<div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Alrighty, starting with an announcement from your hungr- I mean, friendly neighborhood wolf. X)<br/><br/>I figure I should define something while we’re still early in the game. When I say, “roll initiative” I almost always mean “roll initiative and start swinging”, not “roll initiative and wait for me to go”. In my opinion, players should jump into a battle as soon as it starts, rather than do two posts for initiative and starting actions. So, please do your first round actions before I do my first round actions, or else I’ll have to assume you delayed your attacks for the first round. Even if that is your intention, please mention it somewhere, if just to avoid confusion. Thanks!</div></div></div><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Isarr Initiative:  1d20(19) + 8 = 27<br/>Pryah Initiative: 1d20(17) + 4 = 17</div></div></div><br/><br/>Ever since the pirates’ motorboat first appeared out of the mist, Alyssa’s familiar had been through a storm of emotions. At some point or another in the raiders’ onset, her mind had been filled with every feeling there was to feel: confusion, excitement, anger… the whole lot. However, after the initial bustle had been whisked away out of her head into the ship’s hold, the white feline was ultimately able to focus on one sensation in particular: sheer terror.<br/><br/>Grim’s golden eyes were wide as dinner plates as the raiders encircled the little group that had remained on the main deck, one that she was not thrilled to be a part of. As they tossed their taunts amongst each other, she couldn’t help but feel the world cave in on her. They looked so dangerous, so predatory… so hungry. None of these would have dissuaded her if she wasn’t currently trapped firmly in the tiefling’s bag, meaning she would have to rely… on<span style="font-style: italic">her</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">This is bad,</span>she fretted.<span style="font-style: italic">Really bad. You idiot, why couldn’t you have done what you were told?! Who do you think you are? What makes you think you can stand toe-to-toe with this bunch? And not only that, you just had to drag me along for the ride too! Layers, we are so dea-</span><br/><br/>The cat felt a firm jerk as Alyssa lunged. She barely had time to regain her bearings and catch sight of the tiefling’s intended target: the rather large and crazed-looking gnoll.<span style="font-style: italic">Oh, no. Nonononono, not him! He’s going to maul us alive! I can’t look!</span><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Rutus Resist Mighty Throw: 1d20(12) + 4 = 16; never had a chance<br/><br/>Hope he can swim… O.o</div></div></div><br/><br/>Instead of the imminent cloth-tearing, screaming, and all-around carnage Grim had been expecting, however, little more than a few whishes and thuds reached her ears. Opening her eyes, the cat peered over Alyssa’s shoulder just in time to watch the large armored gnoll sail through the air like a paper ball, vanishing out of sight shortly before a colorful *ploosh!* broke the silence. The cat blinked a few times, then looked down at her owner.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Wow, nice throw! I didn’t think you had it in you, knowing how happy and prissy you usually are, you know…</span><br/><br/>Then she remembered the rest of the raiding crew.<br/><br/>The tiefling’s bold action had leveled the same response on the gnoll’s companions, leaving them stunned and unable to do more than stare at her incredulously for a few moments. Rutus had been one of their best combatants, if a bit meat-headed, and they were sure he would’ve cleaned up these upstarts in no time flat. Thus, it was strange to see him put out of commission so smoothly and effortlessly, now with as little power as a piece of floating trash in the wake of the ferry. With some luck he’d be picked up by one of their backup ships. They just hoped he remembered to take off his brick of a breastplate…<br/><br/>Amongst the raiding group, the first to come back to his senses was the cougar stationed on the observation deck overhead. He had hardly suspected the petite blue-haired girl to be capable of such a feat, yet it was clear that she held much more prowess than her form let on. Isarr’s mind immediately registered her as a clear threat to his team, a thought that left a bitter taste in his mouth. He didn’t want to hurt her. She reminded him a lot of Tau: small, young, and with plenty of potential. Yet, he wouldn’t hear the end of it from the others if he didn’t act… provided they didn’t kill him for disloyalty first. Gritting his teeth, he eyed the tiefling before taking a deep breath and drawing a bolt.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Sorry about this,</span>he mused, just as the tigress below drew a frown over her face.<br/><br/>“Why you upstart little brat!” she growled, the fur on her back standing on end with her fury. “You think you’re so tough, huh? Just wait till I’m done with you-“<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Isarr Ranged Sneak Attack vs. Alyssa (flatfooted; AC 14): 1d20(16) + 8 = 24; hit!