The command tent was all but empty; the majority of the officers and noncommissioned officers were out rallying their regiments. Only you, Lieutenant Genji, Colonel Zhao Nin , Division Commander Weichu and university strategist Han. Besides Genji, you all stood around the table glaring holes into the canvas maps. All present wore the heavy infantry plate of ranking officers. Numerous copies lay around the edges all included slight differences. Most were earthy, the more reliable ones were hand crafted by the logistics corp of the fire nation. The City of Qin Yu towered not far, the typical earthen construction. A large outer-wall protects the slums and degenerates within. It was not the tallest and by far not the largest wall within the earth kingdom. In comparison it was actually small, however what all present did not know was what forces manned the place. False military intelligence suggested a light militia force easy pickings for a full division of fresh faced sons of fire. But that was a lie. Qin Yu was actually an important hub, due to it's obvious lack of value the earth kingdom military had used it to stage multiple counter attacks from. Striking at fire nation forces that besieged more illicit territories. Defending such a valuable base of operations were four elite earth kingdom battalions, just shy of five thousand men. Five thousand men with years of experience and an insurmountable wall of their element.

You were no seasoned warrior but you knew that while numbers may have been in your favour, the odds were against the 41st. The plan to even those odds were simple, while the rest of the command staff saw your suggestions as unnecessary, none dared to deny your command. So the plan was in place. Nobles of low birth grovelling to you was the closest they'd get to meeting the actual fire lord.

>Go over the plan to ensure the assault a chance of success.
>Go and inspect the troops, the prince will not be dishonoured by them.
>Psych yourself up and practice your forms

>>4318303
>Inspect the troops

>>4318303
>Psych yourself up and practice your forms

>>4318303
>Go over the plan to ensure the assault a chance of success.

>>4318303

>Go over the plan to ensure the assault a chance of success.

>>4318301
Not sokka quest.
dropped.

>>4318303
>Go over the plan to ensure the assault a chance of success.

>>4318303
>>Go over the plan to ensure the assault a chance of success.

>>4318535

not likely, bit I may die of joy if mc happens to be the avatar this quest

>>4318303

>>4318301
>>Go over the plan to ensure the assault a chance of success.

>>4318314
>>4318318
>>4318319
>>4318327
>>4318354
>>4318535

"Lieutenant Genji? Care to join us?" You ask harshly. "Let's reaffirm the plan. I am expecting all of you to perform exceptionally. My father has expressed a great interest in our, the entire nation is looking towards the 41st." You lied, fear would coerce them into order and restraint. You would draw the enemy's attention, but you had no intention of letting regiment after regiment smash themselves against that wall. Division Commander Weichu smiled, softly rubbing his hands together. "Of course Prince Zuko. We all understand the importance of such a display, I can reassure you that the regiments are well prepared. We have followed your preparations to the letter!"

He gleefully responded, the Division Commander was a fat and stooped man. In his late thirties he had achieved little. His youth had been spent minding some mountain pass of little interest. Such a length of service and his family's substantial esteem had earned him his rank. General Wue had shafted the 41st upon the man happily, while the experienced portion of his army marched around Qin Yu to strike as the 41st died. Weichu did not know that, but you doubted telling him would convince him. Genji made his way over, the other officers making an effort to show how much attention they were paying the plan. Nodding to strategist Han, the man happily retrieved the markers from the table and began to replace them. "And quickly Han. We are on a schedule."

The man nodded sharply, placing the pieces smoothly. "Very well Prince Zuko. As discussed, The 41st will position ourselves to the eastern hill. Led by their respectives the 2nd, 15th and 30th Light infantry and scout regiments will push across the valley and harass the wall." Moving the responsible markers three red blocks met the ring of pale stones representing the enemy. Colonel Zhao Nin interrupted the strategist, watching you with bold eyes. "We will fan out along the wall, quickly testing where their thickest resistance is. The few archers and benders will be quick about it and not dally. As the prince wishes we will quickly pull back at first hint of the sun's rise and as we do so the 1st, 3rd,10th and the 12th will begin their own assault. Such a sight will cripple their already harried lines." You nod respectfully to the man, he wasn't really much older than you.

He was just seventeen, his family had earned him his rank and as well as years of training for such a moment. You hoped you could trust him if things went from bad to worse. Han went to continue but Genji spoke next. "The main body will begin it's assault. We will test the walls with the metal tortoise shells we have, drawing their attention and spreading them thin across the wall. Once we meet the wall we will begin to scale with ladders, while counter archers pepper them. We will push onto the walls, the moment we gain a foothold we will signal for the reserves. They will crest the hill and double step until they reinforce us. We overrun the walls and defend from the high ground until the army has reorganised " He explained, moving the responsible markers past the wall of stones. "And if you can not take the wall?"

You mused indignantly with a cross of your arms. "If we cannot take the walls Lieutenant Genji will signal such and hold their position until the reserve units form up with the light and scouting units. They will await orders to press further along the wall." Strategist Han interrupted quickly reorganising the map. You kept your face level and emotionless at the thought. You wanted to sigh loudly and wince at the simple plan, but It would have to do. The ruffling of tent flaps followed the snap of a foot at attention made all heads turn. A heavy plated soldier stood bowing, casting his head up Zhao hastily put on his helm. "The Light regiments are ready Colonel Zhao Non!" The bowing soldier let out sheepishly, bowing his head a little further after his eyes had met yours. "Well let's not keep them waiting lad." Zhao cheerful responded to the boy probably older than himself.

He crossed the room before regarding the remaining officers and speaking. "Care to join us Prince Zuko? I couldn't help noticing you had not disclosed your own role. I would be honoured to have you. But if you cannot, I understand. Good luck to us my brothers!" His fist met his palm and he bowed steeply, a sly grin across his face. His eyes never once leaving you.

>Accompany Zhao on the first assault
>Inspect the remaining Troops
>Psych yourself up, spend what little time is left practicing your forms

>>4318844
>Accompany Zhao on the first assault

>>4318844

>Accompany Zhao on the first assault

>>4318844
>>Accompany Zhao on the first assault

>>4318844
>Accompany Zhao on the first assault

>>4318842
>>Accompany Zhao on the first assault

>>4318870
>>4318881
>>4318890
>>4318895
>>4318897

You clench your jaw, teeth softly grinding together as you smiled. Just who does he think he is? "The honour would be all mine, I have heard only good words of your men Zhao. Seeing them first hand and up close would be a very beneficial experience." You force out, you'd deal with him if he lived. You actually hadn't heard any praise. The regiments were freshly thrown together entirely of new volunteers. None had yet to taste real battle outside of training exercises and a few scraps with the locals. Technically you were the same, but you trusted your teachers enough to have prepared you. "Excellent! I will await your arrival." Zhao added before leaving the tent.

You regarded the division commander with a formal bow, the fat bastard only managed a generous nod. "Lieutenant! We have a schedule to stick to! Come on now." You spoke allowing your exasperation to show, not like either of the men present would care. And with that you left. Genji shortly following, you stalked to your tent. Even the short walk there had already earned a substantial dusting. "Wait up Prince Zuko!" Genji relented, matching his pace to your own. You scowled at his informal tone, a few officers suddenly taking a wide berth around the fuming Prince. "He'll see. Follow the plan and listen to my orders. Then maybe most of us will live." You spat, coming to abrupt halt and scattering a few loitering infantry men.

Pushing your finger in Genji's face, he stops wide eyed. Wide vacant eyes, the lieutenant had a habit of flipping from observant to dull. A habit you sensed would be costly on the battlefield. "Chill out prince Zuko. I told you we should have eaten a little pottage before heading to the meeting. I doubt Zhao would mind if you ate on the march." Your eyes bulged, teeth busy grinding as your other hand formed a fist. Smiling he kept walking, back to your tents. "Don't tell me to chill out Genji!" You added matching the lieutenant for step, without a word he entered his own tent. Standing before your own larger and gilded tent, you correct the other boy. "I'm not hungry!" You stomped into your tent flinging the flaps aside. You had waited enough, now you would see what really mattered in life.

Crossing to your dresser you quickly unhooked your scabbard, two curved swords rested within. You had trained to use them for as long as you could remember. Their weight brought some comfort, but you decided against wearing the helm. If anything did hit you, you doubted it would help. You had calmed, breathing deeply you focused on the plan. Just harass and leave. You just had to draw their attention for long enough. You didn't need to take the wall. The ruffle of flaps stroked your embers, who would dare. "I've saddled up Yuyu" Genji spoke as he closed the flap and held in one hand a dull clay bowl. "Meat" pottage, honey had been drizzled across the top. You moved to chastise him but stopped, nodding your thanks. "I'll eat some then." Taking the bowl you stepped back outside.

Yuyu watched with duller eyes than Genji, the Komodo rhino stamped it's feet with impatience. Your stomach yearned for food - quickly you took a few spoonfuls of the sweet but bland food. Genji reappeared, taking up a spot beside you. "I know the plan. We'll do our best Prince Zuko. Anyway if we start taking a beating I won't hesitate to have you lot come and take some hits for us." He said with a chuckle, elbowing your arm. The arm holding your spoon, the petty noble almost made you drop it. Anger drove the last few morsels into your mouth. Soon the bowl was empty, regarding the Lieutenant with serious eyes you spoke while hurrying to mount Yuyu. "Good luck". It was all you could manage.

The light regiments were marching out, with the star far ahead the only light to guide. You had ridden up the long column of men, all were quiet with either bows and quivers over a shoulder, or the few white faced helms of the only fire benders. The division had been raised for the purpose of absorbing the brunt of the fighting. The only fire benders present were self taught or criminals who had accepted a military term over hard labor. All in all the force was relatively diverse, none had cared to pull any benders from the infantry. It was probably one of the only still mixed units. You earned many a wary eye, they all knew who you were by now. The Prince was riding out with them, you spotted many cast shuffling bows as they quickly marched. Many fists met palms as you passed. It didn't take long until you caught up to Zhao Nin, all of the officers were mounted.

Even in the dark you could make out the others present. "Colonel Zhao, the men are very impressive." You addressed, trotting up beside him. He nodded in the gloom. "I'm sure they were glad to see you too my Prince. It is a great honour to fight with you, now imagine such the honour it is to them." You nodded your understanding. The approach was a rush, pressing over the eastern hill the regiments fractured. You had been present for all of the planning meetings, so Zhao happily gave you the 2nd Cohort of the 15th scout regiment. "The soaring hawks" as Zhao had dubbed them. The 20 men trailed out behind you, leading on, you saw the other officers spread far, the entire wall would be getting a rude awakening. The night was silent, glancing around the night sky had already begun to shift.

You were making good time and the wall drew nearer and nearer. You could make out its high peaks, the entire side claimed only three roofed guard towers. But you knew the lack meant nothing, the elite benders within could make their own steps and own reinforced positions. Your division had no tanks, no artillery and only personal mounts as cavalry. It came down to infantry and the fledgling ranged units like the hawks. Your stomach felt cold, as you steadily approached a freezing touch ran down your spine. Today would be a test. Not just of your own resolve, but of the resolve of every last man within the division. A bird chirp rose from behind you, glancing back one of the men nodded, slowing yuyu as the archers spread out along the cold dusty ground. On the slight wind you called the cry of a Swilloe dove, a dove only native to your home isles.

One of the men with you reproduced the noise loudly. Zhao had said you would know the signal when it happened. Rolling your shoulders you clicked to yuyu, dismounting you took a line next to your men. "Prince Zuko" one murmured softly with a nod, the cohort had quickly drawn and readied their bows.

The Swilloe dove song danced down the lines of men. Each lifting up the note and passing it along, until it met the final officer. Few of the earth kingdom guards heard the song, even mumbling about the sweet tune. Enjoying the oddity they had just heard.

The night erupted with a bright red flower, the moment it appeared the Soaring hawks went to work. Arrow after arrow they fired, before repositioning. You followed. your forms flowing smoothly and fiercely from one to another. The fear you once had burning into anger and hatred.
You could glimpse other flames dancing high into the sky before striking the walls.

>Go all out, plaster your section of the wall with fire. DC:70

>Conserve your energy and focus on the tower. DC:50

>Abstain, witness the Soaring Hawks but do not contribute.

> Roll 1d100+10 for Your choice test. The First two rolls will be accepted and the highest used. If both rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

Rolled 3 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4319128
>>Go all out, plaster your section of the wall with fire. DC:70

Rolled 7 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4319142
Nat 100
>>4319142

Rolled 33 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4319136

>Conserve your energy and focus on the tower. DC:50

Rolled 55 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4319136
>Conserve your energy and focus on the tower. DC:50

Rolled 63 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4319136
>Conserve your energy and focus on the tower. DC:50

Another avatar quest.
Good.

Rolled 19 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4319136
>Conserve your energy and focus on the tower. DC:50

Looking bad.

>>4319833

Virgin BNHA quest vs chad ATLA quest.

>>4319856
BNHA?

>>4319856

Boku no Hero Academia

>>4319136
>Conserve your energy and focus on the tower. DC:50
I must strongly recommend against doing rolls at the same time as votes. It will influence people's vote.

>>4319142
>>4319227
>>4319252
>>4319266
>>4319643
>>4319850

43, 65 (50)

Your refrain from exerting yourself, keeping to the simplest of forms. The hawks didn't seem to mind, matching every gout of flame you produced with swift arrows. Grounding your feet and spreading your hips you focused steady and long bouts of flame snaking towards the tower. Torrents and balls of flame rained down all through the dark, you were surprised to have even caught them off guard. The hawks moved and you followed, yuyu trailing diligently. Repositioning you kept up the attack, the first hint of resistance appeared. About a hundred meters away something landed with a loud crack, stones came ricocheting along the ground. Through the light of your own blast you glimpsed the source.

The earthbenders turned to face you as the flames reached them, you were a big target. "Move it!" You yelled as you ran past a few of the hawks, crouched they were firing deadly aimed shots. The towers were all aflame now, despite being rock most of the wall was aflame too. The shouts and cries were distant at first. A crack like before came again, but louder. Like thunder you felt it touch the ground, shaking the very earth. Twisting you flinched as dust and debris pelted you. The screams of pain were nearer now. Harrowing until they faded. You didn't know any of their names. Two of the hawks were smeared across the ground, a few rushed to check them before returning to firing. The clatter began to intensify, it seemed like with almost every step another missile would smash into the ground

But you kept up the assault moving further from the hawks you tried to draw the fire from them. The tower burned and you could see the movement of the earthies. Entire sections of the burning walls were collapsed, a few arrows would get through and eventually they would reform the barrier. Another crash and more screams came from your men. From Salamander on the Stones to Embers on the Wind, you shifted from form to form the low, movements carrying your momentum into fountains of flame. The heat was intense, carried on the wind it seemed like the entire wall was cooking. But you knew better than that. Breathing deep you tried to match the rhythm of your steps, but the going was intense. The shouts and cries of the enemy and your own men snatched your attention.

You had lost three or four so far? More were injured, the man who had called your name limped passed you. His leg seeping blood from multiple small wounds. He had been too close, caught the sharpen of one of their gifts. Yuyu seemed unfazed plodding along a few feet behind you, pebbles and rocks bouncing off the tough hide. A few hawks were using her as cover. Horns blared and for a second you thought it was the 41st, but the sun had yet to arrive and you glanced no hint of them. The earth defenders were struggling. The tower furthest south had collapsed, taking the initiative you returned your attention to the nearest tower. Pelting it with numerous more blasts of flame. Then the tower was blown off, the burning roof and walls had suddenly become airborne.

You watched in astonishment, your own flames pettering out as the tower smashed around you. Flinching you ducked to the ground. Even Yuyu made a disgruntled moan, a blanket of dust had been kicked up. Pain laced your foot and arm, luckily it hadn't caught your head. Standing you assessed the state of your cohort, most were already back up. Well crouching and firing at the roofless tower, spitting dust from your mouth you joined them. Cursing the irritating screen you breathed deeply hands wide as you fired small bolt after bolt. Your flames hit and danced along the wall, before the stones they had touched were cast out. Flying from the wall to smack into the ground. You moved along with the cohort, scrambling to climb out of the rubble. You jumped back from your step and froze, a dead boy lay bent and crumpled.

Half buried in the dark he looked little more than rock, but he was soft. His flesh bowing to your boots. Flames flickered above casting long shadows across the dead boy, half of him was leaking across the dusty ground. Slowly turning the pale ground as dark as the sky. "Prince Zuko! We must keep moving!" A man told you his hand grasping your arm tightly and tugging, you blinked at him confused. Who was he to tell you what to do. "No help me. He's wounded." You retorted crouching by the boy. If you could just get him out, he could ride yuyu. The tower was heavy, your hands were too slick with sweat. All that damn bending, the man grabbed your arm again. "Prince Zuko! He's gone we must mo-" Another crash shattered somewhere in the tower, you were pelted by some rocks but paid it no mind.

You returned to the boy, trying to shake him awake. The man grabbed you again, hauling you from the boy. Another set of hands had found you, twisting you sneered. "We can't just leave him!" They pulled you far from the tower, glancing back you saw the boulder connect. Smashing through where the boy had been, where you had been. They were running, leading you along. Another crash shook the ground as one of them men dropped. The other let go and kept running. "Move it Prince!" You moved, the sun was rising and with the light the earth bombardment became more accurate. You could see the other light regiments recalling, the wall was still engulfed in flames. Yuyu was ahead, reaching her you threw yourself on and drove her into a gallop.

The hawks were not far ahead, still the man who saved you had already caught up. You were last, but steadily gaining the lead. Turning back you saw the single body of the other archer, half of his torso lay smeared along the ground. You were lucky to have escaped. Great plumes of dust arced through the sky, dozens of them. You knew what they were, as quickly as the dust had appeared it was snatched away by the wind. Jagged boulders rained down across the other regiments, soon shadows passed over you. The first set of rocks landing near. They were probably just the ranging shots. One by one you slipped passed the soaring hawks, until you led them. You were still in the grasp of the wall, the sun was in your eyes. The second wave hit, two young men along the middle vanished.

You still had far to travel at this rate they could steadily wittle the Hawks down. Some gave you pleading looks, others just grimaced. All faces were dusty brown, clumped with sweat and blood. Far ahead of you and the retreating infantry you could see the dust kicked up off galloping komodo rhinos. Zhao and the others were in the clear. As you thought that more boulders smashed into their men. You scowled, breathing deep with each step yuyu took

> Turn and attempt to cover the hawks retreat. DC:60

> Stay ahead of the Hawks but do not abandon them. DC:20

>Rush to Colonel Zhao Nin and the remaining officers.

> Roll 1d100+10 for Your choice test. The First two rolls will be accepted and the highest used. If both rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

File: erxsy6sye6556yseg.png (1.35 MB, 762x835)

1.35 MB PNG

Rolled 11 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4320147
> Turn and attempt to cover the hawks retreat. DC:60
FIRE
ONLY FIRE

File: 8677BC23EF3F2EE84E1B17C41(...).png (113 KB, 250x364)

113 KB PNG

>>4320186
So maybe it's not my time for success. That's fine.
Good luck to the next two bastards.

Rolled 51 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4320147

> Turn and attempt to cover the hawks retreat. DC:60

File: FB_IMG_1591663539042.jpg (31 KB, 474x556)

31 KB JPG

>>4320202
Now that's what I'm talking about right there

File: Polish_20200624_095600488.png (335 KB, 474x556)

335 KB PNG

>>4320205

Rolled 56 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4320147

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>4320147
>> Turn and attempt to cover the hawks retreat. DC:60

Rolled 38 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4320468

Forgot my 10

>>4320147
>Turn and attempt to cover the hawks retreat. DC:60

Rolled 16 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4320751

+1

I'm pretty sure this thread wants Zuko to die or something...

File: Image from iOS (4).jpg (6 KB, 171x250)

6 KB JPG

>>4320186
>>4320202
>>4320468
>>4320751

The sun cleared the horizon, ranks of red began to appear along the eastern hill. Just as planned, the light regiments were making a break. Even if the earthbenders turned their attention to the new threat, you and most of the scouts wouldn't be spared. They were just too far away, their presence brought some hope. But in truth there was little they could do. If they followed your plans, it would still be a while before they'd get into range. You had to do something - another missile slammed behind you. It rolled to a halt not far, luckily the hawks had escaped mostly unscathed. The barrage did not let up. You had to do something now. You weren't going to let more of them die.

21, 61 (60)

You pulled on Yuyu's reins pulling her around with a wide turn. A bolder smashed closed by, showering you in more dirt and mud. All of the Hawks watched you, from wide eyed shock to vacant confused gazes. The sky was a deep purple, the clouds creeping low out of sight. It would be a clear day. Charging passed the hawks, you pulled the mount parallel to the wall. you stood, wedging your heel between your saddle gullet and one foot against the saddle. Yuyu kept the pace threatening to throw you as you surfed. Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes, the sway of the Komodo rhino's charge almost soothing. You just had to draw their fire. You had no chance of stopping the barrage.

