[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

Josh

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[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 8, 2021 23:58:51 GMT

Post by Josh on Oct 8, 2021 23:58:51 GMT

[attr="class","header"]The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand

The plan seemed simple enough. With the pieces of the Mirror of Twilight in the possession of Hyrule’s forces, all that was left to do was send a team with the shards into the Arbiter’s Grounds, where the Mirror itself was located, return the lost pieces, enter the Twilight Realm, engage this Twili mastermind and put an end to this war for good. On the surface, it was a solid, low casualty plan, and the Royal Family had begun organizing an elite squad for the mission.

But while investigating the disappearance of Ursula von Brandt, the Royal Family would discover that she was also being held in the Arbiter’s Grounds. Which meant that most likely the enemy knew they were coming. A scouting team would report back that a massive sandstorm had appeared and was now preventing access. One that would require a great deal of magic to dispel. But from what they could see, there were signs that a gargantuan army of monsters had been marshalled in the area, an army even bigger than the ones that had besieged Hyrule City, Zora’s Domain, Death Mountain and Kakariko Village previously. This was very likely to be the entirety of the remainder of the Twili’s monster army after the Battle of Eldin. To make matters worse, it was likely that more had been conscripted in the months since then. Sending in a small team alone would be impossible.

An unprecedented war council soon took place between representatives of the Royal Family, Goron and the Zora. It was decided that if the enemy was going to bring out their army in full force to stop them, then they as well would have to unite as one in order to make a path for their infiltration team.

For what would hopefully be the final battle, the Grand Army of Hyrule would be officially formed for the duration of the war. Hylians, Gorons, Zora, Sheikah and many others have come together for one last stand. For failure would mean the end of Hyrule as we know it.

Once the sandstorm is down, the bulk of Hyrule’s army is able to move forward and engage the enemy forces. But a town made up of Gerudo people was caught up on the other side of the sandstorm, and has been under attack by monsters! The forward guard has moved to defend the town and its people, but monsters based from a ramshackle tower in the distance are coming in fast. If reinforcements aren’t stopped, the town could easily be overwhelmed.

A Sheikah unit composed of Luca, the Royal Family’s Pallin, Ichika and Chirro Corro have been dispatched to head these reinforcements off. To do so, their best bet is to destroy the tower that a sect of the monsters have been using as a base. Toppling it would scramble the monsters and hurt their morale, as well as draw their attention away from the town. Taking out the Darknut giving orders from atop the tower would strike a huge blow to the monsters as well, leaving them without a commander.

Of course, this will be far from easy. The monsters have set up a defensive perimeter around the tower, and in hopes of preventing anyone from accessing it. And on top of that, the tower itself is massive! It will require climbing abilities befitting a team of Sheikah to scale, and a ship utilizing Octorok balloons is flying around the tower, capable of bombing anyone who dares try to climb it. But if one can manage to get to the top and take out the tower's commander, hitting the centerpoint on the floor of the tower's summit will send it crashing down.

[attr="class","section"]Monster List

Wave 1 (Guarding the tower's base): x5 Leever, x3 Bokoblin riding large Helmasaurus
Wave 2 (Guarding the tower during the climb): x2 Beamos, x2 Blade Trap, x3 Fire Keese, x1 Skultulla, Octorok Balloon Ship
Sub-Boss: Red Darknut, wielding a ball and chain

LAST EDIT: Nov 18, 2021 23:24:35 GMT by Josh

Pallin

What's your favorite constellation?

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[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 9, 2021 16:32:39 GMT

Post by Pallin on Oct 9, 2021 16:32:39 GMT

Dizziness plagued him ever since he was drafted to the war. Well... perhaps 'drafted' was the wrong term. He did enlist himself, but Pallin fought against his every anxiety to go through with his commitment. There was a war threatening the kingdom, the Royal Family, and all that he held dear - there was no way that he would just sit by the wayside. He was tired of being 'useless,' or so he felt. Pallin always had to remind himself that he wasn't useless, but he wasn't as useful in the areas that he wanted to be: namely combat, magic, and confidence. That sense of adeptness that heroes like Josh and so many others had; how to face adversity with ease.

But of course, that was just a surface level appearance. Pallin knew he couldn't really know what was going on in the minds of others. It was useless to try and think about how they go about their lives, what they face every day, what they harbor with them, as they gathered on the battlefield. He only knew what he wanted to achieve. It wasn't fame, nor glory, but a sense that he had made a difference in people's lives. He wanted to offer them more than just an astronomer's report, or a meteorological one. Memories of the bandit camp came flooding to his mind daily as he prepared for the war. The sounds of those screams coming from tortured people, the laughs of those maniacal fiends who wanted to inflict harm... he wouldn't stand for it. In his own quiet, reserved way, Pallin tried to find the strength within himself to move forward. The one thing that he held onto was his plan to help Josh's army infiltrate the base, and that it was an overwhelming success. Perhaps the key term is 'overwhelming' - not because of any grandiose idea of splendor, but because the army literally used sound to confuse the enemy and scare them into retreat.

It was a good feeling to remember that aspect of success. He wanted more of that feeling, more of that confidence. But the idea of a Sheikah using brute force to overcome their opponent? A foolish thought. No, he told himself, Pallin would have to rely on the training of his Sheikah upbringing and use them to his advantage if he wanted to truly achieve that sense of accomplishment. Little skirmishes here and there helped to train him, though nothing prepared him for this war. The sandstorm and the hordes of monsters barring their way from the town were far more than he anticipated. Quietly, he surveyed the area and specifically the tower.

"The defense is... stupendous," he thought. "They've thought of everything. A heavily armored wall of defense aided by both ground and aerial assault... Not to mention the measures taken on the wall itself. How do we get up there?!"

They'd have to do something to take out the ground assault first. That, or use ranged attacks to pop the balloons of the aircraft. But the helmasauruses could only charge in one direction... they'd be able to use that to their advantage. A well-timed dodge could possibly send the riders into a ditch, a crevice, or... perhaps into the tower itself? The ideas were coming, thank goodness. He felt a sense of dread; he didn't want to say the wrong thing, or suggest a course of action that would hurt anyone. He'd have to do this to prove himself - but to whom? Himself, the Royal Family? Vladimir? Yes, he would do all of this for Vladimir's safety. Ensuring security on this battlefield would hopefully mean that the team inside the dungeon would have less complications to deal with. Deeply he inhaled; slowly, he exhaled.

"Everyone," he began, "We need to stay relatively close together. If anyone has ranged attacks, try and aim for the craft suspended by Octorok balloons. The rest of us... we'll have to somehow lead the Leevers into the Helmasauruses. Whatever we do, we need to dodge as swiftly as possible, closing any opportunity for an enemy attack. Look for an opening and strike."

Ichika

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WRITTEN:36 posts

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[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 9, 2021 18:56:19 GMT

Post by Ichika on Oct 9, 2021 18:56:19 GMT

Ichika observes the tower closely, making note of the defenses as a million plan of attack rush through her mind, each being discarded as their flaws made made them useless. She doesn't feel much of anything as she contemplates the battle ahead, her usual inexpressive nature becoming downright emotionless in face of battle. It was best this way, as she could think totally rationally, and be able to make any decisions that was necessary for their success, something doubly important in a battle as pivotal as the one before them.

