Plotlogs
The Big Bad Wolf Sr Aristotle
In the eerie stillness of the forest, Autumn and Harriet pursued the trail of the Big Bad Wolf—a stark white behemoth responsible for vicious attacks and grievous injuries. After discerning the scent and evidence of the wolf's recent carnage, they uncovered a mutilated elk and the gruesome remnants of its previous human and animal victims.
As they ventured deeper, the forest revealed itself as a macabre graveyard, leading the pair to the heart of the wolf's territory—a clearing with a massive oak tree surrounded by bones and personal belongings. The air vibrated with the threatening presence of the wolf, watching, waiting.
The tension escalated when the wolf revealed itself, a monstrous creature with intelligent blue eyes, a scar over one eye, and a frenzied demeanor. Despite Harriet's efforts to communicate authority through her demoniac language and demands for it to submit, the Big Bad Wolf lunged at them, targeting Autumn.
A chaotic struggle ensued. Harriet, armed with a rifle and platinum warhammer, rained violence upon the wolf while Autumn, employing her supernatural abilities, charged with a magically imbued, flaming khopesh. The violent assault on the wolf proved effective, yet it was resilient, managing to envelop the forest floor in quicksand, complicating the duo's efforts.
After managing to wound the wolf with their combined efforts, it used its supernatural speed to retreat, leaping into the trees and vanishing from sight, leaving Autumn and Harriet to extricate themselves from the quicksand trap it had created.
Defeated but resolute, the women agreed on the need for reinforcements to conclude their fight against the creature—a wolf so powerful, it was capable of wielding magic. The belongings left behind in the wolf's lair hinted at its potential return, an ominous sign that the battle was far from over.
And though the wolf escaped their grasp that night, it was clear that this was but a battle in a looming war—a war to rid the town of a creature so malevolent it was more nightmare than beast. Harriet and Autumn resolved to face the beast once more, with greater numbers and a fiercer resolve, for the safety of all.
(The Big Bad Wolf(SRAristotle):SRAristotle)
[Sun Jan 7 2024]
In The Forests Outskirting the Town
In the heart of the forest, where the shadows meld with the towering trees, lies a clearing. The air is heavy with the musky scent of the dominance of some powerful creature, an aroma that blends seamlessly with the earthy fragrance of moss-covered stones and decaying leaves. The ground, padded with the remnants of past prey, retains a distinct dampness. The colossal trees, with bark etched by the claws of countless transformations, stand sentinel like ancient guardians. Moonlight filters through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow on the remnants of skeletal remains scattered across the mossy ground. Beneath a towering oak, the moss takes on an otherworldly luminescence. Symbols, etched into the surrounding trees, hint at an ancient connection between the creature and the forest itself. The silence is profound, broken only by the distant calls of nocturnal creatures that dare not venture too close. The werewolf's presence is a tangible force, leaving an indelible mark on the very essence of the forest. Any intruder would sense an inexplicable mixture of dread and reverence as they approach, as if stepping into the domain of a primal force that has witnessed the ages.
It is night, about 31F(0C) degrees, There is a waning crescent moon.
OOC: Apologies for the delay. Starting now.
Word regarding this wolf, at least throughout the Order channels, spread easily once this wolf was reported. Impossibly large, stark white fur, and frenzied on a prowl as it found its way onto White Oak to accost a student, leaving her grievously injured. It'd even be reported from the Orderites that responded to it, that the wolf was unable to be apprehended, as it ran off once the group arrived. The size and color of it raised enough of an alarm, that it was tracked by scouts towards the southwestern forest. It hasn't been seen on Haven grounds since that most recent attack - perhaps it's waiting for the Full Moon again. Either way, stopping a potential problem by a being like this is paramount.
OOC: Go ahead and emote your entrances as you may on the road and we'll move in when ready :)
Getting off her mountain bike, Autumn walks into the forest, her weapons in her backpack and armor under her oversized sweater as she meets with Harriet. "Evening," she says almost quietly with a glance around. "I heard about white wolf, so I came to help."
Harriet has driven a ways out of town and pulls up alongside the old road where forest can be seen out both sides of her windows. The transmission is put into park and then she shuts off the humming, powerful engine and exits. Dressed up and looking ready to partake in a fox hunt, despite being on the search for an impossibly large, stark white wolf, she's actually in her usual garb for hunting things, and she heads into the forest. Autumn finds her a short while later, and she's surveying the area with her nostrils flared. A polite nod is given to the other woman. "Good evening, Autumn," she greets, bowing her head gently. "Thank you for your assistance."
The reality of there being only two: both Harriet and Autumn can feel the gravity of this potential situation - great care being needed to approach less grievous bodily harm, or worse, infection, be levied. The forests stand before them, dark as nightfall obscurest he view inside. What is not obscured is the scent and stench of death and decay - a familiar rotting one might know had they ever driven past roadkill with the unfortunate luck of having their windows down. Something decays in the forest, and the scouts report through their communications that what they're looking for lingers somewhere in that forest.
"No problem," Autumn replies with a nod of her head. She grimaces upon catching the rotting smell and turns her head to look out at the darkness of the forest. "We must be cautious." Opening her backpack, she gets out her bow and sheathed khopesh and strap them to her back.
There are no howls that come from the forest that would otherwise indicate this is even the right one aside from the scouts, and were there, no indication that it would be the right wolf. Life still sparks from within, though, from what they can see on the road in their preparation. A few birds are hawking despite the time of day when they should otherwise be sleeping, and the foliage ruffles as something darts through from deeper within, but moving away from where Autumn and Harriet are.
Harriet is well armed, and she carries both weapons with ease, like a one hundred and fifty pound, platinum plated warhammer is a can on Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. A rifle is hung on a shoulder, and her free hand comes up and tucks some stray hairs behind an ear. "Very much so," she replies to Autumn, and the weight of the issue at hand is far heavier feeling than that of her weaponry. "I would prefer if we could capture the wolf unharmed and put him through rehabilitation, but I fear that may not be an option," the Warden informs the Orderite beside her. As the howls can be heard in the distance, the brunette focuses her attention to where the rustling comes from. "Come now," is said in little more than a whisper to Autumn as she begins to move carefully forward. The rifle is taken up, and she readies it, moving up along trees as if they could offer her some sort of protection, slowly moving between them, and doing her best to be quiet -- but twigs and such still snap beneath her boots now and then.
The journey into the forest from what was once the safety of the road causes the stink of that decay to worsen. A sensitive nose unused to the smell of death would threaten to turn the stomach, but it isn't long before the source of that scent is revealed. On the right on the ground near a thin tree that holds massive claw marks - an Elk. It's been utterly torn to shreds, only recognizable due to the antlers it holds on what is left of its head. Interestingly enough, there doesn't appear to be any meat missing from the beast. Or, perhaps unaccounted for is the better term. It seems a vicious assault - one perhaps done for pleasure than for sustenance. It's insides are outside, and litter the ground. It's surprising to think about the damage to this animal in relation to the tree nearby that seems to have withstood a massive swipe of a claw.
