Just as they had the last time, the viking raiding party came at night. More than the last time, though, something has lit within his chest. A spark. Every part of him is on fire. This is Auster’s rainy season, the closest they’d come to the winter– another calculated move on his part. Víðarr had brought them in the dead of night, the fall of rain to mask their footsteps as they marched. It’s fucking beautiful. All of it. The downpour around them leaving the ground slick and muddy, the viking hoping selfishly for some lightning as well. Head high, nearly regal, Víðarr leads the convergence on Norad’s packlands. Something glimmering in his gaze. Yes, the whelp that had taken the abandoned claim and then done… what exactly with it? Víðarr couldn’t tell. Maybe it looked better in the daylight. Well, they’d certainly see at daybreak, hours ahead of them. Leading the carnage, the viking king lets go a rally cry. Calling to his warriors, inviting them to join him as he raised the challenge. They would breach Norad’s borders. "Víðarr"

Rest had been hard to come by for the Artifex. The warning Artorias shared with him hung in his mind, the trouble that Ethne was facing heavy on his heart. Norad was still working to grow, most of their efforts internal in gathering resources to build dens, spare blankets, bags, food, herbs… the things they would need to survive. The man could not sleep, anxiety pricking at his fur as the rain drummed on the roof of their little hut. Not everyone was an ally. There would be those who would do them harm. His gaze flicked to the children. There were monsters who did not care if his pups would suffer, some that might even kill them simply because they were not of their bond. Beauregard sighed heavily. He didn’t want them to see strife, no father would, but he wasn’t naive enough to believe that their peace would last.

In the territory, among the cedar trees, Beauregard’s companion Trill was nesting. She detested rain, but was against staying in the hut with the wolves and fox. Above her the sky rumbled, and the rallying call of enemy wolves could be heard. In an instant she was roused, dropping from the branch and rushing to meet Beauregard. If he hadn’t heard that call, she needed to warn him.

But he had. Beauregard jumped to his paws, gaze flicking to Hansel as the dog’s head lifted. “Keep the pups inside. Do not let any of them out.” He fixed her with a hard, slightly pained look. If something happened to any of them… he’d never forgive himself. But duty called. Blood would be spilled… it was his duty to defend Norad. They weren’t ready. They were in no way ready for such an attack. Beauregard didn’t check to see if Mika or Tan was coming. He moved to the door, placed his blade in its holder, and moved out into the rain.

The man threw his head back and let loose a howl. Enemies were here. He didn’t expect many of them to fight. Illness… disability… the realization he couldn’t take on all the enemies on his own. But damn if he wouldn’t try to take out as many as he could.

Paws thundered across Norad lands, away from the dens and the wolves he wanted to protect. Ears pinned against his skull and gaze narrowed. No matter how bleak, he couldn’t give up. He would stand against them alone if it was what it took to keep his friends and family safe.

Lightning crashed overhead as Beau neared the border. He could see them, those that came to raid them… and recognized one from his claim. A test then. He stopped, drawing his blade. Another crack of lightning as Trill rounded to circle above him in the rain. His heart hammered in his chest. There could be no more time for doubt. He lunged forward again, eyes set on his target as he slipped in the mud and allowed his weight to carry him forward with it.

Head on at their leader, blade gripped between his jaws, Beau would be the first to stand for Norad. There were no words - there would be no point in telling them to leave if they dared to come. Another slide and he kicked against the ground, aiming to propel the last of the distance toward Víðarr and come up along Víðarr’s left side. Blade pointed towards his foe, Beauregard aimed low, around the middle of Víðarr’s foreleg, with the intention of jerking his head up as he landed in a slicing motion.


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Beauregard vs Víðarr for Dominance [Raid]
Round 1/?
Age: Over one year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Curved blade
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather arm wraps
Companion 1: BlueJay, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Arctic fox, Female - Battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Intellectual
Specialty: --

"Speech," 'Thought.'

This was it! His first raid had finally arrived. The young viking met the challenge with vigour and anticipation. Hard conditions were his bread and butter, and the cool wind and pelting rain were almost welcome against his pale coat. Which was near feverish with excitement as they arrived at the borders of his Heidinn’s chosen pack.

