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.
Post by Joseph Ravencrest✾ on Jan 9, 2021 14:30:48 GMT -5
Lydias words seemed to hold a demanding kind of presence that suggested nothing was up for question, but it was one of the reasons why Joseph had to question. He used to never think about questioning the words of higher ranking, but that was before Raque. That was before Naxels mind was lost. “Not fighting a mana beast isn't agreed on out of idealism, but necessity.” He couldn't say the next thing without his expression darkening a bit. “Naxel knew this, but with his mind gone now and he no longer being a magic knight I doubt he said any of it to you. My fathers side of my family was the only one I grew up knowing in the memories I do have. They told me that if I was willing to enter a line of work that required violence and killing that I would be shunned from the family. I confirmed that I had always planned to join the magic knights and always knew it would require being violent or even killing. My mother was the famous operatic singer that went by the stage name Burning Sunset, loved enough that I could have had an easy time becoming a musical performer to make a name and yule. I picked a harder route on purpose to help people.” The steps his feet were tacking quickened a little bit.
“Sometimes helping requires holding back. I was in Raque too, forget what you brought up first? Me and Hinota knew almost for certain that woman was a deamon, but saying that outloud on the sea of corpses that covered Hangmans Hill would have doomed everyone on that island, including the survivor Hinota saved. Naxel had started to loose his mind on that hill and I was told by an upper rank otherwise, but I was right.” He wasn't going to let someone try to say he didn't know what he was doing, or that he was green, or that not immediately jumping to a fight meant that they were unprepared. Cobborn wouldn't blindly listen just because someone was higher ranked, stronger, and more experienced. These things didn't mean they knew everything, noticed everything, or were right about everything. His rose tinted glasses about that had been strong in Raque, but such an event had tossed that color in the trash faster and harsher than much else could have. “Verenas idea of using my communication spell was good, though I'll be contacting Hinota at group two instead of the captains.” He had read about both group before hand, even if he couldn't match the names on the papers with the faces of the flesh without introductions. The junior had been signed up as a replacement after all.
The young man was going to be sent to the first group that needed a new person tossed in, which happened to end up being group one. His hands silently signed ~shortwave telecommunication~ before the spell activated. Some coal carbon matter shaped itself into a small but wide singing bowl. One would appear near Hinota. “Hinota, this is Joseph Cobborn. We met in Raque, I'm currently part of group one. Could you tell our group anything that has happened with your group, or anything that might be important? How is your side faring? The deamons broke us into three smaller groups, mine is currently heading for a well.” Now he just had to wait and see if this was a wonderful or horrible idea.
I was given permission. Wordcount: 580 My Total: 5,996 The symbol ~ will be used in the post to reference when sign language is being used. Items with him: Just Peachy, Riding Gloves, and Grace of The Fallen.
Post 1, page 3. ecolocation cast, spending 10 mana. Shortwave telecommunication cast, spending 10 mana. 45/65 mana. Post 2, page 4. Shortwave telecommunication still being used, 5 mana. Not fighting, in combative situation +5 mana. 45/65mana. Post 3, page 4. Ashwood Miracle used, 11 mana. Not fighting, in combative situation. 34/65 mana. Post 4, page 4. reverberation cast, 10 mana. Not fighting at this time. 24/65 mana. Post 5, page 5. No spells being used, not fighting at this time, +10 mana. 34/65 mana. Post 6, page 6. Shortwave Telecommunication cast, -10 mana. 24/65 mana.
It seemed as if the vice-captain who had remained overwatch the entire time would now enter the fray after seeing that the first group had been split. It had seemed as if the daemons had a specific plan on how they had divided the group, the captains were together as were the black bulls and finally the juniors who were most at risk due to their lack of experience and expertise in being able to foresee what was coming their way or what they may walk into. She informed all three of the captains in the change of plans given the situation before she had, however. She explained that she would prevent them from getting hurt or blowing up the town but that they should listen to her as if they pulled anything stupid she'd personally knock the out. When this was said she handed a map over to Joseph explaining what it did but the spell previously cast allowed her to communicate with them easily.
She explained how to read the map and that blue dots were allies where red indicated enemies as well as the wells that were nearby. It was then she let the peach haired man know that she wanted him to take lead since he had the map after saying they should go towards one of the two wells that needed to be taken care of to finish this task. She also informed him that she wanted him to get in touch with the black bull mages but it would seem like the man had his own ideas and instead got in touch with one of the mages from the other group instead of in the hopes to gather information that might be vital.
It happened that before the vice-captain decided to drop in Verena was concluding her conversation with the daemoness Lilitu agreeing to what was being asked of her. "I will agree to those terms." she said a shadowed mirror appearing in front of her showing a house nearby that was a makeshift orphanage being given safe passage through a shadow portal a second mirror showing that they were exiting within Hage village "Is this to your liking?" she asked her voice gentle as always "There is a well in the centre of town, one in the south-east near the hospital and one sin inside the magic knight exam grounds near to some of your other companions." she explained seeing no reason to hide the locations at all. It would seem to the daemoness that the three juniors agreed to her request "Tell them to return to the graveyard it is time to rest." she said openly for the four to hear
"They will return directly to me and cause no danger to anyone along the way. I don't want them harmed and you don't want to fight them, there is no shadow play in this." her words were sincere as she spoke "This is selfish of me going against my father's wishes but they are my companions not my father's pawns." her voice showed anger as she thought about her father tried to use them against her wishes and where she was loyal to him she sure as hell wasn't letting them be hurt to give him fun. "There are two at the well you are heading to they will attempt to attack but speak the words and they will calm down and walk away." she finished "And before you say anything vice-captain I don't look to hurt people that don't deserve it this isn't a trap and there is no loophole to exploit on either side. I have shown my hand to the summoner and she can vouch I am a daemoness of my word." she left it at that. "Besides, I have offered the same thing to the black bulls so they will be in no danger if they agree." she said warmly.
"We haven't actually done any damage to this town, it has been done by the former group that was here or the civilians themselves." a male voice said almost seeming bored by this point "To fulfil the agreement with Artemis Somerset my father made his palace in the air as to not harm any civilians that were inside their home." he informed them "We are daemons of our word regardless of what that word maybe." he said with a disinterested tone. "Mortals are so narrow-minded especially when two of the enemy are helping them. It is true it is for our own selfish reasons but don't look gift horses in the mouth or you may get harmed." he said with a frustrated tone, the roll of his eyes would have been easily heard within his tone. "We aren't like the idiots that tried to take over Raque or the Royal Capital if we were then likelihood you all wouldn't be here now. We play the long game and that is why we succeeded." he explained to Joseph.
The male daemon then turned his attentions to the vice-captain herself "I believe you should be informed your younger brother has taken deadly ill, please don't make this last any longer than it needs to be." He said calmly though there was an undertone showing concern that perhaps only Lydia would pick up on as she would be used to Hania using undertones quite often to get a message to her without openly saying it when in company. "I would believe he takes ill quite often especially of late, I am quite sorry to hear that. It should hopefully come to an end soon but it will never truly vanish either." he said as if giving her some information but showing there was more than what he was willing to tell her there and then his motives were enigmatic as always.
His words may have been lost on the vice-captain however as she did her best to guide her captain and the golden dawn captain towards the mastermind behind this invasion. She notified them it wouldn't light the entire city but it would be enough to guide them to their target, but warned them she wouldn't be able to hold it for too long so they should get going. As soon as that was done she informed the three juniors that the captains were heading to the shadow palace and so they should head towards the closest well.
"Oh, hello Joseph" the peach haired male would hear through the communication but the voice seemed full of sorrow. "Where to start with that one. We met up with a former magic knight named Charlotte but we just found out that she and her daughter were murdered by civilians because of circumstances outside of her control. That the daemoness Lilitu made them into wraiths and can give her wraiths memories." she said almost sounding like she was ready to cry. "We found out destroying the wells might make them stronger. That the twins want to perish. That only Sven uses shadow. Ito the male daemon uses Darkness and another unknown element his sister uses wraith and pure aura." she explained believing it was important for him to know. "Um... one of our group killed three children, it seems due to being cut off from light and a balanced diet they're weaker so be careful if you attack." she said trying to recall anything else important "Oh! If you can get into a house you can see perfectly, that means even through illusions." she said knowing that was important "We've also been split up, I am with the Valo. We have no idea where anyone else is but we're about to bury the mother and child before heading to the purple orca base." She really hoped the info was useful even if it was rushed.
