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.
I don't know where the future[break][break] will take us,[break][break] But we will blaze it together.[break][break]
wc: ###
twc: ###
@tagme
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[attr="class","ardereescroll"]
[break][break]A Grand Coliseum constructed, but there was no magnificent crowd to watch the spectacle here outside the Royal Capital. No spectators cheering but the Captains who stood above the Arena watching eagerly as those who came to prove their worth entered. [break][break] Ardere remembered when he once stood in a place just like this, side by side with his future Royal Knight comrades. So few still stood with him, yet the shining light of the Lions stood tall with his head high. Today his closest friends stood by his side; Lydia and Zaven--that was all that mattered. As long as he had them, he could do anything. And today was no ordinary day. Today was the Royal Knight Exam for the first time in several years. Last the Royal Knights were summoned was when the Shining Generals invaded during the Diamond War. Today they faced an even greater threat, with fewer numbers. But the Crimson King had faith those in this Arena today would perform miracles--they had to. Not just their lives, but all in this world were threatened. The only path was forward now. [break][break] Taking a breath, he leaned against the railing of the booth high above the Coliseum in which the Captains viewed all below. His majestic cape fluttered in the wind, lined with fur and embroidered with the Crimson Lion symbol. Soon he would not don this red and gold, but new colors to signify the Royal Knights. He still had his old uniform, though it did not fit now. A large hole remained in the center, where Lawrence shattered the bones in his ribs. Had it not been for his own convictions and powers, Ardere would have died that day. But he was still here. After it all. Now he was hosting the Exams instead of participating. So it was time to address them. [break][break] Welcome. I'm sure you're all nervous as Hell, but there's no need. You need not win the battles here today. Simply prove your worth to us by any means necessary. Today you will be facing those you stand beside, and you will have to show us your creativity, ingenuity, will, but most of all your convictions. Whatever it is you are fighting for, focus on that. I want to see the fire in your eyes, flames that can snuff out the darkness that threatens us. I know you possess the strength. Smiling down below, he chuckled. They were so few, but he felt strength in them. Captain of the Golden Dawn Zaven, Vice Captain of the Crimson Lions and Temporary Captain Lydia will be your hosts alongside myself. We will also be the Captains of the three squads that make up the Royal Knights. Earn one of our favor, and you will be selected for a specific squad. But now I give you to Lydia who will explain how the exams will proceed, and the bracket for our tournament here. As well as a special announcement involving one of your own. Lydia. Motioning for Lydia to come forward, he he stood beside her as she would approach. Soon after she spoke, Zaven would follow. They were now the three pillars of the Royal Knights. The fate of those below lay in their hands. [break][break] (OOC: Lydia will post next, but no one is allowed to post until after that. Then you may post your reactions. This will be the main thread where we spectate and organize you. For the individual matches, we will have individual threads.)
[attr="class","florencetext"] today was the day everyone in the kingdom had been waiting for. That of course being the day of the royal knight exams. It was something the kingdom hadn't had since the time of the war with diamond. Now here clover was dealing with an even bigger threat than last time. One that fundamentally changed the world as everyone knew it. Lydia was of course in the newly made Grand Coliseum that would be used for these exams. The vice-captain would look over at Ardere and Zaven before looking down at those who would be taking the exams. [break][break] To be honest she had hoped more people would have shown than did. However, they were also very limiting on who they allowed to try out so they really couldn't be beggars. However even with that being said she wasn't happy with the number of knights that showed up. Were they truly becoming that incompetent? If so perhaps Lydia would have to do something about it herself. Ard would of course start off with a speech which wasn't that much of a shock for her. The glass mage felt that he liked speeches as much as he loved fighting. Today however wasn't time for those thoughts she needed to focus on who she was going to pick to join her against one of the three archdeamons. [break][break] As her captain handed the floor over to her Lydia would step forward. She would then clear her throat before speaking. It's just as Captain Ardere said. You don't need to win you just need to impress the three of us. The exam itself is simple. You'll be fighting in a single-elimination bracket so you only have one chance to make an impression. The rules themselves are pretty simple as well. The fight goes on until one person is knocked out or yields. If both people are still standing by the end of the exams then it's a drawl. [break][break] Anything is allowed other than maiming or killing your opponent. Anyone who attempts to maim or kill their opponent will be disqualified and arrested. Lydia would give the others some time to process what she just said before she would start to speak again. Now then I'll start listing who is fighting who. Verena Reinsberg will fight Kreig Rosenthal. Joseph Cobborn, Sol Shinryu, and Willow Omens will be fighting each other in a three-way battle. Naxel Blake and Griswold Cromwell will be fighting each other. Finally, Hania Ravencrest will be fighting Valo Stark. Lydia would then step back in line with the other captains as she finished speaking.
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]160
[attr="class","florencetag"]180
[attr="class","florencetag"]150
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 85 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]495/495
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[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","florencetext2"]OOC: Players will have a 72 hour time limit to post each round for their fights when they start. Extra Time can be given depending on circumstances and so long as it's asked for in advance. [break][break] 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","zavenreescroll"] Zaven was summoned for his Royal Knight duty...he was one of the three captains for the best of the best in the nation of Clove; alongside his friend and brother Ardere, and the mysteriously ever present Lydia. With the gathering of many talents in this coliseum arena that was constructed solely for this event Ardere greeted those that were present and explained what the exam was to be before handing the floor over to Lydia. The Vice Captain that shook the world time and time again then laid over what they were looking for again, the message was very clear after being said twice now...Impress your peers and earn your place among one of the three Royal Knight teams. After telling the examinees who would be fighting who, Zaven saw Lydia step back in line, assumingly giving Zaven the floor to speak. The Shadow of Dawn stepped forward, he did not mince words and he was not there to impress anyone. [break][break]
”I will be short here and we can move on considering you all do not need a pep talk or me to go over the rules or what we are looking for...The Royal Knights are the best of the best, you are here because you have been measured...and you have been found worthy to step up to the challenge. The road from here on...will not be easy, and some of us...won’t make it back. Yet we are here to protect our country, our friends, the people...but most of all we are here to protect our family and way of life. These archdaemons will not stop till they reverse the order and kill us...so steele your hearts and dig deep to find the strength to do what others will not.” Zaven said before stepping back into the line and looking among those that were there, his icy gaze was almost foreboding, and it did not instill happiness...this was a man that was ready to lay down his life for the people under him...he wanted those very people to be worthy of that sacrifice.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on May 11, 2021 21:11:50 GMT -5
[attr="class","haniastats"]
POWER 143
DURABILITY 3
SENSORY 70
STAMINA 57
CONTROL 94
MANA SKIN Archmage + Grand
HEALTH Grand
MANA POOL 200/200
MANA REGEN 20 ic | 40 ooc
SPEED 20 m/s
STRENGTH 1/2 junior
[attr="class","haniaimage"]❝I hear a song of woe shadowing our past in sorrow.❞
[attr="class","haniascroll"]It had been a few weeks since the announcement from the Wizard King, a lot was still going through his mind from that day, some things he could explain while others he couldn't. It honestly bothered and somewhat frightened him. On the day of the announcement, he had requested that Griswold a now, former Crimson Lion to train with him. He saw the potential within him, the problem was they still clashed on views but over time he believed they came to understand a bit more. Hania was an orphan from a young age and had it not been for his sister, he would have perished before he had seen his sixth birthday so understood the struggle of those of a lower status better than most nobles. It is one of the reasons he very much hated the 'us' and 'them' that came from both sides of the fence.
