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 Hinota Yuiee✾ on May 16, 2020 9:03:23 GMT -5
((Apologies Rae Rae, I'll do my best to remain within word limit from now on, if I fail I'll put a tldr underneath the post. Once again, apologies for the break-in limit and the inconvenience it caused.)
Just before the battle had started Hinota watched Toby carefully as he took in the information from herself and Seren, it seemed like her own words had more effect on the teenager than Seren's had. From what she could tell they were around the same age, she couldn't imagine if something had happened to her parents and if she had been put in his position, he had the strength of will and determination to get his wilting business to flourish once again all he needed to do was to be willing to put in the hard work that came with it. If she could help him along the way she would be more than willing to but for now, this wasn't exactly the time nor the place to talk about such things. She did pick up on the slight surprise that he held when she said that she would be willing to back his business if the product was to her taste, in honesty if it was of good quality even if it wasn't her taste she would back it and open a few doors with people who it might be more to the taste of.
As the battle started and she had politely yet sternly requested Toby to get on her broom she nodded to him as she fulfilled her request silently sitting on the broom behind her, that, however, wasn't too long afterwards that one of the current enemies attempted to lung at the pair on the broom; she was caught unaware so knew that she wouldn't have enough time to get a spell off let alone dodge so braced for the force of the contact, it was at this time Toby surprised her throwing out a spell forcing the young land shark to be knocked back. She honestly was shocked at what she had witnessed but it was glad to know that he could handle himself even if he wasn't the strongest in the group.
"Nice shot Toby." she said warmly encouraging him as she took the small window of opportunity to fly upwards as the young land shark came in for a second attempt at trying to eat them.
Hinota wasn't in any mood to be eating today or any day for that matter, she brought her hand up her grimoire floating in front of her as it flipped to the spell she wanted to cast. Her deep forest green eyes switching to a vibrant icy blue colour as she looked at the young land shark, quickly the scent of the warm air around her changed to that of morning dew. She knew she wouldn't do any damage but it would at least slow it for others to take care of the damned thing. Her eyes then went to her teammates seeing if they required any help at this moment in time, it seemed like they were handling themselves fine but still, she wanted to make sure that she could help them in any way she could. Though, they seemed not to need the healing aspect of a spell she knew at that exact time she knew she had something that would at least help their pace problem was she would need to get close enough to touch one of them and she wouldn't risk it as they would be a hindrance to the others most likely.
"Seren! When you have a second could you make your way to me? I have a spell to help speed up Pangu and Saki but it's a touch spell." She called out to the other as she was the only other that was still on a broom at that moment in time, for the moment however she had done everything that she could do as casting a healing spell when no one needed it would just be a waste of her time and mana.
Name of Spell: Unseen Servant[break] Elemental Type: Miasma[break] Rank & Spell Type: Junior ¦ Restraint ¦ Debuff[break] Range & Speed: 25 meters ¦ 10 m/s[break] Mana Cost: 10 ¦ 5[break] Stats Effected: Reduction in speed/movement[break] Applicable Perks: Elemental Oddity[break] Description: Hinota has recently decided to branch out of healing and try her and at restraint, unlike healing magic this hasn't come to her as naturally and so the spell doesn't work as efficiently as it should. The plus side of this spell is doesn't need to moves at all to activate it, her eyes glow for a split second an ice blue colour while looking at the person she deems the target, from that the air around her slowly starts smelling faintly like fresh morning dew. As her target starts to breathe in the poisoned air they start to feel their speed reduce by -2 the first round increasing to -4 the second round, on the third round of breathing in the tainted air there is a very, very slim chance that her target will stop moving completely until she releases the spell or they break free. The debuff to speed remains at -4 however as long as they are breathing in the spell regardless of how long that might be after the second round.[break][break]
- Hino watched Toby as he took in what was said to him by herself and Seren. - Would happily help his business if the quality was good enough even if she wouldn't personally use it. - Was surprised that Toby could knock back the young land shark attacking them but took the chance to fly out of where it could immediately do damage to them. - Cast unseen servant which starts with a -2 to the speed of the young land shark currently trying to attack herself and Toby - Called to Seren knowing she has something that can help the team but knows that with it being a touch spell to cast its benefits she needs to at least touch one person in the team for it to work.
Last Edit: May 17, 2020 1:54:02 GMT -5 by Hinota Yuiee✾
Name of Spell: Fairy Compact Elemental Type: Ethereal (Oddity- Explosion) Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate & Healing + Attack Range & Speed: Aoe- 40m Cast Range, 1m diameter orbit ring, 40m range & 1m diameter Counter Beam, 25 m/s Mana Cost: 20, 10 (sustained) Stats Effected: Power Buff (+4) Applicable Perks: Quickshot, Area of Triumph, Archangel's Blessing, Elemental Oddity- Explosion Description:
Grimoire flashing with a mysterious glow, Seren emits a sparkling ring of ether inscribed with rotating alien 'fairy runes' flowing in opposite directions. The inner half rotates left, and the outer half rotates right. While the ring orbits its target, these runes will provide a number of effects.
This spell provides Seren (and only Seren) with a Junior rank buff to Power (+4).
Targets enveloped by the spell will heal one intermediate health level per post. This spell is also capable of potentially cleansing debuffs based off of Seren's control. If applied for three posts, this spell can grow back small digits on a person.
This spell also provides an "interception fire" effect. When those enveloped by these runes are attacked, the spell will provide an interception counter in the form of an ethereal spiral of runes capable of clashing with incoming damage. If the originator of the attack is in range and the clash succeeds per normal attack rules, then the attack may carry on and potentially deal up to intermediate rank damage to the attacker. This spell may only make 1 + 1 Counterattack for every 30 control Seren possesses.
As an Ethereal Spell, each target affected will lose 5 mana which will be granted to the caster. Each target may only be affected by this spell's drain once per round. (In the case of this spell, this effect is optional)
Ethereal Spells have the unique power to bypass any objects or structures in their path, though the spell drops a tier in overall power and strength. This can be thwarted by spells whose power or durability stat (depending on the spell in its path) is +5 than the user of this magic’s power stat. These spells cannot bypass structures or creations that are of higher rank than the spell itself.
Seren may create 1 additional Fairy Compact for every 30 control she possesses.
Seren may also sculpt the counter attack to avoid affecting 1 + 1 additional targets for every 30 control she possesses. This will cause the spell to lose 20 Power.
2)
Name of Golem: Apropos: Broom, “Hollow Furnace” Spell Element: Ethereal (Oddity- Explosion) Spell Rank: Intermediate Mana Cost: 20, 10 (sustained) Type of Golem: Balanced Range and Speed: 40 meters, 20 m/s, 2 people 15 m/s (as transport) Health of Golem : Senior Applicable Perks: Lightfooted Golem Description:
Grimoire flashing with a mysterious glow, Seren conjures forth an odd broom-like golem composed of ethereal energy. Capable of emitting explosive thrusts to propel itself, Seren enjoys riding this broom around, zipping this way and that, while leaving trails of aurora in the sky. A mode of transport as well as a last line of defense in emergencies.
Striking or ramming with this golem will attempt a knock-back effect of 4 (+ 5 for every 10 power) meters the golem possesses.
Seren may create 1 additional golem for every 20 control she possesses. These additional golems will typically follow the original like train cars but may serve additional functions as needed
Golem Stats:
Power 20 Durability 20 (-10 +40) = 50 Sensory 20 Stat Pool 40
3)
Name of Spell: Ether Stream Elemental Type: Ethereal (Oddity- Explosion) Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate, Attack Range & Speed: Aoe- 40m Range, 5m diameter Beam, 25 m/s Mana Cost: 20, 10 (sustained) Stats Effected: n/a Applicable Perks: Area of Triumph, Quickshot, Damage Awareness Description:
Grimoire flashing with a mysterious glow, Seren brings forth an orb of Ether which she can fire at a target. The orb, upon acceleration, will become a piercing beam of energy before ending in a flash of nothingness. Sustaining this spell produces additional Ether Streams per round. To reaffect a target, Seren must fire at it again. While the spell is being fired, Seren may choose to sweep the beam up to 180 degrees in front of her to affect a larger area.
Targets struck by the spell will suffer intermediate rank damage.
As an Ethereal Spell, each target hit will lose 5 mana which will be granted to the caster. Each target may only be affected by this spell's drain once per round.