You opened your eyes, getting a face full of dust. Something whipped past your head and instinctively you ducked. It was now or never. No time to complain. Facing the wall you could see the green clad men, busy trying to put out fires; the streaks of catapulted earth careening over the wall. Your hands met before you chest with a soft clap. Your forms followed right hand soaring high, left swooping low. Twisting your hips you brought you fists together, the sound of the wind was snatched away. Eclipsed by your hungry screaming flame. You grunted, Yuyu stumbled. For a second you thought you had fallen, but thankfully your heel found the gullet again and the beast kept on.

Reflexively your hands had gone up, easily transitioning. Right hand was cocked behind your head, ready to strike, like the viper ferrets you'd faced coming here. Your left hand reaching out as if to grasp a balance that wasn't there. You inhaled deeply. Your left hand snaking back as your right fired ahead. Again the screaming came a long torrent of fire twisting with your rage. They had noticed you alright. Two boulders struck close, rolling and shattering into shrapnel. You and Yuyu were pelted, but both kept on. You exhaled, a missile struck near. You inhaled, another bounced flying past you and over the komodo's tail. You grinned, drawing both arms back as you squatted low. Knees wide as your thighs started burning, your hatred burned.

You had never used this form, you had seen it twice. Your Uncle had shown you it while explaining the more intenser advance forms. Azula had used it on you. You had learned it then. You exhaled, crouching further as you twisted your hips. Threatening to buckle you leant low arms cocked and ready. You inhaled rotating tighter, until your knees threatened to pop. The wind was gone, you could see only darkness. Your eyes closing. Bending a leg you threw yourself in the other direction. Tightly coiled muscles unraveling as both hands shot forward to match your thrusting jerk drove you fists out. One finding a place within her throat, the other low and deep into her liver. She screamed. You roared as the flames burst free of your fists.

You never saw the flames, your body buckled. Both legs luckily finding your stirrups. Kicking yuyu, you drove her hard yanking away from the wall. Your head was dizzy, breathing came quick and short. The distant marching drums pounded, rhythm in time with your escape. A few missiles landed near, smashing all around you. Blasting you with sharp shards. You rode hard, trailing after the scouting regiments. You took a wide berth around the forming up infantry. Ranks of men hefted armoured tortoise between them. The outer ranks carrying the ladders. The remainder of the division painted the hill red. Skirting around the base of the hill, you joined the recuperating force. Many were wounded but the fatalities seemed low, you soon found yourself entrenched by men. They spread, allowing you through.

Many shot you respectful nods, bloodied eyes of respect. Many were seeing to one another, bandaging and helping their brethren. Worming your way through the troops you eventually met some officers. The regiments had already begun to reorganise. You were grateful they still followed the plan. Dismounting you handed Yuyu to an infantry man. Saying nothing he led the beast away. A medic tried to slow you "Your arm Prince Zuko I must attend to it." You pulled your arm away eyes finally setting on the man. He gestured to your arm it was pocketed with holes, bleed had flowed. But it seemed to have stopped. You only waved the man away with the bloodied limb. It didn't hurt, you had other pressing topics. He followed, but didn't stop you, face clad with faint panic.

Exchanging nods with a few officers, you headed to the large circle of heavily armoured leaders. You saw Zhao, the petty nobles all turning to greet you. The Colonel stepped forward, a few others quickly bowing. "Glad to see you made it here safely Prince Zuko. Unfortunately we lost the two young lieutenants, during the strike." He informed you, himself and his lakies trying their best to seem melancholy. "And of your regiments? I couldn't help noticing you abandoning your men." You glowered gesturing to the lines behind you. "I expected you all to be the first to enter the fray and the last to leave. Some may perceive your skill at leading from the front a cowardice." You stepped closer to Zhao, he was less than a head taller than you.

Glaring into his shocked face you continued, shouting in his face. "My father expects each and everyone of you to represent himself and the fire nation! With bravery and ruthlessness. you claim responsibility for the deeds and the lives of your men. Such displays of weakness are not needed." Zhao glared back at you. But he said nothing, he knew his place. The other officers suddenly cast their gazes aside. "Reform your men. And think long and hard on what I have said, until you are called on again." With that you stalked from the cowards. Long furious strides carrying you up the hill, hopefully the infantry officers showed more dedication to saving the lives of their men. The medic tailed after you and once your embers had cooled you let him tend to your arm. Whipping some bandages from his belt he quickly cleaned your wound and bound it.

You'd earned another set of punctures down your leg. Hurrying he quickly did the same, his hands shaking. You let him rush off, returning to the wounded below. Cutting through the lines of idle spear men you exchanged glances. You made it to Commander Weichu, further unmolested by medics. Strategist Han regarded you with a smile. "It it good to see you have returned from the expedition. Quite the heroic display if I say so myself." He seemed impressed, but you barely knew the man. "A stunning display! I am glad you are safe. It looked dire for a moment." The fat commander added loudly, leaning from his woven seat to bow. Weichu sat in the shade, attendants minding him. In one hand he held a cup and the other a leg of meat.

His Komodo rhino in full military regalia, stood nearby. No one expected the man to scale the hill unaided. You sighed, breathing softly. "I only did what was necessary." The pair nodded seemingly satisfied with that answer. An attendant brought you a chair, with a shake of your head you declined. Watching out along the steadily progressing lines. You felt exhausted just watching them march. Some of the walls were still aflame, but the bombardment continued. The tortoise started to take hits. But they did not slow, the dark metal constructs reflected the early sun. You squinted to escape the worst of the glare. "We are going ahead with the plan on schedule!" Weichu boasted, already proud of achieving so little. An attendant presented some water, you drank gratefully.

The warm liquid was delicious, content you drank your fill before returning to examining the assault. The Infantry had made an impressive amount of progress, charging through the kill zone. Clearly they didn't want to die... hopefully they wouldn't. A few crimson forms lay flattened and forgotten along the march. But it had gone better than you expected. You were beginning to hope the plan was a success. That hope grew the moment the first tortoise met the wall, a large portion came off to crush the men below. But before you knew it, black ladders were claiming the wall like creeping shadows. You smiled, the first set of tortoise were doing the same, many hadn't even reached the wall yet. Then the ground erupted, towers of dust fired into the air as the ground trembled, with a deafening explosion.

You gasped, turning to Han and Weichu. Both men wore horror to varying degrees. What was going on. Turning back, flames cut through the clouds blowing the dust back into the wall. A trench stretched along the ground, splitting the assaulting regiments in half. It was probably only a couple meters wide but who knew how deep. A couple tortoises lay resting against the chasm. Some men were using one as a bridge rushing across the gap. Trying to reach the safety of another shell, others charged into the trench. What was happening down there. Then you saw the first one, dark green and heavily clad in armour. Elite earthbenders appeared counter charging your infantry. The mad men. Could they not see how many of you there were. Would they sacrifice the high ground so easily?

The regiments that had broken through were already scaling the wall. How had they managed that, arrows flew up and rocks rained down. Your fists clenched. Eyes eagerly observing, Han appeared beside you, two small red flags in hand. Quickly starting to perform the signal to retreat. You interrupted him quickly. "What are you doing!" Han sheepishly took a step back. "What should we do Prince Zuko?" The slim man pleaded.

>Order the double charge of additional regiments, lead the force against the Elite Earthbenders. DC:60

>Order the double charge of additional regiments. Stand by and observe. DC:40

>Order the retreat

>Roll 1d100+40 for Your choice test. The First three rolls will be accepted and the highest used. If all rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

Rolled 82 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>4320807
>>Order the double charge of additional regiments, lead the force against the Elite Earthbenders. DC:60

CHARGE!!!

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Rolled 51 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>4320819
>Order the double charge of additional regiments, lead the force against the Elite Earthbenders. DC:60

File: You get fire and you get fire!.png (335 KB, 474x556)

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Rolled 58 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>4320819
>>4320822
>>4320830

>Order the double charge of additional regiments, lead the force against the Elite Earthbenders. DC:60

File: UNLIMITED POWER.gif (3.6 MB, 498x212)

3.6 MB GIF

>>4320822
>>4320830
>>4320839
>IF ALL ROLLS PASS THE SUCCESS WILL HAVE A BONUS

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1.33 MB PNG

>>4320839
>>4320830
>>4320822

File: 1493753738_gonberserk.gif (839 KB, 509x271)

839 KB GIF

>>4320998
>>4320848
>>4320839
>>4320830

>>4320819
What's considered canon in this quest, and what year is it?

>>4320819
>Order the double charge of additional regiments, lead the force against the Elite Earthbenders. DC:60
>>4320822
>>4320830
Ladies and gentlemen... We got em.

>>4320819
>>4320822
>>4320830
>>4320839
>>4320848
>>4320998

91, 98, 122 (60)

You leered into the strategist's eyes. He dared not to blink, your mind was abuzz. It could be a trap. The entire plan was to not charge the walls enmass. But they were trapped and cut off down there, you couldn't stand by and watch them die for nothing. That was why you were here in the first place. You cursed your father, along with the generals of his armies. "Double Charge, the reserves now! I will be leading them. Fast Han!" You ordered, slapping his shoulder as you retired your gaze to the combat taking place, many of the red charged over and into the trench. The fighting was close and tight, more tortoise laid cast aside as bridges. The men without the protection were forced to dash to the nearest shell.

You needed to get down there, perhaps the trench led within. Or you could pressure the wall while they spread themselves thinner along the line. Their bold move deserved a bold counter. You grinned a little, no wonder the earth kingdom had struggled to counter your armies. They would be getting a greater surprise come noon. But the sun still only spoke of the early morning. Hours of slow fighting laid ahead. The signal flames shot high into the air. The formed up men that gathered along the bottom of the hill began to move and reposition, tortoises were lifted and ladders readied. The chanting echoed up the hill and to the wall.

Urrah! Urrah! Urrah!

They had been forced to watch their brothers in arms be pummelled enough. It could have been them down there suffering, the zeal spread like a wildfire across the lines. You returned to Commander Weichu, he was being fanned by two attendants. His eyes cast into his hands, the man wasn't crying but he did seem close to the point. It disgusted you, but he would have to wait. "Commander Weichu? Would you honourably lead this charge? The fervent men await guidance." You questioned him, hand casting out as the troops took up the march, the long lines preparing to double step it across the dusty expanse. The commander peeked out from between. "You cannot expect me to fight Prince Zuko?" He gasped indignantly. "I must remain here to command our entire force! It would be nonsense" he stammered with weak will.

He couldn't even properly explain his worthlessness. "Then I ask your permission to join and lead the charge in your name! We will crush the enemy." You fed him, his demeanour changing suddenly. A relieved smile spread across his face. "Of course my Prince, I would be truly honoured for such a thing. I will tend to the scouting regiments and ensure they will be ready to reinforce the wall, once it is captured that is." He pointed to the map, with his fat sausage fingers, clearly trying to reassure you. "Take with you my retinue! They will fight in my stead." Far in the shade two heads, rose in unison. Their faces were exactly the same. The twins, they were the closest thing the army had to experienced men. Both had been enjoying a long stay aboard a fire nation prison barge, then the boat was captured by some unfortunate earth kingdom resistance group.

They had expected a few fire dissidents and earth loyalists. They had found a detention barge for the "Kuzi Dan" , an elite fire nation terror unit. Apparently the brothers had led their men on one too many raids into fire friendly territory. And what did they do once gifted with their freedom you ask? They slaughtered the entire freedom cell, taking their ears and fingers as trophies. The Kuzi Dan unit didn't just stop with the few who had struck the barge, they had followed their tracks back to a hide out in a nearby village. A neutral and possible obedient earth village, the fourteen men they had led turned the place to ash. Then once their work was complete they simply returned to the barge, content to endure their sentence. They stank of insanity their heavy lidded eyes undermined the swift savagery they were known for.

Both wore scabbards that matched your own, while not as fancy you were sure their blades were just as deadly. "Until we have taken the city." You responded bluntly, a fist meeting palm with a bow. You swiftly approached Weichu's Komodo, mounting the beast. You felt a slight twinge up your leg, but your mind was elsewhere. Driving the beast onward down the hill, you managed to glance back in time to see the Commander gawk at your display. Yuyu had done her duty for the day. Trotting down the steep hill you could see the progress. The charge was almost ready, only a few units were still positioning, a wall of red clad men stretched out before you. The chanting in tune with the banging of war drums. Their noise blasted down to the boys fighting.

You saw the melee turn savage, while you couldn't make out any details you were sure many would be patiently awaiting your arrival. You drove your heels hard into the komodo, it broke into a gallop. Storming down the hill, the clatter of ceremonial drapery announcing your presence. A banner snapped and flapped above you, the black flame on a red field of your nation. A new chant arose as you raced to lead the charge. Following you like the wind, from the hill to the men below.

"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"
"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"


Many on the hill smashed their fists against their chests as you passed. The Prince was fighting with everyone it seemed. At some point the twins had acquired Komodos and followed in lock step. You had no idea what one was Dan Lee or Lee Dan. You doubted they cared, their glassy eyes stared out at the enemy to come.

"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"
"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"

The massed forces howled, watching out at their cousins. Rage and hatred burned in their sneers. Before you had even galloped down onto the flatland they charged - without word from their officers the chanting grew. The regiments threw themselves desperately forward. Whether to save their kin or to slay their foe, you could not say. Soon you were among them, the wall of men had spread far. A blanket of red crashed across the yellow earth, threatening to knock the stony wall down. The earth trembled, under the charge of the 41st. But the earthbenders did not halt, there was no falter at the sheer sight of such a thing. The bombardment kept on slamming through the raving horde, but never slowing it. You watched a tortoise take a direct hit, the metal bowing and snapping, the men below simply dropped the weight and charge onwards. Arms had dangled broken, thrashing in their wildness. Their teeth bared as they howled like rabid dogs.

"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"
"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"


You charged on forward closing in on the front line, blitzing through the boulder kill zone with barely a scratch. You could see the rear of the first assault ahead. Clashing with earthbenders; they had been pushed out of the trench and many more had arrived since your position on the hill. Entire sections of the trench were manned now, some brave earthies were even rushing the infantry trying to scale the wall. The sun burned close overhead as you flickered past the vanguard, only the green and tan uniforms of the enemy lay ahead. A snaking branch of earth erupted at you, a bender charged along it. The komodo ducked and you leap high as the bridge snapped the banner's post. Your arms pulled in with a fast breath, right leg flicking high and out as a burst of fire flew at the man, the second snap kick that followed caught the man off guard.

He had ducked the first flame smoothly swooping out of the way and into the second lower catching his head. Like a cat you landed on the blocky spear of earth, twin swords flowing free. The man lashed out wildly, launching a block of earth spinning way past you, closing the gap you didn't hesitate. Two deep grooves carved across the man and he fell. You kept up the charge, unwilling to abandon your momentum. Kicking from the stone you flew, soaring above the clashing men. Landing with a fumbled roll into the trench, dust kicked up covered you now. You landed crouched, swords ready at either side. Surprised earth warriors watched you. Twisting round from your low position you spun your legs, flames lashing all around you. The first assault had noticed your timely arrival and took up the chant

"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"
"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"


Your disrupting twirl had done nothing but that, you were still in a trench with a selection of experienced soldiers. Rolling you dodged a soaring chunk of earth. They had you surrounded as the smoke cleared it would the end. Then the wall hit the earthbenders a tidal wave of red came, among them the emotionless twins. The fighting was brutal and quick, the benders suddenly finding themselves outnumbered with nowhere to run. You saw a bender get buried under the bodies, some put up and fought. Chunks of earth bent two or even up to four men aside in one go, but where two or four failed a third and fifth found their mark. Driving their spears deep through the joins and slits of the fancy earth armour.

But the fighting was not over, men charged down the trenches and into the now visible cave system. Others clambered back up the trench pushing toward the wall. This was going better than you had expected, better than you had hoped.

>Rally your troops and lead a charge up the wall. The high ground was a great advantage. DC: 70

>Rally your troops and lead a charge through the trench tunnels. Maybe they led into Qin Yu. DC:80

>Order your troops to scale the walls. While refraining from joining the fray further DC:50

> Order your troops to clear the trench tunnels while refraining from joining the fray. DC:60

>Roll 1d100+30 for Your choice test. The First three rolls will be accepted and the highest used. If all rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

>>4321597
This is an alternative universe - Zuko is unburned and currently leading the attack he objected to in canon.

>>4321840

Alright I'll dive right into the rabbit hole. How much has changed from the canon? What level of skills is our firebending? What's our family relationships? Or relationships in general

>>4321840
If we choose to press the charge, will anyone stay behind to clearn or guard the tunnels, or will they still be occupied by earth benders?

>>4321840
If we dont have to worry about the trenches then my vote would be for the wall charge DC: 70

Rolled 12 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4321820
>Rally your troops and lead a charge through the trench tunnels. Maybe they led into Qin Yu. DC:80
Go big or go home

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>4321819

Rolled 68 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>4321820

Rolled 67 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322014
Wrong dice modifier

>>4318301
The only way this quest can end is in firecest

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>>4322025
Wat

>>4322025
Agreed

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Rolled 18 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322025

>Rally your troops and lead a charge up the wall. The high ground was a great advantage. DC: 70
>>4321820

Rolled 86 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4321994
Fuck'em up, boys!

Rolled 70 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322014

Thx

And don't forget lads - piss on Azula and Ozai, we're not about that life. Honour, duty and fire are one thing, backstabbing, ruthlessness and being actually insane are quite another. Dispense with both of them as soon as we have the chance.

>>4322063
What choice did you roll for?

>>4321938
Yes the troops with you currently will push through and try to seize the tunnels, so the remaining reinforcements can follow you through.

>>4321926
It will be revealed in time

>>4322066
This
>earn glory
>keep relationship with Iroh and train with him as much as possible
>build image with the military(Ozai was never a general, and most of the officers fear Azula)
>

>>4322152
Dad and sis are just chuckle fucks ruling through intimidation. We can be the guy people like. I wonder how Iroh will feel about all this. I hope hes still alive.

Rolled 3 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4321820
>Rally your troops and lead a charge through the trench tunnels. Maybe they led into Qin Yu. DC:80
Guys, you have to choose an option with your roll. Everyone choose this one by the way, we already have one good roll.
>>4322157
>qm takes the doomer path and kills Iroh

>>4322166
>The First three rolls will be accepted and the highest used.

First roll for leading charge down the holes (42/80, failure)
Second roll for leading charge over wall (97/70, success)
Third roll for leading charge over wall (48/70 failure)

Depending on MenaceMantis he might forgo 48 foll for either of (Iq2S0OcR)'s rolls. Either the 20 or the 78. Dunno. Unless Menace meant the first three rolls of each choice, but I'm not sure about that.

>>4322177
I think it's first three per option.
So each choice would have three chances to succeed.

Heretic is right - it’s the first three per roll. If you are rolling for an option please copy the option chosen, roll and link back to the last post. For ease of counting

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Rolled 85 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4321820
>Rally your troops and lead a charge up the wall. The high ground was a great advantage. DC: 70

>>4321820
Wall: writing

>>4322330
Can we learn how to do fireball? I mean the classic DnD "ball of fiery explosion".

>>4322040
>>4322324
>>4321971
48 97, 115 (70)


"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"

The red clad men poured all along the great width of the trench. Officers landed, while clashes raged all along the line. But you had taken a bulkhead to push from. The twins slinked over to you, a handful of infantrymen loitered around unsure of what to do, you would seize the opportunity; it was now or never. Fiercely you locked eyes with the twins, shouting loud against the clashing and screams of death. "Secure the trench and the tunnels! We need that wall. I'll deal with it!" They barely reacted, a curt nod and they separated, each running down a stretch. Some of the infantry trailed them, other officers catching on and leading their men to secure the maze. Wild and lost eyes watched you, their faces dusty and bloodied. They were as young as you, nothing but leather and spear to keep them safe.

They watched you expectantly… why? Their attention annoyed you. Did they want to die for you that much. "The Wall!" You shouted, hands knitting together. You jerked your head back towards the surface. The first boy didn't hesitate, taking your boost he slid up the wall. "Get to a ladder" you called. Others took up the same position and soon you were hoisted up. Fire danced along the walls and many sections crumbled, red and green figures clashed everywhere. Numerous tortoiseshells lay abandoned as bridging the gap. The slower portion of the regiments were just arriving. Between the two forces you hoped you could overrun the earthies. You just had to take the wall, then the light regiments would come and assist. How was this working?!

"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"

Again the damn chant came, a ripple caught your eye and you almost laughed.
Some mad man held the banner of the fire nation aloft, the same one you had brought along. Your eyes met and he raised his fist, racing towards the wall. Countless others charged along with him.
From side to side he waved the broken and dusty banner. The embers within you crackled, rising you joined the charge, your own beastly howl drowned out by the other unlucky boys with you. Terror, Hatred, Disgust and Ecstasy flashed across the faces of men you had never known. The ladders flowed with men, like boiling water you bubbled up, one on top of other. You could feel the strain of the ladder yawn under the weight. But none slowed.

