Redwall: A Time of Darkness

[Sweet_Wyvern]

 

 

Warriors and fighters, heed the call, in its time of need, defend Redwall. . .

 

~.:Plot:.~

A lull of peace has fallen over Mossflower. The terrors of Cluny the Scourge, Vilaya the Sable Quean, Ferhago the Assassin and countless other vermin have faded to distant memories. Rejoicing in peace, the kindly creatures of Redwall have unwittingly let their guard down. No longer do any of the Abbey dwellers follow the warrior's path; the sword of Martin lies forgotten above the famous tapestry.

 

On the rise is a rapidly growing vermin band, led by the feared fox, Krazka Deatheye. Slowly, farm settlements and gentle woodlanders are falling prey to this new threat, and the vermin horde numbers swell by the day. Unaware of the enemy, Redwall continues to live on in a false sense of security. Deatheye, who has heard tell of this magnificent fortress, intends to reap the place of its fabled riches. Unlike any army who has faced the Abbey before, Krazka Deatheye has a secret weapon. While his army masses, Krazka's horde continues to plunder and gather supplies for the upcoming battle. In its time of need, heroes must rise and defend Redwall, or it shall fall before the vermin army.

 

|Setting|

Mossflower woods is a vast expanse of woodlands, flanked by heathland and deserts. To the north of these woods is a brief lapse of desert before the ocean is reached, along the coast of which is the lone mountain Salamandastron. Redwall Abbey resides in the southmost portion of Mossflower while other woodlanders roam freely around the forest.

Krazka and his horde are far north of the Abbey, trekking along the coasts where it is colder and the conditions are harsh. Much of the land surrounding the ocean is rocky and bitter, unable to support plants and therefore devoid of all life. Despite this, vermin hordes that reign over the area manage to survive.

The Abbey itself is a massive red sandstone building, in essence a castle. It is surrounded by tall walls where creatures can patrol and, in times of battle, retaliate to the enemy. There are four entrances through the walls: the main gates on the west wall, the east wicker gate, the south gate and the north wallgate. Next to the main gates is the Gatehouse where the abbey recorder lives and works. He/she also opens the gates for travelers and visitors. Between the Abbey and the walls is a nice courtyard-like area, complete with a small pond and gardens. Crops and fruit are harvested from the orchard, which also serves as a favorite place to take meals. Directly inside the stone Abbey is the Great Hall, lit brightly with braziers. Running the length of the large room is a banquet table, just long enough to seat every creature who dwells. On the wall hangs the tapestry of Martin the Warrior, above which hangs his legendary sword. Down the stairs will take you to the Cavern Hole, a cozy room often used to serve afternoon tea. It is sometimes converted into a war room. Up the stairs there are many hallways leading off to dormitories, as well as the Infirmary and sick bay. All the way up the stairs are the attics and the bell tower, where the bells are rung each day at noon and in times of danger.

Salamandastron is a large mountain on the coast, home to past and present Badger Lords. The mountain is always ruled by a badger, male or female, and is inhabited by an army of hares called the Long Patrol. Under the ruler, the Long Patrol trains and protects the shores from seafaring vermin. When Redwall is under siege, the badger ruling will send their hares to help defend it. The mountain itself consists of a mess hall, kitchen, barracks, forge, weapons room and training grounds. There is also a private room for the badger lord.

 

(Please note that the characters live in a time period akin to the medieval days)

Rules

} Only have as many characters as you can handle

} If you're going to be absent for a while, let me know

} If you don't post within a month your character is demoted or removed

} All OOC comments should be in brackets (()) {{}}

} No god-modding. This means you cannot control another character

} Only kill another character with the owner's consent

} Pg-13. Watch your language.

} Romance, yes. Vulgarity, no.

} You must be of the same species to be mates.

} You can kill NPC's, but don't say you slew 15 in a row just like that.

} No powerplaying

} Post your joining form here to be approved by me

} No perfect characters please

} Redwallers are PEACEFUL. They don't go around swinging swords

} Certain animals (moles, hares, etc) speak with an accent, or in a certain dialect. You aren't required to, but if you've read these books and you want to use the accent go ahead

} To show that you have read the rules, remove all text in parenthesis from your joining form

 

About Redwall

Redwall is one of the biggest landmarks in Mossflower. There is hardly a creature living in or around Mossflower that hasn't heard vivid tales of the abbey. Basically it is a castle where gentle beasts reside. The animals of Redwall are peaceful; apart from visiting warriors they are harmless farmers. Everyone is welcome in Redwall, though vermin and other wayfaring villains are met with rebuke and sent packing. You know, in a nice way. Redwall abbey is most famous for its fantastic feasts, ranging from simple mushroom tarts to deeper'n'ever'n'turnip'n'tater'n'beetroot pie (a common favorite among moles). Because Redwall is so vast, many vermin have tried and failed to capture it. It is often thought of as rich in jewels and gold by Warlords, though this is hardly the case. The abbey was founded long ago by Martin the Warrior and Abbess Germaine, the first Abbess of Redwall. It is built upon the ruins of an old castle, once the lair of Tsarmina the evil Wildcat Queen. Martin led a rebellion of woodlanders and managed to destroy the castle, slaying the queen in the process. Still, Martin remains the symbol of Redwall. In times of dire need the creatures of the abbey look to him for support and guidance. Though long dead, he has been known to speak in the dreams of others. His tapestry, which hangs in the Great Hall, depicts the mouse jovially standing on a hill as vermin flee before him. Redwall has yet to be undertaken, though many have tried: Cluny the Scourge, Vilaya the Sable Quean, Vizka Longtooth, Zwilt the Shade and Gulo the Savage, just to name a few.

