Just as the spears where abouyt to strikem, Silver Raven moved his arm to clutch Swift Fox very close to himself, then made a wide sweeping gesture with his other hand, and a net made of glowing rais of light srpung around him and Swift Fox, encwrapping them both together tightly. The stone javelins smashed upon them but the rays of luight deflected htem, allowing the two Magnakai to survive unschated again even as an hail of stone peppered the ground all around them.

Sun Fox and Water Hornet, meanwhile, had no trouble with the attack as the latter of the two unleashed a strong gust of wind to disperse the falling branches; meanwhile, Sun Fox seemed to have recovered from her previous effort of stopping the etrified tree, for she Focused on her blade for a moment, the weapon wrapping itself in silver fire.

Sabre Fox, meanwhile, directed one of the javelins of stone to land just next to his leg, and then let out a scream of pain as he clutched that same leg and went to his knee, the wind around him deflecting any other stone javelin who could have actually enjured him for real.

Once the deadly debris had stopped falling, Silver Raven was quick to dismiss his net of glowing light and let Swift free to move once again, while Sun Fox tapped Hornet's rapier with the tip of her broadsword, transferring a portion of the silver flames over the blade with a friendly grin.
A loud, terrifying growl of pain and outrage echoed across the forest of Helkona.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Hearing the roar of pain which Fox could only imagine was the predator, he industry strained his ears

I forgot a crucial part of the last update! Sorry about that.

Skryza: CS 32, END 20/40

With the speed and grace of a the proverbial Fox, Sabre Fox charged off
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Swift gave a grin and a wink to Silver Raven before looking back at the others.
"Sun Snake is fighting with the creature now.  Quickly, before it disappears again!" she called out before taking off at a run in the direction she had indicated before, moving as fast as her Kai name would have suggested.


OOC: Yay, nice one Snakie! :D
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Lucky dice roll more than good management! Snake's no fight, as he's about to find out ... :p

Silver Raven blinked in surprise for a oment at Swift Fox, then quickly ran after her, the Dagon's Song glinting in his hand and his features determined.

OOC: Don't worry, reinforcements are on the way! :D
(Just make sure and leave some for Sabre, 'cos I think he's got some frustration that needs working out!) ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

See I was trying to perfectly set up the critter being disrupted, hurt, and running out to then pick on the 'weak' Sabre Fox. Instead it sort of went...wrong... and now the really weak Sun Snake needs the help of the real heroes :(

This is why he hides!

Water Hornet breathed out with relief, seeing both he and Sun Fox were unharmed. He was surprised that she was able to transfer the magic on her blade to his own, but nodded in gratitude, although his facial expression remained serious and concentrated.

The shriek that came from the beast made Hornet spin to face the direction where the sound had come from. Even without his skills, he could tell the beast was in pain; and then he realized not only Sun Snake but also Dawn Sword and Renora Nematah were nowhere to be seen. As others broke into the run, Hornet thought for a moment whether he shouldn't take care of his wound - and he rejected the idea almost immediately. Others had risked their lives to save him - it was time to repay the debt.

As he came to the decision, he felt his psyche reach a strange state of calmness. He was aware he could die in this foul place; it would also mean the Magnamund would have to face an evil that it hadn't seen for some time now; and even if they succeeded they might have to pay a high price (just like with Rain Feather, loss of whom hit the Hornet even though he had barely known her). But instead of making him nervous, the realization forced his mind to reach for the most hidden away resources and pull all available strength together.

Focused on reaching the enemy as quickly as possible, Hornet set off after the others, the heavy limping only emphasizing his determination. As he moved he took a swipe with the flaming blade at the web that covered the ground.

OOC: I'm curious what will flames do to the web that is stretched over the ground...?

Not much - some of the webs are singed and might well eventually burn down in time, but to actually have any meaningful effect on the webbing, you'd have to focus on them specifically, which I'm assuming you're not doing right now.

It didn't took long for the group to reach the area from which the scream had originated. What they found them was a very engaged beast charging at Sun Snake, the long claws clearly ready to strike at the Kai who was protecting himself behind the new shield Swift Fox had made him and was wieldig in his hand a short handled axe whom single blade was surronded by a swiftly dimming glow, small drips of blood falling from its edge on one of the Skryza's leg which was chopped down on the ground.

Sun Fox was the first to charge forward, flaming broadsword held high above her head as she prepared to strike, but it was clear that the monster would still hit Sun Snake first, before any member of the group could hit it themselves.

