Second try at getting this to work
This is Theff testing the units for posting. Yes.
You, perhaps, should have really seen this coming sooner. There's a huge crowd of nearly 200 people milling around one of the very few large open spaces to be found within the muddy grounds of the Quartz shanty town, the view dominated by the huge yet ramshackle face of the old Nightingale pub and the even taller watchtower built alongside it. The 2 guards atop the latter are eyeing the growing mob with suspicion that as of yet hasn't metamorphosed into fear...but that's only a matter of time now. Especially since the speaker for this gathering has just stood upon a small and crude wooden platform in front of them.
FRIENDS!!! FAMILY!!! I STAND BEFORE YOU, A FELLOW CITIZEN OF THIS "GLORIOUS" CITY!
The speaker looks to be an old human man, dressed in rags and sporting a huge, unkempt, grey beard. Nevertheless, his voice seems to almost hum with righteous rage.
He's a halfway decent actor - and that's all this is, an act.
A CITY OF JEWELS!!?! NAY!!! A CITY OF THIEVES!! THIEVES OF LIFE, LOVE AND DIGNITY!! THIEVES OF YOUR VERY SOULS!!
THEY LURED US HERE WITH LIES OF PEACE AND PLENTY!! PROMISES OF A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR FAMILIES!!
You know this voice, he used to be the public announcer for the guard, one of the many corrupt bastards kicked out when Birch came down here 2 years ago. He doesn't have a family.
You know...come to think of it that beard looks really really really fake. You don't think he's actually all that old at all...
Too bad the crowd seems too angry to care.
THEN THEY TRAPPED US HERE! DOOMED TO TOIL IN THE MUCK AND FILTH OF THOSE SHINY SMUG BASTARDS UP ABOVE!! PUMPING OUR HEADS FULL OF LIES ABOUT THE "ARCHAEOMANCERS GRACE" he spits the words out as if they were raw sewage and continues GIVING ANYONE THE CHANCE TO MOVE UP THERE AFTER A MERE 2 YEARS OF TOIL!!
He spreads his arms to indicate himself. At the same time revealing the small hand-crossbow hung inside his long robes, out of sight of the guards.
YET I'VE BEEN HERE FOR DECADES NOW AND NEVER HEARD A WORD ABOUT IT!! WHO AMONG YOU CAN SAY DIFFERENT!?!
Lie. The Lying Liar Lies. He's Lying. The anger is real yes, but it's clearly not about this.
The crowd was already furious, and his words are pushing them to breaking point, people are casting murderous looks at the guards in the watchtower, both of whom are taking great pains to show just how obviously loaded their crossbows are. A glimmer of steel in the mass of people reveals they aren't the only ones with weapons, it's clear that a good portion of those here came prepared for a fight. The speaker lets his words fester for a few precious seconds, and continues...
I SAY ENOUGH!! ENOUGH OF BEING A SLAVE TO FACELESS MASTERS!! ENOUGH OF KOWTOWING TO THE VICIOUS THUGS WHO RUN THIS PLACE!! THE GUARD HAVE FAILED!! BIRCH HAS FAILED!!
That name, the Overseer of Quartz, he's the target of this mad rage.
He hunches over, seemingly out of breath, using the motion to draw that hand crossbow.
We... his voice softens we must be the ones to fight back against this madness. We must bring this unfairness to an end...
He stands upright once more, making no attempt to hide the razor-edge of madness in his eyes as he draws a breath for a final scream of defiance.
AND I WILL GLADLY BE THE FIRST TO STEP FORWARD!!!
He whirls around and fires at the guards above.
But the bolt skitters harmlessly off of their armour.
Not that it matters, the guards are taken by surprise, by the time they've readied their weapons to return fire the Old Man has been swallowed up by the crowds advance, from somewhere near the front fly forward several oddly shaped glass flasks - alchemists fire!. They shatter on the dry wood of the watchtower and within seconds the structure is ablaze, the vastly outmatched guards are forced to leap for safety. One falls directly into the crowd, but the other makes it to the roof of the Nightingale and draws his sword as the frenzied crowd strain themselves to get to him.
The burning watchtower may as well be the greatest signal flare in history, the rest of the guard will be here soon, likely led by Birch himself.
