Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
Oh fuck, I nearly forgot something.
>End Chapter 2
>End Chapter 2
Damsels and Dragons
- Thread starter JayTee
- Start date
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
Hey, JayTree, I'm wondering what you think of my suggestions so far. I know I'm giving feedback... but I need some feedback on the feedback!
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
Just a heads up: I'm being called in to work tomorrow for overtime, so I don't think I'll be able to get a post in for you guys. Sorry about the delay.
Re: Feedback
Car: I don't have any plans for the car, to be honest. It was a vehicle (see what I did there?) to move the plot forward at the start. If I think of something crazy or there is an overwhelming demand for it, I might reconsider.
Animorphs: Full discloser, while I loved the series, I actually really hate shapeshifting powers in the hands of protagonists.
Navy: Maybe, if I can find a way to work it in. Traditional DnD usually is a landlocked event, though. So no promises.
Matilda's friends: Well, I do plan on [PASSAGE REDACTED] and having [ERROR, SPOILER NOT FOUND] with [HAHA NO]
Black King Espionage: I did have some thoughts with that, especially regarding [INVALID CLEARANCE LEVEL] and their efforts to [404 PLOT NOT FOUND] so, it's definitely something [U WOT M8?]
Reinforcements / Martin's Army: Definitely plan on [NAW SON, STEP OFF] also, look forward to seeing [FIND OUT NOW FOR THE LOW PRICE OF $999.99!] with [CORRUPTED FILE]
Mayor Herschel / Villagers: Full, completely honest, no bullshit disclosure: I actually really hate Herschel. Not because of his character or his role in the story or anything. But because I hate typing up his name. I don't think you'll be seeing much more of him. Sorry for anyone who was fond of him.
Re: Feedback
Car: I don't have any plans for the car, to be honest. It was a vehicle (see what I did there?) to move the plot forward at the start. If I think of something crazy or there is an overwhelming demand for it, I might reconsider.
Animorphs: Full discloser, while I loved the series, I actually really hate shapeshifting powers in the hands of protagonists.
Navy: Maybe, if I can find a way to work it in. Traditional DnD usually is a landlocked event, though. So no promises.
Matilda's friends: Well, I do plan on [PASSAGE REDACTED] and having [ERROR, SPOILER NOT FOUND] with [HAHA NO]
Black King Espionage: I did have some thoughts with that, especially regarding [INVALID CLEARANCE LEVEL] and their efforts to [404 PLOT NOT FOUND] so, it's definitely something [U WOT M8?]
Reinforcements / Martin's Army: Definitely plan on [NAW SON, STEP OFF] also, look forward to seeing [FIND OUT NOW FOR THE LOW PRICE OF $999.99!] with [CORRUPTED FILE]
Mayor Herschel / Villagers: Full, completely honest, no bullshit disclosure: I actually really hate Herschel. Not because of his character or his role in the story or anything. But because I hate typing up his name. I don't think you'll be seeing much more of him. Sorry for anyone who was fond of him.
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
>Chapter 3
Jason slowly walked around the inside of Gregori's house, taking in what was once the master Wizard's home. It was surprisingly typical, almost exactly what one would expect of a home that belonged to a practitioner of the mystic arts.
The walls were lined with shelves that held uncountable oddities. Skulls of unknown animals, crystals and rocks that were in strange shapes or shone with their own inner light, carvings and other man made objects all set carefully in to place for easy access, to say nothing of the books and scrolls that had their own dedicated shelves.
Sadly, most of what each item represented or it's function was lost on Jason. A cursory scan showed that many of them had some kind of magic in them, but it would take a more involved study to deduce what all of it was for. AS it would be impossible for Jason to take most of it with him, he was only thankful that the power inherent in each object was minimal, akin to tool or accessory, rather than a powerful relic of unimaginable power.
Except for what was set on the bed.
There were four of them, each carefully placed. While none of them held earth shattering power, each of them were vastly superior to the odds and ends that lined the walls. As Gregori's hier, these items were now his.
It had taken a few hours of examination and testing to determine their function, and much of that was Jason's own unease at simply appropriating a dead man's belongings for his own ends. He still wasn't used to the idea of being an heir to Gregori, and it felt like he was stealing from him by taking them. It was only the necessity of the reality they now faced that forced him to take them for his own.
Carefully, Jason reached down and picked up the first of the items.
It was a sword, slightly longer than the one he currently had. It was unnaturally sharp and if you looked at it at the right angle when moving the blade, you could almost see it summer subtly in the light. Jason removed the bastard sword from the sheath on his hip and replaced it with the blade he had picked up. Despite the difference in size, it somehow fit in the sheath perfectly.
