Same rules apply! Sorry for the dealy Excuse #1, Excuse #2, Etc...
Spoiler
A= The scene opens in a dark alley of ILLBERA, homestead of the Guild Ivanhall. Blood runs down the stones of the alley. Slowly panning back to a mutilated corpse of unknown man, a reflection appears in the blood.
A= A reflection of Ivo’s face in blood, pulling back to show Ivo inspecting the corpse. Eris stands in the back with a grimace on her face. Artemis head tilted staring into the eyes of dead.
A= Bootstrap steps into view. Kneeling down next to Ivo.
Bootstrap: There are only two ways into this alley either from street, or the back door of the bar.
Eris: So he was drunk when he was attacked?
Ivo: I’d be willing to bet on it.
A= Ivo pulls out a paper with a Guild investigations seal on it.
Ivo: Tiv Analox, 45. Ice Archon, no guild affiliation. No profession of any sort, his wife of 30 years is his next of kin. By all accounts he was a man with no enemies. A bit of a show off, but nothing that would indicate he’d start a fight.
A= Bootstrap carefully takes ahold of the hand that the dead man retained and inspects the fingernails. Bootstrap smirks.
Bootstrap: He’s fingernails are spotless.
A= Eris roughly smashes her hand against the wall, causing all the stones in the alley to reverb.
Eris: Is this really the time to be grading his hygiene?
Bootstrap: Temper that anger suger queen. What i mean to say is none of his finger nails are broken, no skin or fur under them. I also notice his blade is still in his sheath.
A= Bootstrap sets the man’s hand back on the ground. And points to a sheath on the man’s hip, which still retained it’s blade.
Ivo: So?
Bootstrap: It means he didn’t get a chance to put up a fight.
A= Bootstrap peers over to the stump of the man’s detached arm.
Bootstrap: At least not with this hand.
Eris: So what’s the plan then Bootstrap?
A= Bootstrap covers his mouth and closes his eyes for a moment. Then after a sigh removes his hand.
Bootstrap: Im not sure, there’s not much to go on here. No witnesses, bar owner says he didn’t hear or see anything. And nothing left behind that would indicate where to look.
Ivo: So we’ve already lost then?
A= Bootstrap stands up.
Bootstrap: Now now, I didn’t say that. This isn’t my first contract.
Eris: So what’s the plan?
Bootstrap: We’re going to have to go fishing. We know what his bait is, we just need to find where he swims.
A= The scene cuts to Illbera at night. As it pans across, shadows dart across the roofs. Eventually the camera stops at a tavern. Boisterous and lively the sound spikes in volume as the back door to the alley swings open.
A= A rather old man with a drink in his hand hiccups out of the door.
Old man: G’*hic*d Night everyone!
A= A joyous response echos from the bar. The old man starts to wander out into the alley that splits off in four directions.
A= A slight hiss can be heard.
A= The man staggers nearly toppling into a box in the middle of the street.
A= Some pebbles falls from up above the alley, clattering onto the ground.
A= the old man swings around.
Old Man: Hel*hic*lo. Whosh There?
A= more pebbles fall from the building across the alley.
Old Man: I have *hic* no money, what little my wife letsh me hold onto, I left at the bar!
A= a growl can be heard from up on top of the roof, as knive sized claws peer out over the edge, seemingly effortlessly cutting into the stone of the roof. Two green iris light up in the dark, as a cat’s eyes.
Old Man: Oh hey there little guy! You must be hungry! Let me see if I have anything for you.
A= the old man reaches into his pockets, drunkenly falling over unto the ground in the process, several curses can be heard being muttered.
A= The growl becomes more aggressive as the creature leans forward into the light. It is a large furry creature, the face of a lion, with outcroppings of bone horns piercing it’s lower jaw. As it growls a forked tongue swishes around outside it’s mouth. Opposable thumbs with deep serrated claws. And a large mane that covers it’s neck, dark grey fur.
Old man: Oh…Big guy my mistake.
A= The stone of the roof snaps apart as the creatures powerful arms throw its body down toward the helpless Old Man, claws armed with lethal intent.