Ethereal Spells have the unique power to bypass any objects or structures in their path, though the spell drops a tier in overall power and strength. This can be thwarted by spells whose power or durability stat (depending on the spell in its path) is +5 than the user of this magic’s power stat. These spells cannot bypass structures or creations that are of higher rank than the spell itself.
Seren may create 1 additional Ether Blast for every 20 control she possesses.
Seren may also sculpt the spell to avoid affecting 1 + 1 additional targets for every 20 control she possesses. This will cause the spell to lose 20 Power.
***
"Whew~ that takes care of... nope... no it doesn't~!!! Ahhh~ guuuuuuys~! Third wave incominnnnng~! Nihaha~? Maybe two~? Their tactics haven't really changed~ Calling out their locations now-----you guys are letting them maul you right?!"
Seren made a face of pure exasperation at the enemies they were dealing with. She could tell they were managing the situation, but to say that it wasn't also a tricky one would be a lie. Centering herself with a deep breath, Seren moved down her list of priorities. It was right around then that Seren heard Hinota's request. Closing one eye, Seren quickly created a rough timeline for herself in her mind.
"Niho~~~I'll have a second in abouuuut~ 40 seconds give or take~! See you then~!"
There was something she needed to do first, 'I need to try and do something about the third wave before we get overrun~ that's a lot of pressure~ Niho~~'
The witch's eyes darted between Pangu and Saki and decided to help Pangu first. Boarding her broom golem, she brought along her spare and darted in Pangu's direction aiming to intercept where she sensed the extra monster from the third wave would surface.
"Sorry~ please handle the one you have right now~!"
Yelling that to Pangu as she passed by, Seren fired her extra broom golem under the sand like a torpedo as she modified her earlier strategy and tried to have the broom golem surface and uppercut the monster's jaw to expose its soft tummy. And once again---- "Ether Cannon Magic~! Ether Stream~~!!" ----She followed up that opening attack with a volatile beam of Ether as she 'skidded' to a stop.
Ugh~ this a tricky shot~ but here goes nothing~!
Seren recalled the broom she had fired at the earlier monster and pulled it back towards her side. As she did so, she dismounted the broom she was currently riding and rested it on a shoulder as she assumed a stance. Seren did another spin, and leaping forward she 'threw' it like a javelin in Saki's general direction. Of course, being a golem, she was able to guide it as it flew through the air. Her target was the OTHER third wave monster coming to attack Saki. Seren was sure Saki could deal with it, (much like she was sure Pangu could handle what was currently on his plate), but she didn't want to take any chances.
The broom sailed solo, steered remotely to where she assumed the surfacing enemy would be. Its objective was to either open up the monster's defenses for one of Saki's attacks or to defeat it outright.
It had been about 40 seconds in Seren's mind.
"Hinny~! I'm on my way~!"
The first broom just now returning, Seren hopped on it and took to the skies toward Hinota. Seren wasn't quite sure what Hinota wanted, but she could fathom a guess. Holding up her right hand, Seren flew in closer and closer.
"Nihaha~ Yay~! Highfive~!"
Seren thought she was being praised. She was sure of it.
Combat Summery:
1) Informed party of updated enemy numbers and locations.
2) Sustained Fairy’s Compact on Toby and Hinota
3) Seren moved to intercept the third wave Shark coming for Pangu. She launched one broom golem at it attempting intermediate damage and a knockback of 14 meters to try and expose its belly. And followed up that attack with Ether Stream aiming for said belly with another dose of attempted intermediate damage.
4) Seren swapped broom golems and launched the one she was previously riding towards Saki to try and do something about the other monster from wave 3.
5) Seren ends her turn by flying into the sky and attempts to initiate contact with Hinota.
Post by Pángǔ Shēngxiào | 生肖盤古 on May 18, 2020 0:02:14 GMT -5
[nospaces] When the Land Shark let go of his arm and began to back away he knew he had an opportunity to strike once again. Now that he wasn't in any immediate danger Pangu was able to reach the strap on his backpack that held his staff in place. In one swift motion, he undid the button holding the strap together and grabbed the bottom of his staff with his right hand. [break][break] Pangu then swung his staff at the Land Shark's soft chin in an attempt to finish it off. Regardless of the success of his attack, he would move into a sprinting position. “Sun Wukong!” The words flew from his mouth just moments before a blonde monkey tail sprouted from his lower back. The Spell would provide a minor Speed boost, but at least it would do something to even the playing field. [break][break] His next move would depend on the success of his previous attack. If it failed he would dash towards the Land Shark that was on him just moments before. With both hands on his staff, he'd jab at the creature's soft parts as many times as it took to finally kill it. However, if his desperate swing managed to finish off the Land Shark that tackled him he would instead focus his efforts on the beast attacking Hinota and Toby. [break][break] Seren's help was not unnoticed, but taking his mind off the task at hand wouldn't be smart. He'd have to thank her later once everything calmed down. [break][break] WC: 250 | TWC: 1487 [break][break]
Name of Spell: Sun Wukong[break] Elemental Type: Snow[break] Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Transformation[break] Range & Speed: Self only[break] Mana Cost: 10 | 5[break] Stats Affected: +1 m/s Speed[break] Applicable Perks: N/A[break] Description: Pángǔ causes a foot long blonde monkey tail to grow from the center of the Shēngxiào mark located on his lower back. When he does so the mark turns red and fills in as opposed to the faded black it normally is. This tail is fully prehensile and capable of not only holding his staff, or other weapons, but also of wielding them nearly as well as Pángǔ himself.
[break] Rank & Element: Junior | N/A[break] Class & Type: Mundane Weapon[break] Magic Specializations: N/A[break] Appearance & Lore: A staff as tall as Pángǔ himself given to him by his mother on the day he gained his Grimoire. The staff is primarily red with a foot of yellow on each end. There are four bands of yellow an inch wide each.[break] Abilities: N/A
[break] Rank & Element: Junior | Ember[break] Class & Type: Magical Trinket | Enchanted[break] Magic Specializations: N/A[break] Appearance & Lore: A glass eye with the Shēngxiào family mark engraved on it in red. It was crafted by his father and given to him when he was 13 to replace one that no longer fit.[break] Abilities:[break] Fatherly Protections
Type & Uses: Enchanted | N/A[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior | N/A[break] Mana Cost: N/A[break] Range & Speed: 5 meters | N/A[break] Stats Affected: Junior Rank Endurance Buff[break] Description: Due to the Magic used to Enchant this glass eye it gives it's wielder a Junior Rank Endurance Buff.[break]
Sweat poured throughout Saki's body as she looked down at the dead creature triumphantly, feeling strangely energized by her efforts. She didn't get much to celebrate about before another two leapt out of the sand, jaws wide as they closed in down upon her. This time, however, she wasn't caught flatfooted due to the warning that came from the strange witch girl flying overhead. Moving on instinct, she ducked as low to the ground as she could while she summoned two large orbs of electricity focused on her hands, to which she planned to slam into the two of the beasts, one orb for each monster as she sent them left and right; right into each of the beast's stomachs.
They'd hopefully be too close to dodge it effectively, having spent all of their energy diving straight for her, Saki even trying to time it correctly, but she felt she could take the damage if they managed to surprise her again like last time. She still had her speed increasing spell up, hoping that would be the thing that would edge out her victory, if nothing else. She wouldn't even notice the Broom coming up on her to assist her until it would already have struck one of the monsters.
Saki was so focused on dealing with this situation that she couldn't have been bothered to pay attention to the others, but it had sounded like they were still alive. The witch girl even sounded pretty exuberant, and she couldn't tell if any panic had crept into her voice. So, with those factors in mind she figured the rest of them were doing well enough she probably didn't need to assist with their fight, focusing more on hers instead.
Name of Spell: Blitz Drive Elemental Type: Lightning Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate / Physical Reinforcement Range & Speed: Self | N/A Mana Cost: 20 / 10 Stats Effected: Reaction Time / Speed Applicable Perks: Full Blitz Description: Saki's body crackles with energy, glowing a slight blue as mana lines appear around her body. This spell speeds up her speed and reflexes, allowing her to dodge and outmaneuver some spells and close the gap between her and her opponents. This buff increases her speed and reaction time by 10 m/s, allowing her to close the distance fairly easily, as well as dodge some of the more agile spells.
