Name: Vito Feralborn
Nickname: Fido, Beastmaster, "that guy with all the animals following him"
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Species: Human/Beastkin
Position: Chaotic Good - Vito loves helping those in need, but doesn't recognize any authority that hasn't earned his respect.
Powers/Abilities/Techniques/Skills: Vito's Powers:
Wildtongue: Being Beastkin, Vito can talk to and understand all animals. In most cases this involves listening to an animal speak and being able to translate their thoughts and feelings but not their actual words. He can only fully understand the speech of the animals he 'binds' to. Vito cannot understand unnaturally creatures, like the Heartless.
Beastkin Soul: Another power of the Beastkin is the ability to 'bind' ones heart and soul to that of a wild animal, effectively 'taming' it. Vito binds with an animal by either offering the bind (at which point its up to the animal to accept or not) or by defeating the beast in battle and forcing it to bind. The longer the Beastkin and the beast remain bonded, the stronger it becomes and the more the two are able to share theirs thoughts, feelings, and strengths. While Vito can tame a total of five animals at one time, but can only fight along side one in a battle.
Switch: In battle, Vito is able to dismiss his current companion and replace him with another one on reserve. This allows him to adapt to battle and use a variety of different tatics. Switching requires a full post to both dismiss the old companion and summon the new one, in which Vito can't perform any other action leaving him open to attack. When not in battle, his companions remain in the Soul Crystals on Vito's belt and don't regain any health or energy while dismissed.
Swordsmanship: Vito has been training with his sword ever since he was 10 and has become quite adapt in the art of swordplay. He's no where near the level of master, but he hold his own in battle. Vito's real ability in combat doesn't come from his sword arm, but from the teamwork of him and his companions. His usually battle style involves him attacking with only his right hand so that his left hand is free to direct the attacks of his partners. Opponents (such as Sora, Riku, or Cloud) who are experts at swordsmanship who easily overwhelm Vito in a one on one fight, so he always fights along side his team.
Wilderness Survival: As part of his Beastkin warrior training, Vito has been taught how to survive in the wild by himself. He knows how to hunt for food, find shelter, defend against wild animals, and even some first aid. With these skills, Vito can survive in nearly any kind of environment including, dark woods, frozen tundras, and even blazing deserts.
Beastmaster's Word: If any of Vito's companion's become insubordinate and refuse to follow orders, he can 'force' them to obey with the Beastmaster's Word. This momentarily strips his followers of all of their will leaving them no choice but to follow his command, no matter how much they resist. Vito absolutely hates this ability and only wants his team to follow him through loyalty and not fear. To this day, Vito hasn't done anymore than 'threatened' to use the Word in dire situations and he hates himself for even going that far.
Master's Mercy: A common Beastmaster ability, Vito is able to transfer up to half of his current health to heal one of his friends. This power causes great fatigue and weakness in Vito, but can heal most injures including cuts, exhaustion, and bruises, but not broken bones or other serious wounds. This ability has no cooldown, but the damage done to himself prevents him from using it too often in battle.
Fire
Vito possess the power of the element of Fire, which symbolizes the spark that triggers the start of all life. He is still a novice pyromancer because of his fear of fire and that flames destroy much easier than they create. All of his fire magic is very weak due to his fear of the element and are only capable of inflicting light burns. Should he ever overcome his phobia and really practice the art, Vito has the potential to become an accomplished pyromancer.
Flametongue: Vito concentrates fire into his weapon, enveloping the entire blade in a wreath of flames. This temporarily gives his strike a slight strength increase and adds a Fire-element to his standard attack. Only lasts for one post before the flames are extinguished. 5-post cooldown.
Fire Burst: Vito quickly calls a small fireball in the palm of his left hand before throwing it at a foe. The fire can only go for 5 feet before fading so this move has to be performed at incredibly close range. The fire does absolutely no damage but can cause a foe to be knocked back, become stunned, or even break a combo. Vito usually follows this attack with a quick but effective sword combo of his own. 3-post cooldown.
