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Zarra, beffittingly to his 'let's do things last minute' mentality, had showed up last, but not so late he wasn't able to be caught up to speed by the posters, which asked a question he finds rather kind of redundant.

"I don't know why I'm being asked this question. I mean, I actually came here with the full expectation I was going to break some law. If you want my fully honest opinion, laws are more of like a societal mechanic. We as humans strangely like rules, a streetmap of what not to do. I have yet to me a single person who doesn't like having a consistent system. There definitely people who will find it harder follow the rules governed by everyone else, but nobody is truly entirely amoral. Wither I choose to play to said rules is entirely up to me and only me."

Zarra doesn't really have a point, seeming to more or less putting disconnecting points together into an argument against himself. What would the Greyborn ever care about law at the end of the day anyway? He did kill a man in pure haste and almost sink a whole ship of civilians.

Ymiico was too busy flicking her ribbon around like a captivated cat. While she pawed at it she would wince, having been surgically dispatched by the sanguinaire, her body was still recovering. Still, the three moons in the sky had her healing rather quickly, with a surge of power flowing through her. She met at the fountain with the rest of her peers. Some on her team the others not so much. When was it acceptable to break the law? It was different here but for Ymiico it was anytime change was needed. Shinobi existed to enforce rules within themselves but commit crimes for a peaceful society, it was a difficult balance. Ayla’s answer almost put her to sleep, luckily the others had simple responses. It was finally her turn to speak. She cleared her throat a bit. Using gesticulations to carry what her broken speech could not. “When the law do not work, yes” bowing slightly before returning to her ribbon.

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Location: Ersand'Enise Notcie Board

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Interactions: Zarina@YummyYummy

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Bœuf Bourgignon? Ingrid questioned. It was from, what Ingrid had known, a common stew that was meant to feed many people. A humble and hearty dish perfect for the tougher pieces of oxen. It takes time to denature the meat to tender perfection. But most of all, it isn't very pretty. It's a stew. It requires some skill but the benefit is that it is hard to mess up too badly. Ingrid was confident that she could make it well but her presentation had to be perfect. She just gave Zarina a thumbs up as she continued to think on how to best present it.

Ingrid started by cleaning and peeling the vegetables. They would end up as part of the final dish so they needed to be cut with intention. How would they change over the cook? What way of cooking them made them the most delectable? Do I use some vegetables for their added flavor and make some on the side for the actual presentation, discarding the rest? Then there was the order, most of the things could be put somewhat together and would benefit from the braise. Other ones would end up as nothing and would look unappetizing.

The most time consuming part was brushing the mushrooms clean to make sure no dirt or anything gets into the stew. Peeling the carrots was difficult with a less than perfect knife. She couldn't allow her compatriots to help with this as they had limited ingredients as well. Pearl onions were so pretty but a real hassle to peel. She could use some magic but she wanted to be delicate with the prep. She measured her wine and stock that was provided to make sure it was all ready for when the meat arrives.

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Location: Proving Grounds, Erasand’Enise

He felt helpless…

No!

Evander then blasted his name,“I AM EVANDER FINO SYNESTI, I WILL NOT FORGET WHO I AM!” A swelling of anger and heat, a surge of fire grew in him like a raging furnace about to explode. His eyes flinched at first, then widened as time nearly stopped from his perspective.

Evander released a heat wave combined with concussive force. The massive blast smashed Abdel, who stood in point-blank range of Evander’s fury. The boots of the Virangish paladin lifted off their heels as his body propelled back, hitting a stone wall.

Evander’s other ally, which he had climbed the wall, nearly took a hit too. Her quick reactions carried her behind the cover. Only her arm took a few ashes to the flesh. The menace who had appeared next to her was another story, unscathed and unbudged.

“You are mad!”

Shouted Abdel,

“The beast is tampering with your mind!”

Evander could not hear Abdel as himself. Instead, the illusion persisted. Abdel was a hissing Sanguinaire in Evander’s mind. He still stood in a dimly lit den in a Perrench architected manor, wait…

He scanned the room, noticing similarities to a story he had heard repeatedly. Her voice slipped across his back neck, filling his ear once more, Sebastian. Evander could feel the only heat in this room was coming from him, this isn’t real! It smacked him, the realization that he had been tricked into believing he was in the story of Aelis Clairmont.

Evander’s chin lowered. His forehead cast a shadow over his eyes. Then, he began to chuckle. The more he saw how ridiculous this scene was, the more he laughed. Evander saw everything around him for what it was, an illusion. The manor, the Sanguinaire that was Abdel, the fireplace, the den, his father, and his sister all faded as swiftly as they had all appeared. Evander raised his chin, opened his eyes, and darted his gaze like a laser directly at the fiend’s location, fully engaged in sensing the pathetic trickster.

“You are pathetic! You mock the name you carry; I thought Sanguinaires are supposed to be terrifying!” Evander spotted the Lxiang from earlier, “Instead, you are nothing but a coward hiding behind parlor tricks!” He extended his arm, grabbing the Lxiang with his magnetic gift and thrusting it above as a missile toward the Sanguinaire’s heart.

“Hey kid,” the Sanguinaire said, laughing.“Nice dragon pendant.” Avoiding the Lxiang cleanly, the Sanguinaire appeared in Evander’s face, “one problem….” He grabbed Evander by the collar, “I don’t like dragons,” he whispered.

With a burning spirit, Evander spits in the Sanguinaire’s face, “cry to someone who cares.” The Sanguinaire hurled the youth like scrap out of the arena. Smashing through a block’s worth of houses, Evander finally crash-landed on a sidewalk after passing through the last house. Dust filled his lungs, and pain shot up his nervous system, yet, his heart’s flame only burned stronger. Rising from the rubble, he raised his forearm to his cheeks to wipe across his blood-stained lips, followed by Evander’s grin. Taking a step forward, another surge of pain cut from toe to crown. Wincing, he would not show this fiend that it was winning.

Evander scanned the sky, “it’s about time you became something worthy to fight me.” He began to draw in energy from his environment as the creature taunted from a distance, “come out, come out wherever you aaarrre!” Throwing its arms open.

Evander walked into the open street around the bend of the last house he had crashed through. Standing at the end of the street in direct sight of the Sanguiniare, Evander shouted defiantly, “I’m not hiding; you are moving too slow! Come at me!”

Evander caught the glare of the creature. Suddenly, a flash of his dead sister and father crossed his eyes. The Sanguiniare tried to pull more tricks, but Evander wouldn’t have any. Shaking his head, it’s only an illusion. He dropped into a defensive posture. The Sanguinaire attacked by burning Evander.

The heat was felt as some of Evander’s hair began to singe, “cute,” Evander teased. He rotated his forearm and nothing else to show how casually he resisted the Sanguinaire’s attack. Evander absorbed all the heat from the Sanguiniare’s attack as an intuitive arcanist and fireblood. “Idiot…try harder!” Before Evander could counter, a bright light forced everyone to recoil from the fight.

There was a blazing touch warming his skin. Naturally, he began to draw from its infinite wellspring of heat. The enormous amount was like that of the sun on a smoldering day. Evander allowed the essence of this new player to replenish his soul’s fire while her showdown with the Sanguinaire began.

“You will depart,” or “you will die.”

The words of Solstice, a sun-blessed Zeno. “I’ll die, you stupid girl?” The sky wavered, and it began to dark, even though Solstice was at full power. From thirteen different directions appeared thirteen demonic figures. They brought their hands together in triangle formations, and from them leaped a storm of darts. Evander tried estimating, Dozens…no hundreds…no way…thousands. It was like watching what true power could achieve in a heartbeat. All of the darts converged on the supernova-like figure.

She was not impressed. Solstice evaporated many of the darts as if they had not even existed. Two made it through. One grazed her cheek. The other, she snatched out of the air. She followed her actions with a conviction to end this fight with the Sanguinaire six feet below.

The sky began to boil with fire, great arms of it shooting toward the Sanguinaire. He was too quick, and the arms were missed. Then she whipped them like snakes around the other way. He dodged. Three more arms of flames sprout from her, writhing and snapping like great tentacles. One washing over him. The Sanguinaire screamed, the other arm impaling his chest.

Solstice floats down, perching on a rooftop, still smoking, her fiery glow flickering and dimming in her eyes, “surrender if you wish to live.” Evander looked at Solstice,“Live?” He questioned, “He deserves no such option!” Evander, empowered by the arcane energies raging around him, took action to scorch the pathetic trickster.

He crisped the stone behind the Sanguinaire instead as the Sanguinaire appeared behind Evander,“Bad move, boy! Last move, boy!” The Sanguinaire swiped his claws to cut Evander’s head clean off his youthful shoulders. What the Sanguinaire did not account for was Evander’s skills in Zebaka.

Evander swiftly dropped his head, avoiding the strike while coiling to the side, bending his knees, and placing his right hand with his palm face down on the ground. He tried to sweep into an upward heel kick to connect with the Sanguinaire’s jaw. Too fast. Evander missed. The Sanguinaire was already attacking another party member, Ymiico. The Sanguinaire was dropped by one of Ymicco’s traps, stalled but not killed. Before the Sanguinaire continued his advance, he turned his gaze to Solstice.

The two fought in close quarters; another Sanguinaire tried joining to fight alongside Solstice. The number of powers on this battlefield was numerous. Evander readied himself to make another attempt at a decisive strike. Before he could, Solstice was ripped by metal threads, and a second powerful person joined the fray, Luna.

She took the fight to his blind spot. Her blade thrust deep into his back, seizing his body up. Finally, the Sanguinaire fell from the sky, crashing into the street below. Luna followed his fall, touching him. Something in that moment shook the Sanguinaire. Evander could see it in his eyes. He disappeared once more as blood gushed from his body.

Luna taunted him as the Sanguinaire had called out to Evander, “Come out come out whereveeeeeer you aaaare!”

The Sanguinaire tried running from her, but she had done something to him that none of the others would have understood. The Sanguinaire seized up, falling to the ground, screaming in pain, and clutching his head. Evander saw his chance. He conjured an arcane lance, heaving it at the down trickster.

Evander missed again as the Sanguinaire disappeared. Evander felt frustrated, but he did not break focus. The Sanguinaire reappeared, attacking Ymiico, but Yuli intervened, cracking him with heavy left and right hooks. A sudden thunderous command came out of nowhere, shocking the fighting to a halt.

Evander fell to one knee. His eyes shut momentarily as he resisted the command. He kept repeating his name, his origin, his story.

“Get out of my head!” He stood up, pushing the command away from him. When he reoriented, Sunny was attacking Luna.“Damn, they got her.” Whoever tried commanding the battlefield seemed to have contested Sunny’s will. Evander saw Sunny's power initially; he knew she needed to be stopped before pursuing the Sanguinaire. Sunny attacked her sister Luna. Evander recalled a tactic he witnessed during the Great Melon Derby. He pulled out the metal wires he had taken control over when Chad arrived at Zemana’s house. Tossing the wires, he extended his arm to control them. Using his magnetic gift, he closed his grip once the wires reached Sunny to wrap them around her. Evander failed to bond Sunny, but he did get her arm. It was enough to halt her assault, for now…

In the end, Sunny found her way free and tried punching Luna in the gut before Luna slipped into the void.

At this moment, Silas tried showing everyone where the Sanguinaire had run off to, but a loud COMMAND banged on everyone’s nervous system again.

Evander was not brought to his knees this time when resisting the mental hammer. He could recognize it, feel it, and let it pass over him…he just…shrugged.

“Stop playing games, show up or step off!” Evander shouted. Something was out there attempting to control the outcome. Were they defending the Sanguinaire? Or were they here to control it with those commands? Evander brought his foot back to prepare his stance defensively. Where are you? He could not sense them. Suddenly, his classmates all rose like puppets on strings rising into formation.

There you are! Evander locked onto a Dread Priest, but it was too late. All his classmates were brought to him, encircling him as meat shields, Damnit! What a coward! Evander grit his teeth, I can’t attack. He’s left no openings. Evander’s mind rolled in a thousand directions, his eyes darting from one side to the other to spot an opening he could slip an attack through, this isn’t over.

“We should talk,” said the Dread Priest.

Even if Evander had no choice, he continued to let on that he was ready to take this challenge head-on if the Dread Priest was pulling a trick. He began to draw in energy, speaking in a frustrated tone, “Then speak.”

Brother Wolf opened up with their plan to use the Sanguinaire to lure out a treacherous Arch-Zeno. Shortly after, three robed figures materialized. Evander asked Brother Wolf, Brother Flint, Sister Lumen, and Sister Cadence questions about the Sanguinaire’s consequences, the traitor among the Arch-Zenos, the Volti assassins, and the Traveler.

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Notice: @A Lowly Wretch@pantothenic@YummyYummy@Wolfieh@McKennaJ71@Suicharte@Ti

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Thin Air has ended and, with it has concluded what would appear to be the day's dramatic centerpiece. The muggy, overcast sky that has been held back only through the efforts of the Zenos finally opens up and a warm tentative drizzle begins. A small and nondescript paper advertisement, written in a neat, swirling hand, hunkers under the little shelter on the noticeboard by Balthazar Square. It includes the following message:

If you’re reading this, an opportunity awaits you. I have lost an item of great value: left in a spot that I can only vaguely recall back near my hometown of Mdara on Djamant. The search will likely be long and arduous, but whosoever recovers it for me shall be handsomely rewarded. Those who do not will still receive compensation. You will not need to dress for rain.

