Winter Is Coming [SSC Dominion of Midvinter]

[Darth Libertas]

Objective: Mind Rape
Location: Err...somewhere near the village. Probably teleported into the village by next post
Allies: [member="Nima Tann"]
Enemies: Zombies, non-pragmatic Jedi.


In response Sumiko shook her head. "No, not close. We just need line of sight." Theoretically Sumiko would be able to turn both herself and Nima invisible by using space magic handwavium...err, Force Cloak. Specifically the variant that drew upon shadows. However, that was very draining and thus not practical in this situation.


The aura of darkness was growing to a point where its power was palpable. It did not bother the Inquisitor much since she drew her strength from it, yet lingering in this forest was not desirable to her since in all likelihood a legion of zombies would come charging out of it. "I'll keep your limits mind. Let's move," she said curtly then turned and walked away, presumably with Nima in tow. We can presume that some time passed and they reached the fortified village and soon saw its wooden gates.


Sumiko nodded approvingly since it meant they would not be out in the open, then pointed towards a small tower. "That'll do." She was not in the mood to get up close and personal with the zombies again. Other people could be cannon fodder...err, be heroic and stuff.

 

[Nima Tann]

Objective: Find the relic, Mind Rape!
Location: Tower
Allies: Team Mind Rape! ([member="Sumiko Tanaka"]), Silver Sanctum and Friends
Enemies: The White Walkers
7/20

"Alright, that's better." She was relieved at her response, so they didn't need to get up and personal with the zombies as she thought, to their own good. She simply nodded and started to follow the woman towards the village, walking in between the horde as the zombies looked like they were already on their way to the village and didn't care as two women were walking between them. She would prefer an invisibility cloak for this, since the brain of a zombie was not so easy to pretend, they would turn on them immediately. As some minutes passed, they finally saw the village's gates. And of course, the gates of the village were all closed, yet this horde was strong enough to get into the village in minutes, so they needed to be quick if they wanted to save the innocents. A tower, good building to see around and high enough for the zombies to reach. Yes, a good place to do this. "Agreed." She said, as she talked about the tower which was just outside the village and seeing the scene entirely. Perfect.

Not so much time later, they've arrived at the top of the tower, yet the journey wasn't that pleasant enough because the cold and exhaustion hit Nima hard, almost falling from the stairs two or three times. She felt like she couldn't control the Force as they ascended to the top, would probably be because of the lack of oxygen and temperature drop as they continued passing the steps one by one. Out of breath, she sat down to the ground. "This is Nima, by the way." Yes, she just realized that they never met each other properly, yet they were in a battlefield so it seemed pretty normal. She felt weaker in every breath she took, since she lost so much energy doing all that stuff. "Going to take the Force back that I sent to my legs." It meant that she was going back to the handicapped mode. She felt strong enough to concentrate on minds as she took back the Force and spoke again. "Are you ready?"

She never tried to get into head of several... people. It was going to be interesting, to say the least.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Ren Colvet"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

OOC: Great work, everyone! That went way faster than I could've imagined! I will continue the thread, however, as the village has yet to be defended. Those who wish to remain, you're more than welcome to do so. Thank you, everyone! ​

Objective: Prepare for the main assault

Once assured his wife was alright, Thurion went to make what preparations could be made before the bulk of the horde would show up, but not before he planted his lips upon hers in a far briefer kiss than either would've liked. Duty was calling his name, and he would answer. "Ulfgaard," he grabbed the attention of the tall Valkyri. "My lord," he replied with a bow. "We need to make every preparation we can before the main assault commences. What do we have to work with?" Ulfgaard looked around him and gave his long beard a good stroke. "We don't have much, I'm afraid. This village is ill-equipped for major battles. The Vinterbound has taken us all by surprise." He pointed over Thurion's shoulder, who turned to look where he pointed. "We do have a couple ballistae atop the walls, but little in terms of ammunition."

The Grandmaster thought for a moment, then looked down at the ground. "Oh, we've got plenty of ammunition," he told Ulfgaard, who didn't take long to catch his meaning. "She will crush them with the fury of the Gods," he spoke enthusiastically. Thurion nodded and placed a hand upon the man's shoulder before the two parted to begin preparations. While Ulfgaard began loudly spreading the word, Thurion returned to Coci. "We'll throw snowballs at them," he merely said with a knowing smile before bending the knee in the snow. "Care to help out?"

Already the men and women of the Valkyri army had begun to fashion huge projectiles from the earth itself, the snow seemingly neverending. Civilians in the form of adults and children alike also joined in, happily doing their bit to help out however they could. Soon enough they had huge stacks of ammunition, and upon test-firing the ballistae the plan seemed to work out swimmingly. On this day, Midvinter herself would rise against her enemies.

[7]​

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] and whoever else​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="George O Rourke"]​

​

"Yes", she smiled weakly, "It was me". She replied to George as she stood nearby. Even master continue to grow in skill and power and using such power takes it's toll. but Coci, now with a rest felt stronger and ready for action once more. "George see where you can help the Valkyri prepare, seems we are to make snowballs", she could not help but smile at the thought of this. "Use the force to compact them, make them as hard packed as possible".

