Kazudain looked to the red haired beauty with a tilt of his head.
"To say yes would be too much a stretch of the truth." His voice was carefree and his posture relaxed but his eyes narrowed, unseen under the cover of his hood. Maldur for his part continued to clean his paw, but now held his gaze firmly on the woman who now spoke with his master.
"I assume you are here to take part in the tournament as an outside competitor. Come to see what the newest generation has to offer young lady?"
I've got one more character to add in. He'll be an official who helps oversee various areas of the city.
Name: Tibrus Heatherman - The Architect (Tih-Bruss Hee-ther-men)
Race: Human
{I'll find an image at some point} Looks wise he is rather plain, short and messy black hair that now sports greys beside his temples. Round brown eyes on a slightly angular face, he stands at 5'7" and moderately fit with a slight pudge at the midriff.
Doctorate of Magical Theory
Despite having no talent for most magics, light or dark, Tibrus has a keen intuition in learning the theories behind various magics. Alchemy, conjuring, teleportation, curses, blessings, the Architects mind is a veritable library of knowledge collected and studied through the decades. He has helped manage and improve upon the design of the Kingdoms magical defenses just as his forebears did.
Master Potion Maker
With his near encyclopedic level of knowledge and intuition Tibris can make potions of quality few aside from Elf Masters and certain long lived Beast-kin. His intuition helps Tibris find the most ideal ingredient levels and brewing conditions. He reset the bar on what most could achieve with potions, his testing methods now standard in potion examinations at the Academy. These methods and his attention to detail aided investigations to root out potion charlatans that had been plaguing Zauberheim years prior. This focus on potions, however, along with Alchemy stem from discovering at a young age that he could not perform even the basics of any other form of magic. He holds Potion master classes alongside Alchemy at the Academy and leads the testing panel for final examinations.
Master Alchemist
Aside from mixing potions Tibrus is a very accomplished Alchemist, again his ability to seek out the most optimal ingredient quantities and attention to detail aiding him greatly. One of his known feats was in creating a new steel composite for use in reinforcing the masonry in the Citadel and many different structures in the city today. Tibrus holds a great love and respect for Alchemy and its rules as it's the only kind of magic he can truly perform. He holds Alchemy master classes alongside Potion-making at the Academy and leads the testing panel for final examinations.
Even as a follower of Amalya, he harbors no ill for those that follow Aylama, whether they be Beastkin, Elf or man. Cares for the kingdom and her peoples regardless of affiliation. Is usually a serious individual but will crack a small smile from time to time, whether it be a joke he finds funny or whenever he hears the sound of children laughing as they play.
Head Architect of the kingdom of Zauberheim. Late 30's, married to human wife with 1 daughter and son. Descendant of the original Architect that designed the Kingdom's Castle and basic layout of the city 500 years ago. Both his children are being apprenticed to be Architects, the pair having developed a new roof shingle design that is now utilized by the entire kingdom.
Tibrus is a well known and respected man by the people, having been the descendant to finish the fighter's arena of the Academy before turning 20. He is not however, as respected as some of the older families of the kingdom outside the royal family. Regardless, his voice does hold some sway with the Nobles of the Kingdom and is seen as a trusted friend of the Royal Family.
Highly intelligent, Tibrus is part of Zauberheim's magical research division. Though holding no talent for magic, his theoretical knowledge is surprisingly extensive, giving advice to many a young pupil of magic when they hit a wall, be they Beastkin, Elf or human.
Aside from being a Professor at the Academy Tibrus also overseas most construction projects in the kingdom. With the level of expertise from his apprentices however, Tibrus can trust them with many of the smaller projects allowing Tibrus to place more focus on teaching at the Academy and leading the examination Panel.
With a slam a tome was closed shut. It was soon placed back on the shelf where it belonged with the others. Tired eyes were rubbed from the long reading session.
"Log 45, note 3. The runes in here will help the Magic Defense corp with maintaining the barriers but-" a scroll was picked up. "-I've yet to find answers in the archives to help with recycling used mana." More tomes were returned to their proper place on the shelves.
A door opened, allowing more light into the room. A young man entered, slightly out of breath while holding a small stack of papers close. His breathing returned to normal when he spotted the one cleaning the reading space.
