Darky
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Veritas et Aequitas
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:54:31 GMT -6
Tiny pieces of stone skip down from the statue, accompanied by ever so faint crackles where rock is pushed to it’s limit. Above it, behind it, shielded in between the wings, there’s an amber orb with a slitted middle among the shadows.
It blinks.
Darky flinches, holding out the hand towards the man and backing up. “I think we should leave,” she whispers low, as the man stares up, previous rictus of horror taking over his face again.
The shadowy form shifts, grows, the statue groaning under the weight as suddenly a paw appears in the moonlight, then the other foot, with long talons. A bony maw extends into the light, filled with teeth and spittle, and the skull-like features end in hungry eyes beneath a trio of horns.
She knows the form. She knows the creature.. But this is the biggest (And meanest) she’s ever seen one. “Scratch that,” she grabs the man’s arm, “We need to run.” Then turns and pulls him with her, back into the ball room.
(16)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:56:35 GMT -6
A loud screeching sounds from behind them, more a wail of something otherworldly than a mere shriek. The sphinx doesn’t stop to cover her ears, but she won’t need to - no sooner does the sound run through the Tower, that it’s replaced by panicked murmuring and alerted screaming of the guests inside. It began slow, as many looked towards the garden’s ruckus with some interest, while others considered it part of the entertainment - It is Vai Min Mur, after all.
But then, as the mammalian and human rush inside and the creature climbs down from the statue, hunger in it’s eyes, the realization dawns and people turn to shuffled towards any space where they could instinctually hide, while others try to run for the entrance.
(using as reference)
Stamina: 14 Strength: 5 Resistance: 3 Dexterity: 3 Mentality: 0
HP: 140/140
Special Abilities: Endurance, Glide, Keen Senses Moves: Claw, Crunch, Bone Shift, Devour
The panic whips up a change in the air, adding fear into the scent on the wind, and the creature becomes all the more drawn to it. The sphinx and groundskeeper rush through the archways and she pulls him into one of the alcoves, out of sight.
“I assume this isn’t part of the show?” she asks him, breathing heavy. The wide eyes of panic answer the question even before he weakly shakes his head no. Darky sighs, “Was afraid of that..”
(17)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:57:32 GMT -6
Looking around, it didn’t seem as thought anyone else was stepping up to the plate to face the thing down. What pets people had with them were small and more for companionship, than battle. The ground-keeper, too, seemed far to terrified to mount any sort of defence of the Tower (And there had been no-one the sphinx thought to identify as the Archmage in all of this, so who even knew if they were aware of it).
So, it landed to one simple decision. “Stay here, and first chance you get, make for the door, alright?” she tells the man, and when there’s a weak, but understandable nod from him, she rushed out from the alcove. (There would be time enough to gloat about this to the agate later).
The creature was pushing in through the archways, though they prove to be just that bit small enough to cause it be slowed. It bought her time, but not much. The guests nearest to the arches panicked and ran across to the opposite side. Whatever happened, she couldn’t let it break into the room itself. So she rushed to the side, making it for the furthest arch. There’s a greenish flash of arcane energy, pieces of the stone floor coming up to shield her. The taloned hand swiped through the air to shatter the stone with relative ease. Panic floods through for a moment, causing the talons to stop at another barrier just beneath, mere inches from her flesh.
Not stopping, the sphinx rushed outside, extending the hand to her side. “Shadowbane!”
(18)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:00:15 GMT -6
There was a noise of air being displaced from her side, muffled by the shriek of the creature as it tore itself free from the arches. Even while running, she felt the heavy thud of feet not just behind her, but a little to the side, as empathic lines suddenly snapped in line to her fear and there was a different kind of shriek - Cèasadh had landed.
Cèasadh (male) Stamina: 8 (+3) Strength: 7 Resistance: 5 Dexterity: 4 (+1 Gym) Mentality: 3
HP: 110/110
Special Abilities: Fly, (Swim), Water Resistance, Shadow Resistance, Nightvision, Danger Sense, Hardy, Endurance, Empathic Link (Loyalty) Moves: (Climb), (Gash), Ebil Nom, Phase Out, (Horn Strike), Shadow Strike, Screech, Dash, Rend, Vanish, Wing Buff Tricks: Name, Come, No, Stay
The disorientation from the teleporting passed quickly as emotions poured in - fear, excitement, determination, adrenaline. The drake whipped around at the creature, jaws parting into a threatening hiss, black teeth oozing black spittle.
“Cèas, strike!” the sphinx called as she rounded behind the dragon’s statue, hoping to break the creature’s line of sight. Just as well, the drake was now a far more important target.