- Jocasta Re

The message has been up since the previous evening and anybody who is going to respond to it will either follow its summons or not at this point. There is a further notice that Jocasta would like people to meet her close to the Arch of Lunatics at Moli’s Emporium near Mudville. The time given is 2:00 HO. A small group gathers. It includes some of her closest friends along with others who she does not know particularly well.

When the group starts to gather, many of them recognize each other and begin to chat. The Trials are entering their final phase and many of their teams are in good position for a top ten finish and the rich rewards entailed. Some even occupy a coveted top five spot. A few familiar with Temporal Magic notice a surge of its particular type of energy some hundred yards distant. It isn't a minute more before Jocasta herself appears: a small white and gold angel juxtaposed against the browns and greys of a damp and soggy day. There is nary a speck of mud to sully her clothes and, presently, the rain seems to tail off. Nonetheless, she is living a sartorially dangerous life at present, and specks of mud stain her gloves and the lower reaches of her dress before long. She makes a sour face, but doesn't hold it for long as she scans the faces of the recent arrivals. Among them she finds some of her closest confidantes in Zarina and Yalen, friends like Kaspar and Trypano, and newer faces like Niallus, Marlijn, and the yasoi Ashon. She takes a moment to greet them each, and make introductiosn with the three who she doesn't really know.

"Follow me if you're interested," she says simply, flashing a small smile of welcome and motioning for them to follow. The ground is awful and she only manages to traverse it with the help of the Gift. "So, it's a jewellery piece," she announces after a bit, twisting to regard them. "For those of you who know anything about tethered 'refuges', you'll know why I can't remember the details. We all get a nice chemical memory wipe upon entry, and everything before that point is hazy." They wind through the fairgrounds. The Roseball pitch from yesterday is still up and will be until the end of the week. Some of the locals are using it, their play a good deal more skilled and less powerful than that of the students. "I'll remember it when I see it, though." Jocasta furrows her brow. "That, I know for certain: these kinds of things can trigger memories, and I'd like to know a bit more about who I am. I also remember there was a sense of urgency, foreboding. I hid it up in a prickly pear cactus near Bajja Misħuta - the Cursed Bay - in an awful hurry." They're in an area near some supply sheds and there is another surge of magic. A portal opens. "Temporal Magic," she remarks to the few who aren't in the know. "I'm good with it and I don't know how or why. I'll open the portal up every hour for about a minute for the next six hours. If you're not back by then, I'll try to come and get you." She flashes a weary look. "Don't make me come and get you," she warns. "Anyhow, the good part's this: recover the piece for me and don't raise every red flag that I've got about your motivations and I'll teach you Temporal. For everyone else, it's one magus and, if you wanna learn and I like you, you can pay. A girl's gotta keep food on the table, right?"

With that, a swirling portal of light and energy opens and, through it, people catch glimpses of a rocky and idyllic seashore in some semiarid place. In the distance, a small castle on a peninsula guards the brilliant azure waters and a grounded shipwreck thrusts its bow out of the water and onto a gull-covered islet. There are cacti scattered about among the rocks, shrubs, and wildflowers and they can almost hear the bleating of the birds, the smell of salt and seaweed, and feel the cool ocean breeze and warm sun on their skin. "Shune's clarity and Reshta's fortune, friends."

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• A listing of all active side missions may be found here.
• A thread will be opened up on discord for this storyline to progress once all participants have confirmed.
• You may confirm your participation by reacting to this post. If you have any questions, you'll have two days to post them on the forum.

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“I’ve got a question, actually.”

A tall, Virangish teen steps up among the fray with the droplets of rain seemingly avoiding her as if she has some sort of aversion field around her. Jocasta would be pleased to witness Zarina elevating her gravitational loops for everyday purposes and seemingly without any effort whatsoever. The lack of confident grin suggests that this wasn’t going to be some banter or something of a too personal nature, “Do you remember a name or a face?” she asks plainly, arms crossed and her proximity to Jocasta making her closeness to the quest giver known to the newer faces, “I remember Abdel getting some scraps back when I told him his old family’s name. Maybe we can find someone from your old town as a lead?”

As they go through the portal, Zarina keeps at the back of the group so she could catch the powerful Tethered before she’d leave them to complete the task, “Hey, Jo,” she pipes up and twists to peer down at the blonde, “Save the coin, I owe you after Torragon.” she flashes a gentle smile to her friend, “Do you remember a pet? When you were a kid, I mean.” she inquires, her voice is hushed enough to keep it between them, “No kid could resist micro-creatures.” she giggles and continues, “Maybe it’d do you good - Having a little companion to care for. I noticed you were good with them. Would you like me to find something on the side?”

As Jocasta came for the introductions he crouched in a sitting-like position to make himself eye-height to her. “You must be Ayla and Maura’s friend. So, I have some messages…", he starts to count on his finger as he tries to jot his memory. "Ayla would have loved to be here herself but cannot, it appears she sustained a concussion during the final, so she sends you a big hug…", he scratched his head as he avoided stating the obvious reason for that outcome. He didn't think anyone missed the resounding thwack as Jocasta beaned Ayla hard, ouch.

“Maura wanted to see you importantly about something as well… there was probably something else, but long story short, they sent me.” he finished counting upon his fingers then he scratches head as he tilted it to the side looking towards her with a big charming cheesy smile. "Ashon'amar'loiyang, but you can call me Jamboi for short."

Pleasantries out of the way, he narrows his eyes a little as he looks towards the temporal disturbances, and subsequent offerings of temporal magic for a magus caused him to raise his eyebrow. His remain his own on the matter.

On the plus side, Ashon certainly looked a little less out of place then he thought, with two red-heads and a boy in red. Perhaps we are the Red flags he mused.

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Event: A Prickly Situation

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As Jocasta introduces herself to Niallus and the others shen then goes into details for the reason for this request.
So, that's Jocasta. Niallus tilts his head, wondering how she of could lost her memory. looking around at the rest of the group, he doesn't seem to know many people here, then again, he's fairly new to people who aren't part of team Secto. The people were very diverse. no doubt they all have their own different strengths.

Don't worry. with all of us here, it shouldn't be too hard to find what you're looking for." going to place that'll hopefully jog her memory seems like a good idea to start off with, then we'll go from there. he has some concerns on trying not to cause a commotion, cause it get end up a lot worse. Niallus prepares himself as he steps through the portal that Jocasta created with a smile on his face, excited for this adventure.

@YummyYummy

Frustrated, Jocasta shook her head. "I wish I could say that I did," she replied, "but there isn't much. I remember the Bajja, though." She shrugged. "There was a man: I don't think he was a parent. They'd have erased something like that. Something with an 'A'..." She trailed off and furrowed her brow, shaking her head after an extended moment. "Ambrose?" She scowled. Angelo? He was important to me, though. I remember his big rough hands, skin like tanned leather, the smell of the ocean always on him. He carried me on his shoulders, I think." She smiled faintly. "Along the docks, too, and the thump of that wood beneath my feet." She glanced down at her feet momentarily.

They continued along and she made sure to greet the others. When Zarina appeared beside her again, Jocasta was already looking up at her expectantly. "I remember a dog: a big golden one with floppy ears. No micropets, actually." There was a slight hitch in her next push, but then she forced a smile. Perhaps it was because she knew the dog to almost certainly be dead by now. Perhaps it was something else. "Much as I love animals, I don't think a pet is a great idea for me, given tethered issues with... Well, lifespan," she responded, lowering her voice at the end. "Anyways, We're about here. I'll pay you some other way. You know I will. I don't take freebies, Zaz." Then, there was a surge of magic, an open portal, and an idyllic seaside scene on the other side.

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Missing 𝅗𝅥 𝅘𝅥 𝅘𝅥𝅮 𝅘𝅥𝅯 𝅘𝅥𝅰

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“Sebas!” came the call through the door. “Sebas!”

Sebastien Marais rolled over in bed and groaned. “Go away!”

Audette took that as permission to open the door. She had risen well before him, of course, as she always did, to begin the day’s preparations. His work as a coachman sometimes kept him out late, and the night before had been no exception.

“We are missing our sieve,” she griped. “Have you moved it?”

He sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and blinked. “Of course not,” he replied automatically. “Why would I move the sieve?”

“Are you certain?” she prodded anxiously, fingers knitting and unknitting themselves, glancing over her shoulder. “Because I can’t find it anywhere.”

“Mon cœur,” he joked, “do you not know the man you have been married to for eleven years?” He shook his head. “If I never had to set foot in a kitchen the rest of my life, I would be in all five heavens. No, I have not seen the thing in a week.”

“Hhhhnnnn.” She let out an exasperated sigh, softened by a slight, rueful smile. “I was hoping this was some trick of yours,” she groaned. “It means we have lost it, because I have looked. By Shune, I have looked.” Sebastien started to rise and he believed her. The negative result of her search was written all over her face. Padding across the wooden floor, he planted a soft kiss on his wife’s forehead. “Then I shall go to Henri and buy us a new one on the morrow, or perhaps we can send one of the girls.”

Audette closed her eyes for a moment and her breathing steadied. “There goes the money for Father’s Day and Fortuna.” She opened them and shot him an apologetic look.

He squeezed her shoulders. “I can make do without, and perhaps it will turn up. You know, perhaps one of the girls has it.” It had just occurred to him. Lisette and Genevieve so often liked to play house, and they usually dragged either Charles or Bernard in when the boys weren’t together.

Audette’s face shifted. It became determined, and she glanced between Sebastien and the door just to her right. “You know, I bet you’re right.” She separated herself to go investigate but made it only a couple of steps before pausing. “Oh, but I must not wake them. Lisette is supposed to go with Mirella today, and Genny has her lessons in the Gift.” She bit her lower lip. “The little devils. I bet they misplaced it.”

“Can we live without the sieve for one morning?” asked Sebastien, taking the opportunity to dress himself, for he was irreversibly woken at this point. Audette turned to him with a tired smile. “I can make do without, and perhaps -”
Then, there was a scream - no, a shriek - of the sort that stabs deeply and immediately into any parent’s mind with instinctual urgency that freezes every other concern: the sound of their child in terror.

They hadn’t even made it to the door when a whole chorus of shrieks erupted from the other three. Audette was first, Sebastien nearly crushing her in his haste as she paused to open the door.

In the center of the bed was Genevieve, her small face an inhuman thing of horror: eyes and mouth impossibly large, skin red, hands clawing backwards on the bed she shared with her siblings. They had tumbled off of it, Charles on the floor, tangled in the blankets, screaming. Lisetts wailed. Bernard ran straight for his father. Such was their terror that they could not form words.

Such was the sight that it took Audette and Sebastien alike a good five seconds to comprehend it. “Ses jambes!” Bernard cried. “Ses jambes!”

Lisette’s eyes darted between her sister and her parents, the former screaming repeatedly and uncontrollably. “Ses jambes,” she whimpered, tears spilling down her cheeks. She pointed fearfully, but now they saw it. Genevieve finally seemed to register something other than the evil that had been done to her and her eyes fixed with heart-twisting fear and emptiness on her parents’. Her legs: the girl’s legs were gone.

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Ambitions

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Nine-year-old Genevieve Marais was not alone that day in loss. By some minor miracle, the escapades of the night before had not cost any lives, but for the payoff of one humbled sanguinaire, three had been irreversibly damaged. News spread rapidly: strange warps in stone or wood, missing items, mystery sorenesses, ill dreams, and fleeting notions of having been woken up at some point in the night abounded.

These, then, would appear to be matters for the authorities. They would appear to paint an incomplete picture in need of a solution. Yet, while the people of the Workman’s Quarter may have been common, they were not so simpleminded as their overlords in the rich townhouses and the shining towers must have believed them to be. There was not one report issued to the academy or the Century. They knew what had happened, for it had happened before. For as long as there had been a Workman’s Quarter it had happened with startling regularity. And so the ungifted commons who occupied it did as they always had: they spoke of it amongst themselves and nobody else. They gathered in their bitterness and hatched plans in furtive conversations around wells, dinner tables, workbenches, and in the shadowed rear reaches of pubs and cheap concert halls. They spun ambitions of how they would yet get theirs - how they’d get it back: the same sorts of tales they’d spun for centuries to sate their embittered need for agency.

Only, this time, it was different. They knew the Traveler’s agents among them, and those names moved rapidly, but never into the grasping hands of their betters. They flocked to these men and women and they swelled the Traveler’s ranks, eager to drink of his fountain of hope, of her promise of mana and magic and something that might make them mean something in life. They did not know who their charismatic saviour was. They did not know if he was a man or she was a woman, and it was a topic of much idle speculation and many yarns that the agent one’s brother or cousin or best mate had just spoken with was actually the ringleader. Most secretly knew that there was no one, single figure named ‘The Traveler’. If there was, then it was wise that he hide his true self, lest those with power come and destroy her.

For all of this mourning and plotting and bubbling fury that now very likely threatened to spill over, however, the people of the Workman’s Quarter and the Crafter’s Quarter woke up early, as they always did and walked off into the cool grey dawn to serve their purpose and earn their keep, telling themselves that, soon, things would change: very soon.

