Zell's comment made his grimace deepen a little more and a weight settled on his stomach as the group moved to follow his decision... which lasted exactly 18 seconds as MacKenzie suddenly decided it was a good idea to become French Spiderwoman.
"SINCE WHEN THE FUCK CAN SHE DO THAT!!!!???"
After a moment of gaping he quickly composed himself, fuck the look on his face must have been stupid, thankfully almost everyone else had similar expressions of stupefaction on their faces. After they managed to get their act together the journey proved to be as stressful as he dreaded, even if they didn't outright start a fight it was still pretty fucking scary when one of the bigger wolves seemed to want to get a quick bite, thank fucking god for the arrow wielding fighters and their quick hands. But of course, it couldn't be as simple as crossing the wolves' territory and being fine and dandy afterward, could it? there had to be a damned maze of what appeared to be natural means blocking the path. An idle part of him wondered if perhaps they had somehow managed to offend god so much that he went to mess with them just because.
Fuck me. Were any of you good at those maze puzzles when you were alive?
"Fuck both of us then"
Undeterred by their pessimism the party continued ahead following Adam's instructions until they come to a dead end, for a moment he was afraid that they had to double back because that would just suck only for Adam to decide to put on his Big-Boy-Magical-Pants and cast something that put to shame his light show a while ago. "Well that is one way to make someone feel inferior" Then he remembered Lilliana's coffin exit and his brow twitched "D-Did I just get the short end of the stick or what?"
Whatever the case he followed Adam's instructions and carefully crossed the improvised tree bridge alongside Joji, plant control seemed like a terrifingly cozy power if he could say so himself, for a moment he wondered if the Druid could command two trees to grow a hammock between them and what would it take to convince him to make one for him if he could, sleeping rolls were fine and everything but hammocks just ruled for a reas-
A sudden noise and an exclamation of fear later made his heart jump to his throat, looking back at the bridge he barely managed to get a glimpse of Zell's armor as he fell but before he could even think about moving a muscle to help MacKenzie threw herself over the edge and pulled both of them a moment later. He could still hear his heart roaring in his chest as he watched them cross the rest of the way, only after MacKenzie went to scout ahead did he escape from his stupor.
The first thing he did was let out a series of curses as he went to check on the almost-fallen Sworman.
"Shit, fuck, crap, shit, hell, shit, fuck!" Reaching him he didn't wait for a second before examining him and firing question after question "How do you feel? Does anything hurt? Can you talk?" It was only after he heard Zell's response that he calmed himself, said calm then switched to anger, then worry, then irritation, and finally settled on concern, taking a deep breath he said "Just... just be careful dude" .
Then he went to talk to MacKenzie as she came back with yet more wonderful news, at least this time the dead weren't coming for their brains.
"Hey dude, just wanted to say thank you, without you we would have likely lost Zell and that would have sucked, even if he is a moron sometimes" He attempted to give her a smile but all it came to his face was a tired grimace and a sigh, but as he talked he could vaguely remember her trying to talk to zombie-him in the morning, man that made him feel like an asshole "Also, I think you tried to speak to me after we cleaned camp? Sorry I am really bad at the whole 'being a morning person thing' and I'm basically on autopilot, could you tell me what you wanted to say?" Hopefully it wasn't too late to make amends, god knows he didn't want to lose one of the few people he was coming to see as a friend.
Maybe thinking that he had woken up turned out to be wrong after all, yeah he reacted and did all the things that he should have done but there was still this small part of him that was still in Lalaland even as they started to move, and talk between each other, it was frankly just Adam talking directly to him that broke him of his fugue.
"As the one who probably knows more about strategy than anyone else here, what do you think we should do?"
At his words, his mind went from 0 to 100, and the reality of what was going on settled on his shoulders once again.
He reaaaalllyy missed his morning coffee.
Adopting a thinking position to win time for himself to think he went back through the conversation he hadn't been part of until now, unknown animals on the path and someone or something maybe pursuing them, fuck that wasn't good, on one hand going around sounded like the safest route but he didn't know from which side they could get hit and he didn't want to be the metal between hammer and anvil but the problem was that some unknown animals could very well be dangerous, maybe even more than the Skeletons they had fought and he didn't fancy having to fight against another army while tired.
Descicions, desicions.
Finally, he came to a conclusion "I say... we continue if we are being pursued then our best bet would be to reach the city as fast as possible, last time we had the town guards to help us and we had loses." He didn't want to think back at those that lost their lives in the fight, or how it could have been any of them "That doesn't mean we have to be stupid about it, if we can dodge having a fight with whatever is on the path then we do, if it insists on a fight we kill it fast, too dangerous and we run, easy like that. Maybe it will even work as a deterrent if something is trying to follow us"
He could only hope that he had made the right decision.