You glimpsed at these men; red and green fall from the height, fire and rock chasing each respectively. As you clambered onto the burnt and bloody wall two long bursts of fire arched through the sky. You held enough of the wall. To your right it burned - you called for the remaining troops while Genji stood atop the furthest guard tower. The one that still burned. You grinned. Suddenly earth hurtled past your head, battering your eardrum with a deafening ring. Twisting your body aside, you quickly rolled away, two other boys catching the shards directly. One dropped, the other titered on the edge. His eyes locked onto yours. He was right there. Then he slipped over, legs wild in the air. Throwing yourself back you grabbed one, pain shooting up your wounded leg. Another burst of pain blooming on your shoulder. You expected more but none came, a hand found the other leg and soon others joined in hoisting the boy back over.

Breathing heavily you turned away from your thanks, you had let one fall. You gazed out into Qin Yu, the city was barely a glorified town. A large town, but no city. The wall was the only thing of value in this place. A burst of dust attacked the air, down on the ground benders kept up the bombardment. You'd get to them eventually, but you needed the wall now. Breathing deep you fired off a set of forms, kicking and punching a torrent of flames. You watched them arc into the city, hoping they disrupted anything at all. The bearer of the banner was near. About a hundred or two meters away, a smaller group defended their ladder surrounded by green dogs. He sacrificed both hands to goad them. You paid no mind to your screaming body as you charged, driving your troops fiercely to their aid.

Gasping you formed your way into a frenzy, fire barely flickering out before blazing from your fists again. The city shook, the wall shook. More accursed dust was kicked up as an explosion shrieked below. The battle waned for a second... the lull of a silence. Your stomach turned, thoughts of the tunnels blooming. How many had you sent to their deaths, why had you done it? For your father? For yourself? You thoughts and the silence were cut short

"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"
"Zu! ko! Zu! ko! Zu! uh! Koh!"

Echos of chanting reverberated from within Qin Yu. The voices of many took it up and soon the city was greeting you. The wall erupted, dusty red lava flowing down the walls, fear and worry trampled below them. The wall was yours. The banner of the fire nation danced along the wind. You joined them in their cheer, giving chase as you pushed the green clad men further back. Your celebration was abruptly interrupted. The tower nearest taking flight like it had done once again. Zipping straight into the sky, it started to fall back. It was falling towards you. Everyone scattered and you did too. The shockwave knocked you flying, a few infantry behind you hadn't been so lucky. Becoming one with the architecture. Coughing, you shakily stood with the sun directly above you.

Dust rained down, pebbles skittering everywhere. A long figure stood atop the rubble. You had a bad feeling about this. The sway of the figures hand sent the dust slamming into the ground. He was a mountain of meat, his shirt sleeveless. No fabric capable of restraining his thick muscles. Short brown hair whipped around a haggard and scarred face. In his other hand he gripped a great war hammer, the shaft resting against his shoulder. The hammer head was twice the size of his mean one. The infantry stood in amazement and fear. Had he ridden that? What was he? No one stepped towards him - his devilish eyes searched the crowds until he found you. His gaze was cold and bitter. Rigid and hateful.

A fine sneer birthed across his lips, "Zu Uh Koh? I presume" his voice was like an avalanche of pebbles. Deep, sharp and surprising. None moved, they could only watch. "So you're the one who comes to take my city. I never would have expected the Prince of the Fire nation here. You should have told me you were coming! I would have shown more hospitality." He chuckled, swinging his great hammer with one hand, testing it against the air. You gulped, your own blades finding a way into your hands. You stood stepping passed the frozen around you. "I just hate being a bother…” you retorted coyly, flourishing your own blades. You were far from your men now. They could run, you would deal with him - or at least you hoped.

Your legs trembled and your arm ached, but you paid it no mind. "So humble, but as your host you must allow me to show you the splendid hospitality of Roka Ro. I'm quite the generous man." He began to approach, both hands carrying his colossal hammer. "I just happen to be eagerly looking forward to it!" You spoke while charging. The man didn't hesitate, stepping in turn with you. You had no idea who this guy was, but he seemed like bad news. Swinging wide, he rocked the hammer back telegraphing his attack. Taking the opportunity you thrust your elbow out, a splash of fire lashing across his face. Keeping up your advance he never faltered. That shocked you. As his face burned he swung. Can't say you were expecting that.

His reach was far. Crossing the blades together you tried to block the hit but you were sent flying. Your lungs ached, threatening to collapse while the blades shot painful vibrations up your arms. For a moment you saw constellations. Forcing your eyes open, you spun smashing into a slatted roof. Your ribs and spine joined with the protest, body urging you to stop. A shadow flickered over head, glancing up, mouth agape at the man bearing down on you. Hammer guiding him down, some of his hair still smouldering. Rolling out of the way you glimpsed the top of the wall, the gap section you had been knocked through and the step he had launched himself from. Both blades kissed the ground as you prised yourself onto your knees.You belched a gout of flame at the falling bender. You tasted blood but you focused on breathing.

Whipping through your little haze he kept on going. Hammer leading him through the building - managing to stand, you swept a leg up high, embers and sparks danced. Your leg screamed and your rids choked. You brought it down matching the large man's speed. Heel erupting, flames danced into the building below. You kept it up, pushing as much as you could. Then you were flying again, flipping through the air you saw him once more. A grin burned across his lips, snarling like a beast. Shirtless and charred he seemed unfazed. The top of the building stopped existing at shoulder height, his hammer proudly held aloft. balling up you tried to anticipate the landing. It didn't help, you felt a few somethings pop. Groaning you amazingly managed to stand, something warm trickled down your neck.

But you weren't dead. His landing was just as terrible, nothing gave under his weight and his face quickly kissed the ground. Blood poured from his shoulders. You had gotten some good hits in, now to end it. You allowed him to stand, you were busy catching your breath. "Let's end this Prince." You couldn't think of anything witty to say. "Let's end this guy." The man snorted and you charged. He thrusted at you, one arm grasping his hammer. The other ripping earth from a wall and throwing it at you. Your blades flexed, flicking away the flak before parrying the wedge of metal. Easily you led the hefty tool aside, kneeling down within his guard. Two slashes spreading meat wide. Swiftly you tried to aside step out of his reach. But your leg twinged and gave out. He dropped his hammer, thick arms clasping around you.

The oxygen was forced out of you as he flexed, crushing you against his stony chest.The blades clattered to the ground, your hands suddenly numb. You barely fey anything. Your ears playing a parade through your mind. He squeezed again with a loud grunt, twisting his arms into your back, forcing out another lung full. He wasn't just trying to suffocate you, he was trying to snap your back. Again he released a deep rumbling laugh echoing into you as you panicked. You weren't dying here, twisting you sucked in as much as you could. Your lungs screamed for air. Tucking your neck you anticipated his crushing vice, it came perfectly. Desperately you pushed every ounce of ember within you, the small fire exploding as you felt his arms tighten.

You breathed fire down his neck and chest, your armour took the hit, sizzling softly against your flesh. But his hands gave and the pair of you dropped. Choking you fought to breath. The world spun, but your fight was done, you lived. Your embers burned still. You tried to stand and failed, settling for resting your head against one knee. You wanted to double over, bile forcing itself up. Maroon pottage stained the earthy ground. You drooled, blood and worse slipping from your lips. The sounds of clashing still echoed around you, but no one else was around. Tears rolled down your cheeks, but you brushed them away. Forcing yourself to stand, they would probably be here soon anyway. Your enemy or your allies. You'd die standing. You limped towards your blades, it was slow going, each step agony.

You grit your teeth and kept on. Scooping the blades up had exhausted you, sweat drenched you. Panting you flourished the blades, the weight reassuring. The bender tried to stand, his body blistered and burnt. He could only kneel, dirty seepage staining the ground around him. "Do not make this Captain wait! Make it quick Prince!" He roared, lolling his head snapping up erect. Neck offered to you.

>Take his Head. DC:80
>Immolate him. DC:80
>Take him prisoner and await your troops. DC:80
>Leave him and find your troops. DC:80

>Roll 1d100+30 for Your choice test. The First three rolls for each choice will be accepted and the highest used. If all rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>4322834
>>Take his Head. DC:80

Rolled 25 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322834
>Leave him and find your troops. DC:80

Rolled 34 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322834

Rolled 50 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322834
>Take his Head. DC:80
It would be rude to refuse.

>>4322886

SUGOI!!!111 A PERFECT 80!

Rolled 5 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322823

>Take his Head. DC:80
He is asking for it

Rolled 6 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322834
>Take him prisoner and await your troops. DC:80

Rolled 35 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322834
>Take him prisoner and await your troops. DC:80
Valuable Intel time

>>4322834

Rolled 46 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4322834
>Take his Head. DC:80
I'm a dumbass

why take his head?

>>4322861
>>4322886
>>4322894
>>4323405

35, 65 80(80)

You spat, closing the distance to the dying man. Your blades nestled together as you held them with both hands. "Any last words?" You wheezed, struggling to lift your conjoined blade high, settling on resting it against your shoulder. "I almost had you." The man groaned low. "You did" You replied curtly, bringing your blade down with all your strength, one dual strike. Almost dropping the blades you fought to resist the swing's momentum. His head rolled, throat oozing as his body collapsed, twitching and spasming in the dirt. A dark red pool spreading out, flowing around your boots. You felt cold, everything felt numb. Only your skull throbbed, the world growing quiet. Maybe the battle was over, how had you taken the wall? The 41st were nothing but inexperienced. Yet here you were, instead of just trying to survive you conquered. Pawns crushing the queen. Movement drew your eyes up from the corpse.

Green and tan bodies stood further down the road. Rage in their eyes, small hammers in hand, you sighed. The sound incredibly loud, rumbling within your ears and drowning out the line of enemies. You had done enough, you had saved some. You had saved what you could. Qin Yu had no chance of repelling so many. Just one final thing to do now. They charged, the searing sun above reflecting off their weapons. Legs wide you brought your swords up. Ready for them. They draw near, their rumble silent with the world. You could feel their approach climbing up your legs. Closing your eyes you wished it was quick. But nothing came. The shaking of bones became your existence. Maybe this was death, but your lungs weren't so willing to accept that fate. Forcing a sudden inhale.

You lived, the world trembled. Opening your eyes you saw a surge of red. The green had never reached you, when they had arrived you hadn't known. Infantry clashed smashing the green men further down, back the way they had come. A banner leading the murder. A hand found your shoulder and you jumped, turning Genji shook you, his mouth moving without words. "Zuko!" You heard it faint and distant. You were a ghost spying on the world, some distant spirit. "Zuko!" He shouted at you as the screaming of life returned. The world around you was a catastrophe. Cheers and cries. "Zuko" Genji screamed again into your ear, you winced away. Scowling back. "What!" He was bloody and dirt clumped to every part of him. You were amazed, How had he managed to roll around on the ground so much.

"You look like shit!" He laughed, his arm weaving its way under your own. You scowled harder, had he not looked in a mirror. You bluntly rebutted. "You! look like shit!" The other boy only laughed, taking your weight and leading you away from the body. You walked to the sounds of war without talking, reds flooded the streets many cheering you as you passed. It didn't take long before some brave tall boy took your other arm, the pair basically carrying you at that point. You couldn't fight back. He looked as bad as Genji, one large gash ran down his cheek. Cemented shut by dirt and grime. "Get that cleaned!" You lambasted the soldier, your voice came out harder than you had wanted. Even swallowing hurt. The boy only gave you a dumb grin. It would have to do.

"The Earthies?" You mumbled, even being carried was exhausting for you. Your head alone felt like it weighed a ton, maybe the great hammer was lodged in it. "Scattering, that last block had reformed trying to rescue their captain. Right before we found you I got word from General Wue." That rose an eyebrow, they should have been hitting the city by now. The sun was burning way into the afternoon. "Apparently they had some trouble navigating around the mountains. They only just showed up " Genji chuckled, the other soldier laughed too. If only they knew. They were lucky to be alive, so were you. The Governor's estate wasn't beautiful. It had that blocky and grooved ascetic so common within the earth kingdom. Inside was a contrast to the dull hot city. Slick and cool. Long ceilings and shiny marble floors.

Crystals lay around as sharp ornaments, the household had already surrendered. Spear men kept the peons pinned together in a dining room. You barely paid them any attention. Your body battered, just wanting rest. You managed to wiggle free from you bearers once within the main hall. A long wide room, set down into the earth, it was chilly. Refreshing even after the day you had. Black marble lined the ground and walls. A large jade throne sat on an elevated pavilion on the far side. Some officers stood around the base, a fancily dressed man on his knees. The green insured he was the city's governor. Crossing you spoke, wincing at the words. "Loses? What happened with the tunnels?" You had to know, the anticipation worse than the pain.

Genji shot you a sidelong glance. "We lost a significant portion on the wall. There isn't any red in Qin Yu who isn't wounded." You cast your head aside, anger bubbling. You bit your already bloody lip, tasting only copper. "I ran into Lee Dan, the tunnels have been exceptionally bloody. So tight, our boys barely stood a chance, but they pushed through. Only to encounter your friend. He managed to get a portion to collapse before retreating. From what I heard they had it heavy, I told Lee Dan to hold. We would take the city. Those boys needed a rest after that." You nodded, fighting earth benders underground. The thought wasn't a fun one. "Prince Zuko! We are glad you live!" The officers proclaimed, all bowing swiftly. They barely had any dust on them. Only one was bleeding.

You felt the embers coil in rage, in every corner stood an infantryman. Battered and broken in countless ways. You ignored their kind words, stepping up to the kneeling man. He made an effort to cower lower. "Qin Yu is ours." With that addressed you stepped over him. Limping the shirt staircase to the throne. It was well crafted, the gleam untainted by any blemish or scratch. A lone pillow sat on the stone throne. It looked awfully uncomfortable, but it would have to do. Letting out a soft grunt you plodded into the throne, the officers gave another quick bow. A very familiar medic was crossing the room, even he claimed a bandaged eye. The victory weighed heavily on your shoulders, would it always be like this.

>Summon Commander Weichu and General Wue?

>Await the arrival of Commander Weichu and General Wue?

>Rest and then head to Commander Weichu?

>Rest and then head to General Wue?

>Write in?

>>4323630
>Rest and then head to General Wue

Maybe not the wisest choice, but I doubt Zuko has the patience to play the game right now.

>>4323630
>Write in?
Just rest for now.

>>4323630
>Summon them

They'll arrive to find us on the throne of the city we conquered, scarce help from them. The soldiers love us - let's make it very clear to them that regarding us as a triviality is no longer an option.

I'd also like for us to set about directing the extinguishing of fires around the city, the collection of the wounded and all. At least be seen to direct the officers to get to it.

>>4323630
>Summon Commander Weichu and General Wue?

>>4323629
>>Rest and then head to General Wue

>>4323630

>Summon Commander Weichu and General Wue?

>>4323630
Summon them, you're a conquering prince like your Uncle before you. Rest while our runners goes to bring them and make some tea.

>>4324092
Also, if the general in charge of the advanced army is the one who suggested this idea in the war room we should challenge him to an Agni Kai once we have healed for command of the army. Also we need to send a hawk to see if Iroh or Lu Ten will come and be our advisor

>>4323706
supporting this

>>4318354
>Not sokka quest.
Man, I MISS sokka quest... Literally looked over the threads last weekend.

>>4325048
I know right dude! That shit did not deserve to slap as hard as it did.

>>4324443
This does not seem like a good idea, kek. We're trying to advance in the military, after all. Probably better to let our actions speak for us.

>>4323630
>Write in?
Find Azula and impregnate her to keep the royal bloodline pure

>>4325317
Suffer not the Azulafags to live.

File: Spoiler Image (437 KB, 1000x1200)

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>>4325317
>>4325358
Pity the unenlightened

Your eyes linger on the medic, the boy fumbling under your watch. You wave him forward, hopefully he could patch you up here. The officers took the gesture - unsurprisingly none glanced to see who you were even acknowledging. "What a brilliant victory Prince Zuko!" They yapped in all sorts of congratulations, you were impressed they all knew enough words to praise you without all sounding the same. They were weasels, no wonder they had all flocked here. Eager for some false recognition. You felt disgust. Loyal and steadfast sons of the fire nation were led by selfish fools. "The victory is far from our hands still" you regarded them sternly; emotionless and cold you addressed them.

Turning your nose up at them. Regarding their unflustered faces with no hint of pity."It is good you are here. Work must still be done, Fires across the city must be extinguished. Before we all burn here, the wounded and our prisoners must be accounted for. You have no place within these halls until you can tell me such problems have been solved. You're the best of the fire Nation. I expect results from you." They watched you with shock, returning slow nods of obedience. "Of course Prince Zuko." They muttered exchanging glances like kicked puppies. "Now! Damn you" you shouted, spurring a handful of bows. "And send runners to Commander Weichu and General Wue. Prince Zuko is awaiting them, idleness sows misfunction so be quick about it". The officers filed out quickly, poorly hiding their own selfish desires.

The medic sidestepped the gang before approaching. "Genji, get me something to drink. None of that potato water the earthies drink, something brewed from leaves." Standing by the steps the lieutenant nodded with a smile, crossing over to the kneeling governor. Giving him a soft kick in the ass. "Come on governor, show me where you keep your best tea!" The man stood jittering, hands around his head as he ran, bowing at you almost after every step. "Of course! This way!" The fat official squeaked, his green robes barely hiding his folds. The prosperous always grew so ripe. The disgusting truth of nobility, in any shade. The medic ascended the stairs quickly, you regarded him with a smile. "You look like shit. Get into a couple scraps I see?" The boy's mouth dropped, he stammered for a second.

An awkward laugh escaping, you laughed too trying to disarm the situation. Maybe you were a little too friendly. The boy nodded though, stepping onto the pavilion. Stuttering as he talked with his hands. "We were marching in through the city and bloody earthies pop up out of the ground. Like bang. Earth bending, there were only four of them. So we got them quick, but they got a lot of us back. Hit me in the head." He added gesturing to his bandage. "I know the feeling, might have taken a couple myself." You gestured to your own head, the distinct feeling of blood matted hair. "Seems so" the boy agreed. You weren't in the best health, the medic did his best to clean and bandage your wounds. He did what he could but insisted you see a proper physician.

While your leg was just a strain and nothing too serious, the pain along your ribs could be trouble. He listened to your chest but didn’t find anything amiss. Genji eventually dragged back the Governor, the man shakily pouring you a cup of tea. Genji had reassured you he made the Governor try it first to ensure it wasn't poison, but it tasted ok. Flavoured water was water still - even if it was some sought after white dragon tea. You told Genji to take it all. Your uncle would probably like it, who knows what would go missing during a conquest. It took an hour after the medic had left before Commander Weichu had arrived. The rotund man waddled down the long hall, one of the twins towering over him like a wild beast. Bloodied and savage looking. You sat up from your half sleep, earning yourself a series of tingling clicks.

Your legs were both asleep. "Commander Weichu! How do you like the great city of Qin Yu? Quite the crushing defeat wouldn't you say?" Your words came easier now, the tea having helped sooth it. "Prince Zuko! W-what happened! Has a physician attended to you yet!" The man stammered, suddenly wobbling forward quickly. Hoho Commander Weichu left the Prince to take such a beating. The fire lord Ozai's first born son. Such a lack of respect. The thoughts twinged some happiness. Watching the fat turd fluster was the true victory. "The fighting was fierce, commander. Four entire elite earth bender battalions were waiting for us. On top of their militia support. It was a miracle we even took the city." You boasted, emptily. You had done nothing, those dead and bloodied out held that claim.

You were there just to point them in the right direction. "Of course Prince Zuko, Lee Dan informed me of the stiff resistance." He glanced around the hall wearily, jumping as his fat head finally noticed the kneeling official. "Are you really sure it's safe for us here?" You grinned fiendishly at the oath. Just like the other nobles, he only cared for himself. "You can't expect us to just leave? The city is ours. All resistance will be stamped out eventually, we are perfectly safe." Weichu came to a stop by the stairs. "Did you hear Prince Zuko? General Wue is on his way too. It seems like the main battle group got lost in the mountains. Came out on the far side of Qin Yu, they were heading for Fue Tae and ended up here. What luck! They could have assisted us if we hadn't snatched the city so quickly" he harped on, puffing up his chest.

Genji raised an eyebrow, he was the only one you could trust amongst them. Weichu wouldn't believe it if Wue told him to his very face. He was too incompetent to even be aware of his own lack of worth. "I know Commander, I have summoned him. There is much to discuss." You had to fight to resist lambasting the idiot. But as your temperature spiked the doors opened. Far down the hall General Wue glided in, hands nestled between his long red robes. Four armored men followed, white mask of elite fire bending troopers and long straight swords hanging down their backs. Weichu had jumped at the door's noise. Wue was old, white hair flowed down his shoulders. Even older than your uncle. Uncle would joke that Wue had been old when he was young. His dark sunken eyes carried a cool and ruthless edge.

