Deos Morran

..::Ascension::.. .2 (High-Casual)

Fenix "Blyze" Lyranis

Location: Boarder of Fotia & Gaia

Interacting With: @Rai

Fenix was not a fan of the hurdles he had to go through on such a regular basis... It was minor, petty things, but to him it was obnoxious and bothersome. Like wearing all of these fanciful clothes and layers. He understood that most did not share his view of 'reducing drag', but it was almost painful to wear so many ornate layers upon layers to uphold appearances. Though it had to be given his audience and peer group that he mingled with on this trip. After all the royalty of Fotia had to hold their companions in high regard and they couldn't bear to have one running around damn near naked.

Before long they were in the air and despite the odd sense of vertigo that beset Fenix for a few brief moments he figured that making appearances and attending to those who decided to bring him along on this trip. Walking from his private room aboard the craft and leaving the lap of luxary for it's buxom bosom as the beautiful halls of the royal airship stretched on before him. Before reaching the courts of the flying castle he glances out the peerless windows to see the rising sun and expansive lands of the Fotian Kingdom. While many may see a volcanic waste he only say the beauty of fire and the majesty of burning creation, crafting new rock shelves and lands in the flash of brimstone and magma. It was true beauty.

Returning to his path he passed by several noble lords and ladies, giving them their customs and curtsies, some not recognizing him and wondering what a servant was doing walking about the hall so freely or unburdened by labors, but others did recognize him. Several congratulating him on his achievement and even a few making conversation about The Trekker Championship. Quiet a few of the ladies he passed seemed to be giving a curious eye to as even despite his quiet covered state he was an attractive man who held a slim figure from his constant training for the upcoming 11th Trekker Championship. Of which that reminded him... A rumor had been walking about the halls that one of his greatest rivals would be making an appearance at this meeting. The Lassian nicknamed Wave and really the only real threat to his title that Fenix counted on.

Before long Fenix made his way to the banquet hall that none other than the King of Fotia, Magnixx sat at the other end, enjoying the labors of the land and looking quiet regal... and shirtless. 'Lucky bastard' Fenix thought to himself wishing that he didn't have to wear so many stuffy layers. He was overheating and melting under these stupid fabrics! Though with a more serious tone and a held composure he walked into the catching more than a few eyes and the attention of some rather young ladies who made shy faces towards him. Tossing a smile their way as a blushed conversation broke out among them. Ascending to the upper areas of the hall he was about to take a seat to enjoy the ride among royalty when the expanse of the Gaian Dragon Show came through the clouds, twirling and twisting through the clouds with such extreme grace that it made Fenix envy them. Though it disheartened him a tad when his host made a jab at the show. Of course it was incredibly flashy and clearly begging for attention, but on a much more basic level it spoke to him. That wild freedom, the rushing air, and the feeling of traversing an unending expanse. In that moment he wished he had wings that weren't more than back spikes, something that could let him join the Gaians.

Though as he drew his gaze away from the show he approached the dais that Magnixx sat upon and once he drew up to him he let himself down to one knee gracefully, bowing his head and proclaiming, "My king. I thank you for granting me the honor of joining you and your court on this journey. I feel truly privileged." Staying on his knee to render proper honors and to wait for the order to rise so as not to insult his liege.

Wrath of Darkness

Jake Cross

Jake heard the words on his fellows and thought the same. There were far too many Wild Men to do anything that would give them any sort of real view of the source of the pillar. Instead they were consigned to wait as Jake relayed that decision, "We hold here. We wait and see what they do and for the pillar to die out." It wasn't the most glorious of work, but it was something and it gave them a rare opportunity to observe Wild Men in their natural state.

One event that they witness shortly after Jake gave his order was a blood sacrifice that appeared to be willing. Someone who appeared to be in charge and most likely a shaman given the garb he wore, ordained in monster parts, monster skins, and various weighty looking totems crafted with tribal styles and fashions stood at a raised dais complete with a large stone slab. Anyone with binoculars or a long-range scope could see the blood on it and the new sacrifice who was walking up under escort of two abnormally large and burly Wild Men. The sacrifice being a young looking woman, stark naked as the day she was born and rather unaffected by the corruption of the Wild World. Of her own volition she stepped up onto the stone slab and laid down on her back. The shaman turned away from and to the glowing column, the radiating energy making his flowing monster hides whip in the blasting wind before he raised his arms in some grand gesture. The crowd drew high at this and started going wild until the shaman turned back around and they all became quiet, all bowing their heads and swaying like they were before.

The woman wasn't bound as the shaman drew a knife and began cutting into her. It was clear she was screaming, but she stayed on the slab, enduring the pain for their barbaric rituals. As her blood flowed though something incredibly odd was seen by those who observed. Instead of flowing into puddles at the feet of the dais, it seemed to gravitate towards the pillar of light, like a magnet was attracting it uphill and through the dirt that should absorb it.