He crossed the border without hesitation, raising his head to catch whatever scents he could past the elements. The shadowy darkness of the pack gave away little of its secrets. But already he was searching, seeking an opponent. He would prove himself today, proving his right to Vidarr’s pack by right of might. He was a pup no longer.

"Speech"

Róta had made sure to position herself where the children were not. It was too much, especially when that one wanted to talk her ear off. Her donkey had taken a great shining to the smiling boy, more the fool him... but if she found another donkey, maybe he would leave hers (and by extension, her, alone).

So it was with very little sleep, half dried out, a pounding headache and a stiff jaw from clenching her teeth, that she stomped across the border with the rest of the pack. They were here for crafting supplies, herbs. She didn't necessarily have to fight someone if she found what she was looking for first.

With her brother occupied with the leader, and plenty of larger, more obvious targets, she slipped deeper into the territory, Her earthen hues eating up the shadows as she stalked.

"speech"

Frankly and unfortunately for Vidarr, there wasn't anything short of admitting he had been an asshole and immediately removing her and her family from the rank he'd shunted them into that would improve Tomie's feelings on him at this point. Okay his wife had been having kids, so what? Neither of them had been the ones who were supposed to be leading the last time they'd called for a raid. But it did reflect on him when the wolf he'd chosen to lead failed to follow through. Was it fair? No. But frankly she was just giving back what she felt she'd been given. Which hadn't been fair either. She trailed behind the group, the only thing driving a desire to fight being her soured opinion of the black man and wanting a goddamn excuse to just get her anger and frustration out.

She watched with narrowed eyes as the other warriors started their approach. Frankly she was beyond caring at this point what the whole ordeal was over too. She stepped across the border but did not set about trying to find and steal whatever fucking thing it was they were supposed to be stealing. She wanted a fight, she wanted an excuse to feel. Nothing else, the needs of the greater pack be damned. So once across the border Tomie stopped, staring stone faced out into the pack lands, daring anyone to approach her, give her a reason.

"Tomie"

Image by xALTUMSILENTIUMx

It would be a lie to say that Delphi wasn't excited. Her first raid. Her first chance to prove herself worthy. Though her father and grandfather insisted they were proud of her, she wanted it to be for more than the fact that they loved and believe in her. Now that she was old enough to attend, she was going to go all in. Saving as much of her energy as possible during the trip down by riding in the wagon with the pups (who were all practically her size anyway), Delphi was perhaps more energetic than the rest of the party.

Her body buzzed with electricity as they approached. Night was upon them and due to her size, she was easily hidden by the shadows of the others. Mud coated her legs, splashing up nearly to her chest as they moved into the territory. Vidarr's howl echoed over the land and it sent Delphi's adrenaline soaring. There would be no hanging back tonight. Releasing herself as if she were a caged animal, Delphi didn't hide the eager shine to her eyes. Rushing forward past Vidarr who is met by someone already, past Strai, Rota, and Tomie, Dlephi moves as fast as she can. She is ready and prepared to meet the next defender first and beat them into the ground.

A howl came in response to Víðarr’s– the boy had heard, and soon his pack would be here to support him. Soon, but not yet? Beauregard wasn’t an altogether unfamiliar face as he came to meet the viking king, curiously alone. Was that pity that danced behind the shadow’s pale gaze? “Where are the rest of you? What kind of hospitality is this?” He gives a great, bellowing laugh. Had it been pity or contempt? The viking king tossed his head, rolled his shoulders. He’s ready. With the crack of lightning to backlight the scene, Víðarr is a stop motion horror film come to life. When the viking king engages with his opponent, his jaws swing wide. Though the blade comes for his forelegs, he doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t balk. Pulling his foreleg back by only degrees, the stab catches his ankle instead of the middle of his leg. The gauntlets that keep his forelegs safe absorb the sharp point, and though they’ll need repairs, Víðarr feels nothing other than pressure. Pressure. A deep, menacing chuckle began somewhere in his chest. It spills forth, and the shadow wants to make use of the close quarters. A torrent of blood unleashed from his eyes, and he lunges for the unworthy king. With intent to tear flesh, to sunder bone, Víðarr strikes out with his teeth. The darkness suited him well– recklessness with fewer worries about targeted retaliation. He wants an ear, the side of the face, the neck, really anywhere he could get some purchase. Regardless, he would fight to remain close to his opponent despite the slippery ground. "Víðarr"