So, once again you have a turn to attack the monster before it runs away again. Sun Snake, you're in melee and are forced to fight, and your attack will be the first in the strike order - no one will go before you.

Also, a very important point: pushing the monster around - be it with Nexus, with other disciplines, with magic, even with a shoulder tackle - is NOT going to keep the monster from escaping when the turn ends, you cannot "stun it" or any other things like that, it can smash through a stone pillar and keep runnig so nothing can make it "too confused to run" or any such thing. If you want to pin it down, you will need to come up with a solution that can physically keep it from moving, nothing less will suffice.
Up to you to decide what you want your attack to accomplish, wether it is to go for damage or to try and engineer something to keep it down. Good luck! ^_^

Sun Snake seemed to spend more time spinning his axe around in a demonstration than lining up a shot, only his small movements around perhaps showing it to be a way to keep it off balance and reduce the ferocity of the expected attack.

The blade began to glow softly again, creating shadows and glare that Sun Snake seemed to be keen to create.

Sun Snake was fully focused on the creature, and finally made a reckless leap at its leg again that seemed to say that one way or another he didn't expected to come out of the encounter unscathed.

As Swift appeared from between the trees, her mind quickly assessed the situation, making her slow her pace and circle around to the back of the Skryza.
As she saw Sun Snake attack it again, she darted forward, drawing back the Jade Spike and aiming to hit it at the same time as him.

It took Water Hornet just a second to assess the situation. He glanced once at his weapon - encased in the magical flame - and when he looked back at the beast, his legs were already moving.

Out of the corner of the eye he noticed Swift Fox moving to attack and - trying to catch up with her despite his wound -  Hornet rushed forward, shouting at the Kai lady: "Swift, strike like I do!" The young Magnakai was clearly aiming to attack the monster from the rear.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Sun 22 Mar 2015.

Looking forward at the enormous beast, Fox felt his anger beginning to rise at its brutality as power began to flow through him

Evan as Sun Snake moved forward to strike, the glow from the light surrounded his whle body, making his figure leave afterimages in the watchers' eyes for a moment; then the axe struck true, once again biting halfway through one of the monster's legs and sending the severed portion flying with a sprout of blood that hit the older Magakay diagonally across his chest and face.

Letting out a virulent shriek at the injury, the beast striked back at Sun Snake, but the kai deftly directed the blades away from his body with his shield, the tip barely gazing his armour and bouncing off it. even so, the mere strength of the blow was enough to send him flying, smashing into one of the petrified trees with enough strenght to leave him stunned.

But, focused as it was on Sun Snake, the creature had no way to defend itself when Water hornet dashed forward, thrusting his flaming rapier into one of the spider's web-spinners; silk sprouted backwards immediately in response to the attack, but the flames on Hornet's blade burned it thoroughly.

Reacting to this new wound, the Skryza spun on itself, its hindlegs smashing Hornet in the face and sending him toppling to the ground; but in doing so, the monster left it's underbelly opened, and Swift Fox took advantage of that, ducking under the flaying limbs to plant her dagger straight into the monster's abdomen.

The Kai lady was quick to retreat her blade and roll away from underneath the monster, and thus avoided being crushed under its weight, but the motion left her unprepared for her enemy's reaction as the creature speared her to the side of her abdomen and pinning her to the ground, its sharp claws piercing through her red leather armour as if it wasn't even there.

And that was when Sabre Fox struck, the polished blade of Vigilance reflecting his cool glare as it slashed straight through all the legs on the left side of the monster, and then continued onward, opening a deep slash all the way through its underbelly which left its innards fall to the ground with squelching sound of released bloo and the putrid stench of the half digested contents inside.

Sun Fox was only one step behind, and her broadsword hit the creature that was already dead just behind the point where the antlers attached to the body, severing the head and setting both parts on side, which made the sickening smell from the beast even more astounding as its corpse slowly burned down in front of the Magnakai.

Ok, so you won! Well done.

Even so, it wasn't without some hurt. Sun Snake, your CR for the round was -10, and your roll a 6; you also got a +2 inflicted damage and a -2 received damage, which combined together allowed ou to inflct 5 END damage and take only 4, which makes for a successful limb's hacking.

Next was Water Hornet, whom CR was -3 thanks to the gang-up bonus. On his roll of 4, that means that he takes 4 END damage and inflict 9, due to a pretty high +5 damage bonus. You might want to start healing yourself soon?

