Jay009

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

‘A comprehensive analysis of the princes of the oblivion plane’.

‘The rise and fall of Michealangelo Young’.

‘Baphomet, the voidling prince of might’.

These three books stood out profoundly in Barrackers mind, these three were deciphered and rummaged through thrice over. Carefully dissected each page, pages flickering back and forth through. Other literature rinsed over, but eventually placed in a pile of books to be forgotten about as they would hold too much knowledge about things that were not relevant. Based on the information James had given the Paladin, the pale man had taken upon himself to help with the task of dispelling Zell’s curse. They had both been in quite a predicament, a dilemma consisting of high level stress thrown their way and Barracker suspecting that the two must have felt as if they were losing part of themselves in the process. This was worrying and he would like to be of help to James, the captain of Second Chance always being around to take on everyone’s feelings and bring balance to the group with his skilled management. But he was also in trouble, the very least he could do was help cut the list of problems down on what his party members had to struggle with. Not being from this world and pushed into a line of fighting for Mytheria, this was enough to deal with.

He slapped a hand to his head, his chin tucked in, shaking his head a little. Focus, stay focused on the goal. This can work. Everything is here in these three books.

‘A comprehensive analysis of the princes of the oblivion plane’- Book I, a collection of quotes and sources that provided a full breakdown on the motives and personalities of the six most powerful entities of the Void.

‘The rise and fall of Michelangelo Young’-Book II, a breakdown of one of the more notable cases, and ruination of the notorious nephew of the Empress at the time, during the mythic age, Ileandra Young. Someone so made of steel and divine blood was consumed by hatred. No, no. Not just hatred, something else. Paranoia, tricks, anxiety, leading into bad actions that could then bring on guilt, depression and insanity too. Some say before Baphomet got to him, he could not be beaten or out witted. He was remarkable and he was righteous.

And lastly there was, ‘Baphomet, the voidling prince of might’. Book III was about the devil himself. There were six devils in all, of different aspects of power. Baphomet was of 'Might.' This book mainly referred to the time that Baphomet managed to gain so much influence that his cult used a Wellspring to tear a rift in reality that was big enough to allow him to set foot in the mortal realm. This era of the Mythic Age was dreadful and full of suffering, but after several defeats, the first special ‘Raid Group’ of the strongest, fully ascended adventurer parties eventually managed to defeat and banish him back to the oblivion plane. Those adventuring parties formed ‘The Council of Heroes’ who became an institution within the Churches branch of Government.

He truly feared for Zell but also knew his captain needed someone to be there for him too, but did not know how to approach James’ unique problem just yet, other than give him some words of encouragement and support. Zell however needed confronting quickly and harshly, a big reality check for the man who was falling like all the others that fell before. The ritual had failed because of Zell, which meant he was already going down the dark path, step by step. James had shown remarkable resilience and Barracker judged him to be steady enough to handle his own issues with resolve for hopefully long enough to deal with Zell first, but he would not ignore his captain.

His eyes remained engulfed in the books as if they were flames of a fire flickering away. His eyes were sore from the constant squinting, his neck began to sore, his posture was all bent for way too long, The vampire had thought maybe it was in the early evening but the time had passed on and on. So much reading went on until Neebs had taken himself to Barracker and told him how long he had actually been here and had told him the time, which proved to be even later than he had thought. The Academy was already closed but Barracker had used his ‘Piety Rank’ to gain access, but now it was so late that even he had to go.

“That late? I didn’t realise.” He looked back at the book as he closed it. “It is remarkable how much I have learned. Is this your area of expertise?” The vampire had thought maybe, someone more knowledgeable on the topic of dark domain could be of help. To hear something extra that wasn't at the forefront of his mind, or didn’t have the right level of importance surrounding it, he might have missed.

“Dark domain you say? Aw shucks, my specialization is in the Water Domain. Not even close to Dark, I’m afraid. Sorry about that.”

A water mage, huh? The vampire paused a moment, stroking his chin as he considered how he'd awakened to his Domain finally, back in the fight against Zigmund. Perhaps a second try at the tutoring might be successful this time. But it was not nearly important right now, so the thought was gone as quickly as it came.

