Petricoff: "It looks like the Ravens and Leopards answered my call for aid."
Members of the latter tribe appear from the north; Leodus rides his speedor down from the Iron Mountains into the Minor Tribes' territory. Behind him ride 10 Imperial Knights; 5 Leopards, 4 Vultures, and 1 scorpion. The Knights are in a formation that allows them to surround and protect 5 Leopard Druids, who're also riding speedorz.
Beale's countenance lights up at the sight, while Byrum breathes a sigh of relief followed by a hearty chuckle. A small smile forms on Eliaphet's face. Rorik gets up from the ground, roaring out a battle cry, proud and ready to fight.
Meanwhile, the Fire Wing Harness in the river starts to glow even brighter while in the relative vicinity of Rorik; the Rhino Prince may notice this.
OOC: I figure we may as well move along with Rorik getting the Fire Wings, since this was the direction we were going in anyway, and Shamrock is inactive. Unless he still wants one of his characters to wear this harness.
Beale's countenance lights up at the sight, while Byrum breathes a sigh of relief followed by a hearty chuckle. A small smile forms on Eliaphet's face. Rorik gets up from the ground, roaring out a battle cry, proud and ready to fight.
Meanwhile, the Fire Wing Harness in the river starts to glow even brighter while in the relative vicinity of Rorik; the Rhino Prince may notice this.
OOC: I figure we may as well move along with Rorik getting the Fire Wings, since this was the direction we were going in anyway, and Shamrock is inactive. Unless he still wants one of his characters to wear this harness.
Beale pulls out his wooden binoculars and sets them upon his face, searching for a place of rest.
Holding onto her bulwarks and scanning the skies overhead, Eliaphet ducks an oncoming missile.
"Rightly so, we must move towards a safer position."
Looking back at Rorik, the pupils of the dazed Rhino shimmer with an orange glow. He murmurs, gradually righting himself up. Approaching a large stone, Rorik uses the last of his Chi Orb and charges at it headfirst, a crack splitting the stone in two. Taking up a half, Rorik raises his fists and rapidly pounds it until it forms the shape of a long forgotten sight.
"The Sword of Prince Rorik, the blade no steel any blacksmith could match..." gasped one of the Monarchy Advisors before fainting at the thought of reporting this to the Queen.
"MY WORD, HE'S HEADING FOR THE RIVER!" shouted Beale, who ran towards him screaming, "WAIT, WAIT!"
Suddenly, a shower of missiles rains down upon the little group gathered around him, with Eliaphet throwing herself in the midst of them all and extending her wings outward. She winces, sucking in air to hide the pain of ice shards burying themselves within her skin.
Steadying himself, Rorik flickers his eyelids as if having been pulled out from a dream. Looking upward, he throws his sword in a curving motion, successfully hitting the engine of the Saber Plane responsible and forcing the pilot's evacuation. The sword comes circling back, right into his hand. A Rhino on a mission, Rorik picks up speed, no longer walking, but running towards the water burning with a fiery glow.
"BY CAVORA, HE'S GOING TO GET HIMSELF KILLED!" yelled Beale, helplessly looking up at Eliaphet as he aided her to her feet. Gripping his wooden mallet, Byrum runs after Rorik, ducking and weaving. Climbing over a large chunk of ice, he jumps off only to screech as his foot pulses from the pain of an ice blast. From above, a Saber laughs. Byrum watches as his foot becomes encased in the dreaded cold white stuff of his nightmares, but the determined Beaver continues limping towards Rorik, calling out to him. "Come back lad! COME BACK!"
Rorik enters the river in a reverent manner, staring down into the swirling waters and lowering his head.
Meanwhile, the Fire Wing Harness in the river starts to glow even brighter while in the relative vicinity of Rorik; the Rhino Prince may notice this.
OOC: I figure we may as well move along with Rorik getting the Fire Wings, since this was the direction we were going in anyway, and Shamrock is inactive. Unless he still wants one of his characters to wear this harness.
Beale pulls out his wooden binoculars and sets them upon his face, searching for a place of rest.
Holding onto her bulwarks and scanning the skies overhead, Eliaphet ducks an oncoming missile.
"Rightly so, we must move towards a safer position."
Looking back at Rorik, the pupils of the dazed Rhino shimmer with an orange glow. He murmurs, gradually righting himself up. Approaching a large stone, Rorik uses the last of his Chi Orb and charges at it headfirst, a crack splitting the stone in two. Taking up a half, Rorik raises his fists and rapidly pounds it until it forms the shape of a long forgotten sight.
"The Sword of Prince Rorik, the blade no steel any blacksmith could match..." gasped one of the Monarchy Advisors before fainting at the thought of reporting this to the Queen.
"MY WORD, HE'S HEADING FOR THE RIVER!" shouted Beale, who ran towards him screaming, "WAIT, WAIT!"
Suddenly, a shower of missiles rains down upon the little group gathered around him, with Eliaphet throwing herself in the midst of them all and extending her wings outward. She winces, sucking in air to hide the pain of ice shards burying themselves within her skin.
Steadying himself, Rorik flickers his eyelids as if having been pulled out from a dream. Looking upward, he throws his sword in a curving motion, successfully hitting the engine of the Saber Plane responsible and forcing the pilot's evacuation. The sword comes circling back, right into his hand. A Rhino on a mission, Rorik picks up speed, no longer walking, but running towards the water burning with a fiery glow.
"BY CAVORA, HE'S GOING TO GET HIMSELF KILLED!" yelled Beale, helplessly looking up at Eliaphet as he aided her to her feet. Gripping his wooden mallet, Byrum runs after Rorik, ducking and weaving. Climbing over a large chunk of ice, he jumps off only to screech as his foot pulses from the pain of an ice blast. From above, a Saber laughs. Byrum watches as his foot becomes encased in the dreaded cold white stuff of his nightmares, but the determined Beaver continues limping towards Rorik, calling out to him. "Come back lad! COME BACK!"
