[IC] The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

[TheForgottenArc]

Warden had just finished lashing his new pike to his horse and stuffing most of his supplies into a bag, also lashed to the horse, when the assassin struck. The attack left the king little less than a pile of flesh on the floor.

"What the?" Warden said as he saw the attacker escape. Unluckily his horse had not been ready for travel, forcing Warden to chase on-foot. The chaos on the streets had slowed him down, though, and soon he had found himself lost, unable to keep up with the fellow knight or the assassin.

The alleyway he had found himself in was dark and musty, giving off a pungent stink of rotten fruit. The environment and what happened before had put Warden on edge, every foot-step of any passerby had set off a myriad of alarms in his head.

Just as Warden had found himself the exit to what seemed like the worlds larges maze, he heard four sets of footsteps and a gruff voice speak out,

"Ay, that's nice armor you got on ya. Why don't you hand it over before someone gets hurt." The voice said as warden swing around, four masked figures stood, all donning rough leather armor.

"Why don't you just take it from me then?" Warden said smugly, this wasn't his first time dealing with back alley criminals, but the numbers advantage of the thugs put him on edge, Warden analyzed his situation.

Okay, two of them have short swords, one has a long sword, it looks rough though, there's a crack right in the middle, if I can hit it exactly right, I might be able to break the sword. The last one has....Nothing? Odd. He thought as he readied his sword.

A thug with the lowest quality sword and armor attacked first, brandishing his short sword forward as he charged. He managed to hit Warden in the chest, unluckily for the thug his steel plate had blocked the hit, causing it to do no damage, Warden retaliated quickly plunged his sword through the first thug, then pushing the thug off his blade, the body hitting the floor. Limp.

"Damn you." The thug with the long sword screamed as he charged forward.

They are coming at me one after the other....Armatures. Warden thought as he rushed forward with blinding speed, hitting the thug with a rushing slash, a technique only known to his order. The thug blocked it with his sword, but the block had caused the sword itself to snap, the front end hitting the ground, only leaving the wooden hilt intact.

"Maybe you should fix your equipment every one in awhile, huh?" He said. The thug quickly picked the blade on the floor and charged, due to the odd handling of the broken sword warden was able to parry and deal a devastating slash to the thug.

Warden quickly turned as a flash of light had emanated from a thug behind him. The one who didn't have a weapon seemed to be charging some sort of light, almost like fire. Whatever it was Warden was sure it would hurt if it hut him, perhaps even kill him. Even if he managed to dodge the attack, the other thug was ready to pounce if he had, more than likely landing a free hit in one of Wardens armor's weak spot.

"Shit, Anybody here, Goro, anyone? Kinda need some help here." Warden yelled out, hoping someone was nearby, as he readied himself for the blast, incase nobody did come.

[Lucius Cypher]

Goro was pleasantly surprised that all of his requested items were given to him. Armor, weapons, supplies, even those weaponized torches. While perhaps not as effective for smashing as his new mace, the steel bands on the torches would make them more durable if he has to smack something in the face. The new boots were especially nice too; though studded leather with cleats that would help him maintain his footing even on muddy or rough terrain. "Always wanted a pair like dis." Goro says pleasantly as he puts them on. A bit stiff, but they'll be worn in once he goes walking for a while. Before long he was all prepped for travel. But things weren't going to be as peaceful as he had thought.

Disaster struck. The king, slain in front of the group, including Winter. Goro immediately looked for any assassins; anyone who was trying to run away. The servants and even guards fled before anyone would bother to investigate however. "Pathetic. Dere own king, killed right in front of em, and dey just start rioting? Dis place was gunna go ta hell on it's own wifout em it seems." Goro had a lot of criticism for his old hometown, but even he knew that the death of the chief wasn't going to fracture the town's chain of command or infrastructure so easily. One of the reason the chief even had so many close advisors was precisely to ensure that his reign would last even pass his death, even at the cost of his people. Still that wasn't important right now. The killer was on the loose and they needed to stop him.

Goro ran out of the gate alongside the others, though Catarina obviously was able to get well ahead thanks to being on horseback. But Goro doubts she could go very far; the crowds were starting to get thicker and rioting on the street. If she wasn't attacked simply because she was more noticeable, than she'd surely be stopped by the sheer mass of people. Goro knew better than to try and wade through them; he needed the high ground. The buildings around here were fancy and ornate, and that made for good climbing. His hook wasn't just for intimidation after all; he often used it to climb rigging, grip onto stone, and other things. And so Goro climbed up the nearest building to avoid the streets, running across the rooftops in order to catch up to the assassin.

As he ran Goro heard his name called out. He looked down an alleyway and saw one of his newer allies in some sort of fight. Did the assassins have backup? Surely this royal city can't have been so corrupt and poor that armed gangs have already taken to the streets! It's barely been ten minutes! Regardless it seemed like Warden needed some help. Goro was loath to waste one of his javelins right now, but he didn't have any other choice; he wasn't about to jump in when he still needed to chase after the assassin. So he drew one of the javelins from his quivver and hurled it at the thug who appeared to be casting some sort of spell. "How da hell does a common thug know magic better than us?" If it was that easy than maybe Goro could awaken something and master magic before his next birthday. Either way, the javelin was thrown through the air, down towards the chest of the mage. Goro aimed to knock the mage down as well as slay him, so that even if he could get a shot off, it would go wide and hit no one. Goro didn't stay to see if his attack would land however, and continued to chase after the assassin as quickly as he could.

[TheForgottenArc]

Warden had prepped to take the blast from the thug head on when all of a sudden a javelin had flown out from the rooftops aiming straight for the thug. It hit the dead center of his chest and as he fell back he released the blast.
It had hit the wall next to the thug, as it turned out though, the attack was more style than substance. While through the flame-attack looked cool, all it produced was a spark, at most, all it would've done to Warden was scorch his leather, not hurt him badly.

"What? Y-you have friends? I'm outta here." He said as he ran for his life. Warden decided not to give chase instead retrieving the javelin.

Huh, This is the one Goro had. Warden thought as he lashed it onto his back and lashed his sword to his waist. He looked up towards the roof. He has a good idea, there are fewer people up there than down here. It would make travel easier. He thought.

Warden made his way up a ladder and made it to the roof, following far behind Goro. It was unlikely he could catch up to the orc, but it provided far easier travel than the streets.

Eventually, though Warden had caught up to the assassin, and catrina giving chase "That crowd has to be slowing her down." He started looking around for any of his allies, he'd lost track of Goro long ago.

"Anyone here?" Warden said. He'd formulated a plan in his head.

If I can get close enough I can use the trick I used earlier, Valient Breakthrough, to catch up with the assassin. Once I've caught up, If nobody but me is on him yet, I'll stall him until someone arrives.

[ReusableSword]

Nkosi remained quiet for the remainder of the conversation. All of his questions were answered all he had left to do was observe the others. That included the new arrivals who seemed to be just as blunt as he was. Something about banishing undead and speaking with an undertone of dread or darkness of some sort. He couldn't quite make out why he felt this way, but he seemed like he would be able to handle himself. Then the other lady came in. this one seemed a bit more proper and stubborn, she did seem to know what she wanted and needed. Indecision didn't seem to be a problem for her. At least she seemed well-trained, but he couldn't help but wonder how well all these people would fare in his forests.

The group seemed to begin to pick up their things and move out of the building just after the immortal told them she would be joining them. This wasn't what he planned for, but he supposed he could deal with it. Escorting a small company through the forests would have been trouble enough but now with the immortal was coming along as well? It will definitely be interesting taking such a highly revered individual with them. Something that could both work against and with them.

The short walk through the city streets to the castle was enjoyable? Maybe not the best term to use. The cobblestone streets and lack of vegetation annoyed the ranger. They were greeted at the gates by more than a few guards who promptly bowed and let them in. the immortals power here was not something to be messed with. Finally, meeting someone flanked by armored guards who seemed to be a bit more disciplined and better geared than the others. Obviously this man was important due to his status with the others and how the immortal spoke to him. A king, a strange ruler for a strange kingdom.

A servant came up to him while he was looking around and not really paying much attention to the area. The servant spoke, “Do you request additional gear like the others' sir?” Nkosi barely realized he had fallen a bit behind the others while they spoke about equipment. “Here” he gave the servant a piece of paper with a list of items. These items were simple, a long bow with a quiver of arrows, a few small metal plates with dimensions and holes in the sides, so he could put them on his light armor. A sharpening stone for his two swords was also asked for as well as several knives and blades he could hide among his person. Other than metal there wasn't much he couldn't find somewhere else, this city offered little to him.

It wasn't long before his requested items returned to the satchel of the servant. “Thank you miss.” he gave her a nod as the red-headed servant walked away to join the others. Nkosi was quick to place the metal plates and the smaller items in his bag as well as the additional rations. He took his time placing the small knives and blades around his person. In his experience losing weapons that get stuck in tough hides or caught in bone happen a lot. When they were camped out somewhere he would be sure to upgrade his leather and bone armor as well as take care of his swords.

Before long he was ready to go and continue their journey. This city made him uneasy with its crowds and lack of vegetation. It wasn't like home, everything's green and you can walk for days without seeing another person at times. However, something seemed strange, his instincts jumped, and he reflexively gripped the hilt of the smaller of his two swords. The ranger kept his head on a swivel and looked over the seemingly calm area. He felt the electricity in the air. Something was coming. The king’s sudden death throes caught him off guard, it would seem that an assassin slipped past them while they were getting their things ready.

The description that winter gave at what was happening to the man was strange. She then ordered them to chase after the possible assassin. The situation soon turned worse, the electricity in the air soon cultivated into pure chaos. It seemed everyone could use magic all at the same time. The earth shook, lights flashed through the city, balls of fire shot through the air, and all hell seemed to break loose as everyone seemed to go a bit mad with power.

His companions didn't hesitate to run after the villain while the immortal did what she could for the fallen king. Nkosi however did not move, while admittedly being stunned for a moment by the sights of the city and what this magic was doing. He would not move, to him it wasn't his job. He was here to protect the immortal and escort her through his forest to the village. The ranger wasn't her lackey he was here to protect her, and so he would. As the others rushed out into the chaos, he stayed behind.

Most of the guards seemed to falter and join into the chaos while the more composed and dedicated stuck to the walls and protected the keep as best they could. They too tried to use magic as well. This feeling that was welling up inside him was unlike anything he has ever felt before. Almost like a perpetual adrenaline rush he could feel this energy pulsing through him. It seemed like he could feel so much more than he could before. Almost like something was blocking his senses to the rest of the world had been removed. This sensation was almost euphoric.

However, Nkosi was taken back from his feelings when a burst of fire was carelessly tossed toward him and miss winters from behind the wall. It was a small ball of fire, but he wasn't sure he could get the immortal out of the way quick enough to keep her safe. After all, he wasn't sure how many hits she could take in the long run. Reflexively acting almost on instincts that he had never felt before. The ranger tried to pull something anything up to protect them. The ground in front of him grumbled and groaned for a moment. All he wanted was a wall or barrier and suddenly a small thin piece of earth shot up from in front of him.

The small crumbling structure intercepted the ball of fire. With that it shuddered then exploded towards Nkosi. Fire and earth flew at him, the ranger getting out of the way of most of it by dropping to the ground. The rest singed him and his clothes, but he was otherwise unhurt. He wanted to investigate this further, but he knew it wasn't the time to get lost in his thoughts. “Winters! We need to go. this city isn't safe anymore.” he turned toward her for only a moment to make sure she was okay before turning his attention back to the chaos at hand.

[Thinslayer]

Valentine.

My sweet, sweet Valentine.

Do you remember?

I still remember the days when we were young. The seven of us scraped by on our wits, fueled by scraps, and frayed by false generosity. The cold, the bitter cold, caused even Death herself to seek warmth at our sides. Death's sweet embrace kept us all alive, the promise of a bright afterlife better than all the pale realities of this wretched dimension.

We named her Winter.

Remember now?

Hardly could I forget your oath, that should the trials of life grow too trying on our wearied souls, you would escort us to the gates of heaven and vouch for our souls. But pray tell, how can a man go meet God his maker when there lives a goddess to hold him in her arms? Had I but one life to live, I would have spent it just to see you ascend to immortality, to escort you to the throne of divinity so I could die in the glow of your beauty. It was fitting that the Alchemist should grant you immortality first.

