For Fox Sake [MH]

[Sloth]

Welcome to EoD's fourth Master Hunt! Just wanted to let everyone know you are allowed to go back and edit in added detail to your post in response to your roll. An example is Mal's post in the Trout Hunt! Only those that have signed-up may participate in this Hunt!

Go here for rules and guidelines!

1. @silverfire12 - Flowerpaw
2. Mal - Hawkthorn
--
3. Maple - Shadestone
4. @arcticfox - Mothshine
5. trevni - Wolfjaw
6. @egotistic - Redwater

---

Medium Danger: If a predator attack rolls a 10; its attack will kill a cat. A 8-9 roll will severely injure a cat. A 4-7 will lightly injure a cat. 1-3; is a miss.

Severe attack Ranges: A 9-10 will be a twisted/mangled limb, 7-8 loss of an eye, 6 loss of an ear, 5 broken tail, 3-4 broken ribs, 1-2 deep scratch/bite across the eye/ear/etc.

Light Attack Ranges: A 10 will be a sprained paw, 8-9 will be a long jagged scratch across the face/belly/or back, 6-7 will be a broken jaw, 4-5 will be a light scratch/bite, 3 will knock the wind out of your character, 1-2 a torn claw.

---

This cross fox has a medium predator danger level.
This cross fox has 6 flee turns.
This fox has a threshold of 6 and must be hit 7 times.
The threshold count may change throughout the battle.

Details of this fox: There is little known about this fox. The brief flashes of its pelt in the night are glimpses of rippling muscles under an orange and black coat. On still nights the barks of this fox can be heard echoing off the hills and the faint trails of trampled down flowers tells the tale of its passing. As days pass its scent creeps ever closer to the WillowClan camp. This fox has killed an apprentice and carried off three kits now and the Clan has decided to go looking for the beast to end the slaughter.

---

The fox walked along the lake's edge, his steps silent and light as his feet left faint tracks in the mud as he paced. He'd fed well recently, his belly full and stomach protruding from his frame after feasting on the youth of the territories current occupants. He felt cocky and invincible, enough to stalk along the water line in broad daylight and lap at the waves when thirst gripped him. The sun beat down from above, the sky empty of clouds and the wind blowing in brief, faint gusts. The fox turned his pointed nose to the breeze before taking a deep long sniff and squinting his eyes to the bright sunlight reflecting off the lake's surface. He trotted further along the lake's edge before stopping under a large tree that loomed nearby. He stretched out his skinny front legs lazily before flopping down onto the cool, shaded grass.

[Deleted]

Flowerpaw hissed as she sunk her claws into the ground. Three kits. The fox had taken three kits and it had killed an apprentice. She couldn’t forget the anguish in Cinderfeather’s eyes as Ryekit was taken away. So she was going to get revenge. Three of WillowClan’s young had been killed as she was not going to let it continue. She was pissed. “That Fox is going to pay,” she snarled out as she breathed in deeply. Her eyes went wide as she scented the fox nearby. She couldn’t tell where it was, but she knew it was close. “Is it just me, or is the fox scent getting much stronger?” She asked.

QPhJiNz5

[Deleted]

    Redwater padded at the rear of the patrol, lost in thought.

    How many had they lost now? Four? And how many would they lose after this excursion?

    Frowning, Redwater shook his head, casting such thoughts from his mind and focusing on where he set his paws. The trail was rough and well-worn beneath his paws, and though he’d walked it many times, in this instance it felt foreign to him. It was as if every dip in the trail, every rut, were newly form and waiting for an unsuspecting paw to chance upon them. Doing his best to avoid them, he quickened his pace, realizing the space between himself and the patrol was steadily growing.
    Falling back into line, Redwater cast his gaze over the procession of cats. Oddly enough Oaktalon had attended, something everyone had been vexed about—more so because Willowstar had barely had anything to say about it. But in a way, Redwater was glad the deputy had come along. He was a well-respected face in WillowClan. It would raise everyone’s spirits knowing, like them, he was willing to risk his life.

    Which means I should give it my all, too.

