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.
As the trio of rogues exited the kingdom proper making their way into the area known as The Fringe, Margaux spoke up.
"My calculations shall lead the way, Ph’nglui... the three shall venture into the wilds to face the maws of lost time... I shall lead the way."
Margaux pointed her finger in the direction she believed to be the way, the young girl began leading the way. Walking off, she hoped that the other two would follow behind.
The formula calls for the tree to balance the equation, hopefully they understand that and follow after...
After traveling for some distance the wind, that had until now been a gentle breeze began to whip threateningly through Margaux's jacket and hair.
"It senses our presence, the breath of time forgotten blows a warning. Even so, it will learn to fear the might of the other... I will show it the great nothingness that lies beyond! Ph’nglui... Ph’nglui... onward until even the earth knows despair by the might of my magic!"
With each second that pass the wind grew stronger until it began to pick up debris, sand, and rock stinging and grinding everything that challenged it. Even so, Margaux continued forward. Witch each step she grinned.
"These winds are desperate... something truly worth my time must be hidden behind. Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui... what was that? Ah yes, now that you mention it, you did say something about a barrier didn't you. And here I thought you were attempting to mislead once more, Ph’nglui, I suppose removing the treasures of this dungeon is important to the plan then if even you have chosen not to vex me... Ph’nglui..."
Trudging onward and pushing herself forward, The winds at last began to die down, until they finally halted their fury.
"There, much better."
Dusting the sand and rock from her face and clothes, Margaux looked forward. In front of her stood the dungeon."
"Ph’nglui... Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui... this is it. Magnificent, no?"
Margaux and her two roguish accomplices, Xaldin and Bijou stood near the entrance to a great tower formed of carved rock like a claw jutting out the earth. From deep within the tower echos of roars and the soft vibrations of thrashing life rumbled through the ground.
"A den of monsters inflicted with the absence of time. The primordial mud loosens it's grip on the great wyrms leaving men in terror. Amongst the decadent nail three enter the gate to face the fury of the past. The road of the ancients is paved in treasure, and gold it will be that likes the spark, gold is the fuse that shakes the nation. Isn't that right?"
Margaux looked to neither Bijou or Xaldin but to something that seemed to be standing next to her... only there was nothing there.
"Yes, that is what you told me. It appears your prophesy was correct and your coordinates deduced faithfully. Truly remarkable since you tend to vex me with all your insistent nagging and riddles, Ph’nglui. But as you say, you have led the way amicably. I suppose sometimes you are good for something, Ph’nglui. The treasures in this place will provide the means to create the foundation required to further our goals.
Nodding to thin air, Margaux turned to Bijou and Xaldin.
"Well then, Ph’nglui, we have arrived. As I stated before, the treasures shall be split evenly amongst the three of us for whatever ends we deem fit. Judging from the sounds reverberating from deep within this dungeon, Ph’nglui, I believe we can expect fierce opposition from it's inhabitants. Ph’nglui Ph’nglui, best we all keep on our guard and work as a team. It's not often that the rogues such as we cooperate, but I think here it would be best as this place's denizens will surely see us all as foes... Ph’nglui."
Margaux nodded to others while grinning.
"Even so, I feel that my Devil's Fire magic will be able to make quick work of anything that threatens us. After all, Ph’nglui my magic is quite adept and removing obstacles and emanating the dark variable that offset the balance of the eldritch formula, Ph’nglui. Still, I've been told we'll all have a part to play before this is through and so fate shall be tied around us as we travel forth. Best to make sure our fangs are the greatest things to fear in the dark, Ph’nglui."
It had been some time since the party had set out, been beset by a dust storm that Bijou was none too pleased with and were now standing before a large monolith. To say that Bijou had anything close to her barings would be a clear and utter lie. She was fairly certain that they would not be able to arrive at this place again in the same way no matter what they did, regardless of Magaux’s ‘calculations’.
With a large sigh, Bijou shrugged at her first companion’s long soliloquy before turning to her other companion, the mercenary.
“It is as she says Ms. Mercenary, we have just now clearly stumbled upon our sure to be dangerous prize of a magical dungeon which is also sure to be chock full of strange and mysterious creatures lost to time. And, while such dirty and grubby work is typically beneath me, there is the very substantial truth of the matter that it appears as though we have gotten to our prize first.
