In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Description: One of Clover’s most famous archaeologists, Ilhiana Vones, has been allowed by the Wizard king to explore the deep jungles of the Forsaken Region in search of a lost temple. She wishes to gather a group of well-educated researchers and protectors to help her on her journey. Spend some time in the Grand Magic Archives and educate yourself before you attempt to get into her crew!
Minimum Number of Players: 1
Minimum Word Count: 1000 per person
Location: Royal Capital
NPC Information: N/A
Enemies: N/A
Special Conditions: Have the character read up on dangerous snake temples in ancient jungles!
The mercenary was once again on a pursuit to gain more yul. Hans has been chosen by Ilhiana Vones, one of the Clover Kingdoms highly regarded and famous archaeologists. This would be the first time that the merc has caught the attention of someone as well known as this. Normally he'd just find himself doing odd jobs for lesser known people such as bodyguard duty for a...very interesting tomato merchant and slaying bears. Now the dark mage was getting somewhere, or at least he's starting to.
Hans has been selected, but before he could truly venture on this job, the merc needed to do some research, something he isn't a stranger of since many jobs require some sort of knowledge on it before it could be executed. This is why the dark mage found himself in the Grand Magic Archives, a place within the Royal Capital that stores information on nearly everything, a perfect place to research on the history of the kingdom itself or certain locations, such as the ancient snake temples located deep within the Forsaken Region. Even though he spends the majority of his time in that region, this is the first time Hans has ever heard of these temples, mostly because he wasn't much of an explorer and went wherever his merc work demanded.
The dark mage entered a room that focuses on books of ancient ruins, temples and such. This was where he was told where he could find the info he needs. There was already a few people in here, yet the room was dead quiet which made the merc's footsteps all the more louder. Some of the others were probably here for the same reason since he wasn't the only person chosen, while others were just here to read. After observing the room a bit, Hans stepped further in and started walking down the aisles where the books are kept. Finding the row that talks about temples, the man started to rummage through the books until he found a particular book that caught his eye. Lifting the old looking book up, Hans read the title. "The Ancient Serpentine Swamp Temple" is what was written.
Finally finding the book, Hans took it with him to an empty table, but as he made his way there, the merc noticed that the majority of the others here were reading a similar book, more than he originally thought. Whatever this was, it seemed like it was going to be something big. All the more reason for the merc to stay focus.
Post by Qiáo Shēngxiào on Jun 19, 2020 23:07:46 GMT -5
The library in the Royal Capital was moderately impressive. While the Coral Peacock base contained many copies of the books here as well as original work. Qiao would often find himself here to read while taking care of business with his family or nearby missions. It was why he came here to read the books on archaeology, he was on a vacation and spending time with his family. If Qiao had it his way he would be back at his comfy bed in the base with a book, the vacation was demanded. Qiao was not wearing his usual mantle or usual indicators as to who he was. He was not trying to hide it and anyway that paid attention to him could figure it out. As he was supposed to be on vacation he could not actively try and attract attention. The kingdom had enough knights on duty so Qiao could afford to chill with a book.
The book he was reading was Magic in the Ancient Kingdoms it was a more obscure title for an archeology book. The focus on the book was to analyze various magic techniques and arrays that one might come across when exploring ancient archaeological runes. When doing field work Qiao has come to a better understanding on the importance of traps and runes. Besides monsters, and the people you traveled with traps were the most dangerous things traveling. Qiao was not worried about getting chosen for the expedition. He was a powerful knight and an excellent healer. Sure, he was smart but it never hurt to study to better oneself.
Qiao placed the book back after a quick read. The information was informative and Qiao was making several theories on trap disarmament and other things. He just felt the need to switch pace by reading a different book. He often found himself retaining more information by allowing his mind to rest on it. It could be considered weird to other people that resting for Qiao would be reading another book. He just had his own way of doing things. He picked up a book called Snack Temples in Ancient Jungles for Dummies it was more of a condensed version of Dr.Vones work. It was more for the common people but it covered a wide variety of subjects. It was not a difficult read and it would allow Qiao to work on his comprehension on his other book. The sad part was if anyone peeked at the title they would think he was an idiot.
As Qiao made his way back to the table he was at he noticed a new occupant. To Qiao it was a black haired man with stoic expression. He was cute in a rough looking kind of way. Qiao was reminded of the customers back at the brothel that would have very specific kinks to get off to as he was growing up. He could have been a good guy but Qiao was wondering as to what kind of dark stuff would this guy be into.
Qiao audibly coughed to clear his own mind before approaching the table. Since he was gone he cannot be mad that someone else was sitting in the seat. “I hope you do not mind if I sit here as well? I was here for a moment but I left to exchange books.” His book had the title on the cover on the outside as he was asking to look polite.
Hans finally made it to his desired seat and sat down, scooting himself closer to the table. The merc placed the book he picked up onto the table and looked at it for a few seconds. This book was not new, which was very obvious by how worn out it looked. There was also a picture of some ruins on the front. 'Don't judge a book by its cover' although a wise saying, sometimes you could still get a good idea of the book's contents by the cover alone.
Exhaling a little from his nose, Hans finally flipped the book open to the first page and started his reading. Judging by how thick the book is, the merc was going to be here for a little while, but he didn't have much to do anyway, so it didn't bother him. Plus this would all payout in the end...hopefully.
