RyuShura

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

I'm not online all the time, but when I am, it's usually for long sessions. I'm excited about this development. You did a good job of painting the world and characters. :^D

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

Mikhael stared back at the bigger knight defiantly.

The two had always clashed in the training fields, both of them being the most hardy of warriors in their section, and Mikhael was tempting the thought again in his mind. He was always happy to participate in hands-on sparring. In a way, he knew Lucas without them uttering ever sharing a conversation. The way one carried themselves during a fight spoke much about their personality. Every movement and strike was a direct release of emotion. When someone favored using brute force, it meant they handled problems directly and brashly, and those who shot arrows from afar, were more careful and calculating, but also fearful and weak of conviction. While he was not good at conveying emotions and thoughts normally, his observational skill had been fostered exceptionally. He needed this talent to survive in the wretched slums. Not many child live more than a year, but he spent half his life in that rotten environment. He quickly learned how to make sense of the chaos. He was a game-hunter of sorts, constantly watching from the shadows to learn which pockets contained a bit of copper and which ones weren't, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike and claim his reward.

He eyed the massive man with a strange hunger. While Lucas was definitely stronger physically, Mikhael was way more quick and ruthless. The thought of battle excited him deep within, each clang of the blade causing his heart to jump with anticipation. But when he heard Henry's words, he was reminded of where they stood. The compelling emotion vanished and he quickly turned his eyes away, his expression returning to the usual frown.

Hearing the short history of Lucas, this only made him think the man to be more undeserving of the title. His lips deepened further as the exchange continued. All of this talk was so annoying. Especially that of Lilian. Speaking illy of the Queen when she had just accepted such an esteemed honor. Where did she even find the nerve? The girl really did have no grasp upon the concept of respect. He couldn't stand this part of her.

"Speaking of wisdom. You should hold your tongue. Do you forget who upholds the barrier that deters demons to our walls? Unless you wish for your title to be revoked. To be stripped the same day you were knighted, how could you bear such shame?" sneering darkly, "But I guess it would be fitting. Shamefulness must run in the family."

...

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

I didn't know you were posting. > ~ <;;

I was editing my post, hoping to improve quality, since I thought you weren't online. It's only descriptive details, so nothing big. I hope it doesn't bother you!

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

The black-haired teen stood stiff, his dull red eyes staring up respectfully to the figure above. It was a rare sight. He rarely showed respect to anyone, not even his superiors and elders. They often punished Mikhael for it, trying to humiliate him, but not too much. They feared accidentally incurring the wrath of the young Queen. No one knew why she treated him specially. Not even he quite knew himself. Many were gathered today for the knighthood. The olden castle, while some would be disgusted by the ancient design, he felt that it, combined with the pale flames above, created a surreal atmosphere about it. Like none of this was supposed to exist after the tear opened the sky and enveloped the world in darkness. But yet here they are, like embers.

He tried best not to fiddle with the ceremonial, black and silver armored robes. Being clothed was something he had never grown up being accustomed to, having lived practically half-naked his whole life. Something about the wrappings felt restricting and constrained. His calloused hands pressed firmly against his sides just to keep them from wandering. He wouldn't want to accidentally rip something he couldn't hope to afford.

Among his peers, Mikhael stood like a rat in a field of mice. He was taller than most his age, and his gruff demeanor only made him more pronounced. His long black hair hung like a mane down his back, tied together every several inches just to somewhat contain the wild jumbles. His discomfort to the situation came in the way of a frown across his pale, lightly-scarred face. Though such an expression was typical of him for any emotional response. He had no intention of lying to anyone of what he thought.

When Lillian stepped up, he immediately recognized the usual insolence from the girl. She was clearly not paying full attention. Even if she was a competent warrior, he did not condone of her rude behavior in front of the Queen, glaring at the boyish girl from afar. She was one of the few he at least knew the name of. She made a point of that the first time they butt heads. Aside from occasionally arguing with her, he rarely spoke to the others at all. Not that they really liked him anyway. He would sit in the library and study arcana alone and none would join him in group activities. But when he managed to accomplish the tasks despite their help, he could feel the scorned gazes from the others, practically hearing them screaming in frustration. 'Why is he so strong? Is he even human? They must have rigged it! He is the Queen's precious little lapdog after all.' He could even feel them now.

His brow lips curled slightly at the thought. They didn't know anything.

When Lillian was finished being knighted, he cordially clapping along with the others. Michael glanced over when they began to knight another, Theodore, as Henry and Lucas started grumbling about his age. He disliked useless complaining.

Michael frowned at the excuse. "If you deserved it. You would have earned yours long ago."

...

Black Cinders [High Casual]

I am able to make a post now, but will wait for @the narrator to do so first. It seems like he would take the lead in our situation.

A Hero Tale: Interest Check

moved to the IC

A Hero Tale: Interest Check

I like the distinction between physical and arcane and the seperation in this order's structure a lot. Having multiple divisions of the knighthood would create interesting roles to fill and leave room for a variety of personalities for the party. Coping with this emotional and physical burden would definitely grow the whole cast. Maybe they might have to put one of their friends down since they have become too lost? This 'demonization' as you called it, sounds like a great term to use.

I'm excited! I'll start writing up a character outline very soon.

A Hero Tale: Interest Check

I see... I get this more now! Thanks for the detail.

I definitely don't want to interfere with your juicy plot. I want it to be a surprise! :^) Hmm, I was imagining that magic is incredibly powerful in this world... but it comes at a cost. Perhaps internal change in the user? Tainting them? Maybe magic is drawn from their darkest emotions and if abused, corrupts them from the inside and out? It would be fun to have that internal dynamic as he makes choices. Only a few can use it, but those who do are tasked with a grave duty or something. Can there be a band of these users who combat this evil? 'Knights' perhaps? I want to develop a strong theme of friendship.

Of course, after the main character goes through the introduction.

A Hero Tale: Interest Check

A mix of both is always fun! Umm let me see.. I like gritty universes too. Maybe we can do some post-apocalyptic setting, where magic is untamed and evil monsters roam the lands? Perhaps there are different races that live in hiding from them? One where the hero is involved somehow in fixing whats broken about the world?

How do these usually start off? Do you just make the setting and I simply make the character?

A Hero Tale: Interest Check

Idk what are you on the mood for? I'm in the mood for some fantasy or sci-fi which do you prefer?