Active [The Duchy: Aslan] Aetherbound: Search for Skythorn Part 1

[Moonberry]

Spoiler: Posted at the Adventurer’s Guild

Mages Wanted for Expedition​

Lady Lysandra seeks capable mages to accompany her on a journey following a ley line to Ryken. The task requires those skilled in mana perception and controlled spellwork to aid in retrieving rare alchemical components.

Details:

Objective: Locate and harvest the Skythorn Blossom and Crimson Star Coral, vital ingredients for a specialized elixir.

Travel Route: The expedition follows a ley line from Aslan to Ryken.

Reward: Generous monetary compensation, and training from a skilled noble mage.

Requirements: Competence in mana tracking and the ability to withstand the challenges of unstable magic environments.

Those interested should present themselves for evaluation at the designated meeting hall before dawn.

Aetherbound​

The building loomed tall over the surrounding cityscape, an elegant fusion of noble refinement and magical advancement. Its towering structure, lined with intricate arcane engravings, shimmered faintly in the evening light. A quiet hum of latent magic filled the air, a subtle but ever-present reminder of the powerful wards securing the premises.

The mages who had answered the summons were led through the grand entrance, past corridors lined with towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, artifacts, and floating crystal lanterns that pulsed gently with stored energy. At the heart of the building lay a study, its walls adorned with detailed maps and arcane symbols. A large, luminescent projection of a map hovered at the center of the room, tracing the path from Aslan to Ryken with a bright glowing trail.

Seated at a desk of dark wood, a woman of composed elegance regarded the new arrivals with a calculating gaze. Dressed in a finely tailored deep red coat embroidered with gold, her platinum blonde hair was pinned in a pristine arrangement, giving her an air of quiet authority. This was Lady Lysandra, a noble of the Grand Duchy.

“Welcome,” she said, her voice measured and calm. “You are here because you seek knowledge, wealth, or perhaps both. I require skilled mages to assist me in tracing mana fluctuations along the ley line to Ryken. Our objective is twofold: to locate the elusive Skythorn Blossom, which only blooms in areas of intense mana concentration, and to retrieve Crimson Star Coral from the waters of the Continental Lake. Both are necessary for a specialized elixir.”

She gestured toward the floating map, highlighting key points along the ley line. “This journey will not be without risk. As you know, mana-rich environments are prone to instability, and where mana gathers, monsters take form. This will require skill, patience, and precision.”

She paused, her expression softening slightly before she continued. “Before we proceed further, I would like to introduce someone important to this journey.” She turned toward the adjoining chamber as a soft hum of magic signaled the arrival of another presence.

A young boy entered, his movement marked by the faint golden glow of his floating wheelchair. Theodore “Teddy” Belmonte, his platinum hair slightly tousled and his green eyes sharp with curiosity, wheeled himself forward, his hands resting lightly against the armrests.

“This is my son, Theodore,” Lysandra stated, her tone carefully measured. “He will be accompanying us on this journey. Theodore has lived with a condition known as Hypermanatrophy since birth. His body cannot regulate mana as it should, which is why he requires the aid of his chair, particularly outside the Duchy, where magitech is limited.”

Teddy let out a sigh, shifting slightly in his seat. “Mother, you make it sound like I’m some fragile artifact you need to handle with care.” He looked toward the gathered mages with a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I can hold my own just fine. The real question is—can you?”

Lysandra’s lips twitched in the faintest ghost of a smile before she gave him a warning glance. “Theodore,” she said lightly, “I trust you will not drive away our prospective hires.”

Teddy merely shrugged, clearly unconcerned. “No promises.”

Lysandra exhaled softly, pinching the bridge of her nose before returning her gaze to him. “Theodore, this is not a game. This journey is important.”

“I know that,” he countered, leaning back in his chair. “But if they’re going to be traveling with us, I’d rather know if they can handle themselves.”

Lysandra regarded him for a moment before turning back to the mages, choosing not to press the matter further. Instead, she allowed a small sigh to escape before shifting back to business.

“Our final destination will be Magno Sapiente Victori, the esteemed academy at Ryken,” Lysandra added, her gaze steady. “It is there that I hope to consult with their scholars regarding Theodore’s condition. If any among them possess knowledge that may aid in his treatment, it would be a wasted opportunity not to seek their counsel.”

The floor was now open for the mages to respond—to ask questions, to state their skills, or to prove their worth before embarking on a journey that would test both their abilities and their resolve.

---

Ooc: I will attempt to make posts for this narration every Tuesday and Friday/Saturday. If you have any goals for your characters please let me know.

Goals:

Shade - Gain a new Buddy

 

[Ersatra]

Dione Galanis


Dione shifted her weight slightly, arms crossed as she listened to Lady Lysandra speak. The mission itself was straightforward enough—travel along a ley line, collect rare materials, and deal with whatever creatures roamed mana-rich areas. That part, she could handle.

But the moment Theodore entered, her attention wavered. Her golden eyes fixated on the floating wheelchair, its soft golden glow unlike anything she had ever seen before. What kind of magic is that? she wondered, brow furrowing slightly. Even in the short time she’d been in this world, she had seen plenty of strange things, but this? This was new.

Then came the word—Hypermanatrophy.

She had no clue what that meant, but from the way Lysandra explained it, it sounded like something serious. A condition that made his body unable to regulate mana? That was possible? 'I barely even understand mana to begin with, and now I have to think about having too much of it?'. Before she could fully process it, Theodore spoke.
Dione blinked. Was he… mocking them? Her lips parted slightly in surprise before pressing into a thin line. Did this kid just challenge the people meant to protect him?

A slow smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. “You’ve got some confidence,” she said, stepping forward slightly, tilting her head as she studied him. “Not sure if that’s smart or reckless, though.”

Her gaze flickered back to the chair once more before returning to Theodore’s sharp green eyes. She didn’t know how fragile he really was, but if he was coming with them, she doubted he wanted to be treated like he was breakable. Fine. She could respect that.

“I don’t know anything about your… ‘Hypermanatrophy,’” she admitted, the unfamiliar word rolling awkwardly off her tongue. “Or how that chair of yours works.” She lifted a brow. “But if you’re challenging me, you’d better be able to back it up.”

There was no hostility in her voice, just curiosity and the smallest hint of competitive spirit. If he wanted to act like he was more than just some noble’s son tagging along, she’d hold him to that standard.