~~~~~~
Rosa and Chisana:
"You could just ask us what we are bound by instead of walking around in the dark and hoping you stumble into the right answer you know." The male would let his presence be known once more "However, to avoid any anger coming from my sister tell the mana beasts you come across to return to the graveyard it is time to rest. They will stop being aggressive and head right back to where Lilitu is." he said calmly "I advise you not to harm them she isn't exactly the same pleasant woman she is now when angry." he warned the pair. "You have two questions each one from me and one from my sister, we may even take requests who knows." even though it couldn't be seen he shrugged a little. "There are a lot of pieces you are missing in fact but then this group is quite in the dark compared to the other in most aspects." he continued, it wasn't to taunt them but the truth because no one had decided to contact the other side so they could share information as far as the pair would be aware.
"Ah, so you just happen to flirt with every male you like the sound of?" he asked somewhat amused by her words "Pathetic." is all that came with it. "That is good, I never cared for a mongrel like yours either." he quickly, he didn't care if she took offence to his words, he hated all mortals equally, for the most part, there were a few that had caught his attention but he was just as harsh on them. "Well, your tactics this time are a little off than the lesser daemon you fought with the shadow of dawn a few months ago." he said coldly "Like people all daemons are different." It was that simple to believe the three in Kikka were like others were quite a stupid notion to the noble daemon. "Father is prideful and wishes chaos. My sister and I well... that's another matter." he finished knowing that he wasn't being spoken to but wanted to give a little information freely.
"No, daemon magic doesn't work like this but the magic in this town does and for one major reason." he said giving them a little of the information but not completing it all. "No, we didn't cause the destruction here, two civilians and a magic knight did. Was thinking about making the hole into a pond at some point and filling it with some fish." with how his tone was it would be hard to tell if he was joking or not about the pond. He went quiet allowing the pair to talk and attempt to come up with a plan. He would remain quiet until the first of the questions were asked. "Bad bet, I blew that one up earlier at the bequest of my dearest prince." Lilitu said wanting to put their minds at ease that there was one well down so there was only three now to their knowledge. "There are only three daemons, the rest are mana beasts and I'd like them returned home unharmed." she said her voice gentle and warm. "And no we aren't wandering around but we are close." she said with a giggle before she too went silent.
It would seem like three positions were chosen for the three potential wells they had chosen the closest and soon they would find that they had indeed chosen wisely, however, it wasn't going to be an easy journey as even with the younger male's sensory there was still going to be things out of his sensory ability they'd come across. He couldn't wait to see the fireworks being set off, wondering if he may have gone a little heavy-handed on traps along the way and inside the exam grounds. There was more than that, he had something special set up there and hoped the pair would enjoy the show upon arrival... if they made it that was...
~~~~~~
Ard and Zaven:
"Ah, so you finally rubbed your two brain cells together and figured out where my palace is located." he chuckled standing at the edge of the island far above the city waving down to the pair with a grin smuggly "Boy, it took you long enough. I thought I was going to die of old age before you discovered the truth." he continued to chuckle "I continue to honour my part of the deal with Artemis and so as to not break it I build my palace in the sky." It really was that simple. "Wow, you really are flattering me but I had nothing to do with any of that. I can't speak of others however Firra." he really thought it amusing that the other thought he had been alive and bothered long enough to do all that "I've been raising my kids and playing the long game, killing people outright is boring." to him this was a simple truth, why would he kill what could be toyed with and tortured over an extended period of time.
"I never leave anything to chance Firra, don't underestimate me." he said laughing almost as if crazed, he had already started a secondary attack and it had already taken roots. He knew he was destined to die eventually but it didn't mean he wasn't going to cause discord even after that day came. "Oh no Firra, I am far from afraid. In fact, I am thrilled to finally meet you both face to face." he said with a deranged tone to his words. He truly was excited for what was to come, win or lose he didn't really care he had fulfilled his purpose but it didn't mean he was going to go down easily and soon, very soon the pair of archmages would find that out personally. He noticed the flare like light coming his way and withdrew into his palace believing it would be a better place for their final showdown to take place, after all, it would be better than debris falling down and squashing citizens below or demolishing homes.
The crimson lion had offered his hand to Zaven showing that he wanted to make this daemon to meet his end together knowing that it would take the pair to take out a daemon of Sven's strength. "Oh, no no Firra. I'm just one cog in a bigger plan and I know that soon enough it will come to fruition one way or another." he said from inside the palace itself the door opening as if to welcome the pair. "Welcome to my domain, I am pleased to entertain you both no matter the outcome let us fight with honour." It was different now the chaos had seemingly left the prideful daemon, he wasn't about to hold back he knew he wouldn't be able to if this was to go the way he expected it to. During the time that this was going on Zaven and Genesis passed words to each other but little would the shadow of dawn know at that point that his own junior would have been separated from most of the others more than that she wasn't even with Vulkan.
As soon as the exchange came to an end he placed the ring onto Ard's finger notifying him it seemed to have attuned to his shadow magic but it also seemed to a tie to Salamander in some way. It was then Ito had noticed something, the shadow of dawn had let go of the crimson king's hand and so whispered into his ear "Are you willing to bet everything on him? If he fails what you hold most precious is the one who will die, can you hold that guilt on your soul?" he asked the man wanting to give him a swift kick in the ass that he obviously needed. He wished it was a hollow threat but he knew it wouldn't be the woman wouldn't last in a place like this for long. Even without his words, it seemed as if that the shadow of dawn found his second wind, still, he hoped his words would remind him what was on the line if he lost and so would fight to end it all finally. "Not a defiant challenge, I kept you both together because you are the only pair strong enough to end it once and for all." Ito's words were calm and for the first time, he seemed at peace.
Story:
The group of juniors met up with Lydia who was quick to take control and explain her reasons for being there and her opinions on talking to the daemons. Lilitu, however, kept to her word showing that she evacuated an orphanage and where they had ended up. Due to the three juniors agreeing they were given the sentence needed to send the mana beasts back to lilitu without them causing any issues. Ito informed Lydia that her brother was indeed sick once more and hoped that this would come to an end soon but also notified her that whatever plagued him would never end for him. Lilitu, on the other hand, was informing Verena where the wells where located, Ito scolded Joseph for being short-sighted before he used a communication spell to talk to Hinota on the other group receiving some information they didn't have before. With that done they headed towards one of the wells.
With a bit of backwards and forwards between the twins and the black bulls they were offered to ask each twin one question each to which they would answer. Ito even gave the pair the words to send the mana beasts back to Lilitu without having to worry about them hurting anyone along the way. Talking amongst themselves they decided that they would head towards the magic knight exam grounds, along there would be several traps some would be easy to find and others would be well above the inexperienced bulls capabilities and so there would be a chance that they would both be in danger of being seriously harmed. Upon entering the exam grounds what they would be met with was an interesting scene the entire grounds were covered in daylight more than that, it would appear full as if the exams were taking place at that moment. Stranger, still, they would view it as the day they themselves took part in the exams even though it would have been at different times.
There was a bit of backwards and forwards between Ard and Sven, the shadow of dawn passed the ring that he had found earlier and was ready to let Ard to go fight Sven on his own until he found his second wind. Ito even asked him if he was really willing to put what was precious to him solely in the hands of the crimson king in the hopes that it would make the shadow mage fight harder to end it. When they reached the floating island the shadow palace's door was wide open as to welcome the pair, their host even stating that he hoped the three would fight with honour until the end no matter what that might be. Finally, the first fight for Kikka's freedom is about to begin.
Post by Joseph Ravencrest✾ on Jan 12, 2021 1:19:04 GMT -5
The shadow mirror had looked strange, but it wasn't facing the young man. To see what was on it, he would need to give up his spot in the front, something that wouldn't be smart for someone that had the map. The pink eyed person hadn't created the spell, but it was still in their gloved hands. Of course they move from one surprising thing to another. This was a bit much at a time, enough to cause their feet to still a bit. Josephs steps paused briefly at the new voice. Is that the female deamons voice from the records? Did she mean her creations? To tell her creations that? He wasn't sure who else would be told that. It was hard to focus on task when there was so much going on at once, but Cobborn did his best as feet started moving again. This was an important mission, freeing the people of the city. But still, that first line from her had been quite chilling. Were her toys really made of corpses? Why that line? Was it a terrible and dark humor? No, don't try to delve into the mind of a deamon. They are corrupted spirits that will find way to do damage in one way or another. The mention of the black bulls brought up what Lydia said before. Contact the black bulls to make sure they know what's going on. Before the young man had been sure they would have an idea of what was going on, but now? So much had happened in such a short time.
