[mission #001] The First Phase {closed}

[Konungr of Hyrule]

"Kheguhm... It has been almost half of an decade since this outpost has fallen victim to the Scourge. That event set the stage for this war my brothers and I fight within Death Mountain. But today I plunge into the ever increasing darkness in search for answers, truth, and to prove my worth. Forefathers of days past, give me your strength to conquer this challenge. Din, may your righteous fire guide me down the path I am destined to trek. Volgaea, may your blessing reach me where darkness reigns supreme."

The Earthbound giant prayed, down on a singular knee as his words echoed throughout the stalagmite covered cavern. Slowly he rose, colossal, powerful, and prepared. This venture, Konungr of Hyrule decided to go light—donning himself in nothing more but a rather durable cloak, martial-artist gi bottoms, and a gauntlet which armored the left arm of the already armored titan. Directly ahead of him resided an massive entrance—roughly five times the size of the current monarch of the Goron people. However, this entrance would be sealed by a an equally massive boulder with ancient text engraved into the hard surface of said boulder.

Konungr reached forward and caressed the jagged surface of the boulder. The stone reacted to the warmth of his paw of a hand—the engraved text glowing a faint blue as an unknown force within the Goron unlocked the magical seal separating the abandoned outpost to the rest of the cities, villages, and other ore deposits. "Between you and I, Folk. I rather do this alone. We've both seen the devastation of Kheguhm and what this Scourge is capable of. If I fail, at least I know there is a capable successor to lead our people to the promised land. But if you are here with me, and we both fail. That would be a crippling blow to our forces, a strike to the heart I don't think we can recover from in time." Kongunr removed his hand from the boulder, the massive stone dissipated into a blue energy afterwards; Kheguhm could now be accessible to them.

"This isn't an order or request, brother. But a simple thought to prepare us for the worst encase the worse decided to rear its ugly visage." A rush of dark energy—a energy fueled by malice and hatred seeped from the entrance. Konungr could feel it, he could practically taste the bitterness of it on his tongue. And he knew his Champion could too. Taking a step forward, his feet sizzled upon touching down on the scorched earth—the goodness of his soul already fighting the festering evil lurking in this outpost. Then, the berserking taunts and cries of Lizalfos bellowed from the entrance, the calls telling the Goron's to turn back and leave them be or lest face the wrath of a true warrior; true berserk's. But Konungr pressed onward, his cloak swaying in the extremely hot wind as he did so. "Whichever you decide, stand tall, Folk." Regardless of if Dharggoa decided to join his Ruler or not, the entrance would close again with the boulder materializing back in its original position.

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wc - 521
total wc - 521
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@dharggoa !

[Deleted]

As his Chief was kneeling and praying for luck and victory, Dharggoa had his large arms crossed over his chest and back turned to Earthbound giant. His keen eyes surveyed the surrounding environment and cavern. There was nothing behind them besides rock and light that strewn in from outside. While he stood watch, he let his mind wander to their mission objective. He had briefed earlier that day by Konungr. As if he needed to be reminded of the catastrophe that was the fall of Kheguhm. Many Gorons had been lost that day, counting Dhargg's grandfather among them. This mission was as personal as it got and he wasn't going to back down. He had a feeling that Konungr would mention something of the sort, to let him trudge on alone, for his protection but also for the good of all the Goron. He understood it but Dhargg was both the Sage of Fire and Champion, it was his duty to protect the Chief. It would be a paradoxical impasse they would reach.

When he no longer heard the man praying, the veritable mountain of muscle turned to gaze upon the Iron Chieftain. They were both garbed similarly, if only for the choice of wearing a long cloak. Whereas Konungr's was light yet durable, Dharggoa's was heavy, maroon and with fur lining the collar and shoulders. On the back was the Gorons' symbol stitched into it in black, then the symbol of fire in bright red over his heart. The rest of his garb was the usual for him, thought outfitted for battle: a scaled vest and a plated, leather kilt. Sturdy sandals were worn upon his big feet with straps criss-crossing up his muscled legs to the knee.

His expression didn't falter when the Chief utilized his spiritual connection to open the path to the cursed outpost that lied deep within the cavern. Nor did it change when Konungr brought up going alone. He had figured something like that would be said. The concern was admirable and honorable. Were Dhargg not who he was, he might've obeyed the request and left but he would never forgive himself if he let his brother proceed alone and was lost forever. The guilt was either drive him to madness or cause his death. Like a stone sentinel, Dhargg said nothing as the words were spoken, or after. The sudden blast of darkness that followed the opening of the seal was cold and disheartening. Like the icy fingers of death whispering down his spine. It left a bad taste in his mouth but he didn't flinch.

