Rai

Ascended Castle: I

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Ascended Castle: I

Rules
Basic rules apply. No Godmoding, Powerplaying etc.
This is casual to advanced so at least three paragraphs is needed for each post.
No ongoing details of sex and mutilation etc. Some is ok.
The IG stands for In Game. What is allowed must be achieved in the roleplay.
The descendants range from demon, angel, dragon, and mixes between these. Nothing more or less.
The world is as it is, confusing and mysterious. Keep it that way, however your own history and even something like a village can be created to fit it. The overall world must remain the same.
Fighting and dealing with death is based on how I decide things should go. But as this is story driven Ill be lax on that as it is not my focus. I dont intend to allow anyone to survive everything either.

Rules for combat

Try not to do these. Its not a big deal if it happens as what makes the most sense story wise will be what will likely happen.

Autohit - Establishing a confirmed hit or contact in the same turn an action was initiated on an opponent is prohibited. Participating parties are allowed to react to any action when applicable, and recipient of a perceived hit is permitted options in response to the proposal of an enemy player in accordance with Play-By Post rules. Ruling An interception may infer an autohit if the receiving party is unable to respond to the action of the proponent.

Godmodding - Control of the opponent or their actions is forbidden. Negation and Immunities may full under this category.

Meta-Game - Using Out Of Character knowledge and information in character. Blatant unjustified actions is prohibited pertaining to precise disassembling of a character or ability/power they control. Retroactions and Precognition fall under this category. Information your character does not have access to constitutes as Meta-gaming.

Precognition - The power to perceive predetermined events is not allowed. Calculations and heuristic creativity is permissible.

Retroaction - To undo an action proposed by the original party in the next post is unacceptable. An action can be cancelled by a player with minimum committal when applicable, but the act of reseting or reversing a previously stated action is disallowed. Example: creating an action, and upon the enemy player's response, deciding that said established action never occurred. Meta-gaming with explicit intent in a Retroaction is forbidden.

Ascended Castle: I

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Ascended Castle: I

The Agency

It was in ancient times. When man was more at nature's mercy. When their own savagery was unknown to even themselves. There was space and time, and within it, consciousness. Mankind forged their societies through materials until materials were no longer an issue. They soon began to reach various forms of enlightenment. Something passed down long ago from stories of tribal elders about the stars and the oceans. A cosmic understanding shared innately by all things. With the presence of such knowledge some reached beyond the stars entangling themselves in the fabrics of space and time to reach beyond it. Gods, Goddesses, Deities, an absolute understanding and limitless power. A potential not shared to mortal men. Or so has been claimed.

It was Templar De Villiers who had escaped his fate and hid away knowledge yet to be found. Something his comrades were burned, tortured and eventually killed for. The knowledge of ones own power through a means far beyond their grasp of understanding. For their ways were formal and removed from not only nature, but the forces of the cosmos. Something not shared by those of old who attained god hood. In their feeble attempts to reclaim this power they angered the church. They also failed to awaken to higher dimensions. Unfortunately what could only be described as demons plagued their minds. With the power to create many negative beings were summoned. It was the work of the Agency that has cleared many of these beings from existence. Their foundation is old, 15th century, perhaps even further back, and they have had many names.

This Agency today is known for controlling the supernatural forces that hunt down the creatures. They have mastered taking their finest soldiers and awakening their latent potential. Those rare few who are able to successfully acquire an ability are known as either Starseeds or Indigos. There are some who are born this way. Once found often the Agency acquires them through any means necessary. These people are brought up inside specialized facilities until they either lose their powers, join the Agency, or die from experimentation. Only the most disagreeable ones are experimented on more... repressively.

Starseeds: These people can tap into past memories. These memories belong to beings from another time and often from another realm. These have the effect many consider to be like a spell. Often warping reality in one way. The negative side effects can be a major strain to use this ability of theirs. Visions of other worlds can drive one mad if they retain any memory of what they witnessed. Often taking the body of another being and chanting in their unspeakable tongue in these visions. There has always been a limit to how much a Starseed can take before losing their sense of reality all together.

Indigos: These people are tapped into supernatural forces of this world. They vary in ability. But most are considered a form of Psychic. Their powers often give them mental strains that physically hurt the more they use their power. Some have died from trying to achieve too great a goal in one instant. Periodically using ones power is best.

Many supernatural entities exist in some form in this world. With the Agency however they have not been an issue for society and nobody even knows what lurks in the shadows. Though most supernatural dealings are done in secret dark places. Making the Agencies mission easier. Rarely do things occur in the open and their ability to cover things up is extraordinary. With that said there is little one can do when seized by them from a child. These often do become soldiers for the Agency and live normal lives if they remain complacent. Education for these gifted children is high quality to say the least. As no grades are appointed they simply keep learning until high enough in the Agency to act autonomously.

There are two people in the Agency with this said. Those raised within it since childhood, and those equally rare soldiers with latent abilities awakened.

Your objective - The Ascended Castle

This castle appeared from nowhere. It exists in the sky far above the Atlantic ocean. Within it is rumored to be great power. Mostly from its ability to remain afloat despite no readings of machinery at play. It has been sitting there for about a month now. With only a few expeditions to observe it being sent out. The first merely went to the front gates. The few others tried to land else where. Yet were spooked by moving shadows. This observation of possible life in this structure has demanded military force, and the expertise of the Agency.

The castle is a secret. Flights are purposely directed around it. But time is running out, what mysteries lay inside need to be unlocked. The very first attempt to enter this castle will be underway in just a few moments. Who will be there to make history?