Rorik enters the river in a reverent manner, staring down into the swirling waters and lowering his head.
From a distance, Byrum sees him go under.
As the Empire of Balance force engages the Sabertooths' ground troops in battle, one of the Leopard Druids sees Byrum running across the battlefield. He quickly drives his speedor over, and erases the spreading ice on the beaver's leg with a swipe of his fire chi-tipped staff.
Leopard Druid: "Are you alright?"
One of the Imperial Knights, a vulture, soars forward and blocks a strike from the sabertooth who shot Byrum. The knight grunts as he's sword-locked with the sabertooth.
Vulture Imperial Knight: "Looks like that rhino jumped into the river! Is he going for the Harness?"
Beale pulls out his wooden binoculars and sets them upon his face, searching for a place of rest.
Holding onto her bulwarks and scanning the skies overhead, Eliaphet ducks an oncoming missile.
"Rightly so, we must move towards a safer position."
Looking back at Rorik, the pupils of the dazed Rhino shimmer with an orange glow. He murmurs, gradually righting himself up. Approaching a large stone, Rorik uses the last of his Chi Orb and charges at it headfirst, a crack splitting the stone in two. Taking up a half, Rorik raises his fists and rapidly pounds it until it forms the shape of a long forgotten sight.
"The Sword of Prince Rorik, the blade no steel any blacksmith could match..." gasped one of the Monarchy Advisors before fainting at the thought of reporting this to the Queen.
"MY WORD, HE'S HEADING FOR THE RIVER!" shouted Beale, who ran towards him screaming, "WAIT, WAIT!"
Suddenly, a shower of missiles rains down upon the little group gathered around him, with Eliaphet throwing herself in the midst of them all and extending her wings outward. She winces, sucking in air to hide the pain of ice shards burying themselves within her skin.
Steadying himself, Rorik flickers his eyelids as if having been pulled out from a dream. Looking upward, he throws his sword in a curving motion, successfully hitting the engine of the Saber Plane responsible and forcing the pilot's evacuation. The sword comes circling back, right into his hand. A Rhino on a mission, Rorik picks up speed, no longer walking, but running towards the water burning with a fiery glow.
"BY CAVORA, HE'S GOING TO GET HIMSELF KILLED!" yelled Beale, helplessly looking up at Eliaphet as he aided her to her feet. Gripping his wooden mallet, Byrum runs after Rorik, ducking and weaving. Climbing over a large chunk of ice, he jumps off only to screech as his foot pulses from the pain of an ice blast. From above, a Saber laughs. Byrum watches as his foot becomes encased in the dreaded cold white stuff of his nightmares, but the determined Beaver continues limping towards Rorik, calling out to him. "Come back lad! COME BACK!"
Rorik enters the river in a reverent manner, staring down into the swirling waters and lowering his head.
From a distance, Byrum sees him go under.
As the Empire of Balance force engages the Sabertooths' ground troops in battle, one of the Leopard Druids sees Byrum running across the battlefield. He quickly drives his speedor over, and erases the spreading ice on the beaver's leg with a swipe of his fire chi-tipped staff.
Leopard Druid: "Are you alright?"
One of the Imperial Knights, a vulture, soars forward and blocks a strike from the sabertooth who shot Byrum. The knight grunts as he's sword-locked with the sabertooth.
Vulture Imperial Knight: "Looks like that rhino jumped into the river! Is he going for the Harness?"
With the words barely escaping the Imperial Knight's beak, the waters of the lake churn as if stirred by an unseen force.
Rorik roars as he comes up from the lake, heavily breathing as he wipes sediment from his face. Below, he sees the golden shine of an object wedged between thick rock. Snorting, the Rhino grits his teeth and dives once more, wrestling the rock as if another beast. Kicking out his legs, he swims forward and crashes upon the rock with his horn of ice, cutting it clean off while producing a crack within the rock. Undetered, Rorik grabs the two ends of the crack, veins in his arms pulsating as he bears down his full weight to free his prize. Air escapes his mouth as a sickening feeling creeps over his lungs, threatining to choke him. Furious, he lets out a muffled roar.
Gasping, Rorik sputters out water as he regains his bearings. From the corner of his eye, he notices a piece of tattered cloth floating nearby.
"ARHG!"
Swinging his arms behind him, Rorik struggles for breath as leathery arms lock around his neck and yellowed canines click together in joy.
Writhing, Rorik throws himself backward to crush the trecherous being. Shifting his weight, the phantom throws Rorik to the side, smacking his head on the underwater rocks. His elderly kindness removed, Whit grabs the back of Rorik's head, slamming it downward, ignoring the beatings of the Rhino. Unable to move his head more than an inch, in flashes Rorik sees the eyes of his former mentor reflecting in the sunlight...completely feral. Angered, Rorik thrusts his left leg outward, toppling the surprised Whit into the water. Grabbing the wolf by the collar, Rorik turns himself over and raises him over his shoulder, returning to the depths.
Swimming at speeds unknown to him, Rorik holds Whit steady as he throws the beaten form into the rock, finally splitting it in two.
"By the Great Fix It!" gasps an awed Byrum.
Droplets of water shimmering in the sun as they fell from his horn, Rorik rises from the lake with a renewed flame burning through his being. With fervor, he raises the legendary golden Harness above his head.
Without warning a claw slashes Rorik's back, causing him to sumble to his knees. Snarling, Whit grasps at the harness — his voice seething with wretched hate for the Rhino. "I taste victory, only struggling on the last rotten morsel." Sparks crackle as Rorik shakily lowers the Harness towards his chest. Striving to keep his arms locked, Whit latches onto Rorik's shoulder, biting down with all his might.
