Harvest.

[Nightmare Moon]

http://www.thestarwarsrp.com/forum/showthread.php?40537-Red-Puppet-Rebellion&highlight= <- My character Melody AKA Rebellion.

Actually being in the small town of Halsberg is like stepping into another age. The place gives off a rustic charm that speaks of the farming communities of other ages. The houses are made of wood , the window panes coloured glass and the agriculture is managed in large fields that surround the town instead of the massive greenhouse and biodomes that other more modern communities have adopted for millennia. One can even see scarecrows dotting the landscape instead of the watch droids that big businesses prefer when not faming in a dome. The population here is friendly - a mixture of Humans , Sephi and Togruta and their calm and peaceful attitude almost makes me forget why I am here. That reason being of course the rumours that the cult of Moloth has set up business here. I have never had personal experience with the cult but from what I hear whenever they stick their demented heads bad things begin to happen - of the murderous and paranormal kind. This fits as apparently there had been 7 recorded disappearances reported in Halsberg in the in the past 2 months. From what I read however the cult always has a goal though .If it is here it is after something. The locals who I ask all seem to be terribly upset and just as confused as I am and generally end up asking me if I am with the police in which case I tell them no just a curious bystander and make my quick escape.

Eventually I decide to climb one of the beautiful green hills that surround the town to get a better look at the place. I take my droids The World and The Magician with me. Both are formidable in combat in their own ways and both have been tested before. Not that I really expect to be ambushed here. It is far too tranquil. There are birds singing everywhere and the chirps of cicadas almost lure me into sleep. As I reach the top of the hill I am slightly out of breath. Puffing a bit I look round. The view is stunning - if more tourists knew about this place then it would be packed in the week. The only thing that mars the beauty is a massive ravaged stump on the hill which fills me with feelings of sadness when I look at it.

 

[DeathToll]

- A Good Side of Evil -​

The Republic shuttle, A Silver Night, swung along the horizon as it found its landing and gave forth its fearsome warrior of peace. As he stand tall from the pressurized air, spitting and whining beneath his feet as the grueling engines powered down, his very presence demands a stillness. His hand finds the small steel pocket watch at his thigh and flips it open, dangling from two points of linked chain off his belt. He remembers its meaning, its closeness to his heart; not a possession, but a reminder for as long as he should have it. Gifts weren't often taken by this Jedi Master, once not even willing to hold the rank of highest amongst Jedi of servitude. It was not in his nature. But here he was, looking to the sky of days past legend. Once there was a friend...

AbdAas, dark in his age beneath the long gray robes and large concealing hood, began his journey alone. His was to entertain time, a purpose for which he only admitted to the more advanced of individuals. And time had returned for him, as it always did. The nearly one hundred and twenty year old Sephi walked with the hails of angels, wailing under every crushing step. Wisdom had come at a price, for him. And he bled for every loss through the cracks of his sandaled feet. And though he had not come to morn any new transformation into the Force, but rather had come to seek out a memory in the hands of his caring pocket watch, he could not shake this heavy turmoil on his mind.

With little time to waste, the Master Oriatius replaced his archaic watch to lap and found his stride towards objective and looked to the scenery with pleasure through aged eyes. Arch to grassy blade, each step shall find the hammer's stroke closer once more.

 

[Nightmare Moon]

As I see the figure approach up the hill I am struck with the feeling that I am in the presence of one of the gods of old. His white hair and long beard give him a sense of dignity and the power around him is almost tangible - even to one such as I who is non force sensitive. If this is the head magus of Moloth then I am in immense trouble. But there are no signs of malice from his person and the wildlife if anything seems attracted to him rather than repulsed as with one who has dedicated himself to the dark powers of Boga. If the cards will it I may even have a powerful ally.

"Excuse me sir my name is Melody and if it is not to much trouble" I speak my voice nowhere near as steady as one who has faced the terrors I have should be. "Do you know anything about an group who call themselves the Brotherhood of Moloth? I hear that they have a rather large presence in this area."

