[IC] The Fantasy Isles

[Minimum]

Kilgaris walked through the jungle silently and slowly eyes to the front but still gathering information from all directions. His green glowing crystal staff in his right hand horizontal to the ground. He had heard from a scared peasant that there was a powerful demon in the town through the deadly forest and the short man had only just made it out alive. Eager to enhance his power even further from binding the demon to him Kilgaris had set off right away. Although he had heard tales of flocks of griffin and other dangerous creatures in the woods in folklore and legend Kilgaris had yet to discover anything. However, he still stayed on guard. A month since leaving his master he had already bound 2 more moderately powerful demons in his staff and was still getting used to his new level of power. Whilst silently stalking the way through the twisting maze that was the woods he cast his mind back to the days where he lived his entire life in the back of a tavern, only coming out to sleep and to wash the tankards. They were a shadowy place where the true demons in his life lived. The darkness of that room with faint light passing through the holes in the roof reminded him of this forest with the few sun rays being cast through the canopy. After such thoughts vanished he just kept on walking silently...

[LostDestiny]

Venya had long since strayed from the beaten path. It had been a couple months since she had found out that her master had passed and since then she has spent her time chasing legends and following leads to new adventures. Currently she was in the jungle hunting some of the griffins that lived here, as well as some of the dangerous creatures that were located in the jungle as well. She was in her full body armor though she figured she had scared off most of the wildlife. After all the pure white armor that her master gave her wasn't exactly the best for blending in. It was a pain to keep clean too but that was part of her discipline training. She had to always make sure the armor was entirely clean. At the moment her armor was far more dirty than she would have liked it, but there was no point in cleaning the armor when it was just going to get dirty the next moment. She left her horse in a nearby village not wanting to risk it getting killed or running away while she was exploring.

[Shayd]

Bree stood uncertainly at the edge of the vine-tangled wood. She was a long way from the farmlands of home, and she'd heard many a tall tale about this region. Exaggerations, surely, she told herself with wry amusement. But then...most tales did spring from a kernel of truth. Her dilemma was imposing. She'd heard recent rumors that there were townsfolk nearby who might be in need of her...special skills. And yet. She shook her head sadly. Had Master Eliath been with her still, he would have known just what to do. But he isn't, she reminded herself scornfully. I was no longer good enough for him. So what, pray tell, made her think that she should march across the jungle uninvited, rushing to the aid of people she didn't even know, who potentially needed aid. She scuffed the toe of one boot in the dirt, paused, then kicked the ground hard. It's not like I have anything better to do, is it? she thought, as she squared her slender shoulders and stepped into the green dimness.

[Jinxer]

"Too...warm..."

Julius stopped to lean against the thick trunk of a tree, brushing low lying vines out of his face. The air was thick and cloying and he was already sodden in sweat, the only relief coming from his small canteen which he had recently enchanted to keep its contents cool. There were plenty of water sources here but the water was always horribly warm and tasted foetid; the water from rainfall tasted much purer and the canteen helped keep his temperature down but despite that he was still incredibly uncomfortable.

What was meant to have been a short cut, and also a rare chance to find some slightly rarer commodities for his endless tinkering (he had had a thought about harvesting some herbs an alchemist had mentioned to him a few years ago and applying engineering and enchanting practices to the mix as an experiment) had turned out to be a week long trek through an apparently endless jungle. Every morning he would climb to the top of a tree, using the scythe in his backpack, and try and look for the end of this maze but the low mists that always shrouded the place in the cooler dawn limited his length of vision considerably.

Thankfully the sun was his guide and he could make progress comfortable in the knowledge he was at least going in the right direction. He'd made that mistake once or twice before.

[Minimum]

As the silent warrior walked when he heard the ruffle of leaves and the snap of twigs. A sure sign that something was walking in the forest near him. Crouching low he turned towards the source of the noise readying his power to attack the creature whatever it may be. Once he reached a small bush he leaped completely over it. Before he would've yelled a war cry but he had long since learned that silence was a greater weapon than intimidation. Landing in a battle stance he summoned dark energy around his fists and looked up to discover what enemy he was challenging. Instead of seeing a terrifying creature as he expected he saw a woman wearing white armour that was almost brown with mud (@LostDestiny). His eyes widening he stood up the dark energy disappearing but his magical power still at the ready.
He bowed his head "Greetings". Not hostile but not very friendly ether. After all most magic users weren't known for friendly co-operation and he sensed SOMETHING off of her. "I am Kilgaris. Son of None. Servant of None."