 

A battle is coming, and it's time to choose a side. Will you raise a sword against the heartless vermin? Or will you connive your way into the abbey with evil and villainy?

 

Animals of Mossflower

Not every animal in the world is present in Redwall. For example, a giraffe can't be wandering about the woods. And, certain animals don't join certain sides. Vermin don't want to help the Redwallers, and woodland creatures/ Redwallers don't want to take over Redwall. The following is a list of available animals woodlander/Abbey animals:

Mouse

Hare

Squirrel

Mole

Hedgehog

Otter

Badger (Only a few of these)

Vole

 

The following is a list of possible vermin:

Rat

Weasel

Stoat

Fox

Ferret

Sable

 

The following is a list of woodlanders:

Shrews ( Known as Guosim ((Guerilla Union Of Shrews In Mossflower)), Live in tribes under their leader the Logalog, travel the streams)

Voles

Squirrels

Moles

Mice

Otters (live in holts near the water under their leader, the Skipper)

 

Character List

This is a list of taken characters.

 

Redwall

 

Abbot/Abbess:

Cellar Keeper:

Recorder: Turri -squirrel- (Alenaria)

Friar:

Infirmary brother/sister:

Other characters:

Pralia -squirrel- (Sweet_Wyvern)

 

Vermin Army

 

Leader: Krazka Deatheye -fox- (Sweet_Wyvern)

Captains: (two) Morgotha Swiftblade -fox- (En'K'Haral)

Scouts:

Archers:

Other soldiers:

 

Salamandastron

Badger Lord (or Lady):

General:

Brigadier:

Colonel:

Runners:

Other characters: Conya Stoutarm -hare- En'K'Haral

 

 

Woodlanders

Shrew Logalog:

Shrews:

Otter Skipper: Triage Rhulain Taggerung (Songbreeze2012)

Otters:

Other characters:

 

Feel like joining? Here's the character application:

 

Username:

Character Name:

Species:

Gender:

Noticeable Markings:

Accessories: (they do wear some clothes)

Weapon of choice: (Redwallers use makeshift weapons in time of need, they otherwise don't use them)

Personality:

Rank Wanted:

Anything Else:

 

Username:
Character Name: 
Species:
Gender: 
Noticeable Markings:
Accessories: (they do wear some clothes) 
Weapon of choice: (Redwallers use makeshift weapons in time of need, they otherwise don't use them)
Personality:
Rank Wanted: 
Anything Else: 

 

I think that just about covers it!

Edited April 8, 2012 by Sweet_Wyvern

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Miscellanious

 

Acceptable Weapons

Sword, bow and arrows, rapier, sling, spear, pike, cutlass, axes, etc. Old time weapons, no AK-47's.

 

Infirmary Information

There are no medicines or herbs used to treat sick and injured abbey dwellers, and none are specified in the novels. You can either say you are using a tonic or poultice, or use Warrior Cat herbs which would work as well. Here is a list of herbs:

http://warriors.wikia.com/wiki/Medicine

 

Apparel

The animals of Mossflower usually wear habits and cloaks. Vermin often wear tattered garments and belts. No hoodies and jeans, please. The Guosim Shrews in particular wear kilt skirts and colored head bands, and besides brandishing a paddle carry rapiers (short swords).

 

 

Accepted Character Sheets and Active Players List

 

Sweet_Wyvern

 

Username: Sweet_Wyvern

Character Name: Krazka Deatheye

Species: Fox

Gender: Male

Noticeable Markings: A dark russet pelt and ominous almond shaped eyes that take on a menacing demeanor with his trademark glare, (death usually follows the creature who receives his glare) thus the name Deatheye.

Accessories: Krazka Deatheye sports a heavy broad sword and a set of daggers, one on each arm, concealed under his cloak. The sword hangs unsheated on his belt.

Weapon of choice: Iron broadsword

Personality: Krazka Deatheye is a foul tempered fox with a taste for murder. While some of the crazier vermin follow him out of respect, most follow out of fear of death. Deatheye rules with an iron sword and stands for no nonsense. If a mutiny is on the rise, he'll slay an unruly soldier to make an example for the rest of the horde. Like most warlords he is fueled by greed; the prospect of ruling the abbey has driven him to fits of near insanity. Though brutal, Krazka has a clever mind common of most foxes. If he isn't ruling with sheer force, he's outwitting everyone else with deceit and blackmail. Either way you'll submit, or get to know his sword.

Rank: Vermin Warlord

Anything Else: .

 

Username: Sweet_Wyvern

Character Name: Pralia

Species: Squirrel

Gender: Female

Noticeable Markings: Pralia is young and therefore does not have battle scars, though her fur is a bit of a lighter tint than squirrels in the area. She isn't native to Redwall, or Mossflower for that matter. During her childhood the clan she was native to fell siege to unknown raiders. A few managed to escape, taking young Pralia with them south. The refugees made a small home not far from Salamandastron and decided to live out their lives there in peace. After they all had passed and Pralia had frown considerably, she left for Redwall.

Accessories: A tan leather jerkin and a quiver, otherwise not much else.

Weapon of choice: Bow and arrows that she inherited from her grandfather after he died. It never leaves her side.