Cèasadh’s eyes clouded over black as he extended claws and raked into the Corpse Construct’s shadow cast by the moonlight.
Cèasadh uses Shadow Strike. 5d10 vs. 3d10 = 28 (6, 5, 4, 4, 9) vs. 17 (6, 3, 8) Shadow Strike hits. 3d4 (mentality) + 1d4 (shadow strike) = 9 (1, 4, 4) + 4 (4) = 13 dmg (shadow) 13 dmg - 0 mnt = 13 dmg Corpse Construct takes 13 dmg (127 HP left) Corpse Construct will skip its next turn.
The wrenching motion stopped the creature dead in it’s tracks, a pained growl escaping as it pulled and tugged against something invisible, the shadows themselves preventing it from charging forward.
Corpse Construct skips its turn due to Shadow Strike.
(19) Cèasadh: 93 (3/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:01:39 GMT -6
The leering attention of the undead creature turned to focus entirely on the drake now. A factor much more eerie still by the fact that it wasn’t just the head of the beast that seemed to focus in, but other eyes, mouths, faces, dotting the creature’s body. The sphinx had raised Amrita from a hatchling, and so the general.. ‘acquiring’ nature of Corpse Constructs wasn’t unknown to her. This one, tho.. this one was much larger than Amrita, and much more.. evolved. It also seemed to be almost feral, as she could see no one person come forward to control it, and no-one close enough outside to be giving it orders.
Feral creatures were at times that much more dangerous than their tamed counterparts. Where training could enhance their capability beyond normal, a feral creature wasn't tethered to any one command (Or sense of right and wrong). This one just saw a pile of food on legs, and didn't hesitate to go for it.
"Cèas, attack!" she called from her hiding place. Either the drake had to subdue it, or keep it busy enough for the party guests to make it out alright. At the call, the drake hissed and launched itself at the creature, claws raking at the flesh around it's face and neck.
Céasadh uses Rend. 5d10 vs. 3d10 = 14 (3, 2, 2, 6, 1) vs. 12 (1, 4, 7) Rend hits. 7d4 (strength) + 6d4 (Rend) = 16 (1, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3, 3) + 14 (4, 2, 4, 1, 1, 2) = 30 dmg (physical) 30 dmg - 3 rst = 27 dmg. Corpse Construct takes 27 dmg (100 HP left)
The hits were solid, even as the creature almost pulled itself out of reach, tearing away at the already ruined-looking skin to expose more of the undeadly inside. The creature growled in anger, slashing out with a claw in return.
Corpse Construct uses Claw. Cèasadh’s Danger Sense activates. Claw misses.
But Céasadh had been well trained, sensing the retaliation to kick off and back, using his wings to give an extra boost of speed.
(20) Cèasadh: 93 (4/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:02:43 GMT -6
Darky huddled behind the statue, catching glimpses of the battle from between the dragon's feet, trying to keep low in the process. Beyond the squabbling creatures, the archways still showed shocked faces staring at the fight rather than running, and inwardly she grimaced. No, no.. You all should run! Stop staring and start running!
But there was no point in shouting that across, lest the creature take notice. Instead she focused all her emotional connection into a single guiding purpose for Cèasadh - Keep attacking, take it down. It wasn't difficult to do, the drake was already starting to get into the heat of the battle, eyes staying darkened over from the shadow attack. Sooner or later, he knew, there would be warmth paid as his reward, even if this thing was cold and tasteless right now.
The drake launched into the corpse construct, claws and teeth ripping at wings and legs, as the creature braced for the impact.
Cèasadh uses Rend. 5d10 vs. 3d10 = 33 (10, 3, 1, 9, 10) vs. 19 (10, 7, 2) Rend hits. 7d4 (strength) + 6d4 (Rend) = 13 (4, 1, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2) + 15 (2, 3, 3, 1, 4, 2) = 28 dmg (physical) 28 dmg - 3 rst = 25 dmg. Corpse Construct takes 25 dmg (75 HP left)
With a final kick, the drake sent it tumbling into the low garden wall, crackling some of the stone there. As the creature got back onto it's feet, the sound continued, mimicked, amplified.. made more organic. Cèasadh backed up, as the sphinx stared at the creature, as it casually and simply re-arranged its bones, locking them back into place where the drake had ripped them out of their socket. Skin extending to cover areas where claws had cut.
Corpse Construct uses Bone Shift. Bone Shift heals Corpse Construct for 3 Stamina. Corpse Construct heals 30 points (105 HP left)
(21) Cèasadh: 94 (0/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:03:38 GMT -6
She had seen this sight before, but only in glimpses and accidents - Nightmare had done this sometimes, never quite so coherently as this creature, but it made sense in hindsight. The creature was a Corpse Construct, a living collection of undead parts, so why would it not know how to restructure itself back together?
