To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

Cory was taken aback when Bakan suddenly jumped out of the tub, and weathered his tantrum regarding the actions of the women that he named with an extremely confused look on her face. Several times she tried to interject something, but she always ended up closing her mouth without saying anything. She certainly seemed to look extremely concerned for him as he grabbed her by the shoulders, and again opened her mouth to speak. All that came out was a surprised squeak, however, as Bakan pulled the demoness into a tight hug that she only managed to return a couple of seconds into the embrace.

She squirmed and wiggled about for a second before finding herself in a comfortable position, at which point Cory quickly said, "I found us something to do! Some adventuring work I mean, here lemme show you!" If he allowed her to, Cory would quickly pull away and hold up a flier for him to examine. It was a dusty note with the name of a village and a short text written beneath;

Manmere Marsh, Western Badaria, Village #413 on the imperial map

We face a dire threat to the wellbeing of our community from two fronts. On the first hand, a large number of plant women have been sighted in the forests bordering our village. They have attacked numerous people, but until now always let them go. Recently, however, they've begun abducting people and carrying them off into the woods. Ten people have already been taken from outlying farms, and we are unable to cope with their sheer numbers. On the other hand, a gigantic serpent has been sighted in the area around our town. It has been seen many times in the past, but the sightings have increased almost tenfold of late and recently the creature was seen attacking a farm, spewing fire from its mouth. The family inside only just barely managed to escape, but they lost everything they owned and the next helpless family to be attacked by this foul creature might not be so lucky.

I beg of any reading this missive to come to our aid! We will gladly offer a 50 denarii bounty for the head of the serpent creature, and another 50 to anyone who might be able to bring us proof that the leader of the plant creatures, a powerful sorceress, has been killed as well. Anyone interested in helping us should see Sir Abadon, the captain of the guard.
-Elder Davinforth Mc'Kinnon

Attached to it was a smaller note made of finer paper that looked as if it had only been added recently;

Any who fulfill this task may bring the Darkbrain found within the leader of the plantkin to 37 Brightearth Plaza, Cheydin, City #24 on the imperial map in order to claim an additional 300 denarii reward. The veracity of any claims will be carefully verified before any reward is given.

Cory smiled nervously at Bakan as he read, and once he looked up from it she quickly said, "What do you think? Seem like something we could do?"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Bakan was happy to hold and be held by Cory after such mentally draining events during the start of his day; however, as Cory attempted to squirm free, Bakan gracefully let her do as she pleased, blinking as she held up the note to him. Taking it in his hands, he read it carefully, taking off his glasses once and wiping them on the towel to clean them during his read. "Such a... Bizarre story. Perhaps even more bizarre than what happened to me a moment ago. I get the feeling that there is something strange going on, and it's not just an innocent village under attack by mindless monsters. Alarune are members of the fey, and they are not precisely known for violence against humans. It's possible, but I would like to investigate the situation before I take action. If everything is as it seems from this request, then at least we shall earn a fair reward... But I would like to at least talk with the fey and better understand their viewpoint." Bakan concluded, before lowering the note and sighing with a weak smile at Cory.

"I hope everything will go smoothly..." he said with a tired sigh as he stepped over, and collected his clothes, pulling his shirt over his head. "But as much as I respect the fey for their general kindness... I am not really in the mood to greet their lecherous side after what just happened... Especially not when you are in danger as well, Cory." he said to the demoness in the room with concern. "After what I promised, if anything terrible were to happen to you again, like when the stalkers attacked... I'm not really sure how I would react, after all, nothing I can do will make up for any suffering you endure."

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

At Bakan's suspicions at something more than what was apparent going on, Cory simply shrugged and said, "Your guess is probably better than mine. I've only ever fought the plant-kin and have never even seen a member of the fey except for a few gruffs and satyrs. If you think something fishy is going on I'm ready and willing to take your word on it. I'm sure they'll still pay us so long as we take care of whatever's causing them trouble, even if we don't need to hurt anyone to do it."

