Welcome to Gaia! ::

General Information
The Shadow Run is both the simplest and most dangerous training course that can be run without a golem. A flurry of continuous attacks is what the Sun Division holds in highest respect, and the course reflects that. The course itself is a simple tunnel, reached via portal. Within the tunnel await hundreds of weak, hungry shadowlings. Nothing to worry about on their own, but capable of overwhelming a Hunter through sheer numbers at the first moment of weakness. At the other end of the tunnel is another portal, leading back to the course observation booth.

If you fail: your character is KO'd, but there's always a senior hunter in the observation booth with enhanced bandages at the ready. They should reach you in time. Really. Trained and trusty professionals on-hand 24/7.

If you win: peen points and bragging rights to those who take out the greatest number of shadowlings and go the most turns without needing to attempt a recovery maneuver.

Mechanics

• You must get through 5 waves of attacks to make it through the tunnel.
  
• Simply roll for attack as you would in battle.
  
• If you miss, your character falters in their attacking and is overwhelmed by shadowlings.
  
• After 3 successful hits, you may use your weapon's charge attack.
  
  Bonus Mechanics
  
• This bonus is consumable.
  
• The bonus in this course is in the form of "recoveries" ~ these are would-be missed attacks that are quickly recovered and turned into a successful hit. Basically, they can miss once and roll again for an extra try. If you keep consecutively missing, though, and run out of recoveries, it's lights out. These do not equal an automatic pass for a round, you still have to land a successful hit to proceed.
  
  
• Trainees: 0 recovery
  
• Sun Trainees: 1 recovery
  
• Hunters: 1 recovery
  
• Sun Hunters: 2 recoveries
  

Considering how often people came a'knocking in the early hours of the morning, it was good the girl was an early riser. She'd already been up for sometime, having gone for her usual morning run, and had only just gotten back to her room after a quick breakfast. She was still in her jogging shorts of tank top when she answered the door, grinning up at the red head. "I am always up for Nakama time, what did you have in mind?"

What had started as jealous resentment had blossomed into respect and further grown into admiration. Peyton liked America, she was good people, and she seemed to genuinely care about everyone she came in contact with. It was refreshing in a way, after spending so much time with Taym.

"I am so in." Peyton had been wanting to do the Shadow Run for a while now, but just hadn't yet gotten around to it. She waved America out of the way so she could step out into the hall and closed her door behind her. "Taym and I did the Life course," she offered, grinning. "I passed it. Keep trying to get him to go back, but he flat out refuses."

Smashing through a bunch of shadows did sound like something she'd enjoy. She started walking down the hall, sure America would be right there with her.

Peyton smirked at America's so accurate description of Taym's mindset. The term 'stubborn as a mule' popped into her head. "Maybe." It was probably possible, but she wasn't usually willing to push him terribly hard into doing anything. Protective, caring, but generally passive. More often than not she let him take the lead on things. "I know why he isn't in a hurry to repeat it, but I had fun. Made it all the way though before getting knocked out." Then woken up to Taym watching over her, the Death hunter helping her back to her dorm after.

When they reached the portal Peyton mimicked America's excited grin, and there was that fierce flash of competition in lavender eyes as she dipped her head in a nod to the other girl.

The door opened, and Pey sprinted forward. She'd expected a swarm, maybe something like the spider zombies she'd encountered on her mission with Heidi, Tuck, and Evan. They were smaller, but their were relentless as they charged in from all sides. But Peyton was quick, she had agility and a small, easily maneuverable weapon. One after one she sent the little beasts flying as she launched themselves at her.

"Come on America!" Strep right up, don't be shy. "We could make this more interesting, what do you think?" A little wager perhaps.

Flinging the bladed ball out until it caught on a cluster of enemies, America was able to pull herself back up and forward by its chain. Recovering her stance, and grinned at Peyton, eyebrows raised at both the offer and her own near whupping straight out the gate. "Yeah? I'm in!" She called out, surging forward, "What're your terms?"

A wager was always a welcome and fine way to spice things up.

Just as the other Sun had, Peyton managed to recover quickly enough. The writhing pile of little black bodies finally exploded outward, and the dainty gril that had been buried got to her feet looking mildly rumpled. With an impatient snarl she aimed a mighty kick at one of the shadowlings thatc ame close enough to sniff at her ankle, sending it flying off into the dark.

"How about loser takes the winner out to dinner?" Not a date, just a girls night out, away from the island, enjoying real food and whatever else they might want.

"I'll accept those terms!" Peyton liked to be competitive, but she could jump on board a win win situation.

Another little beast came sniffing closer, and Peyton punted it off into the masses.

"Yes, well," she started, bracing herself as an entire wave rose up in front of her. They swarmed, and Peyton charged forward to meet them, tiny fists moving in a blur of speed that sent small bodies flying. "I hope you like Chinese, because I've got a craving, something fierce!"