Name of Spell: Strike Impulse II Elemental Type: Lightning Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate / Physical Reinforcement Range & Speed: Self | N/A Mana Cost: 20 / 10 Stats Effected: Strength Applicable Perks: N/a Description: Lightning pulses through Saki's legs and arms as errant sparks fly off of her body. This spell increases the strength of her physical damage to Intermediate Rank, dealing that rank of damage every time she lands a blow. This follows the normal spell and PR rules and can stack with Strength perks by 1.5 times. Damage dealt this way causes dark bruises and a painful shock when struck.
Name of Spell: Spark Shot II Elemental Type: Lightning Rank & Spell Type: Intermediate / Attack Creation Range & Speed: 40 meters | 20 m/s Mana Cost: 20 / 10 Stats Effected: +4 to Power Applicable Perks: Apex Predator Description: A singular, soccer ball sized orb of crackling blue lightning streaks out of Saki's hand, flying towards her enemies. It explodes outward when it strikes something, knocking the object back around 4 meters plus 5 more meters for every 10 in her Power stat she has (29 meters). This spell deals a rank of Intermediate damage when struck; causing incredibly painful shocks and heavy bruising. An alternate way to use this is via the ammo rules, where she can summon several balls of lightning to shoot out at once, summoning one ball plus one more for every 20 points in control she has.
Combat Summary:
- Pretty simple, short post. She was warned about more monsters coming, thus wasn't caught as flat-footed. She does have her spells up still, and still moves around 20 m/s or 65 feet per second, which should give her a quick enough reaction.
- Next action was to pop her Spark Shot II, which summons two different orbs of lightning via the Ammo rules. Since she's attacking two different monsters instead of one, that should deal intermediate damage to both. She's waiting a second or two to catch them at their most vulnerable point in the leap before she fires them, to lessen their ability to dodge. She feels like she can tank the damage if she messes up, though. They both should die immediately, if they get hit.
- Sustaining spells (except for Spark Shot), 15 mana to regen instead of the normal 35. The current mana pool/regen are now inside the brackets, for ease of reading.
Hinota: Your Unseen Servant spell slows the young land shark enough for you and Toby to be able to fly away without being harmed. Toby smiles bashfully at you when you compliment his abilities. “Thanks Lady, you’re not so bad yourself.” He’d comment before rubbing the back of his head and glancing down at the other combat that was happening. The land shark attacking you dives back into the sand before Toby manages to get another attack on it, however, and it makes his expression sour.
[break][break]
Seren: You managed to intercept the second young land shark attacking Pangu and defeat it by dealing more than enough damage with your two spells. You may safely initiate contact with Hinota. You will sense that the land shark that Toby had damaged previously is going for you though!
[break][break]
Pangu: Your first attack strikes true, and you quickly manage to dispatch the beast attacking you, your eyes turning to the one damaged land shark that Toby and Hinota were dealing with. You catch it jumping mid-air towards Seren.
[break][break]
Saki: You manage to take out the two beasts with your Spark Shot II spell, but one of them does manage to get a bite of junior damage into your mana shield just before it goes off (due to your Close Combat expect however you know how to properly take an attack like that to narrow the damage down to nothing). Their bodies seem to burn from the inside out at the intensity of your spell hitting their weak spot. As you look around, only one of these monsters seems to be left.
[break][break]
Round 3? + Progress: [break]
You’ve managed to dispatch of the hungry young land sharks for the most part! There’s only one left attacking Seren (Jr. Health left since Toby damaged it earlier.)
Once they are defeated Toby would shake his head and glance around to see if everyone’s okay. He’d offer water to those that seemed tired…but he’d offer it in a kind of way that didn’t show he cared (imagine a Tsundere), he’d basically shove it in your hands and say “Here”. Then once everyone seemed ready to go, he’d continue leading the party through the desert, telling them that they’re almost past this horrible heat… (At least 400 words each, there’s no limit, this is mostly RP for you guys).
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on May 19, 2020 17:11:27 GMT -5
Hinota looks back at the young merchant and smiles to him as he speaks to her, she didn't say anything in return at that moment as she heard Seren call out to her. She nodded her head acknowledging just how long it would take for her to get to her, she understood that there was a battle going on and supporting one's allies came first. It's true she could heal the others from whatever damage that they took from the enemies they were facing off against but it was better for everyone if that damage didn't happen in the first place in her opinion. She kept watch from above with Toby on the back of the broom she was on, she was petrified that her magic would out and this time not only her falling to her death but Toby as well. No, she shouldn't think like that, she was better than that or at least she was supposed to be given her family name, her grimoire type and even the squad she belonged to. She would disgrace them all if she faltered so hummed a melody to herself so she could calm her mind and focus on the task at hand. She would get through this, they all would one way or another.
Her humming came to an abrupt end when she heard what Seren called her, she was in complete disbelief and it showed on her face. Was she just called hinny? That was a name she hadn't heard or seen since she was a very young girl, she absolutely hated being called it so bit the inside of her cheek lightly to prevent her from saying something that was none too kind. She then watched as Seren came ever closer with her hand out flying towards her and so backed away, she seriously had no idea what the hell a high-five was and wasn't really ready to experience one.
"I... I'll have to decline Seren." she stuttered a little hoping the other female of the group wouldn't push it.
Outside of her family Hinota never really had physical contact with people, well other than her nanny but she may as well have been family as when her parents away her nanny was pretty much mother and father to both herself and her elder brother Ozma. She found the fact she had a tactile spell pretty ironic due to it. It was true that she had Toby on the back of her broom but that was more an instinctual and tactical move on her part, nothing good would happen if the person paying for their time ended up injured or worse. At least in her mind, this was the case.
"My family normally doesn't have much physical contact with people..." she explained as she thought about her father and mother for a moment, they were different when they touched others it was because of their duties not out of want or that's how she remembered it being told to her.
Her eyes moved back to Pangu and Saki to see if they required the aid of healing but it seemed as if they had both managed to hold their own. Compared to the others of the team she felt quite useless as she had been of no real help and now wondered if her being on this task was really a good idea. What was her captain thinking giving her this mission? Surely someone with battle prowess would have been a better suited than someone that could only heal and had a weak restaining magic. She didn't watch as the enemies came to their end, last time she witnessed something meet its end something very, very wrong happened she was sure of it, though she honestly couldn't remember she really didn't want a repeat performance of whatever it might have been. Everything from that first day of training in the forsaken region with her captain was still extremely hazy but she remembered that scar he had now, inky black and smelling exactly how miasma should smell. She had to wonder if she had been the cause of it and if she was what did it mean for her and her family because if that was indeed the case not had she only attacked another member of the Clover Kingdom for the death of an owlbear but the captain of a magic knight squad. She bit her bottom lip shaking ever so slightly at what might have happened and the repercussions that she might be facing.
She kept the restaining spell up still knowing that were not the strongest thing it became a little stronger in regards of reducing the speed of the one affected after the initial casting of the spell. Between Pangu, Saki and Seren the wounded land shark shouldn't even be a challenge given how easily they had managed to dispense of the others and so decided that the spell she was thinking of wouldn't need to be used at current as no one was hurt and with the last enemy about to fall they didn't need the boost.
At the end of the battle, Hinota manoeuvred so she was closer to everyone and watched as Toby gave everyone who needed it some water. "Thank you Toby." she said as some was given to her, she had her own but also knew it was rude to say no and so decided to be polite.
She thought for a quick moment and looked to Pangu and Saki "Perhaps you two should get on the broom that Seren has provided? We can fly above the ground out of harm's way, get to where we are going a bit faster and you wouldn't become fatigued either." she said to the others suggesting the other broom Seren had, believing that was the reason she had made two and not one, she also let them know her reasoning behind why they should but at the end of the day, it was completely up to them whether or not they would take the suggestion or continue to walk as they had previously done. She, herself, flew high enough to be out of any immediate danger from below but still close enough to the others that if there was another attack she and Toby could still help without being in the way.