Hitting again and again and again might not be enough, if it simply healed itself back up from every strike. No, they needed to try something different, something to pack a stronger punch, to outmatch the healing. "Cèas, fly!" she called, ducking behind the dragon statue shortly after. The drake disengaged from the creature, backed up, turning, then making a run for it as his wings extend. The garden wasn't large, at least when a drake's broad wingspan was concerned, so he needed a bit of a running start to get going.
Cèasadh uses Fly. His dexterity is now 10.
The creature growled, clambering after the drake, thinking it to try escape. Darky almost let out a yelp when a sudden thud shook the statue and the ground around it. She stared upwards, loose rock and pebbles falling from above, as the shadow of the creature passed over her.. and after the drake.
Corpse Construct uses Glide. Its dexterity is now 5.
(22) Cèasadh: 94 (1/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:04:39 GMT -6
It was.. flying? No, not quite.. The wings hadn't been large enough, they couldn't have carried all that bulk so easily. The sphinx leaned forward, squinting into the darkness above where the two creatures now battled. Where Cèasadh was practising true flight, the creature dipped and dived, more awkward, more unsure.. more at the mercy of gravity and physics.
Gliding, it was gliding, not flying. The wings weren't big enough to carry it fully, but it could make use of the inertia to remain airborne all the same. If nothing else it meant the beast wouldn't see the inside of the ball room as well.. but likewise it meant it really needed to stay to the back of the Tower, lest it simply pick up any fleeing guests rushing outside at the front.
She passed on the empathic sense to hunt, of caution and secrecy, then took the chance to bolt for the arches again. The drake responded, form shimmering and seeming to disappear, much to the annoyance of the beast.
Cèasadh uses Vanish.
Irritated, it dives down to the last spot the drake was still spotted, jaws snapping at the air.
Corpse Construct uses Crunch. Vanish causes Corpse Construct to have half Dexterity. 3d10 vs. 10d10 = 20 (8, 8, 4) vs. 63 (10, 6, 3, 9, 1, 7, 6, 9, 8, 4) Crunch misses.
And coming away with nothing. In flight, the drake had little trouble angling away from the much more cumbersome Construct.
(23) Cèasadh: 94 (2/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:05:27 GMT -6
Once inside again, the sphinx immediately skid in front of the alcove, prompting a startled shriek from the man as she suddenly appeared. "It's alright!" she quickly tried to settle the grounds-keeper, "The drake is keeping it busy, but we really need to get these people somewhere safe. Don't have them go outside, this thing can fly and it will pick them off one by one. Get any remaining guests inside and take them to the balcony above. Whatever you do, make sure the creature doesn't see any more living things around, alright? Everybody has to stay out of sight."
The man didn't register even half of the words, until several seconds had passed (And there was a loud thud against the Tower, where the construct had used it as a launchpad to keep gliding). Then there was a weak, but increasing nod, "Inside.. Balcony.. Yes, yes.. Out of sight, safe."
"Good man," the sphinx smiled encouragingly, tapping him on the shoulder, "Now go! Hop to it. We'll try to keep the thing busy." When the man rushed off to gather the guests, the sphinx turned and ran back to the arches. Stopping between them, she called out to the above, where the battle still continued. "Cèas! Gust!"
The drake banked, flipping around mid-air to turn at the on-coming Construct. To normal sight he was invisible, merely a faint shimmer in the air. The wings arched back and suddenly pushed forward, buffeting the construct with a headwind.
Céasadh uses Wing Buff. Vanish ends, granting +4 dexterity for the attack. Corpse Construct's Keen Senses negates +4 dexterity. 10d10 vs. 5d10 = 65 (3, 7, 8, 10, 4, 10, 9, 10, 3 ,1) vs. 29 (6, 4, 8, 6, 5) Wing Buff hits. 10d4 (dexterity) = 22 (3, 2, 3, 2, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 3) dmg (wind) 22 dmg - 3 rst = 19 dmg. Corpse Construct takes 19 dmg (86 HP left)
But the creature seemed to move even before Cèasadh was properly in place, suddenly turning in its glide, dropping quickly to avoid the worst of it. The dive became a momentum built to swoop back up, jaws hungrily trying to tear into the drake.
Corpse Construct uses Crunch. 5d10 vs. 10d10 = 23 (1, 2, 10, 1, 9) vs. 40 (2, 1, 3, 5, 3, 1, 6, 10, 2, 7) Crunch misses.