Wincing, Rorik lets out a quivering cry, but continues to hold on, moving the Harness closer, his eyes closing and with a soft whisper resolutely claims. "I...AM...HERE...."
"BOOM!"
All nearby forces are thrown back as a wave of energy ripples throughout the area.
Post by TheFortuitousMysteryRider on May 27, 2023 6:02:27 GMT
Drifting amongst the debris polluting the lake, a figure emerges from the water.
Byrum wobbles on the ground, pushing aside roofing of a fallen hut. Beale scrambles to his binoculars, intently looking at the being walking through the lake. The being, covered in dust and dirt that masked his species, snickers.
Beale's lower lip quivers in fear. "Oh, by Cavora."
Tufts of fur torn from his arms and chest along with half his beard, covered in knots, bruises, and wounds still fresh, the mad nomad howls in victory. Floating beside his feet is the form of Rorik.
Dancing a jig, Whit spits at him and turns to his side, dipping his battered claws beneath the waves, his cheerful complexion suddenly dim. Frowning, his head snaps in the direction of the water, his claws frantically splashing about.
Behind him an orange glow brightens.
The cunning nomad stutters. "By the fangs..."
The pupils of his eyes shining bright as a flame, Rorik places a hand on Whit's shoulder as two firey wings gracefully extend outward from his back. Overwhelming gentleness floods his face as he stares deeply into Whit's frightened eyes. With a voice aged and full of wisdom, Rorik reassures the nomad. "Cease your wanderings and go home, Wayra..."
Shrinking back, Whit retreats to the water. Furrowing his brow at the name, he looks at his reflection, the matted mess of himself. Grabbing at the water, the Wolf rises to meet Rorik. Leaning closer to his outstreached hand, he pulls it toward him, thrusting his claw forward at Rorik's chest, pressing harder the horn of ice. "Chima is for the victors, prince."
Twisting the horn further, Whit felt searing heat crawl through his arm. Looking at where he piereced Rorik, his eyes bulge at the sight of the glowing golden metal.
Encased in flame, the outline of a Rhino spoke to him. "You falter Wayra, but through the burning ash may you find the strength for one more chance to escape." A flaming hand touches Whit's heart inflicting further pain.
A shrill cry pours out of Whit's mouth. "CHIMA, I have mastered you!" Reaching out with both hands, Whit grasps the face of Rorik, disregarding the burning flakes peeling off his skin. Gnashing his teeth, Whit struggles to twist Rorik's head, but within him fire burns. Finally raising his head, Whit screams. "I HAVE MASTERED YOU!" Letting go, he falls back, melting into ashes.
Everything pauses as the flames covering Rorik's body suddenly disappear in an upward motion. Below him, curled up like a child, trembling, the once cunning musician Whit laid. His body charred, his fur gone, his eyes enveloped in darkness, and his mind no more. Rorik kneels, picking up the skeletal form as if an infant and carrying him close. He looks at the Leopard Druid with worry.
His paw shaking, a nearby Beaver medic hands him a roll of bandages. Taking it from him, he nods in thanks before delicately wrapping Whit in them and calmly answering the Druid's question with one of his own. "What is to be done?"
Drifting amongst the debris polluting the lake, a figure emerges from the water.
Byrum wobbles on the ground, pushing aside roofing of a fallen hut. Beale scrambles to his binoculars, intently looking at the being walking through the lake. The being, covered in dust and dirt that masked his species, snickers.
Beale's lower lip quivers in fear. "Oh, by Cavora."
Tufts of fur torn from his arms and chest along with half his beard, covered in knots, bruises, and wounds still fresh, the mad nomad howls in victory. Floating beside his feet is the form of Rorik.
Dancing a jig, Whit spits at him and turns to his side, dipping his battered claws beneath the waves, his cheerful complexion suddenly dim. Frowning, his head snaps in the direction of the water, his claws frantically splashing about.
Behind him an orange glow brightens.
The cunning nomad stutters. "By the fangs..."
The pupils of his eyes shining bright as a flame, Rorik places a hand on Whit's shoulder as two firey wings gracefully extend outward from his back. Overwhelming gentleness floods his face as he stares deeply into Whit's frightened eyes. With a voice aged and full of wisdom, Rorik reassures the nomad. "Cease your wanderings and go home, Wayra..."
Shrinking back, Whit retreats to the water. Furrowing his brow at the name, he looks at his reflection, the matted mess of himself. Grabbing at the water, the Wolf rises to meet Rorik. Leaning closer to his outstreached hand, he pulls it toward him, thrusting his claw forward at Rorik's chest, pressing harder the horn of ice. "Chima is for the victors, prince."
Twisting the horn further, Whit felt searing heat crawl through his arm. Looking at where he piereced Rorik, his eyes bulge at the sight of the glowing golden metal.
Encased in flame, the outline of a Rhino spoke to him. "You falter Wayra, but through the burning ash may you find the strength for one more chance to escape." A flaming hand touches Whit's heart inflicting further pain.
A shrill cry pours out of Whit's mouth. "CHIMA, I have mastered you!" Reaching out with both hands, Whit grasps the face of Rorik, disregarding the burning flakes peeling off his skin. Gnashing his teeth, Whit struggles to twist Rorik's head, but within him fire burns. Finally raising his head, Whit screams. "I HAVE MASTERED YOU!" Letting go, he falls back, melting into ashes.
Everything pauses as the flames covering Rorik's body suddenly disappear in an upward motion. Below him, curled up like a child, trembling, the once cunning musician Whit laid. His body charred, his fur gone, his eyes enveloped in darkness, and his mind no more. Rorik kneels, picking up the skeletal form as if an infant and carrying him close. He looks at the Leopard Druid with worry.
His paw shaking, a nearby Beaver medic hands him a roll of bandages. Taking it from him, he nods in thanks before delicately wrapping Whit in them and calmly answering the Druid's question with one of his own. "What is to be done?"
