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Post by Faro/Blade on May 17, 2023 13:07:07 GMT -6
A tanned Hylian man with a burly build and a thick black mustache reached out with a careful hand o brush the lid of a metal chest with his fingertips. He recoiled quickly, but the lack of radiating heat emboldened him. He pressed his fingers against it, then the palm of his hand, running it across the warm metal. Cool enough for the men, and more importantly the wagons, to handle. He turned towards the Foothill Stable and saw his boss, a Gerudo in a regal purple cloak, already engaged in a conversation with the stable owner. "Start the loading boys, let's not disturb the boss 'til we're ready to roll out." He turned to a red-haired man with multiple facial scars who'd been watching the southern ridgeline closely. "You asleep, Malachi? It's time to load the boxes."
Malachi hesitated, turning his body but not his gaze away from the mountain. He had heard the reports of monster activity over that ridge, and they were transporting cargo that monsters would love to get their hands on. His instincts wouldn't let him take his eyes off the threat. Malachi tightened his grip on the dagger hanging from his hip.
"Get a move on, boss wants us underway before the sun gets too high." Before Malachi could respond, a child with curly black hair and blue eyes poked his head out from the top of the rear wagon.
"Go help Bek, I'll keep an eye out." Malachi looked up to see his "older" brother, Alexandros. Alexandros moved to the driver's seat of the wagon and looked out at the same ridge with a small spyglass. Malachi turned and picked up one of the metal chests.
"Split em up, half in one cart, half in the other." The tanned Hylian nodded his head in the direction of the front wagon.
"Got it." Malachi made his way toward the front wagon and set the chest in the cargo space.
"I think we're gonna have company on this one." Al whispered. Malachi glanced over his shoulder at him, looking slightly confused.
"You said you were keeping watch." Unlike Al he didn't bother to stifle his voice.
"I am," Al "whispered". "But before that, I was watching them." Al subtly pointed toward a group of Gorons talking amongst themselves. "Doesn't sound like they trust us."
"They already do." He shrugged a little and walked back to grab another chest. Al rolled his eyes. This is what made Malachi the "younger" brother, alright.
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Post by Mike/Rolaka on May 18, 2023 0:30:01 GMT -6
"...Are they finished talking over there? I'm getting antsy," one of the Gorons griped.
"Patience, brother. You know Hylians do things differently than us," another replied.
"Huh, yeah. Inefficiently."
"Knock it off, Klad," the third and final Goron, Rolaka, ordered. "The Elders want us on our best behavior for this job."
"Actually, brother... I think the Elders meant that for you specifically," the second Goron teased.
Rolaka gave an annoyed growl, "Boka..." and his brother relented with a stifled giggle.
Klad, Boka, and Rolaka were the three Goron warriors chosen for this assignment. They were to provide extra security detail for this caravan, which carried an collection of raw precious metals intended as a gift for the Royal Family, as well as Goron Bracelets for the Gerudo to help strengthen their warriors. The Goron Elders made certain to emphasize its importance and tasked the three with securing the caravan's passage with the cargo both intact and accounted for. Rolaka's reputation preceded him, but then there was Klad and Boka. Both were skilled pit-fighters in their own right, but their passions lay outside the ring. Klad, shorter and stockier than most Gorons, was training to be a full-fledged master of arms proficient in many styles of fighting. Multiple metal plates were strapped to his arms for protection and he wore a custom Goron-made barbute on his wide head. His weapon of choice for the day was the Goron's own Cobble Crusher, a thick iron slab with a handle (as the Hylian's described it). Boka was the youngest of the three, with a height in-between his brothers and of a leaner build. His voice was softer than the usual gruff tones of his race, and fancied himself something of a diplomat. Boka loved learning the other cultures of Hyrule and hoped to explore the Kingdom someday. This behavior invited a fair amount of teasing from his brethren, but he could take their jabs and dish some back of his own. Despite his approachable personality, he was a Goron after all, and did battle with his fists just like Rolaka.
As the caravan company began to load up the wagons, Rolaka pointed his finger. "Go help them with the cargo. Follow their instructions and be careful with their stuff." He turned his head to Boka, "Just don't ask too many questions." Boka shot him a cheeky smile made his way over. Rolaka glanced at Klad, "And don't make an ass of yourself."
"Heh. Heh. Heh..." Klad laughed knowingly, his appetite for battle had come across as unnerving in previous dealings with Hylians.