Sparks of Life (Currently Unavailable): Drenching his sword in flames Vito viciously the air four times, sending out four streams of red fire with each cut (think Gabranth's
'Innocence' attack from Dissidia). The streams move out for 25 feet before disappearing. While difficult to dodge all four blades, quickly moving around Vito in a circle is the best technique to avoid being hit. This attack can only be used once per thread and physically leaves him exhausted after use. Vito must develop his Fire powers to at least a moderate level before he can use this ability.
Life Magic
Combining the forces of Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire, creates a power that the Beastkin Tribe call 'Life Magic'. All Beastmaster Teams, once mastering their respective element, can combine their magic to release this power. Only Leon and Avas have mastered their powers over Earth and Wind, while Vito and Sythe are still learning to control Fire and Water respectfully. Until they both learn perfect control, none of Vito's team can perform or even practice Life magic. By mastering Life Magic, Vito wll be able to partially control the life force of living things. This allows him to increase his healing ablities and even drain and syphon a tiny amount of health from foes.
Leon's Attacks
Leon's element covers the power of Earth encompassing the flesh which provides a vessel for the miracle of Life. Earth mostly including defensive and supporting abilities to protect both Leon and his partners. Leon needs to be able to physically touch the earth into order for him to use his abilities.
Crushing Rock: After been given a lift by either Vito or Avas, Leon rockets towards the ground like a meteor and causing a shock wave and three columns of earth to rise around him. The columns strike a a five foot diameter two places in front of him with one behind. The shock wave doesn't cause much damage, but does knock back all enemies within 15 feet of Leon's landing. If an opponent is caught underneath the large lion as he falls, they will suffer extra damage before they are slammed into the ground. This attack is strong, but slow and can be easily avoided by a swift character. 7-post cooldown.
Earth Cage: Leon slams his heavy front paws into the ground, causing the earth around him to rise and enclose him in a protective covering. The shield is 7 feet in diameter and 7 feet tall with walls two feet thick. The covering protects Leon and anyone around him from most attacks, with only strong physical crushing attacks being able to shatter the walls. The shield crumbles into gravel after one post. 6-post cooldown.
Cura: Leon pulls nutrients and minerals from the ground before using them to heal himself or an ally. The spell heals most cuts, bruises, and deep gashes. Cura can also cure most status aliments if used the same post after being infected. Each successful use of Cura decrease the effectiveness of the next cast by 20%. 4-post cooldown.
Link Up - Claws of Pride: Linking up with Vito increases them both with a 10% increase of strength and defense. Neither can use special abilities when linked so they both rely on a barrage of strong attacks that barely let a foe get away.
Avas' Skills
Being an eagle, Avas' element is naturally wind and the breathe of life. Avas relies on quick, low powered ranged attacks before flying out of harm's way. Avas must also remain flying to attack, being grounded or unable to fly leaves her vulnerable.
Razor Winds: Avas flies in a quick circle, throwing a slice of wind sharp enough to slice through wood. The air blade is capable of traveling for 30 feet if it doesn't strike anything first. A fast attack, but can be avoided by those who notice its presence. 6-post cooldown
Feather Volley: With a flap of her great wings, Avas sends out a barrage of 10-15 feathers enchanted with wind energy for increased speed and accuracy. Difficult to avoid all projectiles, but each individual feather does minimal damage. Maximum range of the feathers is 40 feet, but they tend to be more accurate the closer Avas is to her target. 6-post cooldown.
Swirling Gale: Avas rushes foreword, battering foes with her large wings before spreading them wide and sending foes flying. A close range move, so a physical attack can interrupt Avas. Enemies are stunned by the strikes of her wings and are knocked 10 feet into the air from the attacks finisher. 8-post cooldown.
Link Up - Wings of Vengeance: During the link, Vito's entire body becomes slightly smaller and much lighter, allowing Avas to carry him effortlessly. Both are able to move and attack 50% faster, but Vito's lost mass and density decreases the power of the attacks by 25%. Together, Vito and Avas swoop around the field attacking foes when their open and flying away before they can counterattack.
Sythe's Abilities
Sythe's powers allow her to control and manipulate water, the constantly flowing life energy of blood. She can pull moisture from the air (except in dry arid places) but her abilities work best if there's a reliable water source nearby. Sythe typically stays out direct battle until Vito sends her out to poison or distract the enemy.
