Vae Victis

@ @@J.R. @@Unicorncob Turning around the bend with his sleeping daughter in tow, Lorec's eyes widened when he witnessed Raze charging at him with all haste. Looking downward towards Sifana, whom had nestled quite comfortably into his arm, Lorec's paternal instinct became his prime directive. Not knowing who this was and what their purpose was for being in such a rush, Lorec's hand squeezed the harness of his broken zweihander's scabbard tightly. This Minotaur, beastly even among his own kin, brought up his left hoof, and then firmly planted it within the ground. The impact had been delivered with such force, that the resounding crack of cobblestone beneath him was akin to a gunshot. Immediately afterwards, a great stone wall, at least ten feet in height, served to bar Raze from his intended path. Jagged and thick enough to ward off even cannon fire, Lorec felt confident that this wall would cause the katana wielding pony to falter. Though, he also gave a sigh of an exasperated parent, considering that Sifana's eyes were now open, and looking at him in shock and confusion. Jumping out from Lorec's arm, she studied the wall thoroughly, all indications of surprise now gone from her face. Turning to her father, Sifana inquired as to why Lorec had done such a thing. " Papa, why did you wall off the alley? Is something wrong? " Of course, her eyes widened as she was now realizing that she was viewing her father in perfect health. And not only that, he was no longer making any effort to hide the heavy scar tissue that pervaded his body with bandages. Running on sheer emotion, she ran up to her giant of a father, and attempted to hug his leg, only to be denied the luxury of a warm reunion by Lorec's icy glare, aimed directly towards the wall he had created. " Sifana. Get behind me, and pull out your dagger. " Heeding His whim out of respect and fear of what lay beyond the barrier, Sifana ran around him, and reached towards the dagger that was strapped to her waist. Pulling out the blade made of boar tusk, she held it closely to her chest with both hands, her own eyes narrowed, and all manner of shivering having ceased. Even if not by blood, Sifana was truly her father's daughter. Slinging the harness over his body, Lorec reached over his left shoulder, keeping his hand upon the pommel. Even if the sword were broken in two, it was still a force to be reckoned with as far as the average pony was concerned. Raising his voice, Lorec called out to the pony on the other side, allowing his voice to bellow sternly throughout the alleyway. " You there! Stranger! What is your business charging through the alleyway like a damn fool? " __________ @@P-Jay Naga fluttered his wings weakly as he panted, tongue hanging out as the sweat dropped from his brow. Turning his gaze towards Caliber, the peculiar monk did not grace his friend with his usual, goofy smile and cheery demeanor. How could he, with what he had to relay to his dear companion? " Finally! Been Lookin' fer you over an hour, this monk has! " Naga closed the space between them at a rather sluggish pace. With the amount of energy that Naga had exuded in the past, one would have found it impossible for him to appear as dogged as this. Clearly, Naga had expended all of his energy into locating the swordspony. Worse yet, whatever Naga had searched him out for must've carried a great burden upon the monk's mind, for he always carried a grin that was nearly indelible, currently nowhere to be seen. Now as close to Caliber as he had needed to be, Naga hung his head downward, his braided mane claking the golden rings that had been woven into it loudly. Still panting, he placed a hoof on Caliber's shoulder, and spoke with the tiredness of an overworked farmer. " Caliber... A storm be upon the high winds blowin' from the East... " ____________ @@J.R. Kazas's smile widened, though he was shaking his head, much too humble to accept such implications of Vera's bold statement. " Vera, even if I played a part in bringing about the change, it was in you all along to do so.... I know that it is difficult for a heart to soften after having been in a predicament such as yours, but it can happen. And praise be unto Avae, that I was able to witness such a miracle." Sweet. Naive. Innocent. Even if these three factors were the pillars of a foolish optimist, there was no denying the charm that such a personality brought along with it. Kazas was all of these, and yet, there was still a layer to him that Vera had not touched upon yet. A side that, for the sake of all of Avae's beloved creations, Kazas prayed that he would not have to show her. The Kazas from the Leovian civil contention. Lowering his eye to the hoof which he now held from across the table, Kazas, being the hopeless romantic that he was, brought it towards him with soothing gentleness, and placed a kiss upon it. Upon realizing what he had just done, Kazas chuckled at himself, shaking his head once again as he closed his eyes in embarrassment. " Forgive me. I know that this is what many Equestrians may refer to as, 'cheesy'. But I'm honestly at a loss on how to express affection otherwise. If I ever become too overbearing, would you inform me, Vera- " A loud roar, that had to reverberate throughout the entirety of the city, pierced through the walls of the building. As every other head turned towards the direction it had come from, Kazas's reaction took a step further; he had released Vera's hoof in a flash, and had kicked the chair out from under him as to stand. His left claw shot towards the sword at his hip, and his good eye widened as he faced towards the direction that he had perceived the roar from. But what was most unpleasant about this new state was the small shiver that accompanied the griffon's reaction. It suggested a tinge of fear. A fear of loss that one had experienced before, but could never quite adjust to. He waited with baited breath, unaware of the eyes that peered at him from the other customers.