Moonberry ​

 

[madladgladchad]

Character Name: Kuro Nightbane
Titles: Fae
Goals: Enhance his magic; make it stronger or find a way to multicast

The days since Kuro had arrived in this world blurred together, lost in a haze of survival and experimentation. He had no grand awakening, no celestial prophecy marking his arrival - just the hum of power at his fingertips and the realization that he was somewhere else, someone else.

Black lightning crackled at the tip of his finger, his ring pulsing faintly in response. He narrowed his eyes. “Magic,” he muttered, voice heavy with forced gravitas. It was a simple word, yet one that confirmed his reality time and time again.

Days passed like leaves in a storm, and before he knew it, Kuro had found himself wandering through the Adventurer’s Guild, scanning the job postings with purpose. Monster slaying? Too brutish. Treasure hunting? Too cliche. Then, something caught his eye - an expedition seeking mages to assist in gathering alchemical components. It promised an opportunity to work alongside skilled magic users, to learn, to grow. To become more.

With a dramatic twirl, his black cloak flaring behind him, Kuro made his decision. He would take this mission, for it was the path that called to him. Or at least, the one that paid.

……

Now, standing before Lady Lysandra and the assembled mages, Kuro remained composed, his posture deliberate, his silence calculated. He observed, listened, and absorbed the details of the mission with an unreadable expression - though in truth, he was internally summarizing everything in a mental notebook labeled “Important Stuff.”

The job seemed simple on paper: trace the ley lines, retrieve the Skythorn Blossom and Crimson Star Coral, and survive the inevitable magical chaos along the way. The presence of Lady Lysandra’s son, Theodore, was an unexpected complication, but not one Kuro intended to concern himself with. The boy was noble, cocky, and in a floating wheelchair powered by magic. “Interesting, but irrelevant.”

Kuro’s fingers twitched as Theodore smirked at the gathered mages, throwing out his challenge. Theatrics. He approved. And yet, he had no interest in entertaining the boy’s needling remarks. Instead, he shifted his attention back to Lady Lysandra.

With an unnecessary sweep of his cloak - because style was important - he took a step forward, his voice smooth but curt. “Lady Lysandra,” he began, bowing his head just slightly, “what measures are in place to ensure the safety of the gathered materials during extraction? If the ley lines are as unstable as you suggest, improper handling could render them…ineffective.” Yes, the pause was necessary.

 

[Moonberry]

The room settled into a brief silence after Theodore’s challenge, broken only by the soft hum of magic within the floating map. Lady Lysandra observed the two mages’ reactions with quiet interest. One, Dione, met Theodore’s taunt with a smirk and a measured curiosity, while the other, Kuro, remained composed, redirecting the conversation to the practicalities of their task. Both responses were telling in their own ways.

“Confidence can be an asset,” Lysandra remarked to Dione, her gaze unwavering. “So long as it is tempered with wisdom. I trust you will ensure that it is.” There was no threat in her voice, merely expectation. Then, to Kuro, she inclined her head slightly. “A fair question.”

She turned toward the map, gesturing with a fluid motion. The ley line’s glowing path pulsed in response. “The Skythorn Blossom is delicate, but its survival depends on more than just careful handling. It is not merely a flower—it is a reaction to the ley line itself, an echo of its magic. When cut, the stems will immediately begin to wither unless mana is channeled into them to stabilize their structure. You will need to sustain the flow of mana until the blossoms are properly stored.”

She allowed a pause for the information to settle before continuing. “As for the ley lines, they are not unstable. Rather, magic itself becomes more volatile in their presence because ley lines are a source of ambient mana. The mana that fluctuates throughout the world is spread through the many ley lines that span it. When near them, spells can behave unpredictably, mana can surge, and creatures formed from excess energy are more likely to manifest. It is this volatility that requires caution.”

Beside her, Theodore leaned his elbow against his chair’s armrest, watching Dione with quiet curiosity. “You seem confident,” he remarked, his tone thoughtful rather than challenging. “That’s good. Confidence matters out there.” There was no mockery in his words, just a simple observation.

At Kuro’s mention of storage, Theodore straightened and wheeled himself over to a wooden box sitting atop a small table. The box was sturdy, its surface marked with softly glowing glyphs, pulsing faintly as though alive. He tapped a finger against it. “This is how we’ll keep the materials safe,” he explained, lifting the lid slightly to show the intricate magic circle carved into its interior. “The enchantment maintains a constant flux of mana, preventing the items inside from degrading. As long as they go in here quickly after extraction, they’ll hold their potency.”

Lysandra shot him a brief glance before addressing the group once more. “We leave in an hour. The carriage is being prepared as we speak, and provisions are already arranged. If you require additional supplies, now is the time to procure them. We will not delay beyond that.”

She closed the floating map with a gesture, the glowing trail of the ley line dissipating into the air. The meeting was drawing to its natural conclusion.

Theodore, in the meantime, turned his chair slightly and started rolling toward the far side of the room, where a carefully packed satchel rested near the doorway. “I already packed my things ahead of time,” he said simply, adjusting the strap on his bag before glancing back toward the others.

“Good,” Lysandra murmured, though her focus was now on a collection of scrolls and documents she was securing into a sturdy leather case. She moved with efficiency, each item deliberately placed.

“You may speak with me or Theodore if you have further questions,” she added, her tone more measured now as she worked. “Otherwise, prepare yourselves. We depart soon.”

---

Ersatra madladgladchad
Ooc: My apologies for being a touch late. I was hoping Ignem would join us. This will be the last scene in the building. The next scene will be in the carriage and starting the journey. Ask any questions you think the characters might have.

 

[Ersatra]

Dione Galanis


Dione let the information sink in, her gaze flickering between the glowing ley line projection, the enchanted storage box, and finally, Theodore. Everything about this world was still foreign to her—ley lines, ambient mana, creatures born from excess energy—but even with her limited understanding, something about this setup seemed... off.

She glanced at Theodore, watching how effortlessly he moved in his floating chair, how comfortable he was around magic that still felt unpredictable to her. He spoke of confidence like it was an asset, but to her, confidence had come almost supernaturally. She had always been confident in herself sure, but ever since reincarnating into this world, her confidence had multiplied by leaps and bounds. Having inherited powers from Zeus perhaps she too had inherited his confidence and cockyness. That was worrisome.

