Hunting a Mirage [OPEN]

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

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PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
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Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 4, 2023 15:28:38 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Jul 4, 2023 15:28:38 GMT -5

Cipher 24's PL: 43,624

It had started as simple rumour. Talks of a strange man covered in a tattered cloak, spotted amongst the dunes along the outskirts of the village. Considering the village was a hub for travellers, and it bordered the Sahra Expanse, many didn't take too much stock in it at first. After all, people see things out in the desert. And for all anyone knew, it could have just been another traveller they had seen. Nothing more.

Yet, over time, there were more sightings. Always off in the distance, never close enough to ever actually approach this individual, but always close to the outskirts, and with always the same description. A man covered in a tattered brown cloak. There had been no sightings of such a man in the village proper, which only begged the question why. Why was this man simply lurking around in the wastes? Why not come into the village itself?

As time went on, as with such things, people started developing theories. People wondered if it was some sort of phantom. Others wondered if it was a bandit. There had been incidents of people found battered and unconscious out in the desert, only for them to awaken and say they were attacked by this mysterious figure. This caused people to begin to worry. If this man was willing to attack people, then how long before he finally came out of the wastes and attacked the village itself?

A few of the more wealthy merchants in the village, now worried for their supplies and business, decided to pool their money together, offering a reward for anyone who can track down and deal with this 'menace'. Granted, this figure had yet to cause any problems for them, but why wait for him to become one? Now all it took was someone to try and actually accomplish the task.

Word Count: 309

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 7, 2023 7:48:52 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Jul 7, 2023 7:48:52 GMT -5

The longer than Gandigan stayed on Earth, the more difficult it would be for him to finally leave. He could already feel himself procrastinating upon receiving word that his pod had been repaired. One day he simply told himself that he must finally go to Konats, and face his destiny. Upon arriving it really began to hit him: he was about to have his memory wiped, for the second time in his life. He'd be free to let go of the past and walk in whatever direction he wanted.

But that wasn't always easy. A little bit of cash would have made things easier to start over, and he had nothing on him. He could probably think of a few places he could get money on Namek, though after his memory had been wiped he would obviously forget. Getting some credits on his person would help with that.

Upon arriving at Konats, rather than heading out to the Kashvar territory right away, he instead chose to head in the direction of Vynh, hoping he'd be able to pick up some quick work. Upon the way he found himself in Ramil village, where a few of the merchants there instantly took notice of his power and approached him with a job. They told him a story of a strange figure whom they had seen hanging out in the desert, and soon after his appearance stories began to emerge of citizens waking beaten and bloody at their hands.

The task seemed simple enough: go out and figure out what's going on, and to stop them if able. With the reward they were offering he'd had more than enough cash to start over. Upon accepting the offer, Gandigan thought back to the last time he had been on Konats, and the horrors he had seen in Dharatan. He figured that no matter who this figure was, they couldn't be any worse than that. Heading out into the desert, Gandigan began the search.

At first he found himself hopeless in his search; this figure, assuming they were real and this wasn't some sort of elaborate scheme, proved to elude him. It wasn't until the heat of the harsh desert sun had near beat him into submission did he figure out that a new strategy may be required. Thinking back to the stories the merchants had told him about the people who had wound up beaten, Gandigan decided to drop his power level as low as it would go, hoping to bait out this stranger.

PL: 1 (70,000)

KP: 6/6 - MP: 0/6 - HP: 000/200 (Wounded)
Resources: Regeneration, Battle Wisdom, Vampiric, Tenacious

WC: 420
TWC: 420

Last Edit: Jul 7, 2023 8:29:28 GMT -5 by Gandigan

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
Soulless Machine (x5)

Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 12, 2023 6:55:55 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Jul 12, 2023 6:55:55 GMT -5

For a while, it seemed like nothing was out here. Nothing but sand, sand and more sand, with a heaping side of heat to go with it. Amongst the dunes and craggy cliffs, there were plenty of places for someone to hide, if there even was someone out there. After all, who's to say that whoever was out here simply didn't die off or leave? After all, how exactly could one be expected to even survive out here?