Klad strode over to the wagons, leaving Rolaka on his own to ponder the caravan leader, a Gerudo woman. Rolaka had seen a scant few of them visiting Death Mountain, and each one was fierce. Despite her regal attire and feminine physique, the way she carried herself belied her true origins. She was a fighter, Rolaka could tell, but something told him not to inquire further. He opted to simply wait and see.
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Post by Faro/Blade on May 19, 2023 17:47:44 GMT -6
Bek glanced sideways as the two Gorons approached. One of them was built like a boulder, even for a Goron, and the extra armor and weapons gave him a well-earned sense of confidence, though he wondered if it didn't tread some distance into arrogance as well. The other one was smaller, and if the hour were a bit later and the ale were more present, he might say he could take him on in a fair fight. Subtly, he elbowed the man next to him and continued to work as though he hadn't seen them. The other men passed the message along redoubled efforts to work quietly, but Malachi was far less subtle. He fixed his gaze on the Gorons whenever he returned from loading the front wagon, glancing at their weapons and builds. If it was Bek or the boss doing it, it would be obvious that they were taking notes. Malachi was different. He seemed to simply carry a genuine curiosity regarding the newcomers.
A swish of a quill across a parchment on the innkeeper's desk concluded the boss's business with the stablehands. She pulled a small pouch of rupees from her within her royal purple cloak, and left them on the desk as she turned to approach Rolaka. He would notice that her features were sharp, even for a Gerudo. Her cloak hid most of her physique, but the way she moved would tell him that she was exceptionally quick, and that the shortswords he saw at her hips weren't just for show. Like Rolaka, the boss had a keen eye for fighters and authority figures.
"Sav'otta*." She nodded her up to Rolaka, in recognition of a fellow warrior. "I was not informed of your arrival, but I can see that each of you are seasoned warriors." She looked to Klad and Boka as they made their way down. "I must remind your Elder that the Marching Molduga does not hire external security forces, or accept volunteer security from clients." She let the statement hang in the air and waited for the Goron to respond.
(*Good morning)
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Post by Mike/Rolaka on May 22, 2023 16:25:38 GMT -6
"Hello, friends!" Boka smiled and waved. "Would you like some assistance with your cargo?" But the caravanners only stared back in between loads, curious of the two strange Gorons before them. Boka's smile faded during the awkward silence.
Klad leaned in and said, "I don't think they need our help." He nudged Boka and they both turned away.
Boka sighted the caravan leader walking up to Rolaka, "Why don't we ask her? Maybe she will let us-"
Klad, however, took notice of how she nodded, and understood implicitly. He grabbed Boka by the shoulder before he could go further. "Save the pleasantries for the Royal Family, Boka," he pointed a pudgy finger at them. "That is a meeting between seasoned veterans. Let Rolaka handle this."
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Rolaka pondered the Gerudo's words. He could tell they both understood each other as warriors and professionals, and elected to get straight to the point. "We are not here to get paid, nor are we volunteers. Us three are part of the deal, we are to present the raw metals to the Royal Family." He pointed a thumb in Boka's direction, "With the skinny one there being our acting ambassador." Rolaka did not bother with their names yet, it was a trifle to the Gerudo woman. Her concern was their very presence. "To tell the truth, I find it rather hypocritical that our Elder has been pushing for Goron integration with the Kingdom without having left the caves of our City. For if he did, he would see that you are all professionals and have little doubts about your ability.
"That said, our own scouts have been giving us troubling reports from the Field. Monsters with jet black skin, their hides are as thick as armor and patience as thin as air..." He paused for a moment as his voice grew dour. "At least, those who've made it back tell us... Let not our presence be an insult to your reputation, but rather a testament to the power of our enemy. We will not fight for you, but by your side," Rolaka made a fist for emphasis.
"After all, it's all part of the deal."
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Eldrin/Vai
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on May 22, 2023 23:26:51 GMT -6
Kalin perched atop the ridge and observed the foothills around him. In one of his feathered hands, he held the shaft of a long spear, the head of which was buried halfway into the chest of an aerocuda. The haft was heavily decorated, with alternating multicolored bands, glass beads, and with three feathers.