She reached down from her bench position and took up a fist full of snow, in one quick movement, Coci loaded a throw at Thurion. The light snow hitting him on the side of his shoulder spraying snow over his handsome face. A good tension breaker in times of stress and danger, if only for a moment. She than prepared to join him in creating the projectiles.

"You have encountered these Vinterbound before, what will defeat them? I think they don't like fire, but is there more?".

She had one large snowball formed and packed about the size of a large cannon ball. As the Valkyri warriors gathered the snow projectiles she would begin on another.

(11)

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]

The Vinterbound had yet to come, but they are there, lurking on the edge of the forest which surrounds the village. It made Aerin's skin crawl, glowing eyes watching them and waiting .. for the right moment? The gates of the village opened and out of which poured carts and wagons laden with all manner of wooden items, anything the riders could grab that would burn. In another, barrels of oil.

Aerin's horse shifted with nerves, nostrils flaring and hooves pouring at the ground, the mare ready to charge when summon. Aerin placed a soothing hand against the strong neck of her mare, calming her with the force. The mare tossed her head and snorted, the mood effecting the other mounts as well.

"Master Harrison, good to see you again", she said to the man she had met a few times. But there is little time for pleasantries, "Riders form up the wall parallel to the gates and wall of the village, pour the oil and stand ready with torches aflame".

"Aye, we burn the bastards", she simply said agreeing with the woman behind her.

"Stand ready!", she bellowed for all to hear her, as she turned her mare to ride along the line making sure all was prepared. "For the Glory of Midvinter!", she unsheathed her sword and held it high above her head.



(12)

 

[Connor Harrison]

Objective: Defend Fafnersvik
Location: Outside Fafnersvik
Allies Near: [member="Ærin Firebrand"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"] |
Enemies: The Undead
Gear: Combat Armour | Blue Bladed Lightsaber

Glancing around at Firebrand’s command, he smirked gently at the primitive methods these Valkyri still used. No line of heavy firepower or flame-troopers or even Jedi – it was men and women armed with shields and axes, swords and spears standing amid the burning oil that looked just as deadly on the catapults ready to launch.

Following an imaginary trail from the burning oil, Connor looked back over to the steaming forest, still dank with evil and humidity from the blood and sweat and decaying bodies. The oil would devastate the forest, but that was a small price to pay to keep the Undead at bay and cooked.

Connor looked over his shoulder at the city, and knew most of those he’d stood by were inside. The guards on the tall towers had bows ready. He hoped the other side of the village was as well defended, because this could be a horrible case of circling the forces and attacking at the same time.

Watching Firebrand raise her sword and shout the rousing command, Connor simply stood still and held his hands by his side, watching and waiting.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Ærin Firebrand"]


No emotion crossed her face as she looked upon the seemingly endless snowland and the ranks of the Valkyri warriors. She remained silent whilst Aerin issued her commands and said some inspirational words to her riders. After all, it was the shieldmaiden's show and she seemed to know what to do.


To a degree, it reminded Kaida a bit of her time with the Angelii. Simpler days when they only had to worry about corsairs and slaver scum pillaging sacred Kaeshana. Now things were...more complicated, though in her heart of hearts she knew it had not been the 'good old days'. Well, the Eldorai had been less primitively armed, despite being behind galactic standard.


Still, they had ballistae and ready oil, guards on the tall towers and the wall had bows and flaming arrows to launch a hailstorm upon the horde. Doubtless many would still perish in the battle, but such was the price of survival in war. Her eyes were on the imaginary trail of the burning oil and on the forest up ahead, from where an aura of darkness and evil emanated. The Angelii went through some last-minute checks, checking her bolter, grenades and lightsabre. For some absurd reason she felt a strong craving for a cigarette.

 

[Darth Libertas]

Objective: Find the relic, Mind Rape!
Location: Tower
Allies: The Dark Side [member="Nima Tann"]
Enemies: Zombies

The tower was an ideal vantage point from which they would have a good view of the battlefield and the forest ahead of them. Ideally the zombies would be so busy fighting the Valkyri and Jedi that they would be unable to storm the tower and sneak up on them. If some of the undead actually managed to accomplish this, things might get complicated. However, that's why they had plenty of cannon fodder. Friends, allies, whatever.


"Name's Sumiko," the Atrisian replied after the Jedi introduced herself. She had looked upon the woman with something that might have been concern when it seemed she would not make it up the stairs and helped stabilise her, but then Nima managed and sat down on the ground when they finally arrived at their destination. Inside the tower it was rather cold and unpleasant. Judging by the cobwebs and the dust it had not been used in a while. Sumiko shivered in the cold, a chill running down her spine, but she did her best to ignore the feeling.


At Nima's query she gave Nima a nod. "Yes. Here," having said that she produced a flask, unscrewed it and took a deep gulp, then passed it over to Nima since the Jedi looked like she could use a drink. That done she sat down on the cold, hard ground and sank into a meditative lotus position, her sword by her sword as she slowly sunk into the Force. Needless to say in such a position she would be quite vulnerable to attack, though she was in better shape than Nima. Pulling at the tangled web of power, they filled herself with its energies as she stretched out with her mind, meditating to achieve the concentration needed to sway so many minds and follow the threads that controlled the zombies back to the source.