<br/>Damage (w/Sneak Attack): 1d8(3) + 2d6(6,6) = 15</div></div></div><br/><br/>The precision of Isarr’s shot was terrifying. With barely a whoosh, the sleek streamlined projectile cut through the air effortlessly, whisking just past the tiger’s head towards the unaware tiefling. Then, with an audible thunk, the bolt embedded itself firmly into her right shoulder, coming to a stop only when it jarred painfully against the bone within. Even the snarky cat couldn’t maintain her apathy towards Alyssa, wincing at the sight of the projectile protruding from her slowly-reddening clothing.<br/><br/>“Hey!” the tiger shouted up at him. “Watch where you’re firing that thing! Are you trying to kill me or something?!”<br/><br/>Isarr rolled his eyes.<span style="font-style: italic">Ungrateful bitch…</span>Needless to say, any shred of secrecy he might have maintained after that shot had now completely gone with the wind.<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">All combatants are aware of Isarr’s presence now.</div></div></div><br/><br/>After the initial jolt of Isarr’s shot wore off, Pryah loosened up and turned her attention back to Alyssa, her tongue running across her lips spitefully. “Aww, does that hurt?” she taunted, standing over her after her approach. “Too bad for you, I’m not done with you yet!”<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">No AoO provoked since Pryah has Improved Grapple<br/>Pryah Touch Attack vs. Alyssa: 1d20(11) + 8 = 19; barely hit<br/>Grapple check: 1d20(15) + 8 = 23; Alyssa must succeed on an opposing grapple or escape artist check or be grappled</div></div></div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">If the grapple is successful:</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">The tiger’s hands were swift and dexterous, moving with a speed and smoothness that belied the big cat’s form. Those hands, now topped with large claws, lashed out at the tiefling and snatched her beneath the arms with a strong jerk, holding her in place with a hunger-fueled strength. The tips of her claws ticking against her skin, Alyssa was jerked forward and held firmly against Pryah’s body, placed squarely beneath her lustful starving face.<br/><br/>“Come to think of it,” she whispered, her anticipation clear in her voice. “It’s a good thing you got rid of Rutus there. That way, I can have you all to myself…”</div></div></div><br/><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Brion Initiative: 1d20(10) + 4 = 14<br/>Tau Initiative: 1d20(14) + 7 = 21</div></div></div><br/><br/>Tau didn’t want to be here, not one bit. He had signed onto the raiding crew at the promise of good enough pay to lift him off the streets, yet despite his circumstances he couldn’t help but feel none of this was worth it. They had showered him with promises, telling him the job would be easy and exhilarating. At the moment, it was neither.<br/><br/>Watching the scene unfold down the deck, he couldn’t help but shiver. Although she had just thrown one of his comrades overboard, he still felt a pang on guilt rush through him as she came under attack. She hardly looked older than him, carrying the same youthful touch still present on his face. Yet no one, not even the cougar that had been so nice to him since he joined, seemed to care, targeting her as long as she was still a threat. He hadn’t signed for this, not at all.<br/><br/>A low growl immediately caused him to straighten up and turn to Brion, the large wolf’s impatience clear in his dagger-like stare. A simple tilt of the head in Theron’s direction immediately communicated his next order, yet the chill that ran down his spine kept him from acting right away. Not him. Not the German shepherd.  He was easily one of the most dangerous people he had ever seen, and the last thing he wanted was that monster bearing down on him like a lighting bolt. But then again… the alternative was disobeying Brion. Even during his short time on the crew, he had already seen what the wolf was capable of when he grew angry. Not content with simply taking a life, his mind wrapped out all sorts of methods to make an example of you, to make you pay as big a price as possible for your indiscretion. Even with Theron in his mind, it was hard to imagine a worst fate than that.<br/><br/>He had to do it and hope for the best. Raising his bow, his breath slowed as he threaded an arrow and let go…<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Tau Sniper Shot vs. Theron: 1d20(18) + 7 = 25; hit!<br/>Damage (w/Sniper Shot): 1d6(5) + 1d6(4) = 9</div></div></div><br/><br/>If Isarr’s shot was good, Tau’s was certainly not half bad. The practice he had taken with his weapon was clear as his arrow sailed cleanly over the deck. With remarkable accuracy, the projectile managed to find a small spot left vulnerable between the pieces of his body armor, firmly striking the back of the dog’s arm with a red-tinted thwack. Nonetheless, it was an admittedly half-hearted shot, one that wasn’t close to being especially life-threatening. It was still a rather nasty wound, either way.