Alias & Name:
Age: (Soldiers range from 16 and up.)
Agency Rank: (Usual military ranks apply here until further notice)
Physical appearance: Your Picture &/or Description. Height and Weight.
Personality: Brief description on character's quirks, likes, and peeves.
Items: You're allowed 1 type of gun. Medical kit, and a few other items of your choice such as grenades, tasers, traps or something of the sort that is portable.
Talents: What can this character do that usually is humanly achievable yet worth mentioning. This can be a martial art, skills with guns, or more. Only about two here.
Powers: Are you a star seed or an indigo. What is your power? Only one is allowed. Your characters mastery of it should align with their experience.
Experience: What has your character done to hone their talents?
History: A brief tour into your character's life.
Trivia: (optional) Didn't know that!

I will be adding HP: and Stamina: and Money: to your characters CS before I accept it. Along with costs to power usage.

Ascended Castle: I

Alright great! I'll begin a CS sheet after some needed rest. -_-

Ascension 3: A return to Chaos

The shops were opening despite the horrid amount of plants around the outside, covering the windows and making the place seem unkempt. Yet inside it was very clean and spacious. No vegetation was inside thankfully. Within the shop was a merchant ready to sell his large assortment of wares.

Items sold in store

Enchanting pipe

A well crafted wood and steel pipe. It lights on fire on its own with a few pulls and emits far more smoke than average. 10 Copper

Divine Element Ring

A ring that increases the potency of divine elemental spells. Reduces the cost by a fair amount for mid tier casters, a small amount for high tier.. 150 Copper

Sword of Enril

One of a Twilight Knights named Enril's blades. Can channel Divine light and dark elemental energy and grow sharper the more even the amount of light and dark is poured into it. A high amount of both can cut steel easily. 200 Bronze

Preused Spellbook

A book with a detailed list of ethereal spells. Granting one who studies it the knowledge to cast a "Phantasm" spell. 100 Bronze

All elemental elixir

A potion if drunk entirely grants the one who ingested it the ability to cast all elemental divine and chaotic spells for an hour. 40 Copper 4 In stock.

Potion of the Black witch

A rare potion that is used by black witches. Grants the consumer highly amplified dark divine and chaotic spells. 3 in stock. 70 Bronze

Moonlit Lantern

With this lantern one can light their way in the dark brighter than any normal lantern or torch. It has a low blue light. A moonstone inside of it keeps it lit. 30 Bronze 5 in stock

Steel Medallion

Allows the wearer to feel calmer and less susceptible to mind alterations, mind reading, charms, and illusions. 30 Bronze

Mythical beast blood capsule

Grants the wearer of this strange necklace the ability to smell, see, hear, and taste a little better. 80 Bronze

Pearl Dagger

A sturdy and sharp dagger forged by smiths in Gaia. Resists most magical spells and cuts through low tier protection spells. Breaks mid tier spells in time. 110 Copper

Stone Rune throwing knives

Runed knives that slowly saps ones aura if hit. The runes store the aura for channeling or use later. 20 Bronze Each. 25 In stock.

Channeling Bow

A bow that can enhance the speed, piercing, and effect of magical arrows. A decently sturdy bow. 80 Bronze

Pearl Shield

A shield that protects against piercing and slash attacks as well as protects against heat and cold fairly well. 40 Copper

Small Arm Shield

A decent shield light in weight that fits on most forearms. 10 Bronze

Drake Whip

A whip that channels with dark divine energy. It can cut stone with enough force. When channeled with the wielders aura it combines with the dark divine to form various powerful effects. 110 Bronze

Pearl Boots

Boots that allow the wearer to step on most rocky terrain with little trouble. It provides decent defense itself from its sturdy crafting. 50 Bronze

Boots of quickening

When worn the wings flutter allowing the wearer swifter speed on the winds when both flying and running. 70 Bronze

Gauntlets of Power Focus

Gauntlets that allow one to build up their essence and unleash stronger pure divine and chaotic spells. It can hold half of the users soul maximum. 300 Bronze

Onyx Pearl Axe

An axe forged in Gaia proudly by two smiths. It weakens rocks and stone material and bends steel easier than normal axes. 60 Copper

Orb of containment

Allows one to store essence inside, items or creatures. Can be used by seers.100 Copper

Gaian Royal Circlet

Increases Divine earth spells. Reduces the effects of mind manipulations. Increases charm enchantments. 60 Copper

Onyx Ring

A ring that increases earth and wind spells. 50 Copper

Dragon Harp

A harp used by dragon priests in their cathedrals. It echoes out chaotic sounds easier, resonating with chaotic magic. 70 Copper

Wisping Drums

Drums that conjure illusions on its own of people dancing to its beat. Can be used to channel magical sounds and illusions more effectively. 50 Copper

Blood Crystal Dagger

A dagger made from blood crystals. Enchanted to grow sharper the more blood poured onto it. 80 Copper

Gaian Royal Musket

Only royals usually buy these. Makes hunting far easier for them as it is enchanted to pierce tougher materials easier than most. 1000 Copper

Witch's Doll

Can be used to channel dark spells and curses far easier. 60 Copper

Dragon Staff

A dragon priest staple staff. Increases Chaotic spells channeled through it.80 Copper

Wood chuck axe

This axe returns to the thrower due to its enchantment. 30 Copper

Solid potion

Increases one's hide to rock hard status. Most cannot move much under this influence. Lasts for three minutes. x4 in stock 20 Copper

Enchanted Compass

A compass that also, once ones aura is channeled inside of it, can lead ones to their hearts greatest desire. 50 Copper

