Author Topic: Hunt across the Savannah  (Read 10022 times)

ReaperJoe

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #15 on: February 26, 2019, 04:30:43 PM »
As the last Grimm finally falls and begins to dissipate, Noble Steed trots over to the rest of the party as they question the survivors.  Aurelia merely listens as the fully-trained huntsman and huntress probe for information.  If the Dustsmith was responsible for all of this, then odds were the survivors would volunteer that information themselves. 

It’s only after the group separates from the caravan that she finally speaks up.  ”A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.  We know there are people in trouble, and we don’t know the whereabouts of our target.  That’s not to mention the area we have to search in.  Ignoring the plight of people right in front of us in favor of mere possibility is unacceptable,” Aurelia says, though she brings her hand up to her chin as she does so and pauses for a brief moment.

She then continues, ”However, our mission is top priority, and any deviations from that goal increases the chance our target escapes.  That is also unacceptable.”  She thinks for a moment more, weighing all of the options in front of her as her (and her semblance’s) tail idly flicks.  She has an idea, but it carries a substantial amount of risk.  That being said, there doesn’t seem to be any other way to solve the current conundrum.

With her decision made, the cavalier speaks up once again, ”I believe our only option in this case is to split up.  The three of you in the vehicle can continue after the Dustsmith while I break off and assist the other caravans.”  Yes, the idea is for her to run off on her own, but there’s a reason for that.  ”Given what I’ve seen, my semblance is the only way for any of us to have a hope of catching up to a vehicle over the course of a long distance.  Furthermore, the more civilians we talk to, the more information we can get, and the narrower our search field will be.”

”Furthermore, don’t forget that part of our mission is to destroy any of the Dustsmith’s weapons that we come across.  If one of the caravanners have one, then it’s our duty to destroy it.  Besides which, finding a weapon would be a huge lead, would it not?” she finishes explaining, looking to the party as she rides alongside them. 
Smokey Emberstone Beacon 1st Year and the Immovable Gunslinger of Team DASE "I've got more than enough firepower to beat you" "You've only got one bullet!" "Like I said, more than enough"

Aurelia Lumen Beacon 3rd year and the Warhorse of Team (TBD)  "Lay down your weapons, lest you wish to taste my steel!"

Wabul "Toast" Paka Shade 1st year and the Acrobatic Swashbuckler of Team (TBD)  "Hey, I'm gonna go jump off a bridge, who's with me?"

Lucas Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Hermit of Team CLVS  "What's so great about 'bittersweet'?"

Clara Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Blast Magician of Team (TBD) "No one likes just plain ol' bitter"

August Flare Beacon 1st year and the would-be ruler of the world "Join me, and witness the Brightest Future!"

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Kingnoname1

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #16 on: March 06, 2019, 06:03:30 PM »
Although the survivors were pleased enough to be rescued by the gathered Hunters and Huntresses when they returned to the wreckage of their lives which had been left behind by the Grimm there was a definite air of desperation and fatalism. This wasn’t buoyed by the questions Cerulean and Siu leapt into. ’I feel perhaps what my friends are trying to say to say….’ Saffron began trying to calm down the crowd but it was a losing battle. Grief and loss had made them vulnerable; children had lost parents and vice-versa, lovers had lost their partners and everyone’s home and only real means of survival on these open planes where left in ruins. Now, these strangers drove in barraging them with questions and reminding them to hire escorts while they were still pulling loved ones from the wreckages, no matter how reasonable these questions and suggestions where that grief quickly left through to lashing out.

’Oh no we had no idea if we had more fighting men would have given us a better chance against the Grimm.’ An old man who had forced himself to the front of the crowd called out in response, sarcasm dripping off his words as thick as the blood, dirt and tears lay caked on his face. ’Oh forgive us, mighty Huntsman, we’ll just starve because of our incompetence if Grimm or scavengers don’t pick us off first.’ The old man continued fighting off grabs from his fellow tribespeople to calm him down, no one contradicted him however and even a cursory glance to the crowd would reveal that the old man’s opinion was not in the minority. ’I sided with you lot you know, when that golden man came and said we could change the world ourselves, I said the Huntsman had always protected us before, I said life was hard but good and we didn’t want any part of his new world order and look where that got us. Where were you then? Where were you before? Where were you when...oh Chester...when they took him from me.’ The old man finished, his questions screamed at the gathered Huntsman and Huntresses but eventually gave way to loud wracking sobs as new tears continued to steal what little strength the old man had left. Collapsing to the ground, his neighbours formed a shield around him with there own bodies, it was clear the team would get no more help or answers here unless they were willing to take them.