The Old Man has a bit of skill, but not enough to evade your eyes, he's torn off the obviously fake beard and tossed off the ragged cloak to reveal finer ones beneath, with a hood pulled over his head he seems to be making his way to the edge of the clearing and escape.
What do you do?
Red started watching from the roof of the pub, already dressed as his alter-ego, the (ahem) dreaded Obsidian Claw. His dagger is drawn, and using the crowd for cover, he moves to intercept the antagonist. In his mind this man is a threat to the peace and must be apprehended for what he’s done.
Moments before the chaos began, Rini was slinking silently through the crowd in a human form. It’s been so long since she learned to steal the faces of those around her, she doesn’t remember if this form is hers, or one she borrowed. It matters little. As a human she fits into the crowd, as a red headed teenage girl, she is non threatening and not at all suspicious.
The crowd throbs with energy. The fury in the mans words are reflected in the faces of those in the crush around her. She cares little for the politics, what has any Overseer ever done for her? But a crowd of this size means pockets to pick and wallets to lift. A decent loot today means she can feed her brothers for the rest of the week.
She can’t make out the words, but the man on the stage is shouting at the top of his lungs and the crowd lurches forwards suddenly.
She slips and cries out.
A hand flashes forwards and catches her mid fall. It belongs to an older gentleman, with dark hair peppered with grey. His clothes are too good for this level, he is obviously an outsider, perhaps he came for the show. Maybe he had other business. He smiles kindly at Rini and helps her find her feet.
Careful my dear. He smiles again.
Rini lips twitch in an awkward reply.
She wonders if he noticed her steal his money pouch. Of course it was all an act.
Nothing but rocks in that one little fox he says as he turns away with a wink and a grin.
Check your pockets dear, then I suggest you get away from here, things are going to get very bad very soon. His cloak flutters open slightly to show the armour of a guardsman before he draws it tight around himself again and pulls the hood over his head, walking closer to the shouting man.
That...that could not possibly have been the Overseer right? Right!?! Oh s£*t, the guard must already be on the way here to crack down on the riot!
Once Rini gets around to checking the moneybag she does indeed find it full of pebbles, on the plus side 5gp has just appeared from nowhere in one of her pockets. Enough for a months worth of meals if she spends carefully. The fine-clothed gentleman has already forced his way into the mob as flames engulf the watchtower.
The Dreaded Obsidian Claw drops from the roof of the Nightingale to catch his prey, noticing only when nearby that a different hooded figure coming from the opposite direction apparently has the same idea. They both catch up to the fake old man at roughly the same time, their interactions going almost unnoticed as the mob works itself into a frenzy trying to get to the surviving guardsman on the roof of the pub. A few more vials of alchemists fire shatter against the wooden structure, yet unlike the watchtower it stubbornly refuses to catch alight. Odd that.
Rini takes cover to check the rewards of her nimble fingers.
5GP! That's more than she could have hoped for. This would pay for the boys for a month if they were frugal. She could go home, stock up, teach the tiddler to read....
Or...
She could follow. A violent riot would mean corpses to loot, of course it was dangerous but it was a calculated risk. If she could raise a bit more gold, she could afford to leave the boys alone for a little while and make an expedition to the upper levels. A successful heist up there would make todays earning look like small change.
A moment of indecision.
She follows the Overseer.
Now faced with two evident foes coming from opposite directions but obviously not knowing whom either of them actually are yet the not so old man freezes in confusion...
And panic, swiftly mounting panic.
Who...who are you? He asks in a voice containing none of the strength and passion with which he addressed the crowd. As the person in front of him the question seems to be addressed to the Dreaded Obsidian Claw, but at roughly the same time a hand falls on to his shoulder. At first look the hand appears to be encased in a silken glove and the person it belongs to naught but a hidden and hooded visage, but then the air ripples in place, the silken glove becomes a heavy metal gauntlet, the hood and robe vanishing to be replaced with resplendent full plate armour bearing the mark of the guard and a gigantic lance strapped across the back.
Everyone who spends any time at all in Quartz knows who this is...
Gregor Malson, his fingers dig into the Old Mans shoulder, the expression on his face is...not friendly. It’s been a long time you vicious little bastard, I see you’ve done a fine job of making me regret not putting you and that little circle of cronies in the ground when I had the chance 2 years ago.
The Dreaded Obsidian Claw can see the hatred blossom in the now named Gregor’s eyes, but rather than go for a weapon he draws in a deep breath, evidently preparing to shout...