As I talk I give a small bow. It's not my usual mode of behaviour but it seems right given the circumstances. The World and The Magician follow suit bowing their mechanical heads to the methuselah.

 

[DeathToll]

His cloak rolls in the breeze, as the Sephi lifts to a statuesque bearing atop this hill's highest point. In profile to the other, AbdAas does not turn to him right away; though close enough to give off a beaming white aura, eyes like steaming white-hot coals.

"Greetings..."

The Sephi slowly rotates his somber face to the blue-haired female, as if time held no dominion over his actions, and his eyes glare with the fires of judgement; eventually giving to a similar and equal bow as he continued.

"..Melody. I am AbdAas Oriatius, of the New Jedi Order."

AbdAas dove his hands into the sides of his face and pushed his hood back to his shoulders, revealing even ore of that magnificent glow. He switched his shoulders towards the woman, as he was beginning to see opportunity for disaster.

"I am unable to admit that I do. And yet, I am troubled to think there might be a connection to why I am here. Might you have heard of a Jedi Master Sage Artemis Acre, known to inhabit these parts? I have come to see him about a ...an important matter."

AbdAas was not so foolish to trust just anyone with his visions, and so keeping the sight of growing bark, like stretching toes, and chopping limb, like axe to bone, to himself for now. However, there was no doubt in his mind that if his old friend new about this Brotherhood of Moloth, that Acre would have found himself tangled up in their business. He was known to AbdAas as a great practitioner of Morichro, and a wise user of the Force. He often spoke with AbdAas about saturation points and the abilities known through the 'Unifying Force'.

 

[Niklas]

"Landing sequence engaged, sir!!!", my electronic companion blared.

"You didn't have didn't have to yell, I'm right here in the cockpit with you."

"Apologies, sir."

The large freigher touched down. Matthew got up from the control panel, and walked over to the boarding ramp. Slamming down on a big red switch, the ramp descended,and Matthew slung his rifle over his shoulder as he walked out. He equipped his earpiec and pressed the button to link up with Fixer." Stay on the ship. We'll stay here for a few days, get repairs..."

Matthew continued to walk into the town.

The town was a reminder of the days of old. Matthew liked that very much. Matthew walked about, finding his way through. Something didn't feel right. Something was wrong. I can't quite put my finger on it. What's up with this place? Matthew started to get a little paranoid. I can walk through Coruscant knowing something's wrong and go on calmly. Am I being watched? Certainly feels like it. Matthew looked behind him.Nothing. However, Matthew did notice something. Not a pursuer, but two out of place individuals. Matthew looked around, and found a nice perch to get a better view with. It was a bell tower.

Walking , then breaking into a run, Matthew leapt up onto the wall of the building. Climbing up, exposed brick by exposed brick, he reached a flagpole. Wrapping his hands around it, he swung with a somersault to another, and got to the perch. Reaching the bell area of the tower, Matthew took a seat, and observed.

 

[Nightmare Moon]

Master. I have never met a Jedi master before only padawans. My already awkward disposition becomes no doubt even more so - though AbdAas is polite enough not to make a big deal out of it.

Artemis, while I haven't heard of any Jedi by that name around here I do in fact recall hearing the word. I think for a few seconds before mentally kicking myself. Artemis hill is the name which the locals have given to the very place we are standing on. "Master AbdAas" I begin "While I have never met master Acre might is be more than a coincidence that this place is named Artemis hill?" The Magician one of my two accompanying droids created with enhanced senses motions to me and points to something by the stump that I seem to have missed up until now. I motion to AbdAas to join me before brushing the heavily grown moss off the object revealing an old stained commemorative plaque sitting near the front of the stump bearing the legend "Here stands the great Sage Artemis Acre may his roots grow deep and his branches shelter our village from all storms" Rather puzzled by this I turn to Master AbdAas to see if he can draw anything from the inscription.

