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.
Ice to Meet you The town suffered no major losses, since the Candycane Man was defeated, property damage can be fixed over time, but no lives were lost. As everyone is resting, and recuperating all the fire in the town gets sapped. The warmth immediately leaves the entire city, and it feels incredibly cold as if all the heat your body has is being drained for some reason. Going to investigate you see a man in the center of the town standing still with townspeople frozen near him. This man stands still like an ice sculpture before turning his gaze to you. Eyes that are crimson like blood stare back at you. Reaching out with his hand you feel the warmth drain from your blood. Details Maximum Number of Players: Max 4 people Minimum Word Count: 3,500 for Verena Reinsberg, and 2,625 Wordcount for Satori Ryuutei. Location: Nairn Special Requirements: Must have completed Candycane Carnage. Everyone will start this fight having already taken Intermediate Damage to their mana skin, and health. NPC Information What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed in here.
Name of NPC: Mr. Frost
Health Limit: Grand Physical Speed: 20 m/s Physical Damage: Senior Magic Element and Types: Ice Combat Style: Mr. Frost looks to be made of ice which would make you think that he is vulnerable to fire, but that is not the case. He absorbs heat to make himself feel alive again. Fire, Ember, Lava, Boil, and Solar magic heal him rather than hurt him. Sound based magic on the other hand is incredibly effective against him, and deals double damage if you overcome his durability by 10 or more points. Mr. Frost is incredibly fast, seemingly able to disappear for brief moments only to reappear near you to hack at you with his incredibly sharp claws. If you try to stay at a range you risk the wrath of his Icicle Spears (Which have the stats of a Senior Spell for Range, and Speed.) If you get within 20 meters of him his Absolute Zero aura will begin to drain the heat from your body making you take Intermediate damage while healing him for that much. Compared to all the other enemies you have faced up until now, something seems off. Additional Information: Stats: Power- 100, Durability- 90, Sensory- 30, Stamina- 30, Control- 50
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 19, 2021 19:56:36 GMT -5
Satori's hand remained extended for Verena to accept, she was simply too slow. He knew of her aversion to touch, but it was becoming a habit it would seem as he retained contact with her to continue healing the damage to her mana skin and body as well.
"Frost's ki is back. Which means I get to kill him again, but that's going to be alot of damage. I need you to act as a damage control for the area using your golems, Verena. But..." Her body was fragile, and she was slow. He didn't have time to wait for her, or her golems. He felt the ki already moving through the center of town. They had to get there now.
If she took too long, he'd lift her up bridal style with a murmured apology. If she took his hand he'd do the same, before launching forward in a sudden blur that would likely send her stomach into spirals. Launching from one location to the next in a blur before slamming into the roof of a buidling as, instantly, mana swirled out and slammed into both of them in a wave. Damaging his mana skin as well as Verena's as he sucked his teeth.
Through his contact with the brunette, he infused her with healing magic once more before he carefully set her down on the ice-covered roof. Cracking his neck and stepping forward to examine Frost quietly for a few moments.
"Identical to last time. Fucks sake." he mused, examining the tall dagger-wielding pale man that had begun to pace the center, looking for prey. But they had already evacuated the area. Satori lifted a hand up, causing the air around both himself and Verena to shift and swirl. Before a burst of air radiated from the armlet. Suddenly a thick white powder began to flow out around Satori before it compressed. Suddenly forming into a tall young woman that slammed into the ground.
Wild back hair falling in curls around her, long fangs flashing as emerald eyes focused on Frost. Dark skinned, yet... gaunt. Her eyes shining with intelligence as her gaze shifted toward Satori.
"Saa. I'm too weak to hold back that ice for long." She informed him simply, causing Satori to nod once in agreement as his hand opened. Mana flowing through his fingertips before solidifying the connection.
"Work with Verena to handle as much of the damage control as you can please, Ko. I'll try to keep things safe but if I'm curious on what the hell is going on, too. He shouldn't be here again like this, it makes no sense." His brow furrowing caused Ko to smile gently before she turned to face Verena. She pressed a fist into an open palm, bowing her head.
"I am far weaker than I was in life, but I shall lend you my strength to protect this town, Verena. I am Ko. Let us ensure none of the children die." With this, the woman turned back toward Frost, as Satori suddenly launched from the roof to smash into the ground. Ko darted to the side, moving faster than a normal person, but cursing her slowness compared to her speed in life. Satori tilted his head as Frost's red eyes shot toward him, hissing and spinning his daggers.
"Remember me? I dunno' how many times I need to kill you to keep you dead. Last time you sorta did. Anything this time?" Satori asked casually, ignoring the chill that ate at his mana skin, unconcerned as he began to crack his knuckles into his palms.