She listens to Pallin's idea, and nods, having just come to a similar conclusion. "I could pop that easily with my throwing knives, but we should not act on this plan while it is still half-baked. I recommend that one who is skilled in climbing scale the tower to engage the commander while the enemies at the base are distracted, and those who cannot climb up the wall head up the hard way after the lower defenders are defeated. I am capable of making such a climb, but my skillsets will not serve me well in a protracted engagement alone, so I should be accompanied by someone who can hold the commanders attention while I try and get at any weaknesses or openings." she looks at Pallin for a moment, then back at the enemy. "Just remember, if we need to leave someone behind, that's what we'll do. I won't be having chivalry cost us our kingdom." she warns, knowing full well the possibility that some of them may compromise the mission for a moment of heroism.

Chirro Corro

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AGE:23 yrs old

WRITTEN:23 posts

TAG:@chirro

[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 11, 2021 20:16:43 GMT

Post by Chirro Corro on Oct 11, 2021 20:16:43 GMT

Exactly how Chirro had wound up here was a haze. She had stumbled into a city not long ago, got herself cleaned up, and just seemed to be living her life. Coming and going as she wanted and not staying in any one place very long. Somehow though, she now found herself part of a fighting force.

"What the hell?"

Rubbing at her eyes as the light of the rising sun hit them, she rolled out of her bed sack and stashed it away with her other belongings. Luckily, Chirro was used to camping and this was hardly better than that. About the only difference was the food ready for the troops. Grabbing a bowl of the easily-made porridge, she was stuffing her face as two others gathered nearby.

Listening in on what they were planning, the potentially aromatic Chirro approached them.

"We're already close together."

Hearing what else was said, she shrugged slightly and pointed to the not so well hidden pack.

"I can climb well enough, sir. As for these ranged attacks and such, you'll have to rely on others to provide that."

Turning her head to look at Ichika as she spoke, she also said she could climb but would need somebody to engage and distract their target. Shrugging her shoulders a little, she almost dropped her bowl as she rubbed her hands together a little. Juggling to get it back into a firm grip, she nodded.

"I can fight anybody for as long as you need me to...or until I fall."

Ichika Pallin

Luca

Better Luck Next Time~

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[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 22, 2021 6:03:51 GMT

Post by Luca on Oct 22, 2021 6:03:51 GMT

[googlefont="Lekton"][googlefont="Roboto Condensed"]

[attr="class","nugget"]

[attr="class","mirrormirror"]

[attr="class","nuggettitle"]I got Nothin’

[attr="class","nuggetsubtitle"]But Dreams Inside

[attr="class","nuggetwords"]The young man found a lot of enjoyment in fighting, particularly when it gave him the opportunity to use his inventions to gain an advantage, and fighting off bandits while he was travelling from hub to hub wasn’t exactly the best time to do that. But a war? Oh a war was something he could definitely use to his advantage, testing all kinds of prototypes and observing real-time the fruits of his labor. This didn’t mean that he wasn’t aware of the dangers and stakes behind this war, of course he had been aware, and that’s why the young Sheikah would do his best in whatever way he could. So when Luca had been selected as a part of the special Sheikah unit to destroy a tower and aid their reinforcements to take back a besieged town, he jumped at the opportunity.

He hadn’t recognized the others that had been selected as well, though if they were also chosen there had to have been a good reason to put them all together. Maybe each of their skill sets somehow worked well together? Whatever it may have been, they had to come up with a plan, and the first to speak up was Pallin, who suggested the use of ranged attacks to take down the Octorock balloons. Then there had been Ichika who had suggested that there be someone who climbs the wall and takes on the commander, giving the others an opportunity to rush the tower with their band of reinforcements. Chirro seemed to take a liking to that idea, speaking of her climbing ability to fit perfectly into that role. Now it seemed, was the perfect opportunity to flex one of Luca's own strengths. “While I’m not sure how useful this may be against the Octorock airship, I have a prototype crossbow alongside several elemental bolts that could be used against the Octorocks as our ranged option. They would have a higher likelihood of making an impact than your throwing knives Ichika. And if we are to engage in close quarters…” the young merchant would pull out his Sheikah case, opening it up and pulling out a jar of a viscous red liquid. “I recently came up with this, a mixture utilizing some warm safflinas and sunshrooms in order to raise the temperature of the object that it touches. Lathering your blades with it should allow you to cut through anything like a hot knife through butter! I also suggest that we use our techniques to ambush the monsters at the base of the tower in order to have the advantage as we climb it.”

[attr="class","nuggetnotes"]440 - Pallin Ichika Chirro Corro - LATE SORRY

♕

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Pallin

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AGE:24 yrs old

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[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 25, 2021 22:47:19 GMT

Post by Pallin on Oct 25, 2021 22:47:19 GMT

Pallin wasn't sure if they were looking to him as a leader, or if anyone else felt like being a 'leader,' but for some reason, he felt like he needed to at least organize a plan of action. He felt safest doing so - was it a lack of trust in the others? The Sheikah knew each other to some extent, being from the same tribe, but he didn't know them personally and so he didn't know their personal strengths or weaknesses, save for what they shared in the current conversation. Having that lack of knowledge would make it difficult to come up with a plan, but he would have to rely on what he knew the Sheikah excelled at: stealth.

Ah, but Luca's inventions gave Pallin another idea: what if Luca were to use an electric-charged attack on the Helmasauruses? Surely the shock would have an amplified effect through their metallic armor. Another idea sprung from that: perhaps Luca could send some sort of electrical ranged attack to the top of the tower, stunning the commander? He was getting ahead of himself; the first thing that would have to happen was the eradication of the enemy scouts. It seemed pivotal that the monsters atop the crudely constructed floating platform would have to go first, so they couldn't blow their horn and disclose the information of his crew. There would have to be some way for them to conceal themselves - hide behind a dune, under the sand, in a bush?

"Alright. It seems that we have a knowledge and preference of abilities here, so this is what I suggest: Luca, if you are able to, use ranged attacks to take down the balloon ship. Ichika, use your throwing knives to kill the Leevers. We need the scouts out of the way, and we need ground to fight the Bokoblins on the Helmasauruses. Getting rid of the Leevers will ensure that ground, since they won't be spinning and trying to shred us to pieces. And Chirro - would you be able to fight the Bokoblins with my assistance?

I agree with your idea, Ichika. I believe you and I could take on the commander at the top, while Luca and Chirro could decimate the enemy forces scaling the tower. However, should secure the base of the tower first. Of course, if any of these ideas seem less than ideal, please say so. We need to make a decision, and fast - what say the rest of you?"

It was like playing chess. Position the players in the right spots on the board, and within a few predictable moves, they would have the enemy in the bag. It was unusual for Pallin to step into a role like this, but he felt he had no choice. Too much was weighing on his shoulders. He only hoped that his plan would work. No - he thought it would work. He would just have to see it in action to truly know.

