The Druidess' Encampment [Closed Thread]

[The Druidess]

It had been seasons of good living in my camp, and I wandered about, feeling the nippy air on my face. I wore just a thin woven shirt, made long, flowing all the way to half way down my thighs, and it hardly protected me from the winter's soft breath. My dog slept still in the tent, which I was perhaps 20 meters away from, and my pony gently sniffed the ground in search of food about 10 meters further to my left. It was a strange day, and I'd felt a call from my goddess, a call to help my fellow human souls. I had yet to answer the call, fearing the cruelty of man, and people who are around me. I must stay away from the grasps of civilization. I carried my bow over my shoulder, and a dozen arrows in a quiver, as well as a knife in a holster at my belt, and carried my handaxe, made in the shape of a wolf in my hand. My blades were of finer quality, for certain. I pondered; should I head over to my working area, and craft steel? Or should I focus instead on nature today?

[Necromancer of the West]

Upon arriving in the country of Tea, I looked up from my compass to be greeted with a mighty jungle filled with luscious foliage and a rolling fog that seemed to get thicker as rays of sun shined through the grey clouds. Despite being winter, the climate was rather temperate. There was only a small nip that winter's grasp gave. Holding my cloak closer to my being, I began my trek through the jungle, not knowing what or whom I would encounter. What I was hoping to find in this journey was information on various clans or tribal men that could direct me to where I needed to go. Druids or Shamans were the ones I was looking for. Ones who could direct their own soul power into devastating effects. Those who have unlocked their souls potential are the guidance I need. 

Focusing back onto my surroundings, I realized the sudden noise the forest offered. Insects and various other animals buzzed, screeched and howled in the distance. Eyes belonging to larger animals kept their gaze and distance from my being, not trusting the aura I radiated. He wanted to attack them and watch them suffer in agony, howling and withering to be set free. Alas, it is not the same as seeing the fear from a humans eye as they realize death could be on their horizon.

The canopy of the jungle was high, allowing only small amounts of light to grace the bottoms floor, giving the surrounding a grim feeling. In the distance I saw something different, it seemed like the area was inhabited by someone. Who? I could not tell. The feeling of my own self preservation kicked in and I quickly went through handseals to hide my presence a bit. The first pair of handseals, I focused my chakra on the surrounding shadows the moss covered trees gave. I stepped in between to closely intertwined trees and allowed the shadows to start stitching together around me. The coolness of the shadows eased my paranoia but the down side to this was I wouldn't be able to see anything but two meters past the net of shadows.

Another thought imposed my mind, and I went through another round of seals, this time I focused on the nature of the shadows around my being. I beguiled them to wisp and wither as if they were in pain, threatening anyone who saw it the same in return. Now, the enshrouded net around me was shifting moving and withering. Did I look like a creature from the shadow fell? It would have been a sight to see in an uninhabited forest.

---

Cloak of Fears
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: The target is enshrouded with shifting, shadowy energies that make him appear more threatening and imposing to others.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Fear, Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects anyone who sees the target. The user is able to perform this technique on the target they touch. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 minutes per class level. This technique may be negated. The target is enshrouded with shifting, shadowy energies that make him appear more threatening and imposing to others. The target gains an insight bonus on Fear attacks by +1.
Limit: Must know the Pattern Perception.

Net of Shadows
Rank: "D"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User causes ordinary shadows to fly toward the creatures in the area, forming dark nets that cover and enfold the target or targets.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects 5 creatures per class level where no 2 may be more than 15 meters apart. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 3 rounds. This technique may be negated. The net does not hamper movement, but a creature enfolded in a net cannot see beyond 2 meters, even with darkvision. The folds of a net hide the creature within it, giving the creature 9/10ths concealment making it difficult for the creature to be hit. The net also hampers the enfolded subject's own attacks, granting 9/10ths concealment to creatures within 2 meters and total concealment to creatures more than 2 meters away.
Limit: Must know the Shadow Perception.

[The Druidess]

Perhaps there was something alive in the forest?

Well, I ought not worry. It is the forest; life flows through it in immeasurable ways. Something may be unusual, something may not. That is the nature of life, and it is why I travel armed and ready for things which might come to me. I walked through the forest, examining the herbs which grew and the plants. Few were mature this time of year, but when spring came, I would reap a bountiful harvest, that much I knew.

