Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » The Hunting of Monsters (Closed)

It was a mild evening when a caravan, one of many that roamed the world, rolled in upon Val Harbar's location. The grand guildhall and surrounding city was presently nestled in a mountainous region, at the very bottom where snow from the highest peaks could not reach it--but soon the 'city' would pick up again, and the Guildhall and all its merchants would travel south towards the Great Desert for a far hotter change of pace.

For now, however, the mountains were where it stayed, much to the Far and Wide Caravan's relief. The five-cart band was headed by a bright purple and navy wagon, dutifully pulled by a gentle Aptonoth, and it was always full of life wherever it traveled. The prospect of settling down for a time had sent a spark of excitement through its residents hours prior, but now the sight of Val Harbar sent new ripples through the group.

The Far and Wide didn't reach the city for another hour, and it took an hour after that for everyone in it to settle in for the next few weeks. Its singular cook had started up his kitchen and was gaining a dinner crowd, its one merchant was already planning how to best sell the inventory of supplies and monster hides alike, and some of its travelers--simple folks who needed a ride to the town--were saying their goodbyes and heading off to see friends or tend to business.

And then there was the matter of the caravan leader and resident hunter. After ensuring the caravan was in good hands in their absence, the pair had set off towards the Guildhall to talk business. The grand dragon-shaped building was lively even as night came, and the pair were more than happy to find space in the building's canteen to talk. But boy, where they were a strange couple. Leading the Far and Wide Caravan was a tall, bronze-colored Wyverian named Yelyzaveta, bearing the pointed ears and talons of her race and the dogged determination needed to keep such a large group going. She wore a black duster over purple robes and breeches, quite lacking in gear beyond this. Maybe she didn't need it with the natural claws.

She sat opposite to her hired hunter, a large human with dark skin and a beard that would make any sea captain proud. His remaining tin-colored eye was perpetually squinting, and coupled with a frown it gave him the overall impression of being much older than thirty-five. Surprisingly he had a light bowgun resting against his back, a small weapon for such a heavy-hitting fellow, and his armor was a mish-mesh of low ranked Seltas, Nerscylla, and Kecha parts, all woven together in a barely manageable way. Between them both was a map of the world, two pints of grog, and several fliers of various guild-related quests or odd-jobs they had picked up while on the move.

"Johann, we have a problem," Yelyzaveta sighed with disdain. "You're terrible, and we need more Hunters." Her companion startled a bit and glared more so than normal across the table.

"We just get into town, and you're throwing low blows at me?" the human accused. "Excuse me for going in gun-ho with bowgun in arm, but I didn't earn this armor because it fell out of an elder dragon's arse."

The Wyverian gave him a stare in return and huffed into her hands. "Regardless, we need more of your lot. I saw you get thrashed by a Rathian two weeks ago, and I can't risk having my only hunter out of commission during our travels and jobs." Johann, still possessing the stinging memory of a shoulder thrown out of place, relented in the way his expression softened.

But he clearly didn't approve of the criticism.

"Well... we're in Val Harbar," he points out with a wave of his arm. "There's got to be some poor sap willing to join up with us. Hunters come through a zenny a dozen daily."

"Like you?"

"Like me--hey!!"

Hetro stared at the town before her. She had hitched a ride with a Caravan to the Grand City, and while yes, Val Harbour was quite the sight, she hadn't imagined this! Hetro excitedly began her journey throughout the bustling crowds, in search for only one thing: The Gathering Hall. Being the Hunter she was, she was itching for a good Hunt. Maybe a Kut-ku would quench her thirst, or wait, why not a good Rathalos? Maybe even a Zamtrios? As soon as she entered the Great Building, she felt a pain in her stomach. No, looks like Aptonoth is on the menu...

Yelyzaveta grinned to herself and stood up, snatching up one of the many sheets on their table mid-rise. Her tall height made the wyverian imposing already, but she straightened her posture and lifted up on her talons a bit more to gain some inches.

"Ahem. Ladies and gentlemen! Hunters of all sorts and ranks! The Far and Wide Caravan is seeking brave warriors looking to join it in a whole manner of quests! Rewards abound, as does and wonderful perks!" the lady announced loudly so as to be heard over the noise of the canteen.

And while the leader gave her impromptu spiel, Johann buried his face into his hands in embarrassment. "Really, Zaveta? Really??" None of the words pouring from her mouth were lies, but dear lord did she like garnering attention for them both.

