of water.."

just before she left, she bent down to give Zarl a kiss and soon she was walking down towards the stream.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Flesh-colored)

Zarl returned the kiss, and got to his feet, looking at Shizura a moment, and then drawing his katana. He followed along, keeping an eye on Lavastine. He didn't want her wandering about alone. Not after that attack.

Still, she seemd to be a lot better now. He grinned, remember how she'd been missing from the camp. It didn't bother him that she'd been with Logan. The mere fact that she was doing that spoke volumes about her recovery.

He yawned, wishing he'd been left to sleep instead of entertaining some newcomer. Well, once Lavastine had gotten a drink he'd curl up with her by the fire. There was a happy thought. He sighed, and looked around in the darkness. His eyes scanning through what could barely been seen. He stopped, glancing at something, and frowned.

His own natural abilities and the games he had enjoyed as a child had taught him a lot about seeing what was hidden. And for a moment it had seemed like something was out there. He moved closer to Lavastine, keeping an eye out.

Whatever it was, he couldn't seem to catch it again. Maybe he was just tired. That must be it. His fingers tightened around his sword. But still, that didn't mean he should drop his guard, did it?

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine

Was relieved that Zarl went down with her, some reason she wasn't expecting it, but it did calm her a bit.
Taking a moment to let her eyes adjust from looking into the fire, she was able to at least see a path down to the water.

"There is something out there... isn't there?"

it was more to reassure herself than it was of a question as she bent down to fill the canteen.

"Thats good enough.... lets go back. I'm not likeing it much out here... Its as if something is watching..."

As she stood, she took another look around hopeing to catch whatever it is.

"Perhaps its just that guys cat... after all, he said he had a panther. Hopefully thats all it is."

"Hopefully......"

focusing her eyes back onto the trail she started to head back towards the camp.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Something indeed, though I can't say I'm surprised. I doubt I'm the only one who can find my way to a campfire on the side of a hill on a dark night. Might as well be camped out in a lighthouse.

Suddenly, a mournful howl cut through the silence. It sounded from farther down the hill, but was unmistakeably the sound of a wolf on the trail of its prey. Enosch stood up from leaning against the tree, now fully alert. There it was again! He glanced over at Logan. "How are you at fighting in this form? It seems that I am not the only hunter out and about this night. They must have followed my scent and noticed the fire."

His elven ears could here the noise below, as his pursuers crashed through the brush as they ascended the hill. "And they either expect us to know of them, or do not feel the need to hide their prescence. We should get the others."

He noticed Lavastine and Zarl a bit farther down the stream. Certain that they too had heard, beckoned Logan and hurried in that direction. Dropping his hood back, he pushed his cloak over his shoulders to reveal a worn breastplate of elven leather which was dotted completely with iron studs, allowing the piece to be tough and still flexible enough to allow him free range of movement. His longbow was in his left hand in an instant, a dual-edged broadhead arrow in his right. He crouched as he moved quickly through the woods, making no more than slight scuffle of his leather boots on the ground

 

[roleplaylifer]

That sound.

Despite the tender attentions of her would be half-elven lover, Ritsuko stiffened slightly beneath his warm touch. She felt more than saw Taren's hand pause in its loving caress that had begun to trail the soft outer edges of one smallish breast.

Once the clearing had been found, it had taken them little time to disrobe, though the samurai had never totally lost her kimono. The glimmering fabric opened wide in front to allow Taren free reign of all he saw, she rested gloriously on the rapidly drying silk, simply trying to do her best to give as wonderfully as she was recieving right now. So what had disturbed her?

Keen elven ears picked up a haunting melody....a flute....no....something else.....?

It's Zarl....he's probably playing for Lavastine again.....nothing to worry about....

Even as the elven samurai tried to assure the warrior leaning over her with a wan smile....the melodic remnants of the windharp blew across her sharp ears again. She almost felt sorry for Taren, as she sat up, one thin arm pulling him closer instead of pushing him away.

