Scarifar

World of Light

Location: Home of Tears
Level: 3
Experience: 46/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+2 EXP)
@Archmage MC@Double

Rubick eventually met back up with Ganondorf, and he was quick to boast of his victories in the Thorn. Holding up his winnings, Rubick proudly continued on, "...and a Fade Bolt to finish him off. Your dark magic really aided me in my victory." Rubick would've continued further, but a familiar face came forward with her usual cat puns. "Ahh, hello, Nadia!" Rubick greeted her. "A shame we missed the fun, but we had a need to acquire some funds!" He held up his bag of Geo to show her. "I spied a few components in the magic emporium I need to craft my father's scepter. The Aghanim's Scepter, it is called. It will increase the strength of my abilities, and possibly any I copy from the others as well. Now, the shops await!" With that explanation out of the way, Rubick then pulled out his Blink Dagger and blinked away, quickly making his way into the emporium.

Rubick browsed the shop's wares. It was easy enough to find what he was looking for, but it turned out that Rubick still lacked the necessary amount of Geo needed to afford them all. Disappointed, Rubick sighed and made his way back out. Rubick would've liked to get more Geo, but he doubted he had the time or stamina to go through more rounds in the Thorn. He would have to locate funds somewhere else.

Reconvening with the rest of the Seekers at the gates, Rubick looked around, wondering who might have enough to borrow from. His eyes eventually landed on Sectonia and the Koopa Troop. Surely they, being royalty, had enough funds to borrow from. He decided to try his luck with the bug queen first. Making his way over to Sectonia, he greeted her, "Hello there, Queen Sectonia! I was wondering if you would be so kind as to grant me a small amount of Geo. You see, there are a number of components in a magic emporium in this city I need to purchase. With them, I aim to craft the Aghanim's Scepter, which will boost my powers immensely. What do you say?"

World of Light

Location: Home of Tears
Level: 3
Experience: 45/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+2 EXP)

"Our next contestant to face our Grand Magus will be... Chad and Gram!" the announcer yelled as the gate opened, and two blue-skinned creatures emerged from the opening, one riding the other like a mount and wielding a large one-handed hammer. "These two brothers might pose a tougher challenge for Rubick. Maybe this time he'll fall! Or will his magicks prevail again? There's only way to find out!"

Rubick began by swinging his staff, launching bolts of grey energy at Chad and Gram. Gram leaped above the attack and toward Rubick, firing his own green slime projectiles from his mouth at Rubick. Rubick sidestepped the attacks, which landed harmlessly on the ground, and continued to retreat, attempting to gain some distance. But Chad and Gram would not make it easy, immediately chasing after Rubick after they landed. As Chad swung his hammer at Rubick, Rubick would reach into his robes and take out his Blink Dagger, teleporting himself next to a brazier. He touched it with his staff, and his body would envelop itself in fire. Rubick would then continue to launch more bolts of energy, this time enhanced with fire. Chad and Gram would continue to chase Rubick down, still trying to get within melee distance, while either dodging or tanking the bolts of energy.

They were fast, but Rubick was faster as he would envelop himself in white webs and teleport away again. However, it seems Chad and Gram were expecting it this time, as they had already turned around and launched more green slime globs. This time, they hit Rubick, and he flinched at their sudden impacts. That was the opening they needed to advance, with Gram suddenly sliding on the ground over to Rubick at blinding speed. Rubick could barely get off a Fade Bolt before the blue brothers launched a combo of melee attacks with both Gram's tongue and Chad's hammer. If they took any damage from Rubick's attack and his fiery state, they didn't show it, and Rubick was certainly taking more. They ended their combo by swinging upwards, knocking Rubick's body into the air, and leaping upward and slamming their bodies into Rubick, sending him flying even further. Rubick's body crashed roughly onto the ground. Chad and Gram landed nearby, watching over Rubick to make sure he wasn't dead.

