|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat May 16, 2015 8:40 am
This Quest is for Nuri who is striving to become a Beast Charmer.
 OOC
||. The quest prompt must be answered with a 2000 word reply (can be more).
||. Respond to the prompt given with an adventure of your own creation as long as it meets the requirements of the specific tasks.
||. NPCs may be used as long as they advance the quest in an interesting manner.
||. You cannot include any playable characters other than the quest taker.
||. Your responses will be graded with a Pass or Fail. Those who fail will have to continue with assistance from the staff.
||. Questions about quests can be asked here.
IC
Trials for the Oban army had been announced and would soon start, something Nuri had been working toward for years. On the day of the tests, everyone was to report to the palace and would be given a special task to complete.
Nuri arrived with plenty of time to spare and found himself targeted by three Beast Tamers in the army. They were to give him the task that he was to complete and it would be difficult. Nuri had to successfully ride one of the giant war beasts alone - something that usually required 3-4 members to do properly.
Quest Tasks
||. The quest should begin with Nuri hearing of the summons to court, and being confronted by the three beast tamers.
||. They will present him with his challenge, though something seems wrong with the situation.
||. Nuri will somehow have to manage to ride the beast by himself.
||. After successfully completing the task, he will find that the other three beast tamers were just hazing him and he didn't actually have to do any of it.
||. Nuri can be happy that he passed and to be accepted by them, or find out that he really didn't have to do said task and be resentful of them, but he will be a part of the Oban army in the end.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 9:17 am
[❂] THE OBAN TRIALS [❂] Nuri felt the shiver run up his spine as he sat with his fellows, the hush that had fallen on the group broken as they began to furiously whisper. All around him, the Obans who had made it this far in the training broke out with excitement, the news that the masters had announced disrupting any form of decorum.
"Enough!" Clipped and harsh, the master before them barked out an order for silence, and Nuri made to sit straight enough that his spine ached. His fingertips dug into his knees, the only true sign that he was anything but cool and controlled.
"Congratulations, you have all officially made it through training." Dramatic pause, filled with silence. No one would make a sound as they leaned forward to hear the words they knew were coming next. As if to tease them further, the master before them settled to pace back and forth, eyes up to the sky and a smirk crossing his dark lips.
Spinning one last time, he settled to look down his nose at everyone, his bright red eyes as piercing as they were the first day Nuri had made his way to training all those years ago, "The trials are set to begin in five days and you will report to the palace where you will be summoned by your judges and jury. This will be the single greatest moment of your life, and many of you will screw it up."
The bright flash of teeth against dark skin caused Nuri to internally snarl, still disgusted at the treatment the master provided to his peers. Yet, he kept his mouth firmly shut and let the elder pace and prattle, providing his last hurrah in terms of striking fear in the trainees.
Glancing around, Nuri caught sight of looks of determination, horror, and defeat. He wasn't quite sure what his look was, but he pushed his face further into the mask as he turned back to the master for his final words.
"...if you pass, you will forever be out of my hair and no longer my issue. You will be part of this army and representing the great nation of Oba. You will fight in the name of our king, for our king, and on behalf of our king."
"Now, I have little faith you will pass, but if you do, I can say that you will move on to greater things with more focus on your skill. So, enjoy your next few days of freedom, boys and girls, because after the trials you will either be fighting the glorious battle, or be slaves to your shame...Frankly, I don't care which it is as you are no longer my problem at this point in time. So...with that being said...get out of my yard. NOW!"
Everyone scrambled for the last time to get away from the training grounds, whispering to themselves as they wondered what was to come the next few days. Nuri waved to a few of the ones he might call friends from the past few years, but otherwise kept his head down in deep thought. To say he wasn't nervous would be a lie, for he knew this would be an important next few days.
Nuri had requested consideration from the Beast Masters, and if he were to be summoned by them, he would begin a journey down the path to his newest dream. All he could do now was continue his last minute training and hope that they would call his name and no one else. For if they called his name, he would prove to them he would be a valuable asset as the next great Beast Master. All he needed was a chance.
[ 623 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 9:18 am
[❂] THE THREE BEAST MASTERS [❂] The next few days had been torture for the aspiring beast charmer. Waiting for the grand trial was filled with hours of training and avoiding the other prentices who also were filled with worry. Nuri knew he was doing overkill - at this point there really was no more point wearing himself thin - but he needed to do something to keep himself busy and help pass the time. As the hours moved by at a snails pace, even his family couldn't help keep this anxiety and excitement from building up and breaking him down.