Before long the sacrifice was dead and as her limb, carved body was carted away another was brought up. This one being male and again seemingly the least effected by the corruption of the world. Again his blood flowed into the pillar, jumping into the stream of light at the last few meters. When he was gone another was brought up, another male. This continued for another hour or so with easily 20 Wild Men and women being sacrificed before it finally happened. The stream of light started to die out suddenly and without warning, rapidly fading as the source continued to glow brightly, but stopped sending streams of light into the air.

The Wild Men seemed disappointed and many started to leave already, but the shaman appeared to give the call to in fact leave as he left the dais mid sacrifice, letting the woman live to see another day though quiet maimed. As the Wild Men left making the journey up the side of the crater to their city the glow from the source died out letting the team see just what it was. The great structure had to be at least a 30 meters tall and it was what appeared to be a natural statue made of glassy, black stone and glass. The obsidian statue carved unnaturally to take the shape of a spire with large, thick wings. At the top of the statue was a sculpted head that looked like the slick head of a dragon, complete with great horns. Though it didn't have finer details carved. One note though was that of all the monsters that came to our world from The Other dragons were NOT one of them.

"What is the world... I don't even know what to say about that. It's just a hunk of obsidian, but... There is no way that is natural or made by Wild Men. It's like it crashed down to make this crater but... where did it come from?" Jake questioned as he continued to scope in on the leaving Wild Men. "They are all leaving, get ready to move. I want a closer inspection of that statue." A little more time passed and the Wild Men vacated the crater. Next step was Jake signalling to move down towards the statue. Over the radio he called up to be on the look out, as there may be stragglers through the night.

Though as they went down the crater to the statue no resistance was found and there was a palpable ominous feeling, like the statue radiated dark energy and knew the team was there... Jake was in awe. This was what the Wild World made and was about, insanity made physical and with no answer as to why it exists. Yet through the awe there was something all people could feel. That pull towards it, like their very blood was being drawn closer to the statue and as the party due closer they'd be able to see their reflections in the shining glass, but there was something wrong with them. While their respective reflections did follow them they were not mirrors of them. They seemed to act of their own accord and all of them reached out for their real counterparts, like they were trying to make physical contact but the reflective sheen of the statue acted as an invisible barrier separating the two.

..::Ascension::.. .2 (High-Casual)

Virais

Virais

Theme music

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• Age: 18
• Gender: Male
• Height: Rough standing height of 3 and a half feet and a rough length of 11 feet
• Weight: Roughly 120 lbs
• Sex Preference: Hetero
• Blood: 100% Dragon

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Appearance and Apparel:
Virais appears as his picture depicts him and while he does have the capability to shapeshift, he's yet to learn entirely how to do it yet in his early life, leaving him with a complicated Humanoid form. He does however have a small back satchel that he has been known to wear, used mostly for carrying small objects or transporting other oddities while he travels.

Personality:
Virais is quiet the ball of life. Having been alive for just under two decades, he's still quiet young in dragon years and that in turn means that he is at that 'high on life' stage in his life. Often running around, exploring all that he can see, and of course making friends anywhere he can! This in turn leaves him with a very open and joyous personality. Though that doesn't mean he's willing to just hug anything that moves as in this world plenty of others want you dead and are more than willing to attack and kill you for the worst reasons. So while he's libel to be your friend, he's also ready to take a healthy chomp out of anybody who means him and his friends harm.

Backstory:
Due to Virais' young age he's not got quiet a bit of stories to tell, but those that he does have tell of how he woke up alone and afraid. Hatching from his egg lost in the wilds of Vrondi he knew nothing about the world around him. Thing were scary at first, learning the most basic of things, but he did! Learning what those weird things on his back could do, flapping them up and down to take flight of all things! Then as the months rolled by he grew at a rather great rate, rising in stature to hunt bigger and more filling game.

It was around his 10th year though that something odd started to happen. Despite learning how to harness control over fire and ice, he was starting to come into more magical abilities. It was during another one of his hunts, tracking down his next meal, that he was attacked by a much larger, feral dragon. The larger beast had been defending it's territory when Virais had apparently stumbled into forbidden ground. Facing off against the monster of a dragon he could only run, turning tail and using his small size to dash away, but the feral dragon was relentless. No matter how fast he ran the feral dragon was hot on his heels and when he was pushed into a corner, not wanting to die, something magical happened. Fearing for his life Virais reached deep down to find a spark he never knew he had. Pulling it from his soul the spark became an inferno that raged out, consuming his entire body and changing him, building the arcanic force that lashed out against the attacking dragon. The dark flames that wrapped and burned from his body swirled and whirled around before lunging for the bigger beast. Whipping through the Earth and carving deep cuts all around him before cutting his aggressor, treating his scales like paper and slashing deep. Though due to the wild nature of his outburst the ground took more of the blast than the feral dragon, but it was still enough to convince it that he meant business causing him to leave. However, Virais was left weak and confused as the flames retreated. His entire body feeling drained on a level he couldn't even understand as he faded into a deep sleep.

