Fantasy Crimson Streets

[InsanEleven]

"I'd l-like some water please, t-thank you." Ina muttered, his earlier anger and annoyance gone, and therefore most of his confidence and demeanour too. The more he thought about it, the more he felt sorry for once again turning out so harsh, and he shouldn't let it all get to his head so easily. He looked around the garden for a while, and indeed it was magnificent, though he still couldn't quite say he liked it, even if it was theoretically beautiful and great. Even though the plants bloomed and bore fruit in great numbers, it was the sight of them creeping up the walls in an attempt to reach the sky, the outside, that made him so uncomfortable. Everywhere he looked there was some living thing trying to get out with all it's possible force, and the thought of that, despite him being outside in clear daylight, somehow still toyed with his claustrophobia.


Instead of sitting on the benches, he decided to lean against the nearest tree he could find, and secretly wished he would've been able to climb in it and sit on one of the branches. Any place high from where he could see the outer world, he would've even taken the roof to sit on as well, but presumed that wouldn't go over well with the rest of the party. So instead of trying to explain, he just opted for the next best thing. There were worse things than a garden and getting afraid by it surely wouldn't help earning respect, especially since he doubted anyone saw him as much more than a brat trying to act competent and important.


"i-I think it would be best if I w-went after that information, I c-could get in and out with e-every last written word and m-map in that chamber memorised within t-the hour. After that I could help f-fight, though I'd prefer it if I w-were able to write everything d-down first, because if I'd die o-or get hit badly i-I wouldn't be able to r-recall or write it down." He doubted they would believe him about that, but if they wanted he could summon more than enough evidence of it right on the spot.


Sometimes he wished he was able to do it with things like faces and sounds too, or even paintings, but as soon as it wasn't in ink on paper, his memory failed him, even though he could make illusions of small items and trinkets. He'd forget those too, and he could only make an exact replica if he saw it... and after a few months he wouldn't even be able to make an illusion about it anymore because he forgot all the details. Words though... words he remembered forever, he could still recall the first ledger he ever opened to the last little useless number. Maps with secret tunnels and important letters, things people would pay a lot for, and even more to have destroyed. Normally he wouldn't even offer to use that skill of his, so none would know he could, and he was determined not to give the full extend of the information he had gathered.

 

[Dragongal]

Polaris Mentha


The garden was very nice, and Polaris could tell, very well cared for. She couldn't feel any damage on any of the plants she touched, which was amazing considering they were harvested for use. She was slightly saddened, though: she'd met very few who could care for plants in such a way, and every one did it to distract from something painful. Which she supposed she could understand.


Polaris chuckled at Inanis's suggestion, sitting on one of the benches. She started out just to get a simple suggestion out there, but ended up going on. "I'll patch you up, long as you're not dead. I think you memorizing it would go far too slow. Can't risk the information getting into other hands either. My thoughts, there's three guards, unknown range and skills, but definitely don't have abilities. One with the stone. Those are our only enemies, now, there's seven of us, eight including Kaatl," she said, nodding respectfully to Kaatl. She wasn't about to mess with a fae. "Three of us have stealth abilities, Prudence, Inanis, Alexi. Isaac is an inbetween. Mr. Keefe, myself, and Syrann are definitely heavy hitters. My suggestion is that we send two of our stealth into the office to retrieve the papers and bring them back, while one plays recon, so the heavy-hitters know where to fight and draw attention. The stealth get in and out during, or just before, the fight, and join us when they can, though we won't be able to depend on them for any point in time. By my thinking, Mr. Keefe, if you can shock Tai just enough so he's unconscious, but not dead, as long as neither of his guards gets the stone, we should be okay on that front. Can you do it?"


She caught herself, knowing she'd slipped up a bit. She hadn't meant to offer them a full plan, but rather let them cobble their suggestions together; she didn't want to take control on accident, or show her experience. She was just supposed to be another 3rd Stein brawler with something special.


@TheStoicist

 

[TheStoicist]

Isaac wasn't comfortable here, in this place. It smelled of domesticity. Not that Isaac could truly claim that he knew what that particularly smelled of. Perhaps it was the scent of old wood and stone and cloth and a faint smell of food just prepared that morning. Something that was grounded and unmoving, unchangeable. The scent was better in the gardens though, where the plants were, and he was glad to be in it rather than stuffed back into a room somewhere in the small manor. Even if the large man couldn't appreciate and took no notice of how well-cared for the yard was. He wasn't one to be appreciative of most scenery either way.


