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.
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4 yrs ago
Migraines ew
5 yrs ago
Welp apparently discord servers are having some pretty bad Latency issues.
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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
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5 yrs ago
Migraine killed me today. Posts tomorrow.
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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).
Fairly standard high-fantasy medieval stuff. Sword and shields are the main way people defend themselves. Travel is mostly done by horses. That sort of thing.
The knights for all purposes, are human and paragons of humanity. They might have some inhuman blood in them that gives them special abilities, like say, someone descendant from a giant would be much stronger than a human and likely have excellent smithing skills, or someone descendant from Elves might have access to the Leargas, they'd still mostly be human.
As well, without getting to into it a dhampir simply wouldn't be possible.
Heat from the fires, burning the houses filled the air and choked it with thick, black smoke.
A shrill shriek from somewhere.
"Ha...ha...keep-r-running..." A tired, panting, strained breath carried upon the wind as he forced his legs to move. Thunder and lightning crackled overhead, a wind whipping across the wasted plains of the sea-side town. Almost enough to knock a man over, let alone a young child.
"A-ah!!" He would stop dead in his tracks, falling over as his butt would hit the ground and attempting to scramble away from the beastly creature in front of him. A horrid monstrosity, lacking any flesh - only sinewy muscles, black blood and yellow veins. Slowly, the creature would turn atop its baleful steed, its uncannily human face responding to the boy's screams with a terrible, cruel laugh as it would reach a hand out -
A peal of thunder, a flash of lightning.
In a near instant, the creature painfully shrieked - a cacophonous sound mixed of human and horse as it reared back on its steed, shuffling away, its arm cleaved clean from its body in a single stroke. The boy's eyes widened, a woman standing between him and the Fomorian. Hair the color of a warm summers day, a stern, determined countenance and in her hand was a blade with a hilt of gold.
"Those who would dare bring violence and destruction to this land," The beast would quickly recollect itself as the woman in front of it began speaking, her golden blade gleaming against unseen light. "Fey corrupted by the vengeance of the betrayed god," She'd shift her stance as the monstrosity would charge towards her with a shriek, this time of fear. "Die as the pitiful creature that you are!"
The blade swung forward. The large sword cleaved through the air. Blinding light. Lightning fell from the sky, as if inflicting divine retribution and punishment upon the monstrous creature, its shrieks drowned out by the cacophonous sounds of lightning ripping its flesh asunder, the sight of the woman silhouetted against it.
Upon wings of lightning and with voice of thunder Bearing hair of sunlight and a soul of purest white The King shall return, to deliver the land form its curse Beasts of the land shall be slain The Fey and and their kin will face retribution and redemption The traitors will have their reckoning The land cleansed of its curses Hail, for the King will return and deliver us
The boy couldn't help but to call to mind the old prophecy his teachers told him about.
The woman would sigh, a small smile forming on her lips as she'd turn from the now deceased creature, its carcass burnt to naught but ash.
"Hello," She'd say, to the boy, kneeling next to him, offering a gentle smile and a hand. "Wouldn't happen to know any good place to eat around here, would you?"
Hello hello! Its me again, with another RP! Finally after some months of debate I decided to go ahead and start this and put it up. I was flipping ideas back and forth in my head, but finally settled on this. Before I go any further, I will say this RP is tangentially related to my other RP - The Epic of Beginnings, though no need to go read or do anything with that. While there will be major spoilers for a single character and their backstory and history, it will mostly be its own thing.
The general theme and feel for this particular RP is a fairly light-hearted power fantasy theme to start with in a fairly dark world. That is, the world is in a fairly shit state - but the characters will be making every attempt available at making it not such a terrible place, plagued by wastelands, infertile grounds, monstrous creatures and roaming bands of bandits.
And who will you be playing? This RP takes inspiration from Arthurian, Irish and Gaelic mythology, with perhaps some hint of Norse mythology. Players will be playing knights that somehow find themselves in service to a person claiming to be the reincarnation and avatar of an old king of legend said to once return to deliver the land from troubles.
However, before reading further - note I want this to be a small cast. SMALL. I will be accepting no more than 4 active characters at any given time!
Also, I would like to go for a fairly brisk pace if at all plausible. I'll be aiming for a post from me twice a week! While that schedule can be somewhat flexible, though the longest I'm ever waiting is a week from the previous one.
A few notes about characters:
Players will be fairly powerful to start with, and should possess some manner of power from somewhere and while they might have some inhuman ancestry - they for the most part should be human. Aim for a middling power level. They should be able to reasonably handle most non-boss level threats without too much trouble either by themselves or with a companion.
