Sho Minazuki

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Zabar Ruins - Southern Region

@Rezod92

The ruins themselves were rather plain, as in, there weren't a lot of markings, and any that could be found were too faded to be of any significance. No, it was the architecture that held any value here. Sturdy, pyramid-based structures, pillars that became thinner the higher they went, but also as Garrick might delve deeper into the ruins, some structures he saw outside would pierce into the ruins, becoming thinner the further down they went. Of course, they were expectedly dusty, what with all the sand and age, so finding the path he should take did not require much effort. There were portions that were a little less untouched than others, until finally, he found footsteps.

Two pairs of them, then after a little while, just the one, and the other had split briefly before disappearing onto a stone corridor. Before he could make a decision for where to go, he could hear some movement up ahead, as someone walked out. A sharp eye would recognize them as the Anemo thief, one of the duo he was here to track down. Before he could say another world, behind the man would be Radiant Sun pirates. For a moment, he thought he might have been setup or betrayed... But then, the way they moved was a bit unusual. A small orb was in the man's hand though... Perhaps that had something to do with it?

Any case, Garrick was now beset by some rather unfortunate Radiant Suns, the man sending them at the large cryptid, before turning tail and running further into the ruin. There were three Radiant Suns wielding scimitars, and two who had Geo guns. Were they of normal mind they might put up a sustained fight, but as they were, their movements held no thought behind them. Against someone like Garrick, they were only a time waster.

---

Underhull, Mayleaf Orphanage

@Letter Bee@Renose

"Elf? And Ken... Wonderful", along with the display before her, she could see the things Rajeev wanted her to help with. She pursed her lips... Looking at the elf's arms. Almost lost in thought for awhile, until Rajeev snapped her out of it, "Ms. Mayleaf, I will leave these two with you. I believe I have some duties I need to attend to", he announced.

"Y-yes of course... Now you two, come along inside, tell me more about yourselves... Get comfortable... Whatever you like" she assured them, letting them inside the orphanage while waving goodbye to Rajeev, who was off to likely join Garrick in some time. The way she spoke had changed a little, especially after examining Kazue just visually. When the two entered, she offered them tea, or juice, whatever their choice she would return to the table with them while the other kids either played, or watched the pair curiously. Particularly Kazue, who's metal arms were a most unusual sight.

"Now that we're all settled... There's something I wish to do first... 'Elf' was it? Is it ok, if I take a closer look at you? I promise, I'm not going to hurt you", she had picked up on her suspicion it seems. Perhaps from a place of knowledge... Or was it in her nature? Either way, she seemed to genuinely wish to examine her.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Rorenville - The Chief's House

@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

The walk over to the chief's house was slow, there were some other villagers around going about their day, or gawking. Particularly the few children that were still in the village. In not too long they would find themselves at the chief's doorstep, knocking upon it. They were first met with the voice of a young lady from within, "coming!" they would hear, uncharacteristically cheerful compared to the entirety of the village.

The door swung open for the two to be greeted with a young Hylian lady who maintained a rather cheerful demeanor, long, light brown hair and blue eyes, with dainty, angular features more typical of a city Hylian. Although one could tell such behavior was normal for her, the tired lines across her face would inform one she had been forcing it for awhile now. Just as they were greeted with her sight, she would be greeted with a question.

"Ah, yes! Father had told me to expect some guests, please, come on in. I'll serve up some tea", she said. Whether the two wanted to or not, they would have to filter inside, as she had already run off to prepare the promised tea. Without facing them, and putting hot water into the teacups, she continued to speak.

"The, murders have been going on for awhile now and everyone in the village is right glad you're here to... Do something about it", she began. "And guests, it's been some time. Truth be told, I used to live in Faron, but came here not too long ago to visit my father, and now... I'm involved in this whole mess too", she sighed a little as she spoke. In not too long she would come to the table with three cups of tea, and proceed to take a seat herself.

"So, please... What would you like to ask?", she seemed settled, and despite her somewhat tired expressions underneath, she seemed genuinely glad to have company.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Rorenville - Abandoned Lumbermill

@rawkhawk64

Lady Afira pressed her chin in thought to the Sheikah's words, who had decided to scout ahead, with her ready to assist if needed. Seems there was no need, fortunately. So the wilds around here were being wandered freely around here, even to be as comfortable as to hunt so close to the village... The possibility of multiple was also raised, which would certainly increase the difficulty.

"The more and more we investigate, the less likely it seems our quarry is a person... If it truly is a beast out here, we are not equipped for this I fear...", she thought to herself. Still... There was much on the line for this outing. If they returned empty handed, then it would truly all be over.