Saffron didn’t say a word as she drove Siu and Cerulean away to meet up with Aurelia and let the poney girl finish before adding in her two cents. ’I must confess I don’t feel splitting up is the most sensible move here, we dealt with that wave of Grimm easily enough but what if the ones ahead are tougher or those with the Dustsmith’s weapons aren’t willing to hand them over so easily. That being said if you find a caravan in better condition they might be able to help those guys out, I fear that old man might be right that without transportation there is little hope for these nomadic tribes.’ Saffron added, annoyed with herself that she wasn’t really helping that much when it came to decision making. These people couldn’t be brought back like how the Dustsmith could be captured another time if they missed him here but there is no telling if that would save more lives. Still at least for now, Saffron drove them all towards the closest plume of smoke, that seemed to be the closest thing to what everyone had agreed on. It was difficult for Saffron to keep her eyes ahead as visions of what could be happening to the nomads flashed before her eyes and the review mirror showing the destroyed caravan didn’t help much there either. Out to the side, however, on their right, the thick grasslands seemed untouched by all the damage around them, no dissolving carcasses of Grimm, no burning wreckages and no heavy trail probably leading back to where the destroyed caravan had fled from.
« Last Edit: March 19, 2019, 03:22:02 AM by Kingnoname1 »
No criticism is too harsh so hit me with your best shot.

Calen Shrike - ASTC - First Year Beacon.

Saffron de Cortez - SALT - Third Year Atlas.

Amarant Lovis - (formerly of)ACCE - Headmaster of Atlas Academy

Ramalia - RASB - First Year Shade

arcus_gray

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #17 on: March 19, 2019, 03:15:09 AM »
"real tactful" Cerulean muttered under his breath as his companion launched into a series of questions for the survivors. He then stood there and accepted the justified tirade that came from them.
"I'm terribly sorry for your loss." was all Cerulean added before leaving to rejoin his group and listen to Aurelia's plan.
"I agree that splitting up seems like the only way we can capture dustsmith and also help these people but I also don't like the idea of sending a student off on their own. At least take one of us with you."
1st year reckless idiot of team LGGR- Gray Saggio- "oh screw it. I'll just hit it till it dies!" 660066

psychotic mercenary- Alizarin rust "make me your enemy and they won't be able to identify your corpse"1C6BA0[/url]

lone wolf huntsman. ex member of team SAND cerulean steel "You are welcome to accompany me but if something goes wrong I'll deal with it myself." 2B3B44

1st year glass canon of team TBD Fallow Russet  "I may have been forced into this but that doesn't mean i don't like it." 50c878

2nd year drunken gearhead(teamless) Revya Vermillion "If you were to change to a lighter metal and add gears here, here and here you could greatly- I've entirely lost you haven't I?" Orange

1st year nimble tank of team CRSA Sandy Smoke "I've been told I'm a right bastard to fight against. Care to try ya luck?"355e3b[/color]

Guardian huntsman and drummer for Grimm Omen Ceramite Gunmetal "A barfight? alright then. SHOWTIME!" 800020 WIP[/u]

White Fang power couple. Ignis and Glacies. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwpudWRx7eg] Partners in crime

Siuwa

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #18 on: March 19, 2019, 09:19:52 PM »
Even in the vehicle, Siu heard every word the old man lauched at her. When he was done ranting, she lifted her leg, and then pointed it at the door. She do not take well being in the wrong. Not when she just knew she didn't do anything to deserve that.
And after a moment put her leg back down. Instead, she gently open the door, and walk back out to meet all of their resentful stares, and return with one of her own, flaring all over with self-righteousness.

"Oh I had all the ideas how you pepole will be attacked by an extra dangerous force of Grimm. Is it so hard to see your escorts will be as powerful as the toughest packs you expect and then some? You think this is a one-off attack? No it's not, you might think this is an isolated incident, but that is going to last."
"Nobody except maybe yourselves would think this is your fault to be attacked by the Grimm. No it's their fault." Who is meant by this 'their' is left ambiguous on purpose.
"Have we not protected you? Had your escort not stave them off for you? Did we ever say we'd leave you on your own? No. You think that golden man is doing this to you for charity? You are just pawns in his plans and you knew it." Then her voice suddenly turns soft, "We will never abandon you, we will always be here to protect you, from Grimm, from people who want to use you, even if it would take our lives to do it."

With the counter-rant finished she just went back to the group. Nodding in agreement of their evaluation, she opened the comms to Sam and requested for a clean-up team to help them to a city and cover their tracks, since she was told to use them liberally.
Catalina Glenn - first year Beacon Academy student - "Not funny, dude! And not dudes... and everyone else... " - Cata, Cat.
Infrared Ray - fourth year Atlas Academy student - "So it's __ and __(insert name here) meets each other."
Sheer Gold - second year Beacon Academy student - "This is super effective!"
Siu Ceong - Beacon Academy graduate Huntress - "What is this? Where can I learn about it?"

