Omni5876

Broken Skies

Tobi swallowed nervously. His guild laden mind telling him that Tyrhallan was aware of his deception. He was sure that the knight was able to smell the truth like some sort of righteous canine.

An awkward smile appeared on Tobi’s face as the Knight Captain warned him of withholding information. He was sure that the man was honorable enough that he would not take any action against Arn but his loyalty to the senior mage prevented him from fully trusting the knight no matter how sincere his words were.

The silver haired knight was correct in stating the he was the exception to the attitudes of nobles. Tobi had yet to meet one that was interested in the protection and well being of those they ruled over. The young mage knew first hand. His father had been a successful tailor. Even catering to those of higher standing. As a young child the young mage had trained with his father and accompanied him to several rich house holds along with an older sister, Lidia.

She was a pretty little thing. Black haired with big almond shaped grey eyes and rosy lips that always displayed a smile. She was plain but it had been enough to catch the greedy eye of a noble. The man, Count Ernest, had tried to make advances on her. She had fought him off and as a result had pushed the man down some stairs. The count had not died but the offense would be enough to send his father to prison.

To prevent this Tobi had taken the blame. At 15 years old, he had been sent to prison but had the luck of having magic aptitude and was later sent to the Cauldron to study. He had not seen his family in years and he was sure they believed he was dead.

Sadness spread across the young mage’s face remembering and wishing he could trust Tyrhallan. He actually hoped that the lord was the beginning of a new generation of nobles that cared for their subjects.

As if to counter his willful ideas, the very personification of entrenched belief systems came hollering down the hall way. Many turned their heads and stepped out of the way as the black robed figure of the Shooting Stars captain huffed into view. The man was dressed in satin with gold embellishments. A gold insignia at his breast, marking him as the Captain of the Shooting Stars, sparkled importantly. No doubt, some poor novice had polished his hands raw trying to make the device gleam so.

Tyrhallan rose in the young man’s perception as he stood up to the vain Mage Captain. Evander was not as tall as the Knight Captain and had the added insult of having to look up at the silver haired warrior. Unlike the knight, Evander had short brownish hair that was slicked back. A hawk nose and ugly sunken eyes. He looked more like a black crow and in contrast, Tyrhallan looked like a majestic eagle.

Tobi allowed the pair to duke it out. Had he been able he would have sat down, propped his legs up and placed his hands behind his head to watch the show. It was rare to see the Shooting Star’s captain be put in his place. That is why he enjoyed so very much to be the messenger when he had to notify him of Arn’s rebellious actions. He felt that enduring getting books and other things thrown at him was worth the price to see the Lord Mage loose his shit.

*********************************
Arn was lost in thoughts ranging from how to get stronger faster, to the implications of the power that Eilis might possess that she would fear being used. He patted her head when she thanked him. He felt he had done nothing to earn that.

Indeed, there were few times he felt as powerless as now. Despite all his training and all his skills, he felt inadequate to protect her. He would have to come to Tyrhallan sooner or later. That would be a very awkward and hard conversation to have.

He felt her relax in his embrace and he closed his own eyes. His body complained about his wounds but he ignored it. He was steadying his own breathing when all of a sudden a cold stab that sent radiating painful pain through his body suddenly brought the peaceful scene to a stop.

Arn had never felt such pain. It was all he could to do stop himself from screaming. His eyes flung open and he looked around for the danger. He looked down at Eilis in desperate concern. He noticed the look in her face and his own concern increased. The pain vanishing but his body was still feeling the effects as nerves slowly relaxed after being exposed to that.

“What has happened?” the concern in his voice was palpable. He reached for her when the young lady laid down as if expecting to die. “I am here Eilis…I am here.” His professional tone was all but gone. He spoke to her as one does a sister, a daughter, or something else.

“I am not sure what that was. But I felt something.. If any one has hurt you…” He broke off. Rage started to bubble up in his stomach. His own hands clenched began to coat with fiery tongues. He calmed himself down. “I have promised you. I will stand by your side.” He placed a hand on her back as she lay in the fetal position. He concentrated and let the warmth fo the magic communicate his feelings and his conviction. “I you are no longer alone.”

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Fer’s eyes narrowed. Apparently the emissaries were keeping eyes on more than just the heroes. He wondered what sort of play was going behind closed doors. He already felt uncomfortable knowing that he may be indirectly be used as a tool to further someone’s cause. Often, if the tools is kept in the dark then the person using the tool was not of honorable persuasion.

The mention of the Zeltoblian hero spiked his interest. If there was a personage important or powerful enough to be placed in the same category as them, he felt he should know more about them. He filed the reference to ask Auriel. He figured he could ask Marcino but the man had quickly changed the subject. This spiked the young hero’s interest even more. Was there a man that the gruff veteran actually looked up to?

Fer nodded as Marcino surprised them by taking the job free of charge. The hero had resigned himself to pay what was necessary. After all, amasing fortune would be useless if his ultimate goal was to return to his own world at the end of the waves or his time here.

When Cole mentioned he did not know where their angel winged companion had gone Fer offered as a way of explanation. “She went to the Cathedral and library to check on the Dragon Glass and try to find some information about the old powers or skills of the old heroes.” The young man shrugged. “I had asked her to see if she could dig up some information. I want to be of better use. However, so far, I have only been able to morph my shield and gained a small orange one from feeding my gem those balloon monsters we fought the other day.”

He seconded Cole’s mention of being ready. “If we can pick up Auriel on the way, I am ready to go too.”

Broken Skies

Tobi had that mischievous grin on his face as he exited the room. He enjoyed teasing Arn as the senior mage tended to have a blank stoic look most of the time. The time that he had been able to get a rise out of him had been few and far between. However, in just the past couple of hours since the awakening of the young girl, Arn had demonstrated everything from anger, to shame, to something that might have looked like caring.



His smile widened as he imagined all the opportunities and situations that he could exploit to see even more reactions of the once cool and collected battle mage. His steps became bouncy at his private joy of future mischief when Tyrhallan’s voice rang out behind him. The young mage stopped mid step and hunched his shoulders as if expecting a strike. He even worried for a second that someone had managed to discern what he was thinking of doing to his superior. He gulped and turned slowly to see Knight Captain approaching.



Tobi’s distress became even more pronounced in his face as the imposing figure of the knight got closer to him. He knew that Arn was severe but he had heard the stories that knights could take offense easily and the only way to correct that offense was by ritual combat which was often deadly. These of course were myths circulated by young minds but to the young mage they were all but factual. He gulped again and then managed a weak “Yeeees s sir?”



When Tyrhallan spoke and insinuated as to the reason for stopping Tobi, the young mage’s eyes grew wider. He had been found out! He was probably going to face a court martial, maybe even getting flogged or worse they would send him to work in the mines never seeing the light of day again.



The young man gulped a third time and was ready to confess his sins and ask for forginvess when the actual issue came up. He sighed evidentily and then his complexion changed to a reluctant resolve. He remembered Arn’s silent warning and order. No matter the consequence, even if it was any he had previously envisioned when he thought he was in trouble for insubordination, he would endure it to uphold his senior’s order.



He took a stedying breath and spoke in a clear voice. “Knight Captain, I am afraid I do not know much. From what I know, she is a refugee that was in one of the ships being chased. She must have been badly injured because she was passed out when Master Mage Arn finally awoke. She was evaluated by a medic when she woke up and was deemed needing bed rest but he said nothing else.” He stopped here and appraised Tyrhallan to see if the other found any fault or error in what the young man said. At the same time, he was wondering how he would answer the question regarding their involvement. So he answered in the way he thought would lead to the least amount of questioning.



“In regards to Master Mage Arn’s behavior. No. It is not normal. He is often professional and even though many a young and good looking mage has tried to win his favor, none had succeeded.” A slight smirk crossed the young man’s face in a flash. “I left the room to give them privacy. If indeed Master Mage Arn has been fallen under the lady’s spell, then I did not want to be a third wheel” He cleared his throat to mask a chuckle that was threatening to break his professional acting. “So Knight Captain. I am afraid I do not know much of what was said or done in that room.”



At the mention of another mage a pensive look formed in Tobi’s face. “Every mage is listed by Squad and you being a tactical commander should have access to the reports. If you knew the name that would help. I know for a fact none of the Shooting Stars where mobilized for his operation and I think only one or two squads were on alert but not actually engaged. I do believe however that there were some mercenary mages that were attached to the actual vanguard ships.” The young mage shrugged. “I can try to ask around for you but we were not there when the young lady was brought in.” He added respectfully. “I am Adept Mage Thobias son of Thomas Tailor. My squad is the Shooting Stars as I am sure you know. I am at your service if you require any further assistance” Then thinking quickly about it he added “Although, I am sure you would have to route a formal request via Captain Evander Alessan if you required me for more than just questions.”



Tobi knew that the Shooting Star Captain would shit bricks if he just went away with the Knight Captain like Arn had. Evander barely had control of the Shooting Stars as it was. Any further disregard for his command would probably result in serious consequences for somebody. The young mage was not eager for that somebody to be him.



Arn received the small shivering figure of the young lady. His arms wrapped around her protectively. The motion surprised him greatly even as his body moved naturally to show a sensitivity that he did not know he possessed. Not since his mother, had the senior mage had any sort of physical or emotional contact with anybody. He had gratefully assumed a detached and stoic attitude that rubbed many the wrong way. Many female mages had tried to have him turn their way both as a challenge to be the one who managed to seduce such a well-known figure and also a few who truly had been enamored with the unattainable battle mage.



Even as he questioned his own actions, Arn rested his chin on the top of the young girl’s head. His body in reaction to her closeness and her shivering, unconsciously radiated a warmth that was soothing. He took a mental note of this reaction for future assessment in a theory he had started to formulate. In the mean time, his mind worked on another problem. Eilis had a fear of being used as a weapon. Considering himself a weapon, Arn knew that weapons were only worthy if they were strong and devastating.



The senior mage had mixed emotions regarding wanting to see Eilis at her full potential as any studious person who is trying to understand magic might be and his assumption that as powerful as he already assumes her to be, she might not be the strongest. Her mere presence amongst them could be dangerous to all of them. He rubbed her arm reassuringly as he spoke into the future. “I will not let you be taken.” His words were calm but assertive. He had spoke with all his heart and he made a promise to himself just as he had given her. He needed to become stronger to hold back whatever tide was to befall on them. The dark clouds of battle were starting to gather. Only the strong would survive the tempest.

Broken Skies

My candidates for days of the week.
Primdas
Secudas
Treadas
Quadras
Quindas
Hexdas
septdas

regarding the Mage ranks I would like Initiate and Novice to be junior rank. Apprentice and Adept the mid ranks aka supervisors sergeants etc and the Masters to be the leaders. Hence why its so strange for Arn to still be in the Shooting stars vice having his own command.

I kinda like the number of the heroes to be 11. That means that 10 are the support(which by the way the heroes could be named Pillars) and the King was the focus.

I know it has been done yet but I second @deia876lat plot of having their small group be the beginning of a rebellion. this would kinda allow them to move outside of pre existent chains of command.

Finally, I will try to flesh out Tobi and perhaps go a bit more in depth of the Shooting Stars.

Broken Skies

Arn understood Leo’s sentiment. His was not due to a thirst for battle but at feeling useless. He was a weapon that would be left at home and not even have the privilege of seeing the battle. Many of his junior mages would participate, who knows how many would die.

He pursed his lips knowing full well that their Captain, a mage called Evander Alessan, would try to seek glory at the expense of the lives of his men. The only qualification the man held was being of noble birth. The man hated Arn because though not being openly rebellious, the senior mage was basically untouchable being short of a war hero.

He had been punished many times by serving extra time cleaning the barracks etc. but nothing that would seriously affect Arn. Indeed, many of the junior mages felt it was Arn who was truly the leader in the Shooting Stars. They would often follow his direction in battle and looked to Tobi as a sort of older brother.

The apprentice mage of course did not dissuade this sort of thinking riding on the coat tails of Arn. Yet none, not even Arn, could reject the fact that many of the young men were still alive due to his experience in battle and his ability to make decisions that were practical and not the book version tactics of Evander.

The battlemage’s eyes shifted to Tobi. While he held not sort of deep connection with the lad he still felt responsible for him. The young man caught a glance of the other’s gaze and nodded understanding. The younger man knew that Arn was entrusting the squad to him. In the heat of battle when all the fancy plans that Evander came up with would shatter on first impact, it would be the quick thinking of the lad that would save as many as possible.

As if taking his cue from Leo, Tobi gave a smart ass salute to Arn “Well, if this is to be my last meal, I guess radioative fish sounds just as good as any.” He gave the senior mage a smirk. “Besides, I think you are in better company that I could provide huh boss?” The irreverent little guy turned and left ignoring a pircing glace from his senior.

