Hunting the Hunters (open)

[Banir Ironwood]

Summer 5th Morning, 512 AV

As the morning sun breached past the horizon and settled upon the Base Camp, a pair of heavy foot falls moved in the dirt. A large young man walked in the morning light, taking in the fresh air and wonderful sight of the surrounding jungle. Standing at six foot with enough muscle to be intimidating, his Vantha eyes shifting slightly in the light. Coated in his usual dirty green coat, adorning the iron armour, face hidden under hood and scarf.The dull grey amour crawled down his right arm, entrapping it to the tips of his fingers. Only his rage filled, deep ruby red eyes could be seen in the shadow of the hood. Banir walked through the camp, not particularly caring who was up or who would be woken by the shifting of his armour. His grey armoured boots clunking their way towards Centroc's Supplies trade wagon. He had been here a few days and had gotten lost many times before. Thanks to the many helpful peoples within the camp he had managed to find his way. Though it had taken him a while to actually speak with some of the people here, he had found that the best man to talk to in terms of supplies was Centroc. Having heard much about the man, the most prominent information that stuck in his mind. Was that the man gave discounts and items on the first try to capture citizens free! Considering he wasn't a rich man, this would be great and much needed. And as he finally approached the trading wagon he had to stop and stare for a moment. His blazed red eyes examining the size of it, if his face wasn't hidden, the world would see his mouth agape.

As he shook off the sight of it the large man began to walk closer to it, seeing the entrance he peeked in. Hoping to find the owner he browsed the wares, finding himself curious on several items within. With peaked interest he found himself lingering in the front of the wagon, looking at all the items from all around Mizahar. The smells and sights were amazing to behold, he wondered how many others had done business with this wagon. What race where they, who they might have been, how many? That last one was easy to answer, thousands most likely had traded miza for product. His thoughts where cut as he found what he would need. Seeing the prices he swallowed a little. Though he wasn't stingy, he did know that every miza counted. But the first capture pack was free, but once this one was used up then he'd have to start paying. After a few moments of thought, he decided on what to get for his pursuit of the citizens in the fog. The capture pack seemed to provide everything he would need, the other items would cost more if he got them separately. So really the pack would be perfect. Though brute force was his greatest advantage when facing enemies. He'd need a little more tact when confronting larger or stronger citizens. Though he didn't like the idea too much, he may need assistance. Perhaps he'd just start with smaller targets, once he was really good, he'd try going for bigger game. With a few friends on his side of course. Though not the brightest man to walk on Mizahar, there was no way in the name of Izurdin would he be able to go head to head with a Jamoura. At least not with all his limbs attached.

With the pack in his armoured hand he looked about, leather creaking as it struggled to hold the armour in place against his large body. Startled as he realized the keeper of these goods had walked up behind him without him noticing. His heart beat in a mad beat, he could feel his muscles tense, ready for a fight. Panicking a little he felt sweat move across his brow, tracing along his hidden scars. Worried that he may be thought of as a thief, Banir quickly mention to the pack he held. Quickly he stumbled his words, the rough voice he owned not lending a helping hand to the situation, eventually however he managed to explain himself to Centroc. With an awkward and rough thank you, he made his escape. As he regained control of his breath, he noticed he was running, the boots clad in metal where pounding on the ground. Quickly he brought himself to a light jog. Focusing on regulating his breath, and picking out a destination. He hadn't had anything to eat so he made his way to the Mess Hall.

[Asher Salvatore Arc]

He could only stare wonderingly around the Base Camp, thoroughly pleased he had found peoples of any kind though aware of the mild suspicion in some of the creatures eyes. And what creatures they were! Strange they should fascinate him so when he was aware of odder beings that populated the Taldera region. But he only smiled vaguely, his eyes showing precisely how empty his thoughts (and head) were. Although every once in a while he would stop to converse with a person or object that caught his eye.