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Revelry and Misadventure

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Meanwhile, the children who had paid four hundred Magi to attend the Academy of Thaumaturgy for the year woke up bright and early. They dressed themselves eagerly, chatting around the breakfast table about tactics and strategies and possible prizes to be discovered as they stole a quick meal. Then they bounced, bounded, and - for those who had been perhaps a bit too active the night before - trudged off to Balthazar Square, where they soon found themselves scrambling to select allies from the myriad exotic guest teams who had come to stay over the past week from magic schools far and wide.

Whisked off through portals following a succinct but thorough - some may have said ‘hurried’ - explanation of the rules, they arrived at a dozen unique arenas spread across the twin continents. This was Roses & Neskals, a more modern adaptation of a traditional Eskandr game of magic, conquest, and flying bludgeons, with perhaps just slightly less bloodshed than before. It was the third of the five Trials, and perhaps even more gruelling than its predecessor: The Dragon.

From the start, it was clear that some players knew what they were doing more than others, for the game was most popular only in certain regions, and certainly not on the distant shores of Callanast. It had always been rumoured that at least one game per Trials was always thrown in specifically to favour the home teams and maintain the honour of Ersand’Enise as host. It would not do to have them lose at their own party, now would it?

The thousand or so youths more or less staggered across the finish line, for what it was worth. If Roses & Neskals was intended to be a celebration, it quickly turned into a slog. The matches proved either long and gruelling or swift and brutal, but both varieties left in their wakes a litter of bruised and exhausted bodies.

When the competitors weren’t busy battering each other, they roved about the countryside, poking into every manner of trouble available within their surroundings and uncovering an impressive array of treasures: items handed to them from various grateful or grudging locals. By and large, however, all who were involved were doubtless grateful for having been a part of the grand experience.

When it came down to it, the truth was that only one could win, though. It was the students of Zenos Mozaru, Zemana, Sectoxomactex, and the twins Fades-in-Moonlight and Born-on-Solstice who emerged from the group stage of eight elite teams. In an epic finale, in front of a packed Proving Grounds, it was Sectoxomactex’s group that emerged victorious, with Zemana coming second and Mozaru lasting to the end while the teams apprenticed to the sisters came in fourth and fifth, respectively.

What followed was an evening’s worth of both revelry and misadventure, as renowned bards played at the venerable Five Thrones Tavern, fortunes changed hands in betting houses, and enormous quantities of alcohol were consumed. It served as a fitting backdrop to first kisses, new friendships, and well-earned rests.

Yet, there was a darker side as well. If one Eskandish blood feud was brought to a close in the later hours, another was declared, against targets unknown. The costly efforts of the sanguinaire hunters the night earlier seemed not to have eliminated the problem, and the new bloodsucker was suspected to be female: an entirely different entity. At least one student found herself under assault in the seedier areas of the city, but her story spoke to a new awareness in many of them: they could sense that something was amiss there in the Workman’s and Crafters’ Quarters. What, exactly, were the commons on about now?

Whatever it was, it would prove to be an issue for tomorrow, as it always was and, unless something was to change, would always remain. A gentle rain fell that night, in the Hours of Ipte, perhaps to cleanse, perhaps to soothe. It had cleared by the morning and the young magicians awoke to skies cloudy but no longer threatening a deluge. The worst had held off for now, it seemed.

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Thin Air

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Yawning, stretching, and chatting as they dressed, they made their way, once again, down to dining tables and sitting rooms, eager to discuss strategies for the upcoming fourth event of The Trials: the absolutely absurd test of altitude known as Thin Air. If the rules were simple, it was this very simplicity and openness that made the game so unpredictable. Any manner of strategies might be employed, so long as they did not cause an instant maiming or fatality. There was much that magic could do. Injury and death were far less to be feared.

There were those who took nothing for granted, however, waking up early despite the day’s relaxed start, drilling, planning, and practising as the last of the night’s drizzle faded. There were those who scouted and those who bribed. There were secret and not-so-secret alliances struck, sealed in various ways. Purchases were made and, soon, almost every craftsman in the city who could cobble together something passable as a ‘flying device’ stood to make a good bit of coin.

Then came the call and they made their way once again to that great plaza before the imposing facade of Balthazar Hall. Instructions were given and allies chosen - a longer period than usual of ten minutes was allotted, for this was the penultimate event and much was at stake now. It would also be the last one allowing for alliances, for Chamber of Greed, coming next, was to be strictly a solo event and, to some contestants, in the most literal sense.

One hour of preparation was given. The teams set immediately to work: the only stipulation being that, when it ended and the race itself began, they would have to begin from ground level. How long they would have to reach the dizzying heights of thin air remained to be seen.

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Matches will be played out the same way that we did The Dragon, with strategies being submitted directly to me on this forum, by Direct Message (DM). However, there will be only one per team, to be prepared collectively. This will be due by Tuesday, December 13, at 10:00 PM EST. Please read the hider below thoroughly. If you have read it and still have questions, feel free to ask a moderator for assistance.

Thin Air: Rules and Info [+]

Resources

• All information on the game itself is available in this document.
• Allied team selections for this event can be found in this document.
• Profiles of all guest teams are located in this document.
• The leaderboard may be accessed through this page.

Event four, Thin Air, starts now. Good luck!

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Penny would've headed to the wall, and places like that would be natural for her yasoi partner to frequent, but there were already people headed there. Conversely, she had less than zero interest in the sewers, no matter what might be found there, and Ashon didn't strike her as an aficionado of claustrophobic spaces. It was between the Betting Hall and the Grønhalle, then, and the latter was squirming with Eskandr in all of their sweaty, beer-soaked, piss-smelling glory. She'd have rather bathed with a shark. Gambling was connected with Reshta, for what it was worth, and her pointy eared - Is he a friend? Was that a date that we went on? - seemed to be into that, at least. "Hey Jammy boy," she chirped, "wanna check out the Betting Hall?"

Jamboi scratched his head. He is not into the greed and material wealth that flowed through such places, and the concept of debt is rather foreign to him, but he sees that she is interested. Besides, he does love playing games, perhaps they could get a few bennies to rub together and have some fun at the same time.

"I heard that if you win, they reward you with a chicken dinner.", he gives her a large smile, "Cannot say no to some free food." He gives her a wink, as if he had already decided they were going to win already. "Let's see the journey that Vyshta and Reshta takes us both, Pen Pen"

The betting hall was CROWDED. The Streets were crowded too, and asphyxiating. Perhaps not the best space for a Yasoi, but as they got closer to the hall, the herd of people seemed to thin into three distinct rows to get their turn with one of three bookkeepers. As they arrive, they notice that outside, on the curb, was sitting a man with a cheap cigarette, weeping and clearly down on his luck. Everyone seems to be ignoring him too.

Penny may be playing the part of an unremarkable merchant girl, but she still feels that she should uphold the standards of behaviour expected of those of royal blood. She twists to look at Ashon, who appears a good deal less thrilled with this place than she'd hoped, though he's being a gentleman about it... in his own way.

"I'll buy you a whole turkey, Jammy. It's a fitting bird for you," she teases. "But I'd like to check in on that guy over there first." The mirth falls from her face as she gestures subtly in the direction of the crying man. "Loneliness is a crappy feeling." She rises onto her tiptoes for a second. "Please?"

Jamboi simply tilted his head towards her as he plastered that damned smile upon his face. He was hoping he was keeping up appearances but this was honestly a very much a first for him. Penny definitely seemed excited by the place and what caught his interest the most was the compassion she is sharing for the gentleman who is crying. He hasn't seen this side of her before and this revelation certainly did catch his interest, "You know what they say, more the merrier... and perhaps some of our luck rubs off on him, he looks like he could do with a chicken dinner right about now."

Penny creeps up to the crying man. "Not having your best day, hmm?" He's not far from the small, scuffed-up statue of Reshta on the establishment's outer wall: a superstitious staple at every gambling house. He looks utterly beside himself. She crouches in front of him, trying to keep a supportive look on her face.

It was as if he had zoned out everything around him, as he ended up very much startled by Penny's arrival, "Ah!" he nearly drops his cigarette. A quick brush of his face removes the tears from his cheeks, "Understatement." he claims with a light Revidian accent. He wore the typical worker's outfit and the coal stains on his cheeks and hands were more evident than that they were closer, "You don't look too fortunate yourself." he looked over at Penny and noticed her leg, or rather lack of.

Evidently, being some sort of avatar of Reshta didn't carry as much cachet as Penny had been starting to think. A silly, fleeing notion that had been anyhow. "I have food in my stomach, a roof over my head, and mana to fill my veins." She smiled, leaving out the negatives and things for which she yearned for now. "And I have him." She glanced back at Jammy, who was fidgeting and squirming in the background as only a yasoi could.

"Though it was not always so, I am fortunate enough," she assured the crying man, "permanent state of hopping aside. Now how about you?" she prodded, "What seems to be your loss?"

Gianni takes a long swig of his cigarette before taking it out of his beak and exhaling a large cloud of tobacco. The ashes are left to slowly drop into the stone pavement as he stares absently before him. "Just now, I thought I'd got as a last resort a safe bet on that Ice King fellow." he mentions, gesturing aggressively at the general direction of mudville, "But you know what that turned out." The same hand goes to press against his temple, holding back his emotions now that eyes are on him, "Now I've got nothing to help support my brother's family - MY family!" he continues, his gaze still directed forward, "And our mama. We can't get her the medicine now." he whimpers, doing his best to keep the tears in. He does eventually twist to look over at Jamboi, "I have to take another shift in the large smithy. Our dye business just doesn't make enough with my brother and I. And now it's just me ..."

Jamboi nods his head, as he looks over towards Penny. He isn't sure what she had in mind, but clearly helping this gentleman is a priority for her. "Well, what kind of medicine does your Mama need? Perhaps we can recreate it or find a way to get some for you". He does have some proficiency with chemical magic, he can put some of those issues short term at ease, perhaps.

He looks towards the Reshta statue, then towards the man, then towards Penny. He shrugs. "I tell you what... We will help you out, and in return, I will share you a secret and you make me a promise." He stands up as he rolls some bennies between his fingers.

"The secret to good fortune is..." He leans next to the statue, "make it yourself". He places one of the bennies upon the pedestal before it. "You are a good man who is taking care of a good family. You throw good out into the world and the world throws good back at you."

"So we will win you one of those chicken dinners, our good deed to you and your family. In return, you never step foot in here, for you will only find a fool's luck here, and you will also do something else, it will be very simple for a man like you..."

Crouches lower towards him again. "When you see someone in need of a good deed, and you are able to do so, give them a helping hand. Let's spread that good fortune, eh?" He gives the man a big goofy grin and holds his hand up for a high five.

Penny arched an eyebrow at the attempted high five. Dye Making was usually a fairly lucrative trade. If they were struggling, then something was amiss: illness, injury, or foul play. "It is as he said: gambling is a fool's luck and you do not appear a fool." She paused. "If you don't mind me asking," she prodded, "What is your specific misfortune? If I can help, I will."

Jamboi rubs his head as he notices that she didn’t read between the lines, perhaps that was more of a yasoi observational trait. He was tempted to try hand puppet communication but feels that may fall even flatter. Decided to go for something more on the nose. He high fives himself then moves around to Penny as he slides an arm around her, bringing his head to her level. "He is a family man. He is admirable taking care of his Ma and brothers family alike. He has my respect." He gives the girl a big smile.

Gianni just stares blankly at Ashon. The Yasoi boy really came off as tone-deaf and it didn't help with the man's mood. He answers Penny's question with an undertone of frustration directed toward Jamboi, "My misfortune - My family's misfortune - Is that the best of us are cursed to be blinded by the will of the very Gods!" he spits a glob of saliva that reeked of damp and cold tobacco onto the ground. He shakes his head in a pacifying manner to try and regulate his growing anger, "Last night, my brother ended up with holes for eyes and a tarnished face, making him as good at dyeing as -I- am." the cigarette is flung as he stands to then step on it, "Now he can't do what he loves. Provide for his new family. And Mama can't get the medicine for her Gout. I'm the only one left that can work." he looks over at the betting hall, "And I'm not the man my brother is. Fool's luck or not, what choice do I have?" he whips out a new cig and non-verbally asks through gestures if they could light it.

Penny conjures a bit of flame and the tip of Gianni's cigarette starts to burn. She shoots her rather-too-significant other a bit of a look. "Ashon," she says sweetly but firmly, "you are such a nice guy. Really, but let yanii handle yanii things, mhm?"

She turns back to the smoking man and narrows her eyes. "He woke up with holes for eyes? Just... out of nowhere? Nothing else whatsoever happened?" She had a bad feeling about this.

Takes the cue as he withdraws from the conversation as it seems he is falling flat despite his best intentions. His fingers squeeze upon Penny's side in a comforting empathetic manner as he hears the words. He has already seen what has passed. A curse more than a blessing. He simply decided not to say anything.

Gianni shakes his head, "I don't know. Fiorella and Mama didn't see anything. Paolo ... It's hard to get him to talk, he is so scared." he calms down, taking a few huffs from his tobacco, "I'm usually at Mudville at nights." he pauses, "With a friend." and then he clears his throat, "But I remember there was some noise and a fire towards the Quarter. No one said anything about it so I thought it was just something about the games."