Chirro Corro

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AGE:23 yrs old

WRITTEN:23 posts

TAG:@chirro

[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Oct 30, 2021 0:19:02 GMT

Post by Chirro Corro on Oct 30, 2021 0:19:02 GMT

She might have been Sheikah but that didn't mean she had actually been well trained on how to be one. It was thought they were into different arcane arts and that some had special abilities. However, Chirro knew nothing about any of these things. Instead, she had focused on learning how to be a strong fighter. Just not with any form of weapons except her body. So she lifted her fist into the air for a moment and lowered when plans were getting made.

Listening to what she heard of as another man rambling on about some inventions he had made, this didn't really interest the young woman. There was no way it would ever be considered that she would be a leader. At least, not at this point in her life. Maybe down the road but the thought never crossed her mind.

Nodding when Pallin asked if she would be able to fight the Bokoblin. Then it seemed he changed his mind and suggested she fight alongside Luca. Mentally shrugging, she was quiet for a moment before making her decision.

"I can do my best, sir. Wherever you need me."

Not saying much, she didn't feel like she was in any position to argue with any suggestion or idea.

Ichika

GROUP:Sheikah

WRITTEN:36 posts

TAG:@theloserlord

[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Nov 9, 2021 1:28:31 GMT

Post by Ichika on Nov 9, 2021 1:28:31 GMT

Ichika sits silently as she listens to the others, taking their ideas into account. After a few more moments of deliberation she nods in agreement with Pallin.

"Very well. Pallin, you are correct, we should scale the tower to the commander as the others secure the base. Doing so will not only keep the enemy occupied, but keep the commander from coordinating a defense of the base and greater tower itself, as he will be too preoccupied with fighting us."

With one final look around at the team, she resolves herself to the mission. "If there anyone with any doubts, suggestions, or ideas, speak now, for in a moment we will execute our attack" she draws three knives into her left hand. "If not, ready your weapons, and stay sharp."

Pallin

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[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Nov 10, 2021 2:29:02 GMT

Post by Pallin on Nov 10, 2021 2:29:02 GMT

Beautiful; the chess pieces were beginning to move. The game had begun, and they were all about to see how the game master's plan would pan out. Still, concerns were running through his mind a mile a minute. The hardest thing for Pallin was knowing when to silence his concerns and when to listen to them: however, he figured that he wouldn't listen to his own criticism while the plan was unfolding before his very eyes. He'd reflect on it later, when the 'game' had finished.

"Okay. Luca and Chirro - pop the Octorok Balloon craft and use ranged attacks on the ground units. Ichika, use your throwing knives to clear us a path free from the Leevers. We will go with Ichika's idea and defeat the enemy commander atop the tower so we can secure the area. The mission is to free the tower - the goal is to keep everyone alive. Should you need to escape, do so and live to fight another day."

With a confirming nod, he set out toward the tower.

Chirro Corro

GROUP:Sheikah

AGE:23 yrs old

WRITTEN:23 posts

TAG:@chirro

[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Nov 22, 2021 18:52:42 GMT

Post by Chirro Corro on Nov 22, 2021 18:52:42 GMT

When Ichika made a comment about any additional ideas...Chirro did something not normal for her and actually got a good idea. Or at least it was to her. Reaching out her arms, she motioned for them to come closer to her. Hopefully, forming something of a circle.

"We might be parting now, but let us meet back here again. When we do, we will share a round of drinks and tales of the day!"

It was a small spell and she hoped her words of inspiration worked...enough to get them through the fights in front of them.

"Now since we will be working together, Luca. I would like to cast an additional spell on you...No, never mind. I'll wait. Its effects are limited and with your permission, I will do it just before we go to attack."

If she remembered...grabbing a few items from the supplies at hand, she loaded a small pack with what she felt she would need.

"Ready."

Pallin

What's your favorite constellation?

GROUP:Sheikah

AGE:24 yrs old

WRITTEN:78 posts

TAG:@linktwin

[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Dec 7, 2021 1:48:00 GMT

Chirro Corro likes this

Post by Pallin on Dec 7, 2021 1:48:00 GMT

"I will wait as long as needed once the job is done. 'Til then, we need to make haste. Who knows where the other team is, or what the rest of the troops are doing in this horrendous heat," Pallin concluded as he pulled at his collar. He thought about Vladimir, who he hadn't really had a chance to speak to since the gravekeeper taught the astronomer how to tap deeper into the wells of magic. Whoever was at the core of all of the recent tragedy that had befallen Hyrule would surely pay, and Pallin would do whatever was in his abilities so that he could help advance the mission. What was next to come was the assault on the tower. With the team currently at hand, Pallin was growing more and more certain of their collective ability to bring it crumbling down.

Josh Dragelion

Protector of Ordon

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TAG:@josh

[Event] The Shadow War: Battle in the Twisted Sand [Team B]

POSTED ON Feb 12, 2022 17:35:12 GMT

Post by Josh Dragelion on Feb 12, 2022 17:35:12 GMT

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 12/28/2021
“Selene…?”

He felt himself be lifted up as Selene moved to support him. How had she even made it here?

“Please… Stay back. I couldn’t forgive myself if you…”

Selene raised her hand. The glow of the triforce emitted from her hand and struck at the eye of the storm. Josh’s eyes widened at the sight. So she had regained it after all… Somehow he knew this day might come. But he never expected it to happen now.

But the magic holding up the storm continued to resist. Selene’s body would suddenly feel like it was on fire and being shocked all at the same time. The pain would be overwhelming, hitting all points inside and outside her body at once as the spell’s seal tried to stop them from undoing it. But there was one silver lining. With two people able to use the Triforce’s power to counter it, they were able to shoulder the burden together. Josh found himself able to breathe a little better again, and his posture straightened as it felt like a great weight had been lifted. The pain had been halved, as Selene had taken the other half onto herself.

He looked to Selene with a mixed look. He was happy to see her. Relieved that the pain had gone down… But the cost was too high. The fact he had to watch Selene be hurt just to shoulder part of his pain in his stead…

But she had made her decision. And he would support it. Taking a deep breath, he would reach over and take her free hand in his own. Squeezing her hand to remind her that he wasn’t going down with her here, he focused his attention on the task ahead.

“Let’s go.”

It was a long struggle, and every second they took was a second longer that the siblings had to stall the monster. But Ophelia’s strike sent it sprawling back, buying them at least a little time. Slowly, the energy of the Triforce’s magic began to turn in on the seal. But the closer it came, the more it resisted, and the more strain that it put on the two Wielders. But they kept going. With so much on the line, their only choice was to keep fighting. Until finally…

A resounding crash of magic sounded throughout the battlefield. And with it, the vortex and its ensuing sandstorm disappeared.

Victory. At least, for now.

Josh and Selene’s marks would both fade, having served their purpose. Josh collapsed to his knees, long having been running purely on adrenaline and stubborn force of will as he tried his best to catch his breath, coughing and hacking furiously as the adrenaline began to die down and the full extent of the damage he had taken was beginning to show.

But their battle wasn’t won just yet. For the sandstorm’s disappearance revealed what was on the other side. The army of monsters that their enemy had prepared. And now, with nothing to obstruct them, they began to charge in unison. Some had diverted themselves to the nearby Gerudo Village that had been caught in the crossfire, having already set it to flame before the reveal had even happened. They would have to act quickly if they wanted to save the civilians.