A= As the old man struggles to his feet. The creatures is propelled towards him. The creature's jaw unhinges to grab the man, to tear him in twain
A= A light flashes from another roof.
Bootstrap: Gottcha……
A= Something suddenly impacts the creature, slamming it into the wall. Obliterating a pile of boxes that stood in the way. The old man tumbles forward evidently shocked by the chain of events. A knife clambers to the ground, evidently what had impacted the creature.
A= Bootstrap drops down into the alleyway between the creature and the old man.
Bootstrap: Oh dear lord I’m glad that worked.
A= Sighing, Bootstrap turns toward the old man.
Bootstrap: Are you alright sir?
Old Man: Alright? I’m better than alright, haven’t had a fright like that in years. Reminds me of the first time I met my wife.
A= the Old Man blushes.
A= Shuffling can be heard from underneath the boxes. Bootstrap turns back to the pile of wood.
Bootstrap: You’re an Archon right old man? What kind? I might need your help here.
A= The old man looks flustered.
Old Man: Oh young man, I’m not much of a fighter. I can make bubbles though.
A= The old man throws his palms into the air and a stream of bubbles fills the alley way.
A= Bootstrap grabs the bridge of his eyes and sighs.
Bootstrap: Nevermind sir, just continue on with your night!
A= the old man turns and whistles his way down the alley.
Old Man: Such a kind youngster.
Bootstrap: Looks like im gonna need to call in the backup after all.
A= Bootstrap takes a small metal cylinder out from a pocket on the side of his legs, points it straight up in the air and pulls a small metal pin. A red flare ignites out of the device screaming up into the sky.
A= The pile of wood boxes explodes outward kicking dust into the air and revealing the creature. An angry roar cuts down the alley.
Bootstrap: And now we play the waiting game
A= Bootstrap takes two small throwing knives out of holders on is hips. And spins the blades around his fingers.
Bootstrap: So is the kitty gonna play nice?
A= The creature roars kicking off of the ground.
A= The world slows down. Bootstrap breaths in, and slowly exhales. The world continues to move at a snail’s pace.
A= The Creature sails forward through the air. Bootstrap moves toward the beast, it’s claws bearing down. Using his two small knives Bootstrap deflects the beast’s hands out of his path. The beast sails right over him. Both combatants have switches sides.
Bootstrap: Oi, I guess you’re not much for conversation.
A= The creature dives toward the wall, it’s claws digging in as it runs along the wall
A= To Bootstrap the creature hardly seems to be moving at all. His eyes dart to a point in front of the creatures path. Hurling his arm forward Bootstrap’s knife sails through the air and pieces the stone, measured to land right where the creature would grab the wall, a fraction of a moment later the creature’s hand impacts the kinive’s hilt.
A= The creature's hand bounces off the hilt instead of burying into the wall. With no hand to support its weight the beast tumbles off the wall. The creature flails frustratedly on the ground as it impacts.
Bootstrap: That should buy me some time.
A= Bootstrap turns to run and darts down an alley.
A= After Bootstrap clears the corner the creature rolls back onto it’s arms and legs. A roar erupts, and the beast gives chase.
A= Bootstrap frantically runs down the alley way. As he hears it approach he closes his eyes and listens to the sound of the creatures foot falls.
Bootstrap: 5...3...2… NOW!
A= Bootstrap’s arm darts down to his belt. Gripping a small metal spike with a flat metal container on its front.
A= The spike flies through the air burying itself into the alley wall.
A= as the creature crosses the spike. It’s explodes and a net rockets across the thin path, slamming into the beast. Hooks along the edge of the net bury into the wall, locking the creature against the wall.
Bootstrap: Whew perfect timing.
A= The creature flails and tears the net apart.
A= Bootstrap turns to run
Bootstrap: Oh come on that was a Nyflex net!
A= Bootstrap continues to run down the alley. As the creature gains on his right it leaps toward him, Bootstrap dodges under and continues running.
Bootstrap: Hurry up, hurry up. Where are you guys?