"We shall take another look around near the lumbermill, then head back to the village and hear what the others have found out", she settled on doing this. There was a slight fear, that if they were to find their target, they may not be able to handle it without all hands. Perhaps regrouping would be best...

---

Rorenville - The Rills House

@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

"I-it was... The dead of night, I fear. In my half-asleep state, I had not thought it strange he said he was going off to retrieve more wood at the time but...", there was some remorse and sadness in her voice, before she began to sob into her son's arms. There wasn't much else they could get out of them at this point it seems.

"Aight, he kept makin' excuses to go out at odd times, sometimes with food, or just because. I won't know much more than that though... P-please, speak with the chief's lass... She might know more", the young man had said, consoling his mother. As soon as the two would leave, they'd hole up back inside their little home.

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Zabar Ruins - Southern Region

@Rezod92

The trip on the sandcraft was quiet, only with the occasional crewmen chatter, and the hum of the craft's engine. It was sand and dunes, far as the eye can see, and after riding one of these it was easy to see why traversing these sands without a craft was near unthinkable. Eventually though, a mess of trees and shapes would begin to be visible on the horizon, especially as they climbed up some of the larger dunes.

"Ah I see, so our rogues have taken to a ruin. That would make sense", mentioned the driver. The hummed along for a little while longer as they got closer, and would soon see another craft just like theirs, also with the colours of the Radiant Suns. Though, it was empty... Reasonable assumption, it belonged to the scouts they were tailing. Soon as they spotted it, the driver would hone in on it immediately, drawing closer.

Within moments of stopping by the craft the crew jumped out, spreading out while some examined the craft, as it seems no one was here...

"This certainly belongs to us too...", it seems they were expecting at least one of the scouts to stay behind to meet up with them, but unfortunately that was not the case.

"Strange... Right, we'll have to take a look around these ruins then. See if we can find our scouting team", the one in charge of this little group after making his orders would approach Garrick.

"Garrick, was it? Me and my men will secure the area around the ruin, perhaps you could take a look at the ruin itself? Some of my men will be with you", he said, referring to the pyramid-like structure in the center of this oasis... Though, it would be called that, there was not a body of water in sight. Still, that was not a matter of importance at this time.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Rorenville - Abandoned Lumbermill

@rawkhawk64

By the time Rik'shath had returned to Afira with his finders, the fingers of one of her greaves were smeared with blood, it appears she had also decided to move the body around a bit, as well as some of the scrapped clothing were removed too. As she listened to the Sheikah, she too was at a loss... Though, not entirely for the same reason, rather, she pointed to some of edges of flesh where the torso was once whole, and ran her fingers along them.

"I have... Seen wolves bite flesh clean from people before and... These, look like teeth marks, not from a wolf, but...", she began. The teeth marks she was referring to were only obvious when pointed out, jagged and sharp, like a row of knives had sliced right through in uniform fashion. "I don't know... The marks are not familiar", she could not glean much more from that, but Rik'shath's note on the tracks was promising. She stood up, pulling out a small white cloth to clean her fingers as she continued to speak.

"Those tracks, follow them. I will be close behind", she ordered, ready to follow him. It wasn't unusual for Sheikah to be trackers and while this was not explicitly his job in the unit, it was a familiar role he was placed into.

---

Rorenville - The Rills House

@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

When the poor lady had finally calmed down, she introduced herself and answered their questions, tears being wiped from her eyes with her son holding her shoulders to help keep her calm. "O-of course, I am Eila, forgive my... Outburst", she took a brief pause to breathe. "No one works at that mill, not since it's been abandoned some many years ago but some folk used to go there to cut any wood the village might need, and no more. My dear Eidan was one of the ones who would be asked such of. Last I saw him was... Was...", she took a moment to cradle her face, before bringing her gaze back up. "I-it was... Maybe a week back, or two... I don't know anymore. He was also an agreeable man, no one in this village had hated him but...", she took yet another breath, looking down in contemplation.

"There was... Another man, many moons back, maybe seven or eight. His name was Toltan, and before Eidan had passed, he mentioned that man in passing, said he needed to get more firewood, and then I... Never heard from him again", there was a moment, where it seemed she might have it all together but... The howling continued. Well, this was decent information it seemed.

"A-about Toltan, was a beggar of sorts 'e was, lef' this small village all bitter like... dunno for whot, but I 'ear the village chief's lass talked to the man a lot", if there was anymore they could ask about here it wouldn't be immediately apparent. The young man and his mother stood there with him consoling her as the two awaited perhaps further questions.