Finally, the day was upon them, and as Nuri was awoken by the first light of the sun he found himself darting out of bed and donning his fabrics well before the servants made their way with the morning meal. He brushed them and his family off as he moved through the estate, grabbing a few fruits for the road and drifting out the door with a half-hearted farewell. He barely made out the sound of his family's cheer of luck as Naraka padded along beside him, his focus on the tall building in the distance and the goal he had for the day.
"You need to stay outside." He murmured softly, turning to his growing Janarim as he knelt low to face the creature. Naraka only shifted from paw to paw, dark eyes stark against stony skin as he nuzzled under his owner's chin, "I will call you if you are needed, but for now this is my trial, and I must face it alone."
Reaching out a hand to brush against the growing horns of his familiar, Nuri showed a spark of adoration before letting his arm drop and waving the creature to the side. It took a second for Naraka to move into the shade of the Palace, and Nuri knew that Naraka would wait all day until he was summoned to his side again.
Turning once more to the entrance, and well aware of how quiet the palace was and how few people were around, the Oban made his way inside to dutifully wait for his summons to begin.
As he made way inside the palace, it was apparent how early he was. Eyes swiveled in his direction from the many Army members who would be overseeing the trials, studying his appearance and evaluating his form. Nuri spared them no glance as he kept his chin high, moving toward the location where few others mingled, clearly the place where the prentices were set to wait. He made sure to settle far away from others who were early; his back against the wall as he kept his posture tight and ready.
Outside, he appeared cool and collected. Inside, his mind raced with last minute thoughts and anticipation at what was to come. It wouldn't be much longer.
"Nuri Agnisa."
Eyes snapping open, Nuri was surprised to see not one, but three figures before him. He pushed off from the wall to properly greet his superiors, his eyes taking in as much detail as possible to determine exactly who was before him.
Two men and a woman stood before him, all with severe features that revealed nothing of their intentions. Each had on the armor of the army, and long winding whips that keyed in to their position and rank. They were clearly Beast Tamers, and with their outfits they were more than just the standard foot soldiers that swarmed the front line with Janarim. There was something special about these three, something that caused Nuri's neck hairs to stand on end.
One of the males spoke up, a lightly colored Oban with chocolate colored hair pulled away from his features in tight dreads, "My name is Vukidal, and this here is Eidan and Brahnde."
Eidan, the other male, had skin as dark as the night and a shaved head. He was large and stoic, and clearly displeased with being here and at the task at hand. To his side, Brahnde was shorter with curling chocolate locks that pulled to the side of her head with a golden clasp, her skin the same rich tan like Vukidal. She smiled when introduced, flashing bright teeth that seemed too quick for Nuri to catch.
"Today, we will be evaluating you on your ability to join our ranks as Beast Tamers in the great army. Come along, we don't have much time, I will explain your task as we walk."
Nuri made no move to respond, and felt little to no permission to do so. In fact, as he moved to follow the elder Obans, he got the distinct feeling that he was becoming ensnared. Vukidal led the way through the winding halls of the great palace, not starting the explanation as promised. Eidan silently padded to the left, eyes straight ahead and a slight frown seeming to grow on the tip of his lips. Brahnde seemed to bounce to Nuri's right, her smile appearing every so often on her face, especially when she glanced at Nuri in passing.
The pace began to slow as they made their way through the solder quarters and out the back of the palace, a result that blinded Nuri for a long moment. He paused to cover his eyes, giving the three tamers a chance to step forward and re-set their formation before him yet again. As he lowered his hand, Nuri found himself looking back into the eyes of the three as they stared him down.
A smile, a frown, and a smirk.
"So, your challenge is simple enough. It's something each of us had to go through, and is the best way for us to identify who will be a master, and who will be a foot soldier. All you need to do, Nuri Agnisa, is ride one of our great Gerru without falling off."
Nuri felt his brow furrow for a long moment, before the name of the beast sunk in. They wanted him to ride the giant war beast...the ones that required multiple riders to master. Panic settled in his gut for a long moment, before he glanced between the three and let logic take over.
"Of course, I accept your challenge. Will you be seeking my leadership for this team, or will I be required to follow your direction on managing the beast?" He asked simply, looking between the three. As soon as the question was out of his mouth, Brahnde let out a peal of laughter that ended with a snort, before a sharp glare from Vukidel silenced her.
They seemed to have a long moment of glaring between one another before the male turned back with his pleasant smile, "This is your trial, Nuri, so you must face it alone. It wouldn't be fair if we were to ride it with you, there would be no way we could judge your skill with the beast. It is already familiar with us, and it would listen to our commands and not show how it takes to your own. No...this is for you to do alone."