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ReaperJoe

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #19 on: March 21, 2019, 08:20:58 PM »
When the civilians didn’t immediately out the Dustsmith as the cause of their caravan’s destruction, Aurelia quickly realized the people weren’t going to respond well to the barrage of questions.  However, by the time she realized, it was too late to stop, else she risked undermining Cerulean’s and Siu’s authority.  The only thing she could do was listen as the elder ranted and grieved over his lost family and friends, doing her best to read between the lines of what was said.

Fortunately, the man, in his grief, wasn’t hiding anything.  In his tirade, he revealed two important details.  First, the Dustsmith did visit them, but it doesn’t seem like he was directly responsible for the Grimm attack.  Second, the Dustsmith is actively attempting to recruit more people to his cause.  It’s not exactly revolutionary information, but it’s probably all they were going to get out of this group for now.

Unfortunately, Aurelia was too busy compiling her thoughts to notice Siu marching back towards the civilians, and by the time she saw and half-made her mind up to stop the huntress, she had already launched into her own counter rant.  Pointless.  Utterly Pointless the horse faunus thought to herself when Siu finished and came back to the vehicle.

It’s not that Siu was wrong.  Quite the opposite, her assessments were correct.  For whatever reason, this caravan had been caught unprepared for this attack and paid a heavy price for it.  If the team hadn’t arrived when they did, who knows how many more would have perished?  But telling that to a bunch of grieving victims does little for their predicament, and ultimately solves nothing, as evidenced by the people’s reactions.

And, as the group leaves the caravan and the citizens are no longer in ear-shot, Aurelia speaks up, ”With all due respect, Cerulean and Siu, but the next time we encounter a caravan and need to probe for information, would you allow me to take the lead?  While I make no claim to be a politician, I do have some degree of experience regarding public relations.”  That was about the politest way she could think of to say “Let me handle this”, but, given the disastrous results of their first attempt, the knight felt it was necessary to propose a different approach at the very least.

Regarding the prospect of splitting up, Aurelia gestures to the back of her horse and says, ”Well, one of you is welcome to sit behind me, but I can assure you that it will be very uncomfortable.”  Noble Steed is indeed long enough to carry one more person, however, the (purely decorative) barding and lack of saddle would indeed make the ride very bumpy, to say the least.  If a passenger lacks horseback riding experience, one can just imagine how painful riding on (simulated) metal will be, especially at full gallop for an extended period of time.

”I understand your reluctance to let me travel on my own, but unless you have a strong distaste for your posterior or some other method of travelling at speed, I don’t see any other alternatives, unless you wish to abandon either our objective or the people in danger,” Aurelia concludes. 
Smokey Emberstone Beacon 1st Year and the Immovable Gunslinger of Team DASE "I've got more than enough firepower to beat you" "You've only got one bullet!" "Like I said, more than enough"

Aurelia Lumen Beacon 3rd year and the Warhorse of Team (TBD)  "Lay down your weapons, lest you wish to taste my steel!"

Wabul "Toast" Paka Shade 1st year and the Acrobatic Swashbuckler of Team (TBD)  "Hey, I'm gonna go jump off a bridge, who's with me?"

Lucas Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Hermit of Team CLVS  "What's so great about 'bittersweet'?"

Clara Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Blast Magician of Team (TBD) "No one likes just plain ol' bitter"

August Flare Beacon 1st year and the would-be ruler of the world "Join me, and witness the Brightest Future!"

Hexcodes:
515151
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E55812
CCE9AE
Cyan
FFA400

arcus_gray

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #20 on: March 22, 2019, 04:49:39 AM »
"All I did was ask if they were ok. But be my guest." Cerulean responded to the comment about the villager's reaction.
"I'll handle discomfort if it means not risking the life of a student. Besides, I've ridden on mounts before. It wasn't a horse but a Donkey can't feel that different can it?"
With that Cerulean moved to mount up.
1st year reckless idiot of team LGGR- Gray Saggio- "oh screw it. I'll just hit it till it dies!" 660066

psychotic mercenary- Alizarin rust "make me your enemy and they won't be able to identify your corpse"1C6BA0[/url]

lone wolf huntsman. ex member of team SAND cerulean steel "You are welcome to accompany me but if something goes wrong I'll deal with it myself." 2B3B44

1st year glass canon of team TBD Fallow Russet  "I may have been forced into this but that doesn't mean i don't like it." 50c878

2nd year drunken gearhead(teamless) Revya Vermillion "If you were to change to a lighter metal and add gears here, here and here you could greatly- I've entirely lost you haven't I?" Orange

1st year nimble tank of team CRSA Sandy Smoke "I've been told I'm a right bastard to fight against. Care to try ya luck?"355e3b[/color]

Guardian huntsman and drummer for Grimm Omen Ceramite Gunmetal "A barfight? alright then. SHOWTIME!" 800020 WIP[/u]

White Fang power couple. Ignis and Glacies. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwpudWRx7eg] Partners in crime