Name of Spell: Unseen Servant Elemental Type: Miasma Rank & Spell Type: Junior ¦ Restraint ¦ Debuff Range & Speed: 25 meters ¦ 10 m/s Mana Cost: 10 ¦ 5 Stats Effected: Reduction in speed/movement Applicable Perks: Elemental Oddity Description: Hinota has recently decided to branch out of healing and try her and at restraint, unlike healing magic this hasn't come to her as naturally and so the spell doesn't work as efficiently as it should. The plus side of this spell is doesn't need to moves at all to activate it, her eyes glow for a split second an ice blue colour while looking at the person she deems the target, from that the air around her slowly starts smelling faintly like fresh morning dew. As her target starts to breathe in the poisoned air they start to feel their speed reduce by -2 the first round increasing to -4 the second round, on the third round of breathing in the tainted air there is a very, very slim chance that her target will stop moving completely until she releases the spell or they break free. The debuff to speed remains at -4 however as long as they are breathing in the spell regardless of how long that might be after the second round.
- When Seren wanted to give a high-five she declined and explained the reason behind it
- Worried about dropping Toby
- Thinking about the black scar that Zaven now has on his chest and whether or not she was the cause of it as she doesn't remember much of that day
- Wondering what she is doing there when she believes she has little use as she can't do any damage
- Unseen servant continue now giving a -4 to the speed of the young land shark that is now alone
- Decides against using another spell as it would be a waste of time and mana
- Suggests that Pangu and Saki get on the spare broom Seren has made and the reason why
- Flys high enough so herself and Toby are out of immediate danger from attacks from the ground but close enough that she is within range incase something happens
Post by Pángǔ Shēngxiào | 生肖盤古 on May 20, 2020 2:54:24 GMT -5
[nospaces] A loud CRACK! pierced Pangu's ears as his staff slammed into the chin of the Land Shark. The force of the blow was enough to put an end to the wounded Shark. When the beast fell dead Pangu let out a sigh of relief, but he quickly jumped into action. With his attacker no longer among the living, he had his sights set on the last remaining creature. [break][break] The last remaining creature? That didn't seem right. The Wonderful Seren Alarm System alerted them of eight Land Sharks and Pangu himself had only killed one. He had to do a quick double-take of the battlefield to make sure he was seeing things right. Somehow the others had managed to kill six Land Sharks on their own in the time it took him to slay one. 'Unbelievable. These people are freaking monsters.' These people were far out of his league. No wonder they were all Magic Knights. [break][break] With his Sun Wukong Spell active he made a mad dash for the final Land Shark. By the time he reached the Shark, it was already in the air after having pounced in Seren's direction. There was no doubt that it aimed to take a bite out of her, but it looked like Pangu would be able to return the favor earlier than expected. [break][break] Pangu attacked from the side with an upward swing to the creature's underbelly. It was the same attack that proved effective just moments before, and it worked just as well. Another loud CRACK! rang out over the battlefield as Pangu's staff came into contact with the Land Shark's exposed neck. The beast let out a whimper and fell to the ground just inches away from the Witch. It twitched on the ground for a few moments before it finally lay still. It was dead like all of the others. [break][break] With the battle finally over he wiped some sweat from his brow before turning to Seren. "Thank you for protecting me earlier. Consider the debt repaid." Shortly after Toby offered water to the party and Pangu accepted with quick thanks. He certainly noticed Toby's seemingly reluctant help. If not for his guide's age Pangu likely would have made some sort of half-assed attempt at a flirtatious comment. Instead, he only took just enough of the water to quench his thirst before handing it back to the boy. [break][break] Pangu's attention was now on Hinota as she began to speak. A scowl appeared on his face as he glanced between Saki and Toby. "That was the plan from the start." Pangu then began to mutter to himself again. "Wǒ bù quèdìng nà liǎng gè zài xiǎng shénme. Wǒ yǐwéi wǒmen de xiàngdǎo hé móshù qíshì huì gèng hǎo. Jīntiān yǐqián wǒ cónglái méiyǒu qùguò shāmò, wǒ hěn cōngmíng, kěyǐ tiào shàng sàozhǒu." [break][break] When, or if, Seren's broom returned he'd hop on the back of the second one as he had before. This time he hoped that Saki would do the same. At least Toby was being babysat by Hinota. The girl must have had some potential if she was a part of the Golden Dawn, even if he didn't see it yet. [break][break] WC: 528 | TWC: 2015 [break][break]
Name of Spell: Sun Wukong[break] Elemental Type: Snow[break] Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Transformation[break] Range & Speed: Self only[break] Mana Cost: 10 | 5[break] Stats Affected: +1 m/s Speed[break] Applicable Perks: N/A[break] Description: Pángǔ causes a foot long blonde monkey tail to grow from the center of the Shēngxiào mark located on his lower back. When he does so the mark turns red and fills in as opposed to the faded black it normally is. This tail is fully prehensile and capable of not only holding his staff, or other weapons, but also of wielding them nearly as well as Pángǔ himself.
[break] Rank & Element: Junior | N/A[break] Class & Type: Mundane Weapon[break] Magic Specializations: N/A[break] Appearance & Lore: A staff as tall as Pángǔ himself given to him by his mother on the day he gained his Grimoire. The staff is primarily red with a foot of yellow on each end. There are four bands of yellow an inch wide each.[break] Abilities: N/A
[break] Rank & Element: Junior | Ember[break] Class & Type: Magical Trinket | Enchanted[break] Magic Specializations: N/A[break] Appearance & Lore: A glass eye with the Shēngxiào family mark engraved on it in red. It was crafted by his father and given to him when he was 13 to replace one that no longer fit.[break] Abilities:[break] Fatherly Protections
Type & Uses: Enchanted | N/A[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior | N/A[break] Mana Cost: N/A[break] Range & Speed: 5 meters | N/A[break] Stats Affected: Junior Rank Endurance Buff[break] Description: Due to the Magic used to Enchant this glass eye it gives it's wielder a Junior Rank Endurance Buff.[break]
[break]
NOTES: Sun Wukong sustained. Killed the remaining Land Shark.
Name of Golem: Apropos: Broom, “Hollow Furnace” Spell Element: Ethereal (Oddity- Explosion) Spell Rank: Intermediate Mana Cost: 20, 10 (sustained) Type of Golem: Balanced Range and Speed: 40 meters, 20 m/s, 2 people 15 m/s (as transport) Health of Golem : Senior Applicable Perks: Lightfooted Golem Description:
Grimoire flashing with a mysterious glow, Seren conjures forth an odd broom-like golem composed of ethereal energy. Capable of emitting explosive thrusts to propel itself, Seren enjoys riding this broom around, zipping this way and that, while leaving trails of aurora in the sky. A mode of transport as well as a last line of defense in emergencies.
Striking or ramming with this golem will attempt a knock-back effect of 4 (+ 5 for every 10 power) meters the golem possesses.
Seren may create 1 additional golem for every 20 control she possesses. These additional golems will typically follow the original like train cars but may serve additional functions as needed
Golem Stats:
Power 20 Durability 20 (-10 +40) = 50 Sensory 20 Stat Pool 40
2)
N/A
3)
N/A
***
"Nihaha~? Air high five~? Okay then~! Yaaaay~!"
Flying by, Seren pushed her open palm in the air in Hinota's general direction and flew past. Completing that objective, Seren came to a stop.
"Soooo~ are we don---- ah... Niho..."
Slowly turning around Seren saw the final monster leaping right for her. She could only cringe as she imagined what her spell would do when she fired it down the open mouth of the monster to protect herself. It would likely be very, very messy. Her spirits sank as she began to recite the words...
"Ether Cannon Magic... Ether Stre..."
Thankfully, she did not have to finish that line as Pangu did his thing. This earned the young man a thumbs up from the witch and about approximately twenty Seren points. This all came with a great sigh of relief at the outcome. Now and for now and truly at this moment, combat was ended. It wasn't particularly obvious, but a certain tension left the witch's shoulders at the revelation. The strange glow of her magic subsided, and Seren began to drop altitude as she made to rejoin the party. All that was left was for her to quickly determine the status of her enemies, check the maintenance of her broom golems, and take a short rest. In that order. So far, everything seemed to be fine. This kept her spirits characteristically high.
Being offered the water, Seren shook her head with a "Nihaha~ No thanks~! I'm good~!" And reached into her pack to unveil one of the canteens of pickle juice. She then proceeded to down the whole thing. A great shiver ran down her body as she made a loud and enthusiastic "PAH~!" with her breath while laughing. "Nihaha~! That's the stuff, if I was a dead Seren I think I would be an alive Seren right now~ and dead or alive~ one must not forget the chaser~!" Returning the empty canteen to her collection, she brought out the rock candy, took a handful, and shoved them in her mouth like a hard-boiled detective downing his meds. "Fushasha! I give thanks!"