There was no decision to make, it had already been made. The moment Konungr had brought up a trek to Kheguhm, Dhargg had decided then and there that he wouldn't let the Chief go alone. Not that he wouldn't be able to handle whatever lurked within but because it was both his honor and duty to fight side-by-side with him. Walking in step, yet behind, Dhargg followed the man into the seething darkness that was the forsaken tomb none were allowed to enter. His large weapon had been retrieved from next to the entryway as he crossed the threshold. On the other side, Dhargg halted behind the other Goron and placed a large hand upon his shoulder for reassurances.

"Do not worry, brother, we will get through this together. Nothing could ever defeat us when we fight side-by-side. Not even Thorgann." One of the five elders that was incredibly large, perhaps the strongest of the five. "Besides, do not forget that I am a Sage." His amused chuckle resounded throughout the cave. "And I say will be definitely survive this." His hand squeezed the man's shoulder before releasing as he stepped up to stand ever so tall next to the Chief.

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tag: Konungr of Hyrule
notes: bromancing the stone.
##: 634

[Konungr of Hyrule]

"Not a single doubt in my mind about surviving this little venture, Folk. But I wouldn't be truthful if I told you I wasn't a little worried about what lurks in Kheguhm." Konungr looked back at his Brother, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips as he gave Dharggoa a genuine smile—genuine emotion he didn't have to concern himself about hiding. "And yes... Thorgann, still has a lot of vigor despite being a man almost older than half of our established settlements." Konungr trekked onward, a powerful and observant gaze shifting from side to side as the mist of malice and evil intent twisted and swirled around the two imposing Goron. The journey down the main tunnel leading to Kheguhm was a rather long one without the typical Goron vendors that flooded the one busy highway. Konungr remembered it like yesterday, blacksmiths selling their finely crafted arms and armors. Vendors selling delicious Goron delicacies, and the various races that call Hyrule home enjoy the brotherly and unified ambiance that made Goron. Now, all he saw were abandoned stalls—long since ransacked by Lizalfos and the dried bloodstains of the Goron he simply couldn't save.

"We will reclaim Kheguhm, Dharggoa. We have too." He spoke to the Champion without his gaze faltering from the path ahead—angry over the fact he failed his people reflecting in two balled fists shrouded by a dusty old cloak. The gawks and roars of the now native Lizalfos grew louder the further they proceeded, their dialect primitive in function, but one that had been recorded by Goron scholars centuries ago. Needless to say, Konungr understood their language—albeit Goron lacked the capability to replicate it with their own vocal boxes. However, Lizalfos were intelligent creatures who understood many a dialect. That being said, even though Goron and their lizard counterparts couldn't speak the same tongue, understanding one another was a realistic possibility. "They have too many places to hide and ambush us from. Stay vigilant, Folk." Konungr whispered to Dharggoa, his eyes dancing from every large flipped object to the next in hopes of catching a trap or ambush before it sprung.

Walking a little further ahead, the duo came to a set of footprints; three pronged toes with extremely large and sharp claws that dug into the ground. Konungr dropped to a knee and began examining the single track, a finger digging into the soil in which the print laid. As he expected, it was a fresh print—he knew this from the decolonization of the print and the soil surrounding it. Also from the coolness; almost moist nature of the soil underneath which also indicating how fresh the track was. But it was the only one which also indicated one thing. "Above us is where they are most likely going to strike." Again, another whisper—only one the Champion could hear. Overhead would be the ceiling of the cavern, stalagmites galore. However, behind every other stalagmite resided a din—tunnels that looked as if they connected to some type of central highway system. Noticing this, Konungr could only imagine the state of the outpost and how it was more than likely overran with a savage and brutal clan of lizard-folk. "Lets go. We're almost to the checkpoint." He spoke to Dharggoa, eyes still dead ahead, panning the area for anything out of the ordinary.

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wc - 559
total wc - 1,080
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@dharggoa !

[Deleted]

It was an unnerving situation for sure. There would be Lizalfos certainly but what else? The Scourge was unpredictable. If the two strongest warriors of the Gorons couldn't overcome it, what chance did the rest have? Dharggoa was confident that they could survive, hell even rout out whatever festering infestation that held the ruins of Kheguhm. He looked to the Chief that had glanced to him and returned the assured grin in kind. He knew the smile was genuine and held no fault for the man that naturally hid his emotions in public or around the Elders. Which he had to give props to him for as Thorgann was an incredibly shrewd old Goron. The thought of that jolly giant made him chuckle to himself. Maybe he would arm wrestle that old bastard upon their safe return.

Forward he strode next to his brother, his own perceptive gaze looking from one side then the other. His eyes weren't as keen as Konungr's but he wasn't blind either. Dhargg knew what he was keep an eye out for. Unlike the other Goron, Dhargg's arms were out and tensed, his left propping his big mace over his shoulder. He nearly dared anything to rear its ugly face, just so he or Konungr could smash it to pieces. Despite whatever intelligence the Lizalfos had, each and every one of them had instincts that would flare up when they got a taste of beings more superior than they. Such an action had a chance of relieving the tension in the air. That foul aura that surrounded them both was already more than Dhargg wanted to deal with.

