Island of Eslance (closed)

[TheShadoek]

Alson walked for a short while before he came across the little goblin once again. He wanted to talk with her, but before he could, the girl ran away from him. He detected that her behaviour was odd, however. If that goblin wanted to flee she would not stay still after running as little as that. She looked like she was waiting on something. So he thought of plausible scenarios as the horned girl went out of his sight.

It was likely that she is guiding him towards something. A trap, perhaps. Maybe she wanted to tend a trap for everyone but did not expect someone to see her. It could be that she thought he would not chase her so far. Or maybe she is just playing, is a posibility considering that goblins have childrish minds.

Anyways, this specific behaviour made Alson become a little more interested in this goblin. He wanted to know what thoughts filled that little head of hers, and what she was doing spying on the group back then. So he resumed walking towards the same direction that this mysterious little girl.

[KillMoves]

We were just barely outside the village when a noise none of us made was heard on the woods just beyond us. This naturally put everyone on edge, especially two of our members whom I recognize as Nalmid and Brandon who began arguing over... well I wasn't really sure. The once called Alson decided to investigate the noise and I wanted to join him but I was too much of a coward to do so.

And so I was stuck with the two men who are *this* close to coming to blows. Usually these moments tend to not continue because of something happening but whatever it was it was running late as Nalmid hit Brandon right in the face and into the ground. I wanted to diffuse the situation but I could only imagine what these two well-built men would do to me if I intervened.

......

Both Nalmid and Brandon take one of Oliver's arms and rip it off him. "Uncool!" Oliver said as blood continued to squirt from his newly-acquired stumps.

......

Brandon tried to retaliate but was easily countered by Nalmid who then proceeded to knock him out.

"Well, guess it's as good a time to make camp as any.

...The winner said.

"We're just barely outside the village." I told Nalmid. "And are you sure you haven't killed anybody?" I added.

Soon after, we saw Shiros, the village leader, head toward us along with a girl with vibrant pink hair in pigtails and a noticeable black rune on her forehead head. She was Faunra, the village healer. I don't think she's really fond of me because I was kind of raining on her parade by selling those healing potions. Faunra then read Nalmid the riot act and after healing Brandon, read him the act too before leaving.

"Well it could've been worse." I said about the situation.

[EndZoner]

"Ow!", Brandon yelped as he was slapped back into consciousness. He winced once more when he noticed the pain in his jaw. "The hell?", he muttered before he was reprimanded by the town healer, Faunra. He muttered a few curses as he got back up. He glared at Nalmid before he began rubbing his jaw in pain. "Ugh, can we just go now?", he asked until he notice something. "Wait a minute, weren't there suppose to be six here? Where the hell is the last guy?!", he exasperated. "And you shut the hell up!", he yelled at Oliver, "Don't jinx us damn it!", he exclaimed. For as long as he could remember, the universe just love to prove people wrong.

[lv27_robothero]

Leon was in back of the group deciding to be observing the others to try and get to know them better without saying much. But his observations were almost useless to him as it seems Brandon and Nalmid got into a fight while he was looking at what Alson was doing. "Uh, hey guys." Leon says as Brandon and Nalmid fight and he notices Alson going off in the woods chasing something. "Um guys!?" Leon asked as Oliver was deep in thought over his ideas of ending the fight and if he should follow Alson, seeing that even raising his voice got no attention Leon decided to watch as Faunra comes up on the group. As they got Brandon up to consciousness and Brandon exasperated about Alson's disappearance.
Leon replies in a iterated tone"I was telling you guys that Alson left! None of you guys were listening, so I held off on it!"

[EndZoner]

"I'm not talking about Alson, dumbass!", Brandon exasperated, "Do the damn math, there were only five of us that showed up here!", he stated. "We already know that Alson left! I'm talking about the guy that hasn't arrive yet!", he stated angrily.

[lv27_robothero]

"There was another?" Leon asked, now remembering hearing another name during the ceremony as thought about it. "You mean that Aedan guy right?" Leon asked as he remembered the name. "Mr.Healer did you happen to see Aedan on your way here?" Leon asks as there must have been a reason for him to come out towards them this early.

[Heero]

After spending all morning tending to the farms I've forgotten about the quest and quickly run towards the village entrance. As I get closer I slow down as I see Shiros and Faunra and duck out of sight thinking they are looking for me.

Shit...didn't mean to be so late."

After they leave I approach the group, overhearing them shouting at each other, the one called Brandon shouting about me and I grit me teeth and speak up, "Hey...I'm here now alright? I got caught up making sure the animals were taken care of."