    Settling into a more relaxed stride, Redwater tried the air for any traces of fox. But no sooner had he lifted his nose and the acrid scent hit him than Flowerpaw, the youngest participant, piped up; she’d done well to pick the scent up before him, though he could not help feeling a flush of anger at being bested by an apprentice.

    “Is it just me, or is the fox scent getting much stronger?” she queried.

    “It’s not just you,” Redwater murmured, keeping his voice low so as not to alert their quarry, “I smell it too.”

    His gaze wandered to the other members of the patrol: Shadestone, Mothshine, and Hawkthorn. All able warriors, though it was not them his words were directed when he spoke again—no, his gaze went instinctively to Oaktalon, WillowClan’s deputy.

    “It looks like we’re getting closer,” he mused. “What should we do now?”


2QCbMHQe

[Deleted]

    Mothshine followed the other cats leads, although she had little feeling to show for the situation. Although she was aware, having heard around camp, that this fox had taken lives, she didn't feel anything deep or emotional. Those who died to this, perhaps were destined to do so. There wasn't much that could be done to stop weak cats from dying. She felt little for those who lost friends and family; that could be blamed on her lack of empathy. Still, she was logical enough to know that losing numbers in a Clan wasn't a good thing. And, the molly thought that participating to get rid of this thing would be thrilling before having kits of her own.

    She didn't respond much to what the other cats were saying, except for the occasional nod of agreement or snort. Her expression was a stoic one, and her gaze was focused on where ever the fox's trail was taking her. She didn't often take the time to glance at her fellow Clanmates. If they wanted her attention, they'd have to address her directly. The dappled warrior felt very ready in this situation; fighting was something she loved to do. Like Redwater, however, she was seeking some guidance from her deputy. Mothshine wasn't one to enjoy taking orders, but in this situation she figured it would prove beneficial.

KAYc7kOr

[Maple]

S hadestone remained a few paces behind Oaktalon, fur bristling at the mere thought of the fox successfully taking four of their young clanmates. He didn't personally know any of the kits, he wasn't one to hang around the nursery, but the news of their loss hit the clan hard. Shadestone had jumped at the opportunity to seek justice and take down the fox. He thought of Timbershade back at camp, still recovering from her own endeavor with a badger not too long ago. She had been lucky to escape with shallow scratches on her belly rather than the deep wound Lionpaw had received to the shoulder. Three of the four cats who had gone out to drive the badger out of their territory returned injured. Shadestone wondered how their own efforts might go today and whether the fox would best any of them. He didn't like the thought, especially with an apprentice among them.  To ease his worries, Shadestone thought about the group that had assembled. It was undeniably a strong one, with their own deputy taking the lead, and Shadestone felt confident that they could bring down the fox. Likely not without injury, but Shadestone could hope.  They had been following its trail for a while now and Shadestone had a feeling that it wouldn't be too much longer now until they came across the creature. Shadestone perked his ears as the apprentice, Flowerpaw, stated that the smell was getting stronger. She wasn't wrong. They were nearing the lake and he could sense that they were getting closer. He lifted his head to get a good look in the direction that the trail was heading. If he was lucky, he'd be able to spot it early on and give his clanmates a heads up so that they didn't stumble into the situation unawares.   ... He looked ahead to see if he could catch sight of the fox but came up with nothing. Annoyed, Shadestone wondered whether the fox had slipped out of their territory or whether it was waiting for the group of cats to stumble onto it unknowingly. WORDS: 349 TAG: Sloth

credit to nat of adoxography.

a9ZFTAEk

tags: Stormy @silverfire12 Mal @arcticfox @egotistic

notes: I chose the roll to also indicate whether or not Shaestone caught sight of the fox under the tree along with whatever Sloth has in mind for it. Hopefully, that's okay. Dumbass saw nothing because he rolled a TWO

[Mal]

Hawkthorn

Willowclan || Male || Warrior

Hawkthorn had been absolutely thrilled to be approached by Oaktalon and asked to join this mission. The large tabby's maw crooked into a smile. It seemed his past choices had led him to this glorious moment. Foxes had been a symbol of triumph, discovery, and cunning ploys since his apprenticehood. His sister died by his claw, but everyone in the clan had believed a fox had done it. And again a fox was used to earn his warrior name. The difference between this encounter and his last with a fox, this sly creature had snagged 3 kits and an apprentice from the Clan. It had done enough damage. It needed to die.