Personality: Pralia, though kind, is very rambunctious. She's always talking about adventure and battle. Often she is somewhere around the Abbey fighting invisible foes, putting paid to her bow and arrows. Pralia is even-tempered and not easily irritated. She does however get pouty when others comment on her "adventures".

Rank Wanted: None

Anything Else:.

 

Songbreeze2012

 

Username: Songbreeze2012

Character Name: Triage Rhulain Taggerung

Species: Otter

Gender: Male

Noticeable Markings: A nick in his left ear where an earring was pulled free in a fight. Two other rings ret in his left ear and his fur is dark blue. A four-petal like blossom mark inheirited from an ancestor he never met, or knew about, until recently.

Accessories: A leather belt with a black opal making up the belt. It had been passed down through his bloodlines, he's not really sure which side. The old dagger he carries is from his father's blood and the necklace is from his mother. He wears an old cloak and breeches ripped off at his knees, of which the belt holds up.

Weapon of choice: A dagger and a spear he made for himself when he was a lad. Otters, you see, grow up with weapons in thier hands.

Personality: Kind-hearted to Redwallers and kind creatures alike, even the Guosim, he finds it hard to kill without reason. But he has killed and maimed his share of vermin, sending most packing with missing tails or paws. He has the ability to be laughing one moment then become a cold fighter in the next. He can't explain why, he's just always been able to. He would guess, these days, that it's from both his bloodlines. He never thought much about who he came from, just who he was. But he's always felt the need for adventure and fighting, but never with one of his own. In times of war, he steps up when no one else does. It's his blood.

Rank Wanted: Skipper

Anything Else: There's this raven, see, that he found when it had broken it's wing. He helped the poor thing and now it won't leave him alone. He's kind of glad because the bird as saved him more than once.

 

Username: Songbreeze2012

Character Name: Fern-Angle Rhulain Taggerung

Species: Otter

Gender: Female

Noticeable Markings: A scar down her arm from where she fought when she was only a few seasons old, two earrings in her right ear, and that same petal birthmark as her father.

Accessories: A loose tunic and breeches ripped at the knees with a brown belt with a a white opal maing up the buckle.

Weapon of choice: Two daggers she won in a tussel and a spear like her father's.

Personality: Outgoing but reserved when she needs to be. Stubborn like her father, but sure footed in any situation, like her father.

Rank Wanted: None, being Triage's kid, it put's her in charge when he's not there.

Anything Else: Triage is her father and, though he did his best, she grew up more and more like him. Her mother was killed in a fight when she was just a pup.

 

Alenaria

 

Username: Alenaria

Character Name: Turri

Species: Squirrel

Gender: Female

Noticeable Markings: A red squirrel with spectacles

Accessories: A green habit belted with yellow cord.

Weapon of choice: Sling

Personality: She's rather quiet and shy, more used to the old Abbey records than other woodlanders. She is very loyal to the Abbey and her friends, however, and is more than willing to fight for them, even if it means dying.

Rank Wanted: Recorder

Anything Else: ... Not really.

 

En'K'Haral

Username: En'K'Haral

Character Name: Morgotha Swiftblade

Species: Fox

Gender: Male

Noticeable Markings: Scars criss-cross his body and face making his red pelt look a little patchy. He is also missing his left eye.

Accessories: He wears an eyepatch and a choker made of various animal teeth. Aside from that he wears an unusual armor made from bands of metal riveted to leather linked at the joints with sections of chain-mail. He does not wear any headgear to accompany this.

Weapon of choice: He favours the halberd, but is acquainted with pole-arms in general.

Personality: Unlike other foxes who rely heavily on their wits he relies heavily on his skill. Although he has wits aplenty and isn't shy with his insults to subordinates. He is very loyal to Krazka and despite the traitorous nature of foxes he wouldn't dream of betraying his commander. Double crossing others however he has little issue with, and he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.

Rank Wanted: El Capitan

Anything Else: He is called Swiftblade because of the ease he wields his halberd with.

 

 

Username: En'K'Haral

Character Name: Conya Stoutarm

Species: Hare

Gender: Female

Noticeable Markings: A scar on her left cheek from some kind of mace.

Accessories: She wears a pair of small hoop earrings, on her left ear is a copper one and on her right a silver one.

Weapon of choice: Two-handed greatblade, although she does keep a pair of twin long-knives for when the greatblade is impractical.

Personality: Although a jolly beast at heart she is definitely rough and rowdy. Happy to get into a brawl with any beast willing to get bruised and bashed up for little or no reason at all. However, she knows when to quit and when things have gone too far, after all it's all in good fun.

Rank Wanted: Long patrol regular.

Anything Else: She is an avid drinker so make sure you get yours before she arrives.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Sweet_Wyvern

[Obscure_Trash]

((Hope you don't mind, LoveLost. Looks good to me, so cleaned and approved. ^^ ))

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Thank you so much! I'm going to wait for some members before I start rping.

 

Now Accepting

[Songbreeze2012]

Username: Songbreeze2012

Character Name: Triage Rhulain Taggerung

Species: Otter

Gender: Male

Noticeable Markings: A nick in his left ear where an earring was pulled free in a fight. Two other rings ret in his left ear and his fur is dark blue. A four-petal like blossom mark inheirited from an ancestor he never met, or knew about, until recently.