Boy must he be surprised. He expected the division to be in ruins and the city still a prize waiting to be reaped. "It seems your uncle has taught you well young Prince Zuko. I am impressed. Very much so, such a soundly defeated force." Wue spoke halfway through the hall, arms wide gesturing to the hall. "I heard you faced exceptional resistance? Some four elite battalions. With nothing but inexperienced levies. I'm sure this news will bring your father much pride." His words came heavy with contempt, this was to be his victory. A stunning rescue and conquest. You couldn't help grinning. The old man came to halt at the bottom of the stairs. Ignoring Weichu openly. "Thank you for such splendid compliments General Wue. My most sincere apologies, I would stand. But I was advised against it." You bowed your head humbly from your throne.

The keen eyed grandpa returned the act. The discussion went as you had expected. General Wue would stay and assist in securing the city for the coming days. Until Commander Weichu's forces had recuperated enough to hold the city by itself. Wue would take half of Weichu infantry regiments and disband the 41st division and head for Fue Tae. You didn't object, your rank was only of birthright. But both leaders had been eager for your influence, each trying to sway you to their opinion. But in the end your lungs caught up to you. Luckily Weichu had dragged his family doctor along to war. You spent two long weeks in bed, your flesh a ripe purple. The big blotchy patches had a shine to them. A lung hadn't collapsed but apparently your rubs had swollen, you were unconscious for all of this.

Genji visits you the most, once everyday until you had to start throwing fire at him. The topics of conversation starting and ending at the few cute earthies girls he saw and a few gnarly amputations witnessed. You could only take so much of his drivel. The days came and went with sleep and the occasional sipping of woeful soup. The sleep wasn't an escape. Every time you closed your eyes you stormed the wall once more or charged that tunnel. Every other night you died suffocating buried alive or thrown from the wall. Once you were killed by yourself, immolated by the fire Prince as he bloodied the walls. It got so bad you stopped sleeping. But your body hadn't the strength and eventually your existence became a blur of wretched awakeness and disastrous dreams. You couldn't take the walls, butchered boys piled into great crimson pyramids. But slowly it faded along with the pain, but it never stopped.

Genji returned, proclaiming Prince Zuko the Hero of Qin Yu. Word spread. Even finding a way back home. Celebrations were plenty - none of which you attended. But genji did sneak in a heavy sack of wine and a cute earthy girl. The bitter drink helped lessen your strain bringing levity. You laughed with the girl, her amazement at you being a recurring topic. The boy who killed Roka Ro, apparently he wasn't liked much. The earthies were busy celebrating their new oppressors. The heavy hands of alcohol snatched you away to dreamless sleep. Next time you awoke Genji and his little friend were long gone. Half way through your lunch he returned, solids were finally an option. your lungs and stomach only faintly hurting now. "I've got good news Zuko and it's not that earth girls put out easy. While accompanying a friend I overheard something. Your mother has sent for you, since the 15th anniversary approaches. It seems like you will be heading home soon." That was a surprise, you almost dropped your chopsticks.

Home? Of course your father wouldn't have any of his family miss a day that celebrated his greatness. What image would that send. There was still a few months anyway, it wouldn't take months of travel to return home or Wue wouldn't be heading to Fue Tae. The old bastard never missed a chance to socialise, you would always see his creepy old ass at celebrations as far back as you could remember. Fresh off some victory, basking in glory.

>Return home immediately, you would arrive injured

>Stay in Qin Yu until you're healed, your father can wait a week for two.

>Go to Fue Tae, General Wue wouldn't deny you. Your father could wait a month.

>Write in?

>>4325427
>Go to Fue Tae, General Wue wouldn't deny you. Your father could wait a month.

>>4325427
>Stay in Qin Yu until you're healed, your father can wait a week for two.
>Write in?
make sure the remaining occupying Fire nation forces aren't assholes. That's a fast way to start a rebellion, and rebellions cost effort and the lives of men to subdue into compliance. Fuckery will reward you with a boot so far up your ass you can taste the leather.

>Wue would take half of Weichu infantry regiments and disband the 41st division
Can we take Genji back home with us should he be willing (not that he can say no to the prince of the fire nation)? The rascal has grown on me. Then again, he would have to say bye to his earthy girl, and heavens forbid we deprive him of coochi.

>>4325559
>>4325582
Can we do both? Wait to recuperate and tell Wue we will catch up once we've secured the city and continue conquering with him until the party?

>>4325696
Also yes keep Genji with us, maybe convince him with the idea of getting with a girl from every city/high born fire nation

>>4325696
Why should we go with him to conquer another city?

>>4325703
To get military prestige. But I guess it would make more sense to head home so we can talk to mom and uncle

>>4325696
>Yes that is possible. Genji and his platoon will accompany you

>>4325427
>Stay in Qin Yu until you're healed, your father can wait a week for two.

>>4325427
>Stay in Qin Yu until you're healed, your father can wait a week for two.

Writing: staying in Qin Yu till healed

>>4325582
Supporting

>one day ago

*deeply concerned*

"My father will have to wait" you mumbled, suddenly disinterested in your food. The unease and anxiety for your return was quick to creep from it's grave. Genji's eyebrows jumped at the declaration. "I've been assigned to take you home. So just remember while you can get away with annoying your father, I personally quite enjoy living and plan to keep on doing so." He said with a grin crossing his arms. You stared past your bowl, quickly placing it aside. Pain coursing through you with the slightest exertion. Ribs warning you tenaciously. "Plus you've got a hero's welcome waiting for you. You don't need to be so sour about it." Genji was trying to reassure you. He was blissful in his ignorance, how could he even begin to know your fears. Many would sacrifice much to be next in line.

Unaware of the true weight it carried. The true expectations - none knew what your father was truly like. Many were willing to excuse the harshities and cruelty once they aren't the victim. The nobility had the habit of blindly agreeing, maybe out of fear or selfishness. Probably the latter. "I'm in no condition to ride and our work here is not done. You would be mad to think I would take this city and allow Weichu to bury it in his incompetence." You announced, with Wue gone the fat man will be more privy to your way of thinking. A week passed. You spent most of your time in bed or walking around the governor's mansion. No one could stop your hobbled exploration, but you had never made it past the grounds. Your body threatened to cave. Genji had accompanied you a couple times, informing you of developments - Wue had taken the scouting and light regiments along with most of the infantry regiments.

Qin Yu had been left with numerous wounded and enough regiments to hold and police the city. Genji's platoon of 'veterans' had been assigned as your personal unit, they had been first to scale that wall. All of them were wounded, luckily for them they had to wait for you to heal first. Genji was proud of the boys serving under him, boastfully proclaiming them as the "Lance of Zuko''. While you hadn't personally objected, it wasn't until weeks after their story of valiant first steps onto the wall had spread along the division and Wue's army before reaching you. Besides peaceful walks, you had attended discussions of the city. Wue had attended once and only to provide his army with a spot to prepare for his next push into earth territories. You assumed his disinterest was a product of not claiming the city, unwilling to waste his own time to aid an idiot like weichu.

Thankfully that allowed you to guide the hand of most policy enforcement. Only having to contend with a few of the older high ranking officers. The city was in a terrible state, while having been a semi valuable target for military exercises, the city was generally worthless. It had no major trade routes, being far too small to attract many merchants while being far out from any major trade routes. The fire nation had very quickly found itself feeding the neglected earth citizens. You drove the meets, Weichu quite content to back your initiatives. Many objected to your humanitarian efforts, but sowing the idea that support would neglect uprisings or additional resistance. And while halting any assassination attempts, it had been easy to earn Weichu's support - the fat man was not quite interested in abusing the population while no longer having a division to protect him, his head would be first on the block.

It had been easy to drive him against the clashing officers, their mindsets as selfish as his own. He wanted to live while they wanted to oppress. But the officers relented. With the next coming days you made it out into the city. Genji and a few of his "lancers" accompanied you. Life seemed to have been returning to what it had been. Earthies went about their business, red clad guards minding the peace. The first few days had encountered some clashes but that had been squared away quickly. Genji led you through the city, showing off sights you had missed. From the road he and the "Lancers" had found you on, to where the tunnels had been the rocky paths had been excavated. The broken bodies of red boys pulled free long ago; within the shade of the wall you felt light. It felt like a lifetime ago.

But still faintly familiar faces addressed you with nods; wounds and signs of battle still clear. With Genji's tour eventually petering out him and the lancers dragged you to an inn. It was dusty and dark. A shady place to be more distinct, smoke lingered in the air as you arrived. Earthies and red clad men smoking and drinking together. The voices were low in discussion, all were low born. The brotherhood that the nobility shared was mirrored by the brotherhood of the peasants. All of them shared similar pasts; farmers' sons, poor urchins or war victims. Mutual suffering was a quick way to dissolve racial or political barriers. They were both as unlucky as the other. The red clad infantry men snapped to attention as they spotted you, the earthies suddenly growing jumpy at the formality.

You and Genji moved in tandem, trying to usher them at ease. "Well well well. If it isn't the Hero of Qin Yu. I can't believe Genji dragged you here." A familiar voice spoke, the earthie girl from before suddenly appeared from a dark doorway. Her height surprised you, you'd been so out of it when you had first encountered. She approached with a soft smile, eyes examining you. Her robed body was one made for desiring, oozing seduction while even in the shade. "You're looking better alright." She added, stopping by Genji before passionately kissing him. A few lancers grinned, one of the bolder ones elbowing you. You watched briefly before turning your attention to the room. Avoiding the girl trying to swallow Genji's tongue. The room was long, the red men having returned to their seats. A few were playing cards and gambling in the back, with a loud pop sounding their separation, Genji spoke. "He heard about how much fun we were having and had to tag along."

You felt a hand prod your ribs, a slim strip of pain forcing you to turn. The earthie girl stood over you, a good head taller than yourself. A few inches over Genji. Her eyes were soft but dark, heavily examining you. They gave little away, her face was pretty slim with high cheeks, her hair was almost as dark as the room, atypical for the earth shades. "Genji how can you hide away such a pretty boy, but always drag along your ugly drunks." She pouted, winking at you. "Ada? it's not my fault they were born ugly." Genji returned, taking her by the wrist and leading her into the backroom. He waved you to follow and soon your little group wormed its way through dim hallways and Intl a backroom. A wide table sat there. For the rest of the night you drank and ate with your company, the lancers swapped out more times than you could remember. Flowing and ebbing with their shifts of duty.

Half of them you had met when drunk. A few stood out distinctly, the banner bearer and those who had fought with you had somehow found themselves reassigned from the reserves. To patch the losses taken on the wall, the familiarity you noticed with most suggested the fierce edge Genji had crushed. He had taken the wall, you couldn't deny, you never claimed you had. But even still, he took little honor in the fact. You respected him, he was more than just an officer to those following him, he fought and bled with them, just as you had. More so even, he drank and ate with them, laughed and sang. As the wine flowed you quickly found yourself singing and dancing too. The morning after was awful. You had no idea how you had even made it back to the manor. When interrogated, a guard had recalled the story.

Genji, along with most of the lancers paraded you through the city. Making a racket before eventually delivering you to your bed. The mysterious number of dusty footprints in your room suddenly solved. The remaining days went quickly, your strength returning. You even sparred with Genji a few times, timidly testing what your body could take. But eventually it was time to leave. Genji had seen Ada off in private, you were happy escaping being objected to another scene of public affection. Weichu had already done enough, seeing you off with his regiments and what crowds of earthies glimpsed faint interest. Finally you began the long march home, riding Yuyu amidst the "Lance of Zuko".

>Roll 1d20 for Random encounter Table. The average of the first three rolls will be used to determine what event takes place.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4329427
>The fire nation had very quickly found itself feeding the neglected earth citizens.
I'm sure with time the Fire Nation and it's politicians will be swayed to see the value of the city, if given enough time to heal and nurture.

>Earthies and red clad men smoking and drinking together.
>Mutual suffering was a quick way to dissolve racial or political barriers.
Despite the warring and the dead, I wonder what uncle had to say about a sight like this. This is nice.

If it's worth anything lets make sure our sabers are sharpened before leaving.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4329427

Genji's a bit gratuitous but he's a very good friend to have. I'm eager for our Zuko to be all about military duty, honour and some of Iroh's stuff. Taking and keeping the colonies is one thing, but declaring war on the world, imprisoning commoners and killing the water tribe's god is entirely another. Do not allow the desire to bone Azula ruin our chance to replace Ozai as a competent Firelord.

>>4329492
The idea of boning Azula is honestly a boner killer for me. I'm not into that incest stuff, and the fact she's a psychopath.

>>4329504
Good, that's the main risk to /qst/ Zuko's continued success.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4329504
>>4329507
>>4329427

We can redeem her!

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>>4329531
>We can redeem her!
yes

We can fuck her!
no

>>4329459
>>4329492
>>4329531

Rolls have been called - writing

>>4329492
>>4329504
Why did you have to bring that up! Now I can't stop thinking about it!

>>4329459
>>4329492
>>4329531

With that small fanfare the journey had begun. Moving into enemy territory had been a risk earlier during the war but due to the surmountable losses, the earthies eventually chose the strategic option of ignoring field combat for sieges and retreating defences. Most fire nation armies had free reign, only the threat of lightning fast gorilla attacks wasn't uncommon, but usually only targeting small scouting or patrolling forces. The first few days had gone by uneventfully - morale was high and the days went by quickly. Genji had been another matter. He had been easy going for a day, but after a night alone he took on an awfully depressed demeanour. You assumed he was just missing his tall friend, but knew it better to leave that wound to heal. You didn't exactly have any words of wisdom to pass on.

As the week passed, Genji tentatively returned to his normal easy going self. The arid low landscape merged into indistinct hills and mountains, it was how most of the earth kingdom tended to be. "Want to know what she said to me before we left?" Genji sporadically asked, riding atop his komodo rhino. He rested his hand on his hips, his face mingling in hesitation and thought. "What?" You responded, shattering your luxurious day dream of cool baths and fresh clothes. "Ada! What she said when I went to say goodbye." You raised an eyebrow. You had been trying to avoid the topic that had caused such a shift in mood. He was just about getting over it. "Sure go ahead." You bluntly replied, trying to act uninterested.

You watched the marching men around you, feigning disinterest. "Well she tells me I'm 'Marked' now and that I'm her alone. Said she'd kill any other girl I tried it with." You blinked at that, deciding to paint him with some attention, he earned a long quizzical look. "I know right?" he added, his own look one of shock and embarrassment. You couldn't help but blame him, there was an old saying your uncle had insisted you accept. "Something something picking other people's flowers?". You chuckled, shaking your head. Genji had managed to find himself a wife, whether that had been his original goal or not did really matter. "What type of reassurance is that?" He grumbled, slipping back into his mood.

The night quickly rolled in, the luxury tent you had been so used to suddenly replaced with a standard issue one. You could just about fit in It. Fires illuminated the valley you had chosen to rest in; scouts milled about on the dark slopes. You and Genji shared a wordless meal of pottage. Most of the camp was quiet with only the occasional noise of low murmurs, the dark was smothering and the sky a heavy grey, clouds obscuring the moon. It must have been around eleven when the screaming started. Distant and muffled it rolled down the hills, echoing through the basin you called camp. At first some had mistaken it for a crow fox. But quickly another shrill and muffled cry rang out. The entire camp spurred into action. Genji, who had seemingly fallen asleep propped up against a stone shot up - suddenly aware.

Mimicking his actions, you followed him towards the source. Orders were given and swiftly, the unit took up a defensive position - carefully you drew your own swords. Eyes danced along the gloomy slopes surrounding you. The torchlight and campfires blinded you against the dark, then the word came calling for you and Genji. The infantry all crouched coiled, ready to strike at the unseen enemy. Following the lieutenant further you cleared a path through the men. A few familiar faces watched you, dark and ready for war, an entourage formed and soon you were leaving the safety of the unit. A scout was descending the hill towards you, he slowed before relaying in a hurry. The two other men he was posted with had ran off into the night screaming. He had been distracted and then left alone. "Take us to where you last saw them" Genji commanded, already making his way up the hill.

Before long you were ascending the steep rocky hills, the going was tough in the dark and orange light. Shadows moved and flickered, each large stone or rocky outcropping hiding who knows what. It hadn't taken long to spot the first body. The scout was leading the way, he glimpsed at where the others had ran; he tripped right over the body. You had never seen anything like it, under the dark glow of a torch you and Genji examined the body. The infantry watched every direction, desperate for any sign of trouble. The unlucky scout was dead. He lay on his back, hand bloodied and fingernails bent free. His face was peacefully grotesque, as if frozen at the moment of a joyous recollection. Under closer inspection it was clearly not his real face, blood covered the statuesque feature.

Stone encased the man's head, tightly constricting around his throat. An exquisitely carved mask, it reminded you of home. The great works of previous fire lords. Even in the dark flickering flames the face looked alive, stoney eyes watching without blinking. Desperate for air he had managed to savage his own throat, tearing it open in his desperation. Breaking the death mask was surprisingly easy, the earth crumbling away under some hammering. The boy's face was swollen and purple, blood leaking from his eyes and ears. It had been a slow agonising death. "Where did the other scout head?" Genji interrogated the remaining man - the other men cursed and intensified their outward attention. "He wasn't far!" You knew it would be near impossible to find him out here in the dark, you were even getting men killed now. Whoever was doing this had a reason.

This was no normal attack, you'd never heard of anything like this. "He's dead, we're pulling back. Eyes peeled everyone. Zuko move it!" Genji ordered grabbing you by the arm. The slow walk back had been intense, each clatter of loose stones or breeze of the wind drew the whipping of torches and the fiercest of curses. The group broke into a sprint when only a few hundred meters away, reforming with the unit. Following you the occasional whimper and cry would snake down the slope to harass the camp. The night was long and restless, shifts were handed out and many found themselves unable to sleep, they were too busy anticipating an attack. You had lay in the dark, trying to rest, listening to your own breathing and the breaths of men around you. The terror of suffocation was heavy. But eventually the unbearable sun appeared, chasing away any hint of sleep with it's scorching rays.

You and Genji had found the other scout in the morning. The first one had remained where you had left him, he was buried not far from where he had died. The second one stood at the precept of the slop, encased entirely in finely chiseled stone, watching down towards the camp. A sculpted face of deep thoughtfulness. His body wasn't as unmarked as the first; deep grooves along his stoney sarcophagus showed where the stone had been carried away into flesh. He had been buried with the other scout. You had tried to keep word but before long the entire platoon was aware. The mood was awful, but the march kept on. No one went anywhere alone. It had only made the march through enemy territory heavy. They faced an enemy you couldn't defeat head on, no one knew what even awaited them. The fear that niggled away at their lonely minds. Despite never witnessing any other travelers, you couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Genji had reinforced that sentiment when abruptly firing off a number of blasts. Combusting a dusty overhanging cliff, a few lancers didn't need the order. Charging into investigate, you and Genji had joined them. Finding burnt bushes and a lone smashed mask, it was finely carved but half finished. It looked like Genji. Horrified, he had crushed and immolated the rock facade. The day continued as such, clearing a few miles before someone broke. Attacking anything that whispered suspicion. But there were no more developments and then night crept in. Bringing with it another gloomy starless night. No scouts sat far from the unit. Campfires spreading untended as men sat awake in the light, faces cast out into the night. Spears ready. You were on the edge of sleep, listening to the sounds of the men around you breathing.

When a noise shattered the hushed voices. A gargled choke loudly announced itself, followed by a muffled scream. Shooting up you glimpsed movement as others looked for the source. A man ran through the tents, hands gripping his face, a few stood rushing to help him. But then another appeared, running past just a few feet away. A campfire illuminated his face, his hands and head were trapped within the same carved stone. A weeping face twisted in some unknown agony, stone hands merging with stone cheeks.

>Stay where you were?
>Try to help the man?
>Look for who was causing this?
>write in?

>>4331032
>Try to help the man?

Try to break the stone.

>>4331032
>Try to help the man?
Smash the stonew with the pommel or scabard of your sword. Better than trying to remove it with your bare hands. Failing that look for whoever done this. They cant be far. There will be others to try and help the man before he suffocates to death.

>>4331032
>Look for who was causing this?
Scratch that last vote. This is my choice.

>>4331032
>Look for who was causing this?

>>4331032
>>Look for who was causing this?

>>4331032
>Look for who was causing this?

>>4331032
>Look for who was causing this?
We can help the guy later. We need to find whoever is doing this before they escape.