I wonder if I've encountered this one before. Wouldn't that be interesting? Almost a romantic idea...

Hawkthorn took up the rear of the patrol, next to Redwater, always proud to be seen as a 'protector'. He didn't speak a word the the other tom, just padded along as his yellow eyes stared straight ahead, intense. His tufted ear flicked at Flowerpaw's words, narrowing his eyes on her and wondered how she would fair against the fox.

Distracted in thought, his eyes went to his deputy. Smart move coming along this patrol. I would have done the same. I wonder how many hearts are loyal to him... how many to that incessent cow? Her game bores me.

At the mention of fox smell, Hawkthorn turned his head to the sky and parted his jaw, drinking in the scent of fox. He was instantly on alert, ears perked and pace picking up...

There! It was lounging under the tree. Hawkthorn growled lowly, trying not to startle it, but knowing the group needed to be warned. He was trying to be a hero once again. The part of his brain that nagged him constantly wanted him to be silent so his clanmates would stumble upon it... but what point was he trying to make with their downfall? He needed them, for now, in the wake of the tension between the clans. A war was brewing, and Willowclan was going to need as many warriors as they could to tear the other clans a0art.

"The fox, it's there. Under the tree. Be careful.. what's our plan of action?" He turned to Oaktalon then, showing respect by allowing the deputy to lead.

9gdQr8Iu 

[Words: 377]
[Tags: Sloth @silverfire12 @egotistic Maple @arcticfox  Stormy ]
[Notes: roll indicated if Hawkthorn detected/saw the Fox]

[Sloth]

hey everyone! Stormy has a super busy schedule so Oaktalon won’t be joining the Hunt. He was stalled in camp by Willowstar who was jealous and convinced him to stay in camp and help her with an important clan matter. Wolfjaw stepped in and went with the patrol instead.

Mal Maple @silverfire12 trevni @egotistic @arcticfox

[trevni]

Dread hindered each and every pawstep Wolfjaw took. Apprehension had set the massive tabby tom’s fur aquiver since news of the fox had reached the camp. The warrior hadn’t been particularly close to the apprentice who had been killed or the kits that had all but certainly shared that same fate, but the wave of grief and loss that had swept through the camp had sent him reeling. The ragged-looking tom hated his capacity for empathy at times like this; more callous Willowclan cats were able to go about their business without feeling too troubled by the incident.

Wolfjaw could think of little more than tiny, harmless kitten mouths stretched in wails of terror as massive jaws clamped down, squeezing the lives out of bodies far too fragile.

Horror and a senseless guilt at not being in the right place at the right time to save the kits had led to his volunteering, but he felt no satisfaction at being chosen to go on the patrol. Some of his Clanmates undoubtedly saw it as a chance at glory or honor, and a way to make their way up, up, up in the social standings. Perhaps others were going for the thrill of the hunt.

Wolfjaw found no satisfaction in the job he’d been tasked with. The thought of fighting and killing always left a dry taste in his mouth – it was why he’d never been able to go through with becoming an assassin, to his Ravenclan mentor’s chagrin.

He’d called him weak and too compassionate, and perhaps that was true. He would have to adopt strength for the matter at hand, whether he liked it or not. Eradicating the fox, while cruel in some capacity, would save far more innocent lives. The canine clearly had a taste for the blood of cats at this point, after all.

He cringed at the anger in Flowerpaw’s snarl, casting a wary glance towards the apprentice. As much as he understood her anger and desire for retribution, the large warrior had his doubts about walking into a foxfight with a mind clouded by such obvious anger. Anger made cats less rational, and losing your sense around a fox was a recipe for disaster if he’d ever heard one.

He’d try to keep an eye on her, if possible.

He stilled at the mention of fox scent, forcing his fur to flatten and taking a moment to scent the air himself.