“May I take these three books, I will return them tomorrow as soon as I am done.”

“Yeah sure, why not. Bring them to the front.”

Barracker gave his thanks. Don’t worry. James, Zell, I have you covered.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Neebs was sorting the bookcases out, from polishing to sorting the books out in alphabetical order. His job was fairly high ranked, he did a bit of everything but he enjoyed working in the libraries. While on the task, his attention was drawn onto the doors flinging open, the man, no, a vampire, seemed to be in distress. He had noticed that the vampire appeared to be wearing a Paladins tower shield. He asked in a friendly manner how he could be of assistance.

“I am looking for the history section, more in-depth of curses and contracts from princes of the oblivion plane,” the man said before introducing himself as Barracker Kassel of Second Chance.

“Well adventurer, right this way.” Barracker followed the mage up a set of stairs and round a corner. “High level curses ay?” He said in passing. But Barracker did not elaborate, so Neebs changed the subject. “Second Chance, that name has been popping up a lot around here lately. Mr Sirius has been working with the tech division, I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting him.”

Barracker responded politely but his tension was noticeable, clearly not receptive for any small talk right now.

“Well friend, I will leave you to it, any questions or help required. Just give us a holler.”

“You have my thanks,” the Paladin said absently, already fingering through the literature.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Alright, first IC post made! Apologies for any rough grammar. Been awhile since I have been back in the game. Let me know if I need to change anything as I get back into the swing of things.

@AvaP

Hi AvaP, wow that was an amazing intro. Loving the character and post, I look forward to writing with you, welcome to the group.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

It had been a long day spent among his loved ones at the Temple of the Quinity, but next was an extraordinary sight to behold. Something that Barracker had never realised a druid could be capable of, something that must have taken an immense power to conjure, this was a climbing area, used by kids and made from wood. Such creativity in all the angles and shapes of the various ways the wood curves and grows from the ground. This he thought was beyond the climbing frame which was placed at the orphanage and had even more stuff to climb onto, the two worlds collided of the love of climbing trees and being high up off the ground with a playful nature of an obstacle course element attached. “Thank you Adam, for this I cannot thank you enough,” Barracker patted Adam on the shoulder and smiled along with everyone witnessing this creation and it was all for the kids to play until their heart's content. Adam had drawn the respect from all the kids and the workers, even mother Anne had showered him with praise, it was a wonderful sight to see and Barracker felt a sense of pride to be friends with the likes of Adam, Fenna and the rest of Second Chance. Adam and Fenna had made themselves so familiar with the kids and imprinted long lasting good impressions which they will always remember.

Barracker and Adam said their goodbyes to Mother Anne and the vampire called for the kids attention and told them that himself and Adam needed to take their leave as they Barracker had things to attend to and so the kids one by one gave their biggest hug for Adam, leaving no room to grab onto Adam as each kid saying their goodbyes did not release. Isabella was the first to say goodbye, looking up from the hug and never releasing the flower she had been given. Eren went for a hug and a handshake. “I’ll never forget you mister.” Tyrion gave a warrior’s embrace and as usual so did the rest of the older kids join in. They gave him their thanks and knew this would be of help during hard times. Mother Anne popped a peck on Adam’s cheek and patted his hand.

“Each one of you, I have met from the notorious Second Chance have been such a delight,” Mother Anne lowered her voice before continuing. “I feel now, you have done a kind deed. More than ever while his friends and loved one are away, he has no one and your group has treated him like family. He has told me all about his party members, I will not forget you either, it was a pleasure Adam”. Before giving a hug to Barracker, she croaked a goodbye, “Make sure you bring the rest of your friends here, I loved meeting the two, I am looking forward to meeting more of your friends. Make sure to tell Fenna that I, Isabella and some of the others have asked after her.”

Mother Anne had done the exact same thing as she did to Adam, she patted Barrackers hand and bid them both a good day. Barracker was happy with the visit and had also learned a load of knowledge about the type of place Adam grew up in and other special things that people in his world had crafted, alongside the skateboard. Cars he thought, what an exciting world, his mind trailed off. Vampires are a thing of fiction, kids on skateboards, people driving horseless carriages.

“Your world sounds remarkable,” he said on the way outside.

