1st Feather [Open]

[milkmycattle]

Who:  Crow and You!
What: January Catchall- Quest and TDM prompts
Where: Around Camelot, Edge of Dusklight Woods and outside of Celliwag
When: All of January
Warnings: Profanity, Violence, and Hijinks

Bridge trolls **Quest**

[ Crow has been itching for a fight even since he's arrived. He has so much pent up frustration from coping with the abrupt changes to his environment, that he hasn't been able to properly blow off steam. That's why when he heard about the trolls causing a ruckus, he ran off to give them a piece of his mind! Guitar in tow, since he doesn't have a proper weapon and his instrument could do some damage with it's sharp edges. Still, he reserves it as his last resort and straps it to his back.

Crow comes across the bridge, of course without a plan and he ambushes those thieving trolls. He let's out a battle cry that sounds almost like he's hitting a high note as he starts bashing heads. Unbeknownst to Crow, one of the trolls manage to sneak behind him. Since he's not within the redhead's peripheral, he's able to snatch the guitar off his back. Crow stands there stun for a moment as he watches the fiend run off with his precious Red Tomahawk!]

HEYY BASTARD!  YOU BETTER BRING THAT BACK!

[Crow starts to give chase,  running behind the troll as they wrap around the bridge. The guitar in the troll's grubby hands held up high as if mocking Crow with it. Anyone willing to give this idiot a hand?]

Shadlin Showdown **Quest**


[ Crow heads towards the edge of the forest. He's trying to put on a brave face, but everything about this forest creeps him out. It doesn't help that he recounts some of the tales he's heard of the other adventurers, who've attempted to investigate before him. The feeling of being watched and those menacing eyes haunting them for days. Crow gulps loudly, his tail stands up on end and a shiver runs down his spine.

He then starts to reason with himself. He couldn't be a knight acting like this, and there will be similar tasks that ask him to be brave.]

I-i'm a fallen angel, there's nothing that I can't handle!

[Maybe you overhear Crow's little pep talk or maybe you're in need of words of encouragement yourself?]



Chicken Race (TDM prompt)

Top.
Why do you have to be on top? You're heavy, damn it!

[Despite Crow's complaining, he's actually able to stabilize both their weights and be a good foundation. Even if he's on the bottom, he doesn't expect to lose. So while he's putting his all into making sure his partner don't falter, he expects that same energy from them as well. His scarlet eyes glare at the yeti who will be their opponent.]

You better give him hell, or I won't forgive you!


Bottom.

[ Crow climbs onto his partner's shoulders and balances himself. The singer grins as he revels at being at this height, and it's not every day, he gets to be this tall.  He eyes their Yeti, red eyes glow with an ardent light to succeed. The musicians punches into his hand as he eagerly waits for the signal to begin.

He looks down at his partner giving him words of encouragement.]

You better not drop me!

[Then he looks back at the Yeti.]

And as for you, Fluffy, prepare yourself!

Mirror, Mirror (TDM prompt) (ooc: Feel free to join Crow during the whole journey or you can meet up with at the beginning, middle or end)

A.
[ Why did it have to be another cave?! Why were all the good things in deep, dark places?! Crow clicks his tongue in frustration as he finds himself in this predicament yet again. This one is just as cold, damp and spooky as the last cave. He starts to pick up the pace, trying to keep calm, but it's obvious to anyone nearby that he's uncomfortable with being in the cave.]

Let's hurry up and get out of here!

[He might gravitate closer to you, unknowingly. He feels better feeling someone else's presence.]

B. 
THERE'S NO WAY!

[ Crow yells out as he sees the people stepping off the bridge to try to reach the crystals. His jaw drops as he witnesses them walking on air! How are they doing that?! Unfortunately, Crow is not so brave to take a leap. He didn't really pay attention to plaque in the dirt to know the key is a pureness of heart, otherwise he might have tested the theory. He turns to his partner.]

Why don't you go first? I'll follow you.

[Be the guinea pig!]

C.

Prissy Bastards!