Venom Shot: Sythe gathers her venom in her mouth before spitting it out. The venom is poisonous and slightly acidic so anyone who touches it will experience a small burning sensation as it burns and irritates the skin. If it touches the skin, the enemy will be 'poisoned' taking mild damage for three posts or until cured. 5-post cooldown.
Fluid Constrictor: Vito sends Sythe out to wrap herself around a foe, preventing them from attacking or moving. Sythe's long body can completely cover a regular human sized foe but can also grip either a larger foes legs or arms. Does no damage, but leave an enemy paralyzed unless they can escape her grip. Attacking Sythe somehow while still trapped is the only way to escape and only those with incredible strength or abilities that can be used without body movements can get the serpent to releases her hold. Foes are bound for two posts if they can't escape on their own. 7-post cooldown.
Riptide (Currently Unavailable): Sythe gathers water from her surrounding and envelopes herself in a coat of water. She then quickly slithers on the ground and circles her foe two times. On the second rotation, the aqua coating her rushes into the middle of the circle which burst up in a great water spout and launching those caught in the blast. Sythe slithers fast, so one has to quickly escape the circle she draws to avoid being harmed. 8-post cooldown.
Link Up - Fangs of Deceit: Linked together, Sythe becomes much more like a weapon for Vito to wield. Her entire body lengthens to 25 feet and becomes much stronger than the average snake. These changes allows Vito to use Sythe like a whip, wrapping his hand with her tail and striking at foes from a safe distance with her piercing fangs. He can also use her to reach places high up and out of the way by using her fangs like a grappling hook and pulling himself up. Both Sythe and Vito gain the ability to breath underwater while linked, even outside of Atlantica.
Limit - Protectors of the Tree
This ability is only available when Vito, and all of his companions are in critical health. To begin, Avas quickly swoops in to trap a foe in a small cyclone. Leon continues by pounding the ground and sending out a shock wave before launching the foe into the air with a mighty roar. Sythe follows up with a version of her Riptide attack, striking the enemy with a burst of venomous water. Then Vito finishes the combo by setting his blade on fire and performing three quick slashes with the weapon before ending with an overhead cut that slams the unlucky enemy into the ground below. After performing his move, Vito dismisses all of his companions to prevent them from being attacked in their weaken state and will either pass out or be too exhausted to continue fighting.
Weapon/Items:Beastkin Blade: A basic sword given out to Beastkin warriors. The steel blade is 4 feet long with a hand and a half hilt. The weapon itself has no supernatural abilities and is easily replaceable.
Soul Belt: A simple leather belt with three Soul Crystals. Each crystal has the ability to temporarily house the body and spirit of one of Vito's animal companions, effectively removing them combat or any other situation in which they would become a burden. For example, Vito can 'dismiss' Avas and Leon while swimming or Leon and Sythe when flying. When inside they crystals the animals are placed in a limbo where time doesn't flow, meaning that they have to be called back into order to heal or rest after a battle.
Gummi Block: A Gummi Block gathered from the remains of a shooting star that landed in Radiant Gardens. Vito somehow hopes to use this block to escape Radiant Gardens.
Leather Amour: Light armor made from tanned leathers that is easy to move in but does offer moderate protection. Like his sword, Vito's amour does not possess powers and doesn't offer protection from different elemental magics.
Survival Pack: A small pouch containing everything Vito needs to survive in the wild. Contains a sleeping pad, tiny tent, several days worth of dried meat and fruit (only for himself, his companions are quite capable of hunting for themselves), and a tinderbox.
Vito's Companions
While Vito doesn't consider either of his friends as 'weapons' or 'items', the three animals are a critical part of his fighting style. The four fight together, train together, and either win or lose together.
Leon: A large cinnamon colored lion with a fluffy, dark brown mane. Leon was Vito's very first bonded companion and his most trusted friend. Being the oldest, Leon is the most loyal of the three and sees it as his duty to both protect his friend but also keep the other two in line when their leader is preoccupied. Leon plays a Guardian's role in battle, never leaving Vito's side to protect him and the other members of the party.