"That song.....its not Zarl....can you hear it?"

Ritsuko held her breath as she let Taren try to catch a soft crooning strain of the song, trying to ignore his confused look.

"It has an extra octave, I've never heard Zarl play like that."

Elven eyes narrowed slightly as the implications grew the more she thought about it.

"Someone else is here."

Ritsuko flinched as she gave Taren an apologetic smile, her own conflict between continuing the bond that had begun to form between them, and answering the call of duty clearly mirrored in the honorable half-elf's eyes as well. Sighing deeply, longing to cling to this moment for as long as possible, the samurai slowly began to draw her kimono closed.

"I know where my sash is," she grinned, trying to salvage some of the night with a little humor while at the same time hiding some of her own disappointment as more and more of Taren's own lean muscled body slipped back beneath his clothing.

"Where might my katana be?"

All trace of amusement vanished at the sound of something large, yet still distant, crashing violently through the underbrush. Moments later, her normally well kempt kimono hastily redone and katana in hand once more, her sandaled feet pounded in time to the thudding of Taren's boots on the forest floor as she struggled to make it back to camp.

She only hoped that they made it back in time.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Grindarr

His ear shifted slightly to the right, hearing the deep howl before turning his head in that direction. Eyes narrowing to slits, Grindarr heard again the call of his mortal enemy. Turning to face the sound, he crouched low, like a snake about to strike. Suddenly leaping forward, he crunched lightly through the underbrush, racing towards that hated sound. His ears laid flat against his head, Grindarr peered through the night, hoping to catch a glimpse of his foe.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan felt a shiver run over his skin at the sound of the howl. He looked to Enosch when he asked about his fighting skills. "Not as good as in my other form I am afraid to say."

As Enosch began to move into the woods Logan hesitated, he was getting much better at shifting each time he did it. He knew he would be better off in his unicorn form, he had a weapon or two then, with hooves and horn, and he could heal if needed.

"Go on Enosch I will not be that far behind you." He stopped and concentrated on his changing. He felt himself begin the shift, felt his pants tearing and then the cloth fell to his feet as the change finished. He hated when that happened, he would have to get more pants when they hit the next town... he was down to one pair now.

Enosch could hear the pounding of heavy hoofbeats behind him as he moved through the trees. That was another downfall of the form, he could not really sneak through the brush, but he was definitely better equipped to fight now.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch heard the telltale thumping of hooves beating the soft ground beneath them. Damn. Well, no use to try sneaking up now. Of course, with Logan's hooves undoubtedly attracting most of the attention, he shouldn't have too much of a problem surprising whoever it was coming for them.

Enosch burst into the small trail that Lavastine and Zarl had taken down to the stream, and saw that they had gotten almost back to camp when they had heard the unearthly howling. Zarl stood with his sword drawn beside Lavastine, who appeared calm somehow, despite the encroaching danger. Turning, Enosch darted up the path to them. Moments later, Logan also appeared beside the others. Now in his unicorn form, he emodied the pure power and strength of form he now wore, his horn standing proudly high on his forehead.

Enosch glanced to Zarl. "Expecting company?" he asked smugly, somehow enjoying Zarl's returning glare.

"They are tracking you, elf. They are following your scent from the forest below. We took a rather... different mode of transportation to this hill," he said, glancing first at Logan, then back towards the clearing where Eeve was keeping watch over the two lovers. Zarl's grip tightened on his sword, his face displaying an inner struggle. Enosch wondered if Zarl was trying to decide if he should kill the elf first, before dealing with the new threat.

Enosch grimaced, understanding the full weight of Zarl's statement. Not only had he entered their camp without warning, now he was bringing more danger to the small group. Enosch looked up the path to the large clearing where the campfire burned low, flickering under the wind's heightening intensity. "Well, it looks like they have found the camp. Perhaps we should go and welcome them."

