Private Providence Let the Greens skin the Greenskins

[Hayate]

Another day, another request. Albeit slightly different from the norm. Rather than the usual NPC request that he could accept and brush off or just ignore, it was one from the guild itself. A new experience and one that would be a foray into combat, a field he had little experience in. Most of his knowledge of the world was limited to what was in the towns and cities, and the roads that connected them. At least it wouldn't be a solo run, he had been told another would be joining and partaking of the mission alongside him. Which was a good thing, someone to learn from and observe. As much as he wanted to be past that life and how he was out of the game, the age old adage existed for a reason. Old habits indeed died hard.

Boot to gravel he made his way out into the wilderness, glancing to his map to check that he was going the right way. Which at the very least he could do that much, being chronically lost was only a thing in anime and media as a joke right? It was hard to imagine getting lost with a map and the UI. Making his way to the clearing marked as the meeting place he waited for whoever it was that he was supposed to be meeting. Next time he would have to remember to ask for a name and description, he thought to himself as a mental note. It would make things easier.

With not much else to do, he'd find a stump to use as a chair to sit and wait. Checking his gear as he did so, idly wondering if he had enough time to make something to eat. Or if he should wait to eat after as a little victory thing.

"I wonder how long this is going to take." he'd mutter to himself. There was no time limit or kill limit that he was aware of. Just a general clear the area. Did that mean a cave or just multiples of five like in other games? Repeatables were nice, especially if the Bus sent by the guild was strong.

@Zelrius

 

[Zelrius]

Goblins, Greenskins. Typical for these RPG settings, and usually a problem for Falderen in general. Them and the Grass Knolls seemed to multiply endlessly, and haunt the stray farmers, mountaineers and other hermits of the medieval economy of this world. When the Guild had sent out a request for someone to take up the cause to lower some of their numbers in a specific zone, Zelrius didn't object. Instead, taking the quest as opportunity to see if he could still fight more than just wolves and woodland critters of Brisshal. So he left the capital of the Kingdom of Light, following the roads north until they turned rocky, and steep. Swaying between inclines of hills that dotted the area around the high-up mountains.

The request had noted something of a meeting spot close to a clearing. It was difficult to navigate the terrain, to climb over the rocks and rugged landscape. Something that hadn't changed in the four or five years since his last visit here. Something that wouldn't change for another thousand or so years after he was long gone from both this world and his own. It was comforting, in a way, the way that the geography was unmoving, even in the time of absence that to the humans of the modern world would loathe to miss. Creating a sort of stability to it all.

It was perhaps by coincidence and fervent map-checking that the adventurer found the specified meeting location, walking into the clearing, glancing over to the man there, with an eyebrow raised. The only other person he had seen now for hours, relaxing in the vast wilderness. "You're.." He stopped for a moment to open up his palm menu and check something. "Hay-ah-tay?" Trying to pronounce the name for himself, given the request had only listed who the other person was on the piece of parchment paper, likely after his soon-to-be companion had accepted the Quest. He extended a hand forward in a formal way of greeting, the gesture shifting his coat and belt, rattling the swords attached to either side of his body in doing so. "I am Zelrius, nice to meet you." Even if this wasn't the person he was supposed to meet, it was better to introduce and impress upon a friendly attitude, rather than stir up unneeded trouble.

 

[Hayate]

Looking up from his prep when the other man appeared he gave a lazy wave, blinking slightly as the man said his name. It was a close enough pronunciation, and well what one could expect from what he assumed was a gaijin. A short nod was given after the introduction. "That is right, nice to meet you as well Zel-ri-us. I assume you are the partner sent from the guild for the mission?"

Was it a bit much to mirror the over pronunciation? Probably, but it amused him and he still somewhat had the bad habit of mirroring those around him. A smile and hand was offered in return as the man raised his, the formal handshake given and partnership made. It seemed the guild had put their talents in mind, a swordsman and archer. A good enough duo to face the green-skin horde in the woods.

"Have you fought or dealt with goblins and orcs before? I just feel it is best to be honest and upfront, I have not. Combat missions are something somewhat new for me. My weapon is a bow, so do you mind taking the front?"

Gesturing for the other man to lead the way deeper into the woods, he drew his bow and knocked an arrow. Presumably they would clear the outer ring before going in to deep where they could be surrounded and penned in. They had the element of surprise for now. He'd listen for a reply from the other man, and absorb whatever information that the other guild member would be able to give. His knowledge was lacking and books empty so everything would help.

@Zelrius

 

[Zelrius]

There was a narrowing of his eyes at the introduction. Teeth tightening for a moment as he approached with a hand out. The rude tone was strange, perhaps unintentional? Indicated by the way he got right to business with actually relevant questions. Someone who actually wanted to talk about the task at hand, and not their personal lives. That was a rare sight in this game. It also meant that it was another player, and not a Lander.