He found that it was not exactly easy to find many who spoke fluent Common or any Common at all and more often than not his habit of asking himself questions and others questions at the same time was backfiring on the conversations. Out of simple curiosity and much like a child Salvatore found himself mimicking the Jamouras movements and mentally trying to work out the bone density and how their muscles moved the weight and stance they took. Hunched for humans but obviously straight for them and yet it was painful to stand in such manner.

“Well, I’m thinking I could go for a bite.” Absolutely. I’m half starved. I wonder what they serve here. A quick survey of the people around him, “Greens? I suppose so. Animals would not be a high on the list of easy to catch. Do Jamoura even eat meat?”

Reaching the mess hall Salvatore realized it did not really matter and set about finding some grub. His search was hinder though as something shiny caught his eye. The shiny happened to be a person, a person clad in near head to toe of armor. “Going on a question, then?”

It was a simple remark, no mal-intent behind it save for idle conversation as the waited in what seemed to be a decent sized line for breakfast. Lacing his fingers behind his back he began to rock lightly on his heels, mumbling every once and while about the armor the man wore and making intriguing stories of why the man wore it and what he planned to do with it.

“Ah, another question forms.” Yes, like where am I? “A mess hall in Taldera…in a forest.”

[Apos]

Apos only lay there at first. "Another nightmare" he murmured. Unlike most however, he wasn't completely frightened or turned away from such visions. He somewhat invited them, taking the violent movies into consideration, at least they'd given him something to think about whilst he made his way out of the longhouse. He'd died at least 20 since the season began. He blinked sweat out of his eyes then ran his right hand over his skull, feeling the stubble of regrowing hair. Uncomfortable and displeased he reached for a knife by his bedside and opened a self-made container of mushed leaves, oil, and mud. He poured some water in the mixture then smoothed the spread over his head and ran his knife from front to back, only stopping when could feel no more gel on his head. The lean Myrian cleaned up and stood pursing his gear to his body. A comfortable, sleeveless leather breast piece, black pants, and black boots. He tied his leather weapon's harness around his waist and stitched his weapons to their rightful positions. He reached under his pillow and grabbed his goggles, and pulled it over his head, slapping the eye pieces on his eyes to protect himself from the gods forsaken sun outside. He flung open a curtain, walked outside, then up and over a hill. He eyed the mess hall and flexed, stretched and worked some soreness from his body. By the time he'd reached the building he'd came up with a few tasks to give himself for the day, but overlapping them all was the urge to hunt. Perhaps it was instinct, perhaps not. Either way, it didn't matter, he didn't plan on refusing himself much longer this want. Apos felt that he needed to play a larger role in the reclamation than what the CE provided. Granted he did enjoy the guild's company and all they offered, he still liked to branch off and go out with others. Moving his 6'0 frame through the threshold, he gave the space a cursory glance and what caught his eye among them all was a man bearing heavy armor. "Iron." Apos said to himself. He looks as if he's getting into something today, unlike- he looked around quickly again, perhaps missing some and perhaps not "-everyone else." Cold and calculating, Apos refrained from saying anything to him just yet. Apos didn't know his intention, but he figured in a place like this where almost everyone was here for the same reason, it wouldn't hurt to ask. He moved to the very short line where beverages where being offered and grabbed a cup of sadsa. He found a seat in the thick of the crowd and sat down, raising his tattooed arm to bring the cup to his lips. The hot liquid went down smoothly as he decided to have words with him before he left and for the moment kept to himself as he looked to his left and nodded to out of politeness to the man he'd sat next to. He thought on the face he'd seen and commented to himself- Sky blue eyes and scars. Interesting.

[Banir Ironwood]

Each foot fall thumping as he slowed from his jogging to a walk, controlling his breath. Steadying it and calming down from his recent burst of adrenaline, he steadied his himself. He had an eerie feeling like someone had just been watching him. Not like casual watching, but staring, observing him and his movements. He didn't like the idea of having someone studying him, but in the base camp he doubted that someone would be dumb enough to start a scuffle here. But something that did peek his interest, if someone noticed the pack he had with him. Then maybe they'd be interested in helping out with his hunting, he may have to run back to Centroc for more supplies. If he could get more people, not only would the chances of success rise, but so would survival.

