2016.11.19: Saving Dave the Giant Snake

Saving Dave the Giant Snake
Gaians head to the Battleground to seek a cure for Dave the Giant Snake
IC Date	Saturday, November 19th, 2016 — Afternoon
Storyteller	Halle
Players	Alessio, Andy/Lucky Bastard, Billy/Very-Good-Boy, Bjorn/Bjornhammar, Felix/Lets-Them-Eat-Cake, George/Mocks-the-Dark, Jake/Defiant-Storm, Journey/Shaderunner, Justin/Mouse Trap, and Monica.
Location	The Battleground and the Forest.
Plot	Dave the Giant Snake
Spheres	Shifter (Gaian Garou and Gurahl)

Halle pages: Most important pose you missed earlier:

Journey thinks, then starts explaining. "Okay Battleground is a realm of Violence, Battles of history constantly play out throughout the Realm. In a Battle a Garous Rage charges naturally from the violence of the Realm itself. In between these battles are Paths. PAths keep the battles seperate, and at Junctions ate Signposts along the Paths that detail what battles are where. Once you leave the Paths, you're in the Battle indicated. People who are on tha Paths can pull people out of Battles and onto the Paths. If you flee from a Battle you might find an exit or a Path. A retreat or Evac area in a battle looks like a wall of Mist, that's a way to a Path. Okay LISTEN!, Dying in Battleground causes you to get kicked out into the Near Umbra, generally absent some of your spirit energy, then it's up to you to get back to the Penumbra and back to Prospect."

Also, George gave everyone dedicated waterskins to be able to bring back water from the canteen if it won't come back all the way.

Using George's suggested path through the Umbra, the war party travels through the Umbra with only a few minor inconveniences. A party of rat spirits that tried to bully the Garou into giving up their shoes were dispersed without much incident. And soon the group arrives at the Battlegrounds.

The path George led them on drops them not at a Signpost as Journey would have expected. Instead they find themselves climbing out of a manhole cover on a cobblestone street appropriate to the Victorian era. On their left a fierce battle is raging in a jungle area. Gunfire can be heard, and some may note the sound of AK-47s because they make a distinctive sound when fired at you. Though thankfully, these aren't being fired at them. Artillery shells are going off in the jungle, and jet airplanes are occasionally swooping down to drop napalm.

Meanwhile, on the right side of the path, the mists give way to a view of a river surrounded with greenery, flowing through otherwise arid lands. A single pyramid can be seen in the distance, the top not yet finished. A large-scale battle is going on between Crinos Garou and dark minions. The Garou have more of the bearings of jackals than they do the wolves of North America, Asia and Europe.

As he follows along with the group, Justin is trying his best to not appear nervous on his first real expedition into the deep umbra. He is lumbering in his crinos form behind the others, giving a flex in and out of his claws as he tosses a look between the higher ranking Garou in his midst. He clears his throat, giving a pound of his chest as his eyes peer through the mists. At the sight of the battles before him, he takes in the view for a moment with widened eyes. ~ Shit. ~

And along the way, Alessio takes the time to assume his favourite form; the near human form .. which on him looks.. human. Makes it a bit tough to get out of the manhole cover though, but with enough pull it aint a problem. Once out of the manhole and on to the street, the Ahroun grabs his gun and unholsters them, "Well. Seems we found a war. Or two."

Mocks-the-Dark infact looks similar to these garou, one might even think related. After a pause to take in his surroundings he nods in agreement with Justin and Alessio >>Maybe we should have taken that left turn at albuquerque<<

Mocks-the-Dark is in his full war-form but is agile and bendy enough as a climber to get out of the hole without too much of a problem. Just takes a moment.

Journey pulls himself out of the manhole as he emerges in Glabro, looking around, and sniffing at the pyramids, then looks to Mocks, growling as he shakes his head, "Well. Fuck." He growls, transforming up into Crinos as he clears the manhole. Getting caught halfway is bad news.

As usual, Jake sticks close to Journey and keeps quiet. Once out of the manhole cover he touches his forehead and also begins to shift, choosing on his war form eventually. He also takes advantage of the lull to activate Luna's Armor.

Felix starts out in his own oddly human near-human form, but once out of the manhole, drops the 'man' portion and blurs up to Crinos as well. Whether he drops the 'hole' part is his own damn business. He looks around with interest, the right side of the path particularly catching his attention for the moment. ~Shit, that Egypt? Old-school?~

Alessio moves up the streets just a little bit, then looks up ahead, "Well. Thats .. what .. Vietnam?" he looks to the jungle, then to the pyramid, "Then we have some ancient Egyptian battle." he looks to the streets, "Which begs the question. What battle are we in right now?"

Shaderunner holds up a hand, <<Stay here Step in neither Sand nor Jungle, the middleground is the Path. We must walk the Path to find a Signpost.>> He points along the median path, going between the battles. Then looks to Mocks. <<I see no indication one way is better than another.>>

The large bearman climbs out of the manhole, barely squeezing out with a grunt as he gets to the surface with the others. He sniffs the air and rubs his nose at the smell of gunpowder. He growls and clears his throat, the words he speak sound alien and deep as if coming more from his large chest then his throat. "This it?"

Lucky Bastard comes out of the magic hole (Don't tell Lucie, PLEASE dear god) and then shifts to glabro as well. He thought about hispo, but there's no need for that for now, maybe. Plus without thumbs, he's at a disadvantage. Then he glances over at Bjorn's... armpit... and looks uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup in his direction and then back to the front, focusing on Journey since he knows where they're going. George? Nope. He's off the birthday present list

Mocks-the-Dark nods at Shaderunner as he drags himself away from his histroical observations. This is closer to his Ancestors than most striders ever get. >>Lets get going then.<<

To which Alessio stops midstep. He looks to Journey, then looks to the path, "Well, hah! I was expecting an actual path, not a cobbled street." he nods, "Well, alright then." he holsters the guns, "Thought we stepped into some old battle here." he eyes the sands, "To be honest, I kinda feel like taking on those dark evil looking fuckers along side the Garou. But, a mission is a mission." he waits for the group to move.

A bullet ricochets off the cobblestone street, or Path, that the war party is standing on, a small fragment scratching Alessio. Not a serious wound, but it seems parts of the battles that spill over to the Path can affect them. The battle in the jungle is progressing, with Huey's coming in and landing troops in a clearing in the distance, while most of the fighting is in the jungle, out of view from where they stand.

Meanwhile, over in the other battle, the Garou seem to be doing well, but then a figure from the other side drops to the ground from a great height as if having jumped a Hulk-like distance. His dark complexion is abnormally pale and slices one Garou up the gut, and grabs another, biting into his neck. The latter Crinos stops fighting, letting the figure drain his life away until the Garou is dropped to lie motionless at his feet.

A cry goes up from one of the Garou packs, and the largest Crinos charges towards the figure on all four legs. He barks out in a language that most do not understand. The dark figure sneers and responds in the same language, motioning for the Crinos to come forward at him.

Up and out of the manhole, Crinos Billy's attention is drawn towards the jungle side with a mixture of horror and deep longing, ears laid back and hackles rising. The desert side hardly catches his notice at all, he's distracted quite a lot by the air cavalry and loves the smell of napalm in the morning. He distractedly reaches out to hold on to whichever one of his pack mates is closest, so he don't wander off like a kid in a mall.

Shaderunner looks into the desert battle, his ancestors and then looks away, head lowered. Turning away from the Ancient battle against Sutekh and Sho-Horus minions is hard but they're here for something. Concentrating on the path he growls, <<We need to move.>> He gestures, dropping quadripedal and starting one way along the Path.

Defiant-Storm is keeping a close eye on Billy, frowning deeply when he realizes his Luna's Armor isn't doing shit. Oh, well, can't worry about that now. Not with the sounds of battle so close. He nods to Journey and follows him.

Bjornhammar moves a large clawed hand over to Billy to stop him from moving. "Not Our Fight." He growls out to the wolf as he tries to pat the garou's shoulder as if to comfort him, being careful with his claws. He then moves his hand once he is Sure Billy wont wander off, looking around and sniffing the air once more, squinting with his eyes.

Mocks-the-Dark hears the exchange in the strider battle and looks briefly stricken, because he knows how that battle ends. After bowing his head breifly he nods at Shaderunner, his eyes having hardened >>We hunt<<

Lucky Bastard eyes Bjorn for just a second, then glances at Billy and shakes his head. He'll say something about that later. Otherwise, he'll follow along with the Elder and Athro

As he continues to trudge along with them, Mouse Trap remains quiet as he continues to take in every inch of the atmopshere about him. He rolls up to Cake's side, his fellow cliath in arms and lets out a low chuff. ~Way better than Disney World.~

With the bullet ricocheting and putting a hole in his clothing, Alessio lets out a growl, "Fuck!" he looks to the jungle, "Hey, watch where you're aiming!" he yells, then shakes his head, "Ok, paths arent safe." he nods his head.

Very-Good-Boy speaks slowly so that it's not all a big growly mess when he says, "Do I look like an idiot to you? I have orders, and I am a good soldier." He moves with the group down the path, but oh how he watches the jungle, and there is certainly a desire - well restrained - to outrun fire and chew on Charlie. He even drools just a little bit, but there's no waver to his steps. He also won't eat bacon off the counter if told not to. Although he will cry about THAT, if not this. He also comments, "Aiming is for pussies." A joke, by his tone.

The group starts moving down the path. The sounds of both battles continue. The cries of the wounded and the dead. Howls of pain, of rage, of mourning as packmates fall. The cobblestone street continues on ahead, to where it seems to give way to the door to a building.

As they travel towards the building, the fight continues along the banks of the Nile. The large Crinos, Shu-Horus, and the monstrous being, Sutekh, fight tooth and claw. Flares of silver light up the battle as Luna protects the Silent Strider with silver armor, while inky blackness gathers around the dark figure, channeling the powers of Set. Finally Shu-Horus strikes a mortal blow that uses up most of his strength, falling to his knees as he watches Sutekh stagger backwards. Sutekh extends his arms and seems to suck the life force from his own dark minions, gathering it into one last counter stroke. Even those who do not understand Ancient Egyptian will feel a darkness as Sutekh raises his voice in what sounds a fell pronouncement. It leaves those sensitive to spiritual things wanting to shower or have a good Cleansing after.

In Ancient Egyptian: <<I curse you and your line, Shu-Horus! I curse the Silent Striders, to never find rest in the land of Khem, and to never know again the comfort of your ancestor-spirits! I level this curse on you in the name of Set, and that it not end until the Striders have->>

*** KABOOM!!! *** A bomb is dropped in the jungle along the path, close enough it practically knocks everyone off of their feet with the concussion of the blast even at this range. No lasting damage that won't regenerate in moments, their ears ringing from the loud impact for a few moments.