Leodus quietly watches the explosion of fire and Whit's fall. The Leopard King whistles.
Leodus: "The power of the elements..."
He notices that a 'young' (not counting years frozen) Sabertooth Captain, whose craft Leodus had downed with a fire blast, is sitting up against his crashed plane, staring at the river. The leopard kneels down one one knee to the sabertooth, who recoils.
Leodus: "Now do you see why we'd be better off without them? Fire and ice. This is what a Great Illumination will do; finally remove the elemental powers from Chima. Ironically, we need to use them to do so."
Sabertooth: "This...no, this is why we need the power of ice, to counter...that! That wolf was...i-incinerated!"
Leodus: "You wouldn't want to be incinerated, correct? We don't particularly enjoy being frozen. Perhaps now you know how we feel."
Sabertooth: "A-are you kidding?! Being frozen isn't even comparable to...to that! This is why the Ice Hunters are the real heroes! We're the resistance! We'll stop this horror at its source, destroy the Phoenix--!"
Leodus sighs and shakes his head.
Leodus: "Still you don't understand...Well, if being frozen isn't so bad, then here's to the 'resistance'."
The Leopard King flips his double-bladed sword around to point the blue half forward, swiftly and suddenly freezing the sabertooth with a swipe of the Rupture Blade. He then stands and walks over to the Druids, who are gathering around Rorik. The one Rorik had asked looks at Whit.
Leopard Druid: "We'll...do what we can, if that is your wish."
Drifting amongst the debris polluting the lake, a figure emerges from the water.
Byrum wobbles on the ground, pushing aside roofing of a fallen hut. Beale scrambles to his binoculars, intently looking at the being walking through the lake. The being, covered in dust and dirt that masked his species, snickers.
Beale's lower lip quivers in fear. "Oh, by Cavora."
Tufts of fur torn from his arms and chest along with half his beard, covered in knots, bruises, and wounds still fresh, the mad nomad howls in victory. Floating beside his feet is the form of Rorik.
Dancing a jig, Whit spits at him and turns to his side, dipping his battered claws beneath the waves, his cheerful complexion suddenly dim. Frowning, his head snaps in the direction of the water, his claws frantically splashing about.
Behind him an orange glow brightens.
The cunning nomad stutters. "By the fangs..."
The pupils of his eyes shining bright as a flame, Rorik places a hand on Whit's shoulder as two firey wings gracefully extend outward from his back. Overwhelming gentleness floods his face as he stares deeply into Whit's frightened eyes. With a voice aged and full of wisdom, Rorik reassures the nomad. "Cease your wanderings and go home, Wayra..."
Shrinking back, Whit retreats to the water. Furrowing his brow at the name, he looks at his reflection, the matted mess of himself. Grabbing at the water, the Wolf rises to meet Rorik. Leaning closer to his outstreached hand, he pulls it toward him, thrusting his claw forward at Rorik's chest, pressing harder the horn of ice. "Chima is for the victors, prince."
Twisting the horn further, Whit felt searing heat crawl through his arm. Looking at where he piereced Rorik, his eyes bulge at the sight of the glowing golden metal.
Encased in flame, the outline of a Rhino spoke to him. "You falter Wayra, but through the burning ash may you find the strength for one more chance to escape." A flaming hand touches Whit's heart inflicting further pain.
A shrill cry pours out of Whit's mouth. "CHIMA, I have mastered you!" Reaching out with both hands, Whit grasps the face of Rorik, disregarding the burning flakes peeling off his skin. Gnashing his teeth, Whit struggles to twist Rorik's head, but within him fire burns. Finally raising his head, Whit screams. "I HAVE MASTERED YOU!" Letting go, he falls back, melting into ashes.
Everything pauses as the flames covering Rorik's body suddenly disappear in an upward motion. Below him, curled up like a child, trembling, the once cunning musician Whit laid. His body charred, his fur gone, his eyes enveloped in darkness, and his mind no more. Rorik kneels, picking up the skeletal form as if an infant and carrying him close. He looks at the Leopard Druid with worry.
His paw shaking, a nearby Beaver medic hands him a roll of bandages. Taking it from him, he nods in thanks before delicately wrapping Whit in them and calmly answering the Druid's question with one of his own. "What is to be done?"
Leodus quietly watches the explosion of fire and Whit's fall. The Leopard King whistles.
Leodus: "The power of the elements..."
He notices that a 'young' (not counting years frozen) Sabertooth Captain, whose craft Leodus had downed with a fire blast, is sitting up against his crashed plane, staring at the river. The leopard kneels down one one knee to the sabertooth, who recoils.
Leodus: "Now do you see why we'd be better off without them? Fire and ice. This is what a Great Illumination will do; finally remove the elemental powers from Chima. Ironically, we need to use them to do so."
Sabertooth: "This...no, this is why we need the power of ice, to counter...that! That wolf was...i-incinerated!"
Leodus: "You wouldn't want to be incinerated, correct? We don't particularly enjoy being frozen. Perhaps now you know how we feel."
Sabertooth: "A-are you kidding?! Being frozen isn't even comparable to...to that! This is why the Ice Hunters are the real heroes! We're the resistance! We'll stop this horror at its source, destroy the Phoenix--!"
Leodus sighs and shakes his head.
Leodus: "Still you don't understand...Well, if being frozen isn't so bad, then here's to the 'resistance'."
The Leopard King flips his double-bladed sword around to point the blue half forward, swiftly and suddenly freezing the sabertooth with a swipe of the Rupture Blade. He then stands and walks over to the Druids, who are gathering around Rorik. The one Rorik had asked looks at Whit.
Leopard Druid: "We'll...do what we can, if that is your wish."
OOC: So do you want Whit to survive, or no?