The sun was shining a little more brightly now, and a gentle breeze would come upon me. Certainly, there was nothing of interest close to me; I could see clearly in all directions about 30 meters. In the distance, however, I thought I glimpsed a shadow where one should not be. It was maybe 35 or 40 meters away, and it appeared to be an unnatural sort of darkness. In preparation I readied my bow, drawing an arrow and nocking it, leaving only 39 left in my quiver for further usage. I would not shoot yet, as harmony is a virtue, but I would wait, and consider any further movements.

[Necromancer of the West]

With each breathe I took, a small puff of frozen air would would escape my pale lips. The net I was enveloped with blocked most of my sight. I couldn't see anything past two meters in front of my eyes, the downfall to such a technique. But, my opponent, who ever it is, cannot see me as well. I closed my eyes and focused on my hearing, trying to discern all the noises that filled my ears. All I heard was chirping of the birds, and rustling between the leaves. Nothing out of the ordinary of the previous sounds from when I entered. Was I being to paranoid? No. That was an encampment for sure. I listened further out. I heard what sounded like a taunt string being pulled back. Was it the vines? Was it the weight of a tree limb stressing? I couldn't tell.\

I have yet to be around many certain things to get a definitive perspective. I should play on the side of caution. With the shroud of darkness masking my movements, I quickly went through handseals that were all too familiar.  I focused my chakra towards the direction of the brief sound I heard and sent forth the cold, vile, and creeping chakra I posses, out into the wilderness. If it were to hit something out there, all they would feel would be a slight shiver of anticipation before my illusion would take hold. Not wanting to stall right after that, I continued another round of handseals and sent out a more copious amount of chakra than the previous illusion.

If it were to hit, a fearsome lich would slowly crawl from the shadows into existence. The lich would be a height of six feet and approximately six inches. The skin was a dark sickening colour, rotten and decomposed, flesh falling off ever so slightly. Deep rasps could be heard, the frost from its breathe noticeable as the surrounding foliage frosted over from the cold presence it provided. It wore tattered black robes with intricate silver design of an ancient coven. Upon its crown of the head was a five point crown, adorned with jewelry. In its hand was a spherical gem, whispering with dark powers. If one were to get close to it, the smell of decomposed body would wash over their body's sense of smell.

---

Phantasmal Lich
Rank: "B"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User creates a phantasmal image of a lich into the subject’s mind.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 living creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 30 meters plus 15 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be disbelieved once interacted with. Only the Jutsu’s subject can see the Phantasmal Lich. User sees only a vague shape. The target first gets a save to recognize the image as unreal. If that save fails, the phantasm lich touches the subject, then the subject must succeed on an additional save or become permanently paralyzed. Any Jutsu or herb able to remove paralysis works. Otherwise, the effect cannot be Dispel GenJutsu. Anyone paralyzed by Phantasmal Lich seems dead, though through careful observation reveals that the victim is still alive. Even if the second save is successful, the subject takes mental damage.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.

Awakened Fears
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: This Jutsu subjects the target to phantasmal images drawn from its latent or suppressed fears.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Fear, Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 living creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 30 meters plus 15 meters per class level. The duration of this technique is instantaneous. This technique may be disbelieved once interacted with. The fears within the target’s subconscious mind are transformed into terrifying and frightful images that its conscious mind can visualize. The target experiences a horde of phantasmal images swirling around its body, tearing and clawing at it. The target may make a save to disbelieve the phantasmal images, otherwise the target suffers from mental damage from the fear effect and is shaken.
Limit: Must know the Phantasm Perception.

Master Illusionist
Rank: "C"
Skill: Regional Trait
Effect: User is very familiar with illusions.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User gains a +1 trait bonus to their own GenJutsus against others and a +1 trait bonus to their saves in order to disbelieve GenJutsu. This trait replaces 1 Freebies.
Limit: Must start with Character; replaces 1 Freebies

[The Druidess]

Before me, horrible, horrible scenes would unfold.

The shadowy blur in the distance would move slightly, and a creature of the night would appear before me. Not knowing what to do exactly, I would release an arrow through the materializing creature, and then another arrow into the shadowy void in the distance. The arrow would pass cleanly through the undead abomination; perhaps it did some damage, but it did not stop it from moving towards me and making it's ungodly attack upon my form.

