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.
[attr="class","shadowsHead"]Where did they come from? [Int]
After the attacks stopped for some time reports came of a bigger attack from similar creatures, seems they came further out of wherever they are hiding. The knights have been asked to help stop the creatures before the city is overwhelmed.
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Maximum Number of Players: 4
[break]Minimum Word Count: 2,000
[break]Location: Sosshi
[break]Special Requirements: Players must kill minotaurs.
[break]Combat Style: More cooperative than their younger counterparts, they also are more trained and can rival any decent fighter. Wields an axe and small round shield.
[break]Additional Information: Power - 60 Durability - 60 Sensory - 10 Stamina - 20 Control - 0
[attr=class,cyrustext]Cyrus looked out over the open fields around the town of Sosshi, once he had arrived at a familiar gate out of the settlement. This was the second time in a relatively short period that he had been to this place, and for basically the same reason as well; minotaurs. Specifically, groups of the creatures had been being sited in the area for some time now, and had take to ambushing traveling merchants.Why, precisely, they did not know as of yet. For a time, the efforts of him, Zaven, and their junior Cinna had been sufficient to stave off attacks. But it seemed the beasts had found their footing once again.
Even more concerning, though, was that according to the reports that had been sent to the Golden Dawn headquarters, the ones attacking more recently had been significantly larger than those that they had dealt with once before. Had the resources they managed to steal already been enough to nourish the youngest of the pack? Were these older minotaurs that only saw fit to attack now? There were too many questions, and not nearly enough answers.
For now, though, it would be best for them to deal with the problem in front of them; the most recent attacks. "So they came out of the tall grass before, right?" Hama asked both him and Zaven as they walked down the road; for the thrill-seeking spirit, the rather simple mission they had taken before had been something of a blur, so she could hardly even remember it. Cyrus nodded, confirming that she was correct. "Right. It had seemed like they were taking advantage of the terrain to ambush carriages and parties traveling on the road."
He looked back at the Captain, wondering how they should proceed. Cinna had not accompanied them on this outing, so it was just them and their spirits investigating for today. "What do you think we should do, Zaven? Maybe head deeper into the woods to see if we can find some clues about where the minotaurs are attacking from? I haven't seen any evidence of their attacks along the roadside yet."
Cyrus lightly drummed at the spine of his grimoire as he awaited a response, tenderly reaching out into the wilds with his Ki senses to see if anything suspicious seemed to be going on. He was still a novice at the use of this particular ability, but wanted to get in some form of practice whenever it was possible. It was certainly better than going into things completely blind, as he had several times after losing what little Sensory capabilities he once had.
[attr="class,cyrusstats]Stats & Information
WC: 0437 | TWC: 0437/1500
[attr="class,cyrusstats]
Mana Skin
24/24
Health
16/16
Mana
435/435
Movement Speed
05
Damage Taken
00
Healing Recieved
00
Mana Used
00
Mana Regen
00
[attr="class,cyrusstats] Combat Notes N/A
Items On Hand Magic Knight's Mantle Strength of a Nation Scorpion's Eclipse
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Zaven had laid down in the tall grass, the field was relaxing enough and with the thoughts on his mind drifting towards an idea which was finally starting to become reality he heard Cyrus speak to him, of course before then it was more of an open conversation between the Vice Captain and his spirit, however Hraban and Zaven were just feeling it all out as he thought on the question asked of him...how to find their prey. ”If these are the stronger forces of whatever god forsaken band of monsters that dwell here...they are smarter to have lived this long and continue to ambush the people at will. Likely they are going to be using their own tribal camouflage...a way to block mana and/or ki from leaking out so they can rest or divvy out the spoils of conquest. It is what I would do if I was ambushing targets, remember...these creatures are not civilized by our means...they have their own cultures, and beliefs, but yet listen to no reason and do as they please for sake of either enjoyment, raising their numbers, or for necessity.” Zaven started with an analytical point of view before finally sitting up and stretching in the warm afternoon sun. ”Likely we are going to have to create a loud enough noise to draw them out...or we set up a decoy to lure them in, but the likelihood of the second plan succeeding goes down at least twenty five percent due to the smell and aura we carry…” Zaven said as he stood up and watched as Hraban took to the air and landed on Zaven’s shoulder. [break][break]
Zaven looked out on the horizon, he recalled the places where they had been fighting during the previous excursions out to Sosshi and he even remembered the talk he had with Malcolm about what was going on around his base...the man said he would take care of it, yet here he was...doing the damned Black Bulls lightwork. ”Is there anyway we can find a local hunter to set up a delivery of game to a Golden Dawn safe house that leads through this area...use the meat to mask our scent and perhaps we will need to drink to dull our own senses so we do not come off as frightening as we travel behind the delivery?” Zaven was being creative, a simple plan to draw the attention and make enough racket to force the hands of the beasts...use Cyrus to hunt the others as the attack happens...