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Al-Marabar, Sand King Arena - Throne Platform

"Then it is decided. Also I give you permission to accompany the elf, it seems to me she may be in need of some", which left Garrick to join the forward group to pursue the attackers. The Sand King after his proclamation would get up, and walk around behind his throne towards the building, "this meeting is adjourned, you know your tasks, I will see to mine", he said. One would presume it was to do with the inner workings of the city, though details of such for now would remain known only to Axom and his crew. The young looking Shaitan Rajeev would step forward now in place of Axom, and help direct Garrick to the hangar bay where some of the crew was going, and then turn to Kazue to take her to where he had intended, with Ken following close behind as he had decided

---

Al-Marabar, Docking Bay
@Rezod92
If he followed the instructions he would soon find himself in a large docking facility built into the city. Unsurprisingly, they arrived rather quickly, seeing as it was made to be connected to the Sand King's own headquarters within the city. A tactical structural decision.

"Garrick, sir, please board the sand skiff. Our scouts that had been tracking the two thieves, we'll simply be following them in tow as reinforcements. They've been told not to engage, so hopefully we'll end up meeting with them to coordinate an assault", the Radiant Sun member informed the cryptid, though with a little bit of nervousness. Afterall, Garrick to the untrained eye would appear no more than a monster, and he was quite large to boot.

---

Underhull, Mayleaf Orphanage
@Letter Bee@Renose

The young Shaitan led Kazue and Ken down into the Underhull, a shadowy underground part of the city, where some of the oldest ships that made up the city's architecture were. The darkness and maze-like nature of this layer of the city made it the ideal place for many to hide out, and for awhile it seemed as if he might lead the two somewhere unsavory. Those thoughts would be put to rest though as the darkness lent way to a warm light down the wooden narrow path, until it opened up to a dilapidated looking wooden building, or rather, it might be easier to call it an oversized shack.

As the group approached, the door would slowly slide open. Their eyes would look for someone, but not find them until they looked down, to see the eyes of a small child. After but a moment, they slammed it shut, and some shouting could be heard from within. "Ms. Mayleaf! Rajeev is here! There's some strange people too!"

After a couple moments, a lady would emerge from those same doors. She had dark hair, caramel skin, and was dressed rather modestly, warm even, especially for the type of nation that Al-Marabar was. Her eyes were a blue and purple hue, and there was a matronly aura about her. In short, she was a mature beauty. "Rajeev? My, and you've brought some friends too, how are the Suns? I notice the power's been out, is everything ok?", she asked much like how a mother would, as if he was her son.

"It is all under control Ms. Mayleaf, I am here to introduce someone to your care for a short while. You were also once a talented doctor and scientist no? Perhaps you can help her", it wasn't hard to figure out who he meant, the young elf girl with abnormal arms. While they were all talking, a few kids had come out to get a better look at her too, with such curiosity, especially since she appeared no older than a couple of them. Ms. Mayleaf rested her eyes upon Kazue, she pursed her lips, and her expression changed. Given her pause it didn't look like she knew what it all was, but she seemed rather concerned. Her expression changed back though as she addressed the Shaitan.

"Of course, I'll see what I can do", she said, walking forward, then kneeling in front of Kazue to have her eyes level.

"So what is your name? And you too young man", she asked, first looking at the young elf, and then to Ken.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Rorenville - Abandoned Lumbermill

@rawkhawk64

The trek up to the lumbermill took them through the trees out the back of the village, a dirt path that was barely visible, unsurprising as it hadn't been in use for some time reportedly. How close they were to their destination was marked by the appearance of stumps and logs becoming more and more frequent, but it would be barely a few more moments until they would see the mill itself dead up ahead on the straight path. Afira and Rikshath were silent most of the way, only with occasional directives from the fair knightess as they made their way.

The lumbermill itself looked like people had simply stopped working here, and was left like this for many years. The small pile of tree logs, some equipment rusted and left into disrepair, tools broken or unusable. The grass had grown tall over some of the areas where work was done as nature slowly reclaimed it all. There was but one thing however that did see any use, and that was the stack of firewood, though that should not be of note, as it seems villagers until recently had come here to claim some of it, or use some of the things here to cut wood for the winters.

"I believe the site was reported to be inside...", she remarked. Lady Afira seemed to with heavy heart approach the lumbermill's front doors. Large, wooden doors, similar to a barn. From the size of the mill itself it seemed there was once pride in it's creation. Though, such thoughts were of no import now, as the two bore witness to the results of these 'grotesque murders' with their own eyes.

The first thing they would notice is the smell. Opening the doors seemed to have let it all free as the rotting musk assaulted their senses. Soon as they are able to compose themselves, they would look forward, the trail of viscera getting thicker as it led their eyes to the corpse, writhing with maggots and swarmed by flies at this point. It seems for fear and disgust of the murderer and the victim's fate, they did not try to clear it away at all. There was certainly a body of some kind recognizable, and a man's from the strands of hair that were visible as but bloodied tufts from the blooded and crushed face. The torso was ripped open, exposed ribs, but curiously no organs were visible, like his entire insides had disappeared. The victim's limbs while heavily bruised, missing bits and chunks though, were the most untouched. The clothes were much the same to reflect this, with only the inner areas being completely shredded or gone, but any clothing covering the limbs were only somewhat ripped. Truly, it was a horrible, yet becoming curious as one were to not avert their eyes.

Covering her nose, Lady Afira pressed forward, resolute in her duty, finding it in herself to despite being a high born woman, dared approach such an undignified site. "We... We must attempt to identify how the... This poor man had died", she was breathing unevenly trying not to take another breath of the rot, but she knelt down, and began to inspect the body...

---

Rorenville - The Rills House

@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

When the two inquired about the family to the elder they were informed that it was the Rills who were affected, and prior to their departure for their little abode they were told it was the father who had died. Eidan Rills was his whole name. As an aside they were also told where to find his house where they can talk to the daughter Relia afterwards.

As the two approached the house, a young man was outside, most likely the victim's son, who was chopping some wood. Albeit with some struggle. It seems the axe he was using was somewhat chipped, and old from the wear on the steel. The young man, brown hair, Hylian, with green eyes saw the curious pair... A Hylander, and a Goron together. They were a Zora short of a popular Faron joke. "Ma! It's those knight folks! They've come to ask 'bout pa!", the forced energy of the young man's call for his mother to come greet them was wasted as she slowly opened the door to their small cottage. Her face was gaunt, and eyes red...

"H-how... Y-you've come to... We didn't expect a-anyone would come, this village's small see and not even our lord would give us scraps... I had given up finding justice for my dear Eidan!", the woman was distraught yet from her tone their presence had given her some small measure of hope.

"I-I'll tells you whatever I can, just... Please, after the horrible news of the other villagers disappearing too... T-this was the first time a-anyone's... Been found... A-and they... He...", she howled, her tears overflowed. As the two waited for her to calm down so they could ask questions, they can infer that others in the village had died too likely at the hands of this same murderer, yet their bodies were never found. Only Eidan's was, recently too... Their timing here was lucky as having a body would help them greatly.

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Al-Marabar, Sand King Arena - Throne Platform

@Letter Bee@Rezod92@Renose

"Hooh, hear that? She wants to take down the 'enemy', so to speak", he laughed for a short while, the Sand King seemed to be a fairly jovial fellow, but after calming down he gave some cutting words. "To a beast who sees all as possible enemies, it would take the world to be burned down to satisfy them... Young lady, my lieutenant here seems aware of your state. Please, allow him to see to your needs", his words were cutting. Kazue was still young to the ways of the world, despite her experiences, but it seemed at this moment what the Sand King needed were people who had the right mindset. If she did not accept, she would likely be detained, and if she did, Rajeev would take her to see someone by the sounds of him. Rajeev though, gave Kazue a knowing wink, she seemed to want to be part of all this, so it was a sign to just go along with it for now.

Regardless of whether or not she would accept right now, he did intend to keep her around for what came next, and it was to talk about what happened earlier today.

"Right, so it appeared that during the attack by the Aldugan Spines, some mysterious interlopers had made off with the Geo Gnosis", indeed, one of exceedingly powerful Electro capabilities kept Axom occupied, while the other, an Anemo user had stolen the Gnosis itself, then running off together using their abilities to traverse the sandy dunes. "The Gnosis was left behind by my predecessor, and brother. It was he who built the technology that powers this very city. Ordinarily such a humongous craft would use a whole fleet's worth of energy in mere minutes, but knowing the power source that the Gnosis could be, he built this city", some of this was known to residents here, but it wasn't common knowledge what actually kept the city running. No one who came by here were people for details afterall.

"It seems the recent attack was specifically to target the Gnosis. I know not their motive, and whether or not their motive is good doesn't matter to me either way. This city needs that Gnosis to survive, as it is what allows us to generate essential resources. We will last maybe... A week, before people would have to start deserting this city, or requiring it to root itself right here", he rubbed his chin a little, pausing for a bit. He looked to the direction that the thieves had gone off to.

"I believe they made for a ruins east of here. It's close by, and there is an oasis, it is quite likely that without proper craft, they cannot cross the sands safely. Especially where we are now. The Aldugan Spines get their namesake from giant monsters that roam the sands around here. Hmph. Talk about bad luck, I suppose...", he turned to the group and the crew assembled before him.

"You all will take some of our sandcraft and hunt the thieves down. I will give a reward for a successful mission naturally. If there are any questions, I have but a few moments to answer, before I too must see to my own duties", he commanded.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Chapter 1

Reflections of Darkness

---

Rorenville

In the northwestern reaches of the central Hyrule region, past the minor clusters of villages and camps, and beyond a small forest lay a humble village known as Rorenville. It was far out of the way, and was a lumbering village that saw much use during the reign of the earliest kings of Hyrule. Everywhere one looked around this settlement, one would see the shadows of prosperity long past, be that it the abandoned lumbermill, the many barely used log storage facilities, or that their stables were completely empty with no sign of usage beyond the odd traveler's horse. The peoples here fared no better to reflect the somber state of this village, no one dared step outdoors without a compelling reason, and others who chose not to fear the air of death that had recently taken hold of this place they called home, would be looking over their shoulders every so often. There were no soldiers, no militia, as if this place was abandoned to its fate, and by the way the lord that owned this small fief had acted, that seemed to have been the case. It was a village that brought very little value, and so its people were often forgotten. Perhaps some of the newcomers present, did not know of this place.

"A Hylian Knight...? Truly, are we not forsaken? Though there are fewer than I had expected...", an old man had come out to meet the group of barely a hand's count. Consisting of a Goron, Sheikah, and Hylander, led by the young lady knight standing in front.

"My apologies. My name is Lady Afira, and I am sure this is a group you were not expecting, but know this... This party is bound to an oath to protect Hyrule and its peoples as much as the Hylian Knights are, for they are the Valorbrands, led by myself", she assured the man that they would demonstrate the due diligence, yet still the sentiment was fairly meaningless in the old man's eyes. He did not see trained soldiers, but a small picking of mercenaries, led by a single Hylian Knight, and a young lady at that, who appeared to not have seen more than a handful of skirmishes. Whatever name they went under, it was meaningless to him in the face of reality.

"Very well... I suppose it is better than having to... Abandon this place. It is a sad village compared to some others, but for many here it is home, and abandoning it would only be done in a dire circumstance... I am the village elder, Relan", he gave a defeated sigh, knowing this may just be the best he has.

"I... I see. We have gotten reports of recent murders here, might you tell us more about what you know?", the young lady knight inquired.

"Mmm... Recent you say...? No they've been happening on and off for some time now, almost regularly each month. Our lord then deigned not to share this news with the Knights for months then it seems... We had sent word to him, in hopes of getting help, but it seems only our direct message to the Knights really did reach them", and even then, not even the Knights sent a proper party here. The old man shook his head, then turned around to the village. There were some villagers standing outside their homes to observe the happenings, while others might peek from their windows. There were the odd few who were still going about business, such as the ones cutting wood to sell in another town.

"The most recent occurrence happened near the old lumbermill... The poor sod, barely recognizable when we found him... His name was Eidan, and his family is... In the house over there", he pointed at a small house, no one outside, but there was smoke in their chimney... Just over in the corner of the village.

"The one who found his body is a young lady who lives in the house right next to mine... She is my daughter, Relia, and this event has been quite harrowing for her. Though we have had deaths before this one, none were so abhorrent as this. At least the other bodies were not desecrated so...", there was a sadness in his voice, and for very understandable reasons.

"Thank you for sharing, it must not have been easy to share, elder Relan", she gave him a solemn bow, before turning back to business. "Do we have the freedom to question and investigate the village?", she inquired.

"Of course... We want to be rid of whatever this nightmare may be, please... As backwater as this village is, it is still home for us", with his blessing, the group was now left to their own devices. Afira turned to the group,

"I will go and investigate the lumbermill. Might I request one of you to accompany me? The others, I ask that you learn what you can from the daughter and the family?"

---

@rawkhawk64@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

Objectives

>Investigate the Lumbermill
>Question Eidan's family
>Question Relia, the witness

---

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

@ChozoHunter All checks out, can put it in characters. Just remember to put it in a hider.