Quest/General Catchall Jan-Mar

[phoenixblessed]

WHO: Diluc Ragnvindr, E'kayan Tia, Guizhong, Alhaitham, Edmond, Neuvillette, Baizhu, Thanatos, and maybe YOU!
WHAT: Jan-Mar questboard and any other threads.
WHEN: January - March
WHERE: Noted in TLs
WARNINGS: Will be noted where needed

🔥 Diluc Ragnvindr	🐈 E'kayan Tia	💮 Guizhong	🌱 Alhaitham
💎 Edmond	🌊 Neuvillette	🐍 Baizhu	💀 Thanatos

Comments

Heat of Conquest

[phoenixblessed]

[Somehow, he keeps ending up in these kinds of situations. The kind where his enemy is a creature of fire, and his own specialty outside of his Seasonal alignment is the very same. Still, he doesn’t let it stop him. He hadn’t spent years going up against the Fatui without his elemental powers to fail when they would be of little use.

Still…

He scouts from a distance first, watching the way that the lizards move and taking note of the range of their attacks. Diluc has dealt with something like this using his Earth powers before now… surely he could put them to use here too.]

I doubt they’ll tolerate anyone getting much closer than this without attacking. [The young man says thoughtfully, tapping one curled finger against his lower lip.] We’re going to need a plan.

[notgrande]

[ Venti's lingering nearby, listening but nowhere near as thoughtful as Diluc seems to be about the whole thing. He can see it on the young man's face. He's taking it seriously, of course, he wouldn't want anyone to get hurt - especially Diluc. So he's paying attention to what the other has to say. He nods, tapping his side. ]

We do. And while I'm certain I can hit it without issue from here. [ Not a surprise for Diluc. He looks back out to the creature. ] It'd be better if I can hit a softer part to waste less arrows.

[ Like it's eye. Or throat. So until then, he's glad to help in other ways. ]

[phoenixblessed]

Hmn...

[He does have an idea, but he isn't sure if Venti is going to like it.]

I'm a better melee combatant than I am at ranged. [Diluc says thoughtfully.] If I can draw its attention, make it so you can get a shot, can you do it?

[It's hardly a question of whether or not Venti can do it, he knows that. It's more if the bard will agree to Diluc putting himself into danger for the purpose of doing so.]

[notgrande]

[ Diluc is right to assume that Venti would take some issue with the idea. He doesn't really like the idea of putting Diluc in danger like that, even in a place like this. He opens his mouth to protest.

Does he trust Diluc? Yes. Does he know Diluc will do his best and is perfectly capable of something like this? Also yes. But it's the rest of it that's the problem. A deep sigh. ]

Alright, fine. But --

[ And a big one here. ]

If it starts to look really bad, I'm going to air lift you out of there.

[ Whether or not he gets the shot in. ]

[phoenixblessed]

[A nod. He wouldn't have expected anything else.]

All right. Keep yourself out of sight until you can get a shot.

[And without giving either of them any more time to think about it, he slips away. It's easy enough to sneak around and flank the creatures, using his sensitivity to vibrations in the ground to make sure he can't be crept up on and keeping himself low. Once he's in position he attracts the attention of the lizards with a sharp whistle and swipe of his claymore, and immediately hoists himself up onto a pillar of earth and rock to get himself out of their way.

It pulls their focus wonderfully as they crowd to try and get to him.]

[notgrande]

[ He can do that. He's good at tucking away and hiding as best as he can away from things. He knows that Diluc is doing what he thinks is best, but he does feel protected by him. Which is always odd for him to think about, but it seems to just be a part of who Diluc is.

He watches as the other skillfully maneuvers himself. The second he gets a glimpse of the softer pieces of flesh - the underside of a creature, he shoots - aiming for the heart.

Then, as a safety measure, he aims for an eye. If the first arrow doesn't cause it to be downed, then at least he'll make its pursuit more challenging. ]

[phoenixblessed]

[The arrows strike true - of course they do - but it doesn't take the creature down. That's not to say it doesn't react, but having an arrow suddenly and painfully lodged in one eye socket clearly enrages the creature with immediate effect despite the one that hits its soft underside.

And Diluc notices. He lets out a curse and dodges to the side as the beast thrashes furiously in his direction and neatly dodges out of the way.]

Something that packs a bit more punch, if you wouldn't mind, Venti!? [He calls out to the bard as flames run down the length of his sword and swirl around his forearm. He dodges again, rolling swiftly aside.] Quickly?

[notgrande]

Got it --

[ Venti had been worried about that. One arrow is almost never enough for a beast like this, isn't it? But you never really know. He summons some wind behind it this time, pulling the string of his bow and holding it steady for a moment as he shoots the arrow with a gust of wind propelling it forward quickly.

A hit that is something that is unique to him having Anemo, packing just as much punch as the Archon should pack into a single hit.

It's been awhile, he thinks, as he watches that arrow speed through the air towards another soft spot, closer to where he'd estimate the heart would be. ]

[phoenixblessed]

[The second shot does the trick. Diluc barely doubted Venti for a moment, but it was definitely difficult to not be snappy when he was being chased about by something so intent on putting him in the ground.

As the arrow strikes true and the beast suddenly grinds to a halt, stiffening before it falls, the redhead moves to stop and tentatively lowers his claymore. One can never be too careful... he won't be letting his guard down entirely until he's sure it's dead.]

Well done.

[But, still. Credit where it's due.]

[notgrande]

[ Once he's certain the creature is dead, and once he sees Diluc lower his claymore, Venti makes his way towards the young man and moves to join him at his side. He considers the monster for a few moments.

Of course it's a well done, he considers. He wished his first hit had taken, though. He just hadn't known what to expect of the creature.]

I must be rusty. Next time, I'll get it in one.

[ Not that he makes a habit of joining in on fights. From time to time, it's a nice way to keep his skills fresh. He'd hate to get out of practice at his old age, after all. ]

I'm just glad you're safe. That's the most important thing.

[ Especially to him! ]