Avatar of Rune_Alchemist

Status

Recent Statuses

3 yrs ago
Current I just can't. This is too much. Berserk was so influential on so many things that I love. Goodbye, Miura. You'll be missed by many.
13 likes
4 yrs ago
Migraines ew
5 yrs ago
Welp apparently discord servers are having some pretty bad Latency issues.
1 like
5 yrs ago
Well I just got my mitts on the Links Awakening remake. Excus eme while I disappear for a weak while I relive my childhood
2 likes
5 yrs ago
Migraine killed me today. Posts tomorrow.
2 likes

Bio



Hello! Welcome to my little bio.

Not much to say, really. Just a horror game protag that likes writing and playing vidya games when I'm not being chased by the cosmic forces of darkness. (I'm a security guard that works night shifts usually).

Have some dancing medjed.

Most Recent Posts

@VitaVitaAR

realizing I actually pretty much like everything I wrote about her in the cs, I changed very little so here ya go.

Into the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin



“No thanks to you.” Lazhira replied with a small huff, pouting slightly. “Narkissa managed to kill all of them though! It was pretty impressive, heheh.” Not that she’d mention what else happened up there. That was not information Novak needed to know.

Narkissa clicked her tongue in annoyance at the uninvited guest.

“Yes. They’re gone. No thanks to you indeed,” She mirrored Lazhira, with a little more bitterness in her voice compared to the younger girl. After all, she had more than a few reasons to be cross with the still nameless male, with a new, additional reason being added just by virtue of approaching here and now. Still, Narkissa briefly shot Lazhira a look. There was a bending of the truth in their words there, but for her and Lazhira’s mutual benefit, and she wasn’t going to break that promise, especially when it had been made mere seconds ago.

It’d been a long shot, but she nonetheless somehow got Lazhira to open up and talk. She’d already suspected it, but now she knew for sure that Lazhira was part of the Illuminator’s Cult. And she was going to probe further and ask what was up with that, until brave, brave Sir Robin rode forth from the depths of the dungeon dark.

“I trust you’ve explored the catacombs and found them perfectly safe and sound?”

“What did you expect me to do, hit them with my sword and hope that it doesn’t get stuck in them? Stand around to distract them and hope that they don’t manage to kill me?” Novak asked defensively. After a moment, he continued with his voice lowered, still wary of making too much noise. “Unlike the two of you, I don’t know any magic, there was nothing I could do beyond perhaps making them wobble slightly. I assumed you’d be following right behind; I had no idea you had the power to harm them. Speaking of which, just how did you kill those things?”

“Well, yes,” she retorted, a flicker of annoyance on her face. Narkissa hadn’t really been hurt too badly during the melee, but it was still obvious enough that she’d been in enough of a fight.
“As we so happened to find out, without your help, they do in fact die if you hit them enough times.” Not quite a lie, but not quite a truth, either. Either way, if the big bad slime could be killed by ripping out its core, whacking the smaller slimes with a sword probably would have worked.

“Don’t make assumptions. You might get somebody killed next time. Now, have you explored this place or not?”

Novak paused. He hadn’t actually considered that the slimes could be killed with a sword, but Narkissa did it. He actually felt a little bad for jumping into the pit so quickly. After a few moments of contemplation, he composed himself and gave his answer.

“Yes, I have. This hallway has three rooms. The two ones on the right are a kitchen and dormitory. There is- or at least, was- a doorway to the left. Leannah went in there but the wall sealed up behind her and we got separated, and I haven’t found a way to get it open again.”

Novak pointed to the end of the hall. “At the end of this hall and to the right, there’s a small room with an empty pedestal. The passage to the left leads to some kind of chemical or alchemical laboratory. From there, there’s two doors, one being barricaded and one being ajar, leading to what looked like an altar room or chapel, but it’s...well...I saw someone or something moving around in there, and it’s not Leannah. And...” Novak turned to Lazhira. “If I may pose a question of my own, what do you know of this place, Lazhira? What do you think- or hope- we’ll discover here?”

“I was hoping for something to read myself...but most things here are pretty old.” She replied with a sigh. “And well, something to help with whatever’s...happening. Some proof or something that proves without a doubt the illuminator is behind whatever this is...or just something that stops the forest from being clouded by that fog.” She frowned, narrowing her eyes at Novak. “I hope Leannah’s okay...you said you saw someone moving further in?”

“Yes, I saw someone moving around in the room beyond the laboratory,” answered Novak, shooting a nervous glance back at the hallway. “I wasn’t able to get a better look, not without alerting them to my presence, but I’m certain it wasn’t Leannah.” Whoever or whatever I saw, I didn’t want to blindly confront them alone, so I returned here in hopes of meeting back up with you two.”

Ah, so brave Sir Robin continued to bravely run away. Although, this time, Narkissa had to concede it was probably a more prudent decision. Thankfully, he did seem to have explored a decent bit, which was some welcome news, but the information about Leannah was worrying.

She shot another look with a slightly raised eyebrow at Lazhira at this extra bit of information, but decided to focus on the more pressing matter at hand. “I’m not going to pretend I’m still not unhappy with you, whatever your name is, but I’d like to rescue Leannah. But first, we need to deal with whoever is in that altar room you say is there, if they need to be dealt with, so at least you’re right on that.”

“Oh, and there’s...one other thing,” Novak spoke up somewhat hesitantly. “Since we’re risking our lives down here together and I haven't been the most helpful person, there's something you need to know." Novak took out the mask he had taken with him and showed it to Narkissa. "This mask I found on the upper level, when I put it on, it shows me things. Whispers things to me. In the pedestal room, it showed a memory of people stealing an object from the pedestal. On the upper level, it told me to jump into the pit." Novak opened his mouth as if to say something else and briefly glanced at Lazhira, but decided against it. Bringing up what he saw with Lazhira might cause more trouble and tension than it was worth. "I suppose you might think me crazy, but it's the truth."

“Hmm?” Mildly curious, she looked down at the strange mask that Novak had produced, frowning a bit at the object. “I saw you pick that up earlier. I wasn’t aware that it had magical properties,” Narkissa finally said. It sounded like a cursed object to her. Strange objects whispering sweet nothings were not to be trusted however, especially when it told him to abandon her. On the other hand, the memory was interesting. “I’m not sure I would trust it, but what object was being stolen?”

“Let’s see...” Novak spoke, thinking back on it. “It looked like a brightly glowing sphere, or orb, floating just above the pedestal. Perhaps a magical stone, or gem of some sort. I saw these...phantoms grab it and run deeper into the temple, and following them took me to the laboratory. I also saw some sort of humanoids peeking at me from around the corner, but it must have been the mask because when I entered the laboratory, there was no sign of them, except perhaps whatever was milling around in the room beyond.”

“Hmm.” Narkissa’s eyes briefly flicked over to Lazhira to see if that got any sort of reaction from her.

“Hmm...I think those masks used to be worn by the worshippers. Something about limiting ones senses to hear the Illuminator directly and see things otherwise that people can’t.” Lazhira replied with a nod. “I don’t think anyone does that any more, but I could be wrong...dunno anything about that stone though.” She replied with a frown. “A crystal sphere was stolen, huh...” A thoughtful hum was all she offered on that subject.

“Wait a minute,” Novak responded, recalling what the mask had spoken to him. “I never specified it was a crystal sphere, Lazhira. But it was, wasn’t it, because that’s what the mask said as I explored the laboratory.” Novak had known something strange was going on with Lazhira ever since he had beheld her through the mask, and it seemed that she was more involved with this place than she had let on. He watched and awaited a reaction to the slip-up from either Lazhira or Narkissa. He didn’t want to press Lazhira for information, but if she continued to withhold important information from them, they could find themselves in otherwise avoidable danger. Not to mention Leannah, who still hadn’t turned up after triggering a trap.

“...W-well...ahah~” Lazhira chuckled in a nervous manner. “I just figured it was ya know...tsk, no, you wouldn’t buy that would you.” The girl said with a sigh and a slight pout. “...Don’t suppose you could just overlook that little slip up could ya?” She asked, narrowing her eyes and. “I’m on your guys’ side, promise. I really don’t know much more than you do. I just...happen to take legends and stuff a bit more seriously than most.”

“Hmm,” Narkissa intoned again. The slipup was obvious. It took her a moment to work through the implications after comparing it with what Lazhira had told her earlier. If she was a guessing woman, she was speaking to the girl that had stolen said crystal orb. She kept her face schooled with careful composure, though; dimly aware that Novak had looked toward her much in the same way as she had Lazhira, she wanted to hold her cards tight at the moment. Narkissa still didn’t trust that man. Still, a slip was a slip, but at least she trusted Lazhira more than Novak. The fact that he didn’t offer his name after not-so-subtle hint did not help.

“I suppose,” she leniently replied. “I’m sure you know more about this temple than you let on, though, so it would be helpful if you know anything that can get us into that room and Leannah. Anything short of blasting open that wall with high explosives, that is.”

"Look, Lazhira," Novak softly spoke, looking her in the eyes. "I truly want to help your village. If I didn't, I wouldn't have come here as unprepared as I am, and I certainly wouldn't have taken a headbutt to the chest from that armadillo beast. I understand that my interactions with you have not been sufficient for you to call me a friend. But I'd like to think that Leannah has proven herself worthy of that honor. And right now that girl, whose blood was shed protecting you, is lost in this literally godforsaken place, while the village you call home is menaced by an incensed elder beast. I won’t pry as to why you know what you know, but there's anything you know that is important to the well-being of the village or of your friend Leannah, or anything that'll prevent us from getting killed from stumbling around ignorantly, please tell.” It was clear that Lazhira did not trust Novak, and between his relative lack of interaction with the enigmatic girl compared the much more interesting-seeming women who had bunked with her, and the situation with the slimes, it wasn’t unjustified. He hoped, however, that the girl cared enough about her village and her new feline friend that she’d be willing to reveal anything that might be important.

“I dunno, do you have some way of lifting a slab of rock? I sure don’t.” Lazhira replied a bit sardonically. “Its her own fault for running off and not waiting for us anyways! Not that I can really blame her, eheh, I’d probably have done the same.” She fell silent, realizing that perhaps levity wasn’t going to help her here. “Look, there’s sure to be some sort of exit though, I doubt its one way. That’d be dumb.” She would start walking, towards the area Novak had come from. “All I can say...is that this place doesn’t feel right. Like, something is off about everything.”

“A hydraulic jack?” Narkissa offered.

“A hydraulic jack? How will you manage that?” Novak asked, curious as to where Narkissa’s line of reasoning was going.

Narkissa coughed. She’d intended it as a flippant comment, but it wasn’t entirely unviable. Just ambitious. Very much so.

More interestingly, he was able to follow her logic and understood the term, so her suspicion that the man was also from her world was confirmed. “Uh, I’ve been thinking about water magic since we’ve got here, and if there’s anything that can lift a slab of rock with a force multiplier without being destructive, it’s hydraulics. With enough control and a carefully crafted spell, it could work. Maybe. But I digress, what exactly feels off about this place, Lazhira?”

“...It doesn’t...feel right.” Lazhira replied with a huff. “...remember what I told you earlier Narkissa?” She paused walking, turning to face the other girl. “Might sound weird, but it feels kind of like...its too...clean? No, not that. Like there are little things that are here and there that seem off. Like you’re trying to recall something from memory but only remember vague details.”

Narkissa scrunched up her face in thought. “Like… passively, as a part of the environment, or something more active, like some sort of temple-wide illusion magic?” They’d all pretty much agreed earlier that the temple was kind of creepy, but now that they more or less had confirmation that the temple wasn’t exactly some long abandoned ruins, the implications were more… concerning. Especially if the three of them, plus Leannah were not the only people in the temple right now, which was looking more and more likely.

“Well. I feel like we’ll talk ourselves into circles unless you’ve got some additional information, Lazhira, but I think we should check to see what man? Thing? That what’syourname noticed. I feel like it might be connected.” She stared at Novak.

“That’s a good idea, if it’s even half as dangerous as the fauna around these parts, I’d rather not risk that thing wandering out of its room or overhearing us. While we’re in the lab you might want to look at what they were doing. Those slimes on the upper level...I think the temple’s former inhabitants may have been making those things. Oh, and before I forget again, my name is Novak. Sorry for not telling you sooner, I suppose I’ve just been too distracted for a proper introduction.”

"Not an illusion. If it was, it'd be easily breakable." Lazhira replied with a frown. "Its...like someone dumped a memory of the temple here, but that can't be right..." She would say, shaking her head. "Sorry, my heads hurting a little...lets just keep going." Lazhira would hurry off down the corridor, to where the main altar of this underground level of this temple seemed to be. Novak could take note that his little stalker friend seemed to have moved from the corner of the hallway, and on top of one of the tables, seemingly having only stopped moving after it had heard them approaching.

So they would head into the main altar.

The movement of the thing within hadn't stopped, and the moment they would enter, even if they tried doing so stealthily, it seemed as though whatever this thing was seemed more aware of them...and from the way they carried themselves, it was clear this might have been someone they didn't wish to meet.

"Ah, welcome, welcome! Sorry for the mess, this place has reaaallly gone to the dogsm haha! Or cats, rather! That Bastelian was quite the treat." In the dim lighting, the rough, cronish amused voice of the figure could be seen. Silver eyes seemingly glowing dimly. Her dirty robe and long, thin fingers bent as though they were clutching something. And what exactly, was she doing? Dancing with a mannequin. Indeed. Dancing. With a mannequin...wait no, taking a closer look it seemed to be some sort of horrific stiching of mannequin stuffed with very recent human parts. "Hm...you are there aren't you? Yes yes, don't hide. You'll put me in a bad mood, and that Bastelian certainly put me in a good one!"

"...You're..."

"Aye, aye, I'm the one you seek, girl. Iva'Krorh. The Illuminator. He who would enlighten mortals!...but why are you three here? You're not who I was hoping to find. No no, no theives among you. Just scavengers...and someone who hides what they are, and would have been a thief." A loud chuckle. She would stop the quick waltz she was doing with the Mannequin and send it falling to the ground. "But that's fine. Everyone has secrets, especially I! How is it? Find what you're looking for?"

"...I've nothing to say to you." Lazhira responded, shuffling a little closer to Narkissa.

Well, this might have been unexpected. Or was it expected to find what was now claiming to be a god in a temple dedicated to it.

"Nothing at all? Come now. Surely your still looking? I can help, you know. I know everything...about you." A point to Narkissa. "You. An...you." Her finger would move over all the gathered people until it landed on Novak. "Ah, nothing in that head of yours but empty space now. Pity. Sad. I could almost cry if I wasn't amused that someone would do something so utterly foolish."



Nobbu and the Fox
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y



“Ah? Truly! That is certainly wonderful news you bring. Its certainly a start...” He thanked Nobunaga and Misaki, before quickly getting to the questions he was asked. “Well, Lazhira has yet to return from the forest with those she set off with.” Enli replied with a nod. “She’ll likely be back before night, and as for what I know about the Illuminator...” He would open a few scrolls with enthusiasm, aged hands, gliding over the worn paper. “I’ve been going over some things again, and I can say with certainty I can give at least some insight. We know very few things about him in truth - only what we’ve written...and most certainly, they came directly from him. Considering his nature, I doubt everything we were given is truthful, or complete insight into something. If you don’t mind a bit of mythology, I’ll start at the beginning.”

Enli would breathe in, and begin.

“No one is quite sure when Knowledge first was birthed in human minds. After we were cast out from the place of our origin due to the ire of the moon, she no longer watched after us, nor guided us. In that moon drenched era without a sun, humanity barely scraped by. Unlike the Elves or dwarves, we had not the protection of any deity or fey. It wouldn’t be until some time after the Sun was rekindled did he first arrive.

What I could find, says that somehow Delpithi ordered his creation. Whether she did so himself, we do not know. I found records saying she ordered one of her most ardent followers to aide in his creation, but its a fragment or two at best. When he rose from the sea, he spread his arms across the land and when humans beheld his pure white visage they, for the brief instant, saw every single possibility reflected in it. Every secret of the world, everything they had forgotten.

“They say also, he gave two things to his followers. One...a key. A key that was said to ‘keep the path to the old sealed’. And two, the ‘secret of the ocean’s tears.’ The Kyrniths appearance is...undocumented. I can surmise at least, that he agreed to protect the village once the Illuminator left for some reason...but the date on that is lost. Its difficult to say when exactly that happened, as the scrolls simply...stop, at some point some generations ago. I believe it was my great-grandfather who had distant memories of it when he was a child, at most recent.”

Enli would look to Nobunaga and Misaki, having finished his little story.

“...I apologize. I do not have much in the way of facts. Suffice to say, people still believe in him simply because...well, they’ve never had anything else believe in.”



The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99



“...that’s Silver. Dwarven.” She replied, expression unchanging. “Well, I won’t ask how you got it. Dwarves don’t like sharing their ore.” She would look to Leuca. “Can you even use a sword? You hardly look like you can lift one.”

“I can, yes.” Leuca replied, either oblivious to the other girls mildly antagonistic tone or simply taking the higher road. She would glance towards Isidore though, frowning somewhat thoughtfully. “...I-I suppose, they would be good for fighting other people. But a sword doesn’t really help against beasts if they’re twice your size and the forest we call home is swarming with them...”

“Rubell Ore. The swords, why they’re that color. We make most of our weapons from it. Good. Sharper than most other metals. Excessively boring. Also decent at holding magic at higher purities, if you want to shell out for one. They’re locked up in the back, though, or you can find it in the mines further down.” She looked back to the silver. “You wanna buy something I’ll make it easy and just give whatever’s left from selling that thing.”

“W-well...if you don’t mind isidore…?” Leuca would walk over to some of the swords. Most were unfamiliar, and most were fairly light, unlike the normal blades, spears, and other things she was used to back in the forest. “...if you don’t mind me asking, you don’t seem like you like being in here.”

“...I dunno about you, Sirithen, but swords are boring. They just do one thing. Magic, can turn a sword into a stick.” She boredly replied. Seemed like she didn’t like working here.

“...I see.” Leuca frowned lightly, looking up at a pair of red blades. She would take a moment to look over most of the weapons. From daggers, shortswords, arming swords, though nothing that seemed suitable for two handed use. Eventually her gaze would fall upon a longsword and what seemed to be a small red dagger set.

“If it wasn’t for my dad being way too into rocks because he’s half-dwarf, I wouldn’t even be here.” The Shadow elf grunted.

“Uhm...I think these would be fine.” Leuca nodded

“Dagger...and sword, eh. Anything else?” She’d say as dispassionately as ever. If there was nothing else, she’d hand over the money after deducting the payment for the blades.








“Hm...that’s quite the odd name. More of a human ring to it, than elvish or fey.” She responded with a hum. If Augusta was attempting to blend in, as it were, she didn’t exactly seem to have done a good job of it. “Rhullphana Varoeth.” She would reply with a turn on her heels, walking further into the room. “And I, am the court mage for her highness as well as the foremost authority on anything relating to Sage Urumna...and you are both quite the rare specimens indeed.” She would say, glancing to Octavia.

“Quite a beautiful specimen, too. Oh, and she even considers you to be her master. Now that’s a surprise.” She commented. “You don’t look like you have even the basic knowledge of demons, and yet...hm...well...how did you manage it?” Perhaps this Rhullphana might be helpful in knowing more about Octavia, and demons in general? “Don’t suppose you could tell me? Or are you going to be stubborn and I have to break out some...persuasion techniques?”

Builder and a Traveler
@Guy0fV4lor@PaulHaynek



"Don't worry about it." Mie replied with a nod. "These things are tougher than they look...that was some funny power you used there, though." Her mouth curled into a smirk. "Wouldn't mind sharing at some point would ya though?" She would say, turning to walk back to the camp. It wasn't a long walk, and Mie would explain a bit about the situation. The dwarf would grumble a bit, but at least she would acquiesce to the request of Mie to come along. Not like she seemed to have much of a choice in the matter.

"Sorry about that. The Kamaitachi can be difficult to deal with if you fight one." She said with a frown, holding open the flap to her tent for them. Malphas didn't take her up on her offer, huh? Shame. Oh well. "Sure, they can bite and claw like any other beast...but aside from flesh wounds they can also hurt someones 'time.'" One of her ears twitched in thought. "Its...a bit difficult to explain, but when you fight one you may not always be injured immediately even if one claws you or a blow seems lighter than it should be."

"Eh? That's...I don't really get it."

"Hm...I've only heard rumors about it, but I've heard some say the Steineter that lives on the mountain of dwarves can 'Split the earth with just a look' its similar to that. Rather than just physically injuring something, it hurts its 'existence'."

"...Look am I just gonna fall over and die or not."

"Gonna have to look. You seem fine though, Donovan...which is kind of weird, but you'd probably be best staying with me tonight." Perhaps if they injured someone's time, then the Diety watching over Donovan helped protect him in some manner?

"...Ha, alright. Suppose I could do worse then this for tonight."

"Don't need anything else, Donovan, I'll watch the dwarf and make sure she's fine. Why's a dwarf out here anyways?"

"Tch, some dumb politics and grudges. The scholar class are leading some sort of dumb coup against the smiths. I'm not gonna be there when they bury themselves in the stones they love so much."

"...Eh?~ That sounds interesting." For a moment Donovan could swear he saw dollar signs in Mie's eyes, but for the moment it seemed his presence wasn't needed any more. Perhaps he could press the issue further, but he also should maybe see what was going on elsewhere now that this little job was done. It was about this time Nicholas would eventually find his way to Donovan too, either pointed in the direction of the tent or running into him as he left, whichever would happen first.

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn



Malphas moved through the forest. Slowly through the forest, careful to avoid any of the forest creatures. Oddly, though, there didn’t seem to be any. In fact, the forest seemed oddly...quiet. Eerily so. About halfway between the camp and the hidden temple, Malphas would become aware of something moving very close to him.

The wind would still itself.

A cold, stifling wind would blow past him.

The call of a deer in the distance.

He would see it soon enough. In the distance. He would have imagined it to be a tree first, given its tall nature and lanky legs, but the moment it moved would quickly dash such a reality. A large deer, much larger than the one that he had poisoned earlier. It moved slowly, hooves lightly pressing into the snow laden forest ground.

It didn’t see him, but there was clear hostility in it. If it saw him - it would very likely attack.

Popping in to say I'll have my Nem up probably tonight

Less things to rework then I thought I would want too.
I'll get to getting Neffy up in the next day or two
@Crusader Lord

“Ah, excellent, wonderful!” He laughed. “I think we’ll get along just fine, you and I!” So she’d step past the threshold. A large crystal left at the place where she had stood in front of the engraving. Perhaps left there so someone could find her? Such an action seemed like it might have proven useless, though. The moment she would step into the hallway, there was the feeling of something shifting again. The grinding of stone this time, too. A quick look behind her - and she’d discover the hallway behind her had simply vanished. Rather, it was as though it was never there at all.

Just an impossibly smooth wall...seemed like going back the way she came may not be an option, now.

““You want to learn about me, alright then. Just keep walking. I’ve already got something in mind.” And so Leannah would be urged to move forward. Despite the seeming expansiveness of the labyrinth, it also seemed...fairly small? Or linear. The more she moved, the more it seemed she had less and less of a choice on where to go. A distinct feeling that the Labyrinth was moving around her as she walked, perhaps.

Regardless of the oddness of this space, she’d eventually find herself in a large room.

“I’ve devised a series of...chambers, if you will.” He’d speak up again “Each chamber relates to me, in some fashion! If your a clever little fur coat, you’ll be able to put two and two together. At the end, if you’ll able to recite each room and what each room means - I’ll let you ask a single question, whatever question it is...and I will answer it truthfully and completely. Or, I shall give you information on something you want. Whichever you want.”

By now the first of the chambers seemingly have come into view.

“I’ll leave a few hints behind, of course. No fun if you don’t have any clue at all! But I won’t be helping at all from here, only watching. Ta-ta, I have some tea to get to.”

And then Leannah was alone.

The terms of the little game had been set, then. Each chamber was supposed to be related to the Illuminator in some way then...but what exactly did that mean? The room she was currently in seemed simple enough. An operating table had been situated in the center of the room. A small note in messy writing had been left upon the table.

”Knowledge was birthed by The moons demand, but it was knowledge stolen.”


Taking a further look around the room would reveal a few things. There were various offshoots to the room, with a few more rooms within. Around what seemed to be the door at the top of some stairs on a raised platform were four slots for some round spheres. The rooms seemed to extend to the North, East, West, and...South? Wait hadn’t she come from that way?

Seemed she was now trapped in this little room, but she had more places to investigate now.



Nobbu, the Fox, and a Traveler
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y@PaulHaynek



“...Hm. Boy.” The deer would address Nicholas as it would watch Nobunaga and Misaki depart. “If you truly wish to antagonize these followers of this god - then the hunters within the village may be where you wish to start.” It would say simply, before turning back towards the forest. “I will return tomorrow, to this grove, and should the wind tell of the village’s cooperation, then I shall grace it with my presence...but for now, I must take my leave. The winds grow restless to the south...” And with that, the Deer would return to the forest, eventually vanishing among the trees and leaving nearly no trace of it behind. Only a cool, refreshing breeze.

The fawn would follow Misaki for a little ways out of the grove, cautiously trailing along behind her. Eventually though, they would once more reach the edge of the forest and the deer would pause at the treeline, watching the two leave, not following Misaki beyond the edge of the forest, and soon they would find themselves back in the village. The sun was well on its way sinking on the horizon.

Seemed like there had been a small commotion over where Mie was, but looked like it had been resolved fairly swiftly. So the pair would make their way back to Enli’s longhouse, and would quickly be welcomed in. The older man seemed in a bit brighter spirits since the last they had seen him, and the scrolls from before seemed to now be scattered across the floor in front of the shelves.

“Oh! You two, you’re back.” He’d greet them in a friendly manner. “I have to say, I feel like I’m ten years younger at the moment. Another fellow arrived in the village recently...Donovan, I think his name was? He went to visit lady Mie, but I believe he may be able to help the two of you in this endeavor.” He offered them a small smile. “That aside, how goes things? I’ve been scrutinizing these scrolls a bit more than I have in the past.”



The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99



“O-oh...uhm...s-sorry, I think I’d rather go to the smithy...” Leuca said a bit hesitantly. “Uhm...I-I know I’m here to learn from them, but...I’d also like erm, a proper weapon...” There seemed like she had a few more reservations about that, but she wouldn’t voice them unless pressed.

The group would end up splitting. Augusta headed to the large tower, with Isidore and Leuca heading towards what seemed to be a smithy. The earthy, savor smells of nearby cookhouses and gathering houses would be tempting to be sure. Leuca would end up scrunching her nose up in a mildly uncomfortable manner though, as though she wasn’t quite fond of them. Most of the grey and pale skinned elves paid them no heed as they approached, though Leuca got a few odd looks, and the building itself was just a bit less fantastical looking than others, though that was saying little. It was built in a more traditional style, with stone work and masonry rather than the plants. Perhaps a fire hazard otherwise? Didn’t stop a large mushroom from intertwining itself around the building's chimney and claiming it as its roost. Its roots spread across the surface, until they pierced the cavern floor beneath, anchoring it in place.

Upon entering he was greeted with a warm air, the clanging of hammers and what was very clearly the front of a store. The interior was rather simple. Works of shadow elf craftsmanship hung on the walls, mostly seeming to favor simple arming swords of various makes, as well as armors of the lighter sorts. A few shields were seen, though they seemed to have some manner of dust suggesting not being well maintained or perhaps not popular. No ranged weapons, but perhaps that was to be expected. Bows and arrows didn’t seem like a good idea in underground areas.

“...a human huh. And a Sirithen. You’re the most interesting thing that’s walked in here in years.” A rather tired, bored sounding voice would greet Isidore. A young looking Shadow Elf was leaning against against a counter, wearing a simple dress and looking like she’d really rather be anywhere else but her current location. A yawn. “Make it quick so I can get back to staring at the ceiling sooner.”

Behind the counter was a large open area, separated only by a thin wall likely to help block out most of the noise from the storefront. A rather bulky dark skinned male was hammering away at metal.

“U-uhm...oh these blades are all so different than ours...” Leuca would say, taking a look around the weapons.

“That right huh. I heard Sirithen weapons tend to be more for power, eh.” She’d comment idly at Leuca’s comment.

“Mhm...well, that or spears...swords like these are mostly for beginners to familiarize themselves with.” Leuca would still look around the finely crafted blades, as though perhaps she wanted something.




Augusta would meanwhile find herself heading towards the tower - unlike Isidore, now that she was alone she could feel quite a number of gazes on her. Many of the Shadow Elves seemed perhaps, a bit too interested in her...but at least, for now, no one did anything or attempted to approach. The tower itself was quite the grand sight indeed. Vegetation grew around it, intertwining and seemingly engulfing the tower in various places, no doubt having been hollowed out in places to allow for people to live or move about within. It extended all the way into the ceiling above, though how far up it went was a question in and of itself.

The entrance was a set of large double wooden doors, though she would be stopped at the entrance.

A shadow elf wearing simple armor with a red blade hanging from her hip would give Augusta a mildly irritated glance, rather rudely making a move to stand in front of her.

“Dunno what you’re here for, Sirithen, but this towers’ got nothing special for you. Get lost before you end up being turned into a toad.”

“...hm? Did I hear that right? A Sirithen of all things?” Before the rather irritable guard could say anything else, a voice from within the tower interjected. The wooden doors would open, and a rather…loosely dressed elf would step into the street. A bit shorter than Augusta, with violet eyes and long white hair and the typical grey skin of the Shadow Elves. Violet eyes studied Augusta for a moment before a small smile crept slowly across her lips. “...Let her in if she wants.”

“E-eh?! Seriously? This milk-skin?!”

“You heard me. Unless you want to be on the receiving end of an unpleasant experiment, let her in.” If Augusta desired, she’d be allowed in with no problems after the words from this Elf, whoever she was. The interior was a far cry from what it appeared outside - or perhaps it looked to be exactly as one would expect. The interior was well lit in cool colors, illuminated by lanterns with blue flame and bioluminescence from plants growing within. Plush luxurious carpets covered the floor, the walls covered in vegetation, walls crammed full of shelves full of magical and alchemical apparatus’. Oddly, there did not seem to be ways to move upwards. Surely this entire tower wasn’t reserved for this entire room.

“Rare that your kind venture down here. Most think us as, ah, undesirables. Now...why don’t we start with names, my fair skinned cousin. Don’t worry, no one will harm you here, unless I tell them too...or I want too, of course.” Of course, she could choose not to follow and this exchange would never happen, but maybe it was safest to not wander too much, though perhaps judging from this ones demeanor she may not be entirely safe here, either.

Octavia would curiously peek out from behind Augusta's legs.



Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn@Guy0fV4lor



Mie raised an eyebrow, tail swishing thoughtfully behind her.

“So...you wish to work for me, is that it? In return for protection and a bit of knowledge.” She pondered. “Truthfully, I don’t really need any more of these...I needed one for a...special order, but...” The fox smiled. “If you wish to make a trade deal, by all means then. I can always find uses for these. Though, I’ll have you do a few more...managerial tasks, in return I’ll allow you to stay here. Should be a few extra beds around here in some tents-” Mie’s ears perked up, her nose scrunching lightly as she would sniff the air, head turning towards the tent wall. A small commotion from outside.

“Lady Mie!” A worker came running in. “The Kamaitachi is enraged. The forest might have-”

“Its not the forest.” She quickly cut him off. “Nothing would quite so easily scare one of them.” She would turn back towards malphas. “We can discuss more details later if you want, but for now, you may take rest in my tent for me to return. I need to see what is going on out there. Just let Ayumi know you’re there or she might think you’re a thief.” Of course, Malphas could see what was going on, too or head for MIe’s tent. It wouldn’t be hard to find if he asked some Oni. She would then take the flower from Malphas and leave, supposing he’d let her have it - not that he was in any position to refuse giving it to her. A few Oni were eyeing him with suspicion. He could also choose to follow her, if he desired.

The commotion outside, was Donovan’s struggle against the weasel-like beast that was currently attempting to gnaw his face off. He reacted fast, his goddess given strength and body holding fast against the creature's weight. He put his weight on his back foot, gathered power in his fist…

There was a muffled impact. The sound of something breaking as Donovan’s fist slammed into the Kamaitachi’s jaw. It gave a shrill, pained wail as it was knocked off balance, its weight being suddenly redirected and its body quickly rolling over onto the ground. It thrashed, rolling a few times - but it was stunned long enough for a few Oni workers to attempt lassoing the beast with strands of rope. One was tossed arounds its neck. Another was wrapped around its tail, while a small group would toss a net over it.

“Eeek?!” A sudden shout from the dwarf would perhaps draw Donovan’s attention. “G-get yer hands off me!”

“Hmm, hold on, looking for something~” A quick glance would leave Donovan discovering that his dwarvish acquaintance was being accosted by Mie in a rather comical fashion. “Hmm...nope, nope...not it...”

“I dunno what in the name of the stoneblight yer doing, but get-off-!” The dwarf attempted to pull Mie off her, but the fox was surprisingly sturdy apparently. “Geh, why are you so-bweh!”

“There we are~” Mie would pull something out of one of the Dwarfs bags. A small sack of some sort of, foul smelling organic material covered in some orange substance. “You wanna tell me what this is? Because its making my animals a bit agitated.”

“That? Its a bait we use to lure away those blasted centipedes in the mountain!”

“These centipedes wouldn’t happen to be kin to an Elder beast would they?”

“Aye, they are!”

“Haaa...well, that explains this.” Mie tossed the sack to one of the Oni. “Put this in my tent would you? I don’t want any more of the Kamaitachi getting agitated.” She turned to Donovan. “You and that dwarf should come with me. These things are kin to an Elder Beast that live on one of the mountains in Chagawa. I need to check you both for injuries.”

“I’m not goin’ anywhere with you! I’ve been manhandled twice! Twice! In the span of an hour! You surface dwellers are crazy!”
@Crusader Lord

“Yes yes, I know all that! I helped mother make those bodies of yours!” He impatiently replied, though soon shifted to a rather amused tone with a light chuckle. “The old tower...the old Lab...it was before my time, but she lets me play with the inmates every now and then. Really, poor sods the lot of them. All because they wanted to lock auntie up. Ah well, mortals will be prideful and foolish mortals...that’s what makes them fun.” A dark chuckle followed. For a moment Leannah would feel something...odd. Like a prickling sensation on her skin. It passed quickly, but it was noticeable enough for her to register it as odd.

“How is the old Deer anyways? Still hates me for that prank, I presume? Ah well, no matter no matter that. Bury the hatchet as they say. Or bones, in that case.” He didn’t elaborate on what that prank was, but what little information she had it was probably only funny to him. Another feeling of something odd. This time she swore the stone in front of her would...warp slightly. As though space was starting to bend somewhat.

“Alright then! If you’re so eager to learn, fine then! Lets see how willing you actually are, Bastelian. No better place to learn than my own home.” The voice replied. Leannah would blink...and the wall behind the pillar suddenly wasn’t there. Infact, it was almost looking into something entirely out of place. Like someone had stitched two places together haphazardly.

Gone was the trappings of an old temple. In front of her was a long, pristine hallway of smooth white floors and ceilings...made of Marble? They were definitely smooth, white stone of some sort, but it seemed as though the entire structure was carved into it rather than build. It stretched until it slowly started to curve, Leannah being unable to see around it. It was conveniently brightly illuminated, Illumicrystals creating an almost fluorescent bulb like lightning. The areas where the floor and ceiling were connected, were colored grey.

Several hallways jutted from either side corridor, though some doors seemed to be locked tightly.

“Go on then! I’ve not had visitors in quite some time, not even mother visits these days. I have one of my servants making a delicious cake right about now if you make it to the end. Just don’t ask what’s in it, if I were you.” A pause. “...of course you can refuse, too if you're boring...and I really, really, don’t like boring people.”

...she would get the distinct feeling if she walked through there, there was a very good chance she might not come back for a while and despite the hostility in his voice, there was a good chance she could refuse, too.



Nobbu, the Fox, and a Traveler
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y@PaulHaynek



“...I see. You are quite cunning.” The deer replied with a slow nod. “Killing a God truly is nearly impossible without the aid of another divine...but ‘killing’ in the sense of rendering him obsolete...that may indeed work. I doubt it would keep him away for long he takes great pleasure in meddling in mortal affairs...but it could avert catastrophe here. Starting with the children would indeed be beneficial...though there are few in the village these days for a number of reasons...I would start with that one by the name of Lazhira.” He said with a nod. “She has not visited in a while, but she would visit this grove from a young age in the past.”

He glanced towards Nicholas.

“...your words are naive, but perhaps some are not entirely without merit. It is true that this grove is sequestered away from the village...but the reason is simple. It is not a place for most men to tread…perhaps constructing another nearer would be beneficial.” It would turn its attention back towards Nobunaga and Misaki. “You may tell the Chief I will agree to meet and build a relationship with him, should he desire. I can not say much about the God himself...but I’m sure the Chief can help in that regard. In the meantime, I shall determine what it is I could teach these humans.”

It nodded.

“If that is all, it is best you work as swift as a stormy wind. With the involvement of those touched by the moon, I fear things will only hasten towards a conclusion.” It would turn its attention back towards Nicholas. "...you should start sooner, rather than later. The Sage is known to only appear to those who they deem worthy to guide, whatever such a thing means. Many have gone their entire lives searching, without seeing."



The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99



“The...dwarves did what?” Sorcha narrowed her eyes at Augusta, observing her for a moment.

“U-uhm...” Leuca hopped down from Sorcha’s arms, frowning as she would hug herself tightly. “They...wanted to take me...we don’t really know why...”

“...I see...” Scorcha said coolly, casting a glance towards the mountains, in the opposite direction from where they came. “Firebeard, firebeard...If I remember correctly, he’s a respected warrior, and the captain of the Iceguard...hm.” She frowned, shaking her head and bowing towards Isidore and Augusta. “Once again, you have my thanks. I’ll withhold judgement until I speak with him personally, but for now its best to avoid the Dwarven city it seems...”

Sorcha would tug on her cloak the cloak around her neck.

“Stieneter shouldn’t be an issue. It shouldn’t bother us, and the Apostles...well, they’re not equipped to heading to Gloomhollow.” She’d start walking. “If you’re coming with, we got a bit of a ways to walk so get moving. Slow down, and I’ll be leaving you.”

And so the group would head further into the mountains, the storm oddly seeming to abate the further they headed up. Leuca kept close to Sorcha, and Octavia hung constantly behind Augusta, obviously terrified of Sorcha. So much she she didn’t even look at her, keeping her head low and tail between her legs, almost as if she was fearful of offending Sorcha.

Eventually, Sorcha would lead them to a small tunnel carved into the rock. Barely noticeable from the outside, hidden behind a rock and nearly buried under some snow. It would be now, Sorcha seemed to feel comfortable with speaking more freely when Isidore would bring up the first of his questions.

“Its not magic.” She replied. “Not in the traditional sense...it was a talent I was born with. In simple terms I can control and weaponize certain energy. It lets me do some...neat things with metal.” It was a decidedly non answer she gave, but Isidore could probably make a few assumptions considering what he saw earlier. Soon they would find themselves beneath the mountain entirely, the rocky tunnel they were in gently sloping downwards. “Watch your head...but keep quiet. Nothing should bother us but lets not tempt fate.”

Thus the group would travel further in, eventually the sloping tunnel opening to a large cavern, illuminated only by large clusters of bioluminescent fungi growing on the walls. Several small creatures skittered away from them, though none like the large insects from before.

“What? You expect me to fight thirty men myself?” Sorcha scoffed with a light chuckle. “...perhaps I could but I achieved my goal. Leuca managed to flee, and fighting could happen after I reunited with her. I don’t know morgan, though he’s not one I’ve heard of. I only know Railey because he rightly has a personal vendetta against me. I’ve done some things in my history I’m not proud of, and let's leave it at that.” She was being awfully honest about that...perhaps she was simply too trusting.

Sorcha would lead them deeper into the mountain, the mushrooms and fungal growth on the wall growing with each chamber they passed, a clear sign that they were getting closer and closer to Gloomhollow. They had been walking for some time now, and Sorcha would stop by a flowing river of water, letting Leuca take a break and for the party to rest.

“O-oh I can answer that one…!” Leuca replied excitedly. “Uhm...the Fey are the oldest beings alive!” She smiled. “Uhm...the Elves like me have been worshiping and living with them since before the Moonless era, supposedly. They’re the reason we managed to survive.”

“She’s not wrong.” Sorcha would reply. “While they are perhaps close to dietes, they aren’t true deities themselves, nor are they beasts. I’m not sure where they come from, that history has far been lost, but while they don’t have the overwhelming force that the Gods or Beasts do, they have much more subtle influence over the world.”

They would continue on again, traversing past the large pool of water and further into the bowels of the earth. They had to be quite far down, now. Further than any natural cave suitable for human travel had been on earth, at least. A fairly long walk later, and they would finally reach their destination.

A massive, underground cavern with a ceiling so large one couldn’t see it. The ground was oddly covered with grasses and moss, instead of the usual rock one would expect to see underground. Large mushrooms and other fungi rose from the floor to the ceiling, their bioluminescence serving as the basis of most of the areas lighting. It was a sight they certainly wouldn’t have seen back on earth. Seemed like there was a whole ecosystem here...and in the distance they could make out what seemed to be the trappings of a city, with a large mushroom serving as the city's centerpiece with its roots seemingly having grown into a large stone building beneath.

“...that depends on if I can trust you two or not.” Sorcha would reply to Isidore’s final question. “This was supposed to be a peace deal of sorts. We can talk more about this once we meet the queen.” Sorcha would move towards the city, and soon the group would find themselves in the heart of Gloomhollow, and thus their first look at the Shadow Elves.

Rather than perhaps the dark skinned people they may be expecting depending on their fantasy interests, the Shadow Elves were starkly pale and grey skinned, typically with white hair and lightly colored eyes from the look of them. Most were dressed in light garb woven from likely mushroom fibers and other things found in the hollow. A few armed people milled about, wielding swords with a red colored blade.

Understandably, they would attract some attention, though most would simply go about their day. Most of the buildings here seemed to be built from an odd combination of mushrooms and traditional stonework, the two styles blending together fairly fluidly.

“...Mhm, alright. It is odd there is no one here to greet us...” Sorcha would stop in front of the large building, the long luminescent tendrils hanging from the mushroom swaying in some unseen breeze. “I’ll inform her majesty of our arrival...I would however, suggest that unless you’re willing to see whatever is happening here through to the end, you leave now. I doubt the Shadow Elves would give either of you much trouble as long as you kept your heads down. Either way, I would like to trust Leuca with you until I return.”

From here the group could see a few people moving about, and a few notable locations. One was a particularly ornate building. Lanterns glowing with pale yellow light hung from various spots as its roof gave way to a large bluish green colored mushroom. Several people seemed to be moving about...notably there seemed to be...quite a few scantily clad women around it. Another less questionable building was nearby. Smoke billowed up from a chimney, and the clanging and hammering of metal could be heard within. A group of what seemed to be guards was standing nearby, exchanging a few glances towards the group, too. Otherwise, the only other place immediately noticeable was a large tower, jutting up into the ceiling high above, illuminated and surrounded by numerous plants and foliage that live in the environment.








"Shite!" Don cursed as he and the dwarf tumbled across the ground, and out of the woods. Gathering his bearings quickly, a low grunt escaped Donovan's lips as he climbed back to his feet, cracking his neck on both sides before turning his head slightly to the dwarf as she spoke. "Aye lass, I aint th' lyin' type.... Aye'll treat yer wounds after weh get this thing back in ehts damn pen-- just get whatever tha hell et wants offayah so weh so eht'll calm the hell down!"

Turning toward the rampaging animal rapidly approaching, he raised his shield, ready to fend the creature's initial assualt off.

Donovan didn't have to wait long for the beast to break from the treeline. The weasel like beast would slam into the ground, having leaped after them. Its powerful muscles left deep impressions in the snow. It would first notice Donovan, halting a moment as it would paw lightly at the snow under its paws.

"I dunno what ye mean! I ain't got nothin on me this beasty would want!" The dwarf replied hastily, quickly gettin' back to her feet. The Oni by now, realizing that the beast was angered or agitated by something quickly shouted orders in their native tongue to each other, one running to Lady Mie's tent while the others seemed to hurriedly find some things to restrain the beast with.

The beast wouldn't take much longer to lunge towards Donovan, the beast slamming its forward weight into the mans shield - but he would be able to hold against its weight as it would make an attempt to bite at Donovan's face over it.
@Crusader LordInto the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin



Novak approached some books on the tables, soon donning the mask he had found earlier once more after gaining no insights with his own eyes. Curiously, it seemed to help. Though he’d glean nothing solid from the books themselves, a voice would whisper in his head as he looked over the books.

“Crystal...”

“...baleful fog...”

“Move the altar...”

“...where is the other half...?”

...nothing overly useful, but perhaps the individual pages could be roughly translated to some larger whole? OR maybe they had nothing to do with the words at all. The diagrams themselves would prove equally as unenlightening. Seemed like one was some sort of instruction for creating some sort of jelly like substance? The disturbing thing was that the diagram seemed to have a human heart as some sort of component…

Once done there, he moved towards the door. The light reflecting from his blade would reveal little. Whatever was within was definitely moving, but it was unclear as to what. He would poke his head in...some humanoid was moving at the far end of the large altar room, right under a massive stone idol, the same shape and type as the one that had been above, but scaled to mildly ridiculous proportions. Definitely not someone he knew. The place was better lit, but it was not so much as to give any comfort. Large crystals on chandeliers seemed to be the main source, with the statue also having several growing upon it.

If he did decide to go back to the tarpit, his little skull friend seemed peaceful enough, not seeming to engage. He’d hear Lazhira’s and Narkissa’s voice once he got about halfway back down the hallway, and he’d easily be able to see them standing at the junction where the hallways split towards the pit and the pedestal room. He wouldn’t be able to make out what they were saying until he got closer, though.

“Petroleum?” Lazhira frowned. “I dunno what that is...but it kinda looks like the same stuff those slimes were made of.” She’d say idly, looking about the sub level, following slowly behind Narkissa as they traveled into the hallway. She’d frown slightly, lingering her eyes on where the Library was supposed to be, but now was blocked by a wall.