This is a very rare opportunity for us, Ms. Mercenary, as I am sure you are aware, it is very rare for we ‘civilians’ to ever have the opportunity to set foot in any such structure while free from the vexing demands and the greedy hands of the Clover Government. And so, in no small amount of words to emphasize, this is a wondrous opportunity to make a substantial profit.”
Bijou crossed her arms and nodded as she continued her very own long winded speech. It wasn’t all too clear who she was talking to anymore, but she may very well have been trying to convince herself.
“Now you, Ms. Mercenary, AS a mercenary, likely have the simple enough goal in life to make as much money as possible while staying alive to enjoy it, yes? So substantial profit should be enticing enough for you.”
Another nod.
“Vi over there and I, who shall go by Midas, however have greater and much more secret goals, which unfortunately also require substantial capital to achieve.”
Bijou shrugged with feigned sorrow.
“And, as much as we are lacking in funds, we are ALSO lacking in *connections*. And so, not only is this a job for you, Ms. Mercenary, I would also appreciate it if you took our little excursion as something of a friendly exhibit. Should you perform well, we would very much like to continue to hire you in the future for the furthering of our organization’s goals.”
Bijou grinned.
“Yes, we have much to do but first we must wade through grime and filth to do it. That is my sole complaint and the reason why I have brought my oldest clothes. May they serve me well on their final outbound mission.”
As she spoke, Bijou had turned to regard the massive tower thingy once more.
“Now I suppose Vi and I have said a great deal since our arrival, but it is important to have a good feel for one another as business partners so it cannot be helped. With that in mind, Ms. Mercenary, do you have any questions?”
Post by Xaldin Knightwalker on Oct 5, 2020 12:41:18 GMT -5
Xaldin had received word that the gang she was in had got a job request and their leader wanted her to fulfill the deed. Xaldin wasnt too keen on the idea of doing merc work but it couldnt be helped. As the three walked thru the the environment many conversations were going on. One of her traveling companions One spoke almost and complete and utter nonsense seemingly. While the other seemed to be a spoiled rich girl who went down the wrong path in life, but seemingly having a bright mind. The smarter and more sane of the two would speak to Xaldin referring to her as "Ms. Mercenary", something Xaldin wasnt very happy about.
She spoke of her reasons as to why they should all be happy to be going to this dungeon to find lost treasures. She also made it clear that Xaldin as a "mercenary" should be one of the happiest to be here, because as a mercenary her only job in life was to make money and live long enough to spend it. And to be completely honest she was not wrong at all. Xaldin had a very much easy life other than the death of her parents and having to do crime to survive, but other than that she had it easy. The girl also made it clear that she had dome type of motive and reasoning behind wanting the treasures within so badly.
As the conversations and random talking to oneself went on the two would walk into a storm of dust, dirt, and whatever else may be blowing thru the wind. The wind storm felt almost magical to some degree, however Xaldin wasnt sure what was going on. However the two mages she traveled here with had kept walking normally as if they knew what was happening. After a small amount of time the storm would disappear and now everything, and with the disappearance of the storm they found themselves in a whole new place.
Without knowing exactly how it appeared that the trio was now outside of what appeared to be the dungeon. Once seeing that they were here Xaldin would examine the structure and the surrounding environment with her round passion filled eyes. As she looked around she thought about something her sane and cool travel companion had said. "This is a very rare opportunity for us, Ms. Mercenary, as I am sure you are aware, it is very rare for we ‘civilians’ to ever have the opportunity to set foot in any such structure while free from the vexing demands and the greedy hands of the Clover Government. And so, in no small amount of words to emphasize, this is a wondrous opportunity to make a substantial profit.”
The words rang in her brain until she thought to herself *Treasures and ccreatures lost to time huh? I guess this might be a good experience.* And so Xaldin would take off her leather jacket and begin to tie it around her waist. She would then pull out a pair of leather gloves from her pocket and putting them on her hands before saying "Well lets get this started I guess."
Entering the dungeon first, Margaux began to fan her face a little as beads of sweat began to collect on her brow.
"The temperature in here is quite atrocious. Very sticky and sickly."
Margaux stopped and held her hand to ear.
"Can you hear it? Water. Rushing water."
Picking up her foot, Margaux stomped downwards splashing the swamp water under her upwards
"This must be an offshoot. The runoff pools and stagnates here. It makes sense though, a living creature must drink after all."
Turning to a seemingly invisible fourth member of the party, Margaux scowled.
"Yes of course, some animals don't need water and can subsist off of mana. But are they really animals then? Oh, I suppose I did say creatures before. Well, even so, you know what I meant. What? You don't know what I meant? So very vexing... of course you did. You're just trying to antagonize me so I look insane in front of the others. Don't forget, this was your idea and you led us here... Ph’nglui."
Margaux turned back to the other two members of the group.
"My apologies. He is being quite the nag today. My ever annoying compatriot who's name I shall not utter here likes to put in his... well... its two cents from time to time, as I'm sure you've heard. He can be quite the annoyance, but he is also the one that told me where to point the gyroscopic simulacra to observe the random numbers that build the path to the dark sun's dawn. Make no mistake, the calculations and foresight are wholly mine own, but this creature does serve as a valuable... hmm... let's say assistant..."
Margaux pointed to nothing.
"But either way this seems to be the area. I would suggest we not drink any of the water, especially this swampy one. Ph’nglui, we have no way of knowing what contaminates it carries. Also, from this point on we should be on guard. We know not what we will face and though myself and Dark Midas both have superior abilities, I know not what dangers await us. Best to keep an open eye and mind as always... Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui."
Turning back, Margaux marched onward.
"Ph’nglui... the beasts nest in ancient water strewn with the rank memories of the past. Crossing of the water into the threshold as one does the sea into distant lands. Time is fluid after all, malleable, and in some places diseased. I do wish this place wasn't so aggravatingly hot though..."
Margaux chuckled and turned to her compatriots.
"Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui. the light cracks in through the walls. Most interesting."
Pointing upwards, Margaux continued.
"And therein lies the path..."
She swatted at a mosquito buzzing around her.
"Vexing beasts, these little blood suckers... Well then, Ph’nglui it appears our way is north. Perhaps now would be a good time to decide our positions. When confronted with an enemy, anything from a beast to a magic knight, Ph’nglui, placement on the board of battle is as important as raw power. For instance, I am a back line fighter. My magic removes enemies, objects, Ph’nglui... Ph’nglui... or even the world itself from combat with a flick of my wrist. With this in mind, I typically prefer to stay in the back so that I can control the battlefield and use my calculations to predict the movements of lowly fools that stand against me. Ph’nglui... that is why I am called Villain."
Margaux turned to Bijou.
"My comrade Dark Midas also has a particular way of fighting, and since our friendly mercenary is new to our company it would be good to explain your expertise."
Margaux then looked directly to Xaldin.
"And then of course you can explain your abilities. That way we all know what the others are capable of... Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui. After this, we can continue on."
WC: 644/1376 Health: Senior Mana Skin: Grand Mana: 120 Mana Regen: 45/45 Casting Limit: 7 Buffs
Rank & Element: Jr, Blood Class & Type: Relic, Accessory Magic Specializations: Healing, Hex Appearance & Lore: A strange looking hat that found it's way to Margaux. Travelling through the countryside, Margaux was startled by a large boom. Looking towards the noise she saw it had come from the outskirts of the Kingdom's territory. Suddenly, wafting on the air, the hat inexplicably landed on Margaux's head.
Studying the hat, Margaux came to find that the hat was actually magical and was imbued with blood magic. Having no idea who created the hat, or where it came from Margaux has made it her goal to unlock the hat's secrets and powers.
The hat itself is smaller than typical witch hats and is black, purple, or very dark red depending on the light. An ornamental yellow, green, and black strip runs around the rim as well as a star with a lidless eye pin. Abilities:
While wearing this witch hat, the user gains the perk Cleanse
Cleanse: Twice in a thread, the healing mage may cleanse a target of a single debuff of any kind and of any rank. Once the healing mage reaches Grand, they will be able to do this three times.
Lifeblood Cocoon Type & Uses: Flow, Active turns 3, Overheat 2 Rank & Specialization: Jr, Healing Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Range & Speed: 25m, 10m/s Stats Affected: Description: This ability causes an orb of red blood veins to surround and connect to the target. These veins transfuse blood into the target healing them while the ability is sustained.
When cast, the red veins sprout up and around from the witch’s hat creating the cocoon around the target.
Lifeblood Scaffold Type & Uses: Flow, Active turns 3, Overheat 2 Rank & Specialization: Jr, Healing Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Range & Speed: 25 meter range, 10 meter aoe, 10 m/s Stats Affected: Description: Similar to Lifeblood Cocoon only over an area.
When used, this ability creates a sphere or dome of red veins that connect to and heal all persons within the area as long as the ability is maintained.
As AoE healing ability, Lifeblood Scaffold automatically drops one rank, doing nothing at junior.
Puppet Bloodflow: Annul Type & Uses: Flow, Active turns 3, Overheat 2 Rank & Specialization: Jr, Hex Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Range & Speed: 25m, 10m/s Stats Affected: -healing Description: An insidious ability that curse’s the target’s blood causing the body to reject any healing used on them. When the hex is cast on the target, they suddenly feel themselves stiffen as if afflicted by rigor mortis, though the feeling quickly passes.
When afflicted, if a spell is cast at the same rank but Flora’s power is +5 over the healer’s control, then the heal will have its potency dropped by a single rank (junior cut in half).
If Flora's hex is +10 in power than player B’s control, that buff/healing will be erased completely.
If Flora’s power is +15 over the healers, then that heal will now damage the target equal to a spell one rank beneath the heal’s.
Name of Spell: Bijou's Golden Parasol Spell Element: Light Spell Rank: Senior Mana Cost: 30, 15 (Sustained) Type of Golem: Balanced Type Applicable Perks: Tenacious Golems Description:
Type Power Durability Sensory Range Speed Health Balanced 80 70 80 80m 23 m/s Senior + Junior
Bijou's favorite spell, invoking it creates sparkling golden parasols of pure light measuring roughly 120cm across and 92cm in length. Multipurpose and graceful, they do it all. Their handles, when extended, can form swings to sit upon as they drift and glide over long distances. These wondrous parasols usually form the core of Beatrice's combat strategy.
Additional Notes and Features:
If a parasol golem is destroyed, it may continue to exist for one turn while suffering a 10 point reduction in Power, Durability, and Sensory.
A parasol golem's attacks may attempt a knockback of 8 + 5 meters for every 10 power it possesses.
Parasol golems have a transport speed of 25 m/s and may transport up to three people each.
Bijou may create 1 additional parasol golem for every 50 control she possesses, up to a maximum of 3 additional units.
[Room 1 - 498/498]
Wiping the beading sweat from her brow, Bijou or “Dark Midas” for our purposes today frowned and heaved a great big sigh.
...maybe I am not cut out for this...
“Well then, humidity aside, I can assure you, there is no way I am trekking through mud like some sort of worm. With that in mind… My Magic, My Wondrous Golden Parasol.”
*Snap* and just like with a flash from her grimoire, a parasol of golden light spawned into existence. To a connoisseur’s eye, one could tell that this was in fact a golem. Taking this parasol golem in hand, Bijou poked the soft ground.
“Disgusting… on second thought…”
*Snap*
Another golden parasol presented itself as Bijou tossed away the first.
“If anyone wants that one, the ground looks like the sinking variety so help yourselves. I will manipulate it for you like so.”
Bijou’s fresh parasol opened and she began to float like a certain famous nanny from another world.
“As for my companion’s comments on my fighting style well… is it really so much as fighting to crush bugs? I simply present my superior aura and they bend the knee as they well should or they die, either way they perform a service, by making themselves useful or making themselves scarce. My methods? Ahhh that is what you meant, in that case I believe such magic is called curses? And my parasols as well, I suppose, they would be regarded as golems.”
Bijou shrugged as she continued to float higher through the air.
“As for what we face, it is indeed very very simple, if it yaps at us we discipline it, no matter its age, species, ideliology, gender, or what have you, bugs… are bugs.”
Bijou sighed once more.
“Which is to say let’s crush and rush, this humidity is a trifle bit annoying.”
