Spirit Taming

When Clark looked at the area that Jerold and Grace had spotted the three men walking, he noticed that they didn’t have any beasts with him. That was enough evidence that they had their own taming spaces. Therefore, they were old enough and well trained enough to be able to handle themselves without a beast at their side. It also meant that they had academy education.

They were fairly thin compared to what someone would assume would be an experienced hunter. The tamers that moved around this deep in the forest outside Nova City were normally well muscled and held more armor.

"I think they are experienced but have little money. I would say they were guards forced out of their positions for one reason or another." This was the best theory that Jerold had.

The stories of someone losing the position in the guards because they would not accept a bribe, had failed a task, or just generally offended the wrong person were many. It happened so often that many people would only become guards if they knew that they had backing from others.

This wasn’t just in the guards though. small time merchants, those that worked in auctions, and even some of the farmers had faced the same fate as this. They lost the income that they needed. The very job that they had trained to do and could not get it back whatsoever. It was just another fact that pushed the group to erase those causing corruption like this within Nova City and everywhere else if possible.

"So they are just sent out because they need to get something to make money. I see..." Clark’s thoughts trailed off as the three men drew swords in preparation for a fight. Clark watched carefully as their beasts showed themselves as well from basic taming spaces.

’Forest dingo- common

The forest dingo is one of the many man made beasts. They are created when certain wolf or coyote species are bred with other similar species. The forest aspect is created due to their earth and slight water affinity. It causes their fur to have a slightly green tint and moss to often grow on their bodies to allow them more protection when hunting within a forest.

These beasts are ideal trackers since they have high senses of smell along with the ability to easily see at night. They are also good at cornering prey and working with others. Their only issue is their high energy. They are very playful and require a lot of attention from their tamers or else they will get in some trouble.

Their teeth and claws are their best fighting strength, but they are better supported than frontal attackers. This causes them to be the scout, support, and often the finishing attacker when they are paired with a tamer.

Their fur is ideal to use as a camouflage coat. If it is dried and skinned properly, then the moss will continue to live within the fur acting as natural camouflage.’

While these were not beasts that the group had to worry about, Clark saw the additional survival note on the system analysis. This would help if they found any of the forest dingos left in the wilderness without a tamer. But for the forest dingos that had homes, this was just useless. No tamer should ever kill off their beast to make some covering that will allow someone to hide in the forest. That is just plain cruel.

The hollowed out tree that the three were facing had nothing to note, that is until one of them kicked a small rock at it. This was just enough to cause a larger scrambling from within. The hunters had their prey.

"We can use this chance to skirt them. We will head to the left and avoid them while we head toward the violent jungle." This plan was easily followed as the group began backing away slowly. Clark watched everyone as they avoid leaves, sticks, and anything else that might signal that others were around. Unfortunately, nature was acting up and did not support their plan.

A small breeze blew through. Clark’s group had not been down wind...that being the case, they were instantly sniffed out by the forest dingos that smelled an unfamiliar mix of scents that came with a large group.

The instant reactions were whining and howling to let their tamers know of the danger sneaking up behind them.

This caused the three men to split up. Two turned to face the approaching threat while one remained on their target. The beast that they had been hunting also sensed a chance. It had darted from the hollowed tree and was currently rushing away causing the one man to decide whether or not he should chase it.

Since Clark had noticed this problem the moment it began, he had caught sight of the beast they were trying to hunt. He had used the system’s analysis right away since it might be a beast they had to deal with at some point.

’Red masked raccoon- common

The red masked raccoon is a species of raccoon with ear typing and slight water typing. It has darker brown fur and a bright red fur around its eyes. That is how it gets the name, red masked. It is often considered a pest by those that find them within or near their homes. They are scavengers that will hunt down any left over food or bones to chew on.

They have a habit of living near water and washing dirt off of their food. This habit has made them known as a clean beast even though they are scavengers and sometimes eat rotting food. They are normally cowardly except for their mating season. Otherwise, they will be peaceful and run away from anythng that they face.

This does not mean that they are not dangerous. Their saliva carries many diseases and can potentially infect others. They also know how to make themselves homes within high up trees and can break off branches to fall on others. Along with being able to hide in water for up to an hour without breathing due to their slight water affinity.

They do not have many uses as hunted materials. However, there are many people who enjoy using their pelts for expensive dresses.’

The beast was not very interesting to Clark, but he understood why it was hunted. It wasn’t valuable for meat or any unique materials. It was just a vanity beast. Hunted so that its fur could be used as dresses or other things for the corrupted rich people within the city or cities. It made Clark feel angrier than he had been before since he knew this was the case.

That wasn’t what they had to focus on now though, they had people to deal with. "We know you are there! Come out or we will send our beasts in to handle you!" The warning held enough authority to prove that these men had once been guards. It was a rough way to prove it, but the tone every guard used was trained in to them and would never fade.

"DState your allegiance or we will attack!" Clark called out to Devi to roam around invisibly. He knew that the three would not act and say who they worked for. It was foolish to do so.

"We are send-"

Laughter started around the three men. They realized that they had already been surrounded. Every bit of evil sounding laughter was enough for them to understand their current dangerous standing.

"I will ask once more, who do you bend your knee to!" Clark made it sound like he was ready to push out in to a violent battle if they did not respond.

With the knowledge that they could not track the beast around them and the fact that there might be more enemies than they could handle, the three men acted as they could only do. Their swords were held still, but they responded.

"We are just three hunters looking for beasts before the city is put on lock down. We don’t bend our knee to anyone!" The response had some grit in the end. An angry and broken grit that proved they had lost something before.

What Clark gathered from this was simple. These people had once been working for someone that tossed them aside. They had sworn loyalty and lost it. This small bit of proof was enough though. Clark could use this. His mind was already turning.

"Lower your swords if you do not have any master you serve. If I like the conversation we have, then I might give you a job." This was not at all the banditry that the three thought they were victims of. They had expected that they would be robbed of everything and potentially left ot rot in a ditch. That was part of the wilderness and the fate of those that angered the rich and powerful.

"Like I said, if you can prove yourself, I will let you live and even give you a job." Clark showed himself and Crim to ensure that there was a little more backing to his words. He just had Devi go silent and wait for any signals that things went wrong.