The 4th Horseman Rides Again (Darksiders X Claymore Quest)

[X] ...give the villagers a name. One that would reach his targets sooner or later.
- [X] "Death."

[X] Search for the Claymore that the stranger spoke of. He was curious to see how these warriors behaved.
 
Information about a pale inhuman figure that calls themselves Death that goes around killing yoma and asking odd questions spreading out of the village with any kind of speed beggars belief.
I imagine this is a little bigger than this village. This is the name we are deciding to take going forward, a way to present ourselves to be recognized.

For most mortals, Death is not a pleasant acquaintance. Not that I mind; it is our name, and it goes well with our overall expression. It's just why I choose a more neutral one to not form certain preconceptions.

And there will be preconceptions, given that Organisation amd Claymores are our targets just as much as Yoma are.
 
[X] ...give the villagers a name. One that would reach his targets sooner or later.
- [X] "Death."

[X] Search for the Claymore that the stranger spoke of. He was curious to see how these warriors behaved.
 
[X] ...give the villagers a name. One that would reach his targets sooner or later.
-[X] "The Horseman."
[X] Search for the Claymore that the stranger spoke of. He was curious to see how these warriors behaved.
 
Search for the Claymore and your title is The Horseman.

Scheduled vote count started by LinkOnScepter on Mar 16, 2023 at 3:21 AM, finished with 16 posts and 10 votes.
 
Finding A Claymore
[x] ...give the villagers a name. One that would reach his targets sooner or later.
-[x] "The Horseman."
[x] Search for the Claymore that the stranger spoke of. He was curious to see how these warriors behaved.

"...Horseman," with those words Death continued walking toward the end of town. None got in his way, but all stared after him with a combination of awe and fear in their eyes. He briefly saw a few children try to get close, but their guardians pull them back before they get too close. As he reaches the end of the buildings, Death figures he should at least lend some credence to his claims of being a Horseman. So, he waves one of his hands toward the trees and stops just outside of the village. A few moments later, Despair comes loping out of the forest with its baleful flames following every step.

Death pays the shocked gasps of the mortals no mind. He simply swings into the saddle on Despair's back. Dusk crows as it flies back to Death, heading deeper into the forest and toward the Horsman's next objective. Rearing Despair up, Death turns his steed around and kicks at its sides. With his cloak billowing in the wind behind him, the 4th Horseman gallops off to his next objective.

That should silence anyone who might think his title pompous.



Searching out the Claymore that the man from the Organization spoke of was born of two things: Curiosity and practicality.

Curiosity, as the warriors did interest the Horseman somewhat. The idea behind them wasn't new. There were plenty of stories of groups of warriors being formed or created for the purpose of accomplishing one goal or another. Sometimes they are formed around an honest want to do good and be righteous. Sometimes they are merely trying to take advantage of a bad situation. Whether these Claymores were one or the other didn't matter that much. After all, all those groups eventually fell or became something else over time. It was the nature of things.

What made Death curious about these Claymores was whether they could live up to their names. Which was where the practicality came in. The Organization was one of his targets. It was only a matter of time until he came into conflict with them. Before that happened, he wanted to get an idea of exactly what the strength of his would-be opponents was. That way, when the time finally came to tear the Organization to pieces, he'd be prepared for his battles with the Claymores.

Exactly what he would do with this information after he gained it, if it wasn't to help him against the Organization...he wasn't sure yet.

Which is why he decided to remain hidden when he found the Claymore that the man was talking about. Dusk led him right to her, the crow choosing to alight on a nearby branch while its head was turned in her direction. But Death doubted he could've missed the woman even from far away. Outside of her stark white armor and silver hair, the giant sword strapped to her back was a dead giveaway as to who and what she was. Her hair was slightly layered and fell just below her neck, with the sides angled towards her face. Outside of that, there was very little difference between her and a normal human woman. Unless you counted the thin arms and legs he supposed.

He sat on Despair just inside the nearby trees, watching as the warrior walked down the side of a flat hill. The wind blew grass along the ground in waves. It carried the scent of morning dew, evidence of the day it had taken for Death to reach this Claymore.