He needed to focus on what he was doing for now, first comes food, then comes hunting. Looking around the Mess Hall as he entered, moving he stood behind a shorter man. Holding the pack in hand he could hear the man talking, but he had no idea if he was talking to himself or to the people around him. With his face hidden the expression of confusion was lost on all but him. The man before him seemed to be either delusional, stupid, or he just hadn't had company in a very long time. Whatever it was about the man, something put him off, ironic given the calm and relaxed vibe the man had. Quickly he began to realize that one of those about 'going on a question?'

With no idea of what he meant he vocalized his own question, and mild concern. "I'm not sure, what you mean, and if you, don't mind. Are you alright?" His rough voice moved past the slight muffle of his scarf, almost sounding like he was in pain every time he spoke. This man was drawing up more concerns than he though possible. The eyes that peered out from under the shadow of the hood began to shift in colour. Moving from their usual rage filled red to a curious orange, like the same from a fire. Although he didn't feel threatened by the man he felt his reflexes on edge. He'd been in enough brawls to recognize if someone had fighting skill. The man in front of him had little or nothing at all, he was was way to relaxed.

Moving along the line he picked up his drink and plate of food. Listening to the man in front of him speak at random, he definitely seemed off. If anything he was distracting, talking and rocking o his feet. He felt strange just to be near him, his eyes where caught when he noticed one of the large Jamoura helping out. Through he had seen many before, that feeling of great respect filled him once again. How such large beings could be so gentle, intelligent, and powerful. Banir's mind was quickly drawn back to the man before him though, realizing he may have missed an answer.

[Asher Salvatore Arc]

The question didn’t surprise he vaguely recalled trying to engage the man in conversation but it had fluttered away with his own musings. Besides the armour looked superbly strong, he wondered again if it would hold under surgical tools, if it would make a good surgical tool and why the man lumbered around in it. It looked hot. Focus! “Right then, questions, questions.” Not mine, his!

“Ah! I knew that.” Looking back towards the man he abruptly stopped his rocking and nearly fell face first, “I’m fine.” Whether it was directed at his near fall or the question wasn’t made entirely clear nor did he elaborate as he began to drift forward in the line.

“Would you look at those goggles?” I am. Their looking at me and the shiny gentleman. “I know that. Odd don’t you think?” Because I have room to talk? “Point taken.”

Looking ahead of him he glanced down the line and to the seats around them, noting he was almost next and did not even know what he wished to eat or if he was even hungry anymore. Though a low rumble to him his stomach knew precisely what it desired. Once more making it so the amoured man was in his line of sight Salvatore smiled lazily, “Care to sit with me? I don’t much like greens though.”

For a vet he did eat a ridiculous amount of meat but it did not seem likely that many would go hunting, wait…why don’t I hunt again? “Can’t carry a bow or any other sharp object.” Because I’m terrible at it and would get eaten too. “Right then, do you like hunting?”

This question was directed at his newfound companion (willing or not it seemed) and he casually waited for the other to gather his food before trumping towards the be speckled man. His mother had always told him he needed to talk with others more than himself if it was at all possible, besides, he was beginning to annoy himself. Sliding in rather casually he looked around as if suddenly uninterested in either men and humming a bit and chances were he probably had forgotten about them and would continue to be lost in his own world until they spoke.

