EQ Game Quest- The Challenge To the North

Gary: 2h cleaver, scalemail armor, legionnaire's helm, starter kit, and shadow goggles
Daybreak: Starter shit, cleaver, flash light, Small glass sphere with gold orb inside, flare
RUIN: 1 crystal warhammer, 1 hungry Hornblade, 1 Grimmar's Magic Sword, 1 canteen of water, 1 pegleg
Basso; saddlebag, fire kit.
Rain: has a glowy stone in a jar, and a watersack.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

It was a cloudy, but not rainy day in Outer Hayven, a nice change of pace from the blistering heat usually found in the area, when word, rumors, and actual physical copies of a note started being spread throughout the settlement.

'Those of brave heart, and foolish will, I challenge thee and your friends. Come to the darkened woods to the north, and encourage thee to not alone come. I will cast thee down in combat, if you be strong enough to even make it where I wait in its heart.

To those pure, or knowledgeable, I guard a sword yee seek, and will not hand it over willingly. If I am not of defeated, I will make sure your chances of yet finding it again be limited, so I say now come, fight, prove yourself not the coward, and grab destiny by the reigns!'

Is how it read, a odd, and somewhat disturbing conundrum, given some past events, many worried what would happen if the challenge was not met, while others, of course, may have been more then willing to take it up, whether a sense of adventure, or from their own knowledge of the situation, who could say?

As it stood, at the Northern Gate stood Griff, ready and rearing to go, a nervousness about him, which his friends and fellow adventures might understand, given what this challenge seemed to relate to, as he tried to gather some support to meet this head on.

The slightly large griffon was not having much luck yet though, most of the town having long ago decided to remain within the safety of its barriers, an understandable decision, but in its own right a dangerous one Griff thought, but was not one to force their hand.

“well, anyone?” he called out from atop his bench, scratching his head.

[Please post your inventories in in Commentary, and do not forget I give 3 re-roll tokens to each player per quest]


After having read the message on one of the notes passed around town, Gary made his way to the north gate to see if anyone else would be gathering there to meet this challenge. He knew what the note was referring to and knew that they needed the sword, they only had two. One with him and one with Ruin. It sounded like a dangerous mission, just like any of the previous ones to find these damn things, so he was going to come prepared this time. Deciding to walk to the gate instead of fly, Gary soon made his way there from his house and spotted the gryphon that had imparted some wisdom upon him at some point around a campfire. Griff, he was pretty sure it was, "Hey, you here about the messages around town too?" Gary called out to him



How can anyone turn down a creepy cryptic message like that? It was probably some sort of fun joke, Basso thought, but hey, it would be entertaining. Plus if it was real, maybe he could get a sword, even if he was far from pure, or really even knowledgeable. Running up to the gate he saw two others standing around "Sorry I'm late." He called out, as he approached, "Ran across town, ya'll here about the note too?"


Daybreak had skipped work yet again that day and spent her time punching her feelings away at her training post much to Bayou's concern. Once she was finished abusing the thing, she decided to take a break and lightly jog about town. Then something slapped her in the face. A note? Must've fallen off of wherever it was posted to. With a low growl she peeled it off her face and read it over. It sounded interesting and could help take her mind off things. Maybe it was a chance to let out frustrations and beat something up? With a confident smirk she heads over to the North gate with the others. " Yo losers, what's...up..." She sees Gary there and her face turns a bit red for a moment. She blinks and internally screams but tries to keep a straight face as she joins them, " H-Hey you d-d-dorks, you w-what's all this crap about?" Smooth. Oh so smooth.

Ruin meanders his way over to the party starting to form. "If y'all are here about that sword, lemme warn you before we set out. These sword bastards are no slouches." Ruin gestures to his peg leg. "If this one's calling us out, they probably got something worse than a delimbing planned."

Gary turns at the voice and sees Daybreak there, his heart suddenly stopping and a blush coming to his feathered face, "O-oh.. H-hey Daybreak..." He mumbles and looks away, too flustered to meet her gaze

" S-sup..." She found that she couldn't meet eyes with him as well and instead just looked at the others who were there. She then noticed the peg leg on Ruin and stared at it, then at him. " Whoa..." she moves over to poke it. An alert went off in the back of her mind about it. Just how dangerous was this going to be? Or maybe this guy was just clumsy and fell off a cliff. Yea, that's it. Day adopted a confident smirk and held her head up, " Pssh, ain't nothing going to take me down. So we're just collecting some sword, right? "

"Well, look on the bright side stranger: at least you aren't doing this solo. Had to duel an ancient king for this bad boy." * Ruin dramatically swings his sword obtained from the leg-losing duel with Grimmar* "That king could make this thing shoot lightning, haven't figured out how to do that yet."

Turning to look at Ruin, Gary nodded solemnly. He remembered how they'd almost died on that trip and how Ruin hadn't returned with them. He'd heard later from Homily about what happened, "Guess Grimmar was wrong about you. Now we just have to hope there's no explosives on this one too..." Gary tried to make a joke to lighten the mood


Griff nods as the group forms up, giving a smile to Gary and Ruin, familiar faces he had known from before.

“Aye, here bout this sword ahn whatever guards it. Thought it best tah check it out and,” he shrugged, “maybe get rid o ah clear threat.”

"It sure would be nice to get ahold of one of those reusable grenades though..." Ruin turns to Griff, "Ready as I'll ever be."

" Right, the only danger that should be lurking about this town is me. " she said with a small laugh and started to move toward leaving the gate with a smile, " C'mon you old farts! "

Looking around at everybody assembled, Gary couldn't help but look around them all with concern. The last few outings involving these swords had nearly cost lives and had at least maimed one. He just hoped everyone would return alright this time despite the ominous warning, "Yeah... Right, let's get going. Just everyone, please be careful. This shit ain't a joke!" The gryphon said warily, starting to follow after Daybreak

Griff Chuckled, raising an eyebrow at Days words, but returned to a serious stare as he looked over the group. “Right, this seems plenty, best get headed out. Ah reckon we best be prepared fer something fierce, this didn't seem like no joke, as Ruin said...”


All Basso could do was shake his head "Man, I was told this place was crazy. Well, I didn't come here to sit on my ass, could do that anywhere. Anyway we have gryphons, I heard you folk were pretty tough." Yeah, no joke indeed it seems. Oh well, no risk no reward. "Wait for me, I'm coming." He said, setting off.

An odd note! And yet one that sparked curious thoughts... Rain moght not have been one of the sword seekers, but he definitely wanted to see how things turned out! A copy of the note inhand, or, well, mouth? He made his way to the gate! ...only to find what appears to be a group of adventurers on their way off already! Egads.

Ruin walks along, keeping a wary eye to the side of the path "Be ready for anything."

"Oh shit, forgot to pack a snack." *Ruin says, suddenly seeming worried. "Anyone pack food?"

What Ruined said reminded the mare of a fish she caught well over a week ago. Where...was that fish...? She smacked her own head with her hoof then scoffed, " Just eat grass dude. "

"Haha, right. You wouldn't believe how often I forget I can do that now."



The group headed off, One last member catching up as they went out into the wilderness, they would march through the relatively cool day, making their way quickly to the river, then crossing into the untamed wilderness that loomed beyond.

According to the note, they were supposed to make their way to the strange, seemingly dead area above the town, to Which with a shrug Griff lead them in the direction of. A otherwise unexplored area, no paths had yet been carved, least not any good ones, as they swerved and pushed their way through the thick jungle, the jungle will humid and hot even if not so much as usual...

[D12-1+perception people!]
Gary, 9
Ruin,7
Crazy,2
Day,2
Bassos,8


The group was in the thick of some heavy undergrowth when Ruin, Gary, and Bassos would notice movement up ahead, the stirring of something, and perhaps Gary and Bassos heard them speaking, though the language was foreign.

The others were all too distracted, the thick jungle blocking their view, or the flowers smelling all too sweet, Griff himself busy chopping a path to make the going easier for the group.


Gary stopped and glared ahead at the rustling and tried to drown out everything else when he thought he heard whispering, "Hey, something's up ahead... Sounds like talking too, maybe!" He hissed out, trying not to give them away.

"Stop" Said in a hushed tone, his mind jumping to the warnings of a certain peg legged fellow "I saw it to Gary, can't make out what they're saying, but someone is up there"

Ruin keeps quiet, but taps the seriously underequipped stranger on the shoulder to get his attention, and pantomimes by putting a hoof to his lips and quietly shh-ing, then pointing ahead. He then hears the other two speak up and sighs quietly "Here's hoping that didn't give us away."

Day hadn't been on this path before and took in everything around it. She even took a moment to lean up on a nearby tree and scratch off some bark to leave a mark just in case. Her ear turned to the other two giving their warnings and she lowered back down to all fours again and moved up to them cautiously. " Should we go around? "

Rain WAS humming happily to himself as he followed along with the group, letting what seemed to be the more experienced adventurers take the lead, himself more at the back. However, as several spoke out, he stopped, a small grin growing on his face, eyes almost noticibly brightening as he started to glance about, hoping to catch a glimpse of what seemed to be going on "hum~ it's almost like one of those old adventures Mark used to run~. Well, without the sudden six-armed ape dropping from the sky, anyway." he muttered quietly to himself.

Day lifted a brow with a half smirk to this werido that joined them, " Six-armed ape? I bet I could take it..." she whispered to the new guy before looking ahead again. " Name's Daybreak by the way. "


Staring for a moment Basso tried to think of something to do. They could go around, but maybe this is where they were supposed to be in the first place, maybe this is related. "I don't think they see us... maybe we could move closer, see what they're up to. Pretty big coincidence we stumble upon them on our way. What do y'all think?" He made sure to keep his voice down, not wantign to give them away.


Griff stopped, quickly getting down as he listened, and finally was able ot see what Gary, Ruin, and Basso were on about, turning to the group, he whispered. “not did say dude has som helpers...how're ya'll wanna play this out then?”

"Day, you any good for stealth missions?" Ruin whispers

Gary glanced around them, gauging what could be done, "Maybe try to sneak around them, don't want to get into to much danger..." He tried to whisper

" As a human I used to whenever we had to nabb a few things from..." she glanced up at the guard griffon, " N-nevermind. Maybe? "


Rain perked up on being addressed, almost seeming to get a little taller as he stretched abit, before turning a bright grin to the mare. "Really? That'd pretty fun to watch, i think. My names Rain~, though i seem to have managed to get the unfortunate pleasure of being addressed with a crazy, occasionally." he dipped a little on his forelegs at Day, something almost like a little bow, before turning his eyes back to the surroundings. Better to keep an eye out then not, afterall

Gary glanced back at Rain with a quirked brow, looking him up and down before turning back to the situation at hand

"Sounds like a yes to me, Day. take point, and see if you can get a peek at what's ahead, yeah?"

Noticing that he grabbed a little attention, rain wiggled slightly with a grin

Griff scratched his chin, but nodded at Garys suggestion. “Might be best, but cant tell exactly how many there be....might not work if we dont know the situation....” He looked over at Day. “...and Day might be the perfect candidate fer sneakin round in all this undergrowth tah find out...”

"If they ARE a threat, then they are pretty close to the village, right? and if we go around them we would have who knows what in front of us, and them in back." Basso muttered and looked over at Day "I agree, if you're the best for the job, sneak on up there."

Amused by the gesture of Rain she chuckled and whispered back, " Well, well, aren't you a fancy one. " then nodded to Ruin, " On it! That way, right? "

Grimacing at the thought of Daybreak going ahead, Gary turned to the mare, "Hey, if you go out ahead... Just be careful, alright?" He said to her with a concerned look


Griff nodded, looking around a bit for more movement, as he pulled aside a bit of brush to let Day through and ahead.

She doesn't look back at the griffon but still responds still keeping her voice low, " I told you to relax, I got this! " and she carefully, keeping low tried to move around the area ahead.

at the words of day, rain bounced at the knees slightly, jerking back a little "F-fancy? ...don't think I've had anyone call me that before..." *descending into quiet mutterings to himself as a small blush appeared.

[Day, d12+3+Dex]
Day,12

As Day made her way though the undergrowth, hooves stepping lightly to avoid noise as she curved her way forward, she finally came upon some movement a good twenty feet ahead.