With another nod, Autumn moves to follow Harriet and gets her bow off her back. "I suppose we could cripple it enough should getting it unharmed fails," she speaks in a low voice. She then finds the multilated Elk corpse and says with a squint of her eyes, "That is something no Earth animal could be able to do, as far as I know."
Harriet has a sensitive nose, but unfortunately -- or perhaps fortunately in this case -- it is not unaccustomed to the acrid tang of a rotting corpse. As Autumn follows her along, and they come up to view the elk, she nods solemnly. Her voice is still quite quiet, and she confesses, "It seems our leads are correct, and we are on the trail of the one we are looking for." Although it is burdensome, there is also relief in that fact after so many attacks have happened. Her breathing is still kept to a minimum, not enjoying the smell of death, even if she isn't bending over to vomit at the moment. "Yes, taking out legs might work."
From beneath what is left of the head of the Elk, looks like the remnant of a scratch mark, or paw print. The size makes it unmissable, and if one looks from the tree where that claw mark is, they'd find this one under it. Following it, at least visually, would reveal another paw print not too far to the west, suggesting a path to follow, if one doesn't mind stepping through viscera.
A little unfazed by the scent of death yet cringing a bit, Autumn notices the marks on the tree and ground and points it out with one finger. "Yeah, and we really must be," she tells Harriet. "We must remain cautious though. Wolf that huge could sneak attack us, unless white fur gives itself away in darkness."
Harriet's feet are fully protected in her very tall riding boots mad of that deep brown, premium leather. They look like she spends a lot of time taking care of them, but it doesn't stop her from stepping in through a messy array of internal organs that once belonged to a very large, gregarious deer. As Autumn points out the claw marks, her hazel eyes are searching all around, using her boot to push the skull of the dead creature a bit and survey the mark furthr. The claw marks are very concerning, drawing a deep frown over her lips, and then she nods. "We should be able to see him coming," is agreed upon the white fur likely being noticeable from a distance. She begins to follow the path cautiously.
Curiosity and duty motivate the charge forward. The claw marks and paw prints guide one deeper into the forest, and as they walk, breaking twigs beneath their feet are replaced with brittle bones. Some animal, but far more, human. A gnawed femur here, half-eaten skull there, and torn articles of clothing. Given the wolf population, many of which are unaccounted for, it's no wonder there are hikers who go missing. Most, likely, tourists who don't know like the locals do. Tourists who see NO TRESPASSING signs and do the very opposite. The stink of death gets worse, and it seems like if this is the sort of wolf that is aware of its behavior, it might be deliberately choosing to leave a mess for someone to follow, like it wants to be caught. Or, like it wants to warn someone away.
"With this much carnage, town will be in danger when full moon comes," Autumn whispers, treading through bones beside Harriet. She glances down at the ground and quickly looks back up as she peers around for signs of the white wolf.
Upon realising she is in a graveyard of sorts, Harriet does get a bit sick to her stomach. Her face pales, and the reality of the carnage is becoming very apparent. Boots are stepping on the remains of people, not simply a mutilated elk. Then the anger begins to sink in, and her lips press together so tightly that they begin to blanch. Her adrenaline begins to kick into high gear, and she can feel her heart pounding rapidly in her chest -- she can hear the blood pulsing in her ears. All she can do is nod to Autumn in response as she keeps her rifle ready as they move along.
The trail takes them deep into the forest, and it feels as though they're walking for miles. Their feet continually crunch on the remains of someone that once /was/, but is no longer - the path they walk built on the fear of someone who experienced their last moments in agonizing pain at the maw of a wolf, tearing them to shreds in such a way that would make a bear attack seem like a mercy. In the distance, this littered path of bones and remains take them to a clearing, and within it is a large oak tree. Surrounding it, littering in the clearing are more remains. Animals. Humans. Clothing. Debris - material possessions. There's a nest here near the oak tree, obviously made by an animal, and given the strands of fur on the ground, stark white from what the eye can see, they've stepped into a den or nest of this beast of some sort. They're where it sleeps. And eats. And where it tosses it's remains. But this wolf is nowhere to be seen. Yet.
When the duo arrive at the wolf's den, Autumn stops upon seeing the remains and her grip on her bow tightens. "This is like Hell," she whispers, "But this..." She then readies her hand and prepares herself should the wolf shows up.
Each and every snap and crush of human bones beneath Harriet's feet has her rage getting fueled, and it takes a lot of effort to contain herself and maintain composure. As she and Autumn make their way out of the forest and into the clearing, her eyes set upon the large oak tree and the clear evidence of too many murders to count. Her warhammer is set down, and she holds up her rifle as she takes in her surroundings, gaze on the lookout for the beast that did this. A small nod is given to Autumn, but the Warden is unable to speak at the moment, using all of her willpower to not get enraged.
What someone can see of the surroundings she takes in - claw marks on trees. Paw prints on the ground. Bones surround the area on bodies in various stages of decay - bodies left unburied and parents with no closure. There is shit on some of them from the waste expelled by this monster. The nest its crafted, where it sleeps, has some more kept belongings there - clothing, it seems, but the actual specifics of those belongings cannot be seen from where they are unless either one chooses to get closure. But...
The feeling of being watched cannot be shaken, here, this deep in the forest within the den of a monster. It's presence can be felt by both Autumn and Harriet. It is not seen. Not yet. But it is here... somewhere, watching them. Perhaps it clocked their scent the moment they set foot in its territory. Perhaps it's been following them instead and waiting for them to be in more familiar territory. Perhaps its smarter than what would have been assumed. Either way, the option of catching this thing off guard is no longer, as eyes from /somewhere/ in this den peer into them, watching. Waiting.
What Harriet can see of the surroundings she takes in - claw marks on trees. Paw prints on the ground. Bones surround the area on bodies in various stages of decay - bodies left unburied and parents with no closure. There is shit on some of them from the waste expelled by this monster. The nest its crafted, where it sleeps, has some more kept belongings there - clothing, it seems, but the actual specifics of those belongings cannot be seen from where they are unless either one chooses to get closure. But...
The feeling of being watched cannot be shaken, here, this deep in the forest within the den of a monster. It's presence can be felt by both Autumn and Harriet. It is not seen. Not yet. But it is here... somewhere, watching them. Perhaps it clocked their scent the moment they set foot in its territory. Perhaps it's been following them instead and waiting for them to be in more familiar territory. Perhaps its smarter than what would have been assumed. Either way, the option of catching this thing off guard is no longer, as eyes from /somewhere/ in this den peer into them, watching. Waiting.
