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.
Post by Velondra Silverlake✵ on Sept 25, 2021 6:20:15 GMT -5
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[attr="class","header"]Civil Unrest
[break] There has been a lot that has been swept under the rug over the years that the people have not known about, but, recently there's been a leak in the wizard king's office. This leak of information has ended up in the hands of the one running the criminal underworld, as of yet they have not let their name be known. They seem to be waiting for the right time to do such a thing and who could exactly blame them, they'd be painting a target on their backs from that moment forward. They have been leaking this information as rumours or the actual reports have landed in the care of journalists who have printed them. There was already unrest and mistrust within the civilian populace this has only made things worse. [break][break] There are rumours of an organisation rising from the shadows, but, no one knows much more than that. There have been distinct markings been placed in certain towns in each region that only those in the underbelly of Clover would understand. It is a calling card of the organisation... It is calling for change and for those who have committed crimes in the past yet wear a 'holier than thou' mask and mantle to pay for the crimes they have committed. It is true that rogues have no room to talk but at least they are honest about what they are and don't pretend to be anything else. [break][break] This calling card is a notice of recruitment of sorts, but, the one who runs the show wants to make sure that they are only getting the very best. There is no buy-in, no back door to gain membership, your social status gets you absolutely nothing. Normally you'd have to be vouched in or the leader themselves would have to seek you out for you to gain entry, but they want proof now that those they take in are cunning, fast on their feet and can do the impossible when required. This task? Well, it will be simple and lucrative if you understand what you are doing and will get you killed if you don't.
What a person fights for says a lot about a person. My battle? Well, that's for me to know and for you to die for looking too closely. Curiosity, after all, killed the proverbial cat.
“Can you believe this?”Connor spoke with the utmost curiosity of what was in his sight, the words were posted in his letterbox of all things. One more thing he had to know, one more thing he had to be that was holier than he. Far from it, his neck sloped with lack of sleep over the matter, not sleeping in today, his hungry eyes staring back at him told him that breakfast would not be wise. Forbearance being in the forefront of his mind, he splashed his face with water and turned off the faucet. Washed his hands and proceeded to stare at himself, allowing himself the time of brevity to be at least social today. Not smiling, he was not a very happy man, but he was a happy man none the less. The amount of cash he had procured from various deeds of larceny was soon piling up, and some lavish reprieve was in order at least for lunch. He ordered a drink around noon, it was sweet and fruity and pleasing to the sense of taste, a refined age of fermentation that didn’t assault and choke you at the neck. There were various other locals, regulars in their own right, minding their own businesses and paying him little attention. It was turning out to be a pretty alright day, not one that was terrible, surprising. The food he ordered smelt delicious and it didn’t make his stomach hurt, and he was happy to have actually gotten out of bed today. The waiter was polite, it was extraordinary how after a series of scandals that he could just walk on in here and behave in such a polite manner. It was absurd almost, entirely ridiculous. A warning. There is nothing that Connor could have done that would have allowed such a perfectly normal interaction to occur. Connor hadn’t even paid yet, and had demanded courtesy out of thin air? Not on his watch, Connor screwed up his napkin and gave a bad review mentally, preferring to eat elsewhere very soon. His priority right now was to travel abroad and the cared very little about what the waiter said, he waved his hand and paid for his meal on the way out. It wasn’t a terribly interesting red light but it did not bode well, he didn’t have friends and that level of amicability truely threw him off his appetite. How bad for business. A known criminal the head chef, the waiter a paid associate, this was not the first time Connor had seen some of these signs on the walls of such a place. An organised effort of identification considerably becoming more subtle was disappearing from the refuge of the rogues. Maybe it was just being imbibed, adhered too; made more aware of thriving thieves in the area, been tipped off, maybe. Connor didn’t know, but, it seemed unwise to not pay for his meal this time round, work on deck types would sooner take your shoes and leave you tied up some where than kill you over the sum of Yul, but gamblers usually had other ways of satisfying their urges. Greed was having eyes too big for your belly, and while it hadn’t been poisoned this time found, there was an uneasy feeling settling in his gut. Avarice gave way to being gluttonous if not being too generous with his time when he slothfully limbered himself before his next scuffle. Planning to keep to himself, he hadn’t drawn a lot of attention to himself by paying money from his pocket, but he did earn a few sneers that were aimed in his direction. Nobles were that way when you didn’t panic when thinking about money, suspicion turned to distrust quickly though, and Connor did not feel like being recognised today. Instead preferring to instil a vague prevalence that he was present. There was just a place you could be; elsewhere, more profitable, it seemed like a front for something more than your average fence, but that was just Connor’s opinion. What was the world coming to? As well, entire businesses and empires rising all around Connor, avenues for his abilities and persuasions expanding at his feet. This place was bleeding a wealth sweeter than blood, bluer than royal, and more golden then the king’s crown itself. It was unbelievable that any happening of circumstance could persuade his mind otherwise, he was just a cog in a machine that seemed to be an incomplete component. A place lived within him that just wanted more than he had, no resignation wasn’t considered. Would he not do something simply because others abhorred his actions? It hadn’t stopped him in the past from spreading debauchery, but the timing of all this seemed out of his control and it was a prerogative. Connor did not want to do something he didn’t want to do, and one thing that was not regretfully at the top of this list was not transitioning from being free to incarcerated in any restraining way. He didn’t kill people, murder was not one of his past times and violent tendencies were a distant relation to his every day life. Not always acting in the best interests of anyone else; disputably, agreeable behaviour was not always his first thought when dealing with the things that faced him in his life. A dark, overcast day for a walk, it threatened to rain and pour down on Connor all day. It wasn’t bright and sunny where he was, and he didn’t have to be a giant to figure out that approaching a shelter would be a wise idea. Connor didn’t he himself feel like being mugged or drenched to the bone, proceeded to walk around looking for broken branches and paths that may lead to some where he hadn’t been before. Not caring overly about being monitored, he was searching for scorch marks on the cobble stones, open windows that invited an entrance. He was not finding these things, people were getting wiser over time, life for a thief was getting more difficult. The knot in his stomach was at its worst as it had felt like it was hard to hold his breath for a very long time and the pause that he considered the next person with gave him an anxiety inducing reaction. The rich remembered what they were before they were rich. Thieves were prospering.