Swift Fox goes third, with a CR of -6 (again, this is the pretty huge gang-up bonus showing up, it'd have been a -10 otherwise), and receives 4 END damage, while inflicting 4 as well, this thank to the damage bonus for going after Hornet. Also, since Swift rolled a 3, she gets equipment damage - specifically, the Gourgaz Vest's max END is reduced by 1.

Sabre Fox actually rolled a 0, once again proving that even the dice roller bows to his awosemeness where combat is involved; as you all know, that mean he takes no damage no matter his CR, and what damage he does inflict is enough to kill the Skryza - and even if it hadn't been, Sun Fox's contribution would then have sufficed to finish the job anyway.

And with that your enemy is defeated - each of you lose 1 CS due to fatigue, Hornet loses 1 more on behalf of fighting with a limp, and then you're free to put up your next move and your reactions to this fight. I hope it was an entertaining experience! ^_^

With the beast gone, Sun Snake took a moment to rest on a knee, but it was as much the mental toll of the fight as his physical injury.

"Is...everyone alright?" he asked. He then pointed to a vague area of the forest around. "Dawn Sword and Renora are hidden over there, they were knocked unconscious in the battle."

Sun Snake looked around to the canopy, to assess if the battle with the creature had removed the precious cover they had fought so hard to obtain.


Yay! We won! Go Team Killing Innocent Critters Defending Their Home and Stalking Us Because They Were Twisted To By Bad Men!

Swift dragged herself back to her feet, stifling a groan and pressing her hand against the wound.
She examined it and the damage to her armour, a distinctly irritated expression coming over her as she did.
"Great!  I just repaired that!" she muttered, glaring angrily at what remained of the Skryza.

Picking up the Jade Spike, she tucked it back into her belt and looked around at the others.
Her gaze paused on Hornet and she approached him, reaching out towards his injured foot...


OOC: Yep, she's more annoyed about having holes punched through that armour she just repaired back on the ship than about her own injury.
Not sure what sort of condition everyone else is in, but Hornet probably looks in the worst shape...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

There is still enough cover for your purposes.
Silver Raven watched the dead monster with disdain, having been to slow to contribute to its killing, then sheated his blade and moved next to Swift Fox, a worried tone in his voice as he asked:

"How badly does it hurts?"

Having received the blow which had sent him to the ground, Water Hornet scrambled to get back on his feet. By that time, though, the fight was over.

Breathing heavily, the young Magnakai looked around worryingly. The moment he saw Sun Snake pick himself up and Swift Fox curse, Hornet visibly relaxed and sat down on the ground. With haste he pulled off his boot on the injured foot, revealing tattered and bloodied footwraps, which promptly followed the boot.

As Swift Fox approached him, he was already tending to the wound. "It looks worse than it is," he said with an attempt to smile, but then focused completely on his injury.

OOC: I will use Satchwort to restore +5 END and spend 2WP for +4END (using Curing).

Once done with his own wound, Hornet looked at the others. "Anyone's injuries needs attention of a healer?" he asked with genuine concern.

Sun Snake had recovered enough to go move quickly where he had indicated earlier. "Dawn Sword and Renora were knocked unconscious, but the situation and surroundings did not let me see if there were worse injuries involved."


Move the two back in to the clearing, and roll Healing to assess them if no one else comes over.


Sun Snake looked over to Water Hornet. "With the creature dead, will this alter the feel of this area for the animals around? We should make sure lesser animals stay away - so that greater predators or those with the ability to reason do not realise the thing is dead."

Sun Snake also motioned to the creature's body, looking to Silver Raven and Swift Fox to. "If there is a way to mask the creature's death by camouflage or magic or scent, we may wish to do that too. We have fought a hard fight to secure a safe route. Having it discovered and foes at our back would be a shame."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

OOC: That's twice he's refused to be healed by Swift.  Anyone would think he didn't trust the resident crazy stabby psychopath of the team! ;)  hehe.


Swift hesitated and drew back as Hornet saw to his own injuries.
"Ah ok" she mumbled and looked around at the others.

At Silver Raven's question she glanced down at her own wound and shook her head.
"I've had worse" she replied, offering him a reassuring smile.  "Seems to have undone some of that repair work you showed me how to do though" she added.