Luckily, the ReDead Knight would be felled by a slew of arrows in the back. With the sandstorm down, Hyrule’s army could finally move forward. Speeches were given by King Leon and others before they charged. The two armies clashed, man and monster… A sea of bodies and swords as far as the eye could see.
[12:36 AM]
@middy Dots @bee
December 30, 2021

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 12/30/2021
Bump

dots — 12/30/2021
A tempest of sand dismissed brought a wave of arrows to the monster and a wave of relief to Desmonds heart - even if some had gotten a little to close to him for comfort. The ability to see was not something to take for granted either. Despite the city beginning to burn and the clash of blades or meetings of magic, all that ran through the second son's mind was the safety of his family- blood and bond. Hurried footsteps brought him to his brother, sliding lightly across the sand to meet the two mark holders.

"You're fine, you're fine.." He muttered, more to himself than to them as it had been meant. With his sword sheathed haphazardly ay his side, he offered them both hands to bring them to their feet. "Up and at em. Deep breaths, hug, kiss, whatever ya need... As much as I'd love to say we were, we're not done yet…" Gods above he wished they were. Golden eyes scanned the area, praying there was a healer or a medic somewhere nearby to at least get them back to reasonable condition.

The smell of burning buildings and burning sand scorched his nose, but priority was the two of them. Places could be rebuilt.

"Don't pass out on us yet. How else am I going to roast you both for this situation." The joke was meant to be light but the lump in his throat was heavy. (edited)

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 12/30/2021
”Selene… Is she…” the blonde muttered desperately against his brother as he leaned on him with wobbly legs, barely keeping himself up. ”Please, please tell me…” he pleaded desperately between harsh, raspy breaths. He was clearly in incredibly rough shape, having been taking the brunt of the seal’s magic by himself for a good long while before Selene had arrived to relieve him of half. He could feel himself fading in and out of consciousness, but desperate worry kept him awake. ”Is she okay? Please, I need… Need to know… And where’s Opelia? Where is… Where’s… Where’s Ophie?”

middy — 12/30/2021
The energy that pulsed through the seal made her knees tremble, her body weakening with every second. But she held fast, squeezing Josh's hand as tightly as she could so they would not be separated. And then, after what seemed an eternity later, the vortex vanished. The residual force of air that exploded as it vanished pushed Selene over, and unattached from her companion. She was, however, not too far away. She dug her glaive into the stand to use it as a means to stand, but she also gladly offered Desmond's hand as he had approached. Selene managed to chuckle dryly, which turned into a true cough due to the sand that filtered her lungs. "I'm not gone yet, Josh," she smirked faintly, "Don't fret too much." (edited)

Bee — 12/30/2021
Ophelia's charge wouldn't find its target. The action would result in her not continuing the fight, but almost colliding head first into the middle Dragelion brother as he went towards Josh and Selene. There was still a fight to be fought. Their victory hadn't been earned just yet. And yet, there was a part of her that yearned to bask in the small glory of this battle. Despite it being good-natured, Ophelia resisted the urge to tackle the three into her small frame. They would need that energy for later. There would be plenty of time once the sun was set. Instead, the young woman - feeling the gradual weight of falling adrenaline - offered both a childish grin and a shoulder to lean on. "What, eager to get rid of me already?"

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 12/30/2021
Josh gave a long, deep breath in relief as he collapsed into their arms, wrapping his long arms around the shoulders of all three of them if he could. They were safe. They were all safe. It had been a long time since he had to worry about Selene on this level, and to boot, his siblings now, this was a first. The threat of losing them again, this time for good, it was almost too much to bear.

”Thank… Thank goodness” he spoke softly as he tried to get fully to his feet, only to slump to his knees again. Undoing the seal had taken everything out of him, and he’d taken a great deal of damage as well. He was too exhausted to heal himself, and he didn’t know the condition of the others. Worse yet, he could feel himself fading into unconsciousness.

But he didn’t get much time to rest, as the ground began to shake…

Screaming erupted through the field as several soldiers and monsters were grabbed by something below the surface of the sand and dragged under. A loud, unsettling sound bellowed through the sands before they parted to reveal a very large, and very angry beast…

dots — 12/30/2021
"Oop." Desmond felt his brother tug him into the embrace, moving to not squish their party too hard. He held firm to the frames of his siblings with an appreciative look to Selene. They were alive. Wrecked, but alive. As the ground shook, however, he held firm to the party - half of them on the verge of passing out with an earthquake wasn't great. "Looks like funs not over yet." Desmond could slready feel the exhaustion settle into his bones before the real battle even began. "Respectfully, though. You two look like sh-t and in no condition to fight that thing; One of you more than the other... Healer first, we can stall if not get the fight started."

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 12/30/2021
”Save your energy” Josh managed out, leaning hard against Desmond to keep himself upright as he reached for his belt. He would pull out the bottle he had been keeping in his pack. The contents had been a gift from Captain Tethras — something to use in an emergency. Tethras hoped it would ensure that the boy came back alive, but Josh had always intended to use it on the others. But he knew that if he didn’t use it himself here… He wouldn’t be able to protect them from… That thing.

Groaning as he fought to stay awake, he managed to weakly open the cork. A pink fairy would fly out, sprinkling magic powder on the party.

Quickly, Josh felt his strength returning to him. It wasn’t perfect, but his wounds were put back together and his energy reserves were being restored. It wouldn’t end his fatigue or stop this pounding headache, but it would keep him fighting for a bit longer.

”Alright. Now that we have that sorted…” Josh spoke as he got to his feet with a sore groan, cracking his neck and stretching his joints out. He was going to be really sore when they got back. If they came back at all. ”We need a plan to take that thing down, or we’re going to lose people fast. We’re outnumbered as it is, we can’t afford that.”
January 1, 2022

Wizard Master Fish — 01/01/2022
Suddenly, the team would hear a high-pitched tone as a powerful beam of light erupted from the side of the prison building. Whatever was happening within was coming to a head!

middy — 01/01/2022
With the magic of the fairy sending rejuvenating energy through her, Selene felt ready to face whatever that large sand creature was. But she'd be lying if she said she wasn't terrified of it. So much death... How could they escape it's giant maw? The explosion from the Arbiter's Ground took her attention away, eyes wide. Her fists clenched as she slowly closed her eyes and took a breath. Please let everyone be okay... Her chest puffed as she gazed at her peers with a fierce confidence. "Let's get that thing! I can try another rune. Maybe the explosion will blow some sand away and expose more of its body."
January 2, 2022

dots — 01/02/2022
With the fairy in the bottle and the two holders of triforce, Desmond was debating on more unnecessary snarky commentary. But it seemed that the universe had enough of it, instead focusing on the light on the prison building. The young man looked up at the sky for a brief moment as he gathered his breath and his courage. "I don't know much about Molduga, but I do know they don't like sound. Explosion might get it disoriented enough to get close enough to hit it. I'd wager they've got a soft underbelly too."