Getting one arrow out, Autumn slowly draws it with her bow and looks around herself. She does not make a sound and glances at Harriet before she sees the nest. Her lips moves a bit, as if she's speaking silently.
This place is awful. Harriet's nose stings from the awful scent of decay and her eyes are narrowed as she tries to keep her anger in check. The demonborn turns slowly, having that terrifying feeling of something watching you... She knows it is there, but she's not seeing it. "Autumn," is almost mouthed silently, only slipping past her lips in a barely audible voice as she looks over to where Autumn is staring.
And then, there's the sound of something dropping to the ground behind them from the direction they came. It's heard only because whatever it is lands on the bones and twigs and skulls that litter the ground. It lands in a way that shakes the ground - in a way that breaks and cracks the fragile bones underfoot. And then, the sound of an exhale from a beast is heard before it is seen, expelling air in a huff that leaves it only to announce it's presence and reveal where it is before them. Whatever it is, which can safely be assumed to be the wolf, does not attack. It seems instead to wait for either one of them to turn around to spot it, first.
Autumn freezes upon hearing the sounds and slowly turns her head towards Harriet. "It's right behind us," she whispers very quiety towards the other woman, eyes widened. "What should we do?"
Suddenly, Harriet doesn't breathe anymore. It's like the wind got knocked out of her, but she hasn't fallen or been struck by anything beyond that fear of knowing your target is behind you after she's heard that heavy drop. Rather than whipping around, she's moving slowly, trying to appear non-threatening despite the fact she has her rifle up and ready to engage in battle. As Autumn asks the Warden what to do, the woman expresses, "We cannot outrun him," as they stand upon a multitude of previous victims. Still turning slowly, she says, "We want to help you." Her voice sounds hoarse the first time she speaks, but then she tries it again, and her words come out more clearly, "We want to help you. Please. We can help you."
The Wolf behind them - whatever it is doing is unseen. It continues to breath, the expulsion of air felt on Harriet who it is closest to. Every movement she does is watched studiously by a creature observing her body language. It does not stop her from turning. It does not stop Harriet from speaking. But it snarls at her words. Perhaps it doesn't like what it's heard. Or, that it does not understand. When Harriet turns, she'd see an massively sized, stark white wolf. There's a scar on its left eye, both a bright blue - intelligent. But, there's foam at its mouth, and though those eyes are intelligent, it looks like it might be frenzied, or on the verge of. If words are able to reach it, it gives no indication of such.
Autumn slowly turns to face the wolf, lowering her bow a bit as she examines it. "I don't think it wants help," she whispers with a grimace, taking one step back. "Nor negotiate and surrender itself."
Hackles begin to rise along the wolf's back as Autumn turns to face him, muscles rippling along underneath its fur as its body tenses. That foam and drool from its lips begin to drip to the ground, and breathing turns into a snarl which turns into a deep, heavy growl.
Harriet listens to Autumn's very accurate description of what the gigantic, blood thirsty wolf does not want. There's real fear coursing through her veins, but a superb amount of anger, and as she enrages suddenly, she begins to snarl right back at the wolf, but in the language of demons. "You will back down now!" she says in deep, guttural sound that are punctuated by clicks and hisses, primal and menacing, inherently sounding cruel and cold as the Warden is commanding the wolf to back down. Her finger is on the trigger, and she's ready to pull at any instant.
Harriet is ready to go into berserker mode.
Bright blue eyes narrow at Harriet's speech, ears twitching backwards at the sound of the clicks and hisses. It starts to move, but it does so slowly. Very slowly, it begins to move as though it were sitting down. And then, it lowers itself further as if on the way to laying down in submission. It is tense on all fours as it's lowered, muscles beneath the fur taut. It's eyes never leave Harriet. It's maw never stops it's incessant snarling growl, and that foamed up saliva never stops pooling. It waits. Or, perhaps, it's submitted. Either way, for right now, there is no advance or attack, but that menacing growl continues.
While there is a look of confusion on her face, Autumn watches Harriet speak and turns to see the wolf lowers down. "It sounds like ancient tongue," she comments almost silently, standing still but she remains guarded.
Harriet's voice has a powerful resonance as she speaks Abyssal and its naturally malevolent qualities come out through dissonant and unsettling tonal shifts. It sounds otherworldly -- and, well, it is, and would be intimidating to a human most likely, but maybe not a giant ass wolf serial killer. This doesn't seem like the first time she's used it on a wolf, though. "Do not dare to attack me!" She's intensely stanced, ready for this to go either way. "We came here to help you!" Despite her fierceness, she's claiming they are here to help, but that rifle stays aimed on the wolf as she's half sure he's getting ready to pounce. She hears Autumn, but she doesn't respond to her yet, hazel eyes locked on the narrowed blue ones of the monster before her.
The wolf continues to remain crouched, body tensed as if at ready - like it were calculating the perfect opportunity. Or... like it were actually submitting. The only thing really to go off of are the words that Harriet speaks, and the way this massive, feral wolf responds. Those blue eyes flick from Harriet's, to the rifle she holds. It continues to snarl and growl, almost like it were unable to stop, but it does not pounce. For now, Autumn goes unattended to, as the wolf seems to focus on the one closer, with the rifle aimed at it.
A series of sharp, hissing sibilants like the sounds of a serpent. They are very piercing, and the kind of noises that make skin prickle, but are also mixed with discordant tones and are interspersed with almost whisper-like sounds that are secretive and mystifying. Then the clicks make the language even more intricate as they punctuate the flow of words like some alien code while also providing a rhythmic quality to her speech. All the while, Harriet maintains her stance, not at all backing down as she gazes down at the wolf. "Lie down and stay down!" she commands him to lie and stay, like a good dog should. "Do not get up. Let us help you!" She cannot turn to look at Autumn, and has almost forgotten she has back up as she is entirely focused on trying to help the creature before her.
There's a chuff that leaves the Wolf, mid-growl. It sounds dismissive. Perhaps irritated, even, but the moment that sound is leaving its lips, it's pouncing. It's leaping upwards into the air, those muscles tensed for that period just priming a pounce, but it's not Harriet that it's aimed at - no, it's sights were set on Autumn. It's lept into the air over Harriet, likely taking a bullet depending on how quick Harriet's reflexes are with the trigger in the process, and it seems to move with speed that is obviously supernatural. There's a split second that Autumn would have to react, should her reflexes be sharp enough, to avoid the wolf less she find herself completely underneath it.
Seeing the wolf leaping, Autumn attempts to quickly dodge the wolf's pounce, jumping to her side. "Bad wolf!" She yells at the wolf in Wildling, her eyes narrowing with growing rage. "Get down and surrender yourself now!"