[Nexous]

(So the issues with my computer is my screen is busted. Being mostly one solid color though this site is one that my computer screen can handle W/O flashing, and flickering. So I can see the bottom half, and top right of the screen. That's enough to post with.)
Main group: (I can't do a whole lot until a course of action is decided. You can either continue, or try any plan to find your party member who wandered off. There are a couple ways to actually go about that.)

Alson:(I couldn't decide between events, so I rolled for it. I can save the others for later.) As you continue to follow her you feel your right leg pulled out from under you. You landed on a spongy bed of moss your leg still elevated in a snare. The snare is made out of thin vines, though thick enough to throw you off balance it can easily be broken. You are not given this chance however, as you are held down by five goblins. One on each limb, and one pinning your shoulders. Several more goblins walk out including the one your followed, and another with horns almost as long as her arms. The goblin with large horns seemed to be the leader. "Congratulations you caught a human, you have earned your first earring little 'un" She said to the goblin you were chasing. It seems that she actually was a child among her people. "What should we do with 'em?" She continues. All of the goblins including the ones pinning you down began speaking at once making it impossible to discern anything any one goblin was saying. "I was speakin' to the little 'un!" The leader boomed out over the others, and a deafening silence follows.
"I say we cover him in honey, and feathers! There a couple grizzlies here that should make it funny!" The other goblins started laughing, and cheering showing their support. Struggling free would be impossible, as you are surrounded. Hopefully your friends saw you leave. If so they may be able to come, and help you. Provided you delay the goblins long enough. Granted you are in no real danger, but you would be sticky, and all around uncomfortable.

[TheShadoek]

Alson advanced trough the obstacled path that agile goblin had taken at his own calmed rythm. If that girl actually planned something he was sure they would meet again in a nearby future. He observed the path with calm as he walked, enjoying it much like a stroll in the mornings. Then something gripped his foot, and the next thing he knew was that a lot of goblins had surrounded him and taken him captive.

The man recieved a small and indirect lesson on the goblin hierarchy while he observed at the group with calm, hearing their discussions the best he could. Also wondering briefly if the size of horns actually has something to do with the age of goblins, thing that appeared to be so as the one he pursued seemed to be a younger member, being reffered as young one by the others. Either way, amusing theories and mental notes aside, Alson heard his fate.

Sentenced to be drenched in honey and feathers, and dressed like he is, he just had to prevent it. So he quickly thought of something. Brute force is of no use in this situation. He can, maybe, lift one goblin using both of his arms, nevermind five, even less with so many others spectating. So he had to resort into something else...

...If he cannot get off their grip...

...Maybe he can convince them that what they want to do is something different...

...Using psychology.

"Oh... Honey and feathers... Thanks to the heavens, i thought you would do something funnier to me, something like The Yush... Oops!" Alson laid his own trap, barely resisting the impulse to form a smirk on his face. "Just forget what i said... The Yush is definetly not the most hilarious thing you can witness. It is absolutely not the funniest scenario you can imagine. And i will not tell you what it is about even if you stare at me with puppy eyes. Ah! Puppy eyes are certainly not my weakness!" He falsely stated, expecting some curious soul to bite the lure.

[EndZoner]

Hearing that the last member has finally arrived, Brandon turn to him. "Well about damn time!", he stated annoyed, "Alright, now we can go and find Alson.", Brandon stated as he began walking to the woods. He turn to the group, "Come on! The sooner we find him, the sooner we can actually start our journey.", he exasperated as he entered the woods and began searching for Alson.

[Heero]

I mumble something under my breath while glaring at the back of Brandon's head as I follow him and the others into the nearby woods,
Grr great now what? saving some idiot who's to impatient and ran off...probably got raped...or hurt...or worse...uggggh.

[lv27_robothero]

Leon points towards some bushes with broken branches. 'He went though there, Alson must have been really stupid or was curious to run ahead into the woods.' Leon was also marking some trees with his knife so that they don't get lost.

