Fantasy A Quest to Die For

[Midnight Paragon]

Levak's wry smile didn't falter as he listened to the people introduce himself, then gave a hearty laugh, Legault still poised to strike at the Daedra apparently kneeling towards the Emperor. Levak playfully whacked Legault on the arm.


"Weren't you listening? He's come to help us!"


Legault looked towards Levak with an expression of pure confusion.


"Levak, don't tell me you're actually considering accepting his help? That thing is a Daedra! It could help us just so it could get a better position to stab us right in the back! It would be better just to banish it back to whence it came."


Levak looked at Legault with sympathy and patted his hand.


"Legault, everyone's fate here is tied together. If destiny wants us to co-operate with a Daedra, I say why not? When are you ever going to have another chance at doing that, anyway? Heehee..."


Legault looked at Levak with an annoyed expression before he sighed and put Dagon back into its scabbard.


Levak, his smile now wider, faced the Daedra again and waved his arm.


"Oh, no need to kneel. Please stand, Ta'Lak. I think we could both benefit from each other's help."


He turned his attention to the rest of the group and cleared his throat before speaking again.


"Now then. I bet you're all just dyin' to know what exactly is this lil' quest I've got for ya. Well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little longer. As I was telling my friend Legault here, our destinies are intertwined. Whether I summoned you here, or fate guided you to my doorstep, matters no longer. Legault, if you would continue? I need to get a good seat, heehee..."


Legault nodded and moved aside so that Levak could hop out of his chair and slowly began making his way up the stairs again. He waited until the Emperor was out of sight before he turned back to the group and crossed his arms. It was then that he noticed the cat-girl was pretty much moments away from mauling someone in a purple robe. She exclaimed that he was dead, and Legault raised an eybrow. He sighed; in any other situation, whoever that was would be dispatched immediately, but as the Emperor said, invited or not, that person's destiny was intertwined with the rest.


"Leave him be. We don't care if he's Undead or not. If he's willing to help, he's a friend, not a foe."


He turned to face them all again and spoke in his commanding tone.


"However, before we can tell you anything, we need to assess your skills. If you have any doubts that this is not the task for you, leave now. We have no need for dead weight. If you are certain that you wish to participate in this endeavor, follow me."


With a swish of his cape, he turned to his right and exited through another pair of large golden doors and marched along through a long hallway filled with various paintings of Emperor's throughout the ages, Heroes of Old, and historic battles fought in times past. Suits of armor lined the walls, each one holding a sword and shield in each hand. At the end of the hallway were two small red wooden doors, which Legault pushed open. Sunlight filed through the cracks as he did, and it was revealed that it was a door to the outside.


This was the Courtyard, a very large rectangular dirt field. Dozens of tents for the soldiers of the Empire sat far towards Legaults left, and to the right were an assortment of small buildings. Upon closer inspection, one could tell that these buildings were a Blacksmith's Hut, an Apothecary Shack, and Wizards House. However, Legault strode towards something straight ahead of him. It was a very large metal dome, and Legault was heading to its entrance, which was a very large iron gate. The inside of the dome was pitch black; you could hardly see anything in it. He stopped at a long table in front of the gate, which was supporting a massive array of weapons. Pretty much anything you could think of to hurt someone was here on this table. Just how did the Empire have the time to make so many arms?...


Legault crossed his arms and nodded his head towards the weapons as he glared at the group that had followed him.


"Welcome to the Pit. Here is where you will tested to see if you can actually use a weapon. Originally, we were going to let you just use your own weapons, but the Emperor thought that would be too easy. You may use any type of weapon you see here, but you can only choose two. Choose wisely; you never know what's going to show up in the Pit."


As if to reiterate his point, a low growl emanated from the iron gate, but Legault didn't even flinch, as if he was used to it by now.


"If you have any questions, ask them now."


@DarkSlayer


@MrPotato


@Iskolde


@Nyctophiliac


@NextGenRolePlayer


@pbtenchi


@WantYourSoul


@ReverseWells


@Tsuna


@XTrump_CardX


@AceSpades


@slachance6

 

[XTrump_CardX]

-Castle courtyard


Ta'lak was the first to step forward. With hesitation, he relinquished his large claymore, setting it on the cleared side of the long table. If I must prove myself, then so be it. Without so much as tremble, he lifted up the largest sword from the selection. It was a plain, double-edged greatsword with nothing special about it. It was also extremely sharp, Ta'lak noticed as he checked out the edge. Moving aside, he grasped the large blade in both hands and skillfully twirled it around. The weight of the sword created an aweful momentum that excited Ta'lak slightly. Whatever was in the dark dome would be put to the test, not him. He was sure of it.


