Finhawk

Remnants of Mana

Ryder Drake

---

Ryder did not foresee the dagger wielder leaping to the staff guy's defense and was rather taken aback by it. Just as he was registering the interference on his attack, the dagger wielder launched his counter-attack. Without much time or inches to spare, Ryder managed to jump back and down from the counter before he had his throat slashed open. He might have joined the unfortunate tavern patrons in redecorating the place if it wasn't for his hex.

What the hell? Wasn't Prosthetics & Bow keeping this guy busy?

Though he didn't have time to dwell on that and the situation hadn't exactly turned disastrous yet. He might've lost his high ground but he had his bearings now and he had a very obvious advantage on his side. Going against a spear with daggers wasn't very wise.

However, just as quickly as the dagger wielder had joined the fray, they were calling for a retreat. Therefore, Ryder didn't exactly have time to demonstrate spear superiority because the big goddamn snake came crashing back into the tavern just as he began his attempt to repay the favor to the dagger wielder. He could register the basilisk coming but his body wasn't quite fast enough to change course mid-momentum. Thus, the serpent swept him aside and he slammed onto the floor on his shoulder.

Well, that'll bruise but it barely qualifies as an injury.

As one of the students' shouted her warning of runaways, Ryder quickly got back on his feet and flipped the spear in his hand to ready for a throw. Not the greatest strategy that, tossing your casting aide at the enemy but there wasn't really sufficient room for better ideas with the damn basilisk on the way. So he went with his instincts and tried to line up a shot at the sorcerer, he just needed a little opening and then-

Gone.

Frowning, Ryder lowered his spear as he took a quick look around just to make sure no more enemies lingered for some reason. Satisfied with the lack of murderers in their immediate vicinity, he leaned on his spear and stretched his shoulder as his frown deepened.

That did not go well at all. I would've had that teleport guy if I hadn't let the dagger wielder take me by surprise. I shouldn't have assumed-

The call to search the bodies and the inn jerked him back to the situation at hand and he redirected his focus on the carnage littering the floor. He wasn’t exactly in the business to be squeamish about dead people so he figured he might as well take on that task. Locating the corpse closest to him, he headed off to begin his mission of rifling through pockets for… something.

The man closest to Ryder groaned and coughed. He was lying on his belly and although had no external injuries, was close to death. He made a feeble attempt to drag himself slightly closer to Ryder, extending his hand toward him.

Well, shit.

Quickly taking the last few steps to close the distance between himself and the dying man, Ryder knelt down as he raised his voice to call out to the others without taking his eyes off the man. “Do any of you know how to heal!?”

Not wanting to move the guy in case of internal injuries, Ryder nevertheless tried to scan the man for any signs of damage even though he couldn’t yet see any. ”Where are you hurt?” he tried quizzing the patient himself in hopes he could help himself out a bit.

The man didn’t reply and instead handed Ryder a sealed scroll, “Hex… hold… seal to the hex.” He coughed again, “Be wary of…” The man coughed up a wad of blood and before he could finish his sentence, passed away.

Glancing down at the scroll as it was handed to him, Ryder opened his mouth to ask further questions about it but didn't get a word out before the incomplete warning was uttered. Ominous but not exactly unexpected. It would've been nice to know what this threat to their mission in particular this was...

With a troubled frown, he closed the now dead man's eyes and, after a moment, pushed himself back up to his feet. Directing his attention back on the scroll, Ryder shifted it in his hand a bit to get a better look at the seal. Assuming the hex meant the one Master Isac cast on them, He placed the seal against the hex mark and sure enough, the scroll unfurled to reveal its secrets.

It didn't take Ryder long to identify the scroll's contents and he lifted his head up to glance back up at his fellow students. "This man had a map," he announced to them matter-of-factly. That ought to be a rather good clue on where they needed to go.

Remnants of Mana

Ryder Drake

---

Nodding at Master Isac's confirmation of the hex's non-interference, Ryder kept quiet as further questions were answered. Though he did raise a skeptical eyebrow at the student apparently scribbling his questions on a notebook. That seemed... rather inconvenient in emergencies of any sort... But he had been chosen for this mission and it wasn't Ryder's place to question the Masters' judgement.