Hetro stared at them. Brave warriors..? Well that'll be tou- Hey! I'm brave! I got the Felyne Courage skill from eating! She began making her way throughout the crowd towards the two companions. Soon, when she was close enough, she waved to them, "Hey! Over here!" Hetro smiled to herself, unbeknown to the fact the Caravan was, well... *Ahem*.

"Brave warriors...i wonder if i should join..." She wonders out loud. "Why not? It's a good a place as any other to start" an hunter besides her says. "...Yeah, you're right! Hey! Over here! I wanna join!", she shouts cheerfully.

Lieing in the back of the crowd Seren had finally made his way to Val Habor, his vibrant brown toothed giant jawblade was strapped along his back with a matching set of Jaggi mail S. It was not the prettiest sight for a armor set but it was the best he could come up with in time to make some hunts. As the crowd circled around the Wyverian the concept of a caravan caught his intrest. Hunting with partners was always the easier method and hunting alone on the other hand could lead to a more time absorbed process. She boasted of awards and perks as she talked to the crowd. Seren began to walk up to the stand and raised his left hand. "I too am intrested in this idea when can we start?" As he raised his hand he noticed the other two Hunters as well. "It looks like I'm not the only one intrested, let's just hope that they know their weapons..."

Aha! It had worked! Already people were biting at the chance to join up with a caravan and reap the rewards of a proper hunter. The wyverian grinned to herself and lofted her brows at the three hand-raisers that caught her attention. One by one she pointed between Seren, Shiro, and Hetro.

"You three! You'll do!" she called out to them, while her dark-skinned hunter lifted his head and gave them all a dull look.
"Really? You've hard even met them," he hissed at her, but she waved him off and continued addressing the trio.

"C'mon over, we'll have a lil' chat! Should be room for the five of us. Johann, move your fat butt and get us some more drinks."

Johann's grumbles accompanied the crowds of hunters not selected, but he obliged and scooted over as far as he could on the bench to make room. He didn't, however, hail down a server. Luckily one overheard the bossy command and was already slinking over to the kitchens to get more pitchers and mugs.

Let's just hope these guys don't mess up my statuses like the last guys... Hetro continued to move throughout the crowd till she reached the Wyverian and her Grim hunter's table. "Ahoy there. Name's Hetro! The young Marksman introduced herself with a smile. That's when she noticed Johann's armour... Oh no...

"O-okay!", she replies, feeling a little nervous suddenly. She walks towards them. "H-Hi! My name's Shiro! I hope we get along well!", she says with an hint of nervousness in her voice, but smiling still.

It was Seren's turn to meet his new hunting party. He nudged his way through the crowed until he was up front with the others. It seemed as if he could trust both Hetero and Shiro in a hunt. But Johann on the other hand looked a bit testy. His armor set couldn't be mixed, there be skills going into absolutely nothing. His nest bet was to belive that he was decent with his choice of weapon. "My name is Seren, don't hit me and we'll get along just fine." He kept a straight face towards his introduction, he really was serious on not being flung around like a ragdoll.

"Welcome, welcome!" Yelyzaveta was all smiles and warm greetings, while Johann...

He wasn't entirely cold, but his expression stayed neutral as he eyed the three up. That face didn't last. Like a Great Jaggi who had just caught a whiff of danger, the big man felt himself go on alert upon catching both Hetro's gaze and overheard Seren's order. His frown noticeably deepened behind the whiskers of that full beard. Shiro, nervous lil' thing, might be okay in his book...

But those other two, maybe not so much. "Name's Johann. The pretty Wyverian's Yelyzaveta. You three registered with the guild?" he immediately started off with an interrogation. If that wasn't a testament to his personality....

"Ahem. I believe I am the one hiring them, not you, Mister Big Shot." She turned back to the trio and flashed a winning smile, as if her hunter hadn't just spouted off to them.

Hetro patted her bow lovingly, "Yeah, been for little while." She looked up at Johann and grinned, ignoring Yelyzaveta completely she immediately stuck out her hand to him "nice 'ta meet yah, Johann! Let's both try our best, 'kay?" Hetro then looked over her shoulder. "Same goes for you two too!"

"Eh? I-i mean yeah! I've registered a few days ago, though i haven't been on a real mission yet, so im kinda anxious about it...", she says. "Oh, right! My weapon is the Gunlance!", she quickly adds afterwards.