She had spoken while he got dressed again, and at his display of concern for her she smiled sweetly and said nothing for a brief moment, but then replied, "We live in violent times, Bakan. I'm quite sure that I'll be hurt again in the future, but I'm equally sure that I'll probably get better afterwards. There's no way to avoid that, even if I ran far away from everyone and isolated myself from the world I would still be in danger. Of those two options, I'd take the former any day of the week." She glanced at the doorway leading out of the enclosure that Bakan had bathed in and said, "Shall we go find Rhep and be off then? The village that's in danger is a few days away according to the maps I have. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can help them."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Bakan's brow furrowed together with worry and concern as she said she was sure to be hurt in the future. "Cory... I know what you say to be true, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop doing everything I can to protect you." he replied firmly. Then, he blinked as he slipped the last of his clothes on when Cory suggested leaving. "Oh? Did you want your massage later then? I did promise, you, after all." he reminded her.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

Cory smiled serenely at Bakan as he finished dressing himself and replied, "I know. And I.... Nevermind." When reminded of the massage he'd promised her, Cory blushed slightly and turned her serene smile into a wry one. "I'd actually forgotten! I don't think I could ever say no to a massage, but it might be best to save it for later. I'm sure that it'll feel great after a long day of traveling!"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Bakan nodded, "I concur. Let's go find Rhep so we can all go investigate this strange circumstance, and hopefully be treated to fine service and food like we were here! Except... Without the crazed women invading the bath..." Bakan made sure to add, scratching his nose while showing his repulsion towards that scar on his memory.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

Bakan and Cory departed from the bathing area together and sought out Rhep, whom they found quickly enough upon entering the tavern. She and the server that had joined Bakan in his bath were shooting glares at one another as the goblin scarfed down a whole plate of food. "Hey Rhep, ready to head out? We've got adventuring to do!" Cory said quickly, and the goblin turned to her and belched loudly, at which point Bakan noticed that her face was covered in grease from the food she'd been eating, and then said, "Kay! Hold on, Rhep just needs to finish her lunch!" She promptly upended the plate into her mouth, causing some of it to spill over her face and into her hair, but it didn't stay their for long before the goblin's quick fingers grabbed them and scarfed them down like all the rest. Once she was clean once more and her plate had been licked clean, a process that only took about half a minute despite the plate having been utterly full when he and Cory had walked in, Rhep hopped up and belched again before announcing, "Rhep is ready to go!"

The tavern girl waved and smiled sheepishly at Bakan as he departed, and once they had all of their things together Bakan, Cory, and Rhep departed from the village at the foot of the Western mountain range, a village called Grenwick, and made their way toward Manmere Marsh, a village some ways to the South-East from where they were and near to the Amazonian border. "Looks like there's a village called Bournemore Lake on the way, and then another place called Blinlock. We'll have places to stay, at least, and look! The imperial outposts are marked on this map! And taverns too! We won't have to sleep on the ground at all if we play our cards right!" Cory explains as she shows Bakan the map she was referring to. They seemed to be taking a couriers route across the Northern edge of the former empire. The map was eight years old, so there was no telling what might have become of some of the outposts and taverns along the way.

There was ample time for Bakan to better get to know his two traveling companions, as the first day of traveling was largely uneventful. Travelers passed them by from time to time, and they moved alongside a caravan run by a jovial fellow who introduced himself as Terrence who was thankful for the company on the road, which he seemed genuinely sad to lose as he turned down a different path than the one that they would need to follow in order to reach their destination. The only other thing of note that they stumbled across in the seemingly peaceful lands was a man and a woman, both reaching toward middle age judging by their appearance, bickering next to a broken down cart. The man couldn't seem to make heads or tails of the replacement parts he'd been provided for it, and his wife was chewing him out for his ineptitude.