Logan looked up the path, following Enosch's gaze to a lone figure suddenly breaking into the clearing. She stopped suddenly, staring at the fire. There is no cause for worry. That's Ritsuko. She's a friend of ours.

A ghost of a smile crept into Lavastine's face, as she turned to face the others. "I'm not sure, Logan, but I think he meant the others at the camp."

Logan looked again up the trail, now noticing hulking shadows beyond the dancing flames.

"Let's go," Lavastine said, moving quickly up the path. "Ritsuko is formiddable, but she may still be a bit indisposed at the moment."

Logan turned to Enosch to say something, but the elf was nowhere to be found. Shaking his mane, he followed Zarl and Lavastine towards the camp and their friend's aid.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee was starting to feel a little sleepy, jerking awake for a moment as she knew it would not be good for the guardian to slack at her job. She shifted and stood up on the rock,rubbing her face gently for a moment. She blinked a couple of times as things seemed to change between Ritsuko and Taren, though she does begin to hear music. She didn't think it was odd, as Zarl had been playing before and she thought it was him. Ritsuko did seem a little affected by it as she hurried to dress, searching for her weapon.

Evee became more alert as the sounds of something moving through the underbrush and a howl, a little too close. Being in human form right now would not be good, with as sleepy as she was. She closed her eyes as she concentrated, the familiar white glow engulfing her. It disappeared as the golden dragon let out a roar and then leaped into the air, hoping through the treetops as she searched for the scent of the intruder.

 

[katalynn]

Once Lavastine heard the howls of the beasts, it calmed her nerves a little. For one, it didn't sound like there was many. And two, it wasn't the shadows of the lost ones attacking.

She knew that cry of the thing that was coming towards them. Lavastine has faught many of those dogs before. It was then she heard the roar of Evee, this brought a grin to her lips. Then, as an after thought;

Wonder what this stranger is going to think of Evee now? Hope he doesn't strike at her.... I would have hurt him... course, while having my way with him too...

shook that last thought out of her mind as she took off right behind Zarl.

 

[Khadgar]

Dreant Firebane

Dreant woke once more when the sounds of feet pounded back toweards the camp. he heard whispers of tracking and enemies, the new pointy ear had brought trouble.

Dreant clawed up a nearby tree and jumped from branch to branch, following the group, keeping up when the rushed to see what was happened, watching some step back in caution.

Dreant growled, and all his paranoid thought turned to one. there was only one explaination for this, giant squirrels. he would have none of this, these people would frown on him, and the little trust he had gained for them, and they for hium would be destroyed of suddenly squirrels attacked.

he silently vowed that when those squirrels came into sight, he would leap ahead and tear them apart.

how he loathed those creatures.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch crept through the shadows closer to the camp. Circling farther up the hill from the camp would take longer, but he would hopefully have a clear shot once the enemies were concentrating on the rest of the group. He scrambled up the steep mountain slope, nimble feet dancing from stone to root. Glancing over his left shoulder, he could see that he had gone far enough. Turning sharply to his left, he began winding his way back in the direction of camp.

Climbing atop a large boulder, Enosch had a clear view of the camp, well illuminated in the fire's dancing light. There is no way I could have picked a better sniping position he thought, readying his bow. Must be, oh, about twenty yards, and at their side. Perfect shot.

Below him, Ritsuko stood with her sword drawn, apparently in a battle stance Enosch had never seen before. Zarl, Lavastine, and Logan burst suddenly into camp, weapons drawn and ready. He peered through the flames and saw the intruders for the first time. An enormous gnoll stood in front of the others, his similarly enormous two-handed sword tossed over his shoulder. At his feet crouched a very large warg which appeared to be snarling at Ritsuko from across the fire. Well, that explains the howling. Looks like Zarl was right. And damn, what a sword. The gnoll's sword looked like a gigantic, one-sided cleaver, and had to be at least three feet across and was probably 6 foot long, though the gnoll seemed to handle it like it was one of Enosch's curved daggers.

