A5G

Into the Land of Twilight

Roxas came down the stairs easily, and moved to the dining table. She set the items from the chest down, and the pamphlet for the business, then set the pendant and draft a little bit away. She looked up to the group. "Oi. I found all this upstairs. The quiver and other items were in a locked chest. This pendant, picture and draft.. were behind a locked bedroom door. Why it was locked, don't ask me. Anyone who can.. I suggest seeing if they're magical items, or if they can get information from them." She looked back to the items, the quiver and pictures in particular. They looked so drastically different, but what was the time frame between them.

@Visyn

Quietly scooting around the room while Carnatia introduced herself - or, well, as quietly as a mass of clanking metal could be -, Engelbert reached the table and scrutinized the displayed items. All of it looking rather... personal in nature. He raised a questioning gaze to Roxas, wondering if it's a good idea to acquire the stuff.

While the place looked abandoned, it's still not that far from the elven capital. Perusing the common room for shelter was a bit of a grey area, but breaking into locks felt like breaching the hospitality.

"Please dont tell me you're planning to claim these items? The last thing we need is to be beset by the local law enforcement when we return from the expedition." He carefully brought the topic up, though the hint of stern disapproval could be heard from the tone.

Carnatia stepped forward, "Well met, Sir Engelbert. It is an honour to be working with such a decorated knight." She then turned to the others, "My name is Carnatia, all of you may call me how you wish. I do not mind as long as it is not meant to be derogatory or an insult. As for my skills...well, I am a fencer, of sorts, though I rely more on magic rather than sheer strength. I also have some skills in dismantling magical enchantment, though I am far from an expert. I look forward to working with all of you.

@Randomguy

Right in time, the young fencer - spellblade? - finished the short introduction and joined them. Engelbert nodded, it would be easy to imagine a smile underneath his helmet as he gave a thumbs up.

"You flatter me, lady Carnatia. I've just lived long enough to stack a couple stories. Looking forward to working with you."

Into the Land of Twilight

Glancing around and doing internal headcount, Engelbert noted that the whole group finally gathered together... or, well, Roxas was still upstairs but he could hear her coming even over the heavy rain, while the quiet foreigner was still close enough to hear him. The mood was generally soggy and miserable, but with a roof over their heads and a roaring fire nearby it'll only improve from here. Provided that no drowned spirits came to crash the party. Clapping twice to garner attention, the metal of the gauntlets rang loud enough against each other through the room.

"Ahem! As we're finally in one place, shall we do a small reintroduction? It will be good to know each other better since we will be traversing into an infamously dangerous location soon enough. Jolly cooperation and all that, yes?" The knight-errant glanced around the room for a split second, continuing before anyone can sound an objection. "It is only fair for me to start. I am Sir Engelbert, but do call me whatever you're comfortable with. Old man, tincan, or just my name - I do not mind. As you can likely guess, I'm best at the vanguard. Scant few can penetrate my armor, and I'm strong enough that most things that get in range of my sword will likely have a very bad time. And... I believe that is all from old me. Nothing flashy, but it gets the job done."

Once again his gaze fell across the audience, as if encouraging someone to step up after.

"So! Who's next?"

Into the Land of Twilight

A single knock rang from the door behind him. The newcomer opened it before Engelbert could fully turn to reach for it, and his first impression was that the caravan hands were coming to join them. But then he took in the sight of a pale figure in bright red, a head of dark brown sticking all over the place, and an irrational part of him came into conclusion that the spirit of a drowned woman have come to drag them all to the depth.

He waved away the intrusive thoughts soon enough, by which time the newcomer already went past and complained about the lack of fire. Sometimes it's easy to forget that people really dislike getting drenched, eh?

"We have only recently arrived ourselves." Said the knight conversationally, glancing around for signs of firewood. No such luck. "I could take a look at the stable, see if there's kindling back there? We all could use some fire."