(24) Cèasadh: 94 (3/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:06:19 GMT -6
Cèasadh, now fully visible, pulled back with a quick kick of wings and dropped down under the creature, avoiding the slow attack with relative ease. He was being the faster of the two.. but the construct had something about it that had made the attack almost fail. Darky squinted, trying to make sense of the anatomy as the two duelled in the moonlight. It hit her a little too late - the eyes.. The faces, the mouths.. The construct doesn't have just one face to pay attention to, it has several. Cèasadh's usual tricks might not work so well against this beast.
The drake's assault continued while she worked on figuring out an angle. Now under the construct, the drake's own neck extended in a sharp and sudden strike, jaws aimed towards the creature's tails.
Cèasadh uses Crunch. 10d10 vs. 5d10 = 58 (8, 4, 7, 6, 2, 10, 6, 4, 9, 2) vs. 23 (4, 2, 7, 5, 5) Crunch hits. 7d4 (strength) + 6d4 (Crunch) = 15 (2, 2, 1, 3, 3, 1, 3) + 18 (3, 3, 4, 3, 4, 1) = 33 dmg (physical) 33 dmg - 3 rst = 30 dmg. Corpse Construct takes 30 dmg (56 HP left)
Black teeth sunk into flesh, tearing ligament and crushing through the bone. The creature roared, wrenching free and kicking the drake free of itself. One of the tails hung limply, looking about ready to fall off, but as the construct drew away, body convulsing, a series of crackles and pops simply re-aligned it again, making it move as normal, while wounds elsewhere closed slowly.
Corpse Construct uses Bone Shift. Bone Shift heals Corpse Construct for 3 Stamina. Corpse Construct heals 30 points (86 HP left)
(25) Cèasadh: 94 (4/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:07:06 GMT -6
The sight made the sphinx frown. Damnit.. Cèas was certainly dealing his fair share of damage, and the creature was looking more and more ragged, but if it simply kept continuing like this, they would be here all night.. And between them, the drake might tire first, given he was still very much living and breathing as normal, as opposed to the relentless endurance of an undead.
One more try, one more hit and then they can try something else.. She guided the drake to attack again, moving back inside and up to the balcony, where most of the remaining guests had now gathered. The lights within the ball room had dimmed, some of the lanterns having fallen from the ceiling when the creatures impacted the tower. Another jolt goes through her feet, sending a wave of small gasps of fear through the huddled guests, as she rushed to stand next to the window.
The battle outside took place in the skies, further from her vision at the archway. Inside, it was just behind the very windows, letting her see the situation better. Some types of magic could be used to one's advantage, even if their original purpose was simply to impress. The drake spun in the air, turning around on himself to dive at the creature once more, teeth ripping and snapping at flesh and bone.
Cèasadh uses Crunch. 10d10 vs. 5d10 = 58 (5, 5, 8, 10, 3, 7, 10, 3, 6, 1) vs. 26 (9, 2, 6, 2, 7) Crunch hits. 7d4 (strength) + 6d4 (Crunch) = 19 (2, 4, 1, 4, 2, 2, 4) + 11 (2, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1) = 30 dmg (physical) 30 dmg - 3 rst = 27 dmg. Corpse Construct takes 27 dmg (59 HP left)
The construct, in turn, tried to turn around and bite back, crabbing and clawing at the quicker foe.
Corpse Construct uses Crunch. 5d10 vs. 10d10 = 22 (7, 10, 2, 1, 2) vs. 72 (9, 10, 6, 5, 6, 9, 6, 10, 4, 7) Crunch misses.
(26) Cèasadh: 95 (0/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:08:05 GMT -6
Regardless of its ability to glide, the drake pushed off before the jaws were able to even reach him. Darky squints, seeing the beginning of shifting bones, the threat of it simply healing itself again, even after the beating it just took. Now.. It would have to be now, before it could finish healing. The empathic command comes through as diversion, as something stopping, at coldness and darkness and a sudden sting.
Cèasadh leered with delight, folding his wings and diving at where the shadow of the beast played against the side of the tower. It followed, seeming to think the drake to flee again, but Cèasadh struck first. Slamming into the side of the Tower, his claws sunk into the shadow of the construct and wrenched.
Cèasadh uses Shadow Strike. 10d10 vs. 5d10 = 49 (10, 5, 4, 1, 7, 4, 7, 1, 6, 4) vs. 20 (4, 3, 3, 4, 6) Shadow Strike hits. 3d4 (mentality) + 1d4 (shadow strike) = 6 (1, 2, 3) + 3 (3) = 9 dmg (shadow) 9 dmg - 0 mnt = 9 dmg Corpse Construct takes 9 dmg (50 HP left) Corpse Construct will skip its next turn.