Poking her head through a bush , she would spot one large pony creature, like that one buff Pegasus big, but like he was made of shadow, eyes red, as he talked in some strange language to seven, yes, seven little pony shaped shadows, all smaller by a good margin then an adult pony.

After a bit of talking, the Seven little ones start spreading out, seemingly spending a good amount of time checking, looking for anything hiding, the Big one just scanning the area....


Daybreak squinted at what she saw and tilted her head. Before she could move forward, she would have to head back to the others to let them know what's up. After scrurrying quietly back to the group, she whispered to them still keeping hidden, " Psst, oi, there's a big shadow pony that looks like a leader and seven little ones that just scattered. Looks like they're taking guard or out searching for something. "

Gary nodded, a large smile at seeing her come back safe, "Right, sounds like sneaking around is the best option then" He kept his voice low

Griff shrugged. “I mean, dude challenged us tah come, makes sense they woulda expected someone eventually...”

Ruin's ears perk up at Daybreak's warning and he readies his sword. "So should we charge the big guy now while he's alone?"

"...oh. i knew i forgot something.." at ruins words, rain began to rummage through his saddlebags with his magic... only to bring up a stone in a jar, and a sack of water. ...the jar could perhaos be used as a weapon? Actually... "Well, if i can find a sturdy stick, and some rocks, i could turn this sack into a Sap, i think..." staring at it, rain wiggles the sack around in his magic "probably wouldn't be of decent make tho."

Ruin pulls his hammer from his harness, and levitates it over to Rain. "You can borrow this. Treat it good, it's kind of special to me."

What the fuck is a shadow pony? Basso thought. Whatever it was it couldn't be good. "Well obviously this is related to the challenge, he wants a fight, why don't we bring it to him, use th element of surprise, yeah?"

Griff rubbed his chin. “Ruin makes ah point...plus, seven buggers tah avoid as ah group...not impossible, but....”

She looks to Ruin. Normally, she would agree. She was ready to break some teeth. But something in the back of her mind told her that it would possibly be a bad idea, her eyes going dark for a moment, " I think we should try to avoid it or see what it wants..." but then they lit back up again at Griff's words along with a smirk on her face, " Or punching it is good. Jump the bastard! "

"You know Day, if you really want to know what it wants, just go ask it"

with a nod to ruin, rain takes the hammer in hoof! ...before switching to using magic. Cause that'd work so much better. "Thankya, kind sirrah~ i shall treat it like my little sister. Except, with less of the repeated breaking of my nose, and more the care and affection thing. Yes."


Gary actually looked between Day and Basso, seriously contemplating it. Maybe they could talk it down? "We could... try?"


Ruin applies his hornblade to the magic spike on his head, and feels the magic start to rush through him, "Just say when we're jumping this thing."


Griff chuckles. “Ah dunno, talking....er....sure? But ah suggest we be ready tah help whoever volunteers.”

Gary quickly volunteered "I'll go! I'm heavily armored here... I'd be prepared for an attack" The gryphon whispered quickly, volunteering for the stupidly dangerous task

Day puffed up her chest, " I can go see what's up. If worse comes to worse, we'll just jump it. Let me go alone to-" she was interrupted by Gary to which she just pouted at.

Basso looked between the two volunteers for what seemed to be a very risky proposition, "Yeah, Gary seems a bit more prepared, Gary goes."

Rain grinningly waved a hoof "I don't mind talking either. Not really got the whole combat loadout though... so i can try dodging if we get down to it?" Rain ponders his current setup. ...which mostly consists of saddlebags, and now a hammer.

Griff rubbed at the back of his head. “er...ah mean, Gary has ah point but...well...not sure hes tha best talker from what ah understand.” He said with a nervous laugh.

Ruin shakes his head lightly. "I can't shake the feeling that talking may be a bad plan."


Gary was already stepping forward, quietly approaching the direction of the shadow pony, "Relax, I got this!"

Rain gives a cheerful little nod to day "Alrighty~ If that don't work, I'll hav'ta try the ol' dirty fighting tactics i guess."

[RIGHT, EVERYONE but Gary, D12+2+Dex to sneak into position! 7+ success]
Rain, 12, success
Ruin, 7, success
Bassos, 12, success
Day, 6, fail
Griff, 12, success

As Gary approaches the large, hulking shadow, its head turns quickly, locking on and watching Gary closely as he approaches.

Suddenly, it looks him her, he thinks at least, and he swears it smirks. In a voice that seems to echo from all around, rather then come from the shadowy creature, he speaks, this time, in familiar pony-english.

“Have you come at my Masters challenge?”

a small mutter as he sneaks past day is heard... "oh yess... just like snake-senpai taught me~"

Day's ears pop up as well as her head, " You like snakes too? "

Without a word Basso sneaks through brush, keeping a close eye on where he steps. He focused in on what that thing was saying to Gary.

blinking, rain turned back to day "not quite the one i was talking about, but i have worked with them before. Can be pretty cosy."


Gary was suddenly thinking this was a terrible idea, his eyes wide and a nervous smile adorning his face, "Y-yes... M-my f-" Suddenly his brain thought better of continuing that, "I came out h-here to find the sword, alone, But, y'know, I don't think we need to fight! Maybe I want to..." His mind raced around for an excuse, "I want to, uh, maybe join... you guys? Or at least not fight!" He let out a nervous chuckle

Ruin sneaks to hs spot, watching the scene unfold from behind a shrub.

smooth Gary, real smooth Basso thought to himself as he watched on

he grinned "i managed to get hugs from a boa once. She was pretty smart too." a short nod, before he slipped back into the grass again, muttering softly "i wonder if i can make a new snakefriend here somewhere..."

The massive shadow stallion seems to raise and eyebrow and look off to the side a bit, before returning to look at Gary.
“I think not. The Knights need no mortal Minions, much less ones that lie of their numbers.” Suddenly, he leans down, and his mouth opens. “We shall fight, and you shall fall, Griffon.” And suddenly black fire looking smoke is breathed at Gary!

Meanwhile, Day hears mild rustling, and suddenly is pounced on by one of the mini shadows!
[for reference, even if your move might be obvious, such as dodging, I wait til you say so, just incase you have other plans, before I give out rolls]


As she was too busy fangirling over snakes, Day found herself on the ground with the shadow atop her! She tries to use all four of her hooves to kick the thing off of her, " Oi! No touching! "

Griff curses as things instantly go south, jumping out with his Axe drawn, hoping to take the big one out quickly before the smaller ones came to its aid.

Ruin keeps in the bush, but tries pointing his sword at the big shadow "If you're ever gonna do that zappy thing, now might be a good time." He whispers irratbly at his magic sword.

a rippling twist of his neck, as he turns his head to watch the shadow leaping on day... he froze, body almost locking in place, as his eyes sharpened, pupils almost to pinpricks. Sudden movement blurred next to him, as his newly recieved hammer hurtled towards the little beastie, twisting to smash into the side of its form! "danana, no no." Was muttered as he did this.

Gary NPC dodged the smoky black fire because it is logical to do so.

Basso stayed low in his spot, waiting to see how things were about to play out, the plan had fallen apart, that much was obvious, but he preferred to wait, maybe he could get an opening on one of the smaller ones. Pulling out his knife he waited patiently.


[Day, d12+strength, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12-3+ranged, 8+ pass, 9+ success]
[Rain, d12+melee, 7+ pass, 8+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Bassos, no roll, but +2 to next one]
[Gary, d12+dex, 7+ pass,8+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Griff, d12+melee, 7+ pass, 9+ success,1- crit fail]
Day, 8, pass
Ruin, 7, fail
Rain, 10, success
Bassos, no roll
Gary, 7, pass
Griff, 10, success


Day kicks at the thing, and ends up smacking it in the face, knocking it back ,but not off...that is until a fricking big ol hammer slams into it as Rain swings hard, and the thing splats on the tree next to them like a bu on a windshield, clearly out of commission.


Meanwhile Gary rolls away, but ends up flopping onto the ground to dodge, gritting as some dirt gets in his mouth.

Ruin feels the sword build up with some energy, ans sees some sparkles of electricity, but its not enough, nothing happening just yet....

Griff however gets a good cut into the thing, leaping back as it swings a hoof at him, turning in his direction. “shit.” is all Griff says.

...and then, from all around, the group hears rustling, as things start to approach...


"Well, so much for the sneak attack." Ruin jumps out of the bush, lunging at the big guy "BALLS TO THE WALLS, BOYS!"

Upon slamming the small shadow beastie with his hammer, words are heard. Starting calm and a little quiet, building up to a pretty damn load roar. "I will motherfucking crush you into dust, fucking burn your dust to ash, AND USE THAT ASH TO MAKE MY BREAD FOR THE NEXT TWELVE YEARS!!! DANNA HURT MY FRIENDS, OR I WILL FUCKING CRIPPLE YOU WITH YOUR OWN ENTRAILS!!!" Of course, more of the things started to approach, so rain moved to assist day on getting up, hammer hovering threateningly


Daybreak blinked in surprise as the shadow was knocked off and the yelling of the unicorn, quickly rolled herself back up to her hooves, " Nice one Rain! " she called out to him before quickly positioning herself in a ready stance, her head turning in every direction to the sound. " Something's coming guys! " she looks back to where Gary was and mentally curses, but keeps her focus on the things coming toward them.

Basso bit down on the handle of the knife. With that big thing distracted by Griff and Gary maybe he could get in close for a hit. Before he could make a decision he heard rustling from around them. shit was all he could think. Was this all a trap? Did they just seriously fuck up? He decided to see what was approaching, looking to take one of whatever it is down


Griff goes to dodge the thing now that all the attention is on him, While Gary spends the turn being an NPC and thus is just getting back on his feet.

[Day, d12+1+dex, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+melee, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Rain, d12+dex, 6+ pass, 9+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Basso, d12+2+Dex+one time bonus, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Griff, d12+dex, 6+ pass, 9+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Gary is free of rolling, he is the freebird this turn]


Day,7, pass
Rain,8, pass
Ruin,reroll, 10, success
1/3
Basso,reroll, 14, success
1/3
Griff, reroll, 6, pass
1/3

Day and Rain stand their ground, but turns out the little shadow twerps are fast, two zipping towards them, and end up jumping up and bouncing off both of them with a kick, trying to knock Day and Rain over, though it doesn't work, before landing perfectly, and both fire off a small little black fireball at them from their mouths!

Meanwhile Griff does a roll under a swing from the big guy, ending up flat on the ground next to Gary, as Gary gets up himself.

Then Ruin zooms by, getting a good slash across the big ones back, who turns, breathing heavy fire at Ruin as he ends up behind the big fella!

Bassos waiting finally pays up, and as one of the little ones zooms by, he tackles it, digging his knife into it, the thing popping into a puddle quickly. But Bassos ears twitch, as he hears the last three coming up behind Griff and Gary!


Gary was surprised at first about the thing breathing at him and everything going tits up so quickly, but he scrambled back up and readied his cleaver, giving the shadow monstrosity a stern glare, "Alright then... Time to shine some light around here, eh?" He chuckled at his own stupid joke

Griff hears rustling behind him, and swerves around, putting his back to Gary
“You deal with big daddy, ill handle them younguns!” he said, taking out his buckler and dagger.

"Man, this guy spits some hot rhymes! Literal fire!" Ruin tries to dodge to the side of the flames and get close enough for another slash. "You should drop an album!"

For a moment Basso was surprised, he didn't expect it simply melt away, but that that thought left him when he heard the other approaching his two companions "Behind you!" He called out, charging into the fray, picking one out of the group as his next target. He knew he would be able to stop the three shadow ponies from getting to their destination, but maybe he could even the odds a bit.

The mare calls out " I got this one! " and tries to dodge roll out of the way of the fireball and then aims for a a sweeping kick to the shadow's legs to knock it down.

"...fuck off with your op shadowfire bullshit, i had enough o'that last update!" A twisting dodge, attempting to almost literally throw himself under the spat fire, towards the shadowthings. The hammer though, was easy to spot, as it twisted through the air to slam into the side of one, trying to replicate the previous splatter... by aiming to hit one of the two shadows into the others!