"Yah can't even fix an axle ya miserable old fool! What're we gonna do now? Stranded on the side of the road like this? What if some bandit comes to pick us clean of all our belongings!?" she shouted at him angrily, and the man rubbed his balding head for a moment and then said, "I'm doin the best I can Martha! Jeeze.... Hey, who's that?" He pointed at Bakan, and when Martha spotted Bakan approaching with Cory who was covered in black leather, Bakan in his newly improved demonic armor, and Rhep the goblin, her eyes widened and she shouted, "Yah great big dunce Joseph! That's probly a bandit! Look how they're dressed!"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

As soon as he saw the two of them glaring at each other, Bakan immediately wanted to draw back, and retreat from the situation. Although upon seeing her face, and all of the grease on it, he let out a sigh. 'She just took a blasted bath too...' he quietly complained to himself, and then cringed when she burped loudly. "Rhep! For god's sakes, mind your manners!" he scolded her, before sighing, and shaking his head. 'I'm too exhausted for this...' he thought, although standing straight when he saw the tavern girl sheepishly smiling at him. "H-hurry..." he lightly urged his companions, having no desire to confront the clearly perverted tavern woman.

Getting his full set of armor on, Bakan made sure he was fully prepared for this venture. And as they left, Bakan moved quickly, as he was almost sure that the perverted woman's eyes were on him until they were far gone from the village. Upon inspecting the map, Bakan laughed nervously at Cory's enthusiasm. "Shall we... Not get our hopes up?" he asked her. "This map is ancient, and we're traveling along the border... I'm not implying Badaria is safe, but my time in the jungle was not exactly fun... Mostly because of a certain damn sorceress..." he growled, before shaking his head at the lewd memory detailing his loss of virginity coming up again. For his first time... To be smothered like that... Unable to breathe...

He shook his head violently, trying once again to rid himself of the cursed memories, and tried to focus on his trip, meeting a kind fellow, and then a bickering couple along the way. Upon being noticed, Bakan blinked, and looked down at himself, before grinning, and approaching the pair. "That's right!" he announced to the pair. "My name is Bakan Jeru! And I'm here to steal all of your troubles! All of your problems belong to me now!"

He laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "Hehehe, I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm not really looking to attack anyone. I assure you, I mean you no harm. In fact, I would like to help if I can. You seem to be having troubles with your wagon. I'm skilled in carpentry, so I think I can fix that for you." he informed them.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

Bakan’s words as he approached caused the troubled couple to double take at him, and he heard Rhep slap herself in the face with the palm of her hand, keeping that hand on her face as she let out a quiet groan. Cory giggled, though whether it was at Bakan’s humor or at Rhep’s reaction to it was anyone’s guess. The husband, Joseph according to what his wife had said, eyed Bakan suspiciously for a moment and asked, “And you won’t be demanding all of our things in exchange?” Cory laughed again and shook her head, answering for them this time, “Of course not! Rhep, why don’t you go lift the wagon up so that Bakan can get a good look at the damage!”

The pair stepped away as the goblin nodded and removed her palm from her face, approaching the wagon without responding and placing her club against a nearby rock. Spitting into each of her hands and then rubbing them together, Rhep turned around and crouched, placing her shoulders beneath the wagon and putting her hands on the same bar. The goblin stood back to her full height, the cart rising and righting itself smoothly as she lifted it with her back and hips. The look on Rhep’s face as she lifted the back half of the wagon and bore the brunt of its weight on her shoulders was one of casual indifference, the wagon and its contents apparently not causing her any strain to hold up. The brown and white mare that had been pulling the wagon gave a snort and pawed at the ground with a front hoof as the reins were disturbed, but the beast settled quickly back into a resting position.

