Laue

Chronicles of Altea

Get well soon.

New IC post coming up soon(tm). Frankly I don't exactly know when, but it is coming.

Chronicles of Altea

Oh. Sorry to hear that. What happened?

Chronicles of Altea

I'm expecting posts from at least one more person.

@Sir JaysunGo go go.

Cradle of Divinity (signups always open)

Concerning mind control, under what category would hijacking a creature's central nervous system would fall into? Technically, it's not mind control, it's body control. The mind is perfectly aware that it lost control of the body.

If it is even allowed/possible, of course.

Cradle of Divinity (signups always open)

John

When John awoke, he was inside a pod he so recently emerged from. It was closed this time however, doing... something to him. His wound was still there, he could feel it. But it was also was closing extremely rapidly. Weakness was still in his body, but he could actually move his limbs a bit. This machine was restoring him, just like the Goddess said. However, it was still nowhere close near done. The torn clothes remained as well.

Boy did John fuck up. He analyzed everything that went wrong with his rather fatal fight against the... bear thing... He was now far more than mere human, but he didn't consider the fact that this land is nothing like Earth. While his new powers might have made him invincible against bears from Earth, this wasn't Earth. He should consider taking a more careful, even scientific approach to future encounters. He won't avoid that here.

John considered the grand objective - taking the essence of the most powerful beings in this land. John got destroyed by a mere bear, what hope does he currently have against someone, or something that actually knows what they are doing? As advantageous as it is to be with a group of others, they are all competing for the same objective. John needed something on his side, something with unquestionable loyalty. And preferably many of that little something...

YES! Exactly! John remember what he was working on before getting spirited away here. The Preta Project! All of the roadblocks and headaches he hit back on Earth can be circumvented here via this power - magic. Not only that, it could be made work even better. Of course, John had no idea how to start. He worked on Preta several years now, even memorized it's genetic code. But he needs very sophisticated tools to splice the Preta. Could he conjure it somehow? Would it even work here? Why wouldn't it, if basic biological principles apply to creatures here. As long as it has a central nervous system, Preta would work on it... In theory.

The Preta Project - his most ambitious undertaking. Well, not his. It was started by a Nazi scientist back in WW2. He defected to the allies as soon as Germany started loosing the war. Due to the nature of his field, his name never went public. Nobody knows of him and his work but select few. And while the US Military decided that John could potentially continue his work, they've never given the man's name. A shame. That unnamed scientist created an amazing specimen with such primitive tools. Most people in John's field couldn't even do that with the most modern tech available.

Before Preta, John worked on various cures and treatments. It was so dull. Medicine only fixes problems - it does not improve humanity. John wanted to work on something greater. To continue the process that so suddenly stopped - human evolution. Humans are so frail and weak, with only their intelligence to protect them from nature. In the recent century, humanity even turned against nature. It's a big no-no. Humans are a part of nature, it is their duty to coexist with it. And it certainly is possible, especially if human evolution could continue. John will continue it. And while Preta ain't benevolent in any shape or form, some of it's features could be implemented into humanity as a whole.

But all of that is speculation. Pesky things as laws and regulations prevent John from doing any real work. While Preta is pretty much considered a bio-weapon, it's the US Military - if they asked for it and are paying for it, it's legal. John never gave much consideration about what would they actually do with Preta should it be completed. He sort of understood what could potentially happen, but didn't care. People like him will always have a place in any society - he's too valuable to be simply disposed of.

But in this world he is nothing. At least at the moment. Working from the bottom again, making his name through intelligence and rather insane dedication to progress - it excited John. With no laws to tell him what's right or wrong. With no regulations preventing him from doing some real science, he is free to make his ambitions and dreams come true. Should he succeed here, he could go back to Earth with all the knowledge he has gained. He would be humanity's... No... John would be Earth's salvation. And this little playground, this extremely hostile and dangerous playground was his to experiment in. Thank's little Goddess - in time, YOU will be my test subject.

Chronicles of Altea

I'm confused. What exactly don't you understand and I'll try to answer.

Chronicles of Altea

Yes. Character (and their power) development is an extremely important part of this RP. As the characters collect various artifacts, uncover or learn something new, and eventually surpass their mortal limits they will face tougher and tougher opposition.