A= An unexpected claws swings straight in bootstrap’s leather armor along his back. The strike propels him forward with enough force to send him rolling out of the alley into an abandoned marketplace filled with empty wooden stalls.
A= As he regains his senses the beast flies out of the alley. Bootstrap rolls forward, as the creature slams into the wooden stall behind him, the world slows. Mid roll Bootstrap takes a knife from his chest and throws it at the creature.
A= The creature cries out in pain roaring loudly echoing across the marketplace, as the blade buries itself in its shoulder. As the creature stands up on it’s hind legs, it’s jaw unhinges and slams into the hilt of the knife. The blade snaps in half under the pressure of the bite and, the creature rips what remains out of it’s shoulder. The wound stitches itself back together.
Bootstrap: Not fair.
A= Bootstrap quickly hurls several other blades at the creature it’s impacts, and a few stick into the creature causing it to wail again.
A= this time the creature’s fur shifts. The dark brown fur ripples, shifting from dark brown to a more metallic silver color. The blades pop out of the creature.
A= Bootstrap hesitates for a moment out of confusion. Snapping from his fog, Bootstrap hurls yet another blade at the creature. This time the blade merely bounces off the creature, making a strange clanging noise as it impacts the fur.
Bootstrap: Oi, now that’s really not fair.
A= The creature starts to let out a slow menacing rolling growl as it slows approaches Bootstrap.
Bootstrap: Ok… really not kidding anymore.
A= The creature leaps at Bootstrap. He only just makes it below the creature, his hand slamming into the creature to guide the beast over him.
Bootstrap: Ivo… Eris. ANYONE!
A= Now only a few feet from the creature stands up on it’s hind legs, claws gleaming in the moonlight.
A= Claws rocketing down, Bootstrap takes a blade from his hip and stands defensively.
A= A flash of dark skin blindsides the beast. As a fist collides with the creature the wind pulses outward with bone cracking impact. A stone pillar erupts from in front of Bootstrap and strikes into the beast’s chest throwing it back into the darkness of the alley.
A= Bootstrap breaths a sigh of relief.
Bootstrap: Eris!
A= Eris smashes her forearms together and thrust them upward. The ground beneath Bootstrap and Eris erupts toward the sky, lifting them up to roof level. Both Eris and Bootstrap hop onto the nearest roof.
Eris: So what are we dealing with?
A= A roar can be heard from beneath.
Bootstrap: Couldn’t really tell you Eris. It’s no creature i’ve ever seen.
A= The creature’s claw smashes unto the end of the roof as it lifts itself up.
Eris: So what’s the plan to deal with it then?
Bootstrap: Well, we found it, and we have it’s attention.
A= The creature lunges at Eris, who slams her foot into the roof causing a large slab of stone to rise into the air, the creature collides face first. The stone cracks.
Eris: So we have steps one and two. Now what about three through four?
A= The creature growls as it runs around the lifted slab. As it clears the corner of the slab the air cracks as Eris delivers a bone crunching uppercut into its jaw, blindsiding the creature.
A= The creature whimpers as it is thrown backwards.
Bootstrap: I think you have that covered
A= Eris grips her hand in discomfort.
A= The creature rises back onto it’s paws and its forked tongue flickers about in irritance.
Eris: Never seen something take and uppercut like and get up so fast.
Bootstrap: Is that going to be a problem?
A= Eris lowers her stances and cracks her neck.
Eris: Well, you could call it trouble. Or you could call it fun.
A= Eris lets out a battle cry and the creature replies.
A= the two combatants charge at one another colliding into one another. As Eris rockets a punch forward the creature leans away from her target and it’s jaws reach into the snag her arm.
Eris: What?
A= The creature’s teeth bear into the leather armor around her elbow, crunching down. Then wiping its head around tosses Eris off the roof.
Bootstrap: Ah jeez.
A= bootstrap grabs A very thin looking piece of rope from a pack on his hip.
A= Eris tumbles down off the roof and Bootstrap dives toward the beast. Catching the beast by surprise Bootstrap runs past, tossing a noose like rope around it’s neck and then leaps off the roof with the rope in hand.