Upon waking up he saw what was left of the corner he was trapped in. The gashes, gouges, and devastation that left what was once a great tree as a smoldering crater. Once again confused and scared he ran from the blast site and fled back into the forest that he knew as home, but now he had more questions than he could ever hold onto. He had to find answers and that meant he had to leave his home territory and find them. This is where he started to find these strange creatures who stood on two legs, standing upright and talking in a weird language. It was again scary at first, lunging into a new world once again, but it wasn't anything he hadn't done before. Now this was his chance to make new friends, learn of a new world, and find out where that surge of power came from.

Exp:
Growing up alone and fighting for your life in the wilds gives you a great concept on survival and fighting against forces much greater than your own. Although without much formal training and the fact that he ran just as much as he fought leave Virais less than ready for the trials of war. Although his little practice with his wild magic has left him with a volatile form of greater combat.

Once again, due to his wild adventures he has spent quiet a bit of his life, running through difficult terrains to hunt, chase, and kill prey. This in turn has given him quiet the quick and nimble running and flying capacity.

Abilities/Powers:

• Dextrious: While being a full blooded dragon, he is still young and very agile with his feet. Able to move quickly and dash about to avoid larger creatures and use his strong wings to out fly them as well.
• Survivor: Years of living in the wild have taught Virais all about hunting, tracking, and handling the dangerous of the wild world. Letting him make the most of it. However, he also falls a bit short in the more civilized areas of the world.
• Weaponized Tail: Virais' tail is spiked and strong, letting him have a long, whip-like tail to use as a weapon for fast, painful, and often lethal attacks.
  
  • Blood Traits:
  • (Wild) Shapeshifting - Virais isn't as keen on the intricacies of shapeshifting, leaving him with the flaw of shapeshifting into the first person he sees.
  • Heat & Cold Manipulation & Conjuration
  • Fire & Frost Manipulation
  • Dense Metal Claws
  • Regeneration
  • Stone Hard Scales
  • Fire & Frost Breath
  • Metal Dense Teeth
  • Metal Dense Horns
  • Heat & Cold Resistant Scales
  • Binocular Vision
  • Smell Detection
  • Dragon Wings & Tail

Spells

• Shadow Fire: Virais has the untapped power of raw, destructive Shadow Fire. Working much like an anti-element, this magic burns, saps, and destroys all it touches. Extremely versatile and incredibly deadly this magic could be used for massive, wide-spread destruction or very precise and lethal annihilation. If he could control and understand it.
  
  Shadow Fire is a bit of an oddity as it isn't like normal fire. It consumes matter, ruining, destroying, and corrupting it to leave organic matter drained and sapped on a lethal spiritiual and physical level. For inorganic material it degrades and crumbles it in a localized area, letting hte more concentrated gouts of the Shadow Fire carve through metal, stone, and mortar like paper.
  
  Though while most, if not all physical matter, is susceptible to the Shadow Fire, spiritual barriers and resistances mitigate it, stopping it's effects at the cost of an extreme drain on the barrier in question. Also while it is called Shadow FIRE, it isn't actually fire in the sense that it burns and spreads as this kind of 'fire' just destroys then fades away, leaving it unaffected by water and fire suppressants.

Trivia:
- Virais doesn't actually currently know the Common Language. While he's been picking it up incredibly quickly he's still a bit behind the curve thanks to his time in the wilds.

Fenix "Blyze" Lyranis

Fenix "Blyze" Lyranis

Theme music

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• Age: 23
• Gender: Male
• Height: 6' 2''
• Weight: Roughly 195 lbs
• Sex Preference: Hetero
• Blood: 100% Tyro

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Appearance and Apparel:
Fenix is far from a normal man and takes on many of the oddities of fire and scales that consume the world. Having the ends of all of his limbs encased in red dragon scales to show his connection to fire and the dragons that breath it. Having talons and claws at the end of his fingers and toes that he augments with his fire magic. The scales climb across his forearms and up his legs to his waist, ending at his midriff, but he also has some red spikes rising out of his back to almost replicate wings, but lacking the flexibility, length, or membranes to facilitate flying. Beyond that he does actually have horns coming from the crown of his head, but they are rather small and sharply curl upwards to cling along the top of his head, working through his ash and grey hair. Beyond his scaled body, all across his human-like chest are small slashes that encompass all of his Human flesh linking his scaled parts and glowing gently with the colors of fire. The more fired up he gets the more brightly they glow as his energy uses these body based ley-lines to funnel his magic through him.

For his clothes he is often seen wearing minimal, usually it's just pants. Sometimes he's willing to wear an accessory like a scarf, but more often than not he just sticks to his pants. The first reason why is due to the difficulty to wear clothes with all of his draconic appendages. The second being a personal preference to reduce drag as when wind catches the fabrics it slows him down, or at least that's what he claims.