[Nexous]

(So pretty much decided to tweak, and reuse the first post. It's lighthearted , and speaks to the nature of the RP)

The normally quiet village is full of noise today. Every year a different village is charged with the task of appeasing the Island Goddesses, with an act know as the pilgrimage. Once every thirty-four years it comes full circle, and it is once again your villages turn. Your village holds a festival every year, but it is especially spirited this year. There are people who go to the village preforming the pilgrimage every year to celebrate. This brings new life, and money to the village in your week long celebration. However the highlight of the first day is here, the men still capable of preforming the pilgrimage gather. There is laughing, and joking, as old men, and travelers are removed from the group. Every year it's the same, and there is never any malice in the actions. Finally with the jokers removed from the crowd the selecting begins. Every year the next village tries to top the previous selection's ceremony, often leading to over the top methods. This year was no exception as the women of the crowd, and the village elder reveals Harpy eggs. An albino harpy waiting for the cue flew down. "Greetings all, when Shiros the elder of this village, told me what he had planed my sisters agreed. Granted when we were first told about it we were not happy, but the more we thought about it the funner it became. Do not worry these eggs are the same we give you to eat. They carry none of our children. They do however hurt when you're hit by them!" She says with a slightly devious grin. "So that being said don't get hit!" The women begin to distribute the eggs to the crowd. "The last six to be hit directly will be the ones selected... or I suppose we can accept those who avoid getting hit all together!" With that the volley of eggs begin before anyone can change their minds. Being the small village that it is, the number is quickly reduced to the six people who will be preforming the task. Those who had remained clean through the games wouldn't for long, as the harpy began a "celebratory" egging of the winners, and the villagers, and losers were all to happy to help her.
Once the people ran out of eggs, and Shiros was sure it was safe he approached you all. "So there we have it, the pilgrims for this year. Their names will not be forgotten, nor hopefully will their coronation be." He snickered. "Their names are Jessie Avhan, Aedan Cole, Alson Milone, Brandon Valiquette, Ivadi Ambrosius and finally Ren Ayer. These brave, and dirty men will leave in the morning. They will head through the north gate, and toward the High temple. Once there they will receive directions." He then turns to you, and in a more serious tone speaks directly to the chosen six people. "Know this, the selection may be all fun, and games, but you carry a heavy burden. I'm sure you know this, but I will tell you now to save you the embarrassment of asking if you don't. We ingrain it into you when we can, and I will tell you one final time. There are laws for those who go on this pilgrimage. Firstly you may never take the life of another. Second you may never speak of what is involved in the rituals. Finally, and most importantly, you must complete this task. There was only one year that the pilgrims failed. The goddesses lost their powers, and were unable to protect us that year. Many starved, or died of disease, or in natural disasters. Know that the lives of the entire Nation of Eslance depend on you." With that he turned, and headed toward his seat overlooking the festivities. "I am weary, you enjoy yourselves until it is time to leave." As he reaches his seat he slowly sits down. A werecat decided to take advantage of the situation, and slips an egg in his seat electing a sigh, and a head shake from the old man. The village bursts into laughter at the sight. You continue to enjoy the festivities in what ever way you see fit, be it eating, drinking, or just going off to find peace, and quiet.
The next morning you all gather by the north gate. There is a cart attached a centaur waiting for you. "Hello my name is Erica, I'm here to help you carry your things."

[EndZoner]

Waking up in the early morning, Brandon groggily got out of bed before preparing for the pilgrimage. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he went to the bathroom and wash up. Twenty minutes passed before he got out of the bathroom. Going into the living room, he glanced over to several luggage that contains his supplies. He was prepared since he was not sure how long he would be gone. His mother also helped him since she was worried that he might not be prepared yet, though he assured that he is. Walking into the kitchen, he saw that his mother was cooking breakfast like always. "Morning mom.", I greeted. "Good morning Brandon!", he greeted back with a bright smile. He smiled back as he was grateful for having such a loving mother. His mother was slightly taller than him at 6 ft. She has long brown hair that reached passed her back and has bright blue eyes. They sat and ate breakfast before Brandon meet up at the meeting spot. Once done, he went into the living room and picked up his luggage. A large blue backpack that contains his supplies that include a sleeping bag, a lantern, some tools and other things he may need in the future. He also carried a duffel bag that contains extra set of clothing and a first-aid kit, though his mother hopes that he doesn't really need it. With having he needed, he was ready to leave for the pilgrimage. "I'll come back as soon as possible mom!", he stated as he reached for the door. "Wait!", his mother called out. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, "There! Just a little good luck!", she stated. Hugging his mother one last time, he left his home and began making his way to the north gate.

Upon reaching the North Gate of the village, he saw that a centaur was waiting for the group for the pilgrimage. Apparently, she's here to carry the belonging of the group. Brandon shook his head at her. "It's fine, I can carry my own things.", he stated as he waited for the other members for the pilgrimage.