It would be like peeling layers upon layers away with a dagger. The siren call of the Dark Side resounded in her mind. Many a Sith - or Dark Jedi, for that matter - believed they could bend the Force to their will and master it. In this they were wrong, as far as Sumiko was concerned at least, for they were but a conduit of its power. The Force could as easily withdraw its favour from you as grant it - as it had done many times for both Jedi and Sith over the aeons. As she harnessed the power, she turned her gaze outward. Through the sight of the Force she could perceive legions of dark shapes amassing, in the forest, their auras filled with malice and hunger, about to pounce. "They are marching," she said quietly. Obviously it would take time for them to actually get here and be in range for the Valkyri to attack. Presumably they would arrive at the will of the GM, [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]. She removed a piece of paper from her bag, studying some notes written in an arcane script, then put it away and removed a knife from her belt. The one she used to cut her flesh for blood magic spells.

 

[George O Rourke]

Location: Fafnersvik
Objective: Defend Fafnersvik
[7/20]
With the busyness of the situation Grandmaster [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] was caught up with more pressing matters and had to leave in a hurry. However Master [member="Coci Heavenshield"] had not left, she had lost a lot of energy conjuring up the massive illusion that helped drive off the first round of the undead. "That was quite spectacular Master." He said with a large smile. "Are you alright though? It must taken huge amounts of focus and energy to conjure up something so strong."

Master Coci began pulling the snow from the ground, compacting them into snow cannonballs. They would be using them to fend off the invaders. George thought about how well it would work. He had his doubts. The snow if loosely formed would now have a lot less power behind it on contact. The snow would have to be compacted right down. Luckly they had an abundance of snow. No need to worry about running out. But the Masters believed it would work and George had faith in them. He watched Master Coci make a small snowball before throwing it at the Grandmaster. Hitting him in the shoulder. George couldn't help but laugh, they were such loveable people. Fierce and strong, but so loving and connected. It was truly an honour to serve under them. George picked up large amounts of snow, using the force to compact them as much as possible in his hands before picking up more snow and compacting it further, trying to fit as much snow into the size of a large cannon ball. "How does this one feel Master?" He asked Master Coci, seeing how his compared. "Is it dense enough? I don't want them to be pointless, like a small slap across their undead faces. That would be just embarrassing." He laughed as he gave the snow cannonball to Master Coci, ready to make another one.

 

[Nima Tann]

Objective: Find the relic, Mind Rape!
Location: Tower
Allies: Team Mind Rape! ([member="Sumiko Tanaka"]), Silver Sanctum and Friends
Enemies: The White Walkers

"Nice to meet you, Sumiko." She said as she started to concentrate on her remaining Force powers to reserve much for her job. The top of the tower was even colder than the planet itself and sitting to the cold concrete wasn't helping either, yet Sumiko seemed concerned about her condition as she tried to help her go up the stairs, yet it didn't mean that she cared about what was happening to her since they just met, it was a job and they needed each other to do that so she thought that was why probably. As she took strength from the wall of the Tower she placed herself in a more comfortable position, since it hurt her back to sit the way she was sitting before. It... was cold. Way too cold. And Nima... hated cold. She felt a shiver through her all body as the cold wind touched her skin. "Always the cold... Always..." She mumbled to herself angrily.

She nodded as the woman gave her a flask, it looked suspicious enough coming from a stranger, yet she didn't complain and took a little sip. It was death either way, cold or poison, or strange drinks. She heard that some drinks would help to fight the cold, and it was a bit working since the cold wind was slowly turning to a warm breeze, yet it was still suspicious. "What's this?" She asked, about the drink. She was always do first and ask later kind of girl, and always getting herself in trouble for such things. She hoped that it wasn't the case here. Yet being not dead yet, a good thing. Then she gave the flask back to the woman, no more questions asked, realizing that she had no gains killing her right here. Not right now, she needed her still. So she shook her head and concentrated on the situation as she heard her comment about the zombies.

She felt the suddenly growing dark aura as well, and this was a whole horde, a lot of darkness haunting towards the white of snow and ice, going towards the village where she felt the conflict between dark and light. Sanctum was fighting back. Yet it wouldn't be long that the zombies realize there were people trying to mess with their heads, so they needed to be extra careful, trying to get into the brains. "We need to be careful." She said, her voice was brave yet concerned. "One little clue and we are zombie meat." Then, she started concentrating on the horde, closing her eyes and immediately felt the pressure back from entering the hostile area, it was probably because she got a bit weak after using too much Force, yet it also confirmed the theory of an outside force besides the zombies own brains. She started to send forces like electrical pulses towards the whole horde's brains, it was a bit hard to enter all of them, so the pulses were not enough to fry them but to confuse them and realized that pulses were working since the pressure was a bit weakened, yet it was still there. Then opened her eyes again, not to get too close for the relic to catch her presence. "There, it will slow them down a bit."

"What are you going to do with the knife?" She asked to the woman, and it looked bloody enough, and the blood was fresh enough to be one of the zombies'. And the cold was back again, probably because she lost a bit energy sending pulses.