Accessories: A leather belt with a black opal making up the belt. It had been passed down through his bloodlines, he's not really sure which side. The old dagger he carries is from his father's blood and the necklace is from his mother. He wears an old cloak and breeches ripped off at his knees, of which the belt holds up.

Weapon of choice: A dagger and a spear he made for himself when he was a lad. Otters, you see, grow up with weapons in thier hands.

Personality: Kind-hearted to Redwallers and kind creatures alike, even the Guosim, he finds it hard to kill without reason. But he has killed and maimed his share of vermin, sending most packing with missing tails or paws. He has the ability to be laughing one moment then become a cold fighter in the next. He can't explain why, he's just always been able to. He would guess, these days, that it's from both his bloodlines. He never thought much about who he came from, just who he was. But he's always felt the need for adventure and fighting, but never with one of his own. In times of war, he steps up when no one else does. It's his blood.

Rank Wanted: Skipper

Anything Else: There's this raven, see, that he found when it had broken it's wing. He helped the poor thing and now it won't leave him alone. He's kind of glad because the bird as saved him more than once.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Alright, it looks good but I just have one question.

 

With the title Rhulain and Taggerung, are you copying these characters? I recall that the original Taggerung had the petal mark on his paws, and you have that in your description. Is he a descendant of the original? It's all fine, I'm just trying to confirm this.

 

I assume from your form that you've read the books. Besides the above question, you're approved. I think I'll make an Abbey charr so things move along quicker.

[Songbreeze2012]

Yes, he is from both lines but only recently discovered that inheritance. He doesn't care much for his past so much as his present and future. He refuses to rely on his old blood to save him, though it doesn't hurt.

 

And yea, it's my favorite series pretty much. I haven't read Taggerung in a few years but I remember the story well.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Just gonna post this here so everyone can see it and knows that I made another character.

 

Username: Sweet_Wyvern

Character Name: Pralia

Species: Squirrel

Gender: Female

Noticeable Markings: Pralia is young and therefore does not have battle scars, though her fur is a bit of a lighter tint than squirrels in the area. She isn't native to Redwall, or Mossflower for that matter. During her childhood the clan she was native to fell siege to unknown raiders. A few managed to escape, taking young Pralia with them south. The refugees made a small home not far from Salamandastron and decided to live out their lives there in peace. After they all had passed and Pralia had frown considerably, she left for Redwall.

Accessories: A tan leather jerkin and a quiver, otherwise not much else.

Weapon of choice: Bow and arrows that she inherited from her grandfather after he died. It never leaves her side.

Personality: Pralia, though kind, is very rambunctious. She's always talking about adventure and battle. Often she is somewhere around the Abbey fighting invisible foes, putting paid to her bow and arrows. Pralia is even-tempered and not easily irritated. She does however get pouty when others comment on her "adventures".

Rank Wanted: None

Anything Else:.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Tattered red penants whipped about on spear poles, bore by a pair of rats clad in red and black. Both were expressionless, though inside they were quaking. Between the two sat a tawny brown fox, one leg crossed over the other and claws tapping absently on an abandoned helmet. Krazka's army was making the proceeding's for an all out siege, though he had begun to tire of the wait. His most recent pillage, a small costal colony of mice, had uncovered a juicy little tidbit. One of the elders had spoken of a magnificent stone castle, heaped with gold, riches and plunder. Krazka's claws clenched in apprehension, making a metallic screech on the helmet. His army was multiplying at a steady rate, by force or by choice was none of his concern of course, and preparations were being made. A stout weasel approached the warlord and threw a salute. "Speak!" The fox barked, impatient with the pleasantries that came with scaring everyone out of their skulls. The weasel flinched visibly, then recovered and said, "Deatheye, sir, th' adjustments are nearly completed and we shud be able ta move soon." The fox did not reveal his thoughts, merely sat gazing into space and pondering. At random he nodded, then turned to the weasel who had spoken. "Tell 'em tah step up the work pace! I want my machine ready t' go by sun-up!" The weasel needed no second bidding; within seconds he had vanished to alert the beasts working. And avoid the line of fire, of course. Glancing over his shoulder, Krazka watched a patrol of assorted vermin haul boulders and rocks into camp. A wicked smile crept onto his face, one to match the insane gleam in his eye. Redwall would be his.

---------

Leaves rustled gently, and a squirrel dropped down onto a tree branch from higher foliage. The squirrelmaid crept forward along the branch, trying to be stealthy. Below, an unsuspecting bale of hay was propped against the sandstone wall that ringed the abbey. Pralia slipped the bow off her shoulders and knocked it, taking aim at a red bit of cloth pinned to the hay. At the last second she swung so that she hung from the branch by only her footpaws and tail, firing seconds later. The arrow sang through the air and pierced a corner of the fabric, just barely inside it. Placing her paws on her hips, Pralia sighed, "That's better than the last run at least." She then righted herself atop the branch and climbed swiftly down the tree to collect her arrow, or arrows rather. The hay resembled a giant pincushion, what with 15 arrows jutting out in all different directions. Taking a piece of charcoal, Pralia scratched a line on the wall to keep track of her score, then dislodged her arrows. The arrowheads had been replaced for the time being with small, blunt stones in case anyone were to accidentally get hit, though she hadn't done so yet. She had made most of the shots, but a few times her jerkin flopped over her eyes as she was about to shoot. Pursing her lips, she scanned the orchard for another angle to come at the hay from. The noontide sun was slightly less than sweltering, but the young squirrel was determined to get a perfect bulls-eye. Finding a large boulder suitably for her next shot, she adjusted the red cloth then took up a position behind the rock.