 

[DeathToll]

'Artemis Hill'...? There was no coincidence, as the Sephi's eyes widened to realization of that fact. But why would there be a hill named after his fellow Master. AbdAas was present at Acre's ceremonial ascension to the rank of Master. Being among one of the few races that outlive all others, AbdAas had known Acre since before he became known in certain circles as 'the Green Sage'; termed so due to Acre's love for nature, most especially trees. Had he done something for this nearby village, saved some unfortunate family or preserved this hill? For Artemis would not of his own will be the type to embrace renown.

But then, a flash set AbdAs' senses ablaze. That figure, angelic in its halo of light yet heavy of its judgement through that wounding stare; the reoccurring vision of but a millisecond in timeless deviation struck him hard, yet lingered through memory thereafter. The Master Oriatius looked around, taking in their surroundings as his steps blindly followed Melody towards the plaque. He could never quite get used to that image, as much a memory as a dream every time he saw it. But he had come to trust that feeling, acting as if nothing happened, secretly wondering if he was being monitored. However, there was nothing in sight. But that did not keep him from raising his guard. So, he returned his focus back down to Melody as she finished reading and looked up to him. This whole thing was troubling ...odd.

"Artemis..."

AbdAas folded his arms, covering his mouth in disbelief as he tried to play off the reaction by stroking his beard and spreading his stance. The way he spoke the Masters' name seemed somehow in past tense. Oriatius was surprised, and it took much to surprise him. He was holding back, unable to share his fantastic hypothesis. But in searching for the words to replace that unspoken theory, AbdAas found himself awkwardly silent. It was clear he was not speaking his mind. And so he had forced himself into confession. He'd not be able to hold back what was so clearly being held back. He opened by connecting the dots, more for himself then for Melody.

"...'May his roots grow deep'? ...'and his branches...'? Artemis, truly, you are the great sage of nature's metamorphosis."

 

[Niklas]

Matthew watched carefully as the two conversed. The blue-haired woman motioned to...A stump? What the hell does a stup have to do with anything!?!?Matt couldn't understand. Matthew noticed the odd pair of droids with the woman. That's no model I've ever seen. The old man looked rather disturbed, but he made that a bit leas apparent. Matthew kept feeling paranoid. I think I can risk a closer look.

Dropping down on the ledge, Matthew looked below him for another ledge, but he found a rooftop. Kicking off the ledge and dropping to the rooftop, he landed with a hard roll. Carrying his momentum, he leapt off the rooftop with a somersault and landed in a kneeling position.

Matthew stealthily approached the group. Their talk became audible now. He continued to approach, until he made eye contact with the droid. Well, there goes stealth... Matthew considered possible diversions. None seemed plausible. This was a droid, and an EMP would be too loud and too obvious.

Matthew waved at the droid and smiled.

 

[Nightmare Moon]

Natures metamorphosis? Wait could that mean that the old master was? With the hint from AbdAas the information began to fall into place. "Sir if you mean what I think you mean then we need to do something fast as the cult of Moloth most probably has your friend" This situation has taken perhaps one of the strangest and most disturbing turns it could have. Rembering back to the countless hours of reading occult manuscripts I know that masters who have metamorphsised into such a state are incredibly powerful and that if bent towards evil the destruction they could cause was immense. Without the presence of one such as AbdAas then I could do nothing. Sometimes it seems fate plays strange games with us.

That’s when The Magician spots someone watching us. The World quickly goes to intercept the intruder pointing one hand in his direction deadly energy ready to be unleashed at a moments notice. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" I ask. The young man looks pretty normal for a cultust but looks can be deceiving.

 

[Niklas]

Matthew didn't speak yet. Waiting and taking a non-combat approach seemed appropriate. Matthew unslung his rifle, and placed it on the ground. He proceeded to also place his pistol and other weapons on the ground, and slide them over. As he did so, he began thinking of the right verbal approach for this one. Matthew raised his hands to about rib-level. Matthew started to speak.