Looking past the gnoll, Enosch picked out the second of the intruders. A bugbear, almost as tall as the gnoll stood with his arms folded over his barrellike chest. Three javelin were strapped onto his back, along with a one-handed war hammer. To finish the ensemble, a large mace hung from his belt and at his feet, a large scaly drake licked the air, tasting it for fresh meat.

Behind them, a shadowy robed figure fidgeted with his staff. Enosch looked closer, noticing the telltale runes carved on the end of the wooden staff. A hobgoblin! This one must be their mage, though he doesn't seem very confident. Perhaps he isn't too powerful a mage. The bugbear apeared to be sayig something, though he was speaking too low for Enosch to make out the words. He pointed towards the hobgoblin, and Enosch followed his direction. Looking past the robed figure, Enosch could make out the form of a struggling young woman, tightly bound and gagged on the ground behind them. It looked almost like... Shizura!! Damn, how could they have left her at the camp. Damnit. Well, at least she is unharmed, though perhaps not for long.

Enosch drew his bow, pointing it towards the gnoll as it lifted the huge sword from its shoulder. The bugbear grinned wickedly, as it removed two javelin from its back. Enosch glanced over at the mage, who had begun casting a spell. He whipped his bow over in the direction of the mage, his left eye closing as he locked the dark area inside the hood in his arrow's line of fire. Damnit! Make a move!

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko burst easily through the underbrush, sailing into the clearing beyond with little effort, her sandaled feet skidding to a stop on the fresh grass. The thumb of her left hand pushing the crossguard of her katana forward just enough to reveal a small sliver of the steel that lay hidden in its sheath, her other hand dropping warily to grasp the ornate hilt.

Elven eyes quickly sized up the situation, including a strange new elf that had somehow found his way into their midst. With a scowl, the samurai noticed that her arrival had not gone unnoticed, as one of the strange dog creatures broke off from its brethren with a steady string of bizarre growls and yips.

No doubt thinking that the much smaller elf would make for an easy target, the gnoll paused in sudden confusion as a sliver of moonlight shot from his quarry to bury itself hard in one furry shoulder. Ritsuko could only smile grimly as her hand returned to the katana, waiting for her opponent to close the distance between them. She highly doubted that her needle shuriken would be enough to fully discourage the strange creature. Even as her furry combatant resumed its advance, the samurai's eyes slowly closed as she waited....

 

[Enosch Di'en]

The warg growled deep in its throat, its rage at the half-elven samurai evident in its yellow eyes. It crouched low, ready to spring at Ritsuko, even with the glint of silver still shining from its injured shoulder in the firelight.

Suddenly, a black streak exploded from the forest shadows, slamming into the warg's right side. Grindarr's claws wrapped around the warg's ribcage, slashing deep wounds in its side. The warg snapped its head to the right and let its legs roll under the great panther. Snarling, it clamped its teeth tight on the underside of Grindarr's neck, shaking its head from side to side.

The two were suddenly no more than a ball of fur and teeth and claws, whipping around on the ground, then rolling through the campfire. The warg let out a yelp, as an arrow sank deep into its right flank, then another into its side. Snarling, dashed off into the forest with Grindarr on its tail.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch knew when he had let loose that first arrow that he had given away his position. He might as well have stood up and screamed out where he was standing. But he couldn't have left Grindarr alone to fight that thing. He was certain that the great cat could handle it without problem now. It was only a matter of time, with the warg's hind leg nearly useless and the wound in its side.

However, as the gnoll turned towards Enosch, he suddenly felt that his time was up now. He reloaded another arrow, preparing to fire at the gruesome monsters. But they didn't move. The bugbear didn't throw a javelin, the hobgoblin didn't cast a spell, they did nothing but stare at Enosch.

Suddenly, the gnoll let out a tremendous, roaring laugh. He pointed his huge sword in Enosch's direction, extending it with one hand, the rippling muscles in his huge arms displaying how truly massive the sword was. "I see you, elf. Why do you hide out there in the bushes? Come out where we can fight more easily." The brute roared with laughter again, taunting Enosch.