Penny can see that Ashon is feeling awkward. She pushes up onto her tiptoes. "Hear about or notice anything unusual last night?" She turned back to the man and remembered to hold out a hand. "I'm Penny, by the way. He's Ashon, but we call him Jamboi." She smiled faintly. "It means 'monkey' and I think it's rather fitting. I didn't get your name."

"Gianni." he replies and takes the offered hand, and then offers it to Jamboi now that he has calmed, "You two aren't from around here, aren't you?" it was quite obvious for Jamboi, but Penny was another story, especially with her 'condition', "I was almost thinking of asking if you had lost your leg yesterday too. I know our neighbour had a similar accident, actually." he offers a recently rolled cigarette to both of them.

Takes the offered hand with a smile and a nod confirming the obvious statement and raises his hand to politely decline the offer for the cigarette.

Jamboi tried his best to present as pleasant to the pair. Trust Penny. Yanii problem, Yanii solutions. Trust Penny. A fight for the overwhelming urge to say something is strong, but doing his best to leave it to his better half.

By Penny's fourth birthday, her inquisitive little eyes had recognized that every other person she saw had two legs where she had only one. If she had grown up understanding that she was different and yearning not to be, she had also grown up in a very sheltered environment, allowed to go few places and see few unique people, lest the shame of her existence become widely known. It had always struck her as a gross overreaction on her mother's part. The result, however, had been few stares and fewer questions. People had become used to her and she to their casual non-interest.

Coming to Ersand'Enise had been jarring: the eyes that followed her, the leans into a partner's shoulder and murmured whispers, the sad faces and glances back, the gawking from children, and the questions. Oh, the questions! Some were reasonable and others... had certainly not been. She was just some girl with one leg. She'd made up a good few stories: she'd lost it in battle with a savage tribe deep in the jungles of Palapar. A strange illness, incurable by magic, had claimed it. She'd sold it to pay off a crushing debt. A wildblood had attacked her and paid with its life. She was actually Talit'yrash reborn. By Eshiran, it had been a shark!

This question did not precipitate the usual inward eye roll, however. Between Jammy's offhand observation and the fact that a neighbour of this man had also woken up with a similar grievous wound and no memory of it, her instincts found themselves pricked. There were advantages to having grown up as permanent scenery within the deep and tangled pit of vipers that was the Perrench monarchy: she was good at sniffing out conspiracies, and she was beginning to catch the reek of a great big one here. "I apologise for imposing." She politely declined the cigarette and reached into her coin purse. "Might you be able to lead us to your brother and this neighbour? I am not sure yet, but I'm starting to get an inkling that this was not an act of Eshiran. I will, of course, compensate you for your time." She shot a glance Ashon's way to see if he was on the same page as her and was starting to piece it together. She could sense that he was struggling with being quiet. She felt both guilty and bothered. There was something significant going on and she was going to get to the bottom of it one way or another.

For a moment, Gianni went silent. The smoke is exhaled from his nostrils this time. There is hesitation when it comes to bringing in outsiders close to home, especially when most know there was something abnormal going on, and almost anything abnormal could be attributed to them: those with power. Still, Gianni is young and clearly still taken by the gravity of his family's situation, to the point of impulse gambling, "... Two incantors. For my family and the Lotti's." He is firm on this one, arms crossed and eyes like a hawk as he begins to scrutinise them both quite thoroughly. If it weren't for Penny's disability, all things considered, he likely would have dodged this altogether. But if anyone could maybe get the pain of the families, it could be her. Or at least Gianni thought.

Jamboi sensing the focus upon Penny's leg, he looked down towards it instinctively as he did an eye-roll of yanii problems. Yasoi culture took a different view, as the example of the name Vyshta's Favoured. Superstition around it being viewed as both a great blessing, and a potential curse. Admittedly, he tends to forget it is a thing, and never actively thinks of his partner in crime as the 'one legged girl', simply another aspect of her being such as the shape of her nose and the creases in her face as she smiles. Even whilst standing next to a statue of Reshta, which is viewed as some kind of one-legged demi-goddess, such a viewpoint is taken. Even if it is going to be viewed as tone-deaf, he couldn't stop himself as he plants a soft peck against Penny's head, "Mh? She's perfect, like the sun breaking out at dawn."

Against all his better judgements, it seems like he is getting roped into these affairs, despite his well intentioned way of attempting to avoid the situation from the start. If he knew he could walk away at any moment, yet he felt compelled to stay by her side, even if she could currently squish him like a bug in terms of raw power. An awkward and nagging feeling.

He moves his hand into his pocket as he brings out a fistful of bennies. Given his reputation around being a little clueless around money, it might be far simpler for Penny to pay the man despite his best intentions.

"Too bad I'm usually sleeping in," she teased. Indeed, it was a bad habit that she'd picked up. She'd been late for a few classes. "but thanks." She hands Gianni his coin and exhorts him to lead the way. She flashed Ashon a grateful smile.

Gianni raises a brow at Ashon's presentation of bennies with Penny again coming to the rescue with four coins to cover the entry costs, "Okay, follow me." he locks his cig between his index and major fingers as he begins to escort the two through the crowds and alleys, eventually leading to a block where textiles were treated with various businesses that held residences over them. Gianni gestured toward his dyeing establishment, "Welcome to Bruni's. My family's business and home." then turned toward the opposite building, "And the Lotti's." although it is a cotton working business, that family is more oriented toward wood carving and some metalworking. Their decision to reside in the area likely had to do with the Revidian dominance in this street in particular.

Just as they approach Bruni's, a woman steps out on the small balcony facing the street. Her features are illuminated by the candle she is holding, emphasising her long brown hair, olive skin and brown eyes. She is also very pregnant from what they could see, "Gianni? Who are they?" she asks, to which he promptly replies, "These are people interested in knowing about the accident, Mirella." he answers, "They want to help." he adds.

"Accident? Help?" she inquires with clear ire, "What happened was NO accident, Gianni. Why are you bringing strangers to our home? You KNOW this was the doing of outsiders." she squinted at the Yasoi in particular, "And you bring a Tree-ape. Those with the magic. They're going to cause even more trouble, Gianni."

At the mention of Tree-ape, he did put his hand to the side as he tried to discreetly comment to Penny. "I have a reputation". He simply gives a wide goofy smile and a wave towards the woman on the balcony.

He was soon finding himself with the urge to talk, perhaps provide an alibi, an accident in the dye works, a much needed desire to dye his tunic violet as he cheers from the stands, with some coin and a pair of hands, help put some bread on the corner. Such a routine could easily slip from his tongue, he could talk himself out of any troublesome situation as good as he can talk himself into any troublesome situation.

He allows Penny to take the lead. Yanii problems require Yanii solutions. His idea was to simply to treat the old Ma, rig a few games for a jackpot, then shove the coins in the man's pockets and set him free, get him spreading further goodness out in the world, but this was not the way in the yanii lands, and probably not even in the yasoi lands either. Maybe in Jamboi land though where he is the King.

Penny bristles as Mirella refers to Ashon as a 'tree ape'. She narrows her eyes, fighting a momentary urge to put this rude nobody who threw her goodwill back at her into her place. Fortunately, it passes quickly, and the big precious seems to be grinning and bearing it, taking the slur relatively well. Still, she isn't. "You're right, ma'am," she replies, sympathetic but firm. "It was almost certainly no accident." She shook her head. "People with magic - people like us - are almost certainly behind it and Ashon and I don't think that's right. We're here to see if we can figure out who, how, and why. Having manas doesn't give one the right to be awful."

Mirella keeps quiet while Gianni steps back a little, clearly way over his head with this situation and just enjoys his smoke. "You're damn right it's not right." concedes Mirella, now that the steam is unleashed she could think for a moment, "What are you going to do? You're kids." she leans over the metal barrier of her balcony and crosses her arms over it, "It's not the first time people want to get back at those with the power." She has no trouble articulating her grievances and with how she speaks seems to be decently educated despite her social class, "Not even your Century can stop this, it looks like. Maybe if you weren't all too busy searching for those that actually fight for us, this would never have happened."

It occurs to Penny that the damage likely lies irreversibly deep here. These people are already radicalised if they're referencing the Traveller: a figure of careless and tireless evil who stirs up nothing but hatred and senselessly feeds commoners aberrations in the hopes of making an army to - What? She thinks, start a bloody war and lop off the heads of people like me? How many will die? she wonders. What real change will come of it? It was foolish of her to come here. She feels for their plight and the wall of apathy and feigned innocence that they run up against daily, but they clearly want their pound of flesh more than they want any help. Her eyes narrow. Stepping back, her crutch catches on a cobblestone and she stumbles momentarily, but she recovers quickly. Reaching into her cloak, Penny pulls out a large coin purse and thrusts it into Gianni's hands whether he's ready or not. "I did not come here in good faith for myself and my friend to act as objects of mockery," she says to the woman on the balcony. "If you don't want my help, you won't have it. I feel for your family and the injustice you faced. I hope this coin helps you find your way in the coming days." She turns on her heel and begins walking. "You were right, Jammy," she added quietly and brusquely to her partner, "Simple coin was the best remedy after all. These people are unsalvageable. Let's go."

Jamboi simply blinks as Penny takes a sudden sharp turn out of the situation and starts to walk away. He has certainly missed something that has transpired between them. He speaks up, perhaps fruitlessly. "If the tree-ape can speak", he simply taps the bottom of the man's hand, taking the coin purse within his own hand, as he simply robs it back, temporarily, probably earning everyone's ire and attention at this moment.

"The world is unfair. Some are tall, some are beautiful, some are caring, others are protective" as he highlights those present, "We are all different, and yet whilst some call this a weakness, I see it as a strength. We all bring something we can offer each other in our own ways. It is true, there are those who are cruel, there are those who are selfish, these make us feel pain and hurt."

He easily makes his way up the wall as he moves upon the balcony giving the pregnant woman the coin purse. "She may have had this coin, but she wanted to share it with you because she cared about his story and wanted to help.” thumb in Gianna’s direction. ”Your fierceness to protect your family, your child, admirable, and this is important" he waves a hand over to reference the bump, then pointing to Gianni "and he has the kindness to want to care for you all and take on that responsibility, despite the desperate circumstances. In this unequal place, by helping others, we only can truly help ourselves and become whole."

He hops down upon the street, "So be fierce, like a lioness to protect your cub, but importantly, be mindful of others and don't be quick to dismiss them, as they may require your protection the most."

He makes his way towards Penny as he waves them off. He scratches his head as he gives her a wide toothy grin as he approaches her, speaking softly. "Cannot have him gambling it all away again, Pen..."

Penny twisted to regard Ashon. "I know, Jammy." She glanced down at her foot. "But I'm not sure she should have it either. They're in bed with the Traveler. He wants people like me - like us - dead. He purposely creates aberrations and feeds them to his brainwashed followers!" She shook her head. "Think about what those have done to your people... And someone like that? That 'cause' is her only comfort now. Half of the funds will end up in the hands of that maniac." She was angry, irrationally so, and she knew it.

Gianni's cigarette is left hanging over his lip, bound only by the excess saliva that made the butt of the stick damp. What just happened? Mirella is sneering at the kids and he was left with a purse filled with coins. It is a great score, but it all feels wrong. Like the world just got a little darker despite the win. And then Jamboi just snagged it. That brought back the confused young man back to Sipenta, and the monkey-boy definitely earned the glares of everyone involved, probably even Penny's.

His speech is, well, dramatic and rose tinted, but it definitely worked on the more naive Gianni. Mirella is ready to shoo him away, but the prospect of money with their current situation was too good to pass-up. She held the purse, but didn't utter a word. She couldn't. She had lost everything, and all because of those that consistently stood above them. Even above her, an educated woman who could have been so much more if she just had magic. She too felt it 'wrong' to get this money and end it like this. But she could live with that. Mirella retreated to her home, but Gianni, after a quick exchange with his sister-in-law, rushed over to the two.

"Hey! Hold up!" he calls out. He caught his breath after making it - the cigarettes didn't help his stamina at all - and raised his hand for them to wait a little more, "Sorry. Ahem. Look, I know how she sounded but ..." he scratches his cheek. He is having trouble formulating sentences, like he had a feeling but couldn't find the words, "She's angry. She- We lost everything, in a way." he plainly explained, "And she wants someone to take it out on. But she is a good person. My family is." he reaches within his vest and whips out a small bag containing a dried herb of sorts, "I was going to save this for the festival at the end of the trials, but ..." he chuckles, "You take it. As a thank you. At least for trying."

Penny was going to refuse. She didn't want or need some nice tobacco, but it was his way of feeling like more than a beggar, a dependent. He wanted to have something to offer in return and she knew that feeling well. "Thank you," she replied, managing a faint smile. "Don't gamble on it, please. Invest it in something you do well. There's enough there and you're not just your brother's shadow." She felt like a fraud saying it, but perhaps a bit less than usual. "Oraphe crafts all of us with a chance to thrive, else why would we be here? Make your own luck instead of relying on others." Then, when she and Jamboi were on their own, she leaned suddenly to the side, snuggling into him. "Thank you for being awesome. I know that wasn't fun. I feel like I owe you a drink and a show. Soul Sistas tonight?" she chirped.

