...And he's got an army [Invasion]

Klaus's front paws were soaked in blood from skinning Burningwing. He carried the pelt of the dead warrior on his back, staining his snow white and shimmering gold fur a deep, sinister red. He probably looked like an undead horror, but if that would help with intimidation, then great. He could always get his pelt cleaned afterward. He lead his family around Shadowclan territory, annoyingly taking a long route as he followed Burningwing and Amberdawn's scent trail that they left. They had been walking for quite some time apparently... because the camp was still not within obvious sight. The sun was high in the sky now, probably the highest it would be for the day. There was no way Shadowclan would be expecting this, not if they allowed two small patrols to wander from earlier. The biggest concern now was the amount of blood scent in the air. Hopefully the winds would favor them once more and they could find the camp before being detected.

Unfortunately... that wasn't the case. The wind shifted around wildly... and Klaus knew that it was over. Shadowclan, even in a deep sleep, would be alerted to how much blood was in the air now. He halted and flicked his tail to the rest of the Order, a signal to take cover where they could. Using Burningwing's pelt over his shoulders, he was able to hide closer to the ground. Maybe it would throw off the other Shadowclanners long enough that his family could still get the jump on them. Be ready for the attack, everyone. He dared not say it. Too much noise at this point would absolutely alert the clan to their location.

He could smell the density of cats nearby, even over the blood scent, but the exact location of camp was still unknown. The wind was too unstable in it's ever-shifting pattern to help him pin point exactly where they all were. Maybe this would also work in their favor too...

The Forgotten Order:
Klaus (Tier 5 Warrior) Webshadow
Tarot (Tier 2 Rogue) Murkystar
Atalante (Tier 2 Rogue) No Opponent
Aether (Tier 2 Rogue) Webshadow
Achlys (Tier 1 Rogue) No Opponent
Aoife (Tier 2 Rogue) Webshadow
Tornshadow (Tier 2 Rogue) Webshadow
Hyacinth (Tier 2 Rogue) No Opponent

Total Number: 8

The member 'Tara' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Camp Invasion Dice' :

Stalking behind Klaus was an ungodly sight- a patched calico and tabby she-cat, coated in thick, sticky blood… And a ginger and white pelt draped over her shoulders. Skinning the ShadowClan queen had been and easy task, and muscle memory worked in her favor. Amberdawn would make a fine pelt. Now, finding ShadowClan camp was their primary obstacle. Hyacinth had been there when she was merely a kit, but unfortunately, she’d been of little help in locating it. Using the small patrol’s scent trail was easy enough, but avoiding detection was not. As the small troop of rogues paused, Hyacinth could easily detect the tension in the air… ShadowClan would be here soon. Crouching low, she kept an eye on their surroundings, ready to leap at the slightest provocation.

The wind carried a strange scent, one that made Murkystar's ears perk. She had been resting in the middle of camp, finding it difficult to sleep. Her dreams were tainted with memories of the badger, or asylum, of countless other horrors and terrors that plagued her unconscious mind. For a moment, the stench of blood the wind carried was dismissed as a lingering effect from such nightmares, but as she realized she was fully awake she sat up straight. Her wounds still twinged, fresh and painful. Her pale green eyes searched the edge of the bramble camp, not sure what exactly she was looking for. Mistyfalcon had been part of the daylight patrol scouring the territory for danger today, he wouldn't have missed something... But she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that sat in her belly like a pile of crowfood.