[attr=class,cyrustext]Zaven's answer to his question came, the Captain of the Golden Dawn musing about the potential approaches he might take if he were in the minotaurs' current situation. The mention of their differing cultures and thought processes was worth remembering; no doubt these creatures would not have the same approach to an ambush as common human bandits or cutthroats.
The shadow wizard then proposed a couple of possible solutions for their problem of locating the minotaurs. A noisy attention grabber, or setting up some sort of bait to lure them in. At these suggestions the young man scratched at his jaw thoughtfully. "Yes... I believe our scents in particular may pose a problem. Should they have the memories for it, there exists the possibility that they may recognize how we smell after our last altercation with the younger members of the pack. I have no doubt that they would have investigated the area to see why their juniors didn't return."
He then looked out to the trees, Hama following his gaze. "Decoy would probably be kinda risky, wouldn't it? Even aside from the precentage thing you mentioned, these things probably have a pretty good lay of the land, I'll bet. They could maybe scope us out from some sort of angle we don't consider." The spirit pointed out, showcasing that she was paying attention despite how uninterested she was in the whole debacle. Her words were met with a nod from her friend, conceding her point. "True. And even if they aren't strong enough to take us out via ambush, there still remains the possibility that they could decide not to attack if they realize that something's up."
Zaven's suggestion of finding a local hunter to assist him got the sap wizard thinking. "I think that may be our best bet." He agreed with the Captain, thinking how best he could contribute to the plan. And at this consideration, he smiled. "Perhaps we could have some golems waiting far out of sight, in the sky? Far enough that the minotaurs couldn't detect them, but close enough to reach us quickly when the time comes to strike?"
Hama grinned at this, liking the idea of ambushing the ambushers. "Know about any of those Golden Dawn safe houses nearby, Boss?" She asked the head of the Blake family. Given that it was his idea in the first place, she figured he would be the best person to ask how to go about setting their trap up.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Listening to his Vice Captain he noted that the additions to the plan were probably the best way to go in this case. The mission was dependent on the pair knowing how to take care of a precarious situation. Zaven did laugh when he was asked if the Golden Dawn Captain knew of a safehouse nearby, a final smirk would signal that Zaven knew damn well that there was no such thing as a safe house for the Golden Dawn near the Black Bulls base. ”Of course, we are going to have a feast with the Bulls, why not have the meat delivered there instead...I am sure that cranky bastard would not mind some free food if it was offered to him anyway.” Zaven said as he turned back towards the village, Hraban on the captain’s shoulder, just examining the area. [break][break]
Zaven would wait for Cyrus to join up with him as he walked with his hands in his pocket, almost as if trying to look more like a delinquent than what he actually was. It would be probably MUCH more believable had he NOT been a captain of a certain magic knight squad. Once back into the village he would find a local butcher who served as a wealth of knowledge for the captain and helped him put an order together and told him a hunter would be with them within the next couple of days. Zaven would see this as a sign and he would go and order them a couple of rooms as he sighed while at the bar later that evening. ”Looks like we are going to be stuck here for a few days, might as well be comfortable right?” Zaven said as he ordered a cup of coffee, and a local sandwich meal that was apparently a delicacy around the area.
[attr=class,cyrustext]Zaven had an answer for their questions, explaining that they would be enlisting the help of the Black Bulls since they were the squad who most operated in this area. He followed the Captain as they made their way back to the city. There the shadow wizard met with a local butcher who informed the pair that it would likely be a few days before they had a hunter to assist with their plan. With this in mind the Captain booked the pair some rooms at a local inn, musing that they might as well spend their time in the area comfortably.
"Sounds good to me!" Hama said as she took a bite of the fish dinner that Cyrus had ordered, the young man having cut off a portion for his little friend to enjoy and pouring her some wine; she had used her sap magic to create a tiny amber wine glass that she dunked into her partner's cup whenever she needed refilling.
Cyrus nodded in agreement, taking a bite of his own piece of food as he read up on some notes he had taken. While Zaven had been inquiring about a hunter, the Vice Captain had asked some of the natives about conditions outside the city lately so they could make sure they had the perfect spot picked out. "It'll give us a chance to get a better lay of the land, too. I'll head out in the morning to scout around for evidence of minotaur activity."
The day had come. Just as the butcher had said, a hunter returned but a few days after they devised their plan for the mission. It had thankfully been rather uneventful, with no more attacks during the time of their stay. Ideally, that would work in their favor; the longer their quarry went without fresh food, the more likely they would be to fall for their trap.
The young sap wizard glanced over at his squad's leader; he was now dressed more casually, so as to keep their cover a bit more secure. And far above him, out of sight from such a great distance, was a trio of his Cider golems, waiting for their master's unspoken order to strike when the time was right.
Cyrus looked over at Zaven, taking a drink of water from a canteen he had purchased. "Ready?" He asked, looking out into the wilderness. Hama had tucked herself away in his grimoire, which was stowed in a leather satchel at his side.
Name of Spell: Cider Spell Element: Sap Spell Rank: Senior Mana Cost: 30 | 15 Type of Golem: Predator Applicable Perks: Puppet Master, Armament, Reinforced Golems Description:
Inspired by the curious pumpkin creatures he encountered whilst assisting in the defense of Kikka, Cyrus concocted a creature that seems as though it were ripped straight out of a Halloween story. Superficially the Cider golem almost resembles a sort of living flame, though still made of sap and amber. The eyes and mouth of this particular beast seem to emit an eerie orange glow as a sign of the powerful mana used to condense their shape. While not overly imposing compared to many other golems, the Cider is not to be underestimated. It is capable of reaching a size of up to 6 meters tall, and can be summoned smaller for tighter spaces. They can travel through the air at a pace of 27 meters per second, or 20 meters per second when carrying passengers. To attack, these living comets fly directly into their opponent and their fortifications, smashing into them with their surprisingly durable and powerful bodies for Senior ranked blunt damage. Their amber maws are not just for show either, and can be used to bite down on foes should the need arise. These golems form the backbone of Cyrus' offensive arsenal and are capable of carrying up to three passengers. Up to 3 can be summoned at once.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] The two days spent were easy enough, all he had to do was find a new set of clothing, and look the part. Minotaur were apparently easy enough to fool as the reports from the butcher said that they would only go after the ones that appeared to be weaker. Zaven found a simple olive tunic, tanned trousers, boots and a harness for his grimoire and axe. After a quick breakfast and his usual training, the ever vigilant Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn, Cyrus made it known that it was time to head out. Zaven gave Hraban a pat before the little spirit hopped up on the Shadow of Dawn’s shoulder as the axe and grimoire were placed in their respectable places of safe keeping. With a simple stretch the joints and muscles of the captain loosened up and he pulled a haggard looking cloak over his body to mask his appearance further before venturing out with his trusted teammate. [break][break]
Leading the small group through the forest area, Zaven had let his sensory abilities reach out so that he could feel out if they were being followed or in case of an ambush. However, as they neared the Black Bull base, he still did not feel that anything was off...which while it was concerning, he knew that there was an explanation, they were not using mana... About four miles away from the Black Bulls base Zaven heard a twig snap under a heavy step and he stopped and reached his right hand out to signal them to stop. ”They are here. Prepare yourselves.” Zaven said with proper concern in his voice as he pulled the axe from its holding place across his back and watched as six minotaur stepped out of the treeline and all seemed to brandish very different motley mixes of weapons and armors that were in general disarray. ”And here I thought that my blade would not get a chance to taste blood today.” Zaven said in a cold tone as one of the minotaur roared out and charged the Shadow of dawn, signalling the start of the minotaur raid. [break][break]
With a crash the two met in a ferocious struggle as Zaven’s single shoulder tackle was met with a shield and as the minotaur went to hack down at the captain, Zaven rolled off of the shield and then swung the axe with a simple backhanded swing. The shield was quickly smashed to pieces and then Zaven brought the axe back and then brought it down, landing a blow and causing the minotaur to crumple down as the axe blow simply cleaved the skull of the minotaur. Zaven left the weapon embedded in the skull of the creature before grabbing its weapon and throwing it like a tomahawk at the nearest enemy as they closed in on them.
[attr=class,cyrustext]Cyrus and Zaven had walked for several miles after first heading out, the Captain concealing his form with a ragged cloak while Cyrus walked with an affected limp, stumbling about occasionally as though he had an injured leg. The butcher had been helpful enough to inform the two Magic Knights that the minotaur were at their most confident when preying upon the weak and helpless, like so many other monsters that roamed the land.
Zaven's words met his ears shortly after the stick snapped, and Cyrus gave the slightest of nods in acknowledgement as he knelt down as if to rest his pained limb. Six of the beasts emerged from the brush, looking significantly more prepared than the younger creatures they had encountered on their previous mission and carrying a colorful variety of weapons and armor.
The Shadow of the Dawn wasted no time in getting to work, casting off his disguise as he charged into the fray with his ax at the ready. Cyrus only watched for long enough to check which of the beasts had turned their attention to the Blake family head, then turning his own to the three who remained. They had not wasted much time, one swinging a flanged mace over its head as they all bellowed fiercely, the other two carrying a trident and a greatsword respectively.
Cyrus rose to his feet and smiled slightly, snapping his fingers; the gesture was unnecessary, but neither was much effort for this little encounter.
Within moments an orange blow shot down from the sky like a meteor from space, the Cider smashing into the lead minotaur and practically imprinting its now dead body into the ground with the impact. To his surprise the ambush did little to deter the two remaining creatures, who continued their charge.
The two remaining Ciders descended, cutting off the approach of one of the monsters and flying around it, dodging the wild swings of its blade in an almost mocking manner.
While it was distracted Cyrus suddenly swung out his hand, causing the chain of his weapon, the Scorpion's Eclipse, to lash out in a wide arc. The minotaur skid to a stop, stabbing forward in between the swings of the chain in an effort to approach the Vice Captain but to no avail thanks to his superior range. Cyrus then turned as he swung, sweeping the minotaur's leg out from under it before stabbing it in the chest with the barbed end of the weapon.
He turned to see his golems still harassing the other minotaur, one having bitten down on the creature's weapon and refusing to let go, like a dog playing tug of war. And with the minotaur so distracted, Cyrus walked up behind it with his chain retracted. It could smell and hear him coming, and so swiftly turned to strike at the young man, only to find the stinger that had felled his comrade dragging across his chest as he spun. The beast roared in pain, but Cyrus simple drove the barb in further, putting it down for the count.
Hama emerged from the grimoire to observe her friend's handiwork, laughing a little bit at the aftermath. "You got kinda into that!" She noted, before turning to enjoy the show of their Captain's "fight".
[attr="class,cyrusstats]Stats & Information
WC: 0547 | TWC: 1816
[attr="class,cyrusstats]
Mana Skin
24/24
Health
16/16
Mana
400/400
Movement Speed
05
Damage Taken
00
Healing Recieved
00
Mana Used
15
Mana Regen
70
[attr="class,cyrusstats] Combat Notes Killed one minotaur with a Cider golem, dealt with the other two using the Scorpion's Eclipse weapon
Items On Hand Magic Knight's Mantle Strength of a Nation Scorpion's Eclipse
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Zaven was not a gentle man when it came to fights, not that one needed to be gentle when it came to matters of life and death, but the Shadow of Dawn relished combat...his being was founded upon, his upbringing was blood and gore. However, the man was rather bored of fights lately, as though nothing could satiate the hunger of one craving battle Zaven was looking for the next challenge and the Minotaur were indeed big and bulky...but they were the same as the others he had fought since the daemon he teamed with Ardere to destroy...weak. [break][break]
With boredom setting in, his duty to the kingdom actually slipped a little and he would make unnecessary challenges for himself every now and then, since he had stopped drinking and since the shadows he kept locked away for so long had finally been released though...he felt empty. When he picked up his axe from the head of the minotaur it was stuck in, he twisted it, which only caused it to further fracture the skull of the creature. Popping the joints in his shoulders he then charged forward and met with another foe, this one was ready with a pair of hand axes and moved to guard itself from the ferocious blow brought from the captain, but as it proved rather quickly...it was futile. Zaven broke the defense and cut right through the minotaur like a knife cut paper, while the last minotaur had turned to run away after seeing five of its compatriots dispatched in such a manner...it knew when to run away when a fight could not be won...it was a shame that the enemy of such a creature was the Shadow of Dawn. [break][break]
Going to the hunters cart he would pull a spear out and casually throw it, or so it would seem until the missile left the hand of the captain. The improvised weapon sped and spun like a bullet until it finally reached its mark. The minotaur’s shoulder was obliterated as it spun and fell down into the dirt after being hit. Zaven then turned to Cyrus, his Vice Captain and shrugged before ushering the sap mage to go finish off his light work. Hraban looked at Zaven as the minotaur blood covered its master’s face. [break][break]
[attr=class,cyrustext]As the two had no doubt expected, describing Zaven's dealings with the remaining minotaurs as a "fight" would be quite the exaggeration indeed. If Cyrus had been able to more or less swat the creatures aside in such a casual manner, his Captain's approach was more akin to huffing away a fly buzzing around his head.
Not for the first time, it occurred to Cyrus that Zaven seemed rather bored in combat. He knew from all of their training together just how much the shadow mage valued and longed for engaging combat, so it wasn't too surprising that he found this to be little more than a warm up, if even that. Once he had skewered the fleeing beast after its companions had been slain, Zaven urged Cyrus to get finished up while his spirit made note of the blood on his partner's face. Hama looked at him curiously as Cyrus observed the minotaur corpses, trying to decide what to do. "Just a little smidgen." She added to the crow spirit's observation, pointing at her own cheek.
A decision reached, Cyrus called out to his golems. "I want two of you to each carry three of the dead minotaurs;" He instructed his soldiers of sap, who immediately complied. "We'll take these bodies back to be studied; see if we can figure out where all their equipment came from and if there's any evidence towards why they've been growing bolder lately."
He then stepped up onto the third Cider, sitting down on it as he pulled out a notebook. "For now, we should get back to town and report our success. Hopefully things quiet down for a bit around here." He mused as he wrote down some preliminary notes even as his golem followed his orders and headed towards the town.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Listening to Cyrus speak about what to do next, his commanding of his golems was fluid and he came down from his earlier disappointment as the anger beating in his heart finally subsided. He wiped some of the blood from his body before finally going to the other bodies that they were not taking with them and he buried them in the ground, sticking their weapons in the grave with them. The process was unneeded but the way Zaven saw it...if he at least put the bodies away, he might be able to keep this area devoid of the scary features and rumors it now carries, plus there was another reason for this...maddening thing. It had to do with another person in his life that was so impactful on this type of thing that it quite literally left an impression on him. ”Thank you for coming out here to find out the issues with Sosshi since the Black Bulls are unable to patrol their own backyard. Also I hope you give the following some thought as we head back and make our reports. You should think about how you would like to take your career as a magic knight going forward. You would make a suitable replacement for me...as I have said before.” He said simply before walking back to the hunter’s cart, his axe slung across his back and Hraban hanging in the air lazily near his right ear. It was an easy trip back to Sosshi, the questions they had now were just simple why’s and how's...hopefully this would make future endeavors easier to endure.