Post by Ryoshi Miten on Oct 2, 2021 3:59:57 GMT -5
Ryoshi yawned as he walked into the town of Kikka his swords strapped to his back and his white coat moving in the wind behind him as he glanced at a card with a symbol he had obtained in a previous town .” recruitment huh might as well see what they are offering could be useful to me in the long run” he muttered to himself before he entered the thresh hold of the city, he still didnt have a permanent place of residence deeper in the country while he was looking for his sister but somehow the news of this organization reached his ears thru whispers it got him curious and now he was here in Kikka wondering what on earth was going to happen next. Even if it turned out to be nothing he still needed to get thru the area, he glanced up at the sky seeing that it was dark and cloudy with a chance of rain and he grumbled,”Great rain again seems im a magnet for bad weather” he muttered to himself as he entered into the bar, he stepped up to the counter as the man before him simply glanced up”What will you have sir?” he asked in a simple and direct tone not rude nor kind but straight down to busniess.”whiskey neat” he said simply as he put a few yul on the counter and the man was quick to pout him a drink and slide the glass to him.
The white haired hunter sniffed the whiskey as he swirled it a bit not just to catch the aroma but any odd notes that would make one suspect poison. Detecting none the aura mage took a sip and enjoyed the taste of oak vanilla and spices on his tongue as he held the alcohol in his mouth for a moment before swallowing, as he did he got a intense smokey flavor and a hint of caramel as he breathed out savoring the slight burn of the alcohol.'I suppose ill need to walk around a bit and see where I need to go for this recruitment thing but for now ill enjoy my drink' he thought to himself as he took another sip and glanced around his blue eyes seemed to glow with intrest he saw plenty of people in the bar who seemed to be giving him a dirty look for how he was dressed and how he seemed to hold himself though the instant his eyes made contact with those people they seemed to instantly become nervous as his eyes were focused yet the glow gave a very ominous feeling to them as he kept drinking.
Post by Jin Zhongli on Oct 2, 2021 14:22:54 GMT -5
Jin Zhongli
He caught on to the signs and gathered what information he could. The Agents of Avarice gave him little to nothing on the info he wanted to know. No level of slyness or bribery worked on them at all, every time he thought about a smirk was on his face he could do nothing but respect it. He thought with the most recent transaction he had with them they would give him a little something about whom they were going to meet tonight, but they kept their lips sealed tight.
Tonight was risky move, a massive one. But with risk may come a nice reward, in their life it was all about balancing that same risk and reward. But this time that balance was very off. Now this risk was potentially meeting or getting involved with the people who had opposite plans. It could have been a trap, it could have been anything. He found himself doubting if this move was even worth it the danger it might put them in, but he still he kept taking a step forward. Tonight the white haired rogue and the raven haired necromancer were finally going to meet that particular someone of importance, and that someone was the leader of the Eclipse Ravens.
Jin had never spoken the two words out loud in tandem for obvious reasons. He always heard very feint whispers about what it might be, but no one knew who was in charge of it all. When he couldn't get the Agents to talk, no matter whom he turned to it lead to nothing. So this endeavor was also to put an end to his curiosity. But mostly of course to find out what exactly was going on, and could there be a massive shift of power in this world of theirs.
Jin wasn't entirely set on the idea of joining whatever organization decided to show up. There have been rogue organizations in the past that disappeared as fast as they showed up. But if what those little rumors about what this might prove true, this one could be the real deal. It could also be the next step forward into the freedom he truly wants.
His spear was wrapped up in it's brown and grey casing as usual and rested on his left shoulder, and on the side of him would be Aeila. Recently they both had taken jobs and tasks that lead to them working with others. Especially Jin's case the past few jobs he worked had him partnering up with all sorts of magic knights and knights that were on the high end of the totem pole in the power and fame department. He looked towards Aeila's direction "I know this a risky move, but if it leads to something it might be worth it." he said to her referring to finding her actual home, as that was probably still on the forefront of her mind.