If Bakan moved to look at the damage wheel, he would find that the wheel itself was unsalvageable. Several spokes had snapped and a portion of the outer loop structure had caved in on itself, and it was tilted at an odd upward angle that suggested that the axle was bent. The bolts holding it one were still intact though, and a spare wheel was lying next to the cart. It would be a simple enough matter to remove the damage wheel, bend the axle back into its proper position, and place the new wheel in place. “Can yah fix it?” Joseph asked hopefully, earning a scathing look from Martha, his wife. A glance into the wagon revealed that it was almost empty, this couple apparently not having many possessions, or they at least weren’t carrying them on whatever journey they were on.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Bakan looked to Rhep, and scratched his head upon hearing her face palm. "... Was it in poor taste?" he inquired. But he didn't dwell on it too much, as he was more interested in helping out these poor travelers. Investigating it, Bakan smiled and nodded. "It will be an easy fix," Bakan assured them. "Hold it steady, Rhep, would you kindly?" he asked her, before going through the process of removing the wheel, tossing it into the back of the wagon, they might want to salvage it after all, and kneeling over the bent axle, gripping it with his hand, and bending it back into position. Fetching the new wheel, he put it on, bolted it, and stepped back to eye his work.

"Should be fixed now." Bakan said, resting his hammer over his shoulders. "Thank you for helping, Rhep!" he made sure to add, stepping up to the goblin and petting a hand along her head. "I greatly appreciate it."

Then, he turned back to the man and woman. "There you are, folks! Enjoy the rest of your trip! And be safe!"

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

"Kay! No problem," Rhep said when Bakan told her to hold it steady, and she did just that as Bakan worked to get the cart back into a condition in which it would be able to move. The goblin didn't seem to have any trouble holding the vehicle up on her shoulders, and rather than get in Bakan's way by trying to assist him Cory speaks to the couple, "So, where are you two headed?"

The husband, Joseph, eyed her suspiciously for a moment before responding in a grunt, "Blinlock." His wife eyed him in annoyance for a moment before she began to speak to berate him,"Joseph, mind your manners! These folks were kind enough to stop and help us! Be polite!" She turned and smiled warmly to Cory as she continued, "We were heading home to Blinlock after visiting my parents over in Havinsher - that's a village a ways Southeast o' here in case you didn't know - when that wheel went into a dip and the rim broke! We were stuck here for nearly an hour before you and your friends kindly showed up to help!"

Cory smiled sweetly and replied, "Oh really? Blinlock is on the way to our destination! Perhaps we could offer you an escort on the way?" Joseph opened his mouth to reply while wearing a dismissive look, but Martha beat him to the punch,"Oh that would be delightful! We've enough room on our little cart for all of you to fit if you'd like to rest your legs for a while!" Joseph scowled darkly at that but was ignored by his wife, who's attention was fixated solely on Cory as she replied, "That would be wonderful! If my companions agree with me of course."

She looked to Bakan for his thoughts, who had just then finished his work on the wagon. Rhep smirked up at Bakan as he delivered his thanks and she crouched slightly and came out from beneath the cart. "It was no trouble at all for Rhep!" she replied as Bakan pet her on the head ruffled her hair, causing her to close one eye before she could shake it out of the way. "You have our thanks stranger," Joseph said somewhat gruffly and thus earning another reproachful glare from his wife. "Mind your manners Joseph!" she shrieked and then turned toward Bakan in order to offer him a curtsy and a bow of her head, "Thank you very much, Mr. Jeru! We would be honored if you and your friends would join us on our journey home!"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

"I'd be delighted to travel with you," Bakan nodded with a smile. "I'll be walking however. I'd still be delighted if you could give my two companions, Rhep and Cory a ride though. I must always remain vigilant, as I always expect my enemies to show me no mercy, even as I sleep." he said with a still remaining bright tone of voice. With that said, he stood by the entrance to the back of the wagon, ready to help Cory and Rhep get inside, even if they didn't want him to, before he'd give a nod to the man and his wife, ready to escort them and feel much better that he helped someone and allowed his two new companions some wonderful rest... Although the events in the tone were still something that chewed on the back of his mind like some kind of parasitic worm.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

Joseph continued to scowl in a sour manner, but seemed to recognize defeat as he allowed his wife to answer, "Delightful! Time's a waistin then, lets be off!" Cory and Rhep rode in the wagon, leaving Bakan to walk along beside it as they traveled toward Blinlock. The trip was uneventful save for one moment when they traveled by a group of a dozen men standing beside as many horses, whom Bakan paused briefly to speak to....

