NationStates Jolt Archive

"Very droll, sir." A few elves walked in carrying a lead encased box. "Here is the tome you ordered, sir."

He set aside the book of shields immediately. "Ah, thank you." Veskyr cast a diffusion shield to make sure the book remained protected. Then he carefully opened the case, removed the volume, and started reading.
OOC: This is the book of forest lore, correct? If so, does he find anything that might seem relevant?

OOC: No, it's the tome of Kan Zaakron. Merrech has been around for thousands of years.

IC: The machine came wheeling back with a green book.

Amazing! Merrech does have the Tome!
"Only once before have I seen a copy of this book; I was not sure any others besides that and the original even existed anymore. This library impresses me, elf, and it is not often I say that." He muttered in a low voice to the book: "A power has arisen in the forest around me- a dark and mysterious power. It corrupts and destroys, and it seems to be growing stronger. What is this power? Answer me."
OOC: The Tome of Kan Zaakron contains all information, and must answer any question that is asked of it. However, it never answers clearly. (kind of like a prophecy is almost always virtually incomprehensible until it occurs). It replies with a combination of written words and images upon the page it is open to, generally several sets. What does he see?

A black bird flies across the pages, and a man appears. Only this is not a man.

The book reads "A man that is not a man, a force that is not a force, threatens and accuses life. Seek the tale that shows the truth, and ye shall see the facts that lie before ye."

The machine butts into Veskyr's leg with the book on myths of the forest.

David smiles back, and says "I might be able to find supplies too, and what we need, is a sapport machine gun. That should help us."

"Whatever you say, David." Joan made a pretense of paying attention, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. Ow..."Are you ok, Joan?"

Finally, the elf reached the top. A large, wooden door was there. He knocked. "Master, he has arrived."

Enter...

Fugore stumbled through the massive doorway and into the room within.

He was met by a figure in red. Twin glowing eyes regarded him. So, you're the one who removed my boundary?


Duke Kern spoke. "Then we best get moving and find out."

"Well, in that case, what are we wasting time around here for?" Roy said, leading the way into the brush off towards the ruins of the base.

Krendall followed after them. "Ach, I feel this be a bad idea... but it be the best Ah've heard."

David gets back into the hole with Joan and says, "Tomarrow morning, we're going to head back to where the base was. There might be other hunters there, and we might be able to find more guns."

"Whatever you say, David." Joan smiled at him.

I have been cowardly attacked by several troops,i have repeled them. i am requesting assistance.

I have one thing to say to you.

:MODALERT: Spam
The Kindom of Kobea has declared war! [/quote]

Duke Kern spoke. "Well its better to have as many people as we can get, the more the merrier when it comes to dealing with this madman and that bloody beast."

A black bird flies across the pages, and a man appears. Only this is not a man.

The book reads "A man that is not a man, a force that is not a force, threatens and accuses life. Seek the tale that shows the truth, and ye shall see the facts that lie before ye."

The machine butts into Veskyr's leg with the book on myths of the forest.
Seek the tale that shows the truth... it seems there is some legend that will shed light on this mystery.
Veskyr places the Tome of Kan Zaakron carefully in its case. "There are more questions to ask, but finding out what we face is the first order of business."
However, he pauses for a moment before opening the book of forest lore.
Nothing the Tome shows is coincidence- Why a black bird? It looked more like a crow or raven, I think, than a songbird or predator. Such creatures are frequently associated with cunning and trickery; we will have to be very careful. I must watch for any reference to these birds, and the phrases "A man that is not a man, a force that is not a force," as well as anything resembling this situation. "Threatens and accuses life"- this is clearly a very serious and dangerous situation.
Veskyr takes the book from the machine, opens it, and quickly begins to read.
OOC: He is a very fast reader, due to experience, training, a long-standing enjoyment of reading (which I share), and the natural quickness of his species.

David smiles back, and says "I might be able to find supplies too, and what we need, is a sapport machine gun. That should help us."

"Whatever you say, David." Joan made a pretense of paying attention, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. Ow..."Are you ok, Joan?"

"Hurts..." She hisses. But she pulls herself up and stands beside him.

Seek the tale that shows the truth... it seems there is some legend that will shed light on this mystery.
Veskyr places the Tome of Kan Zaakron carefully in its case. "There are more questions to ask, but finding out what we face is the first order of business."
However, he pauses for a moment before opening the book of forest lore.
Nothing the Tome shows is coincidence- Why a black bird? It looked more like a crow or raven, I think, than a songbird or predator. Such creatures are frequently associated with cunning and trickery; we will have to be very careful. I must watch for any reference to these birds, and the phrases "A man that is not a man, a force that is not a force," as well as anything resembling this situation. "Threatens and accuses life"- this is clearly a very serious and dangerous situation.
Veskyr takes the book from the machine, opens it, and quickly begins to read.



When our forefathers first came to the island the white men call New Rohan, and we Wahi'Holoholona there was a vast forest that covered this land. Within this forest, there dwelt many frightening creatures. The Wendigo, the wolves of iron, the great birds of the elements.

One amongst us was the son of the shaman, Raven That Flies at Midnight. He wandered deep into the jungle, and

The middle of the tale was an unengrossing account of how he was turned from man into monster, and became one with the birds whose name he bore, with many conflicting details.

But it is said that, one day, the man called Raven, the man who is no longer a man, who is the embodiment of a force that is not a force, shall return to Wahi'Holoholona and threaten all life on the island. It is our hope that when he comes, someone shall stand to defend the people, both us and the dwellers in stone, and the men from beyond the world.

The tale ends there.

Duke Kern spoke. "Well its better to have as many people as we can get, the more the merrier when it comes to dealing with this madman and that bloody beast."

"Aye, that it be."

"I spent days putting that boundary up..."[/color]Merrech muttered. "Never mind. What is important is finding a way for the land to avoid hunting you." The image flickered. [color=Purple]"Climb the stairs behind me. There is someone I'd like you to meet."

Fugore was slightly puzzled.

Hunting me???

He moved up the stairs, wondering what would happen next. He could still feel the effects of the poision, but they were wearing off.

Massive doors lay at the top, taller even than Fugore. Behind them came the sounds of hundreds of rustling pages.

When our forefathers first came to the island the white men call New Rohan, and we Wahi'Holoholona there was a vast forest that covered this land. Within this forest, there dwelt many frightening creatures. The Wendigo, the wolves of iron, the great birds of the elements.

One amongst us was the son of the shaman, Raven That Flies at Midnight. He wandered deep into the jungle, and

The middle of the tale was an unengrossing account of how he was turned from man into monster, and became one with the birds whose name he bore, with many conflicting details.

But it is said that, one day, the man called Raven, the man who is no longer a man, who is the embodiment of a force that is not a force, shall return to Wahi'Holoholona and threaten all life on the island. It is our hope that when he comes, someone shall stand to defend the people, both us and the dwellers in stone, and the men from beyond the world.

The tale ends there.