[Gary, d12+1+melee, 5+ pass, 9+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Griff, d12+melee, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+Dex or melee, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Bassos, d12+melee, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Day, d12+dex or unarmed, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Rain, d12+dex or melee, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 2- crit fail]
Gary,14, success
Griff, 9, success
1/3
Ruin,8, pass
1/3
Bassos, 10,success
1/3
Day, 5, fail
Rain, 11, success

Griff and Bassos quickly rush in, both getting their respective blades into an enemy as it rushes them back, the two things popping quickly, as the last one comes to a skidding halt infront of them, blinking as it looks up at them.

It smiles weakly, and turns to run away!

Ruin is able to dodge under the fire, but as it swoops at him ,hes forced to back off instead of get close, unable to make an attack! Luckily, Gary sees an opening, and rushes in, slamming his cleaver down hard on its back, causing it to roar and buck backwards at him!

Day was knocked more off balance then she thought, and suddenly feels a hard, burning smack on her face, knocking her on her rear! Thankfully she didn't catch fire, but she looks like cartoons do, the hair on her left side smelling burnt and sticking out wildly a bit, her face a bit black with soot.

Thankfully Rain had better luck, and swinging hard as he swerved around the fireball, smacks one of them hard, knocking the ones After Day off balance and popping the first!


Gary laughed in triumph, but quickly attempted to fly upwards to avoid the kick, trying to make a retreating swipe at the shadow pony's legs

Day yelps and starts patting her face from the burn, then yelps again because it fucking burns, " My hair! You little shit! " she gets back up and runs toward the shadow who attacked her then twists around to buck at him with her hindlegs.

"NAHAHA, POPPIN' LIKE SOAP BUBBLES!" Egged on by his current progress, Rain goes for another swing on the remaining shadow with the hanmer! "I'd try a hammertime pun here, but i don't have a tunemaker!"

Basso smiled and gave a nod towards Griff, turning his attention to the big guy now he realized that he may be a bit underprepared with only a knife. Still though, any help he could give would be better then nothing. With the big monster attempting to buck Gary he decided to try and slip in and try to get a slash on one of the front legs, anything to slow this beast down.


Griff ignores the fleeing little twerp, and swerves to the right, quickly pulling out his crossbow to try and stick the thing, if only to distract it!

NPC Ruin rolls away to dodge, but the things too occupied with Gary to do much with him anyways, besides flamer to keep him at bay.

[Gary, d12+flight, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Day, d12+unarmed, 5+ pass, 7+ success]
[Rain, d12+melee, 5+ pass, 7+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Bassos, d12+dex, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Griff, d12+1+ranged, 5+ pass, 10+ success, 2- crit fail]
Gary,8, pass
Day, 11, success
Rain, 3, fail
Bassos, 8, pass
1/3
Griff, 7, pass
1/3

Day quickly and easily smashes the last of the buggers, her hooves even knocking some bark off the tree behind it! But then shes forced to drop down quickly, as Rain almost hits her with the hammer, getting the point stuck into the same tree!

Meanwhile Gary flaps above the kick, but isnt able to get a slash in, while Griff sticks a bolt into the bastard, causing it to turn in his direction!

Bassos is able to slip under the thing, getting a small cut but quickly is forced out and onto the other side next to Ruin as its scrambling nearly smacks him about!



Ruin lunges with a forward thrust of his blade at big guy! "Woah there! You're in my personal space!"

Cursing at not being able to get a hit in, Gary stabilizes himself before going in for a dive at the shadow's head, letting out an avian screech!

" Yes! WHOA! " she ducks down from the swing of the hammer quickly, " Hey! Watch it! " then she turns back to the others handling the big one and gallops over to them, jumping up with a kick from behind at the larger shadow pony.

Basso readies himself as the the beast turns toward Griff "You're heavily outnumbered man, just give up!" He yells out to the monster confidently. "Keeping up this fight won't help you any."

"Ack. Sorry 'bout that, was hoping to do a quick finishing strike" Taking a moment to rip the hammer from the tree, he bounces for a moment, visibly calming down from the ragespike he had been running through... before turning to day with a grin, and starting to bounce off towards the 'lastboss' type creature, grin widening before... "BROTHERRRRRR~!" They shout echos as he puts his lungs into it, the hammer possibly whistling slightly as it rips through the air, coming around to slam into the big guy*

Griff curses, despite this being what he wanted, and quickly rolls to the side to dodge!

[Ruin, d12+melee, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Gary, d12+flight, 5+ pass, 7+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12-2+dex, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Rain, d12-3+melee, 8+ pass, 11+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Griff, d12+dex, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 3- crit fail]
Ruin,12, success
1/3
Gary,9, success
Day, 9, success
Rain, reroll, 3, fail
1/3
Griff, 9, success
1/3

The thing yells out “MY LIFE FOR MY LORD, TO DEATH OR VICTORY, FOR THE GREAT SHADOW, FOR THE GREAT PLAGUE!” in response to Bassos.


As Griff rolls out of the way,  the big bad is brutally assaulted by the party. Ruins hornblade sinks deep into its rear, as Gary comes in, landing on its back hard as his cleaver sinks deep into its back, aswell as its claws, the thing roaring loudly and bucking back, before Day hurtles in like a little missile, kicking it in the back and knocking it forward again, where it slams into a tree.

The poor wooden beam of a plant is no match, cracking and splintering, as the large shadow falls and gets impaled on it, slowly melting into a puddle of black ooze, which stats dissipating, along with the rest of the stuff.

“i....only....first...obsti....” it tries to say, before it is too oozy to speak....

Rain was too late to the fight to assist.

Griff huffs, walking over to the three who finished the big fell off, nodding a bit. “good work yall, whew....that was...ah mess, heh....”

"Ooh, slime ooze." * Rain attempts to put some inside a glass jar to see if it'll still vanish away*

it does, filling the jar with smoke, before it starts disapating inside the jar, until nothing is left.

Gary huffed and laughed as the thing dissolved, "Didn't need no mortals, huh?" He gloated

"So, did any get away?" Ruin asks the group

Day cringed at the defeat of the beast and went up to the black goop as it dissolved, ears a bit lowered, " We didn't get to ask it for information..."

"Eeh. Shadowstuff instead of ooze, most likely. Probably held together via the same stuff that was enabling intelligence...

Rain contemplates the disappating ooze before grinning "Kinda curious as to how it tastes now..."

Gary happily pranced over to Daybreak and brought her into a big hug, "Glad to see you made it out of there!" The large gryphon happily exclaimed before dropping her again

"One got away, one of the little ones" Basso said, slipping his knife back into his pack. "Just sort of ran off to save its own hide."

"Lemme catch you up new guy: that goop is some kind of punishment from the afterlife because some folks stole something from there. To sum it up, it's dark magics, probably not good eating."

Ruin's ears perk up at Basso's news "SHIT! SHITSHITSHIT! Now they know we're here, and how many of us there are!"

Rain nods, a pondering thought occuring "Well, that kinda depends on how many it saw itself, unless they have a hivemindy thing going on?"

Day blushes brightly at his embrace but can't help but giggle, pushing at him, " K-knock it off dork. I told you I'd be fine. " she gives him a playful punch

Griff frowned, nodding as Ruin spoke. "Damn, didnt think o that, the big guy seemed too big tah ignore though...." he sighed. "Best we git movin then, fore too many bog us down."

"Maybe we should change up our route? They're expecting us to come from this way now."

"wait wait wait, are you telling me these were once ponies, and now they are being... punished?" Shit, this just got a whole lot stranger. "I agree with Griff, we should get moving."

Grinning and giving her a playful wing bap, Gary turns back to the others, "Well, too late to be worrying now, all we can do is continue on and be alert!" He said confidently. If that big shadow and all those little ones got their asses handed so easily, the group would be fine!


Griff shook his head. “the Twelve knights o tha round table were once...somethin, but I think these folks were jus shadow things.”

"I don't know if these were actually ponies, seems plausible to me though. Whatever they are now though sure as shit ain't ponies."

" So just minions, huh? Sounds about right. " she says as she listens to the others and starts walking along, " Walk and talk people, we have to get going. "

almost absentmindedly, rain follows, bouncing along with a thoughtful look on his face

"Didn't have a chance to ask." Ruin shrugs, and follows, "You sure we shouldn't take a different path?"

"All right, lets get going guys." Basso said, starting back off in the original direction they had been moving. "I can't think of a different path to take, its the jungle, just keep your eyes open."

"Hmm, is each of the goop things a separate entity? A well, living thing if sorts? Secondary thoughts had been on summoned creature, and you'd think that a summoner could tell when they'd get destroyed... depending on how the summoning works, possibly a mental connection? Depends on if it's similar to any of the games..." audible at first, his words slowly descend into. mutters as he rubs his chin with a hoof


Griff nods, and motions for the group to head out.

Ruin keeps his eyes on the bushes to the sides of the path as he holds the rear of the group.


As the party marches through the jungle, up ahead they finally start seeing their destination, the area slowly becoming a bit scarcer, the plant going grey and dead around them, a rotten smell hitting their noses hard...

As the area became clearer, they then saw three more shadow creatures, there looking like large minotaurs, decked out in armor, with big ol swords in the ground, simply blocking the path ahead...


"...Parley?" Rain almost stutters it out, seeing the rather... large looking fellows, before assuring himself with a wiggle of the hammer in his magical grip


"Aaaaand they sent out the big guns."


Sighing, Gary grumbles something about the smell of the area, but stops his whining at the sight, "So... Try to talk these guys down, telling them how we beat the shit out of their friend, or just attack?"

She covers her nose at the smell, grimacing. " Ugh, did something die around here? " she says as they move then sees the minotaurs. " Looks like they're just guarding, they don't seem to be attacking. "

"The time for talk is over, I say we split up, loop around, attack from two directions. These... things I have no interest in backing down" Basso says, eyeing up the beasties in front of them.

"I wouldn't mind attempting a chatting distraction. I think i can come up with something, if you like? Get everyone a chance for a sneak attack atleast?" rain nods

Griff frowns, quickly getting down, hoping the three hadn't seen them yet. “ah dont like this....” he mumbled to the group, “...seems...tougher, but oddly, less difficult to sneak round?”

Day's dark eyes roll and she trots up to the minotraurs, " Sirs! " she calls out to them, " We've come for the challenge presented about the sword! ....I think..." she mumbles the last bit.

"Or we could do that I guess."

"Ohmy." Rain blinks as Day beings speaking to the large fellows "Uh-hm. Are we allowed a challenge of wits, or is it to be of might?" he said, not having much to add at this point.

Gary's eyes widen in alarm and he rushes forward, trying to get Day back, "Those things breath fire, get back!" He warns

Ruin Facehoofs

"Shit" Basso muttered. "Well I guess we're playing it like this." Basso followed behind Daybreak "Yes, we received the letters, please let us through so we may speak with your master and accept his challenge, unless you want to face his wrath."
Ruin follows reluctantly "I just came for the buffet."


Griffs eyes go wide, he tries to reach out, but misses Day, his beak hanging open a bit, before he face palms.

The three minotaurs stare down at Day, unblinking, unwavering.

All three talk at once, their voice echoing like the one before. “But not alone, we know of your comrades. But you show some guts little one, so we will give them a chance to come forth, and face us one on one, each of us.”

Suddenly, with surprising speed, all three swords are pointed at Days throat, only inches away from it. “Or,” they say, “if you so prefer to gang up on us, we will do the same, starting with you, small one.”


Gary gulps and jumps back as the minotaurs point their swords, but growls as they threaten her, "No, I'll face one of you!"

"Well, wouldn't be the first minotaur Ive solo'd" Ruin steps forward, readying his sword

Rain blinks. Slowly "Now... that's pretty impolite, you festering pitchblack snot of the underworld's ass"




Day gulps, lifting her neck up, inches from the blades, " One on one is good, ehehe..." she sweats slightly and back away, looking back at the others, " O-oi, guys? Come on down! " then she looks back to the minotaurs. " Sounds fair. I'll take one. "

Rain mostly wiggles his hammer at one in a somewhat threatening way, moving up all nice and neat infront of the minos, next to day. "Imma flatten onna you, i guess."