As the namekian lowered his power level, there still didn't seem to be any results. No figures coming out of the shadows to attack him. Maybe because he was obviously not a konatsian? It was hard to be sure.

But then, he would eventually feel something. It was small. Very small. It was only by the shear emptiness of this place that she would be able to point it out. A distance away, perched upon a nearby cliff he would be able to see it. A figure, clad in a tattered brown hood and cloak, watching him silently. It was hard to make out just who or what this figure was, at least from this distance. With how low their strength appeared to be, there was no way this individual could have taken down all those people.

Unless they were doing what Gandigan was doing right now. Lowering their own strength to stay hidden. If so, the implications were potentially very dangerous. Still, they didn't seem to be moving towards him. Just silently watching him.

Word Count: 253
Total Word Count: 562

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 12, 2023 7:11:11 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Jul 12, 2023 7:11:11 GMT -5

Gandigan tried his hardest to play the part of bait, but he didn't seem very good at it. Had he waited too long to drop his power perhaps? Most likely whoever was out here probably felt the drop and new better. In any case, it's not like he could give up now. He had given the merchants his word that he'd find whoever was assaulting their people, and he needed their money. He could resort to banditry... no, he was above that. He'd do things the right way now.

So he continued to walk the sandy dunes, in search of this illusive figure. There were plenty of desert creatures out here, lizards and the like, but they were so weak Gandigan could safely ignore them. A few more moments of searching would leave Gandigan stumped, until finally something else came into his senses.

He could feel... something. He wasn't sure how to describe it. It was faint, but not in the same way an insects or plant's power was. When he looked off into the distance he could see a cliff far off, and maybe something else... but his eyes weren't as good as his ears were, and if he wanted to know for sure what he was looking at he'd need to get close. So the Namekian got to marching, one foot after the other, moving in the distance of the cliff.

With each step he took the figure came closer into view, and soon enough he could see that it was in fact humanoid. But was this the figure he was searching for? Simply... out here? Doing nothing? It didn't seem like much a hunter to him, but looks could be deceiving. Gandigan continued moving forward, slowly, and with respect in an effort not to startle whoever this may be. He wanted to talk, to try and figure out why these things had been happening, and if he could maybe avoid a fight as well.

Once he got within speaking distance he spoke loud, to overpower the natural sounds of the desert. "You there. I am Gandigan, of Namek. Are you the one causing trouble?"

PL: 1 (70,000)

KP: 6/6 - MP: 0/6 - HP: 000/200 (Wounded)
Resources: Regeneration, Battle Wisdom, Vampiric, Tenacious

WC: 357
TWC: 777

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
Soulless Machine (x5)

Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 13, 2023 7:19:04 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Jul 13, 2023 7:19:04 GMT -5

As Gandigan slowly approached, the figure made no effort to move, not attempt to hide or approach him. They just stood there, silently, watching the Namekian coming towards them. Not exactly a good sign, since it showed that this figure wasn't threatened by his presence. Or maybe it was just an attempt to feel threatening. It was really hard to tell.

Before long, as Namekian would reach the bottom of the cliff the figure was standing on. It wasn't too high up, allowing the pair to talk to each other. The hooded figure was quietly looking down at him. Even from this distance, it was still hard to tell exactly what they were.

As Gandigan spoke up, the figure remained quiet for a brief moment. Then, they responded. "That depends..." The figure's voice was soft, yet it carried. Certainly male judging by the tone. "Trouble for whom? The people of the village? The bandits that have been hiding in these dunes? Tell me. Who was it that sent you, Gandigan of Namek?"

Bandits? That would somewhat imply that this figure wasn't a bandit himself. Or maybe he was and was eliminating competition. Actually, now that one mentioned it, while there had been reports of people being injured by this figure, there hadn't exactly been any info on who these people were.

Word Count: 221
Total Word Count: 783

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 13, 2023 7:45:06 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Jul 13, 2023 7:45:06 GMT -5

Gandigan noted the lack of movement coming from the figure. Whatever it was, it didn't appear to be afraid. Thankfully, they did seem open to talking to him, which Gandigan appreciated. He contemplated hovering up the cliff, to meet the figure face to face, but he was afraid that it may have caused a fight to break out, so instead he remained down where he was, speaking up to the cloaked stranger. Hopefully he could get to the bottom of this, for his own curiosity if nothing else.