[Shouted in an obviously affected, rasping voice that causes an occasional cough, directed at the fake old man]
You've caused too much trouble to walk away today!
[dice=Initiative]1d20+3
If succeeded, Red will use a dagger to hamstring the fake old man to bring him to the ground, then proceed to shove a rag in his mouth.
...
Gregor never stood a chance. Before the first word could escape his lips a snarling ball of dark fur and teeth planted a knife in his thigh and clamped a dirty rag around his mouth, moments later the full weight of an armoured body crashed into his back knee first and bought him crashing to the ground. You’re pretty sure you heard a most satisfying crack of bone as Birch savagely pulled his arms behind his back to attach the manacles but the cry of pain was somewhat muffled by the rather large mouthful of mud Gregor is currently enjoying...
After clamping the manacles Birch works swiftly to secure the impromptu gag the Dreaded Obsidian Claw has so thoughtfully provided, sparing neither the Claw nor the riot a second glance until he is certain the man can no longer move his arms or call for help. Once that is taken care of he throws an exasperated glance back at the following Red-haired girl standing a few feet away before focusing on the Dreaded Obsidian Claw once more.
Nice reaction there he grins can’t say I’m too crazy about the knife but since you so kindly planted it in an area not required for legal testimony I’m not inclined to be that fussy. His eyes close in consideration for a brief second before he gives himself a sharp nod and leans forward with an expression of distaste, speaking so quickly and quietly that only the Dreaded Obsidian Claw can hear him.
Before standing up and letting out a piercing whistle.
Several members of the riot glance round in surprise at the sudden sound, many of them letting out cries of hatred as they recognise the Overseer, but before any kind of real response can occur there is another whistle from the east side of the clearing, then the west, and the south. And three units of thirty mounted guardsmen each burst out of their concealed positions, charging towards the disorganised mob. From the North instead comes a single powerful charger, the huge warhorse making a beeline for Birch, the Overseer leaping astride his stead with a fluid motion that speaks to years of practice, drawing that massive Lance from his back and seeming to oddly grow in stature as he charges into the fray.
And yes, that does leave Gregor lying trussed up on the ground at the feet of Mr Dreaded Obsidian Claw. Quite helpless.
Rini followed close behind the man, stepping where he stepped, nimbly avoiding the violence breaking out all around her. The crowd seemed to subconsciously part for the figure striding towards the stranger on the stage, and she took advantage of the wake.
The sudden arrival of the Obsidian Claw made Rini freeze in her tracks. He seemed to absorb the light around him, appearing like a silhouette against the carnage, his bone mask like a ghost in the shadows. She was acutely aware of this mans reputation, though she had never seen him in the flesh. His movements were fluid and precise with the practiced agility of a predator; his muscles visibly flexed and strained under dark silky fur. He was a wall of black fur and fury, an avenging angel, dark, oppressive, terrifying. Rini had told her brothers bedtime stories of this vigilante, beware the shadows in the night, if you misbehave, Obsidian Claw will get you. The reality was worse. Of course, she had never mentioned to her brothers her own criminal activity or the tingle of fear she felt down her spine when she spoke his name.
The tingle of fear she felt now, rooted to the spot as she watched events unfold in front of her.
It was the whistles that brought Rini back to herself. The violence of the riots were reaching fever pitch. Suddenly there were horses and screaming and the sound of metal upon metal. Realising she was in danger, Rini pulled out her concealed scabbard and drew her sword. She had no team in this contest, but she'd be damned if she was going to be killed by a stray arrow or crushed under a horse!
[in the same forced, gravel tone, to Birch as he turns to leave]
The knife is a reminder he’s a coward! [in a gentler tone:] I’m here to help. If you have need of me, send word via the Amber Eye on Topaz. [back to the gravel:]You’re a good man overseer. We *need* you to succeed here! Take out the trash, leave the innocents to me!
After Birch is beyond immediate view, TDOC kicks Gregor hard in the stomach and throws him over a shoulder, turning toward the pub. Seeing Rini (assuming she is “the redhead” Birch mentioned, he shouts over the crowd, affecting a booming, commanding bass:
Little one! We’re about to be in a lot of trouble! Come with me and I swear no harm will come to you!
Little one? Why I oughta...
But Rini was not one to look a gift escape route in the mouth.
She smiles sweetly at the big cat.