Except he apparently had. He couldn't tell what the Poncho Guy had asked but the answer implied concerns about the hex and Master Isac's indignation implied things about how his own question had been received.

He hadn't meant to question Master Isac's abilities! Except he had. But not question question! ...Regardless, that was a grave sin he had now committed.

Ryder stared at the floor in silent mortification.

At least he had the hex explanation to listen to attempt distracting himself from his transgressions, which didn't exactly put his mind any more at ease. The proximity requirement was... worrying. He'd have to remember to stick close to someone but he didn't even know what sort of combat the rest of them preferred. If there was no one else to jump in melee with him, that could spell trouble for him.

But that was a problem for the future. The very near future apparently. Ryder did his best to keep any concern out of his face as their final instructions were laid out. Just an hour and they'd be kicked out the door... Well, it was an important mission so urgency shouldn't be so surprising.

The reveal of another student joining them later was surprising, however. Ryder wondered how they'd ensure her loyalty when she wasn't there for the hex, but it was not his concern. The Masters weren't nearly stupid enough not to consider and solve that so he didn't have to worry about it. His mind had plenty enough to occupy itself as it was.

After a visit to his room to get properly ready instead of the haphazard job he had done earlier, Ryder made it to the gates with a bit of time to spare still. With a touch of grumpiness, he shifted on his feet as he eyed the carriage. Stupid carriage. He didn't like it and he wasn't sure if being crammed in that moving box with a bunch of other people would make it better or worse. Regardless, it couldn't be avoided and complaining would be childish and stupid. So, he sucked it up and climbed on, mindful not to bump the spear slung over his shoulder into anything.

Since he wasn't exactly suffering from sleepiness and he most likely wouldn't be getting any shuteye even if he was, Ryder settled with just sitting quietly, trying not to be weird. Although he still couldn't help stealing glances at his brand new compatriots as he fidgeted and worked on gnawing through his lower lip. He hated this carriage already.

His suffering thankfully wasn't eternal, however, and after some time, three consecutive thuds from the roof of the deamded the attention of the carriage. The source of it was soon revealed to be their roof guard who apparently had concerns. Ryder wasn't quite sure what was up but, for now, he was content to do as he was told and even more content to vacate the carriage lickety-split.

As they approached the inn, Ryder readied his spear and kept his ear out for anything unusual, but the whole area was a bit strangely quiet even for this hour. You'd think at least someone was awake.

And then they went in and came face to face with a murder scene and the assumed perpetrators still about.

Remnants of Mana

Ryder Drake

---

As more people came in to fill the room, undoubtedly students he'd be working with shortly, Ryder paid them little mind as he sat down to wait for their instructions. Until his attention was caught by the trio who already seemed to know each other on some level, that is. The two girls that had beat him to the meeting and, more importantly, the guy who had joined them.

Ryder had merely more or less involuntarily glanced over as the students filed in and announced their presence in... varying ways, but the magical prosthetics of one of them made him do a double take. He'd seen the guy around before of course, he was pretty hard to miss and seemed to be a fellow combat student as far Ryder had gathered. Although they weren't in the same year so there wasn't much he knew about him. It was hard not to be curious though and the prosthetics were fascinating.

And thus, Ryder found himself looking longer than socially acceptable.

Master Emmaline's voice demanding their attention saved him from continuing to try to make himself look like a creep and he quickly shifted his gaze where it should be, on the Masters. tensing up, Ryder tried not to cringe at his own lapse of focus right in front of the whole collection of Masters in a mission meeting of utmost importance. Way to go.

But it seemed his suspicions of the reason for the sudden meeting were indeed correct. Shifting on his seat nervously, Ryder averted his eyes from the Masters as one of the students voiced her question about possible opposition and found himself glancing at his potential future comrades. At least he'd be able to trust them, Master Isac would make it so.

This was a bit more sudden than he had expected though, calling them over at this hour and making them decide on the spot like this... Of course, he had made his decision when he had applied but yet he found himself hesitating for a moment. Ryder swallowed, distantly wishing for a glass of water, and got up to step forward for the hexing.