“So,” she started, arms still crossed, her brow furrowing slightly, “if these ley lines make magic unstable—make mana unstable—how smart is it to bring someone who apparently can’t regulate mana at all?” Her gaze shifted from Theodore to Lysandra, her tone not accusatory, just blunt curiosity.

“I mean, I get that you want to help him,” she continued, motioning toward Theodore with a small nod. “But if we’re walking into a place where magic does whatever it wants, isn’t that kind of dangerous? What happens if his condition makes things worse or gets worse?”

Her eyes landed back on Theodore, scanning him. “No offense,” she added, “but if this is gonna turn you into a walking magical disaster, I’d rather know that before we’re in the middle of it.” Dione didn’t say it to be cruel—she just didn’t like leaving unknowns, unknown. She’d barely begun to understand her own abilities, and now she had to account for the possibility that one of their own could be a bigger danger than the monsters they might face.
Moonberry madladgladchad​

 

[Ignem]

Shade had been listening along for a while, she stares at the map and then starts to take notes in her notebook. She listens on to the human's question. She replies to her, "Well she did state that the chair helps him regulate mana."

She then turns to Lady Lysandra, "You mentioned that there might be some monsters. Are you perhaps informed of what type of monsters might be there?" She asks raising an eyebrow.

 

[Moonberry]

The room held a quiet tension as Dione’s words settled in. Theodore’s gaze flickered toward her, not in anger, but in contemplation. For a moment, he said nothing, allowing the silence to stretch just long enough to be noticeable. Then, he lifted his hand, drawing in a slow breath as mana coalesced at his fingertips.

A small golden light flickered to life, hovering just above his palm. It pulsed gently, steady and controlled, as if responding to the natural rhythm of his breathing.

“The chair doesn’t make me helpless,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “It helps me regulate the fluctuation of mana in my body. I can cast magic just fine.” He let the light dance between his fingers for a moment before closing them, snuffing it out with ease. “If anything, you should be more worried about yourselves. Magic near ley lines can be... temperamental. If you don’t have strong mental fortitude or refined mana control, you might find your spells doing things you didn’t intend.” He gave a small, knowing smile, though there was no mockery in it—just the confidence of someone who had lived with magical volatility his entire life.

Lysandra, who had been watching the exchange silently, cleared her throat, cutting the conversation short. “Enough discussion. The carriage is ready, and we will continue this on the road.”

The quiet hum of activity in the estate grew as servants moved into the hall, bringing supplies toward the waiting carriage. One approached Theodore’s chair, checking the mechanisms of the lift system designed to help him board smoothly. With well-practiced precision, the lift engaged, gently raising the chair into the carriage’s interior. Theodore remained still, used to the process, while the servants worked with careful efficiency to ensure he was securely settled before stepping away.

As they moved, Lysandra turned to Shade, addressing her question from earlier. “The creatures we may encounter will vary depending on the mana saturation of the land. The closer we are to the ley lines, the more likely we are to face elementals—raw manifestations of mana given form. We may also encounter beasts that have adapted to feed off the ley lines, creatures with unpredictable magical traits. But beyond that, I do not know precisely what we will face.” She folded her arms, glancing between them. “That is why I need mages who can think quickly and adapt.”

“Come,” Lysandra said, motioning toward the doors. “We will continue this discussion on the way. I would like to hear from each of you—what do you already know of magic? Before I explain more about ley lines, I want to understand your current knowledge.”

Outside, the carriage awaited, a finely crafted vehicle reinforced with subtle magical etchings. The lift system attached to its side allowed Theodore’s chair to be secured before it smoothly raised him inside. He handled the process with practiced ease, though the servants assisting him remained alert, ensuring nothing went wrong.

Lysandra stepped into the carriage first, seating herself near the window as she waited for the others to join. The mages followed suit, taking their places inside as the final preparations for departure continued outside. While they were not expected to leave immediately, the carriage was the best place to wait until all was in order.

As she settled, Lysandra’s gaze flicked briefly toward the estate grounds. A faint crease formed between her brows before she spoke, her voice calm but pointed. “Where is Kuro?”

---

Ignem Ersatra madladgladchad

 

[Ersatra]

Dione Galanis


Dione leaned back against the carriage wall, arms folded, watching as Theodore demonstrated his control. It was precise—too precise for someone whose body supposedly couldn’t regulate mana. But she didn’t press the issue. He wasn’t struggling, and if his chair really helped him manage it, maybe that was enough.

Still, his words stuck with her.

Strong mental fortitude, refined mana control...

She barely had either.

Dione had only been in this world for a month. Magic wasn’t something she had spent years studying—it just happened for her. When she wanted lightning to move, it moved. When she needed light, it sparked into existence. When she was angry, the air around her crackled. It was instinctive, like breathing. And that was exactly what made this whole ley line thing so concerning.

As she climbed into the carriage, she let out a quiet sigh. “I don’t know much about magic,” she admitted, glancing toward Lysandra. “Not the way you guys do, anyway. I didn’t study it, I don’t have some deep understanding of mana flow or whatever.” She tapped her fingers against her leg, choosing her words carefully. “It just… works for me. Like second nature.”

She looked out the window, watching the estate workers move about in the fading light. “But I do know what happens when I push too far. If I use too much power at once, it backfires. Not like I lose control, but—” she hesitated, frowning slightly. “It hurts. Feels like my body’s not built to handle it.”

Dione turned her gaze back toward Theodore, something unreadable in her expression. Maybe she wasn’t so different from him after all.​

 

[ThAtGuY101]

Mimyr Ahs-Suhl Hurkha'jal Xercha Turambar

Spoiler: Image

Crimson red hair, dark orange eyes and a groggy bewildered expression of indifference. Mimyr carried himself with an aura of contraditction. excitement and reluctance. curiosity and bitterness. and a lack in regards for restraint. He liked doing things his way and it showed in the way he lazily carried himself as well as his slow steps wandering aimlessly.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Mimyr had a long crooked staff with a lantern dangling from a hook on the end. his staff tapped the ground as he walked, in no one particular direction, but like a moth to flame, he kept going. He found himself in a cityscape. Beautiful buildings like none he's familiar with. Mimyr couldn't help but look around at it all in such awe and had to add his unwelcomed input as his eyes ran across the treelines and the rooftops.