Avas: An enormous eagle with a white head and black feathers, Avas is the most prideful and vain of Vito's group. When she isn't flying circles around the others, she's usually off terning herself trying to fix even the most minor imperfection in her plumage. Avas loves taking the road less traveled and loves plunging head first into danger, often conflicting with Sythe. The Scout, Avas flies around the battlefield, keeping her eyes out for incoming enemy attacks and weaknesses. She prevails at quick hit and run attacks before flying away from danger.
Sythe: The newest group member, the 15 foot long viper with pale green and purple scales is less well behaved than her non-reptilian animals. She only joined the group because Vito promised to help her become the strongest serpent ever. Despite her desire for strength, Sythe is a coward who will try avoiding combat at any cost. Sythe and Avas are constantly arguing over their different view points, only stopping whenever Vito or Leon tell them to shut up and stop. Sythe stays out of all direct combat preferring to remain coiled around Vito's chest and only leaving to attack. Sythe helps keeping a lookout on Vito's back when she's not attacking, making it hard for others to pull a surprise attack.
Picture: Vito with Leon, Avas, and SytheAppearance: Used to 'roughing in' back in the wild terrain of his home world, Vito has a rugged look about him. At 6'3'', Vito's lifestyle has given him the lean but very fit look of someone who enjoys physical activity. His shoulder length dark brown hair is slicked back with the help of a leather headband. His skin has been lightly tanned from being in the sun for so long with a scattering of various scars and scraps received during his training and time in the wild. Rough like leather from being sunburned many time, Vito's face is as rugged as the rest of him with thick stubble covering his jaw with a scruffy goatee on his chin. Only Vito's bright emerald green eyes soften his face as their usually twinkling with good humor and friendliness. As a Beastkin, certain traits distinguish him from normal humans, including his pronounced canines, pointed ears, and sharp, almost claw-like nails.
Vito wears the typical thick leather armor of a Beastkin warrior. The design of the armor is fairly simple covering the chest, left armor, and legs, but does feature some intricate vine designs on the chest plate. Vito wears a hooded cloak colored with varying shades of green and brown over his shoulders that he uses for camouflage and warmth in the wilderness. Perhaps the most important article of clothing he possess is the Soul Belt around his waist that he never removes. He keeps his survival pack strapped to his back hidden by his cloak.
When linked with his animal companions, Vito appearance changes slightly to reflect the bond he shares with his friends. Linking with Leon causes his eyes to become a dark chocolate brown and makes his hair longer and shaggier. Avas turns his eyes a golden yellow and halves his size and weight which makes it easier to fly with the great eagle. Activating his link with Sythe causes the muscles on his body to tense up and become leaner without losing any of his strength along with making his eyes to glow with a light aqua blue.
Personality:Vito is above everything else, a model Beastkin warrior. To him there's nothing more important than the protection of the innocent and a warrior's honor. Vito wouldn't even dream of dishonoring himself in any way, whether by refusing a challenge or by cheating in honorable combat (he doesn't consider using his companions cheating because in his world, a beastmaster using his animal friends wasn't only accepted but expected). He'd never hesitate to safe someone in need to the point where his old friends would say that he'd even risk his life to save his worst enemy if given the chance. He's got a bit of a 'hero complex' going on. Vito is also a firm believer in the Principles of Life and cares deeply for of its forms.
Another great aspect of Vito personality goes hand in hand with the responsibility of being the Leader of a team. He cares for all of his bonded animal friends as if they were family and constantly worries for them. He wants them to be happy, healthy, and satisfied with their own abilities. He loves just hanging around his friends but hates having to use discipline to bring them to order. Having so much power over his friends honestly scares him and one of his worst nightmares is to become a dictator who rules through fear instead of leading with loyalty.
Despite his friendly nature, there are some things Vito just can't stand at all. People who disrespect life by means of senseless killing and torturing fills him with rage and the need to punish those committing the crime. Anyone who acts superior to others based on ridiculous reasons such as 'birthrights' or any other undeserved position also annoys him to no end. Vito has no problem voicing his views no matter how it makes him appear to others.