As Penny shared her words, he did adopt a rather dark look in his eyes. One that he would have to actively turn away as he hides it from her. There were things he knew well, too well, and... those are perhaps left for another time. He was in no mood to discuss those things.

As he heard that shouting, Ashon turned as he smiled widely again as the man came. It seems his message did get through and despite those misgivings, there was some real decency in these folks, even if they are misguided. Even if it wasn't even a yanii, or even a yasoi solution, there is some merit to the jamboi-solution even if it is not immediately obvious.

Jamboi on the other hand does take the tobacco. Opening the box as he takes a sample of the leaf inside, "My friend loves plantweed" as he closes the box again. He gives a big grin as he departs from Penny a moment to whisper into the man's ear, putting his hand in his pocket as he ends up putting a bunch of bennies upon the top of it too. From all appearances, he just used the box of tobacco as payment for something else entirely. He clasps the man upon the shoulder as he sends him off. As Penny gives him a quizzical look, he simply gives one of those cheesy smiles. "I believe you call that a barter".

He gratefully accepted the snuggle as he escorted her back towards the colosseum, it is her game soon after all, even if he had all the free time in the world. He didn't need to be a genius as to why a Perrench girl would want to watch a show done by Green Fields academy, but fully willing to amuse her all the same. "and if you cannot wake in the morning, perhaps we should wait for the sun to break instead" he mused in return.

"Pffft." Penny gave him a raspberry and a punch on the arm. "I shall awaken like a goddess!" she chirped, spinning a full three-sixty on her heel. "For now, running time, or I'm gonna be late!"


Standing tall on the corner of Parade Street is the Five Thrones Tavern. Having been founded early in the city’s history, the establishment is a major tourist attraction in Ersand’Enise. The high quality food served here brings in a sophisticated clientele that wouldn’t normally be seen around commoners, and the venue is exceptionally spacious and clean compared to other establishments in the area. Thanks to the tavern’s reputation the price to dine is higher than the competition, but it is still reasonable for commoners to treat themselves here a few times a year. It is rumoured that Zenith once came here to celebrate her birthday.

Tonight there is a special occasion being advertised for the students and residents of the city. Thanks to the sponsorship of a particular Perrench nobleman, all drinks are on the house until sunrise. Furthermore, there is a music show being put on tonight courtesy of the internationally famous Seoul Sistas. One can easily see them through the door as guests exit the establishment; the all female troupe, stunningly beautiful even by Callanasti standards, appear to have an otherworldly glow to them as they set up atop the dimly lit stage.

Before you are allowed to enter the tavern, you are stopped at the door by a pair of tough looking Centuries. One of them is a two handed swordsman with a frog mouthed helmet. The other is a polearm user wearing a steel bucket. It is difficult to see their eyes, but you can certainly feel their hard gaze as you approach them. They regard your presence by firmly tightening their fingers around their weapons.

"Alright kids, I'm gonna need you to stand there for a sec." The swordsman, or woman based on the voice emanating from the helmet, stepped towards the students while her partner stood close by with his weapon at the ready. "I hate to do this to ya, but I gotta search your pockets before you go inside. No need to spread your arse or anything."

The Century pats down the crew in order starting with Ingrid. Despite her humorous demeanour the lady takes her job seriously, rubbing down every inch of people's clothes for things the students can only guess at. She pauses after giving Penny a pat down, but does not openly comment. Marci's wheelchair earns her no pity, for she gets searched just as thoroughly as everyone else, bust and all. Desmond's hidden weaponry is quickly discovered, but are not confiscated. Weapons for self defence seem to be allowed within reason. Zarina and Ingrid may find a sliver of amusement in the fact that the Century, who could probably crush any of their Zenos in a no holds barred duel, is forced to look up at the freakishly tall women as they get frisked.

After a few uncomfortable minutes the knightess backs off and resumes her post at the door. "Sorry for the fuss. You kids are good to go." She gives them the big thumbs up. The Century are more talkative than they look! Maybe it would be worth shooting the shit with them before going into the tavern.

Those who proceed inside are greeted with the sounds and smells of clanging beer mugs, rowdy bar patrons, and delicious food aplenty. The indoor lighting is tastefully measured so as to not hurt the eyes of the night time crowd. The entire venue is bathed in a calm orange glow. The Five Thrones Tavern is packed to the walls with guests both from Ersand'Enise and from afar. It is likely that the establishment is close to capacity. One has to raise their voice quite high just to hear themselves talk over the booming echo of the hundreds of guests.

The ones who take particular interest in the main event will spot one of the famous Seoul Sistas pacing back and forth near the stage. It is Ms. Hong, and she appears to be in a state of distress.

Ashon was approached by the door staff, they didn't even bother to start frisking him down. He puts his hands upon his hips as he tilted his head towards them. "I am Yasoi, my weapons are part of my religion."

In the land of the Pentad, that seems to only infuriate them further as he is led to a lock and storage box, provided with a key, as they encourage him to remove anything that could be remotely classified as a weapon from his person. He will be permitted to access them again after the show.

He takes a long time, in a display that would make Desmond green with envy. Straps, knives, his climbing kit, a hair pin, a coils of rope and wire, his belt, anything remotely metallic including his fistful of bennies... blatant discrimination.

He eventually makes his way up to Penny, looking sheepish for taking such a long time. He does show the girl that he managed to smuggle in his wooden tie for his hair braid. "Yanii's never learn."

Penny snorts, feeling it in her nose. "I guess they took all of your money too?" she teases, rolling her eyes. Not that she particularly minds, but Jammy never seems to have any money. "So, where we goin', big guy?"

He smiles widely towards her. "Eeh... you know these guards so well." Perhaps it was the Centuries special way of telling him to 'sod off' being without a benny to spend, or even use the excuse of him being light with his fingers as perfectly valid grounds to drag him out of the building. Fortunately for him this time, he is in the company of a rather rich merchant girl who... who...

Jamboi paused for a moment as he looked down towards Penny. "...we have no money." Whilst Penny may have forgot in her haste, she donated her pocket money to the victims of yesterday's conspiracy to help them get back on their feet. "It seems we are doing tonight Yasoi style." He shoots her an extra large grin.

"Oh for fuck's sake," Penny whined. "No good deed goes unpunished." She rolled her eyes. "At least the drinks are free. Don't need much more than drinks at a place like this." She headed to the bar to order a Honey Mead. "How 'bout you? Whatcha having and where d'ya wanna go?"

Jamboi was already midway about to swipe someone else's drinks in his Yasoi concept of finders keepers when they played loose with property law, as Penny gentles corrects and guides him into ordering like a civilised Yanii. He lifts two fingers up towards the bar keeper indicating a second drink as he mirrors Penny's choice, ultimately enjoying the party in a truly Yasoi manner of having an open bar!

"You know the short one (at the auction)?" as he attempts to strike up small talk with Penny, "She was practising a song with the Sistas. (perhaps they will sing it tonight)" He attempts his best at trying to speak like a Yanii, leaving half the sentence missing as to leave the listener guessing as to their intent.

"Ayla?" she questioned. "Sounds like her kinda thing. Big stage for a small girl." Penny grinned. "Now, what say we don't just sit here? We're either getting drunk or we're finding something interesting to do."

Jamboi tilted his head to the side. "I thought her name was Palmtop Lion Cub..." he recalls an interaction where he overheard Ayla getting addressed as such, it seemed to be a cute nickname for her, because she is small and she is adorned with lion jewellery, as he gives a smile.

Jamboi could certainly get rowdy, and without much prompting, he would easily have her seated upon his shoulders to give her the best view in the house. "Perhaps she is with them. Might be able to get her VIP Access to the Sistas" He leads Penny over towards Ms Hong.

Jamboi and Penny creep up just in time to overhear the leader of the Seoul Sistas give Desmond her request. Perhaps they can beat him to the punch, and find the culprit behind the missing hairpin before he does!

Desmond started to try and clam the woman as he said, "It's okay, I can find it. What does it look like and where did you last see it?". Desmond kept calm with a smile, this was exactly what he was looking for.

Xiulan holds her hair up in a mock bun. "Hairpin. It's a hairpin. It's made of pink diamond and looks like a peach flower. It just... fell out of my hair somehow! I think someone may have stolen it."

Desmond now has to figure out who might have snatched the poor girl's pin. There are plenty of people in the tavern worth asking about it.

Desmond gave her a smile and a nod as he said, "I'll get it back for you, don't you worry". As Desmond heads off to start his search. the first person he would ask would be a person he knows would have an eye for things, the Respectable Bar patron.

As Desmond made his way over to a more crowded area to lose sight of those who could possibly be watching, mostly lamplighters who were probably trying to catch people. He was much more wary there as the moment he stepped in, the Respectable Bar patron could be alone, or they could have multiple running around, either way he always made sure to keep his possessions tight. Desmond took off his badge before exiting the crowd.

Jamboi and Penny exchange a glance as they overhear the request. Not that they have seen a hairpin matching that description, it is that 'Luck of Reshta' moment as the only sharp item of his he managed to smuggle in was in fact, a wooden hair tie. same difference

He moves towards the girl as he gives her a goofy smile. "Couldn't help but overhear you both. Take mine till yours is found." He pulled out the far more simple wooden hair tie of his own and offered it to the girl.

"I know it won't replace the one you have," Penny chirps, "but hopefully it can help in the meantime, until we find it!"

"Awww, that's sweet of you. I'm sorry, but that hairpin was special to me. It was a gift from my best friend. Not just any old pin will do." Xiulan gave Jamboi and Penny an apologetic bow.

Penny takes a moment to consider. "Hey Jammy," she says, leaning in conspiratorially. "What if that sketchy person who was pickpocketing has it?"

He accepted the refusal graciously as he returned the item to his person. "When did you last notice you had the item, and when did you notice it was missing, and what happened between those two points of time?"

Whilst Desmond appeared to go on his goose chase, he tried to narrow down the search to the most likely candidates of who and where when it came to the hairpin.

Penny nods at Jamboi's question. "Yup. If we can narrow it down, see if things match up..." She trails off, twisting to face the famous bard.

He tilted his head to the side as he pointed towards Desmond in response to Penny's question, the sketchy gentleman who had just left. "That one?"

Penny facepalmed... hard. "No, Jammy boi, the one he was just talking with."

He grins even wider towards her, he knew that she knew he was right. That is why she made that reaction.

"I don't know..." Ms. Xiulan frowned and crossed her arms. "I was walking from the bar back to the stage and then it was just... gone! I didn't even have a second to see who grabbed it. They might have used magic."

"Want to go with good Century, bad Century?" They decide to follow the trails of the other as the pair of them start to approach the local Rusty Blade to gather further information.

"Sure!" Penny chirps. "But um... if it turns out she actually has it, how good are you at... helping yourself to free things?"

It seems that Vyshta has a great sense of irony in this moment, considering the events elsewhere when it comes to being able to read the rune scratchings on the base of a table leg but struggles to find the person within a very crowded room... of course. Sensory overload.

Jamboi is full of bravado, but it is because of him that the little pickpocket nearly escapes. She saw his goofy yasoi self coming from a mile away. Luckily Penny is there to save the day, and she manages to ambush the girl from around a corner.

"Hey, what gives!? You guys with the guard or something? I'm clean!"

Jamboi decides in the absence of his answer he plays the role of bad cop. He holds his hand out towards the chair as he indicates for the Rusty Blade to sit upon it as he has the assistance of his beautiful assistant to encourage her to sit down.

"A little birdie told me you like to collect hair pins", he brings out his wooden hair pin as the shows the sharp end of it towards the pickpocket. "So I wanted to play one of my favourite games with you. If you give me the missing hair pin, you win and you can run away..."

He pushes the pickpocket's hand upon the table with a flat hand palm down and fingers spread. "I'll give you a tip, keep those fingers spread", he says lowly before returning to the game rules, "If I don't get the missing hair pin, you'll lose, and I'll give you mine"

A free hair pin for losing? What is the catch?

Jamboi moves the hair pin in his other hand as he starts to tap the table in a slow rhythmic motion. He taps it next to the hand, then between the first finger, then next to the hand, then the second finger, the tempo slowly speeding up. "I am still practising this trick, I think my highest was twenty in a row..." as he says that, the wooden pin taps harder upon the table. If he misses with that thing, it is going to hurt.

"Gemmy, nooo!" Penny squeals, purposely providing a false name for him. "Come on. I'm sure it was an honest misunderstanding. Girl's gotta make a living, you know! She couldn't have known it was yours!" She turns puppy dog eyes first to Jamboi and then to the thief.

"Hey, hey, take it easy man! I admit it, I nicked the damn hairpin! Just take it!" The rat bastard struggled out of the yasoi's clutches and stood up. Her jaw moved around until a piece of metal poked out of her lips. She spat the missing hairpin on the floor right on top of his shoes. While he and Penny were distracted, she dove low to the ground and sped off, determined not to get slapped with cuffs for her thievery. She was quick!

Quest Item obtained: Ms. Hong's stolen hairpin. Quite valuable, but no special properties on its own.