As the others began looking through the assortment of weapons, Ta'lak walked over to the elf. He sensed the elf wanting to challenge him, daring him to make a wrong move. Ta'lak knew he would not be making an ally out of this one, which suited him fine as it was. Those wary, yet hard, icy eyes stared up at him, sizing him up. Chuckling out loud, Ta'lak brought the greatsword to his armored shoulder, speaking to the elf. "I would have the first chance to enter the "pit", as you call it. We shall see what lies in store for me, elf."


@The Lord of Sunlight

 

[ReverseTex]

Elias listened to the Emperor intently, and heard Fawkes ruffle his feathers on the back of his chair. I saw the Courtyard sir, it was set up for various training exercises. Nothing to fret. He gave a light nod of acknowledgment to Fawkes insight, and he glanced back at the younger man who noticed Fawkes. 
​

Once outside, the bright rays of sunshine greeted him with warmth. Elias watched each person choose their weapon, true he gave up his sword, but he had fought many battles without it. This would be a breeze.
​

 

[NextGenRolePlayer]

Eric arrived to the courtyard and couldn't wait to show his skills off. He heard that he had to choose two weapons instead of using his own, so he put his own sword away. Even if I hid it somewhere on me, I would probably get kicked out of here, thought Eric. Eric looked around at the weapons and took another sword. This sword he took was heavier and slightly larger than his own. This'll do for now, he confirmed.


Eric wandered around some more to find his second weapon. He stopped to grab a dagger. He inspected the dagger and didn't notice anything out of place. It looked normal as every other dagger he has seen. Yet, Eric took it anyway. "Are we using any magic in the Pit?" asked Eric to the man who led the group.


@The Lord of Sunlight

 

[pbtenchi]

Jan hadn't expected to be figured out so quickly, he knew he couldn't hide it forever but he had hoped to have at least started the quest before he was caught. 'Oh well... Time to spend the rest of eternity being dust in the emperors castle.' He closed what was left of his eyes and prepared to be ripped apart. But then the voice of Legault stopped the cat's claws inches away from his cloak. He waited for a moment, only opening his eyes when he realized he was not being violent ripped to pieces by the temperamental fighter. "Phew. Thought I was a goner then." he exclaimed. Looks like their was still a chance for him to rest in piece after all. He sighed when Legault said dead weight, he couldn't help but feel the comment was targeted at him. He followed Legault outside quietly, at the back of the line trying not to draw any more attention to himself. He grabbed two military standard swords from the rack, just as he had became accustomed to and held them in the stance of a poorly trained soldier trying to look impressive. @Nyctophiliac@The Lord of Sunlight

 

[Tsuna]

Tsuka watched the emperor leave and considered what to do next. He had journeyed here and still hadn't been told what exactly they were called here for, but the emperor himself had called him so he decided to go forward. Though it somewhat seemed as if a bunch of random people had been invited at this point.


Tsuka walked out of the main hall, and outside to the courtyard. He stopped near the table and looked at the weapons there.


He chose a (anime style) chain scythe and a longsword.

 

[MrPotato]

Saladin Yusuf
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[SIZE= 14px]As the Emperor walked away and up a flight of stairs, that was the first time Saladin had ever seen the Emperor. Living in the desert did not promote a vast knowledge of the outside world as communications and travelling takes a long time. He had expected the Emperor to be similar to the Sultan, a well-dressed and tidy noble from head to toe. Saladin quietly trailed behind the group to the courtyard while marvelling in the sights of the grand and beautiful interior of the mighty keep.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]As he step outside, he was once again bathed in the warm and gentle light of the sun. Saladin's eyes surveyed the surroundings, studying the tents and their occupants. The group finally came to a halt in front of a huge dome made of metal. In front of them laid a table furnished with a variety of weapons, some of which were familiar to him while others completely alien to him. Saladin patiently waited as the others grabbed the weapons of their choice to avoid crowding the weapons table. When it was his turn, he surveyed the table completely to decide which weapons he should use. Saladin initially wanted to take a longsword but then saw a sword that seemed to be a mix breed of a Scimitar and a sabre. The sword was long but slightly curved at the central areas. He grasped it and was amazed by its light weight. Judging from its design, the blade is not nearly as powerful as his scimitar but is designed to be quick and swift. He chose to take the sword instead of the longsword and nothing more. Saladin then took off his belt of throwing knives and placed it gently at an area away from the table. He returned to the group and saw a dashing light haired man. He thought he should start acquainting the group members soon.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]Saladin walked towards him in a calm manner to avoid instilling any sense of hostility.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]"Greetings. I am Saladin. Saladin Yusuf." The black robed Arabian introduced himself and gave a deep bow of respect.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE= 14px]@Tsuna[/SIZE]
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[WantYourSoul]