In the heat of the moment with a supernatural, ridiculously large wolf lunging over her, Harriet takes aim with her rifle. As the beast soars through the air with its formidable size and speed, the tension is palpable as the Warden tries to save Autumn. The rifle is fired, and the sound of the gunshot echoes sharply in the clearing, and the bullet is propelled with lethal intent, trying to find its mark in the underbelly of the animal that arcs overhead.
That bullet fires into the wolf mid-air, but it's not strong enough to deter or offset its trajectory, and poor Autumn doesn't prove to be fast or lucky enough to evade the wolf. It lands on her, its own body bleeding slightly from the bullet, but it doesn't seem as though the injury is really noticed by this massive creature. Autumn finds herself pinned beneath it, both arms under heavy paws, and it's mouth and breath hot on her face as it growls angrily. No, murderously, with saliva pooling and dripping down onto her. It's then that it takes a moment. It rears its head back, closing it's bright blue eyes and sending out a loud, loud howl into the night. The noise is painful - moreso from Autumn at the proximity, but not to the extend of taking a wail from a banshee. When it's done, it's setting those eyes down to Autumn, bright blue with the right one scarred over, and fangs expose themselves as it seems ready to tear into her flesh.
"Get off of me!" Pinned by the wolf, Autumn is unable to reach for her blade as she struggles under the beast. She clenches her hands and her bracelet begins to glow red-orange. She moves to try to kick the wolf while her magic pulses, affecting a nearby bone.
After the bullet does very little, Harriet grasps the handle of her platinum warhammer with both hands as the rifle was immediately abandoned. The metal gleams ominously under the moonlight, and with urgency, she's whipping about and swinging that very heavy weapon at the wolf who is atop Autumn. She uses all of her might, aiming for the wolf's side with controlled power and attempted precision.
The stink of magic only seems to enrage this wolf further, and it presses itself on Autumn's arms. It's a searing pain, and if it were pressing with just a bit more of its strength, those limbs would've broken. Those kicks of hers go unnoticed - or, unbothered, really. That maw of his opens wide and it's soon attacking at Autumn with the intent to kill her. The sharpness of its teeth, Autumn can feel on her throat, and crimson red would've spilled were it not for Harriet striking it in the side with a large, heavy warhammer. The wolf is sent hurling hurling from the strength sent into that weapon, and it yelps in surprise. It strikes against the oak tree, landing on all fours as that disorient lasts only for a moment. It's turning now fully to face Harriet, with a focused kind of expression.
Seething in pain, Autumn grits her teeth and goes into a furious state, unsheathing her khopesh and getting up to stand in defense. "Let's cripple this beast!" she speaks.
Harriet releases a very loud, primal scream as her warhammer impacts the wolf. The connecting force successfully repels the beast from being on top of Autumn, and she draws her weapon up, ready for the next blow. With Autumn now up and armed as well, she replies, "Kill it," seemingly certain there is no way to save this animal.
Harriet stands like a bulwark in the darkness, preparing for the wolf to charge or lunge, and like a coiled spring, she is prepared to unleash her strength and skills.
The wolf then charges, moving at supernatural speeds with a swiftness that would doom anyone else. It's charging for Harriet, attempting to ram into her body with the fullness of it's strength, which would be enough to break most humanoids. It's own body is its battering ram, and it's intent on breaking into Harriet for her intrusion. In the process, it steals a glance towards Autumn, eyes on her throat like a fleeting promise of what is to come.
Harriet has entered her berserker mode now, which lets her hit twice as hard as she normally would, as that rage fuels her entirely now. She looks ready for this. As soon as the wolf looks away from her to view Autumn, she's trying to move just to the side and then lunge forward in an attempt to strike the wolf first in a deadly dance between metal and might.
The runes on her bracelet glows again and Autumn's blade begins to turn a burning red. With a raging scream, she charges towards the wolf's other side, readying her blade for a burning strike, combined with rage, aiming towards the wolf's throat.
This Wolf is too large and moving too fast for Autumn to precisely slash at the throat like she were wishing. But, it does provide a nasty laceration against the side of its body in the process. It yelps in an angry snarl. And then, both the wolf and Harriet collide against eachother, the wolf taking the strike from her warhammer, while Harriet taking the weight of the wolf. It's a blow that sends Harriet backwards and the wolf staggers from a bit of pain, but with a shake of its body it shrugs it off. It takes a step back, though, growling as the soil beneath the feet of both Autumn and where Harriet was sent backwards into, begins to bubble and moisten as it becomes quicksand. It seems this wolf has another trick up its sleeve. But, it doesn't linger to fight for now. Instead, there's a supernatural leap that sees it jumping high into the tree tops, and it's darting off in a tactful retreat, leaving Harriet and Autumn to deal with a bit of distracting quicksand.
This Wolf is too large and moving too fast for Autumn to precisely slash at the throat like she were wishing. But, it does provide a nasty laceration against the side of its body in the process. It yelps in an angry snarl. And then, both the wolf and Harriet collide against eachother, the wolf taking the strike from her warhammer, while Harriet taking the weight of the wolf. It's a blow that sends Harriet backwards and the wolf staggers from a bit of pain, but with a shake of its body it shrugs it off. It takes a step back, though, growling as the soil beneath the feet of both Autumn and where Harriet was sent backwards into, begins to bubble and moisten as it becomes quicksand. It seems this wolf has another trick up its sleeve. But, it doesn't linger to fight for now. Instead, there's a supernatural leap that sees it jumping high into the tree tops, and it's darting off in a tactful retreat, leaving Harriet and Autumn to deal with a bit of distracting quicksand. (repost for Autumn
Harriet wasn't expecting to have to deal with quicksand. Getting thrown into such a mess is a surprise for the Warden and she's had the wind knocked out of her. A heavy gasp, desperate for air is taken in a few moments later, trying to revive her lungs with oxygen. Beyond that, though she's trying to stay calm, even with her body so rage fueled. She knows panic and her anger will only make it worse and cause her to sink faster. There are no rapid movements, and she gentle lays her warhammer horizontally across the quicksand's surface, attempting to distribute its weight and prevent that precious gift from her girlfriend from sinking. Slowly, she repositions her body, using the warhammer for support and taking gradual movements, to try and get out of the muck.
"Damn it to Hell, it got away!" Autumn seethes, gripping her blade as she watches the wolf leave them with quicksand. "It can use magic too? We're going to need reinforcements." She then uses her khopesh to keep herself still.
Escaping the quicksand is not without great effort, more so if it were an act that caught either of them off guard. Hard, but not impossible. The wolf seems to have fled for now. While that blow from Autumn was unexpected, it seems as though it shrug it off. Why it fled it's own den would take some serious contemplation to realize, but it left behind in its nest the belongings that both Harriet and Autumn spotted when they arrived initially. There's to claim should they want. Either way, this den will be here again when they decide to mount another effort to return and claim this Wolf less it attempt another bout of carnage.