Clapping her hands twice, Seren had finished her break/lunch. Removing a small journal she quicly scribbled: Approximate Time: X (by sun estimate), Survivors encountered: None, Suspect 1: eaten by burrowing sand monsters. Nodding as she dotted her i's and crossed her t's and left a little doodle of the monsters for posterity's sake, Seren was now ready to chat in earnest. She returned to hear Hinota and Pangu talking brooms.
"Nihaha~ oh~ are we flying now~? Humu~ Humu~ Very wise Hinny~! Three more disasters and we will have made a sage of you yet~! She's right guysies~ Flying high might help us avoid these groundy thingies~ buuuut I gottaaaa saaay~ I feel like the air isn't all that much safer~ Niho~ Though at the very least we'll see see any mega hawks coming~! Niha~ Just leave it to me~! For I am a wise sage~ and witches were born to take to the skies~!"
All grins, Seren mounted one broom golem, and had her second trail behind her like a caboose once more.
"Niahaha~ If everyone's ready, then hop on~ Niho~ I can carry up to three more~ so everyone can go where they're comfiest~ kay~? Options are the spice of life~"
When Pangu hopped on (which she was pretty sure he would since he was on before) Seren would turn behind her with a wink.
"To repay the favor you repayed for... the favor~?"
She titled her head laughed.
"I've never kept much track anyway~ but it's always nice to have a broom buddy to pass the time~"
After they had been flying for a very short bit, Seren would call out to Saki, who she hadn't had much of a pleasure of speaking with.
"Haaaay~ Saki Saki~ Nihaha~ what are the Green Mantises like~? ~Did they teach you how to do all the cool fighting moves~? My broom arts are a little closer to Pangu's staff style here~ but~ but~ I feel a certain affinity with the way you do things~~~ hmmmm~ humu humu~ I wonder what it is~? Have you ever heard of the witches' palm~? It's supposed to be a sagely art but I'm not too sure~ but I find the way you don't die when you are killed very interesting~! Niho~!"
-----Even later, when the conversation had died out, Seren unfortunately began to sing. Her voice was pretty like a wind chime... and completely out of rhythm, like, well, a wind chime...
+Witch Riders In The Sky+
A pretty witch and friends went riding out one bright and windy day~
Upon a ridge they rested as they went along their way~
When all at once a mighty herd of red eyed sandy things they saw came~ A-plowing through the sand dunes and up their dusty way~
Their backs were tough and scaly~ and their teeth were made of... teeth~ their horns~ if they had them were black and shiny~ and their hot breath they could feel~
A bolt of disgust went through them as they thundered on their heels~
Ohhh~ for they saw the monsters coming hard and heard their dreadful cry~
Nihaha~ yaaaay~! Witch Riders in the sky~ Fighting monsters~ Never batting an eye~!
Their faces gaunt, their eyes all blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat~ They’re riding hard to catch a wish~ but you can’t wish for gooooold~!
They've got to ride forever~ even if there’s mega hawks on the fly~! Witch Riders in the sky~!
Coming to save the day~ Witch Riders in the sky~!
Combat Summery: Seren assaults the party with her music.
Saki rolled her shoulders as the she dispelled her magic, cracking her neck from side to side in satisfaction. This was what she was there for, after all- muscle. It felt good to actually fight something, especially after traveling so long in a blasted sandy landscape that sapped the strength from people. She felt more energized than ever. Gratefully grabbing a drink of water from Toby and taking a swig from it. Saki didn't waste any time after that hopping onto a broom, although she did hesitate a bit in doing so; wondering if it wouldn't have just been faster to use her magic.
Deciding to conserve her strength, she hopped on. When that odd witch began to pester her about what the rest of the Green Mantises were like, she'd describe them to her, at least the ones she knew about.
Toby sat still on the broom, retrieving the flask of water from everyone who took a sip. He wanted to be helpful to this party of adventurers; after all, they were aiding him in his own quest. Hinota wasn’t bad company, and he eyed her silently, frowning for a split second before Seren’s horrifying singing reached his ears, making him visibly wince. Were all witches this annoying? If so, he hoped to never meet any more of them. Once the party was all on brooms, he’d lead them ahead into the sand. [break][break] After about another hour and a half 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. “We’re here!” Toby would exclaim as he motioned for the crew to follow him 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 Toby 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. Toby raised an eyebrow but ignored them for the most part and wishes to guide you in the direction opposite of these howls, what do you wish to do?
[break] [break]
Story Progress:
[break]Gratz on surviving the first encounter! You guys all did great! 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 Toby or investigate the sounds you heard? I demand a solid explanation for your decision WITH your character’s thought process.
[break] Sidenote: Pangu is hot, Zhen, dammit, lemmeh smash.
Saki quirked at Seren's question, curious to know why the young witch wanted to know about her group. "The Mantis? A collection of ne'er-do-wells, "reformed" criminals and the 'troubled youth', which is a fancy term for the abused and the orphans who took to thievery, assassination or leg-breaking to survive. I feel like a pretty good combination of those last two." Saki said as she relaxed a bit on the broom, hooking her feet around the thing as she leaned back on it. "Generally speaking, most of us come from the Forsaken Region for the obvious reasons, but you find the occasional bad eggs from the nobility or the merchant class. Well, the nobles and merchants that get caught and aren't useful enough to simply pay their investigators to quiet down, anyway."
"I'd like to think the Mantis's are nothing more than a collection of criminal types that were too useful to just throw away or execute, but I'm just a cynical bitch who doesn't care about much."
Saki cocked her head from her position on the broom. "That it, or you want me to wax on about it some more?" Saki questioned, her eyes closed as she hovered her hand over her face to keep the sun out of her eyes. It was a good hour or so before the environment around her started to change, Saki sitting up and looking around to see a massive canyon opening outwards, almost as if it was inviting them in. Was this the place they were looking for? Fucking, finally. Goodbye blistering heat, hello wonderful shade.
Saki practically shuttered in delight as the party entered the canyon, the massive rock formation providing more than enough shade that protected the Mantis from the overbearing heat of the desert sun. The cooler temperature covered her like a blanket, to which she covered her eyes as she tried to bask in the shade for as long as possible. Having been an hour or so since she had stretched her legs, she took this time to hop off of the broom golem to walk around, especially since she was somewhere that was much cooler in temperature than the hot sand outside, thus no longer had to worry about burning her feet as she walked along.
Saki landed on the ground with a soft thump, stretching out her arms and yawning as she did so, popping her neck to the left and right as she worked all of the kinks out of her body. It felt nice to be in a cooler temperature, so she tried to take as much of a break as possible before the group got going again. Or well, get as much as she could before they all proceeded to go deeper inside of the canyon. Apparently this was the main area where they were supposed to find this temple that the kid was looking for, which made Saki curious as to where it might be.
She wasn't really sure how large this canyon was, but the temple could have been either carved into the side of the canyon somewhere, the builders digging deeper down into a more subterranean environment. Or it was just built along the massive walls, hidden from casual view from the natural defenses that might have arisen. Maybe she was just talking out of her ass, since she was just an orphan from Aries Garse, and was the furthest away from any natural environment that she could have possibly gotten. She was used to winding, labyrinthine streets where danger lurked in dark alleys. Not this blazing desert that tried to melt anybody dumb enough to wander into it.
She wasn't a specialist on any kind of natural formation or environment. She just figured as a (admittedly ex) thief, she'd build her home base out in the wilderness somewhere defensible, that was easy to hide and had some vegetation and a water source someplace nearby for herself and her gang to use, since they wouldn't likely be producing anything themselves. As she thought about that some more, she was snapped back into reality by the sound of howling. Saki blinked as she realized she'd been following the party all the way to a split in the canyon, the massive stone walls opening outwards into two different paths.
Toby wanted to go away from the howling, but she was fairly interested in heading towards them. She thought back on what she was mulling over in her mind, figuring that the sounds of animals meant food and water in some capacity, which meant temple location...probably. Well, those things, but most importantly a potential fight, which was what she felt like getting into at the time. Also, wasn't there another part of the mission she had to do? Investigate some Mantis's disappearances? Idiots were probably baked corpses in the desert, but animal howling meant food in some capacity, didn't it? There was clearly something there that interested the animals enough in staying, so she decided to go that way.