But the junior magic knight was experienced in emotions trying to take over his actions. He wasn't perfect though. No, that going off at someone who didn't deserve it certainly hadn't been professional or right. It was a sort spot though, the idea he might not be ready. To not be ready for battle might as well be the same as not being ready to be a magic knight for him. “Sorry Lydia, I shouldn't have been so offended by your opinion. It's a bit of a sore spot, I'll try to work on that.” Until then? He created another singing bowl made out of carbon matter. This was the only thing useful he can do right now that wasn't fueled by the high ranked crimson lions spell. There is always something for someone to do if they are able to figure it out. Typically it was his own hands that helped him calm down, but in this case it had been that the surprise over the current events putting a stop to other feelings that had been there before. The male deamon speaking to him was a bit of a throw off, but not really shocking at this point. “I know you aren't like them, that's what makes you more terrifying.” From the beginning he was unsure why he had signed up at all, even if it was done late. Such terrifying times, the azure deer never wanted them to come to pass in the first place. Maybe that's why the young man wanted to be a possible fill in rather than one of the starting people.
A replacement is better than nothing, but the original lineup was more than likely still the best one. Then the sweet voice spoke through the communication spell. With how upset she sounded, part of him wished the spell had some sort of private setting. Even in Raque she hadn't sounded like this. The words that continued to come were both important and a little heart wrenching. Someone in her group killed three children? Why? Was it illusions, a badly placed spell, pure stupidity? The only thing that kept his mind afloat in such new information was the mental reminder of the mission. That worked in tandem with the strange sensation buzzing at the back of his neck. “That.. was very useful Hinota, thank you.” ~What am I supposed to say?!~ His signed this in a fury, but the trick he used to help thinking didn't work this time. The female demons 'toys' were reanimated corpses that could have memories put into them. They could think and function. Three children were murdered by the people sent to save them. Every citizen indoors could see all the sights clearly. This was depressing, terrifying, wrenching, and maddening. ~Focus on the mission, try to push that back for later.~ That's what he had been doing to keep himself talking, if he wasn't careful that skill could be ripped away.
Joseph took a deep breath in, then out. “I'm sorry about what you had to see. It sounds like you were split with a dependable person. We are almost at one of the wells. I'm going to see if others have information they think might be useful to you before ending out communication, alright?” He couldn't think of what could be, not after everything. She was going to bury a mother and a child? They both were? He had to not think about it. These were details best left for after the mission to think on. ~The first thought I can remember having that wasn't filled with fear or pain is wanting to become a magic knight, to hear and understand others, to help others. If only I could do more, think better, or at least act better. No, regrets don't help you. Regrets only hold you back from changing.~ He quietly spoke to himself, helping himself to get better control over his motions back to an extent. Once as thoroughly stuffed away as possible, he moved to speak in the singing bowl that lead to Chisana. “Chisana? This is Joseph. Verena, Sol, and myself are in a group and Lydia from the crimson lions joined us from somewhere. How is your group faring? The female deamons 'dolls' are reanimated corpses that the caster can give memories to. Group two apparently had one member that killed three children.
If you tell them to return to the graveyard it is time to rest, they will return to the one that made them. Destroying the wells might make the deamons stronger. Going into a building lets you see through any of the illusions, Sven only uses shadow, Lilitu uses wrath and pure aura, and one of Itos elements is darkness and something not yet identified. Ito and Lilitu want to die. Three of us agreed to not attack Lilitus.. What do I even call them anymore? Golems that were once people and still function and think like people to some extent?” This was easier when certain details could be brushed off as possible illusions. “The only things keeping my mind from reeling from all the recent information is the reminder of the mission we have to accomplish and the weird buzzing heated feeling at the back of my neck.” He didn't know it was the rooster Shengxiao birthmark, nor that it had finally fully awakened at some point during the current mission. A late bloomer due to the complications caused by trauma.
Wordcount: 1,177 My Total: 7,173 The symbol ~ will be used in the post to reference when sign language is being used. Items with him: Just Peachy, Riding Gloves, and Grace of The Fallen.
Post 1, page 3. ecolocation cast, spending 10 mana. Shortwave telecommunication cast, spending 10 mana. 45/65 mana. Post 2, page 4. Shortwave telecommunication still being used, 5 mana. Not fighting, in combative situation +5 mana. 45/65mana. Post 3, page 4. Ashwood Miracle used, 11 mana. Not fighting, in combative situation. 34/65 mana. Post 4, page 4. reverberation cast, 10 mana. Not fighting at this time. 24/65 mana. Post 5, page 5. No spells being used, not fighting at this time, +10 mana. 34/65 mana. Post 6, page 6. Shortwave Telecommunication cast, -10 mana. 24/65 mana. Post 7, page 6. Shortwave Telecommunication still in use, -5mana. No fighting, in non combative situation+10 mana. 29/65 mana.
Post by Sol Delothosin✾ on Jan 13, 2021 20:46:30 GMT -5
Sol binked a bit as the shadow mirrors appeared in front of Verena but when he heard the voice of the demoness tell them what to say to send the mana beasts back without a fight the red eyed mage relaxed himself a bit and bowed his head in gratitude. “thank you” he said softly, while he was cautious of ever little thing in kikka at the moment if they didn’t have to fight and could avoid any future confrontation it would be even better and despite the demoness being on the opposite side the blood mage was sincere when he offered his thanks. stretching his neck a bit Sol glanced over at the one who would be leading them Joseph as he relayed information to other groups before his eyes shifted over to Verena then back to Joseph. So far despite being separated from the main group they had be strangely fortunate but for how long would that luck hold.
After Joseph would finish speaking to others Sol spoke up. “ alright Joseph your leader so where to first?” he asked, as much as Sol wanted to move the group forward he knew that Lydia had put Joseph in charge since he had the map so he would follow the young knights lead. The blood mage could only hope they were able to disable the wells soon and while there would be no fighting with mana beasts the red eyed civilian knew that there might still be traps to deal with especially with the wells themselves. While Sol knew that they had to proceed with caution he was also a bit annoyed that they were still standing around when they could be moving and getting closer to their target. He hoped that they managed to obtain information on the wells soon so they could give the captains an advantage that the blood mage was sure they would need against the foe that was Sven.
Sol had to give the two captains credit for going against such a foe when the odds were so stacked against them, it didn’t help that Sven was a master manipulator and so far had seemed to have them either running in circles or knew just what to say or do to push them over the edge or to make careless mistakes, when he heard Joseph talk of how civilians in the houses could see thru everything with no illusion messing with them it made Sol worry greatly. They might think they were fighting monsters and such but who was to say that was the case and the civilians could see something completely different which could hurt the image of the knights as well as any civilian who had joined in this excursion. “come on we need to get a move on” he muttered so softly that no one but himself would catch it as he tapped his fingers on the handle of his katana while they moved though he didnt know if they even had a location to go to yet so he was trying not to be impatiant.
I don't know where the future[break][break] will take us,[break][break] But we will blaze it together.[break][break]
wc: ###
twc: ###
@tagme
[break]
[attr="class","ardereescroll"]Insult me all you want, Daemon. We'll see who's smiling when I tear down these walls you've so meticulously built. Pillar by pillar and shadow by shadow--they'll all fall. Ardere and Zaven arrived in the Shadow Palace, making their grandiose presence known to the dark overlord here. Their intentions were clear; destroy Sven and the Palace. For too long had the darkness remained above Kikka, the town he spent so much of his childhood in. Lighting a cigarette, the mage took a monstrous inhale of smoke. [break][break] After all this time in the shadows, he finally stood face to face with the being responsible for all this destruction. Sven was younger looking than he expected, though the Crimson Lion vaguely recalled he was one of the younger Arch-Daemon if not the youngest. Even then as a young Daemon he was easily five times Ardere's age. The kind of experience and malice built up over the years was intimidating, but not to him--he was boiling inside. Excitement and rage swirled inside his dragon-like form as his aura began to finally flare up. Finally, we meet face to face after all this time. Ripping open his shirt, he threw it to the ground. Scales and flames covered his torso as he maintained the spells transforming him. His mana began to soar as the dragon inside began to stir within him. Light coming from inside his body, the serpent-like spirit could be seen swirling inside his torso. Fifteen years ago now, Ardere's father Ryoku was murdered by a Shadow Daemon worshipper. The fights he had been through were leading him on a path. This was just another step on that path--a critical one. To be faced with his own inner darkness after all these years was humbling and frightening. Today he had one thing he didn't then; a light. Salamander and Lydia were the lights that entered his life after all the pain and darkness. Today they both guided him. He tossed the half lit cigarette to the ground and stomped on it with enough force to shake the shadows beneath their feet. [break][break] I'll take the right. You take the left, Zaven. As he spoke to the shadow mage, a crimson flame shot across his right side with a darker hue than his normal flames. This crimson flame made him One with the Dragon or more commonly known as; Partial Spirit Dive. A blazing horn burst from the right side of his skull as his right wing and the enter right side of his body was enveloped in flame-crafted armor. This occurred as the Crimson King burst to the left side of Sven (Ardere's right side) for an all out attack. The power surging around the Kasai was immense, the true power of a spirit user. Unfortunately now he was on a time limit. He had still yet to master Salamander's power and as such, he was forced into a time constraint. If they did not defeat the Daemon soon, this fight was not going to end well. [break][break] True Arsenal of Flame! Four blazing swords burst around him as both a form of defensive for incoming projectiles, as well as supplementary attack for his melee. He aimed to charge Sven. The Dawn and the Lion did not need a complex plan. The two had been through too much for that, so they took the option of a bull rush. Ardere had no doubt that his comrade agreed with this course of action and was confident in his friend to move immediately. The Shadow Palace would soon be falling down around them, that much he'd make sure of. Let's have this fight, Sven. I hope you'll make it a good one! If the Arch-Daemon were cogs in a machine then he'd break another one today and soon enough the whole machine!