A= Bootstrap soars toward Eris. As he reaches Eris she gives a disapproving look.
Eris: Now what?
A= The slack in the rope disappears as the two almost collide with the ground, quickly halting Bootstrap’s and by extension Eris’ decent.
A= The rope cracks as it tightens around the creature’s neck and tears the creature off the roof. In panic the creature digs it’s claws into the side of the building attempting to hold itself.
A= Eris and Bootstrap land into the ground, doing a few rolls before landing back onto their feet. Bootstrap looks upward to the creature still clinging unto the building.
A= Bootstrap holds out the rope to Eris.
Bootstrap: One good pull is all it’ll need.
A= Eris takes ahold of the rope and viciously rips the rope backward. The creature gives out a cry as it tears bricks from the wall.
A= The creature careens down to the alley below. Bootstrap rushes forward, tearing a metal vial from his hip.
A= The earth ruptures as the creature lands. As it attempts to stand up Bootstrap flies overhead, his arm outstretched the vial slowly falling beside the beast.
A= As Bootstrap lands rolling away from the beast, the vial explodes. Releasing flame and shrapnel across the open space.
A= as the dust clears the creature writhes in anger as fire burns along its pelt.
Bootstrap: Oi, not fire proof then are ya!
A= The creatures eyes angrily zero in on Bootstrap, and with its hide enflamed begins to barrel toward him.
Bootstrap: Oh jeez.
A= Bootstrap attempts to run away, having been left out in the open. Eris bursts several stone walls fourth in the creature's’ path, but in its enraged state the stone walls are smashes to pieces.
A= Realizing rock will no longer stop it, Eris attempts to catch up to the beast to no avail, only finding the distance between them growing.
Eris: Uh, Bootstrap! I reeeeally hope you have a plan!
A= Bootstrap noticing the creature quickly gaining on him.
Bootstrap: A plan? No.
A= Bootstrap notices a dark shadow on the roof above him.
Bootstrap: A gamble, perhaps.
A= Bootstrap swings around, and hurls two blades at the creature each bouncing off its now metallic hide.
A= Bootstrap smirks.
Bootstrap: I knew he’d turn up.
A= The shadow dives from the roof intercepting the beast.
A= A white light ignites the hallway as lighting illuminates the shadow. Ivo, blade drawn, arm outstretched wreathed in a chaotic dance of electricity.
A= The beast’s head impacts the ground as Ivo’s palm grips it’s face and forces the beast downward. Ivo lets a cry out as lightning pours forth into the creature’s skull. It briefly roars, then goes silent.
A= Ivo remains still, a grimace of pain on his face, his hand still gripping tightly unto the hilt of his hookblade.
Ivo: Do you think that did it?
Bootstrap: I wouldn’t count on it.
A= The creature erupts to life and tosses Ivo back into Bootstrap’s arms.
A= As the creature opens its mouth to roar, a rock slams into the back of it’s head blowing into a cloud of dust.
Eris: I’ll keep its attention alright? You get started on steps three through four will you!
A= the creature turns toward Eris and chases her off screen.
A= Bootstrap drops Ivo
Bootstrap: So where were you?
Ivo: What? You do realize I had to run all the way here.
A= Bootstrap looks contemptuously down at Ivo
Bootstrap: We split the town up evenly. And Eris managed to get here quickly!
A= Ivo irritatedly gets up to his feet.
Ivo: Come on you’ve seen how she uses stone! I had to climb up to the roof! I don’t have any voodoo rock powers to get me up there!
Bootstrap: Yes yes yes, point taken! Now if you don’t mind helping Eris while I think of a plan?
A= Ivo points to Bootstrap about to retort, but instead holds his tongue and turns to go fight the beast.
A= Bootstrap looks confused for a moment.
Bootstrap: Hmm, that would have never worked on Eris.
A= Bootstrap closes his eyes and concentrates.
Bootstrap: All i can think to use is fire, it’s been the only thing to do any meaningful damage.
