December Catch-all(-ish) [Open]

[odinpusrex]

WHO: Barnabas, his Behemoth (the monster, not the, oh nevermind--), and YOU!
WHEN: All through December baby!
WHERE: Mostly Stonhyrr, but some threads could be elsewhere too!
WHAT: Oh you know, big ol' fortress showed up, there's also a giant muscle cat, maybe people wanna see the fortress. Maybe they're gonna get mauled by a cat. The world is our oyster. Also going to use this for general purpose threads, doesn't have to be Behemoth related!
NOTES\WARNINGS: Will update as necessary!

While Barnabas has never proven himself the social sort, ever intending to remain as such, when people come to Stonhyrr to inspect it, they will not necessarily find him there to greet them. This does not mean that Barnabas is not within the bounds of Stonhyrr, he most assuredly is, but he has no interest in playing host. That is, unless he is given reason to.

What most will find is a singular bridge that connects the imposing fortress to the mainland, and the waters around it prove unnaturally violent. As if the very place itself causes the waters to churn and clash wildly against the jagged rocks which act as the foundation for the whole thing. The bridge is wide enough to adequately fit a pair of carriages, or cars if that better serves. The stone is sturdy, so there isn't any worry about weight being an issue. Most certainly not when one arrives at the arena that acts as a mid-point for the bridge.

There are no guard rails around it as the bridge possesses otherwise, just a sheer drop off into the treacherous waters below. Certainly a poor fate to any, whether they survive the fall or not. A fate all the more possible given the snow and bits of ice that has accumulated upon the structure. Even furthering the difficulty to avoid it, should they find themselves greeted by the bridge's guard: the Behemoth. From its rocky perch it will land with the grace of a feline, but with the impressive force of a creature befitting its size. More than twice the height of an elephant, and thrice as wide, the hulking beast will stare down the interloper(s) with murderous intent. Intent it means to make good on.

However, not everyone who crosses the bridge will meet the beast there, and should they find themselves able to make it to Stonhyrr proper, getting through the metal gates and into the winding outer paths that encircle the central castle, they will find it depressingly...empty. What living quarters there seems to be are indeed stocked with beds and linens, oddly enough, but as all else in Etraya that is not inhabited by those whisked away from their homeworlds, there is no one. They are modest, however, what one might expect for those living as communal soldiers in a medieval era.

Though, should they linger for too long, they might hear the telling breaths and foot steps of a prowling beast searching for the scent its picked up. Perhaps hiding isn't a terrible option, but who knows how much the creature cares about the architectural integrity of whatever part of the fortress they're in! Only one way to find out.

Some of the internal buildings are not merely for housing soldiers or weaponry (though said weaponry is distinctly missing presently). One may find themselves stumbling upon an podium of some sort, with six-legged horse statues on either side. The shape of the room almost suggests an arena of sorts, and the podium seems to embolden this suggestion. Perhaps it might have been a room to judge contests of combat and the like. Who is to really say? Should one linger here overlong, they might find themselves no longer alone. At least, they certainly feel as though someone is in the room with them. Someone watching them, perhaps from the shadows, or from above...

Those lucky enough to make it to the docks will find them bereft of any ships of any kind. It's clear that there probably should be some, but whoever brought this fortress in clearly did not bring any of his ships along! Though, one might take an interest in the surrounding area, and the structures nearby. Most will be empty, some with myriad things like rope, or scant pieces of wood, perhaps an empty crate or two, but it is, like most else, otherwise hollow. There are more of those weird horse statues though... The place is anything but bereft of them.

If it weren't for the behemoth prints left in the snow throughout the wide outer paths of the fortress, and its eagerness to find (and remove) intruders, the place would otherwise seem completely abandoned. Between the snow, angry waters, flashes of lightning, and claps of thunder...the place is cold, oppressive, and desolate. Should one find a way to reach the entrance to the castle, they will be stopped short from reaching the door proper. Not by the behemoth, but by the sudden emergence of Barnabas himself. A billowing pillar of black mist will form from the ground, reaching roughly the height of a man, before Barnabas takes form and the mist disperses and dissipates.

There he will stand, staring down the intruder, waiting for an explanation.

(ooc: Feel free to place your character wherever around Stonhyrr, not only just the places mentioned. Barnabas will keep an eye on any aerial intruders as well (he can also fly). Just date your top level for when this is happening, and if you wanna plot something specific or have any questions, please do not hesitate to hit me up at Zornsable or on Discord(Zanono)! Feel free to have your own threads here too if multiple people are wanting to explore the grounds of the fortress (just specify in the subject line), I can provide information, a kitty, or an old man should it be needed! Anyway, enjoy this weird haunted-ass looking place, it sucks!

I will match style, prose or action are both good ✨)

Comments

[odinpusrex]

[Barnabas narrows his eyes at him, but only slightly. It's nearly imperceptible, really. However, he does not comment further on what he's said, just stands there with an unnatural stillness as he watches Vincent limp along pathetically. He supposes it would be more pitiful had he just given up completely. Stayed there, sprawled on the snowy ground helpless and unwilling to do anything else. Instead, he is weathering the pain of his injury, and asking not for aid besides. Determined for his goal regardless of the hurdles that place themselves in front of him.

A commendable attitude, by Barnabas' measure.

Still, he certainly will not get to the inner castle on that ankle, which is for the best. Barnabas might suffer his existence out here, but the same cannot be said for in there. It is strictly off-limits to all but Barnabas himself.]

The companion bots have taken it upon themselves to service the citadel, you may find that of use.

[Not that he cares what Vincent finds useful, really. But, better for him to know that companion bots are like as not to show up at some point to change out linens than for him to be surprised. Barnabas didn't ask for it, but...it's what they have apparently decided to do.

However, with that out of the way, those cloudy wisps pick up around Barnabas again, the roiling of teleportation magics sounding out against the chilly air. Should Vincent say nothing of worth to halt him, that mist will consume him within moments, dissipating like smoke on the wind—leaving no trace of Barnabas behind.]

[banworthy]

[ His face scrunches up at that comment.

The immediate desire to snap back with some remark burns the back of his throat.

His eyes roll up as he attempts to figure out what to do. It's insider knowledge which allows for an easier time setting up one's portfolio. At the start of the investment, it's been mostly neutral growth - neither gain or loss felt like it tipped past a reasonable beginning growth. However, that comment alone gives him a loss - he has accrued a small amount of debt.

But he has nothing that he can pay it back with at the moment.

So, as Barnabas leaves, he lets out something like a loudly offended noise - before limping his way to the citadel. This. Will. Not. Stand. He'll figure out a way to pay back that small debt one way or another! ]