Víðarr vs Beauregard for dominance (raid)
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked Gauntlets
Defensive Battle Accessory: Lamellar Shirt
Companion 1: Karelian bear dog, male - Battle
Companion 2: Tawny owl, Female - Battle
*Companion 3: Karelian bear dog, female - Battle
Mutation 1: Blood shooting from eyes - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative

Still The Raven Knows If I Fall

Úlfr was unbothered by the rain as he strode into Auster with the rest of the pack. His tongue ran over his teeth as he looked forward to the blood they would spill though time would see if he would get his opportunity to fight. Unlike last time Úlfr intended to hang back to let the warriors and younger members get their experience in. Much as he loved a good fight he was still primarily a hunter at heart.

His ravens looped in the air above him, circling and awaiting the beginning of the fray as they trespassed into the strange packs territory. Shortly after the alpha of the pack attacked Heiðinn's alpha and he stepped back to let the warrior's have their moment all the while scanning for the rest of the pack.

I don't care, go on and tear me apart She had been sleeping pretty nicely with Beau in their hut, as rain had lulled the mischievous and friendly girl into a sleep. But when Beau woke she did as well. Her wo toned eyes watched as he got his blade and her gut clenched. They didn't have many adults. Beau might be all alone. She gave a look at the pups and at Hansel as she made her decision and stood. Beau wouldn't stand alone tonight. Not if she had anything to say about it. She was a Princess of Norad, She would be damned if her fathers fought alone. She rose and quickly left the den, Barreling after Beau. His longer legs kept him ahead quite a bit from her. But she wasn't deterred even as she got soaked and her paws covered with mud. Her short tail was upright as a flag with her movements. Beau might get mad at her but it wouldn't deter her from fighting tonight. Her pinks and blues and purples would make her a target sure, like Beau had told her before, but if t meant maybe taking some of he heat off Beau then she gladly would. She was a spitfire pixie. And this war party would learn that tonight. While yes she could be friendly and usually was, She had no issue showing her teeth. Tiny as she may be, she would be fierce tonight. She wasn't some silly little pup tonight, she was a yearling with so much at stake. This was her home and she needed to help protect their way of life here. She cut into the area where the enemies were as quickly as possible. She was aware Beau had started a fight just by looking in his direction. Her bi-colored gaze swept to others here though. It was time to pick someone to try to stop and she chose one of them as fast as she could. She picked one of the bigger ones. She wouldn't let them all get taken on by Beau, though she also had never fought a day in her life. Sh came flying in towards the males right side. No care for defenses as she was inexperienced with this sort of thing. She'd never fought after all. She leaped when she got close enough using the fact that while she may be tiny she had a deadly weapon protruding from her nose. She aimed to use it on him to try to use the momentum of her leap to drive her horn into the man's rib cage area. Her ears pressed and she was glaring at the male. A spitfire in disguise as a cinnamon roll. She hoped her momentum and weight being sudden as she thought she was being might also throw him to his side a little. Walk, "Talk", Think I don't care if you do

Bellatrix vs Ulfr for dominance/raid
Round 1/x
Age: 1 year+
Size: Toy size
Build: Light
Mutation 1: Rhino Horn (Offensive)
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty:

Still The Raven Knows If I Fall

It didn't take long for another to emerge, a colorful, tiny creature who immediately focused on him. Well… if the gods had decided that he must spill blood then he would do it. His defenses flew into place, ears pinned, tail tucked, and shoulders rolled forward. He pivoted sharply to face her as she leapt up, horn aimed to pierce. His jaws darted out to intercept, seeking to catch the top of her head between his jaws before the horn could do serious damage to his chest. He knew better than to judge an opponent on size, having tangled with a nasty wolverine in his younger age. He hoped to catch her mid air and hang on to her before she could race off again.