As Sun Snake moved off to recover Renora and Dawn Sword, Swift quickly attached the mirrored shield to her pack again.
"Maybe I can help if they're hurt" she said, catching up with him.
She looked him over for a moment before speaking up in a low voice.
"Thanks for the help" she said, tapping the side of her head to indicate what she meant.  "Maybe there's more to you than just a strategist after all."
The hint of a smile behind her words made it clear there was a compliment in there somewhere...
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

Sun Snake looked consternated, especially given the two they were tended. "I was arrogant. I directed you to save Silver Raven not thinking the creature might change its target. I should have been there for them." Sun Snake then looked to Swift Fox and gave a small sad smile. "I am glad you managed to save Silver Raven though. And that you trusted me enough that we managed to keep the others safe. We all need to find ways to use our skills together. Lone Wolf was right. There is no foe we cannot defeat, when we all act as one."

Sun Snake seemed to realise something. "The axe. I borrowed it from Frost Ferret, thinking it might be useful to keep Vyctar off balance after the colonel something he said to me. I had thought now to use it to imbed in the creature to give you and Silver Raven a second point to track against, something you could feel even if the creature was at rest."

Sun Snake had an odd calmness about him, and there was still a faint glow around him, that seemed to be strongest from the axe. "Oddly, wielding this reminds me of a simpler time at the monastery, tracking the forest and clearing paths around. I always railed against being away form the order, or civilisation, but I do not recall why."

Sun Snake seemed to come back to himself. "The axe appears to collect sunlight, and channel it as the might of Kai. You can unleash that power in a smiting blow against a foe of darkness - though only one of true evil, not just a poor creature twisted by those of evil. Or you can connect with it in a simpler way. It offers a calm and clarify that is like the pool Sun Fox purified. I felt my powers enriched, and my mind calmed when using it so."

Sun Snake looked to Swift Fox then offered the axe. "I would keep the blade longer, but now I know its power I would offer it back to you. You gained it from Wol-Dumar. You should be the one to decide its fate now we know it is a powerful holy relic."

OOC: That's funny - I didn't realize that, but I'm all too aware that it's also the second time Hornet has been saved by Swift. And you can bet, Hornet's keeping count of such things. :)

When Hornet was done with his own injuries, he stood up and was about to move to look at the two unconscious women, but Snake's question and the fact that Swift also offered her help stopped him.

Thus, the Magnakai Primate moved closer to the beast and examined its remains. "Inhabitants of the forest will eventually notice the predator is gone, and they will be drawn to this area to claim it for themselves." Water Hornet was circling the head of the creature as he went on. "I can't tell how much time we have if do nothing and leave immediately - perhaps hours... But if we do burn the creature - and bury the ashes - we should have a couple of days before its absence is noticed."

Suddenly, Hornet raised his head. "Raven," he addressed the silver-haired Magnakai, "how long it's been since we contacted the Skyrider? Perhaps we should let them now we're still alive and on track with the mission...?"

OOC: Confirmed by GM: if we burn the beast and hide whatever is left, it should give at least two days during which little will change in the Helkona forest.

BTW, Shadow, did you say (in msg #929) that the beast was set on fire ("...its corpse slowly burned...") - that's because of Flaming Blade effect (Sun Fox's broadsword)?

I'm asking not only because that might solve the problem with the corpse - and possibly draw attention of Kraan (???) - but also because I wondered if I could extract something useful from Skryza - I thought of:
- saliva (yellow foam) containing a digestive enzyme that could melt flesh
- contents of spinner glands - I can imagine it to be some substance that solidifies when coming into contact with the oxygen in the air...?
- antlers - perhaps a part can be chipped of to be used...as something (I can't come up with any idea right now, but the things seemed to be very hard)

I could find an empty vial for the first two items. :)

About the fire, you are indeed correct, Hornet. Sun Fox will get to the burning as soon as you're all certain about not wanting to do anything else with the body.

As for the collection of ingredients, that's something I never planned for in the ruels... but I can't see anything wrong with it, so I'll allow it. Although you will have to tell me where you're getting the empty vials from. :)

Each attempt has a DC 7 and costs 2 WP to make, requires having Curing, and you can make as many attempts as you want - although you'll need to be done before Sun Fox has to brun the thing down.

Silver Raven merely raised an eyebrow at Hornet's question and answered, his tone neutral:

"I am keeping up the signals as necessary, don't worry about it."

It was hard to say if the Magnakai was annoyed by his fellow doubting that he was doing his duty - certainly neither his face nor his voice let any emotion through for the others to decipher.

Meanwhile, Sun Fox was waving her hand over the ground, clearly using nexus to push the dirt around and enlarge the hole the Skryza had been sigging, and she added absentmindedly, adressing nobody in particular:

"Let me know when it's time to burn the thing down - I'm preparing the space for the burial in the meanwhile."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:36, Tue 24 Mar 2015.