ReusableSword

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

The boy before him seemed puzzled but wouldn’t back down. “Marvelous” he thought to himself. Watching the boys every movement and reaction. The girl wasn’t interesting any more, she seemed almost stuck in a puddle of her own making. The one in front of him at least had the heart to stand in front of him even if his heartbeat was escalating.

His smile never stopping as his gaze slowly shifted back to the one in front of him, he could hear another approaching them. “Don’t flatter yourself, you’re cute but you’re not that cute.” Again another thing to see if he could get under his skin, “you got balls kid, I’ll give you that, but you let that mouth of yours get you in too much trouble and this place will extinguish that flame.” He was also wondering how advice would go with this one.

“Is there a problem here?”

The voice calling toward them did not make Victor turn his gaze until Spellman was almost right next to them. Victor took little time to push the boy out of his way to get in between Salem and the girl. “Well hello there Salem Spellman, you are Salem Spellman correct? The hero of the night? the man of the hour? The one human with the guts or sheer stupidity to talk to the queen in such a way as you did the other night?” Victor was being incredibly animated for him, smiling and moving his arms as if introducing a hero to the stage. Victor had no problem making himself look like a fool in his experience it made others think him as a lesser person or threat then he was.

He was assuming about what was said but by the way Varis spoke of him, he knew it was not good. “Perhaps telling some half-truths would play better for this one. He does seem a bit more level headed compared to the other two” he thought. “You hear so many interesting things while working for the council. So what will you do? Family thinking you betrayed them, family business being investigated under suspicion of treason, and my personal favorite being, that your family may be barred from practicing magic ever again because of what You said.” He was well aware of what being investigated by the council meant, he also knew that like the Starag, family meant something to them.

“Choose your words carefully hero, all it takes is a well-placed rumor and your family dies thinking you betrayed them.” That was a bluff but Victor was wondering how much of their rights they knew about concerning council business. Giving the boy a smirk and a chance to think about his words the tall vampire turned to the petrified girl and stepped up to her.

Again, he stepped up closer than what would be acceptable in normal circumstances to the girl and lowered his head but this time it seemed almost with care as he got closer to her ear and whispered, “I understand I am scary, but if you let this fear of yours control you it will get you killed. Stand up to it and face it or let it consume you, those are your options. I’ll be waiting to see what you picked.” He smiled and stepped away from her, “I’m sure we will have a lot of fun with that… later.” This time he did not whisper he wanted the other two, especially Salem, to think he may have said something lewd towards her. Again, another thing to provoke them with.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

Safety? > almost safe /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave > Cave entrance

Ardur followed Asura’s lead and began to crawl on all fours to press himself closer to the ground. Noticing Steve pressing herself towards the ground as well and glancing over at him occasionally. The high pixie found this adorable but now was not the time to be cute. However, he was glad to figure out that Steve would still recognize him after an evolution. One less thing to worry about in the long run.

He could see and hear the same thing Asura could and the mere uneasiness of Mother Slime put him on alert as well. He still had no mana but at least his health and stamina seemed to be holding strong. The red lime seemed dead set on moving into the forest to the west to get away from everything happening here. Couldn’t blame him, even Ardur could sense things beyond their power were moving and happening.

Whispering to Asura, “Come on, let’s make like hokey sticks and get the puck out of here.” He was obviously waiting far too long to use that one by the smile on his face. Even with his comment and holding back a laugh, he continued to move around the small hill after the slime. Before they could move any quicker or farther, he could hear a familiar goblin yelling towards the other side of the clearing.

“That sounds like orchid. I don’t think she’s having a very good day but kind of sounds like Jason right now.” He whispered towards Asura. “Probly best to leave her be for now and just find a safe place to sleep because I am tired.” His trusty eight-legged companion brushed up against them seemingly starring at the other two. “Oh also before I forget, this little guy here is Steve I tamed her. Hey Mother Slime this one is not food she is a friend.” He hopped the slime understood him as he kept moving with the others.