Rising to her paws, she silently nudged Frostgaze awake, dropping into a stealthy crouch. It was daylight, but the woven brambles would still hide her pelt enough. Creeping slowly towards the camp entrance, then past it, she needed into the territory. Her eyes landed on a familiar pelt, and she relaxed slightly as she recognized Burningwing. Behind him stood Amberdawn, and her tail flicked in annoyance. What was she doing about during the day? Still, there was nothing wrong with it. As she turned to Frostgaze, however, the blood scent returned. Had they been injured? They seemed so calm. As she turned back to peer closer, her stomach fell as she noted the blood around seemingly jagged edges of their fur, fur that disappeared and melded into a different pelt. Her eyes widened as she peered closer at their faces, only to immediately regret it upon realizing what had happened. Her clanmates had met a terrible fate, and were now worn as skins atop merciless creatures. The only cat other than Asylum she had seen deploy such measures had been Cheetahdawn, and she had been punished for the actions she took... At least Emberleap simply used fox pelts. With a yowl of anger and despair, the leader leapt forward to engage those that wore her clanmates like a second coat of fur. "ShadowClan, defend your camp! Do not let any pass! Protect elders, queens, and kits!" She ordered, hoping they could gather soon enough to prevent an all out slaughter. Thank the stars she had moved out of the medicine den. Launching herself towards the cat wearing Burningwing's pelt, she darted around him, slashing at his legs and frame in an attempt to confuse him.

Murkystar used Experienced Steps on Klaus, dealing 8 base (+2 Star Striker) damage and costing 10 SP. Klaus is stunned for one turn.

Murkystar:
75/75 HP
130/140 SP (-10)

Klaus: Stunned for one turn
60/70 HP(-10)
160/160 SP

Though he’d long since adjusted to falling into his nest after sunrise the way ShadowClanners did, Emberleap had never been a heavy sleeper. To be honest, he didn’t really mind. Compared to the looming threats of starvation, predator attacks, losing his right to very nest he slept in… If it meant keeping himself safe, he could afford to lose out on a good day’s rest here and there.

What woke him today was a thick, metallic scent too distinctive to mistake, even though a haze of sleep. Blood. A lot of it. Too much, he realized, on his feet before he could think twice. Either all the marsh’s predators had decided to kill each other just outside ShadowClan’s camp, or something was wrong. Squinting against the dull sun, he caught sight of Murkystar’s mottled tail vanishing through the camp’s exit, Frostgaze on her heels. Apparently, he wasn’t the only cat who’d noticed. More reason to worry. Emberleap glanced back at the warriors’ den, thought better of it, and followed his friend onto the territory. If there was truly a threat, as the ever-tighter clenching of his gut insisted there would be, dressing himself up as a predator would only cause trouble.

Outside the camp waited Burningwing and Amberdawn, returning from a midday excursion. Emberleap made to step back—unless Murkystar or Frostgaze requested it, any moment spent in Burningwing’s presence was a moment wasted, in his opinion—but…the blood-scent. Something wasn’t right. Something about them wasn’t right. Their eyes, the stillness, the eerie calm. Emberleap glanced down and saw what he’d seen a thousand times before: the ragged ends of a now-empty skin, with a different cat’s legs hiding beneath. That was all the reason he needed. As Murkystar yowled a battle cry to the sleeping camp behind them, he launched himself at the cat wearing Amberdawn’s pelt with his claws outstretched.

Emberleap used Jumping Strike on Hyacinth, dealing 10 (+3) damage and using 7 stamina.

Emberleap
60/60 HP
133/140 SP (-7)

Hyacinth
37/50 HP (-13)
120/120 SP

Swifthearts ears shot up in the warrior den her mother called... and it was not a good call. Running out of the den she looked on in horror at the invading army practically in their backyard. She ran quickly behind her mother the adrenaline high as she followed into battle.

She spots Tornshadow and charges.

Leaping she smacks as hard as she can. Her opponent looked much bigger and stronger than her ... this was going to be a tough matchup she hoped her clanmates would be able to overwhelm soon to get backup.

Swiftheart used Jumping strike on Tornshadow dealing 11 damage and costing 7 stamina

Swiftheart:

40 / 40 hp
93 / 100 sp (-7)

Tornshadow:
39 / 50 hp (-11)
120/ 120 sp

Ears perked as she heard Murkystar’s voice, Hyacinth turned to face the direction of their attackers- just in time to see a vaguely familiar face launch himself toward her. With a grunt, Hyacinth endured the blow, trying to shield herself as best she could using Amberdawn’s pelt. Once she’d put enough soace between herself and the ShadowClanner, she darted forward and clamped down on his tail, yanking as hard as she could. A sharp crunch sounded from Emberleap’s tail, and Hyacinth stood back ti evaluate her next move.