I'm right behind you Old Man.
In one fluid motion, she sheaths her sword and mounts the platform.
As the guards 4 pronged assault (because yes, Birch qualifies all on his ownsome) smashes into the mob it becomes clear that both sides intend no quarter, a full half of the raging crowd are by now wielding some form of blade or weapon, some of them already wet with the blood of the unfortunate guardsman who fell into the mass of people. Yet though the guards are outnumbered by over two to one it’s clear that their training and equipment is more than enough to bridge the gap.
Something odd though.
Whilst the dirty blades of the mob draw blood on the rare occasions they can pierce through the armour of their opponents the lances and sabres of the charging guardsmen do no such thing. Both of you can see Birch’s Lance strike true as he joins the fight, impaling a man clean through his shoulder - yet though you can clearly see the bladed tip sticking out of the other side of the rioter there is no spray of expected blood. The mans face contorts in pain before it loosens into unconsciousness as Birch shakes him off to find a new target. Yet whilst there is now a hole in the front and back of the mans ragged shirt there is no sign of the gaping wound that common sense says simply must be there. Such scenes are repeated all throughout the battle...
Of course not all members of joe public that are here came with the intent to do violence, some just have the supreme misfortune of living nearby. And whilst the Nightingale pub seems mysteriously fireproof next to the inferno of the guard tower it seems unlikely that the nearby houses enjoy the same advantage. Still, the general dampness of Quartz works to counteract stray sparks and embers, so as long as fate sees fit to not have the tower itself fall directly on to a house the blaze should remain contained.
...
*CRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEAK*
The tower does not fall so much as explode outwards, a single house on the edge of the clearing taking the brunt of it. Deep within the fight Birch and his guardsmen do not hear - but Rini and the Dreaded Obsidian Claw are more than close enough, as flames edge up the walls and black smoke billows out from damp rotten wood to be greeted with screams of fear and panic from within. Multiple, far too high pitched to be adult, screams. Oh no...
And Quartz is...densely built to put it mildly. If a strong wind comes through and it gets hot enough this inferno could engulf massive swathes of the tier.
Speaking of the fireproof pub - something weird is happening there as well. There’s a sense of movement across its surface, as if hundreds of translucent wings were flying past its face, the faded black and red paint seems...deeper, as if somehow regaining the gleam it had when first painted. Odd boards and splintered wood sink back in to where they were meant to be, unmaking damage and poor carpentry skills alike. The cheap brass letters that spelt out the name burn with a deep golden light, shedding years of corrosion in seconds, the straight-edged letters of the original sign melting into a flowing cursive script that looks as if it could fly off the front of the building at any moment...
Oh, and of course, the mighty double doors swing open.
What do you do?
Rini takes in the events around her like they are occurring in slow motion. In her minds eye the screaming children have her brothers faces. There is no rational thought after that.
She runs at break neck speeds towards the burning building, transforming into her fox form on the fly. Small fox feet are nimble feet.
She skids to a stop in front of the burning building, her eyes darting all over for a safe entry point, or anything that would aid in a rescue.
Entry point wise Rini has multiple options, especially as a small creature, the house does have 2 floors and the children are in the upper one but Quartz buildings are built low as a matter of course so it should be easy to climb or even jump up to the higher windows (the fire is not yet high enough to impede entry or subject those inside to real danger - though that will change soon). There are also ground floor windows (Quartz windows can’t afford glass as a general rule) as well as the front door which is unlikely to be locked.
Potential moral problems aside Rini can also see that though they have tried to hide it in the building process the floor between the lower and upper floors is way thicker than it would normally need to be. As if built to support something rather heavy. Like say...a few tanks full of water?
And just to reward the natural 20 - from the sounds coming from above Rini can tell there are 6 children, most likely around the 10 years old mark (or equivilant for the non-humans). 2 humans, one that is trying to sound human but failing (Kitsune), 1 elf, 1 strix and a dwarf.
What does Mr Dreaded Obsidian Claw do?
Taking in her surroundings, Rini begins to formulate a plan. She may need the help from the big guy...
Seeing Rini run toward the sound of kids screaming, The Claw switches to hero mode. With a swift motion he flings Gregor to the ground and in his gravel voice:
Stay put, a%~#+%!. Tell your people if they try and steal you away, I will find you, and i swear Birch won’t be there to stop me making you wish I’d carved you up when we first met...