Abel claps her hands almost excitedly as the previously subdued cat-girl lunged for the newly arrived undead creature. It reeked. She had wrinkled her nose the moment the stench pervaded her nostrils, but Sylverna beat her to the point. "Who payed for the entertainment?" She calls out to the others, an impish grin splitting her lips. She caught the newest arrival hurry in and she stands with a flourish of her cape, finding his interest in the Daedra funny. She followed the group out to the courtyard, leaning in uncomfortably close to whisper in this Arabian newcomer's ear,"that is what pure infernal blood looks like." The tiefling woman strode on ahead without even acknowledging that she had spoken to Saladin.


Once in the courtyard, Abel began the tedious work of removing her weaponry. The first thing she took off was a longbow inscribed with runes that hurt one's head the longer they looked at them-- demonic. The rapier and elegant twin daggers stored in their scabbard at her hips were second to be removed. Third, she pulled five throwing knives from a partially concealed holster on her thigh, grinning like a cat the whole time. She performed the task of removing her weapons with a surprising elegance, as if she were performing. One stiletto blade was at her calf, and she had another two blades concealed in her boots. The inherently demonic woman straightens and pulls a small skinning blade and it's sheath from her generous cleavage, and by the expression on her face, she would have winked at anyone who had been watching this production. She did not, however, remove the flasks from her tool belt.


She moves to the weapon rack and takes much longer than necessary to chose her two implements. She decides on a simple yet sturdy shortbow, and examines all of the blades with an artificier's eye. She tests the heft and swing of a few choice pieces, deciding on an agile, mid-sized blade. She appeared familiar with the fine weapon, grinning in a way that showed far too many sharp teeth."Excited to see how everyone plays. I want to see what demon heritage I'm missing out on." She gestures towards Ta'Lak vaguely, sharp grin nothing but.

@Nyctophiliac @The Lord of Sunlight @MrPotato @XTrump_CardX

 

[DarkSlayer]

A small smile slowly spread over my features as I gazed upon the table that displayed every type of weapon imaginable, to the point of even surpassing Flint's wall of weaponry. Unable to properly contain my excitement, I ran my hands lovingly over some of the crueler looking, but no less elegant blades, most much larger than I could use properly. My gaze settled on a long sword, but as I picked it up, I could tell immediately that the balancing was off. Twirling and spinning the blade only confirmed this as I had put more force into than I would have to. Not every blade can feel like Retribution. I reminded myself, knowing if I tested any other blades, not only would I be here for hours, but it wouldn't change anything. Sighing, I spun the sword once again, working around the balancing issue and weighted pommel.


I knew I had already taken much longer than I should have, but after being forced to clean and look after Flint's weapons in my youth, I learned to have an appreciation. Finally deciding on a long poniard for my second weapon. this one was actually well-balanced, but the length threw it off somewhat. Spinning it around my knuckles like one would a coin, I decided it would be adequate and stepped away from the table, eager to get started. A good Gwent player never gave any hint to what was in his hand, and I would of course keep a couple moves to myself, especially in the case of Elias, but after sitting in that main hall for whatever omnipotent being knows how long, I needed this. Even the feeling of the hilts in my hands was already calming me down. I let the smile grow as I eagerly awaited whatever dance of death I would be partaking in-for that's what fighting is among those of skill: a dance of blades. 

 

[Elowyn]

The commanding voice pierced her anger-induced frenzy. Her claws were within inches to the decaying being's face-- an insult to every good and properly living creature! Legault gave no room for argument and moved on swiftly, and although half a dozen retorts lay ready on her tongue (What kind of magic do you suppose keeps him upright and walking?) she did not give voice to any. It would be unseemly to start a spat within the castle with the powerful Elf so Verna simply retracted her claws, twitched an ear in frustration and sat down crossing her arms over her chest. 