What, does he think I'm stupid? Enosch noticed the mage had begun chanting. He whipped his bow around, letting the arrow fly. When he let it go, he knew that it would miss its mark. Should have aimed, you idiot! Take your time!

The arrow struck the mages robes, peircing the thick fabric below the sleeve, but harmlessly passing through. However, the near miss distracted the mage for a split second, breaking the spell. Enosch had another arrow knocked before the first one hit, aiming it carefully this time. He looked glanced up just in time to see one of the bugbear's javelin whistling through the air right at him. He rolled to the side, as the missile sank heavily into the tree above his head with a resounding THUNK!

Enosch stood, firing off shot after shot at the bugbear, each one disappearing into nothingness when it reached the monster. The hideous creature just grinned evilly and continued chanting. Enosch looked at the gnoll, who was still laughing at the elf's failed attempts.

Funny, huh? Let's see you laugh this off, fucker! Enosch drew an arrow that was a half inch thick, with a long, straight, metal spike tip. Knocking it, he grinned and let the peircing arrow fly. It streaked through the air, finding a home in the gnoll's left side, just under his fifth rib. The gnoll's breath left him in a loud WOOF, as the spike tip dove into his flesh and exited his back. The gnoll snarled at Enosch, and grabbed at the arrow's feathered tail and yanking it from his body with a sound that made even the bugbear grimace. Blood poured from the gaping wound in his side as the gnoll turned to Enosch, eyes wild with hatred. "We are through playing with this one. Bring him down, Ni. I would like to see his face."

Enosch knocked another arrow and pointed his bow at the robed figure on the ground. Yeah, bring it on, you little runt. Make a move, I dare you. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind swirled up the dust around Enosch. What the hell? He didn't even cast a spell? Enosch turned and looked up, just as an enormous black raven descended on him from above. Huge talons grabbed his arms, yanking him from the ground and carrying him dangling like a freshly caught mouse.

Suddenly, a flash of silver streaked across the sky, burying itself into the raven's left talon. It screeched, letting go of Enosch's right arm, leaving him dangling by only his left. Enosch quickly pulled his dagger from the sheath and sliced a gaping wound across the raven's opposable toe. It let out another haunting screech, dropping Enosch to the ground below.

Oh shit. That was the only thing he had time to think before he hit the ground, rolling the rest of the way down the hill to come to rest before the enormous gnoll. If Enosch had thought him big from his perch up on the hill, he was truly impressive from the ground at his feet. Enosch dove into a backwards roll, just in time to see the gnoll's right foot crash to the ground where he had been. He rolled to his feet, his bow shouldered and his hands grabbing for his daggers. Oh shit, again. Glancing back, he noticed their silver glint on the ground by the fire. Damn, won't do me a bit of good back there. He turned back to face the approaching gnoll.

"Not to be picky, miss elf," he yelled, "but next time could you let the bird get a bit closer to landing before you throw things at it? Besides, I was enjoying the wonderful view." The gnoll lunged at Enosch like a charging bull, throwing a tremendous punch at his chest. Knowing there was no way in hell he could deflect such a force, he wrapped his hands around the gnoll's great fist and gave himself to the blow, letting the gnoll connect solidly with his chest, throwing him backwards.

Enosch let his body suspend for a moment, as if time had slowed down. His legs went high into the air, and he felt himself nearly vertical. Then, he stretched his hands below his head, his palms flat on the ground. He pulled his body inward at the last moment, ending in a low crouch as he slid back from the force of the blow. Only now, his bow was in his left hand as he skidded to a stop. Still crouching, he whipped out an arrow from his quiver and knocked it, lining up the still charging gnoll. He let the bolt fly, connecting solidly with the gnoll's right knee, which he was currently standing on at the moment. The gnoll snarled in pain, as he toppled to the ground a few feet in front of Enosch.