Lifting the bandaged Whit, Rorik cradles the feeble wolf as he rises from the ground. "I fear even the wisest among you cannot repair what his own actions have produced. Though, if it be possible to ease his wounds—please do so."
{SPOILERS TO THE J ONLY!} I had in mind for Whit to remain a frail, elderly wolf wrapped in bandages and taken care of at the Wolf HQ where he might find some peace, though his mind is gone. This is so that in the future, if we are ever low on plot ideas, have him be taken and re-molded into a being controlled by some future villain.
Leodus quietly watches the explosion of fire and Whit's fall. The Leopard King whistles.
Leodus: "The power of the elements..."
He notices that a 'young' (not counting years frozen) Sabertooth Captain, whose craft Leodus had downed with a fire blast, is sitting up against his crashed plane, staring at the river. The leopard kneels down one one knee to the sabertooth, who recoils.
Leodus: "Now do you see why we'd be better off without them? Fire and ice. This is what a Great Illumination will do; finally remove the elemental powers from Chima. Ironically, we need to use them to do so."
Sabertooth: "This...no, this is why we need the power of ice, to counter...that! That wolf was...i-incinerated!"
Leodus: "You wouldn't want to be incinerated, correct? We don't particularly enjoy being frozen. Perhaps now you know how we feel."
Sabertooth: "A-are you kidding?! Being frozen isn't even comparable to...to that! This is why the Ice Hunters are the real heroes! We're the resistance! We'll stop this horror at its source, destroy the Phoenix--!"
Leodus sighs and shakes his head.
Leodus: "Still you don't understand...Well, if being frozen isn't so bad, then here's to the 'resistance'."
The Leopard King flips his double-bladed sword around to point the blue half forward, swiftly and suddenly freezing the sabertooth with a swipe of the Rupture Blade. He then stands and walks over to the Druids, who are gathering around Rorik. The one Rorik had asked looks at Whit.
Leopard Druid: "We'll...do what we can, if that is your wish."
OOC: So do you want Whit to survive, or no?
Lifting the bandaged Whit, Rorik cradles the feeble wolf as he rises from the ground. "I fear even the wisest among you cannot repair what his own actions have produced. Though, if it be possible to ease his wounds—please do so."
{SPOILERS TO THE J ONLY!} I had in mind for Whit to remain a frail, elderly wolf wrapped in bandages and taken care of at the Wolf HQ where he might find some peace, though his mind is gone. This is so that in the future, if we are ever low on plot ideas, have him be taken and re-molded into a being controlled by some future villain.
Petricoff and the other Minor Tribes soldiers cheer as they see Rorik don the Harness, and as dozens of speedor-riding Lions charge into the territory from the south, headed by King Lycor himself.
Petricoff: "So the Lions did have troops to spare! I stand corrected."
The combined Minor Tribes, Lion, and Leopard forces grant no quarter to the scattered Sabertooths, routing them and pushing them away from the HQ proper, as the battle turns into a series of small skirmishes in the region.
Petricoff: "Looks like the Sabertooth royals have gotten away."
Lycor: "Were they in an aircraft?"
Petricoff: "Yep, the biggest plane I've ever seen."
Lycor: "Then they might be coming back around for a bombing run, after making us think they've retreated; let's not let our guard down."
Petricoff: "Right. Thank you for the reinforcements, Your Majesty."
By the river, the Leopard Druids get to work on cooling Whit's burned fur. One of the Imperial Knights, the scorpion with a strangely all-white anatomical color matching her armor, steps toward them. The Leopard King turns toward her.
Leodus: "Sariel?"
Sariel: "I may be able to help, given my experience. I used to be a doctor, and I'm technically a victim of full-body burns myself."
Lifting the bandaged Whit, Rorik cradles the feeble wolf as he rises from the ground. "I fear even the wisest among you cannot repair what his own actions have produced. Though, if it be possible to ease his wounds—please do so."
{SPOILERS TO THE J ONLY!} I had in mind for Whit to remain a frail, elderly wolf wrapped in bandages and taken care of at the Wolf HQ where he might find some peace, though his mind is gone. This is so that in the future, if we are ever low on plot ideas, have him be taken and re-molded into a being controlled by some future villain.
Petricoff and the other Minor Tribes soldiers cheer as they see Rorik don the Harness, and as dozens of speedor-riding Lions charge into the territory from the south, headed by King Lycor himself.
Petricoff: "So the Lions did have troops to spare! I stand corrected."
The combined Minor Tribes, Lion, and Leopard forces grant no quarter to the scattered Sabertooths, routing them and pushing them away from the HQ proper, as the battle turns into a series of small skirmishes in the region.
Petricoff: "Looks like the Sabertooth royals have gotten away."
Lycor: "Were they in an aircraft?"
Petricoff: "Yep, the biggest plane I've ever seen."
Lycor: "Then they might be coming back around for a bombing run, after making us think they've retreated; let's not let our guard down."
Petricoff: "Right. Thank you for the reinforcements, Your Majesty."
By the river, the Leopard Druids get to work on cooling Whit's burned fur. One of the Imperial Knights, the scorpion with a strangely all-white anatomical color matching her armor, steps toward them. The Leopard King turns toward her.
Leodus: "Sariel?"
Sariel: "I may be able to help, given my experience. I used to be a doctor, and I'm technically a victim of full-body burns myself."
Emerging from the crowd, a wolf with spotted fur calmly strolls toward the scene dressed in the uniform of a minuteman. "Perhaps, he may be allowed to return to the Wolves for treatment there?"
Rorik nods. "If you can ensure his safety, then let it be done."
His eyes slowly gazing over Whit's quivering body, the wolf stiffens. His frame was aged, but the wrinkles on his forehead softened. "I guarentee his safety." He calls for a cart to which another minuteman hastily provides, struggling to pull through the muddied waters of melted ice. Taking a gnarled stick sheathed behind his back, the wolf minuteman aids his friend by wedging it under the burried wheel and freeing it. Drapping his cloak as bedding, he motions for Rorik who sets Whit down on the soft cloth.