Kingnoname1

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #21 on: March 23, 2019, 08:02:27 AM »
[Because the party seems to have been split for the moment thread cycles will change slightly with the Aurelia and Cerulean party going Reaper->Arcus->me and the Sui and Saffron party going Sui->me.I’ll try to sign post it as clearly as possible and it should also be clear from content but if I can make it clearer or you have any questions feel free to ask]

[Everyone]

’Charity? We aren’t after free things you self rightious mercenaries. We want protection and not to be insulted when our protection fails, despite all you claim you are still abandoning us anyway, aren’t you? It’s easy….’ A younger voice yelled back quickly getting faint and drowned out as Saffron stepped harder on the accelerator as much to get them away from the crowd as to get them to their new destination. The whole experience so far had been a rather soul-crushing one for Saffron, getting information from people who had recently gone through was a precise task but seeing both the more experienced Hunters fail so blatantly was worrying, doubly so as it seemed she would have to deal with one on her own now. Cerulean had offered to join Aurelia in scouting out the other caravans to search for the Dustsmith’s weapons and clues of their targets whereabouts as well as obviously rescue any survivors they could. That left her and Siu tracking the Dustsmith with little more evidence from when they started but it was something, perhaps backtracking through the ruined caravan’s path would help them find some answers, or maybe even some survivors. ’I guess It’s decided then, take care Cerulean and Aurelia. Remember to keep in contact with your scrolls but I’m sure we’ll all meet up soon enough.’ Saffron remarked as she slowed the car down to a stop for Cerulean to get out and unpack anything he needed before Aurelia whisked him away, she even managed to sound upbeat having a lot of experience putting on a brave face before her team when she didn’t have any answers paying dividends here.

[Aurelia and Cerulean]

Departing the ruined caravan and the rest of their team Aurelia and Cerulean quickly ate up the distance towards their target. Although Noble Steed was fast it wasn’t as quick as the four-wheeler, although the difference wasn’t much, but the lack of suspension and windows would definitely make it feel much faster. The terrain didn’t change much initially regardless of how much rougher the ride made it feel until the pair made it to a thickish forest and they were once again welcomed to the sounds of fighting. It sounded a lot more balanced, with the regular and unmistakable booms of dust cannons being fired. A shell even flew through the forest and exploded at Noble Steed’s feet, not close enough to do damage but close enough to make it rear up. The roots weren’t clustered heavily enough to trouble a well-trained horse much less Noble Steed so the trees were only really a visual impairment.

As the pair of Hunters made their way through the forest it did take long to get a visual on the Grimm horde and the caravan it was attacking. It was clearly more deadly than the previous wave with several large Beringel’s taking the place of Beowulf as the core of the horde. As such the Grimm were using the surrounding trees to great effect; using them for cover from fire, stealth to assist their approach as well as leverage to throw themselves even higher on top of the fleeing wagons. But regardless of their strategy the Grimm were all kept at bay by a single cannon built into the truck playing rear guard. There was someone sitting behind the gun, locked into a linked cockpit with the weapon and the speed, rate of fire and power of the weapon was unlike anything the pair of hunters had seen of that size. It had gotten to the point that the Beringel had started looking for easier targets and the blazing golden steed wasn’t exactly hard to see through the green undergrowth. Five split off from the rest of the horde to bring their fury hard against the intruding Hunters, to use the tree to their advantage these Grimm would be very difficult to hit until the got close and each started the fight by throwing themselves at their targets and flailing around once they landed.

[Siu and Saffron]

It took a short while for Sam to respond and by that time Siu and Saffron had already driven a far distance away. ’Understood Huntress Ceong, we’ll see if one of the other teams can swing by and check up on them but… nevermind it’s not relevant. Best of luck out there,’ The veteran Huntsman replied briefly before cutting off communication completely, although he was clearly pleased to hear the team was making progress he clearly didn’t relish the idea of spending even more of his resources rescuing this tribe. It would be a long time driving before anything more interesting happened and Saffron had more or less accepted to let the time pass in awkward silence, she hadn’t been able to get a good read on the older woman but there was one question that her thoughts kept coming back around to and it got to the point that if she didn’t ask she felt like she might explode. ’So...er, sorry but… why did you act like that? Surely you didn’t think you were going to defuse the situation. Like…um no offence and everything but just trying to get in your head, if we are going to fighting together we should get a better read on each other.’ Saffron asked softly, not taking her eyes off the road.

There was a reason beyond Saffron not wanting more of a confrontation than her question would broach in isolation for which she kept her eyes in front of them. The terrain had gotten a lot rougher, rocky outcrops and still burning wreckages surrounded them and Saffron had to keep dodging them to remain on course, following the tracks of the destroyed caravan. Keeping a trained eye on the burning wrecks for survivors Saffron wasn’t able to see anything promising and the telltale claw marks of Grimm punctuated the carnage. The caravan had clearly been running for a while before the eventually succumbed which did seem strange to the two Huntresses, being caught while you rested would be normally but for a Grimm pack to manage to keep up with a caravan over long distance suggested something strange afoot.