Nuri took a long moment to collect himself and keep his mask in place, watching as the three looked back. He fell back into observation, unsure how to approach this any other way. Brahnde seemed pleased with his discomfort and the news, her smirk having grown. Vikadel's own smile seemed less than friendly, as if a tease or a mockery of the task at hand. It caused the younger Oban to feel intense discomfort at this trial. And Eidan, Nuri still had yet to get a read on the dark male, but the frown he had on was completely gone and all he did was look deep into Nuri's eyes as if waiting for his response. Judging.
This entire situation, the location, the three before him - everything seemed wrong. Nuri took one last second to collect himself, before nodding once. It had to be done.
"I understand."
The three seemed pleased, and all turned to quickly converse about the details. Nuri seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, his mind spinning with how out of his element he was. No one was allowed near a Gerru, no one permitted to get close to the creature. He was no way prepared to take on this task, and yet he had no choice otherwise. This was his trial, what he was summoned to do, and he had to do it.
"..well friend, let us make haste. It will take some time to get to the outskirts of the city where the beast is housed."
Nodding once more, Nuri let the heavy silence fall upon him as the three surround him once more. This time, he felt as if he were walking toward his funeral, and the glances that kept coming his way did little to help sooth the stress that was beginning to push down his shoulders. He needed a plan, and he needed one fast.
[ 1,496 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 9:19 am
[❂] RIDING THE GERRU [❂] Nuri stood back away from the pens that housed the Gerru, his eyes wide and his mouth clamped shut as he looked up at their towering forms. Two alone were breathtaking, he could only imagine what three would look like. The creatures rushing the battle field, towering high above the trees and the enemies as they took out everything in their path. It was an awe inspiring and humbling thought, and one that did little to sooth the nerves of what he still had to do.
Somehow, Nuri would need to ride one of the two beasts on his own.
Turning his eyes away from the creatures, he watched as the three tamers seemed to whisper hurriedly to themselves, rushing back and forth as they cleared the area for the beast. It wasn't long before Vukidal broke away, moving back toward Nuri with a rushed appearance.
It had taken longer to prepare the beast than it seemed they anticipated and the sun was high in the sky when it was time for the trial to begin.
"You will be riding our eldest Gerru. He's stubborn, but less likely to buck you off and trample you. I'd say it's the lesser of two evils." Another cheeky smirk, and Nuri simply blinked back with a blank stare, prompting him to continue, "Right...Eidan, why don't you get our friend one of the training whips. You do know how to use a whip, right?"
Lifting his chin, Nuri simply moved past with a nod to meet the other tamer half-way, grabbing the worn whip and getting used to the feel of the weapon in his hand. It took a long second for him to realize that Eidan was hovering, his tall form looking over Nuri with a grim frown of his own.
"Listen, Kid." The previously silent male rumbled out lowly, keeping the conversation between them, "If anything happens, we will be there to tame the beast-"
"This is my trial, and while I respect the safety measures, I understand this is my time to prove to all of you that I am a part of your team."
The reply was stiff, and Nuri snapped the whip with a quick flick of his wrist to the side. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do. Looking back to the tamer, he held his stare for a long moment before giving a nod of appreciation and turning away. It was time.
As Nuri moved past Brahnde, she finally spoke up with a mocking chortle to contribute to the trial in her own way.
"You mount the beast from the side, little prentice", she called out, as if he didn't already know.
Nuri gripped the whip tighter in response before finally stepping forward to face the Gerru head on. It was large, much larger at this distance, and the scales that covered its body made it appear imposing and threatening. It seemed to take notice of Nuri as well, shaking its head and slapping its clubbed tail around in agitation. Nuri made no move to get closer, reading quickly that the creature would not be pleased.
"Come now...this is just like training with Naraka." He softly mumbled in a peptalk, keeping his gaze on the beast and only the beast, "All creatures think on the same level, and need the same approach...it's only a bit bigger, but it's still the same..."
This meant a slow approach, allowing the creature to perceive him as no threat, and possibly letting it scent him. There would be no rushing through this process, as rushing would mean death. And the whip was a fool's tool, as Nuri had no training on the proper technique or messages. With that thought in mind, he wound it up and moved to settle the weapon on his hip.
One step at a time, with a pause to see the reaction, Nuri moved closer to the beast before him. The Gerru huffed and snorted in response, but never moved away. Its keen eyes kept focused on Nuri's movements, aware of exactly what was going on. It was a well trained beast to recognize the situation at hand, and was well used to random Obans moving around camp. This part would be easy, and Nuri was able to get quite close in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, the three Tamers seemed content to sit back and not make any sort of comment.