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/02/2022
Pallin:

What in the name of the Goddesses was that?! The horrible creature before them was nothing that Pallin had ever seen before. He hadn't heard of any creatures like this, either. Nowhere in the Royal library was there an account of something so large, so leathery, and so bony. It was going to take a lotto take this monster down. He was still wobbling from the tremors the thing caused, unsure of what his first action would be. It was quite a marvel to see the creature jumping through the sand, blocking out the blistering sun. It was too big to simply climb on... and it was too shaky to hold onto. There had to be some way that the team could get on top of the creature, right? There had to be a way to avoid its gaping jaws, and its massive belly. If they weren't careful they'd either be crushed, eaten, or pummeled to death by this monstrosity. Perhaps they could lure it into the tower? That'd knock it down, eliminating all the creatures on top of it. It might even incapacitate the monster. "Does anyone know what this thing is called?!** Pallin asked.
[12:20 AM]
@deleted-role
Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom
changed the channel name:
Battle Of The Twisted Sand
— 01/02/2022

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/02/2022
”Magic and Explosives, huh? We’ll need a lot with how big this thing is” Josh brought up. Amongst the fighting, one of the castle’s stablehands would manage to bring over Cabuck. Thanks to the magic of their army’s mages, Cabuck had been outfitted with magic charms that would keep them cool even in the desert. As well, a spell had been cast at its feet, giving Cabuck’s feet a blue glow that kept them from sinking into the sand. If Selene had brought them, Saffron would be brought as well with the same enchantments, as would any mount belonging to a member of the party who had elected to bring them.

Cabuck had been outfitted with a set of horse armor for the first time. Now that they were fighting in the thick of it, Josh had felt it was time. Mounting Cabuck, he offered a hand to any in the party who didn’t have a mount of their own. With that, he brought out his bow.

”I’ll draw its attention while Selene sets up her runes. If anyone here has explosives, or magic that can light it up, get ready to pelt it when it comes by you. If it turns its’ attention to you? Run like hell.” (edited)

L2 — 01/02/2022
Ichika takes his hand and climbs onto the horse behind him. “Ive heard the gerudo discuss a species of sand worms called the Molduga. I believe this is the monster they referred too.” she then turns her attention to Josh. “If you can get me closer to that thing, I have some spells that can pack a punch, and hopefully make it knock down that tower at the same time.”

dots — 01/02/2022
"I knew I shoulda studied magic." The mutterance was bitter beneath his breath. He watched as they were joined by another party, trying to gauge the group they were working with. Mostly Shekiah, it seemed. "I've got a stupid plan. Anyone got any explosives or anything they don't mind not bringing home?" The thing was huge and getting close to it didn't seem exactly comforting. But in lew of dropping a tower - were people still inside? - or straight up stabbing it...
January 3, 2022

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/03/2022
Josh blinked a few times when his hand was taken not by Desmond, Ophelia or Selene, but by a woman that he had a very clouded history with, on account that Josh hasn't posted in the Beach Episode yet. A very confused Josh looked to Selene for a moment, for one reason or another. But ultimately shrugged his shoulders between chewing his lip as he pulled Ichika aboard the S. S. Cabuck by the wrist.

"Let's... Not knock down that tower with our friends inside" Josh corrected Ichika, before looking to see the party that had joined them. He smiled slightly as he recognized Chirro ( maulkat (Chirro and Amura) ) and Pallin ( Pallin ) and greeted them with a light wave. The pleasantries would have to wait. With that, he looked to Desmond and pulled a few Bombs from his Bomb Bag, handing them over. How that tiny lightweight bag could hold bombs that size, only magic could explain. "I've got more where that came from. I would prefer not to blow up the whole bag at once this time" Josh remarked with a light smirk.

He had people to come home to this time.

"So, Des. What's the plan? We've got Selene with her runes, I've got explosives of my own, and some magic. We're going to need the biggest guns we got if we're going to-"

Having had its fill of the nearby soldiers, the Molduga soon turned its attention to them and began charging towards them at high speeds. Josh moved to comfort Cabuck.

"Yeah uh, can we wrap planning this up a bit more quickly?"

dots — 01/03/2022
The bounce of a companion neither knew onto the horse with little more than apathy in her gaze drew a small whistle from the stablehand. And the bag of explosives pulled out so casually by his brother to bring a look of concern.

"Long story short, I want to blow it up from the inside. It seems like the fastest way to get it gone." A shame to kill the creature, but it wasn't exactly on their side nor were they here for research. "Which means a distraction, a ride, and getting it to open up. Things are softer on the inside." If it didn't die... well, then Desmond was kind of out of ideas.

Linktwin — 01/03/2022
I can offer magic, Pallin said simply. What little magic he could do, he would provide to further bolster their chances of survival. He greeted Josh with a quick grin and a wave - Pallin wasn't good with small pleasantries before, and perhaps that hadn't changed. Or maybe it was the stress of the situation? Regardless, Pallin readied a ball of water in the palm of his hand. This is just to warm up, he said, I'm planning on hurling some icicles near its eyes t-to hopef-fully blind it t-temporarily.
January 4, 2022

Bee — 01/04/2022
Ophelia pat herself down quickly for anything mentioned. Explosives had been too loud for her way of fighting, and her magic... It wasn't something she was willing to gamble on at this moment. Maybe this had been her divine sign to finally become aquatinted with the magic that silently brewed beneath her skin. Although, couldn't that sign come at literally any other time than this? "As much as I hate the thought of not getting them back, I can throw my daggers alongside your icicles. It might help our chances of blinding it."

With the hug and rejuvenation she received earlier, the young woman bounced on her heels with a newfound energy as she watched the intimidatingly large beast part the sands as if it were water. Her eye hung onto the deceptively silent sheikah -- Chirro. It caused a breath of relief to see another familiar face, especially one she's already fought so closely beside.

"Not that I've ever doubted your plans, Des, but I really really hope this works." She didn't even entertain whether or not it would. She prayed to whoever bothered to listen that her blind faith in her brother's plan and their team would be enough.

2

Maulkat (Chirro and Amura) — 01/04/2022
"I'm a fist fighter. So if you want me to punch something, I'm game."

Seeing Josh, she gave him a small wave in return to his but did not spend too much of her time paying attention to him. They had encountered each other before and she figured they would do it again.

Listening to what the others had to offer, Chiro fell silent as she waited for any orders to be given.
January 5, 2022

middy — 01/05/2022
As more people gathered together to fight the Molduga, Selene simply nodded to them accordingly. Pleasantries would have to wait. There was a fight at hand. She was quite happy (and impressed) to see that a few soldiers had brought horses, Saffron included. He was equipped with fancy armor and even some magicked hooves to help his weight against the sand. She gladly hopped onto his back, a brow raising as she watched the brazen woman readily take Josh's hand up onto Cabuck. Odd, but... She'd have to move on. Holding the reigns with one hand, and her glaive in the other, Selene turned Saffron away from the group. Over her shoulder, she shouted, "I'll get going, then. Hopefully I can make a large enough rune for this monster. Saffron, let's go!"

Luckily for her, she and her horse had such a bond where she rarely needed to hold onto his reigns. Putting pressure on his sides with her legs was enough of a sign to turn. It allowed her to hold onto his saddle horn and lean over. The tip of her glaive slid along the sand, and as it went, bright white runes began to appear. In a circle she went, using much of her newfound energy to put her power into this large rune. She had never made one this big before.... And she really hoped it would work.