Personality:
Energetic, wild, and always ready to go are the easiest ways to explain Fenix. In fact one could say that he embodies fire and it's actions. Though while perhaps wild and energetic aren't the best attributes to have as a person he does also have undying loyalty to those close to him and especially those he calls friends. Though with the wild side of him dominant he is rare to sit still through calm events. Not unable to as he is more than capable to keep a calm face through tense events. Another quirk about him that he shares with fire is it's temper. Should something happen that gets him fired up he'll show an increase vigor and a stark decrease in care for his own safety which often leads to him over committing to fights without regard for his health.

Backstory:
Fenix was raised to a life of rather wild circumstance. Born in the Kingdom of Fotia to a single mother who bore the rather normal child for the first phase of his life. When the word normal is put out though it's generally in reference to how when he was born he had scales in place of skin on his hands and feet as well as the beginning of horns popping out of his head. By the sounds of it he was a descendant and when he was older and learned of such things he wanted to ask his mother, yet before he had the chance she was taken from him in a raid against his small home town. The attackers who fell under a black banner left little standing as they ravaged the land. Just as his and his mother's time came up the fear and anger inside him swelled to new heights and when his mother put herself in front of him to shield her child from harm, dying in the process to a spell to the chest, carving her to the grave instantly... He lost himself and in that moment he changed. Not only mentally as he vowed he'd never let another person he cared for and loved fall, but also physically as his flames surrounded his body enveloping himself and sparking the creating of the tattooed ley-lines that he carries on his body to this day, erupting in flames to lash out at his attackers though the most effective weapon was his claws that grew in size and power to rip his foes apart.

At the end of his inhuman rampage he was alone, all alone and surrounded by smoldering ash and ruins. Still just a child of 8 years he needed to find others or he'd be consigned to the void. Not to mention that he had a vow to keep. As he made new friends, allies, and masters he found that his vow had more meaning so he had to get stronger, faster, and gain control of his power. Through the years he'd do so taking more impact from speed over raw power. It was also in that same moment that he found a passion. Speed was not only a augment to his combat capability, but also an avenue to explore the wonders of rushing wind, sailing through the open air on gliding arms. It was a rush that filled the soul and made you feel truly free!

Though despite his past experiences and new found passion he had to find a calling and that was done in the form of racing. The Fotian people had a calling for speed as well it seemed and when the time came for The Trekker Races he found that calling. The rush of passing through dangerous places as fast as you can, dodging and weaving through enough chaos and danger that many men don't see the finish line. What more could a man ask for? Starting it was simple, taking on the lower tiers against slaves. The races were nothing for Fenix and after years of aspiring for greatness he finally had his chance 6 years later at the 10th Trekker Championship Race. A race so brutal, so dangerous, and so impossible that of the 300 participants only a handful make it to the finish line and of those only one can take the title of Grand Champion.

This was his big chance and he seized it, risking life, limb, and sanity in what could only be described as a trek through Hell. he witnessed so many people fall out, fade away, or fall victim to the elements or hazards of the track. Yet come the finish line and after he lost sight of all other participants he crossed the finish line, tired, hurt, and ready to collapse. However, before he was allowed to collapse he was ushered to the champion's stand by a cheering crowd proclaiming his racer name, Blyze. He was the first living soul to cross the line and that meant at long last he had his dream. The title of Grand Champion and to know that you were the greatest racer in the world. To this date it has to be one of the greatest moments of his life.

Though with the title in his pocket and time now in his hands he had to find an answer to an age old question that has been on his mind since his birth. Why was he who he was. His mother was a full blooded Tyro and he never knew his father, so why did he have scales and not to mention the glowing slashes along his body that helped him expunge all of his fire in the form of raw speed. It wasn't normal and that warranted a search for his history and lineage. That in turn led him to seek out the hard road to the truth and in turn be ready for the quickly approaching 11th Trekker Championship Race to defend his title.

Exp:
While in his early years he studied under several magisters of the school of fire to learn how to reign in his destructive magics as well as broaden them, opening up new ways of controlling and using his fire. After the magisters though he commit to self training, honing in his special skills and talents against all of the threats he's faced over his decades of fighting and defending those he cares for.

Abilities/Powers:

• Dexterous: Given his nimble antics and love for speed he is doubled with an agile style that let's him dip, duck, and dive around with a majestic grace.
• Tooth and Claw: Fenix doesn't use weapons but what he does use are much more natural. His sharp and strong claws as well as his strong and sharp teeth. This has also been the focus of much of his physical training, slashing, grabbing, and battling with his natural weapons.
  
