Cu Chulainn

Epic of Beginnings - Dawns Cradle

Crypts of Dawn
_Spelunking

---

Gideon gazed at the lantern, his curiosity piqued. While he has read of the spirits, Gideon had scantily encountered them in his journey. Even still, to see such wonders in person... it made the Raam quite curious about what else this crypt- and the Gravedigger- is hiding. Perhaps it may hold the solution to the desire that yearned in the Raam's steely heart. But now was not the time to dwell on such things.

"The Illuminator... I believe I've heard of such a being, though not in the way the people of Dawn have worshipped it." Gideon noted as they descended deeper into the crypts. As they did, he would take a moment to examine the strange architecture of this place. Reaching the deepest explored parts of the crypt brought more attention to Gideon, his eyes scrutinizing each avenue open to him.

"What could that light be over there?" Gideon asked as he looked towards the faint glow, though he made no effort to make his way closer just yet. "And the study... I'm guessing it contains any leftover knowledge that the previous cult had collected in their time?" Whatever the case may be, Gideon made his way to the study, interested in seeing what sort of information he could find about this complex. The light would hopefully be investigated later.

Epic of Beginnings - Dawns Cradle

Crypts of Dawn
_Spelunking

---

The town's gravedigger was quite... strange, to say the least. Gideon has met Chiralta before, and is familiar with their strange mannerisms. This, however, was definitely different from what he us used to. Gideon could only dread what her 'friends' are like. At least the presence of the dead didn't sway him too much.

Still, Achel does raise a genuine concern. Bodies going missing would not be terribly good for the morale of the people. If it was anyone that understood that the dead should be respected, it surely was the Raam. After all, it is imperative that any deceased Raam would have their body delivered to Grams' great temple. It was because of this, too, that Gideon had felt a sense of urgency in accomplishing this task.

"Unforgivable." Gideon had uttered in regards to the corpse thief.

The facility they were in, however, did pique Gideon's interest to a degree. It was far larger than any normal crypt... perhaps it, too, is a relic of the past? If much of it remained sealed and unexplored, perhaps something else had come out of it and is responsible for the stealing of the bodies? Or maybe the thief had entrenched themself in the 'sealed' portions of the crypt under Achel's spidery nose, doing well to avoid her webs and living deep within the catacombs.

Whatever it was, it was clear to Gideon that he should investigate this 'seal,' and perhaps the rest of this unexplored crypt.

"Very well... show me to where the sealed parts of the crypts are." Gideon stated, as he began his venture deeper into the facility.

"Ah, you wouldn't happen to have a torch or lantern perchance, do you?"

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

The Roundup

---

With the last of the Fomorians dead, or at least appearing to be so, Marduk swiped his staff to the side, letting some of the cursed blood fly off from it. He would then inspect each of the bodies, ensuring they were all dead. Those who seemed to be alive, whether it was due to slight body twitches or just Marduk thinking they were looking at him funny, would soon be rendered un-alive with a quick thwack of his staff.

Once he was doubly sure their foes were dead, Marduk would then begin to survey the area, securing it from any further attacks. He wasn't too keen on intereogating the kids on what happened. He had nothing to say to the children, except that the boy's form was absolute shit. He'll let the knights handle the babysitting. Instead, Marduk's interests were once again drawn to the unusally large claw marks on the walls.

"Oi, brats!" Marduk hollered, as tactful as always, "These marks on the walls... what sort of beast attacked this village? It still alive?"

Whatever their response is, Marduk began to examine the bodies of the Fomorians, seeing if there was anything... outstanding about them. Between those clawmarks and the cyclopse they had faced earlier, Marduk was more wary if any of these variants seemed to make their way to this village, as well.

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

To Battle

---

The two Fomorians that surrounded Marduk would quickly be met with retaliation for their futile effort. The brazen fool who had rushed the warrior head-on would be met wit the end of Marduk's staff lunged into his face with enough force to knock him back a few yards, if not kill him outright. As for the one who had chosen to flank Marduk, he would simply step to the side, sweeping his already outstretched staff towards its direction and slamming it into its side. Its blade would simply meet Marduk's cloak, the elf being too quick to be dealt with by such a rudimentary flank.