A= a voice emanates from behind Bootstrap.
Artemis: Alcohol is flammable isn’t it? There is a bar around the corner if he wanted to use that.
A= Bootstrap whips around. The pale dusty man known as Artemis stands behind him. His head cocked slightly as always.
Bootstrap: Artemis! Oi where in the blazes have you been.
Artemis: We… got lost.
Bootstrap: What? How did you? I mean ho-... Artemis YOU LIVE HERE!
A= Artemis tilts his head. To the other side
Bootstrap: It is you I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Go fight that beast with the others while I think of a plan.
A= Artemis peers around Bootstrap and stares at the intense battle between Eris and Ivo against the beast.
Artemis: Which one?
A= Bootstrap looks at Artemis with yet more disbelief.
Bootstrap: What kind of question is that? The only thing out there aside from Ivo and Eris.
A= Bootstrap looks toward the battle to verify the number of enemies hasn't changed. Still seeing only the one beast.
Artemis: One is quiet, the other is angry.
A= Bootstrap rolls his eyes and grabs ahold of Artemis’ collar.
Bootstrap: Alright nevermind, you’re crazy point taken. Now show me where this bar is.
A= The scene cuts back to Ivo and Eris.
Ivo: So what did i miss?
A= Ivo slides past the beast and arrives next to Eris.
Eris: Not much actually.
A= the creature leaps toward Eris. Ivo catches the creature’s foot and pulls it back toward the ground.
Ivo: Really? Bootstrap made a big deal about me being late.
A= Eris puts both her hands together and slams them down on the creature. Cracking the street below it.
Eris: Eh, I had it handled.
A= the beast rises from the strike and roars in Eris’ face.
Ivo: Oh dear.
A= Eris raises a stone slab in between her and the beast, but the beast’s claws tear the slab apart. Eris revealed to have begun running away.
Eris: So what did Bootstrap say the plan was?
A= Ivo runs up and attempts to stab the creature. His blade clinks off the Metallic fur. Ivo nervously backs up.
Ivo: He was pretty vague on the details.
Eris: He didn’t tell you anything did he.
Ivo: Well, aside from buying time.
A= The beast swipes at Ivo. Ivo blocks the blow with his blade, the impact sends Ivo rolling off to the side.
Eris: Sounds about right.
A= Eris clasps her hands together and a stone erupts forming a dome over and around the creature. Apparently sealing it. The ground shakes as the creature begins tearing at the walls of the dome. Eris continuously attempts to create more walls around the creature.
Ivo: Alright i'm going in!
Eris: About time!
A= Eris drops her hands to her sides and the stone stops forming. The dome explodes as the creature throws both his arms outward colliding with the rock, kicking a cloud of dust into the air.
A= Electricity fills the air as Ivo sprints into the cloud of dust. And a blinding light erupts from within as the beast cries out in agony.
A= The creature with anger in its eyes stares down at Ivo. Seemingly unamused with Ivo’s strike.
Ivo: Yeah, that went about as well as I thought it would.
A= Ivo dives backwards as the beast’s claw splits the air.
Bootstrap: Oi! Ivo catch!
A= Bootstrap appears from on top of the building holding three bottles of a viscous liquid known as “Imberhops”, a highly alcoholic and vile drink.
A= Ivo extends his arm catching the bottle in his hand.
A= Ivo looks down at the bottle in confusion.
Ivo: Bootstrap! I’m not following!
A= The creature walks toward Ivo, wincing as Bootstrap hurls bottles down at it. The liquid inside splashing against the creature coating its fur.
Bootstrap: HIT HIM WITH IT!
A= Ivo instinctively slams the bottle down on top of the beast’s head, the liquid dousing the creature. A few broken pieces of glass sit on top of its head, and the creature looks rather irritated with the attack. Opening it’s mouth displaying it’s shark like teeth and hissing.
A= Ivo chuckles nervously, and begins backing up.
Ivo: Were there some follow-on instructions with that Bootstrap?
A= Bootstrap unclips a metal vial from his hip.
Bootstrap: Yep.