Regardless of the increasingly dense wreckage and rocky outcrops, Saffron managed to get herself and Siu to the start of the trail. It would have been an impressive structure intact but it was clear that while some of the Grimm had chased the fleeing Caravans enough stayed behind to destroy the rocky fortress. The walls looked naturally formed reinforced by thick stone bricks, some of which still remained including what looked like a keep or central building looked mostly intact. The ruined fortress looked deserted although that didn’t mean much, both Grimm and scavengers liked to hide in darkness to ambush their prey and to Saffron at least there didn’t look like there was another option than to Saffron parked their car out of sight from the fortress and turned to Siu. ’I think we should at least give it a look before we call the others. What do you think?’ Saffron asked as she performed a basic weapons check on her shotguns. You can never be too careful.
No criticism is too harsh so hit me with your best shot.

Calen Shrike - ASTC - First Year Beacon.

Saffron de Cortez - SALT - Third Year Atlas.

Amarant Lovis - (formerly of)ACCE - Headmaster of Atlas Academy

Ramalia - RASB - First Year Shade

ReaperJoe

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #22 on: March 25, 2019, 03:53:37 PM »
If you had eyes, you wouldn’t have needed to ask she mentally scolded Cerulean.  Maybe she’s being a bit harsh; checking the status of survivors is fairly standard in crisis scenarios.  But considering the scale of the damage to both the population and the caravan itself, it just came across as a dumb question to ask.  Still, she keeps her thoughts to herself, as Cerulean has acquiesced to the horse faunus’s request to handle diplomacy.

That doesn’t stop Cerulean from getting a face full of aura-simulated horse tail as he compares the knight’s unicorn to an ass, which earns quite the indignant snort from said Steed.  That being said, since he’s dead-set on accompanying her, Aurelia helps him up on to her mount behind her.  And as they begin to set off in different directions, she responds to Saffron, ”Will do.  If you find anything, let us know.”



As Noble Steed races through the savannah, Cerulean will quickly find himself in more than a little discomfort.  Much more.  It’s not due to any purposeful action on Aurelia’s part, by any means; it’s simply due to riding a horse without a saddle.  And since his only way of securing himself is holding onto Aurelia or the back of her saddle, his seat bones feel every single step along the way.  He should be thankful for the existence of aura, otherwise he would feel very numb in the nether regions.

At the very least, they still make good time as Noble Steed dashes through the savannah into a forest, where the two soon here the sounds of battle and the snarls of Grimm.  A stray cannon round blasts the soil in front of them, and Noble Steed was forced to rear to avoid the blast.  ”Looks like they’re still putting up a fight,” the knight commented as she urged her mount onward.

It was only a short while later before they saw the battle itself, and while the resounding cannon fire assured her the civilians were still fine for the time being, the forces they were up against gave her great cause for concern.  ”We’ve got Beringels!” she warned her passenger as she neared.  Beringels are much tougher opponents than Beowolves and Ursae, It’ll be a massacre if they get to caravan.  Fortunately, whatever weapon they’re using seems to be keeping them at bay.

Because of the cannon, though, a few of the Grimm decided to look for another target, and the glittering, golden unicorn stands out amongst the greenery. ”They’re coming!” she shouts at Cerulean, slowing down the construct slightly to combat speed, adding a bit of maneuverability and agility in exchange.  It will also give Cerulean an opportunity to hop off to either fight or try to move closer, if he so chooses.  He’ll almost certainly stand out less than the cavalier and her shiny semblance.

In the meantime, Aurelia tries to gauge how many of the Beringels are coming at them as well as guess when they’ll finally leap from the trees to strike.  When the first monster jumps out to strike, she kicks Noble Steed back into a full sprint and makes a sharp turn to avoid the impact.  At the same time, Aurelia draws her sword and reaches out with her free hand to a tree as she leaps from the saddle.  Using the trunk of the tree to redirect the momentum from her unicorn, she spins around and launches herself right back at the Grimm, aiming for a brutal stab with Dusk at the creature’s head before kicking away.

However, that move was simply to get the Grimm’s attention.   As she lands and dons her shield, she forces the Beringel to turn it’s back on Noble Steed, who is in the process of looping back around to set up a charge with its horn at full speed.  She only has to defend for a few seconds before her semblance crashes into the Grimm.  Even if the charge doesn’t kill the beast outright, it will almost certainly knock it to the ground, where it will face a combined, relentless assault of sword thrusts and hoof stomps until it dissipates.
Smokey Emberstone Beacon 1st Year and the Immovable Gunslinger of Team DASE "I've got more than enough firepower to beat you" "You've only got one bullet!" "Like I said, more than enough"

Aurelia Lumen Beacon 3rd year and the Warhorse of Team (TBD)  "Lay down your weapons, lest you wish to taste my steel!"