....... I am the happiest man right now.

Hey Tyra, what's your favorite drink?

@@Hazard Time .... By religious demonstration, I mean a large number of Saddle Arabians and Minotaurs occupying the town square for about 30 minutes in an effort to welcome what they view as a soon-to-arrive god. XD

@@Hazard Time Quick question: is Carnelian the type to crash a religious demonstration? I highly doubt she is, but I do need to know in advance for future reference. : D

....... Carnelian after Raze broke her most prized possession;

Some time after Tyra had left, Lorec awakened within his own infirmary bed. Still quite sore from his battle with the pride of the Shatterhoofs, Lorec found difficulty in moving around, even though he had become accustomed to such conditions after a lifetime of war. Perhaps his age truly was beginning to catch up with him. Had Lorec felt this way before his fight, he would have cursed himself for his own weakness. But that was simply not the case. Lorec had gotten the closure he had needed. No longer was he a survivor of an ill-fated battle that constantly sought to atone for his failings. He had come to terms with what had transpired two years ago. All the mattered now was what he had woke up to; his daughter sleeping peacefully within his arms, her head resting upon his abdomen. Lorec frowned as he gently twirled her hair with his finger. He must have worried her terribly. As of slow a pace he could muster, Lorec started to climb out of bed. Picking Sifana up and allowing her body to rest within one arm, the gargantuan minotaur walked towards his great zweihander and its sheathe, which had been sat upon a table at the end of his bed, as per regulations for the belongings of contestants. The blade was broken in half, and in heavy need of repairs. Collecting the harness and mounting it upon his backside, Lorec grabbed the hilt of the sword. As he did so, it gave off an amber aura, as the soul within called out joyously to its master. Grinning as he sheathed the pommeled half, he grabbed the other half of the blade with his free hand. He would take Sifana home first, and then he would seek to have his sword repaired... And after that... It would be time to gather his fellows, and prepare for the ritual that he had been called to perform. It was the least he could do to honor his patron god, who had blessed him with his fallen kin's presence one more time.... _______________________________________________________________________ Galtos, revived into the waking world himself, viewed the Sadaurians who had taken the surreal journey along with him. They had all stood there in a trance together, having joined hands in order to visit their sworn in Equestria metaphysically. Shooting a look towards Lorec's wife, he released her hand and spoke. " Are you sure that you do not wish to stay in this world as Draugr? You will be among kindred souls here. You can fight, drink, and fornicate whenever the hell you want! You are Golden Horn, and you do have a place in this world." Venna refused flatly, shaking her head as soon as he had begun to make such a suggestion. " We have all come to terms. We knew what could happen when we chose to give ourselves to the glory of the Golden Horns. We wished to see our successors, our beloved one more time to see them off. We are all in agreement that we should leave this world to the living, as per our discussion... Now that we know that Lorec and Sifana will be alright without us..." Galtos raised his left hand and lowered his head, signaling for her to stop her speech. " Alright, you've said all that you need to. All of you will gather in the area that we have discussed, and then he will take care of the rest." The pale rider then brought his head back up, and extended his right hand towards the minotaur in front of him. Smiling, she clasped his forearm with her hand, and he reciprocated the action. ".... You sure you don't want to- " Her smile faded as she pulled in closer towards him, attempting to crush his hand with all of the force that she could muster. " I already told you that it isn't going to happen, god of conflict or not. " No effect, as he simply laughed it off and retorted with a causality that eerily hinted that this particular conversation has happened before, albeit with others. " Can you really blame me for trying? After all, my spear is always polished and ready to thrust towards