The figure asked him why he was here, so Gandigan obliged him with an answer. "You've got me right. The merchants of Ramil are afraid of... someone. There are reports of people being found unconscious, bloody and bruised from a stranger who lives out here. At the same time, reports of a cloaked man started coming in. Didn't take long for them to put things together."

Of course, there could have been other answers, which is why Gandigan wanted to talk. Maybe this was just a misunderstanding? The figure had mentioned bandits... though so far, Gandigan had only found this one person. "Are you responsible for this? If so, then why? And if not, do you know who is responsible?" He promised the people of Ramil that he wouldn't return without an answer, or a body. He'd get either one from this one.

PL: 1 (70,000)

KP: 6/6 - MP: 0/6 - HP: 000/200 (Wounded)
Resources: Regeneration, Battle Wisdom, Vampiric, Tenacious

WC: 231
TWC: 1008

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
Soulless Machine (x5)

Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 13, 2023 22:34:38 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Jul 13, 2023 22:34:38 GMT -5

The figure tilted his head to the side as Gandigan responded. "The merchants you say? I guess I cannot really blame them. People do tend to become afraid of things they don't entirely understand." he paused and shook his head, "Though it seems they didn't bother to check just WHO was turning up beaten in this desert."

he turned his attention back to the Namekian down at the base of the cliff. "To answer your first question, yes. I am responsible for the 'assaults' as it were. As for the why, the reason is actually rather simple. You see, those people were bandits, lurking amongst the dunes and cliffs to try and ambush merchant caravans coming into the village." He gave a small sigh, "I do abhor senseless killing. So I only opted to beat them rather than kill them. Though I guess I should have expected they would drag themselves to the village, and to hide their actual identities."

He gave a small shrug, "Though I can understand why they would be nervous enough to send someone after me. Sadly enough, I'm used to such things by now."

"Now then, now that you have your answers, what are you going to do?"


Word Count: 203
Total Word Count: 986

Last Edit: Jul 13, 2023 22:35:11 GMT -5 by Cipher 24

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 13, 2023 23:22:39 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Jul 13, 2023 23:22:39 GMT -5

Gandigan listened to what the figure had to say. At this point he felt a bit more comfortable, so he hovered up the cliff, so that the two could speak face to face. They didn't shy away from what they had done, claiming full responsibility for the results. However they did claim that the people attacked were bandits. It was an interesting tale, though Gandigan wasn't quite ready to buy into it yet. They were strangers to each other, and someone on their position might easily lie.

"I'd like to believe that, as it means we could both go our separate ways in peace. But if you were in my position, would you? Maybe these men are bandits; I wouldn't be surprised to learn of some operating out here... but do you have any of their identity? How is it that you came to find out these men were bandits? If you shared that information with me, then I might be able to understand better."

The figure didn't seem to be making any moves to attack, so Gandigan was happy to do the same. "I won't fight you if I don't have to. If I deem you to be innocent then you'll be free to go, although will you answer me a question? Who are you, and what are you doing out here? Are you some sort of vigilante?"

PL: 1 (70,000)

KP: 6/6 - MP: 0/6 - HP: 000/200 (Wounded)
Resources: Regeneration, Battle Wisdom, Vampiric, Tenacious

WC: 229
TWC: 1237

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
Soulless Machine (x5)

Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 29, 2023 8:02:16 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Jul 29, 2023 8:02:16 GMT -5

The hooded figure thought for a moment, cupping his chin in his hand. "I'm afraid you have me at a bit of a disadvantage. I'm afraid I hold no physical proof of their identity, only what I saw by their actions. After all, I was not the only one, hiding out amongst these dunes. Armed with weaponry and nothing else, I only saw them getting ready for their attacks. I decided to intervene to prevent them. I'm afraid all I can offer you is my word. But know that no merchant or peaceful traveler has been attacked by me.

Still, the lack of evidence might prove to be a problem. Fortunately, this namekian seemed to be the reasonable sort. "I do not wish to fight you either. It's refreshing to meet someone who isn't of the mind to attack first and ask questions later." But now it came the question of who he was. The figure paused for a moment, weighing how to answer the question.

