Naneko Invokade's page

Bleeding out rather fast, Naneko summoned what little strength she had to do one last thing.

Father would prefer it ended this way...

She drew her Butcher Blade, held it before her, now on both knees. Slowly, she pointed the blade towards her, hesitating only a split second before plunging it into herself.

"Nnnh!"

No decapitation needed. No ritual. The shot through the throat was enough to satisfy the need in her last waning thoughts. A left to right slicing motion, and Naneko fell forward atop her blade.

It seemed this time, there was no saving her.

Father...Mother...I'm sorry...it will be dark for a time...but that's okay...I'll be brave...I promise...

As a final action, her hand fixed her glasses, her voice a mere croak as she started choking on what was presumably blood. "The fault is...mine alone...spare my friends, Dorrigan...I plead no more than that...farewell..."

Her mind raced as her vision faded.

So quiet...so...beautiful...if this is...peace...I'll take nothing more...

Her body then stopped moving entirely, the blood puddles expanding liberally, at a moderate pace. Her suicide a more fitting end in her mind. She was sure Father would approve.

I'm sorry if this is a bit more than what you expected, Gatsby, but it's what she'd do. I'll stay in-character regardless the situation.

Naneko's face as she calmed made clear she didn't realize how connected the monks were. The last time she saw this much...carnage at her hands was when she finally rid herself of old school bullies. Back then, one of them died and the other two she presumed were dead given their injuries when she was told later.

Her Father and Mother had only caring words for her then. She wondered what they'd say now.

As she stood there heavily breathing, she dropped her Tetsubo to the ground, a resounding thud associated with it as she clutched at her kabuto with her hands, removing it and throwing it aside as well. She adjusted her glasses slowly as her hair, no longer constrained by the helmet, flowed to full; almost waist length.

"...I...did it again...didn't I...? Last time...it was those bullies...but this time...though they said such mean things...did they really deserve it?"

She continued her train of thought, silently.

Father and Mother always said...strive to any means if justice needs it...but does bringing about one justice do injustice to others?

Slowly, she turned to face Dorrigan with an unnerved look on her face as she displayed her hands to show she wasn't armed and not in the mood to continue mounting an offense. She figured he'd do something to her right now. This wasn't the school yard anymore, and she knew it.

It just got real. Naneko rolled well. :D

"A MATTER OF RAGE; YOU ARE THE RUDEST PERSON I'VE MET IN A WHILE, AMY! CUT OUT THE INTENTIONAL EMBARRASSMENT OF THOSE WHO DO NOT DESERVE SUCH!"

Naneko wasn't happy with Amy. Seeing the Half-Elf's scars, she immediate tried to figure out a number of things before the Half-Elf pulled the pants back up.

Perception (to identify shapes and patterns of the scars): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Knowledge (Engineering) (to identify the origin of the scars, and what instruments might have been used to create the designs): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"AND YOU, WHITE GARBED LADY OF THE TEMPLE! WHEN I MENTION THE BULLYING INDIVIDUALS, I REFER TO THOSE WHO SEE TO IT THAT THEY DESPOIL INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT DESERVE SUCH ACTIONS. WE SEEK NO SUCH DESPOILING BUT TO BE RID OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO WOULD TREAT THE LAWS OF THE LAND AND PEOPLE WITH CONTEMPT! SO SILENCE YOUR IGNORANT TONGUE AND FOCUS ON MATTERS AT HAND, LEST I PERMANENTLY SEE YOU TO A COLD BED!"

Naneko tried to reason through Intimidation and get the Monk to stop being what Naneko perceived as stupid, but when she considered the words the Monk had for her, Naneko had it, and bonafide snapped. Too much talk, not enough problem solving. She brandished her Tetsubo, swinging it a few times in warmup as part of a Dazzling Display of prowess to those around her.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"FLEE NOW THOSE WHO WISH TO SIDE WITH INJUSTICES AND SHARP WORDS OF MORE INSULT THAN HONOR, LEST I REMOVE THAT CHANCE! LET THERE BE JUSTICE IF YOU WISH NOT TO SEE A PLACE OF WORTH BE A PLACE NO LONGER!"