Alchemy book

This book offers knowledge on making potions that increase all aspects of ones health, strength and stamina. To reversing curses. 100 Copper

Black Forest Blade

A black blade covered in fresh vegetation on its hilt. It channels the natural forces of the land around it to increase the wielders stamina and soul maximum by 10. 70 Copper

Sky Dragon Egg

A egg from a dragon of the sky. Likely sold from Gaia's mountains. 2000 Copper

Home Traveling Scroll

With the proper use this scroll can transfer one from one far location to another. Usually to ones desired location that they have previously visited. 3 In stock. 100 Copper

Divine Potion

This potion increases the consumers elemental divine spells and powers two fold for ten minutes. Heals Soul by +15. 3 in stock 40 Copper

Silver Wind Whistle

Blowing this whistle summons an enchanted wind that can create a nice breeze or a strong gust depending on how hard it is blown on. It also may summon a wind affinity creature nearby. 30 Copper

Full recovery potion

This potion is rare and fully recovers ones soul and stamina when consumed. x4 in stock 150 Copper each

Enchanted Mountain waters

This necklace increases ones water, ice and wind spells. Offers a decent immunity to cold. If ingested it makes one immune entirely for five minutes. 50 Copper

Elemental Necklace

Offers all affinities to the wearer. 140 Copper

Phoenix Belt

When worn fire spells are increased and made easier to perform. Reducing the cost by 5. When the wearer of this belt is put to near death they will be revived with half of their stamina and soul. This belt will then lose all its effects. 120 Copper

Generic supplies - 5 Copper
Generic clothes - 5 Copper
Generic armor - 10 Copper
Generic potions (+20 Stamina +20 Soul) - 15 Copper
Generic potions .2 (+30 Stamina +30 Soul) - 25 Copper

Ascended Castle: I

Basic premise is. We are highly trained, highly specialized secret agents. Not only that but each character will be classified as either a star seed or a indigo. These are people born with special supernatural abilities. However with severe drawbacks for most of their use it will require your character to rely mostly on their physical abilities and talents. You're one of the top agents the world can spare, but the main edge you're given is your supernatural power. Allowing some with less talents to join, despite not being elite agents. This agency is rather old, with mysterious origins. Don't pry too much, just do your job. Which is usually hunting the supernatural. Keeping dark tales a secret and locking away ancient truths. The Agency also accepts members from all over the world. Though most bases of operations exist in the west.

Starseeds: You are able to tap into memories of beings of other worlds, hundreds, or thousands of past lives. Through this you are able to unleash powers that warp reality. Bend space and time and unleash what is beyond explanation. Despite how powerful a star seed can be they suffer the greatest repercussions. Put short, the visions of other realms can drive one insane.

Indigos: These are people born specially linked to the world through some unknown psychic force. These people can read minds, move objects, speak with the dead, and much more. If overused their pain derives from mental stress, the minds straining and often internal bleeding occurs.

Your objective - The Ascended Castle

This castle appeared from nowhere. It exists in the sky far above the Atlantic ocean. Within it is rumored to be great power. Mostly from its ability to remain afloat despite no readings of machinery at play. It has been sitting there for about a month now. With only a few expeditions to observe it being sent out. The first merely went to the front gates. The few others tried to land else where. Yet were spooked by moving shadows. This observation of possible life in this structure has demanded military force, and the expertise of the Agency.

The castle is a secret. Flights are purposely directed around it. But time is running out, what mysteries lay inside need to be unlocked. The very first attempt to enter this castle will be underway in just a few moments. Who will be there to make history?

Ascension 3: A return to Chaos

It was several hours that passed before the Sun began to wade through the sky. The misty cold breeze washed away the airs of yesterday. Bringing in a new days breathe and painting the plants with dew. It was 7:00 AM and a few citizens were out doing what business mattered to them. A boy dropping a few rolled up papers at the Inn's doorstep. It was news of the recent happenings in Gaia and the lands over. It told of the alliance and their new formation. It spoke of Gaias capitals new fashions and finally it told of how the capitals were accepting rare blooded refugees. That is to say people with unique traits that the royal would find suitable to add to their bloodline. Also that the Dragon temple was accepting whomever would devote themselves to their teachings. With a cleaned Inn it was still ready for business. Though it was rather empty, save for the members of the alliance who filled the place out.

Shye had eventually gone to a booth while Mason and Garrett 'chatted' through the night. She fell asleep sitting in it with her legs drawn up leaning back against the wall, head leaning to her right side against the back of the booth's bench, and the table to her left. Nix was curled up on her left shoulder keeping an eye on the people around her in case it thought there was trouble.

Speaking of which Dremmick had awoken a short while ago and was out in the bar area. He had wrapped his i juries and body back in bandages, real ones instead of crimson. He would have to get some new clothing.... but first....breakfast.

He did notice Shye still here, but he knew something must have been up so he left it alone for now against his better judgment.

Tali woke up, ordered her servitor to pack up camp, made sure her fire was well extinguished, then made her way towards the inn. Once at the door, she rummaged through the servitor's items, grabbing a moderately large case. She then walked into the inn, making her way to the chair by the hearth. Seeing as how she was waiting mostly for people to arrive, she decided more music was in order. She removed the celtic harp from its case, checked it was still in good shape, then began playing calm and soothing notes.

Aeden woke up like clockwork at dawn. He turned his head to look at Nyph to check on the silly dragon. He smiled when Nyph stretched his wings and began his normal morning warm-up routine. Aeden decided to join with the stretching as it had become his own routine over the years. Upon completion of the routine he made his way to the table the group was at before.