Name of the Ability: Rolling the Bones Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 Uses ¦ 2 Recharge Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Golem Creation Mana Cost: 8 ¦ 4 Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10 m/s Stats Affected: N/A Description: Unlike the previous wraith this one seems to take on a more humanoid appearance. This wraith appears as a young woman around the age of thirty years old standing 5'11" tall with an athletic tone, she has wild black hair and bright emerald cat like eyes and sharp teeth almost like a wolves. Those who have seen her say she was known as the 'Amber Bear' but her name was Jaida. She is dressed in a set of black hakama and a chest wrap though wore no shoes. Only one of this wraith can be summoned at any time and though she is strong she can not be used as a mode of transportation.
Spells created for this wraith must use the element 'Bone' and be either use the Physical Reinforcement or Defence Creation specializations. The mana pool of this wraith is 390 and can not be altered.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 20, 2021 0:50:48 GMT -5
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[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
007
60
10
039
030
[break]
MANA SKIN senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 25 IC // 20 OOC
MANA POOL 110/110
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
Verena was many things, and self-aware was one of them. The brunette might not have been all-knowing when it came to how she made others feel or others interpretations of her based on her own actions or words, but she could take a step back and recognize her for her own weaknesses... though, she still struggled at recognizing her strength.[break][break]
And that was precisely why she felt she had no choice but to accept Satori's offer. This went beyond her own personal feelings; she could tell from his tone that this was a matter quite serious. She needed help; pride had no place here when this 'Frost' was coming back. Bengal could probably deal with it quickly enough, but he still was only human at the end of the day--there were limitations on what he could and could not do, and despite his speed, he wasn't instantaneous. This Frost was likely to cause massive damage if not stopped immediately; at least, that was what she guessed.[break][break]
Unfortunately, even if she got up, she doubted that she'd be able to move quick enough for things to matter. And thus, with great strain in her voice, she said to the White Tiger. She accepted the man's hand. She cursed her own weakness, not being able to come close to this man's natural speed. Though as she felt her stomach about to turn inside out on itself, she decided at that moment it was probably for the best that she could not keep up with him in that sense. How much longer would she have to put up with this?! It was quite fortunate that she was a light eater, to begin with.[break][break]
Satori was simply far too fast for her golems to compete with; if it was an urgency, then she would suck up her pride if it meant being able to save others. Her own insecurities meant nothing in the face of life and death, and Bengal seemed unsure if he could manage this fight while ensuring no casualties. It wasn't that he didn't think he could win, which was a relief. But protecting the area around him was just as important.[break][break]
When the two landed, Verena was certain as she took notice of the pale man, daggers in hand. This was someone who completely and utterly outclassed her. It was not the type of enemy she should even be near, let alone confront. But there was little she could do no. The White Tiger had asked for her help; how could she say no?[break][break]
And then... from some sort of apparatus on his arm formed a golem of some sort. But it... spoke? Not just that, it appeared so... human...[break][break]
The Summoner's eyes widened with curiosity, brimming with excitement as she took notice of such a strange specimen. The White Tiger had no idea, but this was her dream standing right before her eyes. She couldn't help herself; as she was about to approach the woman, but stopped.[break][break]
"I am far weaker than I was in life, but I shall lend you my strength to protect this town. I am Ko. Let us ensure none of the children die."[break][break]
Verena's eyes turned to Bengal, understanding immediately what was done here. This was not just any mere 'golem'. What stood before her was a product of Wraith magic, before her very eyes. Somehow, that armlet contained Wraith magic. This only furthered her own belief that Summoner magic was in fact possible to be imbued in an item, but she lacked any crafting skills to make it possible.[break][break]
Bengal would notice a strange abnormality in Verena's ki; it wasn't the first time it popped up, and perhaps he even expected it. There was little chance that someone like Verena was unaware of the existence of Wraith magic, after all. Feelings of confusion, yet understanding. Anger, yet acceptance. A myriad of contradictory feelings would have swallowed her hole, yet the woman showed no sign of expressing it. She was just like a doll, as she took a deep sigh.[break][break]
"...Yes, you're right Ko," she said once calming herself a bit. "We both might not be able to protect things individually, but something might happen if we work together."[break][break]
...of all the magic a Bengal could have access to, why did it have to be Wraith magic? And yet, with what she knew of the Ryuutei, she couldn't truly find herself being surprised. What better use of the dead was there, after all, than to use them at will? Yet this particular woman did not seem as though she was being held against her will. It was possible, but it was a possibility she would hold her tongue on.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 20, 2021 11:19:27 GMT -5
Verena's response to Ko was both expected, and unexpected. Aspects of her thoughts and feelings were understandable. The conflict of emotions would be something for him to broad later, for now he intertwined his fingers and stretched his arms out. Turning his arms outward so that the joints stretched and fingers popped.