Well, that tells us a lot. I wish the middle hadn't been so confusing... but we know he was the son of a shaman, once human, but not so now. In fact, he must have been changed a very long time ago, and rather drastically, to still be alive today. Also, it seems that he is a danger to all life in the area- possibly even the ravens that are now the closest he has to kin. Still, there is much that does not tell us, things we must know if we are to fight effectively. For one, the powers of this being called Raven? Veskyr marked his place in the book his a scrap of paper he had in his pocket, then consulted the Tome of Kan Zaakron again.

David smiles back, and says "I might be able to find supplies too, and what we need, is a sapport machine gun. That should help us."

"Whatever you say, David." Joan made a pretense of paying attention, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. Ow..."Are you ok, Joan?"

"Hurts..." She hisses. But she pulls herself up and stands beside him,David lays her back down, and kisses her on the four head. "You need to lay down, and stay here. I'll go and look, I will be back in about 3 hours." He says as he lays a rifle down next to Joan, and some granades.

Well, that tells us a lot. I wish the middle hadn't been so confusing... but we know he was the son of a shaman, once human, but not so now. In fact, he must have been changed a very long time ago, and rather drastically, to still be alive today. Also, it seems that he is a danger to all life in the area- possibly even the ravens that are now the closest he has to kin. Still, there is much that does not tell us, things we must know if we are to fight effectively. For one, the powers of this being called Raven? Veskyr marked his place in the book his a scrap of paper he had in his pocket, then consulted the Tome of Kan Zaakron again.

The Tome did not answer, save to show animals marching in a row, guided by a Raven.

David lays her back down, and kisses her on the four head. "You need to lay down, and stay here. I'll go and look, I will be back in about 3 hours." He says as he lays a rifle down next to Joan, and some granades.

Joan nodded, and kissed him back. Then she retreated back into the hole.

The Tome did not answer, save to show animals marching in a row, guided by a Raven.

OOC: The Tome can't not answer, though it can be very hard to understand. That'll work. By the way, Veskyr has consulted a copy of the Tome once before, so he has some experience with how it answers.
IC: Animals guided by a Raven... Well, the Raven is the symbol and the name of the power we now face. Guiding animals- if he is a threat to life, he can't be guiding them very well. Perhaps a trick, or controlling them, or....
Wait- controlling animals? Perhaps he has become some sort of nature god! We could be in very big trouble. Veskyr paused, remembering the last time he encountered a being like that. That last one almost killed me, and all she had access to was those blasted plants and a few crabs and rodents.
Maybe I'm interpreting it wrong. Maybe the creatures are being tricked, or even something completely different. I hope so. But he wasn't very optimistic about it.
There is one more question I can ask....
"How can this being, this "Raven" be defeated?"
OOC: I'm going to start this with a sequence representing all important character in the thread. If I miss anyone, tell me and I'll add them in. Also, if anyone I included is no longer involved, someone tell me and I'll remove them.
IC: The page flashed, as if with lightning. Veskyr leaned forward, knowing this meant a long reply was coming. Soon a series of pictures began, changing quickly from one to the next.
Merrech's figure... my own... the Raven... a crimson-haired man in a black trenchcoat, with eyes like the night sky... a man and a woman holding hands, and the man's eyes glowed red... a figure in full plate armor (carrying a massive spear, a large crossbow, and a broadsword) and a dwarf talking with a Gryphon... six men in a helicopter... a giant carrying a crystal sword that glittered with magic... Abruptly the page went black.
Clearly all of those people must be invoved in the struggle in some way- but with the Raven included, it seems we can't yet find out how...
Suddenly the Tome flashed again, and its response began to get more mysterious. Much more mysterious.
OOC: Maybe a poem or something?

When the beast is laid low, then shall the path to defeating evil open.

When the beast is laid low, then shall the path to defeating evil open.
The beast... What could that be? And the path opening sounds like that is just the first step! It's probably best to consult with the Archmage again, and perhaps see if we can find those others. This will probably take all of us....
Veskyr carefully replaced the Tome of Kan Zaakron in its leaden case and stood up.
OOC: I must depart now; I have class in the morning.

"I'll be back soon." He ran off , back to what was left of the base.

Massive doors lay at the top, taller even than Fugore. Behind them came the sounds of hundreds of rustling pages.

Fugore gawked at the massive doors. He had seen very few doors of this magnitude as he spent most of his time outdoors.

Finally he spoke, as if the doors were nothing special.

"Big doors you have there."

When the beast is laid low, then shall the path to defeating evil open.
The beast... What could that be? And the path opening sounds like that is just the first step! It's probably best to consult with the Archmage again, and perhaps see if we can find those others. This will probably take all of us....
Veskyr carefully replaced the Tome of Kan Zaakron in its leaden case and stood up.
OOC: I must depart now; I have class in the morning.

"Can we help you, Seeker?"

"I'll be back soon." He ran off , back to what was left of the base.

Joan sighed. And then tried to scream as strong fingers wrapped around her mouth. Well, well, well...

Fugore gawked at the massive doors. He had seen very few doors of this magnitude as he spent most of his time outdoors.

Finally he spoke, as if the doors were nothing special.

"Big doors you have there."

Merrech was gone, though.

David returns one hour later, to the hole. He holds a light machinegun, that he found at the destroyed fort. He looks in the hole "Joan? Where are you?"

David returns one hour later, to the hole. He holds a light machinegun, that he found at the destroyed fort. He looks in the hole "Joan? Where are you?"

Joan, of course, was unable to answer.

((So what happened? I'm confused :? ))

OOC: Raven has her... maybe David could start to wander towards the tower?

((Ok, I thought he'd leave some kind of clue behind, but I got it now.))

David looks off into the distance, and sees a tower, "Mabye there." He begains to worrie about Joan, as he walks.

Anger begains to build up inside of David, "Joan couldn't have left, she was took weak, she was taken." He slings the light machincegun over his shoulder.

((What's your nations light machine gun?))

OOC:Guess Duke Kern, Kerndell and co won't be runing into him then at the base.

Duke Kern, was simply put ticked off about this raven character, unholy spirit or madman with a lot of power he was begining to annoy him, hopeful they would find some more of the other hunters before they tried to deal with their troublesome problems.

Anger begains to build up inside of David, "Joan couldn't have left, she was took weak, she was taken." He slings the light machincegun over his shoulder.

((What's your nations light machine gun?))

OOC: RA-LM22. Fires high explosive rounds. Just what the doctor ordered to destroy a demonic turtle.

IC: He began to feel drawn towards the tower, as if gravity was calling him there.

Duke Kern, was simply put ticked off about this raven character, unholy spirit or madman with a lot of power he was begining to annoy him, hopeful they would find some more of the other hunters before they tried to deal with their troublesome problems.

Krendall stopped. "We were headin for the base, aye? Then wha is Wolf Mont Tower up there?"

David's eyes turn red, as he comes to the tower. He looks for a door.

Duke Kern spoke. "Someone magically redirected us I would say. Lets see, isn't that where the Archmage of Roania lives?"

David's eyes turn red, as he comes to the tower. He looks for a door.