"Yeah, do what you guys want. I'm heading down this way." She said as she pointed a thumb down the opposite direction where Toby wanted to go. "Probably be best that somebody stay with the kid if he's set on going down that other way, though." She'd state, waving to them behind her. "'Sides, animals usually mean food and water, don't they? At least, of some capacity. They have to get it from somewhere. Probably enough of an area to set the temple down, who knows?" She explained, picking up her voice.
"Or it's just a bunch of deadly monsters and a dead end, but that could be fun too!" Her voice could be heard echoing as she traveled further down the path. She wasn't necessarily concerned with the group, since she was only hired muscle and the other three were more than enough to protect him, so she wasn't worried too much. The worst thing that could happen was that she'd die...but she technically already had with the shattering, if her jumbled memories had anything to say about it, so it probably wasn't so bad.
Name of Golem: Apropos: Broom, “Hollow Furnace” Spell Element: Ethereal (Oddity- Explosion) Spell Rank: Intermediate Mana Cost: 20, 10 (sustained) Type of Golem: Balanced Range and Speed: 40 meters, 20 m/s, 2 people 15 m/s (as transport) Health of Golem : Senior Applicable Perks: Lightfooted Golem Description:
Grimoire flashing with a mysterious glow, Seren conjures forth an odd broom-like golem composed of ethereal energy. Capable of emitting explosive thrusts to propel itself, Seren enjoys riding this broom around, zipping this way and that, while leaving trails of aurora in the sky. A mode of transport as well as a last line of defense in emergencies.
Striking or ramming with this golem will attempt a knock-back effect of 4 (+ 5 for every 10 power) meters the golem possesses.
Seren may create 1 additional golem for every 20 control she possesses. These additional golems will typically follow the original like train cars but may serve additional functions as needed
Golem Stats:
Power 20 Durability 20 (-10 +40) = 50 Sensory 20 Stat Pool 40
2)
N/A
3)
N/A
***
"Hmmm~"
Seren mused at Saki's commentary.
"I wondeeer about that~ because keeping a whooole lot of trouble in one place seems like~~~ well~~~ more trouble than it's worth~? Nihaha~! ~Well~ I like you anyway~ so so far~ the mantises seem pretty neat~! Though I wonder why all of Clover's crime seems sooo~ I dunno~ physical~? Niho~ most witch crimes would be more along the line of violating taboos~ like~ 'don't act against tradition' or 'don't leave' or 'obey the queen' and stuff like that~ but I couldn't imagine breaking those laws~~ because the queen is super great~! She's amazing~! She's the mother of all witches after all~! Clover's really weird sometimes~ Niho~"
Seren tilted her head.
"~Though I did get locked out under mysterious circumstances~ Niho~ so maybe I was a little more hard boiled than I thought~? Nihaha~ what a mystery~"
Seren's tilted gaze met Saki's own as the witch wondered if she did in fact want to hear more. Seren did, but she also felt like it wasn't quite the time.
"Nihaha~ actuuuually I wouuuuld like to hear moooore~ buuuut maybe some other time when we can relax for real~ Niho~ like I said earlier~ your fighting style is very, very interesting~! I wouldn't mind hearing more about it later~ humu~!"
Nihaha~! The Green Mantises seem sssuuuper interesting~ though maybe a little scary~ but as a great and wise and super cool sage~ it wouldn't be good for me to avoid the scary unknown when faced with new and interesting knowledge~~! Yup yup~ maybe Saki will let me visit her sometime and we can finish our conversation~! Ooooh~ what if I visit ALL the squads~ Nihaha~! I could do it as a goodwill friend making team building exercise~! Hinny's a member of The Golden Dawn right~? I think that's what their cape looks like~ humu~ humu~ seeing how good I've been at getting along with everyone in this mission~ Surely~ Captain Lazuli will say yes~! Captain Lazuli can be the scariest of them all~ but I think I could make the case and it would only kind of being goofing off~! She couldn't ground me for that~! Yes~! She can let me goof off a little right~? If it's doing good~? This is very logical~ because it is not illegal to enjoy your job~! Sage's Insight~! ~~~But to visit alllll the squads I'll need to find and meet some new and interesting people~ hmmmm~ I probably should have remembered to show up the magic knight exam~ oh well~ since our pretty capes are color coordinated it'll be easy to spot new people~ just like a game where you have to collect things~ that'll be fun~! I just have to fly around Clover and talk to people with different colored capes and convince them to let me look through all of their neat stuff~! Nihaha~! Easy~! Will I ever grow tired of being so wise~?
Leaving their conversation and that disaster of an evil plan at that for now, Seren returned her full attention to the 'road'. She had been following Toby's precise directions and supplementing that guidance with her sensory to scan for any additional surprises. It was becoming a bit of a sore spot, but at the moment Seren really wished she had a spell to help facilitate things. She was beginning to feel that gap in her repertoire. In the future, she should come up with a very sagely spell indeed, she decided. But now was now. She needed to make do with what she had.
*
And speaking of now, the party had now just come into a canyon and were having a little break. Taking out her apocalypse notebook, Seren noted the time and very amateurishly sketched her surroundings. Once again she made a note of no signs of survivors... or the missing or the dead for that matter. Seren was slightly bothered by this fact, but coming up at zero was better than encountering any more potential undocumented tragedies that had already occurred before she could do anything. So, Seren decided to lean into and clutch that feeble silver lining.
Humu~ is it possible that no news is good news~? Running into survivors would be very very good, and running into old not survivors would also be useful for solving this mystery~ but running into fresh non survivors would just be sad~ Niho~ I really don't know how to feel about this~ this mission's tough~ for now I all I can do is try my best~
It was around then that she heard the howling. She quickly made a note of the sound and direction in her little book before looking up at the rest of the party. They were at a fork and Toby (rather wisely) wanted to go left and avoid the beasts and potential danger all together...
Niho~~~?! Could that be a sign of survivors~~~?! But... but... nnnn... I can't just drag everyone else into this...right, right~?! Or should I~?! My odds would be greater if I did... but... ahhhh what am I supposed to do~~~~ No~! No~! I can't put them in danger and it could even be a false lead~! ...That wouldn't be a good thing to do... magic knight or otherwise... It wouldn't be fair to ask them to risk their lives, even if it is the right thing to do...
Seren bit her lip as she thought about what she should say and what she should do. Her heart was racing, she needed to act decisively in a way that did not endanger her party while still adhering to her original orders. Of course, even if she weren't on a search, rescue, and investigation mission she would have gone anyway. It's just the sort of person she was.
Suffering that small crisis, for once, Seren did not get the first word in. It was Saki who spoke up. Seren was quietly thankful that she had done so. She'd never say it out loud due to a worry of damaging the group's morale, but she was scared to go alone. All that Seren had known for the majority of her life had been The Witches' Forest, a verdantly green high mana zone. She'd done her best to acclimate to Clover since being stranded outside her home for the last some years, but even so, she was still a stranger in a strange land. Even the air was different. There was less mana, and at times she felt suffocated. Then what of the desert where she now found herself? It was terrifyingly alien, like she'd found herself on another planet. If greater Clover wasn't such a thing already.
Seren took a deep breath. Exhaling, she clapped her hands together in apology and winced into a wink and a grin.
"Niha...ha... sorry guys~ I'm going with Saki~ I may be Mr. Toby's mercenary but I'm still a Magic Knight~ I was originally ordered to find out what had been happening to the disappearing caravans~ so I joined one~ Niho~ but orders don't really matter anyway~ because what I'm trying to say is~ If people could be in trouble~ I want to help~~~"
Turning behind her she met eyes with Pangu before sweeping that gesture towards Hinota and then finally Toby, who she was two timing contracts with.
"Niha~ha~ you're a merchant~ so you get it right~? The thing about freeing two birds with one stone~? Sorry~ but I have to make sure~! Hinny~ Pangumi~ Can you keep Mr. Toby safe~? Any further division of our numbers would be very unwise~! I'll be right back~!"