The creature's glide suddenly faltered, stiffening as it hit the Tower next to the drake, bouncing off with a pained shriek, before it was able to regain control of its flight. Inside, the people huddle against the pillars between the windows, each guest trying their best to avoid a scream, even as the Tower shakes from both impacts.
Corpse Construct skips its turn due to Shadow Strike.
(27) Cèasadh: 95 (1/5)
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Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:08:48 GMT -6
"Not likely to heal from that one, are you.." the sphinx whispers, relieved to have seen it work. The creature is certainly looking more and more rough with each impact, especially ones it can't undo. The motion of its glide becomes erratic, as if it's merely trying to remain airborne, struggling, rather than having any particular goal in mind.
She wills the drake into one more attack. With luck, it might be enough to knock it out of the skies. With even more luck, it might even be enough to incapacitate it. The drake pushed himself off of the Tower, and launched downward, claws extended, like night-time sickles of a shadow hawk.
Cèasadh uses Rend. 10d10 vs. 5d10 = 49 (5, 2, 5, 2, 2, 10, 2, 4, 7, 10) vs. 29 (9, 4, 5, 10, 1) Rend hits. 7d4 (strength) + 6d4 (Rend) = 19 (3, 3, 3, 2, 3, 4, 1) + 16 (1, 4, 1, 3, 3, 4) = 35 dmg (physical) 35 dmg - 3 rst = 33 dmg. Corpse Construct takes 33 dmg (17 HP left)
The impact was strong enough, the ground close enough, that he takes the construct ouf of the skies, and into the dragon statue itself. A cloud of dust erupts, the sound of stone shattering and breaking, and the sphinx pushed away from the window, rushing down the stairs to the archways again, when she skids to a stop and stares ahead.
A large cloud of dust, dirt and rubble hung in the middle of the garden.. and a winged figured emerges like a shadow within.
(28) Cèasadh: 95 (2/5)
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Darky
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Veritas et Aequitas
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:09:13 GMT -6
She counted two horns on the shadow, and two wings much larger than the stunted little pieces the construct had. Relief washes over as Cèasadh raises up from the dust, letting loose a shriek of triumph, wings extending far outside. In front of him, there's a rumble, a growl, part pain, part anger, part.. fear. The Construct lumbers to its feet slowly, painfully, pieces of stone and dragon statue stuck between ribs and joins, unable to heal back into place due to the obstruction. It's yellow eyes seek around itself, for any sort of warmth, for prey..
It sees the mammalian in the doorway - food - but the drake it between it and her. The room beyond? Cold.. Empty.. Nothing. Not worth it. Desperation creeps into its features and it backs up, awkward and injured. Not worth it. Not worth it. No food here, no reason to fight the drake.
With one final hiss as a warning, the Construct turns and runs, disappearing into the shadows of the garden, and beyond. Cèasadh leers, dropping down to give chase, but the sphinx stops him. "No, Cèas. It's alright, you did good. Let is go."
There were more important matters to attend to, after all.
(29) Cèasadh: 95 (3/5)
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Darky
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Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 11:09:53 GMT -6
With the Construct dispatched, she has him circle the Tower and keep an eye out for any other approaching dangers, while she heads inside. Up on the balcony, the guests seem about as shaken as before, though many who huddled near the windows seem to have faces of relief, having seen the scene below unfold. The grounds-keeper rushes up, his face asking a dozen different questions, and the sphinx simple smiles back tiredly, "Yes, it should be safe now. The beast has run off, back to wherever it came from."
A murmur of relief begins to rise among the guests, as they slowly start to rise and picked themselves up, making their way down the stairs once more. Darky and the keeper stand aside, an awkward pause passing between them, before the sphinx says "So, ah, I'm going to assume it's best to keep this on the down-low as well..?"
The grounds-keeper looks defeated and all-too-tired. He sighs, "I believe this one wouldn't be so easy.. But I thank you for your assistance all the same."
She nods, understanding. Accidentally letting loose a house pet in the basement while the master is away is a little different to having your house party crashed by the undead equivalent of a feral bear. You can't really clean up that one so easily..
In the end, Céas was tasked with flying overhead of the guests returning to town, to ensure there would be nothing else stalking them along the way. The grounds-keeper assured the Tower would have appropriate wards and safety measures in place in short order, but the sphinx figured to alert the Sentinels to a potential feral Construct roaming the outskirts all the same.
All in all, certainly one of the most eventful Vai Min Mur's she's had so far.
(30) - (added) Cèasadh: 95 (4/5)
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