The second item was a plain black cloak, the same one as Gregori wore when he fought the Dragon. It seemed to move and change it's hue every time you looked at it out the corner of your eye, and it was only with great reluctance that Jason placed it around his shoulders, where it slithered to match his size exactly.
The third item was a ring, made of gold and decorated with a single ruby set inside the metal. Despite the innocuous nature of the item, this one gave Jason the most pause when picking it up, as the whole thing radiated an air of barely restrained power that was looking for any opportunity to escape. Despite this, Jason grit his teeth and slipped it on his finger.
With all items in place, Jason took a moment to inspect himself. To his frustration, he couldn't help but realize he was looking more and more like a local. The few spells he knew allowed him to maintain his modern clothing more or less indefinitely, but that didn't help with the fact that his clothing was not a powerful magical artifact.
Plus, it would be a cold day in hell when he gave up the comfort of modern shoes.
There were a few more items that he needed to take. Items that were not of much use to him personally, but he knew from the knowledge that Gregori had passed on to him, were too dangerous to leave laying about for anyone to just stumble upon. Items like a pitch black skull that degraded the morals of anyone that touched it, or a knife that compelled any who wielded it to commit acts of murder.
Just another reminded that there was a reason why Gregori was exiled.
Exiting the house, Jason looked down at the village. Unlike the quiet little town that it had been when he had first arrived, the village was now a hustle of activity. Wounded soldiers were receiving medical attention, while those fit and able were preparing for the long trip back to the Empire's capital city. There, Martin and the rest of the military were consolidating their forces to prepare a defense against he Black King.
There was a number of villagers still left behind. Those who had refused to abandon their homes when given the opportunity before the assault on the beach. These men and women were now being told unequivocally that if they did not leave with the first wave of departing soldiers, that they would be abandoned and left to their own devices, as the military couldn't afford to commit troops to a single village when it had a whole Empire to worry about.
Colonel Martin wanted everyone ready to go within three days, and it had been almost that long. They would be setting out tomorrow morning, and with luck they would make it to the Imperial city within a few days time. Having proven himself against the troll when fighting alongside Martin, and the Black King when "fighting" alongside Matilda, Martin had asked Jason if he would be willing to act as either an advance scout or rearguard for the procession, though Martin understood that Jason as under no obligation to do so.
With the deadline fast approaching, Jason knew he had to commit to a course of action. Even if he wasn't a native of this plane, he now knew a few people he actually could think about possibly consider viewing as potential friends.
What do you?
>Act as an advanced scout
>Act as a rearguard
>Turn down the request for help
OOC
Jason slowly walked around the inside of Gregori's house, taking in what was once the master Wizard's home. It was surprisingly typical, almost exactly what one would expect of a home that belonged to a practitioner of the mystic arts.
The walls were lined with shelves that held uncountable oddities. Skulls of unknown animals, crystals and rocks that were in strange shapes or shone with their own inner light, carvings and other man made objects all set carefully in to place for easy access, to say nothing of the books and scrolls that had their own dedicated shelves.
Sadly, most of what each item represented or it's function was lost on Jason. A cursory scan showed that many of them had some kind of magic in them, but it would take a more involved study to deduce what all of it was for. AS it would be impossible for Jason to take most of it with him, he was only thankful that the power inherent in each object was minimal, akin to tool or accessory, rather than a powerful relic of unimaginable power.
Except for what was set on the bed.
There were four of them, each carefully placed. While none of them held earth shattering power, each of them were vastly superior to the odds and ends that lined the walls. As Gregori's hier, these items were now his.
It had taken a few hours of examination and testing to determine their function, and much of that was Jason's own unease at simply appropriating a dead man's belongings for his own ends. He still wasn't used to the idea of being an heir to Gregori, and it felt like he was stealing from him by taking them. It was only the necessity of the reality they now faced that forced him to take them for his own.
Carefully, Jason reached down and picked up the first of the items.
It was a sword, slightly longer than the one he currently had. It was unnaturally sharp and if you looked at it at the right angle when moving the blade, you could almost see it summer subtly in the light. Jason removed the bastard sword from the sheath on his hip and replaced it with the blade he had picked up. Despite the difference in size, it somehow fit in the sheath perfectly.
The second item was a plain black cloak, the same one as Gregori wore when he fought the Dragon. It seemed to move and change it's hue every time you looked at it out the corner of your eye, and it was only with great reluctance that Jason placed it around his shoulders, where it slithered to match his size exactly.