As it reached for my body, I felt my skin tighten up, every muscle in my body go cold with the overwhelming dread of what was before me, but I had not the power to fight it, nor the strength to run away. "Help." I would try to scream, but barely manage to speak louder than a normal volume. "No, no. Please, don't do this to me. I..." I would manage to say, pleading for help from this unknown assailant.

Yet, unless they felt some odd moment of mercy, I would be touched by the shadowy lich which appeared out of nowhere. Was this the price of my solitary life? The punishment for my sins of omission, for not helping my fellow human? As the thing touched me, I would drench my shirt in a cold sweat, and tense up, falling to the ground, unable to move, and completely vulnerable. I shuddered, wondering what the undead creature and the shadowed thing would do to me.

---

First Check

SPOILER: Click to show

Pe5zp3WC1-20+2 vs 10 + 5 +1

Second Check

SPOILER: Click to show

1-20+2 vs 10 + 5 +1

OOC: I just did my own rolls through the honor system to avoid grabbing a BM for a simple fight. If you don't mind, and you don't find another way to dodge the arrow, roll 1d100. If the result is less than or equal to 18, it will miss due to 9/10's regular concealment. You can also just roleplay out taking the arrow and surviving; the bow alone does 8 points of damage.1-20�1-20

[Necromancer of the West]

Being Trained

SPOILER: Click to show

Cleanse Paralysis
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A Healer gains the ability to Cleanse Paralysis.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: User may perform this on up to 4 creatures, no two of which can be more than 10 meters apart within a distance of 7 meters plus 6 meters per Class Level. A healer deals with certain kinds of maladies so often that eventually can cure them. User can free 1 or more creatures from the effects of any temporary paralysis or related Chakra, including a slow Jutsu. If the Jutsu is performed on one creature, the paralysis is negated. If performed on 2 creatures, each receives another save with a +4 resistance bonus against the effect that afflicts it. If performed on 3 or 4 creatures, each receives another save with a +2 resistance bonus.
Limit: Must be a Medical Doctor.

---

0/20
A sudden impact hit my square in the shoulder, lodging me in the tree I was right next to. A startled scream escaped my lips, grin turning into a furious frown. in the pain my eyes shut quick, not noticing anything outside me available vision. I allowed the net of shadows to slowly dissipate, revealing my injured form. With heavy pants, of not being injured to often, I opened my eyes to see a girl's form strewed about the forest floor. My illusion worked. Her body was prone, lifeless as if she as in a sleep paralysis. With a moment of pain, I snapped the arrow and managed to pull it out of my wound.

I managed to put my other hand to the small wound, allowing my chakra to take a green hue, full of energy chakra. With a sigh of relief, the wound slowly closed up and stopped bleeding. It took longer than it would have another patient. It must of been from my own chakra healing myself. Minutes passed before I released the mystic palm form my shoulder and I slowly rotated it to get feeling back into it. I stalked towards the girl laying on the floor. She was helpless unless a medic came to heal her. A sadistic grin came to my face as I knew I was the only person, that I knew of, in the proximity of this jungle. I grabbed plenty of vines that were scattered on the trees and foliage.

Inspecting the girl, she seemed to be the same age as him, maybe a year younger or two. She was rather attractive despite my own gender attractions. Pale skin was complemented with white hair, that was stuck to her forehead from the sheen of sweat that was produced by the amount of fear she must have felt. It gave my mind great pleasure knowing what I have caused. Now all I need is to hear her scream. I walked over to a low hanging branch that was easily breakable and slowly walked back towards my captive.

I sprawled her hands out and quickly jutted the end of the branch into the palms of her hands, piercing through the skin. Oh how I wanted to hear the helpless screaming and the begging. Alas, to my own dismay, it would have to wait. Doing the same to the other hand, to prevent any sort of advance use out of them, I was content with the brief work. I hoisted her form onto my shoulders, blood dripping down onto my clothes. The wounds were only bad enough to where he could easily heal her. Putting her down by the base of a tree, I began to wrap the vines around her form.

I had enough vines to wrap around nine times, from her shoulders to the beginning of her waist. I hoped it was enough to hold her. Now I did not know how to heal the paralysis fully, but I did read the outline of such technique. He focused his chakra to his hands once more, allowing the healing chakra to envelope his hands. I placed one hand on the base of her skull and another on her bosom. The text I read at the hospital stated that in order to heal such malady, I had to focus on how the chakra network intertwined with the nervous system. I felt the cold, vile chakra that was my own. It was deeply worked into her system.

