In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
[attr="class","shadowsHead"] Black-market Contraband: Alpha Wolf Pelt
Within the Rogue’s Refuge, there is a black market where one can find the most strange, unique and interesting wares, not to mention some of the most illegal and dangerous stuff in the entire country. It is within this black market that a rather mysterious and ridiculously secretive person known only as the Agent of Avarice calls the shots. Making deals with all sorts of people from within the country and from outside, the Agent takes on all sorts of requests which he will then distribute to those who can prove themselves worthy. Receiving the orders through a proxy, the taker of this mission is to go to the forsaken region in order to kill a grey wolf alpha and retrieve a pelt from it after death. While it is a kill order, that does not mean one should be sloppy, meaning there are special requirements involved that need to be followed precisely.
[break]
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Maximum Number of Players: 3
[break]Minimum Word Count: 1500
[break]Location: The Forsaken Realm
[break]Special Requirements: For these kinds of missions, simply killing your target is not enough, you need to be smart about it. Kill too many, and the population might dwindle or relocate somewhere else, meaning it will be hard to get the same goods again next time. Deal too much damage to your target, and the merchandise might be rendered unusable. As such, you are to only kill the one target you need to kill for the goods and do so in a manner that does not damage the parts you’re required to retrieve. The inability to follow up on these two simple requests results in automatic failure.
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]NPC Information
What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required, any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed here.
[break]Combat Style: Moving in packs, these animals will aim to surround you, draw your attention towards them while another moves to attack you from the flank in an attempt to tear out your throat and kill you.
[break]Additional Information: They're ordinary grey wolves, though some creativity is always allowed in terms of scars, old wounds, discolouration or lack of fur, they can be young or old, male or female. Be creative!
[break]Combat Style: Moving in packs, these animals will aim to surround you, draw your attention towards them while another moves to attack you from the flank in an attempt to tear out your throat and kill you.
[break]Additional Information: When his pack is being attacked, the alpha or the leader of the pack will show itself. When it does, it will coordinate with the rest of the pack in a serious attempt to kill you. Be careful, as it is stronger and more resilient than the rest of his pack.
There was something about doing business with shady cloaked individuals that Mania disliked. Perhaps it was because he could never trust a person who's face he couldn't see, yet alone one that used a proxy to disseminate missions to the local rogues. The Agent of Avarice was such a shrouded individual, though Mania would not have the pleasure of laying eyes upon them directly. Mania would receive the intel from an unsavory looking man with bad bed hair.
Receiving the details to kill a Alpha wolf and retrieve its pelt un-damaged, Mania figured it was a simple request he could handle, though the stipulation of only killing the Alpha might prove troublesome. The rogue understood why the client didn't want them thinning the species, but to expect a pack of wolves to not attack as a unit was foolish if not borderline insane. Reluctantly Mania had agreed to the outlined stipulations. Crossing an Agent of Avarice was like social suicide for a rogue. They had a lot of connections and power in the underground world, often using it to call favors. If they wanted it would be easy to stop a rogue from making any coin in Clover.
Mania shivered at the thought as he waited outside the town within the forsaken region, enjoying a smoke as he looked out into the distance. Following the lazy clouds that slowly drifted along with the azure canvas above with his perceptively keen hazel eyes. There was to be another rogue accompanying him who also took the job, so at least one of them could run decoy and pull the attention of the pack as the other dispatched the Alpha. Mania would try his best not to kill the others, but if his life was in danger, the rogue wouldn't hesitate to remove that danger expeditiously. Another deep pull of his smoke and Mania would sigh as he leaned against a large nearby tree. It was a cool autumn day, the breeze playfully sweeping red and orange-tipped leaves about.
Mania would continue to smoke and watch the passerby slowly roll past him as he pondered idle thoughts.
STATS
POW: 000 DUR: 025 SEN: 015 STA: 015 CON: 017
SPEED: 5m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior MANA POOL: 060 / 060 MANA REGEN: 05 IC / 10 OOC
Had this not been a standard applicative for work, Connor may have avoided this job, it was more dangerous than his usual rigmarole. Stealing was one thing, tracking, killing and skinning wolves was another. The go-between was an obnoxious and callous individual who was big-headed about working with the agents of avarice. Man’s demeanour was pestilential, Connor couldn’t help but stare at the man. A wide grin that showed all his teeth made Connor feel like grunt work was abysmal. However much he disliked the man, he wouldn't refuse work as it was getting scarce with the Eclipse Raven mob appearing on the scene. It was what it was, and what it was, was annoying. Connor didn’t feel like running his mouth so he took the work in his stride. Assertions were as the wheat in the field, numerous and laborious to gather. His thoughts subsisted of maligned concepts, a dubious number of them were apprehensive. Wolves were dangerous, wild creatures that often hunted in packs. Playing with the notion of avoiding them, he was uncertain if avoidance was entirely a possibility in this circumstance. The tallied sum of problems he came across, at least in forethought, were troublesome. Injuring the wolves would be problematic, if they were hindered by injuries sustained in the skirmish they may not appropriate satisfactory conditioning for survival. He was unsure if that would substantiate a claim in the matter of not getting paid but his interest in thinking about this dwindled.