Carrying a stunned Beale underneath her arm, Eliaphet approaches Rorik with a warm smile. Rorik returns with one of his own before looking down to find a chuckling Byrum patting him on the back.
"Ha, ha! You old joker!" Byrum laughed. "You had me worried!"
"I'm afraid I had to give a show for my big return, friend." Rorik responded in an equally jovial manner.
Byrum paused, looking deep into the eyes of the once numb rhino. Within him swept a sentimental feeling, though he dared not show it, especially in front of his brother. "On to the matters of state then. How are we to withstand a second attack from the Hunters?"
Petricoff and the other Minor Tribes soldiers cheer as they see Rorik don the Harness, and as dozens of speedor-riding Lions charge into the territory from the south, headed by King Lycor himself.
Petricoff: "So the Lions did have troops to spare! I stand corrected."
The combined Minor Tribes, Lion, and Leopard forces grant no quarter to the scattered Sabertooths, routing them and pushing them away from the HQ proper, as the battle turns into a series of small skirmishes in the region.
Petricoff: "Looks like the Sabertooth royals have gotten away."
Lycor: "Were they in an aircraft?"
Petricoff: "Yep, the biggest plane I've ever seen."
Lycor: "Then they might be coming back around for a bombing run, after making us think they've retreated; let's not let our guard down."
Petricoff: "Right. Thank you for the reinforcements, Your Majesty."
By the river, the Leopard Druids get to work on cooling Whit's burned fur. One of the Imperial Knights, the scorpion with a strangely all-white anatomical color matching her armor, steps toward them. The Leopard King turns toward her.
Leodus: "Sariel?"
Sariel: "I may be able to help, given my experience. I used to be a doctor, and I'm technically a victim of full-body burns myself."
Emerging from the crowd, a wolf with spotted fur calmly strolls toward the scene dressed in the uniform of a minuteman. "Perhaps, he may be allowed to return to the Wolves for treatment there?"
Rorik nods. "If you can ensure his safety, then let it be done."
His eyes slowly gazing over Whit's quivering body, the wolf stiffens. His frame was aged, but the wrinkles on his forehead softened. "I guarentee his safety." He calls for a cart to which another minuteman hastily provides, struggling to pull through the muddied waters of melted ice. Taking a gnarled stick sheathed behind his back, the wolf minuteman aids his friend by wedging it under the burried wheel and freeing it. Drapping his cloak as bedding, he motions for Rorik who sets Whit down on the soft cloth.
Carrying a stunned Beale underneath her arm, Eliaphet approaches Rorik with a warm smile. Rorik returns with one of his own before looking down to find a chuckling Byrum patting him on the back.
"Ha, ha! You old joker!" Byrum laughed. "You had me worried!"
"I'm afraid I had to give a show for my big return, friend." Rorik responded in an equally jovial manner.
Byrum paused, looking deep into the eyes of the once numb rhino. Within him swept a sentimental feeling, though he dared not show it, especially in front of his brother. "On to the matters of state then. How are we to withstand a second attack from the Hunters?"
Lycor dismounts from his speedor and walks over to Leodus.
Lycor: "I'd been told about the Fire Wing Harness, but I didn't expect there to be a Bearer as well."
Leodus: "It just happened, minutes before your arrival."
Lycor: "I see... A shame I once again wasn't able to capture King Finglor. Apparently their entire royal family was here; we could've used them as leverage to end this war, or at least the Sabertooths' part in it."
Leodus: "It matters not. Things are turning around for the better in general; that's another Harness and its Bearer found, and the Sabertooths have spread their army thin in their attempt to attack as many places as possible. My southeast forces have told me over radio that they've intercepted the Sabertooths who were going to reinforce the Icebears."
The ancient king puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully.
Leodus: "If we presume that that's about a quarter of their army, that the fleet, which is apparently locked in battle, is another quarter, and that a quarter was brought to this battle, leaving one quarter in Saber Mountain to defend it...then we've just scattered and routed a quarter of their army, while keeping two other quarters surrounded and isolated from the rest of their tribe, on opposite ends of the known world. Finglor has surely realized this. Doubtless the surviving Sabertooths here will regroup at Saber Mountain, since they'll probably be expecting a counterattack. If the thought of such a counterattack from the south could hold them at bay for a little while longer--"
Lycor: "Or...we could actually launch a counterattack."
Leodus: "What?"
Lycor: "Why not? We're a united front more fired up than ever to prevent them from stopping the Illumination; Saber Mountain probably still isn't fully repaired from my late uncle's bombing; the Phoenix are free from Galvanor's influence and have returned to granting us fresh fire chi shipments; and like you said, we've scattered their army and cut its portions off from one another. It's the perfect time for those of us not at Crystal Crater to attack Saber Mountain. We'll end the Sabertooths' delusions of domination, and suppress them whilst initiating an Illumination at the same time."
Leodus: "That'll be a lot of fire chi-powered beings north of the border..."
Lycor: "Does it matter? The Elemental Balance will cease to exist in, most likely, a matter of days."
Leodus: "I've been telling everyone that for morale's sake, but...I'm not completely certain myself. Are you absolutely sure that the Illumination will remove the elemental powers, Lycor?"
Lycor: "Can't say I am, but I'm almost certain. Remember what Fal'qar and Malgus told us; the Harness-Bearers control how the Illumination shapes the world, to an extent."
Emerging from the crowd, a wolf with spotted fur calmly strolls toward the scene dressed in the uniform of a minuteman. "Perhaps, he may be allowed to return to the Wolves for treatment there?"
Rorik nods. "If you can ensure his safety, then let it be done."