Bjornhammar nods before lumbering along with the others, his large movements slow but certain. the ancient egyptian battle what has most of his gaze even if he didnt understand a word of it. When the kaboom hits he stands there against the concussive blast, barely moved by the force before looking to the others, following their lead.

Shaderunner distances himself from the battles going on, focusing on the path before him. The explosion causes him to crouch slightly, looking back at the rest of the group, until they recover and then he just continues leading along the path. Concentrate..

Mocks-the-Dark focuses his considerable will in staying on mission. He knows this story, he knows how it ends. This is just like if a galliard could tell the tale in 3Dvision.

Alessio does not distance himself that much though. He watches the events unfolding on the sands, hearing the voices calling out and taking in the piece of history happening there. He shakes his head, "That.. didnt sound good what ever it was." he mutters. He's got no clue that was the defining moment for the Striders.

Defiant-Storm shields his eyes from the explosion then continues to follow Journey, keeping Billy close. He also doesn't understand the importance of that battle for the Striders.

Very-Good-Boy has a slight wargasm and sways his tail side to side while briefly going deaf and wind ruffled. It's hard not to, kabooms and curling waves of red and black death just have that sort of affect on Billy boy. While there's no one in particular right in view to say it to, he still raises a big clawed hand at the jungle they're leaving behind and wuffs, <<Bye, dad!>> The same way you might hi or bye someone you know when you're just passing their town on the freeway.

Lets-Them-Eat-Cake watches both sides as they go, and nods to his tribemate's remark. He can't understand Ancient (or modern) Egyptian, but the pronouncement over there sure SOUNDS dramatic, and although his spiritual alarms aren't nearly sensitive enough to be set off, it definitely sets his Galliard senses tingling. Even if he has heard the story, or what he's fairly sure that one is. It's not the same as seeing it. The nearby explosion, of course, is distracting -- surprising, even, and he stumbles slightly when hit by the concussion, head swinging to look in that direction with a muttered, ~Fuck.~ It passes swiftly, though; so far, he still looks as though he's enjoying himself. Disney World, indeed.

Mouse-Trap flattens his ears at the blast as he stumbles forward and drops to one knee. Scrambling upwards, he moves forward a few steps quickly, giving a wild eyed look towards Nam', before he draws his gaze back to Egypt. ~Geezus Christ on a pike. This is nuts.~ He rumbles to the Galliard as he gives a swing of his arms again to loosen them up.

** Up ahead the cobblestone path gives way to a building. As they step inside they find themselves in a train station. There are signs overhead listing the names of various battles along with a platform number.

Antietam platform 4.
Thermopylae, platform 12.
Battle of Chang Ping, platform 13.
Battle of the Falklands, platform 17.
Sargeant York Assault on Hill 223, Platform 18.

Each of the platforms seems to extend into the distance until obscured by the mists that block sight very far in any direction there is not an active battle going on.

Mocks-the-Dark was shook by the explosion but next to the curse it wasn't so bad. Its the sort of bone deep trauma that never goes away and for the striders is always in the back of their mind. Even with rank and status and territory that they earn in the modern age....they can never go home. The signs at the station get frownd at and considered seriously.

Techncially speaking, the Garou are Warriors, but unless you've been to South America and fighting the battles there, most Garou would do hit and run fighting. Not so much explosions. So Alessio, when the bomb went off, jumped as well, "Well, shit. That would have ruined your day." he mutters. Reaching the platforms, he stops, "Huh. Thats.. a lot of battles I know nothing about."

Shaderunner rumbles, looking at the signs. <<If we need to get as close as possible geographicly, or temporally, we need to stay in World War One, France. That's Sergent York. But I don't know if that's the right battle.>> That's as close as he knows.

Very-Good-Boy's tail beats the shit out of the legs of whoever's standing to the left and right of him, as he begins going *off* in rapid bark-growl-yips about the great Hero Patriot Alvin York. Billy collects war hero trading cards or something because he has this guys kill counts, prisoner counts, and assault counts memorized. While he hasn't got one physically, he has a total soul boner right now.

Alessio rubs his chin a bit, looking at the battles, "Makes me wish I had attended school." he comments to no one in particular, "Shit. Humans really knows their wars, dont they." he looks to Shaderunner, "Sounds about right then, I'd say."

Mocks-the-Dark nods at Journey >>Its the only one close. Gary Cooper got an Oscar for that movie, it was pretty good.<<

"Do we have any idea what battle we're supposed to be going to? I mean.. I don't know much about Geography really, but one of those is bound to at least get us close."

<OOC> Lucky Bastard says, "That was mine"

Lets-Them-Eat-Cake stares rather blankly at the list of platforms for several seconds, then looks around at his companions. Oh good. Some of this means something specific to some of them! Apparently VERY specific in Billy's case, and since the others seem to have platform-picking more or less handled, he listens to Very-Good-Boy's war-hero lesson instead.

Defiant-Storm glances from platform to platform and eventually looks over at Journey and Billy, waiting for further orders on which way they are headed.

Shaderunner looks to Very-Good-Boy, <<Yes? This sound good to you?>> Looking to Lucky Bastard, <<Battle of Ypres.>> He says, and looks back, nodding, then to Mocks, <<Seems the best bet. Other options are After the time period, China, Spartans. York and 223 is at least the right time and place.>>

"Sounds like we're taking Hill 223 then." Alessio notes, "This'll be interesting. Never been in a world war before. Well, except for.. you know.. ours." he rubs his chin a bit.

Mocks-the-Dark nods at Shaderunner >>And the forrest that hill was in is right on the french-belgian border. Just on the south end rather than the north end where Ypres is. Was. whatever.<<

"Well, let's get on it then. We're wasting time." Lucky Bastard takes a breath and steps forward, but doesn't actually leave unless others do to

Bjorn looks to the various platforms, sniffing in the various directions before looking to the others as they talk. When they decide on a route, he just simply waits for the others to move before moving himself with them.

<<The year 1918 is close, yes? Yes!>> Billy is so excited and just spanks the fuck out of his direct neighbors with his tail! This is more or less why we can't have nice things. And unless he's made to shut up, regales those that speak garou with most of the man's wiki page, regurgitated in exceptionally enthusiastic, hero worshiping, bite sized pieces while following his compadres.

** Platform 18 has some other battles listed for it as well as the group draws close to it, though many of them are duels, individual fights, and the like. Each Path seems to lead to countless fights. This Path holds the form of the platform as they walk along it, seeing a number of different struggles both small and large as they travel along it. The battles do not necessarily always have much geographical or timeline relation to ever other battle near them. But the further they go down the path, the more they seem to be seeing fights from the early 1900s.

Another Signpost is reached. This time it is a dead ringer from the signpost from MASH. It points the way down dusty roads, with several of them that head off to the left listing World War I era battles, while off to the other side are a number of ancient battles. Assuming they follow their logic and take the obvious choice, the next Signpost they come to lists, "Second Battle of Ypres" as one of the battles. This Signpost is a computer terminal in an office, and they walked down hallways to get to it. The computer indicates a particular door with a hallway behind it as leading to the battle they seek.

Alessio glanced quickly to Lucky Bastard, shaking his head, "I do not think time is much of an issue in this place." he notes, then starts to walk down the platform that has been chosen, "Well, this is looking up for our mission goals."

Defiant-Storm hands Journey and George a small vial before once again attempting to activate his Luna's Armor gift. He regards the signpost, looks back at the others. <<Here we go, buckaroos.>>

Shaderunner moves along the hallway and finds the sign. <<Second Battle of Ypres.>> He takes a vial and downs the contents, <<Yes it seems that we've got our destination.>> He rumbles, <<Okay make ready.>>

Make ready? Alessio lets out a grunt and closes his eyes to which there is a slightly metallic sound coming from him before his skin takes on a rather chromed look. He pulls his guns out from their holsters, "Well, this will be intersting."

The group passes down the hallway of what could be any office space in America. Except where normally there would be cubicles, and people arguing about the TPS reports, instead there are displays of hand to hand combat, of fights and battles and wars. Many of them are from the same era as World War I, but not all. But soon the battle you are looking for comes into view. It is easily the largest battle on this stretch of hallway.

Trenches run parallel to each other off into the distance, with a hellish no man's land in between. The battle lines seem to have been in place for a long time, as some of the bodies in the 500 yard between the trenches are showing signs of decay. The area was once lightly wooded, but most trees have been stripped by bullets and explosions. A hill rises off in the distance, the trenches curving around it and out of sight. To the right are the Germans. To the left are the Allies, with mostly Canadian flags seen, where any flags are left standing. There are sounds of gunfire, but not a lot. Artillery is the main sound. Shells are being dropped on the Allied side. Explosions blow dirt and grime into the air. And body parts and blood, where the gunners were lucky. The troops are hunkered down in the trenches for protection. Further back in the distance on the Allied side can be seen some buildings and tents, apparently just out of range of the German guns. Behind the German lines the ground drops off down a hill, making it difficult to see what is there.

Shaderunner takes a moment, shuddering as a light silvery sheen moves through his fur and a Fire Opal blade is drawn from the Bracer on his forearm into his hand, and he turns his head, moving with ease, fully charged as he moves with ludicris ease, dropping down to keep his head down and sniffing, looking around himself to the others, looking ready as he makes sure everyone has their buddies and remembers WHERE THEY PARKED.. er.. came in. taking a mental picture of the passage they came in through.

Can a man be more out of place then Alessio, carrying a pair of matte blacke Desert Eagles and looking dressed to charge a Mob hideout? Well, yes. In this group, not a single one looks in place! The Ahroun gives a quick nod to this, "Ok, so.. what are the chances everyone out there will start shooting at us, German.. Canadian or otherwise? My bet is everyone." he grins.

Lucky Bastard is ready. He's all but bubbling with energy, but he's focused. SUPER fucking focused. Eyes shift left and right, occasionally up and down, but mostly ahead, just watching and moving forward

~I hate being shot. It does not feel good.~ Mouse Trap rumbles out as he continues to trudge along wtih the group. His ears are slicked back upon his skull tightly, flinching now and then at every boom that may rumble near by. ~I had a friend fall in here once and he told me it sucked. Japan war or something. Got stabbed a lot with swords.~

Defiant-Storm nods to Journey and George after double checking that they took the potion he gave them. He nods back to Alessio. <<We can count on it.>> He then readies himself for a lumbering charge once the command is given.

Bjornhammar looks to the environment and sniffs the air. He growls to himself as if muttering something before lumbering with the others. He looks around, wondering if he is large enough that people will open fire on him.

Shaderunner slinks along the Path, pointing to where the change in the floor and ground happens, <<As soon as you step off the Path, you're in the Battle Realm. As SOON as you move there, look back, REMEMBER where you are, look for walls of Mists to find the way back to the Paths. If you get killed, try to find the way back to the Penumbra after you wake up. Never forget, the Rules.>>

~Ain't takin' THAT bet,~ Cake says, eyeing both sides and the continual explosions. He's made of compressed energy as well, moving light and balanced. ~So if we're lookin' for a canteen, are we talkin' one of those buildings there maybe?~ he asks, gesturing toward the ones visible behind the Allied lines.