She didn’t say anything, though. Now, she has stopped when Narkissa asked her about her abilities, fidgeting on the spot.

“...uhm...do we have to do this now?” Lazhira would question, clearly uncomfortable. “...Geh, no, its fine. I trust you...I guess.” She didn’t sound too sure of that, holding her hands together and rubbing them against each other nervously. “W-well...uhm, The Illuminator...w-well, I used to be part of this cult. T-that’s all. I learned some things there that help with uhm, tricking others minds and preventing people from even noticing you.”



@Crusader Lord

Leannah would have...minor success with her telekinesis endeavors. Very minor. In fact, she couldn’t be sure she was doing anything at all. She would extend her reach outwards towards the cage...but it felt odd. Almost as if...it was much further away that it seemed like it was. She could definitely ‘feel’ it with telekinesis, but it felt far too distant for any fine control or any actual leverage.

Either way, while she may have realized she could utilize telekinesis in some way, it seemed like it wasn’t going to be helpful here without a decent bit of training. The riddle would prove as equally as frustrating. None of her answers seemed to initially, at least, give any sort of indication of being right...at least, initially. Until a rather amused, masculine voice would echo from the engraving itself.

"I ask for a who, and you give me a what! IS your brain full of nothing but fur, cat?!" A jovial, friendly tone. "I swear you mortals get more amusing the more I leave you alone!" There was a pause. "Amusingly frustrating. Bah, I don't suppose I should have expected you to solve it. Only one person in the world knows the answer, and its not me!" His tone shifted from jovial to a more angry, almost hateful voice as he spoke. "Well, you have my attention now, Bastelian. What do you want? I'm busy right now, so tell me before I make a scarf from your tail."



Nobbu, the Fox, and a Traveler
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y@PaulHaynek



“...your lips are far too noisy for your own good.” The deer replied towards Nicholas. “You should not so easily mention your origins. There may be those who seek to exploit or harm.” He turned his head towards the sky for a moment, inhaling and closing its eyes. A few seconds passed as the wind carried words to its ears.

“...That is...quite the curious artifact.” The deer replied. “An ancient stone, from the same place you woke I assume...yet not a stone native to that area. It perhaps once belonged to the sage those of the Mountain revere, but as for what it is - I can not say. It is old. Perhaps older than the Moonless Era. As for a passage back...those within the mountain speak of the Sage being able to peer into worlds other than this. Perhaps you should start there.”

It would turn its attention back to Misaki and Nobunaga as she would finally speak herself. It quietly listened to the proposal, a stillness overcoming the air as she spoke. It was near impossible to determine what the deer was thinking as she relayed her plan, but it did not seem hostile.

“...It is not unheard of for those in other regions to worship or to seek guidance from the Beasts as myself as divinity. Occasionally I meet my kin, and they tell me as such.” The deer replied. “I have never needed to, nor thought I should. Beasts such as myself should not involve themselves in mortal affairs...but I can see how it would benefit the whole.” He exhaled. “...I suppose you have a thought as to how we could go about this, then? While those in the village may not all fear - they all are wary, and those within the village seeking to work against me would surely sabotage such efforts to prove otherwise. Perhaps you should merely find those and end them as they would end the forests.”

The deer by Misaki’s side would eventually settle down, taking a rest upon the ground near her. Seemed like she had made a friend.



The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99



Leuca would break away from her hiding place, running down the slope and heading straight for the woman in front of them. She’d ignore Isidore’s motions, bolting past him and Augusta with an uncanny swiftness. She nearly tackled Sorcha as she’d wrap her arms around her in a hug.

“Sorcha!”

The blond woman would drop her sword, picking up the small elf, hugging her tightly and letting her sit in her arms.

“Oh, blessed stars, you’re okay…!” The woman laughed in relief. “Ah, I knew you were alive. I taught you well, after all didn’t I?” She’d laugh, ruffling the elfs hair with an open hand and turning to her companions. She peered at the curiously, amber eyes lingering on them both...and then falling to the hound that was currently cowering behind Augusta. Octavia whimpered quietly, seemingly terrified of something as she hug the back of Augusta’s feet.

“...Leuca...these people helped you, I take it?” She’d ask cautiously.

“Mhmhm! Isidore and Augusta. Isidore’s reeeallly strong~! Like he can fight a dwarf! And-and Augusta she can heal almost as good as the Druids back home.”

“...I see.” Sorcha would reach down, reclaiming her blade and sheathing it. “Well...you both have my thanks.” Her voice was cool, tinged with a bit of suspicion. “...I suppose since you helped Leuca I can trust you somewhat.” Sorcha exhaled, keeping Leuca in her arms. Isidore could at least tell she wasn’t dropping her guard for anything. “If its the Shadow Elves you seek, then you are welcome to come along then. I know these mountains well. Once we reach the dwarven gates we should find it easily.”

Seemed like she might not know things were not well with the dwarves.



Wayward builder
@Guy0fV4lor



“Yes, let a random human just lift me by my bootstraps and carry me off to who knows where!” The dwarf protested again. “That sounds like a right wonderful idea-aaaah!?!” Donovan focused that divine energy into his lower body, breathing relatively calmly as he would allow it to build. The moment the beast pounced, his foot also hit the ground...and he’d find himself being launched forward.

Perhaps not quite as far as he had hoped, but far enough to get out of the beasts grasp, and...tumble right out of the forest near the camp of the Merchant. He’d find his footing failing him, the dwarf tumbling out of his grasp as she’d roll a few feet on the ground before managing to hold up a hand.

“So...you were tellin the truth about that, eh?” She sat up, frowning slightly as she’d hold her side. “Tch, I think I broke something in that tumble...tsk, really at least ask a girl ‘for you get rough with her.”

A group of Oni workers had taken note of their rather abrupt arrival. The beast was probably not far behind.



Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn



“Enli is a pushover.” Soyala said flatly. “Too concerned about the status quo, and fears upheaval in case the people here suffer. Unless he suddenly has grown a spine, I doubt he’d give you too much trouble if you tell him the hunters desire to put together a feast to welcome these newcomers.” She would smile slightly. “As for their relationship...well, she’s the only one who has the patience to hear his stories and legends passed down from the elders. I suppose they’re close, no matter if she complains about his lessons.”

Malphas would have no trouble returning to the tree where the flowers were growing. No more beasts seemed to find them here. The only odd thing perhaps he’d take note of on his return trip...was what appeared to be the same black fox that he had pursued the other day. He’d only catch a momentary glimpse of it, but it was no doubt the same. It’d run off in the same direction he had been heading in.

Otherwise, though, the trip back to the village would be uneventful.

Whenever he would return to Mie, she’d greet him with a sly smile. The area seemed much less lively than it had been earlier that day, as the sun slowly sank lower and lower into the horizon.

“Ah, so you’ve returned. I was almost hoping you wouldn’t, fufu.” She’d chuckle, sliding on thin, cloth gloves onto her hands. She’d hold a palm open and out. “Hand it over. Its getting late and I’ll likely be closing shop soon..”
I shall be postin' tomorrow
Into the depths?
@Click This



“Weird...” The girl replied with a small frown. “Without saying too much, you...should hold onto that, okay? And make sure you don’t let anyone take it.” She joined Narkissa, peering into the hole with a small grin. “Hey, if you can beat that thing I doubt anything down here could hurt us.” She’d say leaning over and gazing into the hole. “Annnd hey, without a bit of risk we’re not gonna learn anything~!”

Instead of giving Narkissa a moment to decide, Lazhira simply jumped, and quite literally, cannon balled down the hole with a playful whee.

She would hit the somewhat bouncy tar pit below, bouncing lightly as she rebounded off, only to lose balance and fall face first on the tar. Narkissa would soon follow, either by following Lazhira’s own jumping or taking the rope Novak left behind, ending up on the same sub level the others were currently in.