[GodOfChaos]

The viking lifted his head and let the cold wind hit his face. Ulvkil had been in these mountains his entire life and he loved it. He never got bored of the place he has grown up in. There had been quite a few people that had passed through these mountains, and a lot of them avoided a village in the mountains. No one wanted to trust the vikings, but those who have and those who still do hear great tales and get a good deal through trades. Ulvkil made his way out of the village and towards the pines. He was alone with his pup for now. For now he was just observing the forest. He wondered how these trees were able to grow in such a cold environment. A person would think that the trees are glass, and a single hit could break them. Ulvkil looked back to keep an eye on the smoke of the village, to make sure the fires were still lit. He made his way into a clearing and his dog started feeling playful. He jumped and rolled around in the snow, making Ulvkil's hearty laugh escape his mouth. He didn't realize how loud he was, and he didn't know or care if anyone was around him. This life of his wasn't quiet, but it wasn't rough either. He had gotten by every day, for he had no idea what was happening in the jungles or the plains below him and his people.

[LostDestiny]

Venya continued her trek. She had come across nothing but flora in all her time. She had dropped her guard a little and pulled out her water tankard and removed her helmet to get a drink. The Champion continued to walk as she sipped her water and took a good look at her surroundings. Her sword was sheathed and she was completely unprepared for another person to jump in front of her. She had just put the lid back on her tankard when a man jumped in her path. With no time to put her tankard back on her belt she dropped it and draw her long sword defensively in front of her. When the male seemed to relax a little she did as well though her sword remained drawn. The male spoke, telling her his name. As a respectful gesture she also introduced herself. "I am called Venya. Former and only apprentice to the deceased Hero Algar." She wasn't sure what to think of the male in her path but the aura coming off of him was slightly dangerous. And the fact that he was a mysterious man in the jungle for seemingly no reason concerned her. Then again it appeared as though she was in the jungle for no reason herself so she could see how he may think the same thing.

[Shayd]

The sound of voices, almost right ahead of her, did little to soothe Bree's already-frayed nerves. She lifted an uncertain hand, forcing aside the leafy tangle of hanging vines that blocked her view. Before her, an exotic-looking man and a blonde warrioress stood facing one another, both with weapons close at hand. The tension in the air was almost as palpable as the heat, and Bree cautioned herself that both strangers looked to be fully capable, and prepared to attack. She shook the vines a bit, hoping that alerting them to her approach would make them consider her no threat.

"Well then," she said, modulating her tone carefully, "neither of you seem to be one of those who are supposed to be in need of aid."

[Minimum]

@LostDestiny@Shayd
Kilgaris raised his eyebrow at the mention of Algar. He was a powerful hero able to take down according to legend entire armies of dark casters single handedly. If she was telling the truth she would be a formidable opponent. He ģripped his staff tighter just in case but other than that did no other thing to show aggression, he didnt know how one sided towards good and light she would be so made no hostile moves.
Suddenly the leaves ruffled snapping his body to that direction expecting some kind of trap he saw another person letting off a powerful light aura. He sighed I do hope this doesnt turn into some kind of hero club... he thought. Apart from that he became uneasy. If they proved hostile to him 1 he might be able to deal with. But two... maybe a bit trickier. His staff glowed brighter green as he got ready to use the power of a demon within... just in case.

[Jinxer]

Voices from the undergrowth had Julius stopping in his tracks and reaching for his satchel, the collapsed scythe inside a comforting weight in the presence of potential danger. Despite himself, the apprentice snuck towards the source of the sounds as he wondered what on earth others might be doing in the jungle. He found it unlikely they would be there for a similar reason as he, the plants that grew here were not exactly rare for the most part and those that were had very few uses.

Soon the three came into sight for him and he ducked behind a tree trunk, watching the awkward meeting play out. All three looked fairly formidable so he was reluctant to get involved, just in case they ganged up on him for whatever reason. As he watched he realised that was unlikely, especially as they were a bit stand-offish with each other he assumed they were as much strangers to one another as he was.

Maybe I'll just stay back here for a bit and see what happens, I'm only here for some plants anyway.

[LostDestiny]

Venya jumped again when another person showed themselves. She pulled out the dagger that was strapped to the back of her belt and pointed it in the direction of the new person. "What are either of you doing here?" It was then that she noticed another presence. With her guard up her senses were now more acute. "You hidden behind the trees, why don't you show yourself." She added flicking her sword in Julius's direction. Her senses weren't as good as her master's but she was decently attuned to other people's presences when she had her guard up. Not so much when it wasn't, which was why she didn't notice Kilgaris before he popped out of nowhere.

[Minimum]

@LostDestiny(because STEEEEAAAALTH magic mwahaha! :D)@Shayd
Thats It!!! he thought as she detected yet another person (@Jinxer) he said in a threatening ton: "What the hellpit are you people doing here?!" He asked as he backed away glaring at the two he could see. His left fist burst into dark flame as he got ready to send blasts at the potential heros.

[LostDestiny]

She was rather taken aback by the first male's question, or rather, the way he worded it. 'Hellpit?' She asked herself before answering, though her weapons did not lower in fact, with the fact that the male's magic spiked she held her weapons more at the ready than before. "I am here searching for griffins. I heard they were rather difficult to catch so I decided to find out for myself just how hard the task was." She answered before she added, "What are you doing here?" She felt it was a fair question. After all if he wanted them to state their intentions he too needed to state his. (@Minimum)

[Shayd]

@Minimum@LostDestiny

The potential danger of the situation growing fast, Bree leveled her gaze on the blade that was pointed in her direction, but she did not move. To show any weakness now would be unwise. And, as if the two strangers before her were not threatening enough, she dared not turn her attention from them to see what new threat might hide behind the tree.