"Ah, Mr Heatherman! I was told you'd be here. Lady Marita believes she's made a breakthrough with the notes and suggestions you supplied. She said she'd be grateful if you could look it over and see if her logic is sound." The man turned, spotting the younger man in the robes of the Magic Research Corp.
"Does she now? Well, we'll just have to see. Hand the papers over boy, quickly now." The young mage jumped at the older mans tone, readily passing the papers over. Heatherman quickly began looking through the woman's notes, not making a sound. The young mages round ears twitched at the flicker of magic power candles and the rustling of papers.
"Marita does have a good start, though there are some things I'll need to discus with her about her theories on barrier convergence and array harmonization. I'll soon head to her office once I'm finished here. You go on ahead and let her know I'll be there soon, alright my boy?" The mage straightened.
"Of course, Mr. Heatherman, sir! I'll be right on it." With a deep breath and slam of his small paws together the young beast-kin mage created a magic circle beneath his feet and soon, disappeared in a flash of light. With a shake of his head the older man quickly set about finishing his own task before heading out. Marita may have been young by most elf standards but she held a good head on her shoulders, tended to be forgetful though when she got excited over something.
No matter, he'd discuss it with her while having a good cup of tea in her office.
"Well, he was certainly an interesting fellow." Maldur continued to clean his face with a paw. With a shake of his head the master handed over a completed entry form to the Elf.
"As for your question, yes we would be from outside the kingdom. I wished to see what the children of this coming generation had to offer, where their potential lies. I'm sure it'll be an event most interesting. Are their any students you are rooting for?"
Ooooh, a fellow lightning/blade user! Well then, I suppose Kazudain will have to truly test her skills and see just how far her training has come. Maybe the powers that be will allow them to face one another? As well as face off against a certain Ice user?
For a strong few seconds Kazudain merely stared at the jovial if odd man. He had never met the man before and would have written him off for lunacy if not from speaking the name a past adversary.
It had been some time since he had faced that woman. Thankfully she was not going to be a bother to anyone here. Before he could speak Maldur broke the silence by sneaking behind the man, Keith he recalled.
In a rather comical display the cat-beast smoothly positioned Keith unsteadily onto its shoulders, where Keith promptly fell over in a heap. It garnered some laughs and looks from the passerby's, and a small apologetic chuckle from Kazudain himself.
"You'll have to forgive my friend, he can be a bit eccentric at times." A snort and shake of his mane was all the cat-beast did before starting to lick his paw, looking quite pleased and unapologetic. The master held out a hand for Keith to take.
"Perhaps as a means of making up for his actions I treat you to a drink at a tavern of your choice after I've finished my business with the registry tents. What say you, Sir Keith?"
SOUTH GATE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There was a buzz in the air, he could feel it.The banners strewn about, idle yet excited conversations from the people, guards standing in vigilance...
Well, all but one. Kazudain placed a hand on Maldur's head to quiet his growls.
"I know you wish to be done here my friend my friend, but laws are laws. It won't be much longer now, will it young man?" He turned to the guard looking at his papers, who looked quite unnerved at the cat-beast growling aloud. So did the other people in line for that matter. The guard flinched.
"Y-Yes Milord, only a moment." With haste he organized the documents and applied the seal of the 3rd gate, finally allowing the traveling pair entry into the city. With a snort Maldur stood with a stretch, walking forward as his master collected his papers.
"Thank you." With a curt nod the man followed the beast into the Kingdom. He didn't notice the guard stumble back into the guard house.
"Just w-who, wh-what was" The Guard felt a hand on his shoulder, making him jump before turning around.
"What's wrong Cadah? You look as if you saw a demon made flesh?" Seeing the smiling scaled muzzle of his Captain made Cadah relax a little bit.
"It's just- The man who just passed was traveling with a large beast the likes of which I've never seen before! Just it's growls rattled my bones it did." At the the Captain turned his gaze to the crowd.
"Whe-" Seeing the pair in question it didn't take long for scaled brows to raise sharply. "Well bless my clans nesting grounds, it seems Lady Amalya is blessing the Kingdom this day."
"What do you mean? Who was that?"
"You don't remember the stories we guardsmen tell at the bars boy? That man's -"
===============================
"Just keep going down this road until you see the jeweler shop, Mavala's. Turn a left then keep heading North. You'll reach the town square in no time." A young Bear Beast-kin spoke while pointing down the main road. Kazudain gave a nod with a smile peeking out from his hood.