[Apos]

Apos eyed the pack in the equally large man's hand as he moved through the line, getting food and drink. Looking from the pack to the shorter man near him he listened to his chiming, wandering whom he was talking to or if he had a split personality. He'd seen such things before, that didn't mean it wasn't irritating however. He looked at him and listened as he made his way through the line himself. He grabbed a hardy amount of bread and enough cheese to suffice for the amount of bread he'd grabbed. He looked over the bar again and retrieved his cup of sadsa. He began to walk over towards the warrior with the Hunter's Pack before he heard a question chime from the man he'd been next to previously. He wasn't one to be particularly rude and the tone of the voice sounded as if he was directing it towards Apos, so although indifferent he turned to answer, walking towards the other man while talking. "Like is an understatement." Apos started, his shaky baritone voice rumbling their vicinity. "I love hunting. Of prey, predators...humans." He said as he turned to flash him a sarcastic smile. Such a gesture would suggest to him that it was a joke. If only it were. Apos saw previously that it seemed that he'd taken interest in speaking to the armored man also, but when he looked back at him he seemed to be...in his own little world. Apos just barely rose an eye brow in response, and turned back noticing he was at the table. He sat his plate and cup down, and slid onto a seat. Sitting in a diagonal position from the armored man, he took a sip of his ale and sat back, looking at him and saying. "Now you wouldn't be carrying around that Pack just for show now are ya? That'd be quite disappointing for those looking to get into something today. Of course, if you're looking for company." He leaned up and thought to extend a forearm in greeting, but doing so across the table would look silly and unprofessional. He just said his name instead. "Apos of the Rampant Tskanna."

[Banir Ironwood]

When the man speaking, mostly, to himself answered him. However Banir wasn't exactly convinced on the man's mental health or otherwise. But since he seemed to pose no threat to anyone or himself, perhaps it wasn't that bad. Annoying maybe, but he had faced far worse before, from a young human girl who's mouth never stopped moving. Giving a light shake of his head he moved on. As the line moved he made sure he had enough meat on his plate, a little bit of bread, and some greens. Not exactly a balanced meal, but it should provide the nutrients he'd need for the hunt later today. Taking a cup of water with his plate he followed the man before him to a seat, the pack now slung over a shoulder.

The men in front of him where discussing something, breaking from his thoughts to look at them. The man with the goggles was giving an eerie smile, however it didn't instill fear in Banir. Instead he felt guarded, and cautious, his eyes changing back from their curious orange to their lethal rage filled red. Though he wasn't good at making making friends, he preferred to at least have allies. The man with the goggles, it was clear he knew how to fight. He had the stance, he'd been in enough brawls to recognize a fighter.

Finding his feet moving on their own he looked down, sitting by him would be the man that kept talking, diagonal was the man with goggles. It was better than no company perhaps, as he sat down the bench gave a hefty groan. Thanks to his mixed blood, his body was more dense than most other races. Though not quite proud of what he was, he was at least grateful that he could take more damage than most. His plate and cup made softer sounds on the hardwood as he set them down. With his armoured right arm he picked his cup.

Before he would remove his scarf and turn away to drink he heard someone talking to him. Turning his head to set his red gaze on the goggled man, a bit of his scars exposed in the light, the gap where a section of his upper nose had been. Accompanied by his stare he smirked under his scarf.

'Apos of the Rampant Tskanna'

It was a strange name but he had heard far worse before. Taking a deep breath, and gathering his words. He didn't like to talk often, namely because it hurt so much. But regardless his graveled voice came forth. "I am Banir, Ironwood. I am planning, on helping the, people of the Spires. Company would be, appreciated." That was all he could muster for the moment, his throat was starting to burn a little. Turning away from them he pulled down his scarf and drank some water. He disliked showing his face, hopefully no one had seen him.

[Asher Salvatore Arc]

Catching the reference was not as hard as one would think and Salvatore eyes narrowed for an instant as he assessed the bald man. He hunted everything obviously but Salvatore made no comment, instead shrugging it off, none of it was his concern. Looking away he let his mind wander once more, instead thinking towards whether or not Jamoura’s had more humanoid

We are all introducing ourselves. I probably should as well. “Probably.” He agreed but otherwise made no move to introduce himself and instead watched the other two a bit more carefully. Especially at the prospect of ‘quest’ or something similar. Both were obviously seasoned peoples, peoples who had seen many battles of all kinds and they needed people. He was not one of those people but maybe he could examine bodies more closely, find a dead species or two. Or end up as one of the deceased. “That is a distinct possibility. But irrelevant.” Death is irrelevant. “Bound to happen sooner or later.” Alright, so what was I do before? “Right then, introductions. Nice to meet you both, I am Sal.”