Walking out of the town had not been arduous, it was a nice day and Connor’s placidity was plain to see without him expressing similitudes. There was a man smoking; who Connor paid little attention to, relaxing by a tree. The thought occurred to him to proffer a story, one that would depict the wolves as problematic. To see if the man was more sympathetic than complacent he approached him, hands in pockets, attempting to come across as casual. Nonchalance played a big part in the work Connor engaged in, acting like you were meant to be somewhere was a game of confidence and idle satire. It was almost comical how many times coming off as a bored noble paid dividends, being overlooked and underestimated was something Connor was getting accustomed to. Introductions were made, in the most mundane of fashions, greetings were timely and his speech was eloquent, “Salutations; lovely day we’re having, I was just wondering, are you from my neck of the woods?” The jig he did was simple. Hand pantomiming being hung behind his neck, funny face, that kind of thing. Connor settled on being jovial today, it was easier to do this after a good nights rest, and it was seldom a thing he often got to do.
Mania was approached by quite the odd fellow, he exuded frivolity and his countenance held an air of nonchalance the rogue noted, raising a wry brow as he was greeted. His question was confusing, perplexing even due to the perceived randomness of it. Mania didn't recognize him in the slightest, but for some reason or another he had engaged in conversation. A deep drag of the cigarette would be taken as he studied the strangers expression.
Noting the expensive taste in clothing the ashen-haired man possessed, Mania concluded he was perhaps a Nobleman looking for some fun in the Forsaken Region. Yet, through Mania's quick deductions he felt as if he was missing the mark entirely. It probed at the back of his mind like imaginary needles. Assumptions could sometimes be silent killers the rogue thought whilst exhaling and finishing his internal monologue. Mania would act normal, waving with his free hand while speaking.
"S'pose I was friend?"
Mania would respond as he flicked the ashes onto the ground. Mania couldn't place his finger on what seemed so off-putting about the man, but if he had to wager, Mania would equate it to the almost superficial look buried within those maple-colored eyes of his. There was definitely more to the ashen-haired man than meets the eye. Mania mused the notion as he lucidly looked for the subtler telltale signs he could glean to add clarity and insight to further his limited understanding. From there Mania was still confused at what the stranger was getting at, the true meaning behind the words he spoke. Could he have been the partner Mania was waiting for? The proxy for the Agent of Avarice had lacked any sufficiently necessary information in context to their assumed appearance.
That was the issue with all these jobs that loved to pair Mania with people he had no preestablished relationship with. It made for some very awkward encounters, this one included. Another pull of his cigarette and Mania would inhale deeply, his mind still half contemplating the situation. Like lightning in a bottle, the thought bounced around his head, Mania was struck by a sudden epiphany. Perhaps it was the subtle difference in the man's expression and body language that disturbed Mania the most. Mania wasn't winning an Emmy for his acting skills, but he fundamentally could tell when someone's actions belied the truth of themselves. The rogue would choose to play along, indulging him until his partner would show or if he tired of waiting. Mania after all was a very busy man, he had jobs to do and places to explore.
STATS
POW: 000 DUR: 025 SEN: 015 STA: 015 CON: 017
SPEED: 5m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior MANA POOL: 060 / 060 MANA REGEN: 05 IC / 10 OOC
Perhaps subtlety was not the most pragmatic way of doing things, Connor realised it was not even vaguely apparent he was roguish except by proximity. Although this struck him as particularly odd, it didn’t hinder the prevalence of the task at hand. Taking it in his stride Connor regarded the man, who exuding a quality about him that was undoubtedly roguish, treated him with a cautious air. Connor took inventory and looked himself over, his clothing was rather lavish, despite a few patches where he had sewn himself, he was indeed looking rather noble. Personal wealth had not always been apparent to Connor, instead, he usually lacked the self-association to take pride in his appearance. But with reactions such as this, it was a thing that was hard not to notice. Formalities aside, an introduction would have probably been the best opener; disparate notions of second-guessing his first impression lingered for a moment. Damn, Jorah always made it seem so easy being conversational thought Connor in the recesses of his mind. It appears he may have fallen short, in the way one does when trying to jump across a large gap that can not be traversed in two smaller jumps. In hindsight Connor would have to brush up on his mannerisms, Connor supposed too much of other people and presumptions only made an ass of himself. Taking his hand and placing it between them, he offered a handshake, appearing every bit as noble as he may have seemed. “I’m in the market for a pelt; need it for a coat.” The contact hadn’t been incredibly clear or sincere about whether there were others that may help him with this task.