Into the Land of Twilight

Engelbert was outside for the moment, helping the caravan hands settling the horses at the back. He always had a soft spot for the creatures, despite these ones being draft animals instead of the prized warhorses he once had. Patting one of them at the passing, the armored knight dragged and tilted over the old trough filled with stagnant water at the whinnying protest of the horses. He chuckled, muffled by the heavy rain, walking out with the now emptied trough in hand.

"Patience now, I'll be right back."

Off to the river he went, the raindrop drumming against his armor like a thousand arrows. A few rough scrub brushed off the worst of the moss, the bits of dirt sliding off his gauntlets like water off a duck's back. Rinse a few times and it's as good as new... well, mostly. Humming a marching tune, Engelbert refilled and carefully balanced the now sizeably weighty baggage on his shoulder. He ignored the gaping helpers as he marched back, carefully depositing the fresh water before the horses.

"I believe that is all. You can handle the rest, yes?"

He was answered with muted nods, satisfactory enough. Stomping back to the front, he let the rain wash over his greaves before finally stepping into the house. The entrance was tall enough, but he had to tilt sideways to accomodate for his bulk. Once inside, his gaze fell upon the room and the state of abandonment it was in. Not surprising, considering the similar state of the stable out back. Perhaps the others had figured something out.

"So! What did I missed?"

Into the Land of Twilight

He had initially thought that Vesemir's overly idealistic recruitment ad was a failure, but turns out most of the prospective hires are cutting it close. Within an hour of the stipulated departure time the prospective hires appeared one by one, turning the rather sad display of three escorts into a respectable squad well over thrice the number. Engelbert had to admit that he was almost worried for a moment.

He knew Tillius who had arrived earlier, currently napping. There's the other elf that goes by Roxas, who disappeared to the side after the introduction. Quite the introvert, that one. Next up was a man with a grinning mask seemingly welded to his face, followed by a foreigner that didn't even say anything but seems to be sticking around regardless. And then there's the two noble ladies that looked similar enough to be related, though they didn't act like it. And finally, a huge mass of muscle and metal that somehow moved in near-total silence.

It's certainly novel to have to look up to meet someone face to face.

Rezello gave a nod as the elf tapped his mask. "A pleasure to meet you both, Gray Flame. Engelbert. Always good to be working with veteran adventurers."

@Valkon

"Well met, mister Rezello! Likewise, looking forward to working with you." He offered a nod, though his attention was immediately taken up by the little performance between what must be the oldest and youngest of the group. Engelbert nodded appreciatively at the swordplay, the transition flowing smoothly from one move to another. Very much a textbook duelist, but admirable for one so young. It ends with the rapier stopping a hair's breadth away from the elf, eliciting a rumbling laughter from the knight.

"A fine display, Lady Evelyn!" He clapped rather enthusiastically, gaze falling upon the rightfully exasperated elf. Another bout of laughter echoed through the clearing, the heavy baritone less human and more like an imminent landslide, a gauntlet-clad hand firmly patting the Gray Flame in the back. "She certainly showed you who's the boss, old friend."

Behind that white mask came a soft groan. "I think one boss is enough already." he said, indicating at Vesemir who were now talking with his quartermaster Stepen and someone else. Another stray adventurer joining in? No... certainly not, it was a Varenheim official who arrived with him at some point of the time. The conversation seemed quite argumentative, but resolved rather quickly afterwards.

Not even bothered to bid the leaving official a farewell, the midle-aged Vesemir strode toward them. The archeologist's lips twitched, his gloved hand ballled. He didn't look very happy, but was quick to regain his composure.

"Is there something wrong?" Gray Flame asked. The archeologist waved his hand in the general direction of the departing official, clearly disgruntled about the short chat.

"Just those pesky officials whining about our little campsite having more people than what it allowed to. Hurting local lodging business and blah-blah. They demanded us to leave for causing public inconvinence. Can't you believe it? Home doesn't feel like home anymore."

"Policing public gathering now? I'll never understand elven laws. But home is not just a place, aye? It is the memory, the state of mind you associate with the physical location." Engelbert quipped with a shrug, craning his neck to glance at the sun's position. "Regardless, I believe we are scheduled to depart soon enough so we'll be out of his hair soon enough... unless we're still waiting for someone, Ser Vesemir?"