STATISTICS
POW: 031 DUR: 004 SEN: 037 STA: 021 CON: 060
SPEED: 7m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior MANA POOL: 095 / 095 MANA REGEN: 20 IC / 25 OOC
Post by Jorah Von Shurke on Oct 2, 2021 14:51:05 GMT -5
Jorah Von Schurke, the known rogue from parts unknown and all around...rumored to be bad guy had walked into this little “meeting” not expecting anything in particular. He has seen plenty of little get togethers like this resulting in one or many of the...participants to become less than living. The rain outside had soaked his blue-grey jacket and he draped it over his chair, he was anything but down on his luck. He had left the daily affairs of his orphanage to someone else for now as it seemed as though his plans had officially pushed him into the “limelight” of the magic knights. He scanned the room, finding that familiar “ghost boy” sitting a few tables away, another rather...flashy individual took a table near him, ordering a neat whiskey...funny thing was that this little place did not usually serve anything but neat. It made Jorah smirk before shaking his head and taking a seat. When the server finally came up to him Jorah ordered something that would be rather...complicated unless done by an experienced barkeep. ”I’ll take a Rum Martinez, hickory smoke with the cigar being at least of quality that a noble would find...gaudy. I do love to rub it into the noses of any uptight individual that I am going to butcher a rather expensive piece of vice. Don’t worry about the serving plate for such a drink either, I am just wanting something that will keep me company during this little “get together” he said with almost physical quotation. The server left without another word as Jorah placed some yul on the table…the age old adage “money talks...bullshit walks.” The clues of this little get together were quite the interesting thing in the Black Market, and he wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that the market opened their doors publicly again...well as public as they wanted to be anyway. Regardless, he was here for entertainment...at least at the moment he was.
It was not but a moment later that a couple walked in, or perhaps they were already there and the imitation mage never noticed.. A male and female that took a seat and spoke amongst themselves...the pole that was wrapped up was clearly visible and Jorah honestly had no intention of causing any trouble here, but he was certainly interested in all the magic that was rolling through the place. He could not clearly see auras but he could feel the different mana mixing and twirling in the atmosphere. ” Interesting indeed” He said before the server came back a few minutes later with his drink in hand. Cigar laid across the top with a pair of snips to cut the tip. Rather kind of them to include it, and he took the cigar and took off the end before lighting it with the imitation of flame magic as he sighed once he took in a breath. It was smooth and he had to admit...these people had good tobacco indeed.
Outside the downpour was heavy, falling from the dark colored clouds above.
All throughout the Kingdom mysterious footnotes, hidden in complex code was calling for certain individuals - Mania being amongst the beckoned flock of miscreants and rogues. Mania who just freshly arrived within Clovers domain hadn't the foggiest idea what or who was behind the breadcrumbs being left behind. What he did decipher from the code told him that it was a big fish decidedly making its first splash. For the sake of his curiosity and the promise of joining a well oiled machine - The Eclipse Ravens, he would pursue this lead. Lacking any intel and integral connections to informants and brokers, Mania only had the clues he followed. So the young rogue followed the neatly placed breadcrumbs, one after another until his search would lead him to the town of Kikka.
Along Mania's journey he had considered the possibility of this whole scheme being a ruse - a means to trap a lot of rogues in one place. In fact he had festered over the idea until he felt completely uneasy. His growing suspicions wouldn't deter him though. Mania couldn't let it stop him, he needed an in and this was the best opportunity he could see from his position. Mania would enter the bar, his long brown coat and beret which was pulled down obscuring his eyes were comepltely soaked. He would give the space a cursory glance as he made his way to a unoccupied table near the back. Mana noted several interesting people gathered as he felt out the various mana signatures around him.
"Seems like a lot of fish took the bait ... hooked lined and sunk. Guess I'm sinking with the lot of these fools too."
Joking internally to himself, Mania would remove his coat and beret. Placing the beret on the far end of the table and the coat along the back of his chair before taking a seat. Mania would discreetly continue to survey the room, his shifting gaze never lingering too long on a particular point or person of interest. A server would come to take his order soon after, prompting Mania to consider his Yul situation before responding.
"What can I get for you today?"
"Your strongest drink, make sure it's cheap too!"
"Not a problem sir, I'll be right back."
Mania would give a subtle sign with his finger, gesturing for the server to lean in close
"No worries. Hey any chance of you hearing about anything interesting lately?"
Asking a probing a question, he studied the servers expression as he spoke.
"Can't say I have, but there's been rumblings of something happening tonight. Didn't hear it from me though."
A faint smirk revealed itself slowly upon Mani's face, didn't seem like the server was being tight lipped and that was all he truthfully knew.
"Thanks for the scoop. For yer troubles, yeah?"
Mania would slide the server some extra Yul on the table, thanking him before he would walk away to bring back the order.
It looked like if Mania wanted any more information he would just have to stick around for what was yet to come. In the meantime, he would muse over how many baby birds were being lead by the breadcrumbs left behind by the mysterious figure orchestrating from the dark. Well whoever they were, they were playing everyone perfectly to the tune of their symphony. A moment later and Mania's drink would be brought back. He nodded and took the drink in his hand, taking a huge mouthful. It surely wasn't the best booze, but it was strong and cheap as promised. Mania couldn't help but notice the older man with white hair light a fine cigar. He looked like he had been around, seen a lot and had a decent amount of Yul. How long till he himself could enjoy a fine smoke like that? Being broke was an uncomfortable feeling. Another chug from his mug and he'd lean back into his chair.