-Arsenal of Flame Reactivated[break] -Ryujin and Tyr sustained[break] [break][break] One with the Dragon[break] Rank: Senior[break] Ability Appearance: Ardere gains one blazing wing of fire, one horn of fire, and his arm is encased in a blazing gauntlet while his left leg gains a spiked flaming armor piece. All of this occurs on his right side.[break] Time of Usage: 4 posts[break] Mana Cost: 30 | 15[break] Dive Abilities: +10 Power[break] Second Ace Perk[break] Attack Creation spells gain +5 power when clashing with another spell.[break] Melee attacks made against the user drop a tier in damage
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 15, 2021 2:11:39 GMT -5
[nospaces]
[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
005
019
008
030
020
[break]
MANA SKIN senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 05 IC // 10 OOC
MANA POOL 055/100
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
Verena listened attentively as everyone else spoke. It was surprising that Sol had so much to say; throughout her time of being near him, he had spoken very little, or at the very least, preferred to let actions speak for him. He seemed unsure if Joseph was a capable sensor as well. Was he unaware of the specialty of the Azure Deer, or was he just questioning if the peach haired male's sensory was at a level that would prevent them from being killed? Either way, it was a poor question in how it was phrased. But that was for Joseph and Sol to work out; she had no business speaking on it.[break][break]
What surprised her more than anything, however, was that Joseph seemed to have been made aware of Lydia's presence in advancement. Sol and she were both left out of the loop; at least, she assumed he was based on his response to seeing Lydia. Was it something that only Magic Knights were informed of? ...This frustrated her, though she kept those frustrations under wraps, her expression remaining the same as it was. Even if they were not Magic Knights, Sol and she were both risking their lives. It wasn't as if Joseph was much stronger than they were, either. But there was little she could do about it, and complaining about it would be a complete and utter waste of energy, so she kept her mouth shut.[break][break]
It went without saying that Lydia's presence caused all three junior mages to enter a state of high alertness. It wasn't out of fear of the woman (or, perhaps in Verena's case, it might have been; the woman was truly afraid of revealing her own communication with the two archdemons thus far, at least). The Vice-Captain was no-nonsense, and made it a point to quickly take control of the team, but as quickly as she did she vanished, leaving them with a map that also pinned the locations of the wells. But before Lydia had shown them the Spells, Lilitu had shown her the location of them as well.[break][break]
"So they really are giving us a helping hand..." Verena thought to herself. While she couldn't fully grasp their reasonings, she wouldn't ask them why. But even if she wouldn't ask them that...[break][break]
They were to be defeated. Of that, there was no question. Even still, she couldn't help but wonder what they gained from this? Was this something all daemons were capable of?[break][break]
Verena no longer felt comfortable directly responding to the daemons as a result of Lydia's presence, but she did not feel that she should ignore this. Instead, she nodded her head, a gesture that could have been interpreted for Joseph and Lydia, but the recipient was instead Lilitu, something she hoped the archdaemon would acknowledge when she had finished speaking. Of course, the daemon was speaking to the group at large, so it might not have been necessary.
"...I'm aware it could be a trap," Verena admitted. "But just when Lydia got here, one of them pointed out the location of the Wells. The locations I was given match the locations on the map that Lydia has made. And of course..."[break][break]
The portal showed civilians were being taken out of the city for their own personal safety. There was little chance that Lydia of all people could not confirm their safety, even long after they were to leave the town. In fact, that would likely make it even easier for the archmage. "I'm aware that it could be just an attempt at garnering favor so as to kill me or any number of people for letting my guard down. But for the enemy to go through this much trouble just to earn favor, even acting against their fath-...superior is unlikely. I'm not saying we treat these as handouts, nor am I saying to blindly trust them. I am just saying if we can make our work easier to minimize the risk of a costly mistake, it would be best. Still..." Verena stopped herself, as she looked towards Lydia, who hadn't quite gone invisible at the time.[break][break]
Joseph spoke up when she herself was too afraid to counter Lydia's words. But... he had completely missed the initial point of what Lydia meant. She wasn't saying it wasn't idealistic; she was just saying that it would be preferable, an outcome that all of the mages here were in agreement on. She doubted the likelihood of that being able to occur. If that wasn't confusing enough, the youth also brought up his own life. It wasn't the first time someone had done that around her, but she wondered where it came from. To prove a point? The woman internally sighed. Well, different people, she supposed.[break][break]
The only thing more surprising than the fact Joseph was in Raque was also the fact that he was speaking up against Lydia. Did he have the same level of experience as the Archmage? What was he basing this on? Not to mention, Magic Knights functioned on a hierarchy. Those who were higher ranked naturally held more power, more influence, and thus more say in things. To question it seemed, frankly, against everything the Magic Knights stood for.[break][break]
And this made her smile a bit, though she was in the back of the group as a result of her own late start and slow speed. Even if Joseph's comment was completely off the mark, the fact he was willing to question a superior officer on something that he felt was wrong or unnecessary gave her hope for the Magic Knights. Still, it would have been more sincere if he just hadn't misunderstood Lydia.[break][break]
"Uhm... Joseph. She just means it would be preferable to not have to fight Mana Beasts, not it's idealistic..."
Still, Verena was uncertain. How exactly were mana beasts going to flank the captains? If they could fly, sure. And while she couldn't speak for Sol or Joseph, she had no means of flight right now; no broom that she had brought with her into this town. Even if she could, she had no means to fight in the air to begin with, a result of using golems that were made without the capability of doing such.[break][break]
"At any rate..." Verena said, slowly and carefully trying to keep up with the group. "The Wizard King instructed us to question everything. That isn't just limited to looking at this situation in a black and white manner. I hope we can all agree that because things were looked at in that manner to begin with, that we're in this situation now."[break][break]
However, the brunette's tune changed when she heard the voice on the other end of the spell, stopping where she stood as she heard this conversation. She didn't know these people. She likely never even met them. She hadn't been in Kikka in some time, after all. At most, a passing glance. Yet the civilians had turned on their own. This hysteria. This darkness. Yes, this was precisely why the daemons had to be defeated. Humanity in of itself was already monstrous; put them into stressful situations, and you could bare witness to the bleakest depths of depravity that could shake even the very soul of another.[break][break]
It was useful information; the bit about the houses, but Verena was still so upset about the murder of not just the family, but the fact three children, who had nothing to do with this, also perished. Not just that, it was one of their own group. Why? Why would anyone do that? It hurt her heart. At the very least, she could just take solace in the fact it was likely owed to illusion. That was all the hope she had, so as to not bear resentment to whoever ended up doing that.[break][break]
Verena waited until Joseph finished speaking before she herself spoke up. "...They're still qualified as Wraith magic. Probably an Oddity attached to it, utilizing magic not quite properly classified by our own convention, but it is still Wraith magic."[break][break]
Verena was surprised that Sol considered Joseph the leader given an archmage was with their group. She might have been invisible, but if she wanted to communicate with them, surely she could have. For now, all they had to do was follow the map, and do their best to avoid any traps. That would be for the best for everyone.
[break]
COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll2"] TL;DR uh. ima be real with you. i just wrote shit out. verena speaks to her teammates and uh. yeah I got nothing tbh. sorry. not really proud of this post, deadlines just stress me out. [break][break]
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Zaven was continuously poked, the daemons whispers...the endless narcissistic banter from beings claiming to be honorable and this or that. He could just forget about that, but when he was prodded and asked if his trust can be placed with Ardere due to the balancing act of someone he cared deeply for was in danger a switch was finally flipped. That calm demeanor he always showed...that domineering pride he had, fell away...all that was left was a murderous aura that could only be described as being in the clutches of Erebus himself as the familiar voices flooded his mind. He usually worked hard to suppress this feeling but now...he would not even try as he would even drop the mask he keeps on in front of Ardere because if he was going to let loose his wild side...why shouldn't he? [break][break]
With a few joints popping and creaking a sinister smile unfurled across his face as Ardere quickly explained what they were to do before rushing in. ”The Crimson King rushes in to be the strong arm of the law...then it is the Shadows job to be the spear that creates an opening…” He said to himself as He heard Sven taunts again in his head. ”Fuck honor.” He said simply before the grimoire flew up and opened for him and he took a deep breath. ”Shadows rise. Erebus Strike! Typhon bring this fucker to his knees.” Zaven said as he watched the shadow bow be created in his hand, bringing it up he would notch the arrow...it felt more powerful than before as he breathed deeply before letting the arrow fly, notching another right after and aiming for Sven before finally charging in after as his grimoire spewed shadow mana, creating the dragon golem Typhon as it rushed ahead...faster...stronger than before. Zaven could feel it too as he was ready to fight, holding the bow in his left hand the arrows would home in on Sven. Zaven moved at 20 meters per second in an attempt to get up close to the damn target the two captains were sent to kill. [break][break]
He remembered words from his father, ringing clearly in his head as he was taught how to kill whatever target he was faced against. A brutal spectacle of his father’s one sided fights...there was never any honor in how things were done in a fight. All that mattered was survival and who came out on top. Zaven had no intention of losing here, to a fucking monster...no he would rise from this and make sure even Ardere would fear him by the time it was done...the man may have seen him after being reborn in the blood of the daemons in the forgotten tower, but he was sure the man had never seen Zaven this ready to spill blood. The look on Zaven’s face was joyous, as if this was his true nature.
[break]
[attr="class","zavenstat2"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","zavenreescroll2"]
[break][break] TL;DR Used Typhon and Erebus Strike.
Rosalia would listen to Ito’s voice quietly as they walked around the familiar streets of Kikka. He proceeded to tell them about the beasts, his Sister, and the fact that they were “allowed?” to ask a question each. As she was thinking quietly, the beauty hummed to herself. What would she want to ask of a daemon. And why would a daemon be helping them in the first place? [break][break] Schizophrenia? Split personalities? Well, she couldn’t fully trust anything that the demon said either way, so she would take everything he said with a grain of salt. While she was thinking of what to ask, the beauty took a small verbal bashing about her personality and shrugged them off. Yellow magazines wrote of her every day. She’d heard worse. When Ito explained that every daemon was different, similar to humans…that made sense to her. The witch gave a little nod. Lilitu’s voice was also pretty, feminine and warm. Hearing her say that they were close to herself and Chisana sent an unpleasant tingle down her spine. Worry.[break][break] “Perhaps…what interests me the most is what the easy way to avoid bad traps is?” The witch asked. One had gone off before but missed both her and Chisana narrowly. There was no way that Sven hadn’t planted more of them around the map. If the beauty knew an area she lived in was about to be sieged, then the red-head would also do the same. She would, for the most part, keep to the side of the buildings, rather than walk in the centre of the open area. They were nearing the Magic Knight Testing grounds- her favourite Coliseum.
The beauty’s grimoire was still floating by her as she maintained the Essence of Winter spell active for both her and Chisana. She’d leave how they went into the Coliseum up to her fellow Black Bull member. [break][break]
White Knight: Those with this skill can cause their defensive based spells and abilities cleanse debuffs. This mechanic works in the same fashion as healing does when removing debuffs.
Mana Conservationist: You will be able to use spells with less mana than others when it comes to casting spells! Each rank of spell will have its spell cost go down by the following amounts, please remember that this is based on the rank of the spell not the character! [Juniors]: 2 | [Intermediate]: 4 | [Senior]: 6 | [Grand]: 10 | [Archmage]: 16
Description: Rosalia summons forth a living barrier of gentle pale ice that swirls around herself and several allies of her choice. The barrier acts as an intermediate level defense spell that glistens under the sun, protecting the target from damage. If an enemy gets close enough to attack, however, the ice in the barrier will strike out against them, dealing intermediate damage and turning black.
This spell goes off of the projectiles/ammo/occurrences/ rules based on a mage’s control.[break][break]
Chisana listened closely to what Ito had said to them. The prospect of having a chance to ask a single question and getting an actual answer was tempting in its proposal and while Chisana would take these things with a grain of salt he had noticed that the Daemons had upheld each other their promises or favors that they gave out. He read that they had kept the citizens safe because it was something, they had promised the last group and beyond those that seemed to have been used as part of Lilitu’s experiments which pointed towards more of a loophole they had found in the promise they had made. If only Chisana had more knowledge on what that was he would be able to figure out how they acted with their interactions. Ito continued to give off the feel of a no nonsense very straight forward personality that simply spoke of “Whatever energy you give me I will give back in return.” Lilitu seemed to care deeply about her beasts and had answered a bit of what Rosa had been wondering it seemed that that one of her two questions that she could ask the daemons. It seems that they would answer any question that was spoken out of turn and if that was the case then they really needed to think about what kind of questions to ask to make sure they got the most out of the Daemons. [break][break]
Something nagged at the back of Chisana’s mind though and it clicked with him on how Ito spoke to each member of the group. He had a disdain for everyone that varied in degree but he almost had a softer tone when speaking of his sister it was minor and barely noticeable if you didn’t pay attention to how he spoke to them. They were siblings, Ito spoke as a brother that cared quite a bit about his sister. Ito had even spoken on how they were like humans in their differences from another so it wouldn’t be so far fetched that they could actually care about one another. This was something that could be used, Chisana just needed to figure out how to do so. Lilitu was the key to dealing with Ito in some respect but if they were going to get rid of both of them, they had to figure out on what to do. “We might even take requests who knows.” Was what Ito said. Chisana’s mind raced as he tried connecting the dots to formulate a plan.[break][break]
“My first question is for Lilitu, If someone was to offer themselves for you to own, lets say in this case myself in exchange for the safety of this current group of individuals while they were in Kikka from your beasts and yourself, would that be a deal you would be interested in?” Chisana said to the wind. He waited for a response and once he got it he would proceed to ask his next question, “My next question is for Ito, Would you harm anything that belong to your sister?” Chisana asked once more to the wind, it was a weird feeling to not be able to ask these questions to the person face to face but he wasn’t going to be a stickler. If he was able to protect the group of people who had joined in this mission simply by “giving” himself up that would be a small sacrifice though he would have to rely on the rest of the group to take care of the Daemons and safe him before he was turned into one of those beast they had fought earlier it would be a race against time on that end if he went that route. Turning to Rosa, “If we are able to move above the ground into the coliseum then that would be the best bet since as far as I know you can’t put traps in the air though once we land it would be up to luck if we avoid any traps set there.” Chisana would offer as a suggestion into entering the arena.[break][break]
Chisana felt the presence of someone else's Mana touching him and forming a connection, it was Joseph his relative that had recently joined the group on their mission. Chisana listened in depth to what Joseph passed to him about the Daemons, situation and everything else. It was a great deal of information that helped make more sense of the current situation, "Thank you Joseph, our group is fine, its just Rosa and myself here, we are by the Colisuem where the Magic Knight Exams are typically held at. We are trying to locate the well that is around here though if the destruction of it will make the daemons stronger it might be best to leave it alone. We are still going to try and find it, maybe we can figure out how it works and use it against them." After finishing his return message he would pass the same information to Rosa that was passed to him from Joseph.
[break][break]
COMBAT SUMMARY
[BREAK]
POW
020
DUR
001
SEN
030
CON
050
STA
042
[break]
MANA SKIN
senior+senior+senior(armor)
MANA REGEN
35 ic // 40 ooc
HEALTH
senior+senior
MANA POOL
102/115
[attr="class","chisanascroll2"]
TL;DR Chisana has asked Lilitu about if they would be interested in a certain deal and asked Ito if they would harm anything belonging to their sister. He has also suggested entering the Arena by air to Rosa. Has also passed on the information received by Joseph to Rosa.
Rank & Element: Intermediate | Pure Aura Class & Type: Magic | Armor Magic Specializations: Physical Reinforcement Appearance & Lore: Another piece of Armor that was discovered in a pile of discarded items inside the Eldtritch House by Chisana. After some cleaning and rework it fits him quite well. This has been Upgraded from the original. Abilities:
Type & Uses: Burst Rank & Specialization: Intermediate | Physical Reinforcement Mana Cost: 22 Range & Speed: Self Stats Affected: +6 meters to speed. Description: Upon channeling mana into the armor, aura covers the body of the user and increases their speed by +6 meters. As a physical reinforcement spell it raises the users natural speed by +6m. The spell itself is active for three turns and can be used thrice, afterwards it needs to be recharged at the cost of 24 mana.
Rank & Element: Intermediate | Pure Aura Class & Type: Magic | Weapon Magic Specializations: Physical Reinforcement Appearance & Lore: These are a pair of Gauntlets that Chisana discovered while he was exploring the Eldritch House, somehow they seem to fit his hands perfectly and seem to be imbued with his Element of Pure Aura. They have been Upgraded to Int. Does at rank damage with each swing. Abilities:
Type & Uses: Burst Rank & Specialization: Intermediate | Physical Reinforcement Mana Cost: 22 Range & Speed: Self Stats Affected: +6 meters to speed Description: Upon channeling mana into the Gauntlets, Aura from the gauntlets envelop the user quickly. As a physical reinforcement spell it raises the users natural speed by +6m. The spell itself is active for three turns and can be used thrice, afterwards it needs to be recharged at the cost of 24 mana.
It would seem like the group had a difference in opinions between the three juniors and Lydia, they wanted to avoid conflict where the vice-captain didn't like the thought of entertaining what the daemons wanted. The one thing that they could all agree on was that it may be a trap, but it seemed as if it was a risk the majority of the group was willing to take. Joseph went so far as to apologise to speak out the way he did, he had been one of the members who had been inside Raque and found some home truths. He even spoke to Ito stating that the fact they were different from the ones he had come across before made them more terrifying. Ito himself didn't respond to him, the main reason being because he knew it was truthful. They had been more cunning unlike the others and this was why they hadn't been defeated so easily.
"You're welcome Joseph." the voice from the female golden dawn member would say softly through the communication spell, as he continued to talk he eventually would hear "It comes as part of our job, as sad and terrible as it may be." the saddened voice said to him, it was a horrible truth but a truth none the less. "Yes, of course. Any information that could be given in return would be helpful. Please stay alert and be safe." she ushered him before she went silent once more likely to deal with whatever she had to while awaiting news from Joseph on what was going on with the other groups. With that, Joseph made a second singing bowl so he could communicate with the group that had Chisana and Rosalia. He informed them of the goings-on within his own team and with the other group thanks to the information he had gathered from Hinota.
He let them know how to send the mana beasts back to Lilitu and hoped it would help them. He even mentioned to Chisana about the burning that was going on at the back of his neck and received before being told what it was. Sol would ask which way they would be going and that they had to get a move on. It seemed as if Verena had realised something looking at the map Lydia had made, the information that Lilitu had given her earlier was one hundred percent factual on where the wells were located. Lilitu acknowledged the head nod, and so she was happy with the people she had given safe passage from the city and where they ended up. 'I am not looking to garner favour, I just don't want them hurt. I care about them.' The deamoness said cooly she knew she had to die and she was fine with that but she wouldn't have lies spread about her or her brother.
'We know we are to die and we are fine with that, it is what we want.' Lilitu informed Verena alone, her voice was soft as she spoke the words 'We are sick of the animosity and want to put the wars and bickering aside... we want to rest.' She finished before falling silent. It seemed how Joseph was had made the female civilian think, he had gone against what Lydia had said it was clear he wouldn't follow orders blindly. Little did the woman know this wasn't how he had been within Raque but he had changed quite a bit due to the events that happened within that attack. She then corrected Joseph letting him know what Lydia meant. She also told him her thoughts of the magic, to her it was wraith magic with an oddity or at least some form of it.
Lydia had been listening to the group and the information given by the doll-like mage could only sigh in frustration she let them that they couldn't fully trust the daemons words, they were daemons after all. She did relent a bit and told them if they didn't want to fight then they didn't need to, however, if fighting was required she wouldn't hold back and they best stay out of her way due to it.
~~~~~~~
Chisana and Rosalia:
It would seem the verbal conversation if it could be called that would have come to an end in regards to Ito and the black bull vice-captain. The red-headed beauty was spoken and written about in both the positive and negative for not only her looks and promiscuity but the squad she had found herself calling her family. Due to this, she was able to shake off the words the daemon had said to her as if they were nothing. This didn't bother the daemon at all as he currently had company that he was entertaining. "Is that your question to me or my brother?" the female voice would ask it was almost ethereal as if the wind was talking to her "I'd suggest asking Ito that, the traps within the city are of his doing." she offered the information freely allowing them to know that Sven had nothing to do with the traps they had narrowly missed. She did this as she was curious about what she would ask the pair.
Chisana's mind was seemingly working in overdrive as he started working things out and putting the dots together. He was right Ito was straight forward, he liked order and he did hold disdain for everyone in varying degrees but he did care deeply for his twin. Lilitu did care for her brother but she cared for the wraiths she had even more which didn't seem to bother Ito in any way. Soon enough the male black bull would ask his question of Lilitu who listened to the question intently, taking a few seconds to quietly contemplate her answer. "That would all depend if I found the person worthy of joining my graveyard." she said simply "If we were using yourself in this example, I would agree you have great potential. However, they are people, not beasts please don't call them that." she said honestly, at the end she actually sounded hurt at the man's words that her wraiths were being called beasts.
Now it was Ito's turn to be asked a question "I would not." he said without even skipping a beat, for him it wasn't something that required such a thing. "I will warn you if you go down the path I believe you are heading you will belong to her in this life and any life that will come after so I would proceed with caution." he informed Chisana wanting to let him know what he was ready to walk into. It was the reason he himself had only ever made three agreements in his entire life-time because both sides were bound by the agreement they made and he didn't really like doing that unless it benefitted him in some way. "You can's set traps in the air but you can put traps on the sides of buildings or blocks of darkness you can't see so you may not want to risk it." he informed Chisana. Soon enough Joseph would communicate and give the pair information and give him information in return.
~~~~~~
Ard and Zaven:
"You speak as if it bothers me Firra." he said with a smug tone, it was clear he honestly didn't care if the shadow palace was torn down at the end of the day "Shadow can never really be defeated Firra as even your own element creates it." this was a true point, there would always be shadow but then there would always be the light as well to help balance it. "As my son likes to say there is always a balance within the light and shadow, I personally think they're in a never-ending war." he said with a shrug, to him it was the same thing at the end of the day. At the two made their grand entrance he brought his hand up with a smile and waved his hand his fingers moving as if it was a wave between people who were overly friendly "We do indeed Firra." he had a grin on his face it was clear he was happy with how events were turning out.
Sven was easily the youngest of the archdaemons but he had managed to do something others who had attacked the kingdom hadn't, he managed to not only to get a foothold in the mortal plain but keep it for two months. He and his children were deemed as such threats that some of the most powerful mages within the kingdom had been sent to take them on. "Don't you think it's a bit overkill though? there is sixteen of you to three of us." he asked him, it was true that the numbers were in their favour but overall the advantage was still within the daemons because they owned the board, it was hard to play a game you are always playing catch up in regards to the rules. He watched the crimson king not only open his shirt but throw it to the ground "So manly and tough." he commented chuckling, his tone mocking the action.
"That is a nasty habit you should try and quit and don't dirty my floor with that crap." he almost seemed worried about the man's health but sounded somewhat insulted that the cigarette was being crushed into his floor "How would you feel if I did that in your squad headquarters or even your home, it's nasty." he done an overexaggerated shudder but to him, it really was nasty to do that kind of thing even to someone you hated. "Perhaps if your father was still around he would have been able to teach you manners but alas... that light was snuffed out by the darkness hu?" he said with a smile knowing that it was likely still a sore point with the fire mage.
Sven let them make their plans but remained still as Ard moved quickly to the right "It seems like my daughter's wraiths have been up to no good." he said noticing the darkened colour to the fire mages flames, still he didn't seem overly concerned at the moment. He clapped his hand seeing the partial spirit dive, he was impressed that the mage had gotten stronger and bonded more with Salamander but he expected nothing less from the man that was one of his two current opponents. He noticed the ring and sighed knowing that was the cause of the darkened flames but he knew it would give the man additional time within his current form "It seems like they are truly trying this time." he commented more to himself than anyone else but he honestly didn't care if Zaven or Ard heard him.
