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Amarant steps back from the door as the magic takes effect. "Alright, time to do this!" Amarant starts moving chunks of wall again, blocking up the doorway as best he can while retaining access to the other doorknob.
Amarant walks up to the door. "Alright, magic door, magic stairs. Stairs won't let us up til we have a magic object, and unless someone took it out or brought it up, only place it'll be is through that door - only opening that door means death right now. Since I'm guessing none of you really wants to leave, I guess it's time to mess with that door." The bandit crouches down and puts an ear to the door, and starts turning the central knob, listening for signs that the other side of the door will be safe - or at least, survivable. "Remember, need to block up the doorway before we open the door again. Better to be prepared when the doors themselves are deathtraps."
Amarant just stands back, shaking his head and letting the people who have a damned clue talk amongst themselves as he mutters to himself.
Amarant lets Ganzorig pass and shakes his head, signing to Astre with his back to the peddler, and keeping his gestures close so his body covers them. Signing: Amarant goes up after Ganzorig, spots the unfolding situation, and scowls. "Of course. Rashes, get her out of the doorway!" With that, Amarant starts ferrying chunks of wall to the doorway. And here I thought a little logic would tell him I can't bloody punch magic, and that he was clinging onto the only person who knew a damn on the subject. I'd wonder why he expected effective magical countermeasures from a bandit known to beat people down, but I know it really wasn't about that. The pyro's a more reasonable concern, but she'd have burned if she lit up the wine, and had he been thinking straight he should know that she'd be aware of it too.
Can't say for sure why yet, but it looks like he's starting to play favourites, and taking it a little far.
"Someone's had at the wine..." He was going to have to be careful.
That done, Amarant climbs back up. He spots Rashes heading up, but his interest is grabbed more by the meeting of Astre and Ganzorig. "What's it this time? This gonna take a while? Because whatever's responsible for petrifying people and drinking the wine's might still be here. Rashes is heading up the tower, so I'm betting he'll be first to get screwed over by it."
On the one hand, he didn't have statues hiding in the bushes and staring at him. On the other, someone had been hiding in the bushes, and whatever they'd been hiding from had completely petrified them anyway.
Amarant leaves the petrified man behind to climb into the basement, and whistles as he looks over the barrels lining the walls. That was a lot of wine.
Even as everyone else makes a fuss about the tower, Amarant pays more attention to the fact there was a statue looking at him from the bushes. It seemed a bit unlikely to him that he would find himself in exactly the correct spot for this to happen with an ordinary statue.
"Found something in the bushes here - though it's more like someone. Just need to check something." Amarant carefully approaches, looking over the statue, and watching for any signs of something untoward.
As Maude starts acting up again, Amarant finds himself oh so very tempted to floor her before she causes something they can't fix. But as Astre steps up to try and manage her temper, a slight smile forms on his face.
Amarant finds a spot in the trees and starts watching the surroundings. Have to be careful that nobody got the drop on them.
When Maude pipes up, Amarant just looks at Astre and shakes his head before making a few gestures. Signing: He looks to Ganzorig. "Need help getting the cart over? Or will you manage?" Says the fire woman. This is part of what I'm on about.
Amarant takes the gold and nods to Ganzorig. He looks over to Maude. "Something tells me you'll find a way." He picks himself up off the ground, and shakes his head clear. He seems his usual self after that. He walks over to Thra, and ends up having some of the head himself. "We're moving. Get going."
That's right. So...the fire's just a part of her. It's as volatile as she is, mostly because she's so volatile.
Amarant looks over, and replies to Astre. Signing: Amarant continues to keep to himself. Whatever's gotten to him, he's not out of its grasp yet. Sad thing is, elf, not everyone has good reasons. Or any reasons. It's pretty obvious what you think about her, but don't make excuses for her because of that. If anything, if you like her that much, then call her out when she pulls something like this. She's not going to get any better if you don't.
She's what happens when someone like you overcompensates. Rather than be honest with their state and accept it, they make poor attempts to cover it up, and lash out at everyone. So don't take what she says too seriously. Odds are, it's not anything she means so much as it's a way to poorly hide her own problems. You want to figure out what she's really thinking? Watch what she does when she doesn't think anyone's watching. And keep an eye on that fire of hers. If she's actually angry? Afraid? Sad? Just filled with sheer murderous intent? The fire will respond. So watch that fire. It's the most honest thing about her. And in the meantime? Watch her. Because this won't be the last time she acts out. Throughout the exchange, Amarant's cursing is significantly less frequent than it was before. You don't get the impression it's due to an effort to be more polite.
Amarant resists the urge to bury his face in one of his hands. Oh, how hopelessly naive this elf was.