Arn turned to Eilis as she pulled his robe but before he could answer her question, Tyrhallan answered for him. It surprised the battlemage that she did not know. However, from what he had gathered her education probably centered on magical literature and anything that could enhance her gift. He wondered if such one track minded education was true of all the Viemese military. If that was the case, then they face fanatics who had been breed to believe in their own superiority and cuse. This made them extremely dangerous.

The senior mage nodded at Tyrhallan’s request/order. Arn still felt bad about not being completely honest with a man who had been nothing but open with him but still his word was a bond he could not break. He turned to Eilis. “That was the Knight Captain I was talking to you about. I hope that you can come to trust him and reveal your secret to him. He would be a great ally to have.”

Arn sighed as he sat back down. “Although if what he said was true, the future is riding on this upcoming battle”

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

sorry for the delay, hope that makes up for it some. I will try to be much more active.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Fer agreed with Cole. The veteran adventurer seemed to spend all his ti me at the Inn. One might even say that there was more beer flowing through his veins than blood. This could be due to him loosing so much in his fights on the Arena as a gladiator.

Some could also say that having seen so much death, much of which was caused by his own hands, could lead a man to drink. Being disconnected from the world could be a coping mechanism. The young hero had seen much of that in the camps in his own world. Too many men would seek the solace of alcohol to escape the horrors of war.

Fer himself had contemplated it but his goal of rescuing his brother and sister, Maria gave meaning to his killing. Now, he was thrown into a world that required him to kill. Ironically, it had also given him a tool that was almost incapable of doing so. Perhaps it was for the best. He unconsciously rubbed his bracer. The stone felt warm to the touch as if it fed off his emotions.

A smirk appeared on his face. He looked up suddenly noticing Cole’s surprise in his voice. He looked around to verify that the masked woman had indeed vanished. The shield Hero’s eyes narrowed. These…shadows seemed to be anywhere and keeping an eye on them.

A dark thought crossed his mind. Had they been watching when the trio took on the bandits? If so, would they have come to their aid should the heroes needed them to? Or would they just make sure to retrieve the holy weapons and summon some others?

Fer had known that he was not the first user of the Shield. He wondered if the report he had received regarding the man who had gone on his own and gotten killed was true or if it had been fabricated. It was true that the King was in perilous position. Auriel had explained how Malromarc was a Matriarchy. The fact that a man now held the throne probably has the king in a very perilous position.

The young hero was no stranger to the politics of power. He had seen many shake with one hand while holding a knife with the other. He had been a fool to think that this world was any different. This was not a story like the ones his younger brother used to read with knights and dragons. There was no black and white. There was no clear heroes or villans. Cole was right, there was much for them to know. What they did not know COULD hurt them.

The pair walked together. He noticed many give Cole warm smiles and then either ignore him completely or give him a suspicious and cautious nod. Fer wondered why there was such animosity towards the shield. What would have happened in the past? He needed to not only trust in Auriel to give him data. He would have to dig for it himself.

He turned to Cole. “I have said this, and I will say it again. As long as I draw breath. I shall be your shield. I will follow you. We are a team but judging on the looks and what the two emissaries have said, you being the face of the team is probably for the best.”

When they finally arrived at Marcino’s usual haunt the pair entered. The place was a loud and chaotic as normal. Apparently in this world it was not unusual to be drinking even so early in the day. Marcino greeted them with his usual rough manner. Apparently the bow had some interaction with him. Was this directed by the throne or was the bow hero trying to recruit him too? Either case did not bode well for the small trio.

Fer pursed his lips when Marcino all but refused their request. He could understand why the older man did not want to go with them. Many had hinted that the prey was nowhere near Marcino’s level. The only way to tempt such a man was by offering money. However, that could backfire if the mercenary raised the price so high that they could not pay him.

Fer should have waited for Cole to finish but he could not help it. He raised his voice in a calm and assertive tone. “You are right. This job was given to us. Yet, there is more than one way to skin a cat. We are not asking you to skin it for us. We just need a safety net. No true warrior goes into battle without a back up plan. Only a fool confuses bravery with recklessness. I am sure we have much to learn from you. So we ask only that you assist us.” He looked sideways at Cole to see if he would object then continued. “Of course, you would be compensated. What would be your price?”