As he glanced across the field, however, Marduk would soon notice that the others weren't having as easy of a time as Marduk was in their respective battles. While the frozen knight seemed to have the safety of the children already covered, it seems that the brutish knight was having a bit more trouble with his adversary. Noting this, Marduk quickly moved to end the engagement he was currently in. With a series of strikes to its legs and arms, Marduk quickly crushed the limbs of the Fomorian he was facing before kicking him in the chest, away from the elf. Diverting his attention away from the glorified torso of his own making, Marduk then took a deep breath as he began to draw upon his Leargas once more.

Before he fully committed to his trance, however, Marduk, instead chose to end the battle without the aid of his ancestors. He would run towards Reinhardt, his staff clutched tightly in one of his hands. As he closed the distance between himself and his ally, Marduk would grasp his staff with his other hand, winding it up for a strike. Utilizing the momentum of his charge and his sheer strength, the Elf would swing for the Fomorian's head as it was essentially held in place.

Once more, Marduk wished to play baseball, except now he is taking the position of the batter.

Epic of Beginnings - Dawns Cradle

Dawn
_{is it sexual harassment if its a spider?}

---

When they got back to town, Gideon had elected to just wait at the church for the other hunters to return. After all, he had much to think about. Aside from the logistics behind any operation he planned to do, he also needed to figure out his 'sales pitch,' in a sense. It was good that Akando seemed receptive to his ideas, but Gideon was not sure of how the other hunters would react. After all, he is an outsider in the end, and he is well aware that there are those who believe it is not an outsider's place to tell them how to do the things they normally do. The sage was not quite vested at speaking to others, being something of a literal robot when it comes to interpersonal relations, an irony not quite found on the Raam due to his metallic skeleton or his calculator-like blessing.

Before Gideon could truly get to thinking about how he wished to converse with the hunters, he was approached from behind by one of the village's other residents, one that he had a hard time remembering at least based off of voice, alone. It was a strange thing, especially since Gideon was capable of matching voices with faces pretty well. The woman's groping of his back did little to startle the Raam, as he had been victim of far worse in the past by more... curious parties.

Her questions, however, were more quickly met with a response.

"I had visions of this village, visions given to me by the Forgefather." The Raam responded, doing well not to go too deep into how he seemed to have become a 'person of interest' among other powers beyond his control. Having some time to think on it, it was quite strange that the Raam had been chosen by the Moon Goddess. It was not because of why he was chosen, or because of his current beliefs, but how he was chosen instead. What's more interesting was how the Moon Goddess had appeared before him. While he was sure it was a futile effort to compare communication methods of the divine, the way Delpithi had made herself known before him was something foreign and alien, something of an out-of-body experience, at least compared to Grams. Whenever the Forgefather spoke to him, it was as if they were connected, as if Grams was truly a part of Gideon. A much more natural experience, at least as far as the supernatural is concerned.

Perhaps it is because the Forgefather is an actual father who had essentially 'raised' him, while Delpithi felt like a distant relative who had gone out for some milk prior to his creation.

"... Ah, yes. You required aid... Achel, was it?" Gideon replied to Achel after what seemed like an age of self-reflection, realizing she was standing before him for some time. As far as first impressions go, the Chiralta was quite... peculiar, to say the least. While they were among the people he had traveled the most with, it was rare to have met one who chose to settle in a small village, especially one who dressed in the matter the grave keeper did. In other words, a weirdo much like himself. "Sorry. What you said describing my fate had me ponder on a few things I did not quite have the time for just yet. We should get going"

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

To Battle

---

Marduk cared not for the information they were given. After all, it is his traveling companions' job to parse such rumors and plan for a course of action. If anything, Marduk was glad he was in a group that would do the talking for him. So long as it lead him to laying waste to more Fomorian scum, the Swordwind was contempt with whatever leads these knights chose to pursue.

And battle, it seems, would soon find the trio as well as they made their ways into the burnt remnants of a village.