"From what I understood, we need to wait until we a canteen that makes people feel better, right?" Alessio wonders, "So, hope for a chemical attack and watch what happens. And hunker down until that happens because, if we dont? We're likely to be full of holes from both sides."

Very-Good-Boy blurts unhelpfully, <<I dunno, but I been told a peg legged woman's full of holes.>>

Shaderunner rumbles as he looks around <<Mustard gas will certainly sweep across the Path. You guys won't enjoy it. He rises, ears swiveling, and looking for activity that might indicate the presence of the Canteen. possibly a tent with the red cross, or groups of soldiers.

** There do seem be stretchers being carried to some of the Allied buildings and tents far behind the lines.

Very-Good-Boy just hopes nobody shoots him for being an enormous Nazi Shepherd or anything.

There's nothing Alessio can do to pretend he is either ally or enemy to either side. He's a trenchcoat wearing, chrome-skinned large guy with two large guns. He really does not look comfortable in that situation, considering where they are going, "Great. Mustard gas." he mutters, "Ready!"

Shaderunner drops down, pointing to the direction of some of the tents, <<There's our first target. Seek the Canteen.>>

Shaderunner moves off the PAth, entering into the Battle, looking back, then around, checking his position as he passes into the Ypres reality from Battlegrounds to the Battle itself, gathering the warparty on this side of the Reality presented.

Very-Good-Boy advances on all fours after Journey, slightly less comfortable with these long crinos legs but damn it, all fours is what he's most comfortable with. Giant mutant wolf-shepherd! RAR! As instructed, he pauses once off the path to eye his surroundings and back trail carefully so that he can find his land marks and know which parking lots he parked the getaway car in.

Defiant-Storm's gaze moves to the tents and he nods, gripping his axe tighter. He also advances with Journey then turns and double checks the landmarks to return. Yeah, it would totally suck to get caught in here. First things first though. Find that canteen!

** And so, braced for what may come, the group prepares to set foot off the Path. Only before they can, the sound of shells whistling overhead grows in number. Explosions blossom all over the Allied side of the line. Allied guns answer back, though in lesser numbers and effect. The ground is literally shaking during the bombardment. There's hesitation, some of the shells falling close to the Path. Stepping off of it could step right under one!

But then that becomes a risk they will have to take. There's a distinctively different sound to the shells as they start to pass overhead, exploding up the Path a short distance away. More drop, coming closer. Everyone scrambles, running, diving, seeking cover. The ground shakes and the flying dirt fills the air.

When it clears, Jake, Felix, George and Alessio find themselves together, in a different spot of the Battle than where they'd intended to step to. There's a road coming up a hill, and the sounds of the explosion are the other way on the road, to their left. They are still in Crinos or whatever form they had on the Path, but don't see the others.

Meanwhile, Bjorn suddenly finds himself being sprayed with blood. And strangely, he's back in homid. A soldier lies on a gurney in front of him, a severed artery squirting out his life's blood, the man needing immediate help if he is to live. Journey, Andy and Justin are also where Bjorn is, standing inside of the medical tent that was their goal. Strangely, they are wearing Allied uniforms. Smelly things that haven't been washed in weeks. They are also in homid, oddly. Journey and Justin have a stretch in her hand, a soldier lying on it with a blood soaked bandage on his knee, the leg below that missing.

And Billy? We'll come back to Billy.

Well, that .. didnt go as expected. Alessio looks around a bit, realising quickly that half of the group is missing. And not where they should have been. He blinks, "Well, shit." he says, taking to one knee, hunkering down sort of and both guns held up. Eyes to the Elder, "Mocks-the-Dark-rhya. Its your show from this point I guess." Because, well, he's the Elder.

Journeys ears pop as he's jammed into another position and form, and he opens hi jaws wide to equalize the pressure and looks around, then back to the stretcher he's carrying, looking around and heading to a place where he's supposed to be taking this wounded man. "This way." He says, faking it.. faking it.

Despite the scramble, Cake tries to glance back to mark where they came from, as instructed -- and it doesn't work. And there aren't nearly as many of them here as there ought to be. ~Well... fuck,~ he says, glancing around and, as they don't appear to be being =immediately= attacked, to Mocks-the-Dark for instructions. Joys of Eldership, eh?

Blinking his eyes and giving his head a shake, Justin looks confused as he finds himself holding the stretcher. He takes Journey's lead of course, following any order he delivers. "Uh..this way!"

Defiant-Storm nods to Alessio, growling softly. <<Something got fucked.>> He touches his right temple. <<Journey, Andy, Justin and Bjorn are...in a medical tent. They're...in a uniform doing medical things? They're...in the allied tent.>> He sounds a bit perplexed by that. He also looks over at George for instruction. <<I don't see any goddamned tent. What side are we on?>>

** Group 1: The sounds of the battle are a little ways away, and the fact the majority of shells aren't falling on this side might make the group consider they might be behind the /German/ side of the front. And if they considered that... well then they'd be smart Garou.

Because around a corner in the road coming up the hill, a few horses trot with German soldiers on them. Behind the horses is a car, convertible, with a German officer in it. Horses and car alike come to a stop as they stare at the Crinos Garou up ahead. Eyes grow large and some of the soldiers lose their bowels. But they've been at war for awhile, and they don't go mindlessly fleeing like your average member of humanity. The German officer stands up and points at them, shouting orders in German. "Alarm! Monster! Töte die Monster! Kanadische Monster, töten! Schießen sie alle!" For those who understand German: "Alarm! Monsters! Kill the monsters! Canadian Monsters, kill them! Shoot them all!"

And the soldiers, they draw guns, and cavalry sabers, to obey those orders.

The explosion and the ringing in Billy's ears clear, but it's replaced by a loud whooshing and the roar of an engine. The feeling and roar of the wind whipping against his face is not quite enough to drown out the engine of the biplane that he's flying. Soaring in the air above the battlefield, he can see columns of dirt and debris rising into the air as the shells land down below. His biplane is marked with Canadian aviation symbols. And it seems to be shuddering and starting to tip over into a dive. Maybe he should find a way to control it. Quick!

Journey leads the stretcher over to a place to set down the thing and looks around. WELL, he's actually pretty well fucking trained for this Theurge battlefield training powers ACTIVATE! He starts getting to work on the wounded, mundanely mind you, but he's pretty well used to this whole 'Keep people alive while the world is falling apart around you.' thing. He's a fucking Garou.

Up in the air, Jr Birdman figures out where he is and begins hysterically laughing without the ability to stop. Oh sure, this is scary, but it's way more fun than it is scary. I mean yeah, certain death and ejection from the realm is a distinct possibility, but OH MY GOD I'M FUCKIN FLYING WOOOOOOOO! In homid, he makes sure his goggles (ze goggles, zay do somesink!) are secure over his eyes and grabs the stick. Nope, never flown a plane before, but... How hard could it be? The sputtering engine of his biplane sounds over the battlefield, with "AAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" alongside it. "SUCK SYRUP, KEISER!" He starts smashing buttons, cause there's gotta be a gun or a bomb button on this thing somewhere.

Journey nicks an artery. blood gouts and he starts working, getting covered in gore and blood, working on the soldier, fuckit, at this stage in medical technology, he's working with what he has, but that does mean he's drenched in fucking blood almost instantly.

And.. well.. thats not good. No time to wait for Elderly leadership advice! Alessio goes for a running leap off the road, diving into the ditch and, hopefully, the foliage. Head pops up, "Defiant-Storm, call it!" he calls out. Giving leadership in this moment over to the other Adren without turning it into a pissing contest.

With the soldiers charging at them, Defiant-Storm growls. <<Okay, I'm going to set up a diversion. If any of you can jam their weapons, do it when they're attacking the scarecrow. Alessio, while they're distracted shoot as many as you can." And with that he concentrates and...about a hundred feet away a mirror image of Defiant-Storm appears! An ice echo. It's roaring and waving it's huge arms, attracting attention to itself.

** Group 2: The hospital is a grim place. Men lie in blood-soaked bandages. Some missing limbs. Others coughing hoarsely, fighting off infection. Some of the wounds smell of rot already. This is the grim reality of war. A nurse rushes over to assist Journey, bringing a few clean bandages and some surgical clamps appropriate for the era. She has a bottle she shakes some powder over the wound, probably something to try to help stave off infection. She has a numb look on her face, as if she's seen so much death, it's difficult to see Journey's patient as a person anymore.

Bjorn looks down to his own patient and he cannot see how doing things mundanely would help. Besides the battle realms isnt reality so he focuses his gnosis and heals the patient, energy flowing from his hands to force the patient's body to knit itself back together.

When the scarecrow pops up, thats when Alessio leaps up as well! Hopefully, no one actually IS Jamming weapons because that would be bad for his guns as well. So before that happens? Well, before that happens he tries to take out two soldiers. He aims his guns at one soldier each to then fire off those handcannons of his.

** Group 1: The soldiers start going for the ice form of Defiant Storm. 3 pull sabers and charge him, while the other three try to shoot their guns from their horses which are stamping and agitated by the predators they sense nearby. Two of them shoot towards the ice creature, while one was taking aim at Defiant-Storm already - the real one! - and he fires. A bullet pings off of Luna's Armor, richocheting away. Shit, that would have hit him in the forehead otherwise! The German officer is pulling out a pistol and shooting, though at this range he misses.

Lets-Them-Eat-Cake doesn't understand much in the way of German, but 'monster' is clear enough, and weapon-drawing translates into any language. He seems about to leap toward the enemies, but as decidedly the lowest ranked member of his accidental detachment, he goes with what the others order. He can't jam weapons and has no guns, so he just gets out of the way for now, following Alessio into the foliage. But he doesn't look entirely thrilled about it.

Journey is inured to the grim realities of the war and looks to the Nurse as she comes over with.. Dear Gaia is that actual Sulfur powder? Woooow. He nods to the nurse, and keeps working, looking to the woman, "Thank you, Nurse. Canteen, please." He says. Hey, why not try it?

** Group Snoopy: The plane starts to yaw and spin as Billy moves the stick to the side, then levels out as he pulls back. There's a button atop the stick that when he hits it, twin machine guns mounted on the underside of the top wing open fire! Below him the Allied lines are getting pounded pretty good by artillery, while only a few shells are hitting the Kaiser's side of the line. As he looks down, he spots a plane slipping out of a cloud bank overtop of the German lines. A German cross adorns the wing on each end.