Each feather was from a Rito close to him. One was coarse and iridescent black. Another was a vibrant blue and achingly soft to the touch. The final flared out in a wild rhythmic pattern of red and yellow, and its shape was as fiery as its color. The three feathers were tied about a foot below the spearhead, low enough to not be stained with blood even now as they dangled upside down above the wound in the aerocuda’s hide.
Kal’s unwavering gaze scanned the landscape, searching for bokoblins and moblins, or even lizalfos camouflaged amongst the rocks. Those were common dangers, and he did not worry much about them. However, he had heard rumors of dark creatures with black hides stalking the roads. He searched for those most of all. He saw nothing.
That made him suspicious.
He pulled his spear from the aerocuda and wiped the blade with one of the beast's soft leathery wings. Then he plucked a single feather from the crest atop his head and placed it upon the aerocuda’s breast. The feather, gray and fringed with black on one side, began to stain with blood.
"Time to head back," he said to the feathers. "The Moldugas will soon march."
He attached his spear to the sling that he wore around one shoulder and shifted it onto his back. Then with a great leap, he soared into the air, his long wings beating powerfully against the air. He soared for a short time over the foothills of Death Mountain. As he took in the majesty of the great mountain he felt his breath catch at the beauty of it. A great mountain of fire, so different from the mountains of ice and snow from which he hailed.
He wished he could stay up here a while longer. There was a freedom to the air that most Hylians, Goron, and Zora never got to experience. He was saddened by that thought. He did not pity them, as that was a cruel emotion by his reasoning. He did, though, wish they could see the world as he could.
However, even he could not fly forever. Rania was expecting a report. Or maybe she was not. He had not told her that he would be scouting. He did not work for the Marching Moldugas. He was a paying customer, in fact. Rania had expressed that they did not accept help from their clients. Kal understood that. It made sense, it was easier to trust and rely upon people from one’s own flock. Still, he could not sit still and wait around while others did all the work. It was not in his nature.
As he glided toward the ground he saw the caravan boss, Rania, in conversation with an imposing Goron. He fluttered his wings with a few soft flaps to slow himself as he landed near them. They were discussing business- not his business- so he landed far enough away from the two of them that he was clearly not entering their conversation, but close enough that it was obvious that he wished to speak with the boss at her earliest convenience.
Kal was no stranger to authority, and he knew that this Gerudo was not one to be interrupted.
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Post by Faro/Blade on May 23, 2023 1:03:48 GMT -6
The boss's words about customer service rang in Bek's ears. He was certainly no good at it, but he could tell Malachi had a thousand questions. Now was as good a time as any to let him ask a few. "Ahem. My apologies, sirs. We're on a tight schedule and have little time to chat." His speech was rather stilted and he stood at attention. It was clear this was a script he'd rehearsed no more than a few times. "Now that the cargo is in our hands, it is our policy that no outsiders - erm, outside parties - are allowed to handle it until the delivery is complete. This security is the Molduga guarantee." His face betrayed that there was more of the speech, but he'd said his piece. "If you have any questions, please direct them to my associate, Malachi." He gestured to the scarred man with red hair. Inquistive green eyes observed the both of them. Out of all the Molduga's they'd seen, he was by far the odd man out, and that was including the kid watching the ridge. They could tell he was holding back, and waiting for them to speak first.
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Rania was in the middle of thinking through Rolaka's response when she felt the air swirl around her as Kal came in for a landing. For anyone else, this would be a difficult situation to explain. One client already being denied in their offer of unofficial security services seeing another client apparently performing said services would have painted any other caravanner as a hypocrite at best. Luckily for the Moldugas, the boss was no other caravanner. "It is a relief to see in one piece, sir. Now that you have returned, I will only need to say this once." She turned to best address both of them at once. "As passengers of the Marching Molduga Caravan Company, the four of you are under my protection. In order to guarantee that protection, you must consider the capabilities of my men before taking actions of your own. Unfortunately, this caravan has no men of your respective peoples. Unless the situation is dire, you must keep in mind the capabilities of my own staff, and adjust yourselves accordingly. She turned to Rolaka specifically. "Your Elder wishes to provide your services for the protection of these goods. We will go one step further and deliver the three of you without a scratch. Once we take to the road, send a message to your Elder that I will extend this service as a token of my appreciation, this time." Her tone was clear. This was a favor, and favors were meant to be repaid. She nodded down to Rolaka, closing the matter and continuing to her next order of business. She walked past the Rito, nodding her head towards the front wagon as she moved. When he fell into step, she continued in a quieter tone. "Report." It would be too harsh to berate him further, and any discoveries he'd made would only make her mission easier.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on May 23, 2023 23:11:37 GMT -6
Kalin did not cast his eyes downward as Rania spoke. He wanted to, but that was not the warrior's way. Despite her diplomatic tone, he knew this was a reprimand, and he felt shame like a stone in his gut. He should have more discipline. He was not a fledgling, and so he did not have any excuse for flying off to follow a wild impulse. Still, he would not apologize. The caravan boss had no use for apologies, and he would not waste her time with them. What was needed here was compliance and respect. He could do that.
