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.
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Post by Cyrus Elwood❂ on Apr 1, 2021 23:19:27 GMT -5
Name: Journeyman Archaeology [JR]
Description: Today are the try-outs for Ilhiana Vones’crew and Magic Knights from all squads are trying out! Go to the recruitment meeting in “Da Inn.” Stand out from the other wizards with your knowledge or your skill as a protector. Impress Vones once and for all!
Minimum Number of Players: 1
Minimum Word Count: 1500 per person
Location: The Royal Capital
NPC Information:
Ilhiana Vones, archeology aficionado, ex-model and previous member of the Coral Peacocks stands tall at 5’6 ft. and adorns a rustic white button up and a pair of leather shorts. She carries with herself a basic short sword and a magical whip that she’s always ready to use when danger comes. The brown-haired woman is currently in her early forties but looks about 30, perhaps because she’s a skilled illusionist and user of Solar Magic, or perhaps because she loves to exercise in her free time.
Vones has long brown hair and amber eyes. She enjoys educated conversation and strongly dislikes people who fake their interest in archeology. The Magic Knights will see her tossing “fakers” outside of “Da Inn”.
Enemies: N/A
Special Conditions: Converse with Vones and impress her.
[attr=class,cyrustext]Today was the day; the day that Cyrus and countless other hopeful lovers of history and exploration were to gather in the Royal Capital and prove to the great Ilihana Vones' quickly approaching archaeological expedition. He was making his way to the meeting point where all applicants had been instructed to meet with the famed woman herself; a place simply known as "Da Inn".
As the Golden Dawn's Vice Captain approached the building in question, he could see that the recruitment process was already well underway. A large line stood before him, with people of all shapes and sizes occupying the street leading to the facility's front door; some seemed the quiet, bookish type who were likely intrigued for the sake of research alone, while others were big and burly, likely there to make a name for themselves as bodyguards or the like by assisting with the outing.
Or, for all he knew, they could have been the other way around; magic was a curious thing, after all. He could very easily have all of these people wrong.
Still, thinking about his competition would not earn the young man a position in the expedition; only impressing the leader of it would do that. He took his place at the back of the line, and the man in front of him turned to look at whoever had just joined the procession. Cyrus offered the older gentleman, clad in a Purple Orca's cloak, a polite smile, and the man's eyes widened as he recognized the Vice Captain of one of the other Magic Knight squads.
"Well, I suppose someone has to be up to her standards..." The man muttered, and Cyrus tilted his head curiously at the odd remark. The sound of something breaking caught his ear and the sap wizard quickly reached for his tome, only to see that the man in front of him seemed more uneasy than concerned. In just a moment he saw why, as a wiry man was thrown out of the front door of the building, rolling to a stop on the street.
There she stood, in the entrance; Ilihana Vones. She was dusting her hands off, as if disgusted by having to touch the man she had just ejected from Da Inn. "Hegladire?!" She sneered, somehow managing to sound both amused and insulted at the same time. "Hegladire was a cult that worshiped snails, you illiterate rube! I don't care how many digs you've been on when you can't tell a mollusk from a reptile! Thanks for wasting everyone's time!"
She stormed back inside with a huff. "NEXT!" He could hear her shouting from wherever she was in there, watching as the man she tossed out scrambled to his feet and ran away, looking equal parts terrified and humiliated.
Hama emerged from Cyrus' grimoire, snickering at the sight after having witnessed the whole thing unfurl. "I think I like this lady." She mused to her friend, who let out a nervous chuckle. She certainly was more... intense, than he was expecting. Still, the line moved forward as the next hopeful applicant approached their fate. Cyrus looked around the crowd, peering ahead in line and searching the streets to see if he could spot a certain familiar face among those present.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Apr 2, 2021 15:04:43 GMT -5
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[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
020
109
012
062
070
[break]
MANA SKIN grand+senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 30 IC // 30 OOC
MANA POOL 180/180
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
Verena was truthfully nervous about this. There was no real reason for her to be, she knew. But even still, she just couldn't help it. She really wanted to go on this expedition. It wasn't every day that someone had this type of chance, but she knew she had to earn it. It wouldn't be handed out to her, nor would she expect it to be such. Even still, she just... really wanted to go. She didn't care for the fame. She didn't care for the money (though of course, it would certainly help). All Verena sought from accompanying Ilihana Vones was just the experience. And so, the brunette was amongst one of the earlier people to have shown up in line at Da Inn for the chance at recruitment.[break][break]
Of course, Verena had seen time and time again as people were being removed from consideration with great zeal. Though Ilihana wasn't tossing them out with joy -- she was clearly growing annoyed with the number of people who just were not up to snuff with the necessary education. Of course, Verena knew why -- this was already a time-sensitive thing to be doing, to begin with. She expected the best of the best. Scholars, fighters, so on and so forth -- it was obvious why she was being so picky. A bad choice meant possible death.[break][break]
...but that was why Verena was so confident in her own knowledge, even if she wasn't sure if Ilihana would care one way or another. Likely she expected one who both was intelligent and appeared capable enough in magic. She had grown much, but she certainly didn't look the part. Verena could only hope that wouldn't be an iss-[break][break]
The sound of a door forcibly opening as a man was tossed out of Da Inn caught her eye. As close as she was to the interview -- that was to say she was next -- she hadn't yet seen the archeologist use such force. However, when she heard what the man's answer was she understood why she got so angry. Verena let out a huff. Still, that was probably unnecessary. But far be it for her to be the one to tell her that while it was still fresh and she was next.[break][break]
Verena took a deep breath. She could do this. She had to do this. Advancing with a sense of purpose when she heard the call for the next person.[break][break]
The interview lasted a while. In fact, Verena was in there for a while, much longer than any other interviews so far. Ilihana's questions ranged from various scenarios that could occur, including what to do with snake bites, the culture, what her magic was capable of, and of course what she hoped to gain from this expedition. Verena was growing more and more tense as it went on. Was she answering the correct way? Was she saying the wrong thing? She had no idea, and that uncertainty was concerning to her. However...[break][break]
"You're in."[break][break]
The words caught her off guard. She wasn't expecting an actual confirmation right away. "Rare magic, skilled in golemancy with a variety at your disposal. That mark on your hand can help create a map should we get lost, for whatever reason. Combined with an excess of knowledge. It would be idiotic to turn you away. You may not be much of a protector, but you're smart enough to compensate for that. So you're in. Now get out of here so I can see who else we got."[break][break]
What a massive relief it was. Verena excused herself from Da Inn, thus letting those after her get their interviews. She was clearly all smiles and sunshine though, especially when she saw Cyrus. With a wave of her hand, she beamed at him. It was obvious that she had passed based on this reaction. She didn't really have anything else to do, however so she made her way over to him and Hama both. "You two made it. I'm glad," she said with a cheery disposition.
[break]
COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll2"] TL;DR Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
[attr=class,cyrustext]After the previous attendant was ejected by the good doctor, Vones called in whoever was next in line to step inside for their own interview; Cyrus had missed what the person looked like, occupied as he was in seeing if he could spot Verena, but thought that he had seen a mass of familiar brown hair disappear into the building.
Some few minutes passed as they all awaited the fate of the person. Whispers ahead of Cyrus in the line began to pick up, and he heard a couple of the hopefuls make note of the fact that whoever the girl was (having heard their gender mentioned in the discussions), her talk with Ilihana was lasting significantly longer than those she had talked with prior to his arrival.
Eventually the doors of Da Inn opened, and out stepped the applicant herself; much to Cyrus and Hama's mutual delight, it was none other than Verena! And judging by the expression on the bookworm's face as she made her way over to the pair after spotting them, she had passed just as Cyrus was certain that she would.
The line continued to move as they spoke, and Cyrus could now see what the others had meant about how long Verena's interview had lasted; the next three people in line were back outside in what seemed like moments, though thankfully none were jettisoned from the premises like the unfortunate man before his friend.
"But of course! And I would assume from your disposition that you managed to secure yourself a spot? Congratulations!" Cyrus commended his civilian friend with a relaxed smile as he stepped forward in line. Hama grinned. "Nice to see you didn't get too roughed up by the archaeologist!" She joked.
"Next!" Called out the woman in question as a younger girl stepped outside, looking dejected. Cyrus realized that it was now his turn. He offered the poor girl an expression he hoped was comforting, before nodding to Verena and heading inside for his own interview. Hama gave a salute to the other golemancer, shrugging nonchalantly as she rode on her partner's shoulder into the building.
Just as when he was outside, the sight of the Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn inside got the attention of a fair few people. Off in the corner of the room sat Ilihana herself, a curious eyebrow arched as she studied the sap wizard before her. "Vice Captain Cyrus Elwood, is it? And I suppose that would make you the spirit of sap, Hamadryad? I hope you don't expect to earn a position from reputation alone."
Cyrus shook his head as he sat down, assuring the woman that he intended to prove his worth through his own merits and learnings. Hama, for her part, seemed pleased to hear someone directly address her, since so many tended to ignore her in favor of her friend.
Just as with his friend before, the interview of Cyrus took noticeably longer than those of the people between them. Vones drilled him on a number of subjects; how to recognize and distinguish different species of snakes, what countries contained significant myths about serpents, and how to treat various maladies that could be contracted from the creatures. He was thankful that he had included a wide range of subjects in his research efforts; he was quite certain he knew more about snakes now than he did about some things he used in his every day life. She also quizzed him about his abilities and seemed intrigued by his knowledge and research into spirits, even deeming to ask Hama a few questions as well.
For a time after all the questions, Ilihana remained silent as she considered his efforts. "Welcome aboard." She suddenly declared, surprising the young man. "By reputation, I figured that you would be a tough one with your golems and defensive magic. But you're sharp too; a good few of my questions were about some pretty obscure subjects, but you answered confidently. I think you'll make a fine addition to the expedition!"
Cyrus smiled broadly, Hama even letting out a little cheer herself. They were in! He shook Ilihana's hand as he thanked her before taking his leave, walking outside with his head held high and not even looking back as Vones called in the next potential member.