"Come to think of it, you are right." he turned, placing his hands behind his back and breathed the fresh air audibly. "Perhaps the true home lies beyond the dense forest and old ruins. Very well, there is no point for us to dally any longer."

With a renewed spring in his steps, the eccentric elf strode to the middle of the camp and loudly clapped until the din of conversation faded and all attention focused on him. His eyes swiveled around, letting the silence build up for a few seconds before breaking into the speech.

"Everyone, may I have your undivided attention for a moment?! First I want to say thank you for coming. It is an honor to see this much enthusiasm, and I say we are off to a good start already. This expedition will be dangerous true, and some say we are delving into a bleak road of no return. But dangers and comforts are less important than the truth that awaits to be uncovered. Let the fools remain stagnant, idly descend as history drags them. Lifeless, eroded, like pebbles become sand. We choose to be different. Forerunners we are, aglitter are our deeds. Whatever happen, soon the latecomers will seek our vestiges! That will be all, let us depart this place." The archaeologist's fiery spirits was in full view now, each words uttered with the conviction of someone that truly believed in it. Engelbert clapped from his corner as the camp truly came to life, the caravan hands dismantling the camp and loading it into the carts at a speed that belied years of experience.

Within a short moment, none remained in the clearings as the expedition party ponderously trundled through an increasingly overgrown road. Whether they'll emerge back from the expedition or forever lay in the depth of the wilderness, only time will tell.

But for now, Nuria awaits.

Into the Land of Twilight

The Definitely Not Suspicious Knight-Errant

Name: Sir Engelbert the Fearless (allegedly)

Species: Human (probably)

Age: 60 (at least)

Gender: Male (self-proclaimed)

Appearance: Clad in a set of metal armor that he never seems to remove, the knight-errant nevertheless evoke the image of a well-built man of above average height from the way he stomps around in all that steel without any issue.

Image

Bio: A wandering knight of relatively stellar repute, the few that personally interact with Engelbert find him a jolly pleasant companion to have around - odd quirks notwithstanding, like never parting with his armor. Whether the habit is an eccentric quirk, an unavoidable circumstances, or something more sinister, it is hard to tell. Engelbert himself isn't shedding any light in that matter. While his presence is sporadic and no one quite knows where did he come from or where did he go, he often finds himself embroiled in adventures worthy of at least a few months of increasingly embellished retelling in the local community.

Finding himself within the border of Varenheim, it doesn't take long for Engelbert to find the best source of adventure. An exploratory trip to the ancient elven capital from the previous age! There is no way he could say no to that now, could he?

...or at least, that's what he told the archaeologist Vesemir, which sees no issue with the statement. He do have some reputation, after all.

Passives:
Juggernaut: A physically stellar speciment, Engelbert's strength is quite a bit higher than what is estimated of his size and built while having seemingly boundless stamina to works with. Certainly beyond a regular human's limit.

Mental Fortress: Effects that misdirect the mind have trouble getting hold onto Engelbert, whether it is mundane or magical.

Spells:
Sixth Sense: Turns Engelbert hyper-aware of his immediate surrounding, making it near impossible to sneak up on him. This senses seems to be more atttuned toward living creatures and things that contain mana, and consequently can be blinded in a mana-dense environment (or inside the belly of a giant beast, dont ask how he knows).

Titanic Bulwark: Massive set of alloyed armor that, by itself, is quite a significant barrier against harm. That is before the creator starts layering enchantment after enchantment on it, to deteriorate external spells that brushes against the surface while also boosting the natural durability to an entirely new level while keeping itself in pristine state at all times. The side effect of obsfucating against most investigative spell is definitely a happy little coincidence.

Scharfrichter: A masterpiece of a greatsword with a decently flexible yet extremely durable blade, possessing unnaturally high density that made it effective tool for both slashing and bludgeoning. A simple enchantment keeps the blade keen and the rust and dirt away. The namesake comes from the executioner swords, who share some similar characteristic to this one.