Finally, he reached up, pulling back the hood to reveal a pale face with dark hair and green eyes. "My name is Cipher 24. I guess you can say I'm a bit of a wanderer on this planet. Stranded on this world."

Word Count: 208
Total Word Count: 1,196

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Jul 29, 2023 8:17:46 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Jul 29, 2023 8:17:46 GMT -5

Gandigan stood by while the figured attempted to explain himself, not letting his guard drop ever. Despite naturally leaning towards favoring his story, Gandigan still didn't want to take any chances. "Well, I must admit that isn't the answer I was hoping for, but I understand your circumstances." Gandigan took a look around, scanning the sand dunes in the hopes that perhaps some bandit was preparing to make his move, though he saw nothing.

"You say you saw them getting ready for their attacks... do you have notion of who these men are? Are these random attacks, carried out coincidentally, or are the some part of a larger organization at work here? If it's the latter, would you have any potential clues in where their base of operations might be? After all, if you really aren't the one responsible for what's going on then I'm going to have to start looking for who is if I want to collect my reward."

The darker side of Gandigan, the pieces of Amon's parasite which still ran through his blood contemplated simply killing Cipher, as he expected the merchants would probably be happy with that... but Gandigan was in control now, and he didn't operate like that. "A wanderer...? You mean you live out here, in the sand dunes? But why? If you're stuck out here you can always head to the spaceport in Vynh; I'm sure you could get home if you needed to."

PL: 1 (70,000)

KP: 6/6 - MP: 0/6 - HP: 000/200 (Wounded)
Resources: Regeneration, Battle Wisdom, Vampiric, Tenacious

WC: 242
TWC: 1479

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
Soulless Machine (x5)

Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Aug 16, 2023 22:03:53 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Aug 16, 2023 22:03:53 GMT -5

Indeed, without any evidence all Cipher had was his word. Still, it seemed like Gandigan was willing to listen to him. Though he would indeed need something for his employers so he could cash in the reward. Cipher tilted his head in thought, trying to think of a possible solution. "Well, from what I saw of them, they seemed to be separate small bands, working independently. Though I could imagine there is some link between them. Something to prevent them from going after the same targets."

A thought then occurred to him. "I had found the hideouts for a couple of them. Caves hidden amongst the cliffs. They had left some of the weapons behind when I drove them out. Perhaps those can be acceptable evidence?" It was better than nothing, but he wasn't sure just how well it would work. After all, they could easily deny they were theirs.

At the mentioning of the spaceport, Cipher couldn't help but give a small, rueful chuckle. "To think, that hadn't even crossed my mind. There was a point in my life where I was forced to live out in the wilderness back on my homeworld. I guess I just fell into old habits a bit too quickly, after being left on this planet."[/color] He glanced in the direction towards the village, off in the distance. "Still, I must admit I am quite curious about this world. I had heard these people employ powerful magics here. I guess I'm a bit curious to learn about it."

He turned his attention back to the Namekian. "But I apologize. Allow me to show you one of these caves. I should at least try to provide you with something after all. If you will follow me."

Word Count: 291
Total Word Count: 1,487

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Aug 17, 2023 0:07:23 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Aug 17, 2023 0:07:23 GMT -5

Independent groups? That didn't surprise him. There were probably a dozen different bandit gangs operating around these parts. Would have been simpler if it were just the one, but then the villagers wouldn't be paying him so much to deal with their problem if it were easy. Cipher did mention finding some caves which they operated out of, and even said some of their weapons were still left behind. "Well, I think that would do the trick. Maybe we can even come across some of these bandits as well."

Seems that Cipher wasn't really stuck out here after all; he was simply exploring the planet in his own way. On the mention of magic Gandigan couldn't help but think of his own adventures. "You must be talking about the Kashvar? Beings with a great affinity for magic. I can indeed confirm there existence, though I'm afraid you're quite a bit off with your current course. If you want to find the Kashvar you'll need to head out to the Aster Forest, which is somewhere in... that direction."