A= Bootstrap winds up his throwing arm.
Bootstrap: Run
A= Bootstrap hurls the vial at the creature.
Ivo: Oh jeez, son of a-
A= The small metal vial erupts into flame.
A= the creature roars in agony, and begins to run in circles on fire.
Bootstrap: Got him!
A= the creature slams into the side of a building, rolling around in pain. Then slamming his claws into the wall begins to climb.
Bootstrap: Eris! Don’t let it get away!
Eris: On it!
A= Eris rips her arm backward and a pylon of stone erupts from the wall and bashes the creature back down to the ground.
A= as the creature cracks the ground, it quickly reorients itself and takes off running toward an alley.
A=Ivo, Eris, Bootstrap, and Artemis take off to follow.
Ivo: What is it going to take to stop this thing!
A= Eris slams her foot into the ground erecting a wall in an attempt to seal off the beast’ escape, but the beast crashes straight through the wall.
A= The four heroes, attempt to follow through the hole in the stone wall, but upon reaching through there is no sign of the creature.
Bootstrap: Eris! Get us topside.
A= Eris thrusts her forearms upward and the the rock beneath the troop of heros extends upward to the roof.
Bootstrap: Oi, fan out and find it.
A= The four heroes split up and search in different directions.
A= Hours pass, it is nearly dawn. Our four heroes meet back up where they had lost the creature.
A= Eris leans up against her now broken stone wall her arms crossed angrily, Ivo sitting up against the wall of the alley, Artemis wandering aimlessly, and Bootstrap deep in thought with his hand on his chin and eyes closed.
Eris: Well if no one else is going to say it, I will! This is some bullcrap!
Bootstrap: I know Eris.
Eris: It was a huge hulking roaring beast. It was on fire for christ sake! How did we lose it?
Bootstrap: I know Eris
A= Eris pushes off the wall and begins to angrily walk toward Bootstrap
Eris: How are we supposed to stop this thing if it can just ghost out on us like that?
Bootstrap: Eris! I know!
A= Eris hesitantly stops moving forward.
Bootstrap: I know it doesn’t make sense! But the fact of the matter is that it did happen, and as unhappy as we are with the outcome we still have to play by reality.
Ivo: And the reality is that a beast twice as large as a man just up and disappeared without a trace.
Bootstrap: We’re dealing with a shifter.
A= Both Eris and Ivo turn towards Bootstrap.
Ivo: A what?
Bootstrap: Whatever that beast was, it was an Archon, a shifter type. In other words we’re dealing with someone who can change their form nearly at will.
A= Eris walks towards Bootstrap
Eris: Are you sure?
Bootstrap: I’m certain. Think about it, nothing like that could hide in a populated city for long. But specifically when I was fighting it, it changed its fur making it more metallic so that my blades would just deflect off it.
Eris: If you’re right, you understand what that means right?
Bootstrap: I’m well aware of how bad that is going to be for us.
A= Artemis stops walking.
Artemis: They is still here… in the city… we can still feel them.
Bootstrap: It’s not all bad news though, after all we have Artemis.
A= Bootstrap strolls over and throws his arm around Artemis’ shoulder.
Bootstrap: Artemis did you get a good look at that beast’s soul?
Artemis: We saw them
Ivo: So would you be able to recognize it if we ran into it again?
Artemis: Which one?
A= Bootstrap rolls his eyes.
Bootstrap: There you go with that “which one” stuff again. What do you think i mean? The gigantic monster. The thing we were fighting all of a few hours ago?
Artemis: We would recognize her if we saw her.
A= A smirk flows over Bootstrap’s face.
Bootstrap: Ooooh.
Bootstrap: So it’s a girl then is it?
A= Eris’ eye narrow.
Eris: Bootstrap, no ideas darling…
Bootstrap: Let a man dream Eris
A= Eris punches Bootstrap’s arm.
Bootstrap: Got it, point taken.
Eris: So what’s the game plan, given that you’re acting so happy I assume you have one.
Bootstrap: I do, it’s not elegant but it is the only one I have.