[Redated]: I wonder what could this be?

Mundane Skills: Sword mastery, weapon expert, hand to hand combat, household chores, horsemanship.

Equipment: Daily necessities (preserved rations, tin pot, medical supply, knapping, change of clothes, tent etc.), a belt of potions, full set of armor, a snazzy coat, zweihander, a dagger.

Into the Land of Twilight --- A story-focused fantasy adventure RP

@Mas Bagus Here is my character, i hope i included enough and it all makes sense. If any of it needs to change, i'd be happy to fix it.

CS

Name: Kokia
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 22

appearance: Deep red hair and large black eyes, many consider her face rather pretty. Wears a long leather coat and tall boots. Prefers to wear a black hat with a long blue scarf.

Hider

the art is mine

Abilities:

-Passive. An amulet that completely changes her appearance into another person. She's reluctant to use to as she believes it may be haunted and it creeps her out.
-Passive? A pair of earrings that grant her perfect night vision. Using their ability for too long makes her tired. Usually takes an hour or so for any exhaustion to be noticeable.
-Active. A pair of bracelets that wrap her hands in flames. The flames do not harm the user but it does drain her energy rather quickly.
-Active. A ring that can teleport her up to 50 feet in any direction. Can quickly exhaust her if used too many times in a row.

Mundane abilities:

-Has a large amount of knowledge on artifacts
-Relatively decent thief even without her artifacts
-Wit, A quick and clever thinker.

Bio:
As a young child with no formal schooling, Kokia spent a large amount of time in the library with a particular interest in artifacts. She spent many hours of each day gathering the knowledge she grew to crave. One day a travelling trading came into their small town with an item of interest to her. With the help of a few friends, she committed her first theft and things only escalated from there. She hunts down and collects any and all artifacts she can get her hands on. Some she tracked down and uncovered on her own, many she has stolen, but all for the sake of knowledge by the end of the day, kinda. Now she is interested in Twilight and all the mystical treasures that may be hidden within, eager to add to her collection, but also perhaps to find materials for 'the ultimate weapon' she's been attempting to create. Though, the project is still in its very early stages.

Equipment:
-Her artifacts, the amulet, earrings, bracelets and ring.
-A satchel containing a journal and survival goods such as rations and water.
-A dagger she doesn't know how to properly use for combat
-Long leather coat with empty pockets.

@SunMoth

GM's still asleep I believe, but it looks fine on my end. Just a side note: she can have 4 actives, so there's the option to make two more artifacts if you want to.

Oh, do join the discord server please.

Into the Land of Twilight --- A story-focused fantasy adventure RP

<Snipped quote by Mas Bagus>

The latter, it's a fancy term to describe "magical blacksmith". Two popular franchises that feature them regularly are Dungeons & Dragons and Final Fantasy, perhaps under different terms but the core principle remains the same

For your convenience, here's a link to the D&D version: Link.

@Izurich

Hello there! The IC world doesn't quite have any solid rules on artifacts and whatnot, but I'm sure we can build something up from what's already there. You can join the discord channel to discuss it in depth, and/or make the CS draft and we can go from there. Glad to have you on board.

Into the Land of Twilight --- A story-focused fantasy adventure RP

Greetings fellas, I'm the sub-manager of this nifty little project. Pleased to meet you all. Looking forward to the trip, I'm sure it will be fun.

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

A couple welll-placed blows put the two escapee on the ground and knocked some senses back into their noggin. See? Percussive maintenance worked! Yvonne flashed a toothy, feral grin promising further pain as she took half a step back, the promise of further pain hanging like storm cloud over the two. The message was clear enough - comply or get fucked. And to that end, she'll loom over them as much as necessary.

Didn't even need to start breaking something. These two sure learned fast, eh?

"They're all yours." Said the mercenary, gaze falling onto the mansion where someone (or something) was breaking both furniture and people in equal measure judging from the noise. "We'll probably got to go in half blind regardless, but do try squeeze our guests for intel."