Jamboi waves the hair pin towards Penny. "It looks like your Gemmy was shining brightly today, just like his Pretty Benny." The groan he will receive would be worth it. He obviously makes his way back to Ms Hong as they cash in her valuable hair pin

Sometimes, Ashon was a doofus, an idiot, even. She found herself rescuing him again and again, but he was so unlike anyone else she'd known. Penny found herself grinning. Unpredictable in a world full of predictable people. When he won, he won big. The Perrenchwoman grinned and hurried along behind him. "Hey you," she prodded, catching up. "You know, sometimes, just sometimes, you're the best." She smiled, cheeks growing warm.

"Ohhhhh!" Xiulan looked like she was about to cry as she graciously attempted the hairpin with both hands. After putting it back in its rightful place in a Rettan style hairbun, she gives Penny and Ashon a big hug. "How can I possibly thank you two!?"

The pop star rifles around her pockets desperately for a suitable reward, and then a light turns on in her head. She slides one of her rings off her hand and offers it to the pair. "Here. Take this. I have a box full of these thanks to daddy always buying stuff for me."

Reward - An enchanted jade ring. +5% drawing speed from arcane energy sources. The gem catalyst appears to be removable.

Jamboi smiled widely as he was given the jade ring, he couldn't help but beam at the fact it was this jewel that was gifted to him. The fact it matched his eyes was clearly a noticeable fact. He turns towards Penny, giving her that almost speechless smile. As he tries to quickly fill her in. "You would believe this. I met the actual Monkey King in Baobab. He paid tribute to me when I declared myself the Jade Emperor."

He points the ring right towards her face. Yes, that is very clearly jade. Without thinking, he takes Penny's hand as he pushes the ring upon her finger as he gifted it to her.

Penny gasps. "Oh my Ipte, Jammy..." She looks up at him. Then, standing on her tiptoes, she leans in for a kiss. She has never kissed a boy before. She's not sure if she's doing it right. She doesn't think, though. She just does it. Jamboi would dumbly accept the kiss because he didn't expect that reaction, kind of freezing on the spot a moment as she locked upon him as his eyes widened.

A very imposing presence suddenly arrives, somewhat late to the party. Zarina, in her infinite grump, is here, "BOO!" she attempts to freak out Jamboi from behind. It seems Vyshta's luck struck again...

The kiss doesn't happen. Penny whirls on the spot, shooting Zarina an incredulous look. She... doesn't really have words. Is it intentional sabotage at this point?

"Hah! Found you, Non-Yanii." it appears she did not actually know what was up and just wants to address Jamboi in particular, "You and I," she wags her index between herself and the Yasoi, "we got something to discuss. Big, important thing, yeah?" if he focuses enough he could notice just how thick and sharp her nails had got. It was quite lucky that he didn't get cut there!

He looks between Zarina and Penny, looking rather confused at this interruption. He looks towards Penny as if asking Is this a yanii thing? with his eyes as the strange girl approached him. He scratches upon his cheek as he is not sure how to respond. "I thank you for your interest, but I am currently with some one..."

"Zarina," says Penny, pivoting on her heel, "I was about to kiss this big doofus." She purses her lips and blinks, not taking her eyes off of the intruder. "You just interrupted a girl's first kiss." She sighs. "About par for the course for me anyhow." There's an eyeroll. She tries to hide the size of the letdown. her heart is still hammering. Now she'll never know. "So, what seems to be the big news? It's okay. I'm only slightly pissed at you."

Zarina's attention span in her current state simply doesn't have the capacity to focus on something for too long. Penny got her attention, and Zarina cocked a brow, "Hey, you snooze, you lose girl. The Gods have deemed it so, or something." she shrugs with a slightly smug look to her, "The news can now wait. I have dishonoured you and ruined your precious first kiss." she cracks her fingers and grins wide, showing off her slightly changed teethed - just barely sharper than normal, "It's about time you get back at me for being a major cunt. Twice! And I heard there was an arm wrestling game full of pansies."

Penny scowled determinedly. "Alright, beanpole, you're on."

Jamboi witnessed first hand the changeable nature of yanii's in action. Going from the importance of a first kiss to arm wrestling within the blink of an eye. Apparently the other girl had something super important to say too, which has now vanished.. Compared to the passionate pursuits of Yasoi and their aloof disinterest in anything they find remotely boring, they were far less unpredictable.

Seemingly abandoned for the moment, as is the way of love, he turns to Ms Hong.

"Is the girl small and fierce like lion cub performing with you tonight?" When he gets her attention, he makes a song request and a lyric change. Perhaps the girl would be generous enough to fulfil his request.

"Eh?" Xiulan tilted her head in a puzzled fashion. She slammed her fist into her palm when she realised who the yasoi was referring to. "Oh! I'm sorry, but this is an official concert from the Seoul Sistas. Our song schedule is set in stone. I'm afraid your friend won't be joining us on stage tonight."

He understands. "If there is something you can do, I know to rely on you."

The night grows old, and everyone has had their shot at a good time tonight. The drinks flow, games are won, and friendships are made all around. This is a night of celebration, and there is indeed celebration aplenty. Regardless of how everyone's little adventures turned out, this will be a night they will remember. Despite all the excitement though, the party isn't quite over yet.

Over the cacophony of clinking glasses and boisterous laughter, the low note of woodwinds begins to rise ever so slowly. Everyone who was in the middle of a game or conversation is alerted to the buzz of music and drops what they were doing to look in the direction it was coming from.

Dressed in a shimmering blue hanfu, Liu Ai took the stage with a paixiao flute in hand. Weren't the Seoul Sistas supposed to be a single unit? What was she doing up there by herself? It was a good question to ponder, but rational thought flew out the window when she began to hit her high notes. Despite being the least glamorous of the five, it was clear this girl was practicing until her lips bled.

But then another instrument joined Liu Ai's solo performance. The air on the stage shimmered like water, revealing Seong Ji-Woo and Nazari Nia. Their matching yellow hanboks matched up well with their makeup, and the dim orange lights of the tavern complimented her appearance. Kneeling on a pair of cushions, the two plucked their hearts out on the strings of their handmade kayagums, filling the air with a crisp and clear sound.

Then a strange lady does a backflip onto the stage, landing on a pillow in a perfect seiza. It was Kimura Mio, dressed in a flamboyant shiny kimono with a shamisen cradled in her arms. How she was able to be so athletic in her restrictive clothes was anybody's guess. As she took to the stage, an unseen entourage of background performers began beating on their drums in accompaniment.

Finally, the whole room explodes into a flash of color. A blinding light momentarily obscures everyone's eyes, and when they are finally able to see again, they are able to witness the sudden arrival of Hong Xiulan. Where there was once a tearful, timid lady, there was now a performer full of confidence. A few kind souls were able to retrieve what she thought was lost, and the positive energy came through in her explosive lute playing. Her beautiful peach flower hairpin shone under the light as she danced around the stage, singing a program of traditional songs from each girl's homeland.

It is almost impossible to hear oneself think in the midst of the orchestrated performance and the frenzied cheers of the gathering crowd. It became so heated within the Tavern that people nearly started climbing over each other to get a closer look at the Seoul Sistas. This was a rare spectacle after all. One could not move between countries overnight unless they were a master temporal mage. Some people went their whole lives without seeing a musical outfit on the calibre of these five ladies.

The hours passed, and the performance slowly wound down. The final number was approaching, and as they tended to do the Sistas chose to end the night with a song that the locals were likely familiar with.

"Walkin' holdin' hands, you say you're mine all mine
Then soon another face steals your eyes away~"

It was an unusual sound, but an uplifting one. It was also rather amorous, and the mood within the room began to take a turn as couples leaned further and further into each other. The romantic lighting and generous distribution of liquor meant that people's inhibitions were breaking down, and many loving displays were shown off in public view.



”𝆕 So here’s a benny for your thoughts, a Penny for a kiss, a hugo if you tell me that you love me~ 𝆕” Xiulan winked at someone in the crowd as this line left her lips.

The song lasted only minutes, but it felt like the closing act was almost an hour long. Maybe it did. The free drinks made it hard for anyone to remember the time. But like all good things, the show had to come to an end. Hitting one final note on her instrument, Mio hops to her feet and chucks her shamisen into the crowd!

The lyrics had been changed, only a minor one during the chorus but quite a significant one when it came to a certain someone... A Penny for a Kiss. It was upon that certain lyric that Jamboi places his hands upon Penny's cheeks, as he guided her face towards him. His thumb caresses them as in that very moment as he leans in as his lips connect with her own.

And Penny leans into it, and it is good.

Penny’s first kiss.

---

---

---

The boy jumped off the roof of a carriage and made himself visible. “Finally, that ride lasted forever!” He began to stretch and look around. "It’s much livelier than I expected for a school of this prestige..” the boy had nothing less than the most devious smirk on his face. Time to practice my art! he thought to himself before walking around to find his victim.

After looking around for a bit he encountered his target, a girl that radiated noble and such nice jewelry... The perfect target. Rushing over towards the girl. “Miss, miss! Can you help me with something?” He asked while showing his most innocent expression. "I'm in a bit of a hurry." The girl replied, making the boy tug on her. "Please, please." He pleaded as he was finally able to make contact, numbing her sense of touch slowly but surely. Making sure she won't notice that cute hair ornament and the ornate armband were getting a bit loose "I need some directions to where the school is…" The girl, not sensing any ulterior motive, sighed. "Look, see those buildings over there?... That's the school. Did that help?" The girl looked somewhat agitated. She was really in a hurry, huh? Well, no matter. One slight pull and… there. "Yes, miss. Thank you so much!" The boy smiled brightly before walking away. Going into an alley to cloak himself just in case she did notice.

Letting out a sigh of relief before smirking. "What an idiot. Walking around with such valuables." He inspected his catch, laughing contently. “If this is how easy it will be around the school, I’ll have plenty of fun.” The kid stashed away his catch and walked off.

---

Before the first match started the Feskan couldn’t help but get her curiosity piqued upon seeing a path by the cliffs, thinking it might show her something interesting. the path itself was narrow and treacherous. She nearly slips and falls into the churning waters. “Verdammt! What a terrible idea this was…” After a while the trail branches, spotting a nest of some sort and going towards it. The nest is massive and she recognizes it as looking like similar but much smaller creatures' from back home. Dory realized that it belonged to a Perrench Thresher, grabbing one egg before waiting and finding her balance back.

Soon enough greed takes hold of the woman as she wished for more, trying to make it off with three of the eggs. In doing so she began to lose her footing and slips, losing one egg and barely avoided falling down the cliff. The woman looked at her dirtied dress and couldn’t help but yell out from the humiliation of it.

---

Around the fields of Eskand the Feskan met a friend in Rina, offering to help her goal of selling her cider recipe by funding it and sending some of her family’s Spratz supply over. After a nice discussion Rina accepted the offer in exchange for the cider's recipe along with some of the brandaeble that were ripe for the picking. The only condition the Feskan added was that the girl has to write to her in the coming days, becoming pen pals.

---

Huulendam was always a nation she wished to visit. Being told that the main family was quite a big deal here… but why is it just more wetlands! She came to the school to see more, not more of the same! The woman could scream if she were alone, sadly Desmond was with her for the time being. Dory’s expression was nothing short of showing peak annoyance. After seeing some ruined buildings she let out a sigh of relief, finally something that could be interesting!

An old fort was in her vision and she just knew she couldn’t leave it be, a need to explore it. Dory traces the unstable walls of the ruins, intrigued by what happened here to leave it in such a state. Then she realized it, a tower that was still somewhat intact. Getting to the tower required quite a bit of effort as she wasn’t exactly equipped to get around too well. She found a shelf with what appeared to be a few old books, many dusty and withered with age.

After searching through the withered books she ended up finding a children's book. The title sparks joy in the young Drudgunzean’s heart. The Tale of the Laughing Knight. A lot of pages were missing, however quite a bit were still quite well visible. One page that really piqued her interest was one where the Laughing knight showed a Blonde woman the error of her ways, reading the older script with the best of her ability. “The Bitch Knight raged at him, slamming her sword into the ground in what looked to be some sort of tantrum.… This is a Children’s book?” Reading further a bit as it was quite excited. “ The knight bowed low and said. ‘Welcome to the show, milady!’ he taunted the other, ‘you're the main attraction!’...” The Feskan couldn’t help but snort at the entertaining mannerisms of the Laughing Knight, truly a treasure worth keeping.

After returning back a bit she stumbled upon a shed that muffled a buzzing sound, the sound was rather off-putting but after her previous find she couldn’t help but go inside. Dory found inside nothing short of a horror, an insect-infected interior. Flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches ... All of them just crawled about and avoided the door she opened. There was nothing to feed on, yet many congregated here. She could see a table with something hidden under a cloth. As she made her way towards the table she realized that the insects did not get close to her… nor did they toward what was under that cloth. Now she had to know what it was, unveiling the cloth. When she unveiled it, a soft little tune begins to play right before the object can be revealed. That tune had ALL the little critters inside begin to crawl and fly in a singular, organized pattern around it, forming a black halo of insects. What Dory found was none-other than a music box.