And Isaac really wasn't claustrophobic or anything, but he felt more at ease outdoors where there was room to move, a place to escape to in all directions, where he could feel the winds and hear their whispers. And though he'd resided in Wunderheim for nearly half of his life, why Southerns preferred to hold themselves down and nest in one place, was still beyond him. He often satisfied his curiosity at the culture by telling himself that it was because they did not hear the calls of the spirits of the skies and winds and rivers like he and his did. Even now he had difficulty remaining in any place for more than a couple weeks, without feeling that the winds had moved beyond him. And here the winds felt faint enough, never as wild or vibrant as they did in his younger days. And recently, somehow he had caught himself unfaithfully wondering if the winds really had ever spoken to him as freely as he recalled, or if perhaps, it was all fabrications of his own addled mind. Either way, his discomfort might be obvious to anyone who spared him more attention than a polite glance as they spoke to him.


In all honesty Polaris had voiced Isaac's own thoughts almost exactly in her planning, although addressing him as Mr. Keefe throughout the explanation was a bit foreign to Isaac (not that he minded either way, any name here was just as good as the other to him. They didn't hold much meaning). So as he turned his eyes to pin the girl more sharply with his oddly (granted not as odd as, the boy, Inanis' own eyes) bright gaze, he didn't add any suggestions to his rumble of a response,


"I can manage as much. Granted the three guards are kept off me." Of course along with any suggestions, Isaac also left out that his power wasn't particularly exact, even if he could give a fair guess of how much voltage he was emitting, so he really couldn't guarantee much. He had enough confidence that he wouldn't kill the man though. After saying his bit, all he really hoped to pitch in during this particular planning session, and perhaps any planning session, Isaac stepped back and turned his gaze on Inanis. The boy was hard to pin-point, and not only because of his apparent, though assumed, split-personalities. Of course, everyone here was a bit enigmatic in their own right, but he could name the role they played in the group, excluding the nameless escapee of course. Polaris seemed to have taken it upon herself to act as the mother and leader, keeping them together like a gang of quarreling siblings, Zak, or Sir Isaac more formally, seemed to be the least liked and trust among the group, although he really made no effort to be personable and picked his battles childishly, nonetheless he was definitely clever in ways, Sir Syrann and his young friend on the other hand seemed the allies of the Queen and the most respected, Alexi had connections and was definitely making his way towards the co-leader of the group, despite his enigmatic and at times odd mannerisms, yet Inanis did not seem to fit, much like Isaac he seemed to only be clinging to the frayed edges of the group, although he offered advice and help kindly, he was still a bit detached from the rest. And even though it wasn't in Isaac's nature to bother with business that didn't truly involve his interests, such as investigating his current companions reasons for agreeing to this mission or why they seemed so experienced in certain, unusual things, he still wondered the motives of such a boy. Inanis' retentive abilities only furthered this useless interest, that Isaac had just only pushed to the back of his mind on the way to this place in the Second.


@Elvengarda @Dragongal

 

[Dragongal]

Polaris Mentha





Polaris met Keefe's gaze, careful to give nothing away. Despite her intentions to keep quiet and out of the way, Polaris continued, "By my figuring, Syrann and Isaac alone can make a good distraction for the stealth group to get through undeterred, and of course I'll help with keeping the guards occupied, and that should be enough for Keefe. We'd send Inanis a little earlier, so he could get closer. The big trick to this is going to be finding the range of the guards, in order to keep them at a safe distance. We have to consider that one could be an archer, maybe all three. I can work long-range, but not for a long time, especially in case someone needs healing."


"Syrann, how are you against archers? Isaac?" She wanted to know how long she'd have to work long-range if it was necessary.


@Unwavering Knight @CallSign

 

[Dragongal]

Suddenly it became evident that Isaac Dorovich had not followed the group into the garden at all. He'd decided that this venture with idiots was not worth the pay, and he'd find his own way into nobility, leaving them on the walk through the Second Stein.

​

 

[Luminescent]

Prudence Caroline Ashford


She had decided in that moment that this was not the life she wanted to persue. If speaking a mere word brought her to uncontrollable words, what would fighting do? She made herself invisible and sulked against a wall before making her decision final. She walked up to Alexi and squeezed his hand two times before letting go, and leaving the garden. She walked into the crowded streets of the second stein and embarked on her journey home.


(Sorry for the short post. Its late and I'm tired. Best of luck to you all.)

 

[KnightofShadows]

Alexi listened intently as Polaris began to lay out the structure of a concrete plan. He liked the approach thus far, and thought it a workable one. There were still some concerns in his mind, and he hoped that with the apparent exit of the group’s one antagonist, perhaps they could come together and be a real force to be reckoned with.


His thoughts were interrupted with the approach of little Prudence. He could tell, by the look in her eyes that she had come to her decision about this whole affair.


She took his hand and gave two gentle squeezes, and turning, walked slowly back through the garden the way they’d come.