He slid for a few feet, before he rose again leaning heavily on his left leg. His face was a picture of pure rage as he gazed at the elf in front of him. Grimacing, he reached down and snapped off the arrow, leaving the bolt portruding from his bleeding knee. He grinned evily, hefting his huge sword up in front of him, this time in both hands. "Now, you die, elf."

Enosch started slowly easing back. "Oh shit," was all he could say, as he stared up at the giant looming over him. "Um, guys," he said over his shoulder, gulping, "if I could get a little help, I would really appreciate it, thanks." Looking back up at the huge cleaver descending at him, he hoped that they were indeed behind him.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine watched as the scene unfolded. It had been a few hours since she was with Logan, his blood mixed with hers gave off a new vigor to her energy.

Perhaps thats all I need, is a good fight....

Hearing the arrows of the stranger... Enosch?!?!... flying by, one almost hitting her at one point. All she did was shake her head, thinking he should sit and aim, perhaps he would hit something. It was in that very same moment she felt the presence of a magic user. Looking around for him, catching his movment on the other side of the fire that layed between him and her.

Lavastive moved her fingers, wasn't enough for anyone to notice. What was noticed was the flames that danced before her. They rose and fell, catching the attention of her prey. The mage watched as if in a trance, or waiting. Slowly the flames became blue, rising a little higher, with a flick of her finger the flame lashed out towards the mage sending him into a screaming frenzy.

About the same time she heard Enoschs' voice, fear was risen it whether he meant for it to or not. Turned around to see what was happening, tilting head her slightly, getting a clear shot of as the gnoll raised his arms Lavastine made a throwing motion and a small, bright ball of blue flame hit the exposed flesh just under the armpit.

It gave off a cursing, anger sound as it turned towards her. Distracting it from its previous prey. All she could was smile at it. The need for a small challenge was waking inside of her, pulled out her daggers waiting to give this thing a taste of her blades.

About that time she had felt and heard the giant raven come back towards the camp, she was between the bird and the giant gnoll that she held her focus on.

 

[Khadgar]

Dreant Firebane

Dreant watched, sat, and waited. he looked with interest as the new pointy ear played sniper. he had managed to interupt thre chanting, but all his other shots seemed to be shrugged off, whether they passed through, or tore into hideous flesh.

he followed the raven-like creature as it took the point ear, now watching the fight start below between Lavastine, point ear, and the bear. Dreant had to supress the maddening urge to rip at this furry creature, with the two, it was well handled. what caught his attention more, was the raven.

with each pass it could grab and interupt a well fought fight, and this would not do. Dreant crouched a little more and launched himself out of the tree. aside from the rustling of leaves, his flight was silent. right up untill he crashed into the side of the raven.

with his legs and tail he wraped himself around the bird, pinning it's wings to its sides. the two suddenly hurtled to the ground, all the while claws slashing agaist the birds chest. Dreant roared out with the birds cry as the two impacted with the earth.

Dreant groaned and openened his eyes, rolling into his hands and knees, and slowly getting to his feet. something in his back cracked and a contorted frown crossed his face. Dreant twisted and shook and a series of creaks and snaps rippled down his spine, the frown leaving his face dreant spun around, looking for the raven, watching the skies.

he found it. it was hobbling towards the forest slowly, one of it's wings broken and wrenched behind it's back. Dreant sprinted after it, launcing into a four legged run. catching up quickly he pounced and took the bird into a tree, his arms raising to the sky and crashing down against it's head and neck. Dreant's breathing became ragged and everything was tinted red.

when dreant came to himself, he foundhe had those giant white paws again, raining down against a not brutally beated bird, parts missing. Dreant stood and turned walking back towards the camp, but finding himsef limping while doing so. looking down he saw two of the giant birds talons imbedded in his thigh, and a large beak gash leaking blood from his shoulder.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan leapt into the clearing, taking a quick look about to find the targets. It was then he saw Shizura, bound and gagged, just beyond the hobgoblin.