---

During the finals Dory just wished to spend some time with Ayla and Maura for a while, going along with them as they wished to go over the wall, saying how great the view was. As they ascended they began to hear the echoes of a hum, coming right from that person. The closer they got, the more the light from the moons revealed a woman in a black cloak, wearing a dark witch-hat, not as big as Maura's, with metal bands stitched together that began to glow. Maura's own hat, already glowing, flashed brighter as if it resonated with it. Seeing it in action the Feskan could barely speak, her eyes glued to the woman's head before blurting out "What craftsmanship—"

The addition of a flute to the little melody had the mysterious figure begin to sway her being left and right whilst a small, black feline emerged from under her cloak. It mowed and then chirped to the beat, giving the newcomers a stare, but the woman did not react beyond this light movement. 'Oh, a kitty!' Was all that went on in Dory's head after it appeared. She tried to make eye contact with it and gain its trust with slow blinks. A warm smile appeared upon her face as Maura gave her some jerky to feed to the cat. The cat trotted toward them and nuzzled the jerky before taking a bite off Maura's. After chewing a bit, it then takes some from Dory before turning its head toward Maura again. The woman's humming stopped, and she smiled over at the lot right before the cat lunged toward Maura, or rather her hat. The moment its paw touched it, both it and the hat vanished and the humming came from on top of the nearest tower on the wall.

Seeing Maura panic over the loss of her hat reminded her of herself and her cloak. "Was that hat important to you?..." Then as they were starting to enter pursuit and hinder her humming… the witch sang, The very voice of her made the three feel very vulnerable at first, but then an air of tranquility comes with the new song as the Witch stares at them with a toothy grin and Maura's hat waved with her hand over her head.

The sudden determined musician Ayla caused quite a bit of shock in Dory, were they really challenging her? Well, not like she’ll be able to do much. Even so the Feskan tried her hardest, utilizing every bit of knowledge she had to make a variety of colors from one point, herself. Dory's feet began to tap the ground and within moments she was dancing to the music her friends were making. The woman retaliated with her own song and dance and after quite the battle the woman disappeared, leaving the feline behind. Dory again couldn’t help but try to pet it. The cat meowed and hopped off the ledge. It rubbed itself around her hand and then her ankle before meowing up expectantly with its tail perked up, as if demanding something. Maybe it is hungry again. Dory took the leftover jerky and showed it to the cat. "Want more of this?... or... this?" She used her other hand to softly pet the cat. The cat began to lick the jerky and nibbled away. And then, looking content, it trotted over to the tower and squeezed into the entrance. It then continuously calls out as if it wants the attention. Dory walked along with the cat, until it reached the door. Opening the door and following it further. Inside, Dory found the cat on a small, neatly tied package just waiting to be unwrapped. It sat there. Then, it noticed Dory. "Meow." it cutely mewls before unleashing an unnaturally loud, lion-level roar before vanishing into nothing, much like the Witch herself. The package remained, with only a light, dark stain left on it.

After being stunned from the incredibly loud roar, Dory was left with a nice package. She grabbed the strain and put it in her pocket. Then there was this package and Dory couldn't contain her excitement, opening it slowly so as to not rip anything from the packaging. Then suddenly a wave of cold blasts through Dory, as if she had opened a door in the middle of a snowstorm. She feels it strongly in her right arm in particular. And then she doesn't really feel anything on it, like she lost the sense of touch. This fades, somewhat, except for what is on her forearm. A mark - a white one - was left upon it the shape of a tulip that eventually fades. But Dory can still feel it. After collecting her cool again she found a nice looking broach.

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As the match had ended Dory returned to the Betting hall that she left storming a couple days ago, she had to repay Manny for his gift after all. Having encountered a well dressed man that told her that there might be secret, exclusive items on sale. This however was nothing but a filthy lie as a group of four men converge into the one-way alley and walk up to the duo, "That'a one of 'em students, Saunder?" the glasses man nods, one hand in his pocket and the other gesturing at Dory, "All yours. Fresh from the academy of twerps and rich kids." the head of this gang of four pulls out what seems to be a metal pipe, "Good." they all have weapons, one has a shitty knife and the other a wooden club, "This is for our families that eat shit why you sit comfortably on your asses with no punishment." says the better-spoken club-wielding lanky lad. To think someone would misuse her trust like this.. “This is for our families that eat shit why you sit comfortably on your asses with no punishment." Our families?... What did he mean with that? She felt trapped, feeling a lump build up in her throat. "No punishment? But I haven't even done anything to hurt someone." Dory looked somewhat annoyed. Did other students screw these guys over? Why does she have to deal with this mess? Dory puts her hand behind her, close enough to touch the man if he tried anything. "I would stop drawing if I were you, sir. I do not wish for this to go bad for either of us." Her hand tensed up, ready to strike the man with her own magic.

"Ohhh, I'm very afraid." Saunders nods with his sarcasm as evident as Eshiran's lust for battle. Dory can feel it - Saunders has a higher RAS than her by what he's drawing, although not by a considerable amount. The assault doesn't end. She can barely see straight from all the blows received, ready to fall any second. And then she feels herself getting kicked in the gut by another in the gang, forcing her on her knees. Finally, the knife wielder slowly approaches, and attempts to mangle her eye. She manages to headbutt the back of his hand, however, "Ahhh! Bitch!" now he's mad, and Dory isn't in great shape. He grabs her hair and prepares his knife to take her eye.

As she began to accept the fact she was just going to be another victim, a commoner boy that seemed to be helping her? Why would he even want to help someone like her? Dory had a moment of respite, as all eyes were on the boy. She still felt weak. She never was a strong mage, or at least she thought. At this very moment, she could feel the mark on her arm writhe and throb. Like it was beckoning her She cried out at Gianni. "Kid, you should've left me. I don't want others to get hurt for my mistake..." Slowly standing up. her breath getting rather cold.

The kid was getting beat up because she couldn’t handle some plebeians by herself. As her vision began to somewhat return to her she could see one of the men lunge at her… and as if it came naturally she tapped against his skin and drained him of his energy… it felt good.. So damned good. Her euphoria came to an end as another man attacked her, luckily managing to avoid it. Another of the men began to get rather annoyed. "Fuuuck. Saunders, the deal's still not done!" he growled. With that Saunders moved in to attack the Feskan’s blind spot.. within moments his hand was stuck in ice. It wasn’t the strongest and thickest but it got the job done. He flinched, but then ripped it out with a strong swing of his arm, "Little tart. You are not supposed to be this potent." he glares at her.

The expression of Dory was quite something.. or rather her lack of expression. She used her arcane like she never used before, the mark leading her path in ice. No words escaped her mouth as she was trying to make a club out of ice to hit Saunders with. Using his kinetic magic, he dragged one of the assailants and used him as a meat shield! "C'mon! You wanted a student! Where's the effort?! You guys really thought you could just get a student without a good plan?!" Saunders opens his arms in a big shrug, the last remaining man didn’t reply and grunted in annoyance.

Dory had never truly been in a battle between two mages before but her mind was still filled with the pleasure of using this new coldness. Saunders’s frustration with the situation grew and grew, hurling metallic objects up to throw at the woman but before any of it happened he could feel his hands getting colder and colder and before he could think of something else, was coated in frost. Breaking free wasn’t too much of an issue for him but did only exhaust him further. He was pissed, to think a child was embarrassing him so, throwing a great blast of Arcane flames which were only countered by an ice wall. Most of the flames were doused by it, but the hot steam scales Dory's arms. Saunders breathing began to get heavy, "Just another pompous little bitch! I ought to put you in your place, since these lesser men can't do SHIT!"

There was not a single word from the woman as her expressionless face was now nothing but a gaze filled with murderous intent. Saunders was preparing for another ice attack. Both his hands conjured advanced fireballs, ready to chip into Dory's defenses and rake in a win. At worst, he would use the lackey on the side. But then, nothing happened. No cold, nothing. Until he feels it. It is too late. He falls to his knees, hands against his temples as he succumbs to the chemically-induced agony prompted by Dorothea. "G-g-go to Essshiiiirannn!" His mouth foams and he screeches briefly before the saliva muffles his cries. He falls over, nearly dead from shock.

The woman grinned rather evilly, there was still a man standing. A small club of ice was conjured and hit the man in the back of the head, knocking the last man out. After a second of recollection she looked at the man who helped her out. Whew ..." he looks over at Dory, "That was close." "You should've ran, why did you help me?" The girl looked confused at the man, keeping her arm hidden as it throbbed. "Don't need a reason to do the right thing." he answers, hand on his flank as it definitely hurt from the beating, "Wouldn't be my first fight, so it's fine." he spitefully kicks the knife-guy on the ground, "Merda." he sighs and then checks out Saunders, "This guy's always been trouble. Seems to look just fine without glasses but always wears them. Weird, don't you think?" "Need that checked out? I'm not a binder but I'm sure I can numb the pain a bit." Dorothea looked rather concerned. Gianni shakes his head, "I'm fine. You're looking worse." "I'm okay, I can keep myself going for a while if I have to.." Saunders, barely conscious, tries to reach for his glasses, "Hnnnggg." Dorothea looked down at the man, stepping on his hand while a grin appeared on her face. Oh, how easily she could take this powerful man’s life. Would it feel good to drain all the heat out of his body?

As Saunders succumbed to unconsciousness once again Dory picked up his glasses and put them in her pocket. "A small payment." She looked at the man "You may do with them as you please. Ah, may I have your name?" "Gianni Bruni, you?" the boy replied. "Dorothea Hohnstein, I'll remember that name. Next time we meet, I'll have a reward ready.... Or you can ask for me at the school." Gianni gestures in denial, "No, please, I don't want a reward." he claims, "It was the right thing to do. One student did the same for me today. So I thought if I did that too ..." he rubs his abdomen and winces a little, "Well, I'm sure you'll see the world a bit differently now. I hope, anyway." "I will give you a reward whether you want to or not. Good deeds should be rewarded after all..." Dory looked stern enough to get the message through. "I would be rather sad if I did not reward my savior." Gianni chuckles, only to cough afterwards, "Ahhhh," he spits to his right, "Fine, fine. You really should get out of the Quarter before more of these groups show up." he warns, offering his hand to Dory, "Be careful. More and more are sharing their sentiments."

“Then let’s work to change their sentiment to something better.” With that the Feskan grabbed the man’s hand and was let out of the Quarter by the Revidian.

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Event: Roses and Neskals

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Mentions: Ingrid @Dragonpiece

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Stepping through the portal, with the rest of team Secto the Rose and Neskals Tournament. Hearing the crowds roar in excitement, put Niallus on edge, since he'll be playing in front of huge crowds. His first match they were up against a team that were the fan favourites for the entire event. Afraval, in Anghaz, Virang. Secto had the worst matchup straight off the bat, a team that most of the players are ridiculously strong. The chances of us surviving, never mind winning, are very slim.

Trying to calm himself down, Niallus takes a trip around, to explore the area in search of treasure. He takes a look into an abandoned ruin, untouched for god knows how long. Exploring the ruin further, the dust doesn't really seem to bother him that much. But it'll be best for him to stay on his guard. Arriving at a fork, he can either take these really fragile looking stairwell, or an unlocked storage area. Niallus's brow furrows "Which way?" He looks at one then the other. Looking on the floor he finds a small stone, picking it up, he gently throws it onto the stairs. It makes contact, followed by low creak noise. Immediately some of the stairs just collapse. Niallus covers his mouth, the dust still gets to him and he starts to cough from a huge amount of dust kicked up from the stairs collapsing. "So I'm not going that way." Waving his hand in front of his face, looking to the unlocked door, it seems he has no choice now, Cautiously opening the door. Hopefully it won't cause anything else to collapse. Inside all was a wardrobe and a locked dresser. Curious about them, he decides to open the wardrobe first. Opening it, one of the doors came off "Oops!" Placing it down on the floor. Looking inside the wardrobe, inside was some really old and really dusty clothes, rummaging through them all of them that he could see had giant holes in them that looked like the work of moths. Disappointed he turns round ready to leave when he realises the set of drawers.

Trying to open the first draw, it doesn't budge, it's locked. Looking at the lock it's completely rusted over, no chance of picking this lock, he'll have to break it open. Using a small amount of arcane magic, he creates a makeshift claw on the tip of the index finger on his left hand. He snaps the lock off with a swift motion of his hand, he breaks the lock and is able to open the first draw. Opening it up, he was a little disappointed that it had nothing inside. "This is looking like a bust to me. Still I have one more draw." The lock on the second draw wasn't as rusty as the previous, so he could pick this one. Eventually opening it all that was inside was a strange compass, picking it up "A compass?" Opening it up, the needle points off into a direction. "That's odd. It's not pointing north, is it broken?" Looking at the back of the compass. It seems it was Engraved with six letters 'V.I.S.O.E.D' "what does this mean? I'll have to look into it after the trials." Walking back out of the room he remembers that the first match will be starting soon so he runs as quick as possible, not to be late.

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Before Round 2 started, Niallus took a short trip along the shore line, he eventually meeting a stallion that was completely spooked. He managed to calm it down but he wondered where it even came from. It lead Niallus further down the shore where he came across a Thresher that seem to be caught in a net and was terrified, based on how it trashed around. Too scared the horse bolted away while Niallus walked closer to the Thresher. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help. Don't eat the help." Eventually he manages to free the Thresher. It stands their, it's giant frame looking at Niallus. However Niallus takes a step back from it and the Thresher does the same. Wondering a theory Niallus moves to the right, it does the same. It seems to be mimicking the actions that he does, he wondered if it imprinted on him thinking Niallus as it's parent. Niallus puts a hand up to in attempt to pet it, it does a makeshift fist bimp with it's huge claw, walking away the Thresher egarly follows him. Seem he has a new pet, and it's a big one.