It was not long before Orchid shouted a threat and threw a fireball into some nearby brush. It did not seem like she was aiming for them particularly but maybe a diversion. “Hey this seems like a good chance to run if you want to take it.” He wasn’t about to run off on his own, right now Asura was the closest thing to a friend or party member he had. At least he did not seem to bossy or selfish for the most part.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 100%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 50%

Buffs:

Debuffs: Mana Burn,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level: 2x undead pixie

Other:

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

Victor payed little attention to the two vampires on the stage. All he did for the majority of that class was stare at his unknowing mage and listen to the lecture. It was a small test to see if the human listened to his instincts, as a predator was watching him. Small things that gave him a better understanding of how well others sensed the world around them.

He was broken out of his thoughts on how he would deal with this Spellman when the bell rang for lunch. Slowly the tall vampire put his black leather bound notebook and blue pen back in the interior pocket of his jacket. Taking his time to get out of his seat watching the others around him interact and move until only a few mages and vampires remained. Either trying to talk to the celebrity or waiting on someone who was talking to Varis.

Making his way to the double doors he stopped. Something spoken between two mages, a white haired girl and a small boy, caught his attention. The thing that caught his attention was what was said and the way it was said. Something about having no shame. Very deliberately, Victor turned and quietly walked up behind the boy until he was well within his personal space. The way the boy spoke about the Starag boy and how he knelt before Varis made him guess this one had a problem with them. Therefore, Victor figured he would prod this issue.

“He is in the proper position. Humans were always meant to be subservient and at least he knows who his master is.” Again, Victor pushed boundaries that would otherwise make him too close for comfort. He did this by moving his face closer to the boy’s. “So tell me, Slave, what makes you think you’re better than him? That you do not bow or kneel in the presence of nobility. Especially, in the presence of an Astorio.” He paused for a moment before removing his face from in front of the boys and standing up straight. “I’m sure you are aware of how…” he paused for a moment finding the words, “aggressive, we can be.”

Turning his attention to the white haired girl, Victor looked her over for a moment almost as if he was checking her out. “My, my aren’t you pretty.” Again trying to provoke another reaction with a big creepy smile. It was the fighter in him, always trying to get into people’s heads and finding out what made them upset or lose focus. He obviously was not afraid of any of them and his posture and body language made this overwhelmingly clear.

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

Victor walked quietly towards the next hall, the next building for studying treaty law. Sure, he knew enough about it to know what laws and rules were in place in the punishments for breaking them. However, he never really looked into the history of it or the bigger picture of things. After all, he was a headhunter not a lawyer, that subject was left to those who had more patience for the political world they thrived in.

The tall vampire got to the class early, watching as the others slowly made their way inside and to their seats. He did not move until he saw Salem enter the room. Victor watched the boy carful, watched how he looked to a few other mages while he found his seat. Finally, the tall vampire made his way to an empty seat near Salem. Victor had no problem sitting amongst a group of mages even if he could sit in the front row with the nobles he chose not to.

Pulling out a small notebook and a pen, Victor set to work taking notes he knew he was going to need as the vampire he spoke to earlier began his class. “Is this what it meant to be a Teachers Aid for this class? To basically teach the class himself?” He thought while Salem stood and asked a question. The question asked was simple and to the point. Even then, Victor still watched the mage and how he held himself while speaking in front of a crowd.

The other vampire that spoke seemed to be almost shaking in his boots just by asking a question. It was not unexpected for a new blood to lose confidence in front of a large group of their peers and was frankly enjoyable to watch the boy suffer for a moment. Varis spent little time answering both of their questions before continuing with a brief overview to the class.

Victor was sure to jot down notes and points of interest over the topics he otherwise had little interest or knowledge of before. This class was sure to be interesting and he could only wonder what the others in his argument group thought of the house they were tasked with. Then the sudden bang of the main doors behind him.

He did not turn to look like the others he simply figured it was an over dramatic vampire or overconfident human with a death wish. It was not until he started to notice the whispers of those around him that he looked up from his notes at all. Well he was right, an over dramatic vampire with an ‘I’m the most important person in this room’ air about him. The man introduced himself in front of everyone like they all had to know his name and his presence.