It wasn't to say that there weren't nobles that wouldn't go out their way to help the less fortunate or common folk that thought badly of those on high but there was definitely hostility on both sides. Griswold had explained himself and why he remained within the forsaken region and so Hania himself had suggested that perhaps he resign from the Crimson Lions because it didn't seem like the best fit for him. He may find more peace within the Black Bulls or Green Mantis, he understood that it would be a loss to his squad but what is the point of doing their job if they didn't believe it was the right place to be. Turned out that Griswold had taken his advice and when their training had come to an end had resigned from the Crimson Lions and so would try to gain the attention of Barron or Malcolm.
During his time training he had mastered his dives, but, it had come at too high a cost if you were to ask him. His body was still weakened from it but he knew his duties to not only his family but his kingdom. He could be seriously hurt or even perish in the fights approaching if he was chosen, he accepted that his life was meaningless when it came to the safety of the kingdom at large. Still, he had no intention of just laying down and letting it happen either, it just wasn't in his nature. It never had been. He was within his carriage being transported to the coliseum, normally he would have walked but he was still having a hard time of things. 'Are you sure about this Hania, you're still severely weakened.' his spirit would ask from its resting place 'Yes.' he sent back simply.
'Hania, stop and think this over you are weakened and your triggers have been going haywire of late.' the bird sent with concern 'I understand you are concerned for my well being Amostia, however, I will fulfil my duty or I will die trying. I know my responsibilities and what is expected of me that is what I concentrate on.' he sent back, his eye were closed the entire time. Upon the seat in front of him was a greatsword he had bought from a blacksmith. As with everything it was meticulously scrutinized for any flaw. After three hours of going over the thing he finally bought it, it wasn't as good as the things he wielded but given it wasn't exactly customized it would do. He had found out that it had a rarer magic on it that would do its new owner well. The magic was world tree.
Beside him in a small crystal box sat a gold ring that he himself had made during the time Winter had all but demanded that he have no training and plenty of bed rest. It bothered him, he had no idea how the four generals had taken it, because, he had been banned from even running because the woman believed he would keel over and die so fighting was just not going to happen. He was starting to wonder mad scientists and scary women all came from Coral Peacocks but then he remembered his cousin Cooper. He wanted to dump his entire wardrobes into a vat of acid, he'd just need to find a mage who had it. He smiled a little and shook his head. 'I wish I was more prepared.' he sent to his spirit 'You overdid it.''And who's fault was that?'
'You could have said no''What and have you constantly henpeck at me? Like you said we didn't have the luxury of time.' It wasn't normal for the two to be like this, but the white-haired teen realized that his spirit was truly worried for him and so didn't tell him just to be quiet and mind his own business. In honesty, he believed that the spirit was trying to keep his mind occupied as it had been plagued due to his triggers being more frequent. Eventually, his carriage came to a close and the door opened, he picked up the greatsword and the small crystal box and stepped out "Thank you Johnathan." he said to the driver "Are you sure you are okay to do this young sir?" the man asked, Hania merely nodded "Lydia will be nearby so if anything does happen I'll be well cared for, no need to worry."
The driver obviously didn't like it but there wasn't exactly like there was much he could do to stop him, his family employed him. Hania himself wasn't wearing his normal flowing robes of whites, ice blues and silvers. Today he was wearing a simple black Changpao that came down to his ankles but slit at the sides to allow movement, black trousers underneath and black hanfu boots, his white hair was already tied back in a black silk cord. Entering the arena he found a place to stand near but not really mingling with everyone, it was a bit too claustrophobic for his tastes. He listened to his captain's speech, then his sister spoke and let them know the rules and who was fighting who. He internally groaned wondering why he was being stuck with the hot head fire mage, in honesty, he was wondering if his sister hated him at that moment.
Thing was, he knew that if she had helped put this exhibition match together then it was not only for his own good but because she believed he could handle it or that he needed a challenge. In honesty, he would have rather faced his insane captain. His face was neutral as he listened to what the Golden Dawn captain had to say, it wasn't exactly news to him what was coming their way. It was hard to describe but he felt like he knew on a deeper level than he should have. It was an overwhelming sickening feeling deep in the pit of his soul. 'Best get this over with.' she thought to himself but saw Griswold and walked over to him "I told you, I'd get you a gift after training ended." he said calmly holding out the greatsword "I'm not exactly sure of its abilities as I find greatswords clunky." he admitted
"It does have world tree on it, so it will hopefully help you on your journey to find out what happened to your past." He didn't really want to go into too much detail with others around especially on such a sensitive subject "You'll do fine, just remember at least it isn't me your facing this time." he said with a slightly warmer undertone that he would have been used to by now. With that said he saw the other person he wanted to see and one that he did not in the forms of Verena and Valo. Ignoring Valo for now he walked over to Verena and took her hand delicately in his own like he had every other time they met. As he leant down to kiss her hand he opened the crystal box and slipped the dainty gold ring on her ring finger of her left hand before he walked away without a word. She would understand when she needed to what the ring was for and what it was intended to do.
Combat Summary
[attr="class","haniascroll2"]
TL;DR Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Porttitor leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu. Porttitor eget dolor morbi non arcu risus. Lectus sit amet est placerat in egestas. Non tellus orci ac auctor augue mauris augue. Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Parturient montes nascetur ridiculus mus mauris. Quisque non tellus orci ac. Aliquam ut porttitor leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id. Pellentesque pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et. Ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis. Quis vel eros donec ac. Velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse. Risus in hendrerit gravida rutrum quisque non tellus orci ac. Accumsan lacus vel facilisis volutpat est velit egestas dui. Orci ac auctor augue mauris augue neque.Adipiscing vitae proin sagittis nisl rhoncus mattis rhoncus urna. Et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas integer. Turpis egestas integer eget aliquet nibh. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Dui accumsan sit amet nulla. Non curabitur gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis. Ut consequat semper viverra nam libero justo laoreet sit. Ut sem viverra aliquet eget sit amet tellus cras. Enim facilisis gravida neque convallis a. Malesuada fames ac turpis egestas maecenas pharetra convallis. Nibh mauris cursus mattis molestie a. Rhoncus est pellentesque elit ullamcorper dignissim cras tincidunt lobortis feugiat. Fringilla phasellus faucibus scelerisque eleifend donec pretium vulputate sapien.
Rank & Element: Junior ¦ Light Class & Type: Relic ¦ Accessory (bracelet) Magic Specializations: Physical Reinforcement ¦ Healing Appearance & Lore: A simple bracelet made out of reinforced glass with an opalite charm dangling from it almost like a pendulum, that gives off a dull light during the day and a bright light during the night preventing any natural shadow from forming.
There is nothing of major historical importance or deep story into where this item came from. The white-haired heir of the Ravencrest family has suffered from terrible day and night terrors since he was young and still does to this day. When asked what is wrong he brushes it off telling people not to worry it was a condition he had. He will never go into the terrible things he sees, in fact, he personally wishes he could forget he quickly realized that his perfect memory was a double edge sword and at times he truly wished he didn't have it.
His elder sister Lydia was the first to realize that it happened more when he was in an emotional state or surrounded by darkness. She also realized that he refused to sleep unless every light source he could find was active or he would sleep outside under the sun during the day, this wasn't optimal as he was to be trained to take over the family if anything were to happen to Lydia. Still, there wasn't much anyone could think to do to help him as he refused to open up but even if they could that came with a different set of hurdles they had to get over. Hania earlier in his life wouldn't take things from people due to his treatment before being adopted.
It took a while but Lydia finally found a way to help her younger brother, she had a crystal made with light inside and told him to use it when he sleeps. She said it was hers and she just wanted to see if it would help. He was reluctant but she said it only had to be a few days so he accepted. Throughout those few days, he slept somewhat peacefully so it was clear that it helped but not enough, she could only guess that the light wasn't strong enough. She realized this would be fine for a normal child afraid of the dark but it was clear to the pink-haired woman that this wasn't a normal situation.
She personally designed what she believed would help him the most, she chose the materials, their appearance even the opalite that dangles from it. As the bracelet was being made she slowly started to imbue her own element into the glass beads and the opalite as the former was created and the latter was shaped. It took close to a year to complete but Lydia seen it as something that should be done slow and steady, this was to make sure that it was done right the first time and that no matter what it would be near indestructible for whatever he may face in life.
On what is now classed as Hania's eighth birthday after a certain incident happened, she gave him a box, within it laid the bracelet. He was told to keep it with him always as she would be there to keep the darkness at bay and watching over him so he could be at peace while he rested. From that moment he has always kept it with him even if he hasn't always worn it.
Type & Uses: Trigger ¦ 4 Uses Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Healing Mana Cost: 8 mana per trigger ¦ 15 recharge Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10 m/s Stats Affected: +4 Control Description: The pendant starts to pulsate and hovers into his hand, holding almost as if it was a pen or calligraphy brush he writes the name of the person he wants to heal in the air as if he was writing on paper. It seems to stay for a few seconds before disappearing, the moment it does a gentle and warm light forms around the person in question healing them for junior rank damage. With the use of ammo rules, additional peoples names can be written per trigger. While under the ability of this spell it will actively attempt to cleanse any curses, debuffs, hexes, venoms, toxins or poisons that may afflict the uses as per the clashing rules. As this is only a junior rank spell it can do nothing but close minor wounds
Type & Uses: Flow ¦ 3 uses ¦ 2 cooldown Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Physical Reinforcement ¦ Healing Mana Cost: 8 ¦ 4 Range & Speed: 25m ¦ 10m/s Stats Affected: +2 Speed (wielder only) Description: Runes of light appear up the outside of the user's legs and arms this allowing them to move 2 m/s faster than they could naturally. The runes give off a warmth that is able to heal for junior rank damage, with the use of ammo rules, the wielder need only hold the pendant and speak a person's name to have it be able to heal them. While under the ability of this spell it will actively attempt to cleanse any curses, debuffs, hexes, venoms, toxins or poisons that may afflict the uses as per the clashing rules. As this is only a junior rank spell it can do nothing but close minor wounds.
Type & Uses: NA Rank & Specialization: Junior ¦ Physical Reinforcement Mana Cost: NA Range & Speed: NA ¦ NA Stats Affected: -- Description: In the beginning, this ability is inactive, it is only with the use and bonding of the item itself a deeper understanding allows the hidden secret left by a sister wanting to protect the younger brother they've treasured for close to thirteen years. This ability will become an imbued speed buff when it ranks to intermediate.
Post by Sol Delothosin✾ on May 12, 2021 3:41:42 GMT -5
Sol was walking towards the meeting place for the exam for the Royal knights and he gazed out at the city before in anticipation of what was to come next, sure he was excited to be selected to show what he could do but at the same time he knew the danger that came with being selected for this mission should he manage to prove himself. The blood mage shook his head slightly as if to clear that thought away, he knew the risks but at the same time he knew to become stronger he had to take risks since nothing was gained from playing it safe Kikka was a good example and while it still left him traumatized in certain aspects he also had gained a motivation to become even stronger and developed a goal to stand unrivaled against any other mage. The Blood mage had changed his look for this event slightly since while he still had his black combat boots and black pants he now had a black long sleeved undershirt with a white short sleeved under kimono above it and a short sleeved crimson outer kimono with a gold flower pattern on the left side to finish it off. A obi belt around the middle finished it and kept it together.
The outfit was elegant yet functional and on the Mages left hip was an ornate beautiful Katana with a sheath made of very carefully crafted marble and engraved with what appeared to be rubies. as the the mage reached the road leading to the coliseum and he took a deep breath."here we go hopefully i make the cut" he said as he walked up to the entrance and entered into the coliseum seeing the rest of the group here the red eyed mage stepped up and stood with the others as he listened to the captain of the Crimson Lions tell them what was going to be going on and gave a wonderful speech which cause Sol to smirk a bit at the prospect of showing off what he could do. In the corner of his eye the blood mage saw Griswold and he narrowed his eyes for a moment at the thought of that deserter joining them but at the same time he had no say in who was chosen for this exam.
Upon hearing that he was going against Joseph the man he fought alongside in Kikka and a woman named Willow Sol gained a grin on his face at the prospect of fighting two foes at once but at the same time he knew it wasent an easy task giving the nature of his magic but if he went against the them at once he knew he had to make sure that he was careful and played it strategically he was confident he could pull out a victory, however he would not underestimate either of his foes since that could lead to defeat really quickly.
Post by Verena Reinsberg on May 12, 2021 14:57:38 GMT -5
[nospaces]
[attr="class","verenaver2image"] [break]
POW
DUR
SEN
STA
CON
063
120
012
062
070
[break]
MANA SKIN grand+senior
HEALTH senior
MANA REGEN 45 IC // 45 OOC
MANA POOL 195/195
[break]
[attr="class","verenaver2scroll"]
From the moment she had stepped foot into the Grand Colosseum, the brunette knew. She knew that she was already going to be fighting with some level of a handicap. And so she knew that any accomplishment she might have achieved was effectively rendered null and void. It didn't matter how strong she was with a weakness like her own.[break][break]
Ardere. Zaven. Lydia. These three and these three alone would be assessing the risk and reward of having her along the fight against the Archdaemons. And yet to fulfill her dream, to fulfill the start of her family's dream, she needed to aspire to demonstrate enough skill to earn a spot amongst the Royal Knights. In the past, the exams were only open to current Magic Knights, and as she looked around she took notice of former and current Magic Knights, with maybe one or two who were just civilians like herself.[break][break]
The speech had ended. She was set to be sparring against Krieg Rosenthal. A man whom she knew little about aside from their time in the dungeon. A flirtatious and oblivious mage who was at least a capable Sensory mage. She would be stupid if she didn't consider the possibility that would have Illusion magic as a result, and so she needed to be careful. His mana had skyrocketed since the last time she had seen him, too. Could she pull this off...? After all...