  • Blood Traits:
  • Heat Absorption
  • Thermal Energy Manipulation & Conjuration
  • Fire Manipulation
  • Adrenaline Boost
  • Heat Detection
  • Fire Breath
  • Heat Resistance
  • Hot Blood
  • Cold Blooded
  • Overheat

Spells

• Fire Dragon ____: Fenix's chief spell that can take on many different forms by casting out sculpted fire to stirke at his foes in several different ways from Strike that launches a close range burst of inferno-grade fire that lashes, licks, and scorches all those caught in the brutal punch. Or the Blast that summons forth a great surge of explosive fire power that is cast out to detonate upon impact. To the Surge that breaths forth a great and powerful breath of fire to consume his foes.
• Fire Augmentation: A minor magic that goes to great effects. Using this level of fire magic he can use his control over fire to better himself with burning claws, increased speed brought about by bursts of fire from his body particularly using his body based ley-lines, or using his fire to make burning wings with which he can use to glide through the air usually after taking a great burst of speed to launch himself forward into the air.
• Burning Overload:

  
  Fenix holds within him outstanding potential for magical devastation. Using these reserves he can shunt his entire expanse of magic and his soul into a short burst of outstanding power. Physically transforming his body through his ley-lines to make him more durable, faster than he could ever be normally, and enveloped in powerful flames that are greater than anything he could summon normally. The cost of this power is that he consumes his stores of energy magical and soul based at a rate so fast he can't hold it long before falling into a state so weak he can barely move, much less remain conscious.

Trivia:
- Fenix has issues sitting still, his constant want to go and do things, train harder, and fight those he considers to be great friends to see how well they fight and if they best him... grow stronger so that one day he can beat them.
- Fenix is a very deep sleeper given how much energy he spends on a day to day basis. After all being a hyper ball of fun and chaos is taxing and requires a lot of rest to build back those reserves.

Wrath of Darkness

We're mostly in the Discord! I think... But post anyway guys!

Wrath of Darkness

Nathaniel & Nasri

Isis heard carefully as Jake pointed out Nathan as her pair on the scouting mission. Using the airship wasn't an option, thanks to the weird effects the pillar had, so they would have to do the reconnaissance by ground, which was a very good notice to Isis ]and Bastet, who was eager to go.

Nathan seemed to be a very reliable guy. Aside from the boasting, he really seemed to know what he was doing, so she was rather comfortable having him as her pair. Especially after he mounted on his duvari. Both the duvari and him seemed to have the pack mentality, the way they walked and acted. It would be easier to work that way.

"Oh, there it is again" Isis said, squinting her eyes as the pillar of light appearad once more.
"It is really a sight to behold, isn't it?" she asked, turning to Nathan. Nathan turned to identify what Nasri was talking about. As he stared at the pillar of light he took a moment to take in its beauty. Despite being what could be the harbinger of something more gruesome for mankind, it did complement the surrounding area, illuminating even the shadows. If this had all been a different story, an alternate story where humanity's very survival did not rely on a massive, defensive wall, retrofitted with heavy artilery and personnel, he would have found a serenity to the event. But, he simply found himself with a grim expression on his face.

It was strange, sure. But it was undeniably beautiful. She could only wonder about what that was, and why it was there...
Interrupting her thoughts, Jake said something about being too quiet and empty.

"We and Bastet are ready. Don't worry Jake, its probably empty because of the bit pillar of light." Isis answered testing the radio as she heard Jake's orders and informations.

"I hope you're right." He thought quietly to himself in an attempt to suppress the doubt that was slowly rising. But luckily Nasri spoke up, pulling Nate from his thoughts.

"So, Nathan, before we go, it would be good to know a little about our abilities and preferred fighting style, don't you agree?" He looked at her with slight confusion as he came out of his thoughts. He smiled and nodded as he leaned slightly back on his Duvari which he soon came to name Rogue. Rogue took a step back as he leaned with a light chirp.

"Yeah that would probably be best. With me its simple, sorta. In situations like this I try to rely on my past experience as a scavenger; Stay low, stay quiet. If anything arises well...I tend to think on the fly." He chuckled to himself.

"Really my thing is always keep moving with caution. I can handle myself in hand to hand if need be but I'm best with a rifle, automatic or bolt...What about you? So far I've seen you and Baset act like sisters so I wanna guess you two work tandem?" He cocked a brow.

"Pretty much. We've been hunting together for years. Although I'm more than capable of using my bow from a rather long distance, I prefer to run together with Bastet, using it in mid range. She understands my movements and I understand hers." Isis said, answering him. He sat there with his head down listening, nodding occasionally.

"These clawed gloves I use are both for protecting my hands from the bow strings and for hand to hand combat. Its nails are pretty sharp, so I can use them as a knife easily."

"One of our specialties are moving in the forest undetected. Scouting large areas & etc." she said, confidently.
"And hunting, of course. Be it animals, monsters or other things." she said, smiling. His shoulders seem to jerk upwards slightly as he let out a "hm" in amusment.

"Don't worry. As long as you are with me, you will never get lost in the forest. Oh, and one more thing. My combat style can be a bit... unique. Since me and Bastet know each other so well, we do not need to communicate ourselves to fight... So I may forget to talk to you sometimes... I promise you I'll try my best to not forget about it and tell you my tactics and plans before putting them into action..." she said, with an awkward smile. With that he looked at her with a thin smile.