Powers can come from pretty liberal places - is your sword special? Is your armor special? If so, where did they come from and what do they do? Perhaps you have fairy blood that gave you supernatural senses or the ability to control wind. Maybe your family was once in service to an Elder Beast, and were given special abilities by it. Or maybe you're just a really fucking strong dude that can bench press a dragon. I'll be pretty chill with anything, but generally think less mage and more Sorcerer/Knight.
Some world info:
Albion is a sick, cold, unkind land. When the Fey and Elves betrayed the last surviving god to live through the Endless Night, with its final breath and power it cursed both them and the land itself. The land became sick, unable to sustain large scale crops, and the Fey and Elves were twisted into abhorrent beings that seek nothing but to bring pain and further curses to the land. Once upon a time, a king sought to bring justice to the elves and heal the land, but he was betrayed by the one closest to him.
Such tales though, have been lost to the echoes of time. What remains is a wasteland where humans struggle to simply live.
(not a comprehensive list, feel free to ask if you have an idea otherwise)
Humans The main inhabitants of Albion. Numerous, but generally fairly weak by all standards. They often find themselves at the mercy of the dangers of the realm. They generally live scattered across the realm in smaller communities, though there are a few larger settlements that are ruled by those claiming to be Kings or Queens. Some even claim descent from the Old King and his knights. Whether true or not...is up for debate.
Giants Rare in Albion, are the Giants. Impossibly tall humanoids with the strength of twenty men and the ones in Albion have a particular affinity for fire. They tend to be skilled smiths and master workers of metal. Reclusive, and neutral to friendly towards humans. They seem to treat humans often as one might a pet. They tend to live in craggy, mountainous areas where ore is plentiful.
Elves Once created to be the protectors of the Fey, there are very few elves remaining in Albion. Those rare few that escaped the corruption at the hands of the Betrayed Gods curse, fled deep into a forest, never to be seen again. Its well known going into the forest is nearly a death sentence for most humans. They possess an affinity for nature and the ability to use what is known as a 'Leargas' - entering a trance like state where they are able to channel all the skills, knowledge, and strength of their ancestors. Those that have mastered this ability are the fiercest of fighters, able to perform superhuman feats.
Unseelie Fey The fey that were corrupted by the Betrayed Gods curse. None escaped, and were all twisted into dark forms of themselves. They curse others just as they were cursed into terrible monsters. Perhaps there are some who remain who are untwisted, but for the most part, they would not last long in this land. Often seen at night and in the hours of twilight at dusk or dawn. Running into one is almost certain to bring trouble...though on rare occasion one may take liking to a human.
Dwarf Another rare sight in Albion are the Dwarves of Emain. Stalwart seafarers based from an island just of the coast who worship the Sea Goddess Delpithi. That said, they are a raucous bunch, often raiding coasts for supplies and a good fight. The possess a supernatural ability and affinity for water, with the ability to quite literally sing the water to do as they wish. A Sea shanty is more than just something to pass the time with.
Formorian The twisted forms of the elves cursed by the Betrayed God. Their abilities and nature vary far and wide. Some are utterly bestial and savage, seeking nothing but to bring ruin, disease, and more famine to the cursed land. Some are articulate and intelligent. Some have even occasionally helped or procreated with humans, should it suit their purposes - but by far and large, most are utterly miserable creatures that deserve nothing but the swiftest and fastest of deaths.
Tuatha A mysterious race of humanoids bearing a wide range of animalistic features, claiming descent from the Betrayed god and other old deities. They have a wide range of magical abilities that are fairly too innumerable to note. All possess some form of animal features though, and live on Mt. Sliabh. They possess highly mystical abilities and often become advisors to rulers and tend to be staunchly pacifistic unless they must protect themselves - and if they do they may be able to rend the land itself asunder. While they are friendly with humans, they rarely mingle beyond acting as healers or advisors.
On Gods, Elementals, and Spirits:
While you can't play as a full blooded demigod, perhaps you claim some form of divine ancestry in some manner? Or perhaps you possess some relic from one of these divinities that give you superhuman feats. There are many gods that once inhabited Albion, though most are now long gone and only possess a fraction of their former ability and being regulated to little more than spirits and ghosts haunting particular areas. Still, perhaps you somehow gained ones favor and thus boons from it.
Elder Beasts: One of the main threats upon Albion and the rest of the world for humanity - are Elder Beasts. Great, Powerful, and often times terrible beasts that stalk the land and more often than not, end up negatively affecting humanity. Most don't do it intentionally - most do not possess intelligence and seek little more than to do what they were created to. One could say each one is some embodiment of some natural phenomena.
However, as strong as they are, they can be killed. And from their corpses can be crafted the finest of weapons and armor. Mystical in abilities, and world-shattering in power at their greatest height. However, working with such materials usually requires a trained or more mystical hand.
Conversely, some more intelligent Elder Beasts take humans under their wings. Protect them. Teach them - and share a portion of their power with humans. To be sure they don't do this out of love or a desire to actively protect. Most do not understand such concepts - every portion of power they give to a human returns to them when they die. If the human cultivated the power, then it will return much stronger to the Beast. But in a world that is difficult to live in, humans care not for such things if they can live and eat safely.
~Character Sheet~
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Appearance:
Abilities: Please include what your character is capable of, and any supernatural feats they posses be it strength or otherwise. Also where it comes from, and generally how proficient they are in it. Kill an elder beast somehow and made a weapon from it? Given an enchanted sword from a hand sticking out of a lake? Got Fomorian blood in you that gives you some abilities? Feel free to be as creative as you want.
History: Fairly explanatory. Be sure to include what brought you to the Queens service. Did she find you? Did you find her?
Anything else: Any dark secrets in your history? Skeletons in your closet? Love affairs with some kings wife that could spell ruin for the entire country? No? Live a little! While you don't have to, don't be afraid to give me something to work with that I could attempt working into some plot somewhere.
“An…old woman?” One of the hunters frowned. “Hasn’t the old woman been missing?” One said with a grunt.
“And what, we’re going to believe him?” The one with the axe responded, hefting the heavy weapon in his hands. “I bet these outsiders are the ones doing it.”
“But he’s not lying about what happened…” The conversation at least, had diffused the tension somewhat, but it didn’t seem like the hunters were entirely convinced just yet. The one with the axe didn’t seem like he was going to be taking no for an answer though, and before the other three could stop him or talk further would charge at Novak, heavy axe swinging downwards in an overhead strike for the mans head.
“Guh, well this…is less than ideal.” Lazhira grimaced, quickly getting back to her feet. She was mostly fine, though that was definitely going to leave a bruise. The hunters were starting to surround the now rampaging slimy beast - and consequently her. The native girl would take a moment to look at her options, and notice Narkissa making a stealthy move towards the archers positioned further away from the rest.
The first blast of water would strike the hunter in the back - not penetrating his skin but enough to cause him to give a shout and then stumble over when the next one hit. She would have enough time to switch targets before one of the other archers even figured out what was happening - but before he could do raise the alarm he was swiftly silenced as well, falling upon the ground as the third would swiftly turn, trying to locate where the water blasts were coming from.
“Soyala! We’re being flanked!” He’d shout. He’d raise an arrow, attempting to fire it towards Narkissa, but the slime beast would lash its tendrils outwards, deflecting the arrow as it would grab the hunter and slam him into the ground.
“Tch, focus on wrangling that thing! Don’t let the girl die!” She’d shout back. The monstrous slime would shift focus to the loudest one - this being Soyala. The huntress would evade one of the tendrils, slashing another with her spear while taking a small blow to the shoulder from another as it lashed out at the hunters around it, its tail slamming into one unfortunate enough to get to close, impaling it upon its body where he would soon disappear inside it.
Misakis distraction well…it was difficult to tell if it was working entirely. The already now chaotic mess of a scene was devolving fast as the hunters attempted to regain control of the creature they had seemingly planned to use to capture or kill whoever had messed with the Obelisk. It seemed as though the slime was busy attempting to fight whoever was closest to it - be it hunters, or Lazhira.
Speaking of the girl, she was mostly fine as far as Misaki could tell, though now that she had been discovered it seemed her little magical trick was less effective. She’d narrowly avoid getting slammed by another tendril, only to land right at the feet of a hunter that would grab her by the neck - only for that hunter to be grabbed by the slime.
The deer, seemed scared. Understandably so, perhaps. Still, it didn’t seem to want to let Misaki down. The fox would get a vague sense of confidence and determination from the fawn as it would attempt focusing its more supernatural abilities. A small ball of wind would launch towards the slime, barreling past a few hunters and knocking them off balance before slamming into the creature with a thump.
Understandably annoyed, it’d turn to the nearest people - the hunters, and began assaulting them.
It seemed like the hunters might not be the biggest threat here.
The girl, if she had any thoughts about Nick relatively odd way of speaking, said nothing as he spoke. It was difficult to tell really what she was thinking, under her as of yet removed hood. She didn’t seem hostile, but she seemed guarded and cautious of Nick.
“A traveler…” It was hard to tell, though she said it with a tinge of mild anger and perhaps a bit of bitter acceptance. “...there are protective charms.” The girl replied further, after a few quiet seconds. “...parents taught me to make them…should keep evil spirits and other things away.” She’d glance out the window, but her gaze didn’t linger and soon fell back on Nick.
“I’m...Baba…of the Yaga tribe. I…live here.” She’d frown, shaking her head. “Not that it matters. I know…why you’re here. I’m accepting my fate, servant of the Goddess. I have no regrets or misgivings about what I’m doing to that village. Just…make it quick.” Seemed she might have some misconceptions about Nicholas and why he was here - but it seemed like it was something of a confession and that this girl was the ‘witch’ the villagers had mentioned.
Well, why not? Of course with his blessed body and his own magical energy enhancing his body further, certainly this wouldn’t be much of an issue to match this Oni blow for blow. He had already experimented and tried with it before, so it was more or less a trivial matter to strengthen his body with magic. He’d focus, like had done before with both his legs and eyes before - except this time on his arms.
The sound of clashing of metal on metal followed.
The Oni, seemed surprised that his blow hadn’t merely cut Nomura in half. Even with Nomura’s enhanced strength his body would strain under the impact from the heavy blade and likely much stronger Oni. The blade, however, was deflected, and there seemed to be just the ever so slight smile on the Oni’s lips as he’d pull the blade back, and in a swift motion his left hand left the hilt of the blade, aiming to jab Nomura right in the face with it.
Skill Acquired: Muscle Reinforcement (lesser) A skill denoting ones ability to reinforce their muscles via magical means, making them temporarily tougher and stronger. Currently it can only be used on one part of the body at a time, but it could easily be expanded to further areas with training.
“Chair? Yeah, maybe. Maybe I’ll get one. Standings a pain in the ass.” She’d grumble, though wouldn’t say much more as Isidore left. She’d merely head out of the room, towards a small side area in the main hallway where a bed was located and plop herself down on the bed with a yawn. Heading back out onto the perhaps now familiar street, he’d walk and head back to the blacksmith that he had been at the previous day - easy enough to find now.
The streets of Gloomhaven were as busy as ever, courtesans would beckon from a few nearby places, while a patrol of soldiers would pass Isidore by on the street as he’d make his way back to the blacksmith. Octavia trotted along beside him seeming a bit restless. Couldn’t already be hungry again, could she?
He’d step into the establishment, the resounding sound of a hammer working away would meet his ears, the place appearing the same as ever. A familiar sight too, with Raelzeth carrying - well, attempting to - carry a heavy looking box of dark red colored ore from what seemed to be a storage room to the forge proper.
“Just-guh-a second,” She’d shout to the front of the store, straining a bit. “Guh this is heavy. Stupid ore. Stupid swords. Useless. First that dumb elf shows me up…to my own teacher…and now…working here…Uuugh-HEAVY.” She’d end up placing…well, really it looked more like dropping it onto the ground just out of Isidore’s sight in some backroom.
“...oh its you again.” Raelzeth seemed just as indignant as ever to be working here. “Need another weapon? Or you here to give me a reason to not be here?”
Well, the plant situation had resolved itself without my problem, though… She worried that she might have just received a skill that was rather annoying in it’s own right. She shot a pointed glance towards Rullphana when she mentioned “when you want to be.” Rather, she looked towards Leuca to mention something but, couldn’t help but be bothered by the silent stare towards the bundle of plants. Perhaps she should rethink her strategy when it came to plants.
Before she truly got a chance to say anything to the smaller elf, a familiar person came through the door and Leuca excitedly told her about what happened. Augusta could say something, but there were times to keep your mouth shut. So she took a bit to stretch when she heard the warrior wanted to talk to her. “Talk to me? Nothing too serious I hope.”
“Not at all.” She’d respond, setting Leuca down and placing a hand on the Sirithen’s head. “We’ve not really had a chance to really speak, really. I was hoping we could.” Well, a simple enough request. As limited information she could gain from her eye, it seemed like Sorcha was being honest about that. “Also - the Queen has given me permission to use her private baths. I figured you’d might enjoy talking over that.”
“My, my! A bath!? Oh, how long has it been?” Augusta asked herself. Truly she had lost count of the days at this point, less so because of how long it’s been but she just hasn’t counted. “I would love to talk over a bath. How thoughtful of you.” The woman mentioned with a smile.
“Well, I need to clean Leuca up anyways and I have some place to be this evening.” She’d say with a chuckle. “Need to ah, get a bit cleaner. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you there.” Assuming Augusta had nothing else to add, Sorcha would lead the trio out of Rullphana’s mage tower and back towards the queens castle. The warrior woman would make a bit of small talk as they did - mostly focused on Leuca, asking how she did and if she learned anything new, to which Leuca would cheerfully reply, stopping only briefly to give a brief hello to the guard making sure the bath wasn’t being used by anyone else.
The room itself seemed to be split into two small chambers, split into a dressing room for towel and clothing storage, and the larger bathing chamber. likely intended for use by her majesty herself as well as immediate family members or special guests. The bath itself was about the size of a large hot tub, filled with enough water to completely submerge oneself if so desired, with water flowing in from overhead likely from the nearby lake and seemed to be heated to a comfortable temperature in some fashion.
Once the door to the chamber was closed and locked, Sorcha would start undressing.
“Haaa, you have no idea how goooood it feels to get out of these dumb clooothes!” She’d give a languid, satisfied sigh as she’d remove her somewhat tattered cloak and going to her armor next.
Augusta walked along fairly quietly, thinking about how nice a warm bath would feel after so long. “Clothes are a huge blessing in my opinion.” Augusta mentioned with a smile. As she undressed as well. “Especially the pretty ones or the ones that provide protection from arms or weather. Not a fan of clothes I’ll take it?” She wanted to add, ‘Like a barbarian of sorts’ but felt she should just keep that part quiet.
“...Well, don’t get me wrong.” Sorcha would quickly respond, a sideways glance away from Augusta as she’d set about unfastening her armor. “Armor is nice, and one always has to look their best,” She’d lazily toss her clothes on the ground without really caring for where they’d land. “But they can be so…stuffy.”
"Hmm, well, I suppose I can understand. Though, I like to dress in these beautiful dresses. It was something I could never do as a child, really." Augusta said, meeting Sorcha's glance as she disrobed, excited to warm up in the hot waters.
“I suppose dresses are nice.” Sorcha responded rather disinterestedly. “Pretty to look at, but also offer no protection at all from even the simplest of weapons. You’d be better with armor or sturdy work clothes.” A…practical response at least, from a probably practical woman as she’d remove her last article of clothing.
“Sorcha, all done.” Leuca would run over, having disorbed as well.
“Alright into the bath. We’ll get you cleaned up.”
Augusta wanted to say something about pretty clothes being the armor of a different battlefield, but she decided not to. “Yes, let us go.” Augusta said as she finished and followed behind. “What kind of bath does the queen have here?” The woman asked as she was interested in seeing what amazing thing the elves here could afford to make. And… well, there was a mild disappointment for a royal bath. Perhaps she was expecting…. Bigger. A little so at least. It showed on her face for a little bit before she tried to put on a poker face. “Well, at least it’ll be warm.”
The bath proper was decorated in dark blues and silvers, made of smooth carved stone as was the entire palace and lit by simple warm colored lanterns, giving it a fairly darker and more gloomy look, and a small chimney to allow steam and heat to escape from the room. It seemed to be heated from the floor, perhaps with some magical means.
“Disappointed? Better than the ones back in Tamaln…baths there tend to be more communal and outdoors. Cold, too, usually.” Sorcha responded, sliding into the bath with a languid sigh, placing a small basket of cloth towels and soap on the nearby edge.
“Hm…I kind of like it though…” Leuca responded with a smile.
“So, while were here, Augusta.” Sorcha would start, motioning for Leuca to come over and sit near her. “I’m curious to the society you hail from. You are not native to Tamaln…the only other elves I know of are not…the friendliest sort.”
“Disappointed… Hmm, well, I suppose.” Augusta said as she went to sit opposite of Sorcha. “It’s still amazing to have a warm bath… Just… Was expecting the bath to be a bit bigger. Perhaps.” She took a sigh as well and looked around the room. It looked like the place was decorated to feel smaller. She half imagined a villain from a movie, sitting in the bath as a subordinate informed them of something but that thought quickly left her head when Sorcha asked a question.
“Curious about my society?” Augusta questioned as she thought about the best way to say it. She wasn’t sure that it was a good thing to say that she was from another world or something of the sort. Instead, she decided to pick the information carefully as not to mention anything… Too unworldly. “Well… It’s safe to assume I’m from very far away, if you’ve been wondering. It’s peaceful, for the most part. Instead of having kings or queens there was a republic set up… Hmm, does that word mean anything here? If not, we vote people in to represent us within the government.”
Sorcha would grab a bar of soap and start washing the young Sirithen’s hair, scrubbing the plant sap and dirt out of it.
“Re…public?” Sorcha tilted her head to the side. “That seems…unwise. People need a strong leader.” She’d respond with a frown.
“How would that even work?” Leuca asked, genuinely curious sounding. “Not everyone could vote…could they? How would you even handle counting all of them…?”
Augusta smiled, happy at the genuine curiosity from Leuca. "So, at the basis of it, you can think of it as…" This would probably be the easiest way to explain it. "Let's imagine there's a small nation composing of five cities. There would be one person that each city would choose to be the representative. Then, there is also one person that gets voted to be the figurehead of the country. It would be similar to that of a king or queen but with limited powers." Augusta said, explaining it on a fairly basic level.
"There are many nuances of course, but I think that helps get the idea of what it was like. Either way, it does end up a cut throat world." Augusta said with a somewhat conflicted looking smile on her face. "My parents are politicians, well, one is… I helped with the campaign, did a little snooping into an opponent and got a knife for my troubles." She said, rubbing the spot that caused her to lose her life once upon a time. "But, I'm here now and it's like it's a whole world behind me."
“That seems…complicated.” Leuca frowned, not really understanding beyond the basic concept.
“Hm…its not as complicated as it sounds, Leuca…though I can’t say I’m a fan of that.” The warrior responded with a frown. “I can’t say I know of any place with a system like that, though I have read and was told such places once existed.” She’d turn her head towards Augusta as she’d finish scrubbing Leuca’s hair. “They all ended…well, with not so glamorous fates…though I suppose all kingdoms and civilizations come to such an end, eventually.” A tinge of wistfulness left her voice with the last sentence.
“So…were you like a princess then, Augusta? Really like one?” Leuca would swim over, her feet not able to touch the bottom of the pool as she’d start looking at Augusta with a small bit of an excited twinkle.
Augusta couldn't help but give a laugh. "I'm more a princess now than I was then." She supposed she understood Leuca's fascination and Sorcha's dislike. "Despite your misgivings though, Sorcha, it wasn't as weak as you seem to be thinking. Or, do you believe only a strong central leader can lead? Do you not think the common elf has the capacity to become a leader?" She seemed interested I the warrior's thoughts on the matter since she seemed rather against the idea.
“Hmm…” Sorcha would lean back in the bath, thinking over her answer briefly.
“But…nnh, if your parents were this ‘politician’ and they’re your…kings or lords…then that makes you a princess, doesn’t it?” Leuca seemed to have trouble processing the scope of this information presented to her, as she’d end up sitting next to Augusta.
“That’s a complicated question.” Sorcha would respond. “I would never advocate for tyranny and would always encourage someone to lead, should they have the capacity for it, but…” She’d exhale lightly. “But humans can be…difficult. Give them a common enemy and they can work together, but…in the absence of one they tend to turn against one another. There’s also the problem of some ‘elected’ leaders looking for their own or their supporters' interests, while forgoing those that do not. Without a strong, stable, unbiased leader, a kingdom can not hope to prosper.”
Augusta ruffled Leuca's hair as the girl came to sit next to her. "Let's make sure Sorcha got everything." The woman added, looking at her soon to be cousin's hair. After a thorough inspection she nodded an affirmative. "Back to what you asked, Leuca, politicians fill a position that one might compare to the seat of a king or Lord but there's one thing that makes them different. They don't have the blood of royalty or nobility. They may act like they are, but at the core of it all, everyone is a commoner."
She then looked to Sorcha, "And you're right. It gets very complicated and people are easily corruptible." She mulled over her next words in the head. "That said, I'm curious. How does a human such as yourself find herself intertwined with the elves? Most of the local humans I've seen have been aggressive towards elves… to say the least. Like the group that man you fought was with."
“Eheheh.” Leuca giggled quietly as Augusta would start washing her hair a second time.
“Hmm…curious, are you?” Sorcha responded with a chuckle, starting to wash her own body. “You’re not wrong. Even where I’m from, humans and elves don’t get along…though for vastly different reasons.” She’d begin, grabbing some soap and running her hands through her own hair. “Lets just say…I was lost. Injured. The Fey of Tamaln took me in and healed me. I’ve been with them ever since, really. Not much more to it than that.” Well, it definitely wasn’t the whole truth but at the same time it was truthful as far as Augusta could tell. “...really, its not the elves specifically. King Boidmal just…happens to be a close friend and the Fey have no need of me currently.”
Well, Augusta was being fairly cryptic about her origins as well. It would be difficult to just say she was a human once… Though, technically, was she even a human or elf? Her status menu even mentioned that she was a "homunculus". Well, it didn't matter at the moment.
"I see. I was just curious about the origins of one of the strongest warriors I've seen." Augusta said in an odd mix of teasing and flattery as she finished on Leuca's hair and started to look at her own. "Might I ask about the Fey? What are they?"
“You…do not know?” Sorcha would respond with a frown. “...your people must not even know their own origins, then.”
“Oh, oh, can I answer?” Leuca asked.
“Heheh, well if you want Leuca, go ahead.”
“Mhm! Alright, so…the Fey created all elves once! Originally we were they’re protectors along with our cousins, the Dark Elves. Before the Moonless Era, we lived in a maaaaasive forest with trees as tall as mountains, while the Dark Elves lived at the roots and base of the trees. The Fey are sort of…gods to us, like how Delpithi and the Sun God are gods for the humans. They’re…not as powerful as the Gods are, but they’re really old and knowledgeable.”
"I see. I suppose I should be thankful to these Fey then." Augusta mentioned with a smile. Perhaps she should try to meet the Fey… or, perhaps not. "While we're on a similar topic, can you two tell me about Tamaln? I've been curious about it."
“Oh, Its just a wonderful place!” Leuca excitedly replied. “Its warm, and the fey can protect it from the winter out here. Its one of the only places in the world with an actual living forest! Oh, and the trees are so pretty, the sun is gentle and the game is plentiful. A-all thanks to the fey, of course! They make sure the forest stays…alive.”
“She’s not wrong.” Sorcha responded with a chuckle. “Its a pleasant enough place, governed by King Boidmal and his Knights and the Druids.” She’d smile. “Though, really they don’t do much. Most of the people live as they want, and the king merely protects the land. Generally, its a fairly comfortable life for most.”
"It sounds beautiful. It's making me excited for a future visit." A warm place sounded like a wonderful place to visit with the world outside of Gloomhaven as it was. "You'll have to show me around sometime, Leuca." Augusta mentioned with a smile. "King Boidmal… What's he like?"
“Ahaha, he’s certainly a character!” Sorcha laughed, folding her arms across her chest.
“Oh, my uncle is just the best!” Leuca responded excitedly. “He’s a really strong warrior, and a skilled user of the Leargas. A-apparently he’s a direct ancestor of a really, really, powerful hero…” She’d blush lightly. “I-I guess I am too, b-but I’m nowhere near as good as he is…”
“We fought once and he managed to hold his ground! Can hold his alcohol too, almost better than I can.” The warrior would loudly respond. “Really, he’s a troublesome sort who can’t leave someone alone if they’re in need. Naive fool’s going to get himself killed one day, but he’s an excellent warrior and judge of character.” She’d narrow her eyes just slightly. “You’ll have to meet him, sooner or later. Be prepared for that. He’ll likely want a duel.” Seemed like there might be some history there.
"If he wants a duel it looks like you'll have to train me well then. And not kill me in the process." Augusta teased, looking down in thought. Would she be able to fight the King of Tamaln? Probably not effectively. "Even if you don't he might though." Augusta joked with a laugh.
“I’ll do what I can.” Sorcha said with a shrug. “But if you want to gain his respect and acknowledgement…then you are going to have to do that yourself.” Sorcha would exhale lightly, seemingly mulling something over before continuing. “Forgive me for getting off topic a bit, but I’ve been…curious ever since we met. Where does your homeland lay?”
"That I will." Augusta said with a somewhat somber end to her words. She somewhat wished she had alcohol right now. Regardless, Sorcha asked about where her homeland lay.
"On land, a peninsula, to be precise." The elf said, joking. "All jokes aside… From here it's hard to say. Far enough away I'd probably never be able to go back, most likely. It is what it is, I guess."
Sorcha frowned.
As limited information as Augusta had on her, it did indeed however, tell her something. Sorcha was heavily suspicious of her.
“I see…that far, hm…must be far across the ocean. I am curious as to how you crossed it so easily.” Sorcha would relax slightly, though her suspicion didn’t seem to lessen as she’d start scrubbing her body. “Do you know of a land by the name of Albion?”
Augusta smiled, "If you tell me how I got here, I'd love to know."
"I feel like I may have heard the name in passing?" Augusta said. If not exactly the same, she remembered something related to Arthurian Myth named Albion, though she was fuzzy on the details there. "But that's about it."
“Hmm…I see.” Sorcha responded coolly. Augusta’s evasiveness didn’t seem to be doing any favors endearing the warrior to her. “Its a land…across the ocean. In fact, I was born there if you’re curious.” She’d say with an even tone as she’d continue scrubbing a leg, making a seeming overt point to point the appendage in Augusta’s direction as she did so. “There’s quite a few legends there, and while I won’t go into every one…there’s one about an elvish mage, possessing an eye of some goddess that brings ruin to kings and heroes.”
She’d smile without smiling.
“That’s just a legend though…and even if it wasn’t, it happened a very, very, long time ago.” A moment of oppressive silence fell. Augusta would even feel obviously hostile intent from Sorcha, a subtle almost oppressive crackling in the air.
“O-oh, this is the story about the black and white Elder Beasts you told me about, isn’t it?” Leuca would break the silence with an energetic interest. “A-about the one about the old King and the cursed land? The evil witch that brought the downfall of their kingdom?”
Augusta listened to Sorcha's tale and kept a poker face the entire time, even at the mention of the eye of the Goddess. Augusta looked at the warrior's leg as it was pointing in her direction. As the woman mentioned something the mage with the eye of the Goddess, she made sure she didn't show a sign of surprise.
She just kept her lips closed as she looked at Sorcha, half worried the woman would rip her apart as it were. "So there was an Elvish mage that had an eye of the Goddess and she ruined a kingdom?"
“Well…it wasn’t entirely her fault…but she did instigate it.”
“Mhm! I know I know, let me…she…betrayed the king and set his knights against each other, right? Its…really sad…”
“You could say she was even the queen of this land, once upon a time…though through her machinations and manipulations she caused the downfall of the kingdom. The king was slaughtered by a rebellion upon a hill in the center of the land.” She’d give a somewhat wistful smile, glancing away from Augusta. “I suppose its not important. Just a…fictional story, after all. Do you know why I brought this up, Augusta?” She’d pointedly ask.
Why indeed. Augusta was completely in the dark about this Albion place but… Well, it felt odd Sorcha brought it up and the warrior was obviously stabbing her with hot daggers in her head. "Well, with the way it's felt like you've been wishing to tear my head off… I assume you have suspicions about my rather vague background. Before you think any more of it, I've never been to your Albion." She kept her composure since there was little good that came with losing it.
“...hmm…” Sorcha exhaled. “Well, I have no reason to really doubt you.” She’d reply after a few tense seconds of thought. “Well, sorry for that. Call it having a bit of caution.” Well, it seemed the warrior was at least somewhat satisfied with that answer. “I’ve got to get dressed for a date though,” Sorcha said with a smile, and a playful wink as she’d stand. “I’ll trust you to get Leuca dressed and taken care of?”
"Yes, sure. I'll take care of my ahem cousin." Augusta mentioned, hoping there would be at least a small bonding moment between then. "There hasn't been much time where the two of them talked, though, she wasn't wholly sure what to talk about with sirithen youth. "Sound like a plan, Leuca?"
“I’ll be back for another training session tonight - and since you’ve obviously had some magical healing, I’ll be sure to train you harder than last time.” A chuckle as she’d leave, gathering her clothes and other belongings. It seemed like she wasn’t entirely satisfied, even if she was somewhat placated for now.
“O-oh uhm, sure! I could tell you more about Tamaln…or maybe you’d like to know about the Fey? The Leargas?”
Augusta recoiled a small bit at the training mention from Sorcha. As the woman left, Augusta stayed into the warm water with Leuca for a couple minutes. "Perhaps the Fey? Or, whatever makes you the most excited back home."
@Dark Cloud Yeah, you are. I've been keeping up with things on a google doc though, so things haven't been updated here for a bit. That said, still full. No one's dropped or has been kicked.
"A-ah hey you're still hurt!" The Shenke would shout in an obviously concerned manner as she'd watch the cub stumble as it'd attempt to leave. "Jeez, that leg of yours is still broken. Stop moving!" She'd gather a few pieces of wood from the felled tree, just some twigs and smaller branches as Eunice would walk over saying something about healing it and setting the limb. "A-ah! Right. That's probably a good idea, thanks Eunie. I'll take this guy back to camp so we can work there."
She could make a temporary splint with some branches and some threads of silk, so it'd be easy to heal...probably. She was still somewhat concerned she hadn't seen any parents yet, but if they hadn't shown up by now...well...they probably weren't. She'd walk over to the downed cub.
"Hey! Hey. I'm Kokoma." Now, whether the cub liked it or not she'd grab the thing by its waist, gently if she could so she could bring it with her. A few scratches or bites would be fine as far as she was concerned. She'd hold it in her arms, cradling it perhaps a bit like one might a baby - somewhat unsure how to hold it that would stop its leg from hurting otherwise so this was the best thing she could come up with. "No worries, I can do my thing later. Just wanna get it safe for now. Sides, I doubt I could just...eheh, beat some sense into it." Unless there was anything else to do here, she'd grab a few more branches and then head back to their campsite.
"Shhh, shhh." The huntress would coo as she'd wrestle briefly with the beast. It was unfortunate she had no real way of dispatching it quickly and painlessly, but lacking such a clean method to kill, one of her tails would latch around the creatures neck, the fangs sinking into its flesh and quickly severing the spinal cord from its head. Relatively painless at least, hopefully. Still, even if this was a relatively tame hunt and not too exciting, she was rather pleased with herself all things considered. Probably should save the skinning and preparation for later - though come to think of it, carrying the food with them would no doubt attract the attention of other predators.
"Hmm...well, it will probably be fine." She'd say to herself, scooping up the carcass of the creature in her tails. She'd prepare and skin it once they made camp. Maybe its pelt could be made into something useful, such as a blanket...though she'd have to perhaps, rely on the mortal for that.
"I have secured food for the evening." She'd say, smirking confidently as she'd catch up to her companions glad that they didn't seem to have run too far ahead. Any predator that came after them would be a non-issue anyways.
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/jjKSxTj.png[/img][/center]
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.
[img]https://i.redd.it/q95hk1tobbv11.gif[/img]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jjKSxTj.png" /></div><br><br>Hello! Welcome to my little bio.<br><br>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).<br><br>Have some dancing medjed.<br><br><img src="https://i.redd.it/q95hk1tobbv11.gif" /></div>
Danyel,
datadogie,
The Red Seelie,
rush99999,
Xiro Zean,
Cu Chulainn,
Alfhedil,
Ojiro Mashirao,
Gerlando,
Izurich