He reared a moment, to be able to get a better view and size up a few of the targets. He made a rush for the hobgoblin only to be cut off by the sound of Enosch's voice. He turned in time to see Lavastine throw a bolt of blue at it.

He had hoped the bolt would knock the thing back, but it only seemed to distract it and piss it off. He knew he had to get to Shizura, but to do so he had to get through the bugbear and the hobgoblin.

He leapt forward knowing his only chance to get past the bugbear would be to knock it back. So in a full out gallop across the camp, he raced throwing himself bodily into the creature. The move seemed to only manage to knock it back a step or two as it reached out and grabbed at Logan's ivory horn.

The creature grabbed the horn and held fast. Not moving only bracing itself. Logan found himself spun about and facing the creature only the horn's length keeping them apart.

 

[Enosch Di'en]

Enosch threw his arms in front of his face, not that the two slender barriers of flesh and bone would do much to deflect the huge blade. Suddenly, the campfire, burning low with the evening, exploded higher, now burning with a blue-white power. A blue fireball shot from the magically enhanced flames, striking the gnoll just under its arm. While it didn't do any permament damage to the creature, the searing pain caused the monster to let his huge sword go with one hand, unbalancing the downward swipe and distracting the gnoll for a moment. Enosch rolled to the right. the huge blade cutting a gash in the rocky ground where he had just been.

"Thanks. I forgot to bring my spare fireballs. I'll have to remember to keep those handy next time." The gnoll turned to face Lavastine, who had drawn her daggers, more than ready for a fight. Scooping up his daggers quickly, Enosch dropped into a low stance that reminded him of how Grindarr fought, facing the gnoll beside Lavastine.

A sudden scuffle in the trees caught his attention, as snarls and screeches. Damn, sounds like the raven and something else are really going at it. Wow! Logan suddenly burst into the clearing, charging straight at the bugbear with his horn pointed at the creature's chest. Enosch grimaced as Logan closed the distance, expecting to see the ivory horn portruding from the monster's back. He looked on, astonished as the monster merely grabbed the horn, locked in a mighty grapple against the unicorn. Sheathing his daggers, he quickly drew his longbow, and knocked an arrow.

The arrow soared through the air, only to be incinerated by a bolt of magical energy before it could reach its target. The hobgoblin grinned evilly, wagging its crooked finger at Enosch. Scowling, Enosch reloaded another arrow. The arrow streaked toward the hobgoblin's grinning face, but the monster extended its hand, letting loose another magic bolt to consume the arrow. Enosch had had enough. Kneeling behind the blue-white flames of the campfire, he Let fly arrow after arrow, each one streaking towards the mage. The white hot magic of the flames instantly ignited the arrows, turning each into a bolt of fire. The mage's eyes widened, as he clearly didn't expect this. He raised his other hand and began blasting at the arrows, his magic bolts streaking unerringly to their targets. Enosch was a frenzy, blasting away arrow after arrow at the creature. One finally slipped through, igniting the thick mage robes the hobgoblin wore in the bluish magical flames. Enosch paused his flurry of arrows, holding one shot in a perfect line with the hobgoblin's hooded face. The creature cursed and began frantically chanting a spell of cold, extinguishing the flames. Enosch grinned as he let the arrow loose, enjoying the sickening crunch as it peirced the monster's skull, making a hole about a half inch thick, as the smooth spike tip extended from the back of the evil creature's hood.

As intelligent as they are, magic users generally fall to their dependance on magic. Stupid thing could have just rolled on the ground, heh. Enosch grinned. Well, one down.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Growling, the gnoll reached down and quite pointedly ripped out the sliver of steel that had struck it. Finally free of the discomfort that had plagued it, its maw drew back in an amused grin as it contemplated its target anew. Something deep within the creature....instinct perhaps....caused it to approach with care. Though the elf had closed her eyes, somehow he couldn't quite shake his nervousness, if she was blind....how could she be so calm?