>>4331126
>>4331490
>>4331815
>>4331836
>>4332159

Turning the way the men had come, you set off. Everything was a blur, men rushed around trying to help those encased. As one was being tended to, another would pop up adding more muffled howls to the confusion. Men shouted and called for help, searching around for the cause. A handful of soldiers trailed behind you through the camp, one after another a masked man would stumble passed, but you kept on. The dark was lit up by the crackling of deep orange flames - a few torches floated through the night illuminated the shocked and fearful faces of the men below. Rounding a small tent you spotted something odd, a few meters away a fire sat with two men unfazed by the commotion. Then you noticed the third, towering over them. Hands resting atop their heads.

Golden lit stones flowed down his arms like larva. Smooth and fluid it settled around their necks, their faces etched with glee. The tall figure looked up, his face a mask of hatred - your own face twisted into one of anger and rage, your lips curled back showing rocky teeth. The figure let the men go and you noticed the earth pinning them peel away. Suddenly they thrashed stumbling about. "help them!" you ordered. The men with you quickly took action as you hopped the fire. The figure watched you without a word as he slipped further into the dark. You didn't let up, charging after the man. You acted quickly flicking a gout of flame into the air, shocked men moved aside and the figure was spotlighted in an orange hue. You got a better look at him - he didn't wear the red armour of the fire nation. Everything covering him was carved from stone. A living statue that stood out in the light.

Moving from form to form, you fired a blast of flame directly at him. The figure didn't even move, taking the flame head on. Once the flames snapped out you witnessed why, earth flowed up his body. Encasing him further. A few infantrymen struck without hesitation charging with their spears. One punched through the mass of earth while the other snapped. You began closing the distance. But the flicker of movement caught your eyes, the ground around the figure was flowing, climbing up the two brave men. They screamed, trying to pull themselves free. The other infantry suddenly halted their charge. The figure reached out, grabbing one but was interrupted, another blast of flame hit it from behind. A flurry of fire smashed into it's back and the statue toppled. Hands trying to catch itself as it met the ground. Genji was behind it, already encased up to his knees.

You joined in focusing on the pile of earth. Slowly it buckled, drying out and cracking. Letting up the assault the smoke cleared, the earthy grip slipping free from entanglement. "What the hell was that!" Genji relented, kicking free of his stony shackles. "He's below us!" As if on time you felt two hands grasping your ankles. For a second you tried to get away, you flailed the hands tugging you down to your knees in earth. Two sets of red clad arms grabbed you, trying to haul you free. Cries went up as you saw other red clad infantry slip into the ground. Breathing in you wiggled your hips, forcing fire into the ground. Panicking the boys managed to pull you free with the levering of their spears. Your feet ached, pulling free hadn't been soft. But even the ground buckled around you as if it were soft, more infantry slipped into the ground. Genji being pulled under while trying to help another man up.

You were the only one standing. All around you men fought to free themselves, buried up to their knees or waists. You could see out over their heads, the entire damn camp was sinking, tents and fires flickering out of view. You heard the rumbling of stones and spun around. Two figures slowly emerged from the ground. Both wore similar stony facades of your face, one enraged and one serene. Both watched you - arms raising as the smoothly slid into a stance of battle.

> Fight off both assassins. DC:80
> Lead the assassins away. DC:70
> Write in? DC:70

>Roll 1d100+30 for Your choice test. The First three rolls for each choice will be accepted and the highest used. If all rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

Rolled 15 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4333675
Hopefully with his attention away from our men, it'll be easier for the other to free the men being choked by their masks.

> Write in? DC:70
Are we able to perform that flying jet technique? You know the one where you fire bend with your hands and feet to propel yourself through the air? Doing so would stop the need to be sunk, and we could shoot fire at them.
>attack?

Rolled 86 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4333675
I dunno what to do, we need to keep mobile so.
> Lead the assassins away. DC:70

Rolled 85 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4333675

> Fight off both assassins. DC:80

Rolled 53 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4333675
> Fight off both assassins. DC:80
Kill em!

Rolled 61 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4333675

> Fight off both assassins. DC:80

>>4333675
>Fight off both assassins. DC:80
>>4333695
That's a pretty high level technique. I doubt we can do it yet.

>>4333807
>>4333840
>>4334045
>>4334691

Wordlessly they moved with jittery motion. They acted unison, arms cast wide as they charged at you. You easily traversed the oddly uneven ground - you had no intention of abandoning your men here. Unrelenting you charged, the ground twisted and shifted with every step, trying to trip and tackle, snapping at your feet. You'd have to avoid the ground, twisting you propelled yourself through the air, a wide spinning kick guiding you as flames fired you at the earthbenders. Smoothly their stony armour warped in reaction, reaching out with grasping hands in defence. Your feet met the rock but you never let up instead pinning yourself to the block. Easily you rocketed over their defence, lashing out as you flipped over head. Three smooth forms flickered out, Hawkfalcon by the sun, down into smouldering wind and finally the last stance Fire upon the hill. Through the quick forms you lambasted the pair, their stony armour darkening quicker. Their thick shield focused in the wrong place.

They didn't let it hamper them; moving like one body they fired two spears of stone at you, both missed, whizzing just past your head as you landed. They didn't let up, stepping in turn the forms matched perfectly. The impressive act sent thinner faster spears, parrying them with you blades, you back tracked, each step you took they made two. Hounding you with their conjoined attacks - their aggressive style giving you no escape. A haunting feeling crept into your numb body, the exhilaration suddenly made heavy by a creeping desperation for air. The twisting pain reappearing within your lungs. The spears shifted into lashing whips of earth. You matched their pace with your own blades and bending - fire flicked down your swords like the tongues of snakes. Each strike you made sent them an arc of heat and light.

You were just enough to match them. But you could feel the buckle and twinge in your knees. The burning rising up through your lungs. The ground bowed and threatened but did not swallow you. They halted - freezing in time before each took a unique stance; moving differently now, the first swept low, legs sending the ground coiling towards you. Under his touch it snapped and fell. Heading right for you, crumbling into a thick ditch. The other jumping high, having been launched by the earth. A spear struck the low one, knocking him back. The earth slowing as it approached you, allowing you enough stability to roll over the wave of earth and past the sudden groove. The shouts of men drowned out the crash of the second one. His knee leaving a crater where you had been, he stood unfazed. Your own impartial face of hatred watching you.

You had never seen any earthbending like this. Your eyes searched intently, there had to be more than just two of them. The first bender swiftly went through more forms as he stood, the distant crushing of bones resounding out. You could do nothing as the second charged again. A quick movement sent a block of earth jutting out at you, by dodging it he had closed the distance. He swung his stone clad arms, though wobbly you stood your ground exchanging his swings with your blades. Metal chipped away at his sleeves, you winced at the noise and undeniable blunted blades. But you didn't let up. Keeping low, you got passed his wild swings and explosive bending. Fire abruptly erupted from behind - Genji had somehow managed to escape the other assassin, becoming airborne he began pummelling the other bender with fire.

The strikes were slow and the earthbending just a second too late to catch you. The bender lacked the speed to keep up - easily you blasted him with gout after gout of flame. Quickly turning him black as flames licked all along him. Desperate with the distance between you, he focused on the ground, slamming his palms into the cracked and dry floor. You felt it give way. The same sensation as earlier, quickly you pelted a sword at him impressively he bended an arm of earth to interrupt it's flight. Hilt up it was knocked off course leaving it pierced into the ground between you. But it had done its job; changing you lept from the softening ground. Perching onto your sword, the weapon began to sink further, but it gave you enough time to fire yourself at the Bender. Legs whipping around as fire propelled your heel into his face. Its arm had failed to stop your fierce hooked kick.

In the distance Genji used a spear as a stilt balancing himself as he focused on the other assassin; a few men had slipped free and were helping him. As you bounded off the statue, you found the ground stable, his bending interrupted.
The slow and intricate forms slipped away as the figure stood again, the cracks and seems crumbling, flesh peeking from his suit. Wickedly fast he charged, dragging his feet with wild movements. The ground around you erupted, spears and crushing fists twisting out. Desperately you danced around the rumbling demise, with the boost from your fire bending you managed to dash between the wave of attacks. The ground suddenly feeling more secure. You weren't the only one who had noticed, two well thrown spears appeared from the dark connecting with the assassin. More joined, wanting his attention.

Quickly the bender sent earth towards those interfering. You took the opportunity, dropping your lone blade as you charged. You had no plans to let them get away, noticing you too late he'd swung at you one last time. You rolled low under the his twinfisted swing. Under his chest you shifted forms. Salamander on the rocks into sun ascending the heavens. Smoothly you ran both palms up the well chiseled stone imitation of your armour. Quickly your hands erupted, you breathing like a great bellows, forcing life into the inferno you unleashed. Flames smashed up around his frozen figure, tall body towering over you he couldn't escape. The heat seeping through his defences. He screamed, suddenly baking within his kettle. You did not let up, ignoring the sounds of crackling flesh, the snapping and crumbling of rocks. Or the boiling of fat.

You did not stop. His facade helm collapsed and flames poured free. Eventually your lungs gave way, the heat forcing you to cower away. You knelt, eyes failing to adapt to the darkness; blackness covered everything. The cries and curses of men were distant but stoke of victory. You couldn't hear anymore fighting, you trusted Genji enough. A few infantry men helped you to your feet, all praising and thanking you. As if you had killed both the assassins one handed. It had taken a while for your sight to return. Genji was busy ordering the men - the camp was a mess, you couldn't actually see, but the last thing you recalled were half sunk tents. Everything around you was a buzz, but eventually your eyesight returned enough to witness your handy work. The assassin you fought stood where you had left him. Body frozen mid swing molten earth columns quickly cooling off in the night. The body within was waither thin and blacked, it almost resembled a skeleton trapped with a suit of black armour. You couldn't spot the other one. But Genji arrived, he already had s black eye forming, his lips split. "After you killed his Buddy, he slipped into the earth and skedaddled away. Couldn't even stand and fight" Genji noted angrily, you nodded. The earthies had a habit of escaping as quickly as they came. "There were more than two." Genji nodded his agreement as he grasped your arm he began leading you back towards the center of camp. The whole place was a buzz. The wounded were being treated as men watched out into the dark angrily talking, spears in hand. "To bend like that… they weren't trying to kill us all. Just slow us down while they dealt with you." He admitted, supporting your own assumptions. Someone from Qin Yu hadn't been very happy with his success. With the rising sun you were happily surprised, there had been no fatalities. Many were injured but the worst had only a few broken arms and legs. You and Genji had escaped almost free of any wound. Despite the coiled readiness of your force, no other attacks took place. Despite this, the occasional feeling of being watched would creep into your mind. But you eyes could never find the source. The days dragged on into eventless travel and with that you had reached the coast. The hard part of the journey home was over. Worming your way to the colonial outpost of New Hu you found your ship home awaiting.

>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.
>Explore the shanty town surrounding the outpost of New Hu
>Write in?

>>4335386
>Explore the shanty town surrounding the outpost of New Hu
>Write in?
Ask around and investigate the locals if they know of suck bending. When and why did they establish this town? It's kind of charming.

>>4335386
>>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.

>>4335386
>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.

>>4335386
>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.

>>4335386
>>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.

File: Hair3_Nighty.jpg (983 KB, 3375x4500)

983 KB JPG

We fuck Azula yet?

>>4337291
kys

>>4337292
Well now I know how i'm voting when the choice comes up. Ha ha ha

>>4335386
>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.
Even if the locals know anything about the assassins, they won’t talk without interrogation, which would take too long and give them another chance to strike

File: 1538336624122.jpg (78 KB, 600x628)

78 KB JPG

>>4335386
>Head straight home, spending your time on ship until it sails.
>>4337291
>>4337340
based

>>4340581
Cursed more like it

>>4335479
>>4335819
>>4336375
>>4336410
>>4339720

Ignoring the unimpressive hamlet of New Hu, you approach the long and more permanent looking docks. The area had been used as an early staging ground during the first few years of the invasion. That was long before your time. Now it sat; most of the docks were empty. More lucrative and larger docks had slowly popped up within the years - now the small outpost was mostly unmanned. The distinct construction style already reminded you of home; red roofed and pale stone. Even if the walls and roofs were not in the best quality. The Fire Navy had a much further reach than before. A single fire nation cruise sat moored, they hadn't even managed to send a battleship for you, though you had expected as much. The calls of seagulls brought some calm to you. Out in the far distance you couldn't see, but you knew home awaited. Foregoing the town of New Hu, even against Genji's protests, your troops marched right to the docks.

A few pheasants were gathering and watching from afar. Only a few old buildings stood out by the nicely and intricately paved stone way, a warehouse and some unimpressive shacks.Dismounting from your komodos, the Lancers formed up into ranks as a flustered man slipped out from one of the buildings, clearly panicking as he approached in his rushed half walk half jog. Infantry men took the reins as the rushing man spotted you and Genji approaching. He had been busy straightening his red robes and fighting the flapping pages of the ledger in hand. The cruiser sat menacingly, deck empty as it broke the horizon; now other ships of boats were seen probably out fishing. You squinted against the high afternoon sun.

The man waved as he finished his approach, slowing to a walk before stopping and bowing profusely as you and Genji closed the distance. The unimpressed man produced a small gust of wind with his intensity, you were almost worried he'd hurt himself. "Prince Zuko! I am Councilman Ban of New Hu, we have been awaiting your arrival with bated breath. I am glad you have made it well! 'The Scorching Seal' is awaiting you". The man quickly gestured to the ship behind. You fanned a hand at him and he ceased his flurry of bows. As he stood you noticed a woman slip out from the same building he had rushed out from. She wore the revealing short robes you had seen enough of - they were a fiery red. The woman gave you a devious wink before heading for the town, Genji's eyebrows danced at that, a slim smile forming on his lips. "The Prince is glad such a fine vessel has been dispatched to ferry us from your fine Townshend." Genji started.

You had forgotten to reply to the man, your attention returned to Ban for a second. "Quiet Councilman Ban. I have no wish to miss the celebrations, I will consult with the Captain to ensure we leave as soon as possible." You retorted sternly, the man creaking under your words. His face looked ready to begin another bout if flurrish bows. "Of course my prince. Allow me to lead you to the Captain!" He announced, turning and waiting for you to follow. You gave Genji a curt nod that he returned as you followed the man.

Orders rung out behind you as the men formed a column to board, by now a few hands had appeared on deck they were watching out towards your troop. Unwanted Ban began to regard you with news from the region, he spoke empty and worthless words. The councilman was eager to proclaim his accomplishments to any - apparently the colonies further along the coast were mere flotsam compared to the bustling hub New Hu was. You had to glance around at that one, it sure didn't look it. Dirty children watched you from the shore, fingers buried in their noses. Such great exploits he had traded with some water tribe refugees and basically robbed them. Apparently some air bender had started trouble in town a while back. But you highly doubted that. "I've never seen any Air nomads beyond the walls. Truly New Hu lures every type of man." You interrupted harshly.

The man's babbling beginning to get on your nerves, Genji had slinked back into line with you. Your Lancers trailing behind in lockstep. "I saw her firsthand my prince! They conspire with the Earthies, trading and sowing resistance. A dreadful sort." He relented, sounding almost hurt at your defiance. Rumours had long echoed across the world. The air nomads slipping from their stormy peaks to trade and aid the water tribes and earth kingdom, always striking out against the fire nation. You'd never personally been to the storm walls or what remained of the eastern and western temples, you had never seen a flying bison or air bender, only the relics your father kept. It was a rumour whispered between criminals and dissidents unwilling to accept law and order. "What did the air bender do?" You inquired, almost having reached the boarding ramp, you had no intention of spending unnecessary time with the man.

"She had arrived, tattoos along her arms and head. The girl was almost pretty, couldn't have been older than yourself Prince Zuko. She had been bartering for some supplies, fishing nets and similar tools. Word of her arrival had reached me quickly, so I had hurried to muster the men and capture her. She would have made a grand gift for this year's celebrations but when we sprung the trap it was like a storm had formed within the town. My guards were thrown about by the invisible might, the currents of wind sent everything flying. With effortless motions she zipped up into the sky before vanishing. A few fishermen claimed they saw a great flying beast." The man happily proclaimed, hands mimicking movements the bender must have made.

With the clink and clank of metal you began to climb the Cruiser. "I'm sure my father will be interested in hearing such news." You announced coldly, mind lingering on the idea of air benders boldy reaching into the world. You didn't exactly believe the man's story. But he would have to be pretty stupid to lie to the Prince if the fire nation. You examined him, he had slipped into a strut, a smug face plastered across him. "Of course my prince, Captain Ai had also been present for the event. He had been in town when the Seal had first arrived. The Captain even said he would carry the word back to the Capital." Your mind flipped at that. The Captain of this vessel had been there, you doubted he'd lie. "When did this take place?". Genji interrupted your thoughts, clearly a few steps ahead. "Oh, say maybe four days ago, or five. It had been quite early in the morning."

You couldn't help rolling your eyes. The idiot was talking like it had been a few months ago, it was a bit too convenient to be just coincidence. You quickly stepped onto the deck, sailors quietly stood in a row on either side. The man bowing in unison as you stepped between them. At the far end an old man stood, arms folded behind his back and chest puffed out; captain Ai you assumed. The old timer looked like how a captain would - a seafaring captain, unlike you. Standing a head taller than you he had wild greying hair, his right leg clearly a stump. Metal rivets ran up and down the wooden leg. The man made limb carrying the blackened shades of burned wood. He did a firm impressive bow as you reached him, both you and Genji returned it but the councilman didn't.

You weren't surprised. "Greeting Prince Zuko, I am Captain Ai of The Scorching Seal. It is an honour to have you aboard. My vessel is awaiting your word." His voice was stern and harsh, the sort of gravelly voice that came with years of smoking. As if on cue he produced a long curling pipe and placed it between his lips, lighting it up and puffing. "I have no intention of lingering, my father is expecting my arrival soon." You informed the man, no reason to waste time here. He grinned, clenching the pipe between his teeth. Whistling to his men. The deck hands began to bustle about, running about preparing to cast off. "Very well Prince Zuko, allow me to lead you to your cabin. Your men have been accommodated with the crew." Ai spoke firmly, smoke drifting from his mouth with each word.

You only nodded to him as he turned, a limping walk towards the bridge. Genji began ordering the men below, a few deck hands had already opened the ports that led below. "Until we meet again Prince Zuko. A thousand blessings upon you" The councilman replied before not so elegantly running back the way you had came. You followed the Captain through the ship's dark corridors. Only the crack of his wooden leg ringing out with each step... the silence was awkward, even for you. The man carried a presence that eclipsed most of the officers you had met. Deadly fierceness in such an aged man. You had to admit you struggled to keep pace with his long strides.

Before long he opened a thick metal bulkhead, gesturing for you to enter. His sharp eyes watched you wordlessly. Windowless the cabin had a single aged candle sitting on the desk. It had already been lit, a cot and desk sat to either side of the small room. You nodded your thanks to the captain and he turned to leave. You had expected more, but you were thankful for the simplicity of the room. "You will be taking tonight's dinner within my quarters Prince Zuko!" the Captain shouted down the corridor as you began to close your bulkhead. A few of the Lancers brought you your bags, along with a tub of water. Genji had sent them along; they also brought word that the platoon was squared away. You thanked them and enjoyed your first bath in months of campaigning. You had to empty and refill the bath a few times, enjoying the act of doing it yourself and the satisfaction that came with work. You didn't need to be waited on hand and foot. The Lancers were your soldiers, not servants or maids. Finishing up you lay on your bed, clean skin cool against your fresh dinner clothes. The set wasn't exceptional fancy, the captain had a sailor bring you down it. You were grateful as you were down to stale week old uniforms. The sailor had left with them, you couldn't expect yourself to wash your own clothes too, you were the prince after all.

Not before too long you were summoned. A sailor of some rank was leading you to the captain's cabin, along the way Genji appeared led by another sailor. The pair of you were led into the dimly lit cabin, far above your own near the bridge. It was not very large, some port windows cast out allowing the setting sun to slip in the last of it's light. The captain was waiting for you, wearing his own set of less fancy uniform. The dinner had been not particularly lavish but the effort was appreciated. It crippled the slop you'd been eating on the march. The topic of Qin Yu had arisen. The captain praised you, aliking you to your uncle - you had relented under his inquisitive mood and eventually you and Genji had shared your personal snippets of the capture of Qin Yu. Ai had seemed impressed, even smiling at the tale.

But before long you had brought up the Air bender. "Captain Ai? Councilman Ban mentioned quite the shocking news as we arrived. An Air bender was spotted within New Hu, I have trouble believing the story personally bu-''. The Captain's face darkened as you mentioned the air bender. Hatred clear and directed at you. "I do not know what that simpleton Ban told you but the Air Bender was real. I crossed her myself, personally." He said, sitting up straight as if offended. His hands rested on the table as he grew disinterested in dessert. "Three days ago. We had arrived to deliver supplies to the colony and await your arrival. It had been that very morning, as Ban's men saw to transporting the goods I walked the wet market. For this very specific meal, I was looking for delicacies. I found one I had never expected to see for the remainder of my days; an Air bender. She had purchased some nets and fishing equipment. She was busy arguing over salted fish, I watched her in amazement. She was a Master air bender."