"You're naive, Astre. But it makes you more personable than anyone else here. Since we've got a lot more people problems than we used to, we need that. So keep talking, elf. Better you than anyone else. But at the very least, pay attention to me and Ganz. We can tell you there's danger without most people knowing what we're saying, but only if you give us the chance." For a moment after he finishes talking, Amarant looks uncomfortable. Like he's remembering something that bothers him. "Ganz, keep an eye on him. Only person here I'd trust to..." Amarant walks over to the shade again, and double-checks the tree that Maude carelessly threw flame at. Once he's certain it's not going to set alight, he sits against it, trying to organise his thoughts. Why did he...he was forgetting something. Something so very important. But he had no idea what.
He thinks harder...just what was the nature of the fire she called upon? Was her questionable nature related to it, or was it just something placed in the hands of an existing madwoman? What was with that fire, and did it have any effect on Maude?
Finished ensuring the fire is smothered, Amarant approaches Astre, oblivious to his current dialogue. "So, elf, you care to explain why that little leaf umbrella was more important than paying attention to anything happening nearby? Because I don't appreciate when you ask a question and ignore the answer, let alone everything else altogether. This wasn't some panicked idiot on his own, you could be dead. Or worse. Betting on worse, all things considered. Lucky he didn't attack you when you walked by." "We're stuck with each other, elf. So I'd appreciate knowing that if you plan to take charge, you take it f$$!ing seriously. I don't expect you to fight. You're not cut out for it. But I expect you to pay attention in future, because if you don't you're gonna f&#! someone else. Got it?"
The hunger rises in Amarant, and the bandit becomes tempted... But when he hears Maude and look over to see her chuck fire at a tree, he has a sudden change in priorities. "THE HELL?!" Amarant rushes over to the tree to make sure it doesn't catch. Dead or alive, forest fires are bad.
Amarant looks over at Astre. "Look alive, leaf boy, Ms. Reasonable just lit up like a bonfire and she's looking to kill. Diplomacy's off the table. Let's get this done before the pyro torches the forest." Amarant takes off after Benny, unfurling Bonebreaker's chain. The light's harsh, but it's not enough to stop him sprinting after the man and his rabbit.
Once he's close enough, Amarant lets loose with his chain.
He takes it back. He was alone. And he could afford one hell of a nice sword to use as a glorified cooking tool.
Amarant signs back. Signing: He's alone, but he's wary. Stay out of weapons range. He's using a rather nice rapier to cook that rabbit, too. Doubt you want to fight him over any of it, but someone may need the weapon in future.
Amarant makes sure to stop Thra before he blindly walked any further, and starts looking around again once he's back in the shade. He didn't need the elf telling him to check the situation - he didn't get as far as he did by going in blind. Amarant takes in the details of the area.
Not kidding. Donovan's been on point. At first I just found it amusing when Donovan said he could see a tsundere relationship growing between me and Thra. Now I'm starting to get the feeling he might have had a point. Which is ridiculous. It's not like Amarant cares about Thra or anything.
Maude's easily pushed off as Amarant turns his attention back to Ganzorig. Signing:
So that's what it is? I see. At least somebody knows what his deal is.
Yeah, you're right. He's not weak because of that. But he was weak before. And right now, I'm pretty sure he's not strong enough to handle this. I was hoping he'd have enough a leg to stand on that he'd at least try to get stronger and prove me wrong. Looks like there's no ground under his feet in the first place. I'll leave him be. I don't know him, and I don't know how to deal with him. But I'm not letting anyone coddle him, especially when they don't have a clue what's happening. If they hand him excuses right now, he'll take them.
Amarant takes a moment to stare down Maude, meeting her gaze with hardened eyes of his own. Maude:
In Amarant's eyes, you see a young girl, playing about in a bandit camp. She comes up, and drags Amarant away toward something. You can feel the affection as similar scenes play out, pulled from the far recesses of his mind. "Not everyone. Just certain types of people. Everyone shorter than me, for example...though that's not what you meant, is it? I'm just interested that you actually stopped acting for a moment." He shrugs. "But to answer your question - I'm pretty sure he is about my size, and because someone needs to remind him that the rest of the world's still there. Now if we're done, we need to keep an eye on the dog." Amarant walks toward the waypoint, passing through the shade where Rashes took the sunlit path.
Amarant raises an eyebrow when Ganzorig draws his bow. He fires off some quick signs. Signing: Amarant shakes his head as Astre offers his hand. "Don't bother. Not what you think it is, and he'd pull you over anyway. Take a good look, and tell me what how he's acting reminds you of."