"Verena, we'll talk about it later, but she is here of her own volition." Satori's head tilted to the side watching the massive man spin his daggers, lips curling downward in rage. "Ryuutei consider all life sacred." As he spoke this time, his voice was concerned. Frowning as he examined Frost whom slammed his heel into the ground and pointed the dagger at the man.
"Yes, Ryuutei, I remember you! I remember you and the little Silva! I remember your mockery, my rage as you cut me down and used me to fashion her a weapon!" The grip on the blades shook with wrath as Satori placed his hands on his hips, frowning. Despite his clear anger, Frost wasn't attacking. He'd gained even more sapience than last time.
"If you remember, then let's try to avoid that this time. Why are you attacking, Frost? Why do you continue to kill? Surely you can see through that haze of rage now." The words caused Frost to pause, watching Satori quietly for a moment. The rage was still clear, but there was also hesitation. The recollection of what Satori had done to him without even utilizing magic at all still burned into his mind. Ko smiled at Verena, before turning during this moment of hesitation and slamming her hands together.
Suddenly the earth rumbled, and massive barriers of solid bone burst from the ground. Bone powder flooding the area like a fine dust floating in a haze around Frost and Satori's ankles. The large bone barriers covering much of the buildings and giving a thick barrier against the frost to help insulate the town from his aura.
"I--" Frost hesitated, frowning, as if truly uncertain of the answer to Satori's question. "I do not know." He finally admitted, the daggers lowering slightly, yet his hands continued to shake.
"I simply must. I feel I must kill, and use my power as much as possible to collect the dead and use them as..." Frost frowned, lifting a hand up to hold his forehead as shards of ice began to form. As if sweating the small droplets of ice formed to fall with soft clattering against the frosted floor around him.
"A sacrifice?" Satori inquired simply with a deep frown. Recalling that last time, Frost had used his magic to sacrifice others and bring Krampus back from the darkness and coal. But Krampus too had felt... forced, wrong, flawed. As if he too had been under control. Satori's eyelids lowered slightly.
"Yes. I... I must kill to sacrifice. To bring him back. The... the voice? The feeling? It demands it, I--I cannot..." Rage, fear, confusion. It was painted across Frost's features as he came to this realization through the haze of emotion. But Frost's rage was nothing compared to the rage that filled the air. Not just rage. But Mana. Satori had begun to glow as an immense amount of mana radiated out from the man. Bright silver light shown off his body as his pupils slowly contracted to razor-thin, catlike pupils.
"So you're a slave," Satori suddenly murmured. The ground beneath Satori cracked solid stone splintering as the cracks spread like a spiderweb beneath him. Frost froze, eyes widened as he took a slow step back. Unlike Verena, whom hid her emotions, Satori's were plain to see. One of the few buttons he had, pressed.
"Not only a slave. But an enslaved soul." Satori continued, teeth grinding so tightly that his dual-incisors nearly cut into his gums as the corners of his lips turned downward slowly. Hands clenched in fists as the muscles that lined his body stood out, strained alongside the veins. The ground shook, static electricity crackling within the air.
"Who is doing this to you, Frost? Who dares to enslave a soul so close to the lands of my people?" Satori hissed the question out, eyes glowing a bright silver instead of their normal opaque grey as he met Frost's own wide bright crimson gaze.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 20, 2021 15:26:52 GMT -5
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[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
007
60
10
039
030
[break]
MANA SKIN senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 25 IC // 20 OOC
MANA POOL 110/110
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
By this point, Verena fully expected Satori to have picked up on it. Ki, he had mentioned a few times. It was something that she had only heard of before, but she was definitely interested in learning it, if for no other reason than it would be able to help her understand others better. At least, that was her hope. But either way, she only offered a nod towards the man. Even if he was lying, she would have no way of knowing, and thus pushing the issue seemed unnecessary.[break][break]
Verena's surprise seemed to only grow as this 'Frost' seemed to recognize Bengal. This was different than what she thought he had been saying. Throughout their limited time so far in Nairn, the White Tiger seemed to acknowledge the abnormalities as something akin to a dungeon, doomed to repeat in an endless cycle of life and death. But this went beyond what she could have expected. This wasn't just a product of something in repeat. It had sentience.[break][break]
The brunette needed to ponder how this was possible as she listened to their exchange. In a manner befitting her understanding of the Ryuutei, of Bengal, the man had apparently fastened a weapon from the remnants of this entity. He wasn't alone the last time he was here, either. She recalled that Satori did have a betrothed, but she couldn't remember the name off the top of her head. Perhaps if she put the bare minimum of effort into it, she could, but for some reason, she kept telling herself that it was better left not being recalled.[break][break]
Now, why would a Reinsberg of all people not want to remember the name of Satori's beloved? How very curious. The heiress would ponder that later.[break][break]
Admittedly, Verena thought it contradictory to expect Frost to calm down in any form when the man who used his own corpse to fasten a tool in any kind stood before him. Most people in the Kingdom would have definitely taken offense to that, especially if they stood before them again. Frost was not a member of the kingdom though; this opponent before the group at large existed purely as a phenomenon. Yet it was growing. Learning.[break][break]
How?[break][break]
Verena wanted to know more. Learn more. She had to. How could she not? This was something that defied the known magics; this was similar to Wraith magic, but yet it wasn't. A Wraith's knowledge was 'static'. It couldn't grow. It would never 'lessen' either. But based on this exchange between the ghost trapped in place, to serve as a catalyst for someone else and Bengal, this was... something more. It had started off without sentience, but it was clearly growing. Learning. It was capable of growing like one would with experience.[break][break]
It was... strangely human.[break][break]
"Poor thing..." Verena thought to herself as her expression fell to show a moment of pity. Yet there wasn't a bone in her body that felt that Frost should live. It existed to kill. To offer tribunal for someone else. Thus, this pale thing that took the shape of man had to die.[break][break]
The pity she felt was not because she felt Frost deserved mercy. He was just an unfortunate byproduct of the whims of another. And because of that, he had to be removed from this world once more. If that wasn't something to pity, then she did not know what was.[break][break]
Verena wanted to speak up but held her tongue. She was too quiet to be heard, and though she might have been able to use sound mana to assist in speaking up, she doubted that it would properly amplify her voice due to her own limited usage of the magic in general. Besides, this wasn't about her. She was here to help protect the citizens. Both her and Ko.[break][break]
Perhaps the most surprising thing, Verena felt, was how strongly Satori had reacted to the idea of an 'enslaved soul'. She hadn't actually seen the man get mad before this. Wraith magic was, for all intents and purposes, the enslavement of a soul. There was no getting around that. One might treat the golems with more decency than mere slaves, but the fact of the matter was it was denying a soul rest. So then, why was he so upset by this? In any case, the two were in agreement on this.[break][break]
Whatever was happening was disgustingly wrong.[break][break]
So then, all she could do was brace herself and stay out of the fight as best as she could. She had no desire to attract the attention of one who could and would kill her, as one of the only living beings in Nairn right now. Her crimson orbs set their sights upon Frost, unaware of how truly fast he was. Unfortunately, that was all she really could do at this moment; keeping her distance while Bengal stood on the front lines as she readied her spells to be used for the impending battle. She was weak, after all.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 21, 2021 18:38:53 GMT -5
Frost hesitated, more than anything he despised the man before him. He who used him as a toy to test his battle prowess on. To mock him to gain an advantage and never once use his magic against him. Yet, the fear of death had begun to manifest itself within him. More than that fear, there was also hatred for something more.
Hatred for what bound him to this fate. His jaw clenched at Satori's question, shifting his crimson gaze downward slowly as his words finally filled the air.
"I don't know," came the harsh whisper of frustration. Frost's grip on the blades tightening before focusing on Satori whose expression of anger grew, and then flickered away in a flash. His mana rumbled, but it was quietly under control. There was no target for his rage right now. Jaw locking the large man stepped forward, walking toward Frost whom braced and lifted both blades up. Yet shook. The visage of Satori's hand grasping his face, driving him into the dirt helplessly even without magic filling his vision from memory.
Fear. An emotion that dungeon creatures never had, yet, here it was. A sensation, an emotion that Frost had never felt and so it was overwhelming his senses. Satori paused, standing in front of Frost. He could so easily stab him, impale him, freeze him, but his instincts said otherwise as Satori looked down toward him.
"I will end this. You will not suffer any longer. This I promise you, Frost." Satori's words were gentle, pitying, and yet his actions were anything but as his hand lifted. Frost's eyes widened in panic and his body acted on its own. Fight, or flight. Yet in the face of Satori, in the face of its own murderer, his body chose flight. Another emotion, another instinct that it had never had in the past. Frost empowered his speed and launched forward in a blur forward. Dashing straight toward one of the massive bone barriers. But he was slow to Satori whom stated firmly up to Verena.
"Verena! South-western wall, add your barrier to Ko's!" The order was simple and calm, and once the carbon began to rise Satori flickered forward in a blur. Mana flowing through his hands before his palm lifted, aiming at the speeding Frost with an expression of pity. This was not some random manifestation of a Dungeon creature. This was a creature that had true life, a soul.
"I apologize." He murmured simply, before his hand suddenly ignighted with plasma--and fired. The bolt shooting through the air and slamming into Frost faster than anyone could keep pace with. A steaming hold appearing in Frost's chest, a hole blown clear through his torso that caused his body to go tumbling. Flying forward into the explosion the bolt made as it impacted the wall that Ko and Verena had created. The explosion shattered both barriers, cracking the nearby houses. But, Satori's control was refined. The energy flew upward and rocked the sky, but nothing more.
Lowering his smoking hand, a slow breath passed between Satori's lips. Walking forward and examining the body, before lowering a hand down and grasping the corpse. Closing its eyes and hefting it onto his shoulder as chunks of bone and carbon began to fall around him from the shattered barriers.
Ko released a slow breath from between her lips, lowering her hands as the other barriers fell before smiling slightly to Verena. "My thanks, young one," she murmured simply before leaping down from the rooftop and approaching Satori. Though offering Verena a hand if she wished for assistance getting down. Both Ko and Satori remained silent until Verena approached before Ko finally spoke up with a soft frown.
"He has a soul, yes? How sad, to be bound in such a way and not be allowed to leave this plane until another has released you," the spirit murmured, looking down at the body that smoked before them as Satori gently set it down before the group. Falling to sit on his haunches, the anger still boiled inside him, but it had no outlet. Not yet.
"He definitely had a soul. He was alive, and some twisted fuck bound him to their will. Still has him bound, likely. How many others will kill him after this?" Closing his eyes, Satori released a slow breath before opening his eyes and focusing on Ko and Verena.
"Thank you both. I couldn't of made his death swift if you two had not had your barriers in place, it would have been drawn out and painful for him." Shifting his gaze back toward the body with a frown. What had done this was the real question, and would Krampus still form with Frost dead?
Name of Spell: Hex Bolt: Greater Elemental Type: Lightning Rank & Spell Type: Grand (Attack Creation + Hex & Curse) Range & Speed: 110m AoE & 85m/s Mana Cost: 50 & 25/Post Stats Affected: Mana Applicable Perks: Apex Predator, Malicious Mage, Quick Shot, Area of Triumph Description: Bengal causes electricity to jump between his hands before releasing it out in a sudden barrage [Ammo] of electrical energy specifically designed to short-circuit the body and mana of the target useing a hex. Each dealing [Grand] damage to them as well as debuffing their mana regen by [10], and nullifies one [Buff/Healing] per post following normal hex rules.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 21, 2021 21:11:44 GMT -5
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[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
007
60
10
039
030
[break]
MANA SKIN senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 25 IC // 20 OOC
MANA POOL 110/110
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
The exchange between Frost and Bengal was... intense. What amounted to sentient mana was growing and learning. Was becoming... human. The brunette wasn't sure what she was bearing witness to, in truth. Rather, she knew what it was, but she could not comprehend it. This was beyond anything she had ever read. She was logical to a fault at times; she might not have been a machine, of course, but Verena was one who was very adamant about natural law and the things it governed.[break][break]
Yes... she recognized this body language. This posture. The hesitance made sense. This conversation made sense. What stood before her was not a mere product of a dungeon or the byproduct of the phenomenon referred to as 'mana zone expansion'. This feeling was one she felt as well towards the being known as Frost. Yes... because she felt it. Because it ruled her life.[break][break]
"...he's... afraid." Verena thought to herself.[break][break]
There was no need to add salt to the wound. There was no need to express that. It was human, and if not for the state of his existence requiring the apparent need for sacrifice, she would want to get to know this figure. She was curious as to how much Frost could learn. What was the extent? The limitation? But the more she knew, the more he could grow, the harder it might be to want for her to want him to die. 'Frost' as an existence could not be continued to live in this world.[break][break]
Yet despite his fear, the creature raised his blades, gripping them tightly. It was clear he truly had no choice. The natural reaction when confronting a superior opponent was to flee, or at the very least to downplay hostile actions and retreat. But Frost couldn't leave without taking a life. That left her as the only vulnerable target based on the process of elimination, and thus her concentration remained fixated on him.[break][break]
"Fast!" Verena thought as she noticed Frost speed towards her.[break][break]
So far, Verena hadn't had to deal with opponents as fast as Frost; even if she was prepared to cast spells and her concentration remained fully fixated on him, reacting in time wasn't something she could have done; even if she could have, Frost would have been able to penetrate right through her barrier. Of that, she was certain.[break][break]
Satori had intercepted him, ordering her to add her own barrier ontop of Ko's. There was no hesitation as she created two defensive constructs to create a layer of walls alongside the woman manifested from Wraith magic. Hopefully, these three barriers would be enough, though she wasn't sure; she didn't have enough time to properly recover her own mana with how quickly things were happening, but she was sure that between these constructs it would be enough to minimize any excess damage if not completely prevent it, even if she was going to completely lose both of her constructs.[break][break]
And just like that, in an instant, Bengal had ended it. It happened a bit too quickly to keep track of, however; in fact, in one instant Frost was alive, and in the next, he wasn't. For the intermediate mage, that was how the fight had played out. There wasn't much to react to; when Bengal decided to put in the effort, the man was absolutely a force to be reckoned with.[break][break]
"...No, I should be thanking you. So thank you, Miss Ko," she simply said, looking over to the sight where the body of the man known as Frost now remained motionless. She had no words to offer beyond that.[break][break]
Verena did not request help getting down; she did not particularly enjoy such treatment at all times, and she had been in physical contact with Bengal more than she would truly like to be. It was a necessary compromise, but one she was not fond of. It did take her a bit to get down, but a simple golem was summoned to bring her to the ground from the rooftop, before immediately being dispersed as she tried her best to quickly make her way to the group to discuss the aftermath.[break][break]
"...Whether or not he had a soul is a philosophical debate. But..." the brunette began to say. "...he very much had human-like qualities to him. He could feel. He could learn. He could grow. To that end... I'm sad he had to die. But..."[break][break]
A pause.[break][break]
Verena's expression shifted slightly, showing genuine anger upon her usually stoic doll-like demeanor. "...I'm admittedly more mad that someone would create an entity like this, like Frost, only for people to kill him for an eternity. Bengal... could you please explain what exactly is going on? How something like this might be possible? And... what I can do to ensure it never happens again?"[break][break]
The heiress's eyes had a clear determination in them, one that showed she was clearly willing to do whatever she had to do to ensure something as wrong this that could not repeat itself. She was almost shaking with anger; something this repulsive could not be allowed to continue. This mockery of life. It had to end.[break][break]
Despite her anger, she momentarily paused when she heard Ko. She... she was aware, wasn't she? It was hard to imagine that she wasn't if she had any degree of sentience. That was the very nature of Wraith magic; one was not truly free from this plane as long as you were sealed in their grimoire; surely, there was no exception on that armlet. While Verena wouldn't have pretended to be an expert in rare magic, she was certain of that much.[break][break]
Her gaze shifted over to Ko, as if expecting some sort of laugh. As though it was some sort of joke she made. Or was this lack of awareness a byproduct of the magic in use? ...To say something, or not to. Ultimately, she decided not to given Bengal's first sentiment, saying that she was not enslaved. Then again... she did recall him saying they'd talk about it later, too, thinking on it...
...But that wasn't her primary concern right now. When all of this was settled, she'd ask further.
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COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll2"] TL;DR verena uses a single spell to spend 20 mana. mana regen gives +25. she's at 110. [break][break]
Juggernaut: Twice a thread, a player can cause an equally ranked offensive based spell that would normally destroy or injure their defensive spell to be completely negated.
Description: Upon usage, Verena creates a wall that is 2x2x5 (length x width x height) made of pure carbon and as such is akin to a jet black in color. The wall appears as though it's constantly moving around, and this is in part due to [Juggernaut], as it is capable of, with limited usages, of strengthening itself in what would otherwise tear right through, or damage it to render that damage obsolete.[break][break]
In addition, the wall is capable of shooting out a solid "rope" of carbon though reinforced via [Imprisonmont of a God], plus one additional chain for every 30 [CON] she has. These chains function in accordance to clashing rules, and cause strain on a person's ability to regenerate their mana, depleting it by 10 (though if their mana regenerative ability is lower, then it will reduce it by the maximum value without making it 0).[break][break]
If the chains do not manage to catch a person, they are still capable of restraining a person's grimoire via Restraining Magic, and have a 50% reduction on the casting ability of a mage. The construct can withstand up to twice its rank in damage before being completely destroyed.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 23, 2021 10:57:22 GMT -5
Satori's jaw locked slightly, slowly releasing his anger. Right now it had no outlet. There was no point holding on to it, and instead, he focused on logic. Shifting his gaze back toward Verena as she asked about the situation. Her comment on a soul caused a simple grunt from his chest.
"To us, that is what a soul is Verena. The mind. Emotions and thought, because that is what has been proven," he motioned a hand toward Ko. "To exist. Beyond that is a whimsical debate we couldn't care less for." As he explained this, Ko simply nodded her head in agreement. Falling to a knee and placing her hands together quietly.
"Rest," Ko murmured softly before bone powder began to drift from her form as she frowned. "My apologies, Saa-kun," she murmured and straightened. "The armlet is still too weak. I cannot remain for much longer." Shame decorated her eyes and the slight tugging of her mouth's corners made it clear she was displeased by her lack of ability. Satori smiled, patting her shoulder once as the dust fell from her with each light impact.
"This failure is my own for not attuning to it properly yet still calling you out. Soon I'll meditate and finish our connection, I promise." These words caused her to smile slightly, bowing her head silently in thanks before shifting her gaze back toward Verena. Her fist placing itself in her open palm once more as she bowed her head toward her.
"My thanks for your help, Verena. You mitigated any damage to the children's village." With this, she would straighten and disintegrate into bone and dust. Swirling like a cloud before flowing back into the armlet. Satori sighed, rubbing the back of his neck and straightening.
"She likes you quite a bit," he chuckled, "Good thing I didn't call out Chi. He's already pissed enough because he says you're 'too pretty'," Satori mused, shaking his head and focusing instead on the grim creature and reality before him. Her question had been left unanswered. She also felt as if she wished to ask something else, related to Ko. Satori hummed, before shifting his gaze back toward the body before he lifted a hand up.
Trying to reach out with his palm and try to locate that 'soul'. He would not resurrect Frost, but if he could feel it using his magic--
But as he reached out, a single spark of electricity was all he could summon forth. Satori sucked his teeth in annoyance.
"Shit. I'm losing my magic to the wraith faster than I thought," he murmured with a frown, glancing down at the grimoire in its holster. Crafted from leather and bone, the symbol of Ryuu engraved into its surface. Ever since he'd acquired his new grimoire and the relic, his magic had been fluctuating. The awakening of his father's magic after eating his heart had been the start.
But now even his lightning was fading. His mystical affinity had never been great to begin with. But he'd moved past that weakness. Now his magic didn't even react to his desires half the time after he used a single potent spell. Closing his eyes a slow sigh passed his lips, he couldn't use magic to find out so he could only theorize.
"I don't know for sure, Verena. This is something new. Dungeon monsters have--rarely mind--but on occasion expanded from Dungeons before. But an entire area becoming a new dungeon, effectively repeating itself, is completely new. Atop that, a Dungeon Monster has never manifested into a proper mana beast that was capable of learning and growing. This is unprecedented, and he was in agony. Enslaved." Satori's jaw clenched. "To bind a soul to your will against its own is the pinnacle of sin in my clan," as he murmured this, his hand placed itself on Frost's forehead.
"I will end it. I swear upon the misused life. Upon whatever is left of you." As he murmured this, flickering silver light shrowding the body, flickering with Satori's magic. As if it was attempting to do something... and yet lacked the ability to do it just yet. If the large man noticed, he didn't show it. Utterly focused on his oath, eyes closed for a brief moment.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 23, 2021 12:14:18 GMT -5
[nospaces]
[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
007
60
10
039
030
[break]
MANA SKIN senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 25 IC // 20 OOC
MANA POOL 110/110
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
This wasn't the first time she had a discussion on what a soul was. It felt like an eternity ago, but as Bengal brought it up her mind drifted to the conversation she had with Suna. It was almost ironic that the conversation topic then was in regards to Wraith magic as an element, and what the two girls had thought of it. Bengal stated that a soul was emotions and thought, and she could see that. It was something unique to animals, after all. Even animals had feelings and though there was a massive gap between the thought process of man and beast, it wasn't as if the latter wasn't capable of thought. Their thoughts were just limited to instinct.[break][break]
It was very easy to forget that, even for Verena. She might have traveled all over Clover during these last five years, spending more time in the forests than in actual cities or towns, but at the end of the day, she had far more interest in people than in animals despite the fact she had many reasons to appreciate them just as much, if not more than people. Yes, she had seen how animals took care of their own. Elk and deer especially were good parents. It spoke volumes about her own, she felt.[break][break]
Verena quietly listened to the exchange between Ko and Satori, feeling it not appropriate to speak while the two were speaking. She was surprised that the armlet was supposedly not complete; the fact that Ko was having to disappear, however, was proof of that. It seemed stable, but the fact the woman was having to disappear now was just proof that that wasn't the case.[break][break]
Verena was taken by surprise when Ko even acknowledged her at the end. The brunette felt she hadn't done anything worth gratitude, but at the same time she felt a sort of... happiness she couldn't quite describe upon hearing such thanks. It was different than when Bengal offered her praise; perhaps, because he was such a powerful person it felt like he was simply saying it to be encouraging. She knew there was much he could do without her. If anything, she had held him back when they were dealing with the candy cane golem.[break][break]
"O-Oh... uhm... you're welcome. And thank you, Ko. It took the two of us, after all," she said, clasping her hands at her waist, before offering a small bow herself.[break][break]
The Reinsberg found her surprise not yet over, as Bengal mentioned that the woman seemed to appreciate Verena. "E-Eh? I don't think I did anything that was particularly likable, but... in any case, I'm honored all the same. ...It might be best not to introduce me to Chi if it can be helped though. I've met people similar to that... it's always uncomfortable..."[break][break]
The woman found herself confused by what Bengal was trying to do, as he reached his arm out to the corpse of what once was Frost. What was he aiming to do? There could have been any number of things that Bengal was trying to accomplish; that he could accomplish. She just hoped that he wasn't going to try fastening her a weapon here and now. That would be ... a sight she wasn't ready for yet. Truthfully, she hoped she never would.[break][break]