His hands running down his forehead and arms. "The bold blue lines ended in a familiar point. I had seen it before, at their eastern temple. I had been there when I was a lowly shipmate. I earned my first rank of nobility slaying such a master, she was like him. Some ghost of my boyhood. I had no intention of letting her go, but Ban had caught wind as well. The idiot had sent his entire retinue to surround and capture her. I had acted quickly trying to aid them, but with those short and devious movements she sent them flying. Lucky they had drawn her attention. I began my attack, charging I kept my forms short and concise. They bend faster than we can, their forms of bending are so fluid. She had already dealt with the guards and engaged me. My own flames distracted her long enough for me to close in.

The trick with air benders is to get in close." Captain Ai leaned in his eyes seriously, snapping between you and Genji. You hadn't noticed when you'd leant in eagerly listening. "Get within the arms and legs, their entire body can be used so easily. She knew this and had no intention of letting it happen, with the flick of her wrists and shift of her ankles she was flying through the air, a sudden uplift kg wind catching her flowing robes. But old Ai has dealt with a few air benders in my time. I learned a trick or two. My own movements mimicking her own, a great pushing fire casting me to her heights. She hadn't expected that. My fires burst out and singeing her robes and with great bursts of flames I soared after her, but her entire body caught the wind as she needed it.

Grand gusts pushed me back as she floated further away. I was losing her, with one final deep breath I spat a cone of flames at her. So wide I knew there was no escape. By then I had lost my balance, while falling I saw it." His eyes darted away, wild and wide they were cast out the nearest port hole. "A damn Flying bison. It flew like a leaf, it's great size nothing upon the harsh winds that carried it. That thing headed east further into the earth kingdom. Who knows where it is by now." You were gaping for a second, Genji slower to settle his face of shock. "So it's true then" Genji admitted. The Captain only nodded firmly, his eyes still cast out into the dark night sky.

Retiring, the rest of your night had been spent practicing your forms. The thoughts of flying and air benders heavy on your mind. Sleep had found you quickly, but it was not the generous host. Nightmares haunted you. You charged the wall again, boulders falling like hail as they ground uo the boys following you. From each slab of earth stony men slipped, carving through the ranks of loyal soldiers. A grant howling whipped above, the sky was a dark purple as the early dawn chased you in. Something huge coiled above, twisting through the brightly coloured clouds. Roka showed up, slamming his hammer through your chest. You awoke covered in sweat. The nightmares bothered you the first two days but by the third night you slept well.

The Captain had estimated two days until you reached the capital. Boredom had already taken a hold of you, bringing anxiety of what awaited at home. But you distanced yourself. Busy dodging Genji's bullshit forms. You had no idea who his family paid to teach him fire bending, you recognised some forms as you circled each other, flames meeting and flashing out. A few of the Lancers had gathered around, even some few sailors and Captain Ai. His shoulders rolled as he ducked his head, his steps quick and crouched. His fists balled up before his head, the style was a heavy mix of fighting styles you encountered; it was a very reminiscent of the earth bending style. His fists were locked tightly snapping out quick bolts of flames. You kept to your smooth forms brushing aside the small arcs. dealing with the flames wasn't hard, but the shitter would slink closer.

Fists blitzing at you, wild jabs splitting the flames. You weathered the storm, backing off but keeping your own pressure up, it wasn't long before he stumbled, jumping back from a wide swing. You ducked the torrent of flames and swept low with your feet, catching his bouncing feet, he toppled over and you went in for the kill. Stopping your fist before his startled face earned you an impressed nod from the captain. That left the scores at two each. Your fifth set would be the final. The watchers let out a little fanfare as you parted, each slipping into a sparring form. Genji’s stance was more rigid and traditional - flicking between stances had won him his two sets. Your own inability to fight reflectively catching you up. But you had broken yours forms not too long ago against those assassins. Genji probably hadn't even noticed, he was too busy trying to keep himself alive.

The first exchanges were typical forms, testing one another. Nothing fancy was slipping out as you circled each other. Abruptly his shoulders dropped and his stance lowered arms raising up, a storm of jabs leading his advance. Fire flowered out like orange petals, crouching you counter with your own improvised attack. Kicking off, you breathed in deeply the fire within your churning like it did that night. Two fiendish lances of heat threw you through the air, arcing over Genji's flurry of fire. You were sent spinning, the force more than you had used against the Assassins. It was a good thing that your body had healed. You bounced a little, pain lancing up your side as rolled to halt. On your hands and knees you could see Genji grinning, closing the distance.

Twisting the balls of your feet into the cold metal you tried again. Breathing in again you matched the force from before focusing that dreadful best into the tips of your feet. Flames flickered out the corners of your eyes and as you lifted your hands you were thrown ahead, feet skirting along the ground as you dashed towards Genji. That shocked the shit out of him, with another harsh breath you gave another pulse of power. With a little hop you took off hurtling towards Genji, straightening your body you raised up a leg and speared Into his shoulder. His arms raising to protect his face, the force sent pain up your heel. Both of you buckled, falling hard on your shoulders. It had worked but left much to be desired. The performance had earned another short fanfare.

Sitting up Genji was already getting to his feet. "That looks like a raw!" Captain Ai announced, stepping into the circle. He was shiftless and stepped from foot to peg, a clack reverbed with each movement. The old fella was carved muscle, scars running up and down him. "How about I give you two a taste of real sparring. Not this dancing you kids get up to these days." With the challenge he took on a low stance, arms wide and ready. Genji offered you a hand, you took it, quickly standing as your lungs prickled.

>Fight Offensively?
>Fight Defensively?
>Fight with a Mix of Offense and Defence?

>Fight with Genji DC: 90
>Fight by Yourself DC: 120
>Decline the challenge and let Genji fight alone
>Write in?

>Roll 1d100+30 for Your choice test. The First three rolls for each choice will be accepted and the highest used. If all rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

Rolled 72 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4340734
>Fight by Yourself DC: 120
>Write in?
Take turns. We'll go first, then Genji. Just to see how we match up against the veteran. I don't expect to win. I just want to see how far we have to go before we're as good as Captain Ai.

Rolled 15 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4340734
Mix offense and defense, fight by yourself.

>>4340734
>Fight with a Mix of Offense and Defence?

Rolled 84 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4340734
>Fight with a Mix of Offense and Defence
>Fight by Yourself DC: 120

Rolled 31 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>4340967
So close

Writing: fight by yourself

>>4340967
A good try, I'd say. Hopefully we impress him.

>>4341023

114, 102, 45 (120)

Dusting yourself off you rolled your shoulders and clicked your neck from side to side. Bouncing from one leg to another, body abuzz. "How about Captain vs Captain!" You challenged back. Genji took the hint and jogged over to the growing circle of men. A few cheers went up as Ai nodded agreement, his eyes momentarily tracking the lieutenant. You were focused on the old man, muscles tensing and loosening as you struck a fierce pose. Both hands held out in front of you, as if you were going to pluck the fire right out of the sky. Simmering palm stance. "I'll just have to teach you individually then. Let's see what the Dragon of the West has taught you." With that said you both bowed and the spar began. Focusing on your breathing you did not rush into anything, testing the waters you just circled one another.

The captain kept his eyes firmly pinned to yours without blinking, you felt pressure rise under his gaze. He still hadn't done anything, he just watched. He underestimated you - you had to strike first and strike hard. With a roar you flowed through the more intense form uncle had taught you. Embers on the Breeze to Smouldering Coals and finally Summer Inferno. Your arms taut as they snapped out flame after flame, your kicks producing hooked flames to cross him up. You couldn't see through the flurry, fire rising high as it roared in the wind, dropping low you mimicked your kicking off pose. The starting position for long runners. You could see a foot, the peg was not touching the ground. With a deafening explosion of heat you watched as your barrage was smashed skyward. A thick torrent of spiralling flames carrying it far above the deck. The old man's peg was aflame, high above his head it hovered.

You were impressed at how flexible he was, for a moment the smoking log swayed in the air. Then a grin spread wide across his face as he brought his fake foot down from the high kick. His wooden stick spewing out a thick column of flame that lashed down towards you. You threw yourself a side just to escape the counter. Suddenly surprised at the ease with which he had dealt with your flurry. "Your bending feels empty Zuko!" the old man muttered loud enough for you to hear. The flames smashing along the deck petered out with a crackle. His stump found its place on the metal. His forms changed, faster than your own did. Awfully fluid for a man with one leg, he started with Firefly at Midnight. Uncle had tried to teach you that form, you hadn't quite gotten it yet. Then Smoke upon the Water, another advance form. Finishing with Morning Eclipse, all were more leg orientated forms.

You were far from skilled enough to match the Captain's performance. The heat made you wince before the flames even neared, but you didn't have to equal such force, you just had to knock it from your course; uncle had taught you as much. Trying to stand you managed to meet the flames while crouched, the sweat on your arms boiling as you fired off small blasts of flames. You knelt within a storm of bright and dark oranges. It had stopped the first terrible few strikes, but the assault did not let up. Your flames trembled and barely pushed the force aside; It was unrelenting. You had no second to breathe, what you did manage to inhale was hot and merciless. It brought you to a knee, but thankful with some lower forms you managed to endure the inferno. "I expected more Prince Zuko." You heard Ai laugh, you winced against the blinding soft blues of the world.

Eyes unprepared for the sudden shift of light. The flames finally gone. He was toying with you, forcing air into your lungs and feeding the rage within you. Gritting your teeth you bared you fangs at him, well the dark figure you thought was him. Through squinting eyes you rose back on the offensive. Blazing Bonfire to Fluttering Kiln you tried your hardest to form The Spring Dragon. You had been low already, not even bothering to stand. Left leg trailing out behind you, right leg bending as your hip drove you lower, pushing your right foot. Friction dancing up your body. Your left hand delicately gripped your hip, guiding it on while your right hand curled before your face. Hiding the man from your foggy view, breathing in deeply your rage boiled. You were Prince Zuko, Hero of Qin Yu and Heir to the Fire Nation. Twisting your flat hand until your palm faced outwards, the great serpentine faced down Captain Ai.

Snapping back the same arm your elbow nuzzled your hip, the grooves of your ribs pressing into the tense muscles along the back of your arm. Then the Dragon struck, just like you had seen Uncle. Palm straightening with a terrible roar. Friction suddenly reversed as the might pushed you backwards, your stance keeping you from sliding across the metal deck. You roared, the flame filling your vision as the old man vanished. You had done it, that would show him, your body throbbed with pain but the orange and red coiled on. It snaked out far passed the side of the vessel. Steaming rising into view. Then a flicker caught your eyes, pain suddenly lancing through your body. The dragon's mighty breath stuttered and then you saw him clearly. His eyes staring directly into your own. His arms effortlessly redirecting the flames around his low crouched frame.

The stance was similar to your own, The Spring Dragon form, but both hands snapped forward flicking the torrent away. The metal around him taking on a vibrant glow. You took a deep breath and winced, more pain shooting through your lungs. The air choked you. Then the old man seized the initiative, another stutter came and the blast lessened even more. You swore the moment your mouth opened to suck air in he moved. Stance suddenly changing, into a tight crouched form, his hands out before him. Just like you had before, it had been a running stance, he mimicked you. But Ai was better, flames exploded from his hands and feet. Arms pulling him forward through the air like he was swimming while his legs kicked him off. He dashed towards you a blur, you tried to react. Twisting you palm further up to anticipate his path.

But he was too fast. Elbows drove down into your shoulders as you tried to reel back from his grab. Both of his hands meshed together as they held your head in place, pinching your hair painfully. Then with his flame boosted legs he drove both knees into your chin. It oddly hadn't hurt, just you suddenly felt nothing. "The Spring Dragon does not rely on Rage" was the last thing you remembered hearing. For a while anyway. By the time you had awoken you were back in your quarters, someone had bandaged your head. Your entire body ached, your legs and arms threatening to cramp up the moment you tried to move. You might have pushed it too far, but you were sure you'd put up a fine display. Captain Ai was more than you had expected, for some reason you don't think Genji put up as much of a fight.

As if speaking of the spirit was enough to call him forth. Genji appeared head peeking into your room. He had two very black eyes, they were almost swollen shut. "You look like shit" The words coming in unison as the boy slinked into your room, it was more of a limpy slink. He didn't even smile, his face a stiff portrait of pain. You were stupid enough to try and grin, pain throbbed down your jaw forcing your eyes to water. You gripped your sheets tightly til the pain subsided. Soon both of you were wearing the same face of unmoving distraught pain. It hurt to do anything, your fingers softly prodding at the tight swollen flesh. "How did you do?" You muttered, swallowing the drool suddenly filling your mouth.

Genji sat at the desk, hands holding his head. "Worse than you, I couldn't even get him on the defensive. Old geezer just wailed on me." You nodded sagely, expected as much from the lieutenant. "He is expecting us for dinner again." Genji managed, between sighs. You imagine to gloat. "We probably could have taken him together…" You mumbled, earning a shrug from Genji. It wasn't long before the same ship mates had appeared and led you back to the Captain's cabin. Both of you stalked into the room, bodies far from happy with the development. The Captain sat on his desk, sipping a dark liquid from a glass in hand. He smiled as his eyes found you. "Hoho The Fire nation still produces the fiercest fighters across the world I see. Sit. You must taste this rum." Ai gleefully addressed the room, a face full of satisfaction as you both sat in silence.

Elegantly the man produced two more glasses and a long dark bottle in his other hand. "I know eating will be hard, but this Fireferret Rum from the Capital will put the spring back into your step." He insisted, placing a glass and pouring until it spilled onto the table. You nodded your thanks. "It was a very enlightening spar Captain Ai. Thank you." You forced out, trying your hardest not to dribble as your wounded mouth disobeyed. You took a sip of the rum. Almost spitting it across the table. It burned like drinking boiling water, it was hotter than tea and burned through your nose. Taking a few deep breaths you tried to cool your throat and nostrils, the cold air chasing the hot liquid into your stomach below.

Genji coughed and sputtered. "Thank you Captain Ai!" He choked, one of his hands thumping his chest. "You are both fine Young Fire benders, it brings me joy seeing such skill." He spoke rather softly, his eyes still wicked and barbed however. His sudden shift in demeanour annoyed you, he was treating you like children. "But!" His voice slipping back into the harsh gravel, sipping again he produced his pipe. Chomping down on the dark wood as his eyes flickered back and forth between you and Genji. "But! But! But. Overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer." He tapped just below his knee, where his stump began.

For a second you thought you saw the glow of embers within the wooden leg. "I had claimed the kill of one Air master and was eager for another, I had thought myself the slayer of air benders. Possessing a secret only known to me alone. But I was wrong, the next master I faced was fiercer. By then there wasn't much of the eastern temple left. We had laid waste to all within. Men, women and children alike. The Nomads were on the back foot, caught between a last stand and fleeing to the north or south. I thought she would be easy pickings, the master was old you see. Probably around my own age now, I was just like you boys back then. I confronted her, while the battle raged around us.

I had used that trick to catch her and her bison. She was loading the damn beast with all the wounded she could, children and other old desperate to escape." You listened intently. Ai had cast his gaze back into the gloomy night sky, slowly you sipped on the rum. After each drop your breathing came easier. You hadn't heard much about the culling of the eastern or western air temples. Besides what had been taught to you, the air avatar had betrayed the fire nation and attacked.

Eager to cripple your family's power. The destruction of their homes had been in retaliation. "She was old and I young, pride and stupidity fed the great fire within me. She had tried to flee, her flying bison shepherding refugees. But she was my target, I have never burned that way since. That battle was truly my greatest. Through the sky we clashed, from temple spire to rocky outcropping I burned through the air chasing her. She used this gliding staff to repel me, her attacks crippling instead of killing. She wouldn't even give me the dignity of fighting ruthlessly, even as we slaughtered her people. And so I thought if you will not face me then perhaps your wounded, old and children will.' The bison had been under fire, other benders trying to steal my prize. Thankfully it had distracted the master enough for me to strike. I'd flanked wide, hiding myself. Waiting for her guard to lower, waiting for her to focus on the other benders trying to end her life. My timing was perfect, she had barely seen me. I actually managed to land on the bison, they wear these large wide saddles. More like a broad sedan chair, with no roof. The wind whipped around me as I glared down at cowering nomads. Taking a deep breath I began an easy form, just one simple form, enough to toast all aboard the beast. But she had noticed me, as I had hoped. She was quicker than I had expected, Air is dreadfully faster than all other elements. There she was before me, her once placid face suddenly hateful. I must admit I grinned, but I overestimated my skill, her hands twisted about in front of us. Before I could even blink she snatched that deadly breath from my lungs. Pulling it free and extinguishing my flame. She bared her teeth then. Coiling my own breath around me until she drove her fist into my chest. Blasting me away with my own damn breath." He shook his head at the statement, you didn't know much about air benders.

Supposedly the nomads were pacifists, at some point. Your teachers never exactly spoke highly of them. "But I was not that easily dealt with. As I struggled to urge my lungs to work I had managed to grab onto the Bison's fur. The idiot nomads had braided the hair along its ugly face. If I could not bring her down I would bring the bison down, with half a breath I struck out, barely holding on with one arm as i thrashed about wildly from the beast. A harsh blast blinded its left eye, and for a second it dropped. The wind suddenly whipping up passed me. But with a terrible roar it twisted its head to face me. One boiled eye indifferent as the other seething with hatred. Suddenly it thrashed, clamping down on my leg. Bit it clean off, the shock made me lose my grip. Thankfully its dive had gotten us nearer to the temples. I ended up falling through a slanted roof and into fire held territory. But I was down a leg while up on some nobility." You were unsure of what to say.

The development was a sudden one. But Ai didn't seem to mind the awkward silence. "Let Old Ai's mistake be enough to teach you!" He had proclaimed with a slur in his words. You had finished your second glass of the rum and the room rocked from side to side. More than a ship usually did. Genji could only manage a nonsensical mumbling in response. And before long you had returned to your cabins. The remaining days had been spent recovering, you had hoped Ai would give you some pointers but your body was nowhere near ready for any more sparring. And so as the days past you eventually found yourself examining the familiar peaks of home. The coast laid out before you, the distant capital sat in a crater you could just make out. The Royal plaza lay ahead, as empty as you'd expect. You and Genji looked worn out anyway. You didn't want a parade or celebration for your return, there were plenty of boys who could not return home.

>Dismiss The Lancers?
>Have The Lancers accompany you?

>Head straight to the Capital?
>Rest in the Harbour city before heading to the Capital?
>Write in?

>Roll 1d20 for Random encounter Table. The average of the first three rolls will be used to determine what event takes place.

>>4344053
>Head straight to the Capital?

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4344053
>Have the Lancers accompany us
They've earned the distinction
>Head straight to the capital
We've rested enough

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4344053

>Have The Lancers accompany you
>Head straight to the Capital

>>4344053
Rolled 9 (1d20)
>Have The Lancers accompany you
>Head straight to the Capital
Time to ̶g̶e̶t̶ ̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶f̶a̶c̶e̶ ̶b̶u̶r̶n̶t̶ ̶o̶f̶f̶ visit our lovely father.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4344053
>Have The Lancers accompany you
>Head straight to the Capital

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4344053
>Rest in the Harbour city before heading to the Capital?
>Write in?
We're early and have time to spare. We can afford to recover from our injuries, at least so our sister doesnt poke any more fun at us. I also want to see what Ai has to teach us.
I dont know standard protocol, but the Lancers are free to see their families and friends. No doubt they miss them. Just for a few days until we go to the capital.

>>4344053
>Have The Lancers accompany you?
>Head straight to the Capital?
Hyped for politics.

Slipping past the plaza the Scorching seal came to halt short of the docks. You could make out figures hurrying back and forth. The place was buzzing with activity, shouts and noise of city life. You couldn't help smiling. Less than a week ago you were in the grasps of death, tragedy hid under any rock - other boys were not lucky enough to see home. You enjoyed it for those who couldn't. "Everyone is so busy, the Day of Crimson Clouds is on everyone's mind. A glorious fifteen years have passed and still no sign of the next Avatar. What do you expect your Father will do Zuko?" Genji asked too loudly and too informally for your liking. He sat on the ledge, legs dangling off the side of the ship. Captain Ai had told him to stop, but the captain was currently preoccupied with docking the vessel.

Luckily no hands or Lancers were near enough to overhear. You felt you could confide in him. Genji had yet to betray your trust. "Ba Sing Se. There is no way the Avatar is from the water tribes. Not after what we did to them, that leaves only the earthies. It would explain their conspiring with the nomads and tribals. The Avatar is probably within Ba Sing Se. Can't be any older than ten." Your reply actually seemed to shock Genji, the boy actually returning a serious glance. His face becoming thoughtful for a second, he hummed. "Fire devours air. Fire evaporates Water. All that's left is Earth huh? They just need to hold us off until they have the Avatar to aid them." Genji mused. You nodded, it would explain a lot. The earthies had too much to lose, their Avatar was the last hope, a misled child to aid their incompetence.

