The Culling - Team Wolf

Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:03 pm

The gathering was huge. The meeting had been called the previous trial, spread by word of mouth to be at The Pit by the break of dawn if you wanted to hear the news and participate in a special hunt. There had to be at least 40 people all gathered around. This early in the trial it wasn't normally this busy, but people were having their breakfast as they waited for the meeting to start. Qit arrives and as she look over the scene, there are hunter's young and old. Whisper's in Xanthean and Common are filling the the space in the early morning. She isn't able to spot Noah nor Ellen'Wyn, but she can be sure that they are there.

In the distance birds and other natural sounds fill the air as the crowd slowly starts to quiet down as a person stands up on top of one of the benches with a little help. An older man, looking tired and worn out, as if worries of the past had drained him of some of his vigor. He wasn't so old that he would be considered an elder though, it was strange still, as silver streaks of hair peppered his long black hair. Many respected this man, and many more had learned the hunt from this man. He spoke out in Common, his voice husky and had a hint of a rasp.

"For those who don't know or don't remember, I am Kata'Uhk Te'Sune. We are here today at the will of the Oludïbọ Cïkäkkẹn. They need our help. Rumor's have spread, so I'm sure that you have all heard already or at least figured out. It is time for a culling. We never thought that for this creature we would have to do so as they had always been so rare, but it has been confirmed by multiple sightings on multiple fronts of the Makubwa Lori that there are far too many of these creatures, and that it's upsetting the balance of our lands. For those of you who aren't aware yet, we will be hunting the Nàhb'àífinju. Locals call it the Beautiful Nahbi as it's hide is quite coveted by crafter's of all kinds."

Excited whispers filled the area once again. Though as soon at Kata'Uhk put his hand up, the whispers started fading once more and once again all eyes were on him.

"I have been asked to split you all into groups, 5 groups to be exact. We will be mixing experienced and inexperienced hunters together. Take care to learn from each other, and don't shun those that don't have a lot of experience. This is no competition. If you attempt to make it so, you will put yourselves in danger. Our prey isn't the only one out there. As for the groups, let's see.. we'll have Team Ram, Team Snake, Team Deer, Team Panther, and Team Wolf. Stay where you are, and I'll start assigning groups."

As he jumped down from the bench, people started cheering. Everyone seemed pumped and ready to get things going! People were starting to fidgeting, they were ready to get the hunt on. With all the people as a few more trickled in, it ended up that each group had 10 people in it. As promised, Kata'Uhk went to every single individual and sized them up before picking a team to put them in. Including himself in Team Deer.
When Kata'Uhk got to Qit, his smile broke a bit and tears started to threaten his eyes. He hugged her close and laughed a bit. He pet Qit's head a bit before pulling away and looking over her.

"How have you been. I'm glad that you've made it back home dear. Has your hunt's been going well? I heard from your father you had a child. I hope to visit and see her one day. I.... It would be wonderful to be able to hold something precious again. Anyways, you are part of Team Wolf. We can talk after the hunt more okay?"

He hugged her once more before pointing her to a man that seemed to be all muscle. Before he wiped at his eye's and got himself together again before going to the next person.

When Qit got to her group they all welcomed her back, smiles were on everyone's faces, and none commented on her bear like features though a couple did stare a trill or two too long. After Qit introduced herself, all the other's would continue to do the same. A few Qit would take note of. There was only one foreigner in the group, and they seemed to have nothing on them, Noidina was rather quiet, just stated her name and nothing else. Qit would probably be able to tell that she was also a magic user of some sort, and maybe would be able to spot the dagger on her belt hiding beneath a summer cloak. There was also Qan'Dun, he was well aged, and was a known leather worker in town, he was holding on to a bow and had a machete like blade on his back. Then there was Ykta'Vaive, a girl around Qit's age, a soft smile on her face, even with her lean muscles she had quite the petite build. She seemed rather close with Noidina, though it was never stated.

It was clear this group was quite an all around group. 2 with the capability of magic, each having other weapons, 3 other Archers, 4 swordsmen, and 1 dagger thrower.

When introductions were done, they would all look to Kata'Uhk, ready for instruction on where to go, and any other information the man would like to impart on them.

► Show Spoiler

Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:16 pm

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text

Qit'ria arrived at the Pit, wondering why exactly she'd brought herself here this day. She rarely ever hunted with others, and even less often did she enjoy it. When she'd hunted with Vega, she'd barely gotten to do anything, and with anyone else she'd done all the work. Except for Nir'wei. He wasn't so bad to hunt with, but of course not. He was a proper Sev'ryn after all. Though he did talk a little much for her liking. She smirked to herself, remembering how awkward she'd made him for staring at her breasts. It was flattering at least, considering there hadn't been much there in those days. But now that she was nursing Caz'aria, they'd filled out nicely, though were sore from time to time. Thankfully, she'd fed Caza before heading out to this gathering.