"Many thanks you young miss. May the Goddesses smile upon you." With a wave of thanks man and beast continued down the road. The Beast-kin watched them go with a wave.
"Same for you Milord!" The man smiled at her politeness, it was always good to see that quality in a people. He turned to his partner.
"So, ready to see one of the biggest festivals in the land?" His answer was a snort and a shake of a furred head. The man rolled his unseen eyes.
"Yes, yes I know, the children here will only be so strong here. That doesn't mean they won't have surprises my friend." Maldur let out a groan before chuffing at Kazudain.
"Not to worry my friend, we'll be there soon enough. See? There's Mavala's Jewelers just like that young girl told us about." The pair continued down the road, making for the center of the kingdom, town square.
Name: Kazudain: The Lightning Arch-mage / Blitz Warrior / Beast Tamer / the Blue Pilgrim
A tall man with a worn travelers cloak. The handle of a sword poking out from one shoulder along side a long bow and quiver.
Elf
Lightning Magics - (more when I can think them up.)
With a great focus on Lightning magic, the ability to safely imbue such a volatile and chaotic element into inanimate objects, let alone living beings, is a great mark of achievement. Many lightning mages have a sort of concentration period for their spells, which leaves them in more of a supportive role as most basic spells take a few seconds to activate. Over 300 years of experience has apparently allowed Kazudain to learn a solution to this drawback. As elemental magic is bound to the light half of the spectrum there are no lightning based curses. Paralysis and movement restriction effects are common with higher tier spells.
All lightning based attacks can be done with and without holding Stormshadow. It proves more draining on reserves without utilizing Stormshadow as a medium.
Bolt Needle A thin, piercing beam of lightning. Channeled to a specific point then released. Can only hold so much power while still holding its small shape, but its intense piercing potential makes up for it. Travels a great distance in a straight line. Requires power to be continuously channeled as the beam travels else it dissipates instantly.
Bolt Wave A short to mid-range power attack where lightning magic is channeled into the blade then released as the blade is swung. The more power channeled, the stronger the wave and further it can travel before dissipating. Used to great effect when cutting through obstacles and batting away minor fodder. Greatly loses power after 10 meters.
Lightning Veins - Speed buff that increases speed and reaction time. Can induce on self and allies, though physical contact is needed to buff allies. Has only been able to buff 2 allies at a time with full benefit of the buff. Allies will feel as if speed and reactions will have doubled. Buff's benefits decrease as more allies are buffed. Has the added benefit of shocking opponents on contact, with a greater chance of partial paralysis the more intense the charge.
Blitz - A speed technique to quickly traverse the battlefield, it leaves a patch of scorched earth and a slight boom in his wake. Can traverse 50m max per jump and has been used to great effect in battle. It was this technique that gave rise to the man's alternate name among the elves and some beast-folk settlements. Combined with Lightning Veins Kazudain's fighting style can prove devastating.
Bolt Arrow - By imbuing his arrows with a little magic the man has a ranged option to incapacitate opponents. Not very silent when the arrow strikes the target and can be draining on the reserves.
Disruption Wave - While not really a curse, the move can be seen as a debuff in essence. By charging power into the sword and stabbing it into the ground, a wave of energy is released in order to dispel strong illusions and curses. Needs 10 seconds to charge and can be seen charging. Will need to charge longer for more powerful illusions.
Disruption Shock - While Disruption Wave has a more external effect when used, Disruption Shock is more internal. By sending a literal shock through his body Kazudain disrupts the flow of energy fueling the curse, breaking it.
Stormshadow A great sword of blue and silver. Imbued with multiple runes to be used as a medium for a range of lightning techniques, runes glowing bright blue when magic is used and off when none is used.
Those that remember conversing with the man claim him to be a calm yet jovial individual. Speaking in riddles at times and always asking questions. At times he would help another in need while other times stay his hand on whim. Would always pay back any debt owed.
In battle they would say he was steadfast, loyal and unrelenting yet honorable. Swinging his sword with great strength while his companion covered his flank. Always taking to the front line to break enemy momentum or defenses.
He never had much patience with those with larger than needed egos and was known to take a sort of innocent delight in leaving such individuals flabbergasted and embarrassed. Al in good humor of course and not for malicious purposes.