Wabul "Toast" Paka Shade 1st year and the Acrobatic Swashbuckler of Team (TBD)  "Hey, I'm gonna go jump off a bridge, who's with me?"

Lucas Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Hermit of Team CLVS  "What's so great about 'bittersweet'?"

Clara Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Blast Magician of Team (TBD) "No one likes just plain ol' bitter"

August Flare Beacon 1st year and the would-be ruler of the world "Join me, and witness the Brightest Future!"

Hexcodes:
515151
FFD700
E55812
CCE9AE
Cyan
FFA400

arcus_gray

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #23 on: March 26, 2019, 05:43:16 AM »
Cerulean simply grunted as an annoyed spectral unicorn whacked him in the face with it's tail and mounted up, opting to grab the back of the saddle to secure himself.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The ride was more unpleasant than Cerulean was expecting, he figured his riding experience would have helped but the big issue was the lack of styrups to help keep balance.
It was probably worth the pain though as all hell seemed to break loose around him. Cannon fire and Beringels. Time to go to work.
Cerulean opted to remain on Noble Steed's back utilising Takif's Halberd form to try and deal with any leaping Grimm. Catching one coming at them Cerulean raised Takif in an attempt to intercept the path with the wide blade and simply allow the grimm's own momentum to cut it in two upon the blade.
This effort however was interrupted by the horses sharp turn causing the Beringel to miss but also Cerulean's attempt to counter it.
"Dammit." Cerulean barked out at himself for missing his shot as he moved to turn his attention forward and saw that his companion was no longer there and the unicorn was seemingly traveling unguided.
With this in mind Cerluean quickly moved forward in an attempt to take the reigns and bring it back, only to find the unicorn wasn't following his efforts to steer it at all.
So much for that plan then Cerulean thought to himself grimly as the unicorn turned and charged a Beringel on it's own.
Not one to miss an oportunity cerulean decided to use the momentum to his advantage pointing Takif forwards like a lance hoping to let the horses momentum carry the blade straight through the Beringel's midsection, unaware that an ally was on the other side of it.
1st year reckless idiot of team LGGR- Gray Saggio- "oh screw it. I'll just hit it till it dies!" 660066

psychotic mercenary- Alizarin rust "make me your enemy and they won't be able to identify your corpse"1C6BA0[/url]

lone wolf huntsman. ex member of team SAND cerulean steel "You are welcome to accompany me but if something goes wrong I'll deal with it myself." 2B3B44

1st year glass canon of team TBD Fallow Russet  "I may have been forced into this but that doesn't mean i don't like it." 50c878

2nd year drunken gearhead(teamless) Revya Vermillion "If you were to change to a lighter metal and add gears here, here and here you could greatly- I've entirely lost you haven't I?" Orange

1st year nimble tank of team CRSA Sandy Smoke "I've been told I'm a right bastard to fight against. Care to try ya luck?"355e3b[/color]

Guardian huntsman and drummer for Grimm Omen Ceramite Gunmetal "A barfight? alright then. SHOWTIME!" 800020 WIP[/u]

White Fang power couple. Ignis and Glacies. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwpudWRx7eg] Partners in crime

Kingnoname1

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #24 on: March 29, 2019, 06:23:45 AM »
[Aurelia and Cerulean]

Finding their initial attack missed its mark the Beringels quickly spread out to cut off any chance of escape as well as maximise the effectiveness of their numbers. The simple but effective displays of tactics common among the more advanced forms of Grimm still had it’s vulnerabilities however as the solitary Beringel advancing on Aurelia was in turn quickly surrounded by the Noble Steed and Cerulean. From the combined might of Aurelia’s semblance and the older huntsman’s lancing thrust crashing into it’s back, the unlucky Beringel was thrown forward, possibly crashing into Aurelia if she didn’t move. The Beringel was heavily wounded, thick black smoke exhaled from its wounds and it let out an interrupted whimper as the attacks collided but it was still alive and still hungry. Slowly the wounded Beringel tried to wrap it’s huge arms around the two Hunters trying to pin them in place and crush them under its still impressive strength.

The other four Beringel weren’t idle however and had collapsed tight around the pair forming a solid line wall of Grimm flesh between the Hunters and safety. Two had claimed large sticks from the forest around them, another a large boulder and the last still only relied on its hell given claws and fangs. Approaching quickly the Grimm feel upon Aurelia and Cerulean regardless of how effective the wounded Beringel had been in snaring the two up and let loose a crushing volley of attacks not at all slowing down for their fallen brother. From the distance, cannon fire can still be heard and the sounds of cheering, the caravan was still in healthy condition. Indeed at the moment, the caravan seemed like it was in a much safer position than Aurelia and Cerulean.

(So I’ve been in and out on the idea of providing battle data for npc fights so I guess I should ask you guys if you would find it helpful to have a more explicit summary of how each enemy is looking, what weapons they are wielding, what actions are they taking as well as guesstimations of their damage?)
No criticism is too harsh so hit me with your best shot.