Right now, the book was giving a brief history of ruins in general, typical with books like these, always taking their time to get to the point. It soon started to lean more towards the serpent ruins now, starting with its outer structures. As the merc turned the page, he'd hear the sound of someone clearing their throat. "Hm?" The man looked up to see another male standing in front of the table. There appeared to be this sort of elegance towards this person in both appearance and tone. Other than that, he seemed like your ordinary clover citizen...until Hans started to focus on sensing his mana.
The strength the merc sensed inside this pink haired stranger was enough to get a small reaction out of him. Hans then looked at his book and much to his surprise it looked similar to his own albeit in a simpler form. Seems like this person was here for the same reason as the merc, but that didn't surprise him as much. It was the fact that he was this strong, especially in comparison to everyone in this room, and the merc himself. It made him wonder more about the nature of this job. "Knock yourself out." he'd simply say, not in an attempt to be rude or offend, it was just how he was, and there was more than enough chair here to sit at. With that, the dark mage's expression returned to normal as he lowered his head back into the book.
After a bit, Hans sighed lightly and looked out of a nearby window, daydreaming.
Post by Qiáo Shēngxiào on Jun 20, 2020 21:31:37 GMT -5
Qiao nodded politely as the man allowed him to sit in his previous spot. As he was closer he gave the guy a closer glance prodding him a bit with his sensory skills. He did not seem overly strong but was better than most of the new magic knight recruits. While Qiao thought he was decent looking he did not bother to flirt. If the guy was into kinky stuff like Qiao believed Qiao would not mind letting the man tie him up. The errant thought in his head made him miss the terrible things he used to do with his ex before he focused his attention on the book that was in his hand.
The book he was reading was simply captivating. Qiao had to read a lot of stuff as the Coral Peacock base was full of writers. Even Ilhiana Vones was a former member of his squad before her retirement, a retirement which was not entirely unheard of. A lot of the members in his squad went on to retire to pursue their research or just live peaceful lives. Qiao was not aware of a lot of them but he could at least recall two. The former leader of the Coral Peacocks Glenda retired. Qiao strongly believed Silas would have lived longer as well if it was not for his unfortunate ending. Unlike the more combat based squads Coral Peacock just had a longer life expectancy.
He was deep into chapter two when he noticed the man staring out the window. Choosing to be polite he decided to strike up a small conversation. “So you are volunteering for the exploration as well? I figured it must be fun and Dr.Vones has some interesting stuff. The interview portion is going to be a pain. I am Q by the way. Currently, a part time explorer on a mission to see things that are new.” He put a smile on his face as he spoke. He chose to give out his nickname instead of his full name. If he used his real name he would be drawing too much attention to himself. He also did not want to start intimidating the rest of the people studying up with his background. Qiao was also not lying as he was not on duty at the moment and he was an explorer. It was one of those things that was the truth, just not the whole truth.
WC:406 TWC: 983 OOC: Next post is my exit post. :3 @morty2
Both of Hans' hands rested peacefully on his open book. He stared longingly out the window and was no longer reading. The merc had already finished about half of the book, but he started to grow bored. Sometimes, the man's mind wanders when given enough time to in quiet places like this one. He tends to think back on his past like things such as what his mother would be dong right now if she were still alive, or what she'd think of her son right now, and the path he's chosen to take. Though not completely like a rogue mage, Hans still walks a thin line, leaning on each side of the moral spectrum. One wrong move and he could easily find himself becoming a criminal. Fortunately what he was currently preparing for seemed to be more beneficial.
The words of the man sitting by Hans snapped the merc out of his little daze, causing him to gasp a little before looking towards him. The pink haired guy seemed to be looking forward to what was to come with this exploration. Hans on the other hand not so much. "I'm only here for the payment." the merc admitted, not at all ashamed about it. He wasn't much of an explorer but this wouldn't be the first time Hans took a job that was outside of his comfort zone...
So long as the price is right, Hans will do it for the most part. That is just how he lives, how he chooses to survive, part of him believing he is incapable of doing better.
The dark mage lowered his head back, and was just about to finish reading until he remembered something. "Oh...It's Hans by the way." he said, looking back up at Q before going back to reading. Not being much of the polite type, Hans still felt that it was at least right to introduce himself as well. Q....Hans had a feeling that wasn't this man's real name. It just seems unusual to him, but he wasn't the type to pry unless he really felt it was needed. If the man didn't want to disclose his name he didn't have to.
Some time has went by, and Hans was just about finished with the last page of the book. After a few more words, the guy finally closed it and stood up from his seat. Whether Q was still there or not, Hans would silently walk from the table and place the book back. He'd then head towards the entrance but pause for a moment, taking a deep breathe. Next was this interview, and being not much of a people person, Hans wasn't exactly sure how to handle this...assuming this would be a normal interview.
With that, the man shook his head lightly and stepped out. It was time to see if he would make the cut.
Post by Qiáo Shēngxiào on Jun 23, 2020 17:57:34 GMT -5
Qiao would finish reading the bit of the book. When he looked up to discover Hans was gone. He was so absorbed he did not even notice when the man left. Qiao was not worried because he felt like he would see the man again. Especially if they were both going to try out for the expedition.
“Fate has a way of weaving those destined to meet.” Qiao said softly as he left the library.
[Exit] WC:75 TWC: 1,058
Last Edit: Jun 23, 2020 18:06:39 GMT -5 by Qiáo Shēngxiào