Then Rania walked past him and nodded her head toward the front of the caravan. He followed, matching her brisk pace.
"Report." She said, her voice low enough that only he hear. That was pragmatic of her, using the resources in front of her... even the ones she had not wanted.
"There's a moblin encampment about four miles off of the road, at the base of one of the foothills. Signs of life inside, but little more. They aren't sending out patrols, from what I could see. Nor are they hunting or foraging. In fact, I saw nothing upon the roads. No lizalfos. Not even a chuchu. The only creature I saw was a lone aerocuda, which I dispatched." He stopped walking as they came up behind the lead wagon. Kal met the Gerudo's gaze.
"I find it all unsettling, Rania. This may just be the paranoia of an old Rito, but all of my instincts are on high alert. I think there's something out there... something even monsters fear." Kal said no more. His report was finished, and he was not one to ramble on. He simply stood there, wings folded behind his back, waiting to be dismissed.
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Post by Faro/Blade on May 29, 2023 3:18:10 GMT -6
Rania quietly considered Kal's words. It was one thing for monsters to mill about their camps without any apparent task or purpose, and guarding behavior wasn't unheard of from any of the monster varieties. Yet this complete silence was unheard of. If there were a Hinox sleeping in the road, a pride of Lynel passing through the area, or a successful and recent attempt to cull the creatures in the nearby cave systems, she could understand. Kal's report made it seem as though they had simply vanished, or worse: retreated. Even the rumors they had heard previously were proven false by his flight. It bothered her. It bothered her very much and were she not already in the position of having to play a bit rough with the Gorons, she would have delayed a day or two to see if conditions would normalize. Time worked against them today, though, and especially quickly as the moment she meant to respond to Kal's report was the same that she heard the call from the rear wagon.
"Ready to roll, boss!" Bek called from the rear wagon, throwing a salute as Rania turned in his direction.
"Then let's move out. The dusk will not wait, and neither shall we!" As the caravanners began to ready themselves for travel, Rania turned back to Kal for a moment. "Many of these men and most of my clientele know me only as "Boss", or "Al Ra'ees". Time has made both you and Hyrule my ally, but many Hylians still remember the name Rania from their bounty boards." With that, she turned to assist her men in their preparations. The cargo was tied down, the men were accounted for, and the horses were hitched. The wagons they'd brought were better suited to hauling cargo than creature comforts, so the VIPs (Gorons and Kal) were instructed to remain between the two wagons so they might be better protected.
As the caravan began to roll, Rania rode alongside the front wagon and tied her horse alongside it before gracefully dismounting into the driver's seat. She stood up tall and faced the men, the morning sunlight carving striking shadows in her features.
"Men, monster sightings in this region are at a historic low today. We will seize this moment by completing our drive in record time! Settle in for a long ride, but stay alert. We won't be stopping until the sun sinks past Hebra Peak." With practiced fluidity, she climbed back to her saddle and untied her horse in a matter of moments. "March!" She called, moving her own horse to the front of the caravan. The sight of the royal-looking Gerudo leading her men from the front was something to behold, and the warrior VIPs would feel no small amount of inspiration themselves. Alexandros and Malachi each flanked the boss's wagon, along with two more men. Bek rode alongside the second. Altogether there were twelve Moldugas participating in the drive. Each sat a little straighter in their saddle after the boss's speech, and Malachi kept his eyes fixed on the southern ridge.
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Post by Mike/Rolaka on May 29, 2023 16:43:27 GMT -6
The Gorons were impressed by Rania's leadership, they knew they traveling with a well-trained and well-organized group. Being granted permission to drive along with them was an honor indeed. The three were situated near the caravan's middle by her orders, and would be the first line of defense should things go sour. Not that things could go sour, as there was a stillness in the land around them. Barely the chirp of a bird, no signs of an Aerocuda gliding around, or even a sleeping Bokoblin. It seemed unnatural.