At a close range, Nuri began to move to the side of the Gerru and this was where the beast began to get anxious. It moved its head in the same direction that Nuri traveled, leaning down to take a quick huff. The action blew hot air on Nuri's skin, further causing his nerves to set off. Soon, the creature seemed reassured with whatever it scented. Maybe it was Naraka's scent on Nuri's body, or the old whip that settled on his hip. Either way, the second test with the creature had been passed, and Nuri was able to continue his movements to the side.
Now would be the true challenge.
Nuri moved close to the side of the beast, and heard the first rumble of warning. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, attempting to project confidence and calm before taking a chance to glance at the three Tamers. All seemed alert now, and were close. It seemed as if Eidan was right about the fact that they would be there in case anything went wrong. Instead of reassuring him, however, that thought only spurred confidence in Nuri as he grabbed the first strap and began to climb.
The next few minutes were difficult as the best began to shuffle and let out frustrated cries. Nuri continued to climb slowly, working to project to the beast that he was no threat as he moved as high as he could. He ignored the other seats and settled in the front where the true Master would sit, his eyes taking in the land before him. The height was astounding, and the feel of the beast breathing and shifting beneath him was unbelievable. When all was calm and the creature seemed content once more, Nuri chanced another glance down to his jury.
"You still need to ride the beast, Nuri! That means showing us you can control it enough to direct its movements!"
The shout came from Vukidal, and once more furious discussion occurred right after. This time, it was mostly between the two males, but it was short and quick and the two looked back up after a long moment, "Now would be great!"
Prompted by the cries, Nuri grabbed the whip-like reigns and took a tentative snap, setting everything in motion. The creature began to stress once more, stomping back and forth in place and shaking its body. Nuri braced himself quickly to keep himself from rolling, gritting his teeth and determined to ride it out. However, after the first minute it was clear that the beast would not settle on its own unless something was resolved, and there were only two options.
Either get off, or get it calm.
Nuri gave up on keeping his footing as he grabbed the reigns again and attempted to pull back on them. It didn't work and the Gerru shifted and pulled to the side. It began to circle around the space, keeping to the enclosure but clearly uncertain and displeased with the unskilled rider. Nuri, determined to get some sort of reaction, pulled the reigns in a different direction, resulting in the beast to raise back on its haunches and push to the air.
Over the rush of the adrenalin, Nuri could hear a scuffle below from the others, as well as some other cries in the distance.
The beast dropped to the ground with a rumble that shook the immediate area, and at that the Oban knew he needed to try something else. Dropping the reigns, he went for the worn whip on his hip and unwound it during the brief calm. Without skill, Nuri knew that he wouldn't have more than a few chances to get the creature's attention. There was nothing to base his actions on, nothing to understand or build off of. All he could do what throw his arm back and snap the whip high above the head of the Gerru, and prey that something would happen.
When the loud crack snapped through the air, a silence fell on the area. The next few seconds seemed endless as the creature stiffened, before it settled and began to circle once more. It was not direction, but it was progress.
With a deep breath, Nuri attempted to grab the reigns one last time, and move the creature to face forward. It was stubborn, just as Vukidal claimed, but it finally relented with a shake of its mighty head.
As Nuri settled the creature back in place, he looked down upon the faces of the three Beast Tamers far below, sending a triumphant smirk before letting out a long breath.
He had done it. He had managed to ride the Gerru.
[ 1,526 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 9:20 am
[❂] THE TRUTH [❂] "What is going on here?!"
The sharp voice snapped through the silence, and Nuri watched as the three tamers stiffened and stood sharp and to point. The beast below him seemed to calm at the voice of the man that was rushing toward them, making what sounded like a cooing noise before settling to the ground as if welcoming a new rider and friend. Quickly, Nuri took advantage of the calm and scrambled down the side of the Gerru, keeping one eye on his steps and the other on the approaching man in the army regalia. As he felt his feet hit the ground, he spun around and moved swiftly away from the creature and toward his jury.
It took him but a second to realize they had gathered a crowd, and that the officer approaching appeared to be fuming.
"None of you had any clearance to take the Gerru out of the enclosure. Today of all days...I won't even attempt to understand such foolish behavior from you three." Spinning, the man turned to look Nuri in the eye, glaring for a long moment before turning back, "Who is this and why was he riding my beast?"
Everyone was silent, and Nuri watched as both Vukidal and Brahnde seemed to lose their smirks and appear pale and sweating. It suddenly made sense; the rush to ride and complete this so early - this was never meant to happen. Nuri gripped his whip with frustration, uncertain if he should speak up or let them try and work this out. Thankfully, it didn't take long before someone else came forward to clear the air.