Catching up to Rini, unperturbed by her now being a small fox:
Innocents in danger, you have a plan?
Karva struts through the gloom behind the open doors punctuated by a metallic tap tap tap
Well the cards did say it would be entertaining if I brought my business here today
She stops with slanted hip and both hands atop the cane in front of her.
Watching the events unfold from a nearby alleyway Galayen could see the inciter apprehended by the dark figure and the overseer. They seemed to scuffle and then the man was knocked down and carried a short way before being dumped out onto the ground.
Sighing Galayen rolls his shoulders and neck to loosen himself and steps out of the alley way.
'I suppose its time to remove him from the world.'
Eyeing the burning tower he figured he should try to help there too, after all that fire could spread and end up incinerating his fun.
Working his way into a position where he could see the inciter at around 30feet away Galayen unleashed the full force of his wrack ability twisting the man's blood from the inside.
Rini turns to the Obsidian Claw.
There are children. she says with no preamble. She points to her estimated location of the children.
I could be wrong, but I do believe that they are making Slither in there. That means there should be a water tank approximately.... she draws her finger across her line of sight until she reaches the estimated position of the water tank.
A good swift poke with a sword may well fix this fire problem we seem to be having. We should probably save the kids too. Reckon you could make it to the top window, or have those Old Man knees had too much punishment for today?
She raises her eyebrow with the obvious challenge and then sticks out her tongue in what she assumes is an adorable fashion.
She backs up, giving herself a run up to her jump.
Oh yeah, you may want to try not to breath... I’m just saying...
No arguments little fox, we need to get them out. his voice is gentler, almost concerned. I’ll hit the water tank, you get the kids.
Rini makes the jump, though admittedly she scrabbles a bit to get through the window. Inside she sees...
Occupant wise Rini’s ears were correct, there are indeed 6 children in here, the humans, elf and dwarf are huddled together under the wings of a slightly older strix girl against the wall farthest from the smoke - but the 6th has just fallen off the stepladder he was standing on against the tank nearest to the window, dropping the ladle he had been using to attempt to (unsuccessfully) throw the bath water onto the blaze. From the look on his suddenly very fox-like features the fact that his big sister has just catapulted herself through the window is a FAR bigger priority/problem than the possibility of death by inferno.
All the other kids (many of whom were clearly crying) look up with a mixture of hope and near panic. The exception being the Strix girl who clearly has a better head on her shoulders, the instant she notices Rini’s age her eyes widen and she yells...
DON’T BREATHE MISS! IF YOU BREATHE IN YOU’LL GO TO SLEEP AND WE’LL ALL DIE!! YOU HAVE TO HELP ME GET THE OTHERS OUT! PLEASE!!
If the Dreaded Obsidian Claw jumps up as well then feel free to open the Through the Window spoiler to see what Rini does. Also - this happens:
You...you’re the Claw...you’re real? But the adults always said...but they were wrong weren’t they?
She glances at the others under her feathers, a couple of whom are beginning to squirm as in her joy she hugs tighter and the feathers begin to tickle.
Guys...guys it’s the Claw! The Obsidian Claw! He’s real! He’s come to save us! I KNEW HE WAS REAL!!
She shakes her head back to reality as the smoke from outside thickens.
Mr Obsi- Mr Cla- Sir, you musn’t breath in, if adults smell this stuff they collapse really quickly, we have to get the others out, Gon’s ok and I can fly but these guys are too scared to move. We hid away from the window when the fighting started but then we heard a bang and smoke started coming in the window and I tried to get the grate open but it’s locked and I’m not strong enough to carry them and fly and I couldn’t just leave them and I thought we were all going to die and the boss man kept saying you weren’t real but I knew he was wrong I knew it!
She smacks herself around the head with a wing and tries to pull a straight face - though the dopey grin of relief is clearly trying to surface once more and there may as well be stars of vindication burning in both her eyes.
I’m Sash, it’s...it’s really great to meet you. Can you help me carry these kids out of here...please?
Congrats. You have a fan.
Meanwhile Galayen begins to torture a man to death.
Though it doesn’t seem to work as well as he hoped and Gregor clearly has much more vitality left in him. Still it certainly did some damage and it’s not as if he is going anywhere anytime soon, his muffled screams failing to catch the attention of anyone.