Gary shoots a worried look to Daybreak, feeling a deep pit forming in his chest at her words, "Day... Are you sure?" He asks her with obvious deep concern

The Minotaurs lift their swords, resting them on their shoulders. “four constants, three of us. Until one falls, one must back down.”

She gives a grin to the griffon next to her, remembering how they took on stone giants together and puts a hoof gently on his talon, " I'm sure. "

"Basso took a step back." You have plenty of volunteers you freaks. "I'll just uhh, wait this one out."

He smiles sadly at her, but nods, accepting that the mare won't back down, "Woah, wait!" Yelled the gryphon, putting up a hand to placate the minotaurs before turning to their group, "One of you back down, let's not turn this into a clusterfuck!"

Ruin turns to Rain "Rock paper scissors for who goes first?"

Gary glances over to ruin and quirks an eyes at him, "Are you sure you should even be trying this with a peg leg?"

"Sure! Winner has to take the snot, loser pays for lunch when we get back?" Rain nods to ruin, almost audibly jiggling in excitement

"I am the most experienced at fighting otherworldly, sword wielding minotaurs."


Griff frowns, but thinking on it, one on one fights might be best...with a sigh, he walks up, tapping Day on the shoulder.

“Oi, little one....ere, ya can borrow this.” And with that, he unsheathes his Sword of the Twelve, the rainbow quarts blade shining a bit in the sunlight.

GARY would also notice a glow from his bags.

Gary's head perks up at the sudden glow and looks to his bags, "What the hell? I didn't bring the horseshoe..." He opens up his bag

Day blinks up at the other griffon, then looks down at the blade. She gasps a bit with a squeak then double-takes, " A-are you sure? I mean, I've got my hooves here..."

Ruin turns to Rain "'S'DO DISS!" Ruin shakes a hoof three times and holds out...


Gary would see some light coming from where the blade should be on the handle Homily gave him, and pulling it out, all would see as the area lights up in calming light, as strands of moon and sunlight swirl out of the handle, forming a small leaf blade.

Griff smiles, nodding to Day. “Nah, this swords special, ahn you'll need it more then me here, heh...”

The three shadow Minotaur seem...agitated at theses blades, and Ruin notices his is sparking a bit more, on its own.

"I think the sword is saying I win."

"Uhh guys, maybe you should stop admiring your fancy toys and, you know..."  He said pulling a hoof across his neck and gesturing to the minotaurs.

Gary pulls out the blade seemingly made of two beams of light, staring wide eyed at it before breaking into a huge smile, "Haha! Suck it Grimmar, I am pure of heart ya bastard!" He celebrates, jumping around before taking his cleaver and planting it in the ground, ready to fight the shadows with his blade made of sunlight and moonlight


" Oh...o-okay. " she carefully takes it. The last time she swung a sword in this world she dropped the damn thing. She would have to be careful not to drop this one. She looks to Gary then Ruin with their own blades and felt a bit more confidant around them, " Right. " then she turns to the minotaur with a serious look on her face, " Ready. "

suddenly the area is full of agitated yelling, the creatures voices echoing loudly about. “ ***Those blades....we will not let you stand, wielders!” And suddenly, one knight thrusts at each of the three contenders!


Ruin attempts to roll to the side of the thrust, while aiming for his opponent's leg with a telekinetic swing of his sword! "At least I can use magic this time!"

" Ah shit! " she curses and tries to hold up the blade up against the on coming attack while trying to back away form the hit.

Gary wasn't all too ready for them to suddenly attack, but attempted to take off in an effort to avoid the sudden blade coming at him

[Ruin, d12+melee, tele, or dex, 6+ pass, 9+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Day, d12-1+strength, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Gary, d12+flight, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 2- crit fail]


Gary, 11, success
Day,reroll, 9, pass
1/3
Ruin, 11, success
1/3

As the three fought, Basso kept an eye out, just in case another herd of backup arrived like last time.  "Y'all are doing great, keep it up."


Day feels her teeth vibrate, her knees bend, but takes the hit, but is now feeling the large opponent push its weight on her. Suddenly, she hears a voice in her head. “I suggest  sidestepping and letting him push his own blade into the ground, but thats just my opinion.”

Gary easily dodges, but the creature steps back, holding its blade defensively as it backs away from the other fights and more into the open, watching Gary carefully....

Ruin dodges the incoming attack, and gets a good smack into the things leg, but its armor takes the hit well, though it twitches as a bit of electricity shocks it!


Rain made sure to keep outta the way... This time, and seeing as there didn't seem to be the smaller goospirits, started to investigate the surroundings a bit. Just incase something had decided to hide away for a sneak attack, or something. Probably not a good idea to try and walk past the Mino's, so he kept to the party's side of the forest mostly, but doing a little searching through the undergrowth "Hm~ Hm~ Might not be up this time, but i'm gonna help how i can~"

Gary circles around his minotaur, eyeing it to see if there was any chink in it's defense. He attempted to dart back and forth in the air and do some sorts of confusing maneuvers before going in for a plunging attack on it from above

Day blinked at the voice, not recongizing this one. Mentally she yells back at it, "Oi, who the hell is this?!" but heeds the voice's request and does a quick sidestep away from the minotaur to let it go past her.

Ruin keeps going to the side, until he's behind the minotaur. He then tries to telekinetically swipe at the front of the creature's legs, while headbutting it in the back with a hornblade! "They're bipeds! Try knocking them over!"

[Gary, d12+1+flight, 6+ pass, 9+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12+3+dex, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+1+strength, 8+ pass, 11+ success, 3- crit fail]
Gary,13, success
Ruin,12, success
1/3
Day, 9, success
1/3

Day sidesteps, pulling her blade free as the minotaurs gets his deep the ground, though quickly starts pulling it out! “ah, good show!” the voices says, “i am merely the blades soul fragment aiding you in battle, though I must say, im not so sure I like your heart, your hardly a pure little lady, my word...but I see hope for you, deep within. Also, act quickly!”

Gary gets a nice hit in, getting past the things blade, and watches as for a moment his blade seems to suck in at the blackness of the thing after hitting, before it jumps back, and swing sideways at him!

Ruin manages to trip the thing, an electric shock jolting it, as it goes down to one knee, growling as it tries to elbow bash him as it slowly turns!


Ruin tries to swing his sword up to block the stray elbow. "Bad plan, that's an owwie!"

Gary has no time to admire what the blade does to the shadow abomination and quickly tries to jump back and get airborne again!

While the creature is down, she tries to swing the blade down on the back of his neck while he was exposed. "Pssh, me? Pure? Please, I don't need your damn purity! I've got my own guts and fire!" she says back to it, and lifts her head back up for another swing, " ....B-but your help is appreciated...I-I guess..."


[Ruin, d12+1+strength, 6+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Gary, d12+flight, 6+ pass, 8+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Day, d12+1+dex or melee, 6+ pass, 10+ success, 1- crit fail]
Ruin, 6, pass
1/3
Gary,reroll, 7, pass
1/3
Day,8, pass
1/3


Gary pulls back, but miscalculated just how high the guy could swing, and is forced to dive low, to which the Minotaur quickly brings the blade down towards him!

Ruin also miscalculated, the things elbow armor thicker then it looked, and while he scrapes it and shocks I t a but, all he really does is deflect the elbow, as the thing turns around, sword incoming!

“hah, the young are always foolish, you'll grow out of your stupidity, im sure of it little lady!”  the voices says, as Day gets a cleave into the things shoulder, missing a bit, before she sees it go for a stab at her!

Widening his eyes and panicking at having to dive down and now with a sword coming down from above, Gary attempts to dive into the minotaur with a lunge!

Ruin attempts to roll beneath the blow again, with another telekinetic swordswing aiming for the armored asshole's arm. "Drinks tonight are on the last one to finish their fight!"

Daybreak backs away from the swipe with a jump, aiming to land onto the minotaur's back while it's down, then raises the blade to stab it in the back. "Whatever!"


[Gary, d12+flight or strength, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+1+tele, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12+dex or melee, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 4- crit fail]
Gary,9, pass
1/3
Ruin, 6, fail
1/3
Day, 11, success
1/3


Gary manages to get past its attack, but the minotaur is quick, stepping aside so he only scrapes at it, but this actually slows Gary down as it does that little sucking in thing at the ooze, but thankfully this seems to make the minotaur panic before Gary is off and way from it!

Ruin doesn't go far enough down, and just barely manages to block the enemies blade, getting knocked back a goof few feet, allowing his opponent to stand up and charge!

Day hears a laugh in her head, as she gets a good cut into the Minotaurs back, causing it to stumble and stay down. “well, at least you know how to fight, HAH!” the voices says.


Gary didn't even notice the effect his blade had on the minotaur as he made a pass, swooping up into the air and immediately back down, going in for a passing swipe.

"EEEP!" Ruin attempts emergency teleportation protocol, focusing on the area behind the charging man-bull as a zone of landing!

Daybreak hops off the back of the minotaur and lands in front of it, " Who the hell do you think I am? Of course I do!" She then tries to drive the blade forward at it's chest directly, " If I'm going to protect, I can't be weak!"


[Gary, d12+flight, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+teleport, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12+2+melee, 9+ pass, 11+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Everyone else, d12+perception please!]
Gary,12, success
1/3
Ruin,11, success
1/3
Day, reroll, 12, success
2/3

Bassos, 2
1/3
Rain,6
Griff, 7
1/3



Despite the Minotaurs best efforts, Gary gets past its defenses, getting another deep cut into its chest, so deep he actually strains a bit due to its weird ability, before the Minotaur falls backwards, and looks visibly very weakened as it starts getting back up.

Ruin pops out of existence, and reappears right where he wanted. Looking around he sees the Minotaurs has embedded its blade in a tree, and is trying to get it out!

Day, with one last thrust, goes straight though the Minotaurs chest, the think blinking, reaching out, just...almost touching her...before it starts melting and evaporating, like the things before."well, that was quite nice, yes indeed! hope for you yet, i do say." Day hears inside her head yet again.



As this all goes on, Griff and Rain see....something, look on the fight, from past where the three guards were standing, but cant make out what it is....

Gary doesn't let it have any respite, turning and glaring at the thing with hate, charging in for one more lunging attack to hopefully end this, "Die, abomination!" He growled

"Oh look, he's handling wood!" Ruin chuckles as he holds up his sword. Ruin mutters a short prayer to the god of lightning, Mike Pence, as he wills his sword to do the zappy thing!

When the thing melts she huffs and puffs, gaining her breath back. " Yea, yea whatever...." she glances at the blade the best she could then looksoff in another direction, " ...Thanks..." then she looks to Gary and Ruin to see how they were fairing. She'd rush over to where they were but then stops herself. This was supposed to be a one on one fight and if she stepped in, she'd end up breaking the rules. She didn't want to risk the other two getting in more danger. Instead, she tirns to look to the others, Rain, Basso and Griff to check on them.

[Gary, d12+3+flight, 5+ pass, 7+ success, 4- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+2+will, 6+ pass, 8+ success]
Gary, 11, success
Ruin, 13, success

As Day approaches, Griff gives her a smile, and a pat on the head. “Yah did good Day, like ah damn fukkin champ.” He then lloks up, and frowns a bit though, pointing ot the other side of the clearing, where a clear shadow was now near the edge of the far side. “but sadly, we aint gon have much time tah rest ah think...but ya did fer part, ah wont force yah tah fight nother so soon, if it comes tah it.”

"What do ya see champ?" Basso says, squinting to see what might be out there. "Maybe it's the big bad, coming to smite us since we keep killing his stupid minions."


Gary lands quickly, the Sword going deep into tis chest, and the Minotaurs screams, as it starts melting, but then Gary is nearly knocked over by the sudden force of all its mass getting sucked into the sword quickly!

Ruin sees the sword light up like a thunder storm, then goes back a few feet as a massive blast of energy fires off, and strikes the last Minotaurs, the thing convulsing before exploding into goop!

With Ruins enemy defeated, the battle was over....and clapping could be heard from the far side, where the figure had been seen...