"Out here, especially where we are, communication will be a necessity. I like the idea of you staying somewhat distant and keeping an eye out while in the forest while I move in. But the moment you see some activity, call it out and then meet with me. I don't want to end up in the digestive track of some shredder or something. Though to be quite honest I would rather you be on my six the whole time but I guess having you scope the perimeter while I move through the structures themselves could be used to our advantage, especially if these Wild Men are further out..." He seemed to pause momentarily as he processed what was said so far before eventually nodding. He looked over and cleared his throat before speaking up.

Isis listened him attently as he spoke, nodding her head. True, especially on that environment, communication was essential. She would have to remember herself to communicate with him while in combat.

"So here's the plan. I want you to take Rogue here with you when we get down there. Keep at a fair distance. I want you to be able to have a clear line of sight without giving yourself away, just incase there are Wild Men tribes down there. If you see no activity, let me know and I'll begin to move in. Jake-" He turned back to their captain.

"Are you sure you want me to take your Duvari?" she asked confounded.
"Anyways..." she said, getting closer to Rogue
"I don't think I'll have much trouble It seems to be already used to be in a pack. It may be not used with our fighting style, but nothing that a firm command won't solve, right?" she asked, laughing as she caressed Rogue.

"I'll be consistantly relaying back to you what I see. If I go silent don't panick. If you here a few pops that may or may not be gunshots...Well...tell everyone that knows me back home I died in some sexual sacrificial ritual amongst the Wild women. Specifically tell my girlfriend that. She should have a good laugh...Oh and that I am coming to haunt her and her new boyfriend just for the shits and giggles." He then smirked before turning back to Nasri with a nod and began moving forward.

"Thats a very specific way to die. 'Been thinking about this for a while?" she asked laughing.
"Don't worry, you will not die. At least not yet. As long as you are my pair in this mission." she said, smiling.

Jake was gazing through his scope still scanning the area when Isis and Jake had their conversation, though towards the end of it when they finished and set to go he responded, "I'll pass it along. You're good to go guys."

From there it was a simple ride down the right flank of the cliff that let them break farther right to give the Wild Man city a wide berth. The lip of the crater was still quiet a distance away with the trek being eerily quiet. It was like all life was cowering from the great beam of light that peirced the Heavens and was still aglow with radiant and powerful energy.

Without the threat of monsters the trip was going by at a quick rate, especially with the Duvari the two scouts had running silently through the open expanses using the large jagged rocks and twisted ridges as cover in the event of lurking Wild Men.

It was at this point, roughly 15 minutes into their journey that two things were made clear. First was that all of the great ridges and edges that surrounded the crater appeared to not be natural but instead shaped like the Earth was sundered by a great force and pushed out from the center, but the way it was done... it was like the Earth was melted and then cooled to give it a wicked flowing shape of rock and stone. The second was that the closer to the lip of the crater they got the feeling of power in the air grew. When they were a few hundred meters from the cusp the feeling was almost palpable, like they were walking through an invisible dust storm of energy and power.

Isis was scouting ahead, with Rogue and Bastet. The other duvari was doing better than she thought. It was following each one of her movements carefuly. She could see it wasn't as experienced as Bastet, but it was trying its hardest to follow their movements.

"You're doing good, keep the good work!" Isis whispered, near the domesticated duvari, caressing it. After all, it deserved to be praised. Nanthan rolled his eyes but smirked. She really did seem to do well with nature and the animals as Rogue chirped up in excitement.

Instead of walking near the border of the crater, Isis preferred to run through the forest, as she was more comfortable by moving through it and using it for cover.

The crater itself was even more strange than before as she kept walking. It was like something melted and cooled the earth and stone around it, almost like shaping it, giving it a beautifully unique flowing pattern carved on it. But that wasn't the only strange thing... There was also a strange feeling. She didn't know how to explain, but it was like a feeling of power in the air, almost like an invisible storm. Nathan surveyed the crater and once again, similar to the light, was in awe of its being. It was truly a sight to behold and with its beauty that creeping unease set in.

"Nathan, are you feeling this? This strange feeling?" Isis asked, using the radio. Her response was becoming staticy and slightly broken to which he looked over to her and tapped his headset.

"I'm start- o hav- a it tr-uble hearing -uo." He attempted to respond. He was getting on edge.

"Nathan? Nathan? Do you hear me?!" Isis asked, worried. Something was wrong, very, very wrong. That sensation, the radio failing... She didn't liked that one bit. Nathan shook his head and slowed down. "Calm down. I-s the area - 'er in. The cr-ter is causi." He sighed before moving closer to her.

"Without communication it will be better if we go together." she said, although she was almost certain the static on the radio wouldn't let him hear her. But she was confident he would think the same way as her. He bit his bottom lip as he brought his Duvari to a stop. Rogue looked back at Nate with a low chirp and growl as it stepped back a few steps before staying still. He withdrew his rifle and peered through the scoop.