With the hand that was on her head, I also felt the hold my illusion had. That was the fist I had to heal. Removing the hand from the bosom, I allowed the hand to gently trace onto her forehead. Pulsating my chakra, I allowed it to travel into her helpless body and I slowly expelled my own chakra out. It was easier knowing it was my own, but not knowing what to do was what held me back form fully healing her. With a retraction of my hand, the chakra that was held onto her brain simply vanished, going back into nature.

"My oh my, we have a beautiful creature of the jungle. Care to speak my darling?" I focused my chakra in the hand that was retracted and out it on her throat. I felt more of my lingering energy in her throat and was able to cleanse that portion of it. Knowing that I could hear her screams and voice of begging, I moved my other hand from he skull onto her stomach and other onto her bosom once more.

---

The roll was a 86

Healing Hands (Light)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A Healer gains the ability to heal Light Wounds within an amount of time.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: When laying the hand upon a living creature, the user channels positive energy that cures Light wounds within the amount of time performing a "C" Rank technique in handseals. While curing Light wounds this technique brings higher wound levels down by 1 step. Since undead are powered by negative energy, this Jutsu deals damage to them instead of curing their wounds.
Limit: Must be a Medical Doctor. Must know Healing Hands (Minor)1-100�1-100RcgXx3Nn

[The Druidess]

As I lay helpless on the floor of the forest, I would finally see the face of my assailant. A pale and dark man, he came and lifted me, touching me without any regard or respect to me. I felt furious and violated and knew not what was going to happen to me. I wondered if he would hold me hostage, or rape me, or do the unthinkable - kill me. I was splayed out, and he touched me, hurting me with sticks, although they could do little, they still inflicted tremendous pain upon me.

He lifted me, a man little older than me, and tried to wrap me up with the vines of the forest, but he knew little of both vines and of how to tie, so his binding did not feel very tight. Nonetheless, I could not move, so what could I do?

His dark chakra pulsed through my head as he began to touch my body, stripping me of my autonomy and making me feel violated. His cold touch on my bossom - was that all he wanted? If I could appease him so easily, and have me leave me alone, I would thank the goddess a thousand times. As my throat began to clear and I could move slightly again, the think fabric would provide little protection against any harm he wished to do to me.

"Please." I manage, gasping for air and moving as much as I could. "Don't kill me. I'll..." I trailed off my voice. He said I was beautiful, and I wanted to offer him something he'd want, something to get him to leave me alone, but I knew not what I could do.

I finally had the ability to behold the strange and almost demonic appearance of the man. He looked almost dead himself, and with those odd features... He scared me more than a little bit. I tried to look him in the eye for a moment, but turned away, squinting my eyes and squeezing the muscles that I could as I tried in vain to regain control over my body. Could he paralyze me again after he freed me? Would I be permanently stuck here? I prayed quietly, hoping that I could make it out of here alive.

[Necromancer of the West]

I couldn't help but cackle with glee as the woman began to speak. The begging, it enticed my spirit so. I cancelled the chakra going through my hands and stepped back to see the half paralyzed girl. My predator like grin was broad enough to see my gleaming white teeth, showing the excitement that I was experiencing. "Oh please oh please do not kill me" I pitched my voice higher, mocking the attempts she sang for her life. I bent down closer to her face, hands on her shoulders, and slowly licked her cheek, onto her ear, whispering "Where is the fun in killing such a precious doll like you. Luckily, or unfortunately, fate has graced you with mere moments of life." I stepped away once again, grinning like a mad man. My eyes were wide showing the manic inside.

"do not worry, girl, my taste is for one of more masculine features, so your virtue can stay." Such pointless things people care about. In the face of danger, that is what they have to offer, sex? That meant nothing to me. "But I do enjoy information. Especially information that can help me. Do you think you can be a good girl for me?" I quickly went through  hand seals  and let my right arm rise to my side. I sent my chakra into the gluttonous shadows, and eat they did. Shadows slowly crawled onto my hands and forearms, withering and shifting, begging to take a life.

The interrogation for information was starting, and I was going to enjoy every bit of it. I positioned my hands near her legs and beckoned the darkness to go forth and strike. The claws striked at her legs and I let them remain there, asking my first questions.