Feinting forward with the tip of the spear he carried, the gnoll yelped suddenly in surprise as Ritsuko's katana flashed from its scabbard with blinding speed, knocking the crude tip away and nearly splintering the stout shaft he held on to.

Scowling, Ritsuko brought her katana smoothly back around to extend outward from her chest. The pup had common sense at least, not lunging forward to his death. Perhaps she'd given it something to think about.

Hardly worried, and more than patient, the samurai let the other combatant circle her warily, daring it to find a weakness in her defense. She remained motionless, even as the gnoll circled around to her backside, her blade remaining still even as the tension mounted as she could practically feel the creature gathering its courage once more.

When it did....this time she wouldn't miss.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine was more than ready for attack, what she wasn't ready for was seeing Logan being picked up by his horn. This lit the anger within her.

Words couldn't describe how felt in that second. Put her blades back into the bracers raising both her hands in front of her as she focused on the creatures chest. First she wasn't trying to knock it back, she wanted to play alittle with it. Now... now was different.

Started out small and yellow, a speck within the palm of her hands, growing bigger and brighter as she put more focus into it. The creature was flinging Logan around like a rag doll, it almost seemed as if it would break his horn if he kept it up much longer.
The flames that lit into the palms of her delicate became blue, then white as it became hotter. Now the size of a basketball, Lavastine drew her arms back then pushed forward hard, sending the ball fast and hard towards the creature.

It staggered back a few feet and finally landing on its back as it tripped over a log, making Logan land on the side of the screaming body. Lavastine knew it wasn't dead, knew it would be more than pissed at her when it got to his feet. At least, it was off Logan now which is what her goal was. Watched as the creature pounded at its chest to put out the flames that lit on his clothes. Looking to make sure that Logan got out its reach safely. Pulling out her dagger of flame and poison once more, she waited for the right moment to strike at the creature one last time.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee had foundt her way towards camp, drawn there by the smell of blood and the noises of fighting in the air. The dragon poked her head out through some branches, snorting and then roaring at the sight. She would have used her magic or attacked, but she was afraid of hitting her friends with her unstable magic at the moment.

She watched the fight for a few moments, seeing that most everything was taken care of at the moment. She tilted her head for a moment and then dropped down at the edge of the clearing, spreading her wings for a moment before refurling them.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan found himself easily whipped about by the bugbear. That was until the two of them were thrown back. Well the bugbear was thrown and Logan was dragged with it. The bugbear's grip loosened as the two of them tumbled from Lavastine's blast.

Logan rolled and staggered to his feet, this form was definitely not made for this type of combat. His horn could be used as a sword in proper space and as a impaling weapon as well, but 1200 pounds of horse was not meant to roll and tumble as if in wrestling.

He stood on wobbly legs and shook the dirt from his mane and coat, as he tried to regain his composure and locate the bugbear. He saw it a few yards away trying to put itself out, it had no worries from the unicorn at hte moment so Logan was all but forgotten by it at the moment.

He looked towards Lavastine and nodded as he spoke softly in her mind. "Thanks for the help, my friend." He stumbled as he took a step forward, moving to make sure the bugbear did not get up and charge Lavastin or any of the others.

As he tried another step it felt as if his left front leg would give way, excrutiating pain shot up his foreleg. He found he could put very little weight on the leg at the moment. He decided it best to keep his distance from the bugbear, but was prepared to leap at it if need be.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Flesh-colored)

Zarl grunted, sliding his katana out of the Drake. He reached down, prying apart its jaws, and looked at the angry wound it had made when it had bit him,...again. Luckilly it had, giving Zarl the chance to slay it. But still, it didn't feel good.

In fact, it felt like hell. Zarl limped over to Shizua, dodging the gnoll circling Ritsuko and the injured bugbear. He grunted, and cut Shizura loose, sitting down and looking over the others.

"Well, today turned out grand, didn't it?"