The other nations had proved they could not govern themselves. Even with the failings of the nobility, the fire nation only brought progress. Even if they did not want to live as man should, they would be pulled up and forced to advance. They were content to live in squalor. But you pushed those thoughts of outside away. You were home now, none of that mattered, you could not change anything. "You and the Lancers will accompany me to the Capital. It's about time I had a personal guard. The Lance of Zuko as you so eloquently put it. I'm sure I can find the men a place within the palace barracks." You said as ships slipped out of the docks and floated back out to sea.

A few merchant vessels had made way for the cruiser and before long you were drawing up alongside the dock. "I'm glad to hear it. I'd be lying if I said I was in a hurry to return to Commander Weichu or General Wue. I know the others feel the same, a lot more than just one platoon wanted to follow you Zuko." Genji said, pulling his legs back aboard and standing beside you. You kept your face blank, trying to avoid smiling. Happiness briefly lifting your sore body, but you stifled it. Numerous deckhands ran about to prepare for mooring. Captain Ai saw you off, entrusting you with a small bottle of his own concoction. A gift for your uncle. Genji had readied the men and without any pause or fanfare you set off down into the city. The beauty of the royal plaza only brought up memories of your childhood, of your mother and father.

You drew some attention, riding atop Yuyu your armed entourage boxed around you. The peasants knew to keep a good distance, some were cheeky enough to make small talk with the men. The boys smiled and waved, shouting back news and other talk. You paid it no mind. Soon enough you were in the throng of mid day. You avoided most of the busy streets, it didn't take too long to barge your way through the city. Genji dealt with the officials, your mere presence alone making the complaints suddenly none existent. A couple guards had traded words with your troops but no fights had kicked off. Before long you were leaving through the main gates. Walking the stone pathed way to the Capital. The march came easily, many of the travellers and merchants admiring your formation with smiles and pride.

The atmosphere was the polar opposite of just a week ago. When the road only meant risk and every refugee's empty glares only spoke of hatred. The formation slackened, lines mixing, but you didn't mind. You enjoyed watching the same boys you had bled with suddenly relaxing. That edge was gone, the oppressive thing would hang over every step. But finally you were home, that damn worry away. You wished you could share their levity, but you dreaded seeing your father and sister. But your mother and little brother would be there. You had only been gone a few months, but it felt like years had passed. Even here your eyes didn't rest, examining and hanging on people. Measuring strangers for any hint of trouble. You walked differently, a limp stalk, even as the old pain had vanished it still haunted you forcing your body to brace.

Body unwilling to risk wounding itself. You weren't the only one who had changed. Genji used to strutt his way around, chest puffed up like one big cock, but now he rode stooped in his saddle. Eyes jubilant as he talked to his soldiers, but not always, you'd seen them harden, glancing around like you were back under that wall. You'd lost count of how many times your eyes had met, both busy surveying for a threat. But you had changed for the good too. You had killed your first man, forced yourself to use untrained forms. You know the sin is not in being outmatched, but in failing to recognise it. Captain Ai, Qin Yu both could have gone better or far worse. You could be dead at the base of that wall, piled atop the lives you wasted. Unworthy as you have always been. "Zuko!" You heard interrupt your begrudging thoughts, you instinctively looked over to the source.

Genji was smiling at you. "Iri says he's from these parts and can lead us on a shortcut to the capital." You watched him, quizcation heavy on your face. You had no idea who Iri was. "What?" You asked not bothering to hide your puzzlement. Genji just shook his head and gestured a thumb to the side of his komodo, a boy stepped further from the beast's shadow so you could see him. The same man who had taken up the banner, the bloody thing was rolled up and resting on his shoulder. He looked younger than you had remembered, but his wide face was distinct enough to be the same from back then. He gave you a nod. "His village isn't far, he said there is a more direct path he knows." You eyes focused on Iri, his own flickering around under your gaze.

The boy probably just wanted to see his family. "How is this way faster than the Royal road?" You mused, voice still and unthreatening - or at least as much as you tried. Genji also focused his attention on Iri, clearly not actually privy to the details of this shortcut. Iri flustered under the interrogation, but after a brief hesitated pause he replied. "Well Prince Zuko, the path into the capital usually bogs down further along." He proceeds to motion with his hand carving a zigzag motion in the air. "The road takes the accent slowly, usually scaling takes an entire day. So carts and caravans can climb easier, it becomes a slog through traffic. But since we are on foot, it would be faster to take my father's route. We never had the money for a cart, so we'd hike our goods up the less used footpaths. It's steeper, but not a hard way." He said loudly, jumping at his own voice.

You had known it would be slow going the closer you got to the entrance to Caldera. The sharp winding cliffs would be packed with merchants, especially now, everyone always had the same idea to be early. Uncle had said the true skill of a merchant was how long they'd wait in a line without being paid. Or something more spiritual along those lines. "What do you think Genji?" You proposed, trusting the lieutenant to decide. Face thoughtful he eventually settled on nodding his head. "The holiday rush will be murder, Iri lead the way." The boy smiled at Genji's decision, the weight once heavy on him slipping away. "Of course Lieutenant. Thank you Prince Zuko." He said before bowing and rushing ahead.

The marching continued. Genji chased away any improvised thoughts with daft questions and deeply spiritual and quantum musings. 'What if I was the Avatar? But I just didn't know it yet? I heard the water tribes cast their old out on chunks of ice, to save food supposedly. Ada said that women of the earth kingdom were the best lovers, did you know that? Back in Qin Yu some drunkard claimed he found a library out in the desert. Crazy right? I didn't know earthies could read!' Thankfully in the late afternoon the column wormed its way from the stone road and onto a muddy trail. That same trail round its way through low hills and across small streams but eventually as the sun was setting you glimpsed lights ahead. A wide clearing came into view as your column marched it's way in, a village lay in the middle. Rows of farm land first welcomed you, but soon the village proper, the houses were half stone and wood.

The type that was more prevalent when the fire nation had lower ambitions, you'd seen plenty of abandoned houses with a similar style. Wide and long, perfect spots to play hide and seek in as a child. These ones were just lived in, more than just lived in. For such a low number of houses, each two storied and haphazardly lined up along the clearing. A shockingly large number of people had appeared, some following you from the fields others flowing out the buildings. Soon your platoon was eclipsed by dirty faced peons. Men, women and children watch you with interest and a heavy handful of fear and worry. You made out a pair of old women pushing their way through the bulky crowd. The village elders most likely. Smoothly and awfully in turn you and Genji dismounted, you found Iri waiting for you as you pulled your remaining foot from the stirrup.

The Lancers kept their tight form, saying nothing they watched the mass around them. You were surrounded now, more had crept around you and appeared as bloody Iri had. Without a word he led you forward, Genji slid up alongside you. The old women had broken the folds of the crowd and were hobbling towards you. Both wore well kept crimson robes with golden lace embroidery, you crossed to join them, Iri and Genji falling a step behind you. You felt the eyes of the entire village on you, the two old women standing closely together. As if the old crones needed each other for stability. A tension hung in the air as both groups came to halt not far from one another.

You hated talking in front of so many people, their eyes on you expecting something. "Generous greetings! What brings such a noble Captain to our humble Shi village?" One of the old women asked her hand outlining where your stripes lay. The pair bowed as much as their bodies could - it wasn't much. Genji began stepping forward to introduce you, but smoothly you held out your hand stopping him as you took a step closer. You would give them the honour. You probably looked as bad as you felt. "A thousand blessings upon your comforting village, we have come here seeking a swift route to the Royal Caldera City." You spoke, avoiding introducing yourself. Rigidly and respectfully you bowed low, hoping the other two mimicked you. You happened to glance Iri straightening as you did the same.

The two old women watched you intently, the same one that had spoken had a hand on her chin. "Aye many men from here know quicker paths to scale the crater. I am Bu this is my younger sister Bi." She replied, gesturing to herself and then the silent old woman. "What might your name be, young captain?" Your eyes flickered around the crowd, unsure where to focus. Taking a deep breath you were satisfied with closing them. "I am Prince Zuko, First born son of Fire Lord Ozai. Hero of Qin Yu." The words came formal and heavy, swallowing hard you opened your eyes. The women shared a look of shock, eyes wide in confusion. You had expected as much. You probably should have lied, just say your name was Captain Lee or Captain Mushi or something.

Without prompting the two startled old ladies knelt, dropping to their knees bowing their heads to the ground. A second later, the entire village took up the act. You winced, you hadn't wanted this. You weren't worth all this damn drama. "If I wanted you to kneel I would have said that." You mumbled bitterly as you closed the distance, grasping one of the old women and forcing her to stand. She bloody pulled away until you spoke. Iri thankfully had found the other elder and was helping her back to her feet. You couldn't hide the annoyance on your face, the old woman's eyes suddenly cast away. "Just pretend I am not a Prince. This young captain is simple here, seeking guidance up the crater."

Bu watched you with wary eyes, Bi straitened her back as she glared at you, her creased face creasing more. "Aye! You can't expect us to just forget you are Prince Zuko. Fucking heir of Fire Lord Ozai and Fucking Hero of Qin Yu! What dogs would not bow before you! Shi carries the very passion of the fire nation! My seven sons all fought for this land! My idiot grandson leads you here with a smirk on his face!" Bi roared out, anger heavy as she turned from you to Iri. She pulled up a sleeve and walloped the boy over the head. You were a little shocked by the thickness of her country accent and the volatility in her cursing.

The remaining villagers rose warily watching with the confusion you shared. "The Shi Village will happily serve in any way it may Handsome young Captain Zuko!" Bu interjected, one hand trying to sooth Bi by delicately patting her face away. "Aye! Fucking handsome Prince Zuko! Shi are humble and loyal servants of the fire nation!" Bi roared, her other hand trying to stop Bu's attack. As the sun set, the passion of Shi faded and Bu and Bi led you to their home. It wasn't a long walk but Bi had to chase off most of the gawking people. The Lancers followed and quickly you were all found room. Despite your protests and insistence on only requiring a guide, the village held a celebration in your name.

The clearing ablaze with the twangs and hollow bonks of country music, a few old throat singers performed while a goat pig had been slaughtered. You had been awarded the entire second floor while Bu and Bi relegated themselves and the Lancers below. The large houses were more spacious than you had expected. The rooms were only really divided by thin paper walls. No wonder so many lived in so few houses. They had no privacy. The entire platoon had been stuffed full; stew vegetables and roots with barbecue putton. It wasn't anything exquisite but the food was comforting and delicious. Sitting next to Genji and Iri with a mouthful of food you finally realised you were home. Everything had changed, you were not the same old Zuko. There were people who respected and trusted you, more than you may have realised.

The night stretched on until the moon was far overhead. You had to admit you did laugh and talk among the Lancers, more than you would have otherwise. A few others were from this same village, Iri and them had all volunteered together. Families came and tears were had with the return of sons; and the absences of others. The brooding thoughts had returned, they would all have been dead if not for you. The nobility cared little for the blood spilled, were you really different from your Father's generals? Did you really deserve to be here treated like some saviour? The meal soured with your mood. Perhaps you did not owe these people their reverence. A scream shattered your thoughts, smearing yourself loathing.

Shouts echoed as you and the Lancers arose, with a deadly fluid motion forty something men rose as one terrible beast. Dressed in nothing but their under robes they grabbed what was on hand and stepped down into the village proper. The word "Bandits!" Carried in by fleeing children and women.

>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60
>Refrain from joining the Lancers?
>Write in?

>Roll 1d100+30 for Your choice test. The First three rolls for each choice will be accepted and the highest used. If all rolls pass the success will have a bonus.

Rolled 58 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4346022
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60

Rolled 53 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4346012
>When the road only meant risk and every refugee's empty glares only spoke of hatred.
I still like to think those earth nation folk in the half starved city was starting to warm up to us.

>But your mother and little brother would be there.
Oh shitvwe have a brother? If I'd lnow I would had suggested bringing him back a souvenir. In fact I kind of wished we brought back souvenirs. Something to do next time we leave.

>>4346022
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60
As many as we can acquire alive without endangering our own men. The living will tell us where they're holed out in, in addition to any other illicit activities they and others have committed. Bandits need a fence to sell their goods after all.

Rolled 51 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>4346022
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60

File: 1579988835522.png (296 KB, 617x602)

296 KB PNG

>>4346129
>>4346142
>>4346144
Are you jobbers ready for a great success?

>>4346022
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60

From what little I understand, they can be formed due to the incompetence of a government, layed off soldiers that were cheated of their veterans benefits by the nobility, country bumpkins that want to play vandals, or genuine assholes that like to steal and kill. What do you guys think we should do with the bandits? Kill them all? Recruit them? See if there is a bounty reward? What of all their I'll gotten goods? Do they connects? Are they a large or small group?

>>4346129
>>4346142
>>4346144
This is the most average series of rolls I've ever seen. Good enough though

>>4346018
We'll just pretend to be Captain Okuz next time.
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60

>>4347568
They have horses or something I assume? And probably outnumber us 2 to 1.

>>4346022
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60
Forgot to vote.
>>4347588
We still beat them by a longshot.

>>4346022
>Crush the Bandits with the Lancers? DC:60
>>4347588
Bandits could be anything from a rogue army of seasoned veterans, to asshole peasants who can’t even bend. We honestly have no idea what we’re up against.

>>4347887
>>4346022
Sorry. Wrong quest.

81, 83, 88 (60)

The screams of terror and fear were eclipsed by a horrendous roar. Long and vicious it called out promising death and suffering. Wordlessly it spoke of a primitive rage all men could recognise; a deep buried hatred so rarely encountered. The band of the grey fox halted, trembling before the beast that had stirred, jabbing and prodding like restless children.Torches, axes and crude blades in hand, they froze under the unexpected wrath - brothers, sons and fathers of the fire nation fell upon them, without spear or sword. The Lance of Zuko smashed into the daunted sum of men. They had expected the old and the invalid... they had been wrong.

You hadn't grabbed anything. Genji and the other boys weren't far ahead of you; pushing through the fleeing villagers you could make out the light of torches combing through the fields. A few of the outer farms were burning. You sneered, a bile of pure disgust rising up through you, fists clenched you roared in your fury. You couldn't make it out amongst the rest of the clamour, charging on you gained ground. The torches had halted but you could make out the faces of cutthroats standing in the fields. You hopped the first fence landing in the rows of produce with Genji landing next to you. The embers inside you danced into a mighty flame, for a second you were worried you'd breathe flames as you desperately inhaled, but there was none. Brutally you moved through your forms, Kindling by the Sand into the Hearth by the Wall.

Genji matched you, even in the gloom you could glimpse his forms. Together your hands clapped. Far ahead of you the torches flickered out, the burning farms suddenly extinguished. With a roar you savagely both pulled your hands apart, bloody images of victims within your grasp gorging on your rage and for a moment night became day. The torches erupted, burning out in an instant, furiously blinding white flames leapt onto the degenerates; they were tendrils of searing hate. The fields were illuminated by fleeing torches, the lucky bandits cowered from their immolated brothers, frozen in the night. In the bloom you saw the truth - you and Genji were not the only firebenders present. To you left stood Bi hands widely spread like your own and on Genji's right Bu. Just a head the Lancers met the brigands brutally knocking their shocked blades aside. Fist and foot reigning down the shared rage down on them. None escaped, the beating continued.

They almost had two bandits to a Lancer, but that had changed nothing against the protests and cries for mercy. The Lancers hauled them back into the village proper, all were bloody and walked unstably; writhing and trying to flee the hand of justice. The unlucky few who had carried the torches were severely burned, their bodies smelt like barbecue putton. You'd seen burns that severe before, they did not heal quickly. The village had settled by the time you had returned, the women and children watched from afar. The old and young men alike joined in with the sentencing. You found yourself begrudgingly before the criminal leader,
blinded he knelt in the dirt, prattling on like a scared child spilling all of his wrong doings and the harsh justification. You didn't believe his lies. The gang had about eighty members, most were the harsh and gruff types. Far from desperate or starving farmers, their accents thick and heavy with the slur of Caldera. You'd know who they were before they even begged for mercy. "Gangsters from the royal city. My father must be cracking down on the worms shifting in the bowles of Caldera." You gestured to the kneeling and restrained men. "The Day of Crimson Clouds can not be marred by anything." You huffed while Genji and the others surrounded you.

Without much arguing the village had promised to deal with the criminals, but you had leveraged your claim. You would march them back to Caldera, they could carry their wounded where they could face their crimes and the noose. In truth you had no pity or mercy for them. This wasn't war, they weren't defending their homes, they were destroying the lives of their brothers and sisters - kicking sand in the eyes of their very kin. The Lancers took turns watching the kneeling group until the sun rose. You had the right to kill them all there and then, but you had no wish of sullying the village with more of their twisted blood. They had moaned and complained, grumbling into their gags. Bu and Bi forced more food and praise upon you, the whole village cheering your boys on. And before the sun had reached high into the early morning sky, the ascent had begun. The journey had not been what you expected, the paths were wide and well tread with ancient steps seemingly cut into the mountainside. The morning dew sat on the grooving mountainous path.

A low fog rolling down as you marched on. The way was wide enough for a few rows to march easily, You and Genji rode ahead. Iri's father and uncle were guiding the platoon through the hazy route, both bore the scars of combat. Iri’s father was missing a few fingers and his uncle an eye - you never had the time to ask who they had served under. Only the soft chatter of your troops and the occasional complaint from your prisoners broke the serene place, even Genji kept quiet; he was intent on watching the grey blanket around you all. The twisting and shifting of arms were somewhat relaxing. Apparently he had failed to impress some girl he'd chatted up even after saving the village. You occasionally caught him pouting but you let him stew. Your mind was also thankfully quiet, even with what lay ahead you took some solace in seeing your family. The dirt road wormed its way up the crater and not before too long you cast your eyes down on the fog you once trekked through. Jagged peaks ahead climbed high into the blue domain.

The men had slowed as the path slimmed with the climb. The grumbles of the prisoners halted; they were all tied together and with one wrong step, they would all be facing a long painful trip down. You had no doubt that they would find no help from your men. Without any issues by late afternoon the Lancers had begun to slip back onto the royal road, somehow you had slipped a day's worth of slogging into only a few hours. It felt like you had already slept. The calm carrying you home before you had even known it. You gave Iri his time to say goodbye, the men conveniently dawdled in forming ranks. As the sun set, the platoon strutted their way through the traffic, a path cleared quickly - even if a few unsavoury words were yelled about. The eyes of travellers flowed from you to your prisoners.

The city guards were surprised to see you. Genji's black eyed introduction clearly showed on their faces, you probably looked just as beaten up. No wonder he had trouble with the girls, the city guards were all well groomed and well clothed. The Lance of Zuko were all quite scruffy. They wore blood stained armour, the red uniform failing to hide the dark brown blotches, your own held quite a lot of those. Without any fuss they let you through and took the bandits into custody. A small squad generously offered to escort you to the Royal Palace. The streets of Caldera were alive. It was such a change from what you had seen in the east - countless happy faces flickered past the beauty of home finally helping to calm you. Just ahead you saw the palace sitting within the city centre. All around you the claws of the dragon rose up with curved talons forged through unbending heat.

The crooked peaks of the crater brought you back to your childhood. How many days you had slipped away to enjoy the view, as if the heart of the fire nation lay coiled safely by a mighty serpent king. The citizens of Caldera knew how to allow their defenders through, with many regarding the obviously battle worn men with smiles and gifts. You almost got knocked from Yuyu. A sweet pear had hit your chest before bouncing off and rolling to a stop in your saddle. Genji wasn't as lucky, he'd seen his coming and tried to catch it but he fumbled and dropped it; unfazed he resorted to blowing a good handful of kisses at the woman responsible. She threw another pear harder. Her fruit cart was well provisioned and cared for. You just settled on a wave, biting into the crisp treat.

And then came the wall, the glow of the city stretched all around you while you awaited the royal procession. They were hesitant to admit your personal unit, but with the promise of supervision the Platoon and Genji vanished towards the Royal Barracks; new armour and weapons awaited them, The Day of Crimson Clouds was still a while away, you wanted to spend more time with them - training the unit to be more effective. But you were just distracting yourself, flanked by the white face plated guard you were led across scorched earth and towards the palace. Red and high tiered it loomed far above you. You were on your own now.

>Visit your Father, Fire Lord Ozai first?
>Visit your Mother Ursa and little brother Zozen first?
>Visit your Uncle Iroh first?
>Write In?

>>4347947
>Visit your Mother Ursa and little brother Zozen first?
We got any gifts?

>>4347947
>Visit your Uncle Iroh first
Hopefully he's up to date with court politics or at least knows if our father is mad at us.

>>4348044
changing my vote to this. We'll give uncle the tea and booze first,and maybe ask him what Captain Ai meant by "The Spring Dragon does not rely on Rage".