When it was time to part ways at a crossroads in the street, "Oh, and in case I don't make it through the battle, keep an extra eye on Eren. Don't ask me how I know, but he's going to be a Druid some day." The tone seemed serious and Barracker felt that Adam needed to be corrected and refuted with his own.

“We will share the same fate, you and I, of this I am certain. There is too much of a fighting spirit we share that we are done, this is not our last breath, this battle we will drink after we are made victorious.” Barracker spoke as if he was certain, as if he knew the result beforehand. “See you later.”

As Barracker cut through the marketplace, his mind on Adam’s words about Eren being a Druid, he spotted someone in the alleyway that stopped his thoughts. It was a familiar voice, and it sounded as if they were muttering a prayer.

“James,” Barracker spoke a bit cautiously, he went over to his captain, and gave him a quick check for any injuries. “Are you okay?”

It was pretty clear that he was far from okay, he seemed distressed. Barracker waited for an answer before helping him up to his feet. He suggested to his leader to come with him and the two went to a cafe in the marketplace. As the two sat down, Barracker mentioned it was a nice place and ordered some tea, waiting for it to be delivered before speaking, so they wouldn’t be disturbed.

“What’s on your mind Captain? You can talk to me.”

The Paladin was in great concern for his friend as he had only seen him calm and composed, even in the face of death. So he knew this must have been serious.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

“Trouble makers, huh,” Barracker smiled at the druid's words. “I have one of those, back home. My brother Eric is one of the smartest guys I know, but that doesn't mean he didn't do his fair share of stupid things.”

“Have we not all,” Barracker smiled fondly remembering the antics that he, Krillen and Katrina got into. Even the pious and well behaved Evelyne was dragged into their craziness sometimes. “Kids will be kids”.

“So, do you have any siblings yourself?” The druid asked.

“Well, none by blood but I do consider the people at the orphanage to be my family. You see, I was raised an orphan, too young to remember my parents. The mischievous twins Katrina and Krillen, I would consider my dearest siblings. We were roughly the same age, spent almost everyday together along with Evelyne, my childhood sweetheart but she is not from the orphanage.”

While walking in the streets of Valhiem, Barracker was thinking about what was said in the tavern, he was happy to hear his friend mention that if anything troubled him, he would be another set of ears to listen. He was very appreciative of this and also that Adam was coming to meet part of his family, who he explained were all living at the Temple of the Quinity. “The orphanage is in the north east of the city so High Septum Areleth has been kind enough to move everyone closer to the bottom of the Citadel mountain.”

Circling back to the previous conversation, Barracker asked about Adam’s relationship with Eric. “Are you both close? You must miss him.”

On arrival at the temple, Barracker introduced Adam to the workers of the orphanage as he took him around the temple. Some were cleaning, some were washing clothes, but Barracker and Adam would find Mother Anne outside in the garden with the kids.

After laying his eyes on the kids, they did not notice him nor Adam, for a moment, he forgot to introduce Mother Anne to Adam as he was seeing something for the first time.“Mother, this is Adam, a friend of mine and part of Second Chance” he said, giving Anne a kiss on the head, all the while his eyes fixed on the kids fighting over the mysterious new contraption. After the introduction, Barracker went over to calm the situation between the kids, taking the weird device from them. “Enough kids, calm down everyone can use this?” He examined the device, which must have been a toy. It was a wooden plank with wheels.

“Tyrion and Eren made it, they won’t let me on it. Tell them” Isabella cried out upset.

The older kids came over with Tyrion. “It’s a skateboard. Remember, it was the thing that Fenna mentioned to Eren, about what her son played on, back in her world. It was when we were at the archery range.” Tyrion responded, trying to rejig his memory. The lightbulb switched on and Barracker nodded.

“Ahh yes, I remember,” he thought sadly, forgetting to ask Fenna more about her family at that moment.“She would be glad to see that you are all having so much fun with it.”

Mother Anne chimed in, “is that what you call that thing!” She shouted over with what power she had in her lungs. “It seems awfully dangerous.” she spoke to Adam a bit wheezy. She bent down slowly looking for her seat, and put her hand out for Adam’s assistance. After she was seated, she thanked him and gave him a smile of gratitude. Her missing teeth made her smile no less beautiful in Barracker’s eyes.