** Group 2: Bjorn's patient is doing better, the bleeding stopped and the wound even healed over a little. Some color comes back into his face. The nurse gives a nod to Journey, turning to find a canteen which she brings over and holds out for Journey, as if to pour the water into his mouth so he needn't handle it while his hands are all bloody. And there are more soldiers in need of help. Bjorn will see he'll run out of gnosis long before he even makes it down the first row. A soldier with a headwound is in the next bed, one of his eyes completely missing and that side of his face burned badly.

Bjorn just groans as he looks to the amount of people and decides to do it mundanely, saving the gnosis for those who need it. Still though, they all look like they need it. Still he goes to the one with a head injury and tries to do what he can to mundanely patch the man up.

"HOLY SHIT I HAVE MACHINE GUNS!" Billy blurts ecstatically. He always wanted a machine gun!! His flying... sucks, I mean let's face it, he's a wolf, he ain't got no flying skills, so its a lot of dipping and diving and rising, at least one completely accidental but entirely awesome barrel roll (thank god for seat belts), and then he shoots the absolute shit out of a mound of dirt. Take THAT, dirt! Getting himself more or less upright again though still probably flying like a drunkard, he makes sure his bitchin sweet aviator's scarf is blowing dramatically behind him as he looks over the sides of his plane (!!!) in an effort to try and spot out werewolves. He has no idea where his friends have gone, or what form they might be in, but at the very least he's pretty sure he can spot werewolves in crinos from up here. DEAR GOD! It's the RED BARON! Like a distracted pup, he has no choice but to chase the car. Er. Plane. And also shoot at it, becoming the envy of strays everywhere.

Journey turns his head slightly, looking at where the nurse goes to fetch the canteen and as she comes back, he keeps working and accepts some of the water from the centeen, tasting, testing, checking to see what kind of canteen this REALLY is. gotta check. He's on the hunt for the magical healing Canteen fabled to be here.

A quick scan of the soldiers did ping a few obvious targets right away. Optimal kills? Elevated soldiers. Mounted ones. Alessio sees then taking charge against Defiant-Storms scarecrow but that quickly changes as he pops up and lets his handcannons sing out. They were not built for this battlefield and certainly not something any enemy soldier has ever seen! Two loud bangs later and two of the Kaisers finest fall from their horses.

Mocks-the-Dark is a glowing ten foot tall killing machine. He's also a tactical assasin which makes him think the officer as a primary target. He leaps through the air like a very unsubtle shooting star, intending to land on top of the car and rip the officer out through the roof.

And throw him some distance

** Group 1: Alessio downs two of the soldiers charging on their horses with drawn swords, leaving 1 more. Three soldiers have rifles still, 2 shooting the scarecrow, 1 at Jake. And the officer standing in the car shooting his pistol. The driver is just losing his shit more than the rest.

It's a convertible with the roof down, so Mocks-the-Dark is able to grab the officer and send him hurtling through the air.

** Group 2: Bjorn's patient is doing better, the bleeding stopped and the wound even healed over a little. Some color comes back into his face. The nurse gives a nod to Journey, turning to find a canteen which she brings over and holds out for Journey, as if to pour the water into his mouth so he needn't handle it while his hands are all bloody. And there are more soldiers in need of help. Bjorn will see he'll run out of gnosis long before he even makes it down the first row. A soldier with a headwound is in the next bed, one of his eyes completely missing and that side of his face burned badly.

With everyone wounded, blood everywhere and the such, Justin just sort of stands there once he puts the stretcher down. He looks left and right with an unsure gaze upon his face. "..A..are we supposed to help them? Isn't this like fucking with time or something?" He asks Journey, then looks over to Bjorn. He is not squeamish about the blood, but creating a butterfly effect seems to be a larger worry.

** Group Snoopy: The plane Billy dives towards is a two seater. The one in front is focused on flying, while the one in back has a strap to help hold him in the plane as he leans way out, looking at the ground. He pulls out a big old fashioned camera (ok it is modern by HIS standards) and snaps a photo with it. They don't seem to see Billy diving down on them from above until his bullets start flying through the air. Some of them even making holes in their plane! The German pilot dives towards the ground, trying to elude him.

As Alessio is shooting at the soldiers, Defiant-Storm waves Felix over to join him. <<Okay, follow me! I'm going to try to stun the others. Alessio, keep taking them out!>> Then he's lumbering forward right towards the rest of the soldiers who are huddled around the Ice Echo and when he's within ten feet, claps his hands together causing a THUNDEROUS crash that reverberates through the air.

Hey, straight-up killing things now? Cake perks up and follows Defiant-Storm and Mocks-the-Dark into melee range, going for the first living German he can reach and using a good rake of his claws to attempt to make him rather less so.

The activation words for Defiant-Storm's clap? "Hulk Smash!"

Journey looks up, swallowing, and looks down t the soldier, and finishes with him, looking to Justin, "Nah, no temporal paradoxes." He nods to the Nurse, and looks around, frowning, "I think I've got something." He says, disengaging from the patients, and moving to the enterance of the Tent, "Come on, let's find it." He says, fully dropping the act of fitting in, knowing that in truth, none of this really matters, "Bjorn, come on, we got a lead on the objective." He says, following his senses, looking around alertly.

** Group 1: The final sword-wielder is stunned by Defiant-Storm, and rider and horse both go down, the man crying out in pain as the horse lands on his leg, though the horse will scramble away, leaving him lying there reaching for his saber. One of the soldiers with a rifle will fire at Felix as the Crinos charges in. He shoots and Felix feels a pain in his shoulder, though just a small wound, little more than a bruise. Felix's claws score the man, ripping his flesh open. Alessio has already killed 2 of the soldiers in the fight George is in.

Giving a nod of his head, Justin says, "Feel kinda bad leaving already dead people to die again." Sorry guy with the missing half of face if you overheard that. He follows after Journey, though not before snatching a few medical supplies. Bandages, medicine. All that gets tucked into his pockets.

The thing about any successful warparty, even if it was made in a split second? Find the one Garou to defer to for orders. Alessio chose, in that instant, Defiant-Storm.. and he is doing what the other Ahroun is calling out. He keeps taking them out, letting his guns do the talking. He goes for the foot soldiers next, the ones with the rifles and as he does, he starts to walk closer step by step. Chrome-skinned man wearing black firing two hand cannons, death defyingly walking towards armed Kaiser soldiers? Hopefully giving pause; not to mention the storming Crinos and the flying Anubis angel!

Mocks-the-Dark watches as the enemy officer goes flying and lands in a pile of limbs tangled at unnatural angles. Even if he's not dead yet he will be soon and is out of the fight regardless. His personal defenses are thickened nearly as much as he can make them so he looks for another priorty target, either an enemy with heavier weapons or another officer he doesn't much care which.

Bjorn stops treating the wounded and begins to follow after Journey. "I slept through this, this happened on earth?" He asks the man as he follows behind Journey, trying to wipe the blood off his hands onto the uniform he is suddenly wearing.

Given the Gift in effect, Cake feels more of a pressure than a pain when the bullet hits, and glances at the tiny hole with irritation. As long as his first target seems appropriately dead, he turns toward the next he can reach -- ideally, the one that just shot him, though he's not feeling all that picky -- and aims to slash him to ribbons as well.

** Group 2: The tents are some distance back from the front lines. Right now there are shells raining down around that area, the Germans using a bombardment to try to soften up the Canadian troops before their attack. The Canadians have no idea poison gas will be part of that attack though. Journey is having problems pinning down a direct location though. He could sweep his arm in a 45 degree arc and it could be anywhere in there. And there are hundreds of men in that big of an area.

** Group 1: The Germans are dropping fast, Felix aiming in on the last German standing as Alessio drops another and George sends the officer a distance that crushes bone on impact. The remaining armed soldier turns to the driver, yelling to him, "Holen Sie sich die Aufträge an die Front! Sie müssen den Gasangriff starten!" For those who speak German: "Get the orders to the front! They must launch the gas attack!" The driver is terrified but is going to stomp on the gas and, hopefully, cause Mocks-the-Dark to fall off the car that he's standing on, in the process. Hopefully. Not a big hope, really.

Journey walks out of the Tent, looking around, nodding to Bjorn, "Yep this happened a century ago." He looks to Justin and nods, "They'll be doing this forever. Literally, over and over again." He says, looking for the Arms cache where they put the weapons they take off the wounded, and nods, "Bingo, grab what you might like." He says, getting a Lee-Enfield rifle, and picks it up, checking it and getting ammo, and holding his hand out turning it, and frowning, grabbing a helmet and putting it on as he looks around, "Okay we're heading that direction, but it's some distance. I'll be able to lock it down more as we get closer." He says, looking around, getting ready to head into the general confusion, "Get armed and ready to Glabro it up, so grab something to cover your faces, to avoid an outright panic." And what's happening in Group 1.

Billy flies! FLIIIIIIIIES! Cackling madly and having the time of his life. War, war never changes... But that doesn't mean a guy can't have fun with it while he's in it. He *does* keep an eye out for bright beacon of George, buuuuuuut also shoots at that plane, cause. Yeah. This is the *best*. But Journey stole my line, alas. Still, he does slaughter with laughter. It's not so much that Billy is trying to or even thinks he can affect the outcome of this particular battle, it's a memory of a thing more or less, but that's probably also why he feels completely reckless (read: fun) actions are totally kosher. "HEY! I see George!" Billy says mid Red Baron chase, and unfastens his seatbelt as he whizzes past the bright man, and just... gets out of the plane. Never mind that it's going really fast and is way above the ground, he does this, woooo hoooooing while free falling, his plane starting to spin out of control and plummet towards enemy artillery. Before actually pancaking into the ground, he snaps his bigass bald eagle wings out to slow himself so he'll only have to regenerate a little bit. Not that he can feel pain right now anyways, but whatever. And thus he joins the ground fight! And by joins the ground fight I mean gets into a raging slap fight with a German soldier over who gets to own that gun right there. Das ist MINE!

Mocks-the-Dark almost wishes this was world war 2 instead, he'd consider dropping back to homid then so he could traumatize nazis. He laughs out loud as he imagines the looks that would be on their faces as they got slaughterd by a black man and then the car lurches under him. He doesn't fall off but he drops to one knee and plunges his free hand to grip in the metal of the hood and his knife wielding hand lashes out to slit the driver's throat as his jackal like bark-laugh echoes creepily.

As he nods his head to Journey and Bjorn, Justin continues to follow after, swiping a grenade off a dead body and tucking it into the pocket of his hoodie. A rifle is snatched up as well as he looks it over, unsure of actually how to use it besides squeeze the trigger, don't put your eye out.

** Group 1: The driver's throat is slashed and the car goes off the road, just coasting until finally it finds a tree to stop it. George can see there are courier bags in the front seat beside him, stamped with the German Imperial seal. The last soldier tries to run, though the other Garou are either on him, or possess the firepower to bring him down.