>>4347947
>Visit your Uncle Iroh first?

>>4347947
>Visit your Uncle Iroh first?

>>4347947
>Visit your Uncle Iroh first!!!
The wisest and most wholesome man on the continent. :)

(∩*ω)⊃━
(ヮ)ﾟ

I guess there's no update today, which is totally fine. Mantis is the only OG I know of that posts the P H A T T E S T wall of posts on this board.

>>4350582
True, he's pretty prolific.

The Royal guards escorted you inside the palace willingly. The fierce silence of their training was almost overwhelming; wordlessly they seemed to communicate, opening and closing the gates and doors as you strutted into the main atrium. The grandiose architecture and dressings would have drawn the eyes of the nobles and other less dignified visitors, but you had long grown used to the consistent change of banners, art and various different relics. One did catch your eye however, sitting in the centre of the expansive room. You were sure your father commanded the displays for the Day of the Crimson Cloud be prepared this early. He would surely wave it in the face of all he could for as long as he could. Perched on an ornate and well crafted dragon bone mount a large glider sat, folded wings opened and stained red.

The dark and dingy red that bent into a foul brown with age. Fifteen years was a long time. A burnt splintered groove curving down the length of it, it was actually three separate parts held delicately against one another. It was too large to have been the Avatars - he kept that small momento in the main hall as a reminder to all those who would meet him for discussions in the months to come. The celebration was still a way off, you had a lot of time to spend but you were distracting yourself. As your eyes lingered on the grim reminders, you spoke to one of the Royal procession, their silence only a little unnerving. "Is my Uncle here?" You knew he probably was. It wasn't late enough for him to retire to his personal villa just yet. "Yes Prince Zuko, Lord Iroh is currently within the second drawing room." The tall guardsman spoke, his voice echoing throughout the hall.

You had missed him. Without his elusive words you couldn't help feeling even more alone, luckily you had found some comfort in the men following you. You wondered what he had heard and thought. Climbing a few flights of stairs, you noticed the palace was near unpopulated; mainly servants and other lessers bowed as they passed, rushing about to do their business. Without prompting, you tested the foreboding door of the second drawing room, Azula had claimed it was haunted. The ancient groves gripped your flesh, the palace carried its own ominous aura but the door gave way. The low light from within the room made you squint, it was almost as large as the atrium, every room here would fight to be larger than the last. Your saddle bag was caught in the frame as you tried to slip into the dim room. You exhaled in frustration as you unhooked you pack.

Peering into the gloom, you called out "Uncle?". Finally slipping inside, in the furthest corner you could make out a few tall candles burning away. You could make out the wispy trails of a teapot, but you couldn't spot your uncle. "Uncle?" you inquired again, walking further towards the only hint of life. Again your pack caught on something, tugging onto your neck softly. The damned thing tested your waters, annoying you very quickly. Your brow furrowed in the dark, hands trying to unhook yourself. It was like the candles had made the roomer darker. Why would anyone even sit in here in the dark? It got on your nerves. You were blinded for a second, then the room suddenly illuminated. A little panicked and very annoyed you yelped in shock and twisted around, candles all across the room had decided to ignite.

Your suspected cause was the short old man currently grasping one end of your saddle pack. Your uncle wore a face of content contemplation. "Ah Prince Zuko, I was not expecting you to return so soon. I'm glad my nephew is doing well." He said with a smile, calm eyes meeting your own before slipping them down to your pack. He had already pulled the flap open, your hackles danced. "Uncle! Why didn't you say anything? I thought you must have left. Why are you skulking around in the dark?" You quickly retorted, gingerly trying to pull the pack from his clutch, failing with both efforts. He smoothly ignored your questions and pulled the pack back before himself. You relented letting the man take the pack. "Let's sit, Zuko. Those bones of yours must yearn for a comfortable seat!" The old man said cheerfully, returning to the table in the corner.

A little dumbfounded you followed. You watched your uncle fiddle through your pack - it hadn't taken him long to find his gifts. Finding a seat next to him, the pulse of tension slipping from your back made you wince. Closing your eyes against your muscles relaxing, a cold throbbing behind them. "What has my favorite nephew brought me? Well prince Zuko?" Your uncle asked, opening your eyes he was inspecting the small bottle Ai had given you. The box containing the Earth tea sat beside his elbow, taking a deep breath you leant on the table. "That's a gift from an old friend of yours Uncle, a Captain Ai. He said it was his homemade 'concoction'." You answered, trying to get a closer look. You had almost forgotten about it.

Uncle Iroh raised both bushy eyebrows at that, a low hum escaping his throat. "So you met Ai? What a happy coincidence. How well did you fare against him?" Uncle asked, popping the lid off the small thing and smelling it. He flinched away, nose wrinkling up before placing the lid back on it. "Yes the Captain sailed us back to the fire nation after Qin Yu... I did fine." You curtly replied. The old man only smiled subtly and nodded, one hand gesturing to you. "It does look so Prince Zuko, Ai always adored the growth of bending, even as a peasant. How do you think he became a Captain? Every rank he earned was won through an Agni Kai." Iroh moved onto the tea box, but one niggling thought drove you to ask your own question. "Uncle? what does 'the Spring Dragon does not rely on Rage' mean?" You tried to ask nonchalantly but the question came rushing out before you could settle.

Iroh tilted his head away from the box, eyes examining you while pretending not to. He always used the same distant gaze while trying to spot anything, nothing was getting past your uncle. You hadn't done the best job at subtlety yourself. He let out a long thoughtful hum before answering. "Well Prince Zuko as I'm sure you remember, during our training I may have mentioned some less common practices of fire bending" You panicked a little, you had actually forgotten. Uncle spoke in riddles a lot, remembering everything would be unreasonable. "These more subtle techniques still use many of the same stances and forms as regular fire bending. However instead of focusing on steady breathing and rage to fuel oneself, it relies on other such emotions and influences. Through the ages many variations crept into existence, following the unique circumstances for it's birth and then quickly fade after. Bending is not so binary Zuko. I'm sure you've noticed the changes that can impact manifestation. But I'm sure you do not wish to discuss the theories and unproven thoughts."

You lent from one elbow to another, your uncle noticing your impatience with his own nod. "But 'The Spring Dragon does not rely on Rage' is one of those such arguments. Throughout history fire benders and many masters claimed that unrestrained jubilation was just as powerful as concentrated anger, as the annals of history say. The ancient Masters Sidai and Gindo would disagree. Both were prominent fire seers hundreds of years ago, both claimed the correct path to bending. Sidai claimed joyous strength suited the Spring Dragon stance and forms. Gindo as you may guess did not agree, insisting rage was the true answer. For years their disciples would clash, each testing their masters beliefs, but such acts caused hatred and distrust among the fire nation. The Firelord of the time, Fire Lord Ulze commanded the Masters to Agni Kai. The great clash of joy and rage would be solved and the art of bending advanced. The fight was a tremendous thing, brutal and stunning as the annals write. But the joy and hate that clashed grew out of control, before long none knew who was winning. The flames grew unchecked and dangerous. The witnesses fled for their lives, even Fire Lord Ulze. The two masters unwilling to turn away from the challenge. Both were never seen again. When the flames finally subsided after days of unadulterated horror nothing remained." You rolled your eyes, he could have made it sound less like a child's tale. He gave you a shrug, face a little dissatisfied. "Do not brush this lessons aside Zuko. While rage is known to work, joy was proven to be it's match" You didn't put much weight on the story. "And still none use it? Uncle I don't wish to debate."

Your uncle shook his head. "Because people do not know the truth does not make it false. Enlightenment must be reached and earned. How do you think I mastered lightning bending? I did not just follow some teachings. The ability to truly learn requires your own influence, others do not know the best way for you to learn. It is only natural to teach yourself! To find the answers within." You nodded, eager to side step the dragon talk. You would have to think about such ideas another time. "I understand uncle." You replied exasperated, your own hand moving to the gift he'd been ignoring. "I found these in Qin Yu, Dragon nettle tea I believe?" You asked, you had forgotten its name. Some kind of tea. Your uncle glanced at the box, clearly distracted by the revelation.

It was supposed to be rare, you didn't know how much of a tea connoisseur Genji was. "Oh? Dragon nettle tea you say Zuko?" Quickly he opened the lid, leaning in close to inhale the fragrance. You could smell it from where you sat. Your uncle smiled, nodding contentment as a chuckle escaped. "I see White Dragon tea. What a splendid gift my nephew has brought me, from one of his conquests no less." Delicately he closed the lid, closing the small distance quickly he embraced you. For a second you stopped, before returning the hug. "I am grateful the spirits have returned you Zuko. I am very proud of you." The words caught in you, hugging your old uncle back. You swallowed down air, trying to calm yourself. "Of course uncle" you hugged tighter, the aches and pains fading away.

Eventually he broke away, happily examining the leaves you had brought him. "A very fine selection, prince Zuko, it's clear my influence has been effective." You nodded instantly, hoping he wasn't now expecting rare tea every time you left. "So tell me of Qin Yu young hero!" Iroh queried with a smile, taking a hand full of leaves and placing it within the pot. Just by gripping the clay thing he heated the water. You were unsure where to start, but you never kept much from your uncle. So you told him. Of the incompetence witnessed, what the 'best' really offered. He had been at the meeting with you, you had begged him to allow you to come within the war council. He had stopped you from speaking out, he had tried to dissuade you from going to the 41st. He hadn't seemed shocked at your words. At the selfishness and the foolishness.

You told him of the plan, a plan he had taught you well. You told him of the intense first attack, the cowardice of the commanders and your own selfless acts. All through he said nothing, pouring you each a cup and listening intently. You told him of the second assault and of the tench. The wretched Division commander and of your charge, you spoke of the men. The loyal soldiers who chanted your name as they charged to their deaths. You spoke of the trench and of the wall, Iri and his banner, the twins and their past. You told him all you could remember, Roka Ro the wild earthbender and of your victory. He grinned boldy not even attempting to remain nonchalant, laughing as you spoke of General Wue's own failed ambitions. The bar came up, Genji and his lover. The low born mixing beyond recognition, your uncle had said nothing but his eyes were thoughtful throughout.

Eventually you reached the assassins. His eyes darkened at your description as he poured each a second cup. You were just drinking to quench your dry throat, the rare tea wasn't amazing. "They are the Jul Bie, I have never seen them personally but they are known as a fearsome group of earth benders. Criminals who deal with assassinations and anything that pays." Captain Ai and the bandits flowed passed, your uncle not speaking up until his second cup was empty. "Such an adventure Prince Zuko, it's invigorating to see you shift to accompany the outside world. The fire nation does not encompass all, even as we slip further east. There is much we can never change." You nodded, sure you grasped his meaning. Finally hungry for your own answers, you ask tentatively, "And how is the Fire Lord?".

Your uncle did not react, only replied curtly. "Your father is busy with the celebrations to come, he and the war council are putting much into motion." You nodded, fighting to stand. It would be best to visit him soon, even if he was busy. Iroh stood as well, walking with you to the door. "There is plenty of time until his plans are unveiled, you will be rested and healed long before the celebration begins. No need to worry" he tried to reassure you. "Thank you uncle, I should get going." Iroh only nodded as you left, shouting down the hall as you went on your way. "Thank you for the gifts oh favourite nephew of mine!" You smiled as you decided where to head next.

>Visit your Father?
>Visit your Mother and Brother?
>Write in?

>>4351376
>>Visit your Mother and Brother?

>>4351376
>Visit your Mother and Brother?

>>4351376
>"These more subtle techniques still use many of the same stances and forms as regular fire bending. However instead of focusing on steady breathing and rage to fuel oneself, it relies on other such emotions and influences. Through the ages many variations crept into existence, following the unique circumstances for it's birth and then quickly fade after. Bending is not so binary Zuko. I'm sure you've noticed the changes that can impact manifestation. But I'm sure you do not wish to discuss the theories and unproven thoughts."
Seems fairly straightforward enough for me. Try bending but dont be angry about it. A majority of the time Zuko bends, he's angry. I guess it can't hurt to slightly bend a different way.

>Write in?
I don't know if Zuko knows this already, but could uncle teach him how to heat tea, metal containers and other misc stuff without burning his own hand? That would be pretty convenient for when you gotta eat and drink on the go.

>>4351376
>Write in?
Our second in command did fire bending similar to an earth bender I think, or at least bended in an unusual fashion. It was more tight I think? What's up with that?

>>4351376
>Visit your Mother and Brother?
So when we go to the war council, were gonna get upset that our regiment we fought and shed blood with is going to be throw under the bus and we will challenge dear old dad?

>>4351376
>Visit your Mother and Brother?

>>4351821
Getting upset would make sense, but challenging Ozai to an agni kai would be our of character at this point.
OP should probably make him challenge us so we get the scar though, then he can use more art.

>>4351376
>Write in?
Let’s try to do
>>4351679
And
>>4351645
Just get uncle to teach us more bending in some way, won’t hurt to improve our skills.
>>4352602
We’ll probably get burned and banished at some point, but when the time comes, I feel like we should take it with dignity, and not beg on our knees.

>>4352602
I'd rather we not fucking get our ass kicked by our old man. That kind of already came to pass.
Besides. Fucking getting outcasted. We dont know what firelord dipstick has to say yet.

>>4352717
>I feel like we should take it with dignity, and not beg on our knees
Agreed, that was lame.
>>4352758
I'd be okay with either, as long as it's done well.

Next you headed up, climbing the ornate stone stairs. The palace was a symbol of the fire nations Majesty and might. Everything was well kept. You passed some guards as you finally got closer to the more private rooms. You would check in on your mother and little brother first. You didn't have much interest in seeing your father, he would have to wait. Considering your uncle was still inside the palace, you assumed Zozen had finished his training not long ago. He and your mother were probably winding down for the night.

Without much searching you found them within the family lounge. Even though there were only a handful of you, the room was massive, no outsiders would even see within. Long antique chairs lay around tables, offering comfort to any who need it. The door made a loud clatter as you shut it behind you, making them aware of your presence. Your mother was on the furthest collection of chairs, her feet resting on a small stool. You had interrupted her reading, she glanced up with a little jump. Eyes shifting from worry to shock when they found you, Zozen wasn't as reserved. He had been nearer caught with a face full of worry and shock. You had interrupted him sparring with nothing, less than a few meters away, he froze mid form, fist ready to burn the nearest pillow on hand. It didn't take long for his face to change.

"Zuko!" He cheered hoping from his furniture foe and barreling towards you. You embraced the boy as he nearly knocked you down. "Zuko! I didn't know you were coming home today. It's been so boring! Mum won't let me out! Did you get kicked out of the army? Is that why you look so beat up? Tell dad they beat you up." A torrent of words flowed from your energetic brother, most of it mumbled into your own chest. "Yes mum told me all about it, so I came rushing home." You chuckled, prying the little boy off from your dirty clothes.

Your mother gracefully glided over past Zozen, hugging you tightly. You would have tried to wiggle away but you had long learned that you never could escape her clutch, instead you hugged her back, Zozen joined in small arms trying to surround you both. Something fell away, a burden you hadn't noticed until now. In the embrace of your loving family, when she finally let you go you found yourself standing taller than before, back straight you almost were as tall as her. You felt shocked, had you really grown so much. "The Hero of Qin Yu. I'm very proud of you darling." Your mother spoke, her voice soft and calming. The affection she had couldn't hide her distaste at the idea.

A hero. She had insisted and pleaded for you to stay. You were sure uncle had told her of the 41st divisions lowly fate. It was hard not to wonder how your family would have taken you not returning. If you died in that dusty hell, how long would your mother weep? Would Zozen be proud of you? How would your uncle take the revelation? They had all tried but eventually allowed you to go to war; it was their choice as much as it was your own.

"Don't look so gloomy darling! Hero or not, you won't get a girlfriend brooding so much!" Your mother prodded before hugging you again, shaking you from side to side as Zozen laughed. "The Hero of Qin Yu doesn't have a girlfriend!" The little boy laughed, he often got hung up on anything remotely funny. You thought back to the time in the royal gardens, two long weeks of laughing at a funny shaped tree. You wondered if you had been that odd at his age. "Zuko! Watch this!" Your brother declared, he then proceeded to poorly flow through forms. Your best guess was Fireside Stone or Lonely Ember stances but it was hard to tell. He rushed through them energetically, skipping what movements he valued less.

Your mother had pulled away again, the pair of you watched your brothers display. Finally he ended it in what you suppose was The Crescent Dragon stance; a small tendril of flame escaped as the boy finished his flurry. "Pretty cool huh?" He declared smugly as his flame lit up the room for a second before flickering out. "Very impressive!" Your mother spoke, an elbow nudging you gently. She even clapped a little. "So fearsome! Soon you'll be coming on the campaign with me" you said, failing to hide the grin on your face. He was about as bad as you had been, probably worse. You were glad Azula wasn't here. "Don't patronise me Zuko!" The boy protested, taking offence at your compliments. He let out a little shout, snapping between forms quickly - he began to advance on you, stance one of combat.

A fist thrust forward a small burst of flame shot out. It didn't get far, reaching out you didn't need many forms to snatch the small blast from the air. Your own stifled flames clashing into it before spiralling out. "No bending in the lounge! And don't throw fire at your brother!" You mother mumbled, a phrase that had echoed after Zozen ever since he began to learn. She raised a hand, not threateningly but enough to know she didn't want any more. You raised your hand as well, stepping closer to your brother. He was slow and weak; the stupid child, he had no way to counter your forbidden brain exploding chop of Chun Gen the elder dragon. With a soft pat you chopped his head, his parries doing nothing to stop your second fatal chop.

"Mom!" Zozen roared, trying to duck away from your grip. "You cannot escape me foolish child! Never should you have challenged me. I'll give you a swift death." Your mother shook her head a faint smile on her face as she returned to her chair. You weren't letting Zozen get away with it. Before long he was sprinting around the room, rolling and scrambling over every obstacle. You barely had to jog to keep up, you feigned a few misses with your chops which only emboldened him. Soon he stopped atop a long recliner, two long slim pillows in hand. "Your technique is no match for my own! 'THOUSAND STAR DEATH STORM!" He announced charging you and swinging wildly. You didn't move, you froze withstanding his assault face a sculpture of horror and pain.

He kept up his slashes, until finally he stood sweaty and chest heaving for air. "You're already dead!" He wheezed pointing both pillows at you. "Nooooo!" You howled as the thousand star death storm jerked your body from side to side. Not like this, your death gargle was long and dragged out. But finally you crumpled. Zozen laughed at your display, throwing you one of his pillows. Your body whined but you ignored it as you sat up, your mother watched the two of you play. Slowly you tested the waters, pillowy swords clashing as you circled each other.

"What is it like in the earth kingdom?" Zozen asked, his stances were wobbly, but you didn't punish him. Your mind returned to the outside. "It's dusty, a dry arid heat. The nights can reach almost freezing" The boy wore a look of interest at that, while you exchanged clashes he asked another question. "How many did you kill in Qin Yu?" The harsh words made you freeze - a blow you hadn't expected, but one you could understand. He was young and everything was a mystery to him. His mind demanded answers to whatever popped into his head. You thought. How many had you killed? With your bending alone? Just with your blades? Did the men you sent to their deaths count? Surely the number was as high as blood was red. You had glimpsed your flames dancing along the wall, earth defenders dancing in the early morning dark, unable to witness the sun rise. You hadn't tried to count, the bodies just meshed together burning and twisted lumps of man. You thought of the elite earthbender you had cut down, shock and pain bending his already cracked and blistered face. His body fell, like a sack of potatoes with not even the slightest attempt to land. Just ceased to live; only a crumpled and burned husk lay sprawled out. You hadn't looked back, you were charging. They were everywhere. In the trench they surrounded you and they died crushed by those loyal to you. The wall. How many had your flames ravaged under the unforgiving sun. Roka to their captain, you could have died there just as easily. But you won, you had cut his head off. Without looking back you had left him discarded, he wasn't the first and you knew he was far from the last. Life was a simple thing to lose. "Zuko?" Your mother interrupted you, suddenly you were home. Eyes refocusing you blinked away the tears in your eyes. Freely they flowed down your cheeks, the soft fingers of your mother brushed it away. Her face appearing before your own, worry heavy in her eyes. Your hand ached, looking down feathers poked out from where you had burned the delicate fabric. Fingers tightly curled into the soft innards. "Zuko?" You mother prodded again, hugging you. Blinking away the thoughts you dropped the pillow, returning the hug. She wouldn't let you go, her worry was clear but like alway she relented, allowing you to leave. Zozen was upset too, he said nothing as you left the room, his eyes a deep red. But you put it out of your head, the night was far from over. It could only get worse.
There was only one thing left to do.

>Visit your Father?
>Visit The Fire Lord?
>Visit Him?
>Write in?

>>4353227
>Write in?
Visit Azula. Fuck dad for now.

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>>4353335
Absolutely based. Supporting.