"Such beautiful architecture. Remarkable to be sure. a gem, a fine crafted and designed structure. Elaborate yet over the top. A little too nice. Almost like a form of compensation or exaggeration. An air of boastful conceit. A sentiment I can properly respect." Mimyr muttered to himself as he stood there with his hands on his hips. He continued wandering until he found himself looking within a window. What was in there was a mystery to him, there were no curtains on the window that he dared peep in and by that logic he felt right to look inside. With a grin on his face and his lantern in hand, he did exactly that. He threw his head back and smirked. He was not in this town purely for coincidence sake for there was a quest he need to see.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Mimyr continued walking until he saw a carriage that caught his attention and approached it. There were other people, but none of them drew his attention the way the carriage did. Thinking out loud, he glanced at the transport and scratched his chin and tilted his head as he took a long hard non-blinking stare into the carriage.

"Hmmm hmmm hmmm... Lookie low for shore be something of importance or perhaps I am giving too much credit where it is not due...? Such quandaries are monotonous at best and asinine at worst, but I suppose that's all a matter of perspective..." Mimyr wasn't talking to anyone in particular, but he did tap his crooked staff against the ground three times. In his hand he held a note for the job.

Tap Tap Tap.

 

[Ignem]

Shade steps into the cart and sits down. "I study magic, " She speaks looking at Lysandra, "I view it as a resource to be able to do things effectively and efficiently. I do not know much about it, however that may change todays task."

A raven flies into the carriage and onto her Shade's shoulder. She looks at Lysandra and says, "Hope you don't mind pets."

 

[Moonberry]

Just as the carriage was preparing to depart, a steady tapping against the pavement drew the attention of those within. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Theodore, who had been moments away from making another remark, turned toward the open door, his green eyes narrowing with mild curiosity.

Outside stood a crimson-haired man, his dark orange eyes flickering with a strange mix of detachment and intrigue.

Theodore tilted his head slightly. “You gonna keep looking at us like we’re on display, or are you actually getting in?” he asked, resting his chin lazily in his palm.

Lysandra, who had just secured her scrolls, glanced toward the open door. Unlike Theodore, her patience remained intact, though time was slipping away.

“If you are here for the expedition, you are welcome to join us,” she said, her tone polite but brisk. A noblewoman’s grace, tempered by the need to move forward. “We are departing now, so take your seat quickly.”

There was a brief pause.

The driver, now assured that all members were present—or at least, all but one—gave the final signal. With a gentle lurch, the carriage began to move, wheels rolling steadily over the paved roads leading away from the estate and toward the distant ley line.

As the cityscape of Aslan began to fade beyond the windows, Lysandra finally broke the quiet hum of travel with a simple, yet firm question.

“…Where is Kuro?”

The silence that followed was subtle but noticeable. One of their number had seemingly vanished before departure.

Theodore leaned back, arms crossing as he exhaled. “I dunno,” he said. “Maybe he just decided he wasn’t cut out for the job. Or maybe he’s doing some mysterious, brooding mage thing somewhere.” He made a vague, overly dramatic gesture. “Standing on a rooftop, staring into the distance, whispering something like ‘The darkness calls to me.’”

Lysandra gave him a look, unimpressed.

“What?” Theodore grinned. “It’s a solid theory.”

Choosing not to linger on the missing mage for the moment, Lysandra shifted her attention elsewhere. Her gaze fell on Shade, who had settled in with an air of quiet readiness. The raven perched on her shoulder caught her eye.

“Your familiar?” she inquired, not with disapproval, but simple acknowledgment.

Lysandra gave a slight inclination of her head. “I do not mind familiars,” she stated simply. “So long as they do not cause unnecessary disruption during the journey.”

With that matter settled, she turned her attention back to the gathered mages as the carriage rolled steadily forward, crossing into the open roads leading toward the ley line.

Theodore, having spent the last few minutes observing the group’s reactions, finally broke the silence again—this time, with a smirk aimed at Dione.

“You keep looking at me like that,” he mused, his green eyes glinting with mischief. “People are going to start talking. It’s a bit early to fall in love with me, don’t you think?”

Lysandra sighed, rubbing her temples lightly. “Theodore.”

“What?” Theodore shrugged, grinning. “I’m just saying—there’s a look.”

With a final sigh of patience, Lysandra sat up straighter, shifting the focus to the journey ahead. She extended her hand, and in the center of the carriage, a glowing projection flickered to life—a map of the continent, laced with thin, pulsing threads of mana.

“Enough distractions,” she stated. “Before we go further, you need to understand what a ley line truly is.”

The light pulsed, zooming in on the glowing channels stretching across the land.

“Ley lines are the lifeblood of magic,” she explained. “They are unseen currents of mana flowing beneath the world, influencing all things—alchemy, spells, even the natural order itself.”

The projection shifted, showing fluctuations in the mana, visualized as waves of energy pulsing through the land.

“Magic is not a still force—it breathes, it moves,” she continued. “In areas where ley lines run strong, magic does not always behave as expected. It amplifies, fluctuates, and at times, manifests into something living.”

The image changed again, displaying silhouettes of strange, shifting creatures—some humanoid, others amorphous, all formed from raw mana.

“These are the anomalies of the ley lines,” Lysandra stated. “Some are passive. Others are drawn to magic users and react accordingly. While we will not always be in danger, we will always need to be prepared.”

The projection faded into nothing, and she clasped her hands in her lap.

“This is why I need mages with a level head,” she said. “The ley lines do not tolerate reckless magic. If you have little control, you may find yourself at their mercy instead of commanding them.”

She let those words settle before exhaling softly.

“Which brings us to the matter of mana control,” she continued. “Ley lines are not just sources of power—they are a test of discipline. Magic is not simply about exerting force but about balance. Even the strongest mage will fail if they cannot regulate their own flow of energy.”

She lifted her hand, a small orb of light forming at her fingertips, not unlike the one Theodore had conjured earlier.

“Mana control is not about power,” she said. “It is about precision. If you allow too much energy to surge through you at once, you will find yourself overwhelmed. If you try to suppress it entirely, you will find your magic stifled.”

The orb pulsed once, then slowly dimmed, shrinking until it was no more than a faint flicker before vanishing completely.

“It is a practice of balance,” Lysandra continued. “Similar to breath control or the stillness of a blade before it strikes. If you cannot feel the flow of magic within you and learn to regulate it, the ley lines will dictate your magic instead of you.”