[Songbreeze2012]

The otter shook his fur dry, looking about the small bend where his clan had set up camp. They moved around quite a bit, more because Triage couldn't stay in one place long. "Mornin' Skip, yer run good?"

"Aye, Fern, it was at that." He said, taking the bowl she offered him. "I do love me shrimp'n'hot root soup." Triage was halfway through the bowl and sitting on a log when a screeching let him know his raven was back.

"Triage!!" the bird landed on his shoulder, gripping his tunic in his claws and digging said claws into the otter's shoulder.

"Yea, Mikal?" the otter wasn't worried, wasn't the first time the raven had come back in a fuss.

"Vermin! They by the beach, killed poor mice, lotsa blood, lotsa dead."

Triage dropped the bowl, standing and turning his head to the raven. "Talk sense, bird."

"Goin' to Redwall now, soon no more happy place. War come, war come fast."

Triage was moving before Mikal stopped talking. "Fern! Get ye all to Redwall quickfast now. Tall the ole Abbot what be happenin' and tell him Triage said to dig up those ole weapons. And tis not a request!"

"What bout you, Skip?" Fern said as the other otters started packing what little they carried.

Triage slid his spear into its carrier on his back, checking his dagger before looking at Fern. "Don't ye worry bout yore pa now, Fern-Angle. He's just goin' t' see what vermin these be. He'll be back soon."

Fern only nodded as Triage slipped into the water and vanished as though he had never been. "Move yer tails, otter crew! We need to be at Redwall yesterday!" the otters all slipped into the river and soon no trace of them was left. Mikal followed Triage from the air, banking left and right to keep the otter in sight. This would be a long day.

 

((I'll make Fern later, I'm on my iPod right now.))

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Krazka chewed a nail thoughtfully, anything to stave off boredom. He was sitting propped against some tattered cushions in his private tents, watching the shadows of the guards outside. Morning was fast approaching, and the only thoughts that occupied his mind were of castles and plunder. A voice broke his reverie, "Deadeye, we gots da machine ready! Da troops are ready to march." Krazka leaped up and hurriedly donned his armor, which consisted of an iron breastplate, a rounded helm with a spike atop it, and his broadsword, hanging idly at his waist. Thrusting aside the tent flaps, he emerged into early morning light and his troops, which saluted in unison at his arrival. He leaned over to one o his captains and ordered, "Tell them to break camp and man the weapon. It's time to move." The ferret he had just spoken to turned and began shouting orders, sending the vermin scurrying to dismantle whatever camp they had created. As they moved out of sight Krazka was able to look at the finished weapon for the first time. It was a huge ballista, constructed from stood oak and yew, manned by eight creatures all pushing it on wheels by poles that jutted out from the sides, for the purpose of pushing. The fox stroked it admiringly with a paw. Oh yes, his secret weapon would win the war for him.

[Songbreeze2012]

Triage looked through the underbrush at the army emmassed before him. This is not good... The thought was there and gone, just as he was. Moving through the underbrush, he did a head count of every collum, but gave up at two hundred. That already outnumbered the Redwallers. We'll need all the help we can get this time 'round... Then he saw it. "Holy ballista..." he muttered, looking at the cotraption. May have seemed unusable to some, but it was highly deadly. Death rates went up when those things came into play.

 

Mikal landed on his shoulder as the otter scooted back into thicker underbrush. "Listen, bird." The raven cocked his head, but remaind quiet. He knew it was important to stay quiet. "Find ole Log-a-Log and tell him to get his hind-end to Redwall, quick as he can. Then ye go to Salamadastron and get the ole Bager here or at least some of his Long Patrol." The raven nodded and was gone as the otter melded back into the trees and river once again.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ahoy the gate! Otters approchin' with news!" Fern called, stepping up out of the ditch opposite the gate. Mud and water dripped from their fur, but they ignored it. "We need t' be talkin' with ole Abbot soon!" Her otters fanned out on the road, looking either way and weapons at ready. Thirty otters strong, and each battle hardened, they look fierce even when they were simply waiting command.

 

Username: Songbreeze2012

Character Name: Fern-Angle Rhulain Taggerung

Species: Otter

Gender: Female

Noticeable Markings: A scar down her arm from where she fought when she was only a few seasons old, two earrings in her right ear, and that same petal birthmark as her father.

Accessories: A loose tunic and breeches ripped at the knees with a brown belt with a a white opal maing up the buckle.

Weapon of choice: Two daggers she won in a tussel and a spear like her father's.

Personality: Outgoing but reserved when she needs to be. Stubborn like her father, but sure footed in any situation, like her father.

Rank Wanted: None, being Triage's kid, it put's her in charge when he's not there.

Anything Else: Triage is her father and, though he did his best, she grew up more and more like him. Her mother was killed in a fight when she was just a pup.

[Sylverfinger]

((I like reading Redwall, and this looks cool. And by the way, there are more ranks in the Long Patrol. All of them are (from highest to lowest): Badger Lord, General, Brigadier, Colonel, Officer, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, Runner, and Galloper.))

 

Username: Sylverfinger

Character Name: Rekko

Species: Hare

Gender: Male

Noticeable Markings: A mottled-furred hare, quite unlike the other hares of Salamandastron, who are usually a sandy brown colour, he also has a scar across the back of his left paw obtained from his first battle.