"I've been watching you. Surprised you didn't see me. That bell tower was pretty obvious." Motioning to the droid, Matthew started again,"What are you gonna do? Kill me? Not likely. Killing me has a down side. This place'll be levelled flat if that's the case. A ship with a highly modified self-destruct sequence is near. If I don't return there by the end of the week without calling in, or if my vitals are zero for 48 hours, boom goes the dynamite."

"I think I've made it pretty clear. So, anyhow... my name. My name's Matthew. Matthew Bane. I just touched down to get supplies , refuel and repair. We sustained quite some damage on the way here. Well, if you don't mind me asking, who are you and what are you doing here?"

 

[DeathToll]

"Indeed..."

AbdAas cuts into his own unnecessary embellishment of the situation in answer to Melody, realizing that his instincts were right on once more, as he simply kept his arms folded with his back to the eavesdropper; allowing Melody to take full charge of this moment as he listen in. AbdAas snuffed a silent chuckle through his nostrils at Matthew's bold claim. The boy knew how to negotiate for his life, apparently wielding experience in that field. Though AbdAas wondered, at the expence of the moment, whether or not the area could be evacuated in forty-eight hours or if his ship could be hauled out into space.

"You wished to be seen then, Mr. Bane?"

The brilliantly white Sephi Master turned around to face their new 'friend', eyes glaring in their natural state with dark charcoled skin accentuating his glow. He unfolded his arms as he turned, placing hands to hips that separated his dark cloak with the lift of his elbows and revealed the pearly white robes beneath; but not the lightsaber that hung at his hip. Standing just off of Melody's shoulder in open display of unity to the newcomer; to someone who did not know them, Melody and AbdAas could seem to be life long friends.

"Or is it that you presume to know something about us? In fact, I am not in the business of killing, though I cannot speak for droids which do not belong to me. I am AbdAas Oriatius. And I have come in search of a friend."

And then it hit him. AbdAas' mind focused on Matthew's admission of sustained damage on the way here. But that simply would be too convenient for his ship to have been attacked by this cult. Anything he might know could be of use to Marisa and he, however. And so he must address the possibility.

"...Were you attacked?"

 

[Nightmare Moon]

I am not a murderer. I have killed yes , but only to save the lives of the innocent. That and the things I have killed have been the stuff of nightmares - insects wearing the forms of people and soldiers so tainted by the darkness they were no longer human. That would be nothing like shooting an unarmed man. I also realise that Master AbdAas could most probally easily sense if he had the taint of darkness in him that was present within cults such as Moloth's foul servants and would have given warning. I give both The World and The Magician the command to stand down and they lower their weapons. Abadas's presence is reassuring and from his actions I start to believe that the old sage is perhaps the best ally I could have hoped for in the situation. I start to speak "My name is Melody - I am sorry for pointing arms at you but as you may or may not know there is a dangerous cult here and one cannot be too careful. I believe the masters question to be a good one and that you should perhaps tell us all you know." Mathew is clearly used to getting into tough situations though I wonder if he has any idea of what he has just got himself caught up in now. What’s more if his ship is damaged he will have to stay here until nightfall which is no doubt when the cult will attempt to utilise their new 'captive'.

 

[Niklas]

"Attacked? Yeah, I was attacked. Not Alliance, nor was it the Imperium. But theyhad even greater firepower. Had to land here. Wouldn't have made it very far. There were so many of them. There were so many... But that doesn't matter. I survived, right? I guess that's the most important. My droid, Fixer, is with the ship, so the ship should be alright."

Matthew paused for a second. Wait a minute... Did she just request that I tell her everything? Hell no. Not until I know I can trust her. Matthew became uneasy. He looked behind him. Sure enough, nothing seemed to be there. Matt had his back to the group, and his hand on his pistol. He was nervous. Matthew started to here static in his earpiece. He swore out loud, in fear.

