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","forresttext"] Of course, he had noticed the sand storm coming prior. But there hadn’t been anything really he could have done about it. Perhaps it was better said that trees didn’t fare well in the desert. [break][break] His shield had held, and his recovery magic had done its job, assisting both the captains on a somewhat rudimentary level, but further healing up their elder company to a far better state. Forrest saw the swords of flames stab into the shark, the beast falling to a lifeless form in the desert sands. [break][break] It was its own fault for attempting to attack a Lion far stronger than a shark… Perhaps there was a joke in there somewhere, but Forrest didn’t have the time for snarky remarks. When the sandstorm it, he was well aware he stood no chance against it. [break][break] There was something discomforting about sand. How course and rough it was, how it got everywhere. In his mouth, in his eyes, in his nose, covering his tongue with the bitter taste of dirt and rock. He was not an earth mage, and therefore, could not find appreciation for it at all. He lifted his shield again, as if in an attempt to shield himself from the harsh whipping of dust in his eyes. The only other thing he could faintly realize was some familiar sense of the Captain’s mana, his swords still surrounded him, some kind of safeguard against… another beast. [break][break] “Urgh!” Another one already, Forrest could only make out a large shadow ready to crash onto him, before he lifted up his shield once again in an attempt to hold it back once more. He could only hope that Ardere’s swords would come down on the thing again, just in time... [break][break] ”Dammit. Forrest!” [break][break] That was Ardere, though he barely could make out the words. Wait, another? Forrest tensed, rather he was well aware that he was the blindest out of the three of them in this sandstorm. At least Ardere had Ki, and it seemed that the Golden Dawn Captain could sense things well enough in this storm. Speaking of which, Forrest truly had no idea what the man of the Dawn was actually doing since losing track of all things in the whipping sands. [break][break] And since he was blind, all he really could do was wait for the shark to come to him. So, that was what he did. Once the beast would come crashing from the dunes, he would only be able to react when it was ready to maul him down. [break][break] “Arbor Virga!” Forrest countered, his wooden arms then sprouting out like trees to wrap the shark in curling branches. He would have grabbed the shark, the same wooden branches squeezing hard and hopefully the beast was light enough, Forrest could have held it down as a shadow arrow from the Dawn’s Captain would pierce it. Then the Lion himself would attempt to throw the beast back into the sprawling storm.
Forrest uses Arbor Praesidium to block the second shark. Assuming that Ardere kills it with his swords once again
Forrest maintains Arbor Arma Medeor on Zaven/Ardere/Eto to give them each +15 mana, +6 Power boost (Archangel’s Blessing), +Senior Rank Defensive Armor, +Senior Rank Healing
Unknown if Praesidium fully breaks or stays active, if latter Self Repairing kicks it and is maintained. If not, then prepares to cast another spell.
Third Shark assumingly is hit by Zaven’s arrows, Forrest uses Arbor Viga to potentially damage it as well and Yeet it into the desert .
Description: Forrest causes his skin of mostly his forearms to be covered in a layer light subtly glowing tree bark. When he raises his forearms together, the tree-like limbs fuse together to expand and form a bigger, size great-shield roughly 1 meter in height and 75 cm in width. With the PR aspect of this spell, Forrest is able to withstand 1 [Senior] Rank’s worth of damage with this spell and protect allies standing directly behind him. The spell additionally boosts his natural [Durability].
Due to the [Self Repairing] perk, if the shield has taken damage but is still standing at the end of the post it is cast, it will naturally repair itself up to 3 times per a cast of this spell.
Name of Spell: Arbor Arma Medeor [break] Elemental Type: Wood [break] Rank & Spell Type: Senior | Healing | Defense [break] Range & Speed: 80 m | 40 m/s [break] Mana Cost: 30 | 15 [break] Stats Effected: +6 Power [Single Target] [break] Applicable Perks:
Self Repairing
Archangel’s Blessing
Healing Specialist
Description: Forrest causes a small tree to appear and grow on a lower back of a target in visible range. The tree’s branches will spread and enveloped a target, covering their arms and limbs but not hindering their movement. The branches will glow subtly with healing light, healing a target of up to [Senior Rank] damage, though it requires a full post for full recovery effect. Furthermore, a target will feel invigorated with a [Power] stat boost. Additionally, the tree bark ‘armor’ will act like a magical defensive armor for the target, protecting them like a [Senior] Defense spell as long as they remain in Forrest’s range and Forrest sustains the spell.
Can heal wounds of [Senior] damage, heavy bruises, broken bones, 2nd degree burns, poisons & toxins that have spread through half the body.
Forrest can create another set of armor per 50 [Control]
Due to [Healing Specialist], allies will recover a +15 mana.
Due to the [Archangel’s Blessing] Perk, if multiple allies are healed, then the potency of this spell is not lost.
Due to the [Self Repairing] perk, if the tree has taken damage but is still standing at the end of the post it is cast, it will naturally repair itself up to 3 times per a cast of this spell.
Description: Forrest's skin is coated with a layer of raw, pliable mana, making him appear to be surrounded by a glowing light. His most visible skin then hardens, appearing to be coated with a layer of tree bark that expands across his whole body except for his face and head area. This 'second' layer of skin is a rough protective coating of his own raw mana that boosts his natural strength. This second layer of ‘skin’ can extend a short distance away, with Forrest’s arms extending like branches that can wrap around objects or people, in this form acting like a rope or wooden restriction.
Forrest's physical strength becomes equal in damage capability of an [Senior] Rank Spell. Physical attacks from him will result in heavy bruising or broken bones, potentially being lethal on direct hits. He is able to lift combined weights up to 1000 lbs (~450 kg).
This spell acts with an additional +5 [Durability], due to [Imprisonment of a God Perk]
Due to [Tightly Bound], this spell may inflict [Intermediate] Rank damage on targets entrapped in the box.
For Ardere: You manage to kill the Land Shark coming at you from wave two, creating quite the huge crater in the sand with your buffed up fists, before finishing it off with your swords. From the two remaining swords that you fire off to defend Forrest, only one seems to strike the monster’s armored top, the other one missing its back by an inch as it buries back underground (leaving it at Senior health). Your drill of swords would be able to hit the second monster coming for Forrest as the blond Crimson Lion used a restraining spell to halt it, and as if overkill, a dark arrow of shadow also pierced the dead creature. With your swords out however, the Land Shark that you hadn’t managed to finish off would jump at you from the ground.
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For Zaven: The land shark from wave two that was coming for you, you kill easily and also manage to shoot the one that had redirected itself from Eto to you, but your arrow strikes its back, (leaving it at Senior health). You manage to also get the last shark from wave three in the mouth, leaving it a bloody mess at your feet.
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For Forrest: You manage to protect yourself from the Land Shark from wave two that was coming towards you, with your Arbor Praesidium spell just before one of Ardere’s sword strikes it, the other barely missing by an inch. The monster lets out a screech and buries back into the ground, just as the land shark from wave three comes at you. Your restraining spell lands on it and you are splashed with its blood twice as not only do Ardere’s four swords land on the beast, but Zaven’s arrow strikes true (Overkill much guys?).
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Round 3 + Story Progress:
There are two Land sharks left, both at Senior Health. One of them (which was previously going for Forest) attempts to strike at Ardere while his swords are out attacking the beast that Forrest restrained. The other one is still attacking Zaven. The sandstorm would remain after the enemies are defeated for a few minutes before the wind carries it away, leaving you all looking a little messy. There’s sand everywhere! In your clothes, hair, eyelashes, mouth…it’s a bit of a pain. Eto would call out to you all and ask you if you’re all alright before thanking Zaven for the protection and Forrest for the gentle feeling that relaxed him and made him recover from the heat and fatigue.
Once you were all ready to go, the old man would continue leading you through the desert, telling you that you're almost out of this horrible part of the Desert. (400 minimum, RP as much as you want).
[attr="class","ardereescroll"]Yes! It had been the first time since Ardere had been excited in a long, long time. He had beaten these vile monsters and tossed them back into the sand. It was quite the effort so far, unfortunately the land shark he fired at before managed to survive his hit. That damn armor. The beast was burrowing right under him. Perhaps he could recall his swords in time, but he really didn't have much. So he had one choice; do something stupid. The fire mage leaped into the land shark's mouth spinning around and absolutely wrecking its insides with his intense strength and flames. Punching and hacking away, he would likely have no issue killing the beast. Then, if he managed to fell it, he'd punch a hole in its side and hop right out. Land shark guts scattered everywhere in the sand, as he leaped down onto the earth. Melting away some of the guts and dusting himself off, he spotted a bit of flesh in his hair. Ew. Smacking it away, the Captain rejoined the group. Once they had finished off the enemies, they could continue on with their journey. This desert is just full of surprises, isn't it? [break][break] Thank the Gods. They were almost out of this part of the desert. As dangerous as it was, Eto had been an efficient guide. A man at his age with such resilience, it was commendable. Ardere took a deep breath. He had no idea what the ruins they were exploring would hold in store for them, but he had a feeling those land sharks were the least of their worries now. Zaven and Forrest, you guys doing okay? He asked to the group, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow. The sandstorm had managed to cool him down a bit, but now his pants were covered in sand. Dusting himself off a bit more, he looked off into the sandy wasteland. Looking to the old man, the fire mage had deactivated his spells and sauntered over. He could tell Eto was doing a lot better now that he was cooled down. Thanks to Zaven's golem, they had a wondrous mode of transportation for the elder. You did good out there, Forrest. Giving the blonde a nod as he walked over, he now addressed the older man. He had been out here before, likely far more times than most. His knowledge was priceless, something they could not do without. So why do they call this the Desert of Mirages? He asked to the elder, curious as to what his answer would be. They had been out here for a bit now, and it seemed like an obvious question. [break][break] Clutching his cape, Ardere ground his teeth a bit. The further they got into the desert, the more he felt like his old self. But even so, there was this weight in his chest. He had a Destiny today, one he was unsure of for the first time ever. The Lion had always been so sure of himself, knowing exactly where his path would take him. But now, he had no idea. In this seemingly endless brown and tan sea, he was facing more than just creatures and mana beasts--he was facing himself. Even more so than the Daemon, for now he was his own greatest enemy. Once he conquered this enemy, he could focus on the next task. That was why he was out here. By the end of this adventure, he would return a different man. Would he be stronger? This he did not know. What he did know was that things would change, and whatever path was laid out for him--he would take it.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Zaven noticed the wind was dying down, but he continued to keep his guard up as the land shark disappeared beneath him. “Fuck” He said to himself as he waited, tracing the beast with his mana sensory It was coming up from under him as he knew that he would not have another shot at this he timed the jump just right as his grimoire glowed, the shadows gathering in the sandstorm made him feel powerful even with the amount of mana lost. “Shadow Armament” He said as he over his hands, Shadowy gauntlets appeared. He jumped into the air just as the beast broke through, missing its mark it continued on its trajectory, the beast and Zaven locked eyes as Zaven made a hammer with his two fists before bringing it down on the creature while he fell back down to earth. ”EAT THIS YOU ROCKY PIECE OF SHIT!” He would call out as he would attempt to follow up the attack if his blow landed. The Reinforcement spell would allow him to deal damage of senior strength and he would attempt to reach his strengthened hands inside the creature's mouth before prying it apart if he could. [break][break]
If everything went according to plan and all was said and done, when the sandstorm would pass Zaven would fall to his knees for a moment. He would look to see if he could find his companions, also Talos before standing up and walking towards the monolithic shadow golem. He would hear the sound of Ardere’s voice as he looked for his water skin, only finding it to have been ripped open in the fight. Just his luck right...He would sigh before wiping some of the sand and guts off of him, noting at the stench was worse than when he fought the daemons...at least those bastards smelled like humans when they died. These things smelled like the backdoor of a brothel on taco night. He shivered before pulling his mask down for a moment...not wanting to breathe in the stench anymore, ”Yeah...all good here...those fucking things hated me...you uh...you look like you’ve seen better days Ard.” Zaven would comment as he would wait for the group to regroup and find out the heading from Etos before they began again. ”Fuck...this...place…” He would finish with as he would Follow Ardere and Etos, even offering them tyo just ride on the Golem’s shoulders to avoid this from happening again.
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[attr="class","zavenstat2"]COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","zavenreescroll2"] Talos the Golem Shadow Armament [break][break] TL;DRZaven paid the upkeep for his Golem and cast his senior spell Shadow Armament.
[attr="class","forresttext"] The splattering of blood onto wood. [break][break] Right, he was with a Captain. The dark copper liquid was warm, warmer than he’d like to be in a desert. He could have sworn some dripped into his mouth, tasting like bitter iron. At least, the shark had sunk back into the sands. The second one that had come after he’d thankfully restrained well enough and the arrows that came from the Dawn’s Captain struck true. Forrest was able to relieve the burden of holding the shark and further retracted the spells from his arms, leaving his skin bare once again. [break][break] He still maintained his spells of recovery on his fellow company. Regardless, it didn’t seem like the pair of Captains needed it much. Forrest hadn’t been able to see the spectacle of the two Captains tearing apart the remaining sharks, all he did need to hear was the ripping of flesh and the yells of battle. [break][break] Right. Archmages. [break][break] Wiping blood from his mouth only proved less helpful when sand slipped in it as well. He was tempted to turn his tongue into wood, perhaps then he’d get the awful mix of flavors out of it. The sandstorm did subside, as gone as quickly as it had come. [break][break] You did good out there, Forrest. [break][break] “Sir.” Forrest said with a half nod back. A compliment, he supposed he could take it. Better than not. He’d asked if he was doing alright, to which Forrest responded with a resounding Hm, attempting to silence his complaints about the taste of sand and shark blood still mixing in his mouth. The Dawn’s Captain made another comment, something about seeing better days. Forrest supposed they all had done so. At least, he would have figured that if he could have remembered his days before waking up with amnesia. [break][break] Stay calm, stay focused, don’t stay bitter. [break][break] It was like some kind of sarcastic mantra in his head. [break][break] Eto had thanked him for the recovery magic, Forrest decided to maintain the spell as they trudged further into the desert. The old man still rode the golem, but Forrest remained on foot. He was still able-bodied himself, only a little shaken from their encounter with sharks but not particularly fatigued as of yet. Sweat ran down, mixing with more sand. In short, making him feel at the more grimy and covered in dust. He couldn’t wait for this adventure of theirs to be over… soaking in the baths of the Crimson Lion base suddenly all seemed the more appealing. But he couldn’t think of a sauna, not another hot, wet place. A cold shower sounded rather nice. [break][break] So why do they call this the Desert of Mirages? [break][break] Forrest said nothing at the question. Half wanting to say that the title seemed rather self-explanatory, but being smart on top of being rather uncomfortable didn’t make a good reason for him to act snarkily. As well as the man being his captain… [break][break] Mirages. Illusions and the like. Well, that was no good, not for a mage like him with blatantly no sensory to speak of. So what then? Better not to believe anything he saw unless he could confirm with the others… At least, that was the best plan he could think up in his mind. [break][break] He just hoped they really wouldn’t have to find out why too soon.
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POW
DUR
STA
CON
SEN
0
120
60
120
0
MANA SKIN
HEALTH
MANA POOL
MANA REGEN
grand + senior
grand
145/145
45 ic // 45 ooc
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Combat summary
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Mana: 115 - 15 + 45 = 145 /145 [break] [break]
Forrest maintains Arbor Arma Medeor on allies, Eto, Ard, Zaven.
Name of Spell: Arbor Arma Medeor [break] Elemental Type: Wood [break] Rank & Spell Type: Senior | Healing | Defense [break] Range & Speed: 80 m | 40 m/s [break] Mana Cost: 30 | 15 [break] Stats Effected: +6 Power [Single Target] [break] Applicable Perks:
Self Repairing
Archangel’s Blessing
Healing Specialist
Description: Forrest causes a small tree to appear and grow on a lower back of a target in visible range. The tree’s branches will spread and enveloped a target, covering their arms and limbs but not hindering their movement. The branches will glow subtly with healing light, healing a target of up to [Senior Rank] damage, though it requires a full post for full recovery effect. Furthermore, a target will feel invigorated with a [Power] stat boost. Additionally, the tree bark ‘armor’ will act like a magical defensive armor for the target, protecting them like a [Senior] Defense spell as long as they remain in Forrest’s range and Forrest sustains the spell.
Can heal wounds of [Senior] damage, heavy bruises, broken bones, 2nd degree burns, poisons & toxins that have spread through half the body.
Forrest can create another set of armor per 50 [Control]
Due to [Healing Specialist], allies will recover a +15 mana.
Due to the [Archangel’s Blessing] Perk, if multiple allies are healed, then the potency of this spell is not lost.
Due to the [Self Repairing] perk, if the tree has taken damage but is still standing at the end of the post it is cast, it will naturally repair itself up to 3 times per a cast of this spell.
Story Progress: [break] [break] “Why this desert, if you do not know your way around it, is spread far and wide over this region of the land. There are often extremely powerful sandstorms that run through it like a hurricane and completely change the topography of the dunes. This means that quite often landmarks that we use to navigate by get completely covered, as if they never existed, so very often people who go out into the desert get lost because everything they thought they knew has disappeared, as if it was just a Mirage.” Eto explained before taking a sip of his little flask of water in order to moisten his throat and lips. He felt safe on top of Zaven’s golem, and would remain there unless the man needed him off. [break][break] After about another hour of walking in the sweltering heat the group will reach a sudden opening between the sandy dunes, and enter the hot canyon revealed by the storm, where the mysterious mirage of a temple is supposed to lie. “Good to see this place wasn’t covered back up…” Eto would comment as the crew walked in.
[break][break] High rocks surround the adventurers from the left and the right, providing a somewhat comforting shade as they proceed deeper, towards where Eto navigates them. They aren’t, unfortunately for them, the only creatures that have decided to seek shelter from the sweltering sun in the comfortably-placed canyon.
[break][break] As the group is passing by they hear a sound like a howl…several of them… not too far off, as there seems to be a split in the road. Eto ignored them for the most part and wishes to guide you in the direction opposite of these howls, what do you wish to do?
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Requirements for this part:
[break] [break]Gratz on surviving the first encounter! Perhaps I should be tougher on you…This section is fully RP and you need to reach a 1000 word count minimum exploring the canyon. Do you wish to follow Eto or investigate the sounds you heard? I demand a solid explanation for your decision WITH your character’s thought process. [break] [break] If it seems to me that you’re metagaming your decision (Ard and Zaven as you’ve seen my dungeon notes) I will punish you (good job being adorable and a hot mess so far you two). Vani, you're doing great love, keep doing what you're doing! Lemmeh sleep with Forrest sometime, his salty attitude is super fun and angsty.
[attr="class","ardereescroll"]Ardere had pondered during their journey if there was more to this Desert's name or not, and he was right. While it seemed obvious, this place had an interesting history that gave it some non obvious qualities. He could not help but wonder what ancient place they would end up in. How dangerous would it be? If there were secrets to unearth down there, then they would unearth them, for Eto and for himself. The Captain had Zaven and Forrest to be thankful for. If it weren't for them, he didn't know where he'd be. The mage sighed and turned to look at the two for a moment. They were worth fighting for, even if Forrest was an angsty little shit right now. He was still Forrest deep down. [break][break] The canyon they entered was scorching. And I thought I knew heat. Taking a sip from the water from his bag, he wiped some sweat from his brow. A desert was not somewhere he had spent much time. Just about every other kind of terrain, but not Desert. Even during his years serving in the war, he had not experienced this. It was almost invigorating in a way. Anything to feel alive at this point. Since Silas' death, he had felt so numb. Food didn't taste the same. The weather was never peaceful nor irritating. It was mostly just nothing. But pain, pain he felt. He was slowly regaining his senses. Comradery. Admiration. Anger. Self-loathing. Love. He was feeling all these things again, almost too much at once. But today, he found some happiness here. He was challenging himself, and he wanted to win. [break][break] The sand consumed everything eventually, it seemed. Sometimes Ardere felt like this was a metaphor for death in ways. Death waits for no man or something like that. It was true. One day he would die, but he had a legacy to forge. He wanted to be remembered after he died. Perhaps at one point he would not have cared about something like that, but he did. Perspective was key, and his had changed much now. He wanted to be remembered as a man who had not fallen into despair--someone who had claws his way out of it. Here in the Desert, beyond the scorching heat, he was finding the conviction to do that. If you don't mind me asking, Eto, what happened to your family? He looked over to the old man. It was a personal question, but he chose to ask it. Perhaps he sought the wisdom of a man at the end of his road, or perhaps just a nice conversation with someone. Ardere hadn't done much talking over the past few months. He wanted to stop being in his own damn head so much. It was a war zone in there. He couldn't find any clarity on his own anymore. As much as he hated to admit it--he needed help. [break][break] What even was strength? If you had asked the Lion a couple of years ago, he would have given you some typical answer like it was the power to protect those you love. These days, things were different. He wasn't so sure. There was more to it than that. Then, the howling started. It was ominous, perhaps another dangerous mana beast group. Or maybe it was just wolves. He had no idea. Regardless, there was no reason to pursue it--not yet anyways. He pondered it for a moment, and wondered what the others would do. But Eto pulled them in the other direction. If he was avoiding it, then Ardere would follow. But they would be wary from now on. I don't like that sounds. Just be on your guard more than usual guys. He addressed the group. The howling pierced his ears and his soul, but he was not afraid. Fear didn't do him much good anymore. The Kasai had dealt with it for so long, he knew how to control it now. But what he needed now was faith. If not faith in himself, then faith in those around him. They were here for a reason after all. [break][break] Ardere awaited Eto's answer for a moment, hoping he had not prodded too much. I understand if it's a bit personal. But we're out here for a grand adventure. I figured I should get to know the man I'm risking my life with after all. The man smiled to his elder. It was a warm smile, one as bright as the sun. This was a glimpse into the man he once was, a shining knight of honor and conviction. And it had happened naturally. It was not forced or strained--it was a real smile. If he were looking at himself, he'd scoff. But it was good. He just hoped Zaven didn't melt out here, and if Forrest got any more angst-y then Ardere was likely to off this damn canyon. It was a funny thought. He actually chuckled a bit to himself. He loved the two mages he was with, even with their flaws. He knew the Golden Dawn Captain had been struggling since the Shatter as well. That was not something he had forgotten. He hoped his old friend could find some strength out here too. [break][break] That hollowing, coyotes? Or something else trying to eat us? I'd rather not get eaten a second time today. Thinking to himself and kicking some land shark guts off of his shoes, he shook his head. Was that who he was, a wild man who jumped into monster's mouths? He could hear Lysander's voice in his head screaming yes and making some sort of cocky remark like he used to. Looking off into the distance, he could see the titan of a man in his red garb and cape. Standing there, he walked back into the sand and wind. Just a mirage. Maybe a memory. He wondered what else he would see out in this desert. The thought was not as dreading as he would have expected. Maybe he needed a walk down memory lane, or a long winded sprint.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Zaven had to stop going to fortune tellers...this was now the second time that he was told that something he did was going to end in his death. Before he left the Royal Capital he had a reading, only to find out that he pulled another Death Card. He was beginning to hate coming to this damn woman...last time he nearly died in the Forsaken Region from a woman he never expected to turn on him. That still left a lasting wound on him, one that even allowed him to feel when she was near...fucking magic was weird. He paid that woman and left her shop that day expecting the worst as usual but hoping for the best. [break][break]
Now he was here...in the desert...using his mana to help the group pass through the dunes. He did not mind giving them all a ride, and as much as he needed to take a break...it was not yet the time to do so. He remembered a time before the Shattering incident...He vaguely remembers a man that hung around Vanilla, that man was also named Forrest, and of his memory served him correctly...the two were on good terms for the most part. He did not know what changed if anything with this man, but there was no denying that the angst was a bit more severe when the man just looked at the Shadow of Dawn. ”Trust me...I wouldn’t be here if it was not for the potential treasure at the end.”. Zaven said under his breath as the wind blew off the remaining pieces of the land shark innards that stained his clothing and skin. He did not really care that the sun was starting to bake them even more, but using Talos to at least provide some shade and protect the guide…was worth it. [break][break]
He could hear Ardere speaking to Eto about something...he didn't put much stock into it, the issue that Zaven faced was that as they continued on in their direction there seemed to be a new obstacle coming up… a canyon. He could now hear what the Crimson King and Eto spoke about...he of course had his own reasons for being there...getting stronger was a plus but getting the loot was all that mattered, at least that was what the Golden Dawn and the archives believed when it came time to exploration. About an hour later the group came to crest over a dune that seemed as though it would even swallow the great shadow golem whole of it sank in. Looking into the canyon he could only sigh as he noticed the shadows being cast in the valleys. Zaven whistled first a moment before looking to the group. ”This place is somewhat of an issue...this whole desert is. If we continue into that canyon there is no guarantee that we find our way out...we could be buried in a sandstorm if we are caught there...besides…”. He would be interrupted as he heard the howling, looking at the other three members of the party. ”I know I was not the only one to hear that right? Could this be a trick? Eto Care to enlighten us about this place?” [break][break]
Zaven remembered a time growing up when he was tormented day and night by illusions...his father had actually paid a mage to keep Zaven locked away to help train him to sense real dangers from the fake. That is also where Zaven picked up a distaste of those that were weaker than he was. The illusions were scenes of war, gruesome deaths of the innocent and twisted images of Zaven being the one to end their lives. For a while even Zaven began to believe these lies as a form of repressed memory. Fortunately Agatha, his dear aunt made him realize that it was all a trick, and Zaven remembered that bit of information in this moment as he looked to Eto. ”In your travels here did you perhaps come across any magical circles or casting areas….I know you have been out in this area before, is this place affected by a greater magic than even we can sense?”. He asked before looking to the other two as the howl rang out once again. ”well...what do we do? If we continue either way it is a dangerous situation the further we go from the Oasis...we might as well go for a place that might be even a tad bit cooler than that of being on the dunes where the sun can and will bake us until we are all dead.”. Zaven chimes in before climbing to the top of Talos’s head. He tried to scan the area to see for any sort of water source or something that looked like they could take a moment. Finding nothing he just sighed...fucking hell this place really was going to be the death of him if this kept up as it had been. His mind went back to the fortune teller. God dammit he hated when people might actually be right about his future. [break][break]
He took a break while on Talos, climbing into a spot that was covered he emptied out the sand that built in his clothes, shoes, and tried to use his shadow mana to burn off the rancid land shark blood from his body. He was going to need one hell of a drink when this was all over. Perhaps Ard would accompany him so that way they could talk about life over the past three months… if Forrest was open to it as well he would bring the man along, nothing like trying to make conversation with someone that seemed to hate your guts...perhaps the man remembered who he was...perhaps not. Eto looked to be at home in all of this nonsense though, the old man was indeed strong in his will, weaker men would have already become food for the worms by now.
Time. Only time. [break][break] It passed ever so slowly. He was given it as a second chance, the more he thought about, the less he would think he deserved such a concept. They would begin their travels again, through the Mirage Desert… and time stretched out as they followed through their journey. [break][break] Conversation was little, he decided he liked it that way. He wouldn’t know what dialogue he could even entertain himself as bitter as his feelings ever seemed to cumulate inside him. This was an adventure alright, one that he agreed to for some unknown reason. [break][break] Right, to get out of the base, a change of atmosphere, of scenery. How little did he realize such a change was something like this. No wasn’t enjoying himself. But it was something to do, something he could do. Even if the Captain of the Lions was still there, Forrest knew the man wasn’t judging him. [break][break] Truth be told, the blond judged himself harsher than anyone else who could have done so before. [break][break] The weeks had turned into months, he was creating new memories, but the void of his past was still left blank. How else was he supposed to compare looking at a stranger and being told they were family? How else was he supposed to react when someone said he knew how to do something when he couldn’t remember learning at all? Time. Too much time, left to allow his thoughts to wander to places they shouldn’t have. Even his own grimoire, his magic, he was just barely getting accustomed to. People had given him time, and yet… [break][break] He trudged through the desert, looking at sand that molded under his feet, each step digging further before fading away in the endless dunes. Was he like that too? Just… fading away? [break][break] Forrest supposed he could be kinder, but he had few kind words he could offer easily [break][break] A canyon. At least it was different from a desert. The terrain was actually solid underneath his feet. He watched from a distant, the Captain of the Lions. There was something about him that Forrest had come to notice, the face he put on sometimes, the leader he had to be, it hiding something else. Forrest knew those feelings without even having to know the man himself. He’d lost something, someone, perhaps more than just a single person. The blond couldn’t compare his tragedy to another’s, that wasn’t fair at all. And yet, another part of him wanted to. To sit, to talk, to try and come to an understanding that maybe they had been friends before, maybe they could be friends again. [break][break] Forrest saw the light in the man’s eyes again, only able to come out when he was faced against challenge and life-risking battles. That was simply the kind of man Ardere Kasai was. Forrest found himself in awe of such a will, finally making its way to the surface once again. [break][break] Conversation would begin again, though Forrest stayed silent. He didn’t have much to add. Though, the howling did make him feel rather suspicious. He didn’t like the sounds, he didn’t want to think there were more beasts out there ready to pounce. Though, knowing the kind of adventure they were on, it was just a matter of time. Forrest took his time, now taking a few moments to consider the other Captain in their party. Zaven Blake of the Golden Dawn and a member of that prestigious noble clan of Shadows, the Blake Family. [break][break] Forrest knew little of it, but he’d been told by his adopted noble Father that their former heiress, Vanilla Valentine, had gone missing after the events of the Shattering. A former Magic Knight herself, he’d been told that he knew her, but no one had been able to tell him about their relationship other than perhaps being acquaintances in such noble society. The Captain of the Dawn had had little interaction with the wood mage since the beginning of their journey, but yet it was if Forrest could feel unknown eyes from the slighted shadows watching him from behind. [break][break] Forrest supposed that if the man asked anything of him, he only had one answer. He didn’t remember. And that… was the truth. [break][break] Forrest would listen to Eto’s answers from the questioning from both of the Captains. Well, better put that he had no other choice but to if he wanted to learn anything of where they were going or how they were going to get there. [break][break] His mind wandered yet again, his hand going to reach under his cloak at the necklace he wore. A simple golden chain with a pendant of a ruby. Yet another memento of a life he couldn’t recall. Though, for one reason or another, it seemed instinct for his fingers to rub a small circle on the cuts of the crimson gem. The gem shined brightly in the scorching sun, but its feeling its presence seemed to calm him somewhat. The piece of jewelry once belonged… to the woman he had loved. Though, he didn’t know who she was anymore. Her face was lost to him, like sand in the wind. And yet when he tried to think of her, even the concept of her, there was a calming, eerie quiet that took over his heart. [break][break] He shook his head silently. He did have to pay some attention to his surroundings, to the words that their elder guide would provide them. He did nod at the Crimson Captain’s comment that he would not have preferred being attempted to be eaten twice in one day. And simply agreed with the words of Zaven, that continuing on could become even more dangerous. In the back of his mind, Forrest still though that this “Eto” was still something of a senile old man, but they’d already gone this far. There wasn’t much going back anymore. [break][break] He simply paused, taking a drink from his canteen, wiping more sweat that had accumulated from his brow. [break][break] No going back indeed.
[break][BREAK]
POW
DUR
STA
CON
SEN
0
120
60
120
0
MANA SKIN
HEALTH
MANA POOL
MANA REGEN
grand + senior
grand
145/145
45 ic // 45 ooc
[break]
Combat summary
[break] TL;DR Forrest is being silent and angsty. :shrug:
Eto would pause for a second from his place atop of Zaven’s Golem and glance down at the Captain of the Crimson Lions and each over to fiddle with his long white beard as he tried to find the words to respond. [break][break] “Well, at one point in my life, around when I was 35…I was very focused on my scholarly work. I worked for days without food and drink, tirelessly, and my wife ended up having to take care of the children alone…” The man glanced away with a sigh before continuing, “She was an ambitious woman, that one, couldn’t stay cooped up in the house all day, and I couldn’t blame her. So one day she left me to achieve her own goals.” The old man smiled at Ardere before glancing at his other two Magic Knight escorts. They were being sweet enough to actually inquire into his past. Eto’s eyes then turned to the sky. “So I raised my son and daughter alone afterwards. My work suffered, but they became very successful in their individual chosen paths…it’s how I can afford to have you take me on this journey…it was my dying wish.” The old man admitted that part before going silent and guiding the crew around the canyon. [break][break] To Zaven’s worry of the canyon, Eto would let out a little laugh which quickly turned into a cough and he would then take another sip of his flask of water. “This Canyon is, as I’ve said, recently uncovered by the sandstorms, but that howling is quite unmistakable. Blood Howlers, the thing of nightmares for caravan travellers. Imagine fur-less wolves with glowing red eyes, maws of a frog but with sharp teeth and howls loud enough to inflict deafness as well as partial insanity.” The old adventurer stroked his beard. “And they travel in packs of 15 or more…so it be best we avoid them.” His eyes turned in the direction of the horrific howls as he spoke. This was why they were taking the path opposite of the one from which the sounds came from. [break][break] “Magical Circles...” The man seemed caught off-guard and audibly made a “hmmm” sound. “I’m no wizard, so I don’t know very much about magic. But in my archeological expeditions there were some very intricate magical hexagrams. I can still recall a very specific one in the tomb of an ancient circular disc-like structure…once translated we found it to have been the most powerful levitation spell ever.” Eto shook his head, recalling that memory. It seemed so far away. He truly couldn’t quite remember his own age when that discovery was made. An ancient empire of old, perhaps? Proficient in Magic? It had caused a stir amongst scholars. “As a whole, this sprawling desert has always been a mystery, to even the greatest historians and archeologist. One this is always lost in order for another to be discovered. I think that the only magical place within this canyon should be the appearance of this…this structure that everyone has been talking about.” [break][break] As the group of Magic Knights are either walking around or riding on Talos, Zaven would notice, through his overactive paranoia perhaps, that some of the rocks are weirdly shaped, and glisten suspiciously under the sun. As they continued down the path that Eto led them towards the rocks started looking more and more as if they were carved…as did the path they were walking on. Forrest and Ard would spot that the walls of the canyon seem to be growing closer and closer together…before long, like a mirage, a large towering structure stands before them. A temple of pure gold so large, that some would wonder how it would could have been hidden under the sand dunes in the first place. Huge metallic spikes, with intricate designs like gold Damascus steel jut out of the outer walls of this building. Are they to warn adventurers? Or to simply to display the lavish conditions behind the owner of this temple? [break][break] There is an old misshapen staircase that leads up to a huge door carved out of obsidian which has a lit brazier from each side. [break][break] “Oh my…well isn’t this glorious…I knew my knowledge of patterns was correct!” Eto would exclaim, suddenly filled with excitement as he turned to Zaven. His energy was renewed and he was practically bursting with vigor at the discovery. “Could you put me down, young man, this needs to be explored!” [break][break]
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Requirements for this part: [break][break]
For the observant adventures, there’s an obvious contrast happening between the very bottom step of the staircase, which is extremely roughed-up, and the last, which is carved out of dark, volcanic stone. [break][break] When the party steps in front of the bottom of the staircase, large written cursive letters of pure fire will appear before them, saying “Be humbled.” [break][break]
Feel free to write out your characters reactions to this whole...well everything. I'm not gonna put a word count minimum or maximum. If you are noble, however, and all three of you are (I checked) you will have to roll a d20 in dice rolling channel and tag me to your results. You will keep rolling until you get the number required, but each roll you make has to take place in the post as you guys trying to figure out the challenge behind the words. (This is why there's no word count max or min.) This section may take longer than 48 hours depending on how quick you guys get the answer, so I'll be a bit looser with time this once. [break]Think of it as a game of quick fire. Who knows, maybe one of you will get it instantly.[break][break] You're only allowed to roll again once the other members of your party have rolled.
Many words were said, Forrest listened well enough. Though, truth be told was that he wasn’t the most interested in hearing the old man’s life story. He supposed that most everyone had their own story to tell, that life was the constant interaction of fate weaving the pages of one destiny to another. [break][break] But he felt as if he’d been dropped in the middle of his, with only blank pages for a history and ever more for the future. It was nice enough, hearing about it. A career man giving it up to raise his children, after his wife had left him for the same reason for following her own goals. Though, he wasn’t sure how lovely it was supposed to be if the whole family was now gone their separate ways. [break][break] The mention of Blood Howlers wasn’t any more appealing. Fifteen? Forrest tried to now show the expression of concern on his face, but his ever silent judgements only conveyed as much. [break][break] But then more talk of how mysterious the desert was and something else about ancient magic. Forrest was no historian himself and found little interest in continuing to listen. In the end, his mind seemed to go blank, only focusing on following the party as they continued further into the canyon. [break][break] He was only suspicious at the finding of the golden castle in the canyon. [break][break] The elder Eto was more than ecstatic at the find, Forrest didn’t share the same enthusiasm, even if the other two Captains would have had had a mind of their own to be excited about its discovery. Nothing in this journey so far had been inviting, he wasn’t about to think that this discovery would be any different. [break][break] ”Be humbled.” [break][break] Well now he had dungeons telling him how he was supposed to act as well. [break][break] Forrest sighed, crossing his arms in front of him. “It appears to be a riddle of some sort. More likely, a warning.” He said words aloud this time, his soft-spoken voice still seemed to echo in the closing walls of the canyon. Be humbled? For who was the most prideful among them? Was it to be taken as face value? The crimson words of fire floated freely in the air. Golden eyes simply observed, but he had no real answer to provide himself. [break][break] Put one’s pride away perhaps? Barring an entrance to those big-headed egos? Forrest didn’t like to think he was one such a person, at least, no one had told it to his face. Maybe everyone had to have some amount of pride to face the day, but to be humbled by something, that only meant one had to realize that the other was superior to them in some manner. [break][break] He turned his head away. He didn’t like all the thinking, it seemed more like wasting time than solving anything. What could have stopped them from just continuing on anyway? But instead, he waited. He was in no position to be making major decisions, and maybe the two noble Captains had better experience with such a challenge than he. He did respect that, at least, out of the two, they deserved it from him. [break][break] And so, he paused for the moment, seeing if the others had a better idea among them.
[break][BREAK]
POW
DUR
STA
CON
SEN
0
120
60
120
0
MANA SKIN
HEALTH
MANA POOL
MANA REGEN
grand + senior
grand
145/145
45 ic // 45 ooc
[break]
Combat summary
[break] TL;DR Forrest reveals he isn't actually mute and says a whole sentence.
[attr="class","ardereescroll"]Ardere listened to Eto's story,as it was quite and interesting one. The fire mage had asked after all, because he wanted to know. The wisdom and story of such an old man was priceless. The Kasai had come so far after all these years, perhaps he had not realized how much so. As a young man he would have easily shoved off an elder's advice and ran away to punch things or light them on fire, but not anymore. He had purpose in his actions. This did not mean he wasn't going to run off and punch things, but he had wisdom too. Lysander entrusted him to be the best of the Crimson Lions Captains. He had forgotten that. It was something he was going to accomplish, no matter how much the sadness weighed down on him. Thank you for sharing your story. My mom raised my by herself after my father died, and I am eternally grateful to her for that. I'm sure your children were as well. Taking a deep breath, it was almost sad to think this man was doing this for a good death--yet so inspiring. So he had one mission now; give him a good adventure. Ardere's wishes didn't matter anymore, only Eto's. There were others with more important goals than his, and he was devoted to that now. Well, old man Eto...I'll give you one hell of an adventure. Just stay back a bit when shit inevitably hits the fan. With my magic, I have a proclivity to be...destructive. Giving the old man a wink, he chuckled a bit. But deep down, he did bear a certain amount of concern. Fortunately Zaven had strong magic and Forrest could provide quite the support. Maybe he was worrying too much, but he did have a lot of love for the two men. He cared. [break][break] Don't worry, old friend. He placed a hand on the Golden Dawn Captain's shoulders and gave him a nod. If we keep moving, we'll be fine. I've got your back. The Kasai pushed onward with the group, heading towards their goal. And once they arrived at the temple of sorts, he was taken aback by its magnificence. Even though it looked a bit older, the structure itself was actually quite impressive. Whoa. He said, placing a hand on his broad hip. Stroking his chin hair, Ardere stepped forward. The steps were interesting, and when the words of flame appeared, he was immediately intrigued. Fire magic was quite common. Thousands of people had it. There was nothing special about it, but that was what made the Lion powerful. He, much like his predecessor did things with his magic that no other fire mages did. So when he saw it in a place like this and felt its energy he was quite intrigued. Was there a power of flame here? He was unsure. [break][break] Riddles. Damn. While he was a smart man even for the brutish fighter he was, this was new. Through all the dungeons he had been in, he had not encountered anything like this. Humble yourself. Ardere liked to consider himself pretty humble, especially for a Noble. But that did not mean anything here. This required an act. As someone with Hino Country heritage, bowing was a sign of respect and humility. Perhaps that could work? Walking in front of the steps he gave a simple bow, lowering his eyes. One was always to avert the eyes of an Emperor, which was true humility. Would it work? He did not know. It was worth a shot. Sighing, he was curious. Maybe Forrest was right and it was just a warning. He didn't want to walk up the stairs right into a trap. This had to be a true riddle. This was what they had Eto for--maybe he could guess. They did not have many options after all.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Listening to Eto was very alluring to say the least. The old man had a way with words, answering Ardere’s questions and talking about his family. The old man had definitely seen some things and had sacrificed his entire life...this was his last hurrah, the crescendo into the finale of his life...the swan song...Zaven understood and was fully ready to give his all as he had been doing. He did not have an answer for the group when he was told about the things waiting for them if they followed the howling. He just focused on maintaining his mana and making himself better. The alternate route that they took was a bit longer, but also it seemed to be more rewarding in the end as it turned out. Ardere comforted him, telling him that he would have his back, to which Zaven just smiled and gave a nod, but as they entered the area with the temple and Eto seemed to be alight with energy...Zaven was cautious. [break][break]
That was when he heard the word the same as everyone else in his head as he followed the others to the steps of the stairs leading into the temple. Forrest and Eto were the first to comment...a warning of some sort. Ardere answered in his typical fashion challenging the unseen, while Zaven looked around for a moment before sighing. ”Being sneaky and leaving a warning in a disembodied tone like that will get you nowhere with us...come out and humble yourself before we show you how dangerous we really are.” He would say in a direct opposition to the warning written on the stone, he knew that the damn thing was likely a trap so he left Eto up with Talos unless the old man wanted to get off the shadow golem. To which he would look at his Crimson Lion companions and sigh. ”I have a feeling this shit is about to go from bad to worse...I am not running or anything, but I just hope we are ready for whatever decided to speak to us.” He would say with a sigh, grimoire up and at the ready.
[attr="class","ardereescroll"]Rubbing his head, Ardere let out a sigh. He had a guess on what the riddle wanted, but it was quite obscure. Was it so direct as to just kneel before them? Or did once have to actually do something else? Hell, it could be a verbal riddle. While he was not to keen on just shouting things at the mystical fire words, he had seen weirder puzzles before. Don't suppose you have any insight on this, Eto? He asked, stroking his chin. Chuckling to himself for a moment, he couldn't believe he was standing here wondering how to solve a riddle possibly made by magic stairs. Honestly, he had no idea. But Zaven provoking it probably wasn't the best idea in the world. He had to admit, the shadow mage had a great attitude but sometimes he wondered if they fit each other's squad motifs better at times. Just a funny thought. That being said, he doubted that shouting at it was the answer. Don't know if provoking it is such a good idea, old friend. [break][break] Standing there for a few minutes, lost in thought he turned back to the stairs. On second thought, I agree with the golden boy here. Come out and fight me like a man. Standing there, he did not expect any response. Cursing to himself in the native tongue of the Land of the Rising Sun, he let out a slight sigh. The man merely sat on the ground near the steps. This is about as humble as it gets. Just smack us already if that's your plan. He did not know who created the fiery words, or if they were just from an old, forgotten puzzle. What he did know is that the Ki here was quite interesting. This place was unlike anything he had seen or felt before, and he wanted to explore it. He wanted to give Eto that final journey he had been asking for. I beg of you. Light the way for us. He whispered so that no one else could hear him. Show us the way. He did not know if it would work, but it was worth a shot. This was the Crimson Lion Captain truly humbling himself here, awaiting the answer of the riddle. If they made it, then they could move forward. They had an adventure to tend to after all, and no time to waste.
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] Watching Ardere for a bit he pondered on the words of the group, and the ones etched into the steps of the temple. He was reminded of a time when his father reprimanded a half brother of his. The elder Blake punished the boy and the kid just took the beating without a word, bowed to the bastard that was his father...over a simple mistake done in training. Zaven had won out that day and was excused to go and get food from the kitchen staff for dinner. He snuck to his father’s office and hid in the shadows as he watched his father berate the kid until finally he heard the words… [break][break]
”Be humble.” Rolin Blake said as he watched his half brother kneel down before his father, wailing, no longer able to hold it in before Rolin Blake would just knock the child out for his insignificance. Finally casting his eyes upon Zaven hiding in the corner...Zaven came back to reality. [break][break]
”I know the answer…” He would say before walking up to the steps...reading the words, he felt dread before falling to his knees. He would bow his head in a position that was akin to a prayer in a way as he kneeled before the temple steps. He waited before the steps, waving behind him to the others to follow suit just in case they all had to do it. Even bent the knee.
[break]
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