And Karva looks damn cool as she watches the carnage happening all around her. The distorted air around the pub seeming almost to grant her thrumming wings of power.
The Claw draws a single great breath and leaps easily through the window, landing cat-like next to Rini (as if to prove a point about knees). He is acutely aware that the tight cloth clamped over his mouth and nose inside his mask will offer only one or two breath’s defense against the fumes, and must work fast. Hearing his Strix fan, he gives a thumbs up. Moving to the group of kids, he grabs the smallest and gestures the others to follow to the window.
Seeing that the man was still breathing, though writhing in pain, Galayen strode over to him inflicting yet another wrack.
Once level with the mans head Galayen waves his hands over the mans mouth drawing on his hydrokinesis he pours water in the general direction of his throat.
'That's what you deserve for the causing of such destruction. Innocent lives will be lost as a result, I may as well cause the loss or suffering of at least one guilty life to help balance it all.'
Without breaking his stride Galayen keeps walking towards the blaze casting his gaze around looking for Karva, surely she would be here? She does enjoy chaos such as this after all.
Apparently uncaring to the chaos reigning outside Karva gazes across the raucous mob
Once spotted Glayen...
Hoy Galayen, when you're finished over there fancy a drink, this one's on me for that job back at the enclave.
... they do good cocktails in here and have the best seat to watch this all unfold!
Ima call that a coup de grace on Gregor, and I’m not bothering with a fortitude save for him since drowning through a wet cloth gag is likely a worse way to go. So he is quite dead.
Galayen and Karva spot each other just fine, everyone’s near enough to the pub and distinctive enough that they’re easy to recognise. Especially Karva, whose mismatched eyes are now beginning to glow with an emerald green and aetheric gray as the translucent silhouettes of wings behind her rise and flap downwards, their beat stirring up not dust but hundreds of paintings of birds in flight across the surface of the building, flowing in constant motion through the paint, each beat adding more and more until a thundering horde of differing birds crowd every surface of the wood, the moving paintings giving a terrible sense of pressure, of a trapped flock aching to fly free.
Strange really that not many in the fight seem to notice anything, perhaps one in ten seem to notice something wrong before getting on with the business of killing (or not killing in the guards case), fewer still stop to openly gawp at what is happening - their opponents taking swift advantage of their distraction. And speaking of the fight...it’s getting worse, not better. More and more people are streaming in from all directions, though whether they fight for the guard or this “rebellion,” is anyone’s guess. Right now the guard do seem to have the edge but that could change on a dime. Birch is an island in the storm, but he just can’t be everywhere at once.
Galayen makes it to the blaze without incident, in time to see a fox and a masked figure (who he might recognise on a knowledge local check of dc 10) leap up to the second floor window, leaving the flames below growing in size and danger.
Rini’s keen eyes spot her brother immediately.
Why the little shi....
Rini marches over to the smaller Kitsune, grabs him forcibly by the ear, and drags him over to the window, ignoring his cries of protest.
She takes a moment to glare at the boy and take advantage of the fresh air pouring in through the open window.
Later, you are going to tell me exactly what you are doing here instead of learning spellings with your brothers. She says coldly, but right now you’re going to climb out this window and run home, before I throw you out.
She thrusts the pouch of gold into his hands.
You are you going to take this home and buy dinner for your brothers. I may be a while. If I find you have spent it all on sweets... she pauses, eyeing him suspiciously ... or drugs, you will have the beating of your life time. Got it?
Turning a blind eye to the family drama, The Claw rushes to the window and takes a deep breath. Turning to Sash:
Sash! When I’m on the ground, jump and I’ll catch the others! Trust me and we all make it out of this!
To Rini:
I’ll need your help, feeling strong?
He leaps from the window with a shell shocked small child under each arm, aiming to land gracefully.
I don’t do drugs sis, it’s only stupid people who do that and you always said taking from stupid people is doing the world a favor.
Gon, seemingly satisfied that he has somehow won the moral argument and thus shall face no later consequences for his actions, grabs the bag of money and - seeing the other kids in good hands takes the time to roll his eyes at Sash’s gushing.
Great, now she won’t shut up about this for weeks.
Before easily swinging himself out of the window and to the ground below, assuming human form again and darting off away from the riot, seemingly not noticing the very weird things happening to the Nightingale pub.
Sash meanwhile...