Gandigan stuck his arm out, but really it was just a guess. "We're quite a bit away from there though, so I might be a bit off. Truth is it's basically on the other side of the planet; if you can't fly you'll probably want to look for a pod to travel in. But if you do decide to do that then you should probably be warned: the Aster Forest, and all of those who dwell within are dangerous. You can probably handle yourself, but magic is always a threat."

But he was getting off track. He was here to try and deal with the bandit menace; not to give directions. "Yes, to the caves. I'll follow your lead. If I catch sight of these weapons then I'll destroy them. I'll consider that proof enough of your existence and I'll leave you to your own path."

PL: 1 (70,000)

KP: 6/6 - MP: 0/6 - HP: 000/200 (Wounded)
Resources: Regeneration, Battle Wisdom, Vampiric, Tenacious

WC: 323
TWC: 1802

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

Cipher 24
Potent Warrior

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 43,624
XP: 3,103
Soulless Machine (x5)

Tag: @cipher
Posts: 110

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Aug 28, 2023 22:47:44 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Cipher 24 on Aug 28, 2023 22:47:44 GMT -5

Cipher tilted his head in thought as he was given some very useful information. The Kashvar. He had heard glimpses about them, but he hadn't really thought about them until now. Practitioners of power magic. It would certainly be something to check out. Though if he recalled correctly, whenever they were mentioned it was done so in hushed and often scornful tones. It seemed that these Kashvar weren't exactly well liked.

Still, it was something worth checking out. The forest of Aster. A supposedly dangerous place, but then again Cipher wasn't exactly a stranger to danger. Being hunted by a planet's authorities for most of his existence had certainly gotten him used to that.

He nodded to Gandigan. "Yes, thank you. I believe I shall head there. Certainly much more productive than simply lingering amongst these dunes." Having some goal to work towards would most certainly help him. "But yes, the caves. Allow me to show them to you. With any luck, these will be just what you're looking for."

The android slowly lifted off of the ground, confirming that he could indeed fly. The caves wouldn't be far from there current location. Indeed, inside Cipher had managed to gather weaponry he had confiscated from the bandits he had beaten. It wasn't much, but it would be enough to back up Cipher's story. Overall, a profitable meeting. Cipher now had a purpose to go for, and Gandigan would get his bounty.

Exit
Word Count: 241
Total Word Count: 1,728

Gandigan
Indomitable Force

STATS
STUFF
SIDES

PL: 150,000
XP: 10,693
Mazoku Spirit (x22)

Tag: @gandingan
Posts: 950

Minion PL: 1,000

Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Aug 28, 2023 22:54:38 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Gandigan on Aug 28, 2023 22:54:38 GMT -5

Gandigan followed Cipher down to the caves, and as he had described there were several weapons taken from the bandits which had stored away down here. Gandigan was certainly no weapons expert, but from what he understood the weapons they were looking at were highly advanced, and could definitely do some damage in the wrong hands. "This is good. The merchants who organized this little adventure will be happy to see these weapons out of dangerous hands. That'll be a good start."

He was hired to take out the bandits, and obviously he had failed in that task. He hadn't been able to track them down like he had promised, but thanks to Cipher they had been weakened. That should be enough to earn him some good will at least while continuing on the search for the bandits. "You've proven your innocence here I think, and you've done well to help the villagers too. Should we ever meet again I will be sure to give you a share of any reward I collect. You'll probably be able to find me in Vynh if you're interested in doing so."

Gandigan collected the weapons, which he intended to give to the villagers as proof of what was accomplished here to day, before giving a nod to Cipher and leaving.

Exit
WC: 217
TWC: 2019

Last Edit: Aug 28, 2023 22:55:26 GMT -5 by Gandigan

dbsparking.freeforums.net/thread/3204/gandigan-plotter - Appearance, History, Techniques

DarkHero Administrator STATS STUFF SIDES Tag: @darkhero Posts: 1,089	Hunting a Mirage [OPEN] Aug 30, 2023 7:51:52 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by DarkHero on Aug 30, 2023 7:51:52 GMT -5 Gandigan gain 1,033 XP \| 21,927 > 22,960 Cipher 24 gain 3,103 XP \| 0 > 3,103