[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="George O Rourke"] [member="Connor Harrison"] @Others that I forgot

OOC: Sumiko and Nima are helping the Sanctum from outside by slowing down and confusing the Vinterbound

 

[Darth Libertas]

Objective: Find the relic, Mind Rape!
Location: Tower
Allies: Dark Side, [member="Nima Tann"]
Enemies: Zombies


"Atrisian green tea," Sumiko said curtly. Since it was a thermos flask the beverage should still be reasonably warm. Well, actually more like lukewarm, but better than nothing. "You could probably use a whiskey, but I need you clear-headed." Aww, wasn't she being nice? Well, actually she was not nice.


As for the tower, it was bloody cold. Normally Sumiko would have used tapas to regulate her own body heat so that she would feel less oppressively cold, but that was not practical because she needed to be fully committed to the mental immersion she was attempting. Anything else would mean diverting valuable energy and concentration and mentalism required lots of both. So she would have to endure as the cold wind swept across her skin. But then she had endured similar during her training as an Inquisitor. As in being dumped on an arctic island and expected to evade pursuers bent on capturing her, whilst barely having any equipment.


A tidal wave of darkness was flooding through the forest and across the plains of snow, sweeping towards the village. In her mind she could not see the zombies yet, but she could perceive their presence through the Force. It was a massive, amorphous mass of primal hunger and viciousness, savagery let loose. To her it was as if the individual vanished into the mass, but still the threads that bound them together were not impervious. Hundreds, nay thousands of interlocking threads connected them. Too many for her to follow individually, yet it was clear to her they must lead back to the relic.


She heard Nima's query and cocked her head slightly. "I'm going to use it to slice across my flesh until it bleeds and then harness the power of my blood for dark magicks," she said calmly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Keep up what you're doing. It's having an effect." She had felt the ripples caused by electrical pulses being sent through the primitive brains of the beasts. Not enough to fry them, but sufficient to cause confusion in some. More energy may truly overload the brains of the beasts.


Having said her piece, Sumiko calmly sliced across the open palm of her hand. The Elder Gods needed blood, blood was power and life...or something similarly dramatic. They certainly needed fresh blood, which was why simple using that from her old wounds would not work. As blood began seeping out of the open wound...it started to darken as Sumiko suddenly broke into a chant.


The words she spoke were ancient, far older than any of the Jedi, Valkyri, Eldorai and so on. Perhaps older than the relic, or contemporary to it. A scholar of arcana would recognise them as the tongue of the ancient Sith. With every word she spoke, she seemed to be growing in power as darkness washed over her. Her eyes seemed to have turned obsidian as she spoke eldritch, forbidden phrases.


With her mind she stretched out towards the beasts, joining the assault of Nima. Individually the zombie's mental defences were very weak. However, fused into the psychic hive mind they were reasonably strong. It was her theory that the connection worked both ways since the relic fed upon it. Mental daggers born of the shadows silently began slicing through these so very fragile threads. A great many of these daggers would be repulses, but enough would get through as she exerted the power of her mind. Their object was mostly to confuse the creatures, but also weaken the bonds between them. Bit by bit, step by step, she would peel away at the layers of resistance. Some zombies would have their brains fried by the experience, others would suddenly fall upon their brethren or simply be dazed and unable to move. She could feel another dark power sweeping over their minds, trying to push out the influence, which was presumably the relic trying to assert control. Good, it was being drawn out.


Concentration clear on her features, she exerted herself to envisage to tendrils of darkness. Their object? Seize the minds of the beasts and pull them into her web. This would be the next layer once they truly attacked, though she would not strike with them yet. Minds would be swayed to her influence and the mental phalanx would break, opening up the pathway towards the relic. There would be lots of resistance, but she would be able to deal. The mental barriers of the beasts would be at their lowest once the actual, physical battle began.



[member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Connor Harrison"], [member="George O Rourke"], @others


((Starting full mind rape onslaught when the attack begins))

 

[Baalagor]

Objective: Defend Fafnersvik
Location: Fafnersvik
Allies: [member="Ren Colvet"], [member="Connor Harrison"], SSC
Enemies: Vinterbound
(4/20)

A slight smile and a shake of the head was her only immediate response. "Rest assured I can still hear just fine despite being sightless." Her tone wasn't critical in the least, instead patient and purely conversational. "I would recommend rest, no matter how energized you may be feeling. That isn't to say that you have to sleep, but replenishing your strength through meditation wouldn't be a bad idea. I don't mean to frighten you, but that wasn't the last fight you'll face today. There will be more, and they'll likely last far longer. You should rest yourself." Reaching out with the Force Syala extended a friendly warmth towards him in an effort to assist him in calming himself.