There was no more training that she could do. All she could do was hope that what she had was enough.[break][break]
...No. That wasn't enough. Or rather, Verena knew that was the wrong type of thinking going into this. So what if she was physically incapable of keeping up? She had more than enough ways to compensate for that now. So what if she struggled with illusions? Her golems could make up for her own shortcomings. And her "relic"... if she could call it that... would help her further.[break][break]
She was far from equal to an archmage, or even Hania Ravencrest, but she was still more than capable of becoming a Royal Knight. At least, that's what she was telling herself. Because right now, she needed that confidence more than ever. She had done much, and she had seen much. She had managed to learn more magic than anyone mage would ever learn in a life -- not even the rare Imitation magic could truly learn the magic that they would acquire -- though the list of elements she had at her disposal was far smaller than she would like to admit.[break][break]
So if she died in this upcoming battle... it would be unfortunate. The best outcome was one where she did not die, where she lived into the future. But at the same time, dying in battle to protect the future of Clover... in her eyes, that was far more pleasant than her own curse eating away at her very being until she ceased to be. It was better to choose how one died than to have all other options stripped from them if an impending death was the only other alternative.[break][break]
Of course, the woman had no intentions of dying. She still had far too much to do. Dying wasn't an option she wanted to entertain. And yet...[break][break]
Verena subconsciously put a hand gently around her throat, remembering that man's fingertips still tightly clenched around that very same throat as he screamed profanities around her. As he tried ending her life through any means necessary. That same man who, even as he rotted in Balgon, had no apology to say. No tears to be shed. All he had was delusions of righteousness.[break][break]
He didn't believe in her. Igor did not acknowledge her. And there were probably more of her family. The woman began trembling. Not at all noticeable with how slight, it was -- even the perceptive Lydia wouldn't be able to pick up on this due to how slight it was.[break][break]
"...This isn't good." Verena thought to herself.[break][break]
The pressure. The pressure. The pressure.[break][break]
The woman felt as though if she failed this, the Reinsberg would truly cease to be. She couldn't fail. She had to succeed. She had to beat everyone. Everyone. If she didn't, then her family was-[break][break]
And then, without even being able so much as a glance up at Hania before she felt her hand being lifted up, gently kissing it as he placed a gold ring upon her left ring finger, before walking away. Not even so much as a word was said as he did so. But did he not realize the ramifications of what he just did? To put a ring on that finger specifically? Had he just ...? No, there was no way. Besides, why would he do that without saying so much as a word?[break][break]
Verena's face lit up in a rosy hue, confused but unable to speak. All of her fears and doubts had been suspended, but at this moment she was too flustered to even ask the white-haired male a question, instead frantically looking around as if expecting someone to explain what exactly had happened.
For someone such as himself, simply being here was quite the milestone. Roughly three months ago, he hadn’t even been a magic knight, just a guy going through the recruitment process that allowed him to become a member of the Crimson Lions. Another milestone, seeing as he had been one of the only peasants to walk around within that particular magic squad, which just made things that much more loaded for him. What a lot of people did not know was that he was an outsider, born in the fringe as Solarian Shadesinger, and member of an enclave existing entirely out of people who were an offshoot of a specific few elven bloodlines dwelling out in the fringe. For him, the shattering had been the reason as to why he had even come to the land of clover to begin with, seeing as how it had left him alone while the entire enclave with all of the people in it had disappeared from the face of the earth.
After searching for several days, he had eventually made his way into the forsaken region, the place where he finally passed out from malnutrition and dehydration. Due to the fact that he was an outsider and believed dead, he was stripped down and robbed for all that he was worth, but had been saved by a simple farmer going by the name of Emery Cromwell. Thanks to him and his children, he had been nursed back to health and kept around the farm until he recuperated. In the next three years that followed, he had been nothing more than a farmhand, which was really all he needed from life. However, his inner fire had been reawakened when a band of raiders had tried to rob the farm for all that it was worth while trying to make off with their livestock. Though this particular event had been brought to a proper conclusion, it was at that point that they believed there had to be more out there for someone like him.
So after they took him to get his grimoire, six years after his fifteenth birthday, he spent the next few months practicing his magic before heading to the capital in order to become a proper knight that could help sustain the farm and the Cromwell family. Doing so under the guise of “Griswold Cromwell”, Solarian Shadesinger was officially put to rest along with the rest of the people he had grown up with, as there was no point in living in the past. So as he walked into the coliseum, he did not feel like someone who was about to have a battle for all that he was worth. It felt like he was walking into a place where he would be awarded with a medal or a trophy to commemorate just how far he had come in so little time. Seeing the three people that would act as the captains of the individual squads standing there, giving their speeches once everyone had gathered, he truly felt ready to get his hands dirty.
By the time the individual speeches had come to an end, he was not sure if any of it had been meant to liven up people’s spirits, as the idea of several of them likely dying made it feel a bit like a mortuary in terms of the overall vibe. That said, there was really no point in beating around the bush. After all, if they were going to be dealing with three archdemons that possessed beast aura, world tree and time magic individually, chances of people biting the dust seemed all too plausible. With that thought in mind, he looked around to see exactly who had gathered here, finding that at least some of them were familiar faces. Verena was there, as well as Slits who was giving him the stinkeye, though he figured he had the right to do so. Him being here however meant that they did not die in that dungeon, which was quite the feat given their overall incompetence.
Hell, it was going to be nothing short of a miracle if he wasn’t the only survivor, given how the other two were entirely inexperienced and not up for the job, with one of them being as dumb as a sack of potatoes. That said, it was a good thing the country had not actually lost any knights that day, seeing as how they could use every able bodied man and woman for what was to come. Continuing to look around the room, he also saw Hania, who had clearly already noticed him too as he was already approaching. Holding on to a rather large blade, he handed it over to Griswold, claiming that it was to be the gift he had envisioned when they last spoke during their week long training session in Carrion. Taking the blade by the hilt, he could feel that it was quite heavy, though no heavier than some of the other weapons he had practiced with. That, and it seemed truly outlandish.
“I’m not quite sure what you meant by having world tree in it, though I can tell that this blade is a lot more… nature oriented than the average steel sword you’d see around this land. The hilt feels strangely like wood, and the crystalline structure of the blade feels like it is humming a song. Thank you for this, I will try to put it to good use in the days to come.”
Thanking the guy for the gift he brought with him, he waved the sword around a bit to get a good feel of exactly how heavy it was, and what it could do. One thing seemed for sure, the blade did not come from any weaponsmith within this country, as no one could make a weapon such as this at your average forge. At least, not anyone that he knew of, which really did not narrow things down a whole lot as he barely knew a soul in the capital. So as Hania passed him by and went to Verena, he did not even notice what the two of them were up to or had to discuss as he was far more occupied with this new weapon he had been given. Had it not been for the training he had been put through in the past month, chances were that it would just have been detrimental to him to be waving around such a large and potentially clumsy weapon.
So all things considered, this weapon now being in his hands would only increase his odds of not ending up as the worst of the worst that had gathered here today.
Post by Valo Stark✾ on May 12, 2021 18:53:33 GMT -5
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Valo Stark
"Don't need a reason to seek strength."
The Royal Knight Exams. It would be a lie to say the event wasn't on Valo's mind a few times. That along with his future in Green Mantis, Valo's training ever since coming back from Kikka and recovering not only physically and mentally had increased three times over. After going back to Kikka and literally watching as his hometown was being destroyed in front of him, he never wanted to feel that weak again. The pass few months Valo's overall power had increased drastically, he wanted to be more than ready for the Exams. He was going to compete at his very best, and blow away any potential knights he may have to face. But to his disappointment he may have overdid it.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I DON'T GET TO COMPETE!!?" the fire mage shouted from outside the Grand Coliseum. The guards in front informed him that he could indeed come in, but he wouldn't get the chance to fight anyone. Simply because he was deemed to strong at the current moment. "WE CAN'T FIGHT?!" his fire spirit followed up flying up to the guards face. After going back and forth for quite some time, the fire mage accepted his fate with disappointment. He had already been given the title and rank of a Royal Knight, something he knew. But what he didn't take into account was the fact he wouldn't get to fight. "Where's the Golden Dawn kid Cyrus!?!? And that Black Bulls guy Chisana!?"
The fire mage reluctantly took his seat at the coliseum, with his arms crossed and a rather annoyed look on his face. Valo would have preferred to fight in the Royal Knight Exams rather than just be given the title and left to spectate. He had speculated before hand that he may be getting to face Cyrus from the Golden Dawn here, or hopefully one of the captains. He watched silently as the other participants started to show up, his friend Verena the summoner, The blood mage Sol who was still looking for a new squad to join, and Hania Ravencrest. Lydia's brother from Crimson Lion. The ice and shadow mage. And a near polar opposite to Valo.
Valo barely payed attention to the captain's speeches, he heard every word but his focus was off. His heart wasn't in it. Until he heard the Lydia finally said the words he needed to hear, although he already had the ranking and title of a Royal Knight he would indeed get a chance to fight.
"Finally, Hania Ravencrest will be fighting Valo Stark."
Valo had a wide grin on his face and a sparkle in his eyes, but he was just looking ahead. The excitement on his face was enough to probably be felt by the others. The fire mage lived for this, he loved to compete, he loved to fight and most importantly he loved to win. He couldn't explain it if you asked him, of course he had his reasons to motivate him. But that didn't take away from what was in his nature, his inner drive to seek strength, gain it and prove to others and most importantly yourself just how strong you are. When it was time to stand, Valo stood up quickly and smacked his left handed fist into his open right palm. "LET'S DO THIS!!"
The excitement in the fire mages eyes was easily noticeable. Not only did he get to fight, but he was facing a Ravencrest. Hania Ravencrest. The two didn't really see eye to eye on most things, in fact their personalities were very opposite. Valo was brash, competitive, hot headed at times. Hania was cool, calm and collected. He noticed Hania making his rounds, handing a ransom man a green sword. And then walked to Verena kissing her hand and placing a ring on her finger. Valo had to admit he was also confused by the move, did he just propose to her without saying a word. But that didn't matter right now. "Hania!! I want you at your best!! No excuses!!" Valo shouted punching his fist into his hand creating a loud boom, and burst of blue embers. "I was holding out hope I could face your sister Lydia or Cyrus. But for us to fighting it must be fate!"
Valo was wearing his signature long green cloak with the Green Mantis symbol on the back. Black fitted pants built for combat, and brown boots. He was absent of a few of his essential items, no Hinokagutshi his silver bo staff, No Lantern attached to his belt, no Agni his red fighting gauntlets. Just last wishes that remained on his neck, and his newer piece of jewelry a gift from Hinota and beautiful decorated silver bracelet. He had to give her a proper thank you, before it was to late. He owed way to much to that girl, and he always felt indebted to her. He had to start paying her back somehow. Agneya was right beside his face, her small petite face was also full excitement like Valo's.
"The rest of you!!" Valo addressed everyone else in the room. "Don't disappoint, and show them what you're made of."
Post by Willow Omens on May 13, 2021 1:58:54 GMT -5
Confliction, that was the major feeling running rampant through her. Her body's pulse felt like a conveyor belt of needles rising and lowering. It felt like all eyes were on her without anyone looking at her. Like being on stage and imagining an audience watching her perform. Willow was used to performing back home in New Haven, but it was so much worse in the outside world! The pink-haired lass had resolved to try and become a royal knight. Even with her past, pasts, ugh -- it was still so hard to piece things together.
You could learn to relax, you don't have to shoulder all this imagined burden like some kinda mule ya know? one mocking and playful voice echoed in the back of her mind, one that called itself 'Elias'. You know her issues come from us, yes? It isn't as though it all just popped up out of nowhere, especially with your constant nattering and nagging. the other voice chided the first, this second one had come to refer to itself as 'Elie'.
They were voices of reasoning that acted as the angel and devil upon her shoulders. She had learned a bit about them after her revelations following the daemon uprising in Raque. She had come into her own, only to be overwhelmed by memories and emotions of others from before this shattering.
After that, she learned more about these people, who they were, and calmed her Moonlight Madness down considerably. She was informed she would have to become stronger, especially if she wanted to get herself into more dangerous areas to draw more mana beasts.
The royal knight exams were the easiest way to get stronger faster, to match up to other great names. But even so, while she was here with so many powerhouses, she was worried less about the gap, and more about Ardere, someone she had learned had some ties with the previous Willow, who was now like a guardian spirit to her.
"I can do this, I just have to take a moment to know where I come from, as my own person, not who everyone else is. I. Can. Do this." she muttered to herself in her own language. Stamping her feet in place, with fists clenched tight, she was psyching herself up in hopes of doping on adrenaline for this whole thing.
I don't know where the future[break][break] will take us,[break][break] But we will blaze it together.[break][break]
wc: ###
twc: ###
@tagme
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[attr="class","ardereescroll"]They had arrived. One by one they entered the coliseum. The speeches were not exactly the most lively, but truth was all they needed for now. When the time came, Ardere had a few choice words to share. [break][break] Valo seemed quite excited and energetic about his participation. It reminded the Crimson Lion Captain of himself when he was but a young Lion. Fighting and screaming at things, he had no idea the traumas and blessings he'd endure some day. But now he stood here amongst the strongest Knights, passing judgement on those below. In many ways he hoped none of them would pass. Sometimes Ardere wished he could walk into Lilith or Asmodeus' lairs himself and wreak havoc. Even as strong as he was, he could not face such evils alone. They were more than 3 Arch-Daemon. They had legions of Daemon at their command, an entire mana zone, a Coliseum, and even a small Kingdom. This was no ordinary threat. All else paled in comparison to the darkness lurking within their borders now. It would take all of their might to beat it. [break][break] His mind wandered back to the Shining Stone Palace. It had been quite some time since his mind trailed back to that day. Hanzo's blood on his hands. The Death of Lysander and the other Captains. Nero's possession. Ardere's one wish was for those below him to avoid such tragedies like he had experienced. He'd do everything in his power to get them all out alive, even if it cost his own life. The future of Clover stood within this Arena, a future worth protecting. So it begins. [break][break] Verena v Griswold v Naxel:[break] A free for all match. Admittedly this one was the match that piqued Ardere's curiosity the most, especially with Verena involved. After all, he had passed down his knowledge of fire magic to her. Something he had not done since Silas' death. But Griswold and Naxel were not going to be pushovers as opponents. She'd need to put in all of her strength. Let's see how these three do. Griswold and Naxel will have their work cut out for them with Verena, but I'm interested in their strength as well. A smirk crossed his lips, until the third of the three did not show. Damn. Well. Should still be interesting. [break][break] Joseph v Willow v Sol:[break] Ardere remembered these mages, but they would have to prove their might here. This was no easy battle. Joseph and Sol have conviction. Willow is going to need to summon all of her strength here, but if she wasn't strong then she wouldn't be here would she? Confidence. Even if one could not find it on their day to day, in moments of need they would have to dig deep to find it and pull it out. Strength was not only in one's fists, but their heart. [break][break] Hania v Valo:[break] The match of titans. This would be considered the main stage match for lack of a better phrase. Two spirit users. Valo had received the spirit he now held after their training together, but Hania was his squad member. He knew the fire mage was strong and so was Hania. In many ways this was more of an exhibition match. While he was not as close to Hania as say Lydia, he knew the man held a power inside him. Every Lion did. So nonetheless, he wished success onto him. The Ravencrest deserved to be a Royal Knight--he just need to prove it today. Ardere did not provide any actual commentary just yet. He merely watched with intent, waiting to see the two unleash their strength.
If a day such as this could be described in but a single word, that would probably be the one. It was a good word; one with a number of definitions and potential applications that made it suitable for a wide variety of situations.
One the one hand, there was the excitement of the Royal Knight exams being held; the eagerness of the wizards of Clover at the knowledge that the best of the best were being gathered in their defense. But it was also a nervous sort of energy; a tension, the sort that could lead to any number of outcomes. For many it would be because of why the Royal Knights were being reformed, but for others (namely the participants down below), it was for the exams being held below.
Spectators were few in number; were it not for the nature of this gathering, Cyrus might even think they had over-prepared for the day's happenings with the big arena. He was sitting up with the others who had already been made Royal Knights; namely, the three who would be the group's new Captains. Lydia, with whom he had a number of fearsome adventures and missions.
Second was Ardere, Captain of the Crimson Lions. Of the others who he sat with, Ardere was the man Cyrus was least familiar with on a personal level; in fact, he was fairly certain this event was his first time being so close to the man. He hadn't even the chance to see him at his own Magic Knight Exams, since Zaven had recruited him personally into the Golden Dawn.
Then there was Zaven himself, his own Captain in the Magic Knights, and who had personally mentored him in the ways of combat and spells ever since he first formed his connection with the Spirit of Sap; his dearest companion Hamadryad.
Speaking of the curious fairy, at the moment she was sitting on the edge of the wall separating them from the participants below, eager for the competition to begin. Most of their recent outings had been rather boring, one-sided affairs, so she was excited to see what people who were closer to each other's levels might be like in a fight.
Cyrus had arrived with Zaven, though he had no role to play in the opening ceremony as the three others he sat with welcomed and explained things to the others. One of the other Royal Knights, Valo, was rather upset about the fact that they wouldn't be given an opportunity to fight. He had even called out for Cyrus himself in the hopes of an opponent. Fortunately for the antsy young man he was given a role after all, being pit against one of the aspiring wizards.
Cyrus looked over the gathered people; it was hardly enough to call a gathering, let alone a crowd. Several names that he had learned would be participating caught his attention, but he unfortunately did not see Naxel or Joseph, who he had not seen since the events at Raque. But while he was unfamiliar with the male wizards who would be fighting today, he definitely recognized the women; Willow, whom he had first met while exploring the Eldritch Home dungeon and then later again when Raque was flooded.
The other familiar face was Verena, his fellow golem aficionado that he had met on more intellectual outings. He was both surprised and please by the presence of the two, given Verena's confessed distaste for the knights in the past and his memories of the first time he met Willow. During the events at Raque he had little time to see how far she had advanced due to the chaos, beyond the fact that she had joined the Azure Deer.
Those who would be fighting talked among each other as they awaited the beginning of the event, with one particular interaction causing the sap wizard to arch an eyebrow; the sight of Hania and Verena's little wordless exchange, to be precise. He didn't know anything about Hania, but he could tell from his distant post that his friend was more than a little flustered by what he had done.
"Ain't proposals usually saved until after big events and stuff, not before?" Hama asked her friend, looking back at him with a laugh after witnessing the moment. Cyrus shrugged, not really having the context to say anything about it one way or the other. "Everybody's got their own things going on, I guess." He replied simply; should it be as Hama assumed (though he also knew she was largely joking), he would wish his fellow bookworm well.
The match ups were announced, and Cyrus stood up to lean forward on the wall, Hama in the center of where he braced himself with his hands. He looked back at Ardere, Zaven, and Lydia as the Crimson Lion Captain noted they were beginning.
Ardere gave his thoughts on the first two matchups, and the knowledge that he was familiar with Verena got Cyrus even more interested in his friend's life outside their few but pleasant meetings; he was mostly glad, however, to see that she seemed to be moving past her unease with the Magic Knights, if today's events were any evidence.
On his commentary on the match between Willow and Sol, Cyrus smiled. "I haven't met Willow but two times, but I can tell you that she's got strength." He informed the Captain. While he was mostly talking about her will to press onward, he also recalled her kicking in the door to the Eldritch Home with a laugh. "I'm curious to see how much she has grown since last time we met."
On the Valo and Hania match, his thoughts went back to hearing Valo call out his own name. "You sure you don't wanna jump down there too, Cy?" Asked Hama with a teasing tone to her voice, reading her partner's thoughts. At this the boy chuckled. "For today, I think, I'm content to observe. Besides, I promised Zarya I would let her know how the Exams went since she was curious."
He'd be lying if he said he wasn't interested in testing himself against others. But at the moment, Cyrus was still processing the results of some of his own recent training. "Maybe another time, Hama. For now... let's watch."
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
The time has come and Hans has made up his mind. The dark mage decided to try and become a Royal Knight himself. At first, the merc was not sure if he wanted to do this, that he does not need to serve this kingdom. However, the more he thought back on Kikka, it made Hans think about the danger that these Archdaemons present. If left unchecked, the people he cares for the most, his friends, family, the people of Aries Garse, and Suna could be thrown into danger. The dark mage has come a long way from only caring about his own survival to now caring for others, something his old self would never have seen coming.
Now, Hans wishes to help the kingdom in whatever way he can, just like back in Kikka. This wasn't his only reason for wanting to become a Royal Knight, however. For most of his life, Hans never thought much about the Magic Knights, thinking he wasn't worthy to be one. But now with the Royal Knights being open to exceptional civilians, Hans can test out the waters, see how it really feels to be a Magic Knight if only temporarily. Depending on how all of this will turn out, he might even try becoming an actual Magic Knight at the end of all of this since it was something he was slowly starting to consider after the events of Kikka.
The dark mage arrived at the location where the Royal Knight Exams is being held, a large breathtaking coliseum! This of course was not the first coliseum Hans has ever witnessed, nor will it be his last most likely...but this place felt a lot more sacred compared to any other. There was also no cheering audience, just the selected few chosen to be here.
Hans was late, unfortunately, which is something he rarely is since he is usually good at keeping track of time. Being late felt like something more up Valo's alley, and knowing the fire mage, he'd definitely get a nice laugh out of seeing Hans be late for something but fortunately for the dark mage, he did not need to worry about that...hopefully.
The merc took a seat in the area near where the three royal captains and the Golden Dawn vice-captain are sitting but he still had a bit of distance from them since he tends to keep to himself for the most part. Hans did glance over to them, however. He knew all four of them through their unrivaled fame, though he did know Lydia a bit more through her connection with Suna and the dungeons they have gone through. Hans' attention then briefly went to Cyrus. The merc isn't someone to take lightly when it comes to combat, but what he prides himself and excels at the most is his durable defenses....but his defenses pale in comparison to the Golden Dawn Vice-Captain. This was something he silently respected about that man, but now was the time to focus on the battles.
Unfortunately, it did not look like Hans would be getting into the scrap anytime soon if at all, so the dark mage rested both of his sheathed swords, Dark Edge, and Heart of the Forest beside him and turned his attention to the arena. There were four faces that the dark mage recognized down there. One he had not seen in a long time, Willow who he did a job with along with Charles. Another was Verena, a close friend of his beloved and one of the few people he considers a trusted friend as well. He attempted to teach her his dark magic for her summoner spells...but the merc failed her. He would have to try again another time.
The other two Hans recognized were Hania and Valo. The Ravencrest male has gotten very strong since he last saw him at the Spirit Ball...but the dark mage couldn't help but feel uneasy about this....about him. There was something, eerily familiar about Hania, but Hans couldn't figure out what. Perhaps this is just how one feels around a Ravencrest? Hans doesn't exactly feel at ease when around Lydia after all despite being able to keep up his stoic expression...but the vibes he gets from Hania are still...different.
There were two matches that Hans wanted to keep a close eye on. the three-way battle that Verena is in..and the one-on-one between Valo and Hania.
Valo....That man has gotten strong rather quickly, not surprising since his drive for strength has always been unrivaled. There was a point where Hans thought that he and Valo were equals. Like how the Crimson Lions and Purple Orca see themselves as the sword and shield, Hans felt that he and Valo had a similar dynamic...but even the dark mage cannot ignore how powerful Valo has gotten. They were no longer equals in Hans' eyes...but that isn't going to stop Hans from working himself until he is once again worthy enough to see himself as Valo's comrade again...and shield.
But right now, was the time for Hans to sit back, and see just how strong his friends have become.
[attr="class","hansheader"]N O T E S
Hans pulled a Valo and arrived late
[attr="class","hansheader"]S P E L L S
Cool spell descriptions here
[attr="class","hansinfobg"]
[attr="class","hansinfo"]
[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
WC 857 || TOTAL WC 857
TAGS @people ITEMS Dark Edge, Cosmic Blessing, Heart of the Forest PERKS List 'em here
[attr="class","florencetext"] Once all the captains finished speaking the fights wouldn't take long soon after. After all, it wasn't like it was a social gathering the mages in the area were here to do one thing to show they had what it took to be royal knights. However, it seemed before the fights even started they had lost three mages, and to make matters worse it was three magic knights. This of course caused Lydia to bite her lip in annoyance at the state of the magic knights. As Cyrus and his spirit made small talk about what happened between Verena and Hania. The vice-captain of course knew it was nothing like what the spirit thought or was joking about. As Ardere started to comment on the fights Lydia would give her own comments. [break][break] I don't think cowardice counts as conviction. As for Verena's fight, I heard Griswold trained with Hania a few weeks ago but I've never saw the mage really fight all too much. Lydia wouldn't comment on the match-up between Valo and Hania as everyone already knew it was going to be an uphill fight for the ice mage. While the other royal knights might or might not have sat down once the fights actually started Lydia herself would remain standing by the stone railing for the best view of the fights. One of her hands would rest on her sword at her side while the other was on the stone itself. The fight between Verena and Griswold was honestly pretty uneventful to the glass mage so. To the light mage, it seemed like just a game of cat and mouse. [break][break] Griswold should focus on using a spell to get rid of the golem she's on unless he can fly otherwise the sword is going to be pretty useless. There also wasn't really much to say about the fight between Sol and Willow other than the fact it looked like Willow needed to figure out a new plan fast or the fight was going to end soon. Even with the blood mage looking like he might win his fight soon it didn't impress the glass mage too much. After all from what she could tell he mainly focused on golems which in her eyes only slightly helped with one's weakness but was never some that could make up for them. The girl needs to stop focusing on her opponent and deal with the golem above her or else she won't last much longer. The fight between Valo and Hania was by far the most eventful one so far. As Valo made a comment about her family clearly loud enough to make sure the pink-haired mage could hear it Lydia's grip on the stone would tighten enough to start cracking it while her eyes flashed golden for a moment. However, she wouldn't do anything at least for now anyway. Things would only get more interesting as the ice mage pulled out his spirit dive already. Oh he's using that already?
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]160
[attr="class","florencetag"]180
[attr="class","florencetag"]150
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 85 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]495/495
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[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","florencetext2"]OOC: Players will have a 72 hour time limit to post each round for their fights when they start. Extra Time can be given depending on circumstances and so long as it's asked for in advance. [break][break] 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","zavenreescroll"] As the mages below all took the words to heart and began to separate into their own little cells for their matchups Zaven kept close watch on each one. He had nothing to comment on as they started, he did make note that there were two knights that dropped out before the fights even started and it made the captain shake his head. ”It is wise that those who cannot keep up have stepped down...I would...not be alright with their deaths if they could not keep up.” Zaven quipped as if it was his turn to speak on the matter at hand, he remained sitting as he placed his head in his hand. He was not bored, but he was intrigued at it all; Valo and Hania...the Green Mantis versus the Crimson Lion...both were obviously waved into the Royal Knights while the others were less impressive visually, but had some tactical knowledge in how they fought each other. The Shadow of Dawn finally chimed in as he looked to the others in the captain’s overlook, his voice was calm but carried a heavy thought. ”The turn out for those qualified is...smaller than anticipated. Not that this does not bode well, but if there is a significant threat other than Asmodeus...a small team is as dangerous as a large team...Are you both sure that anyone below the power of the Green Mantis and Crimson Lion will be able to keep up...because even if they pass our judgement now...if they do not grow stronger between this very moment and the next crisis...we may be sending in warm bodies to cushion our own fall.” Zaven was speaking from an analytical point of view, he was not putting any fighter below him in terms of importance but their own longevity would be the question here. He waited for an answer.
[attr=class,cyrustext]Not too long before it was time for the matches to begin, it would seem that a fifth person already welcomed to the Royal Knights had arrived. While Cyrus wasn't familiar with the man personally, the small roster of their organization told him that the man in question must have been Hans, a civilian mage who had earned his place through strength. At the Dark wizard's entrance Cyrus gave him a smile, extending a hand for his most habitual of greetings. "It is good to see you join us! Your name is Hans, correct? It is nice to meet you. Cyrus Elwood, Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn."
Hama turned to look at the newcomer over her shoulder and waved. "Hama, nice to meet you!" She said quickly, before turning her attention back to the arena below. While she was intrigued by the Commoner who had made his way into the Royal Knights, she was more focused at the moment on those who might earn their way in today.