Bjorn grabs a rifle with the thickest butt on it and holds it like one would hold a club. He nods as he follows Journey. He turns to his near man form and looks a little like bigfoot with a rifle held like a baseball bat. He puts on a large helmet which is a little small on his large head but still he takes it. His uniform however looks like it is too small on him.

Journey gets a Trench Spike to go with the Lee-Enfield. He's keeping these fucking things. Putting the helmet on and pulling a Jack Harkness military overcoat on and bulks up into it, features sloping down and turning ugly as hell as he nods, checking that, yes, his fucking magical gear is still there, just the mundane stuff changed, then he looks up alarmed about something, "Oh shit, really?" He says for no reason and then looks to Justin and Bjorn, "Nevermind, let's go." He says roughly as he heads in the direction of the front, following his senses.

Alessio is not wasting bullets though. The other Garou are close enough to go after the running German soldier. He stops shooting finally. He eyes his guns then the fallen men, "So this is a World War." he nods his head, "Any more soldiers? We in the clear?" he calls out.

** Group 2: The shelling is beginning to let up, and eventually stops on this section of the front. Off down the line miles away it looks like the barrage has been refocused. In the trenches up ahead, soldiers start to gradually emerge again from underground rooms they'd moved into for protection. There's nervous laughter and smiles, and shaky hands that light cigarettes. Happy they've survived another hour. As Journey grows nearer to the trenches though, he isn't feeling any more confident about his magical senses locating the canteen. He must be closer than before, but there is no better sense of direction, and the sense of it still very faint.

Maybe it's the fact that Billy honestly does have a big ol plane flying boner tenting his pants, or maybe it's the full on gaian rage scream at his opponent, but either way, the German gives the fuck up and doesn't want to fight with Billy. So this very good boy steals his rifle, steals his trench knife, and affixes bayonet! Now to make his way towards George. He does have actual training in using a rifle as a melee weapon and does so, while his weenie points the way. That way, Billy! THAT WAY! Funny, 'that way' is always whatever way he's facing. Billy's crotch is terrible with directions. And then George's car passes him. "Hey! Wait for me!" he yells, and runs back the way he came, after George.

Mocks-the-Dark is not just a killer he's also a thief and shiny imperial seals on courier pouches just beg to be grabbed and so he does. Pausing as the others finish up to open them and rifle through them, offering Billy a wave when he hears his name called.

Lets-Them-Eat-Cake, claws dripping German blood, whirls around as the last remaining soldier attempts to flee. We can't be having that! There may or may not have been time to actually have the thought before he leaps on the ill-fated guy, knocking him down and ripping out his throat with his jaws. It's quick, at least, if not so likely painless.

Defiant-Storm finally stops, glances around to see if there are any more soldiers that need dispatching, then appears to relax a little. <<Good work, everyone! Now, if we can just find the others.>>

<OOC> Halle says, "No more soldiers for Group 1. Both sides in pretty much free pose. Group 1, the German trenches are some distance away, enough you're not likely to be seen here, but you can get there if you want. You can't see a lot of detail of the German lines from here yet. Group 2 is arriving at the Allied trenches. There's gunfire on both sides, and still an occasional shell. But right now seems a quiet before the storm."

A moment that might seem an eternity is over in a few mere moments. Poor soldiers didnt even know what hit them. Alessio holsters his guns to this, nodding as he starts to walk up to join the others by the now unmanned vehicle, "Yeah. I think we're going to have issues there." he says, "Its a pretty big battlefield." he looks around.

Journey leads the group along, dipping his head as they pass soldiers, growling a little as he keeps working to close as well as he can to the source of the feeling, nodding, "I have a theory about this. We may need to get a gas attack." He looks to Justin and Bjorn, "Look for masks. Not sure if they're here, but.. um.. you guys will need them." He nods. He's fine, but them.. um..

Mocks-the-Dark head tilts as he reads the orders and then comments to Defiant-Storm >>I can find them no matter what but we actually we or at least I have a stop to make first. The narrative course of the battle requires the gas attack to happen before the canteen surfaces to cure it right? These orders will trigger the gas attack<<

Defiant-Storm nods to Mocks. <<Whatever you say, Sir.>> He waves Alessio and Felix back to join them. <<Journey might have located the canteen. He's trying to work toward it, heading to the front line and trying to keep a low profile.>> He then pops something into his mouth and chomps down on it.

Alessio gives a nod to that. He watches Mocks a few moments, "Huh. Well, I dont speak German. Perhaps we were a bit hasty in killing all the Germans." he chuckles, "But they shot at us so.. had little other options."

"Oh my god stop going so fast!" Billy pants while chasing the car until it rolls to a stop due to a dead driver all slumped in there. Panting, he catches the car! WOO! And leans on it. "Hooray!" he beams happily, raising his rifle and consciouslessly shoots a guy 'over there' in celebration. He has better things to do than care about dead men right now, as long as they're not putting lead in him. "HI!!" he beams, and waves in a particularly Forrest Gump fashion at Alessio, Felix, and Jake, grinning like an idiot.

George chuckles at Alessio as he takes the driver's cap off and sets it on his own head as slips back into his human shape. As he continues stripping the driver's corpse "I have a gift that'll let me fake it, a bit of a long con but I'll manage." Then to Defiant-Storm "Can you reach Journey through your pack bond and let him know? I'm going to play dress up and tell some thuroughly outrageous lies."

Defiant-Storm grins back at Billy. <<I wish I had been able to take a picture of you in that plane. Would have been the perfect Christmas card to send out. Glad to have you back with us, brother.>> He nods to Mock. <<I'll let him know now, Sir.>>

Lets-Them-Eat-Cake's nose wrinkles at the idea that they're going to have to get that gas attack triggered themselves, and he focuses for a moment, trying to get his system toughened up against such things again. This time, it feels like it works, at least, and he catches sight of Billy and his wave, grinning toothily back. ~So should we be goin' on ahead or waitin' here for him?~ he asks the pair of Adren, ~An' how're we aimin' to get through without them tryin' to kill us too? Could shift to glabro or homid, but my 'uniform' ain't exactly regulation.~ George gets an oddly envious look for the dress-up and lying plan. Clearly that looks fun.

Alessio looks to Billy, giving a nod, "Well, we've got one linked up with us." he looks to George then, "The alternative I guess is to let this scenario play out and then reset. But that might take a while. I rather not sit in a bush and camp out hiding from soldiers of both sides. This should be our best bet for sure." he looks to Cake, then Jake then George again, "Any orders for us while you go play Kaiser Soze?"

Defiant-Storm blinks then looks at George. <<Journey says excellent and that...he's heading to the location where the canteen will appear. He says...launch the mustard gas attack on him.>> He pauses a moment. <<Yes, any orders?>>

Journey keeps leading as close to the point where he would imagine the pending magic is going to come into being, looking around and feeling his way, observing the area, nodding, "Well boys, they're going to be launching a gas attack and the Canteen will come into being around here, and we'll witness the happenings that cause it." He says to Justin and Bjorn, looking at Bjorn, "Hey, you wanted to come. Let's just hope that the Canteen can help, but this.. won't be pleasent."

George thinks about Alessio's question and then nods his head as he finishes getting buttoned up and grabs the message pouch "Circle around the German camp to hook up with Journey's group. I can always find my way to you guys as long as you aren't supernaturally concealing yourselves. So just get to somewhere I can take a bearing."

** Group 2: There's a few bursts of machine gun fire, not uncommon, though most of the soldiers are below ground in the trench so not an issue. But there's a howl of pain and a soldier tumbles down in. There's a pair of bullet holes in his chest, blood leaking out of them at a fast rate. Two other soldiers move to him quickly, pulling off his jacket and trying to cover the wounds. "Mike! Mike, stay with us, stay with us damnit. Medic!" one of them shouts. "Medic!" Journey or Bjorn could save him. Could have saved him. Because it's over that fast. Before they can cross the distance to him if they choose to, Mike's head slumps and his eyes stare sightlessly up at the sky. One of his buddies sobs softly, while the other just looks away, his face numb. Numbed to the death that is the constant companion of these soldiers.

As he runs along with the other two, Justin grits his teeth at the sound of people crying for help, as well as the sobs that accompany them. Gripping his rifle tighter in his hands, he shifts his jaw to keep his features neutral. "This is all kinda fucked up." He gives a look about for a gas mask or two if he can find one, prompted by Journey's concerns.

Defiant-Storm frowns and looks at George, touching his temple. <<Journey says for us NOT to go there. That we need to stay clear of the mustard gas. He said to establish a rally point and they will come to us with the Canteen.>>

Billy looks around a minute, and then robs a dead guy that one of his fellow wolves appears to have turned partially inside out. He brings George the man's short and poor first aid kit, "Here. This way you look more awesome and battlefieldish." And, you know, in case you need to hide some hard core blackness behind dirty gauze or suffer powder. He gives the Strider a crisp salute for the orders and fluffs up his wings patriotically, and turns to his packmate Jack as his new leader of the moment, waiting for his orders and fine tuning. Chain of command! Billy also adds, no thanks to his stupid enter key, "But Jake, we are wind worshipers. We can blow gas away from us, yes?"

"Coming to this part of the umbra can be good training." Bjorn says as he then tries to hurry but is too late. "He is gone. I am sorry." He says as he begins to move from the group. He then moves back to Journey. "Where to?" He asks softly, taking a breath to calm himself. There was too much death even for the bear.

Journey looks over as Mike dies horribly. Likely deserved it. Everyone knows an Asshole named Mike. He blinks, and looks around, "No masks, they don't need them yet." He purses his lips, looking to Justin, "Like, try to wrap cloth around as a filter or something and make sure you're out of Breed, this is nasty, but we'll resist it as best we can. Remember the Canteen is a healing magic, the need for the healing must happen." He sighs, "We'll have to go through the assault. I'm prepared for it, you guys have some time to prepare. Remember it's a heavy gas, it drops down." Looking to Bjorn, he looks around, "Around here somewhere, keep alert, and keep watching, events will happen that will cause the Canteen to be created."

Defiant-Storm simply grins so widely at Billy that it looks like he might be ready to eat him. <<Yes, we are, Billy. With so much going on, I forgot about that.>> He pats his pack mate on the shoulder.

Alessio ponders a bit, "I think.. hm." he ponders, "Circling around the German lines might be next to impossible. They are bound to stretch quite a ways, arent they? Might take a few hours, and .. we might end up stepping into the mist and retreating the battle before we actually get around. And if Shaderunner-rhya is returning here with the Canteen? We might as well set up camp here with the German weapons and .. well .. prepare a little headquarters. A fallback position for our Elder here and the others if they have to leg it."

George nods back at Billy with a smile and then turns to Jake "Sounds like a plan, I'll make my exit vector to your rally point then." Then he heads out to make some mischief.

Giving a nod of his head, Justin lets out a soft affirmative as he takes his glabro form, bulking up beneath his large hoodie. He tugs the hood over his face, then trudges on forward once more.