As the caravan began to move, they started at a normal walking speed. Any faster and the Gorons would need to roll to keep up, and Gorons navigated by sensing the earth beneath them as they rolled. They took this opportunity to keep their deep blue eyes on the lookout for any strange activity. But there was nothing, hardly a critter to be seen. Klad and Boka thought they could see something moving amongst the trees which flanked the road heading South, but it never revealed itself.
Rolaka walked along the right side facing Trilby Valley. There was little chance of a monster climbing up from the ravine, so Rolaka's attention was fixed elsewhere. He noticed that one of the caravanners, a tall Hylian with red hair not unlike the Gerudo, kept gazing up at the ridge in the distance. Along that ridge was Ternio Trail which lead East to Akkala. Not a bad spot for an ambush, if Rolaka were the ambushing type. He picked up his pace til he was walking alongside the man and his horse. The Hylian's face wore four scars each one deeper than the last. He had to have been another warrior just like the rest of them, or at least an iron-willed survivor.
There was an awkward silence that Rolaka decided to break. "I'm sure you've noticed. How there isn't anything here? It's odd, isn't it?... Personally, I'd like whoever's out there to stop toying with us."
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Eldrin/Vai
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on May 31, 2023 19:26:07 GMT -6
Kal kept to himself as the caravan moved out and along the path. It was a strange thing, walking this much. Rito usually flew over long distances, but Kal had decided there was value in experiencing the world as the other races did. Turned out that the other races experienced quite a lot of trudging monotony. That, and aching feet. He knew well the burn in the muscles of his wings over the course of an extended flight, but this particular unpleasant sensation was new to him.
He kept his eyes scanning their surroundings, but he felt half blind from down here. How did one properly scout when they could only see a tiny chunk of the landscape? If he just soared up for a quick look he could be certain that they were not being tailed, or walking into an ambush.
He turned his eyes up to the sky, and the deep blue expanse called out to his heart. His wing-feathers puffed out a bit, and his grip on his spear tightened. Still though, he could not just take off and soar around as he pleased. Rania- er… Boss Al Ra’ees had placed Kal and the Gorons in the middle of the formation for good reason. It would be a stain on the Moldugas’ reputation if one of their passengers was shot out of the sky by a particularly bold Lizal arrow.
“You’re not a soldier anymore, Kalin. Don’t act the fool.” he muttered to himself. He was as bad as Helios, he realized. Perhaps he had been too harsh on the boy. He had reprimanded his son for rashness, and yet here he was, struggling to walk down a path without flying out of line. They were more alike than he had ever acknowledged, and he could see that a bit clearer now.
To take his mind off of the sky, and the potential for impending- yet not impending enough- danger, he turned to the Goron walking next to him. The Goron was slender, for his race, and of middling height. He seemed to have an affable demeanor, so Kal figured he might make up for his own lack thereof.
“So… do you often travel this far from the mountain?” Kalin asked in what he hoped was a conversational tone. It was not. Kal’s deep voice and somber tone were more suited to casualty reports, battle orders, and really anything other than small talk.
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Post by Faro/Blade on Jun 3, 2023 22:30:24 GMT -6
Boka immediately perked up at the question. "Rather often, yes. Though still not nearly as often or as far as I'd like." He sighed, folding his arms over his chest. "Unfortunately, I'm still considered a youth among my people. This trip is my chance to prove myself and finally get out to see the world." He nodded, his face set with resolve. The caravan rounded a short bend in the road and revealed a curious rock formation. "Ah, but this mountain I've spent a lot of time with." He pointed to the rocks "Not many know this, but a few hundred years ago..."
At the front of the caravan, the red-headed Hylian cast a sideways glance at the Goron leader, and nodded in agreement. "In the past, there's been reports of Wizzrobes uncomfortably close to the Stable, but it's nowhere to be seen now." He managed to relax a little. At least he wasn't the only one who suspected something. That set him at ease, somewhat. It was enough that his earlier curiosity was able to come back. "I've seen Gorons travel by rolling before. Why don't you get dizzy?" He looked to Rolaka with bright green eyes. The question was an earnest one. It appeared the man had little experience with Gorons.