Úlfr vs Bellatrix for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Bladed bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked helmet and cowl
Companion 1: Raven, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Bale - Battle
Skills: Master Hunter & Master Fighter
Specialty: Cooperative

Kuroki yawned, ears flicking back briefly. Raids probably felt like a big deal to those on the receiving end, but Oki struggled to find the fire. It wasn't like they were out to murder anyone, anything they took could be replaced. Stuff was just stuff, right? The invaders had to put on a big show of strength, snarls in their throats and teeth bared, but it was all just posturing. Going through the motions and all that, expected.

He slowed to a walk, the pitch black of his gaze flitting over that the fights that were starting to take place. Nothing overly violent from what he saw, fair enough.

It wasn't as if she'd personally invited to raid, but Maki liked to think she'd been picked out specifically cause she was so capable. Sure, she might have Oki's height and horns, but that was about it. None of his natural talent had been passed on, she sort of struggled through every fight she'd stumbled into and somehow, sometimes came out on top. Almost as if fighting had nothing to do with skill at all, as if a shapeless being whose name began with A decided who won and lost with numbers alone. Hm, Maki ought to remember that, it sounded foreboding. She watched the fights unfold, lingering near Oki's side, but not so close she was cowering behind him. Nope, she would never.

The shadow man’s question, his laugh, hit Beauregard like a physical blow. It wasn’t as if this wolf knew the state of his pack, the wolves he was trying to aid, the children that were still far too small to train, let alone fight. He could not allow that worry to fill him now. Norad was beginning, and even if they lost this fight, even if they lost resources in this battle, they would continue to build. They would come back stronger. There was no need to show these raiders' hospitality as this man put it. They were not friends - they were enemies seeking to take the resources of Norad. Resources they didn’t earn. And even if Norad lost them today, there would be a day when they returned this “favor” in kind.

Shit. The lightning that cracked the sky revealed Beauregard too late that he was attacking a covered area. His blade’s point caught the gauntlet and Beau mentally cursed his luck. His opponent would not feel pain this way, but Beauregard would not give in so easily. As he came up in his sweeping motion Beauregard felt fangs slide into his neck. Blood spilled, a grunt of pain. Alright, fine. He moves his head into his opponent’s jaws, seeking his opponent’s neck with his blade. At the angle he was in, a stab wouldn’t work, but he hoped to slice into flesh and draw some blood of his own as the strain on his neck worsened the shadow wolf’s attack.

Above him Trill’s warning cries about more of the enemies slinking deeper in Norad’s lands were heard. And rushing past Beauregard in an attempt to lunge herself at Víðarr’s back left leg.

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Beauregard vs Víðarr for Dominance [Raid]
Round 2/2
Age: Over one year
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Curved blade
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather arm wraps
Companion 1: BlueJay, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Arctic fox, Female - Battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Expert Intellectual
Specialty: --

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Mika

When it came to protecting others, Mika hadn’t been all too good at it in the past. With their pack so small and their fighters low it was up to their leaders and what they had left to defend their lands. Precious resources that couldn’t be waisted. Their children tucked away in their den being held back by the non combatant companions to keep them from wandering into the fight. Already his mate was tussling with a man that Mika could have sworn he’d seen before. Regardless his paws thrummed and the male went straight for the first wolf he could see. A white and gray girl, Tomie, whose would be his first target.

Mika aimed to slam his right shoulder into her left side. Hoping his momentum would be a good start. His tail leveled and his hackles raised as a loud growl escaped his throat. Viscously his jaws opened and attempted to take a bite from her left shoulder near her elbow. If these attackers wanted to know what they were made of then so be it. Kaiju stood by the capuchin monkey keeping a careful watch for his chance to strike.