Seren waited about three seconds for Pangu to dismount her broom. She didn't wait for an answer, there was no time. The others would have to decide what to do amongst themselves very quickly before she was off in a flash of ethereal energy. She was aware of the fact that she and Saki were a significant part of the party's fighting force, but just the same, Seren had absolute faith in Toby's knowledge of terrain, Hinota's sharp mind, and Pangu's resourcefulness.
...Nihaha... Compared to all of that I'm just an ultra awesome super long range all purpose battering ram~ Niho~ I'm sure I'm very much loved and super fun to have around~ but even if the worst happens to me~ they'll be just fine~
If the remainder of the party decided to come, Seren would whisper an uncharacteristically quiet and apologetic "thanks..." as they flew. If they didn't, she'd be flying anyway, as fast as she could, racing the beggar's canyon as she made a full blitzed speed towards the distant sounds of the echoing howls. Catching up to Saki, she'd shout "~Hop on if you need to~! Niho~! ~But you seem pretty fast already~ Let's go~!" as she flew alongside her. Face covered in the shadow of the brim of her hat, Seren's violet eyes were like two daggers as she focused on the path ahead of her. Green hair flapping in the wind, she pushed her sensory to the very limit as her lips pursed to form a hard straight line.
------people if you're over there please let me find you, and please be okay~~~!
(*Note: Seren waits for Pangu to get off her broom, but if the party comes with like we discussed, then he can just stay on. She's not kicking him off or anything, lol.)
Post by Pángǔ Shēngxiào | 生肖盤古 on May 22, 2020 4:52:43 GMT -5
[nospaces] After combat was finished things were relatively uneventful for a short time; until Seren pulled out a bottle of pickle juice at least. As Seren raised it to her lips to guzzle down the entire canteen in one swig Pangu raised an eyebrow at the odd behavior, but decided against saying anything about the pickle juice itself. Everyone had their quirks when it came to food and drinking pickle juice wasn't terribly uncommon. However, Seren drinking the entire bottle in one go was. He couldn't quite understand how she was able to drink something so pungent so quickly. The why was also on his mind. “How many of those did you bring that you're able to guzzle it down so casually?” There was only so much water one could find in the desert and the group had only brought so much. When Seren reached into her bag for the rock candy Pangu would politely ask for a piece. If given one he would immediately pop it into his mouth. [break][break] Seren made a brief mention of how flying high on the brooms may be dangerous. “I agree we shouldn't fly high, but we shouldn't fly low enough that these things can detect us again either. A happy medium would work. A decent height where we won't fall to our deaths if we get attacked by... Mega hawks.” Pangu had never heard of the existence of Mega Hawks before, but then again he'd never been to the desert before either. Either he missed it while reading up on the place or they weren't real. Pangu didn't mention his skepticism out loud. [break][break] Once Pangu got on the back half of the second broom the topic of returning favors came up. When it did Pangu quite literally waved it away. His hand moved in a motion that people usually used when they're trying to brush off a question. “Don't worry about it. If we're in combat together we need to have each other's backs. Trying to keep track of who owes what will just be a headache and needlessly complicate things. I am truly thankful for your assistance, however.” [break][break] When Seren likened her fighting style with her broom to his with the staff Pangu decided to keep his mouth shut once again. He had doubts in his mind that such a simple method of fighting would be able to compare to his martial arts teachings. Then again the witch had already proven that she was plenty strong. Stronger than himself. Stronger than Hinota. Where she stacked up against Saki remained to be seen. A single fight wasn't a good enough indicator to measure the talents against each other, especially since he missed most of it. [break][break] The topic of the Green Mantis caused Pangu to perk up. Amid everything going on he'd forgotten that Saki was from the same Magic Knight Squad as his mother. He listened intently to their conversation but didn't add anything himself. He knew little of the Squad outside of second-hand stories and general gossip. Once their conversation ended he'd pose a question to Saki. “You know... My mother is also in the Green Mantis Squad. Maybe you know her. Ex-thief, black hair, green eyes, one arm. The name is Hóu Shēngxiào.” [break][break] When Seren started singing Pangu tried to tune it out as much as possible, but the witch had the uncanny ability to make herself heard no matter what. He didn't have to endure it for long before they reached an opening in the dunes. Once Toby confirmed that they were where they needed to be a frown spread across Pangu's face. “Wait I thought we were just supposed to go inside the temple! Nobody told me anything about needing to find it first!” [break][break] At least they were out of the sun now, but he was still annoyed at the fact that his mother left out vital information about his mission. When the others hopped off their brooms to take a rest Pangu stayed on and instead did some stretches while balancing on top of his magical steed. He hadn't exerted himself much during the fight and he had enough common sense to move around while they were flying so his muscles didn't get sore from staying in one position. It was best to get warmed up in case anything jumped them again. [break][break] It wasn't long before the group heard the howls. Howls from what though... Coyotes? Wolves? Or perhaps it was something even more dangerous than that if the Land Sharks they had just encountered were any indication. When Toby tried to steer the group away from the sounds Pangu agreed wholeheartedly with a sigh. “Let's just find this temple and get it over with. I don't want to spend any more time in móguǐ de húndàn than I have to.” If the group was paying attention to Pangu's mannerisms they'd likely notice that he only spoke in Wuxian when he didn't have anything nice to say. [break][break] Saki didn't heed Toby's warnings however and started on their own down the path towards the unfriendly howls. Pangu was getting frustrated with the stupidity and disregard for her well being shown by the Magic Knight. “What do you think you're doing? You're going to get yourself killed going off on your own!” She did have a point about the food and water, but running off by herself on a wild goose chase wouldn't help anybody. [break][break] It was Seren's turn next. After a brief monologue about her being a Magic Knight and double-dipping on this adventure she hopped back on her broom. Seren didn't give him much time before she bolted off after Saki. Pangu could understand her wanting to help any survivors, but running off on their own would only make two more missing people in the desert. He was given the chance to hop off but decided to go with the witch. [break][break] He scoffed at the soft 'thanks' she gave out but mumbled a quiet “You're welcome” in return. He crossed his arms over his chest and grumpily accepted his situation for what it was. [break][break] WC: 1015 | TWC: 3030 [break][break]
[break] Rank & Element: Junior | N/A[break] Class & Type: Mundane Weapon[break] Magic Specializations: N/A[break] Appearance & Lore: A staff as tall as Pángǔ himself given to him by his mother on the day he gained his Grimoire. The staff is primarily red with a foot of yellow on each end. There are four bands of yellow an inch wide each.[break] Abilities: N/A
[break] Rank & Element: Junior | Ember[break] Class & Type: Magical Trinket | Enchanted[break] Magic Specializations: N/A[break] Appearance & Lore: A glass eye with the Shēngxiào family mark engraved on it in red. It was crafted by his father and given to him when he was 13 to replace one that no longer fit.[break] Abilities:[break] Fatherly Protections
Type & Uses: Enchanted | N/A[break] Rank & Specialization: Junior | N/A[break] Mana Cost: N/A[break] Range & Speed: 5 meters | N/A[break] Stats Affected: Junior Rank Endurance Buff[break] Description: Due to the Magic used to Enchant this glass eye it gives it's wielder a Junior Rank Endurance Buff.[break]
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NOTES: Sun Wukong no longer sustained. Send help I'm being kidnapped by a crazy witch. The Wuxian roughly translates to “the devil's asshole” for anyone curious.
Post by Hinota Yuiee✾ on May 23, 2020 5:30:28 GMT -5
Hinota hadn't said anything since passing the water canteen back to Toby, in fact, her eyes had been closed since then as she tried to hide the pain that she was feeling from the skirmish that the group had just been in. She cherished life. All life. It was then she not only remembered her elder brother Ozma's words asking if she could really do the job that would be required of a magic knight due to her way of thinking but remembered back to the week of training with her captain once again. She was still unsure what happened there but she was sure she was the cause of it because she let her emotions overtake her, the problem was her captain had never said anything about it and she was afraid of asking for finding out the answer to the question. She could only imagine the shame that would bring onto her family and who knew the punishment to someone who actually tried and managed to not only poison their captain but also almost kill them because their magic ended up getting out of control because they couldn't control their magic. She took in a deep silent breath and released it slowly and just as quietly as if to centre herself, the last thing she needed was to lose herself out here as there were other magic knights here would easily put her down without a second thought. Eventually, her eyes opened as Seren started singing loudly and seriously off-key her deep forest eyes going to Toby who had covered his ears to try and drown out the assault on his poor ears.