Day's cheeks puff up at the head pat and she grumbles, " Oi, no one said you could touch old man. " she mumbles but doesn't do anything to stop it. She looks over in the direction Griff was pointing and tries to see then turns back to the roughed up older griffon, " Here, your sword back. " she offers it to him, " It sounds like a nerd. "

Rain hums to himself, looking for that odd shadow he spotted "Where, oh Where, did you go little guy~ Where oh where can he beeee~"

"..." Ruin is speechless after the laser rock show shot from his sword "Woah. Holy shit."

Gary's eyes widen as the creature is sucked into the blade, freaking out and wondering if there's some sort of adverse affects, but cuts that line of thought as the force nearly knocks him over, causing him to stumble back, "Woah, shit!" He yells out and tries to steady himself, looking at his light sword, "What the hell was that...?"

"It was me losing the bet."

"HEYO! Great job guys, I knew you could do it. I was cheering you on the whole way." His cheering was cut short though as he heard clapping from behind where the minotaurs were. "Uhh guys, looks like we weren't the only ones impressed."


Griff laughs, and takes the sword. “Er, if yah say so. Hardly talks tah me, but it did when ah first got it.” He then shrugs. “fair nuff, didn't mean tah impose in yer personal space lil lady.”

suddenly, the shape on the other side walks out, still clapping a bit. It looked like a Minotaur, but...twisted, the left side of its head enveloped in extra horns, one arm seemed a bit too long, its body somehow wrong, as it smiled, and bowed.

When it talked, it was like razor blades on piano wire. “Well, what a wonderful show that was, how glad I am that worthy, honorable challengers have approached.”

"Eyyyo. Big ol' mister. Do you do Intellectual challenges, wit to wit, or are they all Physical? I'm kinda curious as to how you plan these things out, abit." Rain began to bounce on his hooves, a curiously bright expression on his face, grin stretching... probably a little too wide.

Gary tried to cover his... ears? When he heard the thing's voice, turning to see what was causing such a terrible noise. What he saw made him grimace in disgust but ready his blade, ready to rid the world of another abomination, only giving it a glare

"So you're the one putting the posters up all over town, looking for challengers."  Basso said.  He too ka few steps forward and leaned in, trying to get a good look at the thing, "I have to know though, why?  Why put this whole thing together?"

She cringed at the sight of the figure, knowing something was not right with it at all, " Er, you're welcome I think. " she responds to it then looks to the others.

Ruin grimaces at the voice, and then cringes at the sight. "Jesus! I'd heard rumours about something bad in the water around here, but I had no idea it was this bad. That's like some Chernobyl shit there.'


Griff grimaced, stepping forward, his own blade clenched in his claw.

The creature laughed, its voice still like before, at Rains and Bossos questioning. “hah, well, you see, unlike the other Ten Knights left, I took a bet. A wager. That if I challenged you with enough hints, you would bring the swords out of safety, and to me.” He smiled. “ I was correct, of course, I usually am.”

He put his hands together, smiling. “But come now, there no need to rush this. Come, come.” he snaps, and suddenly a big blob of oil comes out of the woods, a table and chairs stuck into it, which it promptly sets up, as the Minotaur thing waves at it.

“Shall we talk first? Tea, right? Tea is still the drink of choice around here?”


" Bring the..." she looks to Griff, Ruin and Gary, " Oi! We should get out of here, this guy seems like bad news and can't have those swords! "

"Tea's for snobby rich folk and the effeminate, Sloth." Ruin tries not to look at the twisted creature. "If you got whiskey though..."

"I prefer my Ruinous coffee, with about 12 teaspoons of sugar. But then, that's just me." Rain is more then happy to take a seat, rather then starting the combat straight away, it seems

Gary meanwhile was not having it, staying in a ready stance and even growling as Rain sat down at the creature's table, "I have had enough of you disgusting, impure blights on the world!" He challenged the abomination

"Made it this far." Basso said to Daybreak, "Anyway, what difference does it make now, you knew we would be fighting monsters, right? That's why you brought them." He walked toward the table, but wasn't willing to sit down yet. "I want to hear him out."


The Minotaur rolled his eyes. “my name, Gary, is Sir Heinheart, and you, are hardly worth my time, your temperament is like an animal, a beast, if times were not so tough, that sword would probably be aimed at you instead.”

Griff looked at Day, then Gary and his sword, then Ruin and his, then the one in his own.

“Heinheart laughed. “oh, dont leave now, I wasnt lying about having another, and I do swear, if you dont defeat me here, you might never get you claws on it~” he mocks, snapping, and a oozy, black chair formed behind him, where he sat. “besides, why would I let any of you leave here alive?” he said, tilting his head to the side as the blob came back, handing him a cup of tea, before putting a kettle and cups on the table. “do enjoy the tea, its all I can offer, oh besides this.”

He snapped, and suddenly, like a viel, the darkness of the trees behind him fell, and sure enough, a regal sword sat stuck in a stone behind him

With a handle looking like two Arabians facing outward, the metal purple, and a blade like metallic, pink, crystalline, though not clear.

Heinheart smiles, and sipped his tea.

Griff frowned, unsure of what to do, but he knew he wasn't gonna run. “Day...yah did enough...if yah wanna flee, ah wont hold it against ya.” he gave her a small smile as he started walking forward slowly.


"So what, if I pull that out I become king of Asgard or some such thing?" Basso said, now grabbing one of the seats. "It is nice though, tell me, what's so special about it?"

Ruin stands silent, hearing the foul mutant out, but watching for trickery.


Sneering at the abomination, Gary came closer, still weary of it, "Am I the animal here? At least an animal's anger is instinctual, something it can't help, but you? You sold yourself to what? You decided to give in to whatever evil that now controls you, that's twisted you. You've abandoned what you once were. Was it for power? Revenge? At least I haven't fallen to such a low as to sell my soul so freely!" The gryphon shot back, venom evident in his voice


She looked at Griff like he was some kind of madman, " Flee? What? " she trotted up along with him as he walked, " No! I just don't want this guy here to get ahold of something like those. It's a trap, it's gotta be. " she looks at the table and pouts. She wasn't going to leave them, and it sounded like the thing wasn't going to let them leave either. She sucks in her breath and goes up next to Gary putting a hoof on his shoulder, " Let's...hear him out first. "

"Hmm~ Interesting. Ya don't mind if i ask you a bit, do ya?" Rain's eyes were... sparkling slightly, as he took a cup "I mean, i've noticed some curious things already, and i do admit, i'm the type to prod and poke about things if i wanna find out more~" He blinked as the others made their moves, head tilting to the side. "Hmm~ Seems i might be a bit of an oddball here for this, tho. But, eh. I'm used to it now, i guess?"

"He made it too easy. Either this is a trap, or he wants us to win."

Gary's eyes softened for a moment, feeling the hoof on his shoulder and turning to Daybreak, shaking his head, "No... I can't. We're supposed to be in some sort of magical pony land of friendship and there's things like him," He gestured with his head, "Running around. He needs to die!"
She whispers to him with dark eyes, " And we'll beat him. But we have to know the enemy first. It's not smart to rush in like she did." she leaves his side to take a seat at the table.

"Can I just interject. I mean I admit I am REALLY new here, but why exactly does he need to die? I mean he just seems to be fucking around out here in the woods with his weird oil monsters. I don't think he's attacked anyone. Can't we just take the sword and go?"


“oh ho ho, Ruin my, such words.” Heinheart laughs, and turns to Gary. He grins, revealing teeth long and sharp, more like spikes then teeth now.

“No Gary, I sold myself out, after months of thinking, of watching our armies get crushed, those meant to help end this bickering and refusing to lift a finger. I did it so my people could survive. By the time I fell, I was aware that eight of my fellow knights had secretly joined with the Eternal Plague. So I hid my sword here, and I joined, slowly, I did what I could to by them time. “ He chuckles, and looks at Runs sword. “But in the end, it was a son killing his own father, that saved them truly.”

He nodded to Rain. “Ask away little one, if I am to kill you all, I best make you know why I suppose.”

He laughed and looked to Basso “Because my master destroyed the civilization here before you, and he will destroy this one, and the next, and the next. Unless, of course, the Swords are used to stop him, hmmm.” He sipped his tea, “whoever goes for that sword, will be the first to die. Simple as that.”


At Day's words to him, he was shocked by her wisdom, but didn't see her eyes. He followed her and sat beside her, still keeping an eye on the abomination, but when he heard the reason for it's descent, he sighed and looked down. Could he really say he wouldn't do the same? He'd give anything to protect those he cared about. He looked beside him, to Daybreak. Anything.


Ruin laughs at the mutant "Why don't you go grab it for us then, Heinyfart?" he also wonders how the demon knows his name.

Rain hummed to himself, pondering the words of Hein. "And if no one goes for the sword? Would we sit at a stalemate of sorts?" Rain rubbed his chin before having a sniff of the tea, seeing if he could find out what might be in the mix "Eh, either way, i do have to ask... How does the ooze manage to stay here? Is it empowered in some way? Is it keeping itself through will alone? Kinda curious, as it doesn't react quite... normally once what seems to be animating it fades away."

Leans over to Rain "Psst, go for the sword, I gotcha covered." he whispered. "All right, so yeah I guess I'm caught up now, you're master wants to rule this area, you're his pawn, and your job is to keep us from the swords so we can't stop him." He muttered. Basso couldn't help wonder though, why would he reveal the location of the sword and purposefully invite people to come take it, surely it would be better to keep it hidden in the first place. Especially since the letter indicated if we failed we wouldn't find it again.

Per usual, she lets the others ask the questions as she sits at the table, keeping an eye on things. Had this been another in a different situation, she'd think this was a rather cute set up. But instead she stayed focused on what was said and occasionally glancing to the sword displayed.


“Rule? RULE?!” Heinheart breaks out laughing, slapping his knee. “He cares not for such things, only what he was created to do. He is a punishment, simple as that.”

He looks to Rain. “im not entirely sure myself. The beings are part of my master, loaned to help us in our duties.”  he took another sip, “and no, soon enough, once I finish this cup, ill begin kill you all.”

Griff, as the Thing was talking, was still circling a bit, and tried nodding to Ruin and Gary, hoping they would get the message to attack together when properly ready.

Reinheart shrugged. “No Ruin, I may no longer draw it, im not even sure if anyone here is worthy, as each sword has its own standards for allowing it to be freed for use.”


Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Griff try to give a small nod and knew what he meant. Time to wipe this... thing off the planet.

"Oh." Rain nods sagely, seeming to reach for the teapot.... BEFORE FLIPPING OVER THE FUCKING TABLE TK-grab attempt on the sword, while also heading towards it, attempting to keep out of grabbing distance of Hein, just incase his Horn's not up to snuff to pull it out

"Rain... WHY?!" Gary yelled at the insane unicorn, jumping up and readying his blade

Ruin readies the sword for a lightning blast! "We're turning the tables here! What a shocking development!"

Daybreak tensed up at what he said and looked to the teapot on the table and...oh! Now the table was gone! " H-Huh?! " she sees Rain going for the sword, " Oh shit! R-rain?! " she runs after the crazy unicorn, " You don't know what that can do! "

"Here we go Rain, I got you covered." Basso yelled as he jumped from his chair. With a quick click of his neck, Basso yanked his knife out at threw it at the Minotaur, hoping to, at the very least, keep him distracted enough for Rain to make his move.

The minotaur is on his feet in literally less then a second it seems, the ooze forming into a whip as he lashes it out at Rain, ignoring the knife as it sticks into his chest!

"Firing Tesla cannon!" Ruin shoots the minotaur with THE LIGHTNING!

[Rain, d12-3+dex, 8+ pass, 11+ success, 5- crit fail]
rain, reroll, 0, crit fail.
1/3



Gary quickly jumps up from his seat. He'd been itching to get at the abomination and charges it, aiming to do another passing swipe with his blade like he did to the minotaur, "Time to die, you disgusting abomination!"

Griff gives a yell, dashing forward with his own sword!