Just by how the others around him reacted, he could already tell this was going to be annoying. “So who’s this one supposed to be?” Victor asked allowed. He was not speaking to anyone directly but by the looks, those around him gave him he wondered what kind of response he would receive. Even if he was being honest, he did want to see the reaction of those around him.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

Monty python "Run away!" > Safety? /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

Ardur looked at the slimy green herb on his arm and felt its soothing properties; quickly the Hipixie ate the herb and turned back to the sword as it spoke once again. “A hero? I am not worthy of it then? At least not yet.” His thoughts were quick and short as his attention went back to the wall of water between the three of them and the undead horde.

Looking to Asura for just a moment as they made their way toward the entrance. He listened dutifully to the slime, as he assessed the situation and gave a basic plan. Ardur interjected when he mentioned wanting to stay inside the cave. “I know you want to stay inside, but I do not believe that to be the best action right now. As far as Jason was concerned, the whole cave was his territory so we should not stay inside the cave if we want to rest for a long while. Who knows how long that spirit will keep the undead at bay.”

He was being cautious but was aware that the slime more than likely was not aware of the cease-fire with the goblins. “At the end of the other day, some of the other reborn and myself formed a truce or a cease fire with the goblins. One of them uhh Orchid I think her name was. She is like us and I think she was trying to move up the chain of command last I checked. That and Steve is waiting out there for me.”

He could see the opening of the cave now and continued to head for it. “I’m going to take the chance that the more level headed of our group haven’t pissed the goblins off yet and stay just outside the cave but still in one of the smaller outcroppings so I’m at least a little out of sight. If they are hostile again at least then we will be able to run into the forest instead of back into here. Better chances of survival that way.” He would stick to his words. Otherwise, Ardur just wants to get outside the cave and sleep. barley noticing the excited Steve or words being spoken outside.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 100%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 50%

Buffs:

Debuffs: Mana Burn,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level: 2x undead pixie

Other:

From the weakest goblin to the Strongest god

Work issss busy

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

well screw you too guy > Monty python "Run away!" /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

This frame definitely could take more of a beating then his last one. However, he still wasn’t anywhere close to being a tank. Maybe a glass cannon but not a tank. The last few hits hurt and now he had to worry about not getting hit again and blood in his eye.

After stopping the head of the pixie he had just crushed to be sure that it was dead, Ardur lunged back to his friendly slimes. The situation was deteriorating quickly. Undead reinforcements were coming in quickly, wisps crackling with energy fluttered towards them from the ceiling, more undead seemed to be rising from the ground, and to top it all off another large slime with the same crystal structures in its body like Jason had was making its way toward them.

Ardur heard Asura call for them to fall back as they were all clearly outnumbered and being overwhelmed. The Hipixie hesitated to move for a moment. Trying to get a good grasp of what was coming for them and how many they would need to deal with. Then suddenly without warning the water from the nearby pool rose and flowed between them and the undead. The sudden influx of water was followed by a voice and then a sword floating past them. He barley noticed that the slime applied some healing herbs to him.

It told them to run while it distracted their pursuers. Even through his sore injuries and bleeding head wound the mighty Hipixie still tried to reach out for the sword in an attempt to take it with them as they fled. Not the most well thought out plan but he was suffering from a head injury and somethings seemed a little fuzzy. The need to run wasn’t one of those things.

Only attempting to grab the sword once, Ardur took off toward the entrance. Running and at the same time using his wings in an attempt to move just that much quicker along the ground toward the entrance and hopefully safety. He didn’t care about what was outside of the cave or how the goblins would react to them but it was better than dying in here like Jason.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 20%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 50%

Buffs:

Debuffs: Mana Burn,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level: 2x undead pixie

Other:

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

Eventually as the stars grew ever brighter in the dark night, more and more Vampires and Mages alike began to come out of hiding. The tall vampire didn’t seem to care about the influx of people. He had finished what he set out to do and filled in the blanks of the map with trees, brush, and outbuildings. He even had some time to check out the arena.

It was quiet and peaceful until the rest of the populace began to wake and make their way around campus. The new bloods sticking out like a sore thumb, either acting like a mopey zoo lion or being in an unnecessary rush. He under stood stretching one’s legs but there was a time and place.

Victor was keeping track of time while he was out for his walk. He didn’t want to be early but didn’t want to be late either. There was no need to fray relations between himself and those that would see themselves as his superiors. He could only hope that his teacher wasn’t too extravagant in their teachings and general way about them.

He would soon find out that he would not be disappointed. Finding his way to the class and his eventual seat near the front of the class. Their teacher looked rather elegant in that red dress of hers. The way she spoke and dressed reminded him of home and the other nobles that shared the underground half of their winter home.

The tall vampire sat straight in his chair, never slouching. Giving off an air of arrogant superiority towards any that would look at him. His eyes stared straight ahead and never wandered around the room. He was perfectly content in knowing what he already did about the others in the class just by looking at them. Few seemed confident, others seemed to be barley awake, and the few that seemed competent to him looked like they never fought a day in their lives.

“Did high born nobles and pure bloods always look this soft?” he thought to himself. Honestly he was never able to stray into the areas where other noble vampires would be. Their clan within their house wasn’t high on the list of nobility. Normally only his father and one of his elder brothers or sisters would go to the fancy parties and meetings. While he was left to train and go through his lessons.

Their teacher proceeded to go through the first part of her lesson rather well. He honestly was not looking forward to the computer parts of this school. At least so far it was just an overview of what he already knew about humans. Of course he learned what he did to be able to learn their weaknesses. Weaknesses that would allow him to kill easier. Humans were an enemy once they could be again.

Taking a few notes here and there with his scratch paper he continued to listen till she asked if there were any questions. Pausing for a moment to see if anyone else would speak up first before he did. Victor stood looking towards the teacher with his hands clutched behind his back. It was customary from where he lived to always stand and say what you needed to say at a form of attention before the class would carry on.

“Ma’am.” Speaking with a deep clear voice and eyes that never left hers. “Victor Strigois Astorio.” A short but polite introduction, to him at least. “If I may, I have one statement for the class and one question for you. The statement is this, for you new bloods here, a good way to tell if your biting into an arterial vein or not is that arterial blood is a light shade of red almost pink because of the oxygen content. The blood of a non-arterial vein will be a darker shade of red.”

“my question is, in your opinion, with the carotid artery. Would you suggest tipping the mortals head back to gain access to this point even though the neck muscles move to protect the artery, or tipping the head down which in turn can increase blood flow to the area?” after stating his question he still stood for a moment longer before taking his seat.

He was well aware of the muscles that protected the artery when the head was tipped back. a protective measure gained through evolution. To protect vital spots. When the head is tipped down these arteries’ almost move in front of the jugular itself. This being the preferred position if you wanted to bleed a human dry quickly by cutting its throat like cattle.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

Lets see what this new form can do. > well screw you too guy /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

Undead always had to be troublesome, what was the saying in all those zombie movies and comics again? Go for the head? These thoughts and questions going through his head while he clutched the broken pixies head in his hand. Its knowing jaws and mangled face facing him.

Then he seemed to be enveloped in a black smoke for a moment. After a split-second of confusion, Ardur caught a glimpse of the other pixie chanting something with black blood pooling out of its mouth. Then the system notice sprung into his mind warning him of his imminent bad luck.

You have been Cursed! The next attack against you will be more effective!

System:Ardur

Then a motion came at him from the corner of his eye. He could see it, that gnarled stick, as it and the skeleton holding it came at him. Yet his movements felt slow almost as if his body wasn’t reacting as quickly as it normally did to his orders.

Then he felt it, a hard blunt force to his side as the stick made impact. It didn’t make him falter to the ground but it definitely pushed him and definitely hurt. “Son of a bitch that hurts!” crushing the skull of the pixie in his hand from the pain he grimaced. Asura was quickly going after the skeleton with the stick, but he could see the others picking up stones.

Dropping what was left of the pixie in his hands, Ardur then fly’s up slightly before attempting to smash the other pixie that cursed him with his feet. Just like he did to the lizard before. Only this time he was aiming for the pixies chest and head. The rage inside him was slowly starting to come back to life.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 55?%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 85%

Buffs: Inspired

Debuffs: Mana Burn, cursed,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level:

Other:

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

The car rolled to a stop on the cold cobblestone street. A vampire not much older than 100 years hesitated to open the door into the cool evening air. A shadowy figure sat across from him shifting slightly in his seat. The figure spoke with a deep and menacing tone while holding onto a slight Russian accent.

“You are the first of our family to attend this place. Do not disappoint me. We both know what happens if Lord Peiron is displeased with your performance.” Again the figure shifted, one leg crossing the other.

"Are you ever going to tell me why the lord requested that I personally do this? Not only would Valeria be a better suit for this, but she is my elder." Victor seemed reluctant to go. the tone of his voice showed that it wasn't because of fear but more of annoyance.

"Your sister is on another assignment and the lord specifically asked for you to do this." Red eyes pierced through the veil of darkness surrounding them, “Now go, this world will not wait for you and neither will I.”

His father’s words were never comforting in any sense of the word. Still, the large man sighed and pushed open the heavy door. "I would be learning more at our barracks... I hate politics" the young vampire whispered to himself. Turning his head slightly to glare at the figure of his father while he left.

He was met by the sounds of a few people unloading his luggage and a short female standing near the main pathway. Her red hair was pinned up in a neat bun, and she wore a dark purple jacket and black form fitting slacks. The girl was holding onto something, and he could smell the faint hint of a light jasmine perfume.

“Victor Astorio?” the women spoke while he looked her over for just a brief moment. “This way please.” Short and brief, something he preferred.

Victor followed behind the Hostess his eyes scanning about the complex as he counted his footsteps. He was in unfamiliar territory with unfamiliar people who he could almost guarantee did not share his mindset. Either nobles who had everything given to them or humans who simply hadn’t lived long enough to know better. He could already feel that this place was going to test his nerves.

The short red head in front of him handed him a few pieces of paper. A small map of the compound as well as his schedule, his room number, location of his dorm, and lastly a name and a picture of who he could only assume was his mage. “Salem Spellman.” He whispered while looking over the picture.

It was another thing he would have to come to terms with. Working with a human that he knew just by the looks of him wouldn’t be able to keep up. Victor could only wonder just how their ability’s would work with each other. Something to brain storm when they got a chance to sit down and talk to each other.

When the women in front of him slowed down he had to adjust himself, so he didn’t fall into her while she motioned towards some buildings. “Mockingbird hall is that way, that is where you will be doing most of your course work. Rose Hall is over there and is where the mages will be doing most of their training. You should be able to find the arena and your dormitory on the map that was given to you.” She definitely was blunt and straight to the point. “I do not recommend that you are late to your first class but, you still have some time before it starts.”

Victor simply nodded to the women and started to walk toward where he was supposed to go. The guards patrolling the area looked him over occasionally but otherwise didn't bother him. He did hear about some council business stirring things up the night before. Perhaps they are still dealing with the aftermath.

He didn’t bother them, and they didn’t seem too keen on bothering him either. It was simply another thing to look into. The approximate strength of the guards here could tell him a lot of what he was going to be dealing with. Victor didn’t believe that they would be his enemy anytime soon but you could never be too careful when dealing with vampire politics.

Slowly walking around the campus filling in the blank areas of the map with small outbuildings, tress, bushes, and the occasional statue. He wasn’t feeling all that ready to go out and search for his mage just yet. Until it was time for his first class Victor would simply wander around the area. Everything was different and now he needed to get used to new sounds and scents, perhaps he could even overhear the odd rumor or two.

Royals did like their gossip after all.