She was surprised at how much of a crowd there was here. But perhaps she just didn't remember Desnind as well from her youth. She didn't see anyone she immediately recognized though, not that it mattered really. She slipped through the crowds, making her way to the front, so as to better see what was going on. Qit of old would linger on the outskirts, and do her own thing, but now... now she was different. She had to be different, for Caza. That meant being a good mother, being involved in the community, being everything that her own mother wasn't.

She raised an eyebrow as the speaker mentioned the Nàhb'àífinju, and her mouth curled into a slight grin. She hadn't hunted one of those yet, and always liked their hide. Her father made her a blanket from one of them when she was little, and of course he still had it. She watched as the man began assigning groups to people, and she was caught wholly off-guard as he pulled her into a hug. She stiffened up, and had to fight hard against the reflex to attack him for such an assault. When he pulled away, she studied him with a stern glare. He looked... familiar, but in a hazy, distant way. His words indicated he knew her from her youth, and was a friend of her father's.

To be respectful to him, but more importantly to her father, "After the hunt, come for dinner. She likes new people." And when he hugged her again, she actually hugged back, though it was still a bit awkward for her. She'd only ever hugged her father after all. And she didn't know this man nearly as well. She was a member of Team Wolf now, and she snorted a bit. She never cared for wolves, especially after that man with his dragonbird and wolf hunted her for no reason whatsoever.

Approaching them, Qit was caught off guard, yet again, with how welcoming everyone was being. They all seemed to know her, or know of her at least. And none stared too long, not that she cared anymore. She considered these mutations scars earned in her fight against her spark, in order to protect her child. She'd never considered herself beautiful anyways. And a bear's jaw came in use from time to time. Qit'ria said her own name, and nothing more, studying her group. It seemed quite well rounded. Swordsman were not ideal for hunting, spears would be better, but the swordsman could protect the flanks a lot better.

She was studying her pack a bit more closely now, her mind immediately taking into consideration how they should travel. And she knew nothing of her quarry other than a basic description of their appearance. They'd sounded like a type of deer. Which meant stealth, slow movements. Which was fine for Qit, alone, but she wasn't so sure her compatriots would be quite so adept. Before turning back to the man that had known her, she asked the group, "Have any of you hunted the Nàhb'àífinju before? What can you tell us about them? So that we can hunt them better, as a pack."

Upon hearing the responses, she turned, to wait for instruction, while running through a mental checklist. She had her pack, on her shoulders, her javelins strapped to her back, her ganditlip sword strapped to her thigh, knives and chakram wrapped in leather hanging from her belt. She kept her bumble bear totem and gasping skitterer totems assimilated within her body, while her self totem hung around her neck, her aye-aye mouse totem around her wrist. Her feet were bare, as always, and her domain bag hung off her waist. She was ready.

Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:00 am

The Culling - Team Wolf

All of the groups had done what they could to get to know each other at least in a short span of time. It seemed as if every soul was restless. The people wanted to move, to hunt these creatures. Even so, there were still some, those of the older generations that seemed so calm it might have come across as something unnerving. They seemed at least know of the prey. To somewhat know what to expect. And there was something that hung in there air, like someone wasn't saying something that should be said. As soon as Kata'Uhk stood up on high ground once more though, that feeling was pushed aside by all with a new wave of excitement.

In this moment, a hush fell over the boisterous crowd. He looked around at all the people gathered. He knew that things could go horribly wrong today, that someone would get hurt, but that was okay, As long as they all were prepared for the worst, he didn't think he could hope for anything more than the best outcomes of each situation that did happen on this drizzly day. He took a deep breath and looked around at the groups.

"In this hunt. You must be careful, we are not only hunter's but prey while out there in the Lori. You must tread carefully, work together, and stay calm. Dedicate a few people to a medical emergency team, each group should have a few people that have decent skills with medicine. We are in this for a long run, make sure that you are prepared to sleep out there in the Lori as well. Dwell not on pain, only think of moving forward. Ram team, you go east, Snake team, you go south east, Deer team, we go south, Panther team you go south west, and Wolf team you go west. Try not to stray too far out of the Lori if spot the quarry. They like more plains like areas, but aren't afraid to try and hide in the woods. Make sure to rest up when needed, but do not dwadle in one spot for too long. We all have had some sort of close experience with death. Remember that as you travel. Good hunt to you all! Oh! And one more thing. Only 2 kills per person in the group, not killing the young, and by no means do I want to hear that any of you caused any trouble. I taught most of you myself after all!"