Naneko then charged the Monk, whether the Monk was Demoralized or not, and took a swing.

Attack Roll (Charge): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Naneko swung as hard as she could, in a fit of fury that could make a Barbarian feel insecure about himself. Such a swing left her slightly open. Naneko has -2 to her Armor Class for the remainder of the turn.

Naneko only shot Amy a single glance, one that essentially said "cut the attitude out".

She then narrowed her eyes at the monk. "Indeed I have...bullies deserve no quarter..."

Naneko had all the look of someone who had a significant area poked at, one that shouldn't be poked at too much.

Naneko sighed, a metaphorical sweatdrop in true cartoon fashion accompanying it. A half-human says half-humans are filthy?

While chewing on this hypocritical and bizarre statement, she considered whispering to Roland something regarding his stance on half-orcs compared to this, but thought better of it, for she'd rather stay on top of things for the time being.

Can we get on with it? Slinging mud doesn't actually solve anything...

Naneko whispered back to Roland after he finished his piece. "There's no point. If you'll concede here, then there is no changing your mind. All I'll do is get angry, and I'd rather not hurt an acquaintance. And if you think you know who it is, then I have a good idea I know who it is, and I'd be perfectly fine seeing him gone."

Her grip noticeably tightened on her Tetsubo as they initiated the conversation with the monk. Unlike Roland (who seemed ready to play good cop), she'd be the bad cop if she had to be.

Naneko merely followed Roland and Dorrigan. She supposed Roland had some merit, but still disliked his choice ultimately.

Naneko sighed.

"But...it's not a matter of whether it breaks local laws or not...personal laws are of more importance. Moral laws..."

She flared again.

"Even you, Roland, must agree! You, a hunter of bounties, made living off of securing those who flee their appropriate earnings per their actions; that regardless of approval from the local law enforcing individuals or not, there must be a higher standard from all who live!

If we allow trespassers to seek refuge behind well-established and tightly limiting bureaucratic procedures and sovereign glue of a red hue, then we are no good as individuals!"

She calmed herself again, oblivious of those around her who seemed to be ready to rally.

"Roland, you see what I mean, right? Regardless of local jurisdiction, it's a moral crime to not see justice brought forth, so those whom were wronged can rest in peace, and no longer turn in their graves..."

Naneko apparently fit the "objections" part of the equation Roland mentioned.

A worried sigh gave way to silence in Naneko's posture.

"Criminal...sheltering...it's...it's..."

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Her worried glance then gave to a scowl; yes, the glasses gleamed too. Their shine was impeccable as she glanced up, hiding her eyes behind the glare on them.

"A MATTER OF RAGE!"

Naneko saw no honor in sheltering those who should be brought forth to justice for errant crimes, and therefore entirely missed any meaning in Dorrigan's words.

"To shelter a breaker of laws is to shelter a most cruel injustice towards the people! Expelled the breaker should be!"

Naneko took a breath before continuing.

"THERE IS NO HONOR TO BE HAD IN PREVENTING THE RIGHTFUL PATH OF JUSTICE FROM FINISHING ITS MOST IMPORTANT TASK!"

She knew who she was siding with for now. Granted, she drew her own conclusions...

"Urk...monks, I hate those guys. Father spent way too much time catering to local ones. Too stuck in their customs to respect ours. So more fighting than anything ensued."

Unlike Amy, it seemed Naneko would side with the woman shouting at the monks.

"Perhaps, we should chase them away? It is clear they are causing someone distress..."

Naneko tightened her grip on her Tetsubo.

Naneko brandished her Tetsubo. Very little required anything other than an overly large stick to fell it.

"This place...feels very wrong...we may need to fight..."

"EEP!"

Roland's sudden proclamation made Naneko jump, and immediately broke her out of whatever mood she was in.