[hothead1021]

The Early morning came as Ivadi woke up he sat up with a yawn and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. he in his early morning ritual takes a bath before getting dressed. has himself a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon and a glass of water. he then cleanses his mouth with mint. he then gets ready as he packs clothing, food, cash, and finally the equipment in his blue briefcase with a black A on it. he has a blunt katana with him in case he needs to defend himself from danger. he gets various traps for hen he needs to hunt along with a fishing pole. he also packs various sweets as well to make sure he has something to snack on and the mint leaves for the obvious reason. he then packed one more thing, an encyclopedia of mamono, it's his most treasured item since he can arm himself with knowledge of the mamaono he might encounter. with everything done, he heads out.

seeing the centaur named Erica and how she explained herself, he smiled "thank you Lady Erica, it's most kind of you.' he said kindly handing her his briefcase after taking out his encyclopedia to read. he turned the pages to read about centuars

[Heero]

After the egg throwing Aedan slips away to the nearby woods to wash the filth off of him. And to find some food. Seeing as he now has the day off from working on the various farms he finds a soft patch under a shady tree and, after washing and eating falls asleep.

When morning comes he wakes up and washes his face before making his way toward the village. Once there he quickly checks on some of the farm animals and MG's he takes care of them goes to the meeting spot. upon arriving ne nods at the others and Erica and sets his cloth bag of cloths and food in the wagon and stands to the side arms folded.

(Ren)
Later that night after washing and partying Ren sleeps off the festivies. Waking up and stretching he gathers some cloths and other misc. into a backpack before leaving his room above the General store. shaking the hand of the owner then stepping out and immediately giving a few girls who were waiting for him his crooked smile they all love and sweeps his hair back, "I shall return soon my ladies." giving them a bow before heading to the gate.

When he arrives, "Hey guys how's your morning been? And a good day to you Erica, that's very generous of you but I think I can manage for a time thanks." he says smiling at her.

[TheShadoek]

Alson knew about the festivities, he had digged into some of the culture from his nation from forehand. Apparently there was a cycle of some sorts that dictated which village would send his champions over the pilgrimage, and this year, the honors belonged to this village. He felt it an honor to have the able to participate, though he did not know everything, as it was not of his interest and thus he only scratched the surface of what it involved.

The learned man knew that there would be some kind of ritual to choose the men that would do the pilgrimage, but he lacked of any knowledge about what it involved, so he stepped forth, with pride, to help his nation...

Alson saw lots of eggs, harpy eggs judging by their size, sitting on a container that formerly was hidden, be revealed by the village elder, and an albino harpy soar down, then giving off the meaning of these... A ritual of towing eggs... Trowing... EGGS!?

The alarmed man immediately lowered his sight towards his clothes, needless to say, those were not clothes you would want to have yolk smeared all over, but it was too late, as now he held his own a liquid grenade on hands and projectiles were flying from and to all directions. Alson trew the egg to the nothingness and crouched down as fast as he could. He thought that doing so would reduce the area he occupies, making him effectively harder to hit when summed to his slim frame. And surprisingly, it worked. It worked much better than he would have ever hoped for, it was so good of an strategy that he actually ended being completely clean and the victors were announced...

*Splat.* Of course- *Splat, splat, splat...*

Alson arrived to his own house bathed in the essence of eggs, though he got dirty, in the end, it was a lot of fun to see the elder suffer the mischief of a naughty werecat and get a taste of cough medicine too. But he had to prepare for tomorrow. He gained a new obligation during that time and a long travel awaited for him. So he also had to talk with that man.

Once he was sure that he was completely clean, his clothes were put to soak in water so the yolk would not stick to them forever, and he prepared a bag with supplies for a couple of days. Alson got out of his home, strolling across several streets until he reached a house that belonged to someone he knew very well, someone that he despiced very much, yet someone he loved.

"My son... Welcome, welcome. It is rare for you to visit your father nowadays..." That man said as he gestured accordingly to his words, opening the door for Alson to go in, but he politely refused.

"Father, i am not sure if you heard who were selected for the pilgrimage this year. So i came here to announce that. I shall not be home for the next week, or maybe the next month." Alson said, talking as polite as he could.

"I know, i know. I do watch over you even now, you know?" The old man said in reply.

"Well then, father." The young man simply said as he turned around, leaving that man behind with a look of indifference...

...

The next morning arrived, and Alson eventually reunited with the group at the set point. He was greeted by the sight of several members waiting up already and a centaur pulling a cart. For the matter of the conversation it would appear that this centauress was here to help with the luggage.

Alson felt a little guilty, yet he knew he was not very gifted in the stamina area, so he slowly, and almost timidly, gave his wares out to the semi-equine and slid a very suffocated "thanks" through his teeth. The man sighed afterwards and turned around, just in case he could catch some kind of conversation in which he can be useful.