Laughter filled the air at that last bit. It was true, most here had been taught a thing or two from Kata'Uhk, the smile on his face as he came down from his perch said it all. He was proud of every student he'd had. It was nice to see one so proud of their work. To-trial was going to be a trial unlike any other. So many large groups going out at once. It was going to be a wonder if there would be anyone left to watch over Desnind while they were all gone. No need to worry though, Many of the local guard were already walking around and some even guarding the Itoju.
Qit would be expecting to see Kata'Uhk in trial's to come for sure, if the way his eyes lit up were any indication when Qit told him that Caza would love to be visited. After the announcement the group kind of stood there awkwardly, looking between one another. Some looking to the woman that was older some looking to Qit. Wondering who was going to take charge of the group. Some seemed to hope that Qit would step up , maybe so that they didn't have to. Things would have to be decided. Who was going to handle medicine and getting people back to camp with injuries or anything of that nature.

On top of that some sort of formation would need to be chosen and then there was also the matter of if anyone know anything about their quarry. They had a direction, but still they would need clues to go off of if they wanted to find their prey. It was up to Qit if she wanted to step up and take the leadership role or let someone else in the group to lead them and chance her voice not being heard from then on.

► Show Spoiler

Mon Aug 13, 2018 3:54 pm

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text

Qit'ria listened to Kata'Uhk's words. Her team would be heading westward. That meant better hunting in the morning than evening, with the sun at their back and overhead. Qit'ria didn't appreciate the mirth and laughter in the air. Hunting was dangerous, serious business. And not everyone here was a hunter by trade. She could see those who came for fun or adventure, those who hunted in their spare time. It was dangerous. She already knew people would die with this sort of mentality. This was further compounded by no one answering her questions about the beasts. These people had no idea what they were getting themselves into, and she barely had an idea herself.

She saw the looks on people's faces as they gazed upon her, gazed upon the other older woman. They needed leadership, craved for it. Qit'ria didn't work well under others, but she also didn't work well with subordinates. But there really was no choice. She raised her chin, looked at the group. "We'll be taking the west forest, as he said. We will take a diamond formation when we travel. We stay in pairs. Everyone keeps an eye on their buddy. I need one sword with me at the point. One archer and one sword on each flank. Noidina and an archer in the center. And another sword, and you, with the daggers, in the rear." She used her spear to draw the formation in the ground.

formation

Grey = Swordsman
Blue = Qit
Red = Mage
Yellow = Dagger
Green = Archer

"We will travel during high day, make camp at night, hunt from early morning until high day. No one goes off on their own, and while traveling, a weapon must be in hand. If you see something, say something. We won't be able to move silently as a group when we travel, so there is no point in trying. Our noise will drive off some creatures. When we hunt, we do it in pairs, fanning out from one another, staying within shouting distance. This will let us cover more ground and move more stealthily. Anyone that can do bird calls, speak up. We can practice as we travel. It is how we will communicate while hunting. If you get a kill or need help, bird call. If it is an emergency, scream. Any questions? If not, we can go. We spend today traveling and finding camp."

Qit'ria waited, planning on how she'd train them during travel. She could show them tracks, point out signs of travel of what animals had been there. They wouldn't become masters, but she could at least make them better than blind children. She needed them to come home, alive. And that meant being smart. Careful. Recklessness would get her, or her people, killed.

Thu Aug 16, 2018 4:04 am

The Culling - Team Wolf

The Wolf Team brought themselves almost to a Military attention of sorts as soon as Qit seemed to take the reins. It was like gathering up a bunch of wild boars and making them act like good dogs. Noidina crossed her arms and raised a brow with interest as the positions were called out. There was no protest though from anyone. They all nodded and figured out who would be whose partner.

Qit's words were in no way hesitant, and were very clearly heard by the party. They were to follow orders to a T, or they would die. It was very clear to them. If not by the wilds by Qit herself. They were a bit scared of her except for Noidina. They were all ready, it seemed all of the swordsmen knew bird calls mostly owl hoots, there was even one archer with a wooden whistle. So they seemed very set in that department.

The dagger thrower actually came up to Qit though before they left. Tapping her shoulder. He looked a little nervous, but then Qan'Dun came up to them as well and nodded to the young man, as if he knew that he needed to tell Qit something.