Tanelan(Mika) vs Tomie for dominance
Round 1/2
Age: over 1 year
Size: Large
Build: Heavy
Companion 1: Capuchin, Male, 22"
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty: n/a

Bellatrix

She had never foreseen that the big guy she took on might have seen her coming, in fact she banked on being unseen completely. But now she would just have to deal with being seen before she had even come close to connecting, which he had stepped out of her line of fire. That didn't make her any less threatening in her mind. Beau would not have to fight his one she swore it, even if he seriously damaged her in the process of her making him leave their home.

What she hadn't expected was the male to try to "catch" her. There was a slow blink of confusion from her as he did exactly that. her head was in his jaws and her read was left somewhat dangling from his jaws. Her back legs the only thing thanks t her small size connecting to the ground. Her confusion became anger and embarrassment in a quick second. Her little teeth were shown in the moment as she began kicking wildly at the man. Her words coming out now to make him hopefully realize how mean and bad he was being. "Let go you big bully! This is wrong to take from us and you know it! Just leave my daddies alone and go home!" Honestly she hoped not only the guy who had her heard her but their entire force. Maybe they would just leave. She also hoped she kicked this guy in the throat and that's what she aimed to do with her front paws. Her glare set on the man's throat too, so she could see if she hit or not. Even if he did let go like she had told him to she was ready to keep her balance on her back legs.

"Talk, 'Think.'
We're beautiful creatures

Bellatrix vs Ulfr for dominance/raid
Round 2/2
Age: 1 year+
Size: Toy size
Build: Light
Mutation 1: Rhino Horn (Offensive)
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty:

Tomie had to admit she was disappointment. It seemed there were few enough defenders and somehow she was damn sure Vidarr was the problem here. He'd said he had wanted to welcome in a new alpha or something... Tomie hadn't realized they were this new. Made him look like a bully, she had to agree with the tiny purple girl. Tomie wasn't soft but she couldn't help feeling disgusted she'd been dragged into picking on someone this much weaker than them. It was ultimately a weaker man that chose a fight he couldn't lose. Her willingness to stay was hanging on by a single fraying thread. Still she wasn't about to let someone else walk all over her just because she was feeling disgusted with her own alpha for the whole thing.

Tomie spotted the purple man barrelling down on her. Tomie was a battering ram, not a dancer so she hunkered down. Chin tucking, ears flattening, her shoulders rolling forward, her tail lining up with her spine as if a rudder and her toes splaying. All of this to say she took that shoulder check like a goddamn champ, rocking on her paws but not even a stumble. He reached for her joint and instead of dodging Tomie instead aimed to slam the leg he was reaching for into his gaping jaw... And then keep going, moving sideways into him. With her superior size she was hoping to forcefully bowl him over, each step she took was a forceful stomp, if he fell and she stomped on him all the better. And if he didn't but she still caught some stray toes she wouldn't complain.


Tomie vs Tanelan(Mika) for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Intermediate Healer


"Tomie"

Image by xALTUMSILENTIUMx

She follows the party down to Auster, trekking across territories and once they hit Auster, rain poured over them. She narrowed her eyes through the downpour, and they descended up Norad with a swiftness in the dark. The scents here are faded under the rain, and as they trespass, they are eventually greeted. So far, only two of Norad's own emerge from the darkness, engaging Vidarr and one of the other Vikings, and she is forced to wait impatiently for an opponent of their own...or perhaps not, she isn't sure. She brought up the rear, and even with Vidarr's call, she doesn't see any others appear. Was this it? Was it going to be this easy? She sighs heavily as she spots a small purple-marked girl appear, calling them bullies. Part of her has to agree despite her nature...the Vikings were strong. And Vidarr had said something about welcoming a new alpha, but this pack seemed far too new still. This raid didn't feel like a raid, but a power trip on the Viking's end. There really wasn't any fight to be had here, really. And she suddenly felt like she was wasting her time in coming when a handful of them would've been fine. But as it was, she was here, and more pissed that there was no real challenge here. Not yet. Not until this pack had a chance to build itself... "Brida"