There was no door, as Merrech believed that anyone coming to see him would go to the top, or through the wall. The elves themselves used magic to enter the tower.

However, occasionally they would relent and open it.

A hole appeared in the side of the tower.

Duke Kern spoke. "Someone magically redirected us I would say. Lets see, isn't that where the Archmage of Roania lives?"

"Aye, the bloody elf mage dwells there."

David put the machinegun infront of him self, and begains to walk in cautiosely.

Glowing eyes watched him from the darkness. Torches along the walls barely lit the inside of the tower as he climbed a spiral staircase.

He comes to the top, where a door is. He opens it slowly.

Duke Kern spoke. "Someone magically redirected us I would say. Lets see, isn't that where the Archmage of Roania lives?"

Roy sighed.

"Magic can be so annoying." He grumbled. "Well, someone certainly wants us to go there, so let's see what they want."

He continues to walk towards the tower, looking up at it's massive stature.

"Impressive." He said out loud to no one in particular.

He comes to the top, where a door is. He opens it slowly.

Several elves watch him, seeing what he'll do.

Roy sighed.

"Magic can be so annoying." He grumbled. "Well, someone certainly wants us to go there, so let's see what they want."

He continues to walk towards the tower, looking up at it's massive stature.

"Impressive." He said out loud to no one in particular.

"Ach, elves with magic. Have they nae pride?"

David opens the door the rest of the way, his eyes glowing red. "A woman dissapired, I need to know where she is now."

David opens the door the rest of the way, his eyes glowing red. "A woman dissapired, I need to know where she is now."

"What, precisely, does that mean?"

"It doesn't matter, where is she?"

Merrech was gone, though.

Fugore shrugged with indifference at the disapperance of Merrech. He pushed open the huge doors and walked in.

"It doesn't matter, where is she?"

"You are obviously distraught. Please, relax and tell us what is wrong."

------------------

Fugore entered the library. Hundreds of tomes and scrolls lay around the place.

David begains to become inpatiant, "There is a girl, who I know, who disapired for a hole I told her to stay in, now where is she?"

Fugore looked around to see papers scattered everywhere.

"Ok then. What am I doing here?"

He comes to the top, where a door is. He opens it slowly.

Several elves watch him, seeing what he'll do.

Roy sighed.

"Magic can be so annoying." He grumbled. "Well, someone certainly wants us to go there, so let's see what they want."

He continues to walk towards the tower, looking up at it's massive stature.

"Impressive." He said out loud to no one in particular.

"Ach, elves with magic. Have they nae pride?"

Duke Kern nodded. "In Teritora we may have massive buildings, but they are build of stone and carved by hand, no magic is involed, in contruction above below ground, only hard work and skill."

David begains to become inpatiant, "There is a girl, who I know, who disapired for a hole I told her to stay in, now where is she?"

"Who is the girl? And what do you think happened? We just live here, we know not of all that goes on in this forest."

--------------

"Search for the information you need."

"Her name is Joan, and I believe she was taken by force." David starts to become even more unpatiant.

"Search for the information you need."

Fugore seemed puzzled.

"Information? I don't need information. I'm here to hunt."

"Her name is Joan, and I believe she was taken by force." David starts to become even more unpatiant.

"And who do you think took Joan?"

"A man named Raven."

"Search for the information you need."

Fugore seemed puzzled.

"Information? I don't need information. I'm here to hunt."

"You need information to keep what you are hunting from hunting you."

------------------

"Raven?" The elves faded away, and a library door appeared.

David looks at the door puzzlingly "What is in there?"

David looks at the door puzzlingly "What is in there?"

"300 years of collected knowledge. Within, there are books that will help you find your answers."

"How am I sapposed to find one name, in over 300 years of documents?"

"You need information to keep what you are hunting from hunting you."

Fugore was becoming quite confused now.

"Let me get this straight. There is something hunting me? What is it?"

"How am I sapposed to find one name, in over 300 years of documents?"

"That's what I'm for, sir." The Librarian turned and said.

-----------------------

"A great beast stalks these forests. I have determined that you are the one to slay it."

OOC: And pause, because almost everyone is in the library right now.

David turned to the librarian, "Who are you?"

OOC:You are going to repond to mine and Cybertopia's posts right?

Fugore noticed all the others in the library.

"Hmmm. It seems we're taking part in a little gathering."

He comes to the top, where a door is. He opens it slowly.

Several elves watch him, seeing what he'll do.

Roy sighed.

"Magic can be so annoying." He grumbled. "Well, someone certainly wants us to go there, so let's see what they want."

He continues to walk towards the tower, looking up at it's massive stature.

"Impressive." He said out loud to no one in particular.

"Ach, elves with magic. Have they nae pride?"

Duke Kern nodded. "In Teritora we may have massive buildings, but they are build of stone and carved by hand, no magic is involed, in contruction above below ground, only hard work and skill."

"Ach, the elves be weak of muscle. Come, let us ge up there. Someone wants us to be there, let us not disapoint them." Krendall began to walk up the path.

Duke Kern followed. "Indeed if someone went though this much trouble to get us here."

They walked up the tower.

<<Skipping Ahead>>

After they reached the library and settled in, Merrech appeared. "I suppose you are all wondering why I had called you here."

David turned to the librarian, "Who are you?"

Fugore nodded.

"Yes, that had crossed my mind."

They walked up the tower.

<<Skipping Ahead>>

After they reached the library and settled in, Merrech appeared. "I suppose you are all wondering why I had called you here."

Duke Kern spoke. "I would gather it would deal with that mad man or evil spirit which ever he is, Raven and that ill begotten relative of a dragon thats roaming around."

David turned to the librarian, "Who are you?"

"I am the Librarian..." He became quiet as Merrech began to speak.

-------------------

"As some of you know, there is a dark power loose in this forest. You are the ones that, I believe, shall destroy it. You shall all be rewarded, of course."

David turns to Murrech, listening intently

"It is a fiend in human shape, what I believe to be a force of nature personified."

OOC: PAUSING FOR TIR-KEDRON!

"Interesting...I assume you will tell us everything we need to know?" Roy said, also listening intently.

'I though something was going on here, and this confirms it. There's something way more important than some 'hunt'. Roy mused.

"It is a fiend in human shape, what I believe to be a force of nature personified."

OOC: PAUSING FOR TIR-KEDRON!
OOC: Sorry, I have less access to the internet on weekends.
IC: Veskyr spoke up-
"I have been researching the power that has arisen. It seems that the being some of you know as 'Raven' is the son of a Wahi'Holoholona shaman from a very long time ago, named Raven That Flies at Midnight. He wandered into the jungle and was somehow transformed. I was, unfortunately, unable to figure out exactly how; the book had contradictions about that. It is clear, however, that he is no longer exactly human. He seems to have the ability to control animals, or at least to make them obey him in some way. I only hope his power does not extend to plants, as well.... The story said that he would one day return to the forest, and that when he did, he would "threaten all life on this island." It seems that that time has come.
If he is to be defeated, it will require all of us here- and possibly others- to be invollved in some way. It is written that "When the beast is laid low, then shall the path to defeating evil open." However, I am not sure exactly what that means... perhaps it reffers to that dragon relative you mentioned."
He leaned against the wall, his arms folded, waiting for the others to respond.