And of course I'm trying to drop subtle and not so subtle hints in the Original Post. Same will go into the IC as well. Strange how The Beyond and Chimera categories are empty, huh? They would be pretty big if I revealed them initially.

Also, not every event will have critical effects, nor will they be only used for serious things. I think more of a fluff uses will be fun.

Chronicles of Altea

Luminous Knights

A rather large group of knights has been called in to report to Meridian, as an a rather important assignment awaited them. That's all they knew when they received the letter. Why they were chosen over someone else was not known, but they were expect back in HQ - back where they once were just little whelps going through extremely tough training. Except for the Wonder Child, if the rumors are true.

...

Arriving upon the designated briefing room, the knights started to mingle, as they waited for everyone else to show up. As expected, The Wonder Child along several others of her class were there - completely green. There was no commanding officer there yet, which was a surprise - they're never late.

A few minutes later a ruckus starts. One of the older, more experienced knights started to get rowdy. "This little whelp is our commanding officer? Seriously?" he started raising his voice. "Out of all people who have the experience to lead, they give it to the fucking whelp who got through training solely because of her father's money?!" He gets louder and louder. Alicia doesn't seem to be even concerned about him. "What kind of commander you can be when you will cry the second you stub your toe? Incompetent idiots like you get people killed!". The man is now fuming, and the crowd is watching the show. And then - a sort of loud, slapping sound. The man falls downs, stunned. The side of Alicia's hand is where the man's neck was seconds before.

(PER>=6 Your character managed to notice Alicia strike the man.)
(PER<6 Alicia's strike was too fast for your character to notice and they are rather confused/amazed.)

"I am a temporary commander. Our commander is currently busy and will arrive to reinforce us tomorrow. Until then, you follow my orders." explained Alicia, unfazed by the fact that she nearly knocked the man out or by his attitude. "Now then, let's begin the briefing." It seemed that all the seats in the room were taken - everyone was here. Having some trouble to move, the man quietly got into his seat.

As they were explained, an unknown group of magi has been attacking various remote knight outposts. Those outposts, barely into their construction phase are crucial into Altea's expansion plans, as outposts serve as a place to stage patrols from, a place for merchants to rest and stay safe for the night, as well as allowing easier construction around the area. Their job would be to locate and dismantle a bandit camp along an important route, and secure it until supplies arrive to build an outpost. Reinforcements will also arrive to assist them, as an attack is extremely likely.

"That is all. We ride out in three hours. Make any preparations you need and gather in the stables." Simple and clear. As Alicia leaves the room, it leaves the rest twenty or so knights to socialize or do anything else they want.

---

Outsider Mages

There is a rumor going in the Undercity and even beyond, that some man is looking for daring adventurers for an extremely risky but a well paying job. Whether it is wanderlust, curiosity or greed that drives them, they are to gather in some remote roadside inn, far away from any roads the Lumies use.

...

There are surprisingly little people gathering here. Aside from other adventurers who came here for the same reason, there is no else but the barkeep. He claims the inn was reserved for today, and that their potential employer will come soon. But aside from that, everything is on the house. Many empty seats - must be only the truly desperate or crazy to come here. It might as well been some kind of trap or a prank. It was just a rumor, after all.

Some times passes, and suddenly, with a sort of high pitched whistling sound, they appeared. 4 people, all of them cloaked, hiding their faces. But there was no mistake - they were all powerful mages. There was some sort of air around, an air of power, and it could definitely be felt.

(INT>=5 Your character remembers that this is known as an aura, and feels a little bit smarter for that.)
(INT<5 Your character is confused by the change in the atmosphere.)

"No more waiting. Those who were interested already came." one of them spoke, seemingly their leader. "Your task is as simple as it is dangerous." The man pulls out some sort of key out of his pocket.

Suddenly, it started to glow blue, as a ball of energy appeared above the man. Out of that ball of blue energy, a scroll slowly emerged. Unfurling it on the table, it was clear the scroll was a map. A very old map.

"Weisstraugh. This is your destination." He points on the map. "All you need to do is to reach it. The journey will be perilous. No one has went that far inland for nearly three hundred years. And I need people to find it for me." The man activates the key again, and now dozens of jingling pouches descended down on the table. "Each of you will get one of those. Consider this an advance payment. Succeed and you will receive three times this amount." Understandably, this man now had EVERYONE's attention.