Accessories: Rekko wears a simple green tunic with a belt for his two daggers, and a sling and stone pouch. He also has a longsword in a back scabbard, and a loop earring rougishly worn in his left ear.

Weapon of choice: His longsword, but is also deft with his daggers and sling.

Personality: A rougish perilous young buck, he has a wild spirit that has yet to be quenched. But when in battle, as he showed in his first against some searats, he is cold and unflinching. But he has great amounts of intelligence and likes studying strategy, under the Brigadier, a friend of his father.

Rank Wanted: None yet.

Anything Else: His father, a famed black saber hare, was a second-generation Scottish Highland, and passed away in a huge battle against multiple sea vermin crews when Rekko was scarce four seasons, so he does not really remember him.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

((I'm aware of these ranks, however we can't fill them all seeing as only readers will join this.

 

Accepted both of you! Sylverfinger, Feel free to play around with NPC's until we get more people. All important roles (abbot, badger lord, etc.) shall be NPC'ed until someone takes the position. Don't give them a name, just address them as Abbess or Badger Lord.))

 

Pralia nearly loosed the shaft but stopped, caught off guard by a voice. Shouldering the bow, she clambered up the nearest tree and sprang from a branch onto a wall-top to get a better view. About two and a half score otters stood armed at the gate, with one of them calling up for the gate to be opened. Pralia recognized the young otter immediately. "Hold on for a twitch, im coming!" She yelled to them, then descended by the wall top stairs instead of the tree. Dodging around the gatehouse, the squirrel shoved the bar holding the doors locked up and pushed one side outward. The result was an opening big enough for them to enter in rows of two. "What's up Fern? Somethin' the matter?" She asked, holing against the worst. By the looks of them, something was wrong.

((If you don't want them to know each other I'll edit.))

 

 

[Songbreeze2012]

((Nah, was kinda hoping you would let them be friends. lol))

 

The otters filed in rather quickly, two slamming the doors shut while the rest turned to Fern. "I want a score and a half of otters up on that wall, the rest o' ye shore up every door and wall. Nothin' gets in or out without mine or the Abbess's say, ye here?"

"Aye Fern."

"Then get movin'!" The otters quickly dispersed, moving as if they'd prepared for this most of their lives. Who knew, really; otters could be a very surprising bunch. Fern looked at the squirrel, saying, "I need to be seeing the Abbess, Pralia. We've got trouble brewin' and I'd rather not speak it here. Once I'm in with the Abbess, get the little ones inside for the day. Then get up on that wall and keep a look out for my father." Fern was like her father; get everything done that need be done, then spend a little time with friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Speaking of Triage, the otter was not having a good day. The arrow wound was gushing and the vermin were still trailing him, water or not. There were only three, but he was slowing down from loss of blood. I'll be home soon...right... He scolded himself. Finally, he just stopped. His head was ringing from the slingstone that had grazed it, his blood hadn't started to clot just yet, and he was getting weaker the longer he kept going.

He heard a bow draw back and felt that tingle one gets when they expect an arrow dead in their back. So he waited, thinking of his daughter. If she was anything like him, she wouldn't stop just because he was gone.

Thee were three distinct thunks and splashes, making Triage turn. The stoat and rat floated passed him while the fox got caught on the boat center stream. "Log-a-Log."

"Up ya get, Skip." The shrew hauled the otter into the logboat and then it was off toward the sea once again. Log-a-Log dealt with the arrow deftly, explaining to Triage just exactly where they were going. "Mikal caught us, told us what be happenin'. So we're heading to Salamandastron to pick up any hares or the Badger Lord himself. Saves two days by boat."

"Good...we have two at most, one at least. They've a balista."