The warrior's eyes were focused on something in the distance. Perhaps she had a mission she was trying to reach. Or maybe she was simply wandering? The man never stated whether they kept a sharp eye on their Claymores. Then again, considering the Claymores' supposed strength, he was certain one of their men must be nearby. It wouldn't make sense for such a secretive and careful group to not keep tabs on their warriors at all times.

"Unless they were truly incompetent," Death spoke under his breath to no one in particular. Despair whinnied as in agreement with its rider. Death rubbed its thin neck as thanks.

Whatever the case, the Claymore hadn't noticed Death yet. Not that he was necessarily trying to hide. He simply didn't see a need to reveal himself just yet. But such a thing might be required to accomplish his goal here.

That goal?

[] Test this warrior. See how she, and possibly other Claymores, do battle.
- [] He would go forth and challenge her to single combat. To see how she fares against a Horseman.
- [] He would go find a Yoma and lead it to her. See how she fares.
- [] Write in...

[] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
- [] He would keep his distance. Remain out of sight. So that she wouldn't panic or become aggressive.
- [] He would attempt to get closer. Just enough to make more of her out. But not enough to cause her distress.
- [] Write in...

[] Greet this warrior. There was no need for his first contact with a Claymore to be antagonistic. Perhaps they could form a type of rapport...as strained as it may be.
- [] He'd attempt to be polite and cordial. A difficult task for him. But one he could try to accomplish.
- [] He'd be blunt and serious. Make it clear what he's here for and not give any pretense.
- [] He'd be as quiet and stoic as possible. Not say much. Only enough to let her know he isn't an enemy.
- [] Write in....

[] Look for the man watching over her. Perhaps Death could wring a bit more info out of him.

[] Write in...
 
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That he was necessarily trying to hide.
"Not that"
- [] He'd be blunt and serious. Make it clear what he's hear for and not give any pretense.
"here"

[] Test this warrior. See how she, and possibly other Claymores, do battle.
- [] He would go find a Yoma and lead it to her. See how she fares.

[] Greet this warrior. There was no need for his first contact with a Claymore to be antagonistic. Perhaps they could form a type of rapport...as strained as it may be.
- [] He'd be as quiet and stoic as possible. Not say much. Only enough to let her know he isn't an enemy.
Either would be acceptable.

But let's do this in as a straightforward way as possible without crossing swords with her.

[x] Test this warrior. See how she, and possibly other Claymores, do battle.
- [x] He would go find a Yoma and lead it to her. See how she fares.
 
[X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
- [X] He would keep his distance. Remain out of sight. So that she wouldn't panic or become aggressive.
 
[X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
- [X] He would keep his distance. Remain out of sight. So that she wouldn't panic or become aggressive.
 
As he reaches the end of the buildings, Death figures he should at least lend some credence to his claims of being a Horseman. So, he waves one of his hands toward the trees and stops just outside of the village. A few moments later, Despair comes loping out of the forest with its baleful flames following every step.

Death pays the shocked gasps of the mortals no mind. He simply swings into the saddle on Despair's back. Dusk crows as it flies back to Death, heading deeper into the forest and toward the Horsman's next objective. Rearing Despair up, Death turns his steed around and kicks at its sides. With his cloak billowing in the wind behind him, the 4th Horseman gallops off to his next objective.

Curiosity, as the warriors did interest the Horsman somewhat.
Horseman.
The Organization was one of his targets. It was only a matter of time until he came into conflict with them. Before that happened, he wanted to get an idea of exactly what the strength of his would-be opponents was. That way, when the time finally came to tear the Organization to pieces, he'd be prepared for his battles with the Claymores.
And just because the Organization is our target, the Claymore's aren't. And the Claymore's don't know yet that Organization is their enemy as well.


[X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
- [X] He would attempt to get closer. Just enough to make more of her out. But not enough to cause her distress.

While I'd like to actually meet her, I don't think it is time for that yet. Bets to lets observe her and learn more, and if she decides to approach in case she notices us, well that just would make things easier.
 
[X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
- [X] He would keep his distance. Remain out of sight. So that she wouldn't panic or become aggressive.
 
Let's see..
Scheduled vote count started by LinkOnScepter on Apr 4, 2023 at 3:48 AM, finished with 5 posts and 5 votes.