“And what exactly is this adventure you need help with?” That is an important bit, need to know how fast I’m going to die. snorting lightly Salvatore poked around at his food gently before nibbling here and there. He wasn’t really a big veggie person. I haven’t eaten anything in a while though, I should eat properly. “I’ll wait till they have proper food.” Picky. Ignoring the comment he returned to watching the others and began chatting idly with his plate for a few chimes before coming back to the present. Tapping his chin thoughtfully he leaned towards Banir, "When exactly are you planning on going on this venture?"

[Apos]

Apos listened to him as he spoke, absorbing details and the two in front of him alike. Banir spoke as if it pained him to speak, though. Apos relaxed his eyes behind his goggles, looking through his eyelashes as he listened. He didn't know if it was natural or of injury. If it was from an injury, which strike could have such a long lasting effect on a man, even as big and obviously strong as him. Which strike...which strike.... His speculation could be moot however, for all Apos knew, Banir could simply have the common cold. Either way, it was irrelevant to Apos. He was no medic, therefore he couldn't be much help. What he could offer was a blade, however. He nodded with recognition when he said his name and waited for him to finish before speaking. "Then company you shall have, Banir Ironwood." He said warmly. Soon after he spoke he heard the other man say, what must have been his name among the other comments Apos had filtered from the conversation he was having. When he got a chance, he may, if still interested, ask him who's the other guy in his head. He had a close friend in Sunberth with a similar split among himself. However, his other half was pure evil. Although he wasn't an angel himself, Apos knows he would have been better off should he'd been able to rid himself of that demon within. Now, he had no idea where he was. "Well Sal," Apos said, his shaky baritone voice starting up again. "I'm guessing we're going hunti-err capturing." He corrected himself, smiling reassuringly. "As for the time of departure...well that's up to our good man Banir here." Apos was being unusually open at the moment. When he'd usually be in a state of solitude, and only said a few words, he'd found himself lately being very optimistic and open. Maybe he'd began to figure out that part of him is what was scaring everyone away.

ooc- sorry for the wait, been out of town.

[Banir Ironwood]

Listening as Sal introduced himself he ate his food, his head was bowed low over his meal. Moving his scarf he shoveled in the efficient meal he had chosen, forcing down the greens he distastes. Though he lacked a few other food groups he would need to keep it balanced this would do for a quick meal. It'd give him the nourishment to make sure he didn't run low on energy when chasing down his prey. Once everyone was done introducing and talking he he covered his face again and sat upright. Though he just ate he could smell the food still being cooked. It made him hungry all over again, as the big guy shifted in his seat a little he looked at his new companions.

Looking at Sal he picked his words carefully, moving his wide shoulders to face the man. Red furry fueled eyes looking into Sal's blue, though his eyes showed rage they betrayed the real man that hid behind them. "I need, help taking down, citizens. I'm going to, need plans, for taking down, larger citizens." He needed a break, his damaged throat, taking another deep breath he looked at the men. "So long as, I have these, things then I, will be set, for a hunt. I plan on leaving, as soon as possible."

His attention shifted to Apos, sizing him up almost. Though Apos lacked the looks of real muscle he could more than guess that he had the training to make up for it. If he was coming with him, he'd most likely be the guy to ambush the prey. From up high would be the best bet, not many animals look up when chasing or being chased. He shifted in his seat again and so his attention moved on to Sal. No fighting skills that he could see, but the man was, if anything good at getting attention. Though not exactly the best kind of attention. Perhaps that could work to an advantage if it was used just right.

Taking in the air once more, he could feel his dense bones shift with each movement under his tough skin. If he did take these two others with him, he would have a grater chance of success. He just hoped neither of them would end up slowing down his efforts. However so long as they got along enough, the only issue would be dividing up pay.