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.
Krampus Revived Now you know the truth all of the strange happenings have been caused by someone who has not been seen in a few years. A madman who once called a frigid cave his home, but was presumed to be dead after several groups of Magic Knights invaded his home, to purify his evil spirit. However, due to the machinations of Mr. Frost all of the death he caused in Nairn has forced the malignant Krampus to be revived. Bruised, and battered, you must now make your final stand to save Yule from the clutches of the deranged Krampus. Still in the center of Nairn where you defeated Mr. Frost how will you handle this foe without losing more lives? Details Maximum Number of Players: Max 4 people Minimum Word Count: 4,000 Location: Nairn Special Requirements: Must have completed Ice to Meet You. As with before everyone will start with Intermediate Damage to their health, and mana skin. 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: Krampus
Health Limit: Grand Physical Speed: 15 m/s Physical Damage: Senior Magic Element and Types: Snow (Ice Oddity) Combat Style: Krampus is angry that he was defeated before so easily, and his anger has manifested in him being stronger, and more wanton to destruction than before. A blizzard constantly surrounds Krampus within an area of 20 meters. It acts as both a shield, and deterrent, fending off attacks while slicing those who enter it for Senior Ranked damage. If you do not completely destroy the Blizzard Shield it will simply regenerate back to full health (It has Grand Health). Within his blizzard Krampus will hurt Snowballs at his enemies, flinging them at an incredibly fast pace (For the purpose of range, and speed the snowballs are Senior ranked). Those who are hit by these take Senior damage, and suffer a -2 m/s speed debuff. As the snow melts, and then freezes into ice around their bodies slowing them down. This debuff lasts until they are cleansed by a healer, or if they take an attack from a Mage with heat based magic (The rank of the attack doesn’t matter.) Krampus prefers to fight not up close, and personal with his enemies preferring to stay within his shield, and just batter them with his Snowballs. How will you defeat this foe? Additional Information: Stats: Power- 90, Durability- 120, Sensory- 50, Stamina- 50, Control- 60
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 24, 2021 19:53:28 GMT -5
To say that the combat had been difficult would be a lie. But, Satori was still concerned about the idea of Krampus returning once more. Frost was dead without any lives lost, but his own had still been lost. For twisted magic like this, he had to assume that counted. But, he wasn’t certain. How long until Krampus returned? An hour? A day? A year? There was no way to know, but he wanted to wait and see what would happen before all else.
As such, after his last statement to Verena the large man led the way toward the epicenter of the large storm. Falling and taking a seat with a thud under an inn’s large front porch and motioning for her to join him.
“I’ll focus with my ki, and send Chi out if things get uncertain to scout the area,” Satori explained simply. “But last time he re-formed here. May as well be comfortable while we wait, recover your mana a bit.” Stamina was not her strongest point after all. Interlacing his fingers, Satori waved a hand, and more sparks formed. Nothing else. Satori sucked his teeth in annoyance softly.
A single high-tier spell and it was already this drained. It wasn’t that big a hindrance. It was just annoying.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 25, 2021 9:36:40 GMT -5
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What? No interest in females? Ah, right. Chi was dead, so of course he had no interest in women. That only made sense. Sheepishly, she scratched her cheek as she averted her eyes from Bengal--specifically, from his relic. His suggestion did make sense, however. She was aware of her physical limitations. More than anyone.[break][break]
And that was precisely why she responded in such a manner. "I cannot."[break][break]
Verena offered a smile to Bengal, of course as she said this, tightly gripping her forearm despite the thick coat adorned over her. But she couldn't hide her feelings. Her ki was overwhelmed with negative feelings. Feelings of raw terror and fear in their purest form, as she recalled the reason she could not. Yes, she found herself drifting back into the past five years ago within a city in the Noble Realm, where she was born.[break][break]
Where she had nearly died. Where her entire world changed.[break][break]
By this point, the brunette had just come to terms with the events that happened then. She didn't react the same way she used to, when her mind started racing with events that had already happened. It wasn't that it didn't affect her. Even now as she gripped her arm, she was shaking, as small beads of sweat poured down her forehead. But she had just reached a point where she had to pretend things were okay. She didn't like others worrying about matters that they simply could not control.[break][break]
Bengal had reassured her about his own disappearing Lightning magic, even going so far as to allude to the other magic he was beginning to show signs of. Verena's eyes widened; as a Summoner, she was especially apt at recognizing other types of magic, and she extensively studied various magic. There was no denying her thirst for knowledge when it came to them, and why would there be? It was only natural for one who could acquire a variety of elements and magics that she would want to study up on as much as she could.[break][break]
And that was precisely why Verena was especially confused at this new magic Bengal was using. "That's... not Pure Aura, correct?" she asked as she took notice of that cat. "...No, it's... Beast Aura?!"[break][break]
It was an element she was largely unfamiliar with, but she had read up on it in the past. She had almost no knowledge about it other than it was magic suited for mages who were melee combatants. It made perfect sense that of all the mages in the world, Bengal would be one who would utilize it. Still... there was one aspect of Verena that the man did not yet know. And unfortunately, that lid had been pulled, as she broke out into a child-like wonder and excitement.[break][break]
"That is Beast Aura, isn't it? Ah, have you managed to make it your own element yet? Could you please teach me? My golems right now are only capable of melee anyway, so it would make perfect sense to try to learn the Beast Aura element! Oh, but its defensive capabilities wouldn't quite be up to par. That magic is suited for combat, right... Oh, but I could just use the golem to defend others or myself. That would still be an apt usage of the golem, right?"[break][break]
The woman had basically tuned out the Wraith magic; as a golem specialist, she did wish to learn it, too. But for her own ethical reasons, she did not feel comfortable acquiring such an ability. It was one thing if the Ryuutei before her did. Furthermore, none had the right to openly criticize one for using their magic even if it had an unethical usage. One could certainly criticize one for using their magic to openly kill another for no rhyme or reason, other than to use their own power. But if it was just a body of a 'bad' person or in the dungeon, or even one that had already died, there was no reason for her to complain.[break][break]
Bengal suggested that the two search the grounds for Krampus' or be prepared for if he did show up, and so Verena had followed along as best as she could. Of course, she had a golem carry her just to try to keep up. There was no way she could otherwise; even if Bengal forcibly tried to slow himself down, trying to match her pace was far too unfair on the man. She wouldn't expect anyone to do that.[break][break]
As they drew closer to the inn, Verena had dismissed so as to not cause any damage to the surrounding area, and took a seat across from Bengal, listening with an attitude that was in stark contrast to her earlier outburst, which she was admittedly still quite embarrassed about. She couldn't help it though! It was just ... how she was. Rare magic always got her excited!