Vito is also plagued with a unique case of pyrophobia, the fear of fire. While not afraid of small controlled flames like that from a candle or a campfire, intense blazes caused by Fire wielders and other magical means absolutely terrify him.. When confronted with magical fire, Vito will most often than not freeze up in fear until his companions knock him out of it. Vito holds a small hatred for himself for being a Fire Wielder hates using his own magic.
Original World: Ancient Forest (Original)
Current World: Hallow Bastion/Radiant Gardens
History:Vito was born in the Beastkin Tribe, the largest tribe of beastmasters living in the Ancient Forest. He had a fairly average childhood in his tribe; growing up and learning about his tribe's history, exploring the surrounding forest, and playing/fighting with other the Beastkin children. He learned that the foundations of his tribe's culture and traditions revolved around the Principles of Life. The belief states that the process of life can ever fully be destroyed or halted and that even the elements all make up different aspects of life. Earth symbolizes the flesh and bone that houses life, Water makes up blood the runs in an endless cycle within a living creature, Wind becomes breath that allows a body to continue to live, and Fire creates the spark of life that jumps starts the entire process of life to begin. Each Beastkin child was born with a power over one of the four elements and would be expected the bind with other creatures of different elements. Doing so would allow that Beastkin to work with the pure power of life itself, though not many have been able to achieve such perfect power in their lifetime.
Despite his happy childhood, a tragic event branded his heart and mind when he was only seven years old. While playing at the edge of the tribe's village, Vito heard a great explosion and saw a large burst of flames near the middle of the settlement. A Fire wielder can apparently lost control of his powers and sent a large group of wooden homes on fire. Running towards the chaos with curiosity, the small child Vito found that not only was his own home engulfed in flames, but judging from the screams within his mother was still inside. Rushing towards the house in a panic he tried moving a burning beam blocking the door, but only succeeded in causing great burns and blisters to form on his hands. Being pulled away from the burning structure by his crying father, Vito was helpless as he watched the charred ruins caved in on themselves and screams inside faded. Since that day, Vito has had a phobia of fire wielders and has trouble seeing the good it can cause.
After turning ten years old Vito and the other children his age took part in their tribe's Rite of Passage, each having their inner power unlocked by the Elder Chief before being separated into either the Guardian, Hunter, Warrior, or Caretaker Divisions. Vito was horrified to learn about his power over fire and was apprenticed under the Warrior Division, despite wanting to become a Guardian. The told him that as a Fire wielder, his abilities would find better use as a warrior.
As a Warrior apprentice Vito was trained in many disciplines including Swordsmanship, Battle Tactics, Beastmaster Basics, Fire Training, and Wildreness Survival. Vito's skills as a swordsman, while strong, never became anything beyond what was expected from all of the other warriors in-training. His Fire abilities were also quite weak because he almost blatantly refused to practice, scared that he might cause a similar catastrophe that he experience as a child. However, he did catch his instructors' eyes with his seemly natural Beastmaster abilities. Only two years into his trainning, Vito was sent into the forest to communicate with and bond with a creature of either Earth, Wind, or Water. He returned two weeks later carrying an adolescent lion cub whom he found mourning over his dead mother. Learning that the cub was Earth allied, he bonded with the lonely cub and named him Leon.
For another four years, Vito continued his training with Leon by his side as they both grew into fine warriors. Despite Vito's sword skills remaining at a basic level and his fire abilities still untouched and weak, the power gained through his teaming with Leon was incredible. Able to easily switch between Vito's swift sword strikes and Leon's powerful claws to defeat his fellow apprentices, the pair soon become an impressive team.
Finishing their apprenticeship, Vito and Leon were sent on their final trial. Dropped in the Soulless Desert, the most hostile environment in the world and exiled him. They were given two requirements in which he could return; they had to survive on their own for at least a year and recruit two more beasts, one of Wind and one of Water to make a complete team.
For nearly a year and a half, Leon and Vito wandered through the dessert battling the burning heat, freezing nights, packs of wild hyenas, and more than one close encounter with the Dragonblood clan, the rivals of the Beastkins. He traveled to the Far Reach Mountains of the north and found Avas, a large eagle of Wind who became Vito's second companion. And to the west in the Emerald Swamp Sythe, a venomous viper, joined out of the desire for strength and gained the power of Water. Returning to his tribe with his trail complete, Vito and his team were welcomed with opened arms and made official warriors of the Beastkin Tribe.