She lowered her hand.

“Some of you may already practice this instinctively. Others may have never considered it. But as we move forward, it will be essential.”

---

This round turned into a one week round. But I'll be trying to get the next round up this Saturday . Regardless of who has posted.
Ersatra
ThAtGuY101
Ignem
madladgladchad

 

[ThAtGuY101]

Mimyr Ahs-Suhl Hurkha'jal Xercha Turambar

Spoiler: Image

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Mimyr watched the people whom either began getting in the carriage or were already in the carriage. A bird flew into the carriage and onto Shade's shoulder. Mimyr couldn't help but look at the feathered creature

"Mmmm... A foul feathery Corvidae. Scavenger of death and bringer of ill omen. Trickster and thief. Black eyes like gazing into the void." Mimyr spoke in a lax carefree tone as he thought outloud. His gaze shifted to Theodore and his smile faded. He stared at the boy.

"Yes... This one does not have much time. If it comes down to it, I can guide him to the after..." Mimyr told himself. He did not waste time and made his way in the carriage without delay. It was completely his intention to help out so it did not come down to anything so depressing. He glanced around at the company he was with. A false smile twisted on Mimyr's lips. He did not speak to the living very much, and wanted to to be polite.

"I am Mimyr Ahs-Suhl Hurkha'JAL Xercha Turumbar... A pleasure to meet you all. Yes." Mimyr spoke to the group before settling in his seat with his staff between his legs and the lantern dangling in front of him swaying side to side. He sat there quietly, a low humming to himself. Mimyr did not know anyone by the name of Kuro so he respectfully minded his own business and kept humming since he had no opinion on such person other than the assumption they took their time just like he himself. something Mimyr could appreciate.

Mimyr wasn't a master of the arts but he understood magic was alive. A half smile pulled at his expression, more subtle and less forced. Genuine. He nodded along quietly listening to the noblewoman. Under his breath, Mimyr muttered his thoughts.

"Yessss... Alive and breathing. Lashing out and flowing... restless and exhausted, yet relentless in life and afterlife. The Ley Lines... beautiful indeed" Mimyr was watching his lantern. He knew little about magic outside from his limited interactions with spirits, and was excited to follow instructions to endure success and gain experience from this quest. His attention now in the orb of light as it faded.

 

[Moonberry]

The steady hum of the carriage wheels rolling against the dirt path filled the quiet that settled after Mimyr’s words. His presence was enigmatic—half poet, half wanderer—adding an unexpected rhythm to the moment.

Theodore, who had been idly tilting his head against the side of his chair, flicked his sharp green eyes toward the red-haired man. His gaze lingered, unreadable, before he let out a quiet chuckle.

“I don’t need a guide to the afterlife just yet,” he said, voice light, but measured. “But I’ll keep you in mind if I change my mind.”

Despite the humor in his tone, there was a quiet weight beneath his words—one that he didn’t care to elaborate on. Instead, he turned his attention toward the shifting landscape beyond the carriage window.

Lysandra, having observed the exchange in silence, finally spoke.

“Mimyr.” Her tone was thoughtful as she tested the name. “Your understanding of magic is poetic, but let me correct one thing. The ley lines are not restless. They do not lash out or act with intent. They are, in essence, the foundation of ambient mana—a natural process that regulates itself, much like the tides.”

“They maintain their own balance,” she explained. “But proximity to them affects the magic around them. They amplify spells, make mana more abundant—but also impulsive. Without proper control, magic drawn from the ley lines may behave erratically, reacting to emotions, intent, or even external forces you cannot perceive.”


---

The conversation faded as time stretched on, and the journey continued in relative quiet.

Outside the carriage, the landscape had begun to change.

The smooth, open roads that led out of Aslan had given way to a more natural, untamed wilderness. The trees that had been scattered sparsely at the beginning of their journey now closed in thickly on either side, forming a dense forest that stretched for miles.

The sunlight, once bright and open, now filtered through layers of thick branches, casting long, flickering shadows across the forest floor. The road beneath them had become uneven, the dirt path narrowing, roots and foliage pressing in as if nature itself sought to reclaim the trail.

A faint mist clung to the underbrush, swirling in the fading light of the afternoon. Though the air remained still, there was a weight to it—a quiet pressure, as though the land itself breathed in slow, steady rhythms.

Lysandra’s voice cut through the quiet.

“We will be making camp tonight at Ruadhin Grove,” she announced, her tone even and composed.

She rested a hand against her lap, her gaze shifting toward the darkening woods ahead.

“Ruadhin Grove sits near one of the ley line’s more stable points, close to the banks of the Continental Lake.” She paused, letting that sink in before continuing. “The ley line runs beneath the land there, feeding into the surrounding flora. The concentration of mana has allowed rare plant life to flourish—including the Skythorn Blossom.”

Theodore exhaled through his nose, watching the treetops sway in the evening breeze.

“So basically, we’re setting up camp right on top of a magical hotspot. Sounds fun.”

Lysandra ignored him.

“The Skythorn Blossom thrives where mana is in motion. It does not grow in stagnant energy, nor in chaotic surges. Instead, it appears where the ley line’s presence is steady—like the ebb and flow of water. Because of this, the land around it is often unpredictable. The closer we get, the more you should be wary of your surroundings.”

She let that settle before adding, “The challenge will not be finding the flowers. It will be harvesting them without losing their potency. If handled incorrectly, they will begin to decay almost immediately after being plucked.”

Theodore let out a short chuckle.

“Translation: If you mess up, we’ll have to go on another flower hunt.”

Lysandra glanced toward him but made no comment, instead turning her attention to the group once more.

“Once we set up camp, I will evaluate each of your mana control skills. If you lack the precision required to stabilize the flowers, you will not be permitted to harvest them.”

She paused briefly before continuing.

“If any of you are uncertain of your abilities, I suggest you take tonight to practice.”


---

Outside, the forest had thickened significantly.

The trees here were not like those at the forest’s edge—some stood impossibly tall, their trunks thick with age, roots gnarled and weaving through the earth like ancient veins. The deeper they traveled, the more distorted the forest seemed to become—not unnatural, but changed by centuries of mana flowing through the land.

Some of the trees leaned at odd angles, their branches stretching out in spirals, as if drawn toward an unseen current. Others bore luminescent fungi clinging to their bark, faintly glowing in patches of blue and green.