If he's angry, he's not this. Amarant walks around so he's in front of Rashes, and makes a point of appearing to look down on him. "So, this all you're good for then? You make a big show, you come home, and you break down like a kid who can't find her papa? What a joke. Call yourself the best, and you can't even handle a few minutes at your old place. What now? Waiting for someone to pick up a stray, or hoping someone'll put you out of your misery?" Amarant leans down and glares, lowering his voice and taking on a more scornful tone. "What a disgrace. I'd be more than fine letting you rot, but apparently, you've some of the others concerned about you. Some more than others." He makes no indication as to who he's on about. "So, what now? Going to stay there and waste away? Or are you going to get up and show these lot you're actually worth their time?"
Amarant narrows his luminous eyes as he watches Thra'Raxes break down. Seemed like the dog had finally had it. Fine by him. They'd be better off without him anyway.
...g@*+&~mit. Amarant reluctantly walks up to Thra'Raxes, and gives him a light boot in the side. Admittedly, 'a light boot' from Amarant would be enough to give most people bruises, but the dog could take it. "Alright, the hell's up with you? You've been acting up ever since we got in here, and I doubt it's the sun. Going to pull yourself together, or are we leaving you here, Rashes?"
Signing: As the sun comes, Amarant starts to feel uncomfortable. Not in the way that Astre's earlier display of illusion led to, but in the "the entire city guard will be here in moments" way. "Getting the feeling the sun will do more than just make hiding things hard. Need to hit the forest. Now." He starts to head for the forest, and remembers that Ganzorig has his cart too. They leave it, it'll get looted with everything on it. Amarant moves round, and starts push the cart to the forest to get it in faster, doing what he needs to to make sure it gets in. Really now? We turn that from elf years to everyone else's, where would that put you? 15? That stutter, plus either your denial or your obliviousness, that says 15. Age is relative, you know. Just because you're older than my great grandpa don't mean you act older too. Hell, half that number and you'd still be older, but that don't stop you being a kid at that age.
Your lot live long lives, but everyone forgets that means you spend longer as a brat and a fool. The elves included.
Amarant turns around, and decides to sign this reply back to Astre, grumbling. He didn't need to deal with the damn girl's tantrum if she heard, and her earlier interaction with Ganzorig made it clear what kind of words she could understand. His gestures are somewhat inhibited by the gauntlets, but clear enough.
Signing:
You heard her when she woke up. Not the words of the lady she's pretending to be. Frankly, she's a terrible actress anyway. I'd point out the differences, but I doubt the person that developed a sudden stutter talking to her would listen. You died too young to know better, I bet. Unless you'd care to prove me wrong with a little about how and when you died?
Amarant laughs mockingly at Maude. "You do that. Feel free to spend the day indulging in their 'silly habit'. Sure they'll love you. In the meantime, how about the rest of us let Rashes take a proper home visit? Should be able to get some good cover in the trees til sundown. Be easier to pass as living once the night's hit, and travelling during the day doesn't sound bright anyway."
Amarant scoffs, and mutters under his breath. "Reasonable? Lovely young lady? Am I the only who really heard how she's talked to us? I was hoping he was sane, but noooo...I swear, don't know which of those three is the worst kinda crazy."
Hmm. I've been forgetting to do my bonds. Maude's a damn pile of pretentiousness, and I need to beat that out of her. Ganz is only one here I like. I've got his back before anyone else's. Rashes is just a yapping mutt, and I'll be more than happy to muzzle him. Rashes lives for the leash, and as long that's true he'll have no respect from me. That's what comes to mind so far.
"Glad to see you've got some sense. Follow me!" Amarant goes ahead of the group, waving for everyone else to follow.
Amarant's still aiming to take a trip to Oronod for a few things. Now that Ganzorig's brought it up, he's not planning to take a trip without...provisions...before he knows he doesn't need them. That, and I want to see what misfortune that miss of mine will bring.
Rashes wasn't paying attention as he effortlessly showed him how far he's got to go.
As he watches the display of illusion he finds himself unimpressed, but he can't help but get the nagging feeling that he knew someone who would have loved it. They'd have just sat there, watching the display until...until what? Who was it? Where was this coming from?
"You said we look like monsters to most people, and you have a damn point. So, hitting the road before we can hide that don't sound smart. So, why don't we hit the town, and 'requisition' some clothes to hide that with before we go anywhere? You know, so people don't start talking about a bunch of monsters on the road!" He releases his grip on Astre, but not before giving him a shove meant to throw off his concentration on the illusions. "Of course -" Amarant turns to Ganzorig. "- we still haven't heard what you think's smart, have we? You know, apart from sticking by people, which might be hard on the road. You agree with me here, or have you got different ideas?"
Amarant snorts derisively at Thra's display. "Well! That muscle isn't entirely for show! You're just using it wrong. Try this on for size!" Amarant strolls up to a gravestone - a different gravestone to Thra's, the sturdiest looking, most intact one in sight. He smirks, grabs the gravestone in one hand...