At the front of the caravan, Rania breathed a sigh of relief as the conversations begin to spark up. While keeping the VIPs in the center was the best option for security, it placed a difficult strain on the pride of her four charges, none of whom were used to being doted on in such a way. It was her fault, of course. She hadn't planned for three extra passengers on this trip, and the Rito Molduga she'd hoped to pick up coming out of their last delivery in Zora's Domain had fallen ill. She'd at least managed to make a space in the lead wagon that Kalin could use to rest, but the Gorons were too heavy to make use of it themselves. Hopefully, the journey would pass without too many hard feelings developing, though sore feet were likely inevitable. For now, she fixed her eyes ahead and relied on the lightening mood to carry the day.
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A few hours later, the caravan's now jovial mood was brought to an abrupt halt when the lead wagon came to the bend of Ternio Trail. Rania raised a fist and shouted back to the drivers. "Hold!" In the distance, she could see a monster camp made of planks and a short scaffold lashed to some rocks. On top of the planks were what appeared to be three Bokoblins, but their skin was a charcoal black. A red Moblin joined them, but that was all she could see. The black Bokoblins gave her pause, but they were sure to die as easily as the red and blue ones before them. "Malachi, Al, Bek. The three of you come with me. We'll deal with these ones. The rest will hang back, ready to support us if need be." She whispered an extra order to one of the remaining guards before heading out. Rania followed just behind the other three as they readied their bows, aiming for one Bokoblin each. They loosed their arrows, and two flew true. Al and Bek hit their marks, but Malachi's arrow bounced off the cliff face behind his target. It mattered little, none of the monsters seemed phased by the assault. One of them sounded a trumpet, and the rumbling began.
Out of the ground, dust rolling off its stone body, emerged a Talus. As it turned, the telltale ore deposit on its back came into view, previously obstructed by the Moblin's bulk. That same Moblin grabbed a shield, its size was close to that of a cart, and positioned himself in front of the Talus's exposed core, protecting it from arrows. Back at the wagons, another herd of Bokoblins emerged from a ridge above the path, six blues and yet another Black Bokoblin. Several threw small rocks, but two of them had bows. Without a hint of panic, the drivers cracked their reins as they began to push forward in an attempt to escape, the other guards springing into action to cover them. The one whom Rania had spoken to before, a blonde Hylian with a medium build and a steely gaze, retrieved a bow from the rear wagon along with a dozen bomb arrows. He rode alongside the Rito warrior and handed them off. "The Boss apologizes for grounding you, sir!" He saluted the Rito and barked to the Gorons next. "Gorons! Defend yourselves as we push through, but don't be our heroes!" With the Boss's orders communicated, he took his own bow and aimed for one of the blue Boko archers, managing to tag the creature's shoulder as the horses began to move in earnest.
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Post by Mike/Rolaka on Jun 5, 2023 13:33:51 GMT -6
"Klad, Boka, roll with the wagons. Keep them safe. Pick your targets and don't crowd the warriors," Rolaka ordered. The Black Bokoblin began scurrying down the ridge, with the Blues following close behind. "I'll take these ones." He clapped his iron gauntlets together, and the metallic 'klang!' invigorated his fighting spirit. Rolaka charged at this strange and newly-evolved Bokoblin, which brandished a weathered yet still highly dangerous longsword.
The monster readied a two-handed swing, but was met with a direct jab to its bulbous red nose, followed up with a left hook to the face. It made a quick swing, but Rolaka lept back to dodge. However, at Rolaka's sides were two of the Blues. One swung a nasty-looking spike hammer into his ribs, and the other tried for a leaping slash with a broadsword which luckily hit Rolaka's rocky back and bounced clean off. The pain only fueled Rolaka's resolve, he immediately struck the left Blue in its center and sent it flying back. The right one tried for another jumping attack, but the foolish creature was caught in the air by Rolaka's massive fist. He crushed the monster's neck in his grasp, and its body crumbled away in a cloud of crimson and jet black.
Before he could bask in his kill, the Black Bokoblin approached for an overhead swing. Rolaka raised his iron-clad fists and blocked the falling blade. The monster made a squealing snarl, and Rolaka answered with a mighty punch to its abdomen. As it flew back from the impact, Rolaka swiftly rolled after it and collided with the Bokoblin with all his mountainous weight. He doubled back and uncurled to inspect the damage, but as the creature slowly rose back up, he realized he had hardly made a scratch! The Black Bokoblin readied its sword again, ready for the next round, as if it was nothing.