Defiant-Storm nods to Alessio. <<Good idea. Let's go with that. We can gather the weapons while George-Rhya is off on his mission and we can always light a beacon for Journey and the others to find us.>>

** George (aka Gasses-the-Canadians): The wind is blowing from behind the German lines towards the Allies. Just what they would want to carry the gas across no man's land to the enemy trenches. As George makes his way to the German trenches he sees the gas canisters have been prepared. Propped up in the trenches, sticking up so the gas will hopefully go into the air and drift forward, not reaching the German's themselves. Though they've pulled a lot of people back out of their trenches to try to be safe.

There's so many! Literally thousands and thousands of them. The Germans will have to turn the valves by hand from the look of it. As George draws near, he's challenged by a German sentry to identify himself.

Billy tells Jake, "And we have wings!" He tells Cake and Alessio, "If you two make yourselves small and we are big, we can carry you because FLYING IS THE BEST THING EVER. We'll be just like those guys in Flash Gordon! But you'll have to shoot the guns."

Billy's not joking and to prove the point Defiant-Storm unfurls his huge black wings that up until now have been pressed tightly against his back. <<Yes, flying is not a problem for us in the Umbra and we can indeed carry you.>>

All set, Alessio gets to work once George takes off. He begins to gather up rifles and ammo from the dead German soldiers, "We need a good defensable position." he says, "Anyone good with that sort of thing?" he looks to Billy, Felix and Jake, "Well, I got no wings nor built in fan. I think if shit hits the fan I'll just duke it out or make a run for it to the mists." he grins, "It'll be good eitherway."

** Group 1: As Jake, Billy, Alessio and Felix prepare their fallback position, getting the guns of the dead Germans, preparing some protection from bullets, and maybe some branches for camouflage, Monica walks up to begin helping. Which isn't at all unusual. Because she's a pretty helpful lady. So you'd expect her to do that. Come help. Amirite?

George does his best impression of a frantic retainer, clutching the courier pouch to his chest as he babbles at the german sentry "There was so much blood and everyone died but the Captian said that the orders must get through so I brought them! This is where right? Can I stop running?"

** George: The German sentry looks a bit taken by surprise. He sees the blood on George's uniform, but the black man's Gift is making him blend in so perfectly. Were the moment not so obviously serious, the sentry might ask if George is from his hometown, so spot-on is his German accent. "What? Come on, yes, we'll get that to the HQ," he says, turning and calling for a runner to come over. "Take the courier bag to HQ," he says. The runner will take it from George if it he gives it up, and take off into the trenches, probably going down to some underground bunker.

George will totally give up the pouch with a semblence of profound relief and gratitude. Then when no one is looking he'll 'wander off to rest' and vanish back into the hills.

Alessio finds nothing wrong or strange with Monica helping out collecting guns and ammo from dead Germanl soldiers in this here realm of battle! I mean, she's part of the team so thats just what should do, help out! He starts to set up that position, using his amazing knowledge of building things to shape things inti place.

~I got toxin resistance,~ Cake says to his companions, ~Dunno for sure how it's gonna work against this but I reckon I'm gonna find out. Can drop down to Glabro if y'all wanna fly me around or somethin', though.~ He helps with the stuff-gathering and setting up as best as he can, pausing with a blink as he spots Monica. ~...Evenin',~ he greets her, ~Fancy meetin' you here.~

Journey sits in the trenches, as close to the magical potential center as possible, waiting for the Gas to fall. He seems chill. this is not the strangest thing he's ever done. He's just not weirded out by all this, looking around with Justin and Bjorn. "So we all know what we're doing here." He nods, in charge of the unlucky group waiting for the skies to rain poison down on them.

** Everyone: The sentry doesn't pay much attention to George then, assuming he's off to get medical aid or something. It allows him to slip back away and head towards where he's expecting the others to be creating the fallback position.

It only takes about 30 minutes for the orders to be enacted. Valves on over 5000 tanks of chlorine gas are opened by hand. The gas starts to drift on the wind towards the Canadian lines, but it has its effect on the Germans too. Many of them die in releasing the gas.

But the Canadians don't know what it is. A smoke screen, they probably figure, the soldiers in the Allied trenches fixing bayonets and manning their machine guns and preparing to turn back a likely assault. Journey, Bjorn and Justin will see the cloud coming their way.

Journey tenses as the Gas comes and nods, "Okay, guys, showtime." He says, watching the surroundings.

Justin glances upwards with wide eyes at the sight of the gas coming towards them. He taps into his gift of resisting toxins, then holds his breath (as if that would help). He clutches the rifle against his chest as if it was a life line, waiting next to the Strider and the large Gurahal.

Defiant-Storm is deep in concentration, as if he's communicating with something or someone. Then he looks back at the others and nods to Cake. <<Yes, well just be ready for anything.>>

Bjorn was intending to learn the ursa cleansing gift, but he always put it off. Now he wished he learned it as he coughs and hacks through the gas. Thankfully being in nearman form let his body regenerate against the damage, it was the fact there was nothing to breathe which made him almost double over.

Alessio has set up the camp so that the side facing the German lines has a row of guns set up, fully loaded.. so that one or two or more Garou keeping this place safe can move on from one to the next. He then settles down to wait, letting anticipation grow!

** Group 2: The yellow-green cloud drifts towards the Allied soldiers, eventually reaching them. The men cough a bit, but at first they don't react strongly to it. But the longer they are in it, the more that rub their eyes, and cough. Men moan and hold their heads, complaining of headaches. Some try to wash their eyes, and others to drink from their canteens. The latter especially collapse on the ground, writhing. Bjorn is feeling it tool. His lungs are the worst, it's like a knife in his lungs.

Allied soldiers are dropping by the score all around Journey, Justin and Bjorn. Greenish froth comes to the lips of some and they are choking and struggling to breath as they literally drown to death as fluid fills their lungs. It's an incredibly gruesome way to die, everywhere they look it is going on. Soon soldiers are turning and running, scrambling out of the trenches and running for their lives, those who are still able to move. Some cannot see, stumbling and falling. People are running up from the hospital, but hesitant to get too close to the cloud. It's hell and within ten minutes, thousands are dead in these sections of trench. Eventually the gas cloud dissipates, drifting or dispersing. There's no attack from the Germans yet though, as they deal with hundreds of deaths on their own side.

Journey rises, making a face as he looks to Bjorn, making that noise with his mouth, face screwing up in disgust, smacking his lips, "So that's what that tastes like." He says, and looks to Justin who is coping with the toxin well enough and Journey looks back to Bjorn, putting a hand to him and focusing before looking around as the Gas effects start to cause that lethal quiet, feeling for the sense of magic potential he was feeling the whole way here.

Monica does, indeed, come alongside the rest of them, gathering as many weapons and other asundry gear as need-be. Her own attire is best described as 'non-descript soldier,' time period appropriate, and purposefully ripped and bloodied in places, so one could be excused for mistaking her as part of the background noise. She's careful about announcing herself, of course, so as not to get the group all up in her business as if she's one of the bad guys, "Could say the same," she says to Felix in hushed tones. "Caught up with you guys the moment I had a chance." To the rest. "What's our status?" Aside from 'could be better.'

George appears inside the fall back position and the first he's noticed is to answer Monica's question, having changed back into his own clothes along the way somewhere "Things are going swimmingly. I got the germans to set off their gas attack without a hitch."

Billy does not want to breathe gas! He puts them wings to use to get out of it, his player sucking mightily right now because of soup eating.

Alessio looks to Monica, "We're doing quite well, once we sent Mocks-the-Dark-rhya out there to set off the gas attack. We kinda accidently killed off the guys that were going to do it." he pats a german soldier helmet he has placed next to him as arm support, "Seems the canteen wont be produced until the gas attack happens. And.. its happening." he nods his head to George.

** Group 1: Nothing much is going on for awhile. George returns. After a bit there starts to be some movement on the road, which is presumably not RIGHT beside you, so you're seeing it from a distance. Horses pulling wagons, going each direction. The wagons moving away from the German lines have soldiers lying in them.

** Group 2: Journey, Bjorn, Justin and Andy are together in Glabor in Allied uniforms, waiting out the gas. It's dispersing now, but Journey is not yet picking up the Canteen any more strongly. People are returning to the trenches. Even those who the gas did not reach look in a state of shock. The horror of what happened seems more than they can take. They go from body to body, trying to find the living. There are some, but not many. Mostly those who got out of the trenches where the gas sank down in and concentrated the most. And then, finally, Journey starts to sense something, off to his left and behind the trench, rather than in it.

A Nazi suddenly appears beside Billy. "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" And then he departs.

Defiant-Storm sighs and looks back at the group. <<They're hanging in there so far. It's not pleasant but they're all doing okay.>> He nods to George. "Yes, Journey says it tastes rather nasty. Bjorn is having some trouble but so far they're all coping, sounds like.>> He looks back in the direction where the others are battling with the gas.

<OOC> Halle says, "Group 1, no gas is making it to you, you're way upwind. Feel free to just free pose, not a lot going on for you besides watching the German take their own injured from releasing the gas by hand back to their medical stations."

Journey moves to Andy as well, and puts a hand on him concentrating a moment, healing him, just fine with the gas himself, and he just did Bjorn, so to help Andy as well, at least for the moment, before his head jerks up and he looks down to the others, nodding, Whistling down as a puff of cold clean air comes and he gives them some more relief before going to investigate the sense of the magic happening.

Sputtering out a cough, Justin waves his hand in front of his face a few times as he hurries after Journey. Reaching out to snag one of Bjorn's arms, he looks to help him up as best he can. "You gonna be okay?" He asks in a ragged voice which rumbles out from his glabro throat. Giving the bearman a few more pats on the back, he calls over Journey. "What do you need me to do?"

Bjorn coughs and gags trying to get the taste out of his mouth, and bad enough the smell is also stuck up his nose, which means more face rubbing. "Whomeever invented this gas needs to be hit over the head with a damn hammer!" He growls out with a cough.

Lucky Bastard is just hangin' in there, trying not to breathe, his shirt over his mouth, eyeballs watering, trying not to breathe, keeping himself as still as he can. When Journey heals him, he lifts his head and opens his eyes to see if anyone else needs some help, some healing, and moves to help with Bjorn. For the healing, if Journey's got it, he's just going to.... try not to breathe anymore than he has to

Billy sweeps his wings to keep gas from him, but the powers of patriotism only do him so many favors, apparently. Fortunately he has regeneration on his side, which kind of sucks because it's an ongoing thing and not a one shot doom moment. There's a fair amount of puking from angel-homid over there, but he thumbs up's his status should it come into question. It's alright, not quite dead yet!

** Group 2: As Journey and the others head off in search of the canteen, there's a lot of people out there, some blind and crying for help, others vomiting or spitting out that green froth that is trying to fill their lungs. Journey recognizes the nurse from the hospital, running from person to person, not sure what to do. She helps one begin stumbling back to the hospital.