Amarant smirks at Ganzorig. "Sucked to be you, didn't it? Here's hoping for a better life as a dead man." He nods to him. As Thra starts to advance, it's all Amarant can do not to laugh. When he starts flexing, he finally loses it. Laughter rings out, harsh and mocking. "Sorry Rashes, but you just remind me of one of the brats. Act like a big shot, really a nobody! Let's see you use that muscle, hey? There's a bunch of gravestones here. Can you lift one? Break one? Can't be that hard for 'the beeeest', right? Or is that muscle just for show?"
Amarant grins as Ganzorig relays the info. "Perfect. Say, Boney, guessing you lived the life too? You wake up, and it's not long before you're looking for loot." Amarant snorts. "Different trades I'm guessing, but not a problem for me. I like you already." Ignoring Raxes' babbling, he turns back to Maude. "Don't pretend you aren't impressed when you're looking at me like that. Yeah, I'm THAT Amarant. Look at these gauntlets, and tell me they aren't the most bloody things you've ever seen!" He holds out Bonebreaker, in all its glory. "Proof of the legend, girlie! I'm the real deal! And if you're still going to act unimpressed, then why dont we hit the road so I can break some legs!" He starts to stroll off, and stops. "Actually, the hell are we going anyway? I don't plan on waiting til the sun's up, and we all need to do some catchup."
"Pretty sure I remember an old way into Oronod. Let's go check if they found the place yet - I gotta see the broker and find out what's been happening."
Amarant's head whips around to Maude, and he points a finger at her. "Who the hell am I? Who the hell are YOU!" He lowers his arm and walks up to her, glaring at her. "Nobody teach you any manners, girlie? Introduce yourself before you start demanding names from anyone else!" He gestures toward Astre with his arm. "He's got the idea! Though..." He then turns his head and points at Astre, before lowering his arm and stepping over to loom over him. "Gotta tell you, I don't like people being smartasses. Whether we need food or not, doesn't change the fact he was digging into some a&~@%!!'s spleen without a care in the world AFTER he got back what little brains he seems to have. Seems like something's wrong with him, don'tcha think? All I'm saying here." He takes a couple of steps back. "Still, you gave me your name, so I'll give you mine." He punches his fists together, and the sound of metal hitting metal rings out. "Breaker Amarant! That's the name that people learned to fear on the road once I started taking gold and breaking legs!" His arms drop to his side, and his face develops into a smirk. "You guys? Just call me Amarant. Breaker's just a title, and one I heard far too many time from idiot bounty hunters and guardsmen. Kinda wore it out." "Reminds me...anyone got a clue what year it is? Need to know if there's any chance I've still got a bounty on my head."
As clarity comes to Amarant, he pauses his feasting and takes a bloody hunk of flesh out of his mouth. He scowls a moment...and finishes the chunk of flesh he was eating. He couldn't just leave it, for some reason.
He looks himself over as he wipes blood from his mouth. He'd lost a lot of muscle, though he didn't really feel weaker. Not like he didn't still have a decent bulk. Scars still scored his skin, which had now taken a rather disconcerting hue. On his hands (and wrapped around one arm) was the bloodied gauntlet and chain setup that was Bonebreaker. He couldn't help but grin at that. They'd stuck with him even beyond the grave. He looks around to find the others adjusting to their new state...mostly. His eyes are on the one offering a spleen like a piece of bread. "For a flesh-eating zombie, you aren't really bothered about it, are you? You a cannibal before you died or what?" He raises an eyebrow at Thra, before wondering if he even had eyebrows after his time in the grave.
He did say divine spells didn't work well...pretty sure cure counts.
Well, this seems interesting. Would have been here faster, but I had grave dirt to clean off. Amarant's story: If you'll have me, I'm pitching for a Fighter. How's this look, Donovan? Amarant wasn't Venin's real name, but it was the name most people knew for the masked bandit that terrorised many a traveller. He and the crew he threw his lot in with made a tidy profit off of the ruined lives and broken bodies they left behind. The coin was nice, of course, but Amarant got more satisfaction from beating down the fools and bounty seekers after the head of the bloody-fisted bandit.
Rather than meet his end on the road, fate had something different in mind. They'd stopped off in Oronod briefly - supplies, drinking, the like. He'd left the weapon that everyone knew well back with the rest too recognisable to come into town, taken off his mask, and was currently drinking everyone else under the table.
In the ensuing chaos as people tried to figure out what happened and folks hurried to call the guard's attention, Amarant's companions proceeded to attack the bounty hunter at once, and bail out with Amarant's body. His corpse was brought back to the rest of his crew. They knew they burned the bodies of criminals here. They didn't want that for Amarant.
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