my enemies." " A spear and a dead, limping snake are not one and the same." " Oh-ho! I can see why the Beast of Sadauris was tamed by your hand then. But enough with the crude humor. " Letting her hand return to her, Galtos banged his cuirass with his fist, and dipped his head as a show of respect to his soon departing brethren. The Saduarians facing him did so in turn, including Venna. Finishing the motion, he returned to his usual stance of having his arms crossed. Stepping back a few paces, he decided that this all needed to end on a short, sweet note. " My brothers and sisters... There is little I can say now that has not been said during the past two years. When I found you all in the state that you were in... I felt the burden of regret as your souls swarmed around your bodies, tethered to the battlefield by regret, loss, humiliation, and rage... Truth be told, your souls should not have been clinging to this world, but our blood, forced to bear the weight of a curse that has afflicted us for generations, does not allow a peaceful transition to the afterlife. You were denied the spoils of the eternal conflict, out of an old grudge of an enemy, who's head I failed to take before this fate was thrust upon us...." Galtos paused, and took off his helm, so that he could properly look his kin in the eye as any honor-bound warrior would do. The pale rider, who thrived in oceans of combat and cries of war, had sunken into a sullen state, though he refused to physically show it. After all, when viewing those who were bound by the same chains that he suffered was enough to grind one's spirit against jagged rock, and into dust. But what hurt him so was not his empathy, but the fact that he could not go with them. He, who had been labelled a god by those in his homeland... He, who swore to answer the call of Sadauris when they cried out for salvation against their enemies... He, who had to fight time and time again to preserve infamy within all corners of the world, grew bitter, not towards others, but towards himself. After all, he could stop at any time. He could simply give up, and leave the physical shell in favor of a better eternity. But Galtos knew the moment he did so, that he would be turning away from his responsibility. Galtos would not dare to forsake his own people, his own descendants. Who would save them if a grand threat from a foreign land conspired to destroy their way of life? It had happened before. Certainly, it will someday happen again. And even if this were not a factor, there was something Galtos sought that would not allow him to embrace eternal sleep. Perhaps that was the true curse of the Stormbringer. The choice between personal satisfaction, and abandoning those you made a promise to. Galtos considered the latter to be retreating. And the Stormbringer. Does. Not. Retreat. Recovering his will to speak after these personal thoughts rushed through his head, Galtos began pacing back and forth, eyeing down every last member of his band that had been brought back as undead to complete their transitory phase to the other side. " But even then, you all stayed strong, keeping a watchful eye on the two who would carry on our legacy! And now, they have been freed from the past, as you all are now! Our legend remains intact, and its future secured! The only way open to you all now is forward! So you all are going to march with heads held high, onward towards the center of our city. And then, you shall be set upon the path that rightfully belongs to each and every one of you! You all are going to march upon Yulver's great plain, and you are going ​to damn well annihilate that battlefield, and show the gods why you DESERVE to be there! Woe to any who face down the charge of our band, because the last thing that'll be going through their heads will be our swords, our axes, and our spears! NOW MARCH, MARCH TO WAR WITH MY BLESSING! " Galtos had worked himself into a frenzy, as was the case when he wanted to inspire those under his command. He thrust his right fist towards the sky, a the hundred or so warriors in front of him imitated, throwing hooves and hands towards the high heavens, where they would soon be journeying towards. At his beckoning, they all turned and began to march towards the center of the hidden city. And Galtos, as he had done so many times before, stayed behind to serve as their vanguard in the realm of the