Bengal suggested that she rest for a bit, and truthfully she was more than willing to take him up on that offer. "...Thank you. I think I will. I'm still feeling the effects of when I fought that Candy Cane Titan. ...Even still, thank you very much for letting me fight it. Krampus... what can you tell me about him? Was he sentient like Frost? I imagine in any case, he's quite vengeful."
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 25, 2021 11:37:11 GMT -5
Satori blinked as Verena suddenly began gushing about Beast Aura magic, a deep rumbling laugh filling the air around him as she went into detail on how it could help her.
"Learn it, not copy it, hm?" Satori mused, glancing over the woman once briefly. "So you're a summoner, not an imitation mage hm?" noting this he would contemplate her wanting to learn it quietly to himself for a few moments. He'd only met a single summoner, and Jena hadn't exactly been talkative about her magic. He'd only learned its details through their fight.
"I don't mind teaching you at all, especially if I get to see such a cute side to you," his grin curled upward, amused at how embarrassed she was by her own actions. Teasing her lightly before his mana flooded through his body and suddenly long skeletal-limbs akin to that or a rodents overlaid atop his own skeleton. Hovering just above his clothing as he tilted his head and flexed his hand a few times. Causing the long claws to extend as well.
"This is one of various examples. But, since I don't have any actual golems using this magic I don't know if you'll be able to utilize it. I'm happy to try for you though." With that, he would turn and lead the way back toward their new resting spot. Glancing toward her after they'd sit and he nodded once understanding her still being a bit under par due to the fight with the golem.
"Krampus' was sapient, yes," he nodded once, "Wasn't too pleased seeing me again since I turned him into my claw," he chuckled softly thinking back on the blade he'd donated to his clan. Some youngling was using the black blade now, he wondered what Krampus' would think of that?
"But, he wasn't nearly as content to communicate as Frost had been. Far angier, a bit insane, and definitely full of real bloodlust. Frost at least appeared to be angry that he was being forced to kill. Krampus was enjoying the slaughter." As Satori explained this, the large man shifted his gaze toward Verena and tilted his head to the side.
"Before I lose my lightning, would you like me to teach you about its usages as well?" He was surprised she hadn't asked sooner. If he had the ability to learn spells of others he'd never stop. Every single spell, every element was a new connection that could be utilized.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 25, 2021 11:39:29 GMT -5
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"] Erk. She didn't particularly like drawing attention to her own magic. Verena was honestly thankful to possess a magic like Summoner. That wasn't to say she thought highly of possessing a four-leaf grimoire; she thought it brought its own set of issues that other mages were fortunate not to have to deal with. In her own case, it was the source of most of her misfortune. But the magic itself was not to be blamed, she felt.[break][break]
"W-Well... yes," she admitted when asked. She wasn't really embarrassed about it, but she disliked bringing it up. It wasn't her intention, after all.[break][break]
"I'm surprised though; I've met people who have heard of Summoner magic, but you're the first person who managed to pick up on the difference between it and something like Imitation magic. Among the rare types of magic known, there's very little information on Summoner from what I've managed to find out about it, and as you can imagine I've tried finding as much information as I can."[break][break]
Verena was genuinely surprised. This surprise was different than what she had previously demonstrated; this surprise was one born from her naturally curious nature, and she thought it fascinating that someone had actually was familiar enough with the magic to know the difference between the two magic was as simple as her choice of words involving the word 'teach'. It wasn't every day something like this had happened.[break][break]
Verena, quite obviously, ignored the mention of her 'cute side'. She was more interested in the fact that Bengal had some degree of knowledge on the magic, and it was only natural that she was curious about that. Had he read about it? Had he encountered it? If so, she wanted more details on that encounter. What sort of elements had they learned, how did they make their golems? There was an entire checklist of questions she had on the ready to ask the poor man no matter his answer in truth.[break][break]
Verena eyed the example laid out before her, paying especially close attention to the nature of the usage of the mana itself. The nature of 'teasing' was lost on her; all she cared about was the magic itself, completely tunneling in on it. It was unlike anything she had had the chance to examine up close so far. So far, all the elements that she had learned had a structure to them, of a kind. However, this mana was... it was entirely ethereal, in a way. It lacked any sort of structure to it. It simply was and it was very clearly a wild sort.[break][break]
Verena brought a hand to her chin, thinking. "Mm... it's not exactly invisible; the mana itself very clearly has a form. But it also lacks the structure that I've seen with other types of magic. Golems are nothing without structure... is it possible I can't learn this magic?" she asked herself.
"...Let's try after Krampus has been dealt with. If it looks unlikely, I'll happily accept your offer to learn Lightning magic. It'll be like a going-away present, so there's someone to pass it to; so it's not truly lost."
The only reason she hadn't asked to learn it so far was a very simple one. There hadn't really been time to, and her mind was so far away from learning magic with everything that was going on. It wasn't that she didn't want to; she'd just been so caught up in everything that was happening that it had slipped her mind. Rare magic always brought her back to a natural state of wonder and excitement.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 25, 2021 11:41:11 GMT -5
Satori released a deep rumble of amusement from his chest at her ki and expression. How cute. She most assuredly hadn't anticipated him seeing through her words. Shifting his gaze toward the brunette as she clarified his thoughts. Commenting that she was surprised of his knowledge, a slight smile playing at his lips.
"It's rare for anyone to be highly informed in multiple rare magics after all," he answered her simply before shifting his brow up. "After all, you don't know the intricacies of Wraith magic either, do you? I can tell. Your ki reacts with far too much negative energy for you to know. You probably think it disrespects or enslaves souls or some nonsense." As he stated this, Satori smiled slightly. Not mocking her, simply making it clear that wasn't how it functioned in the slightest.
"But, I don't know tremendous details. I've just fought alot of people in spars, and out of those swaths of people, there were some with rare magic. Some magic I've only read on myself as well. For instance, Spacial magic, I know little about it despite it being so similar to Void magic, which I am intimately familiar with." His shoulders lifted in a slight shrug, before interlacing his fingers.
"A sparring partner I had what feels like many years ago had Summoning magic, and I mistook it for Imitation magic due to her utilization of multiple elements. She was swift to correct me and gloat about her superior magic. At least she stuck to her guns, even after I ripped her arm off she was going on about how much better her genetics were." Satori snorted in amusement, before waving it off and focusing instead on the main topic.
"I know that it is limited to golem magic on its own, or close to that. Perhaps higher mastery avoids that limitation. As well as being able to learn any element, even other rare magic but only to use it for their golems. Beyond that I don't know anything, however." Smiling slightly, Satori would lean back as she stated she'd try after Krampus. Nodding his head once in agreement at the thought.
"You're welcome to any magic I know. Sharing my power and skills with others is how I reached where I am." He smiled slightly, resting his chin back into his palm.
"Including Wraith, if you want to actually learn about what it really is some time."
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 25, 2021 11:42:56 GMT -5
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Even though Verena knew better than to pretend she knew everything about magic, she couldn't help but slightly pout when Bengal told her that she likely didn't know the intricacies of Wraith magic. She knew there was much about the magic she didn't know, but she didn't like someone waving that in front of her face, because it wasn't as if she wasn't trying to learn. There was just a very limited amount of information available. That wasn't her fault![break][break]
Slowly, however, that pouting expression fell off, as she just let out a small sigh. She knew he was right; of all people, Verena knew that there was no such thing as evil magic. Only evil people. There were ways to help others with all magic if one wanted to badly enough. At least, that's what she wanted to tell herself, but there was one magic that she simply could not acknowledge as beneficial to anyone in any way.[break][break]
As quickly as Verena lit up when she heard that Bengal had fought someone who had used the same magic as her, but she... ended up giggling. Not once had she ever think of Summoner as being superior magic. It was just rare. But ultimately, it was not a magic that one could just pick up and 'master'. It was a magic that required the kindness and patience of others. Verena's own strength was partially limited by the willingness of others. That was the case for all Summoners, no matter what they'd tell themself.[break][break]
"I know of Light, Wraith, Dark, Angelic, Void, Spatial; though, this is mostly just a consequence of being familiar with Void. Imitation as well, as well Beast Aura, though only in passing." Verena paused, there was one more magic she knew of, but... she did not like talking about it. There was no need to bring it up.[break][break]
Bengal listed his own understanding of Summoner magic, and Verena was glad to share her own knowledge of her magic with him, as one such raven-haired young man had found out some time ago.[break][break]
"I assume this is the case with all Summoners, but I notice that I'm at least a lot more in tune with the more intricacies of mana. Mana may not be sentient, but it still has certain... quirks. The Grimoire Ceremony is proof of that. There are simply things that it prefers to do and things it prefers not doing, and this is largely dependent on the element in question. It sounds obvious, but when you're so attuned with your own magic, it's not something you need to consciously think about."[break][break]
"A Summoner is basically trying to earn the trust of the mana in question, or in some way 'capture' it. I'm not sure if that makes any real sense, but I'm not sure how else to explain it, in truth. In any case, my personal theory as to why Summoners struggle with other magic that isn't Golems is just a result of golems' true potential--elemental incarnates. I don't know too much about them, but they're supposedly the purest form of said element. If that's the case, then it's only natural that mana would want to be in it's purest form, and constantly seeking such. Though... this is just conjecture though, and I'm still trying to piece it all together."[break][break]
Verena nodded her head when Bengal had mentioned he would be fine with teaching her wraith magic, should she decide to want to learn it at some point. Admittedly, it wasn't as if she wasn't curious. The woman would condemn it seven ways to Sunday, but if it was being offered to her... someone being willing to teach her this magic... it was difficult to say no. Ethically, she could not condone it. And yet...[break][break]
"...I'll think about it," she said. And yet, perhaps she knew deep down what her answer really was.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 25, 2021 12:17:43 GMT -5
The pout caused a wide smile to spread across his lips, and a deep rumble akin to a cats purr filled the air from a low chuckle filling his ribs.
"I'm teasing you a bit, Verena, but don't misunderstand me." He lifted a hand up, causing the armlet to clink softly as the bones clattered against one another. "I'm offering to teach you to help you understand the magic... and through proper understanding, seeing perhaps a different side of my people." His gaze slid downward. "Our magic let us eventually learn to craft our own grimoire. It allowed us access to ancient magic. Magic as old as the elves that don't follow normal rules Clover preaches is the only way to use magic." His hand trailed upward, tracing his fingertips along the armlet for a quiet moment.
"Wraith is just another sub-sect of magic. The binding of a soul in our culture is the greatest sin one can perform, because all life is to be respected. The natural order must be upheld. Bodies and mana however, are perfectly fine. There is no soul left within them after one dies, and it is a sign of respect to turn our dead into something that can still defend out people." Wraith was one of the rare magics that was common within his clan, that and Beast Aura seemed to naturally develop within its members. Occasionally they'd even had users of the legendary world tree magic.
"This armlet is an incredibly special case. Wraith magic from a normal caster simple cannot control a soul." His hand lowered from the armlet, his gaze shifting forward toward the slowly gathering clouds above them. "To bind a soul required old magic. Magic older than any grimoire and their elements. This armband was made thousands of years ago." His fingertips caressed along its surface once before lowering back to his lap.
"The creator was more than just a 'wraith user'. He was beyond anything a modern mage was capable of. To mimic this band's magic requires magic beyond the norm... access to negative mana, blood rituals, spirit manipulation, and powerful rare magic as a basis." As he explained this, Satori shifted his gaze down toward the young woman with a bemused smile. "Normal Wraith users simply grasp the dregs of mana still in the body, and bind it to their grimoire. "If a soul is willing to stay though, that's different." His eyes again shifted toward the armband.
"They can leave whenever they wish. But can offer true sapience, instead of a mere echo of the sentience. Such is the trade off. I intend to willingly bind myself to the band once I die as well. Protecting my people is worth a few hundred years in limbo." The exchange of information seemed unintentional from their initial conversation. But, they had both learned a bit it would seem. Her information on Summoning magic was filed away, and her list of magic felt... incomplete. There was discord within her ki once more. Smiling briefly he would nod his head once in understanding before shifting his gaze back toward the sky.
"Mana certainly has its own will. It's part of nature itself, after all." Smiling lightly the large man shrugged his shoulders, "Nature in and of itself has a 'soul', with its own will, desires, and independence. It just isn't something very easily understood by a person. An animal finds it difficult to understand the will of a plant, after all. It's the same concept. But just because it's difficult doesn't mean it can't be done. It doesn't surprise me that some magic allows you to understand that natural will, even just a bit. Summoner magic sounds like it offers you that connection. Though, not so much to all of nature as a small part of it in the state of mana." Satori hummed at this thought for a moment, before closing his eyes and shrugging.
"I know a fair bit about quite a few rarer magics. Benefits of my clan keeping records of all rarer magic-users as well as my own habit of fighting and training so many new faces. Apparently, my knowledge on spirits is fairly abnormal as well, according to Ardere." But that was only to be expected. The spirits of his clan were something taught to every Ryuutei child in their texts.
"I suppose the magic I know the most of would be Beast Aura, Wraith, World Tree, Void, Spectral, Angelic and Decay. They are the elements I've interacted with the most and worked with the most. I know several others but not nearly as intimately." He felt the shift in her ki at the last word, and his eyes slid toward her curiously for a moment. But he wouldn't comment on it. Not unless she brought it up herself.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 25, 2021 14:51:24 GMT -5
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The woman placed a hand under her chin, contemplating more of what he was saying. For the time being, the brunette would ignore the fact the man was teasing her; she wouldn't have quite caught onto that if he hadn't said anything, however in truth. The man had a lot to say, but it wasn't as if she was much better. Even still, this was all information she would gladly absorb, just like a sponge. Especially the fact that this magic was as old as even elves? It was hard to fathom such a concept, but it was hard to argue when she had met Ko earlier.[break][break]
Verena had heard rumors that the Ryuutei made their own grimoires, and Bengal had presented this as fact. Given how much his magic seemed to be changing, however, it was hard to argue that it was a lie. Magic did not change like his was right now. Something was clearly off; this was not a normal happening and she could not explain based on what she knew about Clover's conventions and ideas of magic conventions. Even people being born with multiple elements like she was exceptionally rare, and did not have much of an explanation other than being lucky.[break][break]
"When you put it that way, saying no would come off as willfully ignorant," she admitted before Bengal explained Wraith magic and its meaning in the Ryuutei culture.[break][break]
So that was where the Ryuutei came from, huh. It was effectively their civic duty to protect their brethren after their soul had left their body. And indeed, that only made sense. Upon death, a body was just that--a body. Logically, it only made sense. Spiritually, it still allowed them to be useful to their loved ones and future generations. It was hard to argue with that sort of logic. And yet...[break][break]
"...I know that this is the Ryuutei's way of doing things. Your way of doing things," she admitted. "...And yet, I admit I still feel it's wrong. I'm not criticizing the Ryuutei, but... the body is just as sacred. It was the vessel for the soul and should be left intact. It's one thing if there are just a few people doing it, but... I hope something like the Ryuutei's methods don't become the norm. Even still... I'll admit I can't come up with very good reasons to explain this feeling..."[break][break]
Verena let out an exasperated sigh. It was frustrating when she couldn't explain her own feelings on something that she did feel strongly about. It was a result of her own upbringing though; of course, she would feel this way. It was very difficult for someone to change what they felt was right or appropriate when their entire life, they had been exposed to just one way of doing things. Even still, she knew in her heart that even if she was exposed to more and more of Ryuutei culture, she just would struggle at accepting it.[break][break]
Verena had encountered only one book in her life that talked about ancient magic, but she was still in the Noble Realm at the time, and thus much younger. Most of what she read had simply gone over her still young head at the time, and trying to recall such information was lost on her. She listened with great enthusiasm as the man began to explain the armlet before a wave of hypocrisy began to wash over her.[break][break]
Ah... that was right. She wasn't any better than the very same magic that she loathed, recalling the conversation with Suna. She frowned for just a second, remembering her own dream, before focusing back as Bengal began discussing mana and it's connection to nature. She remembered reading a book discussing the 'will of the Planet', and 'cosmic forces' such as the concept of karma. Such concepts admittedly did go over her head even now, however. That sort of abstract thinking was a little difficult for the heiress; after all, Verena thought very much in a black and white manner, with a few exceptions every now and then.[break][break]
Still, she was glad that the man understood just what she was talking about. He was wise; much wiser than she. The White Tiger was as much a scholar as he was a warrior. She had noted this previously, but here and now it was really on full display. She was happy to have such a discussion with someone who was even more intelligent than she was. The brunette only hoped that he was willing to deal with her own lack of wisdom, despite doing her best to keep up with him.[break][break]
Verena didn't have much to really say about the spirits. She had only met one spirit, and that was the now Vice-Captain of the Golden Dawn's Elemental Spirit of Sap. She did need to visit him at some point. She was musing about this as Bengal mentioned the various rare magics he had encountered so far, but her concentration abruptly finished when he said one word.[break][break]
Decay.[break][break]
For Bengal, who could read ki, Verena's ki had fluctuated greatly over the course of their time. But not once had her general demeanor shifted such an incredible deal. Beads of sweat poured down her forehead as she clenched her hand, trying her best to keep her stoic expression about her. It was as if every part of her body was screaming, her ki was crying out. Gripping her forearm, Verena offered the man a sweet smile, but she knew she wouldn't be able to hide this.[break][break]
Even still, she would not talk about this.[break][break]
Even now, as that one magic type caused her mind to actively relive the moments of that agonizing hell that Renfir had put her through, she tried her best to maintain a poker face, as though everything was okay. Even now, she tried to shove it to the back of her mind. She was trying her very best as her father's mental image was practically suffocating her. She wanted to leave. She wanted to leave. She had to get away. Anywhere was better than here right now. She could not escape her father's grip on her but if she could just leave any reminder of him behind, as best as she could, then...[break][break]
"...Perhaps we should talk about what you'd ask me to do when Krampus shows up?" she asked, hoping to get the first question in.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 25, 2021 15:23:17 GMT -5
Satori smiled slightly as she listened so dutifully. As he'd assumed, the woman was anything but ignorant. She was willing to learn, even when views didn't agree with her own. When she finally spoke, explaining that it still felt wrong to her he smiled brightly.
"Of course it feels wrong to you, Verena. You've spent your entire life in a culture that hammered completely different ideals into your brain from near-birth." He idly lifted up a hand and caused the mana to swirl around his fingertips, flowing like water as if he were playing with it.
"We would never force our views on another. All life is given its own freedom," he mused, "But understanding? That is important. More than anything else in life. One does not need to agree with another's views, but to understand them is how you acquire a middle ground and mutual respect. Ignorance births fear, and from fear comes blood-soaked earth." Satori smiled at her as the mana flickered, dispersing from his grip and resting his hands back on his thighs.
"You can understand our views, you can comprehend why we do what we do. That makes you far wiser than most, Verena," he mused simply as he looked into her eyes. Smiling slightly before shifting his gaze toward the clouds that had begun to swirl more intensely, but no mana stirred in the air. Not yet.
But, what did stir was Verena's ki, and Satori calmly ignored it. Instead, he clapped his hands, suddenly jolting the young woman midway through her words.
"I think you are incredibly brave, and incredibly wise, Verena. You have phenomenal potential to grow. I'd like to take you to my clan's home as a guest at some point." He smiled, completely changing the subject without her even needing to do such. As well as purposely trying to jolt her brain away from whatever thoughts had attacked her from her memories.
"When Krampus comes, I intend to kill him on sight," Satori's words were simple and calm.
"He utilizes a powerful, permanent shield of mana that will nullify your magic completely, unfortunately. You're here because I want you to see, and I want you to learn." With this, Satori would shift his gaze toward the center of the town square.
"When you come to the clan compound, we'll have you learn from a few of us," he smiled slightly, resting his chin in his palm lightly.
"June, Eve, Hania and Rivi, even Aust would likely all be happy to teach you if I encourage them a bit. My sisters and mothers, as well." He chuckled softly, sticking to this new subject instead.
"Though, Eve is only of the lightning element I suppose," Satori mused, rubbing his chin in thought. "Since she's bound to one of my clan's guardian spirits she won't evolve her affinity either. Hania as well since he bonded to one as well. But, at least his will be of ice element." Satori chuckled softly, shifting his gaze upward in thought for a moment as he contemplates the various elements his family could offer this young woman that held such potential.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 26, 2021 11:06:41 GMT -5
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Verena did not really enjoy speaking her own views on matters when she felt that the best possible outcome was an agree-to-disagree. And in truth, this time it was on her who felt that way. She could not completely agree with the Ryuutei's method of doing things, even if she could see the logic in doing what they did.[break][break]
It bothered her, even if just a bit. Not knowing how to explain why she couldn't agree with something. She disliked the notion of just blaming it on something such as birth, but she couldn't think of any other reason why she would particularly disagree with it so strongly. Anything she could think of to argue against it was met with an immediate counter-argument in her head; if it was a debate, Bengal had already won before it even happened.[break][break]
All the same, she was glad for his own understanding, something that the White Tiger was praising her for. She didn't think it anything special; it was just... kind of inevitable, that it would play out that way. For someone who knew both the noble realm and common realm, who had seen the worst of Nobility and the best in Commoners, she found it difficult to imagine anyone in her position not coming to the same views that she had.[break][break]
Still, it would have been rude not to acknowledge his praise, and so she offered a simple thank you. However, Verena struggled to regain her focus after being shaken so thoroughly with just the name of that magic. She heard him speak, but she couldn't hear him over the sound of her fingers tapping on the table almost excessively.[break][break]
She had only momentarily loosened her grip on her hand, and as soon as she eased up on it she found herself shaking a bit. Incredibly brave? She thought that Bengal said that. If that was the case, why was she living in fear of a man who could no longer hurt her? Why had she run away from her responsibility, leaving House Reinsberg in complete disarray? Why, even five years later, almost six, did she panic from just hearing the same magic that her father used?[break][break]
Verena was not brave. She was a coward. She could not escape that past. She tried her best to look toward the future, but she knew that there was no escape from Renfir. It made her wonder who was truly imprisoned. She might have as well as shared a cell with him at this point with how much it affected her.[break][break]
Her focus was drastically affected; she struggled to really pay attention when the Bengal had mentioned the 'strategy' that would be used, but in the grand scheme of things it didn't matter. She had managed to pick up on the fact she wasn't needed in this fight; only that he wanted her to learn. But in her current state, trying to think of what it was he wanted to learn was a little difficult. How he fought? Oh, right. That was probably what it was; after all, the two were just talking about magic to begin with, after all. He was going to teach her magic. It only made sense to give her a more proper demonstration where she could focus on that solely.[break][break]
The issue was right now she just couldn't. She was having a very difficult time trying to focus on what the White Tiger was saying. Even as he listed a bunch of names and something about a compound, Verena found herself completely stuck in that lull, struggling to come back to her sens-[break][break]
Did she hear the name 'June'?[break][break]
Why did that sound familiar? Wait, that was it! If she could focus on why that sounded familiar, it might distract herself long enough from those memories and thoughts. It was a name she often heard around the name White Tiger. Now, why would that be the case? He was a very active and social person, so trying to figure out one name versus many might have been a little difficult. Then again, if it was a name that she recalled, it was because they were around Bengal quite a bit, surely.[break][break]
If that was the case, then... missions? No, that was unlikely. Bengal might have done tons of missions, but it was his dungeon runs that really made him stand out compared to other mages of the Kingdom. It would be easier to focus on that aspect. June... Bengal. Ah, right. If she recalled, Bengal had a fiancé. Wasn't June the name of said fiancé? But that also meant they were not married yet. And Verena was also sure she knew the name beyond just being 'his fiancé'.[break][break]
June... Bengal. Right. June Silva. That was her name. She was one of the higher ranking Silver Eagles within the Magic Knights, as well as one born into the distinguished Silva family. Admittedly, while the brunette did not take too kindly to the Silva due to her past experiences growing up, it was still a far more welcome thought than thinking of Renfir. But it would also be best to try to get her head out of the past and focus instead on the present.[break][break]
"...Thank you. And uhm... I must apologize," Verena admitted with a heavy sigh. "I dislike asking others to repeat themselves, but I'm afraid I missed the last bit of what you said... I got a little lost in thought..."
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 26, 2021 12:32:56 GMT -5
During his entire speech, Satori kept a keen focus on her ki. Feeling its ripples and uncertainties until she found something to grasp onto, clinging to it and getting her brain moving again. Whatever had been done to her with decay was something that had ingrained itself so thoroughly in her psyche that it nearly broke her just mentioning it. Satori's gaze shifted forward and he continued talking, offering her options to target and focus on instead patiently.
When she finally came out of her stupor and commented on her lack of focus, Satori simply grinned and tilted his head to the side. She was a curious one. Timid, naive, a bit broken. But there was real potential in those eyes that looked up at him.
"I said that you should come to the Ryuutei Compound and learn. Stay away from the butcher shops, just in case. But beyond that you'll enjoy yourself, especially during the festival." As he explained this Satori lifted a hand up and caused his mana to flow between his fingers slowly once more. Swirling it into the shape of a lions head in his palm, eyes soft.
"It's a Blood Festival, the celebration of life amoung my people. You'll learn alot. More than most Clovians." His gaze slid back down toward her, lip twitching upward slightly. "You'll have access to many more grimoire elements, as well. It'll help your progress quite a bit." He idly lifted a finger up, tapping it against his fingers a few moments in debate.
"Diamond from my third mother Hanako, Pure Aura from Kiba, Shadow from Saiken, or World Tree from my first mother Raika," Satori idly tapped his fingertip against his thumb in thought. Debating the options quietly for a few moments. "June is water, Eve is lightning, Hania is ice..." Rubbing his chin in thought, Satori would shrug his shoulders and smile down toward her. "There are others, too. But that seems like a decent place to start to expand your arsenal no?" As he inquired this, Satori would lean back a bit as he felt the ki beginning to stir in the air. Glancing up and squinting slightly in annoyance.
"Ah, here he comes it would seem," Satori mused, slowly hauling himself up and dusting off his hands. His electricity wasn't working well, and she needed an example, so...
The grimoire at his hip launched upward from its holster. Pages flipping rapidly at his side as his mana swirled around his hands and suddenly formed into large, bear-like paws that hovered around his hands up to his elbows. His hand sliding up to his back and flipping out a long pole of shining bone. Flicking his wrist and causing it to suddenly click into a massive polearm as the massive black clouds continued to slowly swirl above their head.
The bag of leather over its head was removed, revealing a long, thin spear head crafted from polished bone. The relic shown with the light, the runes engraved into its surface clearly completely different from the normal magic items. Spinning it twice as he pointed its head toward the funnel cloud that was slowly forming.
"I hope I did you proud, father," he mused glancing down at the spear crafted from his fathers bones and spinal column. "I made it to the best of my current blood arts." As he murmured this the spear began to hum as wisps of beast aura magic began to rapidly swirl around the spear. Flowing aura in the shape of snake heads hissing and swirling around him before binding their way up his spear. Opening their mouths forming dozens of fangs that appeared around the bone tip. Crackles of electricity as a bright golden light shown from the runes carved into the bone.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 26, 2021 15:24:58 GMT -5
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It always bothered her, knowing that something so simple could affect her so much. Magic was magic, she knew that. There was no truly evil magic; there were just evil people. But she could not separate decay magic from the user; it was evil, and therefore any user of it was evil. She didn't like viewing things in such a black and white manner, but ... how could she not after what her own father did to her?[break][break]
At least she had gotten over those thoughts, finally coming to her senses. Verena was grateful to the man, repeating himself without ever asking what was going on. Her usual attentiveness was back on point, as though she was just trying to pretend the last minute or so had not happened and instead was just playing it off as she normally would, keeping her expression in her usual doll-like manner. Was it wrong? Maybe. A little disingenuous of her? Probably. But she would rather just pretend that things were fine, so nobody asked.[break][break]
Ordinarily, she would have declined the man's offer just on principle of their being a festival; when she thought of festivals, she thought of nobles. But though Satori was noble, it was in title only. Everything about his own culture was in stark contrast to the culture she was raised in; there was no reason to believe she'd have to deal with the stuffy and downright suffocating at times nature that was the noble realm's own idea of a 'festival', especially at the ball.[break][break]
Bengal began listing all the different types of magic that would be around for her to try to learn, and naturally, Verena got excited. It was as though she was a starving woman presented to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Her doll-like expression quickly shifted to match this excitement that was visible, her eyes practically shimmering like stars as she began thinking of all this. Water magic was something she especially was eager to learn, and after this encounter with Frost, she'd love to make an Ice golem as well.[break][break]
She planned on learning Bengal's own Lightning element, but if it took too long, she could probably learn this Eve's Lightning Element. June probably wouldn't be willing to teach her without Bengal pressuring her into it, however, but even still she'd hold hope for it. Diamond would be an excellent addition as well; her own carbon element was similar, so it shouldn't be too hard to figure out how to learn it. Shadow, however, was an element she had already decided who would be her mentor.[break][break]
Vaile Blake, the man currently locked up. She had already told Zaven she planned on representing him at his hearing, whenever that might be in exchange for his support. The exact details hadn't been worked out quite yet, but the hearing did not have a date set either. The woman admittedly felt bad for him, and according to the closest thing to a friend the man had that she knew, she reminded him quite a bit of his own late sister. She hoped that she could cheer him up.[break][break]
World Tree, however, was not a magic she was especially familiar with. Verena did remember hearing about it in passing, but she couldn't remember anything about it; even the name only sounded vaguely familiar. Wasn't that the type of magic that existed only in fairy tales? She was pretty sure of that. Yet Bengal's first mother possessed it?[break][break]
...wait, first? Third?[break][break]
"Mm... getting ahold of me isn't exactly easy," she admitted. "It's not as if you can mail a letter to me; I have no home right now. Is there a date when this Festival begins? I'll be sure to make it on time if I have a date to be there by. There are some places I need to visit before the official happenings of the Yule Festival, but if you know when it'll begin, that'd make it a lot easier. Otherwise, I frequently visit towns in the common realm; Hasphass especially-"[break][break]
There was a sudden chill in the air that caused her to stop what she was saying. Bengal pointed it out, and he immediately armed himself. Confirming her suspicion, Bengal said that he was here.[break][break]
The spear that Bengal revealed was like nothing she had ever seen before; then again, it wasn't as if the brunette was familiar with weapons or items to begin with. It was clear this wasn't just any ordinary weapon. The monster of a man beside her acknowledged it as something made with Blood Arts. But ... she couldn't help but frown.[break][break]
Even outward savages like the Ryuutei had positive relationships with their parents, huh. She knew based on her experience with Bengal so far they weren't savages, but there was no denying that the man and the society he embodied had a certain animalistic trait to them that could very easily earn them such a reputation. And yet, that same society allowed for children to review their parents with respect. She wondered what that felt like--it was a feeling she would probably never be able to feel.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Jan 26, 2021 15:43:18 GMT -5
"In a few days. But," as the clouds began to swirl and form, the scent of coal became heavy on the air as Satori grinned wide. Lifting the spear up and aiming it toward the epicenter as the dark coal began to compress and condense.
"I'll just say let's set a meeting place. You'll want a guide anyway, its a big city," with these simple words, Satori's grip on the spear tightened as his lips parted.
"Hebi," the word seemed to trigger the spear as the snakes suddenly redoubled in size. Satori's mana swelling as his heels dug into the earth, without even bothering to activate a single spell aside the relics ability. The burst of snakes swirling around him grew as he watched Krampus form. Standing in front of Verena as the air grew colder, the scent of coal and miasma heavy on the air. Grey and black snow beginning to fall from the sky as the cracking of coal filled the air.