"Now be a dear and tell me what I want. First question. Are there more of you, tribal men or mystics about? I am in seek of answers to one of my journeys. You lot tend to be more in-tune with nature and thus yourselves. I seek the guidance of unlocking ones potential through their soul. I seek to gain an understanding and control over such worthless thing as our soul." I did not find souls to be worthless, they were ea fundamental part of necromancy and animancy. The potential to control someone completely, or more. "Second question, are there any ancient sites around the country of Tea? A good exploration is good for the soul, hmm?"


For kicks and giggles, I lashed out the other claw into her other leg and slowly allowed the darkness o creep towards her hip. "Just answer me and I will be on my way." I gleefully cackled once more enjoying the withering mess she was becoming.

---

Claws of Darkness
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: User causes their hands and forearms to elongate and change shape into featureless claws of inky blackness.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: Affects anyone who sees the user. The user is able to perform this technique on themselves. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 rounds per class level. This technique may be disbelieved once interacted with. Attacks with the claws are melee touch attacks. Each claw deals "C" Rank worth of damage. If the user grapples an opponent, they deal claw damage with each successful grapple. User can extend the claws up to 2 meters, or retract them without taking a movement. When the Jutsu is in effect, the user may not perform Jutsus dealing with handseals nor may they carry any items.
Limit: Must know the Shadow Perception.

[The Druidess]

I would steel myself slightly as my captor treated me more and more cruelly. He whispered in my ear, and licked me, and the fervor I felt to repel him increased. I could not in this moment do a thing. But I sensed his mania, and knew he was not sound of mind. His anger and his desire to hurt other's, while now it strengthened him, someday it would be his undoing. I couldn't smirk due to the sheer pain, so I prayed instead.

He offered me my virtue - if he could give that to me, I would praise him as savior rather than conqueror, but as it was I could not do so. My virtue was forced from me long, long ago. He suggested he preferred men, but I wondered if his desire to kill and hurt didn't triumph over any actual preference he had. Regardless, I cared not for the moment.

He dug his shadowy force into my leg, and I bit my lip slightly at the pain. "I am the last of my kind, I live alone. The tribalists and shamans sold out years ago. I am my own." He kept talking to me, hurting my hip slightly, and I wondered what his final intentions would be. I trusted him not to simply leave.

"I know no ancient sites, only the holy natural places of my girlhood. I cannot help you explore ruins or such things..."

[Necromancer of the West]

I was furious, this girl was worthless. "Wothless girl." I sneered at her, retracting my hands, standing up straight cast my gaze down upon her being. "You know nothing of the ancient rites your ancestors performed, you know not of any archaic sites that will provide answers." The shadows were dancing around my hands and forearms, dancing with swift grace, excited for the action they were about to take. I allowed them their excitement to be seen. My hands were aligned with her stomach and with a mental call, the claws became two meters in length, striking through her being and into the tree behind her.

"This pain you feel, do you want it to stop?" I whispered, anger was bubbling at the surface of my heightened emotions. I slowly moved my right arm up ever so slightly, allowing the claws to move upward towards her liver and diaphragm. Even though the claws provided no blood, the damage would still be done. He of course could heal her in time, but what was her worth. Could she guide me in the shamanistic ways to unlock my soul's potential? What could she do?

"Tell me, girl, what is your worth? Why should I not end your life here and now? Hmm? So far you are worthless in my eyes and thus disposable. I gain nothing from allowing you to live." This burst of hatred was foreign to my mental psyche. This anger, this bubbling rage was opposite of my usual calm, witty and over all snarky persona.

[The Druidess]

The cruel man stabbed me through the torso with his shadowy claws, and I let out a gasp of pain. He seemed intent on making me bargain for my life. "Please." I would say, as he sneered at my lack of worth and slid his darkened blade into my body, cutting at me, tearing me. I couldn't help but wonder if he would use the same powers to heal me only so he could hurt me again. As horrible as the pain wretched me... He would spare my life for his sadism, I thought. I began to cry profusely as I realised I was willing to endure such pain for my life.

"Please, I am a maker of weapons. I make fine steel... I could make other things. With the power..." I would scream slightly as he touched me again. "of my goddess, I can grant you... something." I managed to get out my offer. Hopefully he would want that. 

"And... even if you prefer men, you must see... a girl is useful." I managed again as he stabbed me, hoping I could get some sort of sympathy from the bastard.