"R-Roland...was yelling..."

As she took in the sheer idea of being yelled at and surprised in such a manner, she almost looked liked she'd shed tears, albeit most of any emotion was hidden behind her menpō, and not readily noticeable.

"...you jerk, scaring a poor and not entirely defenseless girl by yelling at her..."

Naneko seemed to recover somewhat quickly.

"Fine. Have him lead the way. We shall offer our aid."

Naneko sighed, tiredly, before she registered Bora laughing and the mention of a fight.

Bora will steal all my unique features by the time we're through here.

"A MATTER OF RAGE! MANIACAL LAUGHTER IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN PARTAKE IN, MADWOMAN! IT IS MY JOB AND QUALITY, NOT YOURS! NOW TAKE ME INTO FRAY! CLOSER! I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY BIG HITTING STICK!"

Naneko cared not about a scene made. Bora was cramping on her style, and she also wanted to hit something.

Naneko nodded.

"Seeing the woman might not be a bad idea...she might be able to help us given her treatment of us entering the city..."

Naneko then fixed her glasses.

"So I will go with you. Festivities are not my strong point anyways...I usually lose, then get scary."

Naneko was slow and late to wake, reaching semi-blindly for her glasses.

Fortunately for Bora, Naneko did NOT hear the nickname usage, but Bora might find it neat if she avoided such things in the future.

Regardless, Naneko slipped her glasses on and observed her condition. Oversized shirt that was all too reminiscent of a hosptial gown aside, she felt marvelously better.

With help, she managed to don most of her armor, albeit the large crack in it remained quite visible, and the hole in the side remained wide open, if small as a bullet. After situating her helmet, she figured the menpō that was part of her kabuto would be a suitable mask of sorts, given that it was designed to emulate a monster, despite covering only the lower half of her face.

Placing her blade and Tetsubo into their respective slots on her back, she would leave the room she was in, if only to meet with the others.

"A matter of rage! That was a revitalizing siesta of most superior restoration! Let anyone try to take me down right now! I'll return their attempts a hundredfold! Ahahahahahaha!"

Naneko managed to not entirely outright yell, but she was rather loud nonetheless, and the laugh was as maniacal as ever.

Yep. She was back to normal.

Naneko offered no resistance to any caretaking offered by the nurses, too tired to think of anything aside from sleep.

And so, once settled into bed, she fell asleep relatively quickly.

Naneko felt uneasy at the moment, unfortunately. She scowled.

"A MATTER OF RAGE! DO NOT TEASE ME WITH MENTIONS OF HEALERS THAT WE CANNOT USE! I DEMAND REST, AND I DEMAND IT NOW!"

She then coughed a bit. "-yuck...I want to go to sleep now..."

She really looked like she needed it.

Naneko sort of grasped at her wound and looked ready to crumple over at this point. She was holding on, but it did look like she was getting fatigued over it.

She silently listened, not wasting more energy than she needed right now...shouting may be needed later.

Naneko smiled weakly, and grabbed the mask.

"Um...how much is this one? I think I want it."

The enthusiasm of the man made her feel just a bit better, at least he wasn't a fatalist or scared of strangers.

Amy is backwards, I swear. Completely opposite direction from everyone else.

Naneko took immediate interest in the masks. Still limping about, she did peruse the selection, to see if she could find something suitably intimidating and or scary. She did seem like she needed some rest though. She was feeling quite tired.

Perception (Take 10) to Find the Scariest Mask on Display: 10 - 1 = 9

Naneko limped the entire way, maybe tripping once or so, and was silent the entire trip. Normally holding her weapons, both were now sheathed on her back. Her armor looked like it needed minor repairs as well.

She could still speak however.

"Why are you so odd, Bora? You'll end up hung someday..."

She then sighed and looked up at the city.

"So tired...can I go to sleep yet?"