It would seem as if Ito's words were enough to finally make a switch flip within the shadow of the dawn if they failed then the one he cared most for would be in danger. The mask fell and now what was left was a murderous aura of the man that lay behind what everyone saw. A sinister smile crept across the man's face, it was simple he would become the lance to create the opening allowing Ard to become the sledgehammer that dealt the ending blow to the darkness. Honour meant little to the shadow of dawn, he was there for one reason and that reason was to end the one standing before him. He too cast not one but two spells, his faithful golem which he gave the order to bring the daemon to his knees. "I'm quaking in my lil' ol' boots with that one." he said bringing his hands to his chest faking trembling in a comical manner.
Sven watched as the shadow of dawn seemed to summon a bow from his grimoire before bringing it back calming his mind, as he let the arrow fly Sven merely brought up his hand creating what appeared to be a black swirling vortex, it didn't eat the arrow but it did indeed seemingly stop the attack as it stuck in the shield he had created "Better luck next time" he said with a grin, it was clear that they wouldn't be able to fight him alone, they would need to strike as one unit for such actions to work. Seeing the golem heading his way at the same time as the shadow of dawn moving at the same time a smile appearing on his lips as he created four clones of himself, and started to move with them making it harder to tell which of them was the real one.
He watched as Ard had called a spell and tilted his head a little a smug smile on his face "Two against one, should be a good one indeed for all involved." he said not showing any signs that he was ready to defend or attack at current. "So come lions pride and shadow of dawn, let the three of us play and put the game to rest for once and for all." came from all around the room as to not to give away which was the real Sven.
Story:
Joseph, Sol, Verena and Lydia have had a bit of a talk and have headed towards the well closest to them, all the while Joseph has told the black bull group the information what they have learned. Lydia has made it clear that they don't need to fight if they don't want to but if fighting should happen she sure as hell isn't going to hold back and they should just remain out of her way. On the way to the well, Lydia has pointed out several traps to help the group avoid them. Upon getting to the well there are four traps of varying levels and half a dozen mana beasts wandering around, it is clear that they haven't noticed the group at this point.
Chisana and Rosalia have got to the magic knight exam grounds, the illusion is still in place. It looks as if there is an exam happening. 75 sensory is required to see through it, there are traps within the arena so watching where you step would be highly advised. Chisana has started to put the dots together and asked his questions of the twins and has received his answers with some additional information and a warning of what it meant to go down the path he was thinking about. He was spoken to by Joseph who gave him information from his own team and from Hinota's group to which he shared to Rosalia. If he offers himself to Lilitu she would accept the offer, on his wrist, a blue symbol with a black border would appear on his left wrist and the illusion would instantly fade revealing the well at the far end of the arena would be the well surrounded by three mana beasts and two traps. If he doesn't make the offer the illusion would remain in place.
Ard and Zaven landed on the shadow palaces grounds and came face to face with Sven, after a bit of back and forth, the fight has started but Sven has shown with little effort that if the pair don't work together then they will stand no chance in defeating him.
Chisana had a hint of surprise hearing his questions being answered. Even though everything pointed to the fact that the Daemons would answer them honestly it was still weird that these supposedly evil creatures would keep to their word, it was slowly changing the young mage’s own personal beliefs on what was good or evil. “Very well. I meant no disrespect I called them as I saw them, that was quite short sighted on my end.” Chisana would apologize for his slight to Lilitu. There was no reason to anger the Daemon that he was going to be bound to for, from what he was being told possibly, eternity. “Then shall we strike a deal then Lilitu? Myself for the safety of the group from yourself and your servants?” Chisana gave a bow to no one in particular due to neither of the Daemons being there in person but he figured they had their way of communication and even probably seeing their every action. [break][break]
Chisana nodded hearing Ito’s warning of what it truly meant to follow along with this deal. “Forever having someone to belong to for the rest of time itself doesn’t sound to bad to be honest.” Chisana didn’t know how well this would turn out in the long run because he was simply thinking of the short-term gain from the deal. No longer having to worry about one of three extremely powerful Daemons while traveling the city would be a great boon for the whole group, also when it came to his own person he would not have to worry about Ito or Lilitu killing him was a benefit that he was more then willing to have. Chisana would have to figure out if he were able to get any kind of information from the Daemons beyond the initial questions if they accept the deal, he proposed to them now. Though the young Black bull had to hurry making such a deal before Rosa could stop him, after all who would just allow their junior to make a deal with Daemons at the expense of their own self. [break][break]
While they made their way into the Coliseum it seemed they had luckily avoided any traps that had been placed, now they were able to see the well in the distance. Anyone would be able to feel the immense amount of magical energy that was coming from the structure, Chisana almost wandered closer to the thing without realizing it the inticing feel of all that power seemed to draw the young Black bull to it. Chisana shook out the temptation and scolded himself for so easily letting his desire to be powerful to be taken advantage of. “I hope there isn’t any traps or devices near the well that could harm me now that I belong to Lilitu, I don’t think she would be too happy with that result.” Chisana said out loud, hoping Ito’s earlier words would work against him in this case. Chisana could theoretically become a safe space for anyone from Ito but he did not know how long or in depth that safety would go.
[break][break]
COMBAT SUMMARY
[BREAK]
POW
020
DUR
001
SEN
030
CON
050
STA
042
[break]
MANA SKIN
senior+senior+senior(armor)
MANA REGEN
35 ic // 40 ooc
HEALTH
senior+senior
MANA POOL
102/115
[attr="class","chisanascroll2"]
TL;DRChisana has put out the deal once more to be accepted by Lilitu to exchange himself for the safety of the group from herself and her servants. They have avoided the traps laid throughout the coliseum and can now see the Well. Chisana mentions that it would be a shame if he were injured by any traps laid around the area to see if Ito would keep to his word of not harming anything belonging to his sister.
Rank & Element: Intermediate | Pure Aura Class & Type: Magic | Armor Magic Specializations: Physical Reinforcement Appearance & Lore: Another piece of Armor that was discovered in a pile of discarded items inside the Eldtritch House by Chisana. After some cleaning and rework it fits him quite well. This has been Upgraded from the original. Abilities:
Type & Uses: Burst Rank & Specialization: Intermediate | Physical Reinforcement Mana Cost: 22 Range & Speed: Self Stats Affected: +6 meters to speed. Description: Upon channeling mana into the armor, aura covers the body of the user and increases their speed by +6 meters. As a physical reinforcement spell it raises the users natural speed by +6m. The spell itself is active for three turns and can be used thrice, afterwards it needs to be recharged at the cost of 24 mana.
Rank & Element: Intermediate | Pure Aura Class & Type: Magic | Weapon Magic Specializations: Physical Reinforcement Appearance & Lore: These are a pair of Gauntlets that Chisana discovered while he was exploring the Eldritch House, somehow they seem to fit his hands perfectly and seem to be imbued with his Element of Pure Aura. They have been Upgraded to Int. Does at rank damage with each swing. Abilities:
Type & Uses: Burst Rank & Specialization: Intermediate | Physical Reinforcement Mana Cost: 22 Range & Speed: Self Stats Affected: +6 meters to speed Description: Upon channeling mana into the Gauntlets, Aura from the gauntlets envelop the user quickly. As a physical reinforcement spell it raises the users natural speed by +6m. The spell itself is active for three turns and can be used thrice, afterwards it needs to be recharged at the cost of 24 mana.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] ”You speak far too much daemon...ARDERE HIT HIM WITH EVERYTHING YOU GOT!” Zaven said as he watched his arrow get caught, his other arrow seemingly non-existent as he sped off towards Sven. The daemon split into copies of itself and Zaven knew Ardere would have his back and best interests at heart, the resolve both men had was an unspeakable bond that if they used their most powerful spells...there was no hard feelings. ”Time for some overload! Shadow Rose Garden, Demon’s body, Shadows Swift Judgement, Typhon...crush the clones! ACHILLES RISE! Attack the clones with Typhon” He let loose an unbelievable amount of mana as he sent his dragon shadow golem to attack the clones, The roses of the shadow rose garden would move to climb up the legs of every copy of Sven that was there, inflicting an Senior Endurance Debuff on every one of them, along with his Shadows Swift judgement gave him a greatsword which he would stab into the ground right before Sven the attack giving a senior rang damage, activating the large AoE, the final straw would be the demon’s body senior endurance buff on himself before he would hopefully arrive before Sven, or his clone at least before delivering the strike with his powerful kick, hoping to at least catch the damn daemon off guard to give Ardere a window.