Marduk growled softly, his heart flared once more at the sight of the slaughter. To think that these cursed kinsmen are free to wander and destroy at their whim sickens the Elf-blooded warrior to no end. Such a scene reminded him of his duty, his self-appointed quest to rid the world of these cursed beings. The horrified screams of a child would be his call to enact this mission, however, as his allies both charged into battle. A group of Fomorians seemed to be grouping up against a pair of children. The Frozen Knight quickly rode in to face what appeared to be their leader, whereas the Brute had moved to a position where he could defend the children.

The Swordwind was the last to enter the fray, stepping up on his horse as he rode it in a crouched position as he clutched his staff tightly. He briefly considered drawing upon his Leargas before deciding against it, believing he would not need its power against mere chaff. He knew well that if he relied too much on his ancestors' power, they may soon overtake him. It would be best to save his bloodline's arms for when they would face their next great adversary, if those massive claw-marks on the walls were any indication of such.

Marduk would then leap from his horse, holding his staff aloft with two hands as he aimed on landing within the center of their formation. As he landed, he would sweep his staff into a large circle, knocking the goblinoids away from his landing zone. Wasting no time, Marduk made his attacks. Like a whirlwind, his staff would crush those cursed beasts that surrounded him, shattering bones and cracking skulls with each swing.

Epic of Beginnings - Dawns Cradle

Forest
_{A Respite}

---

Gideon considered the Kyrnith's words carefully, pondering their implications. The Sage hadn't once thought about how the denizens of the forest were affected. Not only was the village of Dawn destabilized, but so too was the ecosystem of which they hunted. The wolves they had slain were bold enough to go after the blue-furred deer, something that Gideon would presume isn't a risk even the native animals of this land would take unless pushed to desperation. After all, if the Kyrnith is a being of nature incarnate, then it must also be the "apex predator" of these lands.

As the Kyrnith made its exit, Gideon walked over to retrieve his spear, crouching down on the wolf impaled by his trusty weapon. If these wolves were also troubled with food, this added a new layer of complexity to the management of resources in the area. Not only did they have to hunt for enough food to feed the village of Dawn, but they also needed to be careful about overhunting as well. There were a few sustainable food sources that came to Gideon's mind, namely the possibility of selectively breeding certain animals to be used as a food source. He'd have to expand his expertise on the fauna of this land, however, if he truly wished to pursue this venture...

... It would be strange to see a Raam Ranch in this part of the world, however.

"We should get back with what we have." Gideon stated, cleaning the blood off his spear before slinging it back onto his shoulder. "It may be a good idea to gather up the other hunters as well, possibly the fishermen too. The Kyrnith's... guidance has brought something much more important for us to consider in regards to food and resources.

"We should be more cautious of our hunts, and try not to take all the bounty this land has to offer. As the Kyrnith said, the forest needs time to heal as well. We should also try and discuss quotas, perhaps set up rules and guidelines for just how much we can hunt in a given week or month. With that in mind, I may have a few ideas from my travels to solve our food issues. Either way, a meeting may need to be set to discuss this with the rest of Dawn."

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

Aftermath

---

"Cursed, huh? No wonder why you smell like them." Marduk quipped Ethelred, noticing his curse previously before. As for the notion of them being knights of this "Queen Sorcha," such a thing only piqued Marduk's curiosity slightly. Not merely a duo, but part of a troupe of heroes wandering Albion and fighting off against the many threat that plague it? Well, if the "heroes" were anything like the two Marduk had run into, they might as well be a group of misfits rallied behind an even greater weirdo. Still, it wouldn't hurt too much to hear them out.

"As for whoever it is you're looking for, I've only heard rumors. Otherwise, I would've crossed blades with them both." Marduk stated as a matter of fact. "If not for our common enemy, I may have even tried having a round or two against the two of you. Ancestors know that I'm itching for a good fight, and you two look like you'd give one, knights and all."

In regards to the knight who seems to believe they're in charge, Marduk could only scoff at his demeanor. After all, he left the Elves to be free from being told what to do, his quest be damned. To be commanded especially with one who fights as crudely as this human knight only seemed to annoy the warrior further. Still, he chose to leave airing out his frustrations of the matter for another time. After all, they were still rocked from their previous fight, and Marduk had taken the brunt of it.