Kheguhm. Oh how he missed that place. He remembered visiting many times when he was growing up. A bustling settlement that prided itself in having the best arms and armor, second only to the city proper but Dharggoa had seen his father praise many a pieces for their quality and design. Because it was primarily an outpost, more than half of it was occupied by soldiers and warriors. The Lizalfos were an ever present enemy with their aggressive raids. Thinking back, Dhargg would've preferred them to what really struck Kheguhm down. He didn't need the Chief's warning but welcomed it, as it gave him a chance to shake his head and mentally push thoughts of the past back where they belonged, in the past. "Always." Always vigilant, never faltering.

The Champion took a few steps beyond the squatting Goron so to put him between potential threats and Konungr, so that the latter could inspect the singular track without worry of being jumped. Dharggoa hefted his weapon down and in both hands, ready to swing at a moment's notice. The air was thick with tension and he could practically feel the killing intent. Their foes were near. Even in the silence, he only barely picked up Konungr speaking to him, which meant even the lizards wouldn't have heard, if they were closer than he thought. His only response was a glance and a nod. Unlike his Goron brother, Dhargg's voice was quite booming, he didn't want to risk discovery so kept his deep baritone to himself. He waited for the man to pass before easing up on his guard and following in step once more. 

---

tag: Konungr of Hyrule
notes: i'm liking this.
##: 547 // 1181

[Konungr of Hyrule]

Konungr continued to lead the two man march—hazel eyes leveled dead ahead as both himself and Dharggoa reached the checkpoint leading to Kheguhm. Kheguhm remained one of the few cities within Goron territory that had a checkpoint. This was because Kheguhm resided right on the border of Lizalfos territory. However, Lizalfos were a threat the Goron had to deal with ever since the beginning of time—the earthbound people had long since figured out a way to deal and coexist with the crazed lizard-folk. He eyed the gigantic gate first before fixing his observant eyes on the abandoned twin watchtowers overlooking the cavern Konungr and Dharggoa walked. The Earthbound ruler squinted those hazel orbs of his, extending an arm off to the side; a gesture telling the Champion to cease his tracks for the time being.

"We are no longer alone." Things became deathly silent—the tension could be cut with the dullest of blades. From the watchtower, each one, three lizard-folk sprung from the lookout and lined up directly in front of the gate. One by one each lizard taunted the two Goron, calling them all manner of derogatory terms while bashing their weapons together to create as much intimidating sound as possible. There was still roughly 200 yards between the armored Goron and the gate being guarded by the Lizalfos. But Konungr, with vision that rivaled that of a bird of prey could see and observe the lizards as if they were right in his face. First thing he noticed would be their painted scales, red and grey to signify the clan they were apart of. "käNGkərər; The Conquerors. And here I thought they finally took to Hyrule and settled elsewhere." Konungr spoke, explaining to Dharggoa what it is they were most likely going to be dealing with once inside the now catacomb city.

Lastly he noticed their weaponry and armor. Goron crafted; arms and armor looted from the warriors and blacksmiths that perished that faithful day. Not only that, but the gear seemed to be maintained and aesthetically different in appearance. Could it be?! Could the forge still be up and running—the ore still burning hot even this very day?! He knew Lizalfos were extremely intelligent creatures; especially these Conquerors, but they are now using a specific Goron forge and utilizing the ores a way that only the Goron's could?! Something was off, and Konungr planned on getting to the bottom of. "Armed to the teeth with weapon and armor. Undoubtedly crafted by brother Uggrum... But maintained to perfection; as if they know the ancient secrets." In the midst of Konungr explaining what it is he saw, one of them shot an arrow aimed at the chest of the Chieftain. The projectile merely bounced off the leather hide of the cloak, a cloak crafted from skulltula silk and Volgaea scales—one-hundred percent immune to extreme heat and extremely durable to all manner of piercing attacks.

"They are warning the others we have arrived. They believe we wish to reclaim our fallen outpost. If that is the case, Deadeye will more than likely be awaiting for us to fight for the land. The Conquerors are ruthless and savage, but they are extremely prideful and only the strongest can lead their faction." It seemed the Lizalfos grew bored of waiting. They charged, holstering their weapons and took to the ceiling—traverse it with great agility; agility they lacked when on the ground. "Tch. Foolish. Very well then." Konungr announced out loud, taking a few steps forward—tossing his cloak off to the side and taking a martial-artist stance, eyes skyward as he prepared himself for the lizard-folk crazed assault. "Ready yourself, Folk. They strike."

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wc - 615
total wc - 1,695
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@dharggoa !