"As for you, winged fellow-" He seems greatly amused. "-I would be cautious with neckwear. The throat and the voice are sacred things here, and wearing something about the neck or around the throat can often mean some kind of committment. Usually to someone, if you understand me."
He could feel how his smile froze and the red started to creek onto his neck.
"Ah" was the only thing he could say in response.
How was he supposed to react to that!? did that mean that he was married now to the cloud person? Oh god, he broke the promise he made to grandpa about not marrying before becoming 17, he didn't even know who was his... fiancee? fiance? he stopped a moment to ponder on the matter of if the cloud person even had the notion of sexuality.
"Given that, you look more like those angels in movies. They always have a holy object without fail."
David's words snapped his mind back to reality and he ran after the group to not be left behind. Okay, okay, David's words made him reconsider the whole thing and Eckehart said that it was a commitment but not necessarily marriage so could it be more like a promise to enjoy this place? he would much prefer if that was the case as that was what he was planning on doing anyway, in fact, he was already eager to run from place to place, looking at everything and everyone that catches his attention (which in this case was everything).
So engrossed was he in his thoughts that he almost missed the words of Eckehart upon reaching the palace entrance.
Syd didn't waste any moment and launched on the etiquette question, a part of himself cringed at it knowing how bad he could be when trying to follow proper conduct codes, it wasn't his fault that his mind latched onto something he found interesting, and refused to let go from time to time!
Eckehart response made him sag in relief as more and more questions were asked, he didn't have to worry about acting stiff, then his confirmation that they could go to explore on their own made his heart leap in excitement and he almost ran away but the man words about the Princess wanting friends made him stop, more friends were always welcome after all.
You know? Japanese people apparently have surprisingly hardcore folklore, like they used to view the concept of death as a pretty common thing, oh you disrespected some random spirit, well congrats! now your entire dynasty is cursed to die before reaching twenty and in pretty fucked up ways to finish the entire thing, you are welcome by the way. So yeah I think I prefer the tells of my homeland, at least they are just of people being assholes and getting their due rather than being unlucky. Not to say that they aren't good just not my cup of whatever I choose to drink.
Still, they lead to some weird ass dreams after his shift ended and he finally went back to sleep after waking the next people for their watch, he hoped Joji had gone to sleep as well, the guy looked somewhat okay but one never knows.
Waking up was the same as in the beginning on his turn for the watch, a small period of time where he was not totally aware but neither was he asleep, a perfect balance that felt just surreal enough to make him miss having the capacity to make a cup of coffee at a moment notice, he even had trained his body to go through the motions in this state, ugh all that time wasted.
When his mind finally catched up with the waking world he found himself helping clean the camp and saying his mornings to the others.
Personality: Jeremiah is a kind-hearted and optimistic person, always willing to help others. He is curious by nature and enjoys learning new things, especially when it comes to history and mythology. Before making his contract, Jeremiah was an ordinary guy who had no idea about the existence of the supernatural world. His kind-hearted nature extends beyond just helping others; he often goes out of his way to make sure everyone around him is comfortable and happy. He has a natural charisma that draws people to him, and he's always willing to lend an ear to those in need. Despite his optimism, however, he can become easily discouraged if things don't go as planned, but he usually bounces back quickly with renewed determination. His curiosity often leads him to ask many questions, which can sometimes come across as nosy or intrusive, but he means well.
Aspirations, Goals, ideals, or Ambitions: Jeremiah has always dreamed of becoming a successful stage magician, performing his illusions in front of large audiences around the world. His love for magic has been a driving force in his life, and he's determined to make it his career. He spent countless hours practicing and refining his illusions, always pushing himself to improve. He's not interested in just performing in small, local shows; he wants to make a name for himself on a global stage. However, he's not willing to compromise his values or integrity to achieve his goals. In terms of personal goals, Jeremiah hopes to find true love and start a family one day. He's a romantic at heart and has always dreamed of finding someone who shares his interests and values. He's not in a rush to settle down, though; he wants to make sure he's ready for the commitment and responsibility that comes with starting a family.
History: Growing up in a small town, Jeremiah didn't have access to many resources for learning magic. He spent most of his time practicing with whatever he could find, often using household items to create his tricks. His dedication paid off, however, and he quickly became known as the town's resident magician. When his cousin offered to pay for his education at a prestigious school in the city, Jeremiah jumped at the chance. He knew it would allow him to seek the best magicians in the city and ask them to help him hone his craft even further.
Contract(s): Standart contract
Contract Interaction:
Jeremiah Garcia awoke from a deep slumber with sweat pouring down his forehead. He had been having a strange dream, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. In the dream, he had been standing in the middle of a darkened theater, surrounded by empty seats. Suddenly, a ghostly figure appeared before him, dressed in a tattered cape and a mask covering his face.
"Who are you?" Jeremiah had asked the figure.
"I am the Phantom of the Opera," the figure had replied, its voice echoing through the empty theater. "But I am more than just a mere mortal, I am one and I am many, my true form beyond human comprehension, a collection of memories and desires, an amalgamation of all those who have breathed life into my story."
Jeremiah had been taken aback by this revelation. "What do you want from me?" he had asked.
"I seek a willing participant, a servant to do my bidding," the Phantom had replied, his voice both melodious and sinister. "In exchange, I shall gift you with power and mastery of illusions beyond your wildest imagination. But know this, mortal: you would belong to me now, body and soul. Your every thought, your every action, will be devoted to the hunt for Christine. For she is the one who can complete me, make us whole. And I will stop at nothing to possess her. Will you be my loyal servant, and help me find her?"
Jeremiah hesitated. The figure's obsession with Christine was unsettling, as if his very existence depended on finding Christine. But the promise of power was too alluring. He agreed to the Phantom's terms, and at that moment, he felt a surge of energy flow through him.
"Good," the Phantom said, "We shall begin our search tonight."
Level: 1
key: A replica of the mask of the Phantom of the Opera
Mana color: Black and silver.
Artifact points: 2
Artifacts: (1)Talisman: Cape du Fantôme - A magical cloak that appears to be made of a dark, flowing fabric. It is adorned with intricate silver embroidery in the shape of ghostly, twisting vines, giving the impression that the cloak is alive and moving. When the wearer is wearing it they are granted a boost to their stealth by masking the sound they make and their magical signature.
(1)Grimoire: Le Livre des Masques du Fantôme - A grimoire containing a series of spells that focus on illusion-based spells that are heavily influenced by the Phantom perception and its story.
INCANTATION:
May the masks of illusion come to life
And hide my true identity
May my enemies be deceived
And their vision be blurred
EFFECT: When this spell is cast, Jeremiah creates an illusory field around an area where a multitude of people wearing victorian era high fashion and a carnival mask will manifest and proceed to mingle among themselves, if any person enters they will find an illusion cast on them, their clothes will change to the same fashion as the illusory people and each will be given a carnival mask of their own choice.
INCANTATION:
May the eyes that see me be deceived
And reality be obscured
May the sewer become my domain
And may my enemy not find me
EFFECT: When this spell is cast against a target, they start to visualize their surroundings with a realistic recreation of the sewers under Paris that the Phantom once inhabited, with the illusion shaping itself based on the environment around the target to maximize the immersion, however, the illusion only affects one target and it doesn't prevent them from seeing other living beings.
INCANTATION:
May the illusions dissipate
And my true appearance be revealed
May my enemies see my face
And be struck with terror
EFFECT: When this spell is cast an illusion is placed under Jeremiah's mask which creates a visage of a deeply disfigured face that has a mental component to inflict terror on all who see it.
INCANTATION:
May the sounds of my illusion capture attention
And may my beautiful angel reveal itself
Let her dance and swirl before my enemies
And plunge them into total confusion
EFFECT: When this spell is cast an indistinct and ethereal figure of a woman in fancy victorian clothes will manifest itself in front of Jeremiah, then it will proceed to sing and dance beautifully, creating a supernatural fascination that is difficult to resist for those unprepared, and outright impossible for non-magical folk.
The Phantom of the Opera
They are a djinn-type spirit that has formed as the collective idea of the 'perfect' interpretation of the book/play character called the Phantom of the Opera, in this form there remains lingering thoughs of the people who once imagined their own version of him which has made its mind somewhat inestable due to some contradictory ideas, but even with such a thing there the bigger whole remains focused on his core elements.
Personality: Jeremiah is a kind-hearted and optimistic person, always willing to help others. He is curious by nature and enjoys learning new things, especially when it comes to history and mythology. Before making his contract, Jeremiah was an ordinary guy who had no idea about the existence of the supernatural world. His kind-hearted nature extends beyond just helping others; he often goes out of his way to make sure everyone around him is comfortable and happy. He has a natural charisma that draws people to him, and he's always willing to lend an ear to those in need. Despite his optimism, however, he can become easily discouraged if things don't go as planned, but he usually bounces back quickly with renewed determination. His curiosity often leads him to ask many questions, which can sometimes come across as nosy or intrusive, but he means well.
Aspirations, Goals, ideals, or Ambitions: Jeremiah has always dreamed of becoming a successful stage magician, performing his illusions in front of large audiences around the world. His love for magic has been a driving force in his life, and he's determined to make it his career. He spent countless hours practicing and refining his illusions, always pushing himself to improve. He's not interested in just performing in small, local shows; he wants to make a name for himself on a global stage. However, he's not willing to compromise his values or integrity to achieve his goals. In terms of personal goals, Jeremiah hopes to find true love and start a family one day. He's a romantic at heart and has always dreamed of finding someone who shares his interests and values. He's not in a rush to settle down, though; he wants to make sure he's ready for the commitment and responsibility that comes with starting a family.
History: Growing up in a small town, Jeremiah didn't have access to many resources for learning magic. He spent most of his time practicing with whatever he could find, often using household items to create his tricks. His dedication paid off, however, and he quickly became known as the town's resident magician. When his cousin offered to pay for his education at a prestigious school in the city, Jeremiah jumped at the chance. He knew it would allow him to seek the best magicians in the city and ask them to help him hone his craft even further.
Contract(s): Standart contract
Contract Interaction:
Jeremiah Garcia awoke from a deep slumber with sweat pouring down his forehead. He had been having a strange dream, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. In the dream, he had been standing in the middle of a darkened theater, surrounded by empty seats. Suddenly, a ghostly figure appeared before him, dressed in a tattered cape and a mask covering his face.
"Who are you?" Jeremiah had asked the figure.
"I am the Phantom of the Opera," the figure had replied, its voice echoing through the empty theater. "But I am more than just a mere mortal, I am one and I am many, my true form beyond human comprehension, a collection of memories and desires, an amalgamation of all those who have breathed life into my story."
Jeremiah had been taken aback by this revelation. "What do you want from me?" he had asked.
"I seek a willing participant, a servant to do my bidding," the Phantom had replied, his voice both melodious and sinister. "In exchange, I shall gift you with power and mastery of illusions beyond your wildest imagination. But know this, mortal: you would belong to me now, body and soul. Your every thought, your every action, will be devoted to the hunt for Christine. For she is the one who can complete me, make us whole. And I will stop at nothing to possess her. Will you be my loyal servant, and help me find her?"
Jeremiah hesitated. The figure's obsession with Christine was unsettling, as if his very existence depended on finding Christine. But the promise of power was too alluring. He agreed to the Phantom's terms, and at that moment, he felt a surge of energy flow through him.
"Good," the Phantom said, "We shall begin our search tonight."
Level: 1
key: A replica of the mask of the Phantom of the Opera
Mana color: Black and silver.
Artifact points: 2
Artifacts: (1)Talisman: Cape du Fantôme - A magical cloak that appears to be made of a dark, flowing fabric. It is adorned with intricate silver embroidery in the shape of ghostly, twisting vines, giving the impression that the cloak is alive and moving. When the wearer is wearing it they are granted a boost to their stealth by masking the sound they make and their magical signature.
(1)Grimoire: Le Livre des Masques du Fantôme - A grimoire containing a series of spells that focus on illusion-based spells that are heavily influenced by the Phantom perception and its story.
INCANTATION:
May the masks of illusion come to life
And hide my true identity
May my enemies be deceived
And their vision be blurred
EFFECT: When this spell is cast, Jeremiah creates an illusory field around an area where a multitude of people wearing victorian era high fashion and a carnival mask will manifest and proceed to mingle among themselves, if any person enters they will find an illusion cast on them, their clothes will change to the same fashion as the illusory people and each will be given a carnival mask of their own choice.
INCANTATION:
May the eyes that see me be deceived
And reality be obscured
May the sewer become my domain
And may my enemy not find me
EFFECT: When this spell is cast against a target, they start to visualize their surroundings with a realistic recreation of the sewers under Paris that the Phantom once inhabited, with the illusion shaping itself based on the environment around the target to maximize the immersion, however, the illusion only affects one target and it doesn't prevent them from seeing other living beings.
INCANTATION:
May the illusions dissipate
And my true appearance be revealed
May my enemies see my face
And be struck with terror
EFFECT: When this spell is cast an illusion is placed under Jeremiah's mask which creates a visage of a deeply disfigured face that has a mental component to inflict terror on all who see it.
INCANTATION:
May the sounds of my illusion capture attention
And may my beautiful angel reveal itself
Let her dance and swirl before my enemies
And plunge them into total confusion
EFFECT: When this spell is cast an indistinct and ethereal figure of a woman in fancy victorian clothes will manifest itself in front of Jeremiah, then it will proceed to sing and dance beautifully, creating a supernatural fascination that is difficult to resist for those unprepared, and outright impossible for non-magical folk.
The Phantom of the Opera
They are a djinn-type spirit that has formed as the collective idea of the 'perfect' interpretation of the book/play character called the Phantom of the Opera, in this form there remains lingering thoughs of the people who once imagined their own version of him which has made its mind somewhat inestable due to some contradictory ideas, but even with such a thing there the bigger whole remains focused on his core elements.