"It appears that this... thing has taken your Joan, David; scattered your hunt, Fugore; destroyed the base, and ruined the hunt. However, the Tarasque should prove enough challenge for you all."

Fugore was anoyed that this creature had ruined a good hunt, but then he considered hunting this creature. He smiled slightly as he considered the challenge.

"I'm willing to have a shot at this thing."

"I need to get Joan back." David thinks to him self. "I'll do it." He says aloud.

Duke Kern noted. "I hunting and killed dragons and their relatives before from the land to the sea to that creature that thought it could drown and eat me down in the lake yesterday, I have hunted many extremely dangerious things over the years. Time for this Tarasque to be added to this list followed by this raven.

"The Tarasque? I think I have heard of this creature before.... Isn't it resistant to magic? I'll probably need an additional weapon for this..."
Veskyr opened a small portal, about a foot in diameter. He pulled an odd-looking gun out, which he hung around his neck, then produced a small bag and closed the portal.
"I am ready." he said, hanging the bag from his belt.

"Why the hell not. Let's go get this 'beast to be laid low.'" Roy said with a smirk and a shrug.

Krendall nodded. "Ach, Ah'll get the wee beastie!"

"Very well." Merrech said. A shimmering portal appeared by him. "The Tarasque is through the location beyond this portal. He is close nearby, it may be best to be on your guard."

Krendall drew his axe, saluted the Archmage, and stepped through.

Veskyr took up his gun and stepped through the portal.

Roy pulled out his flamethrower and dashed through the portal with a grimace at what may lay ahead.

David walked through the portal with the machinegun slinged over his shoulder, and his eyes red.

Duke Kern followed quickly behind.

A Dead puppy appears out of nowwhere and kills our heroes. The heroes then rise up and are forced to become servants of the lich king.

A Dead puppy appears out of nowwhere and kills our heroes. The heroes then rise up and are forced to become servants of the lich king.

A Dead puppy appears out of nowwhere and kills our heroes. The heroes then rise up and are forced to become servants of the lich king.

What a Godmodding freak. Get off the forum, idiot.

A Dead puppy appears out of nowwhere and kills our heroes. The heroes then rise up and are forced to become servants of the lich king.

And lo, the powers of darkness whirled around their true master, Roania, and caused much gnashing of teeth as both Necromancing Puppies and Nova Illogicallity caught on fire, and died a horrific death.

Amen.

Anyway, back to the story.

-----------------

They entered into a grove in the forest. Looking around, they could see no evidence of the Tarasque. Krendall smiled, relieved. "Ach, we scared the beastie off!" He walked to the edge of the forest. "Hello? Beastie? Ye there?"

The dwarf ducked further into the woods. There was a sound alot like <Gloing>, and then a roar.

David follows after Krendall, running with the weapon slung over his shoulder, and his eyes red.

Duke Kern Followed quickly behind them.

A Dead puppy appears out of nowwhere and kills our heroes. The heroes then rise up and are forced to become servants of the lich king.

And lo, the powers of darkness whirled around their true master, Roania, and caused much gnashing of teeth as both Necromancing Puppies and Nova Illogicallity caught on fire, and died a horrific death.

Amen.



Ha ha. I would have thought that after over 7,500 posts you would have learnt what godmodding was.

A Dead puppy appears out of nowwhere and kills our heroes. The heroes then rise up and are forced to become servants of the lich king.

And lo, the powers of darkness whirled around their true master, Roania, and caused much gnashing of teeth as both Necromancing Puppies and Nova Illogicallity caught on fire, and died a horrific death.

Amen.



Ha ha. I would have thought that after over 7,500 posts you would have learnt what godmodding was.

((Let's not start a flame war. All of you shut up and lets get on with the roleplay. Roania knows very well what godmodding is, but you're just dragging down the roleplay in which you have no part with these senseless posts, so you should leave. Do so, please.))

OOC: Durr... Godmoddin'? What's Godmoddin'? If, by godmodding, you mean the irritating presence of an unwelcome poster so late in the thread, then I know full well.

As the thread starter, I respectfully ask you to go away and never return. I'll get one of my people to use your webcamera to alter your DNA or something.

Now...

IC:

The Tarasque stood before them, eyes glowing. Krendall was attached to a nearby branch, his pointy helmet keeping him up.

The monster turned, and regarded the newcomers.

Duke Kern muttered. "Now the fun begans."

David swings the machine gun, under his arm, and begains to fire on the Tarasque. He's eyes glowing red as the machine gun burts.

"Ach, watch oot for its spit!"

The Tarasque drools at the thought of the meal. The ground beneath it began to smoke. The bullets bounce off its shell. It lumbers forward.

David drops the machine gun, forms a fire ball in his hand, and throws it.

Duke Kern fired his heavy crossbow, the bolts of the crossbow was were armor pericing anyway and this had been made to send the bolt with enough force to kill a Anceint Wyvern in the right place, however he know this would unless he hit the creature in the right place, just give ti a flesh room and while the wyvern venom was powerful enough to kill a horse ten times over in under a minute, it would not kill this beast that quickly if it didn't just make it very sick because its size. Duke Kern ran to the side and pulled his sword, he had slain many a dragon with this very sword.

The arrow flew, straight and true. Sadly, since this isn't an action movie where the heroes have an easy time, it slammed into the shell and stuck there, the poison lying wasted.

The fireball had slightly more success, singing the creature's beard.

Then the Tarasque counterattacked. It began to charge towards Kern.

Roy got behind the monster and triggered the flamethrower, saturating the Tarasque in a wave of fire. His goal was to get Kern another shot, as he had the weapons most likely to bring down this...thing.

David throws another fire ball, and jumps backward away from the Tarasque.

Duke Kern readied his sword and noted his crossbow bolt was stuck in its armored shell, that meant it had a hide that was armored as well as an ancient dragon, that meant unless he could get it in the eyes, find a weak point in the armored shell, in the throat, or into its mouth He would have to get in close and start cuting it up with his sword. Has he did so he spoke. "Bloody hell, this thing has the armor of an ancient dragon. I am going to have to get up close with my sword and start cuting it up. If I manage to do that try to hit it where I got it with my sword, its going to take longer but that armor has to be weakened up before we can kill it." He started to put his quickness and everything he knew about dodging claws and breath weapons from fighting dragons and others of their kin as he went to get close to attack with his sword.

"Gotcha." Roy answered while sending another wave of flame blasting over the creature.

Slinging the flamethrower around his back again, he pulled both grenade pistols and waited for a chance to hit the creature in a weak spot.

David threw another, and bigger fire ball at the spot imbtween the top and the bottom of the shell of the Tarasque, and fires a steady blast. "I hear you."

The Tarasque shakes itself, and continues forward, bearing down on Kern. Acid begins to drip from its mouth as it tries to bite him. At the same time, it waves its tail sharply towards the nuisance attacking from the rear.