He noticed a few were up already, and his eyes settled on Tali. He remembered she introduced herself to everyone at the same time he did. He listened to her music with a small smile on his face as he ordered a light breakfast. Nyph stared at a booth where he saw a young dragon hanging on a woman’s shoulder.

Nyph looked back at Aeden and started to swing his tail excitedly in the air. ”Aeden! There’s a friend! A dragon friend! This is a goooood morning indeed!”

Aeden glanced over to the booth Nyph had looked at to see the woman from last night resting there. ”Yes, Nyph, that is a dragon. Now careful with that tail. You can take an eye out with that stinger.”

Nailah woke up together with the first sunrays as they invaded the room, their gentle warmth kissing Nailah's still naked body as she snuggled with Allard. Looking at his still sleeping body, she could easily see the bite and claw marks she left on him the last night. Maybe she had gotten a bit too excited, but she figured he would be able to take it. Nonetheless, it was one of the best nights Nailah had in a long while.

"Good morning, big guy. I may have exceeded myself a little bit last night... Are you ok?" Nailah asked, gently touching some of the bite and claw markings she made on his body.

"Time to get up, let's go. I hope you can still walk, otherwise I will have a hard time explaining the others what happened last night..." Nailah said, with a mischievous smile and a laugh as she slowly got up, stretching herself and putting on her clothes.

Allard slowly opened his eyes as Nailah stirred. "Oh, 'ok' would be quite tha understatement, I'd say," Allard replied to her morning greeting. He sat up after she did, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. When Nailh made the comment of him still being able to walk, a short chuckle nearly immediately came from him as he replied with his own mischievious grin, "I believe that should be my question ta you." He watched as he dressed and wondered to himself how he ever was blessed to deserve be by such lovely woman again in his life if even for a short time. He got up and stretched as well before gettig dressed in what was left of his clothes. His shirt was destroyed, and he wondered what he would do about that as it wasn't really wearable anymore and the marks from last night were still quite visable. "Huh.... looks like we can't ecape a little 'show and tell' it would seem." he smirked.

The Tyro/Lassa woman kept playing, getting deep into focus. Her hobby of playing instruments seeped nearly into an obsession as she loved hearing those notes and feeling the results of her work. The smiles, laughs, and dances she can incite in others always made her playing worthwhile.

"Oh~ Am I that good?" Nailah asked, laughing as she hear Allard as he said he was indeed 'ok'.

When she heard Allard saying that he was the one who should ask if she was still able to walk with a mischievous grin on his face, she turned back to him, she looked to him, raising an eyebrow and returning the smirk.

"Don't think that was all I had just because you could keep up with me, big guy..." She said, walking towards him with a fox like smirk.

"You know... I don't think even you would be able to handle me..." Nailah said, looking to him before pointing behind him with a giggle.

"If I start taking things seriously..." her clone said, with the same expression as Nailah.

"But if I do this, I'm afraid others will complain about noise and we will definitely need a stronger bed." She said, laughing as the clone disappeared.
"We don't need to say anything though... Let them imagine what happened..." Nailah said, with a giggle and a playful wink, putting her finger over her mouth after she heard Allard saying they wouldn't be able to dodge the questions or at least the stares.

"Love and pleasure are not things to be ashamed of." she said, opening the door's room, letting in a calming and pleasant tune coming from the bar.

"Oh, this isn't the same bard from yesterday, is it? Should we go take a look?" Nailah asked, with a kind smile to Allard.

At that moment, Allard would probably realize that Nailah was really a free spirit. The night they had together was incredible, but it was nothing serious. Not 'serious' as in a serious relationship but it was almost as if Nailah saw that as something normal. Love and pleasure were, for her, things that should be shared. The ideal of a prude and pure maiden couldn't be more different than what Nailah was. But if you look at the way she sees the world for a moment, putting things like prejudices and morality aside, it indeed is much more... natural and normal than you may think. After all, every descended needs to love and to be loved, to feel pleasure... It would be a blasphemy to deny such a beautiful gift from the gods and label it as 'evil' or 'impure'.

The sounds of music playing and people starting to stir, Shye herself started to wake as well. She was a little surprised as to where she woke, but quickly remembered about last nights events. truth be told her dreams were full of nightmares of what could happen were she to fail, something she hasn't been worried about for a while due to her long line of successful missions. Nix chirped at her and licked her cheek a couple times till she reached up and pet her a bit, ending with a little scratch behind the ear. She couldn't leave or do anything else at the moment, so she kept to herself and tended to her dragonling.
Allard finished putting all his equipment and clothes on save for his shirt and arm sleeve, something he will have to replace today before they left. "A new bard eh? I would hope so 'cus tha one before was that of a dissappointment. More focused on his remarks than his songs. Any man can stum a string, it takes a true musician to make music." He finished as he tightened the straps on the harness that held his blades. "Lets take a look see." He said, following her out.

Garrett yawned, eyeing the sunlight as it crept through the known windows of the ground floor. Such a long wait for such wonderful rays, it was a shame he couldn't enjoy it coming out of a wonderful rest he has never had. Insomnia from many reasons has cursed Garrett with a horrible night's sleep for a long time. Tonight has not changed anything other than him not sleeping at all. It was of no concern, the blood intake from the previous night ensured he felt as if he had awoken at 11 P.M. The previous night from a comfortable night's sleep at the inn. That was not the case at all.

Garrett had been creating a mural on the large round table he continued to sleep at, the defacement now seen as a work of constructive, destructive art. No longer a vandal, a pure artist. Then, music, wonderful music reverberated at the inn. Wonderful. It meant people would be showing up at the earlier hours of the morning. All he had to do was wait, word would have gotten out they were to meet. Maybe not.

