prickly pelt [closed for metzi]

One of the marks of an Asylum cat was finding a pelt that would suit them for combat, warmth, and scouting. It was a thing of utility and one of the unique traditions for their growing empire. The Standard Captain preferred not to weigh down his pelt. There weren't any reservations of not wanting to dirty his fur, or disdain towards pelts, rather he relied on a different method: meeting and studying other cats. But that didn't stop him from carrying on the method of raising kits into the practice. Today was Mirae's turn to seek out a beast.

"Wake up. We're going out." He prodded the she-cat briefly, keeping his voice low to prevent stirring the others who had training later. Once the she-cat had joined him, Iniko turned to lead the way out of their temporary camp and into the rocky terrain. Sparse and deadened foliage speckled the lands. It was easy to cast a glance over the horizon and see well into the distance. Yet there was still enough to keep their camp hidden from those around. The prowling predatory Asylum cats kept unwelcome visitors away.

"We're going to find you a pelt today, Mirae, one that will keep you safe in battle and help you slip through the shadows as well as any Asylum cat. Strength is built up over the moons as you learn to become one with your pelt." Iniko was certain she knew of such things but the honor of killing your own pelt was an important milestone in every young Nightstriker's life. After long, his gaze caught sight of a porcupine. Perfect. Not only could other cats benefit from the spines but it would bring about good protection for the she-cat in battle, "I'll help you kill it but you'll make the final blow."

ooc;; at some point, you'll be able to use asylum's mercy to kill it off, once we work the hp a lil lower. mirae can make the first blow and ill control the porcupine for ya^^

The gentle prodding of Captain Iniko woke Mirae from a dreamless sleep. She opened her eyes and looked around blearily. Ceres slept soundly beside her, and her other fellow rank ones remained in their own sleeping states. The calico pulled herself to her paws. Scraps of the moss and bracken that made up her nest clung to her fur, but once she had exited the den she dispelled them with a shake of her pelt. Mirae glanced around the camp, then bounded after her captain. Waking up early had grown considerably easier for her, but not too easy. Some mornings left her barely conscious and unable to form a coherent sentence. But today felt... different. A slight breeze ruffled her fur and her legs supported her stronger than they ever had. Mirae had grown quite a bit since her first outing.

The young she-cat looked around briefly. She simply nodded to his words, but her paws itched with anticipation to get her own pelt. Mirae had always spoken with excitement to Ceres about she wanted for a pelt. A fox pelt could strike fear into her opponents, but a rabbit pelt would be so cute! Endless options had stood before her until now, where her prey ambled around with not a care in the world. A porcupine. Mirae's face grew into a grin. Not only would the pelt protect her, but it could serve as a weapon! "Thank you, Captain Iniko! She chirped, barely able to keep her voice down. Her claws dug into the ground, leaf mulch crunching beneath her paws. The young cat watched the creature move around for a few heartbeats. It would be difficult to harm, but Mirae could find a way around it. Its front remained relatively open.


A flash of anxiety sparked in her chest and throat. What if she got hurt? A quill to the eye could blind her, not to mention cause her incredible pain. Mirae visibly shook her head. She didn't want to think about that. She had to strengthen herself if she wanted this pelt, which she truly did. With a deep inhale, she started to sprint towards the porcupine, jaw clenched and eyes blazing. Once she got to the beast, she slashed at its face with two powerful swipes.


Mirae used Rending Front Paws on the porcupine, dealing 15 damage and costing 25 stamina.


Mirae
HP: 75/75
SP: 175/200 (-25)


Porcupine
HP: 75/90 (-15)
SP: 450/450

ooc; for the sake of time im going to have iniko get one hit in this post, then you can use asylum's mercy which is like killing bite so we don't have to draw out a whole battle!

The unassuming porcupine lumbered about, engrossed in it's own affairs of finding food somewhere in this barren place. A shocked cry left its maw as claws scored its flesh. Hastily, the porcupine whipped around, hoping its spiny defenses would scare of the attacker. A thorn-sharp tail met Mirae's maw.

Iniko, seeing this, raced forward to prevent the creature from scrambling away. Once the tom was close enough, he half-turned, putting the weight on his front paws and smashing his hindpaws into the porcupines face. It would likely be dazed a moment, just long enough for the Rank One to get in a decent blow, "Now, Mirae!"

Porcupine used Tail Smack, dealing 40 damage and using 50 stamina.
Iniko used back kick, dealing 15 damage and using 15 stamina.


Mirae
HP: 35/75 (-40)
SP: 175/200


Porcupine
HP: 60/90 (-15)
SP: 400/450

Iniko
HP: 75/75
SP: 185/200 (-15)

ooc: Alright!

As Mirae's claws ripped through the porcupine's skin, she felt a twinge of satisfaction. She leaped back to avoid any retaliation, but one of her hind legs landed uncomfortably and sent her to the ground. At first, the she-cat's muzzle wrinkled in irritation at the inconvenience, but then she opened her eyes to see the creature's quilled tail flinging towards her face. Flaring agony spread through Mirae's face and she let out a pained yowl. The organic weapons peppered her right cheek and the side of her neck, a few dangerously close to her eye. She stumbled back a few pawsteps, right eye shut tight, as she saw Captain Iniko rush in to attack. Relief flooded her senses as Mirae found herself fully prepared to step back and let the older cat take care of it.

But then, the tom's yowl snapped her out of it. Mirae would wear this beast's pelt, and she would have to kill it herself. She found her footing quickly and planted her paws into the ground as she focused on the porcupine. Ignoring the throbbing in her face and neck, she could tell that the captain had stunned it, leaving it wide open to her attacks. Mirae ran forward. Dirt flew back behind her feet from the force of her gait as her teeth bared in preparation. She pushed the creature's spineless face up into the air and lunged forward to sink her teeth into its throat. Once the porcupine ceased its struggles, Mirae stepped back, sides heaving.

Mirae used Asylum's Mercy, KO-ing the porcupine and costing 10 stamina.


Mirae
HP: 35/75
SP: 165/200


Porcupine
HP: 0/90
SP: 400/450


Iniko
HP: 75/75
SP: 185/200

The pain writ across her face was more than excusable; he knew the unpleasantries of porcupine quills and there was a reason the Nightstrikers favored them. However, Mirae pushed through the pain and heeded his call. Iniko watched as she struck, lifting the creatures chin with ease and revealing the soft underthroat. She was learning well. As the young cat dispatched her opponent, Iniko watched with interest. He admired her skill and whit, along with the devotion and sense she possessed. The tom would certainly be interested in watching her continue to grow within Asylum.

"Well done. You're clever in battle, a trait that will take you far." The Standard Captain padded over and regarded the quills before stooping to gingerly tug at them with his teeth. It wouldn't be pleasant but letting them sit would be even less so. Between working on the sharp needles, he continued, "Being wounded by your future pelt is far more honorable than bearing the mark of another cat's claws. Even if this leaves you with a scar or two, you'll wear the skin of this creature. It's a rare pelt, we don't mess with the porcupines all too often, but surely the Nightstrikers will thank you for your work... and cats won't want to mess with you." He flashed her a warm smile. For the kits who grown seeing the calico tom as a stoic leader, it was a rare sight. But he hardly gave it a thought as he helped to lead the she-cat back to their camp to craft the pelt.