"There's a problem. If what I'm hearing in my comlink is static, then there is a big kriffing problem." matthew stopped. He started to tear up slightly. "Fixer either just dropped his built in comlink, or he was disabled. Which would mean that my ship is being taken over. Which means my entire arsenal is gone. Including that bomb. Which can be reprogrammed."

He raised his arm to Melody. " And if this so-called "cult" is running around behind our backs, and they've tampered with the bomb, then we have a potentially dangerous WMD. I hope to god he just shut his comm off."

Matthew started for his ship, and turned to the group."Well? Are you coming or not?"

 

[DeathToll]

This news was disconcerting. Neither Alliance nor Imperium, yet even greater? And AbdAas could not shake Judgement's gaze still, watching him with that disturbing spite that only he could suffer. AbdAas continued to sense Matthew's unstable feelings, impressions of thoughts AbdAas would not yet attempt to read. But his notice of what the Force was telling him was what kept him on his toes. And then, Matthew confirmed those disturbing waves of note. Something was indeed wrong, and events were unfolding all around them. AbdAas looked to Melody before following after Matthew, making sure she was prepared to advance into danger with him. He would not allow danger to swoop down on her if within his power. Something about her, deep down, was honest and pure; whether she yet realized it or not.

With her concent to face the danger, AbdAas then followed after the talkative eavesdropper. There was little time to spare now. Lives hung in the balance. And it was AbdAas promise to do what he can, here and forever. Life, every one.

"Lead on then, Matthew."

Using the fellow's first name was an attempt to make peace in this time of desperation. They would need to work together if this ship had been taken over by the cult. And his friend needed him now. Even when Acre disagreed with AbdAas about ...'her', Acre stood by AbdAas' decision as a friend. He owed him greatly, for more than just that.

 

[Nightmare Moon]

As we begin to walk towards Mathews ship it begins to grow dark. I think to myself that it is perhaps a bit early for this as I am sure we still had a few good hours of daylight left to us. The scenery has taken on an eerie aspect with what was once a rustic and beautiful area becoming archaic and sinister. The scarecrows in the fields seem to be watching us as we go by and blue foxfires are starting to dance on the road visible but never coming any closer even as we walk in their direction. As I think about what is to come I can only imagine what it is like for AbdAas - after all this is his friend on the line here and the current state of the are seems to indicate that events have taken a turn for the worse. Perhaps this is the curse that all those who survive to his age must bear , watching all your friends either die or become monsters before your very eyes. Matthew to is unfortunate in this situation. Unlike AbdAas or I it seems like he has had little to do with the occult and this will defiantly be throwing him into the deep end. His survival skills seem rather good , I can only hope that they hold out till the end of the night.

As we get nearer to the ship I can hear chanting. I look to my companions to see if they are ready. Behind me The World and The Magician both begin to charge their weapons. The ship comes into view and figures in red cloaks adorned with gold weave can be seen in front of a massive bonfire that is casting eerie shadows and though it makes me sick to my stomach is being fuelled with writhing figures. The cults magus looks up - a crazed old man with wild eyes and points his ritual sickle at us. From the side of the ship comes a massive hand made of gnarled wood. The cultists begin to fall on their knees as the great figure begins to come round the side of he ship. I draw my guns as I step back though I know my personal weaponry will do little to something as powerful as this. I have to put my trust in my companions and my droids and perhaps begin to pray

 

[Niklas]

"You've gotta be kidding me..." Matthew's jaw dropped about a foot, as he saw the wooden monster arise from the earth. ... and there goes my ship.... Matthew brought up his rifle, and fired a few rounds at the magus, hoping they would hit. They didn't. A cultist charged him, and Matt sidestepped and clotheslined the cultist with his rifle. The rifle, however, was ripped out of his hand. Looking to his companions with a sarcastic smirk, Matthew dashed towards more of the cultists. As he did so, he was walloped in the mouth, and knocked to the ground. Spitting blood, he got a little pissed. Matthew jumped and kicked the cultist backwards. He felt his foot connect with the cultist's jaw as he did so.