Basso watched as the knife hit hits target straight on "BAM!" with no effect "SHIT". As he saw the monster attack Rain he took off after his comrade, feeling somewhat responsible for what could possibly turn out to be a clusterfuck. "I COULDN'T COVER YOU MAN"

Day had chased after Rain for going to grab the sword and instead readies herself to catch the bastard should he go flying. " Shit shit shit shiiiit! "



[Gary, d12-2+flight, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Griff, d12-3+melee, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12-1, 6+ pass, 10+ success]
[Day, d12-2+dex, 6+ pass, 11+ success, 2- crit fail]
Gary, 8, pass
1/3
Griff, 5, fail
1/3
Day, 10, pass
2/3
Ruin, 11, success
1/3


As the whip lashes out, it slams hard into Rain, smashing into the ground, before with a flick hes flying away!

A moment later Heinheart is holding two shadowy blades, going to counter the incoming attacks.


Griff gets swatted back, cursing as he skids across the ground. Meanwhile Gary is able to lock blades with his opponent, but isnt able to push through, though the sword is absorbing the shadow one...but for some reason, this only makes Hein smile at him. “Shame, Gary, one of the more powerful swords...in the hand of an idiot.”

And letting go, Heins blade gets fully absorbed, but the same effect happens, pushing Gary back, as another sword forms in Heins hand!

Then Ruins lighting charges up, acting like a cannon again, but as it slams into Heinehart, he grimaces and leans over a bit, but then smiles, straightening himself up, a burn on his side looking bad, but no where near as bad as it should. “not bad, but not enough to put a Knight down my little friend.”

It was then that Day caught Rain...sorta. More like she was a cushion to stop him from splattering on the ground, bot both couldve ended up much worse.


Basso ran past the monster to try and catch up with Rain. With his only weapon now securely lodged in his opponent, it didn't seem like a bright idea to start picking a fight unarmed. Luckily Day managed to catch him. "Are you two ok?"



"I'M NOT YOUR FRIEND, GUY!" Ruin dives into the fray with a forward thrust of his blade!

The insult causes Gary to hiss and growl, taking off away from Hein, circling over him and trying another tactic he used on the minotaur, weaving around before going in for a plunging attack!

Rain was back on his feet almost as soon as the two hit the ground, shaking himself off, and wincing as pain rocketed through his side... before using a magical grip to help Day back up "Ehh~ Yeah. Bit of a suprise for the sudden WHIPS FROM NOWHERE. Might've done a bit of damage inside, but i'm still moving... But, that doesn't matter. I'm running HIGH, running Hot inside. Got a Gut feeling that if we can get that sword, it'll do something helpful here... So, i'mma keep going for it." With those words, He rushes back in, Magical Horn-grip already attempting to heave at the sword, himself rushing back towards it

Griff grumbled. "nah...NAH! ah aint lettin nother fight of south fer meh!" He sidesteps to try and get behind the Minotaur, and lunges for a stab!

She feels the ground burn at her back as the two collided but sees the unicorn is back up again. She was about to give him a right smack in the back of the head but he was already gone. Day shakes the dirt from her mane and gets back up to take in the situation. The group was attacking the beast all at once. She rushes in to try an kick at the mino's feet to throw him off balance at least!

Seeing that Rain was going to make another play for the Sword Basso went with him. Not much he could do to help with no weapon, but standing still didn't seem like a good idea. Hopefully Rain was pure enough to grab it, because Basso doubted he himself was.


[Ruin, d12-2+melee or telek, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Gary, d12-1+flight, 6+ pass, 9+ success, 4- crit fail]
[Rain, d12-4+dex, 8+ pass, 11+ success, 5- crit fail]
[Griff, d12-3+ melee, 7+ pass, 10+success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12-3+unarmed, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 4- crit fail]
[Bassos, d12-3+dex, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 5- crit fail]
Ruin, reroll, 10, success
2/3
Gary, 12, success
1/3
Rain, reroll, -1, crit fail
2/3
Griff, 7, pass
1/3
Day, 5, fail
2/3
Bassos, reroll, 2, crit fail
2/3

As Day goes for a slide kick, she instead gets a hard kick, sending her rolling away from Heinheart.

But as Hein turns his attention on the tow going for the sword, he grimaces, as Ruins blade sticks deep into his stomach and out the back as Gary lands a deep blow into his shoulder.

The massive Minotaur just steps sideways, ignoring these injuries, making Griff only get a cut along his back, as he lashes out, his swords becoming whips as they wrap around Rain and Bossos tightly, slamming them into the ground and sending them  flying backwards!

[Bossos, Rain, d12+end please]
Bossos, 12
Rain, 12

While ruffed up as they hit the ground and roll, somehow, both Bossos and Rain are able to end the roll standing, though bruised and dusty.


Ruin tries to go for another gut stab on the beastly bastard, this time with a trick up his sleeve. "Griff, what's your favourite Tenacious D song?" Ruin asks as he wills THE WRATH OF PENCE to shoot as his sword lands .

The mare flinches as she falls back, holding onto her leg in pain, " SSSSSS....AAaaghh! " she does that a few more times and gets back up again. Her eyes dart toward the sword and she decides to try and go for it while the others fight.

"All i gotta Say, is... WON'T STOP, CAN'T STOP" On his hooves, Rain begins to SING, as he charges in once more, though, as the sword doesn't seem to have budged with any of the attempts of magical tugging, he instead turns to his hammer. WHICH HE SLAMS AT HEIN'S FACE.

Suddenly, Gary gets it. They have to pull the sword and use it! But there's already plenty going after the sword... As he watches the others make a break for it, Gary turns his attention back to Hein. They needed a distraction! Flying in close, he attempts to make swings at Hein's face, hoping to distract him and get in his way, "You were weak, Hein, having to give in to something called a Plague just to have victory!" He taunted at the mutant minotaur.

Griff screams "ah dont know that band Ruin!" as he goes to try and cut off one of Heins feet.

Realizing how lucky he was that he could even stand, Basso decides a change approach was necessary. This thing will just whip out and attack any poor sucker who comes close. Maybe a sneaky approach would work better. The others hopefully can keep him distracted, while moved toward the periphery, trying to get as close as he can without being spotted.

She over hears Ruin as she's running and bites her lip before sucking her breath and shouting...no...singing! " We rock the casbah and blow your mind! We will defeat you for all mankind! "




[Ruin, d12-2+telek or melee, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12-3+dex, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 4- crit fail]
[Rain, d12-3+melee, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Gary, d12-2+flight, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 4- crit fail]
[Griff, d12-3+melee, 9+ pass, 11+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Bassos, d12-2+dex, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
 Ruin, reroll, 12, success
3/3
Gary, reroll, 5, fail
2/3
Rain, reroll,6, fail
2/3
Griff, reroll, 3, crit fail
2/3
Day,reroll, 7, fail
3/3
Bassos, reroll,2, crit fail
3/3


Heinheart was mad. He snorted, his eyes glowing red as he saw Day speed for the sword, slamming a whip down, but in his anger only smashed he on the ground, and didnt throw her back, his attention quickly changing as Rain jumped at his face...and Heins smiled, leaning back, and thus Rain and Gary slammed into eachother, before Heinheart headbutted them away.

“I was as strong as I needed to be Gary...are you?” he laughs, and as Griff goes to cut him, he swerves around, hit Griff with a sword hard enough to send him flying backwards!

He smiles, whipping one back into a whip and hitting Bassos as he tries to sneak, throwing him off and into a tree.

And then Ruin stabbed through his stomach again. Blinking, the red left Heinhearts eyes, ans he looked down. And then he seized up, as he was shocked heavily by the blade, but like before, this sent Ruin and the blade flying backwards a good few feet....but Heinheart falls to one knee, coughing, before looking up, not at all happy looking.

[Griff, Bassos, Rain, d12+end]
Griff, 12
Bassos,5
Rain, 12

Griff Grimaces, but manages not to go down as hard as he shouldve, using the trre he hit to climb to his feet. "Ah...aint done yet...."

Rain and Gary are fine, Rain singing to himself in a mumble from ontop of Gary.

Bassos isnt so lucky, feeling a few ribs crack as he slides down the tree and onto the ground.

Bonking into Rain, Gary growls at the idiot unicorn, shoving him off and snapping and hissing at him out of frustration before turning back to the downed Hein, "Just die already, you damn mutant!" He yelled, flying up briefly before angling himself to deliver a plunging attack into Hein's back



Griff tiredly, raises his sword, and charges in for a stab. “DIEDIEDIEDIE!”

Slammed into Gary... in a somewhat Violent manner, Rain seemed to BRIGHTEN up, as he used the moment of contact to hurl himself to the side... And, coincidentally CLOSER TO THE SWORD! "You spin me right round, baby~ Right round like a record, baby~ Right round round round~" His voice INCREASING, as he began to SPRINT, towards the sword in the stone*

"Alright, Heinyfart. Lightening alone don't work, so I'm bringing the heat!" Ruin uses a small bit of pyrokinesis to heat the tip of the sword, as he goes for another lunge at the behemoth!

She cried out in pain from being hit by the whip and laid there for a brief moment, cursing. She looks up in time to see two of them bonk each other in the head then Ruin prompty stab the guy. " Yeah! Keep hitting him with the swords!" she cheers the three-legged unicron on and gets back up again. The tiny teen would scramble back up and go for the stupid sword again, she had to do something to help!

"Let me just... catch my breath" Basso called out, trying to stifle the pain and pull himself up. "You stupid bastard" He yells out and picks up a rock. "What are you even punishing people for? You have no purpose anymore." Basso throws the small rock at the minotaur, grimacing in pain.


[Gary, d12-3+flight, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 3-crit fail]
[Ruin, d12-3+pyro, 8+ pass, 11+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Griff, d12-3+melee, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Rain, d12-4+dex, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 4- crit fail]
[Day, d12-3+Dex, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Bassos, d12-3+strength, 6+ pass, 11+ success]
Ruin, 5, fail
Gary, reroll, 10, success
3/3
Rain, 3, crit fail
Griff, reroll,3, crit fail
3/3
Day, 0, crit fail
Bassos, 6, pass


Heinheart shows no mercy, kicking out at Ruin, knocking him back hard, he lashes out viciously.

As Rain goes for the sword again, he actually tosses a glob of black ooze this time, which becomes a deadly spear, and hits Rain dead on! Next he whip wraps Day, and simply says. “No.” before throwing her up in the air and slamming her down hard, before throwing her back.

Griff screams, but Quickly, Hein turns and simply stabs into the Griffon, and kicks him backwards off the blade.

He then feels a rock hit his back, and slowly turns, looking at Bassos. “you...little....”

And then he lurches forward, falling to one knee again, as Garys blade goes hilt deep into his back, Hein barely keeping from falling over as he braces himself with one arm.

[Griff, Rain, Day, roll d12+end]
Griff, 8
Day, 6
Rain, 9

Griff blinks, his plate chest having just saved his life, lasting long enough to make the blade go sideways a bit, and through probably a kideny, instead of his stomach. He still flops backwards hard though, having just been stabbed and kicked....but biting his beak so hard it cracks, he starts getting to his feet.

Rain sees the spear coming just in time to swerves, but gets knocked down, a bad, large gash along their side, but much better then getting impaled.

Day doesn't fare better at all, having felt something break in her chest as she was slammed down, before getting tossed and fumbling along the hard ground, a leg clearly cracking a bit as she comes to a stop.

Hein screeches loudly ash he starts trying to get up. “***You all are pathetic, worthless, you shall die here, all of you! ALL OF YOU!”

When he managed to plunge the blade into the abomination's back, Gary laughed and formed a wicked smile on his face, but when he turned to survey how his allies were doing, that smile quickly faded into a frown of shock... They were all being beaten so harshly. And Day, she'd been tossed like a rag doll... All by this one piece of shit below him. A fire formed in his eyes as he glared down at the mutant below him, "Stay down, you mutant abomination!" Gary called out, pulling his blade out before stabbing it back in over and over, trying to keep grappled on his back

As Heinheart turned to him, the blood in Basso's veins turned to ice. He could run, and after what he just witnessed, his condition didn't seem bad at all. He had no weapons, he owed them nothing, especially not his life. All for what? A sword? It wasn't cowardice, it was logic.

Taking a Heavy hit from the spear, he's knocked to the ground! Loosing his tune for a moment, as he gasps in pain... Before gritting his teeth, throwing himself to his feet, and ADVANCING ONCE MORE "It'll take more then THAT, to STOP ME! MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY TO RIP MY LEGS OFF, FIRST, FUCKER!" An Angry roar bellowing out from him, as he continues forwards, Well out of fucks to give!