Another five years came and went, with Vito and his companions living the life of Beastkin warriors. They kept their days full of constant training sessions, participating in tournaments, and engaging in the tribe's enemies. Leon and Avas quickly mastered their respective elements. Leon learned the most from living with Vito for nearly his entire life while Avas had spent all her days studying the ways of the Wind, even before joining the team. Vito, gaining a good bit of courage from all his friends, then began to finally learn how to control his inner Fire one small step at a time.
Several weeks after turning 21, the Dragonblood Clan launched a full on assault of the Beastkins' lands assisted by strange black creatures. What flared the most panic was that not even the most powerful and experienced beastmasters were unable to tame the dark monsters, or even learn how to talk to them. The entire tribe was soon set for war; sending the elderly, women, and children into hidden sanctuaries while all Guardians and Warriors were sent to protect their lands. Instead of being sent to the front lines, Vito was given command of a small squadron of fellow warriors and told to protect their most sacred site, the Tree of Rebirth (secretly the location of that world's keyhole). Taking four other Beastmaster Warriors, Vito settled around the Tree and prepared for the worst.
In only a few short days, the Tree was assaulted a large group of the small dark creatures. Despite the enemy's almost overwhelming numbers, the teamwork and training of the Beastmasters and their companions allowed them repel the foreign invaders. Victory wasn't won yet however, as the darkness left behind from the slain creatures gathered and formed a much larger and more powerful monster, with long grasping arms, a head covered with dark tentacles, and a heart-shaped hole in it's chest.
Several of Vito's group were knocked out from exhaustion as the fought against the great beast. Despite trying to concentrate their attacks on the monster's head, eave after wave of the smaller creatures continued to spawn from its giant fists. Combining power from the remaining members of his squad, Vito was finally able able to fell the colossus with a devastating blow from his flaming sword. But as the giant fell, it disintegrated into a great flood of pure darkness that quickly began to swallow everything around it. Vito had no hope off stemming such terrible darkness as it engulfed his squad, his companions, and then himself.
Lost within darkness, Vito forced himself to remain conscience with thoughts of his homeworld, his people, and his beloved friends. Refusing to fade into darkness he focused on any source of light, any flicker of life, to strife for. A pinprick of light, almost fading like a star in the night sky, beckoned to him and he answered in earnest. As he neared the single light, it became to shine brighter and brighter until it took him from the darkness.
Awakening into light again, Vito found himself in a very foreign setting. A large settlement, with buildings and structures vastly different from plain cabins, huts, and tree homes of his own village. Large water features and strange but beautiful
flora astounded Vito, this town just couldn't be of his own world. Vito panicked as he looked around for his trusted companions, but instantly knew relief as he found the Soul Crystals on his belt still glittering and glowing faintly. Letting them rest from their ordeal, Vito began exploring the town.
Various citizens revealed the name of their world to be Radiant Gardens and told him about creatures forged of darkness called Heartless. They mentioned how the creatures would travel through different worlds and consume them. Instantly worried about the state of his own world, he vowed to find a way back home.
He quickly found a problem however, he couldn't leave the town. No matter how high he flew with Avas, she always seemed to hit some kind of barrier and be unable to continue. Vito became fascinated by the strange ships that seemed to leave and return at will and longed for one himself. He often fantasized about stowing away in one as it took off (his code of honor forbidding him from stealing one), but always worried about what worlds he might himself in that might even be further away from his home.
As he was watching the stars one clear night, wandering which of the faraway lights could be his home, Vito noticed a flashing light that grew brighter and brighter. Suddenly, the light streamed across the sky and landed with a great flash in a garden barely 50 feet away. Quickly examining the crash site, Leon sniffed out a smoldering piece of strange metal from the wreckage. Hearing others beginning to approach, Vito had Sythe quickly cool off the hot material with a splash of water before fleeing out of sight. Vito studied his strange prize and found a cube of unusual metal, it was a bright emerald green with splashes of orange and seemed to have elastic properties. Curious about the odd cube, Vito again asked around town. They were called 'Gummi block' and that they were used the create those ships that traveled the worlds. With new hope, vito and his friends again began to search for a way home, with this new block as their key.