"Goblins, yes. Orcs, only the once. The smaller ones hang out in groups, and aren't that well organized outside of their tribal structure." Zelrius explained his experience. "Sounds like we're hunting stragglers today. They kind of just run around when you corner them." A common trope in video games, Goblins being practically useless. Though the ones in Terrasphere had a caveat. Then there were their larger friends. "The one Orc I fought was a bit tougher. Certainly stronger than most people I've ran into. Probably should keep distance if we see one." Offering a strategy, not wanting either of them to stick their neck too far out for this quest, given it wasn't exactly paying enough to warrant that kind of risk. "We're just here to thin the numbers."

The swordsman simply nodded with a small smile at the suggestion he take the front. His HP wasn't particularly high, but would need to be in melee range anyway. Better to protect the backline, and hope this guy was a good shot at all. Making his way slowly forward, back hunched to lighten steps and better listen. Eyes scanning as they moved through the underbrush toward the indicated area. Waiting for any signs of any sort of foraging party, or lazing goblins that they could sneak up on.

@Hayate

 

[Hayate]

120 / 120

Hayate nodded along as the man answered his questions quickly and clearly, sharing his knowledge and wisdom. It seemed the man was genuine in his work, and fulfilling his role of trainer form the guild well. It almost made him feel a bit bad for messing up his name intentionally. Almost. But they had work to do and focus on, cleaning up the stragglers no doubt left behind by a senior group doing something in the area. While he didn't hope and pray for an orc, at least not first, he was somewhat prepared for one now at least.

Eyes scanning about as the Felis swordsman took the lead, he searched for tracks or signs of others being nearby. Lower to the ground than for the average person, as the target was goblins. Combat to get his feet wet. And after about 20 minutes, he'd speed up slightly to tap on @Zelrius's shoulder to get his attention.

Raising a finger to his lips he pointed off the side, spotting a piece of ragged cloth near the brush. Paired alongside smaller than average foot prints. It was a lead at least that they were headed in the right direction. Taking the lead himself if allowed, he pulled his bow off his shoulder and nocked an arrow just in case as they stalked through the woods.

Coming to a stop outside the clearing while still in cover, he held up 3 fingers before pointing within. Three gobbos at a make shift camp. Surrounding a fire was a collection of sticks and skins to make a pair of hovels. To the side was a tent in near perfect condition, if one could ignore the long gash that split the side in half, rippling slightly in the wind. What appeared to be a pot was atop the fire, with something unknown boiling within.

Shooting the man a thumbs up as a ready check, he'd sign that he was good to go. And upon getting confirmation, should nothing else be brought up he'd attack. A rain of arrows showered the camp as he tilted back and aimed at the sky. The arrows arced up into the sky before whistling downwards at the targets, pelting and skewering one of the goblins to the ground as the other two scrambled out of the way, grabbing their things.

'Kien! an ambush, wheke ha set attacktin from? call sep kine ahn.' the goblins called out, yelling in terror. The players have the advantage of a surprise round. 1 Goblin is Wounded, 2 are uninjured.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (79) + 20 = 99
Awareness | Hayate | 195
Burst Attack
13d20 exploding (9 + 12 + 8 + 14 + 4 + 12 + 9 + 7 + 8 + 14 + 17 + 5 + 10) + 5 = 134
134 damage (Explosions: 0)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Ranged Weapons | Hayate | 195

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[Zelrius]

120 / 120

Vulnerable

He skulked around, looking through the trees and listening for any sounds of the creatures. Nearly jumping out of his own skin in surprise at the sudden tapping of his shoulder, and turning around swiftly. His mouth opened to ask what, before @Hayate had put a finger to his lips and pointed to the footprints. Blue eyes followed the trail, and then watched as he took the lead. The man was perceptive, that was for sure. And more experienced than perhaps he had let on? Maybe not in this game, but in others. So he followed along, hands on the hilts of each of his blades and coming along.

This wasn't his first fight, for certain. The way that he approached closely, and still finding cover, and then preparing his weapon, in a way that Zelrius himself hadn't thought of was impressive. A thumbs up was given back, the blonde Felis reaching for and drawing his two weapons quietly. Trying to mute the schwink sound of steel on scabbard, as to not alert their would be foes. As soon as the arrows were loose, Zelrius finally spoke. "My turn, I guess." His queue being the snapping of the bowstring as it fired off his projectiles. Time to not disappoint someone else from the guild. A Burst of flame engulfed his heels, letting out the roar of a small fire left behind his point of contact as a way of launching himself forward with speed. Drawing his swords back and rearing them for a series of cross-sectioned slashes and swipes on the next closest one, looking to gut and disarm the creature in an flash, leaving only one of the three left alive to be dealt with. Who simply threw his hands up, and begin yoldling his tongue, in a pathetic, small battle cry to retaliate against the two new arrivals.