His eyes slowly gazing over Whit's quivering body, the wolf stiffens. His frame was aged, but the wrinkles on his forehead softened. "I guarentee his safety." He calls for a cart to which another minuteman hastily provides, struggling to pull through the muddied waters of melted ice. Taking a gnarled stick sheathed behind his back, the wolf minuteman aids his friend by wedging it under the burried wheel and freeing it. Drapping his cloak as bedding, he motions for Rorik who sets Whit down on the soft cloth.
Carrying a stunned Beale underneath her arm, Eliaphet approaches Rorik with a warm smile. Rorik returns with one of his own before looking down to find a chuckling Byrum patting him on the back.
"Ha, ha! You old joker!" Byrum laughed. "You had me worried!"
"I'm afraid I had to give a show for my big return, friend." Rorik responded in an equally jovial manner.
Byrum paused, looking deep into the eyes of the once numb rhino. Within him swept a sentimental feeling, though he dared not show it, especially in front of his brother. "On to the matters of state then. How are we to withstand a second attack from the Hunters?"
Lycor dismounts from his speedor and walks over to Leodus.
Lycor: "I'd been told about the Fire Wing Harness, but I didn't expect there to be a Bearer as well."
Leodus: "It just happened, minutes before your arrival."
Lycor: "I see... A shame I once again wasn't able to capture King Finglor. Apparently their entire royal family was here; we could've used them as leverage to end this war, or at least the Sabertooths' part in it."
Leodus: "It matters not. Things are turning around for the better in general; that's another Harness and its Bearer found, and the Sabertooths have spread their army thin in their attempt to attack as many places as possible. My southeast forces have told me over radio that they've intercepted the Sabertooths who were going to reinforce the Icebears."
The ancient king puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully.
Leodus: "If we presume that that's about a quarter of their army, that the fleet, which is apparently locked in battle, is another quarter, and that a quarter was brought to this battle, leaving one quarter in Saber Mountain to defend it...then we've just scattered and routed a quarter of their army, while keeping two other quarters surrounded and isolated from the rest of their tribe, on opposite ends of the known world. Finglor has surely realized this. Doubtless the surviving Sabertooths here will regroup at Saber Mountain, since they'll probably be expecting a counterattack. If the thought of such a counterattack from the south could hold them at bay for a little while longer--"
Lycor: "Or...we could actually launch a counterattack."
Leodus: "What?"
Lycor: "Why not? We're a united front more fired up than ever to prevent them from stopping the Illumination; Saber Mountain probably still isn't fully repaired from my late uncle's bombing; the Phoenix are free from Galvanor's influence and have returned to granting us fresh fire chi shipments; and like you said, we've scattered their army and cut its portions off from one another. It's the perfect time for those of us not at Crystal Crater to attack Saber Mountain. We'll end the Sabertooths' delusions of domination, and suppress them whilst initiating an Illumination at the same time."
Leodus: "That'll be a lot of fire chi-powered beings north of the border..."
Lycor: "Does it matter? The Elemental Balance will cease to exist in, most likely, a matter of days."
Leodus: "I've been telling everyone that for morale's sake, but...I'm not completely certain myself. Are you absolutely sure that the Illumination will remove the elemental powers, Lycor?"
Lycor: "Can't say I am, but I'm almost certain. Remember what Fal'qar and Malgus told us; the Harness-Bearers control how the Illumination shapes the world, to an extent."
Leodus: "Right..."
From a distance, Eliaphet watches the two Lions converse with a look of uncertainty at Lycor's statements. Turning back to Petricoff and Byrum, she expresses concern over the injured minutemen. "Perhaps, our first action is that of aiding our companions."
Lycor dismounts from his speedor and walks over to Leodus.
Lycor: "I'd been told about the Fire Wing Harness, but I didn't expect there to be a Bearer as well."
Leodus: "It just happened, minutes before your arrival."
Lycor: "I see... A shame I once again wasn't able to capture King Finglor. Apparently their entire royal family was here; we could've used them as leverage to end this war, or at least the Sabertooths' part in it."
Leodus: "It matters not. Things are turning around for the better in general; that's another Harness and its Bearer found, and the Sabertooths have spread their army thin in their attempt to attack as many places as possible. My southeast forces have told me over radio that they've intercepted the Sabertooths who were going to reinforce the Icebears."
The ancient king puts a hand on his chin thoughtfully.
Leodus: "If we presume that that's about a quarter of their army, that the fleet, which is apparently locked in battle, is another quarter, and that a quarter was brought to this battle, leaving one quarter in Saber Mountain to defend it...then we've just scattered and routed a quarter of their army, while keeping two other quarters surrounded and isolated from the rest of their tribe, on opposite ends of the known world. Finglor has surely realized this. Doubtless the surviving Sabertooths here will regroup at Saber Mountain, since they'll probably be expecting a counterattack. If the thought of such a counterattack from the south could hold them at bay for a little while longer--"
Lycor: "Or...we could actually launch a counterattack."
Leodus: "What?"
Lycor: "Why not? We're a united front more fired up than ever to prevent them from stopping the Illumination; Saber Mountain probably still isn't fully repaired from my late uncle's bombing; the Phoenix are free from Galvanor's influence and have returned to granting us fresh fire chi shipments; and like you said, we've scattered their army and cut its portions off from one another. It's the perfect time for those of us not at Crystal Crater to attack Saber Mountain. We'll end the Sabertooths' delusions of domination, and suppress them whilst initiating an Illumination at the same time."
Leodus: "That'll be a lot of fire chi-powered beings north of the border..."
Lycor: "Does it matter? The Elemental Balance will cease to exist in, most likely, a matter of days."
Leodus: "I've been telling everyone that for morale's sake, but...I'm not completely certain myself. Are you absolutely sure that the Illumination will remove the elemental powers, Lycor?"