He has a vague sense of what direction to go, but he's still making his way through a hundred people. But then eventually, the group sees it. A soldier who appears fine, bending down to help another. Giving him a drink of his canteen. Those who drank during the gas attacked seemed to die the more quickly. This time, the one who drinks seems to relax and calm down. He moves his hands in front of his eyes, but from his reaction, he is still blinded. But he's calm. The soldier moves on to help another, and the same sort of things happens. The man's pitiful moans stop, though he's still weak and lying on the ground. The soldier moves on, giving one gassed soldier after another a drink, and as he does, the Canteen starts to fairly glow bright in Journey's eyes.

Monica gives a lopsided smile at the phrase 'kinda accidentally,' though it fades as she, too, looks in the direction of the billowing smoke. She starts taking off the coat she's been wearing so as to make herself notably less identifiable as one side or the other, no matter the temperature. "What's the game plan from here on out, then?" she says, looking from Alessio to Defiant-Storm, and then, of course, to George.

Journey looks back to Justin, "Help them." He says, pointing to Andy and Bjorn, turning and moving through the gas remnants smoothly, moving ahead of the othrs who are hampered by the gas, whisps of poison wafting up around him as he strides, wraithlike through the Trenches towards the sense of the magic he has been following, doubtless giving rise to the tales of the spectre of Death walking amongst the Soldiers on the day they unleashed the hell of the Gas attack on the unsuspecting troops. Journey follows his sense till he sees the Canteen and the soldier using it, nodding as he approaches, reaching under his uniform to take the container he brought with him from its dedication.

Alessio hooks his thumb to George and Jake, "Mocks-the-Dark-rhya and Defiant-Storm-yuf heads the team and combat plans." he says, deferring any leadership roles to the ones that actually fill roles in the Nation. Once said, the Glass Walker continues to spy out over the German lines to make sure nothing comes their way that shouldnt.

** Group 2: The soldier with the canteen lets a soldier take a sip from it. His whimpering stops. Though he still looks in very bad shape, it definitely seems to help the man. He's calm now, his panic and fear gone even though he still coughs from the damage to his lungs.

Defiant-Storm shakes his head, still looking in the direction of his comrades then replies to Monica, <<We're simply waiting to see if they can recover the Canteen. Then I suppose we will all haul ass out of here as soon as we can. We'll be leaving the way we came in. The exact spot.>>

Lets-Them-Eat-Cake continues doing his best to follow the 'be ready for anything' directive, which currently seems to translate mostly to, like Alessio, keeping an eye out.

"I'm good, dude," Andy croaks to Justin, turning his head to puke up everything he has ever eaten in his entire life and then clears his nostrils (no details given) and he checks over on Bjorn again, not far away.

"It is official, I am glad I slept through this." Bjorn says as he follows them. Watching the soldiers use the canteen causes him to look to Journey then back to the soldiers, before sneezing. He coughs and gags but keeps his cookies down. "Whats the plan Journey?" He asks as he watches the soldiers.

Journey looks back to the others, "Wait here." He moves along the Trenches, pausing to lean down over a corpse, taking a full canteen from the body and moves to the Soldier passing out drinks, and puts a hand on his shoulder, "Here, this ones full." He says, trading the full Canteen for the half full Magical Canteen. "Keep it up." He tells the soldier, then turns and heads back to the others, capping the Magical Canteen carefully and looking to the other Shifters, "We're gone." He says, pointing, "That way."

Defiant-Storm says, "They got it! They're on their way! Get ready to leave as soon as they get here and...we may have to do some healing."

Kinda forgetting that those people can fly, Alessio nods, "Well, they still have to make it across German lines." he says, "Unless they book it for the Mists? In which case, we need to do the same." he does lift the rifle up though, preparing to use it if needed.

Billy's wings tip so he can drop from the sky near his broheims when he hears the cantina's been snagged, not managing to rock a proper super hero landing. He needs more practice with that. Cause he was totally flying. Soup makes you forget um... things.

<OOC> Halle says, "We can handwave getting the band back together, and to one of the extraction points that lets you leave the Battlegrounds. Do you guys want a round or two of posing before you go? Or anyone have something they wanted to do before leaving? Once you guys are out, I figure we can jump right ahead to Dave the Giant Snake while everyone is here so they can see the ending."

<OOC> Lucky Bastard says, "I"ve missed so much I wouldn't object to a new scene, yeah"

<OOC> Monica is in the same boat, there. :)

<OOC> George says, "we're going to pour out a portion of water into people's water skins. So we take as many chances getting it out so that /something/ will make it"

<OOC> Alessio says, "And hope the water works outside of the canteen and not just when being fed from the canteen :)"

<OOC> Journey got the Canteen itself.

<OOC> Halle nod nods. "Sounds good. If nothing else to do here then, will set back outside of Dave's mine."

<OOC> Halle says, "For those who haven't seen it, this is about the size of Dave at present. 50' long, big enough to swallow someone: https://cdn3.dogonews.com/pictures/10029/content/Titanoboa-Snake-560x373.jpg?1332792725"

The retreat from the Battlegrounds goes smoothly enough, the group reuniting and slipping away into the mists that mark an exit. Sensible precautions are taken, splitting the remaining water in the Canteen across a couple of waterskins, then probably refilling the Canteen and completely filling still more waterskins from it.

Which is good, because the Canteen does not survive the trip back into the Tellurian. A moon bridge gets the group out to where Dave's mineshaft is hidden back in the overgrowth. They don't have to climb down, calling down the mineshaft is enough for Dave the Giant Snake to come slithering up the mineshaft to the surface. "My friendssss.. have you had luck finding sssssomething.... that will help me?" the Snake asks, looking from one to the next.

Journey had been carrying the Canteen itself after filling everyones waterskins, createing pure water to supply the water used to make sure everyones containers are fillled. So as soon as they move to the Physical world the Canteen just disintegrates, the water within it drenching him and he sighs. So he's wet when they get back to Daves lair, pulling out the waterskin that he was carrying.

For Alessio, the next step is all.. up to others. This part? Giant talking snakes and such? Its beyond him. So, having given up the waterskin he carried, he hangs back and just watches the rest. Battlerealm? That he can do. Giant talking snakes? Not his field of expertise.

Billy waves like an idiot and greets the creature with, "Hi Dave!! How's your insides doing?" He's happy to see the snake, apparently. He introduces the enormous thing to anyone that might be too stupid to figure it out, "That's Dave." Because surely someone thought they were going to visit a rock or a newt or something.

Andy swapped back to Homid at some point and keeps near the back, still occasionally wiping at his face and scratching here and there and goddamn, he still feels rough, regen and healing aside. With the actual appearance of the snake, though, he sort of lets that all fall to the side. Because that's kinda fucking cool.

Felix has only heard tell of Dave so far, and as it turns out it's difficult to really do 'Giant Snake' justice in words. Sure, he felt like he had a good mental image going on, but it's still nothing quite like the actual one. "Evenin'," he greets the reptile, looking up at him, his own skin of canteen water in his hands.

George is also really impressed, ever since he invoked Wadjet to get some of her brood to make talens he's had sort of a thing for snakes. He hasn't met Dave before though so he's not going to take point, he's just going to be impressed from the back a little.

Jake offers a bow of his head to the snake while Billy introduces him to the others. "Yes, that's Dave. Dave the serpent. We found him down here months ago and he hasn't been feeling well. That's why we went to find the canteen. Hopefully it will heal him." He looks over at Dave. "We have returned with...well, what you require. We hope it helps you."

Journey looks to George, and as he hangs back, he steps his wet ass forward, "Hello Dave. We have gone to the Battle of Ypres, and found the Canteen." He lifts his waterskin, "We have water from the Canteen and are ready for you to drink and we will hope that this will help you." He opens the waterskin and beckons him forward, looking back to the others, "Okay, let's do this."

The tip of Dave's tail waves back and forth where it was resting on his coils. The movement of it evincing the emotion of excitement. "You have proven yoursssselvesssss friendssss," Dave says, looking at the group as whole before focusing on Jake, the one that Dave is most familiar with. "Thank you," the immense serpent says. He eyes Journey, tail moving excitedly as he looks at the waterskins. Dave uncoils himself, resting his head upon the ground, being careful to not crush anyone. Which is always a thoughtful thing for a giant snake to do. And then he lifts his head just slightly, opening his mouth with it pointed upwards so it will be easy for the them to just pour the waterskins into his mouth.

Monica is similarly in tow, but seems distracted by more than just the Big Goddamn Snake, which takes some doing. For looking as rough as she does, she *seems* fine, though, stepping forward with the waterskin to take her place in the procession.

Bjorn simply watches the snake curiously and he looks to the others. "If I had focused on spirit healing maybe I could have healed him without us having to go through that war." He mutters more to himself then to anyone specific.

Witty cracked jokes and smartass banter? Alessio offers none of it. Instead, he watches as the snake is being watered. If no one accepted his waterkin when he tried to give it up, he too will walk up to pour water into the snakes mouth.

Jake glances over at Monica as if saying, 'Yeah, you need to get out wish us a little more so you can experience some of this stuff,' then smiles at her. Yeah, being pals with a huge serpent named Dave is pretty cool. He watches as the others give Dave the water, a hopeful expression on his face, and waits to see if it has any effect. "You are very welcome. Everyone here fought hard for you. You can consider all of them your friends."

Journey says, "With our best hopes, the Water of the Canteen of Ypres." He pours his waterskin into Daves mouth to let him drink. Aaaaaaaaall the water into the Snakes mouth. And to see what happens from here. Place your bets ladies and gentlemen. He moves off to let everyone add their waterskins. This is gonna be one hydrated fucking snake, even if noting else is accomplished. Bottled water selling for $1 or more per bottle doesn't seem so damn bad now does it?

Billy pours water into a snake! And then hugs a snake! I LOVE YOU, DAVE! hugging something he can't even reach his arms all the way around is totally his excuse for kinda not accidentally ending up laying on it. This mostly fulfills his desire to ride a snake. Yee haw! Surely the water will work, but if not, well, there's always the power of hugs and group snake rides.

George grins as he steps up to pour his water "Be blessed son of Wadjet." and then steps aside to let whoever's next take their turn.

Felix gives Dave a grin for the declaration of friendship -- hey, who wouldn't want a massive snake friend? Sure beats a massive snake enemy -- and takes his place in the snake-watering line, pouring it into the open maw when he's close enough. If only he'd thought of Billy's clever nearly-snake-riding gambit himself! Alas.

** Dave lets each person pour their waterskin into his mouth, holding the water within until finally the last has poured it. The giant snake then finally coils back up, head towering fifteen feet up in the air as it swallows the water that the Sept retrieved from the artifact Canteen.