David jumps to the Tarasque's side, and lets out another steads streem of fire from his hand imbtween the top and the bottom of the shell.

Duke Kern dodged to the side and began methodly attacking the armored shell and dodging the bites, claws and acid, sometimes barely geting out of attacks.

The Tarasque screams in pain, and falls into a fit, flailing around everywhere, knocking trees aside.

Fugore walks forward, crossbow drawn.

After enscribing a few runes over the bolt, he unleashes it into the beast.

Duke Kern grimly continues his attack while dodging the beast's attacks.

The beast makes one more move, leaping up and slathering acid everywhere in a 4 metre radius. Then it collapses.

Duke Kern begans to curse as his armor begans to smoke, he judged from what the armor he was wearing was made of he had 15 minutes before the Acid ate through the armor and started eating though the under armor and afterwords the padding. "Bloody hell now I got to get this acid off before it eats throw my armor."

Krendall extracts himself from the tree. "Bloody dragon..."

Roy narrowly dodges the acid, but it still burns several good sized holes in his leather trenchcoat. Muttering an ancient curse under his breath, he looked over the damage done to himself. As he felt a sharp stinging in his side, his hand instinctively went to his side, and came back covered in sticky blood.

"Hmm, I wonder if there was any poison in that damned tail." He said outloud to no one, really.

David stands up from a rock after dodging the acid, and looks around. "Now what?"

OOC: I'm off to watch a movie. ^_^

Duke Kern spoke. "If it was, you'd be dead by now. If it had a wyvern you would been dead almost at once. Me I go t15 minutes before this acid eats through the outer part of my armor."

A booming laugh rockets around the area. It's too late! I have the girl!

"Well, that's mild comforting." Roy says, and begins to give himself limited first aid before he hears the voice. "Oh great, him again. Whoopdeedoo, you have a girl. Congratulations. Unfortunately for you, were all still alive."

Duke Kern spoke as he took out a special cloth and wiped the acid off his armor. "Well if isn't mister chuckles himself. Will he have the nerve show up here or will he make us hunt him down to put him down like the mad dog he is."

Krendall grinned. "Ach, he be a coward."

No, I think that you'll leave. Come for me, and I kill her. You hear me, David? I'll kill your precious little Joan.

Duke Kern spoke. "But your planing on killing her anyway along with everyone else in Roania and the world, at least you would try to."

Roy put his hands out, mimicing a scale.

"Hmm...all life on the island, some girl. All life on the island, some girl. Looks to me like the logical choice would be to sacrifice the girl. Oh, it'll be so satisfying to put a bullet in his head." Roy said, grinning at the last comment.

Krendall grinned. "Ach, he be a coward."

No, I think that you'll leave. Come for me, and I kill her. You hear me, David? I'll kill your precious little Joan."You touch her, you die!!!"

Krendall sighed. "Well, it be a tough choice, lads." He looked at Kern. "Ye got anythin' in that there sack o' yours that'd find the wee madman?"

Duke Kern pulled out a little round orb after searching. "Its a seeking orb, we use them to find hunting targets that we can't find by normal means."

Duke Kern pulled out a little round orb after searching. "Its a seeking orb, we use them to find hunting targets that we can't find by normal means.""And when we're doing that, he kills Joan!"

Duke Kern spoke. "Prehaps and if we don't she will still die along with many more people who have people care about them just as much or even more. Do you want that?"

David starts to become angry. "It may not matter to you, but it does to me." His eyes glow red.

Duke Kern glared back. "So you would doom countless people to death or worse for one person who will certianly die with the rest if he isn't stopped, I am sure she would be proud of that."

"What ever it takes." He says as he forms a fire ball in his hand.

Krendall throws his axe into the middle of the argument. "You two stop that, right? We be playin' into the man's hands ba fightin' amongst ourselves."

David looks ath Krenall in the eyes as his return to normal.

"Now look, there must be some way we can kill the madman, and save the lass as well. We be the finest hunters on Earth, right?"

"I sappose, but he has her, we approch him, she is killed."

"Well, this isn't some action movie where everyone is going to be happy in the end." Roy stated, looking over at David. "She's going to die either way. This Raven guy obviously knows everything about us, so long as we are on the island, so sneaking up on him is out of the question."

"There is a way." David says thinking, "We just haven't thought about it yet."

"Ach! So long as we be on the island, ye said. What aboot under?" Krendall looked at the ground. "If me kinfook were here, we could put together a tunnel!"

David looks down at the ground. He begains to dig wiht the small shovel. "Help me."

OOC: Gah! I missed the tarasque.... I was going to shoot at its eyes.... Oh well, sorry.
IC: Veskyr raised his hand, and dirt flew out of the hole. It deepened quickly. This spell was easy for him, and would not be noticeable to anyone out of sight. "Perhaps this will be faster...."

"Thank you, Veskyr." david sys as he looks at him, smiling now.

Duke Kern smiled. "This will give me fond memeries of the undeground under the mountains. Lets see if he can see below the ground then."

"Thank you, Veskyr." david sys as he looks at him, smiling now.
"Glad to help!" he replied, as the hole began to look like a tunnel entrance. "I just hope Raven isn't paying attention to moles and gophers... I doubt he is, we probably don't need to worry about it. Where should I put this extra dirt?

"Ach, put it anywhere." Krendall began to walk underground. "Hi ho, hi ho..." his voice is lost in the distance.

"Everyone get down here; then I can start filling it in behind us. What direction does that seeker of yours say we should go to find Raven?"
Veskyr jumped into the tunnel.

David jumps in the hole. "Do we need some light?"

David jumps in the hole. "Do we need some light?"
"That would probably be useful, yes. Does anyone have a light, or shall I use magic?" said Veskyr.

"No magic." Duke Kern broke out several powders from differnce pouches on his belt, mixed them together and placed them in round glass like part of a strange rod he pulled out of his bag then added a little water to the mixture which started to glow then followed into the hole. "That should do for our light."

"Ah, excellent! Now, which direction should I go?"

Duke Kern spoke "Thats where that little hunting orb I brought out comes in handy."

Duke Kern spoke "Thats where that little hunting orb I brought out comes in handy."
Veskyr sighed. "Yes... that's why I asked you where I should be heading." he said.

Duke Kern held a one sided conversation with the orb which floated in midair. "Yes, Yes, real help, nice for you to tell me what the area. No don't tell us, lead us there. No I would not rather find a Dire wolf, a dragon or a hell bear. Good then lets go." After a few minutes of this he spoke to the group. "We just follow the orb it will move towards the target."

David followed the orb, watching it as it floats.

Roy looked at the small orb with interest.

"Cool." He said as it began to float along single-mindedly.

Duke Kern shrugged. "Sometimes these orbs are needed and not always to hunt monsters and dangerious, cunning animals. Not all monsters are inhuman. Only if they wouldn't talk back, bloody wizards and their sense of humor."