Amy should've realized by now that Naneko was not a "lady". Anyone who relished the thrill of charging into battle and mauling everything they see likely did not care for the finer points of cleanliness. In fact, the cleaning did nothing to help her mood.

Naneko did turn to Bora though, a smile quickly fading to a scowl.

"A MATTER OF RAGE!" <-- Her new catchphrase as of now.

Naneko began yelling again, apparently aiming it at Bora.

"YOU JESTER OF A FOOL! FUN POKING AT THE ACT OF BATTLE IS NOT BECOMING OF THE SERIOUSNESS THEY DEMAND! FLUFFY PAGEANTS OF GLORIFIED FALSE APPEARANCES IN THE NAME OF SILLY PRIZES ARE NOT ANYWHERE ON AN EQUAL TO THE RAW STRATEGY AND STRENGTH REQUIRED IN AN ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN MULTIPLE PARTIES!

IT ALSO IRKS ME TO KNOW YOU JEST OF THE ACTS THAT NEARLY LEAD TO MY EXISTENCE'S ENDING! SUCH RAW MINDLESSNESS AND DISREGARDING OF THE RAMIFICATIONS INVOLVED! NOW I AM VEXED WHEN I SHOULD BE RESTING! CURSES BE ON YOU FOR MY FURTHER RECOVERY'S PREVENTI-!!! Ow..."

Naneko's rage suddenly died, replaced with a calm and concerned side that gave way to another calm smile.

"Thank you for trying to be cheery I guess. It's okay if you need to hate me now."

Naneko delivered the last line with both bitterness and regret.

Following it, she only shot Amy a cautionary glance, a warning in most certain terms, before she went back to relaxing, looking only at the blade that cleaved her. Now she wanted to cleave something with it. Preferably in the gut.

Where is the guide? I still have to question him of his actions. This blade may be useful then. Maybe Roland can tell me more later...he's the only one who seems to be focused on the betterment of the party given what I've observed so far...

What is this light? Am I, really done for? No, that isn't the case. This light feels warmer somehow...

Naneko opened her eyes, and from her lying position, took a customary glance around. Everything was fuzzy, and it was then she realized her glasses were not on her.

She couldn't feel her armor either, feeling only the cotton cloth she wore underneath the armor to keep it from chafing skin. But she did feel something.

Alive? It seems...but how?

She made one attempt to stand, and promptly did not.

OW! Well...I don't think I should rush it...

She reached for her glasses and slipped them on, if only to see clear for the time being as she lay there. A quick observation of bandaging was all she needed to know she was still in terrible shape.

Maybe if Amy wasn't drinking tea, maybe if that silly guide of ours actually fought, maybe I'd not have almost died...

She clenched her teeth and looked around her resting position, finding the Blade. Gripping it tightly in her hands, she finds she can still carry a weapon.

...IT FILLS ME WITH MUCH RAGE! THE SHEER THOUGHT THAT THOSE FOOLS WOULD PLACE THEIR OWN WORTHLESS VALUE IN BATTLE OVER THE ONE WHO BREAKS HER BACK FOR THEM; WHY I WOULD END THEM IF I DID NOT KNOW BETTER! TEA TIME IS NOT WAR TIME, AND IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE A GUIDE, YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE AS MUCH AS ANYONE ELSE! NO LUXURIOUS ESCAPES! NONE WHATSOEV-!!!

"Ow..."

She dropped the blade with a a bit of a clang as grasped at her wound. She was starting to bend over as rage clouded her thoughts. She was audible with this expression of pain however.

Okay, calm down Naneko. You can yell at those responsible later...right now, just rest...

She looked around her once more, seeking her Tetsubo and her armor.

Someone take the Cleaver for Naneko! She could use it possibly! XD

Roland: You see that a puddle of blood has formed under Naneko's body, and when flipping her over, a large gash that even pierced her armor was present, clearly deep enough to gash her skin to a rather nasty degree (although most of the bleeding seemed to have stopped by this point).