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/05/2022
Josh looked to Selene a moment with a sheepish smile, as if quietly apologizing for something. For what, was anyone's guess. He looked to the party around them and considered their strengths. "Alright! As Selene said-goddess that thing is getting close-we need to expose more of the creature's body. There are also still monsters around that are also coming for us, so Chirro you can punch the monsters. Pallin and Ophelia focus on impeding its course. Sel and I can focus on attacking and exposing the body, as well as diverting its attention while Des tries to aim some explosives in its-Sh!t okay, out of time, GO!"

Cabuck rode off alongside Saffron, with Josh hoping that the warning would make sure everyone got out of the way as the creature bared its fangs and tried to bore into the assembled group, trying to eat them whole. They had been too tantalizing a morsel to ignore in a group, after all. Josh looked to Ichika. "Alright, light him up as soon as we get close enough. We're going to buy Selene a little time" he told them as he maneuvered Cabuck with expert precision, not wasting a single moment as the horse seemed to respond to his movements as though it were its own. Though he never thought too much about it, Josh appeared to have an innate ability to communicate with his animal companions on a level that, while not understanding them to the exact word per se, he was able to understand their feelings and emotions very easily. And he in turn was able to share his own, as well as his thoughts in a way that made it clear what he wanted when delivering instructions, and Cabuck especially seemed able to respond almost instantly. Cabuck, who had been his partner on the battlefield for many years now, handled better than he could get with any others.

Though it had been some time since the two of them had been together on the battlefield in this capacity. Hopefully farm life hadn't made Cabuck too soft. Josh watched Selene from the corner of his eye, as Cabuck darted towards the Molduga from the side. Trusting Cabuck to keep them on track, he would draw his bow and draw a special arrow meant to be able to click a bomb onto it. Clicking the Bomb in place, he took a deep breath as he looked for the right place, waited for the right moment, and then fired. The Bomb Arrow struck its mark, hitting the forehead area and clearing some of the sand obstructing it as well. This of course, didn't make it very happy and it loosed a roar as it started headed for Josh and Ichika. "Hit it now!" he shouted at Ichika as he started to direct Cabuck towards Selene, trying to remember where she had placed the rune as the creature chased behind them, gaining on them fast.

dots — 01/05/2022
With their pseudo-plan in place, the group began to divide. Desmond would motion any of those left with explosives to follow his lead.. First things first, get the hell out of the way and let the magic users do their thing. As they bolted from the creatures pathing, he took a mental count of just how many explosives they had and their fuses length. Next was figuring out how to get them in that creature without actually getting eaten...

Ok, ok.. Watching how the Molduga moved among the sands, scraping through his mind at the few things he knew from books. Sound.. Sound.. They didn't like it, but it kept its attention. Desmond hurriedly bound three of the bombs by their fuses. The others were bound in a similar way, extending their fuses with a rip of of the sun-cover fabric he kept. For now, he would hold off and keep an eye on the runes their magic-experts were working with to find the right time.

😎Cuddles — 01/05/2022
Luca had been going through the motions of this battle, going along with the plans set in motion by the other members of their war effort. His mind had been deadset on finding some way to help... but he's never heard of a Moldura, so his wits were a bit useless in that regard. But when the call for explosives had been made, that was where the sheikah would stake his abilities.

He followed the soldier, Desmond, and while they lied in wait with a few others for the next attack, Luca spoke up. "Hey, I have a way to make these explosives more powerful. But it's going to take a second to work properly. Are you willing to bet on me?"

dots — 01/05/2022
"You're running on a risk with me. So let's do this." Desmond nodded to Luca, a brow raised to him. He just hoped he wouldn't be putting anyone else in danger by strengthening the explosives.
January 6, 2022

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/06/2022
With Josh leading the Molduga towards the runes, he waited until the last moment before pulling Cabuck to the side. The Molduga would keep going, unable to stop itself or turn in time before it would make contact with the giant rune. Chains of light would wrap around its face, and it would begin to thrash around furiously as it was stopped in its tracks. The opening was theirs.

But in the process, its unexpected thrashing had caused it to slam into Saffron, violently knocking Selene off the horse. The young valkyrie would be accidentally clipped at the bottom right of her chest by the beast's teeth, narrowly missing her vitals as she hit the ground.

Saffron's whinny caught Josh's attention, and he had looked back just as Selene hit the ground. His eyes widened, his mahogany pupils shrank...

"SELENE!"

He wasn't thinking anymore. No tactical thought, just the knowledge that Cabuck wouldn't be able to turn around so easily and Selene was hurt. He leaped off the horse and made a mad dash for the Molduga, who was fiercely struggling against the chains. The chains of light had begun blinking, indicating they wouldn't last much longer. If they wanted to hit the beast while it was vulnerable, now was the time.

But Josh didn't care about any of that right now.

@middy (edited)
January 9, 2022

Linktwin — 01/09/2022
The size of this monster was purely unbelievable. Perhaps creatures grew larger in the desert because there was room for it - rolling dunes of sand stretched as far as the eye could see in nearly every direction, possibly even beyond the horizon. What if there were creatures larger than this one somewhere? What if... what if Vlad was fighting something like this in the dungeon? He had to survive it. He didn't have a choice. Pallin would also have to survive this creature's attack so the two of them could know one another was safe.

He couldn't care about anything else right now. Vlad was his goal, and to get to him, this creature was going to have to be destroyed. Thank the Goddesses that there was a whole team here. He concentrated on forming icicles, and was almost able to form some until the creature slammed into Saffron. The sheer panic he felt radiate from his core knocked his focus off balance. Was the woman alright? Josh clearly knew her well, from the sound of his reaction - was he going to be okay? The monster kept thrashing, though, and soon their opening would close as the Molduga could probably break free from its capture.

He had no time to waste, then. His breathing was shallow, but he had to remember what Vlad taught him about using magic. Imagine the feeling, imagine what you want... Imagine it coming to life. His thoughts went all over the place, but he finally found an image of what he wanted. The concentration provided him with enough energy to create long, sharp icicles that he hurled toward the monster, aiming for its eyes. (edited)
January 11, 2022

😎Cuddles — 01/11/2022
Luca's focused expression turned into a wild grin, as he had taken the explosives into his hands and taken his Sheikah case off of his shoulders. This would need to be done quickly and precisely, and he knew just the tool for such an occasion. An inventor like himself would often equip themselves with a menagerie of tools and kits necessary for their work, especially with the range of mediums that the Sheikah himself tended to work with. Dangerous things like explosives were nothing new to him, being used to crafting smoke and scented bombs on occasions, usually for performers or partygoers looking to have a little mischievous fun. One of the best things to work with was his trusty Faroquill, a quill infused with Farore magic that could be used to more finely apply Farore magic to his inventions.