[After handing in the crystals, Crow is expecting to have a warmer welcome then their reception. Instead, the town of Celliwag is almost a ghost town. The people had no sense of hospitality. No food! No place to sleep!  They have a shitty way of showing their appreciation. Crow can only see them as horrid people for the weird things they did to their own food. Was that shit even edible?!  Crow would continue to sulk if not for the starry night sky and a warm campfire.

The musician lays on the soft grass with his arms folded behind his head, starring up at beautiful view. He looks content as if the sky reminds him of something back home.]

Usually you can't see the stars in Midi City. You could only get a sight like this on the farm or in the mountains, anywhere outside the city limits.

[ He smiles up at the sky, feeling at ease after such a tedious mission. Until his stomach starts growling and he turns his head towards his companion.]

Did you bring any food with you?

Comments

bridge trolls

[groundzeroes]

[Rei dressed down-- WAYYY down-- for this quest. Coming out past the farmlands in this weather is rough enough, and he is not risking any of his good clothes on these... troll things. He's just here to check things out, gather intel, try some magic with his familiar if he thinks he can swing a fight.... and see if his Hypnosis Mic is still anywhere as useful as it was back home.

Upon cautiously approaching the bridge, though... clearly, the trolls are already occupied with another victim. ]

Heyyy! Crow-kun!

[Yeah, Rei's not getting any closer than the current distance of 100 yards.]

Are you winning, kid?

[milkmycattle]

[Crow hears the familiar voice, his head turns slightly to regard dark-haired man without him lifting his eyes away from his guitar. At first, he thought Rei will lend a hand, but instead, he asks a pretty obvious question. Does it look like he's winning?!]

THE HELL I AM!

[The redhead tries to run a bit faster, but Crow's not able to catch up to the troll. Boy, these guys are quick! Maybe if there was some way to slow the thief down.]

Hey! Can you try distracting him or something?

[ From wherever you're standing, Rei. Since it doesn't seem he's going budge or move very far from his post.]

[groundzeroes]

Yeah, I got it...

[He murmurs something to the hou-ou familiar perched on his shoulder; it takes to the air with a melodic screech and then dive-bombs the troll holding the coveted guitar. Hopefully the commotion will be enough for Crow to repossess it.

Rei considers his options. The trolls are a bit on the small side, but there's a lot of them. The few that Crow managed to pummel before his guitar was lifted look more disgruntled than actually injured, but at least they're clearly not keen to be whacked a second time. When Rei looked the species (can he call magical beings that?!) up, they were reported to be more on the simple side, so maybe if he can just intimidate them after a good blow... ]

You used your magic yet? Herd 'em this way if you can! [He's not a sheepdog, Rei, he's a hedgehog...]

[milkmycattle]

[ Crow watches the mystical bird rush the troll holding his guitar, colliding into the creature enough to knock him off balance. Crow uses the opportunity to swoop in, grabbing the guitar strap to yank the instrument out of those filthy hands.]

Yes! Thanks, man!

[The trolls start to re-group. At first, Crow is prepared to use his guitar to bash some heads, but Rei comes up with a better solution.]

Magic?

[He's been slacking on the practicing part, and if he does put in the effort, he's doing silly things with it. Maybe that could work to direct the trolls towards Rei. The redhead slings his guitar onto his back to free up his hands. He calls out his familiar to help him with his curse, the three-legged crow sits on top of his unruly hair, flapping long black wings at the small huddle of trolls. They imbue magic into the shadows of the trolls, willing the darkness to lead their masters astray. It takes a moment for the spell to take effect, and Crow almost thinks it won't work as he sees the shadows barely waver. Then he sees them starting to shift, pulling along their owners as if being pulled by strings. He watches as the trolls helplessly flail their arms and legs as their shadows betray them.

Crow chuckles to himself impressed that his hex even worked. It's a glorified prank, but it's working!]

How you like that?

[groundzeroes]

Oh, not bad. [Rei is actually impressed. So the kid can affect multiple targets at once, huh? The struggle the trolls are putting up is valiant, but the curse is strong enough that at most they're just slowing down their inevitable march towards him.

Looks like it's Rei's turn, then. He pulls his Hypnosis Mic from his pocket, giving it a lazy twirl. This is a bit more hands-on than he intended to get... so hopefully the thing actually still works.]