  • [X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
    - [X] He would keep his distance. Remain out of sight. So that she wouldn't panic or become aggressive.
    [x] Test this warrior. See how she, and possibly other Claymores, do battle.
    - [x] He would go find a Yoma and lead it to her. See how she fares.
    [X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
    - [X] He would attempt to get closer. Just enough to make more of her out. But not enough to cause her distress.

Observe and keep distance.
 
Claymore In Trouble
[X] Observe this warrior. See where she goes, what she does, and how a Claymore typically spends her day.
- [X] He would keep his distance. Remain out of sight. So that she wouldn't panic or become aggressive.

And thus did the 4th Horseman of the Apocalypse, literal Death riding upon the Pale Horse Despair, spend the next two days observing the Claymore.

He kept out of sight, as far from the woman as possible without losing track of her. Which was nigh impossible. No matter where the warrior went, no matter how far she traveled, Dusk would always point him toward her location. Though the bird's cawing did annoy the Horseman it didn't seem to catch the Claymore's attention at all. Which was good. It meant that Death didn't have to worry about her trying to investigate the crow's calling. He had enough trouble attempting to hide with Despair.

For two days Death observes the Claymore. Two days did he slowly trot alongside her, at the edge of her vision, keeping to trees, foliage, and shadows. For two days did he watch as the warrior woman advanced through the land with nary a break in her stride. Her eyes never wavered from the path she had set for herself. During this time he gathered some information about the Claymores. They didn't tire easily for one thing. A normal human wouldn't have been able to walk for an entire day without tiring. He had seen some do that, but the ones that managed to reach their destination with their heads held high were usually the pinnacle of their races. Most would either fall over or force themselves to stop at some point. Not that the Claymore didn't stop. The only time she stopped was to make camp at night. And something told the Reaper that she could keep going. The camping was more or less a formality.

Unfortunately, his distance did cause some issues. The warrior was on guard even when she was sleeping. Not to mention one of those men could show up at any moment. If he got too close, one of them was bound to notice him. Thus he didn't learn whether or not the warrior had to eat or drink. He hardly saw her stop for water or attempt to catch any prey animals. However, his observations did bear some fruit on the third day. It was here when the Claymore arrived at another small village.

If what Death knew of Claymores was true, then there was likely a Yoma within that village. He found a space just far enough away that no one would notice him, but close enough that he could catch the Claymore when she exited the location. Thus he sat in Despair's saddle and waited. By the time the afternoon rolled around, the Claymore was dragging two mutilated bodies out of the village. Behind her stood several frightened humans who watch as she dropped both corpses at the village outskirts. Then she turned, said something to the villagers, then left. Instead of following her, Death remained at the village until evening. He had a feeling that doing so would let him see something important.

And he was correct.

When the sun fell below the horizon, a man in black clothing appeared at the edge of the village. He walked through the threshold and remained inside for a few moments. Then he walked out carrying a large bag of some kind in his hands.

So, that's how they collected their fees then? Hmm, at least Death knew that if he ever needed to interrogate one of the men again, he could just wait until they got back from collecting some fees. They wouldn't notice him until it was too late. Curiosity satisfied, he spurred Despair after Dusk to once more follow the Claymore.

He followed after her for another day before something interesting occurred. The Claymore was making her way across a river when she suddenly stopped walking. Death paused just inside a copse of trees to her north. He narrowed his eyes at the Claymore. Had she discovered him? How? He was downwind of her, so he doubted she could've smelled him. And she hadn't noticed him this entire time. Perhaps she finally decided to take notice of Dusk's crowing?

Death got his answer when the Claymore unsheathed her namesake. She held it in both hands while her eyes darted to the left and right. The river's water caressed her feet as she stood within it. Seconds ticked by with nothing happening. Then, within a moment, the Claymore jumped into the air. Two black bodies blurred into existence, their claws striking where their target had previously stood. The two were clearly Yoma, identical in every way to the ones Death had killed a few days ago. The Claymore landed atop one of the rocks the river flowed around, blade at the ready and eyes locked on the Yoma. The two monsters hissed as their thin bodies contorted and writhe with unnatural muscle.