The air itself felt different now—not oppressive, but rich with something unseen. The further they went, the more tangible the presence of magic became.

Then, at last, the carriage slowed.

With a final jolt, the wheels rolled to a stop.

The driver called back, “Ruadhin Grove. We’ve arrived.”

The door was pulled open, revealing the scene outside.

The clearing before them sloped gently downward, leading into a grove where ancient trees stood like silent sentinels. Their massive roots curled around stone formations, half-swallowed by the earth. A thin mist clung to the ground, curling around the undergrowth like breath rising from the land itself.

The air was still, but not empty. There was a presence here, subtle yet undeniable—the steady hum of mana flowing beneath the soil, feeding the life that thrived in this untouched wilderness.

Lysandra stepped out first, taking in their surroundings with a critical eye.

“Set up camp. We begin at
first light.”

---

ThAtGuY101
madladgladchad
Ersatra
Ignem

 

[Ignem]

Shade takes a moment to take note of the surroundings, writing down in her notebook about the trees and how the general feel of the environment is. She looks at her raven and speaks, "Why don't you go for a quick fly and tell me if there is anything of note?"

The bird caws and flies off, as Shade puts away her notebook and starts to set up her tent.

 

[Moonberry]

It started subtly.

One by one, the other mages drifted away from the camp, slipping into the forest without a word. No farewells. No explanations. Just silent figures disappearing into the trees.

At first, Theodore assumed they were simply wandering off to explore, to gather their thoughts before the real work began. But as the hours passed, none of them returned.

By the time the moon had risen high above the twisting canopy, the realization settled.

They were gone.

Maybe they’d lost interest in the expedition. Maybe they were drawn by something unseen in the depths of Ruadhin Grove. Or maybe—just maybe—something had found them first.

Theodore sat near the fire, arms crossed, watching the empty tents. He exhaled sharply through his nose.

“Well,” he muttered. “That was a colossal waste of time. Who knew ‘competent mages’ actually meant ‘cowards who wander off into the woods without a word?’”

Lysandra didn’t look surprised—only mildly irritated.

“They lacked discipline.” She adjusted the cuffs of her coat. “Those who cannot commit to a task are of no use to me.”

The fire crackled softly, filling the silence.

Then, somewhere in the distance—a howl.

It was long, low, and hollow, carrying through the trees like a whisper from something unseen. Then came another. And another. A chorus of wolves, their voices threading through the night air, sending an unshakable chill down the spine.

Theodore, who had been poking at the fire with a stick, froze.

“…Well. That’s ominous.”

Then came the screaming.

Distant. Distant enough that they couldn’t see the source. But unmistakably human. Sharp, panicked cries, cutting through the stillness of the grove. Then—abrupt silence.

Theodore stared toward the trees, listening, waiting.

Nothing.

“…Yup.” He leaned back, brushing dirt off his knee. “They got eaten.”

Lysandra remained still, watching the darkness with an unreadable expression.

“It is no longer our concern.” Her voice was cool, decisive. “Sleep while you can. We leave at dawn.”

No one spoke after that.


By the time dawn broke over the grove, the mist had begun to recede, curling away from the massive roots and moss-covered stone. The forest, despite the horrors of the night before, remained unchanged—unbothered.

Nature did not mourn the missing.

Lysandra and Theodore were already awake, standing near the dying embers of the fire. The camp was noticeably emptier—all traces of the vanished mages were gone, save for whatever supplies they had left behind.

Theodore exhaled through his nose, watching the abandoned campsite with thinly veiled irritation.

“They were useless anyway,” he muttered. “If they couldn’t handle one night out here, they would’ve just gotten in the way.”

Lysandra ignored him. She adjusted her gloves, then turned toward the small, remaining group—Shade, the coach driver, and Theodore.

“We have work to do.”

The morning air was thick with lingering mist, still retreating from the warmth of the rising sun. The group made their way off the main road, leaving behind the worn paths that led through the outer edges of Ruadhin Grove.

The coach driver remained behind with the carriage, ensuring its safety. There was no telling what lurked deeper in the ley-line-rich terrain, but the vehicle would be of no use where they were going.

The dirt path beneath their feet quickly gave way to wild, tangled undergrowth. The trees here were older, their roots thick and sprawling, weaving over the land in natural barriers and uneven footholds. The further they traveled, the more the land itself seemed alive—pulsing with a quiet, unseen current.

Theodore, walking just behind Lysandra, pressed a hand briefly against a tree for balance. He wasn’t used to moving long distances without the chair, but bringing it here would have been more of a hindrance than a help.

Lysandra cast him a brief glance.

“Be mindful of your limits,” she warned. “You are walking today, but you will not cast. You know what happens if you overextend.”

Theodore sighed, waving her off.

“Yeah, yeah. No spells, I got it.”

She didn’t argue.

After nearly an hour of careful navigation, the trees gave way to a rocky outcrop.

The terrain here was rough, uneven—where the forest abruptly dropped into a steep descent, revealing the lower reaches of Ruadhin Grove. The trees below stretched wide, their branches curling toward the sky like reaching hands.

The ground here was layered in rich, mana-fed soil, patches of vibrant plant life peeking out from between the rocks. The scent of something faintly floral lingered in the air, a hint that the Skythorn Blossoms were near.

From where they stood, several possible search areas stood out.

To the left, a thick patch of tangled vines and undergrowth curled around the rocky terrain. The plant life here was dense, almost unnaturally so, making it a prime hiding spot for delicate flora. If the blossoms thrived in protected spaces, they could be buried beneath the vines, shielded from direct exposure.

Further along the slope, a massive fallen log rested against the incline, its bark covered in faintly glowing moss. The energy here felt different, the air richer, more charged. If the blossoms sought out pockets of concentrated mana, they might have taken root near the log, drawn to its lingering energy.

Beyond that, a narrow, winding path descended along the cliffside, leading to an area where the soil appeared loose and fertile. It was a more precarious route, requiring careful footing, but the way the earth had settled suggested that mana had pooled here over time. If the blossoms required deep, sustained magic, this lower ground could be their ideal growing spot.

Theodore let out a slow exhale, eyeing the choices.

“So, in summary: Crawl through a mess of vines, poke around some glowing log, or risk tumbling off a cliff. Fantastic options.”