"I trust your Hex won't interfere with my own, Master Isac?" It was a stupid question, the man wouldn't be a master otherwise. But Ryder sought out the reassurance nevertheless.

Remnants of Mana

Ryder Drake

---

It had taken Ryder some time of tossing and turning before sleep finally welcomed him that evening, so the sudden wake-up call wasn't exactly a pleasant surprise as he jolted awake. However, he only allowed himself a fleeting moment of annoyance and a single displeased grumble before prying himself up from his bed. Grabbing a collection of clothes from a chair where he had neatly folded them not too long ago, Ryder let his minder wander to the possible reasons for such a summon as he proceeded to quickly dress himself on autopilot. A mix of excitement, nerves, and dread coiled in his gut as he thought back on the mission application he had sent in. If that's what this is related to, then, well...

Focus.

Ryder cleared his throat, the sound piercing the quiet small space as he pulled on a jacket over his grey sleeveless shirt and brushed off a speck of dust or dirt that may or may not be truly there off one sleeve. Stopping to glance at himself in a mirror, he smoothed the few wrinkles from the front of his simple black pants even though it was mostly futile and straightened up the hem of his jacket. The core of his outfits tended to be dominated by practicality for a good tumbling around, accompanied with something discardable to keep him warm, but not too warm, and give him a semblance of formality. It was good enough for this sudden meeting as well. He'd be good to go if it wasn't for the persistent fog of sleep trying to cling to his mind. But for that, he had a remedy.

Running through the familiar calculations in his head, he placed a hex to boost his alertness on himself, forgoing a magic circle. He doubted he'd be needing that bit of wasted mana from the direct cast that night and he regretted nothing. This way he'd be ready to face whatever the masters had to throw at him without spending time guzzling down pots of coffee. So he had better not waste that saved time dillydallying around. Into his boots his feet went and he was out the door, jogging down the hall to make up for the time spent getting dressed.

Before entering the room, Ryder hurriedly ran his fingers through his hair to smooth it back and fix it in place the best he was able to without proper tools. Stepping onto the other side of the door, he acknowledged the masters with a bow before straightening his back, keeping his arms tucked behind himself as he awaited further instructions. Although, he did give the other apparently summoned students a glance from the corner of his eye, finding himself raising an eyebrow at the blue otter in one of the girls' grasp. From the looks of it, she had just grabbed whatever was within reach on her way out of her room, her beast included. He couldn't say he knew her or the other girl already present, which wasn't particularly surprising. But if he were to have anything to do with them in the near future as a result of this sudden meeting, he'd have to get to know them on a basic level at least. He furrowed his brows at that notion, redirecting his focus on the masters instead.

Getting to know people was dangerous.

Remnants of Mana

Ryder Drake

---

Art by Merwild

Age: 24
School Year: 4th
Specialty/Apprenticeship: Combat
Magic Affinity: Hex
Magic Class: Hex with a side of Arcane

• Ryder focuses mostly on buffing himself with hexes and taking down his opponent the good old way of melee combat. He also dabbles in some arcane magic for the occasional shield and utility he might need. Though he's not particularly used to the much higher mana cost of arcane spells, which can become a bit of a problem when you also factor in his tendency to not be conservative with his mana in general. Good thing mana stones exist.
• Casting aide: Spear | Element: Fire

Home Country: Soria

Personality: Ryder is a calm and disciplined person, at home with falling in line with the chain of command and putting his pesky feelings and morals aside for the good of the mission. Or that’s what he aspires to at least. He has a bit of an impulsive streak he aims to keep under wraps but nonetheless finds himself acting before thinking in the heat of the moment. After which he often resorts to second-guessing whatever rash actions he took and kicking himself over it, sometimes regardless of whether the consequences were good or bad.

Similarly, he has a habit of trying to keep his feelings in check in day-to-day life as well, wary of building connections with people even though he’d very much like to make some friends. Even though it may be a bit irrational in the current climate, Ryder has taken Soria’s philosophy of the needs of the many too much to heart and is thus afraid of the looming possibility he’d have to put the collective above a possible individual friend. The uncertainty of whether he’d be able to do that is of course an added layer of scary. Everyone is expendable and it’s easier if the expendables aren’t important. Unfortunately or fortunately, Ryder’s better at following his own advice when it comes to just himself.