"Na- to- ooks to b- ear. warn-eavy static a- near." He attempted to relay back to Jake. Hopefully he got the message. It was pretty bad but still enough he felt comfortable telling Jake it was clear. He looked over to Nasri as he lowered his rifle and put it away before moving his assault rifle to his front. He gestured for her to come closer so he wouldn't have to.

"Look, for now on we'll have to rely on another means of communication. Hand signals, morse code or something. At least until this radio problem goes away. Sounds good?"

When Nathan sent his message back to Jake they had a little ways to head to the edge of the crater which meant that a little of the transmission had made it's way back. It wasn't much but he had enough to work with. "Repeat last. You came in broken and unclear." He stated, trying to get a message back to Nathan, but nothing came through as the scouts moved up to teh crest of the crater.

It was there and then they had a visual down into the massive crater. Down deep in it's belly was the answer to what happened to the Wild Men. They were all there, surrounding the source of the light that was currently out of view. The illumination and radience of it being to great to tell what exactly it was, but one thing was clear. Given the size of the Wild Men it was big, like the size of a large house and five times as tall. All of the Wild Men around it seemed to be in some sort of ritualistic trance, worshipping whatever was in the center and treating it like a God. The sheer number of them being staggering. Most WIld Men gathered in villages and towns of no more than a few thousand, but this looked to be easily over a hundred thousand. Whatever this beacon was it had the ability to bring so many together without causing a civil war.

Jake had to take action. With the last transmission he sent he knew that the interfereance was keeping them from getting a straight answer, but from what he heard last it sounded like the all clear. Though making the call without a decisive answer would cost lives... "Move out, we follow their path and will rendevous." He said to the rest of the team, lashing at the Duvari to get him moving down the hill and after his scouts.

Thankfully his call proved to be correct and the message Nathan sent was the all clear, leaving them with a quick and safe journey through the alien and twisted landscape. He couldn't help but look at all the strange formations, seeing the warped and unnatural rock and stone. There were few forces that could do something like this, The Other being the most capable...

Without much time lost though they had Isis and Nathan in visual range as they were at the lip of the crater. With a reining of his Duvari he gently trot up after them, dismounting a distance away to minimize his sillouette. Upon reaching the edge he joined the two and saw the same terror and wonder that they had been looking at for the past 15 minutes. Enough Wild Men to take over any known tribe and a strange glowing object in the middle. Though with how long it had been since it first started and how long it's known to go it may be dying soon which means they'd have a visual, hopefully.

Wrath of Darkness

Jake Cross

Jake watched the rest of his team as they all grabbed their sections of food and dug in. Though now with their stomachs being settled he took his own portion and joined the team at the fire. It was good, a little charred from being held over an open flame with no buffer or equalizer, but that didn't mean it wasn't a welcome change. Though while eating he had a moment to think about what his team was doing. Leaving to go wash in a river, breaking off to head away from the ship alone. While the perimeter was safe he wanted to keep his team alive and there is always the chance that they missed something. Yet Isis came back safe and much cleaner with no discernible wounds and then Spook did the same both seemingly cleaner and not attacked by anything in the stream so his paranoia was thankfully for not.

Following the completion of dinner it was time to retire while things were calm. The entire team checking over their gear and turning into their various tents as the falling sun turned the horizon red with fading light. Jake went to his tent, seeing his gear laid out before him next to his bed on an equipment case that he brought to house his change of clothes, personal effects, and other key items he'd need to be a civil Human being out in this Wild World. Keeping his pistol by the head of his cot he started to undress, stripping down to under clothes before slipping under the environmental blanket that he was issued.

Through the night, the eerie eve of the Wild World seeped all around the team, filling the peaceful and beautiful landscape into a clear skied wonder. The city of Anselmo had the habit of fogging up the skies so unless you ventured to the edge of the wall you rarely had a night without a single cloud to hide the twinkling stars. This night was one of hidden wonders, illuminating the dark sky with countless sterling stars.

Through the night no ill event happened as the various shifts were taken by the members of KV-73, leaving them to wake up with the rising sun. Jake drew up and put back on his clothes, drawing his gear and putting everything else back into his equipment box for easy return to the ship. Leaving the tent he looked around to see most of the team out and about getting ready for the upcoming mission. The three Duvari loaded into the cargo bay of the Sky Hawk were being brought out and prepped for the trip. A hearty stock that appeared to be ready for some action. Though being stored on a ship for a full day could do that to any Duvari.

Jake stepped up to address the team after making sure his gear was ready, "Alright team, without the ability to fly to the sight we need to hit our ground game. Isis. You and Bastet seem to be ready to explore so you're on point with Nathan who will have one of the Duvari to himself. I need you both to head up the path and scout out the site of the light. If you find danger report back to us and we'll move in as a complete team. Spook. You and Matthew will take another and ride with me. We're on reaction team and forward operation support. That leaves you Rig, you're riding with me. So that's the run team, mount up and bring everything you got. No telling what we'll find out there. Rig, before we go, shut down the Sky Hawk and throw up the camo-netting. We're leaving her behind for now."