At the moment, the best way to increase explosives would be a more concentrated, powerful burst. Explosives were flashy, with their power being concentrated at their center and exploding outward. But it would be much more useful for an explosive to be contained, forcefully concentrated or even absorbed in a way to fully utilize its overwhelming power. AHA! That gave Luca an idea. Using as many Summerwing butterfly wings as he could, he would wrap the explosives with them, hoping to have the wings themselves absorb the shock, with the aid of an engraved Minor Spark through his Faroquill. This way, the Summerwings would absorb the energy, and the minor sparks would be activated to release them upon contact. Once the contraption was complete, Luca handed the now large sphere back to Desmond ( Dots ). "One Summerwing Festival at your disposal. No need to light it, just throw it when you're ready!"

dots — 01/11/2022
The explosion of chains was a relief but its thrashing had proven more of an issue than expected. Desmond could only watch as Selene got thrown to the side and Josh hurried to check on her. He turned his gaze to Luca as he worked insistently to get the work done. What exactly he was doing? He had no idea. He honestly didn't care - so long as it got done. And with a moments hurry, it was ready. Had it not been for the circumstance or the adrenaline, he might have thanked him.

With the enhanced explosives in hand, he looked warily at the monster being attacked by icicles. Despite his expressions, he did not consider himself a holy nor a devout man. But for once, he would pray this would work. He pushed himself across the sand towards the bound monster and twirled to gain momentum. With his weight and the twirl behind him, he threw the bombs together into the howling Moldugas mouth.
January 12, 2022

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/12/2022
Icicles to the eyes, and some kind of super bomb prepped, the monster was damaged but still managed to escape. Selene was hurting badly, and had soon passed out, either from pain or bloodloss. The creature was soon upon her, and just as it opened its mouth, the bomb flew in just in time. The beast disappeared under the sands, as did Selene. Underneath, one could hear the muffled explosion.

”No no no…”

Josh’s eyes widened as he stopped. He’d been too late. Too late again. But she had to be alive, right? It was Selene, she’d survived lots of things! But he’d seen that thing get her, and then the bomb blew up, and then… And then… But she’d come out of the sand any second now! Any second… No, she wasn’t back yet. And yet-

The sand began to unfold once more before the Molduga arose once again. Thrashing and snarling and screeching in pain, it was clear that the creature was on its last legs. Josh’s expression dulled, as his arms fell.

His expression then suddenly darkened as he began his pace again. A fireball formed in his hand, one which began growing very quickly
Energy from the fireball began to flow across his body, engulfing it in flames within moments. Another fireball appeared in his other hand, then another at his side. And another, and another, and another.

When he spoke, it was calm. Too calm. But the roughness behind it told of barely contained despair quickly being churned into rage.

”If there’s any chance she’s in there and still alive… I’m finding out.”

Part of him knew it was likely she was dead. That part fueled him, while others fueled it purely to spite those feelings. Those feelings were back… Helplessness. Hopelessness. Desperately clinging to any vague possibility of hope. This thing had potentially taken her away, possibly forever. And there were a lot of emotions there…

”GET OUT OF MY WAY!”

Rage exploded as every fireball suddenly swelled in size and rocketed at the creature, one by one. The Molduga screeched and tried to get back into the sand to attack, but it continued to be pelted. As the last one hit, Josh seemed to run purely on instinct as he raised a hand, shooting a fireball into the sky. It quickly grew to gargantuan levels before exploding.

And a Firestorm rained down upon the Molduga.

Hundreds of flaming meteors were launched down at the creature, hitting its tough hide without relent. Eventually, it finally managed to knock the creature over, still thrashing around, almost gone. If the party wished to finish it off, now was the time.

His energy spent, Josh quickly crumpled as the fire disappeared. That was a spell far beyond his current level of casting. How he had used it at all was unknown. But it had taken everything.

Barely holding onto consciousness, he managed to make out a figure in the sand, that had been dug out after the Molduga had been moved.

”S… Selene…?” he managed out, half convinced he was hallucinating. But if there was any chance… The Hylian tried to inch himself forward. He had to get there. He had to know. He needed to get to her before her wounds took a turn… (edited)

L2 — 01/12/2022
Ichika curses as Josh scrambles off to help Selene. "damn fool, he's going to get us all killed" she mumbles as she just barely avoids a a meteor that had strayed too far from the beat. The girl was probably a lover of some kind, which infuriated her even more. Not only did he bring someone he couldn't afford to lose, but her abandoned the mission at the first sign of her being injured? What a fool he was.

She puts her feelings aside and extends her palm, focusing her magic as dark energy begins to swirl around her body, collecting the darkness into an orb of entropy that swells with every moment, growing more powerful over the course of an entire minute. "Return to the eternal darkness from which all things came!" she commands before firing the spell at the molduga. the orb speeds towards the target with incredible velocity, splitting into a few smaller orbs as they all slam the monster with incredibly powerful dark energy. While she cannot see the results of the spell through the explosion of darkness, it is very likely that the Molduga is dead, though she will take no chances until she can confirm this. (edited)

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 01/12/2022
-DM post for @l2 -

While its master had jumped off, Cabuck had remained calm and the horse stayed on its path. The unique communication capabilities between Josh and Cabuck ensured that the horse would continue to strafe the Molduga, letting Ichika take control and time her shot from a distance. The monster loosed a roar in pain from the magic blast, and seemed ready to fall. Would they be able to finish it off? (edited)

Maulkat (Chirro and Amura) — 01/12/2022
There was one thing about Chirro, she was normally a loner. The kind of person that wandered alone and didn't make friends easily. Those she did, she cherished. Those people were in danger...even if she only really knew one of them. Perhaps this would bring her more. If not that was fine and she would continue with her lonely life.

They had a monster to beat and with her feeble skills in the light, she sent inspire to all of her comrades. It took time to do it, but eventually those around her were all covered with this ability.

Hoping one last ability worked, she attempted to bind the beast with chains. If nothing else, it might prove to be an annoyance.

middy — 01/12/2022
Did her plan work? Was everyone... safe? Selene... didn't know. The pain she felt was searing and overpowering, but then it all faded away. Her eyes had long since fluttered closed, wincing from the pain. The sand beneath her stained crimson, coming from the wound just at the start of her waist. The molduga hovered over her, casting its shadow on her. She could hear muffled explosions, see blurry flashes of bright lights. But then it all went dark. Sand began to surround her... drown her.

But then she felt the light of the sun hit her skin once again. She could barely make out his cries, but she knew it was Josh, scrambling to get her from the sand. All she could do was wince in pain, groaning and coughing slightly... But at least he'd know she was alive. For now. (edited)
January 20, 2022

middy — 01/20/2022
(c'mon folks we're almost donneee let's goooo~)

Bee — 01/20/2022
It had felt like a true test of her limitations, of allowances she granted to herself not moments ago. Her daggers had sliced the air, intertwining themselves with the barrage of icicles like a needle through fabric. Despite her intimidation of the beast before them, despite the dodging and adjusting and planning and prepping -- good Goddesses, were all of those explosives going into the monster?? -- Ophelia continued to breath. Selene, the meteors, the roars of the Molduga; the clamor of battle, once far removed from her memory, forced itself back into her psyche through these vessels.

Her remaining dagger, poised for its final journey, never left her hand. Her eyes remained locked on Josh and the fires he summoned. Locked on the speck drowning in the sea of Molduga's shadow. Her logic had been under threat by her desire to do something - anything - to pull them away. Ophelia's grip on her blade's handle tightened until her knuckles turned white, until her fingers groaned from the pressure.