Connor’s tone was not his drab old self, instead, he took the cards he was dealt and played with them. Bluffing when not strictly necessary, hoping to come off as a noble who was willing to offer a need and pay for the job. The agent of avarice’s middle man; Connor’s employer, seemed much the same way, Connor had hated the man himself but didn’t see why he couldn’t match the ask. “Faux fur wouldn’t match the luxury of an Alpha Wolf Pelt, I imagine.” The insinuation was that Connor himself was the spendthrift type, a con he had played before to some abysmal success. Connor’s employer hadn’t specified he had to rip the fur off the beast himself, so, being a smart rogue, he opted to delegate the work to someone who seemed more equipped to the task. A commoner man may have been apprehensive, indeed the work seemed mundane, but Connor was sure to impugn that it was worth his while. After all, it wasn’t illegal until he had gotten to sell the damn thing’s pelt. It was a mundane task for a rogue to be asked, at least, that was how Connor felt about it. “The largest of these wolves has been terrorising some of the local peasant’s livestock, so, two birds with one stone, eh?” Putting himself in the position of his employer was an odd feeling, Connor looked down at his shoes; as he had seen nobles do a hundred times, in a pantomime of respect to what kind of footwear they were both wearing. His regard for his footwear was like a naked woman was dancing on the toe of it, before looking back up at the man with a sallow expression. “I’m willing to pay for the effort.” He said intriguingly.
Connor silently wondered if he sounded like the contact who had offered the original job to this man, although he currently was unaware of this man’s affiliations and persuasions, Connor was certain that his proposition would tempt even the most mundane of men. Greed was; after all, a prevalence in the kingdom of Clover, the black market didn’t come into the conversation whatsoever, or so at least his tact may have relayed. Having said more than he had meant to, Connor stifled himself before gauging the man’s reaction, his mana signature, and his overall intent. Which all in all seemed curious. Connor put his thumb to his lips and started nibbling on it nervously.
The finely dressed man would elaborate upon his intentions, Mania was hesitant to believe someone was willing to undercut the proxy for the Agent of Avarice. Most men who knew of the organization wouldn't dare cross them in fear of retaliation. Perhaps he had powerful ties the rogue would muse as he would listen to Connor tiptoe around the words he spoke. Watching the ashen haired stranger closely Mania was still looking for clues, any subtle sign he could use to glean information.
Mania found it strange that he was getting another offer for the job he was commissioned to do, but the rogue wasn't above making a few extra Yul; however, Mania knew better than to not make good on a job, especially one from a high profiled client. It would be a matter of how much more the rogue stood to gain from the transaction. Was it a joke? Certainly, some people liked to act in such a manner, but it was hard for Mania to properly assess the situation, so he would simply play along for now.
"Actually, I've already had a client who's looking for me to procure an Alpha Wolf pelt. Can't say I'm in the business of not making good on jobs, but if you have the Yul to place a competitive price on it then... "
Pausing Mania would look for hints or breaks in Connor's facade, though if there were any he couldn't tell.
"We can do business. Though I'd appreciate knowing the name of my possible employer. Formalities aside I was waiting for another person who's supposed to assist me. Want to talk more as I head out to find my query?"
Mania would ask coolly, as he took a final pull of his smoke and indiscriminately discard the bud. He would begin walking off towards the wilderness, hoping the man would follow. If things we right, Mania stood to make some extra Yul from the nobleman by procuring a second Alpha Wolf pelt, though it still remained how much Yul was Connor willing to pay Mania. The rogue had his doubts about whether or not Connor would follow him, especially due to the danger the wolves posed to the unprepared. Mania was confident though he could protect the nobleman should he have to with his defensive magic, the real question was if Mana could deal with the pack on his own. Killing them all wasn't a good strategy, the only blood that needed to be shed was that of the Alpha wolf.
"What has a gentleman such as yourself in the market for such an illegal and rare item? "
If the nobleman had followed Mania would ask him another question to break the monotony of the silent ambiance of the wilderness. Mania began thinking of reforming his earlier pondered plans. Perhaps he could use this man as bait to separate the pack from the Alpha and use his defense magic to protect Connor. Though the rogue was unsure if the man would ever agree to such a risky idea. There was no risk for Mania, but for Connor, there was an inherent risk. Would he trust a commoner and rogue such as Mania to make good on his promise to defend him? That would yet to be seen as Mania continued walking.
"It'll be easier for me to procure the required items if you can act as bait, lessening the number of wolves I would have to deal with. I can easily protect you from harm, allowing me to deal with the Alpha. If you are so inclined to accept, I can hunt another pelt for you at a reduced price~"
Mania stated in his normal, flat tone. His voice was smooth, possessing a particular roguish charm that men of his caliber had. Still, it would all be up to Connor, Mania turning his head slightly to gauge and weigh his expression as they neared the hunting grounds.