"Not today, you freaky fuck." Ruin goes for a final stab at the creature with a headbutt charge using his hornblade

Griff took a deep breath, and then another, nothing feeling right....but he gripped the sword hard, and hobbling forward, lifted it high.
“WE.....Cahn.....Do....this!” he yelled out, and brought the blade down with both hands screaming as hard as he could as he did.



The mare hisses out in pain and her eyes go wide in shock. She tries to get back up again but finds one of her legs to be out of commision. It wouldn't be the first time she's had broken bones in her life, but it would be the first in this body. She grits her teeh getting up on three legs and winces at the burning pain in her chest. While the others were fighting she took this moment to sit back down and go through her saddle bag for- She sees Rain fall as well, hit badly with the gash, " Dammit...You idiot! " she'd have to save her bandages for that guy. She'd go after him but found herself moving slower.

"Fuck it." Basso muttered "Its saturday, I ain't got no job, and I ain't got shit to do." Basso started charging the creature, flapping his wings behind him to build up speed. Maybe if he hit him hard, as hard as he could, he could knock it off balance, give the others an opening to kill it.

[Gary, d12-3+strength, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Rain, d12-5+dex,  7+ pass, 10+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12-2+melee, 6+ pass, 9+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Griff, d12-4+melee, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Day, d12-4+dex, 6+ pass, 9+success, 4- crit fail]
[Basso, d12-3+flight, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
Gary, 4, fail
Rain, 7, pass
Ruin, 1, crit fail.
Griff, 3, crit fail
Day, 7, pass
Basso, 7, fail


Heinheart quickly brings a fist up to hi back, hitting and knocking Gary off and into the ground, and as Griff screams, he turns, and stabs the Griffon yet again, Griff blinking blankly.

AS Ruin charges, Hein spins, and smacks Ruin hard in the side, sending him tumbling to the left.

Basso grimaces, the pain causing his wings to twitch, and he tumbled along the ground, not making it to his target.

...But Heinheart himself was tired, injured, and he didn't even SEE Rain and day get past and nearly to the blade. He frowned, stood, and started walking towards them, a whip foring in each arm....

[Ruin and Griff, roll d12+end]
[everyone else, wait please til after this]
Griff, 11
Ruin, 10

Griff looks down as the blade is pulled away....it was into the exact same hole as before. It made it worse, but nothing he couldn't handle....he hoped, his vision WAS a bit fuzzy....

Ruin goes rolling, his side having a bit of a nasty gash, but it was far from detrimental, at least at he moment!


Ruin lays on the ground for a moment... not moving. But a sound can be heard, and it's... Laughter?
 "Just who the hell do you think we are?"
 Ruin gets to his hooves, and begins to SING as he leaps back into the fray, sword swingin' as he's singin'! "You think that this ends here?
Well let's make one thing clear:
We've been through worse
 We drive the hearse,
'Cuz we're humanity!"

Basso lay on the ground, staring straight up at the sky, his energy depleted. "Everyone has a time to go." He coughed out "Some men in bed, wishing time would slow." He sang out, rolling himself over and trying to stand. "But if I had to choose how to leave this land, it would be on my feet, a weapon in my hand." He took a deep breath and forced himself back up. "Because there aint no bigger sin in this place, then dying in silence without seeing death's face."

Gary grunted and cried out from the punch, landing with a thunk on the ground. That had sure as hell hurt. He looked up just in time to see Griff stabbed and Hein begin to walk over to Rain and Day, whip arms at the ready. Basso was injured and Ruin was tossed away, trailing blood from what he saw. Everything seemed to hopeless, they were going to die here. He thought back to the good times he'd had, both in his past life and in this one. Tears were starting to form in his eyes, but going over one of the recent memories, there was something... The bauble! His eyes sprung open and he quickly darted into his bags, sifting through until he found the glass bauble with the golden light in the center the buffalo had given him, Day, and Homily after one adventure. They said to either use it when clear of heart and mind, or when all hope seemed lost. Gazing around the area, all hope seemed pretty lost. The buffalo didn't explain how to use it, so he hoped this was going to work. He brought it up to his face, holding it with both hands, "Please, whatever is listening, whatever power this thing holds... Please, help us. Help us, help my friends, help us beat back this darkness! Help us save our town!" He called out to it, hoping that it wasn't just some superstitious buffalo glass ball


Hearing the voices singing from behind, he grinned, continuing his charge towards the Sword, his own voice rising to meet with the others, the song almost seeming to SLIP into place as he moved! "There is no way this is the end
You couldn't even comprehend
The fucked up scenes that we have seen
 'Cuz we're humanity~!"
Continuing the tune, a high humming, as he goes for a grab at the hilt!

Day sees Rain still going for the sword as well. She was more aiming to get ahold of him but there was really no time for that, as she would have to go for the sword too. She limps toward the unicorn and gives him a push so he can get to it faster at least!

Griff, slowly, got himself moving, his mind listening as the others started...singing....he smiled.

“Burning bodies piled high!
And napalm falling from the sky!
You best just quit,
Your plague ain't shit!
Cuz we're humanity! “ He laughed out, and with what strength he had left, charged the bastard!


It was then, that Gary heard a small, kind female voice. “you spend your token selflessly, never forget that, or that asking for help is never cowardly” The orb glows brightly, covering Gary in a warm, happy embrace, before the glass dissolves inward, and the light zooms off toward Heinheart!

A moment later, he glows brightly, and his arms and legs are...chains up in bright, glowing light!
“Hurry young ones, all of you, I cannot hold him for long!” the voice said, seemingly in pain!


Basso watched the crazy light show in front of him. The thing was immobilized "The Sword!" He called out, making a dash with all that he had. "This is it!"


Griff blinks, surprised as the light happens....but ignores Gary, seeing an opening.
“cause were humanity....” He says, and dashes forward, ignoring his wobbly legs and blurry vision.


Rain breaks into the final dash, pain rippling through his side as he stressed his body to get those last couple feet(Hooves?) down to the sword... and goes for it! Grabbing the Sword with all his Strength! Pulling up on it with his mouth! A harsh grunt making it's way from his lips as he pulled against what seemed to be sealing it within, as well as fighting against the pain from his wounds. His eyes turned to Hein, GLARING as he put all his might into the DRAW!

With tears flowing from his eyes, Gary laughs hysterically. It had actually worked! But how were they supposed to get out of here? They were all horribly injured! He shook his head, they had to at least try, dammit! He quickly rushed over to Day, "No time, we've got to grab the sword, hop on my back so we can get the hell out of here!" He pleaded desperately

"For HUMANITY!" Ruin goes for another internalized lightning strike "We're turning this conversion therapy up to 11!"

Daybreak gives the unicorn a push while he sings, having no strength to sing herself. She sees Gary and grunts, forcing a smile, " We got this! It's fine! We're almost there! " and tries to use the last bit of her own energy to grab at the sword!

Cursing at the idiot's stuborness, Gary shoots back in, intent to stab his sword into Hein again while he's still chained up so the sword can begin to drain his power at least

"Rain has the sword!" Basso thought, and then spied the hammer between them. Adrenaline pumping he grabbed it in his teeth and turned toward the monster, holding his ground. He didn't know how long those chains would hold, but maybe he could buy Rain some time.


[Ruin, d12+3+melee, 7+ pass, 9+ success]
[Griff, d12+1+melee, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Gary, d12+2+flight, 7+ pass, 9+ success]
[Bassos, d12+2+melee, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 2- crit fail]


Ruin,8, pass
Griff,8, pass
Gary,7, pass
Bassos,8, pass


As Rain and Day touch the sword, suddenly....they are somewhere else, their wounds seemingly gone.

The expanse before them is purple and orange hues, warm, inviting, like a sunset.

They feel....a calmness wash over them, as a voice suddenly speaks up.
“well, now, hello. Tell me, simply, truthfully, why should I let any one of you two wield my strength?” the voice was calm, kind, but stern.


Daybreak blinked feeling suddenly better. She looked at Rain then at the sword. " Truthfully? " her eyes sparkled, " Because there's a crazy minotaur out there that's trying to kill my friends and PROBABLY the town! I don't care if I get this damn sword or not! " she gestured to Rain, " This crazy ass unicorn can take it! We just need your help to fight this thing! Please! " she growled at the thing, " Gary is right, something like that does NOT belong in this world, and it needs to be gone! "


"Myself, honestly? Everyone's been hurt already, some might be my fault, what with me rushing in like i did... And, while i'm pretty definate on Day here," He gestures towards Day at that, a soft grin spreading on his lips "Being someone who'd be a friend of mine, wanted or not, I'd like to think of all of them as my friends. I don't like my friends getting hurt, So, even if it takes everything i've got, I want to protect them. Can't say i'd keep them from harm, because everyone can get into messes on their own standards, but i'd do my best to keep them safe, stick with them through those messes, and help them recover afterwards. Hell, i don't mind if you choose me, or Day, as long as you let us help them, even if you choose to leave... somehow or other, afterwards." small shrug, he stretched his legs, feeling much... better at the moment, with the lack of wounds and all. "Though... I'd love it if you did stick around, Cause, from the sounds of things from all the others, things are getting worse and worse, with all these fellows coming out of the woodwork. I dunno how long till it's gonna overflow back to the village, and while i haven't really met many around there, everyone's been pretty.... well, great so far.


“many Die, it is the way of things. Those out there already wield three of my siblings, yet are not strong enough, hm....”

There is silence for a moment. “...but perhaps you are right, I was made for a duty, and I should serve it. But. How do I know either of you will stand firm, will be there when my true purpose comes calling? I sense in one a troublemaker, a thief, a low life, the other reckless, quick to anger, their head not clear. These traits all could end up with me lost, instead of here, waiting, for when I am truly needed.”




"Hey, lowlife? That's not nice." His grin slipped, as he looked about for a moment, attempting to find the source of the voice... despite a feeling that he'd be unlikely to find it "Yeah, i'll admit. I have anger issues, always did. Friends... have always been a bit of a hairtrigger for me. I've never really had many, if any. Sure, i'll admit i'm reckless. I'm a bit of a stubborn ass, yeah. If i see a path that might work, i tend to stick with it, if i can get it to work out. I'm not really the type to give up." He shrugged "But, i can say, if you're wanting something done? I'll do my best to get there. I might trip on my path to get there, but i PROMISE YOU, i ain't gonna go down easy, and i ain't gonna give up. I'm not gonna stand aside when my friends are getting hurt though. You want us to last through till the end? Well, that just means we need to work together to get there, don't you think? Teamwork makes everyone stronger. Harder to break many sticks when bunched together, and all that. We're trying our best with what we've got."


Daybreak visably flushed red at those words in slight embarassment, but pushed that away quickly. " You're right. You're absolutely right, I am all those things. But..." she pouts, " This stupid place has been changing me. Heh, probably for the better..." she adopts a soft smile to her face for a few moments, " I have responsibilities now to take care of, and I can't...let myself..." she holds a hoof to her head, thinking about her duties she's recently adopted. Then hits herself in the head, " Actually, you know what? " she grins, " I don't need you. " she looks to Rain and nods, " I have myself, my friends, and as long as I believe in myself, there is no stopping us. If you won't help, then I'll take care of everything on my own! " Day lets go of the sword and pushes herself off from it, " I've gotten this far on my own will, and that fire in me is never going to die, I do what I want! "



“Hmm....” is all Rain hears, then a chuckle. “shes wrong, dreadfully wrong. There are some enemies you simply need the right tool for, simple that. But...maybe, another....you though, see seem sincere, your goals clear. You will be given a chance, but do not waste it!”

and just like that, Rain and Day are back in reality, their bodies burning with pain, only a single second having passed, as Rain feels the sword loosen under his hooves....

meanwhile, the locks start to crack on Heinheart, as Griff misses a bit, only cutting into his side, as Ruin simply cant get it up enough, his lightning firing off but pretty weakly, though it does still give Hein a good shock, causing him to scream

it was then he broke free, and reached for Rain, but Bassos whacked hard, knocking his hand away, as Gary swooped in ,cutting along Heins chest...But still, though weakly, Heinheart stood, as Rain pulled the sword free....