living. Venna, who had been Lorec's wife during her years among the living, had fallen behind the others as they marched onward. As soon as the last had passed her by, she turned to see Galtos there, watching intently. Smiling at him from a distance, she bowed her head, and mouthed two simple words. Words powerful enough to cause the faintest of smiles to creep along Galtos's face. " Thank you.... " Watching on as Venna then turned to rejoin the rest of her ilk, Galtos would be greeted by a cloaked stallion that wandered from behind. His drab, tattered hood obscuring most of his features, save for a few locks of his grayed mane hanging down, and his horn slightly protruding from underneath. While many would think this to be nothing more than an unassuming beggar, the object upon his backside screamed otherwise. Completely wrapped within ancient white linens that were fading into a yellowish hue, a staff-like object was tied to his back with the same material, wrapping multiple times around his underside in order to secure it. Wasting no time with formalities, the stallion spoke to him as if he had known him for years. " So then, Stormbringer. I assume you still plan on going to Equestria to indulge in your need for entertainment? " Galtos refused to bat an eye towards the pony who had arrived at his side. Gripping at the sword at his side and resting his hand upon it, the Stormbringer kept his gaze upon the departing force that he had sent off, satisfied with the results of his actions thus far. " Yes. Equestria has finally produced something that I want. And I will have it. " The stallion in question showed no physical signs of objection, merely resigning himself with a stoicism that would make one think that he had all the time in the world. " Very well. While I normally wouldn't dabble within your affairs, I would like to extend my hoof in assisting you towards your goal. After all... The implications are more than beneficial to us as well. " Galtos, scoffing at his acquaintance's remarks, turned away from the crowd and started along the opposite direction, towards his arena's other exit. Not bothering to stop for a meaningful conversation, Galtos said his piece to conclude the exchange, refusing to show common courtesy to this mysterious figure. " Normally, I wouldn't even want your help. But I think I've waited long enough for this. My ship leaves in two hours. Getting me to the strait south of Griffonstone is enough. " At this, the cloaked figure couldn't help but muster a knowing smile from underneath his hood. Following the crowd out of the gates of the Colosseum, he stayed silent. Thoughts and plans swirling within his head. This was but the first step to break a chain of monotony that had engulfed the hidden city for far too long. It was time to accelerate a grand design that was gaining little momentum with the way events had been transpiring for the last few centuries... The greatest question, however, had yet to be answered; was the world ready for the revelations and changes that such a design would bring about? ' I'm coming for you, boy. ' __________________________________________________________________________________________ @@J.R. Kazas leaned inwards as his face contorted into one of empathy and understanding. Their food had arrived, and yet, Kazas had found himself not quite willing to eat just yet. Ever the one to produce a soft smile that was able to ease the hearts of his compatriots, Kazas did just that, as the reflection of candlelight danced in the reflection of his one good eye. " But you made it out of that hell, did you not, Vera? And now, we are here. Surely, a blessing from creator Avae himself, yes? " Kazas extended a claw towards her, laying it upon the table with his talons open. His intention was clear. He wanted Vera to rest one of her hooves within it, so that he may consul her from the heart. _________________________________________________________ @@P-Jay Taking to a low flight path just above Bangcolt's skyline, the ring-haired monk searched tirelessly for Caliber. Alleyway after Alleyway yielded no favorable results. Soon enough, Naga began yelling for the swordspony, hoping that such an action would garner some reaction. If not from his friend, then perhaps from someone who knew him? After all, Caliber was known throughout the city as a popular contestant. " Caliber! Caliber, be you close to me, friend?!?!? "