OOC: I would have posted this over 3 hours ago, but the internet was uncooperative and I had to go to class before I could get it to work.
IC:
Veskyr gestured, and the tunnel began extending in the direction the orb moved.
OOC: Shall I assume that those who haven't posted yet are also in the tunnel, moving with us? (Or has everyone posted now?)

OOC: Continue

IC: Krendall continued to sing the 'Hi Ho' song, as they began to head towards a large grove.

Dirt flowed backwards above their heads and filled in the tunnel behind them. It was like riding in a bubble underground; the tunnel moved with them. They travelled toward the grove at a quick walking pace.

David follows along, hoping.

The search orb suddenly stops, and begins to fly in a circle. Above them is a large copse.

"What the hell is that?" David looks at it.

The search orb suddenly stops, and begins to fly in a circle. Above them is a large copse.
"It seems we've arrived. Is everyone ready?" When each hunter had agreed, Veskyr made a tightly curving staircase to the surface, and suddenly opened the top. He jumped out of the tunnel, his gun ready.
OOC: Everyone post up to this point, and then we'll continue.
(Copse = group of trees. It's on the surface.)

David draws his sword, and jumps out after Veskyr, with a fire ball in his hand.

Raven stood there, chuckling, facing away from them. "Soon, soon there will be an end to humanity... isn't that right?" He spoke towards a large collection of ravens sitting on a tree.

"What should we do?" David asked the group, quitely.

Duke Kern spoke calmly, with great noble authority and determination. "You save the girl, the rest of us will deal with Raven."

"I can do that, I'll start looking when you attack."

Duke Kern nodded. "Then get ready and I don't need to tell you to hurry, its going to get real messy here, real quick." He readed his sword and held his spear in his right hand.

Raven rolled around. "What? How did you get here!"

"Let's start before he kills the girl outright." Roy said quietly.

"Hey ravens!" He shouted at the huge gathering of birds.

The birds all turned to look at him in a rustle of feathers. Roy gave a sinister smile and in one smooth movement, swapped the two grenade pistols for his flamethrower.

"Eat propane!" He said, triggering a blast of flame at the gathered ravens.

David takes off, running, looking for Joan.

Duke Kern spoke as he attacked. "The very earth trembles at thine evil. The Heavens cry, forsake thy evil or meet thy doom, We are light that dispells the darkness and thy doom."

Duke Kern spoke as he attacked. "The very earth trembles at thine evil. The Heavens cry, forsake thy evil or meet thy doom, We are light that dispells the darkness and thy doom."

OOC:Bloody server.

Duke Kern spoke as he attacked raven. "The very earth trembles at thine evil. The Heavens cry, forsake thy evil or meet thy doom, We are light that dispells thy darkness and thy doom."

The ravens took, and flew towards Roy. Raven himself started to move dangerously towards Kern.

Krendall charged at him, and was about to attack when Raven unleashed an earthquake. Krendall tumbled to the ground.

"Ah, melodramatics." Roy said with a chuckle at Kern's words.

The hunter spun, the flames dancing around him, creating a dazzling shield against the incoming ravens.

Duke turned his fall into a roll and quickly recovered, grinning at Roys words. "Hey it fits besides I am a Teritoran and a Ashan to boot, its in my blood." He continued his attack at raven, stabbing with his spear and holding his sword in defense.

"Whatever works." Roy said, grinning as well. "Gah, get away from me, stupid birds!"

Roy managed to stay on his feet through the earthquake, but was off balance for a moment. A raven slammed into his chest, pitching him off his feet. He landed on his back, sending gouts of flame everywhere.

Another earthquake radiated towards Kern as Raven leapt up in the air and delivered a painful blow to Kern's face.

One of the ravens dodged in close to Roy, and burnt to cinders. Then they all charged in at once, diving for exposed skin.

Duke Kern kept his Balance and even has Raven landed a blow on his face he scored a hit with his blessed broadsword to Raven's side. Recoiling slightly he dropped his spear and put down his viser as he continued to attack Raven.

Veskyr tossed his gun aside, and the bag of ammuntition; a somewhat complicated bit of magic made it start firing at the ravens, with excellent accuracy. He threw a bolt of fire at Raven, then charged with his sword.

He was confronted by a pair of rather nasty Dire Wolves, who took the blow, and attacked. Meanwhile, Raven clasped his hand to his side. The wound healed. He drew his own blade, and attacked.

OOC: Think... what can destroy an elemental force of nature?

OOC:Its an evil spirit, so holy weapons would hurt it, a wizard, magical weapons, a priest with some serious holy power behind him, a combination of the above?

IC: Duke Kern blocked the attack and counter attacked quickly. "We are going to send you to hell where you belong."

OOC: Correct...

IC: Raven spat. "I come not from Hell! I am the saviour of nature!"

((Um...a high yield singularity charge?))

Roy lept to his feet landing a short distance away from where he was laying. As the ravens dove for the spot where he once was, he threw the canister from his flamethrower into the midst of them and - with a stylish flair - pulled out one of his pistols and shot the canister straight through. The fuel inside blew, sending flaming corrosive fuel all over the ravens along with a powerful concussive wave that reached Raven in a split second, ripping the very air around him into pieces.

OOC: Correct...

IC: Raven spat. "I come not from Hell! I am the saviour of nature!"

Duke Kern replied. "But thy evil deeds will bring you there if you do not repend thine evil ways. Thou doest not do thee Lord's work or even nature's works but the works of the devil whom to wither thy know or know thy sold thy soul to." Duke Kern scored another hit on raven with his Blessed sword and pressed his attack against the feind.

OOC:Good thing that Duke Kerns sword is blessed then. Of course if raven keeps healing himself Kerns will have to break out the more powerful holy blade in that sack of tricks of his.

He was confronted by a pair of rather nasty Dire Wolves, who took the blow, and attacked. Meanwhile, Raven clasped his hand to his side. The wound healed. He drew his own blade, and attacked.
Golden claws ripped through the fingertips of Veskyr's left glove. He slashed the throat of the Dire Wolf on his left and stabbed the one on his right through its heart with his sword, then flung the mortally wounded beasts back with a wave of n'veir before they could bite him. He mixed fire with a complex tangle of n'veir, creating an elemental, and continued his advance toward Raven. As he walked, he twisted energy into an a spear of kinetic force and sent it ahead of him.
(OOC: Veskyr's claws are sharp enough to cut high grade steel.)
OOC: Think... what can destroy an elemental force of nature?
OOC: Hm... pollution? :D

OOC: What is the opposite of Earth? Anyone know ancient mythology?

IC:The Elemental suddenly vanished, as Raven looked on unconcernedly. The air surrounding the spear suddenly thickened. "God? There is no god!"

OOC: (laughs evilly) Now, to figure out how Veskyr would think to use wind...
I won't try that quite yet.
IC: Veskyr smiled and held up his hand. All the force released by, and used in, the destruction of the elemental rebounded and converged on Raven. He threw another kinetic javelin and advanced.

Raven weathered the blast, striding towards the impudent mageling. A treeroot started to curl around Veskyr's leg.