Most who hear this name in conversation will know of the person spoken of. A nomad who never stays in one place long, he will come and go, disappearing at times for years before showing up without a trace. Reported to have been seen on multiple occasions within the last 300 years, some were notable battles.
Not many can properly see his face due to the cloak he wears, however, it is accepted that he is a Elf that wishes to remain anonymous. Some believe that his face was marred by a dreaded creature long ago, and had be unable to either heal the wound or bare his shame.
Known for his battle prowess and skill, he was never alone in battle. HE had a constant companion, a large cat that follows the man like a loyal friend and subordinate with the rare ability to cast Ice Magics with skill. Both were known for fighting past their limits when they had no magic left to use, using skill and wit to gain victory. It is not known how the man came across such a fearsome yet loyal beast, though there are rumors abound.
One is that the man and beast were last scene crossing the border of Razelia, taking a road well known as the quickest route to the Kingdom of Zauberheim...
Maldur: The Beast of Ice / Frost Guardian
A solid, robust build with a large frame, when officially measured it stood 4 and a half feet to the shoulder and near 8 from the head to the base of its tail. While the name of it's exact race is unknown, it is a magnificent specimen of whichever species it belongs too.
Neutral Magics Roar of Dread With a little magic Maldur and imbue his roars with a sonic attack. It calls upon the feeling all prey gets when confronted with a predator; run. The roar can be heard for well over a mile, but only those within a quarter that will feel the full effect of the attack. It had been used to great effect in cutting enemy moral at the start of battle.
Ice Magics
Guard of the North - With a great roar and a slam of a paw a large wall of ice will jut from the ground before it. Maldur is able to control the size and strength of the wall, from the size of a small door to that of a large wall dozens of meters tall and wide.
Breath of the North - With a growl and runic circle above its head, shards of ice will fall from the sky. This move was used primarily as a retreat tactic as the move will harm friend and foe caught in its area of effect. These blades of ice were known to shear through both leather and toughened skin with ease. It could pierce weakly enchanted metal armors to various levels of success.
Kiss of the North - With a chuff and gust of cold wind, a layer of ice would grow on its pelt, giving Maldur a set of Ice Armor. This blessing can be imbued to others as well, up to 3 people plus itself could have a near full piece set of grieves, vambraces and chest piece. any more and the blessing won't take effect.
Call of the North - Freezing the ground around it gives Maldur extra traction for a speed boost, allowing it to traverse the battlefield with great speed. Kazudain had been known to use his Lightning Veins blessing to give Maldur a boost of great magnitude.
Blade of the North - Rooting itself in place it charges up its power with a rumbling growl. A large lance of ice will form above it, taking concentration to make it. When ready a magic ring will for around it and with a mighty roar, fire at its target. The move takes a full minute to form and leaves Maldur vulnerable. The time can be cut down if Kiss of the North has been used on itself, 5 seconds per piece of armour.
Glacius Breath A spell charged similarly to Blade of the North, the difference being that Glacius Breath is an area of effect spell rather than a concentrated attack. After consolidating enough mana, Maldur releases it all in a concussive wave, freezing the area with frost and ice. Can be directed instead of omni-directional though requires a little more concentration. It is said that Maldur once froze near a quarter mile of land ending the battle. It is also said that Maldur collapsed due to exhaustion from the effort.
Despite not speaking in the common tongue, Maldur displays a sharp character. Like most wild cat-beasts it has a languid laziness when resting, looking as if it couldn't be bothered to care for the goings of the world around it. Those with a keen eye would notice that Maldur keeps a watchful gaze about it, muscles coiled, ready to act at a moments notice.
Kazudain has claimed that Maldur holds both great wit and wisdom, despite the fact that only he can interpret Maldur's chuffs, growls and body language. Should it get annoyed with its masters actions it has been known to either swipe at him with a paw, freeze the floor before Kazudain's steps or freeze the mans feet to the floor, walking off with a pleased chuff.
Maldur has a surprising gentleness and affection for children of all races and has been known to defend them with great zeal when they are threatened. It has been seen sleeping while young-lings play around it, climbing atop it, pulling it's ears and tail without so much as a growl. When asked about this peculiarity Kazudain would simply shrug and say that:
"He has a way with children that even I can't fathom."