Barracker gave Isabella his cracked helmet and waited for her to put it on before giving her the skateboard. The Paladin returned to his friend, apologizing for not introducing him to the kids. “The orphanage is funded by the church but the Temple itself is not really built to have them all here.. There is just grass, nothing to play with. All their toys are at the orphanage so they get quite bored,” the Paladin explained to adam.

Eren, Tyrion, Isabella and the other kids got waved over. Tyrion came first, with his usual Barracker imitation of a formal salute, a fist to the chest, to introduce himself. The older kids followed suit. Isabella was toying with the hem of her flowery dress a bit shyly. Peeking just under the helmet halfway off her head, hand up to say hi.

Eren jumped into a hand out gesture to shake Adam’s hand. “It's nice to meet a friend of Barrackers.” Eren and Tyrion spoke synchronized. “What's it like in your world?” Then as Adam finished, Eren went big eyed, “Wait, you’re Adam, right?! You’re the one who can transform into a bear!” he grinned so big, “What's that like?”

After talking for a long time, Mother Anne got talking to Adam about her love for the children who grew up at the orphanage, she spoke as if she was their mother and spoke little tales about herself, which Barracker never knew. And days where Barracker was a bit more mischievous, along on his adventures that he and his friends and his sweetheart used to get up to.

“As you can see she is more than a worker, she is like our mother, and that is why we call her our mother.” the paladin put a hand on her shoulder. “She was there for us in our best and worst moments. Had enough love for us all.”

After the strong statement of affection, he was shooed away. “Go away with yourself,” she smiled, looking like she was tearful but over the moon, whilst slapping a hand onto his. “You will make an old girl blush,” then she turned to Adam. “Don’t you forget Areleth. I’ve dedicated my life to kids who have no one else. Two and half centuries and I don’t regret a day.”

They stopped for tea and Barracker made a mental note to not spend too long before he would politely drag the druid away and say his goodbyes. He did not want to take up Adam's whole day and also had things to do like check in with Warren and ‘The Bats’.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Loksfjoer Enjoy your time away

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

“I’m mentally ready for this, I think. I probably won't be commanding men like you are, so it's different, but I resolved myself to do what was right when I saw that letter. Right now, that means defending this place and saving as many people as I can. Of course, I don't enjoy ending lives in the process and I don't think I'll ever get used to huge battles, but if it's for the greater good then I'm good knowing I'm doing the right thing. How about you?”

Barracker thought it was very noble, a spirit of a paladin. The young man definitely had care for people and all of his words were laced with honour and humility. “As a soldier, it is of the utmost importance to be mentally prepared. Everything I have lived and trained for, comes down to moments like this.”

“What did you think of that letter, anyway?” Adam asked.

Barracker had a bitter taste in his mouth at the thought of the WitchQueen. Although Adam and the rest of his party had made the right choice to deny the WitchQueen’s overtures, Barracker felt it was his place to assure him of the evil which she had wrought on the continent. “I do not know this Melina Young. But I do know the WitchQueen.” The vampire stroked a pale thumb along one of his fangs. “I know of her atrocities too well.” He paused for a moment to let the flashes of those dreadful memories pass by. “Law and order is the backbone of any civil society worth living in. The protection of the people is the priority. She has broken law and order, and she has violated the protection of the people. Even if she is the rightful heir, she has thrown away her claim to the throne with these heinous crimes.”

He searched for understanding in Adam's face. It was a lot to take in and Barracker had left a lot unexplained, but felt the druid was a righteous enough soul that the Paladin could have faith that Adam would get it. As he was finishing his breakfast, he thought about how he’d quickly grown in close comradery with Zell, James and particularly Fenna. He also thought about how he had opened up to MacKensie, shown vulnerability and she had completely accepted him. That moment between them in the Temple Of Hades had changed him. He learned to trust his party members with more than just his life, but also his heart and soul too. So right now he looked at Adam and decided that the druid deserved more of an answer to the previous question about his mental preparation and where his head is at.