“Ew, what is this stuff...” Lazhira frowned, sitting up and getting to her feet. The duo was left with the same options to head forward as Novak and Leannah had, albeit without the option of the library as the wall was still closed.

Dungeon Diving ho~!
@Crusader Lord@Crimson Paladin



Leannah was understandably cautious about this room, more so than the previous two at least. She would carefully avoid the tar by the pools, keeping an eye out for any obvious traps. Thankfully, as far as she could tell there didn’t seem to be any as she walked towards the opposite end of the room.

As soon as she reached the other end, she would attempt to cast the relatively simple spell of light again. A bit of concentration, and success was achieved. The small sun in her hand would light the room brilliantly, much more so than the dim lighting the cistern otherwise had. Within the water, the light illuminated what lay within.

Fish.

The moving figures were fish.

A number of extremely long almost eel like aquatic creatures swam lazily back and forth. At the bottom of the pool was a metal cage. Seemed like it had been at one point perhaps attached to the ceiling, but it had long since sunk to the bottom of the pool. It was difficult to tell but it seemed like there might be something within the cage, glinting off the light her small sun was giving out. The light also illuminated the exit, a staircase leading up back to the level of the rest of the temple.

The hallway it led to was rather simple, old gold and white carpet leading to a small pillar holding up the ceiling. Seemed to be dead end. The stone hallway seemed cold, and oppressive, and she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Small gaps in the right hall of the hallway seemed to indicate there may be some way to open the door.

Carvings on the wall near the pillar showed similar figures before. A woman in a flowing dress which turned into water. A hooded figure kneeling in front of a star. A carving of an old man, hand to his head and cane in the other.

“Made by new, to learn of the old. A creature that only knows, not how. Knowledge without knowledge. Incomplete memory, a fragment of old stuffed into new. Who am I?”


A…riddle?

Would she have enough to ponder this information? And what was the purpose of it?




Novak would leave the pedestal room, more questions than answered. Where they ghosts? Or merely echoes of past events, that only those who wore the mask he had could see. Even then, what would they mean in either case? His steps would carry him down the corridor, following the small line of light which illuminated the wall.

The corridor was mostly straight, though the stones making up the floor had become slightly uneven in their age. No more strange visions assailed him as he moved, nothing more than the grayscale world and the single line of light would greet him, at least until he reached the end of the corridor. It would open into a room, smelling damp and musty, lights barely illuminating the medium sized room.

Rather than a library, this seemed to be more of a laboratory of some sort.

Old wooden tables, vases, glass jars full of unknown substances, likely unusable due to age. A few old books and pages of parchment and vellum. Liquids stained the tables, and a few chairs and some things had been knocked over as if someone had left in a hurry. Against the wall to his left was a door. Seemed like someone had boarded it up with a table and a few chairs. Dried black tar was to be smeared across the floor under the door.

An iron door to the right seemed to lead to what appeared to be a main altar area. It was more largely illuminated and something seemed to be moving within. The line of light moved from the wall, to the floor, zigzagging into the altar room.

He would vaguely be aware of a skittering noise coming from the hallway behind him. A quick check would show the same skull before had somehow positioned itself about halfway down the corridor.

Maybe there was something of use here, or he could keep moving.



Nobbu, the Fox, and a Traveler
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y@PaulHaynek



The Kyrnith fixed its eyes upon Nobunaga, studying her for a moment as the air within the grove stilled, seemingly in thought. A few long stifling seconds would drag by before the air would move again. The deer exhaled, a quiet breeze of wind flowing through the trees.

“You speak the truth.” It would reply. “The forest is only able to exist here because of my power. Without, it would be naught a plain of snow like so much of the rest of this dreaming world. Even should they survive, without the forest they would perish.” The breeze would shift, a somber feeling upon it. “...but there is little to be done. We beasts are powerful - but we can not act so freely against the divine without upsetting a delicate balance.” The deer would close his eyes, turning his head briefly to the sky.

“I am willing to hear this proposal you speak of.”

While Nobunaga spoke, Misaki would have a friendly fawn seemingly growing more attached to her. The blue coated animal would playfully and affectionately rub its head against her hand should she decide to pet it.



The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99



“E-eh? Y-yes she is…?” Leuca would respond to Augusta curiously. “...she’s...been blessed by the Fey though with immortality though...” Perhaps that would explain why she could only read a few things about Sorcha, but it still didn’t feel quite right.

“That’s far enough, stranger.” Railey would say, not taking his eyes off his opponent. “Any closer and Morgan might find both our heads being delivered to him.”

“I’ve no reason to harm them.” Sorcha replied, voice tinged with clear hostility. Her eyes glanced towards Isidore, suspicion and wariness clear but Isidore would note a mild bit of surprise only for a moment, before returning to Railey. “...unless they get in my way.”

“That so? That’s not the Sorcha I know.” Railey chuckled. “Has working with the elves dulled your fangs? Or are you just getting old finally?”

“Cut the chatter.” Sorcha replied coolly. “The only thing we’re going to do is fight unless you leave.” She smirked. “Not that you would risk the lives of your men in a serious fight. So that leaves you with one option. Leave-”

Before she could finish her words, Railey had lunged forward, the large sword in his hand striking forward with uncanny swiftness for such a large blade. The blade fell to the earth, its target expertly dodging just out of the way. Her own blade catching upon Railey’s armor and barely missing his flesh.

The large man lashed out with his shield, slamming it roughly into Sorcha’s torso. A pained grunt, the woman stumbling backwards from the force of the impact. The man would grasp the blade with both hands.

Sorcha’s blade met Railey’s own, the unpleasant noise of electricity bouncing off metal. The larger blade bounced off hers, deflecting it near perfectly and effortlessly. A flourish. Sorcha’s blade thrust forward. The blades tip clunked against the mans armor. A crackle of electricity, and the man was shoved violently backwards, the force enough to even knock him right off his feet. Whatever the shockwave was, it also caused any metal on Isidore’s own person to jerk away abruptly from the impact, though less violently.

“You can’t win, Railey.” Sorcha said bluntly. The brief clash would happen a bit too fast for the other two to involve themselves in. No doubt if they had, they might very well end up dead regardless.

“Tch...I really am gettin’ old.” He’d grit his teeth, getting back to his feet. “...ha, fine. I’m not a fool. I’m not risking my men's lives on a personal vendetta.” He would turn briefly to Isidore, mouth turned into a frown. “Stranger...careful in these parts. This land has no love for humans unless they side with things inhuman. The apostles welcome all who seek safety and camaraderie.”

Sorcha said nothing, merely watching him quietly as he would leave, unless someone else stopped him he would leave without much more fuss.



Wayward builder
@Guy0fV4lor



“Oi, so you do got some stones on ye.” She’d say as Donovan approached, beating the shield she had to attract the beasts attention as she would take a defensive stance. “Alright, big boy, I’ll distract it you beat its head in-” She was of course, unprepared for being manhandled. She would be much heavier than Don would have assumed from her size alone, but she was still easily carryable as long as he kept a good grip on her.

“Bweh!? What manner of brute are ye!?” The dwarf would shout as she would be roughly manhandled and subsequently carried away from the fight. “I dunno what ye talkin about surface dweller, but put me down I can take it! I’ve fought worse than that in the mines!” Donovan would have a somewhat difficult time keeping a hold on the feisty dwarf.

He would bolt back towards the village, the beast hot on his heels. Kamaitachi was surprisingly agile and fast given its size...faster than Donovan had likely given it credit for. Perhaps if he hadn't been carrying a wiggling dwarf that seemed intent to free herself, he'd have fared better. There was a gust of wind, the beast kicking up a flurry of snow as it would pounce towards them, Donovan would have barely a moment to dodge before it would land on his back.
Okay...scuffed post is scuffed. Feel like that could be better but I'm tiiired~
© 2007-2024
BBCode Cheatsheet