Additionally, a wound was in her side, small, consistent with gunshots, but enough of a wound to skip her armor and leave a small wound that has since stopped bleeding.

She was breathing, albeit barely, and the few times it was audible, it was raspy and labored as she coughed. She did not seem conscious however.

Amy wants Naneko to hate her guts, doesn't she?

"A-ah..."

Naneko slowly fell, but fell nonetheless, the sharp pain in her side now magnifying a slowly realized pain in her body all over.

"OW! I-I'm done for... Sorry, everyone..."

Naneko's voice was weak and tired, and she seemed to almost promptly stop talking. After a small thud, silence for the time being as a pool of blood began the slow process of forming out of her central gash.

Mother...Father...come find me...I d-don't want to pass on...alone...with strangers...lost here...

Her body lay limp as her grip on her Tetsubo loosened.

Naneko at this point turned to see the other "daughters" coming forth, before pointing her Tetsubo at them.

"RETREAT NOW UNLESS YOU WANT TO FACE DEATH NEXT!"

Naneko then drove the point home by initiating a coup de grace against the unconscious "daughter" that was beside her, bringing her Tetsubo down with full force.

Now if only Naneko crit more often...hmm...

"!!!"

Naneko mostly seemed unfazed, if only by sheer adrenaline more than anything, and went for another swing as colorful lights stunned the large creature.

To anyone else paying any sort of attention, the cleaver did in fact cleave straight through her armor, as a large gash showcased in her chest armor. There was also a rather small amount of blood leaking from the wound. As small as the amount was, the rest of the armor looked to be slightly weaker now, as if it'd be unable to stop another serious blow should she get whacked again.

"TOO LATE, FOR REGRETS!"

She ignored Bora's warning entirely, unsure who "ragey girl with a sword" was. All she knew was that she wielded a Tetsubo, a large club of sorts studded with what one could say was far too many metal bolts.

That, or she did not hear the warning, entirely possible when a large creature crying out as it was stunned right before her was making noise as loud as it did.

Naneko was aiming to take full advantage of the fact that the colorful lights seemed to disorient the creature.

Naneko was shocked for a moment when Mother appeared, but quickly made with brandishing her oversized stick again. She then had an actual "Eep!" moment when Gavin showed up from practically nowhere to stand beside her.

"Eep! Oh, it's you, Gavin. Don't scare me like that, for you own safety more than mine."

Naneko proceeded to face Mother, and cemented herself in place as she readied her own attack should the creature finish the charge.

Okay, Naneko, you'll be fine, just attack it, is all.

Her face crossed as she issued a challenging warning.

CREATURE OF ILL TEMPER KNOWN ONLY AS MOTHER, FINISH YOUR CHARGE! FINISH IT I SAY! FINISH IT SO WE MAY INTRODUCE YOU TO DEATH PERSONALLY!"

Methinks Amy is a bit self-entitled with regards to actually being productive. XD

Naneko shrieked upon seeing what viscera followed her strike.

"Is it over...? I think I overdid it. Um, I'm terribly sorry! If you're still alive; your remains seem to indicate otherwise though. The others must think me a monster now."

She clutched the oversized Tetsubo at her side as she stepped back a couple of steps.

"SO, YOU WISH TO STAY AND FIGHT EVEN WHEN YOUR COMRADES FAILED YOU IN A MOST HUMILIATING FASHION? THEN IF DEATH IS WHAT YOU SO DESIRE, THEN DEATH YOU SHALL RECEIVE!"

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"NOW REIGN IN YOUR UNTIMELY END!"

Naneko charged the man at first opportunity. With the highest Initiative, and Amy wasting her chance by drinking tea, she surely would be able to.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Naneko wasted no time upon seeing the man reach for what was probably a device not unlike Roland's, and that was all she needed. So she hefted her Tetsubo sized for a Giant (as opposed to the smaller girl who wielded it), readying herself should she need to charge.

Her face went from neutral and wary to a harsh scowl as she began what was presumably another tirade.

From this point on, Naneko's "other" side will be written in all caps (with few exceptions) to demonstrate her wrathful chaotic side. Lower case means she's speaking through her more timid Lawful side. If you want this changed, let me know, and I'll find a different way to differentiate between her two modes of sorts.

"CEASE YOUR LOOSE TONGUE FLAPPING, BLATHERING IDIOTS! YOU CANNOT FOOL ME WITH YOUR VISIBLY PLAIN ATTEMPTS AT TALKING SWEETLY BEFORE LAUNCHING THE MOST CERTAIN OF AMBUSHES!"

Naneko seemed to be fully committed here.

"AND YOU! WITH THE HAND CARESSING YOUR THIGH ON IT'S WAY TO THE DEVICE OF UNCERTAIN MAKE! CEASE THAT COURSE OF ACTION, LEST YOU INVITE MY HITTING STICK OF VERY CERTAIN MAKE TO UNMAKE YOUR VERY EXISTENCE!"

Naneko swung the oversized Tetsubo a few times to drive the point home before giving what could only be described as the crazed laugh of an evil noblewoman overlord.

Dazzling Display (to Demoralize) - Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

"AH-HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW SURRENDER TO US, OR FACE AN IMPLACABLE FATE!"

Naneko barely managed to eat the rations given. She wasn't too hungry for what was likely not even actual food.

Nonetheless, she stood when the other group showed up, placing a hand atop her large club that rested on the ground.

She watched them carefully, but tried to seem somewhat intimidating. Secretly, she wished heavily that a fight would start right now, but she doubted anyone else would be able to actually participate.

These intruders are...interesting. They mean no harm, but they still rub me the wrong way. Assuming a fight breaks out, I think we can take them.

Sense Motive (to get a hunch about the intentions of the intruders): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

After a quick assessment of the group, she took a quick glance at each of her allies, one by one. She first looked to Amy.

Or so I thought...but, bah. Amy looks like she'd fall apart and melt if exposed to a mere sneeze! I don't think she'll offer much help in a fight, as fancy parlor tricks don't work in those scenarios...ugh, one.

She next focused her attention on Bora.

I'm not sure Bora could keep her mind together long enough to realize she's under attack or in a fight should one happen. Would she even be able to determine friend from foe? Well, that makes a second...

She glanced next at Gavin.

Gavin seems to have no protection, and that pointed stick of his looks very flimsy. If he's light enough on his feet, he could probably avoid getting skewered and make a run for it. No matter the case, he makes three...

She last looked to Roland.

If it came to blows, he seems to be the most capable aside from me, but he's going to be staying as far away as possible so he can use that device he wields. So we'll say that makes four...

Lastly, the guide, but her neutral expression turned into a scowl.

Oh, the guide. If it came to a fight, he'd ditch us. He's already shown a clear interest in wanting watches during camps, and running from things we hear. Also, it may have just been me, but he seemed somewhat scared of the fake invisible monster noises. So he's not reliable. That makes five. My back hurts just thinking about all this.

She glanced back at the intruders, awaiting their first move. She didn't want to be caught off guard here.

If they come at us, we got this, I got this. If they wish to invite your rage, Naneko, they are more than welcome to. But raging isn't all that fun for me. It scares others and sometimes myself too, but I can't let anyone try to bully others.

Finally! Others can see what Naneko truly thinks of them! XD

Naneko makes her descent following the others in grabbing the vine. Silently, she fumed.

If this guide person says to run from the next thing we encounter, I'll have to restrain myself to keep from strangling him!

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Naneko completely disregarded Rourke's little "lesson". To be frank, she was feeling a bit tired of all this running around at this point.

She wanted to fight something. Soon.

Will Save to disbelieve Ghost Sounds: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Naneko felt in her gut that whatever creature she could not see making these noises was a sham. Creatures can't be invisible, right?