He called to nobody. Shouting to ensure the ground floor knew what they were doing. "Alliance meeting right this very second! Be here or forfeit your input!"

Aeden stood up and sat across from Garrett when he announced the meeting. Aeden definitely agreed with the idea that ground rules were needed to be established. He gave Garrett a nod of respect as he silently waited for the others to sit with them.

---

As Aeden moved tables Nyph hopped over to the woman who had now awakened and stared up at her and her dragon. "Hi! I'm Nyph" He sounded particularly pleased about introducing himself as he stared at them with wide eyes.

Shye looked at the small dragon in surprise, while Nix's hair stood up as he got close to them. She was about to hiss, but then Nyph started toalking to them. Nix's head tileted and she shifted to sitting upright on Shye's shoulder. "Uh...Hello, I'm Shye," she responded as Nix hopped off and started cautiously sniffing at the psuedodragon. [color=DC143C]"Her name is Nix. She doesn't speak though. She's too young." Shye watched as Nix sniffed Nyph. When he seemed to be properly identified, Nix chirped at hi and than hopped around while turning in place, as if it found a new play thing. She stood on her hind legs andlifter her front arms up, wings extending out with a little squeak. Even 'puffed up' as she was, she was still quite smaller than Nyph. She retracted he wings by he side, her head tilting again as she waited to see what the pseudodragon would do next. Shye didn't respond to Garrett's call to the table. She wasn't part of them, and her position with them was pracarious she would guess at best.

Dremmick had finished eating and was about to head out for new clothes upon finishing his coffee when Garrett mad a call for some sort of meting. With a warm drink in his hand to start the day, he turned to see what the man wanted, not having known anything of what had happened after losing conciousness, not enven knowing who it was that took him back to his room. He hadn't hadn't gotten up to go to another table however, Dremmick was well within earshot of the man, so he just waited for whatever it was he had to say. Lord only knew that If Dremmick started voicing his own opinions about his experiances yesterday it would only irritate him again, and now that he was in a place that had some coffee, he wasn't going to go down that rabbit hole until he had a cup....on second thought, he went ahead and ordered another, he might need it today.

When Nailah arrived on the bar, she was surprised to see that the new 'bard' was noone other than Talise herself. Nailah was honestly surprised she was able to play such a calming and beautiful tune.

Things seemed to be much better than the last night too. Nailah didn't know if that was an effect of Talise's music or a good night of rest, but it was indeed much better.

Going towards where Talise was, Nailah waited for her to finish the song she was currently playing before saying anything.

"I didn't knew you could play such a calming and beautiful music! Talise, right? Mind if I call you Tali?" she asked, with a kind smile to the woman.

"It seems it's being quite effective at calming down the other members of the Alliance. So far no one tried to kill each other!" Nailah said, laughing as she looked to Talise.
Other than Tali though, Nailah couldn't help but to look at the woman from the other night. The one who was spying on them. Nailah didn't know her reason to be hanging around them like that even though she was so ready to fight with them the other night.
Nyph, as cheerful and happy as always, was quick to go over to where the woman was to play with the small dragonling on her shoulder. Nailah simply watched from a distance. Apparently the woman was called 'Shye' and the dragonling 'Nyx'. She did seem to be amicable enough with both Aeden and Nyph, but Nailah still didn't know why she was there. She should definitely ask her a few questions some time.

As she heard Garrett calling the Alliance in general though, Nailah made an obviously annoyed expression. To her, it was really ironic that the same person who believed himself to be the 'leader' was also one of the biggest threats to the group and one of the two persons that kept more secrets from everyone.

Sitting down on the large table Garrett was trying to vandalize, Nailah looked at Garrett, raising an eyebrow and simply waited to see what he wanted to say that was so important to call everyone with such urgency.

Tali's song ended and, apparently, Nailah had been standing there waiting. Looking a bit surprised due to her focus, Tali fumbled with her instrument a little, managing to catch it before anything happened. "Most everyone calls me Tali, so go ahead. Sorry for not noticing you earlier, I was rather focused upon playing. I am, however, glad that you enjoy my music. I have a decent few instruments with me, so if you have a specific instrument in mind, I might have it to play."

The call to the meeting was missed, but seeing the situation led Tali to infer that it was going to happen. She got up, handing the harp to her servitor, and sat at the table beside Nailah. She looked rather expectantly at Garrett, one eyebrow arched. "What are we here for? Oh, you might be interested to know that the Magoi are watching this very carefully. I spoke with Councilman Maeliche last night. So, let's please try not to screw this up."

Aeden regarded everyone at the table with a calm gaze. He slid his hand across the rough table fingers bumping off the freshly carved wood. He imagined that the owner of the place would not be pleased with the damage done to the table. He took a breath as Tali made her statement. [color=fd700]"Last night there was a bit of a battle outside of the town. I imagine it was not something most involved were prepared for so it was quite chaotic. In the aftermath it had become quite clear we need to discuss our strengths and weaknesses as well as develop a strategy for the future."[/color]

Aeden cleared his throat and pulled his hand back toward his chest. "If this Alliance is going to function we're going to need to get things straight."

---

Nyph tilted his head. "You're shy?" He giggled. "I jest! Nice to meet you Shye and Nix!"

---

Alliance Meeting

Garrett looked around, the etchings he was making on the tabletop came to a stop. This was the best turnout the round table meeting would get at the moment. Either those who were not present have deserted the Alliance, slept in, or plainly did not care whether it remained or crumbled under its own weight. The ratio he was observing was well within parameters to continue. It was now time to speak up. He thought of over the night of not sleeping exactly what he would say to the group that would show up, it was planned to go well.