He shot a glance toward Shade, smirking.

“Well? What’s it gonna be?”

Lysandra remained silent, her gaze fixed on the land ahead. Whatever choice was made, the blossoms were here. They only had to find them.

---

OoC

The other mages who have not posted went missing and are presumably eaten by wolves until they come forward to prove otherwise. Will receive negative titles at the end of the RP for failing the escort.

Shade can choose one of the three options to look in for the blossoms. Each area has something different.

• A dense thicket of vines and underbrush curled against the rock face, where blossoms could be hidden beneath tangled growth.
  
• A fallen log covered in glowing moss, pulsing faintly with mana—an energy-rich spot where rare flora might thrive.
  
• A narrow path descending further down the cliffside, where the loose, mana-rich soil might offer the best growing conditions.

I will make the next narrations post in a week. So next Tuesday. I will not hound people for posts. If no one posts by next Tuesday the NPCs will be kidnapped and the roleplay will be failed. A new roleplay will be held to.save the NPCs.

Ersatra ThAtGuY101 madladgladchad Ignem

 

[ThAtGuY101]

Mimyr Ahs-Suhl Hurkha'jal Xercha Turambar

Spoiler: Mimyr

~Yesterday...~

Mimyr Theodore a slight nod and silently listened to Lysandra appreciating her wisdom on the subject of the ley lines.

"With fervent appreciation your innate perspective comprehension" Mimyr sat there carefree looking around quietly humming until they closer to their destination. He listened to Theodore and Lysandra spread of camp. The prospect of having to look for another flower was amusing but one Mimyr intended to avoid.

"Mmmm... Practice it is, every opportunity, another nail into the coffin of flaw" As Mimyr stepped out to gaze at the old trees with roots like a corpse fingers.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Mimyr was right there standing behind Theodore looking at the boy with a casual blank expression.

"Where did the competent mages go? Tis no consequence. Fate's cynical dance shall see them here and if not, I shall usher them to the threshold where silence lives and shadows deep unfold when our task here is complete and the boy is safe." A cold mirthless smile formed on Mimyr's lips when he heard the sounds of screams. A familiar song, a somber melody to Mimyr's ear.

~The next day...~

Mimyr followed the others quietly as he had looked around to both admire the scenery but also ready himself to find skythorn blossoms. he had indeed practiced his magic the night before hence why he was not initially in the camp site when Lysandra had spoken with Theodore. Mimyr might have been a little sleep deprived, but given his usually expression it did not show.

"Sharp stones, gnarled vines, ravenous abyss all guide us to our purpose. A feast of peril when all other options have rot. I shall take whichever path you feel more comfortable with taking. If you would like me to go first, you have only say the word." Mimyr said with no concern how he gets to the blossoms so much as they do so alive.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

 

[Ignem]

"I believe the mana rich soil down the cliff may have the best chances to grow such flowers." She speaks looking over to Theodore. She then looks and Lysandra and says, "My familiar can go take a look if you so wish?"

 

[Moonberry]

Mimyr’s voice drifted over Theodore’s shoulder—cryptic and theatrical, like always.

Theodore didn’t even turn this time. Just gave a sigh through his nose and muttered,

“You talk like we’ve already buried ourselves.” Then, after a beat: “Just make sure my funeral speech sounds cool if I drop dead.”

Shade’s calm words followed soon after.

Theodore glanced sideways.
“You can send it if you want,” he said. “At worst, it watches us die dramatically.”

Lysandra’s eyes flicked briefly toward the bird, then returned to the terrain ahead.

“It won’t interfere. If you choose to send it, do so. We’ve entered the heart of the grove—disruption now is more likely to come from within.”

The group descended, the path sloping downward in uneven spirals as ancient roots twisted across the trail. Moss shimmered faintly beneath their boots, the breath of leyline mana curling around the base of the trees like mist. The ambient energy had a rhythm here—a pulse beneath the ground, slow and steady, like the world was exhaling in sleep.

Then, the path opened into a natural hollow, its floor a patchwork of moss, rock, and fallen wood. At the edge of a crumbled cliffside, where roots dug deep into the fractured stone, something pale and thorned reached skyward.

“There.”

Growing from the narrow cracks between stone and root were three Skythorn Blossoms.

Each blossom stood tall and proud, their pale blue petals curled upward like a spiral star. Translucent thorns shimmered along their stems, catching the light like fine glass. They leaned ever so slightly toward the open sky, as if drawn by some memory of sunlight. The mana surrounding them pulsed gently in time with the leyline beneath—slow, rhythmic, and deceptively calm.

“This is rare,” Lysandra said, her voice low. “Skythorn Blossoms haven’t been seen blooming in clusters for decades. They normally only grow alone—survivors of wind, mana flux, and thin soil. Your timing is fortuitous.”

She took a step back, folding her arms behind her.

“To harvest it safely: breathe in time with the pulse of the land. Approach with calm. No casting. No sharp motions. Wait until the flower’s pulse begins to mirror yours. That is how you know it accepts your presence.”

Theodore crossed his arms nearby, watching the thorned blossom sway ever so slightly in the wind.

“Of course it has thorns,” he muttered. “Everything good for mana regulation either pricks you or tries to explode.”

---

Ignem ThAtGuY101
OoC note:

Posting this round earlier since you both already posted and everyone else has apparently dropped out.

The three Skythorn Blossoms are growing from a narrow rocky crevice just below the edge of a broken cliff-face. The terrain is a natural stone ledge, wide enough to walk on carefully, with thick moss and some exposed roots weaving through cracks.

Two of the blossoms are growing at about chest to head height, nestled in the stone wall near the edge. With a careful reach, they can be accessed without climbing or jumping.

The third blossom is slightly lower, growing closer to the slope of the cliffside—still reachable, but would require someone to kneel or crouch near the edge, increasing the risk of a slip if they’re not careful or
calm.

Once you've posted, use the dice mechanics either on here, or in the discord. /R 1d20. And tag me if you do it in discord. The closer to 20 you are the more likely your character successfully gets the herb.

 

[ThAtGuY101]

Mimyr Ahs-Suhl Hurkha'jal Xercha Turambar

Spoiler: Mimyr

Mimyr was quietly humming to himself as and listening to Shade and Theodore. casually nodding along as Theodore spoke. With a chuckle in Mimyr's throat, he paused for a moment.