And how bright you were! Even clad in our immortal skins, our brightest lights were as darkness to you. Some of us boasted strength, some boasted smarts, others paraded their popularity. But you were always different. You gave us family. Where you were, there home was. We did not deserve you.

What is humanity to you, then? Perhaps the capacity of their minds is unique, 'tis true, but they haven't the lifespan to grow a shred of wisdom, nor have they the natural goodness of lesser, feral creatures. Humans are evil, born in darkness, and bathed in utter depravity. You know this to be true, and I even heard it from your own lips. "There is nothing good in man," you once said to me. "Were God to wipe him off the face of the universe, He would be hailed a hero and crowned with glory for His conquest."

So tell me, then, why you continue to play with them? Why do you feed them, clothe them, speak to them, even show them kindness? Why do you create worlds for them, guard their families, and raise their children? What do you see in them that you should stoop so low beneath your station?

My mind reaches only one conclusion.

I fought it, wrestled it, avoided it all I could.

You have joined their side.

O Valentine, my sweet, sweet Valentine, the time is nigh when at last I come to free your heart from mankind's wicked chains. Soon, my lady, I shall return the ancient favor and hold you in my arms, as you once did for me. Soon, we shall be together again.

Just the two of us.

The other five can go to hell.

[Thinslayer]

Previously on Arcane Adventures:

Warden, upon witnessing the king's gruesome demise, chased the attacker out into an alleyway. He defeated one of the thugs, but another one attacked him with a crude blast of magic. Goro came to the rescue and stopped the thug with a javelin throw. Together, Warden and Goro resumed their chase, trailing behind Catarina, who'd drawn a bead on the elusive assassin.

Meanwhile, Nkosi developed an Earth Wall spell when he made to stop a fireball from hurting Winter Valentine. With wild riots outside and casters around every corner, he surmised that the city was not safe, and urged Winter to escape with him.

The Immortal now had a choice to make. With the king dead and riots in the city, should she...
* ...help quell the riots?
* ...crown a new king and make him quell the riots?
* ...let the problem sort itself out?

There was some merit to option #3. The reason behind the riots was the sudden introduction of new, unknown powers. Once people got used to them, a new order would settle in place. However, she did not want to bank on that order being a beneficial one. Option #1 seemed very doable; the ancient weapons systems she wore could probably protect her from most offensive magic and break through most defensive magic. Counting on that, however, was incredibly risky. Option #2 was only available if there was any authority that people recogized, but that required navigating the complex web of politics, and she didn't have time for that.

There was little choice but to take option #3 and fix the problems later once she'd acquired some magical knowledge.

"Winters!" Nkosi urged. "We need to go. This city isn't safe anymore."

Winter nodded, and wrapped her cloak tighter. "I agree, it's not safe here. Liliana, can you come here for a moment?" She touched the pendant around her neck and drew out a few grains of dust, which she touched to Liliana's forehead. Then with a few movements of her fingers, the insignia of the Immortals drew into the girl's skin. The now-glowing golden embers returned to Winter's pendant.

"Liliana Rosenvelt, I dub you Immortal's Ambassador to this city. With the seal upon your forehead, all shall know you represent me and my interests. If any dares harm you, they shall invite my wrath upon them. Go, live, and watch over Midhaven until I return."

With that, she moved to Nkosi's side. "I shall place my life in your hands. You may lead the way."
_

Warden and Goro lost the assassin in the crowds. All they knew was that he was male, dark, youthful, and long-haired - not nothing, but hardly much to go on. Meanwhile, as people started to get a grip on their new powers, gangs began to form, with the smartest spellcasters as the leaders. Organized battles between gangs erupted in the streets of Midhaven, and less-adept people often got caught in the crossfire.

Yes, it was high-time to leave.
_

Catarina's arrow sang through the air toward the assassin's neck, her aim straight and true. What stopped it was the most curious thing she'd ever seen in her life. A faint aura of silent lightning appeared just over the assassin's body, and the arrow shattered against it as if it were a brick wall. Then, his form began to turn translucent, shimmered the light like a flowing river, and vanished into thin air.