It wasn't precise. It wasn't clean. But the dagger left her hands all the same. The act of prayer was one lost to her; clumsy from disuse and the emotions thrashing her about. She imagined that the Goddesses wouldn't grant such an orison. The act of saving two lives - two lives she held close to her heart - in exchange for another didn't seem like something they would've permitted. Blood for blood didn't make it pure or sacred. She believed, however, as her dagger made it's home within the beast's flesh, that it was answered. Whether it was by their hand that it was given or by the joint effort of the team remained to be said.
February 4, 2022

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — 02/04/2022
The beast was bound, and that opened the chance for Ophelia to make her move. The creature had been whittled down enough that as the blades sunk in, it loosed its final throes before it fell. The creature would hack out a chest and lay still.

The battle had been impacted greatly by its appearance, but it wasn’t long before its fall that the soldiers and monsters were at each other’s throats again. A scout meanwhile, would retrieve the chest for the group. Its contents would be shared with them later:

Jash - Hawkeye
Selene - Super Picto Box
Desmond - Adventurer’s Pouch
Ophelia - Super Picto Box
Chirro - Deku Nuts
Pallin - Beetle
Ichika - Bombs
Luca - Mask of Scents

But the group had little time to celebrate. A roar would resound through the desert, far more menacing and sinister than the Molduga. The ground began to shake violently, and the sky grew dark. Looking up, the party would see that the Mirror of Twilight had been restored… And hideous beasts were flooding from it in droves. The roar meanwhile, was one that Josh knew well, and it made him shudder.

An airship flew over their heads and picked up the dungeon party, but the ground team had something else to contend with. From the Mirror, a dark aura began to corrupt the very world around it, and it was spreading fast. Men and monster were caught within the curtain of twilight and disappeared…

Josh didn’t hesitate to make the call. There was only one thing they could do.

”RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!”

The moment he made the call, he could see that Captain Tethras had done the same with his men. Josh would scramble to his feet and will himself towards Selene. Checking her pulse, he could hear a heartbeat. Seeing the curtain coming closer, he would quickly use what little energy he had left to begin healing her wound. Knowing he wouldn’t have much left after, he whistled loudly, calling for Cabuck and Saffron.
[10:41 PM]
@war!

L2 — 02/04/2022
Ichika stares at the mirror for a moment as the mirror's darkness begins to engulf the world around them. She moves to raise her sword, but realizes that Josh is right, to her dismay. As much as she loathed it, she would have to flee or be consumed by the encroaching darkness.

"he's right. There's no way we can stop this, live to fight another day!"
She then begins to bolt as far from the blast as possible. She wasn't sure if she could outrun the blast, but they had no other choice. The twilight realm had been unleashed.
February 5, 2022

dots — 02/05/2022
A plethora of curses ran through Desmonds mind, and for once he had wished for his sisters magic affinity - as if that would have stopped the mirrors rage. At his side, he pushed the young Shekiah ( Luca ) towards the exit of the grounds. His own feet hurried to his sisters side, hearing the familiar clatter of hooves to assist Josh and Selene. He made no hesitation to grab Ophelia's hand, with the crowd clamoring to outrun the mirrors wave of misfortune.
February 11, 2022

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — Yesterday at 1:18 PM
With luck, the group had been able to make their way out of the Arbiter's Grounds. The Crests of Courage and Wisdom held by Josh and Selene seemed to hold the Twilight Curtain at bay for a time, slowing it down long enough for them to escape. But not all were able to escape. Soldiers, monsters, their fates were left unknown. As were the citizens of the gerudo settlement who had been hiding during the battle. Perhaps in time, they would be able to liberate them. But for now...

The Battle In The Twisted Sand had come to a conclusion in their favor, but it was as hollow a victory as could be. The Curtain would eventually stop its movements before it could engulf all of the Gerudo Desert, but those trapped within still did not return as the months passed. Open warfare began as Hyrule herself became a battleground.

The Shadow War had truly begun.

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1
[1:25 PM]
Sir Josh Dragelion was commended for his heroism as the Knight had gone to great personal risk to give them a chance. His star continues to rise within the ranks of the Knights, and the offer was once again broached for him to take the mantle of Knight Captain. An offer he respectfully declined in favor of preparing Ordon Village for the coming storm. Desmond and Ophelia Dragelion were also commended for their service, and the mercenary Ophelia was paid handsomely for doing so. The sight of the three siblings working in tandem had left an impression, and Hyrule's military has extended offers to both Desmond and Ophelia to enlist, should they wish to take them. An interesting development, considering Desmond had in recent months become a personally requested favorite stablehand of Her Highness. One thing's for sure: Desmond and Ophelia could no longer hide their family name in public. The world now knew who they were. The question now was how they would respond.

The appearance of a different kind of Crest on the hand of Selene Merrows which mirrored that of Marianne's would provoke great interest. The murmurs about her only continued to grow, and some within Hyrule's well-connected and noble families even began to investigate into the history of this mysterious valkyrie who had come to Hyrule's aid time and time again, wielding strong Hylia magic and now possessing the same Crest mark as the soon-to-be Queen. With how much attention she had attracted, could Selene's secret stay a secret forever?

Josh, Lord of Bread and Freedom — Yesterday at 1:53 PM
Kakariko Village had been well represented by the Sheikah Ichika, Chirro, Pallin and Luca. The reputations of these warriors would be boosted by their part in slaying the Molduga. Ichika would be welcomed back to the village with open arms, with word having quickly spread of her part in the battle. Her determination to see things done and done right would catch the attention of Hyrule's military. When she returned home, she would find a letter waiting for her. An invitation to enlist in Hyrule's military, if she wished to accept. Ichika would also find that Kakariko's temporary ruling body had offered to ensure she would be mainly posted in the village as a guard, if that was her desire.

All would be paid well for their services, a boon especially for Chirro. The amount disclosed would benefit her in her plans to buy her family's inn to save it. Her family of course, would likely be sending letters out to find her and ensure her safety if she hadn't returned home already. The day she returned to her village, she would find that business at the inn had improved. Perhaps not enough to keep it in business long-term, but customers asking around for Chirro had been a constant the last few months. Between her treasures found on the islands and her payment, perhaps now was the time for Chirro to fulfill the first leg of her goal, striking when the popularity iron could be at its hottest?

In his travels, Luca would have to be more careful with peddling his wares. With the shadow beasts invading the region, he would find more difficulty moving around, but he would also find that his face was a tad more recognizable after helping to slay the Molduga. This did attract a bit more business for him though, as well as people approaching him at his stalls to ask what the battle was like. But his increased renown would also attract would-be thieves, thinking he may possess something worth a great deal of currency...

[1:57 PM]
Pallin, the Royal Family's astronomer, would find himself the subject of stares upon his return to Hyrule City. How was it that an astronomer would suddenly have a part in taking down a Molduga? While it was true that he had been involved in a bandit clash some time ago, he had been a hostage at the time. But this time, he had gone into this battle of his own free will. An offer to enlist was on the table if he wanted it due to his initiative, but it was unknown if Pallin was willing to be re-assigned from his previous position. Of course, things would only grow more complicated in the coming months, as Pallin would one day discover a glowing mark on his hand...