When angered all its ferocity and wildness in its blood comes to bear; it does not take kindly to those that harm the ones under its care. Or when trying to take its food for that matter.
It seems to share it's masters general dislike for those that act more pompous than warranted but chooses to ignore them when possible.
In the world exists many beings large and small, anywhere on the scale of strength of power. From the variety of Beastkin, Elves, Humans and more. Beasts the roam the world by fin, wing and paw, From the passive to the aggressive. Some in numerous herds that travel the great plains of the West Isles to the Southern wastes. Some so rare they exist only in text and myth. Many still have yet to be found in the world, continuing the circle of life as the Goddesses had seen fit to create.
Then there are those that are utterly unique in of themselves. None know the origins of Maldur, the great cat-beast companion to the Lightning Arch-mage, Kazudain. And the man himself has never seen fit to reveal the secret of this beast which follows in his wake. All accounts of this beast are with accounts with its master, never have the pair been separated unless ordered to by Kazudain.
As a beast it has never shown the capability for actually speech in any tongue, and yet it seems to showcase a higher than usual awareness and intelligence compared to other creatures. What's more, Maldur has an unusual mastery over Ice Magics, accounts of great hails of snow and thick walls of ice appearing with a mighty roar. And when all magic was spent it was said Maldur fought with fang and claw, displaying swift grace and great strength in battle.
There are still many secrets left untold behind the violet eyes of this beast, that which only it and it's master know for now. When it was seen last, Maldur was treading the worn road into Razelia, following it's master loyally where ever their travels take them...
"There was no reason for you to do that my friend." The man received a snort in response. He crossed his arms.
"Yes, yes, I know you don't like others reaching for your food but that back there? Your little shout made the Innkeeper faint from shock. You have a problem." With a small growl and shake of its head the mans companion continued walking. The man made to follow but found his foot wouldn't move. He looked down to find his foot frozen in a small block of ice, sticking it to the ground. Looking back at his partner he found the amused twinkle in its eyes that annoyed him so.
"Very funny. Maldur. Now release my leg so we can really get a move on, I'd rather get to the next town before nightfall. We do have a schedule to keep." Maldur gave a huff as the ice disappeared, the pair breaking into a run to reach the next town.
=========That Night=========
"...and so Balderus jumps out from the doorway, tackling the leader! That took out the weakened support beam which made the roof cave in, taking half of our enemies out of the fight. So, seeing the cards of fate stacked against them the rest of the group were about to run when the reinforcements Balderus called for arrived, surrounding the bandits. At that they all threw their arms to the ground, ending the battle. With that the underground slaver ring was torn out of Sikaarus for good and Balderus regained the honor of his family name." With the clank of mugs the people of the tavern cheered at the end of the story. Chanting the Balderus for a time as the story teller looked at his companion.
Like he expected of Maldur, his companion was laying on his side, head still in the lap of a barmaid who saw fit to give his ears and chin a good scratch. With a shake of his head the man turned back to his drink and food, relishing the cider as he took a gulp from his mug.
"Ha ha, always good to here one of your stories Master Kazudain." Looking up said man saw the bar owner approaching, tail waving behind him.
"It's been what? 10, 12 years since you last visited? Mara kept wondering when you would be back." The bar owner gestured to the girl petting Maldur, who now laid on his back with the barmaid, Mara, rubbing Maldur's belly. The big softy. Kazudain chuckled as he put the mug down.
"I know Cadra, but as I've told your father and his father, I can never stay in one pl-"
"Place for too long. I know, I've heard it enough times over the years when you were passing through. Even if you never do tell us why." With a shake of his scaled head Cadra grabbed the travelers empty mug and refilled it. "So, what business do you have 'round these parts this time?"
"We're heading north towards Zauberheim. I heard it was time of year for their annual tournament." Cadra gave a steady nod while giving the refilled mug back. Kazudain accepted it readily.
"Right the Festival Tournament. There's always something a little different every year, this year will be no different. I hear a number of promising students will be taking part this year." A chuckle rose from Kazudain.
"There are always promising students every year, Cadra. This year will be no different then the last 10 in that regard." Cadra chuckled himself.
"You speak truth, Master Kazudain. But from what I hear this year will be something to remember compared to previous years." With a raised brow Kazudain leaned in as Cadra did the same.
Member
Eviledd1984