La8Wa18F

The reek of fox hit him and caused the warrior to grimace, but he pushed a fresh wave of fear deeper within himself, hoping his voice didn't betray him as Redwater spoke. The other tom seemed sensible compared to the angry apprentice, and that in and of itself was reassuring. Hawkthorn was the first to spot the fox, and, after a moment of squinting, Wolfjaw bristled as he made out a vague shape as well. He was no strategist -- a part of him wished Oaktalon had been able to remain on the patrol, rather than being forced out by Willowstar at the last second -- but common sense told him that rushing into the situation would be a very bad idea.

"Stay on your toes," he growled softly, keeping his voice soft. "If we can see and smell it, it may very well be able to do the same to us. If we can go into this with even a small plan..."

A part of him felt as though the fox wouldn't allow them the luxury of planning, but he hoped he was wrong, for every cat's sake.

[Sloth]

@silverfire12 , Mal , Maple , @egotistic , @arcticfox , trevni
Reminder to everyone! Rerolls are available in the shop! Rerolls can either count for your character to reroll their own attack OR a reroll for the fox's attack against your character. They can ONLY be used once per Hunt, per character.

---

The fox turned to lick one of his paws free of dirt as he rested comfortably in the tree's shade. The land outside these fields were treacherous and every day was a fight for survival but here? Here he was a king. Satisfied his foot was clean the fox turned to point his head to the sky and squinted up at the sun. Now wasn't the time to go hunting and with his recently full belly he didn't feel the need to exert himself. Instead; he flipped himself onto his back and began rolling in the cool, tall grass, tongue hanging out and tail waving from side to side. In the past few days he'd been leaving scent trails and started marking foundations throughout the area, his scent now covering trees, bushes, and a strange stone structure covered in moss that seemed to descend down into the ground oddly enough. He'd just shrugged and marked the area anyway, telling any newly arriving predators that this was his turf now.

As he rolled in the grass a breeze drifted by, filling his sharp nose with the distinct scent of the cluster of cats that lived in the area. The same scent had been on the kittens he'd stumbled upon in the fields and he quickly sat up to stare pointedly around the area. Were more kits wandering around looking for a predator to fall into the claws of? He got up from his secure shady spot and wandered closer towards the scent. A hill obscured his vision so he remained low to the ground and stalked forward, his eagerness making his tail tip flick sporadically. The first scent to hit his nose was (Flowerpaws'), the smell not very strong but almost.. youthful like the larger cat he'd killed only a short while ago. Saliva pooled in his mouth at the thought of another easy meal and he rose his head, ears tipped forward eagerly. He was still in the crater of the hill and unable to see much but out of his peripheral he seemed to just catch the movement of a cat (Mothshine). How many of these felines were there? The potential promise of a meal made the fox keep moving, his time in this territory making him cocky and territorial. (Redwater, Hawkthorn, and Wolfjaw's) scents all remained unnoticed to the fox, who's focused was now hell-bent on the youthful tang of Flowerpaw. He pushed his way up the hill, finally reaching the summit only to come smack dab in front of a large and imposing tom (Shadestone). He reared back in surprise as the sharp scent of warrior filled his nostrils. He was not shaken for long and let out a deep snarl, lips folding back to expose sharp canines.

---

Roll against Shadestone: wlKeTSz8 Shadestone receives a light injury!

Area attacked: Shadestone tears a few of his front claws!

Maple - For Shadestone's next post please describe him tearing his front claws! They can either become caught in the fox's fur if he lands an attack OR if his attack misses you can roleplay him getting them tangled in the grass for being unsheathed to early. He will tear AT LEAST 2 of his claws on either one of his front feet and whether they grow back crooked or jagged is up to you!

---

Purchased reroll

Roll against Shadestone: Shadestone receives a light injury!

Area attacked: Shadestone has the wind knocked out of him!