"Now that a majority of the group has arrived to lend an ear, as well as more than what was expected."

He nodded at Talise's statement, confirming they were watching her, and them in part, conduct a meeting.This was to be expected with so many magically sensitive individuals convening for a military-medical exploratory movement that was the Alliance.
"We will begin this round table meeting. First and foremost. I will answer any and all valid questions directed at myself in any form or aspect as honestly and as concise as possible. I expect the same from any of you."

He nodded, that was a good start. He had to continue now, calling anyone just to say that was pointless.

"What comes next from me will be as follows. I will describe the previous night, my concerns for the group, and my proposal for guidelines the Alliance must adhere to in order for us, and myself to not be considered a risk or a detriment to the world as a whole."
He closed his eyes, returning to carving out a mural on the tabletop with his corrupted claws, opening his eyes again to address the group properly.

"Secrets are to be held from a whole in order to protect the whole. When the whole is at risk from these secrets, they must be revealed. The previous night, deep in the forests south of Pearl, I, and a few of the night owls of the group had encountered a corrupted beast. Likely by Nuxta, and two of us had been cursed, one being myself. That is not what is to be addressed. What needs to be addressed is myself. The blood manipulation I performed that created a deadly, mindless weapon known as myself."

His claw stopped marking the table once again, raising into the air above him to display the corrupted, blood-forged material that clung to his body.
"This power was not of my own origins other than my bloodlines. This happened a little while ago during a scouting mission with a group of pathfinder-knights of the sun. We discovered a beast, large, with many powers, and strength to match the best of our fighters. We brought the beast down. It was not dead. It was accepting of passing down a torch, a torch of absorbing essence. It beckoned to me, and when I neared, it ripped it's beating heart out of it's chest, giving it to me. I had one option to oblige such a gesture. Consume this heart. It shot me full of raw power, it's blood flowing into my body after I sunk my teeth in, rather than me consuming any blood, it was giving me the strength and essence within it. Such a chaotic power drove me mad. I do not remember exactly what happened from there, when I came to, the area we were in was bloodied with the corpses of my retinue."

His arm shook, as if he were struck with the strong emotion survivor's guilt at the ordeal he described.

"It was not all as such. It was only with large, chaotic beasts that drove me mad. Consuming pure essences of strength only added to my strength with no side effects. The problem now is, such an event occurred whilst I was under the wing of this Alliance. It must be addressed. Any blood I happen to touch, I can manipulate, and absorb the strength, powers, abilities, and essence of the source. If I were to consume blood from an individual with a sensitivity to healing, or fire, I would receive their strength, and their abilities to cast healing, or fire magic. If I were to consume blood of corrupted, or chaotic origin, either I overcome the chaos or corruption, or I succumb for a time to the darker influences without my conscious knowledge."
It was addressed. There was nothing more he could say without questions proposed on his situation that he could define terms he did not cover as effectively as he believed. Now, was for his own proposal.

"This is my proposal for the functionality of the team in five priority sections. Followed by five rules that must be followed for any member of the Alliance. It must be said. Unspoken rules and priorities have done more worse than good for the Alliance."

He held out the thumb of his right claw.
"One. Healers. Without healers, the Alliance will crumble quickly. Above all else, healers take priority in any decision making on who to protect or save. "

The index finger of his right claw would extend as well.

"Two.Leadership. Those who can direct or command the others of the group take priority as they can maintain a clear, rational head in the thick of warfare. If they are lost, the fighters would do whatever they so please regardless of what could happen, causing more chaos than what is needed."
His middle clawed digit would join the other extended claw limbs.

"Three.Mages. The last line of offense and defense, as well as those who can utilize magic itself, take priority over any further down on the list, simply as close-quartered combat would remove the support they could be giving for the entire group, either with large spells of attack, or defense, or support."

His ring finger would follow the suit of the rest.
"Four.Fighters. Their strength is enough to hold their own in combat, they must be assisted if none of the higher ranked individuals are in immediate danger."

The smallest claw would finally raise.

"Five.Belligerents. Those who do not take the Alliance as a whole as their priority, shirk any advice, command, order, rational thought, never assist any other of those in the Alliance, or are taking matters for their own personal reasons, without any thought for the rest of the Alliance, do not deserve protection, and are to only be protected if they serve some future use."
Garrett nodded to the group, a hierarchy is always useful for any reason.

"We will move onto my proposed guidelines. Anything that has happened before these rules are confirmed that have broken them are annul. Rule one. No Alliance member must willingly harm any other individual within Alliance. This goes for direct or indirect harm. If you are to make a decision that leads to injury or worse to any other member, you have broken this rule. If this rule is broken, all other members must make great attempts to stop the aggressor, even if it means killing them. Rule two. No infighting. If there is a problem within the group, it is either talked out or mediated. Any bad blood will do more harm than good. Rule three. Wealth. In a situation where rewards or loot have not been equally divided within the Alliance, it must be deliberated within the whole group who shall receive which portion in regard to their skillsets and contributions towards that reward. Rule four. Information. If there is information that can help the Alliance as a whole, or there is information that could be a potential danger to the group. It must be relayed, or discussed with the group. Rule five. Assistance. If a member has a reasonable, rational problem and confides this problem to any other member of this Alliance, or the whole Alliance, assistance must be offered."

He rested his claw back on the table.

"Now. Any objections, statements, additions, or problems?"

He opened the floor to the rest of those who convened at the round table.