So this is how we lost those scouts, Rolaka thought. But he was no scout, and this was no mere Bokoblin. He would need to face this resilient monster with all of his hard-earned strength... and then battle even more of its ilk. "This is gonna be one hell of a fight," he muttered, as the Black Bokoblin made its advance.
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Battle cries and boasting sounded from the wagons as the Marching Moldugas returned fire on their assailants. Klad and Boka rolled alongside them and felt the odd stone and arrow deflect off of their stony backs. Just ahead of the caravan along the bend, the Battle Talus slowly marched toward them.
"How did Bokoblins manage to tame something like that?!" Boka called to Klad. "Not even Gorons could tame a Talus!"
"Beats the hell outta me," Klad replied, "and the rest of us too if we don't pass it soon! That thing's gonna block our path!"
A third voice rose from one of the Moldugas, "Watch out! It's about to throw!" And the Talus slung an arm back, primed to sling a giant boulder at the caravan.
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Jun 5, 2023 14:43:14 GMT -6
Kalin slung the quiver of bomb arrows over his back, next to his spear, and tossed the bow into the air. He caught it in his talons a moment later as he shot skyward. He scanned the battlefield as he circled overhead.
The leader of the Goron- Kal thought he had heard the name “Rolaka”- was engaged in battle with a large black bokoblin. He had readily dispatched two of the blues, but four more were moving into flanking position. They were too close already, and a bomb arrow would catch Rolaka in the blast.
Kal began to head toward them, meaning to back him up, but at that moment he heard one of the other Goron yell.
“Watch out! It’s about to throw!”
The talus launched its own arm at the caravan. Kalin dived as the boulder soared directly toward a wagon. He caught the driver’s shirt with his free talons and beat his wings furiously. They cleared the wagon just seconds before the boulder hit. The boulder struck right where the driver had sat a moment before, smashing the front section of the wagon, but blessedly missing the horses. Kal set the Molduga down nearby and nodded to him before taking off again.
His target was now clear. The talus had the most potential to hurt someone or something, it had to be taken out as quickly as possible. As he flew near, he aimed a bomb arrow at the moblin, but the two bokoblins riding atop the talus’s scaffolding shot arrows at him. His shot went astray as he was forced to dodge. Kalin folded his wings and rolled to the left in midair. The arrows whistled as they barely missed him. His own errant arrow exploded harmlessly behind the talus. He dipped and flew down toward Rania, and her escort, landing next to her with a gust of wind.
“Rolaka’s holding our rear flank, but he’s being swarmed. He could use some backup if you can spare it, but make sure they keep out of his way.” He reported, only realizing afterward that it sounded like he was giving her orders. “I’ll go after the talus, Boss,” he said, deliberately using her preferred term of respect. “I’d appreciate some cover fire.”
He did not wait for the response. There was no time to spare. He launched into the air and aimed straight for the battle talus. The bokoblins took aim.
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Post by Faro/Blade on Jun 5, 2023 20:33:01 GMT -6
Rania heeded the Rito's words, and carefully maneuvered her horse through a stand of trees to size up the Goron leader's situation. Her decision was made in an instant, just in for her to clear the trees. "Malachi! Head for the rear and support the Goron! The rest of you, cover Kal! That beast cannot stand against us all!" For her part, Rania chose the deadly task of taunting the creatures. If she could keep them occupied, keep them focused on her, then that other arm wouldn't go flying. Al and Bek shifted their focus to the Red Moblin atop the Talus, aiming to make an opening for Kal to loose one of his potent bomb arrows. Luckily, the thrown arm was the arm opposite the ore deposit that served as the Talus's core, and Rania made her way to that side, shifting the beast's focus. All she needed was that opening, and she was ready to climb the Talus herself to make it.
On the opposite end of the creature, Al and Bek were trying to make sure it didn't come to that. They pelted the Talus riders with shots, aiming for the eyes of the Bokos and the legs of the Moblin. One of Al's shots managed to connect with the larger creature's calf. It howled in pain, and while it didn't drop the shield, it did berate its smaller comrades into opening fire on the riders instead of continuing to fail in hitting Kal. The skies were all clear, and the hobbled Moblin was the only thing protecting the Talus's core from Kal's deadly gift.