She followed Legault to a looming dome. The Pit, he called it. A suitable name. She didn't flinch as a low growl came from within as it was probably a test... fight and slay a few monsters, no problem. However, she did find the array of weapons quite impressive. The Royalty really didn't skimp on metalsmiths. Seeing that most of the others chose bladed weapons, she ignored the area where blades lay shining in the sunlight and selected the solitary bundle of senbon-- throwing needles. Next she took up a nicely dangerous chain whip with serrated segments and a medium sized weight at the end. They would give her reach and range without impairing her ability to move quickly and fluidly.

 

[Midnight Paragon]

Legault watched the party split apart across the table with a steely gaze, observing their movements. He raised an eyebrow at the tiefling woman who began to put an array of hidden weaponry on the empty end of the table, and sighed; looks like the guards were going to have a stern talking to once this was over. 


The Daedra, unsurprisingly, was the first to select his weapon. He naturally grabbed the biggest weapon there, an unnaturally sized greatsword, and approached Legault, telling him he would like to be the first to step into the ring. Legault didn't like his eagerness to battle; but then, what else would he expect from a Daedra? He looked him in the eyes before responding.


"Unfortunately, that's not how this test is going to work. This is a large group, and naturally, we're going to have to rely on each other to succeed. As such, you will all be going in at the same time. The Emperor and I are looking for skill and the ability to work as a team. Do not forget this."


Another of the group, a latecomer by the looks of it, asked if magic was allowed, and Legault turned his attention to him.


"Any type of magic you are trained in, you can use. We expect you to use it wisely."


He continued surveying the group, his eyes passing by all of them, until they stopped on the purple robed figure. The figure was holding two standard blades, but in a manner that would suggest he had little to no experience; it was as if he was looking at a child trying to impress his friends. He felt a hand go up to his face and he let out a deep sigh...


@XTrump_CardX


@WantYourSoul


@pbtenchi


@NextGenRolePlayer

 

[Tsuna]

Tsuka was watching the others enter the courtyard when a man approached him. Thankfully he was a fellow human.


"Hey Saladin. My name is Tsuka," he smiled. "I still have no clue what all of this is about... I'm trusting it's important since the emperor is here..."


He looked at the others nearby. "Maybe we'll be going on the quest together after all of this gladiator assessment. If so, I look forward to it" he said to Saladin.

 

[ReverseTex]

Elias studied each person carefully, noting their weapon choices. Most went for a blade, some were out of the box. But he really paid attention to Kylr. Kylr had studied his blade, and he noted him judging the weight of it. A smart move, but seemed fairly unnesicarry for the task at hand. Spinning the blade for show, highly unnesicarry but distracting for sure. Reclutently deciding to grab a sword, even though he would more than likely discard it during the test, he quickly gave the blade a swift swing.
​

Elias could be considered battle mage, usually switching between magic and combat, but due to his past a mercenary was a fairly better title. Stroking his thin beard once, he made his way to Kylr. "I noticed you spotted Fawkes, and you sensed him as an extra pair of eyes. Not bad. But your grip is lousy, and your handling could be tweaked. I'll bet you a few pieces that you'll fumble your blade at least once." Once whispering in his ear, Elias clasped the young man's shoulder before walking away. He could feel Fawkes position himself on his shoulder so he could watch the young man while his back was facing him.
​

@DarkSlayer
​

 

[NextGenRolePlayer]

"I bet I could defeat all of them in one go," Eric mumbled under his breath. He sighed, thinking how he couldn't wait to fight. He took a quick glance at everyone and their weapon choices. "This should be easy."


Eric took a few practice swings with the sword and dagger that he chose. There were a few grunts that he made here and there. Good thing he didn't try to hurt anyone during his practice. "Finished!" Eric announced as he put his weapons away.

 

[Elowyn]

Seeing that a few of them were beginning to converse in low tones and they weren't heading in just yet, Sylverna sauntered up to the bird-lady. "Hello! May I ask what species you are? You smell like a bird of some kind, yet look like a human. That in itself tells me that you're neither."


@AceSpades 

 

[DarkSlayer]

In my growing jubilance at the mere prospect of fighting, I almost spun around and taken Elias up on that bet before I stopped short. Not only was I just about to smirk and converse with one who was without a doubt pertaining to the Lords, or at least a subgroup of them, but I was also damn sure that he was correct. The weighted pommel would most definitely throw me off the minute I got too confident and slid into one of the faster sets I only dared use with Retribution, like Garuwashi's Turn, and my grip would no doubt falter. Two years with what could only be described as the perfect sword had its draw-backs.