“About being prepared for the upcoming assault. I feel torn, there is a duty for me to align my skills for the protection of the people. But a wild desire floods my brain for the taste of vengeance. These two things may seem like they correlate but they are very different feelings. One is duty and the latter is ego. One is discipline and the other is chaos. I am not without fear for the future, my dreams trouble me greatly. But my faith in Second Chance, The Quinity, my friends and loved ones. It all gives me strength. So it is okay to have my doubts,” Barracker smiled.

After talking some more, Barracker mentioned his plans to check in with his family at the orphanage. Barracker extended his invitation for Adam to join and meet the trouble makers and his mother Anne, if he was not doing anything this morning.

When the time came he collected his gear from his room and came back down ready to leave.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Over the last couple of days, Barracker had followed through with his plan to spend more time with the rest of Second Chance. It was nice to eat meals with them, one on one or as a group. To get to know them more as individuals. It felt good to laugh with friends and to be merry, food always tasted a lot better with good company.

Barracker was fully kitted out, back in his gear. His helmet now sported a new look. Because of the damage done by Zigmunds ice explosion, the enchanted helmet could not be repaired perfectly and now had a massive diagonal scar going right through it. You might say it looked even more menacing, judging by the reactions of random citizens when he was walking through the street with it on. It worked perfectly fine though, which was the important thing. Also Barracker noticed he wasn’t as self conscious these days about how strangers judged him, he guessed it was because of his new found friendships with the heroes from another world.

James had put Barracker onto first name basis with the owner of The Mended Drum, Frederick. So he would say hello when he passed through the establishment and sometimes stay the night, using the extra booked room that Zell had rented for Joji, who was no longer around.

Right now it was morning and Barracker was having breakfast with Adam before planning on heading to the military centre to work with his soldiers, the vampire was telling the druid about the progress he was making.

“... So I think the morale is heading up in the right direction,” he finished, before taking a bite of his sausage and eggs. After finished his bite, Barracker continued, “One of my men, Gareth, went to Golden Tree Park to order some wood for training dummies. While talking with the lumber man, your name popped up. It seems your hardwork has not gone unnoticed, you have revitalized the peoples spirits.” It was true, Adam was the talk of the industrial section and it was no surprise. Adam was a fine young man, honourable and a good example to others. Barracker listened attentively and followed up with, “What have you got planned for today, more of the same?” Barracker also asked how he was feeling about the upcoming defence of Valhiem, a topic which was inevitably on everyone’s mind. “Is your heart and mind prepared? That is the most important thing, as this is something even I am not used to. A battle of this scale.”

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker sat in his usual spot, surveying his garrison, from the step ladder. Most of the time, he would be stationed alongside whoever was struggling, correcting where they went wrong and positioning himself where they stood, so that they would have a better idea and could mirror his movements. Getting stuck in himself with some of the training to show, he was not above them and would share the hard work. He appointed a second in command to share some responsibility in correcting some of the group's form. This person went by the name of Warren Burns, a Paladin who had not yet been blessed with the gift of the crystal and had not expected to be picked due to his history with the vampire.

When the two finally had free time to talk and discuss the plans of this one-hundred fighters. Warren mentioned something he did not quite think he would ever hear from his mouth. “So our name of this group. What are you thinking in that head of yours?” Warren said as if it pained him.

Barracker thought about it, and smirked to himself.

The look on Warren’s face showed he thought he was being laughed at and he got defensive. “What’s with the face, I’m confused.”

“Well your brother mentioned our mentor as being a turtle and we also are using a shield wall. So what do you think of that as our name?” The two chuckled in silence to themselves.

“Hmmmm… The mighty fucking turtles aye!” Warren took a minute to ponder, then spoke. “If I may be frank as always with you. This is your block and this is your strategy for the siege, how about something closer to home. The bats. We will swarm our enemies.”

“I must admit, I do like either but…”

“It would be nice to go by the bats and not feel like you’re forgetting your mentor, which you are definitely not. We all remember how good of a Paladin we fought and trained under. It might feel like you need to do all that to remember him, but he’s not going to think lower of you. I will, but I’m not Odis, thank fuck for that.” They both laughed. “Living up to that old guy's name, I sure wouldn’t want too”

Barracker took the compliment, and gave a nod before standing up. “The Bats, it is.” Then the Paladin turned to his Garrison and called for attention. “Warriors. We are from now on, known as ‘The Bats’ and we will swarm our enemies and drive them into the arms of Hades”.