There had been whispers over the last few months but nothing more than that, she and Jin had split their efforts to find out what was going on but it would seem that neither of them had, had any luck. The agents who ran the black market that normally brokered information amongst other things said nothing no matter how they were pressed from what Jin had told her. She knew for a fact that they would have known something but if they weren't speaking it meant it was bad for business or would create issues for them in the long run. She couldn't really blame them for not saying anything, they were merchants after all and all that meant anything to them was the next fruitful transaction.
She could of course have killed one and brought them under her control but it wasn't worth making such powerful enemies, even she understood what a foolish move that would be. No, there had to be other ways to gain the information they needed without it turning into a bloodbath or the end of her life. She had gone wandering, she looked unassuming so she had been able to slip in and out of places with ease. She used her weakness as a strength when she was seen while people were whispering, as far as they could tell she was a lost mute girl and with the use of Fredrick coming in at the last minute it just had them pay no mind to her. She had found out enough though that there was to be a meeting of an organisation, two words had been whispered now and then before the other party shut down the first as if it was some sort of taboo to speak it. This interested her.
'Eclipse Raven' the words everyone seemed afraid to speak, she was rather new to the world outside of her dark room let alone outside of her village so had no idea who or what they were, but, if others were too afraid to speak of it openly she knew better than to tempt fate by doing it. She knew what signs to look out for and had drawn the image crudely to show Jin so he too would know what they were looking for. She had held out the paper and pointed to a faint marking on a wall discretely showing that's what they should be looking for. She could have called on a wraith to help her but Jin had told her that her magic shouldn't be used in front of others unless it was really needed, that given its type it would be far too easy to track her down.
She had listened and not used her magic or even claimed a wraith if anyone was around to see her, it made things harder to do but she understood. Her magic was different, it gave the dead new life within a sense. Unlike wights and wraiths who seemed to hold no memory of who they once were hers at least had fragments of themselves intact. The issue was she worried that one day that too would fade from them and they would just be mindless drones doing as they were told. She decided that if that ever happened then she would release them to eternal sleep as she didn't want to use people like she herself had been and would continue to be when she got home. When Jin spoke it brought her out of her train of thought and made the raven-haired girl look to him.
She smiled a little "No risk, no reward." she whispered, they didn't know who was around them or what those people would do if they knew people were walking in this area. She knew that Kikka was decently populated even after what had happened but she could help notice as they followed the markings it was becoming more and more desolate and isolated. Her indigo eyes went to Jin to see if he too had noticed it. Soon enough they entered the building that would be the place of the meeting and sat away from everyone before she started to scan her surroundings, it seemed as though quite the gathering of people had been brought forward. It was then she noticed someone, someone she wished she hadn't and shook ever so slightly. Jin being so close would have noticed more so as she held her grimoire tighter to herself, it was something she did when afraid and needed comfort.
"J, older brother..." she whispered discretely motioning towards Ryoshi so he knew what was making her the way she was. She didn't want to leave with him, she didn't want to be anywhere near him. At that moment in time, she wanted to leave the building and run knowing just what it meant if he got his claws back into her again. She doubted she would be able to walk by the time they got home. To those who didn't know her well enough, it wouldn't seem as if she was scared or panicking, it would do no good in a place like this and she knew it. She knew she needed to calm herself completely so she could concentrate on whatever task might be asked of them. She knew she should be somewhat glad to know that he could take her home but her time with Jin had made her wonder if that was what she truly wanted now. Her head was a complete muddle thanks to the conflicting emotions, for now, it had to wait until who had summoned them all there made their appearance.
Word Count: 943
I can end and prolong the life of all, but I can't change the fate of those who fall. I can't turn back time once death has arrived...
Boredom was a killer in most areas, it made people act out looking for anything to do or anything to stave off the returning apathy feeling that really made life drag and drawl on. This is the reason why while out searching for the next adventure Yemir found a literal calling card and the various rumors that surrounded the cards themselves. Apparently there was a new underworld orginazation looking for the biggest and best of the Rogue world. Apparently this happened from time to time in the underworld some group wanting everyone to fall under them and become the lords of the night, though usually most rogues were to free-spirited and prideful to even dare to think they could be told what to do by anyone other then those who could with power force them to do so.
Yemir was interested in the concept of a large group of rogues just taking over everything and finally giving those Magic Knights a run for their money. This and the cure to her most recent case of boredom was why Yemir was now at the meeting for such a group. There seemed to be quite a few rogues attending and at least one of them as one that was "Known". That would be Jorah, he was known as the Robin hood of the rogues just do to his avoidance of crime without reason and even supposedly having a few orphanages under his care. It was an unusual case for a rogue but it wasn't one that never happened, Yemir could understand helping out those weaker then herself if she had the means to do so. Which at this moment she didn't, she was still very much growing her strength and power. Maybe one day in the future Yemir would be able to help out others like he does for now she just wanted to hear this group's pitch and if it will be worth her time to investing in them.