Okay, after a long and arduous work schedule, I have returned. And with that return, I have finally got good ol' stormy ready for battle. Keep in mind, that his backstory is still a work in progress, and I'll be doing my best to get that part done. So, If you want, skip over that little section, and proceed to the others section where his strengths and weaknesses are posted. Sorry for making him a book, guys. But he is gonna be my flagship OC from now on XD. https://mlpforums.com/page/roleplay-characters/_/stormbringer-galtos-r8248 I'll try to post later, after my shift at work is done.

I like staying optimistic. So optimistic in fact, that someday, I want my friends to know me as Optimist Prime. ( The only reason I posted here was to make that really terrible pun. But hey, I told the truth. )

yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh.... I don't know if you saw that, but I think it is best that we do not talk about it. XD

@@Unicorncob Satisfied with Tyra's answer, Galtos nodded in prideful approval. The pale Saduarian deity lifted his left hand towards her head, and placed his palm directly upon her feathered helm. As performed the act, Tyra would notice that her body was becoming translucent, as her avatar within the unconscious realm was being forced out. Within a calm whisper, Galtos would assure her that no foul play was being incorporated. " When this is done, Shatterhoof... You will find yourself devoid of any injury, and you'll see that Lorec and his daughter are in good health as well. Now remember what I said. Because if you show reverence for battle and continue to prove your worth.... Then I will come to have my fill. " A challenge issued. Had that really been what the Stormbringer was offering Tyra? sure, he had already made it clear that he was coming to Equestria, but the original reason was for Caliber only. But his parting words had indicated that there was a keen interest in her abilities as well. This would be his parting speech to the mare from Trotsteim, for soon, she would find herself opening her eyes as Galtos returned her to her rightful place within the waking realm. And if she were to peer to the right, Tyra would still see Lorec in his hospital bed, fully recovered and sleeping peacefully. His daughter was resting her head upon his beastly frame, as the giant had his arm pressed against her as well, never wanting to let her go. Both were still within the dream world, and both wore a wide, jubilant smile within their rest. Clearly still enjoying the reunion of family and compatriots, the ever triumphant Tyra could witness the true prize of her battle from a mere eight feet away. Even if they were not kin by blood. They were as close as family now.

....... Okay, you got me there. Huge incident.

Nope XD. I'm just the improvised safety net. Just for when we need to avoid things like the last little incident.

Right now, actually. Sorry about that! I run a tight schedule between my job and posts, so I'll have to beg your forgiveness. The DMs have asked me to hold tryouts within private messaging, so expect me to contact you shortly after the post I am working on is finished. If it is not done within the hour, however, you will still be contacted.

...... It's a family reunion in here. @

@@DwhitetheGamer Look friend. That is all well and nice, but other people do want to have fun as well. When all attacks are getting lol-dodged or there is a no-sale reaction of said attack, then there is a justifiable amount of annoyance to be had. It has to be a proper ebb and flow. Give a little, take a little. No one wants a fight where it's just boring and one OC clearly and absolutely destroys the other while not taking damage themselves. We all like our OC's. But I feel like we have to be humble enough to allow them to fall on occasion. What is good for our pride is not necessarily good for the story, you know? Believe me, I've been there. Nobody likes to see a precious creation of there's harmed or their good names besmirched. I get that. Heck, I was a major jerk a couple years ago FOR that very reason. But now I know better, and allowing others some leeway and taking a little for yourself in equal measure is very rewarding.

And while I realize that it's not the same character...

Okay, so I normally do not get involved with other players' business, but there is something about this post that violates one of our rules. You see, you go in with what you have, skill set or equipment wise, and that's it. There really isn't any new equipment, traits, or skill sets to be obtained during a fight, only after or before. And seeing as how copper just " learned " the technique on the fly, well..... It violates some of the rules that have been established, really. But hey. I'm just calling it when I see it.