Reality's Champions

I know I have been silent but If I may. I believe that the powers issues could be solved in game. Being thrown into other dimensions is a great explanation why my shinobi would at first have trouble even channeling his chakra. At first, the mechanics might back fire or be null for some of my Jutsu until I am able to find balance. The same could be true of other powers except for weapons and such. As we move through the story we can finally use some of our powers or perhaps even find substitutes.

Second, being in an unknown world has its own challenges. Society and its rules are completely different. We will not be OP so we will have to be careful not to upset the order and become targets. Even if we were to kill without discrimination this could have an impact on the story line itself.

Finally, I think that it will be fun to see the dynamic of the group. Establishing a structure is always hard especially for people who may be solo or have differing views. While I do believe that goals and end states are good to think about. I don't see them as completely necessary to move forward.

just my two cents.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Just respond. I’m a bit busy. I’ll put something up Sunday hopefully sorry guys

Broken Skies

Arn felt the stare that Tyrhallan shot his way. The mage felt a bit of shame at not disclosing all the information but he knew that if any one, the Knight Captain would understand. The shame increased when the silver haired superior expressed his own apologies. As a person who considered a weapon and nothing more, the mage felt that whomever he entrusted his powers to, could use him in any way. The Captain had done nothing in Arn’s book to warrant an apology. However, the senior mage understood the burden of leadership. Victory is often a price paid in lives. Many did not know this but the reason Arn had refused command was because deep down in inside he was afraid to send people to their deaths. He could barter with his life with no issue, but the thought of even asking someone to die by his command did not sit well with the battle mage. This was the reason he was usually one of the first in the fray, trying to eliminate as many threats to give the rest of the Shooting Stars a higher survival rate.

He wanted to protest the apology but knew that Tyrhallan would hear none of it. Instead, he nodded his acknowledgement that he would be required to rest.

It seemed that the Knight Captain was hell bent on making his face burn with shame as he innocently told Eilis she was in good hands. The sudden realization that his hands were still somewhat firmly attached to the small waist of the young girl made his checks all but flare. He slowly retired his hand to prevent the blind girl from thinking something was wrong and instead turned to Tyrhallan. His side had started to ache again but he did not want to dishonor himself and the captain by showing weakness.

The mage was glad that luck would be in his favor by materializing the same person who was meant to be used as a distraction from the topic that was Eilis and their sudden connection. Distraction or not, Arn had truly been concerned about the fate of the Spider and was glad that except for a broken leg, the younger knight seemed to be in fine spirits. It was refreshing to see the familial banter that the two exchanged. Life was short in the battle field and often, the ties made in such environment were stronger than many. This much was evident in the faces of these battle hardened men who still mourned the loss of a comrade.

Yet war was merciless and often, those far away from the fray made cold calculated decision not having seen their battle brothers die or heard their last breath. Arn had been very successful detaching himself from these ideas. It would be very easy to hate those in power for their careless use of human life. The mage had contented himself in carrying the tags of lost team mates as remembrance and living each battle for what it was. It was also true however, that he did not have the courage to set strong bonds with any one in his own squad. Perhaps these two men lamenting their losses were much braver than he.

Arn’s anger was still stoked when he heard of the decision by those in power to perhaps even dispose of the Knight Captain. Though the decision was not completely unexpected or un heard of, it still brought a stiffening to this body and the balling of his fists. The second he had met Eilis he had started to question such rules and regulations. The senior mage swallowed. Was his connection to Eilis responsible for his sudden surge of feelings and thoughts that spanned more than just daily routine and procedures? The thought made him shudder. His whole life he had lived in a bubble. The danger with letting people into your bubble is that it was likely to be a doorway for other things, good or bad, to come in.

The battle mage’s answer to the request of the Knight Captain was simple. “You have my word, Knight Captain, that I shall not utter a word unless directly authorized by you.” He thought about but what he would say next and continued in the same assertive tone. “If I may be so bold. Your men entrusted you with their lives because of their loyalty to you. They would not regret doing so and would not see their death as a loss. I feel the same way. My current condition is not a result of your failure but a result of my willingness to pay any price to see the mission completed because that is what you entrusted me with. Should you ever require my services again, I would follow you without question.”