Her eyes then went to Seren as she tilted her head to the left "Seren, remember how we had that conversation earlier about being quiet to listen to the music of the world around us?" she asked the sagely mage, there was so much she wanted to add to that conversation but it would just cause friction and this was neither the time nor the place for that all she could do was hope that the Blue Roses member would get the hint and become silent to save everyone else's hearing and well... their sanity.
After those words, the Golden Dawn squad member once again became silent and merely observed the surroundings and those around her. Her eyes turned to Saki as she spoke of the Green Mantis, it was one of the very few squads she knew little of so it was interesting to the young woman to find out about them from one of the squad members.
"Sounds like a squad for second chances." her voice was gentle and transparent with her meaning, she wasn't looking down on Saki's squad, in fact, she admired them because a squad like her own wouldn't be willing to do such a thing as far as she knew. She was happy to know that those who did have a bad start in life could still become a magic knight if they left their darker path behind them and done what they could to help those who are less fortunate. That's what a magic knight did after all.
"Saki, what brought you to the Green Mantis if you don't mind me asking?" She normally didn't ask such personal questions of others but her tone showed that if the other didn't want to answer she wouldn't pursue it further, she was merely curious about the other. She wasn't sure if another had already asked this question of the other or not as she had been deep in thought quite a bit since they started this journey and so may have missed it.
It was the something caught her eye, Seren had taken a glass jar of cloudy liquid opened it and chugged it down as if it was water. Due to an oddity her magic had, she was quite sensitive to smell and quickly smelt the pungent odour of vinegar. Her nose couldn't help but wrinkle as it was assaulted but such a foul smell, she would have rather have been in a pig pen than smell that in all honesty. It was now that the words that she believed would be on at least another person's mind after seeing such a display exited her mouth.
"How on earth can you drink that vile liquid as if it was water? Surely, it will give you a stomach ache." she proclaimed with a hint of worry in her voice, the last thing she wanted or any of them needed was for one of them to be folded in half hurling if trouble came their way.
She honestly could understand putting such flavours onto certain foods or using it to preserve things but to drink it as Seren had really did make her want to heave. She understood that everyone had their own strange habits but all in all the so-called sagely mage seemed strange from the get-go, she would just have to bear with it until the end of the task at hand... it was going to be a long mission, she could tell. It was then Toby commented that they had arrived and so had turned her attention to the canyon before them. She didn't make any effort to land as she didn't know what might have been underneath them, well there was that and it was much harder to get away if someone or something decided to attack, ambush or give chase to the group. It was when Pangu spoke her eyes moved to him with a confused look, had he really taken on this task without knowing all of the information? He didn't seem the type of person to forget things or leave out details so perhaps the one who sent him didn't give him it.
"From my understanding the temples exact location has been lost in the sands of time so all we are working with is the general location it could be." she informed the other "So we are going on an archaeological journey of sorts..." she was going to say something else but her eyes went forward as she heard a howl and now seen a split in the shaded canyon. She had never heard such howls before, but then, she had never really been out of the noble region before so it did startle her as she guessed what could have possibly made such noises.
Hearing Pangu switch from common to his native tongue made the doll-like mage giggle a little, she had noticed every time he was less than happy with the situation he voiced it in the tongue of his homeland. Her father did the same and when her brother was upset he changed from writing to signing so it was easy for her to pick up the other's mannerisms. It did make her think of her family fondly, things had been beyond tense between herself and her family since she decided to walk off the paths they had laid out for her and joined the Golden Dawn, she honestly hoped they would come around but her family were traditional and she didn't see that happening any time soon.
She had missed Toby saying they should go left and avoid the beasts completely due to thinking on her family, had she heard it she would have agreed with him as there was no reason to put themselves in danger if it wasn't needed. She was brought from her mind as she heard Saki proclaim that she was going to head towards the howls, it made her want to facepalm but she remained still she understood why within reason, that being said they had plenty of supplies so didn't have to worry about food or water. She was pretty sure Saki was just looking for something else to fight but bit her inner cheek lightly to prevent herself saying something she might regret later, however, Pangu had no such qualms it seemed as he voiced roughly what she was thinking. Now it seemed Seren chimed in revealing information that none of the party knew and let out an exasperated sigh. Yup, she was right this was going to be a long journey.
"Seren, you should have told us about your primary task, to begin with, you've blind-sighted everyone revealing it now." she lightly scolded. She knew that Seren's task was just that, hers, but still using one task to do another seemed a little underhanded when you were with others that it could affect.
Listening further she could understand Seren's sentiment, she herself was a magic knight and just like Saki and Seren it was her duty to help those in need. If people had been going missing under unexplained circumstances they had a duty to look into it and do what they could to end it, that being said though they had a task they had agreed to be on and this diversion was less than welcome in her mind. She watched as Seren moved towards the path that Saki had taken with Pengu in toe as he hadn't moved from the broom he had been riding on. With a frustrated sigh, she looked at Toby at the back of her broom
"I'm truly sorry about this detour Toby but we really should keep together as a group, as Seren said we're magic knights and people might be in trouble so we have a duty to deliver aid if we can." she bowed a little with the apology and followed the others towards the unsettling howls. Sure, she could have kept to the left but she knew if they came across trouble there would be no way for her to really defend them as she had no offence to speak of. As she moved forward to follow the others she bit her lip lightly as a thought came to her mind, she remembered reading of temples and other ancient sites being guarded by beasts and animals so wondered if this was the case here.
After following for a bit she heard Seren whisper her thanks for their help, Hinota remained quiet for a long moment "You're welcome Seren, just be a bit more upfront in the future if something like this happens so this situation doesn't end up happening again. We would have been willing to help and could have come up with a plan of action in advance." She wasn't scolding her, her tone was warm it was more her giving her own piece of sagely advice to the other. "Even if we aren't all magic knights here currently we are teammates and so need to know what is going on so we can support each other fully." Her comment about not all being magic knights wasn't meant to take a stab at Pengu or Toby for their chosen paths but more to bring to light they were all part of the same ecosystem currently and if one thing went wrong mysteriously then it could end badly for everyone involved regardless of why or how they got there.
When Saki spoke up about wanting to explore the source of the sound, Toby visibly tensed and turned to glare at the tomboyish girl. This wasn’t what he was paying them for. He wanted to get to the temple and fast. His annoyance doubled when the annoying tone-deaf witch agreed, and he seemed to look for the other two members of his group for help. They all bolted ahead in the opposite path of he was taking them to and he groaned and buried his face in his hands. IDIOTS! This place was nothing but death and danger if they didn’t follow the path. It was why he was here to guide them. Not only that but they were dragging him along with them. This WASN’T what he was paying them for. [break][break] Toby was visibly angry at this point and cursed under his breath as he gripped the broom hard.
[break][break] As the group followed this path, the sound of howling became louder until it was practically so nightmarish that no sound could be heard over it. It was difficult for the mages to hear their own thoughts as they approached, and every word spoken would be drowned out and impossible to hear. It shakes you all to your bones. Saki and Seren, as the first that followed this path, you find yourselves entering a large opening in between the rocks of the canyon and immediately spot about twenty horrible looking creatures, their eyes red glowing baubles as their toothy mauls seem to be emitting these terrible noises that shake you to your core.
[break][break] There’s about twenty of these medium-sized monstrosities that you can see, with about six larger ones actually climbing up towards a cave-like rock formation smeared in blood. They haven’t quite sensed you yet. Toby curses at the sight and pokes Hinota, pointing to her that they should go back.
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Note: Yikes guys…not good…also what is this about missing people? You guys were hired because you were magic knights to help the boy get to a temple, who, by the way, IS YOUR GUIDE, so he’s trying to take you to the location you’re supposed to go to. Toby is not happy about the “looking for survivors” excuse at all. Don't piss off the one person who knows his way around this place. This is a recommendation, but yanno, you don't have to follow it.
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This Encounter: [break]These monsters haven't seen you guys yet, but there are 14 of them with intermediate health that deal intermediate damage and move at 15 m/s (the ones on the ground). The six that are climbing up towards the cave have senior health and deal senior damage while moving at 20 m/s. [break][break] They're called Blood Howlers, and are the thing of nightmares for caravans in the desert. [I require 600 words each for part 1 of this encounter]
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