STATS
POW: 000 DUR: 025 SEN: 015 STA: 015 CON: 017
SPEED: 5m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior MANA POOL: 060 / 060 MANA REGEN: 05 IC / 10 OOC
Well, that didn’t go as planned; the man had taken his bluff. Connor eased the complication off his shoulders and breathed a sigh of relief, here was a man who knew how to at least barter with conviction. The man wasn’t a pushover, that was for sure. With no certainty Connor strove to amend his actions by proffering a purse, it had been someone else’s of course, Connor would never own a wallet with a zipper. He gave it a weighty hoist, catching it in the air before it opened in its arc. It was filled with small gold pieces, created for the sole purpose of tempting the greedy. A pleasant sound and a decent weight gave the impression it wasn’t fake, although it was, in one context or another. “Gold pieces, easily transferable; easy to spend, bite ‘em if you like; I’m not a dentist.” It seems that Connor had run into a bit of a roadblock, having to tempt the man despite him already having taken a job for something was damn coincidental. Competition being what it was, it seemed this man was both an ally and a fellow rogue, tasked with more or less the same job. Avarice and greed go hand in hand; colloquial differences separated them minutely, or so they say. The daylight was draining from the land a little earlier due to the year progressing through Autumn, Connor didn't want to work in the dark, so he insisted they get a move on. Now it was a matter of letting the con drop or keeping it going?
Connor threw up his hands in distress as if to feign nobility in light of the task he was assigned, bait; how humblingly humiliating! He wiped his hands on his shirt and tried to hide the gold dust on them, Connor was getting ahead of himself but had no real objections that would put him in this man’s good graces. Not wanting to waste either of their time, he had weaved a story, now he had to stick with it. As far as Connor knew there was only one alpha wolf in the pack, so, Connor felt like the man was being at least a little dishonest himself. He admired this, but as his parents once said about him, you can’t con a conner.
“Your expectations of me are… humbling.” Connor spoke with the distaste he imagined a noble might have after having been assigned such a role, while still being somewhat polite he was cautious not to assert otherwise. What if this guy was a lunatic? Rogues weren’t known to be the most stable bunch, he may feel strongly about Connor’s subterfuge. Acting from a place of great lucidity, Connor noticed the difference in charisma that held this man’s proposal together. Not too much grease, he thought as if to couch the young man. The machine of their companionship was still in its prototype stages, and Connor didn’t want to have a breakdown in communication. He didn’t want to work too hard either. “Let’s get going then.” He spoke affirmatively, reasoning simply that being bait wasn’t the hardest part of the job; if he weren’t thrown to the very literal wolves, at least. “I’ve been thrown to the proverbial wolves before mind you.” A brief chuckle at his joke, and they would be on their way.
Connor smoked from time to time but thought better of bothering the man for one. The wolves were located not too far from their current location, and they had already passed enough time luxuriating in each other’s company, so Connor led the way. “If my memory serves me correctly, we shouldn’t be too far from them.” The Grimoire that he carried was gilded with gold, a three-leaf clover adorning its cover; heavily embossed, and looked more or less like a pocketbook. He held it in his hand, caring little about introspection. If the man had taken the bait, it was of little difference, Connor regarded the man as competition for work but didn’t see why they wouldn’t be able to work together, lies or not. Perhaps Connor would regret lying to him, maybe he wouldn’t. The pay was often demanded, the agent of greed only required a pelt, maybe Connor wouldn’t have to split the Yul with this guy. In exchange for the man’s services, Connor intended to at least leave him with a lesson, maybe a slight portion of the money he was promised, if he was lucky the latter would be slim. Rogues rouging rogues, what had the world come to?
Connor would produce a pouch of gold coins, tossing it to Mania to grease the transaction over more easily. Mania would offer a wry look upon his visage as he would palm the pouch of avarice, feeling its hefty weight. A look inside and the young rogue would pluck a single piece as he inspected it. It would prove to be real, though Mania definitely still had his doubts about the man. The rogue wasn't able to pinpoint why, but innately he could feel it.
It was in the subtle signs Connor exhibited that he discerned at some level there was deceit and foul play amok. For now, though, he couldn't complain, but Mania still felt off-put by the lack of a name being given to him. Not that he himself had followed the usual actions of decorum, but it wasn't him that approached a stranger in regards to a request. The more Mania pondered the thought, the more he begin to peel away the layers of lies to the tale. It wouldn't take the duo long to arrive at their query, the flat grassy plains rolled on as far as their eye could see. This particular location was a known hunting ground for wolves and soon the pack would show up. First, they skirted along the edges of a comfortable range from the two men. No doubt observing and waiting for the most opportune moment to strike.
Mania and Connor wouldn't have long before the wolves would be upon them. From what he could tell, there was quite the number of wolves - twelve to be exact Mania would count, licking his lips in bated anticipation. A loud, fearsome howl produced by the pack would send shivers down the rogue spine. Mania knew it heralded their imminent assault. "Looks like it's time bait~" Mania would coo playfully to Connor as his grimoire floated before him, emanating with powerful mana. Mania would draw the sleek, silver moon forged dagger from its sheath, the blade shimmered gorgeously in the light. It was a good weapon, felt comfortable within his hands he thought as a smirk crept onto Mania's visage. This would be his first time using Volumen Hydrargyrum, though it would not see much bloodshed on this day.
The wolves begin circling slowly as they encroached. "Hope yer ready cause here they come! Stay within sight, I'll be sure to protect ya!" Mania would take off, causing the pack of twelve to split six to four. The six wolves aiming for Connor while four would press the numbers advantage against Mania. First Mania would cast magic to protect Connor whilst he dealt with protecting himself.
"Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon~"
Mania's grimoire would open, fluttering to life as liquid silver would be summoned near Connor, forming into a spherical bastion meant to safeguard the man. As long as he was within a protective barrier he would be okay as long as Mania paid attention to how much damage the defense spell would soak. That would do for now the rogue thought as he would leap back, putting space between himself and the four wolves that jumped towards him with bared fangs. He only needed to draw out the Alpha wolf so he wouldn't look for any lethal attacks yet. The rogue would tighten his grip upon the body of Volumen Hydrargyrum and feed mana into the magical weapon.
"Fervor, mei sanguis!"
Mania would proclaim as the silver dagger would ripple to life. The blade would liquefy into mercury and form an almost shapeless whip. Mania would simply keep the wolves at arm's length by swinging the magic mercury forged weapon. The wolves had keen eyes and sharp reflexes as they easily avoided Mania's relaxed attacks. He only needed to entertain them until the Alpha appeared. It was easy for him to press the four wolves back as they attempted to surround him, but because of Volumen Hydrargyrum's reach, Mania only had to use his ranged advantage until he saw his moment of opportunity to press the attack further. So, the rogue would continue to halt their advances by sweeping the whip around him in a circular motion to keep them at bay; however, the wolves more than likely annoyed by Mania would slowly start to change tactics as they paused the attack and circled Mania.
"How are you holding up my bait?"
Mania called to Connor to check on him, though the rogue would dare divert his attention. He knew the wolves were keenly perceptive and were looking for a hole in his defense.
STATS
POW: 000 DUR: 025 SEN: 015 STA: 015 CON: 017
SPEED: 5m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior MANA POOL: 044 / 060 MANA REGEN: 05 IC / 10 OOC
Name of Spell: Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon Elemental Type: Mercury Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Defense Creation Range & Speed: 10 m AOE | 10 m/s Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Stats Effected: -- Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Aegis Description: Mania creates a large pool of mercury magic that he can manipulate into a smooth semi-spherical dome around himself. This mass of mercury maintains its semi-liquid state, only hardening upon impact from an enemy spell. Mania upon casting can also choose to expand this ability, protecting anything inside the 10 m AOE radius. The Magic doesn't completely envelop Mania or friendly allies, instead, the front has a gap for Mania or others to maintain the vision of targets, but can close up if needed to defend. Spell is activated by speaking the spell's name aloud.
Name of the Ability Fervor, mei sanguis (Boil my blood) Type & Uses: Flow | 3 Post Max Uses | 2 Post Cooldown Rank & Specialization: Junior | Transformation Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Range & Speed: 25 m | 10 m/s Stats Affected: -12.5% Endurance Description: By activating Volumen Hydrargyrum's sole ability - Fervor mei sanguis , the curved silver blade ripples and softens into a liquid state. Reforging itself to extend 25m in length by stretching and retracting itself. This ability only transforms the blade into a silver sharp, malleable whip. Fervor mei sanguis while being used as a whip will appear as mercury in a semi-liquid state only hardening upon contact with a target to deal cutting, slicing, or piercing damage. Fervor mei sanguis will still deal junior rank-based damage, being treated more like a weapon rather than a spell. This ability can be maintained for a maximum of three posts before it overheats and cools down for two posts.
NOTES
WORD COUNT: 762 TOTAL WC: 2,207 / 1,500 TAG(S):Connor
Connor morosely watched as he was surrounded, by wolves and by a colloidal substance that seemed to be metallic in texture. His gaze whizzed from the right to the left as he paused to admire his reflection, the rudimentary bulwark intimidated the wolves. He lazily opened his Grimoire and clicked his fingers over the pages, a large coin springing from the book placed itself under Connor’s feet. “Change, levitate us out of reach.” The golem did as it was commanded, lifting Connor slowly into the air. Arcing at a height that prevented the wolves from leaping at him, Connor watched as they pawed at the shield that was surrounding where he had been standing. Curiosity was prevalent, a liquid metal mage; Connor pondered this for a moment before surveying the scene. Any effort on Connor’s behalf had been moot, he sprinkled bread crumbs from his pockets over the wolves, as if to patronise them but the sentiment was lost on the primitive canines. Everyone was a critique, pity they weren’t rich. Connor yawned some before clicking his hand above his Grimoire a second time. Summoning a second shrapnel piece of coinage, he twirled his finger around as the golden coin orbited his head, and he watched Mania go to work. How surprising thought Connor, a second ago the whip had been a dagger, this rogue was resourceful that was for sure. Connor waited for Mania to dispatch the alpha, the shining gold dazzled the wolves that were intent on making Connor their lunch. He wondered what, if anything, the rogue would think of the golems. Despite his lack of honesty, it would be pragmatic to make assumptions about Connor’s magic, and although his counterfeiting may have been apparent, it was always possible it may be overlooked. They were out here after all, the job was half done. Perhaps a partnership could be forged through this adversity, who didn’t love lining their pockets? Connor looked down from the levitating golem and assessed his situation. He alluded that he was relatively safe, keeping the wolves distracted was a simple task and he found it to be lax compared to his usual work. The dangers were more prevalent in the way that animals sensed humans differently than magic knights did. Being cold-blooded would avail him little, although it was a simple task of connecting the dots, Connor was looking forward to seeing how Mania would take being misled. Connor had no resignations that the young man was capable of recognizing a scam, he was more curious as to see how he would react and what new bargain would be set. Transpiring this, Connor had the second coin dance around the wolves with an intricate series of hand gestures, distracting them further.