Gary watched wearily as the chains holding the monstrosity broke. They'd blown their chance at leaving and getting out of there with what they had, and they'd blown it. A weak laugh escaped his beak, his body suddenly feeling the strain from all this movement in his armor. He just wanted to give up, but he knew he couldn't do that and went in again for another stab, hoping to pin the sword in Hein's chest, stubborn to the last.



Griff coughed, nearly flopping over. But He saw, somewhat, everyone else was still fighting. Wearily, with arms hardly even raised, he used his own body weight to basically fling himself at Hein.

Ruin keeps singing, as he keeps stabbing!
"We split the atom,
bombed the japs!
We put the thieving kikes in camps!
Our world is fucked,
and so are we,
 Cuz we're humanity!"

Day wheezed feeling all the pain rush back to her and fell back. She turned her head to see the monster had broke free and quickly rushed over toward it as much as she could, broken leg and cracked ribs. The only weapon she truly needed was her friends and her fists. Day clumsily tried to run in to headbutt the minotaur, " Rain! Stab it with the sword! "

Sword in hand, Rain turned to Reinhart "...A chance, huh? ...Well, you know what they say. If you ain't pushing yourself to the limit, YOU NEED TO WORK HARDER! I might not be your favourite choice, 'O echoing voice, but i'll do my best to PROVE MYSELF!" He launched himself towards the minotaur, his battered body's aches rearing once more... But he forced it down, charging with all his might! Upon hearing Day's words, the aches seemed to lessen, as he found the grin on his face stretching wider and wider, his heart pumping harder! Taking all that he was, he twisted into a mighty swing~!

Knocking the thing's hand away Basso turned back to Rain, "I told you I'd cover you Rain!" He said before charging in with the group. "Now lets finish this shit and go home!." Leaping in the air he swung down, hoping to smash this beast apart.



[Gary, d12+2+end, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 2- crit fail]
[Griff, d12+1+end, 7+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Ruin, d12+1+melee, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 1- Crit fail]
[Day, d12+end, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 3- crit fail]
[Rain, d12+4+end, 7+ pass, 9+ success, 1- crit fail]
[Basso, d12+2+end, 8+ pass, 10+ success, 1- crit fail]
Gary, 6, fail
Griff, 9, pass
Ruin, 8, pass
Day, 2, crit fail
Rain, 13, success
Basso, 3, fail


With one last roar to the heavens, Heins summons two whips and flails them about madly, frenzily, his mouth foaming as he roared louder and louder.

Griff barely managed to smack against the barrage, bouncing himself backwards and to safety as he flopped over. Ruins own weapon is knocked back, doing similar for himself.

Basso succumbs to his injuries, collapsing before he can make it too far, and Gary, mis calculates, getting hit away as the barrage starts, landing on his ass.

Its Day though, ho feels his wrath, as she steps just too close as it starts, he limping body unable to react fast enough, and she gets smacked into the ground, then sent backwards into the stone the sword was in.

But Rain....Rain marches forward. Aim true, timing perfect, perhaps it was fate, as he glides the pink blade into an opening...and into and out the back of Heinhearts throat.

The flailing whips stop.

The area goes quite as a mouse.

And Heinheart smiles, before he simply starts evaporating, slowly disappearing before their eyes...

[Day, d12+end]
Day, 9

Day feels the breath get knocked out of her as she hits the rock, he cracked leg snapping at an odd angle, and her world goes black as she passed out....but is alive.

"Well, that guy sure packed a punch." Ruin tries to break the silence of a battlefield after the battle. "If anyone needs help back, I'll lend a hoof."

Griff coughs, blinking. He had lost a lot of blood.
“Ah...think...ahve lost....alot o blood....” he mumbles out, clearly one for finishing a fight with the best one liners.

Gary was knocked onto his ass for the second time, causing him to wince and groan, rolling on the ground for a bit. When he started to sit up and look around, he couldn't see Heinheart anywhere, but he looked over the state of the group. Everyone seemed to be in a terrible state, but where was-... Daybreak, no... A horrible pit formed in his stomach and his heart nearly stopped. He flapped his beak a few times before his aching muscles moved themselves, sprinting and flapping over to her, tears starting to stream down his face, "Daybreak, please, no! Don't be dead, please!" He yelled desperately, moving to check if there was a pulse or breathing. When he checked and knew she was still alive, if barely, he was relieved, but not by much, touching her but too shocked to know what to do.

"Oh shit." Ruin removes the hornblade, and puts it in a saddle bag "Anyone bring a first aid kit?"

Trying to choke back sobs, Gary knew he needed to do something. Quickly digging through his pack, he brought out his first aid kit and began to patch her up as best he could, but her leg...

Ruin looks at Griff "Should I try cauterizing these?"



Griff blinks, his mind hazy, as he looks up at Ruin
“....ah got stabbed all tha way through...ahn ah think ah lost ah kidney.” He laughs, weakly, “...ow....h-help other first....”

Daybreak was out cold and on the ground. She saw nothing but black. Where was she again? Her body felt numb but was floating? She tried to look around where she was and saw nothing but black for a while, but then tiny specks of light started to come into her sight. They all seemed far away to reach, not that she bothered to. Weakly turning her head, she sees her reflection far off, getting closer and closer to it until she stops and lands on the glass. She's been here before.

"Good thing you got two, right?" Ruin laughs worriedly "Though I'm no doctor, you may want to get a second opinion."

Griff smiles, reaching up veeery slowly to try and pat Ruins head....and fails miserably as his arm just flops back down.
“Ah...feel like....ah look ah bet....fuck....it...stop that bleedin, however ya can.”

Slamming the head of the hammer down, Basso used the weapon to pull himself back to his feet. He slowly walked over to where Heinheart had disappeared, and picked his knife up off the ground. Reaching into his pack he pulled out a bandage and tossed it to Griff. "You've probably lost a lot of blood, the trip back is long, bandage up." He walked over to Day, her injuries seemed to be the worst.

Ruin starts to apply the bandage to the beat-up birdman.

The image she looked at was split. A reflection of herself in one...no...this one was different. She had a long braid instead with darker eyes. Tail was longer as well. The other split image had shorter mane but a darker coat with freckles and green eyes. Her heart rate went up and she tried to push away from these images. The one with a braid put her hoof on the glass from the other side. There was a determined look on her face. " That was stupid..." she said. The other one with the green eyes looked between the two of them and couldn't help but shrug.

Gary was doting over Daybreak, muttering things like he was going insane when he heard someone approach from behind him, instinctively he shot up, barring his wings and growling, standing protectively over her unconscious body .

Griff simply lets himself be bandaged, sitting silently  before asking the dreaded question. “...we lose anyone?”

The reaction Gary gave was surprising to say the least. Basso returned it with a glare of his own "Calm down, she's hurt, we need to get her back as soon as possible, same with Griff." His ribs ached as he spoke, but he tried to not show it. "So this hyper aggression shit isn't going to help her. She really shouldn't be carried, but it's either that or we try to lash some branches together and pull her out on that. Can you carry her?"

"Don't think so. Day looks pretty rough, though." Ruin says as he tries his best to wrap the wounds.


Gary hissed one more time before calming down, shaking his head and nodding weakly, "Yeah... I can carry her. Just need to get her on my back and I can keep her balanced wit my wings, but I'd prefer to fly her out if she can be secured..." He sighed and said weakly, suddenly feeling all the strain on his body, but he refused to collapse now while everyone else was probably worse off than him. They needed to get people out of here .


Rain Flopped to the ground, sword kept from falling using his magic, horn glowing a calm blue... Of course, his attention had first shot to Day, but gary heading over there probably meant it wasn't a good idea to get in the way there, so his attention went to the others. "...Well, i'm still going. Apart from a stabbing and such. I can help if you're wanting those branches... probably should try and stop up that wound first tho."

Day glared at them both, " So. I did what I needed to do." The braided one paced from behind the glass, "You should have let Mocha handle the sword. She's better at that kind of thing." The freckled mare blinked and shook her head, " Are you kidding me? Did you see how scary that minotaur was?!" both Day and the braided one rolled their eyes then looked at each other, " Either way, you should really rest. " She slammed her hoof at the glass making it crack, " And you know, let me through. You've been slacking, playing your little games here. " she slammed her hoof again into the glass, *"We need to find a way back to earth. I...we have people to go back to."* Day shook her head and covered her hooves with her eyes.

Nodding Basso turned back to Rain and tossed him a bandage as well. "Ok, Ruin, are you finished with Griff, I'll need help getting Day onto his back." He reached into his pack and pulled out the roap from his starter kit. "We'll tie her on with this, that'll secure her."

Gary simply nodded and kneeled down next to Daybreak, waiting on them to get her secure

"Think he should be covered, yeah." Ruin looks at Griff "Think you can walk like this?"

Rain takes some time to bandage himself up, getting it as secure as he could.... and hopefully not just slowly bleeding all over the place. Once done, he floats it back over to Basso. "Thanks for that, not sure how much blood i can lose safely... probably toeing the line a little." Blinking, seeing the others get ready, he stands up, and examines the sword closely, now having an actual chance to do so "Now... Should i ask, who you are? Or a preferred name? Or are you not much of a talker?"

The sword does not answer.


Griff frowns....then,slowly, with a pained look, rolls up and onto his feet, using his axe as a cane and...wobbles, badly, falling ot his knees and grimacing. But then he tries again, and despite clearly being in no real condition to be doing so, nod.
“ah.....ah think ah can make it...slowly.....very...slowly...”

Reaching down Basso reached under Daybreak's shoulders, try to get a secure grip. Just the leaning sent spikes of pain through his body. "Alright Ruin, you grab the other side, just a quick lift and set her down on Gary's back."


"That works, now I gotta go help some other folks, okay?" Ruin heads over to the small crowd with Daybreak "Gotcha." Ruin does as asked.

Grabbing the rope Basso begins looping it around Gary and under his wings, securing Daybreak in place. Once he was confident she wouldn't slip off he gave Gary a pat on the back. "you're set, just try to take it easy. Oh, and I want that rope back."

Rain hummed to himself, before settling on attempting to bind the sword to his saddlebags. Once done with that, he turns back to the others "...Anything i can do to help? I don't got much, but i'll do what i can."


Hopping from foot to foot, Gary was eager as all hell to get going and stood up, making sure Daybreak was secure, "Right, I'll be back this way with help, just hang on!" He called out and took a running start, quickly getting himself into the air and flew off in the direction of the town

Griff nods as Gary leaves and....simply leans against the nearest Tree.

Day flinched at the glass cracking. That wasn't good. " Cut that out! You'll break it!" she pushed herself forward and placed both hooves on the glass. The braided mare groaned, " We can't keep doing this Aro---! I refuse to stay trapped here! " there were tears forming in the eyes of the braided one, and she slammed on the glass some more. Day tried to ignore her and kept her hooves there, shaking her head. She needed to fix this crack.

Grabbing the bandage Rain tossed back to him he slipped it back into his saddlebag. "Griff, are you going to be ok?" He yelled out, walking to the edge of the clearing.

The glass heals a bit and the braided mare scowls with tears pouring down her face. Mocha looked on at them both and just side, turning around and ploping down on her haunches. Daybreak pushed herself away from the glass and back into the dark.

"I'm doin' alright for now. Probably need to check myself in for some recoverytime tho. That hit... i get the feelin' the sword was helping out for it." He nodded towards it, the makeshift binding keeping it attached twisting as he moved. "Seems like they've got an itching to get to the final stage, and this one wasn't sure if we could handle getting it there. Well, if that Voice was it or not, anyway..."

Ruin has no idea what Rain is talking about "Dude, swords don't talk. I think you may have a pretty serious concussion. Lean on me for the walk back if you need to, but we got to get you to the medics

Griff shrugged, looking off blankly at...nothing. “Ahm sure ah will be..lets....start headed home...” He nodded, and started wobbiily stepping his way careful towards the exit and towards Town. IT would be far from even halfway back to Town when the rescue teams would arive and before the group knew it, they were all in hospital beads, the night having whisked away the day, the memories of the fight a blur..... ...but Victory was had, and they were one step closer, closer to defeating whatever was coming....