"Losing your magic... to the Wraith?" she asked before she had asked what she could to help or stop the machinations that surrounded everything in Nairn from continuing. This was certainly a concern if Bengal was losing his magic.[break][break]
Admittedly the woman wasn't completely concerned; Bengal had on more than one occasion demonstrated that he was more than capable of handling a fight with his bare hands. Still, she couldn't help but worry. She was certain that things weren't over; Frost mentioned sacrifices, but there were none to be found today. Even still, just because Satori had mitigated that didn't necessarily mean it was over. If this area was trapped in a loop, did it truly matter if there were sacrifices or not?[break][break]
"Are you going to be okay? What's happening to your magic?" the woman asked, clearly concerned for the savage-looking man.[break][break]
As a Reinsberg, Verena knew she shouldn't have been concerned. But there were some things that, as a human being, she couldn't ignore, and the idea of a mage losing their magic was such a dire concern that Verena couldn't help but worry. Magic was basically an extension of one's own identity in this culture. In any culture here on the continent. To be without magic was to ... well, she couldn't fathom not having magic.[break][break]
After that had been discussed, however, the brunette had asked the question, to which Bengal answered. She listened with equal parts curiosity as she did anger, with a hint of disgust. Disgust, because she still found herself curious. It was a bizarre phenomenon, and it was one that she truly did not want to see repeating. But because of how bizarre it was she couldn't deny there was a part of her that wanted to learn more about it.[break][break]
It was like bearing witness to a natural disaster. One did not wish for such calamity; however, when staring at Nature's wrath, one could not help but be captivated. Though there was nothing beautiful about this tragedy, it was captivating in a different sense of the word, and she loathed herself for even wanting to learn more about it for the sake of learning, rather than purely to put a stop to it. It was no different than how the Coral Peacocks had made their own dungeon. Though at least she had self-control.[break][break]
After Bengal had finished his pledge to Frost, Verena knelt down to the body. "I'm not as strong as Bengal, so I can't make any such pledge as much as I wish I could. And... I do not know if this means much, but I will find an Ice Mage. I will honor your memory by making a golem in your image. So I will never forget this moment, or you Frost. Such a tragedy may not be remembered by many, but I will remember your existence."
"...your life. And your soul. In the only way I feel I can. May your soul find true rest when things are finished here."[break][break]
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 23, 2021 12:39:21 GMT -5
Satori glanced toward Verena as she expressed clear concern about Chi, and he chuckled softly as he heard the spirit complaining in his ear about 'ungrateful women'.
"Don't misunderstand. He has no interest in females," Satori rumbled in amusement, "He's quite literally saying you're too pretty, as a negative. Saying you should get some muscle on you." Closing his eyes he released a slow breath.
"Though he has a point on you being a bit frail. I think you're being attractive is more what shines in your eyes," as he mused this, Satori's hand opened and closed a few times. Her concern in her ki was clear, and a bit touching when it came to his words on losing his magic.
"Fear not," his hand suddenly clenched, causing the air around his hand to burst with mana. Flooding and forming into a great cat's paw wrapped around his hand, clear usage of beast aura magic. The first time he had used it in front of anyone. Clenching it a few times before dispersing the mana simply. "There is ancient magic in the world. Magic that defies normal logic. Since acquiring my father's magic, I won't ever be powerless in such a way." As he explained this his eyes fell closed briefly.
"I'm losing my lightning affinity, nothing more. It's been slowly happening over time. The armlet's affinity has affected my own the more I attune to it... soon it will disappear entirely. Eir, the strongest spirit within it, warned me when I accept it that it may happen. The armlet itself will twist my affinity as it bonds to my soul. My lightning shall become magic to bind the bodies and mana of others to my will; Wraith magic will manifest itself, likely. I will be left with my Beast Aura magic, however." As he explained this he straightened, frowning slightly.
"Unfortunately, it isn't done developing yet. Or I would take Frost and immortalize his body as a warrior. At least then perhaps his soul would find rest knowing he would get to kill the one that tormented his soul, so." Releasing a breath he straightened fully and smiled as Verena offered her own vow. Closing his eyes and patting the armlet once as if responding to something else. Focusing on the brunette as she turned back toward him.
"I doubt this is the end of it," he glanced at the sky, where the dark clouds continued to swirl. "Likely there will be something else to initiate the ritual. But, for now, we appear to be victorious. As bitter as the victory may be. Let's search the surroundings, Krampus' return may still initiate." As he stated this, he closed his eyes. Reaching out with his ki, tracing the world around him carefully.
What came next would be one more hint for what could have led to this phenomenon.