You see..... He might be a little.... Knocked out cold for now. XD

@@Unicorncob Seeing that Tyra had bowed her head to him as she had trotted in closer, the pale, thick-veined minotaur would narrow his eyes, though his helm would not make such a contortion of expression obvious to the small mare before him. Reaching towards the sword mounted upon his right hip, Galtos pulled the steel from his scabbard, the sound of metal scraping across leather resounding between he and Tyra. The weapon itself was a classic straight sword, not the most exotic of blades, but its simplicity and effectiveness upon the fields of war yielded more than ample results. And even if it were customized to fit the needs of a normal sword, it was still gargantuan by pony standards; enough to dwarf even an Equestrian claymore. With the flat of the blade reflecting the violet luminescence of the dream world's sky, Galtos would slowly press the sword's finely hammered broad side against Tyra's chin. Careful as to not allow the sword to pierce her neck, the Stormbringer slowly angled his armament upwards as he forced Tyra out of the unrequited bow, and met her gaze with his own. " Come now, Shatterhoof. I'm not so damn conceited as to ask for tribute and glory when it's someone else's story. This is Your moment. Your legend, that is being written. And you know how this legend should end? With you, holding your head high as you exit the dream! It should end with you waking up, enjoying a feast, getting drunk, and then making love to whomever the hell you want! And then, I want your ass back in that arena, and I want you to give every single opponent that challenges you a taste of what it's like to do battle with a real warrior! DO YOU UNDERSTAND, TYRA SHATTERHOOF?!?!?!? " At his point, Galtos had withdrawn his sword back into its rightful home at his side, and was standing with both fists clenched, veins bulging from the roar that he had loosed to ring throughout the realm. He brought his fist upwards towards the sky as he looked down at her with unblinking eyes. Behind them, all Golden Horns would follow suit as they allowed one final war cry to resound with Galtos's. Truly, a grand sendoff for one so deserving. _______________ @@J.R. Kazas, with a softened gaze, managed to finally give Vera proper eye contact. Keeping both elbows off the table and being fearfully careful of his proper etiquette, Kazas's nervous smile would once again give way to a concerned gait. " Vera... " He whispered so that others around may not hear his conversation with her, " Is this the first time you've actually gotten to enjoy your surroundings? '

@@Unicorncob While Tyra would traverse the grassy knoll that Galtos had called into existence within the realm of dreams, Lorec and those with whom he had been reunited with fell silent, and faced towards the child of Trotsteim with left fists and hooves over their beating hearts. Their heads hung downward in solemn humility, save for all but one minotaur who would bear witness until the very end. The child whom Lorec so lovingly had taken into his own hands would smile with serene bliss as she waved her newly found hero farewell. Whether Tyra truly felt the weight of her accomplishments upon her shoulders was the subject of Sifana's curiosity. At the very least, Sifana realized something about herself. She wanted, desperately so, to be as great a hero as mare trotting away was. And with that realization, came burning ambition. A wish to manifest herself as a mighty warrior, just as her father had done, and just as Tyra had done. Galtos, content with how this turn of events had concluded itself, relaxed his dignified stance, and allowed his arms to fall to both sides. " Tyra Shatterhoof..... Are you ready to return to the waking world?" __________________________________________________________________________ @@J.R. Kazas would take no time informing the waiter of his desired cuisine. Fried snake. A simple, yet rarely afforded delicacy in his homeland. After concluding his own order, the griffon would see that the menu was returned, and twiddled his claws as he waited patiently. Although, Kazas did seem rather nervous as he waited for his food. Perhaps... This was indeed his first real 'date'? Finally mustering up the courage to begin a dialogue, Kazas lifted his head to Vera, and with his signature tone of innocence, spoke his mind to the mare across from him. "So, Vera... Does your profession tend to allow you to enjoy events such as these? "

Okay... After intensive work shifts brought about by coworkers quitting... I think I can FINALLY and formally return. XD