OOC: Thank you guys for coming out! Sorry we couldn't complete this in one go but we will revisit this at the next time you guys are able so we can have a resolution! Let me know via a note when works best for you guys!
As they ventured deeper, the forest revealed itself as a macabre graveyard, leading the pair to the heart of the wolf's territory—a clearing with a massive oak tree surrounded by bones and personal belongings. The air vibrated with the threatening presence of the wolf, watching, waiting.
The tension escalated when the wolf revealed itself, a monstrous creature with intelligent blue eyes, a scar over one eye, and a frenzied demeanor. Despite Harriet's efforts to communicate authority through her demoniac language and demands for it to submit, the Big Bad Wolf lunged at them, targeting Autumn.
A chaotic struggle ensued. Harriet, armed with a rifle and platinum warhammer, rained violence upon the wolf while Autumn, employing her supernatural abilities, charged with a magically imbued, flaming khopesh. The violent assault on the wolf proved effective, yet it was resilient, managing to envelop the forest floor in quicksand, complicating the duo's efforts.
After managing to wound the wolf with their combined efforts, it used its supernatural speed to retreat, leaping into the trees and vanishing from sight, leaving Autumn and Harriet to extricate themselves from the quicksand trap it had created.
Defeated but resolute, the women agreed on the need for reinforcements to conclude their fight against the creature—a wolf so powerful, it was capable of wielding magic. The belongings left behind in the wolf's lair hinted at its potential return, an ominous sign that the battle was far from over.
And though the wolf escaped their grasp that night, it was clear that this was but a battle in a looming war—a war to rid the town of a creature so malevolent it was more nightmare than beast. Harriet and Autumn resolved to face the beast once more, with greater numbers and a fiercer resolve, for the safety of all.
(The Big Bad Wolf(SRAristotle):SRAristotle)
[Sun Jan 7 2024]
In The Forests Outskirting the Town
In the heart of the forest, where the shadows meld with the towering trees, lies a clearing. The air is heavy with the musky scent of the dominance of some powerful creature, an aroma that blends seamlessly with the earthy fragrance of moss-covered stones and decaying leaves. The ground, padded with the remnants of past prey, retains a distinct dampness. The colossal trees, with bark etched by the claws of countless transformations, stand sentinel like ancient guardians. Moonlight filters through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow on the remnants of skeletal remains scattered across the mossy ground. Beneath a towering oak, the moss takes on an otherworldly luminescence. Symbols, etched into the surrounding trees, hint at an ancient connection between the creature and the forest itself. The silence is profound, broken only by the distant calls of nocturnal creatures that dare not venture too close. The werewolf's presence is a tangible force, leaving an indelible mark on the very essence of the forest. Any intruder would sense an inexplicable mixture of dread and reverence as they approach, as if stepping into the domain of a primal force that has witnessed the ages.
It is night, about 31F(0C) degrees, There is a waning crescent moon.
OOC: Apologies for the delay. Starting now.
Word regarding this wolf, at least throughout the Order channels, spread easily once this wolf was reported. Impossibly large, stark white fur, and frenzied on a prowl as it found its way onto White Oak to accost a student, leaving her grievously injured. It'd even be reported from the Orderites that responded to it, that the wolf was unable to be apprehended, as it ran off once the group arrived. The size and color of it raised enough of an alarm, that it was tracked by scouts towards the southwestern forest. It hasn't been seen on Haven grounds since that most recent attack - perhaps it's waiting for the Full Moon again. Either way, stopping a potential problem by a being like this is paramount.
OOC: Go ahead and emote your entrances as you may on the road and we'll move in when ready :)
Getting off her mountain bike, Autumn walks into the forest, her weapons in her backpack and armor under her oversized sweater as she meets with Harriet. "Evening," she says almost quietly with a glance around. "I heard about white wolf, so I came to help."
Harriet has driven a ways out of town and pulls up alongside the old road where forest can be seen out both sides of her windows. The transmission is put into park and then she shuts off the humming, powerful engine and exits. Dressed up and looking ready to partake in a fox hunt, despite being on the search for an impossibly large, stark white wolf, she's actually in her usual garb for hunting things, and she heads into the forest. Autumn finds her a short while later, and she's surveying the area with her nostrils flared. A polite nod is given to the other woman. "Good evening, Autumn," she greets, bowing her head gently. "Thank you for your assistance."
The reality of there being only two: both Harriet and Autumn can feel the gravity of this potential situation - great care being needed to approach less grievous bodily harm, or worse, infection, be levied. The forests stand before them, dark as nightfall obscurest he view inside. What is not obscured is the scent and stench of death and decay - a familiar rotting one might know had they ever driven past roadkill with the unfortunate luck of having their windows down. Something decays in the forest, and the scouts report through their communications that what they're looking for lingers somewhere in that forest.
"No problem," Autumn replies with a nod of her head. She grimaces upon catching the rotting smell and turns her head to look out at the darkness of the forest. "We must be cautious." Opening her backpack, she gets out her bow and sheathed khopesh and strap them to her back.
There are no howls that come from the forest that would otherwise indicate this is even the right one aside from the scouts, and were there, no indication that it would be the right wolf. Life still sparks from within, though, from what they can see on the road in their preparation. A few birds are hawking despite the time of day when they should otherwise be sleeping, and the foliage ruffles as something darts through from deeper within, but moving away from where Autumn and Harriet are.
Harriet is well armed, and she carries both weapons with ease, like a one hundred and fifty pound, platinum plated warhammer is a can on Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. A rifle is hung on a shoulder, and her free hand comes up and tucks some stray hairs behind an ear. "Very much so," she replies to Autumn, and the weight of the issue at hand is far heavier feeling than that of her weaponry. "I would prefer if we could capture the wolf unharmed and put him through rehabilitation, but I fear that may not be an option," the Warden informs the Orderite beside her. As the howls can be heard in the distance, the brunette focuses her attention to where the rustling comes from. "Come now," is said in little more than a whisper to Autumn as she begins to move carefully forward. The rifle is taken up, and she readies it, moving up along trees as if they could offer her some sort of protection, slowly moving between them, and doing her best to be quiet -- but twigs and such still snap beneath her boots now and then.
The journey into the forest from what was once the safety of the road causes the stink of that decay to worsen. A sensitive nose unused to the smell of death would threaten to turn the stomach, but it isn't long before the source of that scent is revealed. On the right on the ground near a thin tree that holds massive claw marks - an Elk. It's been utterly torn to shreds, only recognizable due to the antlers it holds on what is left of its head. Interestingly enough, there doesn't appear to be any meat missing from the beast. Or, perhaps unaccounted for is the better term. It seems a vicious assault - one perhaps done for pleasure than for sustenance. It's insides are outside, and litter the ground. It's surprising to think about the damage to this animal in relation to the tree nearby that seems to have withstood a massive swipe of a claw.