Taking a breath she exhaled slowly, clearing her head and drawing on the ethereal to rejuvenate her energy. With that same energy she stretched out to touch on Connor's mind. He was nearby, something that eased her conscience innately, and safe as far as she could tell. But still she spoke to him telepathically nonetheless, knowing it would give him some peace of mind. "Be safe, and don't push yourself. There isn't any sense in hurting yourself unnecessarily." Even in wartime she was constantly looking out for and reassuring him. "I believe in you, Master. May the Force be with you." With that she allowed her presence to drift on the edge of his subconscious, a remnant of the bond that always connected them.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

Location: Village; tower
Allies: Silver Sanctum Coalition and the Valkyri
Enemies: The Walking Dead
Objective: Defend

No activity yet from what his eyes could using his rangefinder to enhance his vision. However, his HUD contradicted the naked eye. He already had IFF tags from everyone inside the village, but he was beginning to receive more that was from the forest full of damnation. Slowly, the undead walked towards the mass of the Village. It was either the combined smell from the army of Thurion that attracted them or the ones that weren't slain followed the living. It didn't matter what method they were using to locate them, what mattered the most was to defend this village from the living dead. Only a few were here that utilized modern technology and that wasn't going be enough to fend off these fiends. Surely, some neighboring town would do their best to send warriors to reinforce this poorly fortified town, but it was doubted that reinforcements would arrive unless they wanted to risk themselves to the Forest.

Orar'bev still in his hands ready to be used to knock off the head of a Vinterbound. While the Mandalorian took watch he would sometimes would see from his nest to know what his allies were doing to prepare for the undead. Some were going through each house to see what they could use for their advantage while others discussed of strategies and tactics. But just recently as a Valkyri officer began spreading the news to others of the official strategy they would be using the Rally Master frowned and could just think of what he just registered. Never had he or any Mandalorian he knew used nature against their enemies. Throwing snowballs at the Vinterbound was something he doubted about, but desperate needs called for desperate measures.

Unlike most of the soldiers participating to create snowballs Vilaz stayed in the watch tower. He wouldn't need to alert or yell to everyone that the living dead were visible and out of the Forest. Orar'bev would be the bell alerting everyone as thunder would roar once a bolt was shot out from it. He returned his gaze back to the forest and waited for the Walking Dead.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"] [member="Nima Tann"] [member="George O Rourke"] [member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Lief]

Her senses picked up on something untoward, and she saw one of her fellow Jedi likewise stiffen up. The others, too, had noticed it, though they had done a better job of hiding their reactions from the others. Mysa took a tray of mugs and carefully brought them to the children who were now all gathered around the deck of cards. She settled down the tray for them to take from, before turning and glancing at the rest of the evacuees in the room.

"Come here a moment, Mysa." That was the head of their team; Mysa stepped over to where the man was stood, careful not to disturb anyone in the process, and peered upward. Her neck had to crane in order to look at him properly he was so tall! The man spoke in hushed tones, so quiet that she knew there was no way that anyone could hear him. "Keep them calm" he said, and from the corner of her eye she saw his hand shift to his belt and grasp at the hilt of his lightsaber. Without warning he left, with two of the other Jedi in tow, leaving Mysa and one Jedi Knight alone to watch over everyone.

An old woman, having watched the two Jedi leave - and presumably spotting the lightsaber - began to raise her voice with a cacophony of questions, none of which Mysa was well suited to answering. "Everything is okay" she said, as the other Jedi took up vigil beside the entrance. "They are just trying to get a signal to contact the other evac-teams." It wasn't entirely a lie, because they were doing that, she knew... It's just that they were also checking for any signs of disturbance around the bunker.

More voices rose up, and Mysa began to feel a little overwhelmed. People wanted to know where their children were, their loved ones, but there was no way for the little girl to know. Suddenly all the sound died down and she could see in their expressions a look of pure dread. Turning around slowly she saw one of the Vinterbound, this being her first real encounter with them despite how often she had been on Midvinter. The color drained from her cheeks, yet as the creature knocked aside the Jedi guarding the door Mysa knew she had no choice but to stand her ground.

The closer he came the more Mysa forced herself into a calm and serene state. She could very well die here, she knew, but at least it might buy the other Jedi more time to recover from their positions on the ground and come to the aid of the evacuees. "Stay back" the little girl ordered of the undead being, her hands moving out as though to block him. Instead she felt the build up of serenity release from her, projected towards the being. It was flung backward, toward the door he entered from, and Mysa stood there trembling trying to catch her breath. It only took the thing a second to recover, but by that time she had launched herself forward to take up the discarded hilt of a fallen Jedi.

As the Vinterbound came careening toward her Mysa hastily activated the thing and without any sort of precision she held it aloft. The thing fell on her as the lightsaber cut through layers of flesh and singed its cold flesh, pinning her to the ground and knocking the air from her lungs. She wasn't entirely certain what happened next, but a few moments later she was being picked up off the ground. She felt nauseous and the back of her head hurt something fierce. One of the Jedi who had left the bunker just minutes earlier was standing over her, the other was dragging the limp lich outside, no doubt to burn the thing before it could rise again.

The other Jedi, the one who had initially been knocked aside and whose lightsaber she had wielded, was calming the evacuees. And one other stood guarding the door.

"Let me see"

Mysa blinked in confusion. See what? She shook slightly, adrenaline and shock coursing through her system, and gently the man tipped her head forward so he could see the back of it. She felt a sharp pain as he parted her hair and exposed a laceration. "Don't worry, we'll get you fixed up" he said, reassuringly. But Mysa did not care about her own wellbeing. "I hurt it" she said, her voice oddly dull and her eyes wide. "You did" he replied, "and now it will not hurt anyone in our care." Mysa's lip wobbled slightly. She didn't want to hurt anything! "But Jedi are supposed to help and heal, not hurt..."