Death hummed to himself. She has good instincts. However, she's too focused on the two in front of her. If they have backup then she might be in trouble.

As if to prove his thoughts correct, two shadows passed over the river. It was too large to be a bird and its circling of the river looked unnatural. Death looked up and, sure enough, two more Yoma flew above the battlefield. Strange, leathery wings had sprouted from their backs, helping them remain aloft. So, these creatures could mutate that much?

Hmm. The Claymore was outnumbered. And she didn't seem to notice. Perhaps Death should intervene? Or he could sit back and see how one of these warriors fares in combat. Or he could leave. He had observed the woman quite a bit. He doubted he could learn more without closer inspection. Which would risk him being discovered. Much like assisting the Claymore would.

In the end, he decided to...

[] Assist the Claymore in battle. At least it would get him in her good graces.
- [] Write in Plan of Attack...

[] Sit back and watch. See how this Claymore fights.
- [] If she survives, continue observation from a distance.
- [] If she survives, continue observation, but from closer range.
- [] If she survives, introduce himself.
- [] Write in...

[] Leave. He had seen all he needed to see. It was time to get back to his other tasks.
- [] If chosen, what do you want to do instead?
- - [] Follow Dusk. Find one of his main objectives.
- - = [] Priscilla
- - - [] Riful
- - - [] Isely
- - - [] Luciela

- - [] Hunt for more Yoma. There were bound to be more to kill nearby.

- - [] Look for Claire and Raki. Ensure they are safe.

- - [] Search for a different Claymore. See if there's any difference between them.

- - [] Travel the land searching for anything. And filling out a map of the land.
- - - [] Head North
- - - [] Head East
- - - [] Head West
- - - [] Head South

- - [] Write in...

[] Write in...



Sorry these updates are so short, but take so long. Work makes it so I can't really take time to just sit down and write.
 
No matter where the warrior went, no matter how far she traveled, Dusk would always point him toward her location. Though the bird's cawing did annoy the Horseman it didn't seem to catch the Claymore's attention at all. Which was good. It meant that Death didn't have to worry about her trying to investigate the crow's calling. He had enough trouble attempting to hide with Despair.
I wonder if only Death can see Dusk.
He followed after her for another day before something interesting occurred. The Claymore was making her way across a river when she suddenly stopped walking. Death paused just inside a copse of trees to her north. He narrowed his eyes at the Claymore. Had she discovered him? How? He was downwind of her, so he doubted she could've smelled him. And she hadn't noticed him this entire time. Perhaps she finally decided to take notice of Dusk's crowing?
Or there are Yoma waiting in ambush.
Sorry these updates are so short, but take so long. Work makes it so I can't really take time to just sit down and write.
No worries, short updates fit this story, or at least this part of it.


[X] Assist the Claymore in battle. At least it would get him in her good graces.
- [X] Have Despair jump into the air and you jump from it's back towards the flying Yoma, aiming for their wings to bring them down where you can more easily deal with them. Leave the two earthbound ones to the Claymore. Use your gun only if you have no other way to bring them down.

This is a perfect opportunity to make a good impression with, Claymore and ensure she lives so that we can gain more info and observe her more closely, as well as gain experience in fighting different type of Yoma. And getting a good word in with the Claymores is going to be a good thing for the future. And we can possibly ask her for a duel afterwards.
 
[X] Assist the Claymore in battle. At least it would get him in her good graces.
- [X] Have Despair jump into the air and you jump from it's back towards the flying Yoma, aiming for their wings to bring them down where you can more easily deal with them. Leave the two earthbound ones to the Claymore. Use your gun only if you have no other way to bring them down.
 
[X] Assist the Claymore in battle. At least it would get him in her good graces.
- [X] Have Despair jump into the air and you jump from it's back towards the flying Yoma, aiming for their wings to bring them down where you can more easily deal with them. Leave the two earthbound ones to the Claymore. Use your gun only if you have no other way to bring them down.
 
[X] Sit back and watch. See how this Claymore fights.
- [X] If she survives, continue observation, but from closer range.