With another nod, Autumn moves to follow Harriet and gets her bow off her back. "I suppose we could cripple it enough should getting it unharmed fails," she speaks in a low voice. She then finds the multilated Elk corpse and says with a squint of her eyes, "That is something no Earth animal could be able to do, as far as I know."
Harriet has a sensitive nose, but unfortunately -- or perhaps fortunately in this case -- it is not unaccustomed to the acrid tang of a rotting corpse. As Autumn follows her along, and they come up to view the elk, she nods solemnly. Her voice is still quite quiet, and she confesses, "It seems our leads are correct, and we are on the trail of the one we are looking for." Although it is burdensome, there is also relief in that fact after so many attacks have happened. Her breathing is still kept to a minimum, not enjoying the smell of death, even if she isn't bending over to vomit at the moment. "Yes, taking out legs might work."
From beneath what is left of the head of the Elk, looks like the remnant of a scratch mark, or paw print. The size makes it unmissable, and if one looks from the tree where that claw mark is, they'd find this one under it. Following it, at least visually, would reveal another paw print not too far to the west, suggesting a path to follow, if one doesn't mind stepping through viscera.
A little unfazed by the scent of death yet cringing a bit, Autumn notices the marks on the tree and ground and points it out with one finger. "Yeah, and we really must be," she tells Harriet. "We must remain cautious though. Wolf that huge could sneak attack us, unless white fur gives itself away in darkness."
Harriet's feet are fully protected in her very tall riding boots mad of that deep brown, premium leather. They look like she spends a lot of time taking care of them, but it doesn't stop her from stepping in through a messy array of internal organs that once belonged to a very large, gregarious deer. As Autumn points out the claw marks, her hazel eyes are searching all around, using her boot to push the skull of the dead creature a bit and survey the mark furthr. The claw marks are very concerning, drawing a deep frown over her lips, and then she nods. "We should be able to see him coming," is agreed upon the white fur likely being noticeable from a distance. She begins to follow the path cautiously.
Curiosity and duty motivate the charge forward. The claw marks and paw prints guide one deeper into the forest, and as they walk, breaking twigs beneath their feet are replaced with brittle bones. Some animal, but far more, human. A gnawed femur here, half-eaten skull there, and torn articles of clothing. Given the wolf population, many of which are unaccounted for, it's no wonder there are hikers who go missing. Most, likely, tourists who don't know like the locals do. Tourists who see NO TRESPASSING signs and do the very opposite. The stink of death gets worse, and it seems like if this is the sort of wolf that is aware of its behavior, it might be deliberately choosing to leave a mess for someone to follow, like it wants to be caught. Or, like it wants to warn someone away.
"With this much carnage, town will be in danger when full moon comes," Autumn whispers, treading through bones beside Harriet. She glances down at the ground and quickly looks back up as she peers around for signs of the white wolf.
Upon realising she is in a graveyard of sorts, Harriet does get a bit sick to her stomach. Her face pales, and the reality of the carnage is becoming very apparent. Boots are stepping on the remains of people, not simply a mutilated elk. Then the anger begins to sink in, and her lips press together so tightly that they begin to blanch. Her adrenaline begins to kick into high gear, and she can feel her heart pounding rapidly in her chest -- she can hear the blood pulsing in her ears. All she can do is nod to Autumn in response as she keeps her rifle ready as they move along.
The trail takes them deep into the forest, and it feels as though they're walking for miles. Their feet continually crunch on the remains of someone that once /was/, but is no longer - the path they walk built on the fear of someone who experienced their last moments in agonizing pain at the maw of a wolf, tearing them to shreds in such a way that would make a bear attack seem like a mercy. In the distance, this littered path of bones and remains take them to a clearing, and within it is a large oak tree. Surrounding it, littering in the clearing are more remains. Animals. Humans. Clothing. Debris - material possessions. There's a nest here near the oak tree, obviously made by an animal, and given the strands of fur on the ground, stark white from what the eye can see, they've stepped into a den or nest of this beast of some sort. They're where it sleeps. And eats. And where it tosses it's remains. But this wolf is nowhere to be seen. Yet.
When the duo arrive at the wolf's den, Autumn stops upon seeing the remains and her grip on her bow tightens. "This is like Hell," she whispers, "But this..." She then readies her hand and prepares herself should the wolf shows up.
Each and every snap and crush of human bones beneath Harriet's feet has her rage getting fueled, and it takes a lot of effort to contain herself and maintain composure. As she and Autumn make their way out of the forest and into the clearing, her eyes set upon the large oak tree and the clear evidence of too many murders to count. Her warhammer is set down, and she holds up her rifle as she takes in her surroundings, gaze on the lookout for the beast that did this. A small nod is given to Autumn, but the Warden is unable to speak at the moment, using all of her willpower to not get enraged.
What someone can see of the surroundings she takes in - claw marks on trees. Paw prints on the ground. Bones surround the area on bodies in various stages of decay - bodies left unburied and parents with no closure. There is shit on some of them from the waste expelled by this monster. The nest its crafted, where it sleeps, has some more kept belongings there - clothing, it seems, but the actual specifics of those belongings cannot be seen from where they are unless either one chooses to get closure. But...
The feeling of being watched cannot be shaken, here, this deep in the forest within the den of a monster. It's presence can be felt by both Autumn and Harriet. It is not seen. Not yet. But it is here... somewhere, watching them. Perhaps it clocked their scent the moment they set foot in its territory. Perhaps it's been following them instead and waiting for them to be in more familiar territory. Perhaps its smarter than what would have been assumed. Either way, the option of catching this thing off guard is no longer, as eyes from /somewhere/ in this den peer into them, watching. Waiting.
What Harriet can see of the surroundings she takes in - claw marks on trees. Paw prints on the ground. Bones surround the area on bodies in various stages of decay - bodies left unburied and parents with no closure. There is shit on some of them from the waste expelled by this monster. The nest its crafted, where it sleeps, has some more kept belongings there - clothing, it seems, but the actual specifics of those belongings cannot be seen from where they are unless either one chooses to get closure. But...
The feeling of being watched cannot be shaken, here, this deep in the forest within the den of a monster. It's presence can be felt by both Autumn and Harriet. It is not seen. Not yet. But it is here... somewhere, watching them. Perhaps it clocked their scent the moment they set foot in its territory. Perhaps it's been following them instead and waiting for them to be in more familiar territory. Perhaps its smarter than what would have been assumed. Either way, the option of catching this thing off guard is no longer, as eyes from /somewhere/ in this den peer into them, watching. Waiting.
Getting one arrow out, Autumn slowly draws it with her bow and looks around herself. She does not make a sound and glances at Harriet before she sees the nest. Her lips moves a bit, as if she's speaking silently.