The Jedi sighed slightly, and moved to be behind the little girl to get a better look at the cut. "Sometimes a Jedi must, if it is in the defense of another. If you did not subdue the threat, and if we do not burn the remains, many of the people in this room would have died, or worse. Things aren't always so clear cut, Mysa, we cannot be objective in our duties, because the Galaxy is naturally chaotic - what may be the right choice in one situation may not be in the next. Now come on, let's clean you up."

Mysa frowned, this was a lot for a child to take in.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Objective: Defend Fafnersvik

The idea of a Jedi Master on his knees rolling up huge balls of snow may seem ludicrous, but given the situation it was a necessity. The spray of snow from his wife glanced off his shoulder and got caught in his beard, causing him to let out a laugh. If possible, this only served to make him love her even more; she more than himself was able to lighten up any situation simply by being. As he finished the projectile he'd been working on, he got up on his feet and wiped the melting snow off his face while stepping towards her. He grabbed her by the wrists and planted his lips upon hers. "Light of my life," he told her with a smile while sprinkling a handful of snow over her head. But the moment was short-lived due to the sounding of a horn which grabbed his attention. "Finish up the one you're working on, then make ready." Thurion then went to find Ulfgaard.

"Not ours," the large warrior spoke with a shake of his head, then pointed out towards the surrounding forest. While they were out in the open, the undead used the forest to their advantage and kept out of sight while mustering for the final assault. "They're here. Man the walls!" His command echoed across the settlement followed by the briefest moment of silence before everyone got into position. "Ulfgaard, get some men to shore up the gates. We cannot let them get close to the civilians." The burly man nodded and slammed his fist against his breastplate. "When this is over we will celebrate in the company of men, or among the Gods, my lord," he spoke before returning to his men.

Stood atop the gatehouse, Thurion observed the Vinterbound crawling out of the woods in unison, actually forming ranks. Quite the difference from the ambushing party they encountered earlier. It seemed that despite having lost their humanity, they retained some semblance of tactics. It mattered little to the Grandmaster, who now drew Snowfall and addressed the defenders, Valkyri and Jedi alike. "Stand tall, brothers and sisters! You not only fight for your people, your culture or your beliefs - you fight for life itself! These creatures seek to take it from you and all those you hold dear!" He held his sword high. "Those of you with fear in your hearts, know that without fear there can be no courage! Now rise, Guardians of Light and Warriors of Winter, and let Death and Despair have a taste of steel!" A united, deafening roar answered the call to arms among Valkyri and Jedi alike as the undead horde approached.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZTkg8GGEOo​

​

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Ærin Firebrand"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Vilaz Munin"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"]​

 

[George O Rourke]

Location: Fafnersvik
Objective: Defend Fafnersvik
[8/20]

As George laughed at the joy brought between husband and wife a horn went, crashing the moment and taking the Grandmasters attention. As they prepared for the battle ahead George made his way up to the top of the wall. Watching as the horde of undead sat somewhat organized and ranked. It was a worrying site. The ambush was enough to push them to their limit, but now the brainless undead stood unified, together as if a strategist had organized them. It was truly worrying.

As the Grandmaster took the attention of all around, Valkyri and Jedi alike he spoke some truly inspiring words. As he pumped up the warriors and the Jedi a huge roar bellowed from all around, and George was no different. Letting out a huge roar of his own he felt the force flowing through him stronger than ever before. It was time to face the undead head on. His lightsabers and the guidance of the force would be what gets him through his battle.

As the time had come the undead began their march to the city the walls would not hold out for long so George thought it would be best to take them before they reach it. As they moved closer George took a few steps towards the edge of the wall and leaped off towards the undead. Doing a somersault midair he ignited both his blue and green lightsaber, the first time he had unleashed both the Ocean Light and the Ocean Breeze at the same time. As he gained momentum as he headed towards the ground he swept both blades around in an arch as he hit the ground, unleashing a huge amount of force energy like a bomb hitting the ground creating a shock wave levelling the undead close to the impact zone. As George stood up form his kneeling landing he felt the Vinterbound solders charging at him. The force located each and everyone of them around him, George knew where they were and he knew he would need all his strength to get through this one.

George began swinging both blades swiftly and precisely, parrying income weapons and swiping at the undead cutting a dicing them up. George continued to spin making it easier to control the situation leaving no gaps in his defence. The undead kept coming he slashed and sliced them all slowly but surly. Until his blade was parried. Unsettling the Nautolan he jolted back ending his spinning leaving him open for attack. But George thought quickly instead of going high and attacking their chests he decided to spin the opposite direction swiping at their legs. Bring them all toppling down. Especially the big fierce one that had stopped his attack. George noticed he would have been one of the higher ranking officers of the Valkyri before his unfortunate demise. Non the less the skill he would have had prior to his death was emulated by his undead controller making him a difficult adversary. Even with his legs separated from his body his height almost equalled the Nautolan and he continued to fight like he had never even lost his legs. Swinging an axe in one and and a sword in the other it was an almost even matching. The enemy had hordes of undead helping and George was currently alone outside the walls. He had nothing but the strength of the Jedi behind him. He would use that to his advantage. Eventually disarming the enemy officer and with one quick strike his undead head was separated from his torso.