Calen Shrike - ASTC - First Year Beacon.

Saffron de Cortez - SALT - Third Year Atlas.

Amarant Lovis - (formerly of)ACCE - Headmaster of Atlas Academy

Ramalia - RASB - First Year Shade

Siuwa

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #25 on: April 04, 2019, 04:54:20 AM »
"Yeah, I get what you mean. I never really intended to diffuse the situation. I... just didn't want to be put in the wrong. Unprofessional, isn't it?" Siu answered Saffron's probe into her with a self-deprecating but accurate answer.

With the snap of a finger, three dragons are conjured at in front of her. This is one of those situations she has practiced countless times before. She can just do this still sitting in the car, she obviously prefers to just scout into the construct just like that, but she still needs to coordinate with her squadmate first. "Simple plan, we figure their layout out then see if we need to call backup, call Cerulean or just clear it out ourselves."

(Yes, absolutely. Without that scouting is pretty useless lol)
Catalina Glenn - first year Beacon Academy student - "Not funny, dude! And not dudes... and everyone else... " - Cata, Cat.
Infrared Ray - fourth year Atlas Academy student - "So it's __ and __(insert name here) meets each other."
Sheer Gold - second year Beacon Academy student - "This is super effective!"
Siu Ceong - Beacon Academy graduate Huntress - "What is this? Where can I learn about it?"

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ReaperJoe

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #26 on: April 09, 2019, 12:37:53 AM »
Aurelia wasn't planning on Cerulean staying on her horse, considering it would only follow her commands, but she does see him as she mentally commands her mount to turn around and charge the first Beringel.  Since she knows when the attack is coming, she easily dodges out of the way of the stumbling monster as it crashes forward from the impact.  It looks heavily wounded, but it's still kicking.

Unfortunately for it, that wouldn't be the case for much longer.  As the Beringel reaches out to try and pin the hunters down, Aurelia shouts a quick warning to Cerulean to hold on before Noble Steed rears up.  Beringels may be big, but the unicorn is bigger, and the hooves come crashing down on the Grimm's skull, hopefully putting it down for good.

In the meantime, though, the other Beringels have moved to surround the three, some of which had armed themselves with weapons in the forms of branches and boulders.  They needed to get out of there. Thinking quickly, she hopped on to Noble Steed's stirrup, landing on Cerulean's foot, and wrapped an arm around the horn of the saddle.  "We're breaking the encirclement!" she shouts at her partner as Noble Steed's muscles tense.  The next instant, the Beringels begin their charge, and Aurelia forces her semblance to respond in kind.  But before they clash, the unicorn leaps into the air, up and over the monstrous Grimm.  With her shield at the ready, Aurelia braces for impact from the branches, holding on to her semblance for all she's worth, doing her best to keep her mount from dissolving itself. 

Unfortunately, she can only block one side, and the other branch smacks into Noble Steed's head, doing significant damage.  It's face is now cracked, and gold light peeks through the scar on the armor, demonstrating the barding is simply for show and nothing more.  Still, it's still standing for the moment, and while the attack did damage, it did little to deter its course, and as the construct landed its hooves races across the forest floor to put a bit of distance between them and the snarling beasts.  "Any ideas?  it'd be one thing if we only had to deal with one at a time, but I've never seen them en mass like this before," she asked Cerulean.
Smokey Emberstone Beacon 1st Year and the Immovable Gunslinger of Team DASE "I've got more than enough firepower to beat you" "You've only got one bullet!" "Like I said, more than enough"

Aurelia Lumen Beacon 3rd year and the Warhorse of Team (TBD)  "Lay down your weapons, lest you wish to taste my steel!"

Wabul "Toast" Paka Shade 1st year and the Acrobatic Swashbuckler of Team (TBD)  "Hey, I'm gonna go jump off a bridge, who's with me?"

Lucas Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Hermit of Team CLVS  "What's so great about 'bittersweet'?"

Clara Meridiem Beacon 1st year and the Blast Magician of Team (TBD) "No one likes just plain ol' bitter"

August Flare Beacon 1st year and the would-be ruler of the world "Join me, and witness the Brightest Future!"

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Kingnoname1

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #27 on: April 09, 2019, 10:59:46 PM »
[Sui and Saffron]

Defusing the situation is part of our role as Huntsman, Grimm are attracted to emotion and therefore calming people down reduces the Grimm threat in the area. That should be our number one concern even beyond specific mission parameters and professional ethics. Saffron thought to herself in response to Siu's answer. Her partner took fault to some degree so there didn't seem to be any point to continuing to voice her complaints but there was something in the casualness that took Saffron off guard. Being from Atlas she didn't have much experience with Hunters and Huntresses but she always imagined them a more idealist version of the Specialist core, a path she would never choose but a path she understood. It's just one interaction with one person, not enough to make judgements. Saffron reminded herself before shaking the thoughts out of her head. It was clear that Siu didn't want to talk about it any more and focusing on it anymore from her end would only damage their team dynamic.