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Malachi's blonde horse thundered down the length of the caravan to meet Rolaka in his task of taking on the Bokoblins in the rear. He pulled back his bow and took aim, but the Goron's safety and considerable bulk, provided too many obstacles. He relaxed the arrow and pulled his dagger from his belt instead. Crouching in his saddle, he jumped towards the nearest blue Boko and took it by surprise, bringing the creature to the ground. With one hand on its bident-shaped horn and the other gripping his dagger, he stabbed at the creature's neck repeatedly, the jabs wearing down the protective skin. Another Blue Bokoblin rushed towards the struggling pair, and to the casual observer the fight appeared to be over, as Malachi seemed totally unaware of the impending threat.
That was, until he shifted his weight. He brought the creature up as a shield, the dagger plunged partway into its tough neck muscles acting as a handle. The Boko slashed at his own brother, carving out a cry of pain from the creature. Malachi stood as he shoved the first Boko into the second one, staggering them both. A third came up from his right, but Malachi effortlessly backstepped its swing, grabbed hold of the creature's weapon arm, and flipped it. The creature hurtled headfirst into the ground, its horn sticking into the dirt and trapping it momentarily. If Rolaka happened to notice the newcomer in all this, he would note the same wide-eyed yet blank expression on his scarred face, hardly different from their casual conversation earlier. The remaining Blues shrieked at him and charged, giving Rolaka some space. In a way, you had to admire their tenacity.
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Post by Mike/Rolaka on Jun 9, 2023 0:23:47 GMT -6
Rolaka dodged and weaved around the Black Boko's heavy sword swings, each one as easy to predict as the last. Bokoblins are known for their ferocity and determination, not so much their technique in battle. Rolaka waited for his perfect moment to strike back. During this, he heard the struggle of the Blues behind him and chanced a glance back at the warrior named Malachi. An amused grin ran across his face as he watched the man use a Boko as a meat shield, Rolaka respected his resourcefulness.
The Black Bokoblin winded up another swing, but Rolaka saw his opening and delivered a punch straight at the monster's throat. As the foul thing gagged, it dropped the longsword and Rolaka stole it. The Goron swung hard at the Boko's chest, but its thick hide stopped the blade from sinking too deep. This resulted in the Boko flying backward once again, tumbling along the grass. Rolaka pursued it, keeping the longsword in hand. He was not proficient in swordplay, but keeping the weapon away from the monster was an advantage... or so he thought.
Nestled in the grass where the Black Bokoblin was flung was the Spiked Hammer one of the Blues had dropped. The creature saw this weapon and rearmed itself, this hammer was smaller, sharper, and much easier to swing. Unabated by the damage it incurred, it charged again at Rolaka. He tried blocking the hammer with the sword, but the latter had become too brittle and snapped in half from the impact. Now the Black Bokoblin got some revenge. It lunged at Rolaka and attacked viciously with its Spike Hammer. The Goron blocked its strikes as best as he could with his thick arms, but each blow left cuts and bruises on his skin. As the pain grew, so did Rolaka's fury. He found another opening and seized the Spike Hammer by the shaft. His Goron strength easily wrenched it from the Boko's grip, and he immediately turned the weapon against its master. Bones split, blood sprayed, and wood splintered as Rolaka mercilessly beat the Bokoblin down to the point where the hammer shattered. When the monster still hadn't died and attempted to counterattack, Rolaka pushed it down, mounted it, and pummeled its face until it finally crumbled away into red and black dust.
Rolaka took a moment to inspect the damage on his arms. They were certainly roughed up, but nothing he had to worry about. Nor could he, as the warrior from the caravan was surrounded by Blues. Rolaka turned and rolled quickly at the aggressors, he collided with one and the wretched thing hurtled away. He shot a shrewd grin at Malachi, "Round two..." he said.
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Boka stopped and worriedly looked back at the smashed wagon. Klad grabbed him by the shoulder and said, "That Rito got the driver out, the horse is fine too."
"That's good... but what about the jewels?" Boka asked.
"Rolaka and the others will retrieve it. Come on, we have to keep up!" The two got rolling again and returned to the caravan, which was almost ready to round the bend. "Now's our chance! The Talus is distracted!" Klad cried out.
"Let's hope nothing nasty is waiting around the corner..." Boka murmured.
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