He grinned at Verena as he made his way over to her. "Two for two." He said with a laugh, happy that they had both managed to make it onto the team.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on Apr 10, 2021 17:46:54 GMT -5
[nospaces]
[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
020
109
012
062
070
[break]
MANA SKIN grand+senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 30 IC // 30 OOC
MANA POOL 180/180
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
Truthfully, it was a bit much for Verena to be meeting with Ilhiana. The woman contained a powerful and intimidating sort of charisma. The kind that she truly wasn't used to. It was similar to the situation with Lydia back in Kikka -- though the circumstances were completely different between then and now. And to a degree, it didn't impact her as much now as it did then. But even still, she had come with a very simple purpose in mind. A purpose that had now been fulfilled.[break][break]
Cyrus and Hama greeted her with a smile and words of congratulations. Brushing her hair back over her shoulder, Verena laughed a little. "Yes... I must confess she has a presence that is somewhat reminiscent of Lydia Ravencrest. She's quite intimidating, but I can tell that's only because she cares so much for what she's trying to do. I suppose one in her position can't afford to beat around the bush and expects nothing but excellence from those around her. It's quite a lot to live up to, but I think it'll be fun all the same."[break][break]
Verena couldn't contain just how excited she was. A chance to explore something that nobody else had explored. A chance to learn new things that nobody else in the Kingdom had the opportunity to. Opportunity wasn't just given to others; one had to earn it. And Verena was not one to let an opportunity pass her by, especially if it was something she really wanted to do. It just wasn't part of who she was.[break][break]
"Let me know what she says when you pass," Verena said to the sap mage as she watched the line go down further.[break][break]
To her, there was no reason to doubt that Cyrus would pass. He was just as talented as a mage as he was a scholar; he was easily one of Clover's strongest Magic Knights. The fact he was the Vice-Captain of the Golden Dawn was a testament to his strength, and she knew that Ilhiana would recognize that; it would be far too foolish for her to turn him away. Of course, she doubted that his strength and feats were reason alone for her to quiz him; in fact, she would likely be even more relentless with him as he was far from just a no-name.[break][break]
His interview was longer than most -- something she took as a good sign. Verena eagerly awaited the good news when the Magic Knight would return. She didn't really stray far, though she did seek a spot in the shade to sit down at. Standing down for too long was a little bad for her, and she knew that she would need to prepare quickly for the expedition, but she wanted to share in the moment of his success -- she recalled that he wasn't too sure if he would make it or not when they were studying together.[break][break]
Cyrus made his way over to her in her spot of shade, causing her to sit back up as he shared the good news. "That's wonderful," she said with a genuine smile on her face. "I can't wait for the expedition to begin. Though... I uhm... need to go gather supplies quickly. On one hand, my current living situation means I won't ever have to worry about needing to pack unessentials. On the other... I don't have the means to preserve things, so..."
Verena offered a polite bow. "I'm very happy that you made it through, too! It'll be a lot safer with you around, I'm sure. But I need to prepare quickly. Hunting and gathering especially, especially for herbs to cleanse venomous ailments."
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COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","verenaver2scroll2"] TL;DR exit maybe? if you're okay with exiting at least. [break][break]
[attr=class,cyrustext]Verena had described Ilhiana as reminding her of Lydia Ravencrest to a degree, and the Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle in agreement; there was certainly a level of intensity in the two women that was hard to find elsewhere.
Still, with the knowledge that they would both be joining the expedition, Verena noted that she would need to go and prepare supplies. The remark about her current living arrangements earned the summoner a quizzical tilt from her fellow noble, but he decided not to prod; she seemed in good enough humor, and it was true that it would be better to get gear sooner rather than later. And so he smiled back at her, nodding and returning her bow. "Yes, I'll need to procure some supplies as well. If I may, there's an apothecary just a couple of streets south of here; their wares have a good reputation for quality. As for myself, I think that I will go purchase some clothing better suited to a jaunt through the jungle. Take care, Verena. We'll see you on the excursion!"
With that he waved, a gesture his spirit companion mimicked. "Later Verena! Don't forget bug repellent!" She called as she rode away on her partner's shoulder; it seemed an odd warning, but perhaps understandable given her own small stature. She continued to wave until the bookworm was out of their eyesight, at which point she turned her attention back to the building they had been interviewed in. "So how many other people do you think Vones will take on for this thing?" She asked her friend curiously, and the young man gently scratched at his jaw as he considered the question. "Hard to say, really. Standards like hers aren't easily met, from what we saw while we waited. But I would wager a few more; surely a genuine scholarly interest in such matters is not so rare?"
At this the sap spirit shrugged, not being such a bookish type herself and so having no real clue just how common the mindset was. Still, at the very least they wouldn't be without good company; Verena was a familiar face, after all, and the leader of the expedition herself seemed like a total riot. Hama snickered excitedly. "You know, I figured this would just be a glorified hike when you first told me about it. But I'm actually getting kind of excited!"
Cyrus laughed at this, nodding. "Hama, I swear I'll make a nerd out of you yet."