Clenching my fists around both sword and poniard, I turned to gaze at those who already grabbed their weaponry. The Tiefling, Abel, after making a little show of disarming herself to which I smiled roguishly and winked at, grabbed a short bow and a medium sized blade. A ranged weapon was always good, but a short bow limited that range. If we had to do this as a team, she would be best placed mid. The Daedra, Ta'lak and that massive sword of his would definitely be in the front, as would the one who simply gave off an infuriating air of arrogance, Eric. I wanted the undead as far away from me as possible either placing him in the front so he could act as cannon fodder and not hit any of us due to inexperience or far in the back, so...well, he didn't hit any of us due to inexperience. Saladin and the weapon he chose would be best on a flank as would Verna with her chain whip. That left me...and Elias. With how I fight, I would best placed either mid or front, but Elias...he had skill in sword fighting, being able to see how my grip was while I was spinning my weapons from a distance. I briefly pondered if he was a Third or Second Echelon Blade Master for the Lords, before shaking my head. He wouldn't be here if he was.

I nodded as I had a mental lay-out of how I would position us if I were in charge, before realizing that I just wasted a good portion of my time as not only had some still not chosen a weapon, but also that they wouldn't take too kindly to one such as myself speaking about positions when I had barely opened my mouth before. Chuckling at my own idiocy, I threw my hood back on and checked that the mottled grays and blacks of my armor weren't rumpled or wrinkled. After all, shadows didn't have texture. Not only that but the mixture of gray and black worked better for the darkness than pure black.

 

[XTrump_CardX]

-Courtyard, Irvingstead castle


After the elf explained how this was going to work, Ta'lak gave a low growl of displeasure and turned around. The way he figured it, if he was going to work with these misfits he may as well speak with them. He quickly gave everyone a cursory glance before sighting the tiefling. Ta'lak had noticed her remarks toward him and decided that she might be the best to converse with. As he made his way up to the snarky tiefling, Ta'lak realized that, without her horns, he towered over her. A lot of attitude for something so small. It was no matter to him, he actually found it kind of amusing. It was when she gave him a smirk that he spoke. "What is your name, little tiefling?"


Ta'lak found her more interesting than the rest. A bunch of humans and the like. He saw her weapon of choice, a single sword, not overly long. A rogue type then, I am curious as to how she will contend. Especially compared to me. She didn't have the scent of daedra, though she did exibit some similar traits. Oddly enough, Ta'lak could not tell what exactly was in her blood. It was obviously demonic in nature but it seemed, almost, dilluted. Her serpintine eyes were also strange. Whatever hellspawn that the tiefling had in her was clearly the dominant side of her genes. Ta'lak would have gone into more thought on the subject, but she was speaking to him.


@WantYourSoul @The Lord of Sunlight

 

[sevenstars]

Ezra wasn't as eager to enter the pit as the others. She had never been much of a fighter, relying on her glamour to get her out of trouble. When she really needed to hurt someone, she relied on her hexes. But conventional combat with weapons and the like was an alien field to her. An irrelevant one, she thought. There was no need to be able to fight with a sword if no man would dare attack her, and even if someone did, she could defend herself without needing to engage him in close combat.


Still, she picked up and studied a pair of short, lightweight blades, then attempting a few practice swings against a dummy. They were somewhat awkward to wield and she could tell she wasn't using them correctly, but she could care less. "How primitive," she remarked, before blasting the dummy to ashes with a destructive hex.

 

[NextGenRolePlayer]

Eric heard a loud blast, shifting his sight on the woman who destroyed the dummy. DID SHE JUST BLAST THAT DUMMY?! questioned Eric as his jaw dropped. She seems to be a difficult one to take down. Eric walked over to the woman to investigate further. "Did you wreck that dummy?" asked Eric. "I think I could've done better." He then looked for another dummy to blast it with his fire magic.