Lycor: "Can't say I am, but I'm almost certain. Remember what Fal'qar and Malgus told us; the Harness-Bearers control how the Illumination shapes the world, to an extent."
Leodus: "Right..."
From a distance, Eliaphet watches the two Lions converse with a look of uncertainty at Lycor's statements. Turning back to Petricoff and Byrum, she expresses concern over the injured minutemen. "Perhaps, our first action is that of aiding our companions."
OOC: Leodus is a leopard. Though I guess technically he's about 1% lion, since one of his ancestors was a lioness made Leopard Queen through marriage.
IC: The Leopard Druids spread out to heal injured soldiers, while the least-injured Minor Tribes members are gathered up by Petricoff to repair the HQ and its defenses.
From a distance, Eliaphet watches the two converse with a look of uncertainty at Lycor's statements. Turning back to Petricoff and Byrum, she expresses concern over the injured minutemen. "Perhaps, our first action is that of aiding our companions."
OOC: Leodus is a leopard. Though I guess technically he's about 1% lion, since one of his ancestors was a lioness made Leopard Queen through marriage.
IC: The Leopard Druids spread out to heal injured soldiers, while the least-injured Minor Tribes members are gathered up by Petricoff to repair the HQ and its defenses.
Blurred in sight, Eliaphet wipes melted frost from her forehead, sharp pain seizing her. Looking over a puddle, her reflection reveals small thorns of ice decorating her brow causing her to wince.
"ACHOO!"
Below her, Beale sneezes once more before scratching his nose and yawning. Setting him down, Eliaphet motions for him to return to his brother before accepting a fire-chi from a Leopard Druid. Expressing thanks, she places it within her harness, melting the icicles.
Joining the Leopard Druids in their mission, Rorik channels the power of the harness to heal the ice plaguing the soldiers. Frozen within a wall of ice attached to one of the fallen buildings, Rorik melts it to water before holding the building up as it creaked. A group of Beavers immediately set sturdy wooden planks underneath the structure to maintain support before tunneling into the ruins for repairs.
Still hiding behind the log that was now charred, the Monarchy Administrators whisper amongst one another and nodding their heads.
Rhino Administrator: "You know, I hear the Grasslands are quite beautiful this time of year." Rhino Guard: "Indeed, much better than cooking in this armor. You know, I think I'll take up farming."
The group scurries off, shedding the sashes and armor that spoke of their titles for the simple life.
OOC: Leodus is a leopard. Though I guess technically he's about 1% lion, since one of his ancestors was a lioness made Leopard Queen through marriage.
IC: The Leopard Druids spread out to heal injured soldiers, while the least-injured Minor Tribes members are gathered up by Petricoff to repair the HQ and its defenses.
Blurred in sight, Eliaphet wipes melted frost from her forehead, sharp pain seizing her. Looking over a puddle, her reflection reveals small thorns of ice decorating her brow causing her to wince.
"ACHOO!"
Below her, Beale sneezes once more before scratching his nose and yawning. Setting him down, Eliaphet motions for him to return to his brother before accepting a fire-chi from a Leopard Druid. Expressing thanks, she places it within her harness, melting the icicles.
Joining the Leopard Druids in their mission, Rorik channels the power of the harness to heal the ice plaguing the soldiers. Frozen within a wall of ice attached to one of the fallen buildings, Rorik melts it to water before holding the building up as it creaked. A group of Beavers immediately set sturdy wooden planks underneath the structure to maintain support before tunneling into the ruins for repairs.
Still hiding behind the log that was now charred, the Monarchy Administrators whisper amongst one another and nodding their heads.
Rhino Administrator: "You know, I hear the Grasslands are quite beautiful this time of year." Rhino Guard: "Indeed, much better than cooking in this armor. You know, I think I'll take up farming."
The group scurries off, shedding the sashes and armor that spoke of their titles for the simple life.
Lycor eventually approaches Rorik, greeting him and telling him about the other Harness-Bearers, and their gathering in Lion City.
Blurred in sight, Eliaphet wipes melted frost from her forehead, sharp pain seizing her. Looking over a puddle, her reflection reveals small thorns of ice decorating her brow causing her to wince.
"ACHOO!"
Below her, Beale sneezes once more before scratching his nose and yawning. Setting him down, Eliaphet motions for him to return to his brother before accepting a fire-chi from a Leopard Druid. Expressing thanks, she places it within her harness, melting the icicles.
Joining the Leopard Druids in their mission, Rorik channels the power of the harness to heal the ice plaguing the soldiers. Frozen within a wall of ice attached to one of the fallen buildings, Rorik melts it to water before holding the building up as it creaked. A group of Beavers immediately set sturdy wooden planks underneath the structure to maintain support before tunneling into the ruins for repairs.
Still hiding behind the log that was now charred, the Monarchy Administrators whisper amongst one another and nodding their heads.
Rhino Administrator: "You know, I hear the Grasslands are quite beautiful this time of year." Rhino Guard: "Indeed, much better than cooking in this armor. You know, I think I'll take up farming."
The group scurries off, shedding the sashes and armor that spoke of their titles for the simple life.
Lycor eventually approaches Rorik, greeting him and telling him about the other Harness-Bearers, and their gathering in Lion City.
Seeing the faces of all those close to him, Rorik takes up his sword and rests it on his shoulder. "If it is the best course of action to end this war, then let it be done." Lowering his ancient weapon, he approaches Eliaphet, Byrum, and Beale and extends the blade outward. "For Chima."
Eliaphet lowers her Bulwark. "For Chima." Byrum wipes wood chips from his chin and lowers his mallet. "For Chima." Emerging from his pile of schematics, Beale skips forward and lowers his fruit launcher. "For Chima."
Each weapon touching the tip of another, the band of allies raise them high and proudly shout. "For CHIMA!"
Turning back to Lycor, Rorik smiles. "Are we ready, or are there details to discuss?"