Tali narrowed her eyes at the hierarchy. It was, while tactically sound, only good for large group efforts. "My first objection is the hierarchy. That would work for armies. We are at best an adventuring group. Hierarchies for us should be loose. Leaders should step forward as they are the best equipped to lead a situation. Everyone else should pull their weight. Making a healer more important that a frontline fighter is just asking for favorites and biases to split the group. Applying value to an individual is, at best, rude and at worst imbruting." She huffed out a small cloud of ash from her mouth before continuing.

"Second, for wealth, I have been promised first choice of artifacts that would help me develop a method to build more of my servitor. Otherwise, equal shares would serve well with the assumption that allies may freely offer to pool resources or ask for resources as needed. I agree with no infighting or intentional harm. The other rules are rather self-evident when functioning as a fighting group." She sat back once she finished, one arm propping up the other as she held her chin with her thumb and laid the tip of her index on her lips.

Allard listenened intently to what Garrett needed to present, stroking his short beard in thought. He then sat down at the table as well, and spoke up about their formation as well. "What we need is a formation. While this isn't a large group, it can still 'ave military aplication. When I used ta move in a small troupe years back, we would keep our spellcasters in tha center, warriors would make the frontline in a two-rowed spearhead formation in front of them, flankers ready to move out behind the center, a rear guard, and a forward scout that had to report back regularly or else we knew that there was something ahead. Now, a group this small, we would need some refigurin', but I think its good idea. I'll agree with, uh, Tali, was it?" Allard looked to her as he tried to remember her name, then looked back. "I don't think a heiarchy would foster good relations. Each person is as integral as the other, without even just one, it could make fur serious trouble."I do not know tha capabilities of tha whole group, therefow I cannot make any suggestions currently. Which is another thing.... We need to know what to expect of each other should a battle occur.
---
Dremmick looked Garrett over when he talked of his type of blood magic. So even Garrett had a power he couldn't control. He wasn't sure what happened after he had blacked out, but it sounded like the group went blundering into the woods and picked a fight that they should have let lie. He sipped at the last bits of his second cup of coffee. He wished the bard woman, who seemed to now be joining their group as well, had kept playing. It was refreshingly calming to listen to after everything that had transpired the past day. Luckily, she seemed to have a decent head on her shoulders. If she was sent on behalf of the Magoi, he could be somewhat relieved that she was at least compitant. He also found himself thinking that Allard's idea would be plausible if they had more people, but with a small group it would be hard for all the individuals to keep a watchful eye the whole time. So far, he had only one thing he felt he needed to know, and that was why the Dolofon assassin was still here. She should have been either killed or removed by now. Surely they didn't trust her by some rediculous story.
---
Shye faintly smirked at the small psuedodragon. It wasn't much but it was still a smirk. "Likewise," she replied softly. She didn't have anything to say in this meeting, and instead kept to herself, save for the small dragon that seemd to have visited her table. Shye withdrew two little treats, and gave one to Nix, who started eagerly munching away at it, quite happily. She handed the other to Nyph, giving him the chance to inspect it first. When he finally did, she would give him a little pet on the head. She then tapped here claws twice, Nix's signal to come to her. Nix hopped up on her shoulder. "Your partner would probably prefer it if you were paying attention alongside him, would he not?"

Allard's comment on combat capabilities was very much a good one. Seeing as how she had not entered a fight, Tali figured it best to list of her capabilities. "I am a mage primarily. I am trained with weapons as per usual Tyro policy due to my mother. I still prefer my spells. I am a flexible offensive mage mostly, but I can also get some area denial with my spells. I have some utility in that I can make equipment imune to cold, heat, burning, and even pressure. Basically, if I can personally go there, your equipment will be fine." She realized that she had not mentioned her innate abilities, so she leaned forward some and rested on her elbows a bit. "My innate abilities are immunity to pressure changes, immunity to fire and burning, and immunity to cold. I can swim the ocean depths, get out, and then hop into a pool of lava without feeling anything odd. I also can keep an area of a couple meters around me warm at all times. So, if anyone gets cold, stick close to me. I am a living furnace that can even melt snow and ice. I can see in low and no light conditions. I am also far more flexible than a normal person. The downsides is that I must eat three times as much as a normal person. I am pretty much perpetually in this fit look because of my massive metabolism. Need to know anything else?"

Aeden listened carefully to everyone as they spoke before speaking again himself. ”A hierarchy works well if everyone’s goals are aligned in the right fashion. It works with the Aion because everyone has the goal of rescuing slaves and defeating the Therosi. It works well with the Magoi because they are all seeking more knowledge for their own benefit and often enough another’s benefit. I have little experience in smaller groups like our own outside of operations like that. I imagine each of us have our own goals and while we all share the purpose of the Alliance such an alignment is fluid and could easily change. I do not think a strict hierarchy like that will be effective.”

Aeden leaned forward in his seat. ”Now, I am a healer and tactician. While I am not the most powerful combatant I am quite skilled. I can cast Protection from Chaos and with time my Cure Wounds can heal some critical injuries. I can create spears of divine energy which I can throw short distances. My pseudodragon comrade, Nyph, is an excellent scout.” He pointed to his eyes. ”Some of you might know that Seraphim have a stronger ability to view magical energy and the auras of soul energy as they are both connected. I have a stronger affinity for this ability than the few of my peers I am aware of.” His expression darkened a little bit. ”Thanks to this ability and half of my life spent as a blood vessel for the Therosi, I can recognize blood magic instantly.”
---

Nyph turned his head toward Aeden whom was taking part of a discussion among the Alliance. His gaze lingered a few moments before turning back to Shye and accepting the snack. ”Mmmm! Tashty!” He swallowed the snack happily. [color=yellow][i]”My partner is the shiny one over there.”[i][/color] His tail flicked in the direction of Aeden. ”His name is Aeden, and he’s with the Aion. Saved my life fifteen years ago. Anyways, what they’re doing is booooring, and I don’t care about boring things! Except Aeden, he can be boring sometimes, but I still care about him.”