Stifling a sigh, she slowly pushed back her black hood and raked a hand through her hair. "What are any of us doing here, I must wonder?" she muttered, for she found this jungle a most unwelcoming place. "But I've no quarrel with or interest in either of you. I am merely passing through this place. My own purpose lays somewhere on the other side." She paused, considering the truth of her own words and the array of blades and magic in her path, before adding, "At least-it might."

[Mardox]

Adelsean walked through the snow. While there were certainly benefits to living in an isolated citadel hidden in the mountains (and not just the nice ring to it, he could leave it unguarded since anyone who might accidentally find it was far more likely to simply die in the cold first), it was a hassle now that he had go acquire supplies and (he shuddered at the thought) interacting with people. He sighed and shrugged it off, pulling his heavy winter cloak closer around his himself. The cold never really bothered him but he decided not to risk the health issues that came with exposing oneself to cold. He hefted his heavy backpack and grunted. There were a few dozen more miles to go to the closest settlement and a medium sized forest to traverse. He was not inclined to use the roads due to brigands, although he would enjoy allowing Laradrar to drink and spill the blood of foes... Ah, what the Hells, he'd be doing a public service to remove the criminal scum if they attacked him and it would justify trudging through foot deep snow in plate armor...

---

At last, Adelsean crossed the mountains' snow line and entered the more heavily forested areas. He stepped onto the poorly maintained road grateful that at least walking would be easier. He walked along whistling "In the Hall of the Mountain King" not caring if it alerted others, in fact hoping others learned of his presence. Predictably, a band of seven ruffians practically materialized out of the trees. The one in front gave the old "Your money or your life." line and Adelsean was about to draw his sword when he noticed something. These bandits did not look like hardened scum of the earth. They were weary and emaciated for starts, Adelsean looked at the hands of the man in front and noticed the calluses more akin to a man who worked the land rather than one who bullied and threw his weight around. None of them looked happy about accosting Adelsean although they were all armed and presumably dangerous. Adelsean set aside his bloodlust momentarily for curiosity. "You men do not look like bandits. I have seen bandits and I have seen common folk robbed of what is theirs by uncaring nobility. You look more like the latter to me. How about you tell me your tales of woe and then we'll see about the toll." The men looked a bit relieved in actuality and agreed to tell him what had happened to them. Some had been the scapegoats for crimes of others, some had lost a relative due to cruelty, some had had their meager possessions taken for avarice's sake. Often, their troubles would overlap with the man in question falling into more than one category. Their leader who seemed to be named Sarik explained "We've been haunting these roads hoping to strike back at the nobles but so far we have had no luck at all." Adelsean revealed his armor and sword and smiled grimly, "I too have lost much to the nobility, come with me and I can help you reach vengeance."

[Jinxer]

Great, they sensed me.

"Why hello there! My name is Julius, I was just looking for enchanting materials and didn't want to get caught up in... whatever this is."

He had come around from his hiding place and a little bit into the open, his satchel in easy reach but not in a threatening manner. Julius had little interest in getting involved in this fight, whether diffusing or igniting it, and would have rather just gone on his way.

"Like I said, I was looking for some natural materials and plants here for some enchanting experiments and I was told there'd be plenty around here. Although I've yet to come across them... I'm not well suited to this kind of searching..."

[GodOfChaos]

Ulvkil followed his buddy out of the clearing and back into the pines. He was on the look out for large groups of foreigners. He was not goint to allow others to settle in his land. Ulvkil's prt stopped in front of what appeared to be a fallen tree, a resource left over by the last group of settlers.

Upon further insepction, Ulvkil noticed that it was chopped in the middle. The log wasn't huge, but it would be quite heavy for the average person. Ulvkil wasn't average. He lined the chopped log up and picked up the two parts. He crossed the road once more, whistling wrather loudly to call for his snow furred friend, who came sprinting after him. For now, it was back to the village.

[Minimum]

Kilgaris let out an audible curse as he got the general light feeling from all of the new people. He let out thick black shadows from his hands filling the area in darkness. Using his distraction he leaped straight up into the trees and started running in the direction of the village. He frequently tripped running among the branches and occasionally a leg fell through into the area below the canopy which he had to quickly pull out. He knew that doing what he just did might put him in more danger than before but he had been in these positions before. A band of 'Hero's' thinking they were doing good ridding the world of evil sensing a little darkness and leaping out of cover to attack him. Or even some wizards knowing there was a demon setting up an ambush for any demon hunters wandering through. His staff now crackling with green energy as it was getting ready to summon a demon to protect him from any pursuers...