[Necromancer of the West]

The begging continued, and it was a glorious song to my ears. My breathing turned a bit ragged, I could feel my mind slipping. The high of my activities were affecting me, and that was not the plan. I withdrew my claws and allowed them to form back into a mass of darkness. I closed my eyes, breathing in and out, hearing the whimpering of the girl in front of me. The bubbling sensation of complete domination was wanting to break free. I had to control the urges unless I wanted them to control my being.

I opened my eyes and glared at the girl prostrating her self before me. A sneer graced my lips as I heard her offer."Do you think I care for weapons? Does my embodiment look like I would allow my self to use such barbaric toys? I care naught for suchfine steel." It was a true statement. I have ignored the physical aspect to hone the more intricate and delicate forms of energy manipulation. My body was not muscular, it was rather weak compared to others I have seen.

"And your goddess, what canshe offer me? Hmm? And a girl such as yourself, unless you can guide me to where I need to be, you are nothing to me. Unless you prefer this pain as my little toy? Always on the brink of death? But I am sure you would not like that.

[The Druidess]

   "I know not yet, but craftsmanship itself can bring about a peculiar magic. I'm still learning..." I panted again, hoping my point would come across.

"I've heard of swords capable of summoning miracles, destroying cities, metals capable of piercing the hearts of demons or boosting one's insight. Fine is the humility of a craftswoman beginning on her journey."

I hoped he would not torture me again, as I shook my neck and tried to move my body, tensing and twitching but accomplishing little between my paralysis and the poorly bound vines around me. I wondered if I would ever move again...

[Necromancer of the West]

0/20

The spewing the girl was saying was pointless still. My physical prowess would limit the use of weapons for me greatly."If you have not realized, the gods must of forsaken me, as I run with the devils now." Unknowing to my knowledge and heritage, it was a fantastic pun I would have laughed if I were to know the truth. I was getting bored with her. I have wasted too much time without any benefit to myself. My work here must end quickly.

I crouched down near her face once more, my eyes more relaxed than the manic gleam they once held. I flowed my chakra into my awaiting hands, replacing the darkness of the claws with a warm pulsating aura of healing. I pressed my hands onto her bosom once more feeling for my chakra that was in her system. IT was still easy to spot within her coils. My chakra in my hand pulsed softly in to the system, wrapping around my foul chakra. With a single retraction, most of the chakra that was held in the chest cavity and lower stomach was expelled from her body.

I moved slowly down her legs, soft caresses, analyzing the main focal point of the paralysis chakra manifested. My chakra latched heavily on the knee, and I sent one of my hands onto her left knee and latched the healing aura to the darker illusion that still took hold. "You are free to go after your other leg. You are of no use to me dead or alive. Killing you feeds me no purpose."

I moved onto the last leg, wanting to get this over with completely to begin on my journey once more. I flowed my healing hands quickly down her leg, allowing the lich's chakra to be repulsed from her body, fully healing her of the paralysis I caused.

"I shall be on my way. Have fun surviving further." With one last ear to ear grin and a cackle, I turned my back against her and began walking.

[The Druidess]

Having had my paralysis healed completely, I would ponder the situation. Surely, this man was evil and now he knew my location. He was a risk. Yet, to fight him more would be to risk him doing what he had done to me earlier to me again. Somehow, though, I thought he could do far more harm to me by heading off and knowing my secret places than he could possibly do to me in another battle. He would not kill me. At some level, he knew I was useful. This was a worthy strike, this would save me.

His ties were hardly anything; he didn't know anything about vines or ropes. I wasn't really bound by what he did, so I was free to slip out, and stand back up. Still possessing my bow and arrows from earlier, I waited until the man was 10 meters away, made sure my knife was still handy, and drew my bow. I would then unload 5 arrows in rapid succession at the man's back, adjusting my shot if he were to move at all. Further, if I saw him go to perform any sort of handseal or jutsu, I would target his hands, attempting to at least interrupt him from doing to me what he did earlier, or even render him completely incapable of casting spells on me.

Additionally, I would whistle as the first arrow sailed, alerting my companions to the stranger. My horse and dog would stalk out in the distance, each being about 10 meters from the man. After the fellow reacted to the arrow flying towards him, my horse would charge out, attempting to strike the man, first with her right front hoof and then with her left. Then, as the man dealt with this, my dog, Umbra, would run out, and attempt to bite the man on the right leg and then the left. Having attempted those bites, the dog would go on further to attempt to latch on to the cruel man's hand. These beasts were not trained to interact well with strangers.