@slachance6

 

[WantYourSoul]

While Abel is an extremely self-reliant young woman, she can admit to being more effective when she can dart in and out of the fray while there was another person to keep the attention of their attackers. She snickers covertly as the high-elf corrects Ta'Lak. She had chosen to use a shortbow for it's versatility, it was smaller than the longer-ranged counterpart and would not hinder her movement. She grins at Legault, answering his thoughts dismissively,"I'm very good at what I do, your men got three of my weapons. They are not accustomed to welcoming an infernal creature like me. I would be winking at you, if I could." She tosses her head slightly and turns away, the thick plait hanging down her back swaying slightly from the motion. A different weapon had caught her eye, it was another shortbow-- but she was pleased to notice that this one came equipped with blades stretched along the upper and lower limbs. She picks this new bow up, testing how versatile this material was. It was light and had a decent amount of flexibility. She nods once to herself, pleased with her find. Abel was quite obviously equipped for agility, her light armour and weapons of finesse proving that point.


She sensed the Daedra nearing her, not turning to face him until he spoke directly to her. Her pointed ears twitch slightly, giving her feigned  She rotates slightly, the easy expression on her face telling him that she had already known he was there. She peers up at him, had she had any lashes she would be batting them innocently. She was generally tall for most humanoid females, but Ta'Lak was definitely much taller than her-- horns included. Her expression morphs to one of sharp focus, as she listens to two voices at once.


The pure demon has taken an interest to you, impure child, the infernal voice hisses it's approval. She didn't take insult to what it called her-- it did not comprehend the use of belittlement or sarcasm, merely stating facts. As child, she had guessed that this creature in her head was there to serve as guidance, it had taught her the language of demons and how to hone her skills with a blade. It would also whisper of infernal happenings and gave her important cues she would have otherwise overlooked. You two have similar traits, but do not mistake yourself for one of his kind. Great infernal ancestors that remain trapped in the Ninth, only permitted on this pitiful mortal plane when summoned. You are evidence enough of this rare occurence, vitiate.


"Abel Of The Ninth, pleasure to meet you. Your dimensional rifts make for a hell of an entrance." She grins with with an exhalation smelling vaguely of brimstone, displaying fewer pointed teeth than she would normally show. It was obvious she put on airs to highlight her demonic nature, easing into the preconceived notions most everyone seemed to harbour against her kind and their ancestors. It was hard to tell how much of her was an act, and how much was the real deal. While he may not be from whatever creature she was a descendant of, she felt no need to put on airs in front of this Daedra. They both knew what it was like to be demonic, and there was no need for a pissing contest to prove who was the most infernal. Ta'Lak would undoubtedly win, either way. 


Abel places her mid-length blade on her belt, she had several handy straps for weaponry that would not fit in the customised scabbards for her personal armoury. She was obviously waiting to hear his reaction, ears angled slightly towards him as she awaits to hear what he had to say. He was the first to truly interact with her, which she appreciated. His demonic nature was merely a bonus in her books. When she glances back up towards the face hidden behind a helm, there was interest behind her own reptilian eyes.


@XTrump_CardX @The Lord of Sunlight

 

[XTrump_CardX]

-Courtyard, Irvingstead castle


Curious. The way that Abel spoke towards him confused Ta'lak just the slightest bit. Her tone was oddly misplaced for the occasion. What He did know was that her title, self-proclaimed no doubt, was hilarious. Ta'lak doubted that she had ever been to the Ninth Plane. He had, it was not a pretty place. To most mortals, that was hell. The demons there were certainly hellish compared even to daedra. He did know, however, that her non-mortal side probably came from the Ninth Plane. Abel showed a lot more signs of being demonic than he did. Well, besides his armor that is. After introducing herself, Abel mentioned something about dimensional rifts. Ta'lak could only assume that she meant the portal by which he had arrived. "The workings of multi-dimensional portals are not known by me. That was the work of a powerful war mage," He explained before stating his name, "My name is Ta'lak D'aam, though you may refer to me as Ta'lak if you wish. It is indeed a pleasure to meet another that is not natural to this Plane of existence."


It was then that Ta'lak saw how intrigued she was by him, she was staring at his helm, occasionally glancing at the rest of his Daedramail. It was not unexpected for one to be in awe because of his suit of armor. Even he was still impressed by the look of it before putting it on. Her eyes don't allow for blinking, He reminded himself. Nonetheless, Abel seemed drawn to the sight of him which, again, was not too surprising. Her smile was not a usual reaction, though. Ta'lak decided to say something else. "Are you impressed by my armor? It is a fine set of Daedramail, molded from only the highest quality of Daeadium." Unbeknownst to Abel, Ta'lak had a raised eyebrow while saying this.


@WantYourSoul

 

[WantYourSoul]

Abel's title was indeed self-proclaimed, with a little guidance from the voice in her head of course. It brought up the Ninth Layer in reference to her heritage rather frequently, it was still stingy on information pertaining to what her blood was tainted with. The best hint she had received was when she pierced her pointed ears, the creature had simultaneously praised and scolded her for her actions, You are tainting the form gifted of your tainted bloodline, capricious as your progenitor.
That was the only facts she knew of herself. A capricious creature bound to the Ninth Layer. But now was not the time to ponder the meaning of her existence. Ta'lak had begun speaking once more, and she pushes aside the scornful voice (Inattentiveness will kill you, it would be thoroughly disappointing.) to offer more attention to what he had to say. Bifurcated tongue darts out briefly, raising her shoulders before allowing them to fall in a callous shrug.
"That's boring, but if you could do that yourself I doubt you'd be here." She grins, placing her hands on her hips. She had to keep her head back at a slight angle to look up at where his face would be behind his helm. She could, of course, take a step or two back to ease the strain on her neck, but was far too stubborn to allow herself to appear intimidated by him. She was indeed pleased that she wasn't the odd one out when it came to meeting someone from a similarly unholy plane as herself."Ta'lak, reminds me of absolutely nothing I've heard before. It's refreshing," she acted as if this was some big reveal, snickering to ease any tension her words may have caused.


She was admittedly impressed by his armour. She did not, however, admit to it."It is a nice piece, too heavy for my tastes," she pauses, gesturing at her lighter choice of armour-- leather cloak leaving very little of her steel-reinforced corset showing--"I would prefer to avoid getting hit altogether, so I sacrifice cover for agility." Her words held a solid amount of sensibility, surprising coming out of Abel's mouth. She takes a step back, hopping up so she could perch herself atop the weapons table."I would consider a set for myself, to intimidate as well as you can, but I can be plenty intimidating without several tons of metal weighing me down," she snorts derisively, her inability to roll her eyes causing her to overcompensate physically for this lack of pupils."I would only hide behind a helmet if I were truly paranoid that my visage were to be more problematic that it usually is," she challenges him to remove his helm with a grin. She was much more charismatic than many would assume.


@XTrump_CardX

 

[MrPotato]

Saladin Yusuf
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Saladin held the sword he had taken pointed to the ground at an angle where the blade hovers slightly above the grassy patch. The Arabian commander wondered for a moment what they would be fighting inside the large metal dome that would supposedly determine whether they are worthy to take up the quest. His eyes rested for a moment once more towards Ta'Lak's direction before replying to Tsuka.
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"I was told that this quest holds great importance to all life on Iriveil. Supposedly, the Emperor has recruited the best fighters the continent has to offer. Likewise, I too am looking forward to this quest and fighting alongside a young talented fighter." An indirect compliment from the Arabian to the silver haired youth. "From where do you hail?" He asked, wanting to know the young fighter a little bit more before the test begins.
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@Tsuna
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[pbtenchi]

Jan sized up the other battlers. He could tell just be a glance that they were all strong, sharp and polished. These were professionals. He had no idea what he was doing here, he was only an undead farmhand and village messenger, he didn't even know how to read, let alone wield a sword. He calmed what was left of his nerves, being undead came with some advantages, he just needed to show he wasn't dead weight and he'd be fine. He spun the swords he'd picked, he missed his own swords. They may have been rusty and filthy, but he'd carried them so long his hands had made a groove in them, and them in his hands, he knew their weights and lengths perfectly, and their absence was a cold reminder that he was still out of his depths. He saw ta strange woman blast a dummy to smithereens with a wave of her hand, he'd never even SEEN magic, well other then the magic keeping him alive, but what he did know was that it was no easy feat, apparently it could take YEARS of study just to learn how to lift a feather with your thoughts. He edged further away from Erza. He looked at the cat lady who nearly destroyed him earlier. "I wonder if those ears are real..." He thought out loud quietly, the uneducated gutter monkey that he was had never seen a member of another race before, and had only ever heard of them in fairy tales and myths. 

 

[Elowyn]

"I wonder if those ears are real..." Before she could stop herself from acting on the overheard comment, Verna rounded on the undead. 


"If you must know, yes, they are real. I was born with them." She declared deadpan, stopping 6 feet away from his physical body, the stench was all too much for her nose and olfactory system. 


@pbtenchi