The lack of response caused Mania some level of concern and unwittingly he found himself glancing back at Connor's location, but would be surprised to see the man was hovering aloft in the air atop what Mania presumed to be a golem. Just out of harms way of the wolves range. Mania would click his teeth together as he noticed the shimmering golden splendor the mans golems had possessed. The rogue could feel the distrustful thoughts he had been suppressing surfacing, but he wouldn't have time to deeply ponder errant thoughts.
The wolves would act as they noticed Mania's fickle attention drifting. One would lash out at the rogue, commanding his full attention. Mania didn't have time to truly react, and almost instinctively retaliated with a decisive killing blow. Before his body could carry him through the motions, Mania would catch himself. Instead, the rogue would pivot, narrowly avoiding the attack as he would take a paw to his chest. Luckily the mage's mana skin had dulled the blow, but still, it was quite painful. Mania was not of the mindset to take another attack, so he would crack mercury whip, emphatically demanding the wolves kept their proper distance as the rogue would utilize another spell from his grimoire.
The book that floated in front of Mania would emanate mana, glowing with power as the pages flipped.
Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon - Second-Skin~
Within Mania's free hand a polished marble made of mercury magic would be summoned and once it made contact with the palm of his hand it would begin to meld with the rogue. A sleek, formfitting, spiked armor would cover and protect Mania's flesh. He could afford to be a little more relaxed now, confident in his spell defensive capabilities. Mania would continue his dance on the battlefield until the wolves seemingly stopped, a reverberating howl echoing through the land would draw his gaze. From the clearing, a large scarred Alpha wolf would emerge from the underbrush. It bared its sharp teeth, snarling as the fur upon its back spiked. Mania would smile as the Alpha wolf charged at him. Cracking the mercury whip Mania would look for a lethal opportunity; however, the Alpha wolf was much faster than anticipated and barely dodged his combo attack.
Because he was left open the Alpha wolf rushed Mania down and attempted to pierce the mercury armor, but it would find that Mania's shell was extremely tough and equally treacherous. The wolf winced from the sharp spikes that stabbed the roof of its mouth, drawing blood. The Alpha wolf was heavy, but Mania managed to push it off of him, or rather it retreated after realizing Mania wouldn't be easy food. The other wolves would join in formation to back up their pack leader. This time they would circle as Mania leap back to put more space between himself and the ravenous wolves. He knew that a battle of attrition would do him no good and that he needed to put a close to this fight soon. Mania was far too handicapped to continue as he was. While the rogue attempted to think of an idea he would continue swinging the magic, mercury whip.
STATS
POW: 000 DUR: 025 SEN: 015 STA: 015 CON: 017
SPEED: 5m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior (x1 junior dmg sustained) MANA POOL: 037 / 060 MANA REGEN: 05 IC / 10 OOC
Name of Spell: Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon Elemental Type: Mercury Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Defense Creation Range & Speed: 10 m AOE | 10 m/s Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Stats Effected: -- Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Aegis Description: Mania creates a large pool of mercury magic that he can manipulate into a smooth semi-spherical dome around himself. This mass of mercury maintains its semi-liquid state, only hardening upon impact from an enemy spell. Mania upon casting can also choose to expand this ability, protecting anything inside the 10 m AOE radius. The Magic doesn't completely envelop Mania or friendly allies, instead, the front has a gap for Mania or others to maintain the vision of targets, but can close up if needed to defend. Spell is activated by speaking the spell's name aloud.
Name of the Ability Fervor, mei sanguis (Boil my blood) Type & Uses: Flow | 3 Post Max Uses | 2 Post Cooldown Rank & Specialization: Junior | Transformation Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Range & Speed: 25 m | 10 m/s Stats Affected: -12.5% Endurance Description: By activating Volumen Hydrargyrum's sole ability - Fervor mei sanguis , the curved silver blade ripples and softens into a liquid state. Reforging itself to extend 25m in length by stretching and retracting itself. This ability only transforms the blade into a silver sharp, malleable whip. Fervor mei sanguis while being used as a whip will appear as mercury in a semi-liquid state only hardening upon contact with a target to deal cutting, slicing, or piercing damage. Fervor mei sanguis will still deal junior rank-based damage, being treated more like a weapon rather than a spell. This ability can be maintained for a maximum of three posts before it overheats and cools down for two posts.