A twisted skeleton of coal and ice clawing at the ground. Ripping free of the clouds as the smog swirled, manifesting into pale blue flesh. A rotund stomach, long beard, near-bestial features, and wild eyes as black as pitch. A roar passing Krampus' jaws as his eyes settled on Satori. A massive thick barrier of black snow and coal flying around him. Thick, dense, stronger than anything most knights were capable of. Then the man was gone. Flickering forward as the spear burst with snakes, launching forward as Satori slammed himself full-force into Krampus.
Shattering the shield in an instant as the sheer difference in power obliterated the defense creation magic. Sending wind, snow, and coal flying in all directions as Krampus stood clenching the bone spear that had impaled him through the chest outright. Eyes wide in shock as he stumbled slightly, only to be brutally yanked forward. Satori ripping the spear forward and spinning it once. A single crack of the spear snapping the madman's neck, breaking his jaw as the snakes impaled him through the skull. Crumpling like a sack of frozen potatoes as Satori straightened slowly. Releasing a slow breath that turned to hot steam on the air.
"Considering how unattuned to it I am for now," Satori mused, glancing down at the relic for a moment before smiling slightly. "I guess I did alright, huh old man?" As he murmured this his eyes closed. Releasing a slow breath before straightening and turning, moving toward Verena once more. Carefully covering the spear's head once more with the leather bag and tilting his head to the side.
"The spear is crafted from my father and is imbued with a part of his mana and magic. His beast aura is how I acquired my own." LIfting the spear up and glancing down at it he closed his eyes before letting it rest atop his shoulder. "Did you see the flow of mana from the snakes well enough?"
Name of the Ability: Snake's Invidia Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 turns ¦ 2 overheating Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Physical reinforcement Mana Cost: 4 ¦ 2 Range & Speed: 10m ¦ 10 m/s Stats Affected: +15 m/s speed Description: The snake is often associated with envy and the need to have what others have. In the natural world the strongest, fastest and most cunning survive taking the spoils of their victory. Some snakes do this by using venom while others are unable to so use sheer power to crush their enemies. The wielder of this spear gains not only a +5 (15 with Full Blitz Perk) buff to their speed but also gains a strength buff of 25% junior rank to help them defeat their opponents. They gain these benefits so longs they remain within 10m of the spear.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Jan 27, 2021 10:18:24 GMT -5
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Verena couldn't help but bring her fingers to her nose, pinching it. She might have lived amongst commoners for the past few years now, but she was still one brought up in the Noble Realm; her sense of smell and taste were just as delicate as she was. Putrid was the only way she could think of describing this scent. At least Bengal was more than willing to fight this; if she absolutely had to, she would do whatever it was he asked of her, but if she could avoid it right now, she absolutely would.[break][break]
"A meeting place sounds good. I can postpone my travels. Let's talk about the details after you end Krampus," Verena said, wincing slightly from the smell alone.[break][break]
Verena might be able to make it to Aries Garse from Nairn two, maybe three days, but then she would immediately have to leave and even then there would be no way to know for sure if she would be able to make it back to this Blood Festival in time or not. It was just better to postpone those travels, as they were not too important anyway. A small price to pay, after all.[break][break]
Of course, she had paid especially close attention when Bengal had said 'Hebi'. Her brain was still processing the way the mana formed. In truth, it was far more difficult to observe the usage of mana when was done through an item than from a person's own mana, but she was trying her best. It wasn't impossible, it just wasn't something she was used to. But ... the more she looked at this mana, the more she realized something.[break][break]
Beast Aura did not like being used in constructs of any kind. It wasn't that it couldn't; the mana just did not like working together. She couldn't think of how else to describe it. It was as each bit of mana was adamant in being a 'lone wolf'. It was almost cute, if not a little tragic. But it was looking more and more likely that this wasn't mana that she would be able to use Beast Aura for a golem. How sad.[break][break]
The woman watched with slight horror upon the sight of Krampus. This was certainly no man; this was just a monster and nothing less. It looked right to be something right out of fiction with how dreadful this appearance was. That icy skin that made him look more akin to a corpse than his bones made of coal and ice ever could. If it wasn't for the situation at hand, the brunette would probably be wondering how a dead man could possess such an overweight form, but that wasn't for her to worry about in this instant.[break][break]
It seemed as soon as this Krampus had erected his barrier he was dead, impaled with Bengal's own power. He was absolutely a monster in his own right, and the woman was truly glad that he was ...well, perhaps to call him a 'genuinely good person' might be a stretch, but it was not wrong to call him a man of reason. So far, his actions with her had indicated him to be a 'good person', but she did not want to attach 'genuinely' to that due to their own short time together. The last thing she wanted was her own expectations betrayed.[break][break]
She noticed Bengal's lips move, but he was too far away for her to hear him. It must have been something to do with this spear; he did mention something about his father when he pulled it out, though what it was exactly could have been quite literally anything. For all she knew, it could have been made from his fa-[break][break]
"The spear is crafted from my father and is imbued with a part of his mana and magic."[break][break]
Yup.[break][break]
Bengal asked if she had managed to observe the mana in action, to which she nodded. "...It was a bit difficult, since I've never had to observe mana being released from an item," she admitted. "But I don't think it's an element I can learn. I'm not one hundred percent sure on that yet though..."[break][break]
Still, with Krampus defeated, surely everything must have been returned to normal. So that begged the question of where did the two go from here? It would have been best if Verena began preparing to head for this 'Blood Festival' sooner than later. "Is it going to be in the Ryuutei's land?" she asked.[break][break]
Of course she had heard about the Ryuutei's land; she traveled far too much between the Common and Forsaken Realm. It was the talk of all of the regions. She was certain that the Noble Realm had heard of it too, but there would be less reason to openly talk about it there.