Right! Yes! Sir! I can- I can probably carry one of them down alright, fly over the flames I mean, if you take these two...
She pushes the two humans forward toward the Dreaded Obsidian Claw and then the dwarf towards Rini.
...and miss takes little Morri I can take Laenan here with me.
She watches the Claw save her two friends.
Oh wow that was awesome...RIGHT!! Right! Rescue now squee later, pull your featherbrain together Sash, you can do this. Laenan? Hold on tight...
It’s more of a controlled fall than any kind of flight the Dreaded Obsidian Claw has ever seen but Sash still manages to deposit herself and the elf kid directly into the mud at his feet, face first, but safely away from the flames. Jerking herself upright and accidentally stepping on the poor elf’s hand in her haste she folds her wings behind her back and gives the Dreaded Obsidian Claw a hopeful smile that may as well be a gigantic sky message spelling out “Praise Please.” The effect only slightly marred by her being liberally plastered with mud and ash.
See? Did you see? I said I could but I wasn’t sure if I could-could but then I did and I think I could...I could...
Her voice trails off as she stares at the bizarre scene of the pubface before slowly bringing her eyes back towards the Dreaded Obsidian Claw.
Mr. Claw Sir? Why is the big building full of birds and colour? And who’s that lady standing in front of it? She looks like she has bigger wings than me...
The Claw gently places his wards on the ground and kneels to help Sash up. In the trademark gravel voice:
You did great Kid! I’m proud of you. Now we need to get you and your friends somewhere safe. I have an idea on that, but first, into the Nightingale, all of you. Seems like the only thing around here not going to hell...
The Claw looks the newcomers up and down, and again in his affected voice:
No harm doing here, friends. Just getting some innocents clear of a bad situation. Any chance of help?
Rini watches Gon scurry away, trying to tame her fury.
What was the kid thinking? She worked hard so her brothers could get an education and maybe one day.... Ungrateful little...
She turns to the micro dwarf that seems to have been thrust in her general direction. She has not been paying much attention to the events unfolding around her, and was surprised to see it was just the two of the left in the room.
Morri is it? she asks stooping a little to bring her to eye level. ever played the game Toss the Dwarf?
Wide, innocent eyes stare into Rini as little Morri ponders the question they have been posed. A slow blink to clear any remaining tears and a decision is reached. Drawing up to her proud height of 2 foot 1 inch she gives the Kitsune a grave nod and with the air of a monarch greeting their people holds out her arms to be lifted skyward and to freedom.
Rini feels empowered by the tiny dwarfs bravery. She sticks her head out the window and in a loud clear voice calls INCOMING as per Dwarf Tossing etiquette.
She smiles kindly to Morri, don’t worry friend, The Dreaded Obsidian Claw will surely catch you.
And then takes the appropriate counter pose to Piero’s Puissance.
on 3?
The Claw braces for impact...
Gathering his strength, The Claw tracks little Morri's trajectory. A deep breath, and his cat's reflexes take over. A step, and a clean leap six feet straight up, diving to intercept the gleefully terrified Dwarf at the apex of her arc, before a twist to come down in a perfect superhero pose, Dwarf stowed safely under one arm in the "Markarth's Moratorium" pose, a stance developed as a funerary tribute to their fallen king. Barely a mark is made in the ash and mud. Any judge would've been impressed...
The Claw lowered his freshly tossed Dwarf to her feet and sent her running to Sash. Turning back to the burning building:
Little Fox! Time to get clear! Leave the fires to me!
Sash’s jaw drops at the Dreaded Obsidian Claw’s fantastic demonstration of agility and respect for a noble tradition...
(In a whisper) This is amazing...
Not taking her eyes off of her hero Sash pulls the poor elf to his feet and rudely shoves both he, little Morri and the two human kids towards the open doors of the Nightingale. Wanting to watch what he does next she starts walking backwards in the same direction - spinning round when she bumps into the quivering backs of her compatriots, all of whom have frozen in place a few feet from the whirlpool of magic that is currently Karva. Sash freezes at the sight of her as well, but pulls herself together and...
gulp...
M...miss? Can we come inside your pub please? The Obsidian Claw said to come here once we got away from the fire...
She attempts to look endearing. Which for a Strix involves mad staring eyes and a mouthful of fangs. Still, the thought is there, and the feathers do look fluffy. Covered in mud yes, but fluffy.