Hyacinth used Tail Yank on Emberleap, dealing-8 Health Points and using -15 Stamina Points. Emberleap is stunned for one turn.

Hyacinth:
37/50 HP
105/120 SP [-15]

Emberleap:
52/60 HP [-8]
133/140 SP

Atalante followed close behind her parents. That headbutt she'd taken had hurt, but the pain had faded. Klaus and Hyacinth had skinned the two clanners, something that Atalante wouldn't admit made her a little queasy. The third one, the black and silver tom that had headbutted her, had been left to bleed out. Not her fault, she told herself, they did what needed to be done.

They weren't having an easy time of finding the camp however... But they'd certain found warriors. A thick-furred tortoiseshell had began to approach, almost as if she recognized... Oh, no. Nevermind. She'd figured it out.

Well, there went any surprise they had, as the tortoiseshell - their leader? - called for reinforcements. Atalante's eyes swept over the cats that were approaching, seeking an easy target first.

Murkystar's call sobered him up from a deep sleep in seconds, already on his paws and rushing out of the den as though he had been awake this whole time. The camp was being invaded? He darted toward the starting battle, his gaze finding multiple unfamiliar pelts. Rogues. He felt his fur bristle his lips pulling into a snarl only to be met with confusion. Murkystar had just made an attack towards Burningwing? The scent of blood wafted off of his body in waves, and Amberdawn was in the fight two... only it wasn't them. They moved unnaturally, their limbs limp only for something underneath to move them.

It was only their pelts. Those creatures skinned his mentor.

His stomach twisted, empowering the agonized and enraged shriek that ripped itself from his throat. This was what Burningwing had warned him about. This is what rogues are, terrible, awful, imitations of cats. All he saw was red, charging towards the nearest body and leaping to tear flesh beneath his claws. Burningwing had told him to be ruthless and terrifying. He would show these things what that truly meant.

"I'll kill all of you! I'll watch your bodies rot!"

Cicadashriek used Jumping Strike on Aether, costing 7 SP and dealing 8 Damage! (+3 for being the first blow)

Cicadashriek:
40/40 HP
93/100 SP (-7)

Aether:
39/50 HP (-11)
120/120 SP

Ratrunner startled awake at the sound of Murkystar’s voice and immediately stumbled out of his den— to be greeted by the scent of blood. Heavy, cloying. His head felt sticky from sleep, but by the time he made it out of camp, the small tom felt full of this terrible, sharp alertness. As his clanmates — equally alarmed and confused — rushed forward, Ratrunner came with them. But the sight of the strangers’ pelts… These aren’t just cats. They’re rogues—! And so many of them—?!

But Ratrunner didn’t have time to think of these things — not when his clanmates were fighting. The idea of rogues (so soon, when he promised himself never again) roiled in his gut, but the distraction only lasted a moment: the moment it took him to see a soft, familiar pelt...

Dripping with blood, in jagged rivers — unnaturally, in a way that Ratrunner didn’t... didn’t understand. He knew that fur, better than anyone, but— Something’s wrong.

And that’s when Ratrunner saw her face.

Saw legs, calico and bloody, eyes glinting hatefully beneath Amberdawn’s maw. Wearing his grandmother’s pelt.

Where… where did you get that? he thought, almost brokenly.

And then he recognized the eyes. It was that rogue who had attacked Nightstalker — who had been trespassing that day. For this? he could only think. But even — even then, how could any cat, even a rogue...?

She was a queen. An elder! She wouldn’t have hurt you!

Something like grief, like thoughts he couldn’t bear to think, flooded his heart. And then the rogue with his grandmother’s skin moved, fangs sinking into Emberleap, and Ratrunner nearly broke.