[break]
[attr="class","zavenstat2"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","zavenreescroll2"]
[break][break] TL;DR Used 156 Mana | Recovered 30 Mana [break][break] Spells Used: Shadow Rose Garden(Senior), Demon’s Body(Senior), Shadows Swift Judgement(senior), Typhon (Grand), Achilles (grand)
I don't know where the future[break][break] will take us,[break][break] But we will blaze it together.[break][break]
wc: ###
twc: ###
@tagme
[break]
[attr="class","ardereescroll"]You don't get to speak of him. Not in his town. Ardere's eye burned with furious conviction as he charged the shadow Arch-Daemon. The monster thought himself clever, using clones to divert his attention and make it unclear as to where to attack. Your tricks are pathetic. Deactivating his Tyr spell, the fire mage banked hard towards the sky. Soaring up into the air to allow Zaven to lay hell-shadows down upon the Daemon, he activated a different spell. King's Flame: Fylja's Prowess. His mother's people believed that every man had a spirit that guided him where to go--Ardere had two; a dragon and a lion. Both the fierce animals now came alive in this attack. His speed was thoroughly increased to one hundred meters per second--impressively so. [break][break] Twirling through the air, a lion-like mass of flames surrounded his form. Increasing it to its maximum size, he hoped Zaven had the wits to move out of the way for a moment. Something was different about Ardere's flames now. Normally Salamander's flames made his form crimson, and his King's Flame took on a white hue, but the ring was changing this. Black and white swirled throughout the red, creating a kaleidoscopic flame. His power was becoming even more furious than before. Yet even now he felt as if he was not at his limit, but every passing second he got closer to the climax of his strength. Flames exploded in the shapes of arms with claws and he shot back down at the horde of Sven clones--if any remained, to destroy them and their master. His speed and the size of the flames were ferocious and nigh unmatchable. Within this form lie swords that if Sven did not pay attention, would hit him even if his lion form was repelled. If the clones remained he aimed to clear them out, otherwise all four swords went for the Shadow Daemon. [break][break] You laugh Sven, but you're just trying to divert us from the fact that you're actually afraid right now. As much as you think you are willing to die for your cause. Have you ever really been so very close to death? Have you ever looked into his blank eyes unsure if you're going to fade into a void? Cause I have, and I can assure you, no amount of preparation can help any man or daemon with that reality. So when you see him, tell him the fucking CRIMSON KING SENT YOU! Screaming at the top of his lungs, his flames began to go wild and pulse, spikes forming in his flames abnormal for his style. Was this the ring? He was so overwhelmed in the fight--did he really care?
-Tyr Deactivated[break] -Ryujin, Arsenal, Spirit Dive Sustained.[break] -Fylja's Prowess Activated [break][break] Speed: 100 m/s (Flight) Strength: Senior (Herc + Berserk) Power Buff: +32 [break][break] Name of Spell: King's Flame: Fylgja's Prowess[break] Elemental Type: Fire[break] Rank & Spell Type: Grand | Attack Creation/Physical Reinforcement[break] Range & Speed: 75 m | 75 m/s[break] Mana Cost: 40 (20)[break] Stats Effected: +20 m/s Speed[break] Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist[break] Description: Ardere's body becomes encased in a blazing armor comprised entirely of flames. This armor takes the form resembling a sort of Lion warrior, with a Lion head and claws. This is to represent his Fylgja or spirit animal as a lion. The spell drastically increases his speed, but the blazing armor itself allows him to dish out massive 3rd and fourth degree burn damage. He can expand and contract the armor at will, to a maximum of a 75 m tall lion warrior, used to pummel buildings or mountain sides. The armor can be as tight as right up against his skin, or as large as the size mentioned before. This gives the spell great versatility in combat, and makes it quite frightening to go up against.
Last Edit: Jan 26, 2021 21:22:53 GMT -5 by Ardere✧
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 27, 2021 13:45:41 GMT -5
[nospaces]
[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
005
019
008
030
020
[break]
MANA SKIN senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 05 IC // 10 OOC
MANA POOL 055/100
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
While Verena didn't exactly care too much about eavesdropping, she couldn't help it. Her senses were on edge given everything that was going on. Though, in an attempt to not feel too bad about listening to the end of a conversation between siblings the brunette told herself that the conversation initially only happened so as to exchange information. Regrettably, they had next to no information to share, however. At least none that the other group wasn't already familiar with.[break][break]
Verena made sure that she followed the map and stayed with the group, paying especially close attention to where the traps were dotted on and ensuring to avoid them as best as she could. In truth, Verena had only said that it was an attempt to 'garner favor' in an attempt to try to convince the Vice-Captain of the Crimson Lions to not immediately attack anything on sight; it would make things much harder on the group at large if combat ensued. Lydia would be fine, but what about everyone else? That was her primary concern; her safety, as well as the two.[break][break]
"...Yes, I understand," Verena said quietly, her voice harboring nothing but the most genuine of sympathy in it.[break][break]
Verena might not have had anyone or anything like that, but she sometimes liked to imagine what it was like to have something or someone that you cared so much about. The closest thing to that she had was Suna. And indeed, if anything happened to the blue-haired elf, she... was afraid of what would happen to her own mental well-being. But that was neither here nor there.[break][break]
All she could do was try her best to keep up with the group, though if this went on for too much longer she was worried that she would begin to tire. She was not used to traversing on foot for long periods of time without rest; rather, she was incapable of the very thing.[break][break]
Thankfully, that wasn't the case, though admittedly the brunette was quite tired. The well was in the distance, but there were a myriad of traps (something she was only aware of because of the map) and mana beasts... that was right, there was a way to get at least half of the problem away if she was to take the archdemons at her word.[break][break]
Ugh, she hated having the spotlight on her; perhaps it would have been better to have any of the other two say this, but ... admittedly the Summoner felt compelled to give this direction. Did she really feel that bad for Lilitu? ...It didn't matter.[break][break]
Clearing her throat a bit to try to build up the courage, she stood out from the group, just for a bit. This was akin to taking a leap of faith. She was scared, evident with her trembling legs. The idea of having to place this much faith in someone whose face she hadn't ever seen, where her very life was in the palm of someone else's words... terrified her. Even still, she advanced to the front of the group, making sure that neither she nor any of the others got near the traps.[break][break]
Even still, a full-on fight was the worst possible outcome, and she had to avoid it as best as she could.[break][break]
"Say it."[break][break]
She froze, and by now there were certainly eyes upon her.[break][break]
"Say it."[break][break]
She was struggling to speak, but she had to, and fast. This was it; the do or die moment in its most literal sense.[break][break]
"...It's time for you to go to the graveyard. Lilitu is waiting for you. She misses you. All of you."[break][break]
There. She spoke the words. Now, she just had to wait and see if she was going to end up as a meal for these beasts.
[break]
COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll2"] TL;DR verena does the thing and trusts lilitu something she's admittedly terrified of doing in the moment once they get to the wells [break][break]
Post by Sol Delothosin✾ on Jan 29, 2021 18:15:42 GMT -5
Sol was trying not to grumble as they moved toward their destination, it seemed that so far the demoness had kept her word and they were untouched by any mana beasts which put the blood mage a bit more at ease but they still had to avoid the traps that littered the map and Sol followed Verenas lead as he side stepped them since he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of any trap. He was still struggling with the potential that this could be a trap for all of them in the end but at the same time he knew that if they had wanted to the ones in control could have torn them to shreds at anytime since they had them at an overwhelming disadvantage . they were almost blind to everything around them I the darkness with beasts that could tear them limb from limb and traps that could blow them to bits if other things as well.
It was terrifying for the blood mage more then usual since he had next to no sensory power so he had to rely on his hearing and sight two things that could be easily fooled and as they reached the well he had his hand on his katana near where the guard was with his finger pushing the blade up slightly to perform a quickdraw slash at a moment notice. When he did that though he noticed his hand was actually trembling slightly which caused the man to grip the sheath of his sword tightly to make it stop, he didn’t want to show fear but in this situation it was almost impossible not to. The unseen vice captain could hold her own for sure but the him and the other two would be utterly decimated if something happened. The red eyed mage turned his gaze to Verena as he heard her utter the words that would hopefully calm the beasts down. ‘please just let this end this intensity is nerve wracking and the last thing any of us need is for a mistake to be made or to hasty a judgement’ he thought.
It seemed that the three of them were rather unanimous with not wanting to fight at all costs but Sol worried about what steps the vice captain Lydia might take and he took a deep breath and then exhaled to calm himself, if he had to he would risk her knocking him out if it meant that they didn’t screw up and provoke a foe that didn’t want to fight. the only problem was that the blood mage was blind as a bat so even if he had the resolve to do anything he couldn’t see to act. After a moment he glanced over at Verena. “so if we are here any ideas on how we get rid of the well I don’t think stabbing it with my sword will do much of anything” he muttered to her with his guard still up. As he waited he kept ready incase something went south.