GOBLIN

❰ 0 / 100 ❱

GOBLIN

❰ 0 / 100 ❱

GOBLIN

❰ 100 / 100 ❱

Rolls

Reckless Attack
2d100 (5 + 60) + 10 + 10 + 20 = 105
105 damage
Gain the Vulnerable state
Slash Weapons | Zelrius | 195C1

 

[Hayate]

120 / 120

It wasn't that he was lying about his ability, or downplaying and sandbagging because he thought it would be funny. No he just actually thought he sucked and that his abilities were subpar. It was a bad habit of putting himself down and trying to meet impossible standards as well as comparing himself to the veteran and senior members of the guild. Always placing others on a pedestal while remaining on the ground himself. He could only be a disappoint, since his father called him so, so frequently. Part of why he so subconsciously sought the approval of others, ending in a weird persona of a social chameleon that matched those around him. At the very least? The way that he fought was similar to the blonde beastfolk swordsman.

Still remaining behind his cover he let loose another barrage of arrows, this time no arc given. Instead just a brutal rapid fire straight on at the remaining goblin, giving what cover he could for the swordsman to finish them off. The man seeming committed himself to each and every attack, something that he could appreciate. Especially since they couldn't ignore the danger that it presented when you left openings like that. Maybe it was just a way to blow off steam against the lower tier goblins and he would fight differently if they met some of the higher tier green skins the man had talked about.

"Covering." he called over. There was little point in trying to stay stealthy, he had already given away his position. All he could do was help take the last one down and keep them at bay.

Rolls

Burst Attack
13d20 exploding (11 + 18 + 2 + 2 + 9 + 12 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 12 + 18 + 2) + 5 = 109
109 damage (Explosions: 0)
Gain the Vulnerable state
Ranged Weapons | Hayate | 195C1

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@Zelrius

 

[Zelrius]

Zelrius had slashed his own target down just in time to turn his head and body and lay eyes upon the last one standing get filled with arrows and fall to the ground with a whimpering "Hunhh" from the small greenskins. Much to be expected, three hardly stood a chance, even against two people who weren't exactly in the higher tiers. But, to Zelrius, Hayate seemed about as experienced in RPGs and its surrounding combat that something like this was hardly a challenge. Especially since they were fighting them out in the open, where the blonde man's longswords and the raven-haired Hayate's bow and arrows shined the most. Where distance and openness could be exploited. That was three of them down, the adventurer kneeling to cut off the index finger of each, and loop a small wire on his belt through the severed skin, standing and wiping his blades clean. "For proof." He explained simply to his traveling companion before any other questions could be raised.

He looked to the forest, and then up the surrounding mountains with a shrug. The rest were somewhere in there, burrowed in their caverns and open ravines, and multiplying. The pair would need to root them out, kill a few more. Atleast a party of them, make them reel from the lost. Dark clouds were coming over the mountain tops, flashes of lightning dancing between the silver of the sky. It'd be raining on them soon - another reason to get this done faster. Zelrius sheathed his weapons and continued along his way. The walk would be awfully dull, and he ought to get to know this person more if they were going to be spending the day, and possibly more, together.

"So Hi-ya-tei," over pronouncing the name and each syllable again, just to get back at the man for their initial interaction. "Bow and arrow? Do you usually play ranged in games like this? Or are you trying something new?" Small talk was as good as any talk.

 

[Hayate]

Things were going smoothly, as could be expected from having a senior member of the guild tag along with a newbie like himself. The man held the goblins attentions and did the dangerous up close work while he just aimed from afar. Attribution theory at its finest, though inverse to the norm where blame was what was shared and spread. He observed as the man cut off trophies to show case proof of their kills. Though the selection did make him blink. Usually people cut things like the ears, scalps, or hands. Or was that just in the stories and webnovels or the games of old? "What makes that finger different from the others? Is there a way the guild can tell? Tips look like tips to me." No matter the Felis's desire to keep things simple he had questions. It was part of why they were here right? To make sure he learned and did things properly in the future.

As the other looked to their surroundings he did as well, though he was a bit slower to recognize and realize what the signs meant. The storm meant one thing to him. Hinderance. Depending on how strong the storm, it could affect his aim. As well as his tracking. Prints could be washed away, and winds could cover trails. At the very least the thunder and downpour would cover the sounds of combat. Hopefully they wouldn't be ambushed and surrounded by multiple greenskin parties. The thought weighed on his mind causing him to frown as the the swordsman spoke.

"No, Zel-rye-us." he'd mirror, placing emphasis where non should exist. "Magic usually is more my speed, or something flowy like a spear or shortsword. But in general fighters not my speed generally. So something kind of new. How about you? Front-lining and these type of things normal for your style?"

@Zelrius