This place is awful. Harriet's nose stings from the awful scent of decay and her eyes are narrowed as she tries to keep her anger in check. The demonborn turns slowly, having that terrifying feeling of something watching you... She knows it is there, but she's not seeing it. "Autumn," is almost mouthed silently, only slipping past her lips in a barely audible voice as she looks over to where Autumn is staring.
And then, there's the sound of something dropping to the ground behind them from the direction they came. It's heard only because whatever it is lands on the bones and twigs and skulls that litter the ground. It lands in a way that shakes the ground - in a way that breaks and cracks the fragile bones underfoot. And then, the sound of an exhale from a beast is heard before it is seen, expelling air in a huff that leaves it only to announce it's presence and reveal where it is before them. Whatever it is, which can safely be assumed to be the wolf, does not attack. It seems instead to wait for either one of them to turn around to spot it, first.
Autumn freezes upon hearing the sounds and slowly turns her head towards Harriet. "It's right behind us," she whispers very quiety towards the other woman, eyes widened. "What should we do?"
Suddenly, Harriet doesn't breathe anymore. It's like the wind got knocked out of her, but she hasn't fallen or been struck by anything beyond that fear of knowing your target is behind you after she's heard that heavy drop. Rather than whipping around, she's moving slowly, trying to appear non-threatening despite the fact she has her rifle up and ready to engage in battle. As Autumn asks the Warden what to do, the woman expresses, "We cannot outrun him," as they stand upon a multitude of previous victims. Still turning slowly, she says, "We want to help you." Her voice sounds hoarse the first time she speaks, but then she tries it again, and her words come out more clearly, "We want to help you. Please. We can help you."
The Wolf behind them - whatever it is doing is unseen. It continues to breath, the expulsion of air felt on Harriet who it is closest to. Every movement she does is watched studiously by a creature observing her body language. It does not stop her from turning. It does not stop Harriet from speaking. But it snarls at her words. Perhaps it doesn't like what it's heard. Or, that it does not understand. When Harriet turns, she'd see an massively sized, stark white wolf. There's a scar on its left eye, both a bright blue - intelligent. But, there's foam at its mouth, and though those eyes are intelligent, it looks like it might be frenzied, or on the verge of. If words are able to reach it, it gives no indication of such.
Autumn slowly turns to face the wolf, lowering her bow a bit as she examines it. "I don't think it wants help," she whispers with a grimace, taking one step back. "Nor negotiate and surrender itself."
Hackles begin to rise along the wolf's back as Autumn turns to face him, muscles rippling along underneath its fur as its body tenses. That foam and drool from its lips begin to drip to the ground, and breathing turns into a snarl which turns into a deep, heavy growl.
Harriet listens to Autumn's very accurate description of what the gigantic, blood thirsty wolf does not want. There's real fear coursing through her veins, but a superb amount of anger, and as she enrages suddenly, she begins to snarl right back at the wolf, but in the language of demons. "You will back down now!" she says in deep, guttural sound that are punctuated by clicks and hisses, primal and menacing, inherently sounding cruel and cold as the Warden is commanding the wolf to back down. Her finger is on the trigger, and she's ready to pull at any instant.
Harriet is ready to go into berserker mode.
Bright blue eyes narrow at Harriet's speech, ears twitching backwards at the sound of the clicks and hisses. It starts to move, but it does so slowly. Very slowly, it begins to move as though it were sitting down. And then, it lowers itself further as if on the way to laying down in submission. It is tense on all fours as it's lowered, muscles beneath the fur taut. It's eyes never leave Harriet. It's maw never stops it's incessant snarling growl, and that foamed up saliva never stops pooling. It waits. Or, perhaps, it's submitted. Either way, for right now, there is no advance or attack, but that menacing growl continues.
While there is a look of confusion on her face, Autumn watches Harriet speak and turns to see the wolf lowers down. "It sounds like ancient tongue," she comments almost silently, standing still but she remains guarded.
Harriet's voice has a powerful resonance as she speaks Abyssal and its naturally malevolent qualities come out through dissonant and unsettling tonal shifts. It sounds otherworldly -- and, well, it is, and would be intimidating to a human most likely, but maybe not a giant ass wolf serial killer. This doesn't seem like the first time she's used it on a wolf, though. "Do not dare to attack me!" She's intensely stanced, ready for this to go either way. "We came here to help you!" Despite her fierceness, she's claiming they are here to help, but that rifle stays aimed on the wolf as she's half sure he's getting ready to pounce. She hears Autumn, but she doesn't respond to her yet, hazel eyes locked on the narrowed blue ones of the monster before her.
The wolf continues to remain crouched, body tensed as if at ready - like it were calculating the perfect opportunity. Or... like it were actually submitting. The only thing really to go off of are the words that Harriet speaks, and the way this massive, feral wolf responds. Those blue eyes flick from Harriet's, to the rifle she holds. It continues to snarl and growl, almost like it were unable to stop, but it does not pounce. For now, Autumn goes unattended to, as the wolf seems to focus on the one closer, with the rifle aimed at it.
A series of sharp, hissing sibilants like the sounds of a serpent. They are very piercing, and the kind of noises that make skin prickle, but are also mixed with discordant tones and are interspersed with almost whisper-like sounds that are secretive and mystifying. Then the clicks make the language even more intricate as they punctuate the flow of words like some alien code while also providing a rhythmic quality to her speech. All the while, Harriet maintains her stance, not at all backing down as she gazes down at the wolf. "Lie down and stay down!" she commands him to lie and stay, like a good dog should. "Do not get up. Let us help you!" She cannot turn to look at Autumn, and has almost forgotten she has back up as she is entirely focused on trying to help the creature before her.
There's a chuff that leaves the Wolf, mid-growl. It sounds dismissive. Perhaps irritated, even, but the moment that sound is leaving its lips, it's pouncing. It's leaping upwards into the air, those muscles tensed for that period just priming a pounce, but it's not Harriet that it's aimed at - no, it's sights were set on Autumn. It's lept into the air over Harriet, likely taking a bullet depending on how quick Harriet's reflexes are with the trigger in the process, and it seems to move with speed that is obviously supernatural. There's a split second that Autumn would have to react, should her reflexes be sharp enough, to avoid the wolf less she find herself completely underneath it.
Seeing the wolf leaping, Autumn attempts to quickly dodge the wolf's pounce, jumping to her side. "Bad wolf!" She yells at the wolf in Wildling, her eyes narrowing with growing rage. "Get down and surrender yourself now!"
In the heat of the moment with a supernatural, ridiculously large wolf lunging over her, Harriet takes aim with her rifle. As the beast soars through the air with its formidable size and speed, the tension is palpable as the Warden tries to save Autumn. The rifle is fired, and the sound of the gunshot echoes sharply in the clearing, and the bullet is propelled with lethal intent, trying to find its mark in the underbelly of the animal that arcs overhead.