Amorielle Adravendi

She was with Noelle in her den, getting ready for sleep after tending to the ill Paradise when the first howl went out. Her ears fell back at the sound, unfamiliar to her, though the message was clear. And then, the second call from Beauregard himself. She glanced at Noelle who had stiffened, fur bristling as they both listened. Norad was being attacked, and so Amorielle immediately rose to her paws. "Stay here, I'll be back." She motioned to her companions before slipping out of Noelle's den and made her way to where she heard Beauregard. The rain was heavy, it was dark, and she didn't know who was attacking them, but she'd be damned if she let him face it alone! They didn't quite have the numbers yet to take on something like this, but still, she'd fight. When she arrived, heart hammering in her chest, she saw her two alphas and another engaged already while the other attackers stood around. "Cowards, all of you!" She cried out. They had chosen a pack that had not long been established, and while she didn't know if Norad would win (if only by some miracle!), she'd at least help give the intruders something to remember her by. Frowning, she made her move toward the closest one, a yearling with a pair of horns. She raced through the mud, splashing herself as she zeroed in on her like a ghost, her paws eating up the ground as she sought to throw herself at the younger girl's frame in an effort to bowl her over into the mud. Amorielle vs Maki for Raid: Dominance Round: 1/? Age: Over 1yr Size: Small Build: Light Companion 1: Magpie , Female - Flying Companion 2: Ring-tailed Lemur, Female - Attack Mutation 1: Agility boost - Agility Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Healer Specialty: Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think

She was exhausted and ready to sleep for a week! She'd been tending to the old woman that had collapsed on their border, staying up through night and day with very little sleep in an effort to keep her alive. She was in very bad shape and very, very ill by the time she had arrived and Noelle was feeling doubt about the woman's survival...still, she wouldn't give up. When she heard the unknown call, followed shortly by Beauregard's, she stiffened and her fur bristled with alarm. She recognized the meaning of both calls after her time in Valhalla, and she was well aware that Norad didn't quite have the numbers to defend themselves properly. Amorielle left to join the defenders, and she was left to watch over the old woman. She moved to sit at the entrance of her den, ready to fight and defend the ill woman should the attackers try to get to her. Though Noelle had never truly fought before, she knew enough to be able to defend herself thanks to Valhalla. Her heart hammered against her chest as she waited, ready and waiting for any injured packmates if need be...but then she spotted movement when she turned briefly to glance at Paradise, and she recognized it as a foe by the way they were sneaking around. The usually docile and gentle woman felt her fur bristling again as she shot to her feet, her heart pounding harder against her chest as she made the abrupt decision that she had to do something. She couldn't just let this intruder sneak around in her home! Stepping out into the rain, she uttered a growl, though it wasn't as threatening as she had hoped. "Y-you! S-stop right there!" Noelle vs Rota for Raid Round: 0/? Age: over 1yr Size: Extra small Build: Light Disability: Partial Blindness - Moderate Skills: Intermediate Healer & Intermediate Intellectual Specialty: "Speak"

Pain. It would only fuel the viking king further, spur him on harder. Lightning bathing them all in a sickly, pale glow moment by moment, Víðarr snarling from somewhere deep in his chest. This is what he lives for. Over the patter of rain, he can hear other fights breaking out. Good. Really, getting his fighters the time out, a chance to celebrate, a chance for his grandchildren to experience their first taste of blood. The viking king is alive with it, feeling the boy's blade catch his flesh. With intent to sunder, intent to force the boy down and into the mud beneath him, Víðarr throws his weight into him. It's a wild movement, risky, but then-- he is a berserker. Though he only dully acknowledges the bird, one of his dogs was quick to move to handle it as best she could. The storm, the raid around him, all raging on. The viking king is at his very best and very brightest in these moments. Still, the menacing laughter doesn't stop. This is what it means to be alive. "Víðarr"

Víðarr vs Beauregard for dominance (raid)
Round 2/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked Gauntlets
Defensive Battle Accessory: Lamellar Shirt
Companion 1: Karelian bear dog, male - Battle
Companion 2: Tawny owl, Female - Battle
*Companion 3: Karelian bear dog, female - Battle
Mutation 1: Blood shooting from eyes - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative