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 Barron “Hannibal” Castle❃ on May 7, 2020 11:39:20 GMT -5
Memories... all those memories that constantly continue to shroud his thoughts. All of those people he lost had taken a great toll on the Captain. What was left was a man who couldn’t call himself the man he once was. Everything now was the voices and screams of those that he lost during the Shining Palace. Due to those loses it had broken the Captain to where he decided to run his squad from isolation. He tried his best to coop with the loses, voices, mood swings, and even the insanity that has crashed down upon him. It was all that just left a man who was basically an empty shell on the inside and outside. Though, it was time that of the year for the Magic Knight Exams to be held. Barron had took a leap from his isolation to make an appearance for his squad. The squad that had lost so many members due to his isolation from the world. His mood swings couldn’t be tolerated by the members that were closest to him. They eventually left with labeling the Captain as a lost cause. It wasn’t until one person that came back with the hopes of helping return the Green Mantis’ to the squad they once was. That person was the Member who Barron had decided to drag to this exams with. It was none of their than one of his strongest Knights, Artemis.
Barron has made his way up to the area where the captains were to take place for the Exams. Behind him was his next potential Vice-Captain that he brought to this event. He eyes were cold and dead as he walked his way over towards the seat that he had sat down at during the last exams. When he arrived at his seat he would look at each of the Captains with that same dead look. “Artemis, introduce yourself!” Those words started out blunt and dull, but quickly rose up into a roar as his mood swing hit. Anger quickly consumed the inside of his body for a few seconds. It had him to the point that he could stab the two captains that were next to him. That mood swing would quickly dissipate back into that cold dead look and feeling of nothing. He flopped down into his seat to look out at the crowd of candidates for the exams. Words started to murmur out of his mouth with an almost inaudible tone. Words that were cause from his mental state being shattered so long ago. It wasn’t until he heard the voices of Ardere and Zaven that caused him to stop. He looked over at the men, and then down towards his hands when they finished. Not a single word that was said registered in the mind of Barron. Hopefully this exam would end quickly, before his mood swings get the better of him. It was his job to recruit new people for his own squad. Leaving without obtaining a single member would make his insanity worse, he figured.
Artemis followed her Captain up towards the Captain’s seats. She had never thought that the Captain would actually bring her here. She supposed that with the current missing Vice Captain, Barron Castle had to bring someone with him. It was, after all, somewhat of a tradition for the Captains to bring their Vice Captains to these types of affairs. Artemis would be the only one who could essentially take the Vice Captain’s place at this moment in time, which she was both proud of, and very leery with.[break][break]
There were little words to describe Captain Barron Castle, known throughout as Hannibal. A man of great prowess was one. A survivor of the Shining Palace was another. While a strong mage, Artemis could not forgive the man for letting their squad fall into such squalor, when the Captain himself could have probably done something about it. The Green Mantis had fallen from grace, not that it had a lot to begin with. Though, it was worse now than before. They were seen as one of the weakest, and filled with criminals and delinquents. Talent was something of a rare oddity when it was seen within the Green Mantis, and dried up pool of recruits was the cause of this. Even so, when Artemis joined, she did not let it deter her. True to her noble blood and roots, she strove to be the best. Why not? After all, there was nothing stopping her, and the Captain did not seem to care much, if at all. [break][break]
There were days when Artemis thought she made the wrong decision. Days she spent daydreaming of being a part of a more active squad, a squad with a Captain that cared. Nights she had spent awake, imagining a stronger Green Mantis.[break][break]
She let nothing show on her face.[break][break]
“Artemis Somerset.” The water mage would bow slightly, to show respect to the mages whom the Clover Kingdom deemed the strongest, “of the Green Mantis.” It was a short introduction, and Artemis herself did not really feel comfortable being in the same area as the Captains and the Vice Captains. However, she had been requested- no, she had been ordered to accompany the Captain. There really was no way for her to say no, and truth be told, no matter how strong Artemis was, she still was slightly afraid of her Captain. Delusions, self-talk, and mood swings, Barron Castle was a walking time bomb. [break][break]
Artemis would then glance around the area. She knew that there were some people likely to join this year at her behest. One of them was a titanic figure from the Silver Eagles, if her words had actually swayed her. There were a few more. Romeo came to mind, the young man who had ran away from the Green Mantis base, after trespassing. There was Alexander, the one who Artemis caught stealing from a thief, who seemed to be looking for a good fight. Azure was also one of those she had met. The young woman had a type of magic that could not make spells, but copied somebody else's. An intriguing bunch indeed.[break][break]
She took another glance around the podium area. She spied most of the Captains, though she did not yet see the Purple Orca’s representative, nor the Coral Peacock’s. Both of their Captains seem to be lagging behind in terms of arrivals. Artemis, though, saw some familiar and unfamiliar faces. The current Captain of the Crimson Lions, Black Bulls, Golden Dawn, Blue Rose, and the SIlver Eagles were here. The Vice Captains, as well, were present for the most part. While she knew that the Black Bulls and Golden Dawn did not have current Vice Captains, she assumed that the person behind Malcolm Watanabe was his top choice. And then, there was Lydia Ravencrest, with whom she ran a dungeon with, and had drinks afterwards. There was, at least, one friendly face amongst the pack of Lions and Lionesses. [break][break]
Artemis supposed this was an important day for everyone. The Magic Knight Captains and Vice Captains never truly gathered in one area without cause nor reason, and she could barely remember the last time this happened besides the last Magic Knights Exam. For now, she would watch and learn. There were things that she needed to know as she progressed through the ranks of the Magic Knights. If her assumption was correct, then Barron might just be getting ready to put her through the Vice Captain trials. If not, why would she have been asked to accompany her Captain? [break][break]
Post by Seraphina Noir on May 7, 2020 18:46:28 GMT -5
It's been three long days since Akaza ventured out on this journey. Equipt with his grimoire, bow, and a large mauling hammer on his side, he walked walked on foot from the Forsaken Region to the Royal Capital. Throughout this journey then entire time he could not stop thinking about his ailing daughter and distraught wife. The goal was to become a magic knight in order to catch the eye of the royals and higher powers. He could remember the very words spoken to him from his village doctor. The only person that may be able to help your child reside within the royal family. Your child will live for now but I've accomplished everything that I can do for her; she needs the royal family. Just the thought of his situation hit like stone.
Upon entering the capitol he would notice that it was vastly different from the village in which he dwelled. The community had a much more welcoming vibe to it that was apparently only a ploy for visitors. Everything was near and wide was the epitome of clean. Not even a shred of gum to be scrap from the curbside. Most in the residential area were all smiles, games, and looked as if they've never had to work hard a single day in their lives. Much the opposite of Akaza whom on the daily had to hunt wild boar, fend off thieves, and trade with scoundrels. Besides being genetically gifted these daily task assisted in building the brute of man he is today.
Though he had made it to his destination Akaza had no plans on what to do as he got there. A plan was indeed needed for a commoner like himself to be able to capture the attention of the royal family. Standing tall amongst the townspeople the young man could view even the slightest bit of of action within the area. He'd notice a lot of children in the not too far distance playing knights and bandits imitating some of their favorite heroes. One would eventually shout. The exams are starting!! The exams are starting!! This would cause them all to disperse and headed toward a place that looked like it was hold some grand event.
Curious of the matter Akaza would follow the group to the designated area. As he approached closer to the grounds the crowd become tougher to walk through. Akaza had always wanted to become a mage since he first gotten his grimoire ten years ago. Due to his rough upbringings and early marriage life it stalled him from ever achieving his goals. For that was the the reason he had put his grimoire away all those years to just now pick it up once more. Struggling to break his way through the wall of people Akaza caught word of a man he had not noticed was even there. Name, town, and present your grimoire. in a rugged demanding tone. Akaza looked at the guy cluelessly as the man would repeat himself. Name, town, and present your grimoire. Assuming this was needed to watch the even he complied. The names Akaza; I'm from the Forsaken Region and here's my grimoire. He takes the grimoire out and places it on the mans countertop.
Odd enough this caused the man's eyes to gaze upon Akaza confusioully. Staring him up and down as if Akaza was some type criminal. It was quite an awkward minute to sit and wait to be handed his grimore back. That's surprising. The man said as Akaza held the look of confusion. What is it that you mean sir. He'd ask as he didn't want to start any trouble. Nothing. He replied followed by a chuckle. Nothing, now here's your number, you make enter here. B-b-b-b-but. Akaza attempted to explain the he only want to be a spectator. Before he could get the words to come from his lip the man stood up and schooched him along. You're lucky, to be one of the last people to receive an invite. Now go!!
After being forced into the competitors pit and one of the final signees to join the exams, it would seem Akaza was basically late to the party. He would hardly catch the tail end of the captains speaking from the balcony. Akaza knew that the group were captains and a few of their subordinate vice captains because nearly every could recognize the elite of the magic knight. Their stories of bravery and courage were renown across the kingdom. Even with such prestige before him Akaza could think about his lovely wife, dear child, and his reason for coming to the Royal Capital. I guess this is going to take longer that I thought my loves.
790
Last Edit: May 9, 2020 23:33:42 GMT -5 by Seraphina Noir
Post by Willow Omens on May 7, 2020 20:06:23 GMT -5
In New Haven, the tree-borne town, there was a joyous occasion occurring right now. Someone from the chief's household was making a pilgrimage and making a great stride in the face of adversity to become a great asset to the people of the Clover Kingdom. There were a great number of people outside before the chief's home, a clamor of talking and mumbling. People wanted to see the person off before they were away from New Haven for the longest time ever. It was not every day that one of the Chief's daughters sought out to become a Magic Knight, let alone, no one would have guessed it would be Willow Omens herself!
The pink-haired panicked paranoid and anxious agoraphobe struggled to even head to the next town over without two layers of clothing, and she was being made to go Kikka of all places? In another region?! Her teal and magenta-flecked eyes looked in the mirror, pupils constricted tight while her younger sisters Brier and Iris almost danced around her, prowling around her panicked form with tiger-like grins, ready to devour their prey. "Don't you think this is a great thing, Brier?" "Well, for certain Iris, would it not be apt to say a great leap in the culture for our people my dear twin?" "But of course, it's all thanks to our sweet big sister here. Our oldest sister is off who knows where working on another contraption, but, here we have Willow!" Willow just gulped audibly, pulling her huntsman cap flaps tightly over her ears, burrowing her head into the fur lining of the leather hide hat.
I don't wanna do this, but I have to do this. But I don't want to do this, it's scary, what if I mess up? What if I make myself look bad? If I make myself look bad I make dad and everyone else look terrible by association. But if I don't go I leave a bad image of who we are. But if I do go, I could have a panic attack, I don't have enough scarves or jackets to feel safe. Why do I have to do this? Please, someone, give me an out. Dammit, Iris and Brier, you're enjoying this, aren't you? She thought to herself, chewing on the one scarf her mother allowed her to take along for this little escapade to become a valiant knight!
When she put on the poncho over her exposed shoulders, her halter top clung to her torso. Dangling from her arms were a pair of detached sleeves with fringe on them. Around her waist was a sarong that clung to a pair of shorts. Sandals on over her feet. Taking off her hunter's cap, she exchanged it for a bucket hat, which helped pull down over her head more. She was still physically shaking up about it all, even as her mother came in, and spoke in their native tongue to Willow, "Dear, you need not worry yourself so much. There will be other capable knights there. There is nary a chance of something happening to you. And it's nowhere near one of the full moon phases, you can relax." Said the matriarch of the village, who just hugged her daughter flush to her chest. "Now, let's get you going, so you won't be late."
Heading out from her home, she took a deep breath, eyes squinted shut, her face reddening from the breath she was holding as she charged on ahead through the crowd as it parted for her. She bolted as quickly as she could, sandals tacking noisily along the wooden pathways that lead to the branches. There, her broom waited for her. As she jumped off of the edge of the town's precipice, she grabbed ahold of the broom. Tucking her arms into her torso, she corkscrewed through the air several times, the broom starting to fly off with her as she dangled from it, getting into an acrobatic flip. Hoisting herself astride her broom, she was off to Kikka.
While everyone was making their entrances to the exam grounds, she would be one of the stragglers, a tagalong that headed up the rear, heralding the last of the contestants to arrive, but never to be presumed to be the worst of the bunch. She was worth the time of anyone that knew her name, several people here already knew of her, some thought she was someone else, she had no memories of being anyone other than her, but, there were the 'episodes' she experienced. No one had witnessed those yet, thankfully.
As soon as she breached the border of Kikka she made a b-line for the exam grounds when she came up to them she deposited her broom, leaping off of it and scrambling into a jog to rush on into the grounds and among the crowd of people. Huffing and puffing as her sprint came to a screeching halt, her arms flailing as she nearly lost her scarf in the process, pulling it taut around her face and head, she quickly tied it back off.
Looking up to the stands, and the various people of power that were here, she saw the Azure Deer Vice Captain, and her immediate thought was to mumble about how she hoped he would not tackle her again. There were so many people here she had never seen, so many she felt like she knew she should know the name of because of their reputation, but still, there was the feeling that there was something more she could not put her finger on. Then again, she was nowhere near the same person from before the Shatter.
Taking a deep breath, she tried her hardest to announce herself, but only managed to get out a little strained breath, the type of talking you do in a sleep paralysis dream, where no matter how much you scream or cry out, it only comes out as a little whine of air from your gullet. Oh well, baby steps, she made it here at least.
Azure moved up to the entrance, pulling out her grimoire as she did hearing what the recruiter would ask each person so she got ready right away, once it was her turn there was of course the normal line
“Name, Home village, and please present your grimoire” She of course presented her grimoire as she spoke “Azure Minx and here you go, I prefer not to speak of my home town, I hardly care about it anyway.” Her grimoire is a simple book, its cover having a rather blue starry space design to it with several green gemstones over its cover, inside the stones looks like endless space, a name ‘Artemis Somerset’ moving within. Inside are two water spells.
“That will do well enough, feel free to enter and take a number.” the other girl said before handing Azure a number to then head on into the arena if full. The green haired girl still looking over her own grimoire.
Azure entered into the arena area as she looked at her grumuire, inspecting the two new spells settled within, making sure she acquainted herself with how they worked as she stood in the crowd, but soon she moved to put her grimoire away to go and see about using the packed area as a way to take more spells from the people in the area!
She moved on towards her first mark, a man with bright red hair, an eye patch, a scarf, and a seemingly bored of all things speeches, probably wanting to have things get done faster, as she passed him by she simply swiped her hand out to tag his gimuire as to collect his spells from where he kept his book in its holster most people wear, in and out simple as that she moved back into the crowd with little more than a bump felt by the other man.
Azure was already going on, satisfied with her quick snag as she now paid attention to the captains, watching as Artemis came into view and introduced herself, azure grinning to herself as she looked up at them, assuming she was seen as well. This was going to be a good day, or so Azure hopped
WC 369 Stats 71 Pow 25 Dur 25 Sense 60 Stam 120 Con Spells Hylla Aphrodite Lighting Blade Lighting Road
Jett arrived in the colosseum much later than he had planned, finding the many hopefuls queuing up and handing their grimoires to the attendants for inspection. His presence caused a little bit of stir amongst the crowd, a feeling he was still getting used to, his natural reaction was to smile and wave but he remembered back to the intimidation he felt upon looking up at the captains during his exam. The diamond wizard ignored the calls of his name, a stern expression on his face, and continued forwards in the colosseum and made his way towards the balcony that the captain’s sat to look down upon the aspiring magic knights.
Unsurprisingly, Jett found himself one of the last to arrive but didn’t make much of a fuss about it, exchanging the usual greeting to his fellow captains before taking his place on the raised balcony, watching as the participants poured in, slowly filling out the arena. There was nothing special about any of them to stood out to Jett but that was the case in these exams, they were all at the start of their journeys, just seedlings waiting to bloom. There was a strange pressure about the exams for Jett, spotting talent wasn’t always easy and selecting someone who isn’t up to the task would only end in their death, especially in these times.
Ardere stood up and gave the participants a rousing speech, looking to inspire those taking the exam which was highly different to the blunt speech he was given at his exams but Jett would expect anything less from his old friend, it was just his style. Not to be outdone though, Zaven addressed the crowd himself and, again, it was much more positive than the orca expected of the group. ”Guess we’re going easy on them this year?” Jett questioned the two captains before raising to his feet and stepping closer to the edge of the balcony. Projecting his voice, the captain made his own speech. ”I won’t bother you all with another welcome, you all know why you are here and I commend you all on your bravery, to strive to become a magic knight in such times shows courage. Though that courage will only get you so far, without talent and tenacity, we’d just be sending you to your deaths. If you aren’t prepared for that possibility, now would be a good time to leave, otherwise, I wish you all the best of luck.” Turning his back to the crowd, Jett took his seat amongst the captains once more.
The day of the Magic Knight exams had come faster than Aika had thought. The past few months had gone by fast for the women taking over as the new captain of the coral peacocks took up a lot more time than she thought it would. She always knew she wanted to be the captain of the coral peacocks one day to give back to the squad that had taken her in as one of them and didn't care she wasn't born in clover. However she wasn't happy with the way it happened she didn't get stronger than the last captain and beat him in a fight. No instead Silas lost his life in the shattering making her the new captain. It hurt the women more deep down inside not as much as that of the golden dawn and crimson lions captains. She would of course never show it her personality wouldn't allow that. It took her long than she thought it would getting ready for the exams causing her to start running a little late. Luckily the exams weren't to far away so hopefully she wouldn't be the last to arrive. As she reach the exam grounds she would start making her way inside the same way all the citizens were heading. After all she wanted to use her Ki to get a feel for the mages and hopefully find some mages that would catch her interest for the coral peacocks.
The mage in front of her who had green hair seemed to be stronger than most other mages here which was going to be interesting to see. The man taking the names of people almost asked Aika for her own before realizing it was actually the captain of the coral peacocks and letting her pass. She was still behind the mage when the women went to reach for someone else grimiore. The brown haired mage wasn't sure if they were trying to steal it or touch it for some other reason however she wasn't planning to sit back and find out. Before the mages hand could touch the book the coral peacock captain would grab her hand stopping her from touching it. "Please don't touch others grimoires. If you really must please wait until the spars and missions start to do so." With that the young captain would let her hand go before making her way up to the other captians. It seemed she wasn't the last to arrive which was good but she also wasn't one of the first. She would take her own seat as Barron spoke seeming a little more unstable than the last time they spoke. "Barron they say things get better with age but I'm starting to think you're getting worse with mage."
Staff Notes: Azure was stopped from stealing Alexanders spells and doesn't get them.
Post by Carmelita Krane❃ on May 9, 2020 14:54:12 GMT -5
Time was counting down before it was almost to late to attend. The Magic Knights Exam was today, and the Captain of the Azure Deers was late. There were some matters that she had to attend to before she could leave the base. She wasn’t fully used to the job of being the full leader of the squad yet. Some stuff was easy for her to handle while others, not so much. Though, the matter was easily dealt with and left into the hands of a higher ranked Knight that offered their help. That was one thing she loved about the squad she called her home. Willow was the person this squad needed after the passing of the Captain before him. A man who drove this squad into the ground, only to be recovered by a man that Carmelita could call a comrade. It was sad for her to see the man disappear from the squad without a trace. Members of the Azure Deers have mentioned rumors that Willow was still alive and out there in the world. A few have even claimed that they have found where the man was. Sadly, Carmelita hasn’t had the time to look for herself to confirm these rumors as true or false. She trusted her members for the sole reason that they were the investigation and recon squad of the Kingdom. Their skills are known all around for excelling in said duties of the squad. Hopefully she will one day find her long lost squad mate, and know that he is alright.
The Captain had decided to take her leave from the base by using the assistance of the squads Spatial mage. They were able to put up a portal that led straight to the front entrance of the Exams site. When she made it through the portal she could hear the words of Ardere clear as day. Her eyes grew big at the sound of the opening announcement being made. Sweat would then begin to form on her forehead to only slide down her face. She was nervous now, because she would probably be the only Captain to be late to this event. So, she decided to hurry her way into the exam site, and up to where the Captains were designated to be seated. When she was making her way up the stairs one of her toes didn’t go up high enough on the last step. Instead it jabbed the step she was aiming for, and a ‘oh shit’ look appear on her face as she started to fall. Her body would then fly forward causing her to roll across the floor in the Captains area. The stopping point of her rolling was when she smacked the wall with her legs sticking straight up, and back on the ground. Without even looking she knew that she was embarrassing herself in front of her peers. “H-h-hey everyone! Sorry I am late!” She would say as the tone in her voice was a nervous one. Then, without giving anyone a chance to speak, she got up and ran over to her seat without tripping again. Her eyes stayed forward in hopes none of the other captains would judge her horrible entrance.
Post by Alexander Valentine on May 9, 2020 19:27:13 GMT -5
(Was given permission to post one more time)
The crowd caught his attention as various faces looked mighty strong and varied for an exam like this. A few notable ones were the one with the tan skin and another man with green hair and a confident look on his face. But as he thought about how he was going to approach them, he felt something off as if he was bumped into for a moment. His eyes looked to catch a glimpse of a green haired lady walking away from him.
His instincts were screaming that something was wrong but he couldn't put his finger on it as speeches were about to begin.His mind went a bit blank before he looked at various captains up top as they made their introductions; taking notice of one name he is familiar with as she was called up. ‘Seems like the Magic Knight was more than I initially thought’, he thought as they finished up all of their introductions. Something in him knew that she was someone high up in her line of work from how she spoke. Nonetheless, she made a good pitch for him to show up and he did just that. He’ll show off what he can do soon once all of this is done with.
But in the back of his head, he wondered what was that about. He had no evidence but something felt off; his hand checked his grimoire and it appeared normal. All of his coins were on him and nothing of value was still on him. So, his worry became curious as he made it a point to talk to the lady after all of the speeches were finished. Something tells him that something fun is going to happen if he seeks her out. His eyes scan the crowd as he tries to figure out who exactly bumped into him. Once he finds his mark, he makes a note on what to do as an introduction.