With this, Alexi was not unhappy. He was sorry to part company, she was a sweet girl, and he hoped that their paths would cross again soon. The fact was, that he simply didn’t feel she should have to shoulder this burden, and he was glad that she would be out of harm’s way, despite how useful her talents might have proved to their efforts.


He gathered his power, and entering her mind, he appeared to her and bid her a heartfelt farewell. “Be well my friend. I cannot say that I am sorry to see you make this choice. I wish you the best, and hope our paths cross again someday soon. Goodbye little one…”


He watched her go for a moment, then turned his attentions back to the task at hand.


“Forgive my interruption, I do not mean any disrespect. I think Polaris has a laid out a strong foundation of a plan. Right now, our weakness lies in lack of recon, and in time to gather it. Unfortunately, those circumstances leave us at a slight disadvantage.” he said with sincerity evident in his voice.


“I believe that Isaac here, along with Syrann and Kaatl are more than capable of being our muscle in achieving what Polaris has in mind. While we have just lost a true asset in stealth, two remain who are capable of such. While Ina’s capacity to retain any visual information is no doubt a valuable asset, I assure you, my talents along those lines are quite similar. If you don’t mind my saying so Ina, I feel you are our best weapon to put in play in defense of the threat we might expect from the archer threat, as you can close the distance instantly, and your melee skills can neutralize said threat with speed. Polaris will be there to come to aid wherever needed, and to call the shots.”


“I think, if you all agree, that I should be the one to breach the office and to see what can be found for us there. I cannot be detected, there are few obstacles that can slow me down, and evasion is my strong suite. Either we breach the office after the attack together, or allow your assault to give me all the more cover. It just remains to be seen, whether this jewel is carried on person, or hidden away, though I expect the former, as men such as this are loathe to be separated from such power.”


He looked around at the souls that remained to step up to this task, and he still liked their odds. “What are your thoughts?”

 

[Dragongal]

Polaris Mentha


"Call the shots?" Polaris asked, her stomach dropping. "I'm not the leader. I just had an idea." She was not willing to be a leader in any official capacity. Not again. She focused on what else Alexi had said. "It sounds like a good plan. But Isaac should focus on the main target. We need that stone before any more damage is caused. I can take the other guard, if that'd be preferred, Isaac. As for the teleporting... Inanis, you're up to it? Alexi, I suggest you get the files first. That way we can't panic them, if they're separated." She paused. "Wait, lost an asset in stealth...?" She looked around, then to Alexi, rather concerned. "Where's Prudence? Is she not just, you know... invisible?"


@Elvengarda @TheStoicist

 

[InsanEleven]

(Written from my phone)


Inanis was silent for a little while, pondering about the plan. But eventually decided it was worth a shot, even if he did not particularly like the idea of being thrown in against a ranged guard. It wasn't like he was particularly good with a blade, it wasn't awful, especially not with his shorter wakazashi with which he could implement his flexibility and martial arts better. The katana on the other hand, despite the impressive look, made him a bit slow, and he wasn't used to the size of it.


"I am a-afraid I am at no m-means a vanguard or f-front line worthy, but I do d-definitely know how to take out g-guards." He looked at Alexi and Polaris and gave a slight nod, though inside he was worried. What if he took it too far, pushed over that thin line of rage and cruelty... he had no desire to wake up realizing he choked someone with their own eyes... again. Oh fuck, don't think about that too late, a slight wave of nausea hit him, and he had some trouble keeping what he had for breakfast down, though he did succeed. He desperately tried to ignore the sour, bitter and utterly rancid taste in the back of his throat, and tried to pass the swallowing as mere nerves.


"If I go in first though to scout for a ranger, none of you will move in until I give the all clear signal, or a fall back signal, depending on whatever the outcome is. May it be that I do not show up again, turn around, don't even think about rushing in to help, and send flowers to my mom just in case. Inside there, the only law is to not get killed, if you encounter anything try to kill swift. Can't kill swift? Then just concentrate on killing, play dirty, cheat, for all I care you kick them in the nuts, just don't die. I, nor any one else here can look after you the entirety of the time, if we even succeed to look after ourselves aswell. If one of us gets caught, hurt, or killed, you will not even think of helping the other, you do not even know I ever existed, I do not know that about you either. We go in on our own and out on our own, my mission barely even scratching your own individual task except they lead to a common end goal. Do whatever it was your were tasked with first. Understood?" In this case he spoke as clear and confident as he could at the moment, not wanting anyone to mishear anything. As far as the rules went... death was a lonely thing, and it had been burned in his mind. Kill swift, he was an assassin not a soldier, there were no comrades to drag out, or patch up. You could only hope your enemy did you the favour of killing swift too, and not give you the joys of bleeding out on the carpet. There was no point in an honorable corpse, you could always redeem yourself by living and starting a charity at your retirement.