Duke Kern broke out the holy blade that had been sitting in his sack, a powerful sword that was said to be the blade of Saint Vornsi when he slayed the Mightly Demon Versniatza and drove it back to hell. To those with magical talent, it literally hummed and brightly glowed with holy energy and even to those who didn't have any talent, it glowed slightly. The blade was said to have been forged in Heaven it self. Duke Kern puting away his other sword attacked Raven with this new sword. "Thou are sadly mistaken. You defile what god has created and pervert it to thy wims."

David runs, looking for Joan, as he yells "Joan!?"

Oh, great, he does control plants.... Well, I have grown stronger since last time.... The treeroot eploded, scattering wood chips. A ring of fire 3 feet in radius sank into the ground around him, slicing all roots and going down several yards. Veskyr brought his sword into gaurd position, and sent a blast of energy strong enough toow smash a boulder into gravel washing toward Raven.
Now, how will he react to this... ignore, dodge, block, or something else? That will tell me much.

David runs, looking for Joan, as he yells "Joan!?"

A small sound could be heard. "David?"

--------------

The shockwave began to storm towards Raven. Raven blinked, and then shimmered out of the way.

Duke Kern yelled as he was sent flying into a tree. "Bloody hell, friendly fire, bloody mages."

As Kern looked up, he saw Raven smirking. "My, my. A hunter..."

"Joan? Is that you?" He asks.

Duke Kern groaned in pain, however he still held on to the powerful holy bade, that he had gotten out of his sack, with his left hand while with his right hand he went into the sack and pulled out a small flask of holy Water without it being seen then he slowly rose painfully meeting raven smirk with a serious defant stare. "Accursed one, its time for thy to meet thy fate and go to thy final destanation, thou have terried to long in this world and done to much evil."

"Joan? Is that you?" He asks.

"David!" He turned, and saw a cage that the trees had formed. In the middle was Joan.

----------

Raven cocked his head to one side. "My final destination, is here!" He lashed out, slamming his fist hard into Kern's head.

"Don't worrie, I've got you Joan." He took out his sword, and slashed through the trees.

Duke Kern shuttered but continued his defant stare while with his right hand he flicked off the top of the flask. Then quickly he threw the holy water into ravens face then went bury his Holy blade into Raven's heart.

Raven screamed. "GAH!" He wiped the water away. "What the hell were you trying to do, you fool?" He stared at the blade, poking it. "Ooh. Interesting..."

He faded out, and the blade fell to the ground.


OOC: TK, planning something? Do it now.
---------------

Joan looked up. "DAVID!"

"Joan, are you ok?" He kisses her.

"You idiot! Behind you!" Joan yelled. Behind David, several slavering figures were entering the enclosure...

Duke Kern stared and quickly recovered the glowing sword. "Bloody hell, thats prehaps one of the most holy weapons on the face of the planet. Demons have died and evil spirits, men and monsters have meet their end on this plane upon that blade, Guess I'll have to take his bloody head off then."

David swings around with a fireball in his hand all ready, and the sword in another. "I haven't come this far to let some thign get between me and her now!"

David swings around with a fireball in his hand all ready, and the sword in another. "I haven't come this far to let some thign get between me and her now!"

The direwolves lunged at once, their sharp teeth glistening.

David throws a fireball into one's eyes, then takes his sword to another. "Joan, run, I can take care of this."

Roy, now standing in a singed ring of foilage, the severely burnt carcasses of countless ravens surrounding him, looked up from the ground, and brought his gaze level with Raven's. He was covered in scratches, and a stream of blood ran down his face from his temple.

"Oh, I'm sorry, you didn't get to say goodbye to them...oh well. You can visit them in hell!" Roy jeered, his smile one of malvolent self-satisfaction.

Hundreds more ravens started to fly downwards, towards Roy. Raven yawned.

--------------

The two injured Dire wolves turn from him and reverse, but the other eight are already on him.

David fights francitly trying to get them off. He hits them with his sword, and kicks them off of him self.

Joan screams, and pulls him out of the crush. "Run!"

OOC:Man hes still not dead, hes been run though with a holy blade through the heart, an holy blade powerful powerful enough to kill demons, hit with holy water, fireballed. One would think that would finish him.

IC: Duke Kern called out to Veskyr. "We better do a comination of attacks. this is not natural, even nature spirits turned bad are hurt, even slain and driven from this plane of existance by holy weapons and you hit him with magic. Lets see how he takes geting hit with holy weapons, magical magical weapons and magic."

"You first, and I'll catch up." He gets in a defesive position and waits for the wolves next attack.

((Um, ok, that was really uninspired, Roania.))

Roy grimaced at the new wave of ravens and sent another swath of flame through their center.

OOC: Territora, he's essentially an Earth Elemental. Eventually, Veskyr is going to remember something about Earth Elementals.

((Um, ok, that was really uninspired, Roania.))

Roy grimaced at the new wave of ravens and sent another swath of flame through their center.

OOC: Eh. I've been tired. Would you have preferred:

The sky darkened as a massive flock of ravens flew downwards, landing around Roy. Raven laughed, a loud cackle. "Oh, you'll be seeing them first..."

Either way...
IC: The ravens cawed, and all attempted to dive for his eyes at once.

--------------------

The Direwolves started to lunge for David.

OOC: Can he let the demon fully take over, or would that be worse than Raven?

David's eyes turn completly blood red, as his body busts into flames. He fires a large fire blast into the wolves.

OOC: Not as bad as raven, but bad!. ^_^*

Joan stared in fear. "David?" She asked, frightened. Soon, all of the wolves were dead, or fleeing.

The demon shot another fire blast at the other fleeing wolves.

Joan screamed. "David? Is that you?" She started to cry. "David!"

Soon, all of the wolves were dead.

The flames stoped, and he falls to the ground uncontiuse, normal again.

Joan ran to him, tears running down her cheeks. "David?" She said, softly. "Please... get up. I need you."

He slowly opens his eyes, "Hey Joan." He smiles.

Joan sobbed. "What happened? I was so scared..." She shook him. "If you ever do something like that again..."

"Don't worrie, this was out of necessity, and I try never to do it, because it makes me weak after ward."

Joan just held him. "I was so scared..." Tears started to flow freely. "He took me, and then he tossed me in there... and those creatures... and then you came, and I thought I would be safe... but you became that thing..."

He wiped away the tears from her eyes. "Don't worrie, you're safe now."

Joan just sat there, crying. "He was going to kill me... he was saying that you were too stupid to defeat him..."

"Don't worrie, the others will take care of him." And I will have his head.

Joan stopped crying, and kissed him. "Still... we're together. And that's what matters."

He smiles, "Yes. That is all that matters." He holds her.

((Much better :) Sorry if I'm a little picky.))

"After this, I never want to see another raven ever again. Ever." Roy muttered.

The hunter lept out of the way, landing hard on his side. Despite his agility, he sustained a few claw and beak marks. He fired one more blistering wave of fire at the birds, and threw the flamethrower on the ground, it's fuel exausted. He pulled out both grenade pistols and began firing grenades into the swarm.