With his speech done he set about heading to the Sky Hawk to assist Rig in prepping the Sky Hawk for standby. Then following that he mounted up on his choice of Duvari, a strong and bold male with a brown top coat and a tan underbelly. He seemed like a scrappy one which meant Jake would get along with him great.

Anselmo Date 2353-08-15
Location: The Wild World, The Pillar of Light

The road to the Pillar of Light was a straight one without any real obstacles, passing through rolling plains and thin forests that held plenty of monsters, many dangerous, but some beautiful and wondrous like the Flying Dragons that glide through the air on gentle feathered wings that seemed to glitter and glow in the shining sun. Their lithe bodies snaking through the air as they saw the team travel in the same direction as their flock was. Turning and changing their course to meet the team, snaking and flying side by side as the powerful Duvari charged through the thinning forests. Their gentle chirps adding to the thunderous percussion of the Duvari's foot falls.

As they crested the edge of the forest the Flying Dragons broke off, returning to their nature environment and leaving the team to cross a rolling plain. Their objective was just ahead and before long Jake signaled for the team to slow to a stop, moving to the lip of the cliff of a hill, giving them a great lookout position over what seemed to be a giant crater. From the cliff it appeared that the crater was easily a mile wide, whatever made it had to have been immensely powerful. Though what made things worse was that on the left side from the crater appeared to be a massive Wild Man village, bordering on a city.

"It should be happening soon." Jake said, looking at his watch and picking up his rifle to use the scope as a set of binoculars. Unfortunately, from the angle he couldn't see the center of the crater so whatever was down there was out of his view. Though as he was looking the Earth started to shake, a deep and powerful rumble that didn't feel like an earthquake. Then a few moments later a deep whooshing sound was made as a strong gust of wind sucked into the crater before a surge of energy burst from the crater's center into the air. The light at this range was so bright that Jake let out a curse, closing his eyes and looking away as the light died down into it's usual pillar form. He had to admit, it was a thing of wonder up close and clearly not natural. "Isis. Nathan. Head down and find us a path to that crater. The right flank looks devoid of Wild Men so try their first. Stay in constant communication. When you clear us a route message it and we'll be right behind you." Jake said, looking back through the scope of his rifle to observe the Wild Man city, looking to find any sign of why they'd set up something so big next to the Pillar. The distressing part was that he didn't see any movement. The city looked dead. "Be careful you two. Something here is really wrong. The city is empty from my vantage point." He radioed over to Isis and Nathan.

The Shackled Relic

Ariah Acrana

Ariah listened as he waited for a response from Sofia only to overhear a response from Kairos first. Though his words were much less honeyed than his own. Though Ariah's thoughts on Sheolan and her were already known to himself. Regardless, he couldn't form a response fast enough as another woman came around to offer a rather heated and agitated response. Though caught in the crossfire he still tried to shy away from it, not seeking enemies, but instead a ticket off this rock in the ocean. So instead he watched things unfold and before long Sofia, the one person who's spark he had sought out and knew the name of, started to light up with emotion. In that moment he let go of how the other girl was a tad aggressive with him to feel... confused about Sofia. She was clearly not with Zeph and he could relate to what she felt, given his past and hatred for the same man. In fact it sparked him to want to give her a hug. Though with things going as they were... quick hug. He was already by Sofia and so it didn't take much to reach out to give her a quick wrap and squeeze. Assuming she didn't draw a knife on him for it. "I'm sorry." Was all he said, quickly releasing her to avoid trying to make it seem like he was smothering her. After all, grief needs space.

From there though he heard another physical voice radiate out from the room as another girl chimed in rather... oddly. He didn't have her spark visited, but she seemed to be quiet... separate from everybody else. It seemed to be like... fear. Though after hearing her words he looked between the two groups forming and made his choice, "I wish you all luck. Soemthing tells me though we will be meeting again soon though." From there he gave a gentle wave to Sofia, Kairos, and Nina in favor of jogging after Mila. Taking a bit to catch up to her side of the field before saying, "I'll be willing to take you up on that offer. Name's Ariah, a pleasure to meet you my dear." Again trying to put a little charm into his words to better his odds of making friends.

One thing was sure though, he was quiet happy to have a secondary option that wasn't going to Sheolan. While he did fully intend to go there one day, it wasn't going to be for a social call. Otadica though, not a bad place to be on the mainland. All the shops, routes, and avenues means that from there he could go anywhere, assuming he wanted to leave in the first place. From what he'd been told the mercantile there is second to none and that may be worth at least a temporary stay.

The Shackled Relic

@Lyla Holy crap that look complicated and big. Quiet interesting though.

The Shackled Relic

@BubblegumQueen May be! Though he did kinda ask Sophia... If you didn't run away I mean... maybe!

The Shackled Relic

@Holy Grail Can't we just agree that reenacting Gilligan's Island... while entertaining... isn't how I planned on spending Ariah's character arc.