Spoiler

MAF: Bakan blinks at the men along the path, "... Excuse me, what are you doing?"

Tass: "Waiting for somebody...."

MAF: Bakan squints an eye at them. "Alright... Well, don't do anything unsightly. I myself am looking to investigate various troubles that have been happening. I've been growing quite sick of evil doers about, and I'm nearly about to start smashing them without warning. Not that you're doing anything wrong, but you folks do look quite suspicious."

Tass: "Oh we're not doin nothing wrong!" says a man with half of his face covered in bruises that looked as if they'd been made by a blacksmith's hammer

MAF: Bakan raises an eyebrow, "It certainly appears as if you made a mistake, to be sure. Whatever it was, please don't do it again. For your own sake. Also, keep an eye out for a dragon in the area... I released it, and it's very angry. Although that dragon will be the least of any evil doers concerns if I hear of any more ill deeds."

Tass: "Right.. Well... Have a pleasant afternoon, sir!"

MAF: "You as well." Bakan said, walking his way down.

Tass: ".........imbecile" would be heard under the man's breath as Bakan walked away from him

MAF: "... Did you say something, sir?"

Tass: "What? I didn't say anything!" The man exclaimed innocently

MAF: "Shame, I was hoping you were wanting to taunt me into destroying you. I've been quite agitated lately, and I could use good stress relief."

Tass: "Yeah? You and what army?"

The men around the speaker look dismayed, one of whom showed bruises similar to the braggart in hunter's clothing

MAF: "Me and my hammer, sir."

Tass: "Yeah? Well you can take your hammer and shove it up your ass!" The other men looked absolutely mortified at this point

MAF: "I implore you to try and do the honors yourself, sir. I warn you, you might regret it~" Bakan says as he grins.

Tass: The main draws a sword and charges at Bakan

MAF: Bakan of course responds by slamming his hammer against the side of the man's face, mostly to knock him out, no intention of murdering him

Tass: Bakan would win

MAF: After knocking the man out, Bakan let out a happy sigh. "That felt wonderful. Do any of you gentlemen feel the same as this man?"

Tass: "No sir!" Rang from all of the men

MAF: "Good! That's wonderful! I'm often on the move, so please, I beg of you, don't be like this man... Or else I might find you~" Bakan winks.

They stepped onto the stone bridge leading into the small mining village shortly thereafter, and Bakan spotted a beautiful woman with very unusual light blue hair being escorted across the street by an aging woman with dark skin. Cory and Rhep noticed them too, but the former was busy speaking to Martha again and and the latter had fallen asleep and was now snoring loudly. The blue haired woman was apparently injured judging by the gingerness with which she walked, and the older woman was half supporting her as the two of them headed toward the tavern.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Letting out a satisfied sigh at having relieved his stress, Bakan looked about the town, and to his companions. "Let's stay here for a while, Rhep didn't seem to get much rest," Bakan announced, gingerly taking the goblin in his arms, and holding her as comfortably as possible as he looked to the man and his wife, briefly glancing at the woman with light blue hair. "Thank you for letting my companions ride with you. I greatly appreciate it." he nodded with a smile at them. Looking again to the blue haired girl, Bakan frowned slightly. Something about that situation seemed off, and it bugged him greatly. Looking to Rhep in his arms, he decided he'd find a nice bed for her before being a friendly passerby and ask what's wrong and if he can help.