She rolled her eyes a bit at Cyrus introducing himself, however; though she understood it was an old habit to introduce himself to people with a handshake, Cyrus had yet to really get used to the fact that many, if not most people in Clover knew him by sight. Still, she also supposed that it was a good sign that he hadn't changed much despite all of his growth.
They wouldn't have much more time to talk though, as the three matches got underway.
The first and most notable, given the strength of its attendants, was the clash between Valo and Hania. The elements that they commanded were as at odds as their personalities, based on their verbal exchanges throughout the fight. Hania made a point of noting that he wasn't at the top of his game, but something seemed a touch familiar about how he seemed to be holding up. Cyrus exchanged curious looks with Hama, who also felt that something was up, before they returned their attention to the match.
Cyrus was surprised yet pleased to see the two engage in hand to hand combat; it was good to be well-rounded, after all. All but a few in this world could cast spells, but how many were good in a fistfight? He himself was proficient, though not overly impressive; he lacked the strength or speed of those he shared his seating with.
That being said, it was when the spells started flying that things truly got interesting. Hania had cast an illusion within the blizzard he summoned, spawning multiple copies of himself. With his own lacking Sensory abilities and the great distance ruling out Ki, Cyrus couldn't tell them apart from the original himself. He could have summoned a golem for assistance, but such a thing seemed like overkill. He was content to spectate normally.
Valo was undeterred by the biting cold thanks to the heat of his own magic. Hania's own spirit companion made himself known, which seemed to spark new conversation between the opposing sides. Between the two of them, Hraban with Zaven, Hama, and Salamander with Ardere, there were five spirits gathered in the arena. The idea was almost absurd, given how scarce the creatures were generally thought to be.
What wasn't absurd, however, was the thought that occurred to Cyrus and his partner simultaneously. They recalled Hania's mention of not being at 100%, and the fact that Valo had not known of the spirit's contract with the Ravencrest gave them something of a hint.
Cyrus anticipated Lydia's reaction to Valo's remark about her family, glancing over at her as she dug her fingers into the stone wall of the arena. But it was Hania's activation of Spirit Dive that most caught his attention. "I thought so." He said, Hama nodding in agreement. Valo seemed lost, however, but the fight only grew more intense at the reveal of his opponent's newfound power.
Willow and Sol's bout, compared to that of the Mantis and Lion, was almost mundane by the standards of mages. He could tell from the first look he got of the foreign girl today that she had grown much, but the fight made it clear that she still had a long way to go. Ardere even deemed to step in for a moment to talk to the young woman, urging her to either keep fighting or go out swinging (at least, that was how it felt to the sap wizard).
Sol had ordered his blood golem to back off. His orders were precise and timely, but cautious; with his own experience in their command, Cyrus could tell that the golem was just waiting for the chance to continue its assault.
Willow did stand, and when she did, a familiar air of sorts seemed to surround her. Cyrus' thoughts went back to when he first met her at the Eldritch Home; how nervous and shaky she had seemed up until the final confrontation with the strange hat commanding the dungeon's creatures; in that last fight she had been like an entirely different person.
The fight wasn't over, as Ardere gave them his permission to resume. But Cyrus had the feeling that it would be soon... it was just a matter of how.
Finally there was Verena versus Griswold. This was likely the fight that most held Cyrus' own interest; while Valo and Hania were stronger, and seemed to have history, and Willow and Sol's was a match of unknowns, he had spoken to Verena on magic and golem theory at length. Her opponent had acquired a makeshift sheath for his newly gained weapon, though the sword was quickly drawn once the fight began.
Verena's first golems' names alone were sufficient to earn his attention; Kikka. Cyrus remembered that his friend had been among those assisting when Kikka was attacked. Seeing that she had gone so far as to name one of her soldiers after the event, however, earned a small smile of pride from the Golden Dawn member. Maybe it was somewhat similar to the thought process behind his mightiest golem, a manifestation of his nightmares come to life?
Whatever the logic for it was, though, the fight did well to show both competitors' strengths. Verena commanded her golems silently, manipulating the battlefield in an effort to make openings in her opponent's guard. Griswold was quite the force, slicing through one of her summons with his new blade, and continued to press forward through her attacks as they hit him.
Verena summoned a mighty golem of burning coal, now maintaining her distance from Gris instead of extending it. Her opponent seemed keen on capitalizing on this decision, making good use of his spells' raw power to blow back the Bestimmung.
It was then that Cyrus saw what Verena was doing next, and he watched with a great deal of focus; she was summoning a large number of golems, each with different elemental natures. Likely it was going to be an attempt to overwhelm her opponent with sheer numbers, from all directions. Normally, being quite the golem fanatic, he would likely want to take the time to study each and every one of her soldiers. But given the nature of the event going on, he restrained himself to commentary. "Risky..." Cyrus said, watching his friend to see her condition. "Summoning that many simultaneously is going to put a big strain on a mage of their level. Issuing commands is one thing, but monitoring a group as as large as this after expending so much energy is another."
One of Verena's golems, the one made of light, took advantage of his nature and released a brilliant flash in an effort to blind her opponent while the others got into position. She had kept at least one golem by her side, however, likely in anticipation of an area of effect spell from Griswold should her blinding attempt succeed. It was a tight, precise formation to be sure, but he had to wonder about its anchor; with all the effort extended to create so many warriors, a single chink in her army's forces could spell disaster.
And in her condition, Verena could very well be that chink.
Lydia had said her piece about how the matches were proceeding, when Zaven made an observation that they had all likely noticed; there were not a lot of people here. He was specifically addressing the other two Captains of the Royal Knights, regarding the potential for those besides Hania and Valo to "catch up" as it were, since there was no telling how much time they might have until the next attack.
Cyrus' own thoughts turned to those who were absent. "Even if Joseph and Naxel had arrived, that would still have only put us at 7 candidates. Assuming they all were up to standards, that would still... not be impressive numbers, even including ourselves." He noted, lightly running his thumb across his jaw as he thought.
He remembered Atlantis. The Calamity that had possessed Dio, and the terrible power it wielded against them. Serena in Raque, whose forces had so easily flooded the entire city. What he had heard about the other powerful daemons who had worked against humanity. Compared to what he had faced, they were as giants.
"I've yet to face daemons the likes of which you three have," he continued, addressing the Royal Captains. "So I can't personally speak for the gap between us and them. It's unfathomable, by my reckoning. And when I think of it this way, are they really so much weaker than us?"
Hama looked up at her partner, knowing where he was going with this. She always did. "If things don't meet your standards, raise them higher. No amount of training will make us any more ready than we already are... so we'll have to bring them up to par in spite of that."
Cyrus knew it must sound hopelessly naive, and perhaps overly optimistic for what they could do for the others. But if there was anything his time in the Magic Knights had taught him, it was to speak his mind. So he would speak, regardless of who was listening or what they might think.
Hama simply nodded in agreement as she returned her gaze to the fights below. "If we're gonna take them swimming, we gotta teach'em how to swim." She said.
[break][break]A Grand Coliseum constructed, but there was no magnificent crowd to watch the spectacle here outside the Royal Capital. No spectators cheering but the Captains who stood above the Arena watching eagerly as those who came to prove their worth entered.