Yet still they came, flying for his face. Raven watched, amused. They don't have what is needed to stop me.

Duke Kern paused as he tried to remember something told to him when he was young, something about weakening evil spirits tied to the Earth so they could be destroyed by holy or magical weapons and driven from the world but he couldn't remeber what, it keep slipping his mind.

OOC: Sorry this took so long... no internet on weekends. I won't be able to post much tonight (I have to finish 2 essays by Tuesday), but a bit.
IC: Veskyr grinned. He dodged! That means it could hurt him! He dodged fast, though- looked like a teleport...
Wait... earthquakes... treeroots.... Don't they use elemental magic here? Test it first, though, full effort on something that doesn't work would be disaster....
Veskyr located Raven and sent a whirlwind howling toward him.
OOC: If this proves visibly effective, he's got something very powerfull...

David stands up. "We need to get going."

OOC: Sorry this took so long... no internet on weekends. I won't be able to post much tonight (I have to finish 2 essays by Tuesday), but a bit.
IC: Veskyr grinned. He dodged! That means it could hurt him! He dodged fast, though- looked like a teleport...
Wait... earthquakes... treeroots.... Don't they use elemental magic here? Test it first, though, full effort on something that doesn't work would be disaster....
Veskyr located Raven and sent a whirlwind howling toward him.
OOC: If this proves visibly effective, he's got something very powerfull...

Raven tried to dodge again. But it clipped him, sending him spiralling down to the earth. NO!

------------------

Joan nodded. "I'm so glad to have you back."

"Joan....I need you to get out of here first. I need to help the others. Please, you ahead and get out of here."

Veskyr laughed. Amplifying the sound with magic (his harsh voice did not permit him to shout) he called "Everyone back!" He sheathed his sword, then pointed one hand at Raven. A spinning wall of force and air surrounded him. That won't hold Raven long, but it should be long enough.... Veskyr made a complex series of gestures with both hands, and the air throughout the copse began moving in a spiral... faster and faster.... Suddenly a tornado-like funnel stretched up into the air in front of Veskyr. It extended to arms, and purple eyes glowed near the top. The sorceror staggered from the effort of creating this creature, then willed strength into himself and drew his sword again. He pointed at Raven. "Destroy him!" The Whirlwind (note capital letter) howled like a gale and advanced.
OOC: The wall will keep Raven from teleporting. He can destroy it with some effort and a few minutes. He'd probably get free about now.... When the wall breaks, it collapses into a pile of shards, which glow and shrink. The harder the final blow is, the smaller the pieces will be and the brighter/shorter the flash of light.

It clicked as Duke Kern saw raven geting hit with the attack, he remembered what the old priest that had served as his menter when he was a small child said.

Joan nodded, kissed him, and ran towards civilisation.

-----------------

For a moment, all was silent. Then, the Whirlwind burst apart as a very, very angry Earth Elemental appeared. Raven screamed. Around them, the very forests came alive, reaching for Veskyr, tearing at him.

OOC: Um... that Whirlwind is very powerful. It's like a hurricane condensed into a very small area, enhanced further with magic, and then animated. Nothing short of the combined power of a very large group of powerful mages could destroy it that fast, and even a fairly strong earth elemental would be shredded in short order. If Raven summoned something that can fight the Whirlwind effectively, it's going to take most of his power....
IC: The Whirlwind scattered as an earth elemental appeared amidst its foot. Purple light swirled around the copse... and the being reformed a few feet away. It swung one fist at the Earth Elemental, and a blast of wind like an unwound tornado slammed into it.
Leaves and branches slashed at Vekyr, tearing his robe, scraping at his scales, and bumping him about painfully. Blast... I hate @#$%!! Nature Spirits! Veskyr's anger fueled his strength. He whirled, his sword flashing in the purple light, and fire flared about him. Any branches that approached were instantly sliced off or incinerated, and the nearest trees began to be shredded by the invisible force of n'veir waves.

Raven finally managed to defeat the Whirlwind. He collapsed to the ground, groaning as he attempted to get some energy from the Earth.

Veskyr staggered toward him, to tired even to call for help, but determined to continue the fight before Raven recovered.

Raven stood up, uneasily. You shall not defeat me... He twitched his arm, and a small earth tremor occured.

Veskyr almost fell, but he was used to visiting platforms in the treetops and had very good balance. Usually this would have been no trouble, and he managed to remain on his feet. "We... shall... see..."
He raised his sword with difficulty, and began gathering as much of his power as he could. Even now, it won't be easy to hurt him... I can hardly manage a breeze... gather strength... one burst...

Roy grinned as the mass of ravens was blown away by the sudden appearance of the Whirlwind. He paused for a moment to look up in awe at the immensly powerful being before him. After Raven defeated it, it was clear that he was now at his weakest point. The much weaker tremor only reinforced that idea.

"C'mon! We have to get him now! Everyone attack!" He shouted to the others, firing several volleys of grenades at Raven.

"Damn, I'm out of grenades." He muttered after his attack, and switched over to 9mm rounds.

Veskyr almost fell, but he was used to visiting platforms in the treetops and had very good balance. Usually this would have been no trouble, and he managed to remain on his feet. "We... shall... see..."
He raised his sword with difficulty, and began gathering as much of his power as he could. Even now, it won't be easy to hurt him... I can hardly manage a breeze... gather strength... one burst...

Raven managed to pull himself up. Mother, defend your son!

The earth started to tremble harder and harder.

Raven managed to pull himself up. Mother, defend your son!

The earth started to tremble harder and harder.

Veskyr fell and rolled sideways, struggling to get to his feet. His sword clattered on the ground, bouncing as it trembled.
Meanwhile his gun, which had run out of ravens, was searching for a new target. In Raven, the n'veir that controlled it sensed the same spirit that had been guiding its prey. It fired, with a muffled thud. A blast of focused sound and a steel dart shot towards Raven.
OOC: Remember Veskyr sent it hunting earlier... Oh, and what about the grenades? Still, I'm thinking We have a problem. A very large problem. Yes?

As soon as Joan leaves David starts to run in the direction of the fighting, he begains to change again.

You should not shoot what you do not eat.
Up here, we frown upon any waste of biological material.

OOC: Who agrees that we should capture some live Dire Wolves and ship them to Lagrange 4? [evil laugh]

Raven managed to pull himself up. Mother, defend your son!

The earth started to tremble harder and harder.

Veskyr fell and rolled sideways, struggling to get to his feet. His sword clattered on the ground, bouncing as it trembled.
Meanwhile his gun, which had run out of ravens, was searching for a new target. In Raven, the n'veir that controlled it sensed the same spirit that had been guiding its prey. It fired, with a muffled thud. A blast of focused sound and a steel dart shot towards Raven.
OOC: Remember Veskyr sent it hunting earlier... Oh, and what about the grenades? Still, I'm thinking We have a problem. A very large problem. Yes?

OOC: Hell yeah.

IC: Raven stared idly at the dart as it came closer, stabbing through him.

He collapsed, body crumpling up.

OOC: It ain't over yet, boys.