"Sir." Eidan stepped forward, ignoring the glowers of his peers as he bowed his head, "It was merely a prank. We recognized the one behind you as one of the prentices set to go to trial for the beast masters. We thought we would have some fun before you arrived, and never anticipated he would take up the challenge and step forward to ride the beast."
Brow furrowed, Nuri glared darkly at them all as he stood behind the Master, keeping his mouth shut as everything went down before him.
"This...this is Nuri Agnisa?" A glance over his shoulder, eyes racking up and down, and then a quick dismissal, "I marked him as a deserter for not attending the summons. You took him under the pretense of a false summons all for a...prank?"
"Yes, sir. A prank that got out of hand. I should have known better and spoke up sooner."
"Yes, you should have. I am gravely disappointed in all of you. You will all be assigned to pen cleaning duties so you will remember your place. We will discuss this further. You are dismissed."
As the master turned away, all three scampered off. Nuri caught sight of two glares from Vukidal and Brahnde, but Eidan nodded and sent him a smile as if there was some form of respect between the two. Nuri did nothing but watch them go. It was a long moment before the master turned and evaluated him once more.
"I must apologize for my subordinates. This is unacceptable behavior and it is not something we approve under my watch. All three will be reprimanded further for their interference. Now I need to head back to the palace and clear your name, as you did show up to the trial..."
The man rubbed his face, and Nuri bit his lip before raising his chin.
"Sir...I'm willing to complete the trial for you. If not today, any day you see fit."
The master paused, before looking up at his Gerru that was being led away to his pen. There was a heavy silence as the man contemplated his words, before letting out a sigh.
"You have successfully approached, calmed, and rode one of our great beasts, a task made for four. Despite the...abnormal and unacceptable nature of what has occurred...there is no point for you to show me any more skill. Taking you out to tame a beast is nothing compared to what you have just shown us. Congratulations, Nuri Agnisa, and welcome to the Beast Tamers."
[ 698 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 1:56 pm
[❂] MIXED SATISFACTION [❂] As the sun sunk below the horizon, Nuri finally made his way back to the front of the palace. He ignored the faces of the other prentices who completed their trials, the success and failure clear on many. Instead, he stalked toward where his faithful companion still sat, just as pleased to see Naraka as the Janarim was to see him. Falling to his knees, he brushed the beast's chin in greeting and let out a soft sigh.
The entire day had gone nothing like he anticipated. Although he had passed the trial, it had been a cheap trick by a bunch of bored tamers looking to play a prank on the innocent prentices. Being the determined Oban that he was, Nuri had fallen for it hook, line, and sinker, and had gone above and beyond what they had anticipated. It had been clear that they never assumed he would dare climb the giant beast, and it was far too late for them to go back on their word when he made it up to the Master's mount.
By the time the true judge had found him, he had nearly wrecked the entire pen with his foolishness and nearly cost himself a spot in the Army. The rage and frustration thrummed through his veins as he left the field and made his way home, and still it warmed him while he sat with his familiar. His frustration wouldn't settle, and he wanted to scream at how everything seemed to fall apart. This should have been a day of excitement and success, a day where he proved who he really was.
Instead, he was shamed - the butt of a cruel joke.
Gritting his teeth, Nuri moved to stand, turning away to realize he still had the worn whip on his person. It was an item that had been used by hundreds of tamers in the past, showing its age and regalia. It had endured endless cycles of strain and training, and still it proved to withstand and move forward to accomplish its task at hand. Even the most worn and frayed whip could bring down a beast taller than the highest buildings.
No matter what abuse the whip had, it still lived on.
Taking a deep breath, Nuri looked back toward the palace and let out a sigh. What was done was done, and there would be no point in dwelling. The master had seen his worth and accepted his actions as a true trial. In fact, odds are that the three tamers had done more good for him than he first realized. They had helped him prove himself at a much higher level, and the potential for success was quite high.
Yes, despite their intention, they seemed to have done some good.
It didn't mean he needed to trust them, for that still had yet to be earned. However, he would let this transgression slide and move forward. Tonight was a night to celebrate, and one he would continue to tell for the ages to come. He was sure many would be curious about what went down in the Gerru pens, and he had proof right in his hands.
Yes, his tale would be grand, and his future would be vast. It was time for him to begin the next step of his journey, for he was accepted as an official member of the Oban Army.
[ 566 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 11:23 am
I look forward to your review!
[ 4,909 ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 5:43 am
Class Quest Result
Pass!
Nuri has passed and received a rank of Beast Charmer!
Congratulations Nuri!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