That guitar of yours actually play, or did you just bring it to use as an axe? [Haha get it, axe. because it's a guitar. hahaha. he'll have to tell Sasara that one later ]

[milkmycattle]

[The trolls' struggling does affect Crow's magic a little since he's still a novice at controlling it. Although, slowly the trolls are indeed making their way over to Rei.

Crow eyes the mic that the producer has in his hands, and wonders what Rei will do with it. Though when he asks Crow if his guitar is functional, the musician catches on quickly, turning the instrument to the front of him.]

Of course, it plays! It's not going to produce much of a sound without a proper amp, but it'll do. And actually, I was going to use it like an axe! I should probably get a proper weapon someday.

[There's a reason he calls it the Red Tomahawk. His guitar definitely has some sharp edges, it can definitely become a weapon if need be. Crow positions his hands and starts to strum a tune for Rei. He's not sure about the tempo, but he can quickly adjust to whatever music the other man produces.]

[groundzeroes]

All right.

[The microphone in Rei's hand shifts from its nondescript shape into something distinctly more obnoxious. He inspects it with an air of clinical interest, then returns his attention to the struggling crowd between him and Crow.

Tuning himself to Crow’s rhythm, Rei begins the time-honored Hypnosis Mic rap tradition in his deepest register:]

Who's that tramping under my bridge? Grimy low-lifes, sneakin' in my territory Think you're in the clear three billy goats short? Better think again— This ain't just an allegory Stealing, bullying, petty crime, groveling— What’s this weak shit? Amateur hour? I'll make you regret your lukewarm villainy ‘Cause I’ll go a bridge too far!

[The attack isn’t flashy— but the trolls in the direct line of it, having taken the full brunt of the aural onslaught, fall with guttering screams. The others, farther away, look much less battered but certainly alarmed.

While it’s not as animated or powerful as Rei’s used to.... it looks like the hypnosis mic can still affect the nervous system.] Hmm. So-so, I guess.

[Now to scare off the remainder of them. CROW YOU'RE UP]

[milkmycattle]

[ Something more obnoxious? Apparently, not to Crow who looks at the mic with awe. Did it transform into a staff? It looks cool in a very grandiose way. He continues to strum his guitar, keeping up with the rhythm of Rei's rhyme. It sounds great, even if the redhead is unfamiliar with the genre of music. Crow observes as Rei's berating verses seem to affect the trolls.

Of those that Rei does hit, fall down, screaming. Too bad no one can hear their cries of despair over the roar of his guitar. The musician continues to play, his fingers moving faster along the cords. Time to finish them off!

He plays a high screeching riff, imbuing his magic into it. The sound surges towards the remaining troublemakers, bewitching their limbs, the trolls are overcome by an impulse to kick the brethren in front of them. They become a laughing stock as the trolls run off punting each other on the butt as they escape.]

That'll teach them to mess with us!

[groundzeroes]

[The trolls are retreating! Thank god, it's over! And he didn't even break a sweat. Nice.

Rei (finally) steps closer to the bridge and to Crow as the area clears, pulling out his photo to take photos of the empty bridge as proof of their quest victory.]

Mixed your music and your magic there, huh? That's a pretty good idea.

Bridge trolls

[alchemists]

[ Elfnein's investigating the bridge troll issue in order to get a better picture and form a plan. But the view of Crow trying to chase down a troll to get guitar is more important right now. ]

Wait! It's better to think of a plan first.

[milkmycattle]

No time! I gotta catch the bastard, and then I plan on beating him up!

[The musician attempts to pounce on the troll when he gets in range, only to miss, hitting the ground face first. Ow! He sits upon his hands and knees, glaring at the troll as it stops, jumping up and down like some taunting imp.]

You're the smart one! How would you take this guy down?

[alchemists]

I would set a trap and lure it into it, even if it's just a pitfall or a net situation it would allow you to get the upper hand with gaining ground.

[milkmycattle]

A trap?

[ Crow isn't much for thinking on his feet, but he tries to use his brain for something other than music, eating, and breathing. He sees that the troll is coming close to the bridge again. Maybe he can cut him off there?]</small? Maybe I can cut him off before he gets to the bridge! What kind of magic do you have? Think you can lend me a hand?