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Before Round 3 Niallus wasn't alone for this treasure hunt to the swamps. He managed to reunite with his childhood friend, Ingrid. They had a lot of fun. Sure they nearly got eaten by giant toads but he managed to get a magical rifle, The Plainsman's Rifle a state-of-the-art flintlock sniper rifle, imbued with runic manas. Dark, sleek, and simple in design. He doesn't use firearm much, he could use this as an opportunity to get some practice with it, or trade to someone else. it cost him a shirt since he destroyed it trying to get rid of the smell of toad bile off him.

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Deciding once again to go on another adventure with Ingrid, they took a trip into the sewers. Niallus ended up up with a mouthful of sewage, fell down a hole completely soaked in sewage and may have a concussion. Honestly it was a little embarrassing in front of Ingrid but she didn't seem to care, she was even a little worried about me, it was sweet. Since they wasted so much trying to get back together, they went back in after the final game of Roses and Neskals. There was a bit of tension between the two, but they managed to get past this and find an item for Ingrid and a map of the catacombs, which they will hold onto for another adventure together.

The Adventures of Ayla Arslan

Picodon Supreme
Ayla, being the charitable one, spent most of her time in Bernières-sur-Lac helping some Nun’s at a small convent move some very stinky cheese, despite many temptations offered by the gods to go exploring and abandon the Nun’s to their hardship. However, that was not her way, as she was persistent, and even Ymiico came along to help out too! They were rewarded with a big cheese wheel as a response. Then Silas, full of wine and eager for cheese, decided to trade Ayla for her cheese in return for an old pretty flute he found. The trade was accepted.

Flute of the Winds: a beautiful porcelain musical instrument, stunningly complex and yet oddly simple, that plays a peaceful but haunting tune every sunrise and sunset when left in the wind. The craftsmanship is excellent.

Teufelsumpf
In the Teufelsumpf, Ayla went to a mysterious island and found a Sirrahi outpost! This was surrounded by a host of dangerous creatures and an initially hostile snake-people. However, she befriended the snakes who called themselves “Silly” and “Willy”. She also taught them how to use an oven as they only use these strange devices that go cook food nearly instantly and go ‘ping’. They provided her with some BBQ sauce as a thank you.

Nixie Five's Bull BBQ Sauce: warm, sweet, and spicy

Villa Sparviento
In Revidia, Ayla took to seeing the Animals in the Doge’s personal zoo and menagerie. It was full of lots of varied animals; A troupe of bespectacled howler monkeys from the jungles of Southern Virang, A trio of monkeybirds from the same area, A juvenile Dusty Thresher - the only known extant land-dwelling species, A brine whale in a tank, A giraffe from Belzagg. Ayla being the animal lover she is, saw a rather distressed Zoo keeper. It appears that people keep gifting an increasing number of animals to the Doge and there isn’t the appropriate space for them. Ayla offered to help out, which was politely declined, but there seemed to be something she can help with.

A pride was gifted and a little puff lion cub was rejected from it! It was definitely the cutest thing ever, especially when she first met it. In an indoor holding area is a smallish dog-sized pinkish-red furred animal with a great shaggy coat, large black eyes, a little button-snout, and a subtle spotted pattern. It takes in a deep breath and appears to... more or less inflate as it does so, particularly around its neck. It then lets out a terrifying roar that would seem to come from a creature ten times its size. It deflates as it tails off, finishing with a small mew. Ayla being as Ayla is, roared back at it! In the end, she ended up taking it home with her. She named him Asier, after the legendary founder of Casa Arslan.

A Puff Lion cub in a kennel, abandoned by its mother. Pale pinkish-red and very fluffy.

The Adventures of Ashon'amar'loiyang, also known as Jamboi

Picodon Supreme
In his search, Jamboi came across a perfect beach to bring Penny to view one day when he came across a strange seaweed creature who was hostile and frightened. Once he calmed it down, he discovered it goes by the name of Asheemo and it appeared to be one of the rumoured sil'siisoi. After patching up the creature, she took her bag with her and swam off.

Encounter: Asheemo

Baobab
Jamboi heard about ‘Monkey Castle’ and as the self-proclaimed Monkey King, it was only natural for him to head to this location, only to encounter a true Monkey King! Jamboi with his sleight of hand technique as he pulls bennies behind his ear and other magician illusions, earned himself the title of Monkey Emperor and received the appropriate tribute from them..

A hoard of rare Avincian-era coins buried beneath the roots of a very old and recently upturned tree, including some of Zandonius, the emperor who wasn't.

Faulty Towers
It seems that exploring old ruined towers was not Jamboi’s best exploits as he simply evaded one trouble and straight into another. From also being eaten by a mana slime, to being threatened by a huge sloth, he managed to escape the encounters and come away with some trinkets.

A book of sketches of soldiers preparing for a battle, titled "The Days Before'. Appears very old: collectors' item.
A sample of manaslime. It's nearly dead. Not very useful for anything except eating it. High chance of illness. Temporary power boost akin to a mana brew

The Adventures of Maura Mercador

Anghazi Floater
Maura explored the old ruins of the stadium that was upon the canyon floor. She uses her mixture of binding and kinetic energy to mobilise the best she can and find an axe for her trouble! Now to work on being able to wield it…

A massive battle axe, ancient and ornate, stashed in a crevasse on the cliffside. Engraved on it are the words, "With this, I conquer", and a name: 'Aheri'. A collector might be interested in this item.

Rising Waters
After plenty of thresher warnings, she managed to make her way to the shop on the back of the Halassa.She went on a spending spree as she started picking out gifts for her friends.

Papa Carlito Eleven's Original BBQ Sauce, a sharp, herbal BBQ sauce with a lot of aroma. (
- A small guidebook on how to mix Torragonese drinks.
- A packet of assorted seeds.
- A small framed picture of a girl in a wheelchair from behind staring peacefully out at the sea.
- A pair of grippy fingerless gloves made of a strange material.

Blue Meanie
Maura being the shrewd merchant tried her luck at the mystic markets. The first thing she noticed was the beautiful hat upon one of the stalls, though expressed some disappointment as everyone else seemed to have the same idea and rushed towards it. Rather dejected she ended up in an argument with a very aggressive and incredibly shady individual who started throwing trash at her and calling her a gimp. Though she got the last laugh within that trash, she got herself a treasure.

As the others had cleared from the hat. Maura couldn’t resist the urge to go and investigate herself. She was informed that the gentleman wasn’t selling the item, and it was precious. Maura being cunning could easily weasel for it… however, she did find herself really drawn to it, finding herself to be far more sincere than intended.



What Maura finds in the wand is ... An oval-shaped stone resembling the pearls found within a Royal Sand Wyrm, albeit much smaller. It reacts differently to magic than other materials do.

The Zonneheksenhoed (Solar Witch's Hat): A white and gold witch's hat with a wide brim. Gives off a warm aura and lights up with runes at night. Increases casting power by 2%

The Adventures of the Spratz Sisters

See @jasbraq‘s post for details.


Runic Crown of the Grandmaster Sorcerer: An ancient black wizard hat of magnificent design. There are metal bands stitched into it with glowing runic symbols. Casting power increase of 5%

Real Prize: Ayla, Maura, and Dory are going to set up a group together! Hold this space for the Spratz Sisters.

The Adventures of the Monkey and the Snowball

Far less exciting is that Jamboi and Oksana go fishing in a very smelly pool in the sewers! Amidst the turds, they managed to find things of worth.

Oksana’s Reward: The Pearlescent Cutie - A Cousin of the notorious Green Meanie, it is capable of living both in water and dry land, although it cannot actually breathe in water. Like the green meanie, it has a very potent slime that can be corrosive, however if worked by a competent chemist, it can be turned into a strong medicinal ointment. The stuff sells for a lot, and a slug is considered extremely valuable. Very mild temperament unlike a meanie, and its mucus over its pale flesh reflects an iridescent colouring that is very pretty to see.

Jamboi’s Rewards: A mass of Bennies that accumulate to around 1500 of them, making over 1 magus of pure bennies for Jamboi to use!
Busted Hang Drum - A quality Hang Drum that has been dumped in the sewers recently after its mistaken use as a cooking pot. The metal is mostly fine but its gained some additional dents and bangs during its disposal and could use some repair. If restored, it does make a decent instrument and collector's item, albeit not at the level of a Seoul Sistas instrument!

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Desmond slowly awoke, his head slightly groggy from the night before, as he rose from his bed and stretched. A new day had dawned, and a new day of the Trials began. They spoke of the many strategies they could have as today they wish to use. As they talked they came to the thought about who should they choose to team with and a thought crossed their minds, the strange aquatic students seemed to work very well as a team, which was something many of them lacked. So they searched out their aquatic brethren, as they find the Costal Crusaders. They each seemed like a very colorful character as each of them seemed to have many unique skills. Many working well to either assist their comrades either on or off of the field, which meant they had a great opprotunity to actually be very competitive here.

An excitement welled up in Desmond, with their standings in the last few games, there is real chance that they could actually make it top 10! As Desmond talked with the Costal Crusaders the excitement slightly left him, the many different cultures, clashing skills, and strange manas made it hard to really get things going. Plans and thoughts were thrown around, constantly tossing ideas to try and figure out what kind of plan they can have. As plan after plan, nothing seemed right, as even when it came time to face off against Team Sunny and Covenant. Desmond to clear his mind, left to explore the area, as he came to a cave and entered a broken ship where he found a trully rare find:
The world's last remaining cask of Château Morcand Ellermane Blue, enough for 50 bottles, vintage DZ45, a rare wine produced in only two vineyards on the Isle of Ellermane before it collapsed into the sea. Also considered the best Morcand vintage. This could have been a great source of money, however it was going to take some interesting moves to try and get it sold. The barrel had the Maker's mark and vintage were there so that would be good, however would that be enough to sell for it's true price of 5000 Magus?

During their match it was an intense back and forth between the teams, yet Snaked and Afraid pulled ahead through the use of Ismette's magical portal that allowed everyone to fill up with lots of energy. With much of that energy making them stronger, yet for one of their Eaiko friends, Wenhak, pulled in energy, and grew in more and more power, as when she reached a certain point, people began to reel, hurl, and for Desmond, this is a normal feeling against stronger mages. She was reaching levels of magic far superseding their own, and for Desmond who took multiple mana brews to reach 8.07 RAS now, he knew, she was reaching levels only thought of in legends. She blew away the competition, each ball seeming to be a bomb ripping through roses, powering up certain Eaiko allowing for Team Snaked and Afraid to take the center field, and then pushing forward with Wikooroh as he yells and screams war chants as he moves closer and closer as Team Sunny and Covenant lose more and more ability to use their magic. Until eventually they were trampled over and was Conquered.

From there they moved to Eskand Ath, the land of hot springs and tall people, their plan was similar to before as they needed to try and now go up against the power house that is Team Afraval and Cubed. Ice King was the biggest issue as Desmond thought the plan they had before might work. It wasn't garenteed to work, however, they needed to try. Desmond felt good from the last game, he found a barrel of wine that could sell for much of it's worth and won his match. Desmond needed to at least keep himself calm, as he walked and poked around, as he found a trio of caves, each with their own unique looks and scenery, however he found something that was something much more worth to him than any treasure, a cave that felt very hot with large red gems, as Desmond found a gem the size of a child's loose fist that later was found to be a 1000 carrot ruby that can sell for somewhere near 4000 magus. This softened the blow of their lose as they lost by attrition to Afraval and Cubed as the Ice King stopped Ismette from opening up her Dark Portal for infinite mana and in the physical department both Zarina and Yuliya seemed far stronger than their bodies seemed capable of which made Desmond curious of what they are hiding.

Yet they were moved to the next field far too quickly for Desmond to think as he now needed to make a new plan. Something similar to their old one, however mixing up the positioning and aggression. Instead of being and aggressive defense they were switching to full out aggression where they swing fully out to them. As Desmond needed to think, as he left to explore more areas, where he was confronted by a Coal toad, a large massive frog like dragon that can spew thick sludge like chemicals that can burn hot and stick to whatever it is burning. As Desmond had dodged the Coal Toad and pacified it as he moved around it to find a piece of Old Amber containing an ancient insect. Said to be very valuable to collectors! Or even some questionable scholars. As then Desmond made it to find Dory who found a box that seemed to control mosquitos as they started attacking Desmond viciously. As once Dory made them stop Desmond began to use chemical magic to attack the many different foreign bodies within him to stop inflammation of the bitten areas and possible desieses those Mosquitoes had. As in the match it was a calm and strategic match. They picked off multiple people quickly and efficently as they constantly pushed more and more onto their land, as they were unable to make it to the other side of Secto's base without taking out all of their roses, but was enough to take the victory.

Then came the finals, Snaked and Afraid had made it as they returned to Ersand'ernise, as they entered the arena as there they entered the proving grounds. As his adventure of becoming the Champion of the underground Arena began.



Then came the final game, and here Desmond was near if not trully useless. As his team lost, not 5th! They were double teamed by both Team Secto and Zemana. Leaving a sour taste in Desmond's mouth, however Desmond had given himself the ability to go down into the depths of the arena and be in the loop of things.