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Think, scaling the wall won't work, Naneko. Too risky to try.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Naneko moved to see about grasping a vine that was within reach thanks to Amy. She held the vine and swung it about to see if she could gauge it's sturdiness.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

All these checks that Naneko is weak in and has no Knowledge of. XD

I sometimes don't have computer access on weekends, Jest3r.

Naneko managed to overcome the "having just woken up" feeling in little enough time so as to finish putting her stuff together.

She missed the sound, preoccupied with concern over what was hanging around the night prior that set her off, but was nonetheless, ready to leave when the others were.

She seemed agitated at having to go off course when that plan was announced.

"A MATTER OF RAGE! SOMEONE DARES FORCE US TO DIVERT OUR PATH? LET HER TRY! FOR SHE WILL NOT HAVE THE SUCCESSFUL WIN SHE SO DESIRES! SHE WILL PERISH FOR HER FOOLISH ACTIONS!"

Naneko was not at all happy with the idea of running from a bully, but that was merely her point of view. This collection of unseemly cowards dare to run? A matter of rage, oh how they vex me like the presence in the night!

Naneko seemed to calm down though, having flipped back to normal.

"You guys are weak...but fine, lead the way, guide."

Naneko's watchful face turned into a scowl after enough time, seeing the flickering, and feeling the prickliness.

Who has the hubris to vex my neck?! Who invites their untimely doom by manipulating the shadows of a fiery circle within a camp?! It is very, very IRRITATING!

Naneko brandished her weapon and stood, walking around the campsite while looking at everything around her for more specifics.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Under her breath, so as not to wake the others, she began whispering.

"You thought you could sneak about without notice, poking at my neck and messing with fires of camping?! Well you are sorely mistaken! Vex us more, and you shall face your implacable fate at the hands of our combined fury! You galling, foolish presence! Leave now, lest I make you leave!"

She took a second round of the camp as she whispered the entire tirade.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

During this second round, she swung her weapon a few times to get the point across. However, she made sure to not make contact with the ground. Waking people for mere illusions and assumptions would be bad, but she wanted to be terrifying if something was there.

Dazzling Display - Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Naneko was decidedly upset at Bora's choice, but slept regardless, taking second watch once Bora's watch was done.

This involved her patrolling the perimeter of the camp with her Tetsubo ready to be swung...

Nothing will get by you, Naneko.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Naneko's glasses fell off when she tried to see the mountains, and after placing them back on, sat with the others. She was silent for now, listening to the conversation. Bears? Dancing in moonlight while screaming bloody murder? Chipmonk Chain Dancing?

Naneko looked extremely uncomfortable for a brief moment before shaking it off and resenting not having food. She didn't expect to wake up lost in some forest without having a chance to purchase supplies, she was looking forwards to limbs and home!

Regardless, when she heard the bit about keeping watch, she looked up. "I can keep an eye out for things. You guys can rest when you want. I don't mind. My parents always told me that a big stick keeps things away."

Naneko now cleaned her glasses a bit to the best she could with a stray leaf, their lenses dirty from falling earlier.

Naneko listened quietly as the others spoke while they traveled.

Keber are vermin...well, we'll just kill them if they attack us then.

"I don't know, Bora, the terrain around here doesn't seem like it'd support a caravan easily...but I don't know..."

Naneko took a look at the mountains as their guide pointed them out...as good a look as she could manage anyways.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Rourke cannot see anything clearly, for her great armor is full and covers everything. However, she hasn't adapted to her grafts fully yet; awkward and stiff movement of her arms in comparison to the rest of her body is giveaway enough that something is off.

"Traveling is fine then. Any place we go will be better than this forest. Lead the way."

With a soft smile, she started fantasizing. She was ready for a warm meal and a clean bed, outside of a closed and drab room with constant supervision. Perhaps able to enjoy herself with new friends as opposed to lonely days and nights reading books.

Just put up with it a bit more, Naneko. This group is the only security you get for now.

She spent a moment to wipe her armor off a bit and fix her glasses, steeling herself. Grasping her Tetsubo in one hand, it was comfortably carried at her side.