Rubick coughed, then managed to prop himself back up with his staff. Perhaps if he hadn't weakened Chad and Gram's attacks with his Fade Bolt, he might've gone down, but he still had some fight left in him. Now angry, Rubick proceeded to launch himself into the air with his Telekinesis, then using his Power Steal on Gram, taking the ability to fire those green slime globs. Gram leaped after Rubick, but the magus was already casting his Weaver's Warp, enveloping himself in webs of light again and teleporting away. Now below them, Rubick took out another Staff from his robes and proceeded to launch a flurry of projectiles, each one either fire-enhanced, green goop, or a thin laser beam. After the barrage, the brothers crash onto the ground, unmoving.

Rubick walked forward, also wanting to check to make sure they were still alive. It wouldn't do if they died; he'd be disqualified to receive his winnings, after all. Suddenly, Chad leaped up and swung his hammer at Rubick. However, Rubick was already expecting a sneak attack, and used Telekinesis to lift him up into the air. Chad tried to swing his hammer some more, but it was a fruitless endeavor, and Rubick simply slammed him back down into the ground next to Gram and Fade Bolted him, finally ending the combat.

"And we have a winner! Once again, it's Rubick, the Grand Magus!" the announcer yelled. Rubick waved as the cheers from the audience came in, then he proceeded to give a thumbs down, signaling the end of his reign in the Thorn. With that, Rubick would proceed to collect his winnings and make his way out, intent on using his newly earned money to go shopping.

For Rubick

100 Geo.

World of Light

Location: Home of Tears
Level: 3
Experience: 44/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: 755 (+2 EXP)
Ganondorf @Double

Rubick was forced to wait as there were fights already taking place, and he apparently needed to drink something called a Dwarven Flask to be allowed to participate. It seemed like it was a safety net that allowed the participants to fight at full strength without the risk of death. Rubick disapproved, believing that taking on such a risk made for the best entertainment in a duel, but he took a sip of it regardless. Perhaps he could gain some insights on some of his competitors who would probably be more keen to launch stronger attacks now.

The two battles he witnessed displayed impressive feats of strength and agility, and Ganondorf revealed an interesting use of his Dark Magic. As Ganondorf passed him, Rubick replied, "Of course. I'll catch up to you soon, Ganondorf. Oh, and I'll be borrowing this." Rubick proceeded to use his Power Steal on Ganondorf, granting Rubick a copy of the Gerudo King's Warlock Strikes. It wasn't really to Rubick's tastes, but Rubick was able to quickly alter it to his liking. With his preparations ready, Rubick confidently strided out into the arena.

"Now, before us stands a newcomer in the Pit! Give it up foooorrrr... Rubick, the Grand Magus! And for our other contestant, we have an inseparable duo! What they lack in size and strength, they make up in speed and cunning! Introducing Yooka & Laylee!" The announcer yelled. The gates opened, and the fighters entered the arena, Rubick from one side and Yooka & Laylee from the other. Rubick eyed his opponents carefully. If they were as smart as the announcer claimed, he would just have to be smarter.

Yooka began by launching its tongue at Rubick's staff. It landed, and Rubick reflexively pulled back, launching the two creatures toward him. Laylee's tongue retracted back into his mouth and began to launch it again, this time at Rubick. This time, Rubick was ready and sidestepped the attack, and he proceeded to counterattack by enveloping the head of his staff with Ganondorf's dark magic and launching his own version of a Warlock Strike: a Warlock Staff Bash.

However, Laylee was able to react and lift Yooka up just in time to narrowly miss Rubick's strike. Rubick, not wanting to lose his momentum, pivoted on one foot and swung toward the duo with his staff, firing a bolt of green and dark energy. It blasted them directly, and Yooka & Laylee came crashing down into the ground. Rubick would then run over to them and proceed to use a Dark Impact, swinging his staff toward the ground. Yooka and Laylee would recover quick and flee to avoid a direct blow, but could not escape the shockwave and were blown away.

"What is this?" Rubick taunted. "I came here to be tested!" The duo readied themselves, apparently eager to make a comeback. Laylee would fire a Sonic Shot at Rubick, leaving him stunned. Meanwhile, Yooka would run toward Rubick while firing his tongue at something made of metal, turning his body metal as a result. Yooka would then proceed to spin around to strike at Rubick with his tail. Somehow, this granted additional weight to his attacks, knocking Rubick away and onto his back. Grunting as he propped himself up with one arm, the duo would pounce towards him, eager to continue the assault.

It was then that they would freeze in midair. Having cast Telekinesis on them, Rubick got back onto his feet, brushing himself off. "Apologies, but it seems you weren't a match for me after all," Rubick said, sending them crashing back into the ground. Rubick would then use his Power Steal on Laylee and proceed to Sonic Shot Yooka, stunning him as well. There was another Power Steal, this time on Yooka, and Rubick touched Yooka with his staff, taking on the same metal property as Yooka did. Finally, Rubick would strike them with his staff as if it were a golf club and them the ball, blowing them away. When it was clear they were no longer moving, the announcer would say, "Yooka and Laylee put up a good fight, but it seems Rubick completely overwhelmed them! And with their own abilities to boot! The winner is Rubick!" Rubick held his arms up to bask in the crowd's cheering. Feeling confident, Rubick lifted a thumbs up, indicating that he wanted to continue fighting.

"Oh? Looks like our Grand Magus will be continuing his current reign in the Pit! So let's grant his wish!" The announcer yelled.

World of Light

Location: Home of Tears
Level: 3
Experience: 42/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)
Ganondorf @Double

Rubick chuckled at Ganondorf's words. "Oh, but a war story sounds absolutely delightful! I was in the middle of a war myself before all this happened," he said, waving his hand around and gesturing to the general area around him. He even twirled his staff around with a flourish, as if to prove something to the Gerudo King. Then Ganondorf proceeded to drastically change the subject by talking about the Thorn. Already forgetting his interest in Ganondorf's life stories, Rubick tilted his head to the suggestion, "Oh? Is this a stage to test one's might, perhaps?" For Rubick, his choice was clear. "Then I will accept your invitation and enter this 'Thorn' with you!" Rubick announced. "I could use some money as well. I spied some components in a magic emporium not too long ago, but they unfortunately do not take gold as payment."

Following Ganondorf to the Thorn, they eventually came across a female figure who greeted Ganondorf, evidently already familiar with him. Not wanting to be left out, Rubick also chimed in, "And so will I: Rubick, the Grand Magus!" He continued to enter the Thorn shortly after Ganondorf, excited to see what this arena had in store, and how Rubick could test his might against theirs.

World of Light

Location: The Under - Ash Lake → Home of Tears
Level: 3
Experience: 41/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)

Unfortunately for Rubick, Kamek didn’t have much of an answer to his question: ”I’m afraid you know just about as much as we do. That one we encountered on our naval voyage was our first encounter with one. They had been quite the non-factor before, and then all of a sudden we encounter 3 in quick succession.”

”Guess it took a while for us to catch those slowpoke’s attention.” Bowser guessed.

”Perhaps.” was all Kamek could offer in response to that. ”So other than having a lot of influence due to being embedded in the world, I really can only speculate. Some other, slower, defense mechanism of Galeem perhase? Its rulers by proxy? Some cabal that got free by some other means and simply took over. Who can say?”

”Well I can say that they are jerks. One where we were doing that boat stuff just stood by and let the people fight despite claiming to be on their side. Or maybe he was making shields and stuff, but I dunno if that was him or not. Either way, big full of himself jerk.”

”Given that F seemed to control time, and had incredibly powerful plant manipulation powers, it is perhaps best that he stood back. It's an odd pattern actually, all three haven’t attacked directly. Two by proxy, and one via dropping us down a pit he must have known we would survive. Including me despite the fact that I took him on directly after he stopped me from catching you all.”

”Buncha amateurs who think they're too good to get their hands dirty, and that they can toy with us instead of finishing the job. I’d say they’ll learn their lesson soon enough, but once I’m done with 'em, they won't be learning anything anymore.” Bowser declared, before clarifying, ”Because they’ll be dead.” very redundantly.

Rubick nodded, deep in thought. All in all, it seemed the Consuls were still quite the enigmas. This F and P were already intimidating enough, and he had no clue what the other members of the alphabet could do. It seems they would have to find information about them the old fashioned way, whether encountering one in the flesh or by other sources like the ex-king Asgore.

---

The next day, Rubick joined the others at breakfast and ordered a few things to eat. It was nice to enjoy the local cuisine, but the gossip around the table was plenty more enjoyable. The two separated groups of the Under, now together again, were sharing their knowledge of the areas they traversed, and Rubick noted Sectonia's descriptions of their experiences. It seemed like they did have a harder time, for which Rubick was saddened he had not been there. It wouldn't have been his first time encountering eldritch horrors; heck, he even remembered fighting such a creature or two back in the War of the Ancients. Their magicks were truly remarkable, and he regretted having not written their spells down.

Eventually, the group split off to perform their much-needed errands, and Rubick was left to explore the city. Unfortunately, he had no Geo to his name and the others were not around to spot him. Instead, he decided to wander and browse. A few knickknacks were around, and the sights were enjoyable, but each quickly lost Rubick's interest as he moved from place to place. The skeleton blacksmith's shop was also such a place, and it was there that he spotted a familiar Gerudo King.

"Ahh, we meet again!" Rubick greeted Ganondorf as he walked over to him, just as the man seemed to have just completed his transaction. "Ganondorf, was it? Quite the adventures this group has gone through, yes? Perhaps a few tales ought to pass the time as we meet back up! Maybe even a magical secret or two if you'd like."

World of Light

Location: The Under - Ash Lake → Home of Tears
Level: 3
Experience: 40/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)

"Well that was a sight to behold," Rubick remarked after all the excitement with the gigantified Bowser had calmed down. It was a shame they were from different worlds; with such power, the Koopa King would've stood among the top heavyhitters in the battle of the Ancients and be a fine ally to have. And that Flame Clock was certainly quite durable if it managed to withstand that onslaught of attacks. It made Rubick wonder just how valuable its contents were if it needed to be so unbreakable.

Asgore's tale was also rather sad, but more importantly, it shed a bit of light on the enemies the Seekers faced. This "F" was evidently a powerful foe and wasn't afraid to wield that strength. Everyone else seemed to know more about them as well, and Rubick hated being kept in the dark about such matters. "I would like to more about these 'Consuls' we're facing. It seems I'm the only one who knows less about them than everyone else here," Rubick complained. "You must tell me all you know about them soon."

Bidding their farewells to Asgore, they made their way to the green pipe that seemed rather out of place in this environment. However, the Koopa Troop were quite familiar with it, so it was likely safe to use. Curious, he observed the others entering the pipe, the structure making the same pattern of noises every time someone descended into it. Now fascinated, he stepped onto the pipe as well and was delighted to experience this new mode of travel.

When Rubick finally exited the pipe, he was about to drop into the water. "Oh dear!" Rubick said, quick to react by casting Telekinesis on himself, stopping just an inch off the water's surface. "Ah, that was close. I'd hate to get my robes wet. Well, wetter than now." Reorienting himself in the air with his spell, Rubick took in the sights of the city surrounding them. He was relieved to be in an area of civilization again, having quickly grown rather tired of the cave and root systems.

Setting himself back onto the ground and following the old Koopas Bowser and Kamek, Rubick took the opportunity to ask, "So, the Consuls. I've yet to face many of them myself, apart from that one back near the surface of the Chasm. Now that we have the opportunity... Please, tell me more about them."

World of Light

Location: The Ruins - Dripstone Cave
Level: 3
Experience: 39/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)

While the others began interacting with Asgore, Rubick made his way to the alters, examining each weapon on them. They looked impressive enough, and Rubick had the impression that they were quite powerful. But at the same time, he couldn't be sure. He would have to ask the only other sapient creature about them.

After the others had provided introductions, Rubick responded with his own and a flourish, "And I am Rubick, the Grrrand Magus." Rubick eyed Asgore up and down, trying to gauge the goatman's various characteristics. "Hmm... you carry an air of... regality about you. Are you a king of sorts?" Rubick asked.

Asgore regarded the mage with a far-off stare. "Not anymore, son. Not in any way that matters."

"I see." Rubick said thoughtfully. Truly, this man was full of questions upon questions. It was a topic for another time, however, as there was something more interesting to him at the moment. "Say, what are those weapons over by the alters? Do you mind if we take them?" Rubick asked.

"Fraid I do mind," the big goat told him, his face apologetic but his tone firm. "That said, I don't figure you got the reqs anyhow, so don't feel too bad."

"...What!?" Rubick yelled indignantly. To tell Rubick that there was a magical artifact that he could not wield was an insult to his title as Grand Magus. "I will not stand for this! I will claim the staff there as my own, for I am the Grand Magus!" Rubick declared angrily, and teleported over to the staff alter in a flash of white webs. Picking it up, Rubick grasped it firmly in both hands and began to concentrate. He tried to channel his mana into it and attempted to cast a few spells, but the staff refused to respond to him. "How could this be?" Rubick asked, realizing that Asgore spoke the truth. Distraught, he set the staff back down in its original position and returned to the group, his head down in shame.

Rubick then contemplated his choices of tea that Asgore had provided before settling on Crumbling Cheeseweed simply for how delightful its name sounded, and he began to sip it under his mask. He silently swore that he would return one day to claim the staff.

World of Light

Location: The Ruins - Dripstone Cave
Level: 3
Experience: 38/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)

Rubick made his way down with everyone else, zapping some Basilisks here and spraying burning venom on one there. It was a vile place, but at this point Rubick was already expecting the environment to be inhospitable. Along the way, Rubick spied the various items and pieces of equipment scattered around, but chose not to go for them. Rubick weighed his options and deemed the worn state of the items to not be worth the risk. The party eventually managed to reach the bottom, and they were greeted with a sight of sandbanks surrounded by water.

While the others began to do their own thing, Rubick summoned his Xweetok striker, Wiggles, who began to swivel his head around to take in the sights as he stood on Rubick's head. It was a rare occasion to have a little bit of peace Then Wiggles climbed down and into Rubick's robe, and then pulled out Silitha's Spirit. Rubick's eyes widened, having forgotten he had the Brood Mother's Spirit on him. Rubick laughed and gave Wiggles a chin scratch as he took the Spirit. "What do you think, Wiggles? Is it time to test this?" Rubick asked his little furry friend. To Rubick's surprise, Wiggles shook his head, then pointed at Kamek. Rubick turned toward the koopa mage, initially confused. However, this also awoke his curiosity, so Ruick went over to Kamek and asked what he should do the spirit.

One thing led to another, and Rubick now had the Snaktivator in one hand and Silitha's Spirit in another. According to Kamek, he could use the Snaktivator to focus a fusion into one body part to help mitigate unwanted changes. While Rubick was tempted to just let the Fusion happen and see what would occur, Rubick decide the folly of getting an unwanted weakness would not be worth the temporary euphoria of satisfying his curiosity here. It was already hard enough surviving in the Under, after all. Rubick set up the Snaktivator, and then let Silitha's Spirit fuse with him. It was a strange feeling, having this strange energy merging with his very being, and it left even Rubick lost for words.

But it soon passed, and Rubick found himself with an altered appearance. Turning his body around, Rubick could see that his fancy collar now resembles a bottom jaw with upward-facing fangs, and the lengths that trail upward are now more like Silitha's scythelike pedipalps. His robe is now primarily spider silk and now features chitinous armored plates, while the curled extremities of his cape look like upturned spider legs. The green gems in his armor and on his body now look more like yellow spider eyes. He also felt the sensation of new information flowing into his brain, similar to his Power Steal, but so different at the same time. He concentrated on the feeling, and webs of light surrounded him before he teleported over to the group, who seemed to be in the middle of explaining the topic of Spirits to Teemo. "Voila! Before you stands a new and improved Rubick!" Rubick announced as he lifted up jazz hands. "Still a magus, yet now much grander!"