Mymyamo pushed the door open in-between the noise of the drinkery, her free hand grasping at the straw hat upon her head, fanning herself. She closed the door behind her with a weary bump of her foot.

Moving to hoist herself into a stool, as she releases a long breath upon the countertop. Digging a small pouch from her vest pocket, she tosses it towards the barkeep, “Get me something cold. It’s been a long day..”


The melynx’s eyes roll in place, the small insignia of her boss’s shop almost invisible upon the pouch; a fashionable trademark. Lifting her shoulders upward, she grabs for her drink and places her mouth upon it. Her gaze drifts towards the other tables, watching.

Seren nodded as he questioned him on his registration as a hunter. "Yes I have been registered with the guild for quote some time now, and it has been rather fun." He let loose a short smile before turning to Hetero and Shiro. "And I expect the same from you two. A good effort is all I require." He then placed his hand on his greatswords hilt. "As you can see I use the greatsword." He then took his hand off the hilt and crossed his arms.

The bearded hunter was content enough with their answers, and he left the matter at that. He opted instead to lean across the table to take the hand Hetro offered him. "I always do," he remarked to her about trying his best. With a release of her hand, that was promptly the end of that, as far as greetings were going on his end.

His wyverian boss idly scanned the guild hall while the four got acquainted with one another. Something, or someone, near the bar seemed to have her attention, but after a moment's notice she turned to address the newer hunters once more. "We will certainly have plenty of opportunities to give new and old hunters alike a chance to stretch their legs--no offense, Johann."

"None taken." He knew it, he was old in certain respects beyond experience.

"I am not scheduling anything of particular note tonight, but I am pleased to see gunners and archers a like teaming up--and the occasionally large sword. Thank you, Seren." Yelyzevta grinned and waved to the papers scattered about. "As I said, we have perks. Along with whatever guild business you opt to take up, I ensure my hunters are cared for and paid well for their efforts regarding the caravan. We have a medic on staff, alongside a blacksmith and room for any number of weapons you prefer. Like this big lug." She nodded to Johann, who scowled a bit in return. "He can't seem to pick his armor nor his weapon. Light and heavy bowguns, the occasional charge blade or switch axe... I bet he has trouble getting dressed in the mornings.."

"Don't play me up as incompetent." Johann shot the other hunters a sharp eye, daring them to label him that way. "I like variety, but I prefer the bowguns most." No comment was made regarding his mismatching armor though.

Hetro nodded slightly. Her eyes scanned Johann's Armour while in her mind she began to think of what armour would be good for a starting set, not particularly best for his type of weapon, but good enough till further variety was allowed. However, the only armours coming to mind were Seltas and Zinorgre. Gee, her new companions were going to hate her so much... "Hey, don't furrget meow!" A small, cat-like voice squeaked. Hetro stared at her Melynx friend, Isaac, and a small sigh escaped her lips. Sometimes she wished she could just leave the damned thing in the Frozen Seaway!

Shiro contained a small laugh at Johann and Yelyzevta's antics. She then began to wonder what she could use as a starter set, but had no idea what to pick. Seeing there really wasn't many choices for her anyway, she decided that the piscine set -minus helmet- and a bone vest. She didn't know much about the set effects, so she thought that would work.

Seren couldn't help but show a little smile as Yelyzevta continued to pester her companion on his hunting preference. It was entertaining, even if it was a little harsh. Despite Johann's armor and weapon preference Seren was sure that he was a experienced hunter, more than able too be taking care of himself in the field. The goal for Seren at the moment was to complete a set for Rathalos S armor, but first came the rate that the group moves in. He couldn't rush ahead of them now that he was in a caravan group now. However his Jaggi S mail would suffice for now.

The wyverian pats one of Johann's shiny nerscylla pauldrons and begins gathering up her paperwork. "Why don't I let the three--ah, four of you," she amends at the sight of Isaac, "get more acquainted, hm? Have some dinner on my zenny, a few drinks, whatever suits your fancy. You can come see me in the morning if you're in the mood for a hunt." She flashes the hunters (and one melynx) a cheery smile as she sets off across the canteen....


...over towards Mymyamo. The wyverian doesn't take an interest in lynians often, but there's something about this one that's tickling an idea in her head. Uh-oh.