---

For reference: Arrow = 8 points of damage, bite = 6, hoof = 6.

[Necromancer of the West]

I was an idiot, plain and simple. My running desires told me to finish the woman of nature off and be on my way. But staying around and killing such a girl, whom might have others would have been stupid. She could have been lying and there were more of her kind and she was just a scout. I did not know and I do not care now. I heard the shuffle of movement behind me, and the familiar sound of the draw string of a bow. In a quick movement , I threw my cloak around me to block my small body, and tried to lower my self onto the ground to prevent being a pin cushion.

There was more pain as I brought up my arms to protect my vitals. Three arrows hit my right fore arm, one hit my left forearm and on pierced me in the shoulder once again. Blood was shed and splatted on the ground as I screamed out in pain once more. I heard a neigh and stomping on the ground as a horse charged at me, attempting to stampede my being. I was able to get back ever so slightly, but caught a glancing blow to the second hit to my gut, making me spiral to the ground , clutching my stomach.

Another cry was let out as this filthy mutt was latching onto my legs, piercing skin with its bite. Oh so much pain, but such a wondrous feeling to be in. My antagonistic frown turned back into a manic grin as I laid bloodied on the forest floor.

"So the roles are reversed my dear, Hmm? What are you going to do with me, take my virtue? I know you might be surprised my lovely, but I do still hold it. Will you show mercy on me as I did you? I was going to let you live and continue your precious life. After all, you were the one to attack me first, I merely retaliated. I would have wanted to talk without any violence, but alas you caused first blood." I chuckled softly as my laxed eyes pierced into her eyes.

[Skulking Shinzu]

Necromancer of the North +22 TP. Learned.

[The Druidess]

The cruel man crumpled to the ground at the onslaught of woman and beasts.

I would walk quietly up to where he lay, whistling again, so Umbra and Ghost Dancer would leave the man with his life. I would kneel by his side, pressing my hands against his wounds, doing my best to make sure he was going to survive. I doubted he would die though, he had managed to make most of the wounds into mere scrapes, and I was far from a powerful fighter.

"Look, I could have killed you, but I have not. I will aid you back to health as I am able, if you need it. But I put trust in you. You will not attack me. I am a strong woman of these wilds, not yours to control. While you now know I have value, you also now know you would never be able to control me. You are far too weak for that.

"But, if you are humbled, I offer you my aid. Perhaps I can heal you, if that is what you need?" I had basic knowledge of first aid, although I was merely a novice at it, but I could help him avoid blood loss, and generally not make the situation worse as needed.

[Necromancer of the West]

"It looks like we could have finished one another off easily. Tell me, girl, what is your goals in life. We might be able to help one another out if they are somewhat intertwined. Just get these arrows out and I can slowly do the rest." I was pathetic. The situation I was in should not of happened. The woman said she would not kill me so that was a plus. The course of action that seemed the most liable and sure way to scrap by alive is being cordial. Luckily no prostration would be necessary. Oh how I loathed prostrating myself to imbeciles.

"You may have value to someone else, but you hold no value that I know of as of yet. You say you are a skilled weapon-smith-ess, coordinated with a bow and have the loyalty of a few animals. But what else can you do, hmm?" I had no need of weapons, as I stated before, but I needed knowledge of alchemical properties of plants and animals. I needed someone who could withstand and help with rituals. Someone who could help my progression of eternal life. I knew there were ways to control ones soul power but I did not know how.

[The Druidess]

"You flatter yourself, shadowmancer. You have little to offer to me, and I am not one for such contracts." Roughly, I would pull the arrows from the man, and rip a part of my dress off to the stem the bleeding, tying a small knot around the wound to apply pressure and protect it from infection as well as other potential complications. "You may rest in my tent. While I have no way of stopping you, I trust you are not so power hungry as to use that dread spell you tested early on me, now that I am your host?"

I would pick up the almost-dead man, and carry him back to my tent. Speaking, more to keep him sane than anything I would say "Yes, I know some of the properties of plants and animals. I am, of course, a woman of nature. Many strange powers reveal themselves only to those who seek harmony." I would speak somewhat sternly, and carry the man to my bedroll, where I would put him down to rest. Having placed him there, I would return to the forest to collect and clean my arrows, leaving him to his own devices...