If anyone finally managed to spend some time observing her, the Tetsubo she carried was a weapon easily twice her size, and she seemed to have little difficulty in carrying it. It was carved wood lined with several metal studs, likely to increase it's power.

Her helmet seemed custom designed to fit her specifications, covering the lower half of her face, with her eyes and above exposed to allow for a pair of eyeglasses. Otherwise, her armor was typical of it's type, albeit, somewhat exotic compared to norms.

"Ikarida? That's the place we're going? It's not scary, is it?"

The meek demeanor somewhat subverted her slightly intimidating appearance, but some said it was merely a mask for her true self.

"We might've been done for then I suppose."

Naneko was unsure how they got out here. One moment, she was getting part of her life back, the next, she was waking in the middle of the wilderness with rain pouring on her face.

"We're not sure, I'm not sure, as to how I got here. Perhaps I was in a bit of a daze. I can't speak for the others though."

Naneko fixed her glasses, then smiled lightly, loosening her grip on her weapon so as to sheathe it, and becoming less tense.

"You sit in bushes and scare people, yet carry a large pack of some kind and greet people. Who are you?"

She just didn't get it, and gave the Elf a careful look or two. She still clutched her weapon tightly however.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

"Ehh? They'll blow up if I get up close?"

It just means you need to be ready to run, Naneko, if they show signs of blowing up.

Naneko readied her weapon by grasping it with both hands, able to swing if she needed to. She did not actually prepare an attack however.

"I doubt we'd get pleasantries of any kind by speaking with them, but perhaps they'd be nice and let us go free? I don't want to be locked inside a small room again..."

Naneko nodded at Roland's statement. "Right."

She placed her Tetsubo into her hands as she looked around. She only saw shadows within thorn-bushes, but assumed the shadows were something waiting to jump her.

"I think maybe it'd be best to fight it if it's bad..."

Naneko trailed off as she seemingly hardened herself, preparing for a battle. Naneko, remember the stance and grip. Don't falter in the face of an enemy.

Naneko merely hefted her weapon over her shoulders before following the rest. She had little equipment, and was very quick to ready for journeys.

When the rest revealed the trapped creature, she observed it with some curiosity. She could not identify it at all, and indeed had no chance of succeeding, but she wanted to see if she could identify recognizable features it possessed, if she couldn't figure out its species.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Regardless if she had success or not, she agreed with Gavin and Roland. "Um, leaving it does seem cruel, but if we don't interfere with the affairs of others, we can avoid some problems. Of course, if we want a fight or questions, maybe we should attack it, to draw out the trappers. Just a stretch thought though...don't mind me."

She idly wondered what course of action would be best. "Bora, do you have any items that could help it?", she asked.

As she did so, she listened to her surroundings to see if she heard anything approaching their group.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

"Ehh?! I don't intend to do it. Honest. I've just had some...bad experiences, so I sometimes forget my family's traditions of honoring friends and foes with kindness and empathy.

If I had to describe it, it's like a separate personality. I get stressed or feel threatened, then it comes out and scares everyone. I speak differently, think differently, and use words I don't normally say. I don't intend to grievously wound anyone who doesn't deserve it though."

She then smiled and bowed towards Bora.

"I guess it's nice to have you along too."

She watched Amy, but had no desire of currently interacting with her. She'd need to come to terms with talking to someone unable to respond it seemed.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Naneko warily searched her immediate surroundings. Was she hearing things? Or were bushes and other nearby cover rustling now and then?

It was then someone showed up, calling out to her. Caught off guard, Naneko leaped back a bit before realizing her folly.

"Oh! It's just you, err...Gavin?"

Then she saw the other man extending a hand. She did not recognize this man for the life of her however.

"And you must be...actually, I don't think we met."

She adjusted her glasses before snapping and extending one of her ceramic arms. "Um, pleased to meet you..."

While she seemed a bit unsure, she was quite happy to be near others she could at least identify and relate to.