A woman stepped forward from the other three standing in the back. Her attire, as well as the dual daggers sheathed behind her back just screamed "Undercity Assassin". "I trust you will lead those people to success, Misala. After all, your services are... very expensive." The man emphasized the "very expensive" part. The woman just nodded, grabbed the map and headed towards the group of people. "Now then. Grab your money and let's make a plan. We've got plenty of time for that and introductions."

Chronicles of Altea

Name: Alicia von Eternus
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Faction: Luminous Knights

Personality: Emotionless and distant - that's how everyone would describe the wonder child. Her upbringing left Alicia with little to no social skills, or people to use them on. For better or worse, she is completely straightforward. She will always speak her mind, no matter how brutal her honesty will be. The very few friends she found during the years as an initiate all attest that she has a warmer, undiscovered side.

Bio: Daughter and heiress to the richest and most influential man in Altea, the "Wonder Child" joined Luminous Knights as an initiate at the minimum allowed age - 16. At that point her whole training and subsequent service was more or less a formality. But it wasn't because she received any special treatment or anything - she already was a better warrior than most of the trainers tasked to instruct her. For Alicia, the grueling exercises were barely warm-up, and combat training would end up with the instructor on the ground. The longest an instructor stood on his feet was three seconds. Hence the nickname of "Wonder Child".

The few friends she found during that time learned the horrifying reason why. Her training started as soon as she could walk - at the age of three. Alicia's father hired an instructor to teach her an exotic martial art, and to hone her into a perfect weapon. Both parts succeeded. Except there was nothing left of a girl named Alicia.

Stats:
STR: 8
AGI: 10
PER: 10
INT: 4
WIS: 5
CHA: 3

Spells:

• Sword of Judgement- Conjures a projectile in shape of a sword, floating above her and following Alicia at all times. Up to four can be maintained at any given time, and they can be launched at any target anytime Alicia wills it. Swords of Judgement are used in all other spells.
• Revealing Light- Detonates a Sword of Judgement to disperse it's energy in a wide area. While this has little to no power to hurt mages, it will greatly interfere with non-mental illusions and invisibility, as well as other wide area of effect spells.
• Entrapment- Commands the swords to circle around the specified target instead of following Alicia, effectively trapping them unless they can somehow slip out of the circle of swords following them.

Skills/Techniques:

• Etra-Shi - The exotic and nearly forgotten martial art, supposedly of elven origin. This fighting style consists of using two long swords of differing lengths and weights in sweeping, spinning motions. Etra-Shi puts massive emphasis on enemy prediction and split-second planning. When properly executed, it looks like a mesmerizing dance of blood and flying limbs, where each attack misses the user completely as she cuts through the opposition.
• Battle Trance - The key to Etra-Shi, Battle Trance is a form of meditation. The user purges her mind of all emotion and thought, leaving the mind solely focused at the combat at hand. For the user, it's like the world became slower, allowing her to move with inhuman precision. However, this technique is extremely taxing on both mind and body, and when it ends, the user will be out of the fight. Alicia can stay in Battle Trance for a minute. Then she requires at least a day of rest before using it again. [While Battle Trance is active, Alicia's PER and AGI is doubled.]
• Battle Tactics - Alicia is well taught in command and flow of battle, making her a capable, yet inexperienced leader.

Combat strategy: The first thing Alicia will do is to gauge the enemies. Note the weapons her enemies use, their positions, their stance. From there she forms a basic plan. Conjuring up 4 Swords of Judgement, she will charge into combat with Battle Trance, and for all intents and purposes she'll be an one woman army, at least for a minute.
Equipment:

• Izanagi & Izanami - The twin swords Alicia wields, bearing the hallmarks of Whedius - Master Dwarven Smith. Outclassing even most paladin arsenal in their quality, these swords are worth a literal fortune.
• Valkyrie's Armor - The lightweight and extremely sturdy armor which, while not as tough as plate armor, allows Alicia complete freedom of movement. Bears the hallmarks of Whedius.
• Bloodline Seal - Alicia has a red, massive, weird tattoo on her stomach. As far as she knows, every member of her family has one, as it is tradition. Those who seen it claim it creeps them out.