After a long day of training and giving their all, Barracker gave leave to his garrison and they would return back here by eight in the morning. “Put your feet up, you have earned it. Hug your sons and daughters, give your other half a kiss.” This would give them time to see their loved ones and to see in a physical sense, who they were fighting for and to show his soldiers why they were fighting. This sentiment made him think of Evelyne, last time he held her hand, so soft in comparison to his own. The last time he touched his lips on hers. That distinct smell of Jasmine and Amber notes, her favourite scent. He knew what his own reasons were for fighting. Most of his family were tucked away inside the Temple of the Quinity, hopefully Katrina and Krillen were safe wherever they were in Mytheria. As for Evelyne, she was most certainly safe in Capitol City, but he was starting to regret that he pushed her so far away. I never should have let her go.

Once everyone collected their things and left it was just Warren and Barracker. He felt a certain tension from Warren but put it down to worry for his brother’s safety. Barracker, before leaving, said one last thing and that was that his brother would be alright, he has adventurer’s and civilians looking out for him and counting on him.

I will collect my equipment tomorrow, see what everyone else has done today.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker had been hit with a wave of nostalgia upon entering the military facility. It felt like a long time since he had stepped within these walls. The walls looked the same, they even had a picture, hung on the wall of the sigil of the Royal house. Barracker had remembered the exact day of when he had joined up to the military ranks and confided his decision to girlfiend at the time, Evelyne telling her about the reasons why he wanted to join. That he had a duty to Valhiem, a duty to put his life on the line, to protect the weak and make the world a better place. For the good fight and to follow the footsteps of great men and women, like the legendary Dante Valeron, the chairman of the council of heroes.

A second wave of nostalgia was hitting Barracker even harder, as he stepped foot onto the massive yard, where most soldiers spent the majority of their time in service. The sound, the sight, the smell, felt so familiar. Almost like coming home. As he was briefed on the details on his duty as captain, whilst walking across the yard to meet his block, he saw familiar faces. He nodded a silent greeting but his attention was focused on Vice commander Jeremiah.

“To spread the power of our Source Crystal Users, each of you will Captain 100 men. It will be for you to fight with them, lead them and help reiterate instructions from the Chain of Command.” Commander Jeremiah bellowed.

Moments later, Barracker was acquainted with the block unit, filled with women and men of different age and experience ranges. Before he introduced himself, he thought of what his mentor Odis would do in his predicament. He had eight days, soldiers and conscripts and needed to be efficient and to stick to his values. A more ruthless general would put some weaker troops in the front lines to bare the brunt of damage and save the energy of his best soldiers. This was not an option under any circumstances for Barracker. As hard as it would be, he would try to save every life possible. And then it hit him.

A short time later, Barracker was on the training yard with his unit. He had already made them go and change their weapons, so now every single one of them stood, holding a long hoplite spear and round shield. On their hip would be a short weapon of their choosing, either a short sword or a hand axe.

Barracker shouted for attention, “Warriors we are under a pressing time for Valhiem, we can do this and I will make sure we all cross that line.” he paused for a moment to let it sink in, “We will be doing some physical conditioning, but most importantly, our time would be dedicated to learning the art of ‘The Shield Wall’. This formation will be crucial and make us stronger than sum of our parts. We will fight as one and win as one, so long as each person knows their role.”

Barracker showed them how to handle a Hoplite shield and how in a shield wall you protect the man to your left, from neck to thigh. The Paladin quickly identified his most experienced soldiers and arranged the formation as a rectangle block, seven rows of forteen fighters. He put the remaining two conscripts at the back as the two were barely old enough to vote for the next mayor. His strongest soldiers occupied the front ranks.

Barracker ordered strongly, “Remember your position as this will never change, whenever we form up, unless an injured frontliner needs to be pulled back. In this case the next soldier behind him will step forward to replace the spot, as will the soldier behind them, and so on.”

For most of the day Barracker sat on a tall step ladder, drilling his block on advancing forward as one, back pedalling as one, and also moving left and right, without leaving any holes in the formation.