The result is extreme. Surprisingly so, since curing taint is generally not very visible. Dave changes. He changes in ways that the Garou can sense on some level as much as see. It is as if in some way, the Giant Snake was not fully here before he drank the water. But as the magic water flows through his body, he seems to become more... solid? That isn't the right word, but there is no right word. More /here/. The effect is like watching a standard definition television only to suddenly have the picture change to High Definition.

It's like Dave was transparent in some way that they did not recognize, but now with the magic water, he is solid and whole and fully in focus. "Yesssssssssss...." Dave hisses, head tilting back and making a sound of relief, as if a tremendous burden or weight has suddenly been lifted from him. "You have done it... you have done it," he repeats. Dave lowers his head again to look at them, and there is a palpable sense of power emanating from Dave that wasn't there before.

Never quite losing his combat ready stance, Alessio is still in Glabro form. And once he poured his water into the snake, he stepped back quite a ways to remain still and watch. WHen you have guns, you want distance incase things go bad. And can you really trust snakes? He watches, waiting to see what happens next.

Jake watches in fascination as the snake turns high-def then looks over at Journey and Billy and says quietly, "Well, we either have a pal for life...or he's going to eat us now." He also waits to see how Dave reacts to this newfound power he seems to have. "You seem a little different now, Dave. You look...better for sure. That's great. We are all very happy to see you healthier."

Journey nods, looking at Dave as he solidifies, smiling, "Okay, excellent Dave. You are whole." He spreads his arms, "We have undone the damage performed by the Corruptors minions. Now you may live without the agony of the corruption." He looks to Jake and nods, looking back to Dave to see what he has to say.

Billy has chosen an advantageous spot! Cause either he gets to childishly luv up an enormous snake with a back hug, OR he's in the best spot to try and chew through its spine. I mean yeah, obviously he's hoping for the former and not the latter, but he's not a complete idiot and is certain he can do that with just as much glee as he does everything else.

'A little different,' yeah. Jake earns a sidelong glance from Monica as he points out the 'rocks fall everyone dies' scenario, but the bulk of her attention is on the snake, curious to see what comes next. ...At a relative distance.

"Holy shit," Andy says as the transformation takes place. He takes a couple of steps backwards, just in case him being HEALED actually turns him violent. Can never be completely sure about these things

George seems pleased at how Dave seems to be doing better. For his own part he's watching and seems completely fearless.

"You are healed, Dave. This pleases me to aid another creature that was suffering. I believe we have your support in the battle against the wyrm?" Bjorn asks with some curiousity as he studies the creature.

It's almost hard to believe a snake that large could get MORE solid-seeming, but there you go! Felix watches, absently and probably unnecessarily closing the waterskin again. "Lookin' good," he informs Dave, should the snake have any lingering worries on this point.

Dave watches each person's reaction. Monica's mild wariness is noted, the large eyes gazing at her for a few long moments before looking to the rest. "You sssenssse the change in me. And are ssstill happy for me," Dave says in a tone as if he finds this interesting. And perhaps unexpected. It seems to give Dave pause and make him think. "Perhapsss I wassss wrong to deceive you assss I did," the Snake says, voicing the thought as if considering it. "Though it wasss necessssary..." he says finally as if having come to a conclusion.

Yuuuuuuuuuuup. Here it goes. Andy doesn't move, doesn't even flinch, but now he's REALLY ready

Journey watches Dave, still outwardly calm, prepared for most anything, but saying clearly, "Then tell us what you mean Dave, what deception have you committed? What is the truth?" He asks, not seeming too surprised, but simply waiting to react.

Alessio tilts his head to the side a bit, "Hm." he says to himself as the snake speaks, "I hope it means it was deceiving us in a good way and not a bad way." he mutters under his breath, drumming his fingers to the handle of his guns a bit. Yeah, his hands totally moved for the guns handles. He does not pull them though, not yet.

Jake says, with conviction, "Dave, we are always happy to see someone or something returned to health and able to follow the path the Earthmother has set it upon. We are not like those who poisoned you. We do everything we can to make sure those types do not succeed in harming others." He raises a brow and glances at Journey. "Yes, what is this deception you speak of?"

Felix's stance shifts just a little, more consciously balanced, but otherwise... just waiting, and listening. The waterskin gets tucked away.

George scratches his head and watches Dave "Odds are we would have helped anyway. Its kind of how we roll."

There's no outward sign of distress from Monica, save a slight tilt of her head as she watches the snake closely, a quick glance shot in Felix's direction before her attention strays back to The Main Event.

** Dave watches their reactions, and those who are good at judging emotions might get a sense the snake is impressed by their restraint after what he said. The Snake seems to relax upon his coils as he regards them for a few seconds before answering the questions he was asked.

"I needed assssissstance in retrieving the Canteen," Dave says. "You ssssee it doessss not cure the taint of the entity you call Wyrm. It doessss not heal. No, what the Canteen doessss issss it eassssessss acceptance of that which cannot be accepted. For the ssssoldiersss it wassss the horror of the gassss. Thissss world wassss not ready for sssuch a horror. Thossse who drank from it did not heal. But it easssed them. Let them accept what happened."

Dave regards the group of Garou. "I am not a horror, that issss not my point. I am a bygone being from a time before even Garou. But your world hasss passssed me by. Your people do not believe one ssssuch as I can exisssst, and that wassss like poissson to me. Trying to live here, it undid me. It took mosssst of my magic to sssstay again in thissss realm. Thankssss to the Canteen... that disssbelief is gone. Now... I /belong/."

The giant snake sways a bit above his coiled body. "I did not think Garou would help me. Sssso I made thosssse of the wyrm think they were making me larger. Think they tainted me. And let you think the ssssame sssso you would help retrieve it to cure the taint." Dave's tongue flicks out a few times. "I know I tricked you, but you have helped me. And one day I shall repay you for that." Dave looks to Billy and Jake. "I sssstill love to eat bookssss too," he says hopefully.

Well, that actually relaxes Alessio quite a lot. His hands come off the handles of the guns to that and his arms lift up to cross over his chest, "Well, thats a relief." he mutters, "Would've hated to have to fight something that could swallow me in one gulp." he adds, voice kept low. He rubs his chin a bit.

"Wouldn't be a first for me," Andy says, letting out a breath and relaxing just a little bit. Still wary, but not nearly so sure now

Billy hugs Dave the not so imaginary snake again! "Oh man, I'm *so* glad no one had to eat anyone!" he says happily, "I noticed those soldiers weren't exactly getting better, but we didn't have time to stay and study. You're a good guy, though, right?" Ah to be optimistic and eternally 4 in your own head.

Bjorn looked calm throughout the endeavor and when the creature revealed itself as something else he nods and watches the snake. "We are glad to assist you. Despite what you are, you were a creature suffering. You will make a powerful ally with all you know and your strength." Bjorn says calmly as he nods to the creature.

George listens to Dave and then nods "Fair point. For my own part I dig snakes." Then Bjorn gets a look but no comment. George hears Billy's question and waits to weigh the answer.

"Despite...." Andy just shakes his head and glances at George, then Journey and scratches his face briefly, sort of scrubbing it a little bit. He edges over to George and mutters something quietly

Journey looks to Bjorn then Billy and back to follow the conversation and see where it goes from here. Just taking it in now.

** Dave nods his head to Billy, and his tongue flutters out and over Billy for a moment. "I think you would judge me ssssso. Yessss. We will not alwayssss have the ssssame goalsss or desssiressss. But I do not ssssee ussss likely to be at oddssss much."

"I hear they're high in fiber," Felix says, bookwise, and looks the newly solidified Dave over again, now that the possibility of a fight seems decidedly smaller. "...so you drinkin' the water made the world accept you? Or made you able to accept not bein' believed in so it ain't so hard to get along?"

Jake ponders what Dave said, then replies, "Well, I'm glad we were able to renew your faith in Garou. We're not all bad." He grins slightly. "Again, we are happy to help. But will you be staying here? We would be glad to bring you more books. Any kind you want." He quiets as some of the others start to ask their questions.

"And if you're here now," Monica says, after Felix's slew of questions, "if you're 'real'-- how do you plan to sustain yourself? If it's 'books,' you're liable to clear out every bookstore and library in Prospect." Which seems like a fair point. Saying nothing of what this means if living creatures are involved.

George nods to Andy and whispers back to him and then he looks at Dave as 'he' answers. George's eyes flash subtly and then he nods and smiles.

** Dave replies to Felix, "The water from the Canteen made me accepted by the world. The Conssssenssssusssss no longer excludessss me." Dave replies to George, "A ssssign of a good mind, that." The tone is a bit light-hearted, a joke. "Thank you friend Jake... bookssss on most anything. On the world assss it issss today esssspecially." Dave looks to Monica then saying, "I like deer essspecially. But I will not eat the foressssst bare of them."

"Can he accept digital media?" Seems like a long shot, really, but it can't hurt to ask, right? Andy nods to George and then looks back to Dave. "So what are you going to do now?"

Alessio rubs his chin a bit more to that, "Well.." he pauses, "This took an interesting turn." he ponders, "How to home and feed a prehistoric snake."

Journey looks to Dave and around and back, smiling a little, nodding as he listends to Dave talking aobut settling into his new lifs, and smirking a little as the others get acclimited.

** Dave gives a soft chuckle and shakes his head to Andy. "The plassstic is not very appetizing. Now? Now I will live my life again here. The human affairsss are interesssting to read about, but that isss the extent of them for me. I do not expect to interact with that world."

"...huh," Felix says, brow slightly furrowed. He shrugs, then. "Well, 'grats on existin' properly again," he continues, brightly.

Andy nods, scratching his chin lightly, thinking, head tipped to the side. "How about a couple of newspaper subscriptions and a book of the month?" He isn't joking. He looks around to see how everyone likes that idea.

** Dave tells Andy, "That would be mossst appreciated."

Alessio pauses, looking to Andy, "Eh, not a bad idea. Get a few subscriptions for him. Newspapers, Magazines.. science, art.. litterature. That short of thing. Not a bad idea." he eyes the snake, "Pretty sure that would be easy to do. "

George nods at Dave and grins, pointing at Andy "What he said. We can get them delivered to somewhere in town and have someone bring them out to you. Unless you can take a human shape and want to come in to get them yourself that is"

<OOC> Halle snugs folks. "That's pretty much all I had then. A wrap on that particular plot, perhaps with a little thing at the end saying:
Dave the Giant Snake will appear again...

"Hey, Bjorn.. Can I have a minute or two with you? Just the two of us?" As everyone's making their way out, and once they're all clear, Andy hangs back a little bit.

Journey moves on out, rubbing the back of his neck.

Jake just looks stoked and since it looks like their excursion was a complete success he offers high fives and shoulder claps to all before heading out. "Thank you all for helping." He smiles and follows Journey.

Billy bamphs into lupus, licking various people obnoxiously, and then bounds off into the woods after his pack mates.