<br/><br/>Despite the less-than-lethal shot, a dark smirk crossed Brion’s face as he looked on at the German shepherd. The little plan he had “discussed” with the kid was panning out nicely. He had seen his fair share of battles over the years, enough to understand the psychology of those unfortunate few bold enough to stand in their way. Now that Tau had attacked, the dog’s attention would undoubtedly fall on him, making him the most obvious target. It would be his perfect opportunity to dash in, sink his teeth into them, and then make them disappear oh-so-poetically. And if he wasn’t successful? No matter. Tau was easily replaced, after all…<br/><br/>Holding back for a few more moments, the wolf watched Theron carefully and pensively before he made his move.<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Brion Bite Attack vs. Theron: 1d20(15) + 8 = 23; hit!<br/>Damage: 1d6(2) + 4 = 6</div></div></div><br/><br/>Breaking out of his calm demeanor, the canine took on a decidedly feral look as he dashed across the deck, his teeth bared and ready for the kill. Within the span of a heartbeat he had reached the dog’s side, lifting his head just as his jaws began to part. Long fangs glistened in the dim light before they clamped down on the dog’s uninjured arm. The warm touch of blood touched his tongue, sending a shudder of satisfaction through his tall black form as his teeth tore through cloth and skin alike, stopping just short of puncturing or snapping the bone in his grasp. Yet it was more than enough for him to get a firm grip, one that would only improve with a little manipulation…<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Brion attempts to start a grapple w/Improved Chomp; however, because Theron has Close Quarters Combat, he still provokes an AoO<br/>Grapple check: 1d20(9) + 8 = 17; Theron must succeed on an opposing grapple or escape artist check or be grappled</div></div></div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">If the grapple is successful:</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Brion knew just how to get the dog exactly where he needed him. With a deft twist of the head, he quickly used his weight to pull the canine off-balance, sending him teetering right into his arms. One large paw clamped around his free arm, the other looping around his neck to pin his back against his chest. A spiteful grin drawing over his face, he lifted his head back to its full height, twisting the dog’s arm painfully overhead and leaving him perfectly immobilized. However, unlike his feline companion, he wasn’t about to waste this opportunity with words…<br/><br/>(Brion uses Voracious to get an extra vore action at his highest base<br/>Ingest check: 1d20(16) + 10 = 26)</div></div></div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">If the ingest is successful:</span><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">It was a feeling Theron most likely never wanted to feel. The touch of the wolf’s tongue against the back of his neck was hot and slick, matting down the fur it drew over as it took in his taste. A content growl could be felt through his chest. He liked what he tasted, and that he wanted more. Little by little, the wet sensation expanded upwards from his neck across the back of his head, affirmation of the long slow trip he would be taking.<br/><br/>Before long, the shadowed red of the wolf’s upper jaw would finally pass into his vision, drawing over his face past the sharp teeth that now seemed so careful not to harm him. Despite the rather awkward position, the lupine’s throat was already beginning to ripple and bulge with Theron’s form, steadily being levered into his jaws by his muscled arms. The glimmer of drool trickled down his cheek and soaked into the dog’s clothing, accenting the cold that was slowly vanishing from his body’s touch. If he didn’t do anything soon, that sensation would become all the more apparent…</div></div></div><br/><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Estera Initiative:  1d20(6) + 2 = 8<br/>Noel Initiative: 1d20(3) + 8 = 11</div></div></div><br/><br/>“Get her Pryah! Get that little bitch!”<br/><br/>The ratling’s shrill voice echoed over the deck, ringing in the ears of everyone present. Since the fighting had broken out across the deck Estera’s attention had become all but transfixed on the scene, the raid all but lost behind her excitement and enthusiasm. Pryah was the closest thing to a role model she ever had. Since her entry into the crew, she had been all but enamored by the tigress, her personality, the way she hunted down her prey. The prospect of seeing that poetry in motion again was enough to put all pretext of fighting out of her mind, throwing shouts instead of the punches she had been tasked to do.<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Due to her cheerleading, Estera’s actions are delayed until right after Eruin &amp; Rea’s</div></div></div><br/><br/>Rolling his eyes, Estera’s weasel companion left her to her bantering and took to scanning the scene. Noel was a cut above most of the raiders in the company when it came to strategy, something many of his species had honed over the years to get themselves out of sticky situations. While his colleagues rarely called for the elaborate planning he was capable of, it certainly helped him think up plans on the fly.