 

[Dragongal]

GM


The target building is very simple: brick, two floors, single entrance/exit, staircase in the back of the rooms. Two windows per level, facing the street. The only furnishing is a desk and two chairs on the second floor, and a table and four chairs on the first floor. The building is bordered on either side by similar structures.


Three of the chairs on the first floor are occupied by two of the guards, and the target. Guard 1 has a sword, Guard 2 has a mace. They are playing cards.


The cobble streets outside are empty of people.
​

 

[KnightofShadows]

Alexi surveyed the building that their intelligence told them harbored the man Nedrem Tai, who possessed the gem they must retrieve for the queen, along with his protectors. It appeared to be a simple safe house, but he had learned long ago not to assume that things were as they appeared. It may be as straight forward an endeavor as it appeared, but it seldom was.


Their intelligence had mentioned three guards, one of which may be an archer, and all of whom were said to be capable of ‘blending in’. Which could, and likely did, mean that the one unaccounted for was hidden within a bows range of the safe house, lying in wait, observing.


Still, given their time constraints a simple approach was all he had time for. He just hoped that, for once, things would prove as easy as appearances promised they might be.


Judging the arrival of dusk and welcoming the deepening of the shadows that were his greatest ally, Alexi made his move and began picking his way down the street, shadow to shadow, his obfuscation broadcast to the extent of its comfortable range to aid in his approach. In the careful pauses between movements, from the cover of shadow, he took every precaution he could afford to try and ensure he was not being seen. He was not fond of the idea of receiving an arrow in the back, it wasn’t his idea of a good time, having endured the experience before.


Gradually, he made his way to a position to a well shadowed corner just across the street from the safe house, where he could see through the windows and clearly discern the men engrossed in their game of cards.


From the shadows, after a brief study of the gameplay to discern the nature of the game they played. Alexi reached out and enveloped the three minds at the table with his power. When the next turn came for the sword wielding guard, as he made his discard move, Alexi spawned the illusion of two face cards spilling from the man’s shirt sleeve to the table for all three men to see…


He then sprinted from his position to the door, and waited for the ensuing cover of the outburst that followed, and with well-practiced stealth, entered quickly and quietly.


He moved like a cat, through the hall and up the stairs with speed, as the volume of the verbal eruption that ensued escalated quickly.


The safe house’s second story was as unremarkable as its first floor. He was through the office door in another heartbeat, had scanned the room and made his way to the desk in another.


Another few passed as he carefully examined the desk for any traps, obvious or discernable to his proficiencies.


Finding none he began rifling through the drawers with a quick, quiet, practiced and efficient manner.


Until… Jackpot!





The bottom left drawer revealed a leather valise, even as the tones of the confrontation below began to make an obvious transition from accusation and upheaval, to the less threatening tones of genuine confusion.


A quick peek at the contents of what he had found lent credibility to its purpose and he removed the files, tucking them away into a protective sleeve in his slingbag as Mika protested meekly to the jostling and he shushed him.


Another pair of heart beats and all was returned to its place, the valise closed and back in the drawer as if undisturbed.


He bolted for the door, but as the conversation of the men below continued to try and make sense of it all, there came a disturbance of another nature…


He reached for the comfortable weight of the dagger at his left wrist as he slipped through the door into the hall, closing it stealth-fully behind him.


[ @Elvengarda ]

 

[Dragongal]

Polaris Mentha

​

Polaris loathed the idea of waiting until dark, but it made sense. She just didn't like night anymore. The cool breeze, the stars, she still loved that, but overall she still hated night time, and she had her reasons. She took her whip out of her bag, wrapping it over her scabbard so she could easily reach it, and put her shield on her arm. All that was left was to wait for the time agreed upon.


Then she led the second team to the outside of the building. She knocked on the door and flattened herself against the wall next to it, waiting patiently.


When the door was opened, she wrapped the whip (an thorn-less section) around the first guard's neck, pulling him away from the door. He had a sword, but was too busy being dragged by his neck to grab it. "Dibs on this one!" she called, forgetting herself for a moment in the rush of adrenaline. Once he was far enough from the door for her tastes, she let him go, kicking him away. She was ready to draw her sword if he got too close.

GM




Guard 1 opened the door, to find a vine wrapped around his neck as he was pulled aside. Once released, he immediately grabbed his sword, turning to face his attacker.


Guard 2 ran out after Guard one, focusing more on the imposing armoured man than his companion's troubles. He quickly realized that a mace wasn't likely to do much damage against the giant, but his job was to protect Tai, not attack first, so he waited about a yard in front of Tai, in a defense stance.


Nedrem Tai stayed in the doorway, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket for the stone.
​