Chronicles of Altea

@MadKatzYour character is accepted. Though I assure you, you will need something later on. Maybe some more of passive magic allowing him to surpass natural limits earlier than others?

And with that, I will add an important NPC to the Luminous Knight side. Hopefully I will be able to get the IC up soon. If not, expect it tomorrow.

Alicia von Eternus

Name: Alicia von Eternus
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Faction: Luminous Knights

Personality: Emotionless and distant - that's how everyone would describe the wonder child. Her upbringing left Alicia with little to no social skills, or people to use them on. For better or worse, she is completely straightforward. She will always speak her mind, no matter how brutal her honesty will be. The very few friends she found during the years as an initiate all attest that she has a warmer, undiscovered side.

Bio: Daughter and heiress to the richest and most influential man in Altea, the "Wonder Child" joined Luminous Knights as an initiate at the minimum allowed age - 16. At that point her whole training and subsequent service was more or less a formality. But it wasn't because she received any special treatment or anything - she already was a better warrior than most of the trainers tasked to instruct her. For Alicia, the grueling exercises were barely warm-up, and combat training would end up with the instructor on the ground. The longest an instructor stood on his feet was three seconds. Hence the nickname of "Wonder Child".

The few friends she found during that time learned the horrifying reason why. Her training started as soon as she could walk - at the age of three. Alicia's father hired an instructor to teach her an exotic martial art, and to hone her into a perfect weapon. Both parts succeeded. Except there was nothing left of a girl named Alicia.

Stats:
STR: 8
AGI: 10
PER: 10
INT: 4
WIS: 5
CHA: 3

Spells:

• Sword of Judgement- Conjures a projectile in shape of a sword, floating above her and following Alicia at all times. Up to four can be maintained at any given time, and they can be launched at any target anytime Alicia wills it. Swords of Judgement are used in all other spells.
• Revealing Light- Detonates a Sword of Judgement to disperse it's energy in a wide area. While this has little to no power to hurt mages, it will greatly interfere with non-mental illusions and invisibility, as well as other wide area of effect spells.
• Entrapment- Commands the swords to circle around the specified target instead of following Alicia, effectively trapping them unless they can somehow slip out of the circle of swords following them.

Skills/Techniques:

• Etra-Shi - The exotic and nearly forgotten martial art, supposedly of elven origin. This fighting style consists of using two long swords of differing lengths and weights in sweeping, spinning motions. Etra-Shi puts massive emphasis on enemy prediction and split-second planning. When properly executed, it looks like a mesmerizing dance of blood and flying limbs, where each attack misses the user completely as she cuts through the opposition.
• Battle Trance - The key to Etra-Shi, Battle Trance is a form of meditation. The user purges her mind of all emotion and thought, leaving the mind solely focused at the combat at hand. For the user, it's like the world became slower, allowing her to move with inhuman precision. However, this technique is extremely taxing on both mind and body, and when it ends, the user will be out of the fight. Alicia can stay in Battle Trance for a minute. Then she requires at least a day of rest before using it again. [While Battle Trance is active, Alicia's PER and AGI is doubled.]
• Battle Tactics - Alicia is well taught in command and flow of battle, making her a capable, yet inexperienced leader.

Combat strategy: The first thing Alicia will do is to gauge the enemies. Note the weapons her enemies use, their positions, their stance. From there she forms a basic plan. Conjuring up 4 Swords of Judgement, she will charge into combat with Battle Trance, and for all intents and purposes she'll be an one woman army, at least for a minute.
Equipment:

• Izanagi & Izanami - The twin swords Alicia wields, bearing the hallmarks of Whedius - Master Dwarven Smith. Outclassing even most paladin arsenal in their quality, these swords are worth a literal fortune.
• Valkyrie's Armor - The lightweight and extremely sturdy armor which, while not as tough as plate armor, allows Alicia complete freedom of movement. Bears the hallmarks of Whedius.
• Bloodline Seal - Alicia has a red, massive, weird tattoo on her stomach. As far as she knows, every member of her family has one, as it is tradition. Those who seen it claim it creeps them out.