Role Playing Sample: "Hey Vito, seems pretty quiet out there. Can we turn in early?"Vito Fearlborn, Beastmaster Warrior of the Beastkin Tribe and temporary commander of this small group of fellow warriors, turned back to the fellow who had spoken. He was the youngest member in the squad, only just finishing his trial a few weeks past. Not used to the dull and unrewarding task of guarding an almost uninhabited section of the forest tiring out him and his two beasts, a ram and a frog. His Wind companion must skill be scouting with the other winged followers.
Turning back to look into the darkness of the tree he replied,
"Go wake Felix, its about time for his watch anyways. I'll stay up for a couple more minutes."Relieved for the chance to rest, the youth called back as he left to return to the fires of their campsite,
"You know the last time you said that you stayed up for the whole night! You can't go and wear yourself out captain, can't protect anything if you're too tired to lift yourself ya' know. Well anyways, night!"Vito took a moment to process the young warrior's concerns. True he hadn't slept in quite a while, but he was still feeling the buzz he gained along with his temporary promotion. The Elders had selected him to lead his team to protect the tribe's most secret and sacred site and Vito knew he had to prove himself to his superiors. This was his chance to do something for the entire tribe.
And speaking of protecting, he turned around and placed his once again placed his hand on their guarded item. A massive tree that erupted from the earth like a thorn in a rose stem with a great canopy that hid almost half of the night's sky from view. As he stared upon the ancient flora, a large lion brushed against his side and released a low growl from within his fanged maw. Sighing, Vito replied
"Again, nobody knows about the Tree of Rebirth, Leon. They say that it was upon its roots that the Beastkins first settled and learned how to control the essence of life from the designs woven into the bark. Other claim the tree's roots reach throughout our entire world, radiating life in every corner of the globe. And still other say its just a very old tree respected for only its great age. But whatever the case, we must remain and defend to the Elder Chief's orders. Its our duty and honor."Word of honor were enough to get the lion back down from questioning any further. Leon and Vito had spent nearly their entire lives together and both shared a similar sense of honor. However, a laugh-like hissing from the creature tied around his chest and shoulders. Sythe was always going on about how she'd never let something like honor become a burden, much to their own annoyance. With a chuckle himself, Vito tickled a small patch of scales near the end of her tail which he knew would cause her own irritation. The noises from the serpent soon stooped to be replaced by a single long threatening hiss, causing Vito and Leon to laugh themselves.
The comical moment ended the instant multiple shrieks were issued from above. Catching a glimpse of movement in the darkened sky, Vito caught the movement of three shapes flying ever closer. The nearly black wings of Vito eagle, Avas, were too easy to spot from any distance though it took a moment to recognized the wings of the falcon and the owl that had accompanied her. Despite not fully understanding the calls from the other avians, their alert concern and fear only coupled with Avas'.
Running back to the campfires with the birds following close behind he yelled
"Assault from the East! Ass ult from the East!" Wake up and defend the tree!"The falcon and owl returned to the shoulders of their masters, trying to help the startled warriors prepare for battle. Vito was already prepared with the leather armor tightened and set and his blade drawn, but the rest of his troops weren't so ready. Armor being strapped on and weapons being strung, drawn and unsheathed became their focus for the next minute.
Standing next to his troops along with their menagerie of bizarre animals, Vito gazed into the forest. From the darkness, bodies seemed to form from the very shadows. Little creatures with small arms and legs with glowing yellow eyes that swarmed in by the dozen. Without taking his eyes off the approaching monsters, Vito called out again
"No matter what happens here, defend the Tree. No matter how many come, no matter what shape they take, no matter how endless they seem, defend the Tree! For glory, for honor, for the Beastkins!!Vito didn't even wait for the repeated yell of
"For the Beastkins!! before rushing at the dark horde along with his friends and partners in arms.
Questions/Comments/Suggestions? Another OC of mine, I hope he's more acceptable than my last.