Allard nodded. "I have no magic to speak of. I have my strength, this shadow arm that replaced the one I had lost years ago, and my shadow skill, which amplifies my physical abilities even further. I have hightened resistances to magic and physical damage as well. I have spent time in the Gaian military, and... many years in Fotia's arenas... I was known as the the Gaian Behemoth in the arena, I had just recently escaped a few weeks before I joined the alliance," he said, skipping over the more painful memories of his journey.
---
Shye noticed some of the stares she was getting. a few recognized her from the other day, some didn't think aything of her. She hawondered if this was the right coarse of actions to take. She should have probably run back when she had the chance, or stayed at the original meeting spot from before. She looked back to Nyph as he talked about Aeden. She still wasn't sure what to think of Aeden, but she did find the pseudodragon to be a amusing. "I found Nix here a little over a year ago. She isn't too big now, but she will grow to be a decent sized dragon one day. She is a mammal type, an oddity in the world of dragons. i found her on a... mission, after her parents had been poached. I took her in while she was still an egg." She said, reminising as she used a claw to gently scratch behind Nix's ear, eliciting a leg to start kicking in pleasure from it. Nix shook her head when Shye stopped, chirping in satisfaction.

As it was expected, Garrett was the first to talk. His authoritative tone made Nailah quite a bit irritated, but she choose to simply stay quiet and hear what he, the one who called himself the 'leader' talk. When he said he would answer every question directed to himself Nailah raised an eyebrow.

As he started describing what happened the previous night, she couldn't help but roll her eyes. Nailah remembered very well the shit show that happened last night. Garrett continued, explaining that the corrupted berserker was none other than himself, explaining in a rather calm tone how that happened. As he explained how he got those powers and that he could absorb one's essence, including powers and abilities though, Nailah's stare towards him changed radically. It wasn't a curse nor anything like that it was a gift from a best they fought against. The alarming thing is that even after he accepted the beast's heart, consumed it and it resulted in him slaughtering his companions he still went after the corrupted beast last night, searching for even more power...

Nailah didn't like that. Not even one bit.

His following statements were also rather disturbing. He was proposing to divide the group not only in hierarchy but also in who amongst them were 'priority' and those who weren't, going as far as to say those who didn't follow orders didn't deserve protection. Nailah's eyes were almost burning with anger when Garrett finished speaking.

Fortunately, it seemed like there were others who didn't particularly enjoy Garrett's propositions. Talise was the first to openly disagree with him, followed by Allard, who suggested that instead of applying Garrett's outrageous suggestions, they simply used a formation to be more effective.
After a short explanation made by both Aeden and Allard about their own capabilities, Nailah got tired of waiting, still looking to Garrett with a piercing stare.

"You are not fit to be a leader, Garrett. You are a threat. By what you told us about yourself, your powers and seeing how you got out last night despite how you got said abilities in the first place, it's clear to me that you only care about one thing: power. Who knows what you'll do next? You might as well want our blood so you can get what you desire, power. Who knows when you'll get berserk again? You hid a terrible secret from the Alliance, Garrett. A secret that could have cost us our own lives or our own safety. Do you still expect everyone to simply smile and accept your apologies after that?" Nailah said, looking towards Garrett with a predatory stare.

"Who are you to decide who is important and who isn't in the group? Do you think of yourself as some kind of all powerful general commanding his pawns? Who are you to dictate the rules around here?" Nailah continued, her hot claws digging into the table with a line of smoke.

"By the way... You have already broken at least one of your own rules, haven't you? I saw how you indiscriminately used your abilities on last night's fight. Allard might be strong and durable, but he is still a descended. He is made of flesh, bones and blood, which you, Garrett, spilled last night." She continued.

"It would be much less grave of an issue if you simply couldn't control your power and told us so, but not only you hid it from those who are travelling with you, but you also want more and more power despite the fact that you're not able to control the power you already have." Nailah said, suddenly lifting her hand from the table when she realized that her claws had pierced it all the way to the other side.
"What we have here can't be called a group. It's members still hide secrets, important secrets from the rest. You aren't capable of working as a team or understand each other, let alone work together in a fight! And you still want to talk about hierarchy?! Before we start even discussing about formations, we need to be able to trust one another, which we clearly can't right now..." Nailah said, sitting down again.

"I am not a woman who likes to be left in the darkness and there are still people that I'm pretty sure that are hiding dangerous secrets about themselves from the rest of the group..." Nailah completed, throwing a clearly hostile stare to Garrett and Dremmick.

@Verticus @Lotrix Molick@Jollan@Guy0fV4lor@drewccapp@13org@RumikoOhara

Ascension 3: A return to Chaos

New rules for combat. It's pretty simple. Soul and Stamina levels determine your characters costs and how long they can remain in a fight. Taking damage will often cause stamina loss as well. Once a character is out of stamina they will be knocked down. Once out of soul they cannot cast spells.

Ascension 3: A return to Chaos

Things will affect your characters body. But none more important than their physical stamina and their souls essence. Both mysteriously combine yet separate allowing a multitude of abilities and spells to be used. One is of the flesh, another is supernatural, linked to the heart and blood. This is your characters core levels.

Stamina:
Soul: