GambolMuse

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

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The Kingdom of Adelon

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How do you reconcile magic and technology? Do you trade one for another, can they coexist, or will one ultimately erase the other? For the kingdom of Adelon, this question has still yet to be answered. Nestled between the kingdoms of Astia and Oscea, a once barren, uncivilized land has grown into one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. Members of every race congregate to the great kingdom, seeking fortune in its world-reaching enterprises, or fame in numerous adventures. The dichotomy of ancient ways - life built on magic and worship of the Saints - contrasts the modern, sprawling cities. In Adelon it seems that anyone can find a way of life, it is the kingdom of opportunity and where dreams can be realized.

Or rather, it used to be. Some kingdoms have done well with combining magic and technology, Adelon is not among them. While the majority of its people's are content to change their way of life, there are some who still cling to the old ways. Magi - people of all races who are able to cast magic - are fighting against the changing tides. Whether due to spite, simple reluctance of change or a deeper reason, Magi have resisted the development of Adelon for a number of years. And at first their resistance was peaceful: protests, demonstrations, always non-violent, attempting to make their voices heard. An alarming cry rallied Magi to gatherings, desperate to gain the attention of the Church. Magic, it seemed, was vanishing from Adelon. There was no explanation, no cause, and from the Church, no acknowledgement or offer of assistance. After a number of years no progress was being made, little allowance was given to these people and the Church of the Nine Saints, ironically the leading religious body, pushed away from faith and magic. Feeling utterly abandoned some resigned themselves to their fates, others clung to what little they could. Others still took a more proactive - and often more violent approach.

It went about as well as one would expect. In tandem with the royal family and the kingdom's military, the Church led the way in stomping out pockets of resistance. Utilizing Magi who sided with them, as well as traditional forces, most were swept aside easily, and the few who weren't were forced into hiding. Change is inevitable, and time stops for no one. Many parties are invested in bringing Adelon into the modern era and they refuse to be stopped by something so petty as "the greed and ignorance of Magi".

In ages past, Magi were heralded as heroes and saviors. With their magical talents they had helped to colonize Adelon and seize her lands from beasts and bandits alike. They had been for many generations the strength of Adelon, the reason why a young, unproven kingdom had managed to survive, stuck between two hostile kingdoms. They had been integral to the development of the kingdom and were now being cast aside. So is it spite that they fight? Is it a feeling of betrayal? Step into the shoes of a Magi and help discover why Adelon is now turning on her champions.

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That brief introduction aside, welcome to Adelon! A kingdom currently caught in a massive paradigm shift, you'll take on the role of a Magi - an individual with talent in magics, as you try to make sense of what is happening around you. To keep things simple to start everyone who takes part will be fighting AGAINST the Church and the change in some capacity. We don't all have to be saboteurs and fighters, but your character probably has something at stake as far as losing your magic, and your way of life. Magic itself is fading from the kingdom and no one knows why, and the authority figures remain silent on the matter. They must know why, yet they refuse to tell anyone, or even acknowledge it. It's up to us to figure out why.

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Why would he let you do it only to immediately ruin it?" Sasha pushed back, not entirely following Viral's thought process. If Korian was so against it he never would have given the green light for this. Why the leader himself hadn't shown up was an easy one too. "He's kind of leading all of us, he can't just walk away to fight whenever he pleases," she pointed out, bracing and deflecting the blows coming her way. Trying to use Viral's momentum against him she ducked beneath a strike and swung up at his sides, hoping to wind him and stagger him both. When her hand was caught she promptly attempted to switch it up and kick him in the opposite side, gasping as she was lifted up and slammed over onto her back. Freeing her hand she rolled on her shoulders and shot back up to her feet, eyes wide but a smile on her face.

"Sorry, but that's kind of how we were trained. How everyone was trained," admitted Sasha with a sheepish smile, "That might explain why so many of our troops are out-dueled. And why Korian's letting you train people now. Obviously we need it." Lowering her hands and taking a measured breath she closed her eyes, slowly raising and lowering her hands in front of herself before looking at Viral mischievously. "I'll try something different, I hope it makes things a bit more interesting for you." Taking a jump back Sasha held her hands out at her sides, slowly moving them through the air as she closed her eyes. The air around her shimmered, dirt pulled from the ground and air slowly clumped together and solidified into small projectiles. With a flash several of them ignited, and with a sly smile she looked at Viral, throwing one hand forward and sending a volley in his direction.

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

Sasha had admittedly been excited when given this task. She could care less about reporting back on Viral - she saw no reason to. The fact that this was even being allowed showed Korian trusted him enough. Though perhaps not enough for Viral's liking, not if she was being asked to keep an eye on him. The frustration as they sparred then was mutual, Viral's for being observed and Sasha, selfishly she recognized, for not getting the proper opportunity. There was nothing really on the line today and yet she'd hoped Viral would retaliate somehow other than just blocking and dodging. Once she'd wrestled him to the ground with ease it was apparent he wasn't going to fight back whatsoever. Backing off then Sasha allowed herself a moment to catch her breath, dusting herself down as well.

"You're asking the wrong person, I don't know what he thinks half the time," said Sasha with a shake of her head, "But it seems like he's testing you, if you're asking me. He needs to know if you're okay to do this. And like I said, I'm not here to report on you, I don't care what his orders on that were. I don't want to ruin this." Seeing Viral finally lift his fists there was an excited twinkle in her eye, a smile spreading across her face as she did the same. Finally, she'd been worried they'd go through the entire session without so much as a single punch from Viral. Ruin him? With the dire straits they were in and how poorly trained some of their troops were? No, she would argue he needed Viral's help, he knew Viral was the best fit, and was just too proud to admit it. Saiyans and their pride... Bouncing on the balls of her feet in anticipation, Sasha was quick to throw blocks as Viral's flurry of strikes began. She hadn't thought he'd be this quick - then again there was no reason not to believe so. Searching for an opening she narrowly blocked a punch that caught her cheek, but she used the momentum and leaned to the side, throwing a punch at Viral's side.

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"Practice, that's what I'm gaining! And I'll take that as a compliment." She didn't know what more was to be gained from sparring other than practice. Fighters both new and seasoned could always benefit, and Sasha was certain Viral could as well. If he had no desire to fight back then fine, she'd do what she could on her own. She kept it simple - throwing a punch here, a kick there. She mixed in a bit of acrobatics with a flip or two but otherwise nothing overly technical. Viral kept pace with her easily, making it look effortless as he blocked and evaded her strikes. Compared to some of her regular sparring partners he was proving to be exceptionally better. Heck, she'd even say Viral was better than Ricken. Best not to mention that to him.

Sasha didn't feel the need to answer right away, not as Ricken began shouting obscenities at Leto. Smiling knowingly and nodding her head towards her brother she simply shrugged, feeling like that answered the question.

"Since you're so good then all the more reason to spar with you. You're better than I am, and I'll only get better by fighting someone more experienced. That and I'll admit... I've wanted to spar with you for a while, but Korian never would let me. So when he asked Ricken and I to go I jumped at the chance." Maybe it was a bit selfish, maybe she wasn't here entirely just to help Viral. Though her given task had nothing to do with what she wanted anyways: Viral needed to be monitored. She still thought Korian was completely full of it but she'd been given her orders, and thus far she'd seen no reason for him to be concerned.

"So honest answer...? Korian told me to. My answer? I want to, Korian's just my excuse to be able to. And I won't be reporting back to him after this, if you're worried at all. He didn't tell me to so I won't be. Just here to see if I meet your mark as a soldier." If he was to be their commander in the coming days then she wanted to know she was fit for duty under his command. She'd every intention of fighting those monsters, and to do so she'd have to follow Viral. With a smile she took to a stance again before darting in at Viral, jumping and rotation her body as she delivered a kick, one which was easily blocked. Rotating further she tried to deliver an axe kick upside-down, again having her blow blocked. It worked to her favor - grabbing hold of one of Viral's arms she let gravity do its work, pulling her down and him along with her. Wrapping her legs around his chest she pinned him to the ground for a brief moment before releasing him and backing off, smiling apologetically. "You're really difficult to get down."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

No worries, life comes first! :D

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

It was nothing short of a miracle they were even here right now. Sasha had been open to the idea of training - and why wouldn't she, they weren't doing anything else. Ricken wanted absolutely nothing to do with Viral or Vegeta however and had to be "coerced" into going. And by that she meant forced. She'd managed to compromise with her grouchy sibling and offered to spar with Viral in his stead, sparing him having to deal with that. Besides where the alternative was the eccentric Leto she felt like she'd won out in their deal. Ricken seemed to recognize as much when they finally reached the room, shooting his sister an accusatory glare as he lined up with the man. Offering only a shrug in response she introduced herself to Viral, bowing as a sign of respect. She'd meant it when she said she was looking forward to training with him, his accolades not lost on her. Shame he didn't quite share her enthusiasm.

"Are you sure? If that's what you want then okay, but... Wouldn't it be better of you fought back?" A resounding no shot down any ideas of that. Sasha would do as she was asked but it didn't feel much like training this way. Really it amounted to little more than sparring against a training dummy. With a smile she nodded her head and stretched out for a moment, giving Viral a chance to do the same if need be. "For the record I'm not worried about you hurting me. If that's why you 'just need to be cautious' anyways. I know you're plenty strong but I also know you're not the enemy, so I'm fine." He wasn't the wild beast some people painted him to be, if he was then she and Ricken would never have been asked to come here. She might be reading into things too much but knowing Korian's position when it came to Viral - as almost everyone at this point did - it wasn't hard to guess what was on the Beastman's mind.

"If we're all through talking then I believe it is time to begin our fighting! Let our hearts burn brightly as we do battle, friends!" Leto's pep-talks seemed to get no one besides himself riled up, as evident by the awkward looks all around. That didn't stop the Yulian from facing Ricken and flexing several times over, perhaps his equivalent of a warm up stretch. "Now, young Ricken, I'm sure you're intimidated by my impressive physique! But know that I, Major Leto, will cause you no undue-"

Ricken silenced Leto rather swiftly with a punch, causing the Yulian to spin around on a heel before he was kicked forward with a swift boot to the rear. Glaring at the back of his partner Ricken sicked, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Just... Shut up and fight, you moron..."

"I guess that's our cue too! Here I come, Viral." Nothing to do but to initiate it and hope Viral would eventually take part. Starting conservatively, Sasha approached the Beastman with her fists raised, waiting until she got closer to throw her first punch. Having it caught she tried with a second, finding her hands both caught without much effort. Kicking a leg out to force Viral back she smiled and moved in quicker this time, throwing a high kick at his shoulder and immediately throwing another as he blocked it, dropping her leg and spinning around as she kicked with the other. Seeing little use in any of that she dropped to the ground and spun on her hands, sweeping at his feet instead and missing. Rising up on her hands she kicked out with both legs before flipping back up and trying to strike his abdomen with her elbow, trying then and failing to strikes his jaw when he blocked her elbow. If she could just keep the pressure on then he'd make a mistake eventually, she just had to be persistent. And hopefully land something before she ran out of energy. "You're not easy to hit, you know that? I'm trying to mix it up here too!"

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

The Following Day

Only so much progress could be made in a single day's time. For his own part Ethan was making the same mistakes as before, using the wind more like a blunt force than a cutting one as Kensen suggested. Nymira still couldn't super-heat her blades without melting them, a fault she placed more on her materials than her ability. Amuné had yet to report to Gage since the previous day's scene - Gage was predisposed with work anyways, giving the girl the day off. Adrianna and Cecil were perhaps the only two who had any modicum of success over the last day: the former because she simply wasn't training, the latter having succeeded in testing his shield.

Despite having made no real discernible progress for most of the group Taliya had called off their lessons for the day. Ethan assumed they were to be given another task from the woman, Nymira guessed there were more beasts she wished for them to exterminate. It was an abrupt end to an even more sudden regiment forced upon them and no one could guess for what reason they were being brought in today. Being fetched from their quarters and dragged down to the office they had to wait a short time as others were in and out of Taliya's room frequently; papers were being brought and taken out, people were meeting with the leader, it seemed like a frenetic morning. They were finally allowed inside after Taliya could be heard shouting a string of insults at someone, a man fleeing from the room as a book was hurled after him, narrowly missing his head. Not exactly a good precedent for their own meeting.

"They're here ma'am," their guide called in, holding the door for everyone to get inside. As if he was going to join them with Taliya in a mood.

Groaning in frustration the woman behind the desk glanced up briefly, waving everyone inside as she returned her focus to the papers before her. The paperwork for the people Lionel and Adrianna had brought in were on the top, and easily two of them had falsified their documents. That didn't so much matter since plenty of people did, but a tiny inconvenience was a huge headache on a day like today. There were forms from the mayor about their funding, bills from the smithy for all their work, not to mention bills for expenses she didn't even know they'd had! She'd have to wait on all of this exciting work now that the runts had arrived, she'd another job to dole out.

"You kids are doing a favor for me today, consider it your training for the afternoon. I'm sending all of you outside of Mutebo," Taliya began, glancing at Adrianna to make it clear she was included, "And you're going to go looking for two people. First there's a pair of merchants that we sent out yesterday, they should have been back by now but no one's seen them. They've got some shit we need and we can't afford to have them end up as lunch for some animals, so go out and get them. Or their stuff, honestly I don't give a fuck which it is at this point." Not true, she didn't want those people dead persay, but if they'd gotten themselves eaten then there wasn't much they could do at this point. It'd be their own fault for not taking the more traveled, better protected roads. No use in crying for the dead as they say... Or you'd be crying all day.

"You're also going to look for Gage, figure out where he's gone and tell him to get his ass back here. I sent him out early this morning to meet them and haven't seen him since, and it's not like him to be late. I'd send just one of you but you're still shit at combat, so I'm sending the whole group of you. Find the traders and find Gage, get them back here before I lose what little fucking sanity I've got left today. Any questions?"

"Uh... Why send us? Why not send Kensen?" Ethan didn't quite understand, wouldn't it make more sense to send someone more capable? And one person could move a lot faster than a whole group - especially considering Amuné had been brought along.

"Because he is out too, and I'm not calling his scaly hide back here to do this. You brats still owe us and you're not doing anything, that's why. Between the five of you I imagine you'll be able to handle whatever the hell it is that's got that old bastard stuck. Deal with whatever is holding them up and get everyone home, nice and simple."

"Why include Amuné? She's not a warrior." It was Nymira's turn to press Taliya and she looked at the aforementioned Ydran curiously. Every time they'd been in combat the girl had been, frankly speaking, more of a risk than a help. If this was some sort of rescue operation then why send along someone like that?

"If I didn't send her then she'd get the bright idea to chase after you anyways. Then we'd be looking for her too, and I don't feel like mounting 3 fucking search and rescue jobs today. So she's going with you, she can just... Sit back and watch, I don't know. You figure it out." Brushing aside a stack of papers she grabbed her flask and took a drink only to find it bone dry. Shaking it she huffed and shouted for the man outside to come in, tossing it to him with the instructions to get it filled. "If you kids have no other questions then get going! We've both got shit to do and none of it's going to get done standing around with our thumbs up our asses. Go find those idiots and bring them back."

No one wanted to stay here any longer, not with the mood Taliya was in. Filing out of her room they stood just in the hall, not wholly certain of where to go from here. She hadn't given them directions nor an idea of where to look, only to go find them. Far as Ethan could recall there was a single main road leaving Mutebo and it didn't branch off for some ways, which at least narrowed down their search a little. But with how big the area was - not to mention how unfamiliar with it they all were - it could take the better part of the entire day to find even a trace of Gage or the traders. With an exasperated smile Ethan sighed, scratching at his head as he looked between the group for some semblance of an idea.

"So... Where do we start? Adrian, you've been here for a while right. Any ideas?"

"We could try asking, it's not as if no one saw Gage or the traders," Nymira posited, folding her arms as she glanced back at the shut door, "One of the guards perhaps can point us in the right direction. Or if Adrian has some idea..." She didn't care really, whatever was needed to get this job of theirs over with quickly. Ironic though that they were being sent out to save one of the men supposedly training them. If that was her she'd be terribly ashamed of herself, probably going so far as to step down from her job as a mentor. Somehow she didn't see Gage having a problem with it though. "This is all assuming they're even still alive too. He's not a Magi if I remember right, so if he was attacked by a pack of beasts..."

"He'll be alive, that guy seems way too tough to go down to some animals," Ethan interjected, though a nervous smile pulled at his lips. There were things other than simple animals out there though.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

And here comes that skip I mentioned two weeks ago :P Just to the very next day! Clumping people together to keep things easy for us :3

Edit: A bit small but just getting the ball rolling, and wanna leave plenty of room for everyone to write :)

Dragon Ball: Legacy (Mogtaki and Vena Sera)

"It was a joke Viral, I wasn't trying to make light of someone dying." Admittedly a macabre joke but nothing more than that. Vegeta made a mental note to refrain from any kind of humor in the presence of Viral, at least until there was some marked improvement in his demeanor. The jab made at his capability fell to the wayside as he felt ambivalent at best towards who was better: it wasn't a contest, they all needed to be capable. Whatever degree of capability then that each person had was fine, the more powerful fighters they had the better their odds. "I welcome anyone stronger than me with open arms if it means killing these creatures," Vegeta muttered, watching as Leto began to group up the troops into pairs, "Looks like its time to get started. And time for you to show them what you can do, instructor." Clasping Viral on the back he went to the other trainees and paired against one another. His opponent for the day? A rather large alien with bright orange skin and green markings, difficult to say if they were male or female. Offering a greeting and a handshake he stood there awkwardly as the alien simply stared back at him, cocking their head in confusion. Weren't members of the rebellion generally versed in the common tongue?

"Now then my pupils, we can begin our training in earnest! Viral and I will oversee the exercises today and we will critique form, ability, and how quickly or slowly you pick up techniques. We want to know where our recruits stand so we know better where to start our lessons. So today is simple: a sparring session with the person across from you! And that includes you and myself too, Viral. We'll have partners of our own today!" A slight bit of information withheld from Viral at the behest of Korian. As a man under their leader Leto had no choice but to follow orders, even if Aito had specifically asked to keep Viral in the loop. Perhaps not off to the best of starts with regards to trust. Worried perhaps Viral would get angry - if he wasn't already - Leto clapped his hands loudly and declared for their partners to come out. "I think its only fair your instructors train as well! Lead by example as they say!" the Yulian belted, grinning as he flexed his frame, "And no man would ever turn down a chance to improve himself, isn't that right Viral?"

"Do you always have to speak so damn loud, Leto? We could hear you outside the room," Ricken growled as he and Sasha entered the room, his usual glowing self. "And you really could have just had us come in to start with, there's no reason for all the theatrics."

"I am merely instilling enthusiasm in our dear trainees, my friend! And but of course there is! What fun is life without a little excitement, a little show? I'd argue every day of our lives is a theater performance, and we are simply actors playing a part!" Vegeta buried his face in his palm hearing that. His father had let Leto read some of his psychology books hadn't he? That sounded eerily similar to a theory he'd read about once, now he was concerned the Yulian thought himself a professional.

"Well I think the part we're meant to be playing is fellow trainees right? So let's get to playing!" Sasha declared, attempting to stifle the inevitable bickering that would ensue. Ricken had a charm for that. Taking her brother by the shoulders she directed him to Leto, smiling as he gave her a glare and patting him on the back. In no way was she going to allow someone as confrontational as her brother to duel against Viral, he'd not have any of it. Going to the Beastman then she put her fists together, knuckles pressed, and bowed her head slightly. "On our home world that is how we show respect, like a master should be given," she explained before smiling, "I'm excited to train with our future instructor of the rebellion. I'll do my best not to make this boring for you."

Adelon: Steeling the Faith [Open!]

Expect a little skip pretty soon just to move us along a day. Got some stuff coming up!