Drawing his blaster, he took a few shots at another, connecting with the knee and shoulder. He rolled out of the way of a flanking attack and swept out the feet of his attacker. As his assailant fell, Matthew shot him in the head.Bullseye. Matthew continued to fight. He took aim at another cultist. Click. Nothing. Not even a hiss of gas. Matthew threw his pistol at the cultist, and watched him fall. He was running out of weapons.

All he had remaining was his detpacks and thermal detonators. The flamer was on the ship. If he could just get to the ship. He began to run, towards the ship, but a club connected with his knee. Matthew grunted in pain as he fell. The cultist drew closer. Matthew struggled to reach for something. Come on, come on.... Where... a stick... anything. Matthew picked up a rock, and bashed it into the cultist's face, in a coldblooded fashion. He struggled to get up. Now on his feet, he considered how such a beast would be defeated.

 

[Orphen]

The tree-man rose up high, taller than the ship, lookinf down on the cultists, and down on everything with a look of complete and utter disgust. his eyes flaring as he saw the former Jedi master, memories came to bear, and as if wook cracking so rapidly the creature gave out what could only be considered a roar. load enough to cause all of the nearby cultists to hold their ears in pain, as the closest cultist had their eardrums explode, liquid falling from the sides of their heads as whatever deity they thought they had brung into the veil of the earth was benevolent, or at the very least on their side...

but it wasn't

The wickerman took a large step forward, the cracking of wood could be heard deafening those around it, it's massive foot crushing its worshipers beneath it. Taking another step, the creature was out in the open. It saw nothing except the former Jedi grandmaster, the giant in the force, the only thing here capable of equalling himself. Were anyone empathic, raging feelings of hate, jealousy and spite, radiated from the body of the monster. Followed by the overeoncompasing feeling of the dark side of the force. As it used force scream in AbdAas' direction. Channelling it forward like a cannon of kinetic energy able to uproot the trees from the ground.

This was just the beginning.

They were in for a longhaul.​

 

[DeathToll]

In reaching the cultists surrounding Matthew's ship, AbdAas could not believe what he saw. The massive figure lifting from behind the ship carried little to no likeness of this Jedi Master's once old friend. A weight of sadness fell over AbdAas' face as he look on in disbelief. He could taste the dark and bitter taint oozing from its bark, that the disillusioned cultists had warped Acre's life force so was wrong. And yet he still felt that familiarity between friends. It was Acre, or it used to be ...once.

AbdAas did not hesitate to separate himself from his companions, engaging Acre's twisted rage to focus it on him alone; knowing, without a moment's thought, that this responsibility fell onto him. But this achievement, such a transformation was a thing of legend in itself let alone this twisted and unnatural manifestation beyond all reason. AbdAas' first notion was to save his fellow from further pain, to ease him into tranquility. However, the billowing heat that radiated as darkness from the once Jedi began to sway AbdAas' hope in falter to his own wishes. But he had to try.

"Artemis! Peace, my friend!"

AbdAas called out as he sidestepped most of the cultists, expecting his companions to take on foes more their own size without dispute; as this Sephi Master had but one in his sights. With purpose, AbdAas made sure to give Acre a clear view of him so that this wicker man might not accidentally swing limb into primed ship made bomb. The beast furiously slammed root to bone as Acre smashed cultists beneath his might, and finally looked to AbdAas as he stood out in the open of dark pastures; lit as though he were already dead, standing in Elysium. And then, at the rise of Acre's emotion, AbdAas' heart sank.

AbdAas threw his arms back, shirking his shoulders that snapped his arms like the whips of lightning strikes, and swung his outer gray cloak round and into the air as it sail free of his arm in ruffling sounds of thunder only the gods could muster. The behemoth let loose a roar unlike any AbdAas had ever witnessed, leaving him no choice but to face dark power with a blind perception of instinctually gauging wisdom. His robe was nearly shredded instantly and torn through the raging currents past AbdAas, revealing the Sephi Master's right hand held out beyond the glow of white beaming equally as powerful through his reflecting glare. Utilizing a combination within the umbrella of techniques, AbdAas was defending against the abomination's screaming power as best he could; a blue hue forming a sort of nebulous shape like a massive reversed whirlwind that surrounded the Master in a horizontal plume, while he absorbed and took in the ferocity of its strength to fuel his own unyielding power.