Fusion with Rubick

Notable Spirit Consumed:
Silitha the Brood Mother (Torso)
The host's fancy collar now resembles a bottom jaw with upward-facing fangs, and the lengths that trail upward are now more like Silitha's scythelike pedipalps. His robe is now primarily spider silk and now features chitinous armored plates, while the curled extremities of his cape look like upturned spider legs. The green gems in his armor and on his body now look more like yellow spider eyes, This spirit confers the Power Weaver's Warp, granting a teleport that takes about a second to activate and recover form, during which time an effect like webs of light extend around the user's position. The teleport has a range of a couple hundred feet into any direction, including open air, but the user can't warp somewhere he can't see. This spirit also confers the Weakness Grand Abomination, which instills a weakness to holy/bless/light attacks as well as an instinctive dislike and even revulsion from those who use or are aligned with them

World of Light

Location: The Ruins - Dripstone Cave
Level: 3
Experience: 37/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)

The Lightseeds were quickly eliminated, and Rubick walked over to examine what remained of the now-dead creatures. Rubick guessed that such creatures were meant to overwhelm foes with sheer numbers. It was a tactic he had seen employed by other creatures many times in the past. He wondered how many others had fallen to this "Infection". If it was as truly as virulent as Barnabee claimed, it was a wonder the other inhabitants of the Under didn't all fall victim to it by now.

There was little time to dwell on such speculations, however, as Primrose guided them towards their new destination. The trip through the swamp was rather unpleasant, and Rubick felt he needed to give his robes a thorough cleaning after this, but they otherwise made the journey unharmed. Rubick was most curious about the illusory wall, examining every inch of where it lay in an attempt to figure out how it worked. Making a mental note of it, they continued on and even found a small amount of loot that had been stored in a treasure chest. Rubick took a sample of the Gorajian Mushrooms for himself. The little scout Teemo evidently saw their potential, judging by the sheer quantity he had looted, so Rubick guessed he would find a use for it as well.

Looking up, Rubick noticed something off about the wall behind the chest. Of course, he had seen something like it very recently; the illusory wall hiding the passage they had just taken. Rubick extended his staff toward it, and it passed through the wall, as it too was an illusory wall. Walking through it, Rubick looked both up and down, taking in the sights of the new environment. "I wonder if the rest of the Seekers missed us while we were gone." Rubick thought out loud. "And if any of them suffered casualties, I hope I can obtain that Triforce of Power." Of course, a new environment also meant new foes, if the mushroom creatures and basilisks were anything to go by. "Well, it won't be my first time killing local wildlife," Rubick remarked, readying his staff. According to his mental calculations, he should have enough mana to make it through the area, but only tiume would tell if that was true.

World of Light

Location: The Ruins
Level: 3
Experience: 36/30 (Level up available)
Word Count: <750 (+1 EXP)

After Rubick pulled Teemo out of harm's way, the Koopa Troop were quick to blast the giant bugs into oblivion. Even the little yordle he had saved joined the fray. Rubick was more than willing to let the others take them down, as he could sit back and conserve his mana. He nodded in appreciation, glad that such firepower was on his side. At last, the battle died down, and Rubick could relax. At least, as much as he could in this underground environment. He wandered around the room for a bit, already bored, and quickly locked onto the Snail Shaman attempting to cleanse the corpse of a bug near the entrance. Something seems to have gone wrong, however, as the bug began to spasm violently. Or rather, something underneath its surface began to do so. Rubick took a step forward, unable to contain his curiosity, but quickly took two steps back once the seedlings burst out and began swarming towards he group.

Barnabee quickly warned them not to let the seedlings touch them, which Rubick was quick to oblige. Rubick thrust his staff forward and casted, "Fade Bolt!" The green bolt of energy blasted one of the seedlings and began bouncing through each one. At the same time, Rubick grabed his Blink Dagger and teleported back over to Kamek, who had set up a Sphere of Protection. Rubick hoped it would last. Although he was curious what this "infection" that Barnabee mentioned was, he was not so keen to see its effects on him.