<br/><br/>His eyes soon fell on the two bickering wolves, and immediately his mind went to work with ideas. He was no idiot, certainly not a big enough one to attack a horse-sized wolf with tentacles sprouting from her back dead-on. Yet her more average-sized compatriot was a plausible target in his eyes. Better yet, he was distracted, the perfect position for him to sneak up and give him a nasty little surprise. The idea caused his smirk to widen, and the scheming weasel quickly left the ratling’s side as he crept up on the wolf. This was going to be too easy…<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Noel Melee Attack vs. Eruin: 1d20(12) + 8 = 20; fail by 1</div></div></div><br/><br/>…Well, shit.<br/><br/>If there was something more idiotically unlucky that the weasel could have experienced, he certainly hadn’t seen it before now. From a distance, it would appear that his blade has skewered Eruin perfectly, the hilt remaining behind his body while the tip poked from the front. Yet Noel knew the embarrassing truth: somehow, his thrust had managed to slip into the space between the wolf’s arm and torso, clearing less than an inch either way. It was so close yet so far, but it didn’t take long for the weasel to realize just how bad of a position he had put himself in.<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Noel Resist Trip: 1d20(2) + 4 = 6; epic fail<br/>Noel Will Save: 1d20(11) + 1 = 11; fail</div></div></div><br/><br/>He only had time to widen his eyes as the gargantuan wolf’s jaws parted around him, looping around his legs before clamping down on them with a sickening crunch. A yelp of pain broke his lips as every bit of his legs seemed to fall apart, the magically enhanced fangs tearing through cloth, fur, and bone alike. Between his shock and agony, he could do little to resist the giant canine’s pull, crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. His head clouded from the impact, it took his vision a moment to focus and glance down at his assailant.<br/><br/>What he saw was chilling. Dagger-sized teeth, coated in his own blood, were wrapped around his lower form tightly, preventing him from wriggling out of the predicament he had found himself in. They framed a jaw of frightening proportions, one that could take him in only a few bites.  And, the fury he saw, the clear and spiteful desire he could see in her eyes, revealing the intentions of the individual in control of that terrifying maw… By the gods, what had he gotten himself into?<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Noel Resist Grapple: 1d20(10) + 7 = 17; fail<br/>Noel Resist Ingest: 1d20(10) + 7 = 17; fail</div></div></div><br/><br/>Almost as if to answer his question, the large wolf’s jaws shifted around him ever-so-slightly, yet that was all she needed to draw his legs into her maw. Over the crippling sting from his legs, he felt it: the warm caress of flesh around his body, deceptively soft against his body as they drew his slowly closer to the lupine’s maw. Everything about it, from the slimy touch of her tongue to the constricting throat around his legs, accented his fear, causing him to writhe and squirm with all his might. Yet his actions only served to rub pleasurably within Rea’s innards, his desperate struggles pushing in vain against the strong muscles that steadily drew him down her throat. No matter how hard he tried to push her away or pry her jaws open, he found his body heading inexorably towards the last place he wanted to go. The overwhelming feeling of powerlessness was unbearable, his distress clear in his eyes as he stared nervously down at the wolf’s own.<br/><br/>“Estera! Help me!”<br/><br/>“Noel!” The weasel’s scream finally broke the ratling’s attention away from Pryah, where she finally realized the predicament her colleague had gotten himself into. A look of shock crossed her face as her eyes travelled from the large pool of blood on the floor, up the red-stained neck shifting and bulging with her companion’s very body. Hardening herself, he raised her clawed little hands boldly as she let out a resolute grunt.<br/><br/>“Think you can mess with my friend, you bitch? How about I show you what I… what I…”<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Estera Will Save: 1d20(3) + 1 = 4; epic fail</div></div></div><br/><br/>Involuntarily, the ratling found her gaze drifting over towards the much smaller wolf, focusing in on him despite Noel’s pleas for aid. Although she wasn’t as strong as most of her companions, she carried around a pride of the prowess she had, something that usually showed in the cocky headstrong way she approached fights. Yet, something about this wolf, his large fangs, the claws that tipped his hands, the lean way he moved, made her aware of his predatory his nature… and of her kind’s decidedly non-predatory heritage. It struck her like an anvil: wolves ate mice, didn’t they…<br/><br/>She needed to get out of here and quick, but where could she run? No way she’d make it across the deck, she’d be a sitting duck for everyone else. Over the railing? No, she couldn’t swim, damn it! More and more, she began to feel more and more like the cornered rat she was, taking a tentative step back as Eruin approached. His teasing taunts rang in her skull, the ratling aware of how predators toyed with their prey before they devoured them. Her fur stood up on end, and her trembling was clear in her skinny white form.