Thus, Ryder can come off as slightly cold and stand-offish to many people as he tries to keep people at arm’s length. However, he sees no gain in being downright hostile to people or making enemies so he’s generally polite to most and open to lending a hand when needed. He's also rather averse to talking back to his superiors. In fact, he may or may not have developed a bit of a reputation as an ass-kisser or teacher’s pet in some circles during his studies in Isunia.

There is one subject that tends to have greater success at making Ryder’s discipline and defences around his emotions slip: Magic technology. Despite his choice not to pursue the craft himself, he’s rather fascinated and excited by different magical gadgets, especially any he hasn’t seen before. His first year in Isunia was therefore quite the journey of wonder and discovery. In general, Ryder's rather open to exploring new things and experiences if they catch his interest, he just tries not to be too obvious about it because enthusiasm is apparently a childish trait or whatever.

Notes:

• In addition to a flying stone, makes sure to have some mana stones rattling around in his pockets.
• A heathen who likes raisins in cookies.
• Has claustrophobia.

History: Born into a somewhat well-known and well-off military family, Ryder’s path in life was always implicitly and explicitly influenced by the location of his birth. Growing up with tales of Soria’s good old days and immediate role models in his family, most notably his older brother, the little rascal’s sights were set on a military career from early on.

Despite being ten years Ryder’s senior, Marcell didn’t mind entertaining his baby brother and encouraging the occasional mischief when the strict disciplinary eyes of their household were away. As a child, Ryder wanted nothing more than to be just like his big brother. Marcell’s departure for his responsibilities as an adult was thus rough for Ryder at first, but it also served as a great dose of motivation to catch up. Which he did do and then went beyond. He served his two years of mandatory military service and decided to take a chance at applying to Isunia before continuing his military career. Isunia was a milestone Marcell had also taken a shot at but wasn’t accepted so of course he couldn’t have been prouder when the little gremlin he calls his brother surpassed him in that regard.

Upon finding his affinity, Ryder’s choice of class and later specialization was a no-brainer. It’d be a waste to go against what was in his very blood, right? He was content with following the path laid out in front of him. If he best serves the well-being of his people by putting his body through the wringer with close combat and hex-abuse, so be it.

Relationships:
Parents: Aidric and Farrow Drake

• On the surface level, Ryder and his father are on good terms. However, due to Aidric’s domineering and strict nature, their relationship has never been particularly warm or close. Aidric can be rather demanding and not the most forthcoming with fatherly praise and Ryder would rather not disappoint him.
• Ryder's relationship with his mother is even more distant in nature. Farrow has always been more career oriented than a homemaker and probably wouldn’t have had kids if it had been entirely her own choice. She agreed on one so she had even less patience with playing mother for the second unplanned one. They’re cordial but overt displays or declarations of affection are not to be expected.

Brother: Marcell Drake

• The closest relationship Ryder has. Once Marcell was in his teens, he had a large hand in raising his little brother. Having grown up under the same strict roof with expectations, Marcell was happy to provide his brother what he had wished he’d had in his childhood: A safe place for frivolous play where messing up only nets you light teasing. They’re still in frequent contact despite life and responsibilities having stolen a lot of their time and attention.
• Ryder nicknamed him Marcy as a child, which he was never fond of but let it slide nonetheless. He’ll still let Ryder get away with teasing him by using it.

Remnants of Mana

Ryder Drake

Ryder Drake

---

Art by Merwild

Age: 24
School Year: 4th
Specialty/Apprenticeship: Combat
Magic Affinity: Hex
Magic Class: Hex with a side of Arcane
Home Country: Soria

Personality: Ryder is a calm and disciplined person, at home with falling in line with the chain of command and putting his pesky feelings and morals aside for the good of the mission. Or that’s what he aspires to at least. He has a bit of an impulsive streak he aims to keep under wraps but nonetheless finds himself acting before thinking in the heat of the moment. After which he often resorts to second-guessing whatever rash actions he took and kicking himself over it, sometimes regardless of whether the consequences were good or bad.