[alchemists]

I have alchemy, maybe I can try to create a hole in the ground with it?

[ Though, she doesn't really know where to put the dirt. ]

[milkmycattle]

A hole in the ground? Perfect! I'll just lead it that way. Onyx, where are you?!

[Almost out of thin air a large, three-legged crow swoops down from the sky, flying alongside the running musician. The redhead directs his avian familiar to go after the troll. The crow soars forward, catching up to the crow begins to antagonize the other creature. Squawking at it and trying scratch the troll with its talons to seer the thief in one direction.]

Now's your chance!

[alchemists]

[ Elfnein's own familiar decides to appear and starts drawing out a few symbols in the spot she's pointing at. Though all she's doing now is just mumbling, please work while trying to channel whatever energy is needed to make the alchemy work. ]

Please work somehow...!

[milkmycattle]

[Crow does see the ground ahead of them starting to shift and hollow out. He just tries to communicate with his familiar to keep up trying to distract the troll.

Elfnein's mantra seems to will her magic to work. Digging out the soil from the ground and the unsuspecting troll falls right into it. Out of surprise, the creature drops his guitar off to the side before becoming trapped inside the ditch.

As for where the dirt from the hole went, it drops on top of Crow from above. He pokes his head out from the small pile that covers him, sputtering out soil that gets into his mouth.]

Yuck!

chicken race, bottom

[blue_ice]

[ Of all the people for Kaiba to approach with...why his opponent from the board game? Well, he certainly knew Crow had a fighting spirit.

He's hoisted the man up...fortunately, Kaiba's stronger than he looks. ]

Worry about yourself. And, well. Fluffy.

[ Was taunting the yeti a good idea? Ah well, too late now. He dug his heels into the snow, stepping forward when they got the signal. ]

[milkmycattle]

Tch.

[ Crow isn't keen on working with Kaiba either, especially since the board game! Though he's confident that this guy doesn't want to lose any more than he does, that's enough to make Crow tolerate him. Kaiba isn't his enemy at the moment, the yeti is. Crow stares the creature down, raising his arms up, ready to grapple with the thing.

The name-calling doesn't seem to bother the yeti, in fact, the beast seems even more eager to hug Crow, and squeeze the life out of him. So when the judges give the signal to start, the redhead ducks to avoid those long limbs from grabbing him off the bat. It takes a moment for him to regain his balance, before shoving the beast back with his strength, but the yeti only stumbles back a little.]

Guess it's not going to be easy to get Fluffy down. That makes things more interesting!

[A test of strength probably won't cut it, but Crow isn't backing down either.]

[blue_ice]

[ Oh no, he's not letting Crow get crushed if he can help it. He crouches to brace himself, his ability to help limited without the ability to draw glyphs, but. He calls up, regardless. ]

What's your magic?

[milkmycattle]

[The musician keeps his eyes on the yeti, bracing himself for an impending attack from the beast. However, a hint of confusion crosses the redhead's face.]

Dark magic? Why?

[It hasn't crossed his mind that he could use his magic to change the tide.]

[blue_ice]

That's...pain and curses, right?

[ Huff. He adjusts to put him in better striking distance. ]

You have options. Legs. Eyes. Anything else.

[milkmycattle]

Yeah, something like that!

[He stares at the beast trying to figure out how he can jinx it. Anywhere would be good, huh? Then the bane of everyone's existence could work!]

I got it!

[ Crow uses his familiar Onyx to blow an enchanted wind of black feathers towards the creatures. Immediately it freezes, its large body seizing up as it tries to reach behind itself. It looks like Yeti is trying to scratch his back to alleviate an irritating itch, but somehow it cannot reach it. And it never will!]

Now's our chance! Onward, Mr. CEO!

[blue_ice]

Right!

[ He can't exactly use his alchemy here, but he can charge forward and get Crow into position to attack. ]

Go low!

[milkmycattle]

[ The Yeti is still trying to scratch at his back as they move in. Once Crow is close enough he thrusts both of his hands forward like a sumo wrestler. Focusing all of his strength towards the beast's gut with a roar.

He watches as the Yet starts to wobble, stumbling backward as it loses balance. However, is it enough to make the creature fall?]