That bullet fires into the wolf mid-air, but it's not strong enough to deter or offset its trajectory, and poor Autumn doesn't prove to be fast or lucky enough to evade the wolf. It lands on her, its own body bleeding slightly from the bullet, but it doesn't seem as though the injury is really noticed by this massive creature. Autumn finds herself pinned beneath it, both arms under heavy paws, and it's mouth and breath hot on her face as it growls angrily. No, murderously, with saliva pooling and dripping down onto her. It's then that it takes a moment. It rears its head back, closing it's bright blue eyes and sending out a loud, loud howl into the night. The noise is painful - moreso from Autumn at the proximity, but not to the extend of taking a wail from a banshee. When it's done, it's setting those eyes down to Autumn, bright blue with the right one scarred over, and fangs expose themselves as it seems ready to tear into her flesh.
"Get off of me!" Pinned by the wolf, Autumn is unable to reach for her blade as she struggles under the beast. She clenches her hands and her bracelet begins to glow red-orange. She moves to try to kick the wolf while her magic pulses, affecting a nearby bone.
After the bullet does very little, Harriet grasps the handle of her platinum warhammer with both hands as the rifle was immediately abandoned. The metal gleams ominously under the moonlight, and with urgency, she's whipping about and swinging that very heavy weapon at the wolf who is atop Autumn. She uses all of her might, aiming for the wolf's side with controlled power and attempted precision.
The stink of magic only seems to enrage this wolf further, and it presses itself on Autumn's arms. It's a searing pain, and if it were pressing with just a bit more of its strength, those limbs would've broken. Those kicks of hers go unnoticed - or, unbothered, really. That maw of his opens wide and it's soon attacking at Autumn with the intent to kill her. The sharpness of its teeth, Autumn can feel on her throat, and crimson red would've spilled were it not for Harriet striking it in the side with a large, heavy warhammer. The wolf is sent hurling hurling from the strength sent into that weapon, and it yelps in surprise. It strikes against the oak tree, landing on all fours as that disorient lasts only for a moment. It's turning now fully to face Harriet, with a focused kind of expression.
Seething in pain, Autumn grits her teeth and goes into a furious state, unsheathing her khopesh and getting up to stand in defense. "Let's cripple this beast!" she speaks.
Harriet releases a very loud, primal scream as her warhammer impacts the wolf. The connecting force successfully repels the beast from being on top of Autumn, and she draws her weapon up, ready for the next blow. With Autumn now up and armed as well, she replies, "Kill it," seemingly certain there is no way to save this animal.
Harriet stands like a bulwark in the darkness, preparing for the wolf to charge or lunge, and like a coiled spring, she is prepared to unleash her strength and skills.
The wolf then charges, moving at supernatural speeds with a swiftness that would doom anyone else. It's charging for Harriet, attempting to ram into her body with the fullness of it's strength, which would be enough to break most humanoids. It's own body is its battering ram, and it's intent on breaking into Harriet for her intrusion. In the process, it steals a glance towards Autumn, eyes on her throat like a fleeting promise of what is to come.
Harriet has entered her berserker mode now, which lets her hit twice as hard as she normally would, as that rage fuels her entirely now. She looks ready for this. As soon as the wolf looks away from her to view Autumn, she's trying to move just to the side and then lunge forward in an attempt to strike the wolf first in a deadly dance between metal and might.
The runes on her bracelet glows again and Autumn's blade begins to turn a burning red. With a raging scream, she charges towards the wolf's other side, readying her blade for a burning strike, combined with rage, aiming towards the wolf's throat.
This Wolf is too large and moving too fast for Autumn to precisely slash at the throat like she were wishing. But, it does provide a nasty laceration against the side of its body in the process. It yelps in an angry snarl. And then, both the wolf and Harriet collide against eachother, the wolf taking the strike from her warhammer, while Harriet taking the weight of the wolf. It's a blow that sends Harriet backwards and the wolf staggers from a bit of pain, but with a shake of its body it shrugs it off. It takes a step back, though, growling as the soil beneath the feet of both Autumn and where Harriet was sent backwards into, begins to bubble and moisten as it becomes quicksand. It seems this wolf has another trick up its sleeve. But, it doesn't linger to fight for now. Instead, there's a supernatural leap that sees it jumping high into the tree tops, and it's darting off in a tactful retreat, leaving Harriet and Autumn to deal with a bit of distracting quicksand.
This Wolf is too large and moving too fast for Autumn to precisely slash at the throat like she were wishing. But, it does provide a nasty laceration against the side of its body in the process. It yelps in an angry snarl. And then, both the wolf and Harriet collide against eachother, the wolf taking the strike from her warhammer, while Harriet taking the weight of the wolf. It's a blow that sends Harriet backwards and the wolf staggers from a bit of pain, but with a shake of its body it shrugs it off. It takes a step back, though, growling as the soil beneath the feet of both Autumn and where Harriet was sent backwards into, begins to bubble and moisten as it becomes quicksand. It seems this wolf has another trick up its sleeve. But, it doesn't linger to fight for now. Instead, there's a supernatural leap that sees it jumping high into the tree tops, and it's darting off in a tactful retreat, leaving Harriet and Autumn to deal with a bit of distracting quicksand. (repost for Autumn
Harriet wasn't expecting to have to deal with quicksand. Getting thrown into such a mess is a surprise for the Warden and she's had the wind knocked out of her. A heavy gasp, desperate for air is taken in a few moments later, trying to revive her lungs with oxygen. Beyond that, though she's trying to stay calm, even with her body so rage fueled. She knows panic and her anger will only make it worse and cause her to sink faster. There are no rapid movements, and she gentle lays her warhammer horizontally across the quicksand's surface, attempting to distribute its weight and prevent that precious gift from her girlfriend from sinking. Slowly, she repositions her body, using the warhammer for support and taking gradual movements, to try and get out of the muck.
"Damn it to Hell, it got away!" Autumn seethes, gripping her blade as she watches the wolf leave them with quicksand. "It can use magic too? We're going to need reinforcements." She then uses her khopesh to keep herself still.
Escaping the quicksand is not without great effort, more so if it were an act that caught either of them off guard. Hard, but not impossible. The wolf seems to have fled for now. While that blow from Autumn was unexpected, it seems as though it shrug it off. Why it fled it's own den would take some serious contemplation to realize, but it left behind in its nest the belongings that both Harriet and Autumn spotted when they arrived initially. There's to claim should they want. Either way, this den will be here again when they decide to mount another effort to return and claim this Wolf less it attempt another bout of carnage.
OOC: Thank you guys for coming out! Sorry we couldn't complete this in one go but we will revisit this at the next time you guys are able so we can have a resolution! Let me know via a note when works best for you guys!