Similarly, he has a habit of trying to keep his feelings in check in day-to-day life as well, wary of building connections with people even though he’d very much like to make some friends. Even though it may be a bit irrational in the current climate, Ryder has taken Soria’s philosophy of the needs of the many too much to heart and is thus afraid of the looming possibility he’d have to put the collective above a possible individual friend. The uncertainty of whether he’d be able to do that is of course an added layer of scary. Everyone is expendable and it’s easier if the expendables aren’t important. Unfortunately or fortunately, Ryder’s better at following his own advice when it comes to just himself.

Thus, Ryder can come off as slightly cold and stand-offish to many people as he tries to keep people at arm’s length. However, he sees no gain in being downright hostile to people or making enemies so he’s generally polite to most and open to lending a hand when needed. He's also rather averse to talking back to his superiors. In fact, he may or may not have developed a bit of a reputation as an ass-kisser or teacher’s pet in some circles during his studies in Isunia.

There is one subject that tends to have greater success at making Ryder’s discipline and defences around his emotions slip: Magic technology. Despite his choice not to pursue the craft himself, he’s rather fascinated and excited by different magical gadgets, especially any he hasn’t seen before. His first year in Isunia was therefore quite the journey of wonder and discovery. In general, Ryder's rather open to exploring new things and experiences if they catch his interest, he just tries not to be too obvious about it because enthusiasm is apparently a childish trait or whatever.

Notes:

• Uses a spear as a casting aide and focuses on hexing himself.
• In addition to a flying stone, makes sure to have some mana stones rattling around in his pockets to offset the higher mana cost of the occasional Arcane spell and his general tendency to not be conservative with his mana.
• A heathen who likes raisins in cookies.
• Has claustrophobia.

History: Born into a somewhat well-known and well-off military family, Ryder’s path in life was always implicitly and explicitly influenced by the location of his birth. Growing up with tales of Soria’s good old days and immediate role models in his family, most notably his older brother, the little rascal’s sights were set on a military career from early on.

Despite being ten years Ryder’s senior, Marcell didn’t mind entertaining his baby brother and encouraging the occasional mischief when the strict disciplinary eyes of their household were away. As a child, Ryder wanted nothing more than to be just like his big brother. Marcell’s departure for his responsibilities as an adult was thus rough for Ryder at first, but it also served as a great dose of motivation to catch up. Which he did do and then went beyond. He served his two years of mandatory military service and decided to take a chance at applying to Isunia before continuing his military career. Isunia was a milestone Marcell had also taken a shot at but wasn’t accepted so of course he couldn’t have been prouder when the little gremlin he calls his brother surpassed him in that regard.

Upon finding his affinity, Ryder’s choice of class and later specialization was a no-brainer. It’d be a waste to go against what was in his very blood, right? He was content with following the path laid out in front of him. If he best serves the well-being of his people by putting his body through the wringer with close combat and hex-abuse, so be it.

A wild doofus appeared

Thanks fellas, your kind words warm my cold dead heart. :3

Your country doesn't exist, but I see it on maps. My country does exist but it gets left off maps all the bloody time. Wanna trade?

@Laser Kiwi

Hm, I don't know... Not existing is kinda neat while being ignored is less so. Sorry, friend.

A wild doofus appeared

Greetings, good people. I, a grand moron and professional procrastinator, have come to grace you with my presence in my efforts to bury my head into some RP shenanigans so I may continue to distract myself from my responsibilities and how much the world sucks.

...Truthfully, I was lured here for one neat RP setting but if the people and their adventures here are dope, I may indeed find myself being a bigger thorn in your side.

I suppose I should also reveal some deep dark secrets about me in an effort to assimilate myself into your culture. I'm Finhawk and people often call me Finny. I'm a lazy university student from a country that doesn't actually exist (aka. Finland) and I like cats. I started my RPing shenanigans back in 2013 and developed my ravings into something slightly less embarrassing over the course of the next 5 years. I've pretty much only been dabbling in the wonderful world of D&D since 2018 when it comes to RP, but lately the craving for some wordier adventures has sunk its claws back into me.

So here I am.

Remnants of Mana

I have brought my interest here. :,v