 

[Audren Sykes]

Objective: Defend Fafnersvik
Location: Fafnersvik Walls
Allies: The Silver Sanctum, Valkyri Natives
Enemies: Vinterbound
Post: [4/20]
Gear: QQ-15L-3 | QQ-83n | SMG | Lightsaber

Audren didn't spare much more than a few glances back into the village, but the results of those puzzled him. Many were rolling up snow, packing it together. That would have made sense if they were fighting living organisms, as a hard-packed snowball would do some damage if it hit hard enough. Bigger ones could knock someone down and knock the air out of them. These enemies were Vinterbound though, they supposedly didn't need to breath and didn't get knocked out.

Thurion's shout of "man the walls" had the fighters scrambling to do so and everyone else running for cover. The Padawan, already on the wall, frowned and peered down his scope while panning, looking to see if he'd missed anything. There was the barest hint of movement at one end, and he oriented on it just in time to see the first of the Vinterbound shamble out of the woods.

Frelling Force powers, he really needed to figure out how to do that.

His first instinct was to open fire right away, but something told him to wait. Much to his surprise, the undead stopped short and formed ranks instead of immediately lurching to attack the settlement. The situation was becoming more worrisome by the minute: they'd displayed a bit of tactics with the ambush in the woods, now they were displaying coordination by forming ranks. Were both done simultaneously, the Vinterbound would be a more intensive threat than they already were.

From the top of the gatehouse, Grandmaster Thurion drew his sword and gave a short pep speech. It resonated well with all those present, even Audren. Unlike many of the others however, he didn't shout in reply and had never turned his attention from the gathering undead. George O Rourke was first out, the fool of a Took impetuous Nautolan somersaulting over the wall to land in the midst of the Vinterbound. A massive burst of Force energy rippled out from the point of impact, one that even the Sephi could feel. It pushed many of the undead back, allowing the Nautolan to unleash a whirlwind of lightsaber blades until it was stopped by one particularly large Vinterbound. He recovered quickly, but was eventually stopped again and forced into single combat.

That's when Audren's blaster started sounding.

The angle was advantageous for headshots, so even though the Padawan wasn't explicitly aiming for the heads the bolts hit there as often as not. Those undead that were hit in the head dropped instantly, what remained of brains and nervous systems instantly flash-boiled by the bolts. When they weren't, they were at least forced back by the impacts, keeping them from swarming the Nautolan Jedi while he focused on his opponent. Once that duel was over though, the Sephi turned his attention to the ground in front of him. Several Vinterbound had managed to close with his section of the wall, demanding immediate attention. Bursts of blasterfire painted craters in skulls, but before he could finish the blaster ran dry. He had one last gas canister available and reached for it while ejecting the expended one. Before he could slot it in place however, an undead hand grasped the top of the wall and began pulling the body up.

With a speed borne of panic - he hadn't anticipated one of them making it up to his ledge so quickly - the Padawan dropped the gas canister and blaster to sweep out his vibroblade. The metal blade cut through the wrist and sent the zombie falling back to the ground while Audren's right hand plunged to the pistol he'd brought as a 'just in case' measure. Looking over the edge of the wall, he centered the pistol on the fallen's head and pulled the trigger. This one felt different than the SMG, and the results were different as well. There was far more impact and the snow even melted for a bit around the impact. Two more shots took care of the remaining Vinterbound, knocking them to the ground with a finality the blaster just couldn't. Then both blade and gun went back to their holsters as the Sephi went to reload his blaster.

 

[Ren Colvet]

Objective: Defend Fafnersvik
Location: Fafnersvik Walls
Allies Closeby: [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="George O Rourke"]
Enemies: The Undead
Items: Lightsaber (Green), Black Cloak

Ren nodded in agreement before turning around to look for a place to unwind like the woman had recommended.

Wait.

He didn't even know her name, quickly, he turned around and asked with rapid speed.

"I'm sorry what's your name again?"

​After receiving his answer he briskly walked back to look for the niche he had spotted earlier, only to find that another Jedi had taken it in his absence. He sighed, of course that happened, Ren was always the unlucky guy, it had always been true, even when he was a ki-

Something hit his face, nothing hard, but, it was something, Ren looked around his surroundings to find the Heavenshields playing in the snow. He raised his hand to his head where the object of question had landed.

Yup it was snow. Then, Headmaster Thurion went up to Master Coci and kissed her, but before he could let out a drawn out awwww. The two were interrupted by a loud horn. Being just as surprised as the rest of the temporary residents, he listened in on the conversation between Master Thurion and one of the men.

The Undead were attacking.

Ren looked around for Connor, he needed to stay close to the Master.

Wait, no.

Connor's words echoed in his mind, he was right, now was not the time to hold back his power and cower behind the elder man. Now was the time to fight, apparently, two other Padawans had the same idea, a blonde one, and a Nautolan, with surprising grace, both leaped over the walls. If they could do it, he could too.