❝My light [break]is brighter [break]than the sun!❞
[attr="class","echotemp] Echo had come to the town of Kikka along with Zeus and Thalia. This was the groups second or third time in the town together and it seemed like every time they were there it would always rain. Not only would it always rain but Echo would always seem to find himself on a rooftop somewhere. The last time Echo was here he had met Velondra while he stood up high on a rooftop, this time he would find himself once again on a rooftop. As he stood up on the roof see would be interrupted from his thoughts by the sound of Thalia’s voice. [break][break] “Echo you still didn’t tell us why we came here. So what’s the deal?” After Thalia had spoke she would be answered by Zeus instead of Echo who would say “No he didn’t tell you why we are here. I have full knowledge on why we have come here.” Echo would then laugh as he looked down towards the ground at a building across the street from the roof he was on. The building that had his attention was a small bar, a bar that has received heavier than normal foot traffic for a nice amount of time since Echo had been waiting on the roof. [break][break] Echo would take his attention away from the roof as he would look at Thalia and say “Its simple really, we are here to hopefully find Velondra… Its been a while since we seen her, and ever since that letter she sent to the Yuuie estate she has gone dark. However my father’s sources found out about some criminal underground meet up at that bar across the street, so I figured maybe she would show up.” Thalia would then look at Echo with a face of confusion before saying to Echo “Ok so what? Leave that crazy lady alone Echo! Let her father deal with her, you don’t have to clean up all his problems now just because you are the heir!” [break][break] Thalia was right in a sense, however Echo was not here to correct his father’s mistakes. Echo was here to instead further his own goals and ambitious desires. He had no intent to kill Velondra even if he did see her here, his goal was the same as it had always been and that was to gain more power. [break][break] The rain poured and poured and Echo had already been sitting outside for at least 2 hours in the rain. So far he had seen no signs of Velondra but a number of familiar faces had come strolling thru, along with some new faces that looked like they may be interesting. He had saw the rogue who he met long ago who called himself J, along with the rogue A. Echo remembered them most out of any of the familiars as his encounter with them was the most random and unique. Echo also saw Ryoshi, a rogue he allowed to stay at his estate in a weather situation not too different from this one. And the last familiar face was the old man that Echo shared a mutual desire to kill a certain man with. [break][break] Zeus would look to Echo before saying “Not that this plan wasn’t good or anything my lord, but how long should we sit out here waiting for Velondra to show? For all we know she could be the one behind this and was already inside before we came. We should go in and try to mix in with the crowd or something, but this isn’t the move.”Echo listened to Zeus’ words and let them marinate for a second before saying “You are right we should go inside but this is the common region, I don’t think we will go exactly unnoticed.” Thalia would drop her jaw in disbelief as she would begin to scream out saying “DID YOU TWO HEAR ANYTHING I JUST SAID?!?!? LEAVE THAT WOMAN ALONE AND LETS GO HOME!!!” However the two paid her next to no attention. [break][break] Echo would look to Thalia and say “If you have a problem with it you can stay up on this roof with Garuda, while we go in and handle things.” Thalia looked tempted to take the offer however the rain coming down would prompt her to do otherwise. She would begin to blush and giggle a bit before saying “Well I guess I can go for a drink…” and with that the 3 would make their way down from the roof and work their way across the street to the bar. [break][break] Upon entering Echo saw everyone that he had noticed walk in from outside, yet he still saw no sign of Velondra. Upon walking in he could see that he drew many eyes onto himself and he did not like it one bit. He sighed before leaning towards Zeus and saying “Keep your eyes open… this place seems pretty crowded right now, or at least more so than usual. She could be blending in right now just stay sharp.” Zeus would nod before he would assume his role as Echo’s guardian and lead Echo and Thalia to an open table in the corner of the fine establishment. As Echo and company moved through the bar he was almost sure one of the people he met in the past had took notice of him but he would not speak to them or even look their direction for too long, not wanting to place anymore attention upon himself. The three would take a seat once they got to the table, and within a minute or two a server would come over to take their order. [break][break] “Hi what can I get for you?” The server would say to the three teens. Echo would smile and simply say “I’ll take a water please.” Zeus would simply shake his head implying that he wanted nothing, while Thalia would say “Can I get a scotch on the rocks?” The server would reply with a smile saying “Ok one water and a scotch on the rocks coming up!” It was then when the server would notice the ring upon Echo’s finger and she would gasp rather loudly, but not loud enough to be heard through the whole bar. She would look at Echo as she blushed saying “Oh you’re a Jaegar?! I signed up to join the Jaegar archery class but I didn’t get selected, I have always thought your family was very honorable and respectable.” Echo would simply smile before saying “Well I really appreciate those words! I’ll see if I can talk to the instructor of the class and see if I can get you picked up for the next class, just give your name to my cousin over there before we leave.” [break][break] After hearing his words the woman seemed extra excited, so excited in fact she would say “Oh thank you so much! Please let me hurry up and get your drinks.” Without ever giving Zeus her name so they could do that small favor for her. Back to the matter at hand Echo was simply watching and observing the scene waiting to see what was going to happen.
Post by Velondra Silverlake✵ on Oct 12, 2021 10:30:45 GMT -5
It seemed as if the whispers had met quite a few people's ears and in this, they had managed to figure out not only the time and date but as to where it would be taking place. This was a good sign, each person however would have to be vetted because none of them could be trusted at this point in time not to be a member of the guard or a magic knight. They were all practically unknown with the exception of one or two for different reasons. It would stand to reason that each new person that entered would be under the focus of those that came previously, there were even a few people that seemed out of place within the group but then it took all kinds now, didn't it. The best way to get things done was to just fit into the world around you and blend in plain sight.
Soon enough a person cloaked in all black wearing an ornate mask that many would see as steel but this was farther from the truth but the person wearing it wouldn't allow them to get too close to inspect it. What stood now in the centre of the room was none other than an Agent of Avarice. "Greetings one and all to this little tavern in the vast endless darkness..." they would begin, their voice seemed to be neither male nor female yet both at the same time, more than that it was almost like a cacophony of people spoke in complete harmony each and every word. "I am here by request of the black markets benefactor and it is at their bequest I am to offer you all a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now, what opportunity am I speaking of you might be wondering." they said never missing a step their voice never changing tone.
"As you all know the whispers of a new organisation coming from the ashes has happened, that the Eclipse Raven wish to spread their wings once more. This is a recruitment opportunity to join their ranks, but of course, such rewards do not come without risk and you need to prove yourselves to be able to join their ranks." he said his eyes turning towards the red-headed Jaegar heir "You have already made a terrible folly and if you are not careful will never leave here alive due to now being viewed as a liability." he warned Echo, the tone of the person was still unchanging so it was hard to know with they were being serious or not but it was clear whatever the redhead had done at that moment it was a screw up in the eyes of the agent.
"Do you know the barkeep you so willingly agreed to do a favour for after they recognised you?" they would ask before shaking their head "I would believe the answer would be no, yet you so willing to confirm your identity and now everyone in this room who may have not known it does. More than that, this barkeep could, of course, remain silent but everyone has their price and if it was met he would likely sell out you and your family in a heartbeat. Luckily, we do keep our informants well paid to the point they see and know nothing regardless of the knowledge they gain, can you say the same to the others within this bar? If you hope to survive in this world then you need to learn when it is okay to confirm your identity and when to tell the person in question they may be thinking of someone else." they informed him.
"Now with all that being said..." they said turning their attention back to those who currently occupied the tavern "Our benefactor and your possible leader wants you to prove yourselves before you gain entry to their organisation and naming the task was left up to us s we would be acting in their stead. Our task is a difficult yet easy one. You are to go to the archives in the royal capital and a piece of useful information that is not yet known and return back here before the sun sets tomorrow. The pieces of information worth will be evaluated by the leader of Eclipse Raven and ourselves, if found prudent enough then you will be given an offer if it is not, well at least you survived." they said before going silent allowing them to take in the information of the task before them.
"Now to give specifics. There will be twenty-two guards surrounding and within the archives if we were to put a perspective on it. Five will be around junior magic knight, ten will be around intermediate, five will be around senior and two will be around vice-captain tier. You are to get in and out without causing a scene or creating a blood bath. If an alarm is raised then the Crimson Lions, Golden Dawn and likely the Wizard King and his assistant will enter the fray and you will be on your own." they continued showing that this was very dangerous. "If anyone believes themselves incapable of this task then they may leave but know that speaking this to anyone will spell your demise. For those who wish to try, you may go on your own but in groups no bigger than three." they informed the group allowing them to weigh their options.
Word Count: 910
GM Notes:
- No NPC's may be used in this - No known rogue may have their thread be invaded by a magic knight unless they mess up - You have until November 30th to fulfil the Agent's request and have it posted within this thread with you coming back afterwards. - Extra points if the information is about some of the shady things the magic knights may have done (check with staff for that) - The thread gaining this information must be at least 3k words per person long. - I'll allow a 25% wc discount for this event - Make a reaction post before your leave this thread and go on your merry way to information gather - No, this event isn't death enabled but if you do cause a ruckus and magic knights do enter your thread you are automatically disqualified from gaining entry to Eclipse Raven at this point because you'd be seen as a liability
Have fun
What a person fights for says a lot about a person. My battle? Well, that's for me to know and for you to die for looking too closely. Curiosity, after all, killed the proverbial cat.
Scant few bits of information could be worth incarceration, there could be only so many of them in the Archive at once, their benefactor didn’t seem outright malevolent. In fact they straight up told us not to make it a bloodbath, what could a seemingly outwitted thief be able to accomplish? With scores of other rogues either teaming up or going it alone, it was an interesting offer and Connor felt rude for not considering it. Perhaps for a moment longer he would pause to scan the reactions of those in the room around him, the archive was a pretty well fortified position, and like few people he was only hesitant for a moment of consideration. The fact of the matter was there was something that was irking the higher-up’s and tickling the nose of the archivist was the up and up proper to finding out why. Now most people probably wouldn’t have considered harping on the archivist himself, sure he probably had a head full of what you were looking for, but to be honest you’d more than most likely end up on the list. Maybe he kept a secret record or journal on his person, no doubt more fortified than something else, there had to be something else to grab onto to complete this task. Connor was amiss as to how to comprehend the magnanimity of the task before him. His eyes perked up at the persuasion that it was a test, it didn’t seem like the kind of task that would be handled with any more urgency than a day’s notice. It was an interesting prospect, implying that there need be something found to sully the brightest names of the Kingdom. Perhaps the dirtiest had inside information, maybe they were just throwing out a rope for the jig, Connor haphazardly finished his coffee and pondered on it a moment more, he would need three things to successfully amble his way through such an endeavour. One was subtlety, the other; stealth, an evening and a day for reprieve, and if the God/s we’re kind, another boiling hot coffee. Yes there were others, Connor’s mind immediately shifted towards the clean up your own messes guy. There were a few grubs in the pot that seemed interested, or else wise they wouldn’t be here in the first place. Rallying a couple of them wouldn’t be the most difficult thing in the world. Full well knowing Jorah to probably shrug him off if he approached him too desperately, he ordered a cup of coffee and proceeded to skirt the issue and the man by giving him time to absorb the information as Connor had. Connor gave a wave to no one in particular, particularly to those in the room who were too conspicuous to think it as anything else but a gesture to void solemn solidarity. Had any of them the nerve or a plan, Connor would like to hear what made them so inspired, maybe work his way up to knowing what was going on around here. Anything new wasn’t an affront, but they had the resources to commit this little gathering, ask us; usually ordinary citizens who distinguished themselves arbitrarily, to risk our freedom to gather information they may not know. Currently Connor knew exactly nothing about what they already knew, bowing to a higher wisdom that few could have attained from this little get together, he wasn’t reassured.
Any one thing that Connor may have vouched as rumour or hearsay probably wouldn’t be enough fluff to cotton their ears, now he might be able to slide one divvy of difference past them with a sentiment, but hard facts were hard to come by. Had he known one sordid detail about the intimate lives of the nobles or royals; alike he would have already struck gold on a payday, this wasn’t your usual under the table, cash in hand type of job. This was a call to civil service, conscription from a higher being to serve a simple purpose. Could he refuse? Would he refuse? Yes, but he didn’t, Connor wouldn’t miss out on this opportunity, couldn’t afford to be idle at a time like this. He was afraid, doing mixed parts well and entertainingly to show it, he didn’t sob but he did furrow his brow in consternation. Robbery and larceny were equal parts confidence, just acting like you’re supposed to be there was not always as easy as surgically slicing the meat away from the rib, then again, it was. Every one thing that went wrong was someone else’s ultimate success, whether your the rich remembering what you were before you were rich, or whether you were a thief prospering. Fortune was a greedy thing to bear, the lucky few; owning a misery, we’re not always the easiest to steal from. Having harboured conceited suspicions about their neighbours all their lives, Connor wasn’t about to prove them right. You had to have a subtle finesse about these sort of things, an insurance scam or fraud may be a better alternative than your cloak and dagger approach. The bastard might have hidden the gold, buried it off in parts unknown, and you would be the silly bugger who took his life for salt. At market, a corpse wasn’t worth much more than the sincere praise it gets when it is simply a corpse, overshadowing the fact that not all the people Connor knew were the right sort, it was liberal entertainment. The physician’s might be able to sink their teeth into some convicted criminal or homeless commoner, for surgical practise or learning what a book just doesn’t teach you. Getting your hands on and participating in an activity is a very different experience than just reading about it. The way your heart beat creeps across a floor that you’re belly flat on to obscure the obvious logical insinuation of your presence, Priceless. Getting away without being caught because you held your breath. Necessary. Leaving without so much as a good bye or good reason, affordable.
Post by Ryoshi Miten on Oct 13, 2021 3:50:52 GMT -5
Ryoshi was about to take another sip of his alcohol when he saw someone enter the bar that made him gain a small yet borderline cruel smile on his face. It seemed that his luck was finally turning up as his sister Aelia had shown up with another man in the very same bar, as much as the man wanted to snatch her up and take her home right now he knew that this was not the time or the place for such a thing. The white hunter still filed her appearance away for later when he had the means and opportunity to fufill his goal, it also seemed that Echo and his little entourage showed up as well but it seemed the red head had yet to learn anything since last he saw him under the guise of Ryuuma. The red head had already confirmed his name to a complete stranger and Ryoshi facepalmed and shook his head, “Idiotic Peacock" he muttered under his breath so no one else would hear him. He had already outed himself and if there was a knight here by chance he just sealed his fate.
It seemed as they had all gathered a agent of the one who wanted them there had appeared and proceeded to explain why they were there before explaining that the leader was not here because they were not vetted and untrustworthy at the moment. Ryoshi could only nod slightly in understanding of it as he finished his alcohol, it made sense to play it carefully and see what they all could do before allowing them access to the group . It seemed that Echos folly had not gone unnoticed and Ryoshi gained an almost feral smile as he watched the boy get ripped into by the agent before they were given the explanation as to what task they were being given, the agent explained that they needed to go to the archives of the royal capital and grab a piece of damning evidence against the magic knights and get back without causing a ruckus or killing. At that the aura mages blue eyes glowed with glee at the challenge, 'a test wonderful we can weed out those of use from dead weight or prideful monkeys' he thought his eyes glancing at Echo as he slid his glass back to the bartender and offered another yul as a tip as he started to walk towards the door glancing at the agent for a moment.”ill be back that is a promise I do look forward to meeting your leader when this is all said and done” he said his tone showing he understood and was eager for the challenge as he headed out the door and towards the royal captial hos movements showing nothing less then confidence but not a single trace of arrogance in any of his moments or actions.