Maple - After the fox's initial shock he quickly shoves himself against the large tom cat. The fox's large frame knocks Shadestone to the ground and he losses all the air in his lungs. For the duration of the Hunt Shadestone will find it incredibly difficult to breath and cannot over exert himself. How long this lasts after the Hunt is up to you. He could recover quickly OR he could find it difficult to keep up with his fellow clanmates for a time due to bruising; it's up to you!···

[Maple]

S hadestone startled when the fox they were hunting emerged over the crest of the hill without warning. The fox's form moved quickly towards him and he raised his claws quickly in defense, striking down towards the fox in a failed attempt to block the fox's movement. Between the momentum of his missed attack, and the unexpected weight of the fox suddenly crashing into him, Shadestone's balance on the hill was thrown off and he was thrown to the ground. The large tom rolled, the grass doing little to cushion his fall, and he landed in an awkward heap. He rolled quickly onto his stomach and let out a gasp that brought no relief. He clenched his claws into the grass in frustration, still without breath, as he strained to see the fox and his clanmates above him on the hill. I need to get back up there. He struggled for breath again and this time, he found solace in a shallow intake of breath. Relieved, Shadestone made his way to his feet and made his way slowly up the hill to check on his clanmates. Hopefully, they were okay. He couldn't move as fast as he'd like as he still couldn't find full relief in his intakes of breath. His sides were aching with each attempt and he had a feeling that if he took the time to inventory his injury, he'd find that his side was tender from where it had impacted with the ground.  WORDS: 246 TAG: Sloth

credit to nat of adoxography.

PKMBoYDr

tags: @silverfire12 @egotistic @arcticfox Mal trevni

[Deleted]

    Acknowledging Hawkthorn’s warning as well as Wolfjaw’s, Redwater slackened his pace. Straining to see over the thick wall of vegetation before them, he only momentarily glimpsed the foxes pelt, and while its scent remained, he saw no more of it as he followed the procession towards the tree. In that instant, as its pelt flashed out of his sight, he thought to snatch Flowerpaw between himself and Hawkthorn. She was the youngest member of the patrol, and considering the fox already had a taste for WillowClan’s vulnerable youth, they could not afford to add her to the list of casualties. But before he could act upon this thought, the crackling of brittle leaves brought a halt to his movements.

    All at once the rank odor of fox hit him like a battering ram and the sound of approaching pawsteps halted abruptly. Standing before them, at first taken aback by the sight of Shadestone—it had nearly trampled the poor tom in its haste—the whole of the patrol at last laid eyes on their adversary: a dog fox who’s pelt rippled like flame and shadow. Its teeth gleamed in the partial light and as its muzzle creased with rage, it threw itself into Shadestone with such belligerence it sent the tom flying downhill.

    “Shadestone!” Redwater risked looking over his shoulder after him, but the only response he got was a dull thud as the tom’s body connected with the ground. Just like that their odds were against them, and the sudden gravity of their task weighed ever heavier on his shoulders. But rather than cave beneath it, Redwater faced it with such savage ferocity that the battle cry parting his lips surprised even him. It rippled and shook, and when the red tabby threw himself forwards, he felt as if StarClan were guiding his paws. In that instant, with the adrenaline pumping through his veins, Redwater felt as though he could have fought a million foxes on his own.

NgPVYD42

    Paws drumming against the ground, Redwater broke from his cover, reluctant to let the fox capitalize on Shadestone’s weakness. “Over here, fox-face!” He spat, darting from one side to the other until he was close enough to pull his paw back to strike its face. It would be something he would delight in, he knew—after all, there is nothing like leaving your own personal mark on an opponent.

    But even then, as his claws flashed towards the fox, he could not help but feel a flush of guilt. In his haste, he had not considered the rest of the patrol. Had he waited just a moment, they could have devised a plan—one that was sure to send the fox reeling. Now, however, the fox knew of at least two of them. It would be on its guard now; the patrol would have to tread carefully if they wanted to minimize their losses.

---

TAGS: Sloth , @silverfire12 , @arcticfox , Maple , Mal , trevni

[trevni]

A flash of fur sent a fresh wave of anxiety through Wolfjaw, and the large tom, intentionally or not, looked more formidable than ever as his thick tabby pelt spiked and bristled. There was some noise as paws crackled over dry earth and leaves, and then, without much else warning, they were face to face with a monster.

For something that was a known cat killer, the fox seemed to reel in surprise for a brief moment. Had it not been a dangerous situation, Wolfjaw might have felt amused or apologetic for the beast. But its surprise didn’t last long, and the snarl he uttered reverberated in Wolfjaw’s ears; the tom was too focused on those long, glistening fangs to care about much else.