"Great..."

~~~~~~~~~

Mikal landed in one of the upper windows of Salamandastron, looking out over the dining hall at the hares emmased there. He screeched, attempting to draw attention to himself. Not every hare new him as Skipper's, but some of them did. A few of the older ones and a couple young ones.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Pralia's friendly smile turned into a frown as she listened to Fern's words. "What.. Ok, I'll take your word for it," she said, and, gesturing with a paw, led the way towards the Abbey. " The Abbess/abbot ((till we get one...)) is probably in the Cavern Hole, since it's nearly time for afternoon tea. I'll go round up the Dibbuns," Pralia said, nodding her head at the staircase nearest them. "Fill me in when you can." Turning, the squirrel walked back to the doors and opened one of them wide. Sending up a silent prayer that no beast got trampled, she cupped her paws around her mouth and shouted, "ALL DIBBUNS THAT WANT MEADOWCREAM TRIFLE HAD BETTER COME INSIDE!" A rumble seemed to shake the ground as Dibbuns came running pill mill towards the abbey. Most of them were whooping and screeching, others being dragged along by older friends and siblings eager to get a taste of the treat. Pralia leaped nimbly to the side as the herd rushed past. Leaning down, the squirrel said to a young hogmaid, "Better tell the Friar were in dire need of a meadowcream trifle." Still bewildered, the hedgehog nodded and trundled off to warn the poor cook. Slipping through the doors, Pralia shut them behind herself and ascended the wall tops. Already the otters had taken up watches and were patrolling. She shaded her eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of anything on the horizon.

------

Krazka stood scanning the underbrush, infuriated that the otter had gone unseen for such a long time. A bloodied rat staggered out from between the trees, clutching a side wound and breathing raggedly. "Sir, da otter had lotsa spiky mice wid em! The others wuz slain!" Deatheye stared hard at him, then adopted an understanding smile. "I see, you barely escaped with your life." The scout nodded rapidly, thinking his leader was agreeing with him. However, the fox's eyes did not match his smile. The broadsword was sticking out of the rat before he'd seen it leave the scabbard. The rat looked down in surprise, then fell over backwards. "If you do not complete my tasks, don't let me see your ugly face again," he said, half to the dead scout and half to the horde. With a yank he pulled the sword free and wiped it clean on the grass. "I want all o' yez ta get marchin'! I want ter git inta Mossflower by eveningtide!" The army scrambled to assemble in rows and began marching, Krazka striding among them.

[Songbreeze2012]

Fern followed Pralia, eyes drifting to the sword and tapestry like it always did. But this time, she sent up a small prayer. Martin, Warrior Mouse...pick yer hero, but please do so quickly. Fern was a full believer in those legends; she had no reason to doubt that Martin would pick who was to save Redwall, just as he'd done before. Fern was just hoping he'd do so quickly, because she had no idea how much time they had.

She nodded gratefully to her friend before ducking down into Cavern Hole, nodding polietly to the Abbess/Abbot and Badger Mum before speaking. "We've trouble comin', I's fraid. Skip's gone to see bout it, but a horde of Vermin is on their way here. I know Redwall ain't built for war now...but it needs to be quick in gettin' that way again. My otters have started, but a little help wouldn't be misused. Please, Abbot/Abbess...I wouldn't ask if'n me father ain't gone riskin' his life to make sure I got here." Fern was raised right, but without a mum of her own, she grew up more like her father. She was one to get things done and get them done right.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

The abbot/abbess looked up, mildly surprised, as an otter made her way down the stairs. "Why hello Fern, it's been a while. How is your father?" They asked politely, but noticing the maid's concern fell silent. As she finished, the abbot/abbess folded their paws into their habit sleeves, musing quietly. "Of course we'll lend a paw, Redwall is always ready to aide friends." They rose, brushing crumbs from the biscuits off their habit front. "We haven't any any warriors. Where is your father now?"

------

Krazka and his horde were just reaching tree cover as the sun set. Hard pressed to make it there in time, the vermin were stumbling over each other in relief just to stop and rest. Though he wouldn't admit it, Krazka himself had tired of marching and was ready to sit and eat. At his raised paw everybeast stopped. "Set up camp. Bilgo," he called a name and one of his scouts, a weasel, approached and stood ready. "Take a patrol of one score vermin. See if youse kin get us some vittles," he ordered. The weasel nodded and began picking out vermin to go on the patrol. Meanwhile the rest of his troops were setting up makeshift tents and lighting small fires. Deatheye plopped himself down on a tree stump to wait for his meal, which would no doubt be very savory. If it wasn't... Well, it would be so no little accidents would have to occur.

[Songbreeze2012]

"Gone, Abbot/Abbess. He went to scout the vermin horde and round up warriors. Could be days before he returns. Till he does, I'm in command of our crew." Fern said, nodding respectfully. "I don't need warriors, Abbot/Abbess, just able-bodies hands to help fortify Redwall. If they want to join the fighting, Bruno will teach them basic combat and archery." For one of so few seasons, she was no stranger to combat.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

The abbot/abbess listened, nodding as the young otter finished her tale. "I'm sure Skipper will return soon. In the meantime, we must prepare for battle. Who knows what could happen?" They said, trying not to think about it too much. There were plenty of things that could go wrong. After a moment, the abbot/abbess turned to Fern and said, "Feel free to round up anyone who will help. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to have a few archers. I'll go talk to the friar. Goodness knows we'll need plenty of food." The abbot/abbes climbed the stairs and left for the kitchen.

((Sorry not much else to post and I don't want the horde to get to the Abbey right away))

[Songbreeze2012]

"Tell poor Friar that shrimp'n'hotroot soup wouldn't be going astray for my otters. And that-hopefully-there'll be a load of hungry hares before too long." Fern said, shaking her head but heading back upstairs through the Great Hall. She stopped a moment before the tapesty, looking up at the warrior mouse with a hint of pride in her eyes. She came from a line of otters that had help Martin during his life. "Don't worry, Martin; Redwall won't fall without a fight. I promise you."

 

She turned and started outside, rolling her shoulders lightly. Time to work. Taking in a big bout of air, she bellowed, "I need all able-bodied Redwallers 'ere in front of Great Hall!" She was used to yelling orders, and while some started gathering, others started making their way toward her. "Pralia, you too!"

~~~~~~~~

Mikal screech again, landing noisely on a table before the Badger Lord/Lady. "Listen, listen to this here bird!" Mikal said, speaking the only way he knew how, which to most made little to no sense.

A hare stepped up, one who knew the bird, and said, "He's wantin' ya to listen, M'lord/lady."

"Vermin come, come quick, but not here, no no, go to the Red Walls. Skip and and spikey mice on way here. They take warriors back to fight at Red Walls. Help needed, yessir, help needed." Malik said, feeling winded. He never spoke that much.

"He's says the a load of vermin are making their way to Redwall and that Skipper and Log-a-Log are comin' here to pick up whatever help they can."