And yet the Clan she loved, the kits she loved, were behind him. I can’t break. Staring at the sight too long would make him dissolve into something he couldn’t be, and so Ratrunner turned to the nearest enemy cat. She was a tortoiseshell, all light fur of different shades. Did you watch? he wondered, as he leapt and closed his eyes, sinking teeth into her shoulder.

Ratrunner used Jumping Strike on Atalante, dealing 7 damage (+3) and costing 7 stamina.

Ratrunner
30/30 | 73/80

Atalante
40/50 | 120/120

A shape was running toward her, and Atalante snarled, feeling a sudden flash of anger. She'd kept her cool when hearing the news of Apollo's death, but now... Someone in these marshes had done it, and she didn't really care who. They would pay. One of them had killed her brother, it was only fair that they inflicted the same sort of suffering on them as had been done to Atalante and her siblings.

"My brother is dead because of one of you." She spat, lashing out with unsheathed claws. Atalante didn't consider herself a violent cat... But grief had done it.

Atalante used Front Paw Strike on Ratrunner for -7 sp, dealing -8 damage.
Atalante used Dirty Trick for -7 sp, dealing -6 damage.

Ratrunner
17 / 30 hp (30 - 7 - 6)
73 / 80 sp

Atalante
40 / 50 hp
106 / 120 sp (120 - 7 - 7)

When Nightstalker heard the screeches of battle break the day air, the young tom awoke with a start. He was trying to heal from the wounds given to him by the rogue he had attacked and nearly been slain by, had Ratrunner not found and saved him. While his wounds were not fatal, they still hurt. But he would not allow those wounds to stop him from launching into battle alongside his clan-mates.

Rising to his paws, the black tom rushed from the medicine cat den and out into the fray with his claws unsheathed. He had no time to process the skin of his mentor, and the queen that took care of him when his mother could now, being worn on the furs of his enemies. He launched himself at the first cat he'd seen, fastening his teeth around their scruff.

Nightstalker used Teeth Grip on Achlys, dealing 8 damage and costing 10 SP.

Nightstalker:
35/35 HP
60/70 SP

Achlys:
32/40 HP
100/100 SP

The member 'Grey' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 3

And just like that, the battle had begun. By the way the molly was yelling, he deduced that this was Shadowclan's leader. Good. Her claws lashed out at him and Klaus backed out of the way. For a moment there, it looked as if they were dancing. Claws raked against his legs, causing him to hiss.

"Show no mercy on these fools! FOR APOLLO!" Klaus howled to the Order. In that instant, his teeth shot forward, burying themselves into Murkystar's still healing wounds. What a perfect time that they had come... the leader was hurt.

Klaus used Random Recall to overcome the stun, costing 5SP
Klaus also used Snap, dealing 10 damage and -7SP

Klaus
60HP / 151SP (-12SP)

Murkystar
65HP / 130SP (-10HP)

Emberleap’s claws came away slick with blood—as much Amberdawn’s as the rogue’s, if not more—and he backed off, snarling at the rogue through an abrupt spike of nausea. Skinning a predator was one thing; an extra layer of fur could be quite useful. But even Pyrik at his youngest, full of misplaced pride in Iniko and Asylum, would have quailed at the thought of wearing another cat. The rogue widened the gap between them. He let her. This wasn’t a predator, he couldn’t press forward under the assumption that she’d panic. She shot toward him; he threw himself to the side; teeth latched onto his tail, and he had just enough time to stifle the instinct to pull himself free before—

Crunch.

Emberleap dropped. More from shock than pain—though there was pain, a bolt cutting clean through the film of adrenaline, and his mind raced as he scrambled to find his footing. He knew what the snap of bone sounded like. What did she do, what did she do— Blinking the fog out of his eyes, he looked back to see the end of his tail hanging, limp, the first pinpricks of blood welling into his thin fur.

Emberleap is no longer stunned.

Emberleap
52/60 HP
133/140 SP

Hyacinth
37/50 HP
105/120 SP