Setting out to perform this task, he walked into the Tavern, hoping it wasn't too noisy, and asked, "Could I kindly have a quiet room for my little friend here?" before setting out to go to said room, lay her down in the bed, and head back out to the main tavern room. Looking to Cory if she were with him, he nodded to her. "Something about that blue haired girl seems wrong, and I hope you'll forgive me for my nature, but I must ask if I can help." he said clearly to her, able to be heard by the blue haired girl if she were interested in the stranger wearing dark armor.

After having said that, Bakan gingerly walking towards her in the tavern if she were there, and before speaking to her after making himself known, gave her a polite bow. "Excuse me... I apologize for being extremely nosy, but... Is there something wrong? It looked as if you were wounded, and I... I do have a talent in healing, as well as a contact with a woman who can possibly cure any illness... Again, I'm very sorry if I'm being rude, but I saw you limping..." he said nervously.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fine

Rhep continued to snore as Bakan lifted her out of the wagon, and though she rolled her eyes at the sleeping woman Cory happily replied, "Kay! Works for me Bakan!" When Bakan thanked the aging couple for their companionship and allowing the women to ride in their wagon, Joseph grimaced while Martha smiled warmly and replied, "You're quite welcome Mister Bakan! You and your friends have shown us nothin but kindness, a rarity in these dark times! My prayers will be with you in the hopes of providing you with a swift journey." She curtsied to Bakan and then to Cory, sparing Rhep the gesture as she was asleep, and Joseph managed to get over his surliness enough to offer them a nod and mutter, "Safe travels then." The blue haired woman had met his gaze for a few heartbeats, pain just barely visible in her eyes from this distance... Pain and a hint of shame, perhaps, before she looked away hurriedly.

When he walked into the tavern with Rhep in his arms, Bakan found it empty and received looks of surprise and concern from the tavern maids and the barkeep. His words set them at ease, clearly having wondered if Rhep had been injured somehow, and the tavernkeeper offered Bakan a key and said, "You can take her upstairs, if it's only the one room you want it'll be two denarii." As he walked upstairs, he saw the blue haired woman being supported by the aging woman with dark skin as they entered the tavern, but for the moment they weren't his most pressing concern. Heading upstairs, Cory followed him but remained outside as he laid the still sleeping Rhep on the bed, the tiny goblin lightly grasping his arms before he gently pulled himself away and shut her inside.

The demoness smiled warmly at Bakan and replied simply, "I know." She followed him back downstairs but remained somewhat away, allowing him to speak to the blue haired woman on his own as she folded her hands in front of her and smiled in a reassuring manner at the injured woman. They were speaking to the bartender when Bakan approached them, and the dark skinned woman turned upon Bakan immediately and frowned slightly at him for a moment before saying, "What is your name, young man?" She allowed the somewhat forlorn looking blue haired woman answer the questions that Bakan had asked, clearly asking her permission to involve him by the glance that she cast toward her charge. The tavernkeeper returned to his business, cleaning in preparation for the night that would no doubt come in the night.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Bakan stood straight at the older woman's stern gaze, and answered firmly. "My name is Bakan Jeru," he said, giving the pair of women a polite and formal bow of his upper body, with his hammer stem planted firmly on the ground. Standing straight before them, he had the stance of a guardian, trying to make himself seem anything but threatening so that the conversation wouldn't be held against him due to his unsettling armor. Having just answered her question, Bakan respectfully didn't say another word. She had asked, and he had answered. And given how firm her expression was, Bakan thought it better to show his elder respect.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fin