"Miss, two of us, me.. and Qan'Dun here to be exact... u.. uhm.. we came across ... what we are hunting today, only once. It was by pure accident a long time ago. B... But.. I still remember their tracks.. and their call. It... was a warbling screech like sound. A mix between a gobbler and a uhm... deer or moose like animal. They are smaller than deer, but they are vibrant blues. Though somehow they blend well when they hide in the forest. We almost missed the one we'd seen. We were too shocked to even knock an arrow or get out a blade. I.. I'm sorry.. I didn't speak up before."

He cleared his throat and looked at her nervously. He hoped she wouldn't lash out at him. It was obvious she made him nervous. Qan'Dun chuckled though and patted the boy on the back. If Qit could remember from the greetings, his name was Bal'Jand. He would go around after a whisper from Qan'Dun, probably encouragement, would go around telling everyone everything he knew, from the look of the tracks to the sound of their calls.

Once everyone was informed, they'd check with Qit to make sure nothing else was needed before they were off. When they left, they went for the Itoju, and then turned left once they got out of it. They were going to head to the western forest. In suan, there was no darkness, but there was what was considered night time to be, it tended to be a bit cooler, and the suns would appear lower in the skies. They seemed to love that they got to be in the shade for the most part as they traveled at least.

It was only a Break before Qan'Dun hooted a warning, a call to stop. He had seen something, he was on the right flank, and he was staring at something farther off to the right. Would Qit have the whole group go to check it out or would she have a group break off? This was her decision to make.

► Show Spoiler

Tue Sep 04, 2018 12:44 am

Common Text
Xanthean Text
Kashehino Text
Hoo-hoo.

Qit heard the bird call. She knew it to be a warning call from one of her men. It wasn't good enough to be mistaken for a proper owl. She smiled, glad that they were listening to her plan and putting it to action. Qit'ria gave off a triple coo-coo of the mourning dove, three blasts, for no mourning dove did three. She needed it to be obvious to them. She wanted the other flanks to come in closer. She looked at Noidina and held up a fist, signalling for the woman to stay here, in the center of the formation. This should stop the formation from moving and spreading further apart, and Qit's calls would tighten them up. She didn't want anyone to keep going, and end up lost or without support.

Qit'ria herself started toward the right hand flank, javelin in hand. She Echoed up the aye-aye mouse's sense of hearing and the bumble bear's sense of smell, and immediately set both to work, to pick out the awkward, clumsy footfalls and odors of the others in her group, hoping to get confirmation of them coming closer in the formation. Qit'ria silently moved through the brush, able to easily avoid any of the debris, sticks, and other noise making objects that her companions still managed to traipse on. But at least they tried.

Pushing through the foliage, she could see Qan'dun from behind, and see that he was looking off at something. She saw Qan'dun's partner there as well, and she answered them with a hoo-hoo, to let them know she was there. She continued to creep forward, but broke off toward the side of Qan'dun, to potentially see whatever it was he was staring at from another angle. She kept her javelin raised and at the ready, as her eyes scanned for blue. Surely they hadn't already found their quarry, this close? But still, she sought for whatever held his attention, ready and waiting.

She was glad Qan'dun was part of her group. He'd been helpful to the boy, Bal'Jand, and knew more about their quarry than any of them had. A valuable member of the team, so now that she knew it was him who'd called, she was fairly certain it was something of import. She continued to creep through the foliage, looking to see whatever it was that so captivated him.

Plot Notes · Sun Dec 02, 2018 12:17 am

Qit'ria

Overview

I'm so sorry that you needed to finish this as a solo. I understand entirely how frustrating this is ~ but well done on taking it, running with it and having fun in the process! As always, you play Qit beautifully. Well done!

Points

XP: 20 (not for magic)

Renown: 10

Loot

None here.

Knowledge

Detection: An unnatural bird call is often a person
Discipline: Forcing yourself into social situations in order to join a community
Discipline: Not physically assaulting someone who has hugged you
Etiquette: Hug back when hugged
Hunting: Travel during high sun, hunt in morning
Hunting: Mimicking the coos of a mourning dove
Leadership: Asking questions of subordinates
Leadership: Taking charge because no one else is more qualified
Leadership: Providing others with an opportunity for improvement
Tactics: Taking into account all the resources at hand
Tactics: Making due with subpar people
Tactics: Diamond hunting formation
Tactics: Drawing formations in the dirt to better present the information
Tactics: Foregoing an attempt at stealth when those present aren't capable
Tactics: Alerting your people as you arrive in stealth to them

• Event • The Culling - Team Wolf

Contribution

Staff