<br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Estera Melee Attack vs. Eruin: 1d20(12) + 6 = 18; fail</div></div></div><br/><br/>“Get away from me!”<br/><br/>With a sudden little swipe, the ratling lunged forward and slashed at the wolf’s face with the small claws on her thin fingers. Yet between her panic and lack of coordination her hand raked little more than air, the momentum causing her to stumble over and nearly drop onto the deck. Yet little did she know she had just drawn herself closer to Eruin, allowing the hungry wolf to look over her arched back at her curvy white-furred form, slender and enticing even as she struggled to keep herself upright.<br/><br/><br/>Adrian was, in a word, stunned by the scene unfolding before him. Not only had the small crew before him been outnumbered, many had looked ill-suited to a fight on the high seas. However, in the short time the battle had progressed, he had found his expectations dashed. More than simply avoiding being slaughtered, they were actually pushing the raiders back, making them regret picking this ship as their next target. Needless to say, it was quite a relief for the jackal, who had seen enough to know just how much danger they really were in.<br/><br/>That being said, his nerves were still quite on edge. Both the German shepherd and the tiefling had taken some solid hits, and while their wounds didn’t seem especially dire it made it clear to the jackal that they were not out of the woods yet. His eyes trailed down to the squirrelboy, who was still trying to calm down the frantic rabbit couple behind him. The others had done a good job keeping them away from their corner of the ship so far, but he still had to stand guard in case the threats drew too close.<br/><br/>“Remember,” he reminded the squirrel. “No heroics if they come over here. I’ll take care of them. You just make sure they stay out of harm’s…”<br/><br/>Adrian’s ears perked up at once. Was that music? His wide green eyes scanned over the deck, and before long he spotted her: the young catgirl he had spotted earler, now strumming out a song on a guitar. And what a song it was. For several moments, all the tension in the jackal’s body seemed to fade away, replaced by the awe he felt from the masterful musicianship playing out before him. With each powerful chord, he felt his body empowered in a way he had never felt before, as if the fire from the music had sunk into his very soul. Peering over his shoulder, he saw that the squirrelboy and even the lapines had become spellbound by the feline’s playing. They felt it too, huh? Just more evidence of the undeniable talent she bore…<br/><br/>Yet the four in the corner weren’t the only ones taken in by Mirage’s tune. Although the magic of her song didn’t work its way into him the way it did to the catgirl’s companions, the young human boy felt his gaze drawn involuntarily to the magnificent performance Mirage was putting on. Much like the jackal, the heat of the moment seemed to die away, if only for a few seconds, as the passion she put into her guitar resonated across the deck and into his mind. Although the thought of Brion’s rage soon drew him out of his reverie, the sight and sound of the catgirl and her guitar left a very deep imprint in his memory.<span style="font-style: italic">Please don’t make me attack her,</span>he thought, gritting his teeth at he gazed sullenly at the wolf.<span style="font-style: italic">There are some things even I can’t do for you…</span><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">...this was and EPIC post to write. &gt;&lt; Sorry to make you all read so much!</div></div></div><br/><br/>- - - - -<br/><br/>Brion (Wolf): HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">44/44</span>- AC 20<br/>Tau (Human): HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">28/28</span>- AC 16<br/>Pryah (Tiger): HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">32/32</span>- AC 18<br/>Rutus (Gnoll): HP - Took a dive<br/>Estera (Ratling): HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">36/36</span>- AC 16<br/>Noel (Weasel): HP -<span style="color: #FF8000">16/35</span>- AC 18<br/>Isarr (Cougar): HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">27/27</span>- AC 18<br/><br/>- - - - -<br/><br/>Theron: HP -<span style="color: #008000">55/70</span>- AC 17<br/>Eruin: HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">72/72</span>- AC 21<br/>Rea: HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">67/67</span>- AC 25<br/>Mirage: HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">45/45</span>- AC 21<br/>Alyssa: HP -<span style="color: #008000">34/49</span>- AC 19<br/>Grim: HP -<span style="color: #00BF00">24/24</span>- AC 20