And so, with an unexpected boost of energy, Ren leaped into the air and on to te other side of the wall. Quickly, he charged alongside the Nautolan and stormed into the crowd, while slashing and hacking his way through the thick hoard, he was not going to let this village fall.

And he was not going to die today.

(Theme For The Hoard Attack)​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxBA0zUgNRg​

 

[Vakarian]

Objective: Defend the Town
Location: Fafnersvik
Allies: [member="George O Rourke"] [member="Ren Colvet"]
Enemies: The Vinterbound​

Post: 5/20​

​

Long have the voices of the dark plagued his mind, and long has he withstood their cruel promises - yet, no span of time withstanding the darkness could have brought him the faintest idea of the position he would be in now; on a world of Ice and Cold, being assaulted by the undead with the same darkness within them that was speaking to his own fears at this very moment.

"Let us help you!" he could feel his resistance failing with every syllable that entered his very thoughts. He could feel the darkness welling up inside of him, the strength that it offered him with his acceptance. Sapphire orbs filled with indecision danced across the assembled forces that he had arrived on the planet with. His mission had been to aid the Valkyri in defense of one of their towns - a town being assaulted by creatures of their own variety of darkness. It was as his eyes found their way to the Grandmaster [member=Thurion Heavenshield] that he took pause and watched in silence.

He saw the purity and true passion between the Grandmaster and his Wife - Master [member=Coci Heavenshield]- and it brought a smile to his face. If such good could exist within such turbulent times as now, why couldn't he fight back the Darkness? What power did it hold against the light, aside from the manipulative play upon the fears of those that did not follow it?

"No!" the voices whispered into his mind in panic and fear. They could feel his resolve strengthening and the briefest flicker of hope rising in the furthest reaches of his mind, hope that Good could overcome Evil, hope in a better future, hope that the Light would defeat the Dark. But, still, the dark held his mind in its iron grip and refused to let him break free from its bonds.

Coryn stood as the horns of battle rang out across the icy expanse and the village, signaling that the time had come - their fates to be decided in a single battle, fear crept into his mind only strengthening the malevolent presence that resided there already, but its dark whispers were drowned out by the resounding voice of the Silvers Grandmaster and his rousing battle speech.

As the words of the grandmaster crossed his mind, he could feel the Light seeping from them and fighting the darkness within his mind. He pictured a clash, very much the same as was about to start outside the gates, going on within the walls of his mind. A battle between the Light and the Dark.

"Fear is not a weakness, it is the lifeblood of Courage." he spoke to himself, even as the fighting had started. This revelation was what he needed to free his mind of the grip of the Dark, and he could feel his hope and strength returning with the flood of light and peace that entered his mind.

"I am a guardian of the light. I do not fear the dark." he repeated the two simple sentences in his mind over and over, his own personal conduit of strength. He felt new power revitalize his limbs and heart, and he leaped into action, joining the others on the wall - to assess and decided where he would be helpful. The ancient Valkyri sword flashed in what little light reached its blade, causing a brief aura of silver to glow around the blade.

He watched in silence as the battle commenced around him, his eyes turned as a battle cry was issued in challenge against the approaching creatures, and he watched as a nautolan leaped over the walls of Fafnersvik and met the undead in fluid and graceful combat. He watched in slight amazement as the other jedi moved in effortless ease and sinuous maneuvers. As the nautolan struck down his opponent, another figure entered the field below, one who seemed far younger than most who had come to aid the Valkyri, the youngest of those that Coryn had seen himself anyway.

With a force guided leap of his own, Coryn was on the outside of the walls as well, his legs tucking in as he hit the ground in a roll that brought him back up in a standing position. He charged the Vinterbound alongside the two other padawan, severing the head of one with relative ease before parrying the attack of the next as he swept its legs out from underneath it.

He opened his mind to the Force, to allow it to guide his actions and to keep a constant awareness of the other two jedi padawan near him. The ancient Valkyri sword flashed and sliced through the air as it met the decaying flesh and bone of the Vinterbound, and his eyes filled with a fire of focus and determination to win with every strike that met its intended target.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]

The sound of the horn made Aerin's head turn. Immerging from the surrounding forest comes the Horde, gathered in numbers and organised. They will need to cross the small field, clear of trees but sloping down to the village walls. Everything is in readiness, the first line of defense for what it would be worth, will only need the flaming arrows of the archers to ignite, at least it will make the Horde break formation if they wish to get around it.

"Archers ready!", she ordered, as she too took her bow and nocked the flaming arrow. As the Horde neared, "Fire!", her fingers uncurled to release the tense string. A thick line of flaming arrows cut through the air, a collective hiss sang as the arrows plunged into the cart and barrel and the flames erupted swiftly running along the line of the piled up wood.

"Riders of Rildonmark! Break to flank, left and right and to glory ride!". The warriors of the Mark, galloped full speed around the defense and into battle, mowing down any in their way, swords and arrows carving through the undead. There will be losses .. many of her Clan will fall but songs will be sang of their deeds, of rider and horse and weaved in the tapestry of Clan Sabina.

To the woman behind her she turned, "Shall we?", she asked over her shoulder. "That fire is not yet an inferno. If you need to dismount do so now". Aerin's mare shifted, eager to charge into battle, but not yet.