Post by Jorah Von Shurke on Oct 14, 2021 13:08:11 GMT -5
Drinking from his cup, watching the cloaked figure rise from the center of the room at a table not too far away, Jorah sighed as he listened to the Agent of Avarice without taking any heed to how the individual looked...though the figure sounded male it could easily be an illusion. Instead he looked around the bar to see who was taking heed and who was...playing it like a fool would. A selective group that only started to make its rounds lately even though they have been rumored to be around for a long time, the Agent’s habits were secretive and their numbers were also unknown...much like this meeting, and now they were told that failure was denial into the Eclipsed Ravens as well as talking about what went down tonight would equal death or something equivalent. ”Always with theatrical speeches and even worse, off the corner of a coffin threats, I will still play your game Mr. Agent…” He then went to Yemir and Mania and in turn looked at each of them. ”Come on, let us depart...I don’t trust you, you don’t trust me...idle threats and pedantic banter...you get the gist...this is a means to an end. Let us do this quickly.” He said before putting out the cigar using his heel to show he cared little for the expensive vice, heading out as he was not going to wait around all night for the two. They could join him, they could let him go alone...their funeral.
Mania would take a keen interest in what this envoy spoke of. Though their theatrical taste and panache made for an awful cliché. The cloak figured wore a decorative, ornate mask. Its design was unique, something Mania hadn't come across before. The tone of their voice was quite odd, almost indistinguishable and androgynous. The rogue was unable to decipher if the cloaked figure was using magic to conceal themselves. The masked enigma would state a cryptic message, no doubt to reinforce fear and their monopoly over the situation. Whoever was pulling the strings behind this powerful organization had yet to make an appearance, instead they had been ordered to steal sensitive information at the bequest org and benefactor. What the aspiring rogues collected would be assessed for quality and that would determine if they were fit to fly with the Eclipse Ravens or not.
"Simple enough... Seems like they have eyes and ears all over."
The rogue would note as he finished the booze in his cup.
It was than that the unexpected happened. The older white haired rogue would approach Mania, towing Yemir alongside him. Mania had met the small girl before and knew she was quite capable despite her appearances. The man spoke of trust and he certainly hadn't lied. They were words that Mania himself believed and the voices that assailed the turbulent rogues mind only served to nurture pessimistic thoughts. It appeared that he was recruiting Yemir and Mania for assistance. They all shared an mutual interest being they were all present for this secret gathering. Mania didn't know Yemir was acquainted with him, or perhaps they too had been randomly selected? Mania would momentarily ponder this, his expression specious and chameleon in appearance.
"Yer right about that."
Mania would state coolly, his deadpan countenance stoic as the rogue smiled. Grabbing his hat and jacket, Mania would follow the stranger out the door. Normally one wouldn't follow strangers, but if Mania had to guess he too walked the same path. One leading to hell.
Post by Echo Jaegar on Oct 16, 2021 2:15:33 GMT -5
[nospaces]
[attr="class","echoquote"]
❝My light [break]is brighter [break]than the sun!❞
[attr="class","echotemp] After Echo had confirmed his identity to the woman who waited on him and his group, someone known as an agent of averice had come out to begin speaking. The agent would explain why it was they had all been gathered here today, however seeing this agent person made Echo’s face glow red with anger. *WHO THE FUCK IS THIS?! WHERE IS THAT DAMN LITTLE WOMAN?* He thought to himself. His face would soon grow even more red when the agent had made a remark on how Echo had given up his name to a stranger. Echo could feel the eyes of judgement coming from around the bar, everyone thinking pretty much the same thing, how stupid Echo was for giving up his name. However Echo looked at it as the opposite, he saw his family name and slightly better known status as a disguise all in its own. Besides he didn’t care about anyone in this bar besides the two he had come with. [break][break] Echo would look at the agent and scoff saying “Giving up your name is only a problem for a known criminal. I’m a well known noble from a charity family clearly I would be known in this part of the country… however I shall play your game. I will get these documents and prove how superior I am to each and every one of you in this room!” Turning to Zeus and Thalia, Echo would rise from his seat before saying “ You two stay here, im gonna go and get this done without so much as a hitch.” Echo would then lean over towards Zeus speaking in a low tone to say “Watch out for Velondra, I think this agent guy is just a figurehead for now.” Echo would then begin to walk out the bar heading out to complete the challenge presented to him. [break][break] As he made his way through the bar and towards the exit he made note of the people he had already previously met that were in attendance. Again the two that stood out the most were A, the rogue girl who had some type of magical control of the dead. And her companion J, Echo could tell that perhaps this man held a platinum grimoire due to his strength and the fact he seemed to keep it well out of eye’s view but that had yet to be determined. These two seemed like Echo’s most likely accomplices for this job, as they had some type of history with each other. And from their short lived conversation Echo had a slight understanding of the rogue duo and he thought he could use that to help them work as a team. [break][break] So as he made his exit Echo would think to himself *I’ll wait for them outside and try to get them to work with me. I don’t doubt I could handle this alone but that honestly seems like more trouble than it is worth… All this just for the possibility of seeing you, Velondra…* He would then make his way out the door and once outside he would sit in wait for A and J, in a nearby alleyway where he was out of sight but he would sense their mana once they came outside of the crowded bar.