Nodding as Sui explained what she thought they should do Saffron mostly agree but simply asked a few clarifying questions. 'If it's not too personal a questions will you be aware enough of your surroundings when you are scouting the complex out? It seems to me that splitting up and me taking the exterior and you the interior would be the most reasonable, if there is a trap inside we only lose the dragons but anyone outside might need to be dealt with more... smoothly.' Saffron tried to put as diplomatically as possible. Sui's dragon drones would definitely have the edge on her in raw speed and surveillance capabilities but in stealth, they are still sorely lacking and their annoying buzzing sound was already getting on her nerves. Saffron waits patiently for Sui's response as she lets her drones fly off, from a distance the sound isn't as bad and they were fast enough that Saffron hoped anyone present would dismiss it something to do with wind blowing off the various destroyed buildings.

Manoeuvring through the keep Sui quickly found it was more expansive than she was probably expecting. Not only was their underground tunnels dug through the hard rock but the entire structure was made up of these large rooms clearly designed to be a meeting place more than a fortified position. All over the familiar sights of claw marks and dried blood covered much of the rooms but no bodies, someone had been through here to try to clean up or at least pay respects to the dead. Given the amount of blood, it must have been a big job. The before mentioned underground tunnels had some sort of carved wood trap door blocking the tunnels but they had been torn away. The pitch black of the tunnels may or may not be difficult for the drones but it wouldn't be an issue for long. Not long after the tunnels flatten out they end in a series of large imposing metal doors free from the scratch marks which litter their surroundings.
No criticism is too harsh so hit me with your best shot.

Calen Shrike - ASTC - First Year Beacon.

Saffron de Cortez - SALT - Third Year Atlas.

Amarant Lovis - (formerly of)ACCE - Headmaster of Atlas Academy

Ramalia - RASB - First Year Shade

Siuwa

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #28 on: April 12, 2019, 12:10:09 AM »
"Uhh, I would prefer if you are here to guard me. I'm not completely drawn to my character's feed, however if someone approached with stealth I'm not confident I can spot them."

Siu reports her finding with her dragons as she searched, "Big, empty room. Blood stains and claw marks everywhere. No bodies. There's an underground tunnel... Still blood claws and lack of bodies... and we hit a dead end with no claw marks somehow. Big metal doors." Siu reported in earnest.

"Looks like we can just stroll in ourselves. Unless there are people still hiding outside, which I can try to lure out with the Dragons. Can you please help me with that?" So now she needs help.
Catalina Glenn - first year Beacon Academy student - "Not funny, dude! And not dudes... and everyone else... " - Cata, Cat.
Infrared Ray - fourth year Atlas Academy student - "So it's __ and __(insert name here) meets each other."
Sheer Gold - second year Beacon Academy student - "This is super effective!"
Siu Ceong - Beacon Academy graduate Huntress - "What is this? Where can I learn about it?"

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arcus_gray

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Re: Hunt across the Savannah
« Reply #29 on: April 13, 2019, 11:22:55 AM »
Hearing the call to hold on and lacking anything else to grab Cerulean gripped the saddle tightly as Noble Steed reared back. Keeping his grip he shifted back as his companion mounted up. As the mount went to break the encirclement Cerulean decided to thrust his weapon downwards and get one last shot in as they went over. A blade wedged in the shoulder of a Beringel did however make it hard to remain in the saddle and the force of his weapon effectively kept him in place as the mount went on without him. Despite losing his companion he still yelled some instructions to her. "rally with the caravan. Remember why we're here!" Leaving the front end of Takif embedded in the Beringel Cerulean hastily pulled the rear blades from the shaft and smiled to himself. "Now this is more my speed." He stood ready for whatever was going to come next.
1st year reckless idiot of team LGGR- Gray Saggio- "oh screw it. I'll just hit it till it dies!" 660066

psychotic mercenary- Alizarin rust "make me your enemy and they won't be able to identify your corpse"1C6BA0[/url]

lone wolf huntsman. ex member of team SAND cerulean steel "You are welcome to accompany me but if something goes wrong I'll deal with it myself." 2B3B44

1st year glass canon of team TBD Fallow Russet  "I may have been forced into this but that doesn't mean i don't like it." 50c878

2nd year drunken gearhead(teamless) Revya Vermillion "If you were to change to a lighter metal and add gears here, here and here you could greatly- I've entirely lost you haven't I?" Orange

1st year nimble tank of team CRSA Sandy Smoke "I've been told I'm a right bastard to fight against. Care to try ya luck?"355e3b[/color]

Guardian huntsman and drummer for Grimm Omen Ceramite Gunmetal "A barfight? alright then. SHOWTIME!" 800020 WIP[/u]

White Fang power couple. Ignis and Glacies. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwpudWRx7eg] Partners in crime