Name of Spell: Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon - Second-Skin Elemental Type: Mercury Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Defense Creation Range & Speed: Self | -- Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Stats Effected: +4 Durability Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Aegis Description: This spell is activated by focusing his mana and creating a small marble of mercury magic in the palm of his hand. The marble is 6 cm in size and loosens its form when it makes contact as it begins to spread out, congealing around the entirety of Mania's body before hardening. Second skin forms a protective, sleek armor that conforms to the shape and contour of Mania's body. The only part of Mania's body that remains uncovered is his head. The smooth surface of this armor splinters into dozens of smaller spikes that constantly shift and react to external damage. These spikes are roughly 3 cm in dimensions. Second skin has x2 the health of its own rank. (junior)
NOTES
WORD COUNT: 535 TOTAL WC: 2,742 / 1,500 TAG(S):Connor
Connor watched over the scene like he had paid to see it, it was almost barbaric to avoid conflict in this manner. Having decided against staying out of the fight, he motioned for the golem to carry him towards Mania as the wolves were chasing the other golem like it was a ball. The canines weren’t devoid of their natural instincts to chase what ran from them, and so the golem carrying Connor ambled forwards, almost casually. Dropping from the platform, he issued a command to the errant golem that was without overall purpose after transporting him. “Change.” He uttered almost casually as he swung his Grimoire forward, pointing at the Alpha Wolf who was giving Mania trouble. The coin ricocheted off the wolves skull and spun around its cranium like a small star, glinting as it did so reflecting the light of the sun. Being uncertain of how much damage the Alpha could sustain, he thumped the wolf in the head a second time, for good measure, his golem bouncing off the wolves leader. They seemed disheartened, as did Connor; thrashing animals wasn’t exactly his cup of tea he found out, by the time the alpha wolf was dead the other wolves had departed. Fleeing the scene in animalistic fear, a few of them lingered, but they didn’t openly engage the two men again. Snarling and barking, they departed as well. Connor grimaced, although the magic that the other man had displayed was impressive, it was no real cause for celebration. A creature of the wild had little good sense as far humans contrasted, they had only really been defending themselves, while the two of them had ruthlessly hunted them. Maybe he was losing his touch, but as he looked at the dead wolf, he paused in refrain and felt remorse. This was blood on his hands for sure, and Connor didn’t exactly like the feeling of it. He hard swallowed, half not believing what they had done, and resigning to at least carry on as they had intended to finish.
“Look, I’m going to be frank with you, that was unbelievably regrettable.” Looking down at the corpse of the wolf, he pitied their actions and consulted internally with the turmoil that he could only imagine was his conscious. If it had been a struggle, a matter of life and death, things may have been different. He mentally damned the agents of greed, their avarice came at a price. The price tag was a bittersweet reverie, it didn’t seem like work that he wanted any part in. He looked Mania over and noticed his knife for the first time, “Well, there’s no use in letting a body go to waste.” Turning from the scene, he noticed the second dead wolf that wasn’t quite so majestic as the alpha, neither were particularly graceful in death. Connor regretted his part to play in this, he liked domesticated dogs after all. Whether they gained notoriety or not from this, he cared little; Connor knew he had done wrong. Sighing, he plotted his course homeward. Not really caring if he was paid for the trouble or not. He looked up to the sky and silently howled an anguished silence, the breath he breathed was the same scarred oxygen that had been in the lungs of that proud creature that they had laid low. Maybe he was taking it personally, or, at the very least too seriously. But he had no qualms that he would have trouble sleeping this evening.
Mania was ready to look for a clean decisive blow, but before he could make his move, Connor had elected to join the fray. His golem had carried him towards Mania, cause the rogue to glance his way as he unleashed a golden attack that easily slumped the Alpha Wolf with the assistance of the mans golem. With their pack leader dead the other wolves whined in remorse for him before snarling at the two men. They would run off away from Mania and Connor, the ambiance returned to an eerie silence for a moment as the rogue would sigh.
The mercury whip would transform back to its original state and Mania would release his magic, the shining mercury armor pooling onto the ground as it removed itself from the rogue's body. Mania hadn't expected Connor to assist him with the wolf killing, but what stood out most was the man's magic that resembled gold. Was it a lie? Mania would muse the thought as he watched Connor look resentful of taking the Alpha Wolfs life. Mania wasn't too concerned with the job, he always had done whatever the work entailed, not often thinking too far into the details. It made the rogue an efficient worker, who could be trusted to get the job done.