"Death is a gentle whisper in your ear in your final moments. The breeze through you hair as you close your eyes one last time. Fear not leaving this life behind for the passing of this life is a transition to the next. One free of the burdens in this life. And the circle of creation begins anew." Mimyr replied as the group descended down down the ssd's spiraling path. Mimyr's hand grazing against roots creeping from the earthen cliff face.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Mimyr had remembered the importance of carefully attaining the skythorn blossoms. As they finally reached the skythorn blossoms, kimye crouched down to admire then, taking a few slow deep breaths calmly as he had intended to take one of the flower. He had remember the instructions flowing through his mind like a montra. With one last smile, he looked at the others before carefully taking action to getting one of the plants as instructed.

"Wish me luck..."

 

[Ignem]

Shade slowly approaches the flowers, taking a deep breathe as she does. She bends down and stares at it, "You sure do look pretty." She says as she tries to harvest the flower following instructions from Lysandra.

 

[Moonberry]

The grove held its breath.

Mimyr moved first, his presence calm and deliberate. Every motion—measured. Every breath—synchronized with the leyline’s rhythm. As he crouched beside the first blossom, the mana shimmered faintly in harmony. The petals pulsed, then stilled—accepting his presence.

With a gentle hand, he coaxed the Skythorn free from its rocky cradle. The stem released with a soft crackle of energy—like silk drawn through stone. One down.

Theodore let out a low whistle.

“Well, damn. Death poems do come in handy.”

Nearby, Shade stepped toward her blossom, careful, composed—but the soil beneath her shifted slightly, a subtle give in the moss. The blossom pulsed—first steady, then quickened. The petals shimmered in protest.

Still, she reached down, her voice low, her hand steady.

The mana didn't recoil—but it didn’t settle either. The flower trembled on its stem, hesitating… watching.

Then—
A rumble.

It rolled beneath their feet like a distant drumbeat—low, slow, and deep.

From the treeline: a sudden burst of motion.

Birds erupted from the canopy, flapping wildly into the mist-choked sky. A small herd of deer-like creatures bounded past in a blur, leaping over roots and rocks with reckless speed. And just behind them—a fox. Sleek, tawny, panting, its sides heaving from the run.

It darted straight toward the ledge—its claws skittering against the stones—and without hesitation, it dove into the brush near Shade, curling into a trembling ball. Its wide golden eyes flicked up at her, alert but unaggressive. Looking like it might take off again from fear.

A low growl rumbled from beyond the trees—deep, slow, and too close.

The mist thickened. Birds fled the canopy. A towering shape flickered between trunks—tall, thin, not human. Branches creaked as something heavy moved through them.

The fox near Shade gave a small, trembling whimper.

Theodore's voice dropped.

“Yeah… we are not fighting that.”

Lysandra’s gaze snapped to the others.

“Take what you have. Back to the carriage—now.”

---

ThAtGuY101 Ignem

 

[ThAtGuY101]

A quiet hum as he listened to Theodore. And waited for the other skythorn blossoms though the sounds and sight of fleeing creatures gave wave to something even Lysandra wanted no apart of. Mimyr nodded.

"Yes... Let us not linger longer than we must lest we desire to face what lurks beyond the treeline..." Mimyr spoke with a mirthless smile as he pursued the path to safety. He need nor peaked enough interest to see what may desire to claim their lives.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Mimyr carried his flower carefully while simultaneously going down their path with caution. Mimyr saw the carriage and made his way to it. His intentions were to wait until Theodore and Lysandra got in first.

 

[Moonberry]

Behind them, the forest stirred.


Not with wind.


With intent.


A surge of mana whipped through the mist—crackling like a storm just out of sight. Trees bent, as if bracing themselves. And from the veil of fog, a low hiss gave way to a sudden, shrieking pulse of magic. A blast—wild and formless—rushed toward the retreating group.


Theodore didn’t hesitate.


He spun, one hand raised, eyes burning green.


“Bellanotte!” he barked—nonsense, a made-up name for a spell he hadn’t even finished writing.


The shield snapped into place—a wide, flickering dome of golden force, catching the incoming spell mid-flight. It struck with a deafening crack, splintering like glass and forcing Theodore to his knees as blood streamed from one nostril.


Lysandra turned instantly, catching him by the arm.


“Theodore—!”


“I’m fine,” he said through clenched teeth, waving her off even as his breath came in short bursts. “Just go. Mimyr’s got the flower. Let’s not make it pointless.”


The barrier cracked again—then shattered like ice.


They reached the edge of the grove just as the last shimmer of protection vanished. The mist parted to reveal the carriage—waiting, miraculously undisturbed.


Mimyr was already there waiting.


Lysandra and Theodore climbed in first, followed quickly by the rest.


The driver didn’t wait for instructions. With a snap of the reins and a sharp word, the carriage jolted forward and thundered down the forest path, wheels bouncing over roots and stone.


They didn’t stop. Not for a long time.


Inside the cabin, Theodore slumped back in his seat, one sleeve pressed to his nose.


“Ugh. I hate bleeding.”


Lysandra sat beside him, still pale, her hands twisting in her lap.


“You shouldn't have cast anything! You could have hurt yourself.”


He gave her a sidelong glance.


“Yeah. But Mimyr got the blossom.” He leaned his head back, eyes half-lidded. “One down. One to go.”


Lysandra didn’t answer right away. Her gaze flicked to the flower carefully cradled in Mimyr’s hands—its pale blue petals pulsing faintly in the ambient mana of the carriage like a soft heartbeat.


“Then we will have to stop at the next town. Find a tavern, hire more help. And set out for the shores of the Continental Lake...We'll get you a cure son. I promise.”


The road stretched ahead, and behind them, the leyline forest faded into mist.

---

Ooc: Due to pacing and the amount of drop outs, I'm ending this here. I'll call it a partial success. And we'll try to complete the goal in a second part. My apologies for the abrupt ending. This didn't go quite the way I hoped. I was intending for there to be more exploration and even slight combat. But Maybe next go. ThAtGuY101 I will have the post up for part two hopefully within a day. Again my apologies for the way this one played out.
I'm calling this a tea party. Nothing was really established here. So It's just gonna be for pts. Sorry.


Characters involved

Mymir( ThAtGuY101 )
Shade( Ignem )

Partial:
Dione( Ersatra )
Kuro( madladgladchad )