’If you’re up against an enemy more powerful than you, cripple it—go for the eyes, the leg, the tail, anything that could secure an advantage for you and a disadvantage for them.’ His old mentor’s voice rose, unbidden, in his mind, and he was transported back to the heart of Ravenclan territory for a moment, watching as his awkward, compassionate younger self attempted to listen to strategies of killing and torture despite looking sickened at the thought. The advice was meant to help him in killing his ‘hits’, but he realized in a rush that similar principles could apply to a much more well-meaning mission: getting rid of the fox.

Outnumbered or not, it still had the advantage of strength and size, and perhaps, if he could land a decent hit, he’d even the odds a little.

Gritting his teeth and letting out a sharp, threatening hiss as he saw Shadestone go flying, Wolfjaw felt powerful muscles bunch beneath his pelt for he sprang forward, all thoughts of a plan forgotten. If he wasted time planning now, that would put his Clanmates in danger.

78Ltp7dF

He'd intended to rake a set of sharp claws across the fox's face, aiming for the sensitive, malevolent eyes that gleamed with hatred and hunger for his Clanmates. Redwater seemed to have had a similar idea, however, and Wolfjaw narrowly avoided colliding with his Clanmate as the fox turned into a stinking mass of fur and fangs. Begrudgingly, he had to dig his paws in and cut his attack short, claws raking harmlessly through thin air. Tense, Wolfjaw narrowed his eyes, raking the fox's form hastily in an attempt to spot a weak point he could latch onto.

[Deleted]

    Mothshine stood her ground as she saw Shadestone hit the ground after having the wind knocked out of him. The warrior unsheathed her claws and let out a defensive hiss in response to the creature's deep snarls. She wanted it to know they were not going to back down. Another warrior's shout hit her ears, and the dappled tabby turned to look at Redwater, who was causing a distraction to the animal. Mothshine huffed. Whatever happened to sneaking upon it? The molly thought bitterly, but had no time to linger. At the moment, the fox had yet to notice her. In the corner of her eye, she could see Wolfjaw lunge at the fox. Now that the creature was focused on these two, Mothshine would try to sneak around and land a bite on the foxes' hind leg.

1WVhdF8Y

    The young warrior went around the creatures backside, and sunk her teeth into the hock of it's left leg, hoping to disadvantage it in some way while her fellow Clanmates went on about their loud distractions. In her mind, that's all they were good for. Little did she know, it would be in her best interest to put her faith into them.

(i hope im doing this right!! someone correct me if im not)

[Deleted]

Flowerpaw let out a loud hiss as the fox made itself know. Rage flooded the older apprentice as she let out a yowl of anger. “HEY! OVER HERE!” She cried as she started to run around the fox. She was enraged. This fox had killed four cats. She couldn’t believe that this fox was still alive. She had thought that StarClan would’ve killed it by now. “Well, I guess that’s going to be up to me,” she hissed as she paused her running. Squaring her shoulders, the apprentice turned towards the fox and charged at it, anger radiating off of her.

_2Teig8p

Sloth, trevni, Mal, Maple, @arcticfox, @egotistic,

[Mal]

Hawkthorn

Willowclan || Male || Warrior

Hawkthorn's heart began to thrum as he thought about slaying the fox. Its crimson blood would paint the ground as Hawkthorn and his clanmates curcled it like prey. A hungry look entered his eye, akin to the one the dark-faced fox had. 

Always one for cheap play, Hawkthorn lowered himself to the forest floor and crept around the fox as Redwater tried to drag the beast's attention from Flowerpaw. It was his hope to get behind the fox and, while his clanmates held the fox's attention, the tabby would run up behind it and swipe a good gash in the back of one of the fox's ankles. Much to his surprise, and delight, he saw Mothshine sneaking around the fox on the opposite side. He waved his tail to her, indicating his plan was similar to his. Taking out both its legs would be an awfully good advantage. Prove yourself to me, Mothshine.

Seeing Flowerpaw foolishly running towards its side, Hawkthorn growled under his breath and sprung. Land this blow! Spill its blood! 

YSTmcoG2

[Words: 196]
[Tags: Sloth @silverfire12 @egotistic @arcticfox Maple trevni ]
[Notes:  Sorry for the wait I kept forgetting Dx]