"Wasn't expecting you to lift a finger, though it seems you could have done this with no problem yerself"
Mania stated as he eyed Connor with distrust, thinking about the gold he had received. It was all adding up to not be quite the truth Mania mused as he got to work and skinned the Alpha wolf for its pelt. He wouldn't take long to procure what was required of him to succeed at the mission, though Connor looked as if he could have cared less. Was he that guilt-ridden from playing a part in their untimely demise? Mania didn't think long on the notion, packing the pelt up he was ready to return to town to collect his money. In the chaos the two men had accidentally killed a second wolf, though all in all they had done well to limit the casualties, thus preserving the wolves to adequately repopulate and perhaps find a new pack leader.
Connor though didn't seem as interested in the pelt any longer as he turned away and made for wherever his destination was. Mania had questions as to who the man was, but he wouldn't push the issue. Mania figured they would cross paths again sometime in the future, but when that time came the rogue would have his inquiries answered -this time in earnest. Mania smiled and left towards town, ready to drop off the pelt to the proxy. There was still plenty of daylight left he would think as he started walking.
-[Exit]
STATS
POW: 000 DUR: 025 SEN: 015 STA: 015 CON: 017
SPEED: 5m/s HEALTH: senior MANA SKIN: senior (x1 junior dmg sustained) MANA POOL: 037 / 060 MANA REGEN: 05 IC / 10 OOC
Name of Spell: Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon Elemental Type: Mercury Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Defense Creation Range & Speed: 10 m AOE | 10 m/s Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Stats Effected: -- Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Aegis Description: Mania creates a large pool of mercury magic that he can manipulate into a smooth semi-spherical dome around himself. This mass of mercury maintains its semi-liquid state, only hardening upon impact from an enemy spell. Mania upon casting can also choose to expand this ability, protecting anything inside the 10 m AOE radius. The Magic doesn't completely envelop Mania or friendly allies, instead, the front has a gap for Mania or others to maintain the vision of targets, but can close up if needed to defend. Spell is activated by speaking the spell's name aloud.
Name of the Ability Fervor, mei sanguis (Boil my blood) Type & Uses: Flow | 3 Post Max Uses | 2 Post Cooldown Rank & Specialization: Junior | Transformation Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Range & Speed: 25 m | 10 m/s Stats Affected: -12.5% Endurance Description: By activating Volumen Hydrargyrum's sole ability - Fervor mei sanguis , the curved silver blade ripples and softens into a liquid state. Reforging itself to extend 25m in length by stretching and retracting itself. This ability only transforms the blade into a silver sharp, malleable whip. Fervor mei sanguis while being used as a whip will appear as mercury in a semi-liquid state only hardening upon contact with a target to deal cutting, slicing, or piercing damage. Fervor mei sanguis will still deal junior rank-based damage, being treated more like a weapon rather than a spell. This ability can be maintained for a maximum of three posts before it overheats and cools down for two posts.
Name of Spell: Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon - Second-Skin Elemental Type: Mercury Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Defense Creation Range & Speed: Self | -- Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Stats Effected: +4 Durability Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Aegis Description: This spell is activated by focusing his mana and creating a small marble of mercury magic in the palm of his hand. The marble is 6 cm in size and loosens its form when it makes contact as it begins to spread out, congealing around the entirety of Mania's body before hardening. Second skin forms a protective, sleek armor that conforms to the shape and contour of Mania's body. The only part of Mania's body that remains uncovered is his head. The smooth surface of this armor splinters into dozens of smaller spikes that constantly shift and react to external damage. These spikes are roughly 3 cm in dimensions. Second skin has x2 the health of its own rank. (junior)
NOTES
WORD COUNT: 466 TOTAL WC: 3,208 / 1,500 TAG(S):Connor
The nobility ruse was wearing thin, the glinting gold he had given Mania was pyrite much to Connor’s chagrin. He had found it in a local river system, it retained a golden glimmer not through magic but by contrast of the sun’s rays. Once they were a sufficient distance from one another, it may be apparent that Mania had been handed a bag of rocks with little to no monetary value. It wasn’t Connor’s pretence to let a facade fall but the wolves’ death had really hit him in a strange place. Somewhere akin to sentiment, he felt as though he had been the one who was skinned and pummelled to death. Mania spoke but Connor didn’t really register the words, it was a job after all, and who knew; maybe the wolves were a pest. An expensive endeavour and a lavish sum of money were not promised for their efforts, but it was Yul nonetheless and Connor did need to eat. Though they were beasts, Connor couldn’t deny they utilised an otherwise ruthless cunning. They were efficient, hunting in packs and their departure wasn’t registered by anything more than the grass trodden underfoot. He would have to spin yarn into golden thread to get his end of the coin, he figured that being subtle wasn’t without its perks but the prospect of the grinning face that waited for him wasn't appetising. The agents of avarice were a greedy lot, he could persuade them but it would probably be in some way a prudent act of begging on his part. A thought of which didn’t sit too well with him, one of these days those bastards would be working for him, Connor knew simple facts and the thought rolled around in his mind. As one coin stacks on another, the clinking clunked until it rested on one thought, he was terribly alone in this world of cut throats. No more unique than a Yul denominator in a bank, at least, if he were planning a robbery, he was already on the inside of this foray of metaphorical coinage.