The blue haired woman took a moment to reply to Bakan's question, but when she did she was clearly somewhat uncomfortable with talking about whatever had happened to her; "I am Elysia Arkwright. No, I... I-I'm fine, really--it's but a bit of... soreness, not the kind of injury your magics would cure, I am certain. And my injury lies not in a place that I am willing to share that easily with just any man--no offense." She paused briefly, and that was about when Bakan noticed that whatever was troubling her seemed to cause her some discomfort whenever she moved her legs, as if something was wrong with her hips. After her momentary pause, Elysia quickly added; "...I do appreciate the offer, however."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Bakan shifted on his feet, before raising a hand to scratch his nose. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean, but... When you say 'any man,' do you mean my gender is an issue? I mean no offense to you, and I am really sorry if I do seem unbearably nosy and rude, but... I know a sorceress who can relieve soreness... From... From personal experience..." he said, his cheeks turning red and a stutter forming in his voice as he seemed embarrassed and uncomfortable as well. "I'll leave you be if that won't do either... It's just in my nature... And well... You didn't appear well... Yet again, I am deeply sorry for causing you aggravation for not minding my own business."

 

[Tassadar]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

Spoiler

Bakan: HP = 108, PP = 39, EP = 79, Status = Fine

NPC stats
Cory: HP = 63, PP = 46, EP = 33/43, Status = Fine
Rhep: HP = 69, PP = 33, EP = 34, Status = Fin

"No, it's not so much that--well, I suppose it is, in it's own way." the woman began slowly before exhaling a heavy breath. She seemed both troubled and distracted, but not so much so that she missed Bakan's blush when he mentioned the sorceress, at which she raised an eyebrow. Cory hadn't missed it either, and she mirrored Elysia's gesture behind Bakan's back. The woman before him continued, "Believe me, Bakan, it is not your apparent helpfulness that I find offputting. Please, if anything, don't change that aspect of yourself... the world needs more of it. But what I mean to say is no, I am not well--though my worst pain is not like that of a typical wound. Only time can truly heal it."

After that, the look of distress upon the woman's face began to steadily increase, and when she continued it was heavy and apparent in her voice, "How else must I explain this... Bakan. Do you find me pretty?"" Before Bakan could muster much of a response to the question that quite possibly left him flustered and which Cory awaited a response to with unhidden interest, the woman went on quickly, "So did twelve men last night--and they took it upon themselves to have things their way, with or without my consent, as a drug was forced into me. I may be with child right now, though I am uncertain, and will change that soon to keep the poor thing from a most terrible life, and so that both mother and child may avoid a 'fate' imposed upon me by the religious fanatics of my home town. The real pain I bear is not physical, do you understand?! If anything... anything, I just want to be held... by the man I love!"

There was a moment of stunned silence, tears having formed in the woman's eyes as she began to whimper in front of Bakan. Cory stood in stunned silence, a look of horror and outrage upon her face, but the dark skinned woman turned and looked upon Elysia with a surprised expression. Nonetheless, she clutched at the whimpering woman's side comfortingly before turning back to Bakan and searching his expression for a moment before she quietly said, "It will take a magic more powerful than what mortals can muster to heal the wound in her, else I'd have done so myself."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: To Find a Way Home (Mamono Assault Force)

A look of horror appeared on Bakan's face, his head hanging as Elysia revealed to him just what kind of wound she had truly received. Here was the kind of woman he thought proper, and wonderful, and yet again such a perfect thing was crushed beneath the wicked intentions of those men... No more... No more mercy. Bakan raises his dream of a perfect world high in his mind after hearing her words, and crying himself at seeing Elysia's suffering, though his teeth were clenched, and rather than horror, his face now presented an expression of pure rage. "Tell me what they looked like," was all Bakan asked.

(Taki said Elysia would indeed reveal their descriptions, thus allowing Bakan to connect the men from before with her rapists.)

Upon hearing their description, Bakan wasted no time, he knew who the men were, and their last location. Raising his hammer up, Bakan looked ready to strike down anything in his way, his face flushed red from all of the blood flowing to him as he raged. "CORY! LET'S PUT AN END TO THEM!!!" he shouted, likely frightening the entire tavern with how hateful his voice sounded. "For ridding Elysia of her peace, I will put them all to eternal rest!" Bakan announced, charging out of the Tavern at a full pace.