I really don't care about making good impressions on Claymores honestly. We're already going to be destroying the organization and I severely doubt all the claymores are just gonna stand to the side for that.
 
I really don't care about making good impressions on Claymores honestly. We're already going to be destroying the organization and I severely doubt all the claymores are just gonna stand to the side for that.
After they learned truth about the organization, nearly all of the Claymores either turned against it or deserted.
 
After they learned truth about the organization, nearly all of the Claymores either turned against it or deserted.
Yeah, but I don't exactly see Death as the type to go out of his way to prove their wrong doing and reveal it before attacking them. I know we're the ones controlling here but I'm still trying to pick like the character because I like the character and for all that he does care about his siblings he doesn't really care about that much else.

Edit: don't get me wrong he does kind things for others at times, but as far as I recall he's never went all that far out of his way.
 
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Yeah, but I don't exactly see Death as the type to go out of his way to prove their wrong doing and reveal it before attacking them. I know we're the ones controlling here but I'm still trying to pick like the character because I like the character and for all that he does care about his siblings he doesn't really care about that much else.

Edit: don't get me wrong he does kind things for others at times, but as far as I recall he's never went all that far out of his way.
True, but from what I understand Death is not an indiscriminate killer, and while destroying the Organization is in the list, the Claymores are not. This already should make him think, since it is quite weird that you're asked to destroy an organization that makes monster killing warriors, but killing the warriors themselves is not required. And Death does know that the Organization is the one that created the Awakened Beings.

And Organization is not our primary target, we have more important things to do first, and Death understands that having to cut his way through the Claymores to end the organization would make his mission more problematic. Fights against (most of) them would be unnecessary and not help his overall goal. I wouldn't expect him to take the pragmatic approach and while he might not go over his way to specifically look for prove of the true motives of the Organization, he would reveal such thing if he had it just to make the Claymores step out of his way. Of course, if he were run into people who'd share the same goal, he would be willing to cooperate with them to achieve his goal more efficiently. And if we happen to be known by the Claymores as a Yoma hunter who can help in a pinch, the better. And like I said, we have more pressing issues to handle before we deal with the Organization. Lot of things are going to depend on where exactly we are on the timeline and who we run into.

And honestly, I don't want to kill the Claymores, majority of them don't deserve getting slaughtered.

Also, @LinkOnScepter , the picture in the Explanations-threadmark is borked.
 
True, but from what I understand Death is not an indiscriminate killer, and while destroying the Organization is in the list, the Claymores are not. This already should make him think, since it is quite weird that you're asked to destroy an organization that makes monster killing warriors, but killing the warriors themselves is not required. And Death does know that the Organization is the one that created the Awakened Beings.

And Organization is not our primary target, we have more important things to do first, and Death understands that having to cut his way through the Claymores to end the organization would make his mission more problematic. Fights against (most of) them would be unnecessary and not help his overall goal. I wouldn't expect him to take the pragmatic approach and while he might not go over his way to specifically look for prove of the true motives of the Organization, he would reveal such thing if he had it just to make the Claymores step out of his way. Of course, if he were run into people who'd share the same goal, he would be willing to cooperate with them to achieve his goal more efficiently. And if we happen to be known by the Claymores as a Yoma hunter who can help in a pinch, the better. And like I said, we have more pressing issues to handle before we deal with the Organization. Lot of things are going to depend on where exactly we are on the timeline and who we run into.

And honestly, I don't want to kill the Claymores, majority of them don't deserve getting slaughtered.

Also, @LinkOnScepter , the picture in the Explanations-threadmark is borked.

Fixed it. Thanks.
 
Let's see...
Scheduled vote count started by LinkOnScepter on Apr 8, 2023 at 3:49 AM, finished with 8 posts and 4 votes.

  • [X] Assist the Claymore in battle. At least it would get him in her good graces.
    - [X] Have Despair jump into the air and you jump from it's back towards the flying Yoma, aiming for their wings to bring them down where you can more easily deal with them. Leave the two earthbound ones to the Claymore. Use your gun only if you have no other way to bring them down.
    [X] Sit back and watch. See how this Claymore fights.
    - [X] If she survives, continue observation, but from closer range.


Death gets into the fight. Got it.
 
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