[DJ Pon3]

----------------------------
Morning - Jessie's Home
---------------------------
Jessie was normally an early-bird type of person. Quick to fall asleep, and early to wake up. When you were a gladiator though, the day's exhaustion was easy to sleep off. His normal morning routine consisted of: getting up, washing off, cleaning up, limbering up with a few stretches, eating whatever breakfast he conveniently had set up the night before, and then to make his way to the arena not far away to begin his day. This morning however, was different. He'd have to change things due to last nights festivities. Instead, his morning schedule this time was: getting up, washing off, REALLY washing off again, cleaning up, stretching a bit to limber up, cringing in pain for a few minutes at the one or four bruises he'd received the day prior, eating an ironic breakfast of eggs and whatever meat he'd come across first, and then heading towards the north gate to meet his new companions. Apparently, his dodging skills had taken him far yesterday, as he'd avoided almost every one that had been thrown in his direction. All but one, right after everything had been called off. He'd let his guard down for just a second, and an egg still airborne hit him directly in the chest, and left a bit of a bruise there too from impact. Those eggs could be dangerous if used with enough force and reason. It didn't help that while he was winded, he and whomever had been left standing all got ganged up on by EVERYONE in the village that had attended. That left a few more bruises over his body. Nothing he wasn't used to. Bruises and cuts found him all the time in the arena, but not in egg-form. He'd not even been dodging the eggs out of wanting to be one of the selected for pilgrimage; he just wanted to keep his fairly decent-known name safe from any ridicule. Though he doubted not many would ridicule for him going on this sort of 'quest'. It was, after all, to protect the entire island.

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Morning - Northern Village Gates
--------------------------------------

Jessie had gotten together everything he'd needed, which in reality, was no more than a backpack of preserved foods, a change of clothes or two, a pouch with a nice amount of coin in it, and his ever-loyal blades. The two swords, or at the moment, one sword, had been fastened to a harness and strung across his back, and put under the backpack. He didn't really need a lot, as he was used to living on simple things for long periods of time; something he had to do when he was getting his footing in the arena. Before he was actually known, life was a bit rough. After he got his start though, and made an actual income from it, it was enough to kick his lifestyle in gear. Thinking of which...how would his new allies react to having him in this group? He was a professional fighter. He had both the ability and the knowledge to kill, but never would. A lot of the time though, people would pin just having the knowledge was already a bad start. He'd never had allies either...he'd always been a solo act. One on one fights, or free-for-alls, but never on a team. Even the words that described having others on your side seemed to leave a strange taste in his mouth. So enthralled with his thoughts, he'd hardly been paying attention to where he'd been going, and when he did snap back to reality, he was only inches away from smacking face first into the bricks of the north wall, in front of the gate. A bit of blinking to rehabilitate himself, and searching the premise, he found what looked like what would be his group for this adventure. They looked all to be about as much as one would expect from a random choosing of rag-tag adventurers. All besides the centaur, that is. What did he know about centaurs? Having only fought them twice, they preferred ranged attacks and weaponry, had a speed hard to match by most, disliked anything within their melee range (Probably due to being unable to maneuver as quickly within melee ranged, like a human or lizardwoman could), and had an endurance that was especially a challenge for him to diminish, even with his enchanted blades. He'd heard that they were quite the nature-dwellers as well, so having one as a guide would make plenty of sense. When he approached the party, he was told by the centaur that she would carry his things for him. He wasn't much of a talker, except to those he was in combat with, so he simply posed a smile and shook his head. He was a decently seasoned warrior; he could carry his own things. Besides, he didn't have enough luggage to make giving it to the centaur really worth her time. He would go back to the wall, closer to the group now, and lean against it until they had all deemed it was time to go.

[Nexous]

Erica gave a disapproving look to the three men who decided to hold their own supplies, and gently tossed the items into the wagon that were handed to her. Ivadi looks up Centaurs, amongst other things it mentions they they are very proud, and take their responsibilities seriously. "Well, shall we be moving on? It's going to be a long trip." She says as she begins down the road.
(Just like last time this will depend a lot on player conversation. Not everyone has to post,after a time even if no one posts I'll update further down the road, having progressed in awkward silence.)

[hothead1021]

Ivadi chuckles softly as he finds it nice how responsible the Centuars are and that they are a proud race. he hears her as they begin down the road. though this quest somewhat bothers him a little. Every year they do this to ensure the safety of the islands that much he gets. And he even understands what happens if they fail but the question on his mind was this. ["If this quest of ours is so important, why do they choose people at random?"] he wondered ["could there be more to this we're not seeing?"] he mused to himself