Edited February 6, 2012 by Songbreeze2012

[Sweet_Wyvern]

((Wasnt the bird's name Mikal? Lol))

 

A shout from below nearly sent Pralia over the side of the wall. Turning to berate the shouter, she stopped when she saw it was Fern. Descending the steps, the squirrel gently but firmly shouldered her way through the throng of curious Redwallers. "I take it were to receive some foebeasts," she said thoughtfully. There had never been a siege during her Dibbun years, but her schooling of the Abbey's history told her enough that if somebeast desperately needed help from the Abbey, the reason was not a pleasant one. Pralia wrapped her paw around the bow strung over her shoulders, ready for a taste of war. "We'll all help you as best we can Fern."

---------

The badger lord/lady, being a large creature, did not start when the bird landed on the window and began screeching. They were mildly surprised, however, when the bird started talking and one of his/her hares was able to recognize it. Frowning, the badger ruler made sense of the raven's words. Trouble at Redwall? This did not bode well. All Spring it had been quiet along the coast, and now they knew why. All the vermin were gathered somewhere and preparing to lay siege to the Abbey. "Thank you bird," they said, then rose swiftly and started walking to the Mess. Every hare turned to look as the doors opened and the badger lord/lady came striding through. "Redwall is in trouble, and needs our help. Prepare for war." They needed no second bidding. Used to the drill, the hares scurried off to complete tasks for the upcoming journey. The badger lord/lady covered their eyes with a paw for a moment, then pivoted on a paw and made their way towards the forge.

[Songbreeze2012]

"Ye be right, Pralia. My pa's raven told us this mornin' a horde of vermin be headin' this way. My father went to scout and recruit some help." Fern said, feeling her mind and body settle into the old drill. War was not new to her, she'd been born for it and raised in it. The reason Redwall had seen no vermin in Pralia's Dibbun years was because Fern and her crew had been fighting. "I don't need warbeast, but once we've fortified this place, yer all welcome to learn from Bruno." She nodded to the otter next to the gate house. "Now listen well, we need 't get this done."

 

She pointed at the walls lightly, "I need dirt, mud, anything pile four feet up against those walls. Thee hole that's happening, I need a crew to go out and gather logs to sharpen. We'll stick them down in the ditch on the roadside. Some of my otters will be with ye outside these walls, so ye'll be safe. Any questions? If not, sort out the groups of whose best at what and get going."

-----------

"Tell badger, skips at river with spikey mice. Wait two day, but no more. Boats big 'nought for hares and badger." Mikal said, spreading his wings and taking flight back toward the river.

The hare ran after the badger lord/lady, "Sah!/Misses! The raven said Skipper and the shrews will be at the river mouth and wait only two days for us. The boats are big enough for us he said, we just need to hurry bout it." he saluted and waited for orders.

--------------

Triage coughed again, the twinge in his shoulder telling him his bone had been nicked. But he'd live, thanks to Log-a-Log. A screech made him look up as his raven landed on the edge of the boat. "Hares come, meet at river mouth two days."

"Good bird." Triage said, smiling slightly. He flicked a piece of shrimp at Mikal, then nodded to Log-a-Log. "Speed up, Log-a-Log. We got hares to pick up." The shrew smiled and then the boats sped up a good deal.

[Sweet_Wyvern]

Pralia listened to the otter's instructions carefully, then shook her head. "I think we've got it under control," she said, then turned around to face the gathered Abbey dwellers. "Right, you heard her. Foremole, take your crew and find some dirt please." The mole tugged their snout and waved a digging claw at his moles, leading them off towards the orchard. "I'd like the rest of you to please start gathering water, buckets and pails of it. I've got an idea." As they dispersed Pralia ran back into the abbey and into the kitchen. The Friar was surrounded by Dibbuns covered in meadowcream, giggling and stuffing their faces. Stepping over a young shrewbabe, she asked the friar, "Have you got any large cauldrons? We may be hosting some unpleasant guests soon." Understanding, they pointed to a storage room and said, "There's a big one back there. Just be sure an' return it." She nodded and, balancing it on her back, trudged out of the room to prepare her plan, hoping it wouldn't come to that.

----------

The badger lord/lady addressed the hare, "Right. Address the troops of our destination to meet up with Logalog, and tell them to be ready to march by noontide." Inside the forge he/she lifted a weapon off the wall, admiring it quietly. "It's time to go to war again."

[Songbreeze2012]

Fern smiled partially, leaving Pralia to handle things. She knew the Redwallers best; just like Fern knew her otters. So, she joined her otters back on the wall, her sling-stone pouch and sling shot resting in her hand. Fern shook her head, thinking about her dad for once. "He'll be alright, Fern."

"I wish I could believe that, Ryan. I really do." Fern said, looking at the weathered sea otter. It used to be weird that the sea otter had been part of her fresh water crew, but now it was normal. Didn't matter he was taller than most of the others, he was a part of the family.

"You'll see, he'll come marchin' up that there road and hollar 'Ye best tell Friar we've hungry hares and ravonous otters comin'! Oh, and some of those spikey mice!' Then Log-a-Log will hit him for the spikey mice comment." Ryan said, pulling a smile out of Fern.

"Thanks, Ryan."

"Anytime Fern."

~~~~~~

"Sah!/Ma'am!" The hare said, saluting before galevanting through the mountain to the main hall again. "We'll be meetin' out front the mountain at noontide to march to t'e river we're we'll be meetin' old Skip and Log-a-thing! Spread the word to those that haven't heard me!" Then the hare went and prepared for himself.