His white locks fluttered back, the knots of metal clamps knocking together in his long hair and beard, as his pearly mediterranean robes began to slightly tear from the stress. A thick red ooze began seeping from his ears, though his focus was unwavering as the earth splintered around his feet with upheaval. Demonstration of lack of effect on the former Grandmaster was evident in a long patch of unharmed grass out before his stance. And further inspiring was the imbuing light that began to fill AbdAas' off hand in effect directly due to Acre's attack transformed into AbdAas' utilized energy. But he would not yet use it, for he clung to the idea that he could save Acre and repay the debt owed.

AbdAas' white eyes sparked with a brilliant white fire, his the trademark stoicism of a Master of Vaapad. He would continue to accept the fury of his opponent, even if that opponent was his friend. He had done worse, as Acre would remember if there was any shred of the Jedi left inside. For it was due to AbdAas' unwillingness to act that cost him his lover all those years ago, having killed his Master and then herself as the only way to cause pain beyond AbdAas' unyielding nature. He had refused to kill her in her fall. Acre had disagreed, but stuck by AbdAas in his decision. Curiosity would soon be answered whether or not Acre still felt the same way. AbdAas did not know if he would be able to allow himself to ...do such an unspeakable thing. Yet there he stood, in reflection of the thunder god himself; seemingly ready to hurl one of his life-ending bolts square into Acre, roots and all.

 

[Nightmare Moon]

If AbdAas is one of the gods of old then this beast is a titan. What is going on is beyond the reach of one such as myself who has come in so late to this tale of woe. However I cannot be distracted by these thoughts as Cultists maddened by the betrayal of what they believed would serve them run at me howling and baying for blood. I put one scythe wielding lunatic down with a shot t from my handgun Red Moth. As I walk forward more charge me bearing axes and flails. The World makes short work of them crushing everything it hits with its massive strength. Even then ritual knife thrown from a cultist manages to take me in the leg. Thought the would is a flesh one it is immensely painful and pulling it out causes me to scream as my droids defend me. As my vision clears from the pain I notice that the head magus of the cult is conjuring fire in his hand ready to hurl it at Matthew. The Magician lets a bolt of its own electricity from his hand striking the demented mage causing him to lose control making him an easy target for Matthew’s brutal tactics if he can get hold of him.

 

[Niklas]

Matthew smiled devilishly as the magus was foiled in his attack. Matthew , through the pain, sprinted with his broken leg and tackled the magus. He wanted to make this as painful as possible for him. Matthew got one square hook to the man's jaw, and felt it become slack on contact. He proceeded to stand back up. Matthew, standing up with the old bastard, got him into a choke hold. Matthew wanted to break his neck slowly, but didn't. Instead, Matthew proceeded to choke him, and as he did so, swept the magus's legs out from beneath him. The crazed mad man struggled, and scratched at Matt. Matthew proceeded to loosen one arm, and bring it down upon his chest. He felt the satisfactory crunch of a rib shattering. So he did it again. And again. He released the man, but still held onto his arm. He brought his palm upward against the magus's elbow, and blood had begun to spray as the joint was reversed and broken. Still having a grip on the man, and his adrenaline kicking in, Matthew proceeded to bring the man's face down on his own knee. The healthy one, of course. The nearly incapacitated man was weak. So, taking advantage of this, Matthew kicked the man's knees in. One after the other. The bent and broken man lie on the floor now. I wonder what would be a good finisher. Let's try something simple. Matt merely jumped, and felt a satisfy crunch, and then a pop. And that was the last of the Magus.