"I'll join you monkeys on your quest," Marduk began, ignoring the fact that he, too, was also primarily of simian origins, "but I do not acknowledge whatever authority you have in this troupe. I will respect you as a fellow warrior, but do not treat me as some soldier you can order. So long as we can come to that understanding, the Swordwind will be more than obliged to lay waste to whatever it is you are hunting.

"As for a horse, I only see a beast of burden as a burden to myself. As a trained warrior, my legs are more than suited for marching long distances..." Marduk began, before coughing a small spittle of blood once again. He did his best to hide this from his allies, although his painful wheezes make it difficult to mask his injuries. It was clear that he needed to not exert himself as hard. "... That said, a steed does sound helpful."

In regards to the rather grim mayor of this town, Marduk simply nodded his head to the stables at the mention of a reward, making his way to take what he had rightfully earned by way of might.

Epic of Beginnings - Dawns Cradle

Dead
_{Probably time to reroll tbh}

---

Gideon accepted the help from Akando graciously, clenching his neck tightly as he had stood up. Gideon wouldn't affirm or deny Akando's assessment, especially given that from what Gideon knows, the wolf would've likely ripped his neck right out regardless. After all, it would've likely gone for the parts that weren't steel. Still, it wasn't like Gideon didn't have a plan should the wolf try for his neck regardless. After all, he had spent quite a bit hunting wolves in his travels. His arms were already near his neck. All he needed to do was grasp at its jaws and rip...

Postulating about his chances of wrestling with a wolf had to wait, however, as Gideon felt a chill down his spine. It was a chill far colder than the blizzard he had survived through just moments before. A bitter cold that almost froze Gideon to his bones. His senses of danger suddenly surged, the blessing within him ringing in his ear. It's as if the Forgefather himself screamed to his Raam child that he was in grave danger. The sage nearly winced at the piercing headache he had received. No sooner than that, the source of this danger made its presence known, and Gideon could not help but quiver at its appearance.

The Kyrnith stood before them.

Luckily for the trio, it seems the Kyrnith was not offended quite yet. It instead posited a simple question to the group, merely asking what they are doing in its forests. Gideon was quick to compose himself, thinking of a measured response to this Elder Beast. He bowed his head slightly, although he did his best not to show too much reverence. He was not sure just how the Kyrnith would take to such conduct, so the best course of action was to go for a middle ground. After all, he did not want to appear subservient to the fickle Elder Beast.

"The village of Dawn has suffered the brunt of the Rime Frost's march. Our supplies have been heavily diminished. We simply seek meat and furs." Gideon began, gazing upon the wolves he had slain. "We wish not to disturb you and your kin. We've even made sure to stop the wolves from seizing the opportunity our hunt opened and going after your children. We have made sure that your deer will not be harmed as a consequence of our hunts, and will continue to do so. All Dawn asks is for an accord, at least so we can recover our losses."

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

Aftermath

---

Marduk basked in the blood of his slain foe, seeing it as another unclean one wiped from Albion. He raised his arms to the air and let out a howl in victory as the Fomorian's tainted blood rained from the air. Victory has been attained, and the battle was over. This did not mean that his wrath waned, however.

"Accursed witchcraft!"

The Elf's spear quickly shifted into a massive blade once more as he cleaved his blade downwards at the Cyclops's hollowed neck. Gazing at how the arms were connected from within, Marduk let out a low growl as his suspicions were confirmed. His blade shimmered away as he hopped off the beast, walking past the two knights who had helped him slay the beast.

"Black magic. That thing was likely an amalgam of lesser beings." Marduk began, picking up his discarded staff and scraping off what was left of the Fomorian whose skull he crushed from it. "Whether it's from other Fomorians or... Marduk growled, once more, "… other unfortunate souls is not known to me. What I do know is it was too smart to be a Fomorian of your standard stock, yet too dumb to be anything exceptional. My guess is there are darker magics at play."

Marduk threw his hood up as he turned to the others, clutching his staff like a hiker's stick.

"You two aren't here for vacation either, I take it? Hunting for the cursed kin as well, then? If so, perhaps you can help me find the source of these attacks. You two are formidable warriors, and I'd rather not hunt a witch on my own. Just know this though."

The Elf's eyes would shine once more, with the same golden glow that permeated his weapons.

"Don't get in our way."