The third item was a ring, made of gold and decorated with a single ruby set inside the metal. Despite the innocuous nature of the item, this one gave Jason the most pause when picking it up, as the whole thing radiated an air of barely restrained power that was looking for any opportunity to escape. Despite this, Jason grit his teeth and slipped it on his finger.
With all items in place, Jason took a moment to inspect himself. To his frustration, he couldn't help but realize he was looking more and more like a local. The few spells he knew allowed him to maintain his modern clothing more or less indefinitely, but that didn't help with the fact that his clothing was not a powerful magical artifact.
Plus, it would be a cold day in hell when he gave up the comfort of modern shoes.
There were a few more items that he needed to take. Items that were not of much use to him personally, but he knew from the knowledge that Gregori had passed on to him, were too dangerous to leave laying about for anyone to just stumble upon. Items like a pitch black skull that degraded the morals of anyone that touched it, or a knife that compelled any who wielded it to commit acts of murder.
Just another reminded that there was a reason why Gregori was exiled.
Exiting the house, Jason looked down at the village. Unlike the quiet little town that it had been when he had first arrived, the village was now a hustle of activity. Wounded soldiers were receiving medical attention, while those fit and able were preparing for the long trip back to the Empire's capital city. There, Martin and the rest of the military were consolidating their forces to prepare a defense against he Black King.
There was a number of villagers still left behind. Those who had refused to abandon their homes when given the opportunity before the assault on the beach. These men and women were now being told unequivocally that if they did not leave with the first wave of departing soldiers, that they would be abandoned and left to their own devices, as the military couldn't afford to commit troops to a single village when it had a whole Empire to worry about.
Colonel Martin wanted everyone ready to go within three days, and it had been almost that long. They would be setting out tomorrow morning, and with luck they would make it to the Imperial city within a few days time. Having proven himself against the troll when fighting alongside Martin, and the Black King when "fighting" alongside Matilda, Martin had asked Jason if he would be willing to act as either an advance scout or rearguard for the procession, though Martin understood that Jason as under no obligation to do so.
With the deadline fast approaching, Jason knew he had to commit to a course of action. Even if he wasn't a native of this plane, he now knew a few people he actually could think about possibly consider viewing as potential friends.
What do you?
>Act as an advanced scout
>Act as a rearguard
>Turn down the request for help
OOC
You've Leveled up!
>You channeled Gregori's last gift towards your hand.
The hand is that which we use to wield our tools and enact our will upon the world.
+5 levels in Fighter
+2 Strength
+2 Constitution.
Fighter Techniques:
Strike 9 (Passive) - Your offense is unquestionably deadly.
Block 9 (Passive) - Your defenses have few flaws
Dodge 9 (Passive) - Your agility renders you ghostlike
Clarity (Supplemental) - Intense concentration distorts your perception of time, giving you greater ability to act.
Diehard (Passive) - Injuries that would fell a lesser man can be endured for a time
Fighter Specialty Equipment:
Archmage's Robe of Defense - Magical clothing woven with protective spells. The fabric is Impervious to conventional damage, enhances fortitude, reflexes, willpower and can change size and shape to mimic any outfit.
Master Battlecaster's Longsword - A supernaturally charged blade. Unbreakable to conventional damage, can cut stone and metal, as well as physically tangible mystic effects.
Ring of Fireball - A golden ring set with a ruby. Can call forth spheres of fire to be thrown or shot, which detonate in a devastating explosion.
>You channeled Gregori's last gift towards your hand.
The hand is that which we use to wield our tools and enact our will upon the world.
+5 levels in Fighter
+2 Strength
+2 Constitution.
Fighter Techniques:
Strike 9 (Passive) - Your offense is unquestionably deadly.
Block 9 (Passive) - Your defenses have few flaws
Dodge 9 (Passive) - Your agility renders you ghostlike
Clarity (Supplemental) - Intense concentration distorts your perception of time, giving you greater ability to act.
Diehard (Passive) - Injuries that would fell a lesser man can be endured for a time
Fighter Specialty Equipment:
Archmage's Robe of Defense - Magical clothing woven with protective spells. The fabric is Impervious to conventional damage, enhances fortitude, reflexes, willpower and can change size and shape to mimic any outfit.
Master Battlecaster's Longsword - A supernaturally charged blade. Unbreakable to conventional damage, can cut stone and metal, as well as physically tangible mystic effects.
Ring of Fireball - A golden ring set with a ruby. Can call forth spheres of fire to be thrown or shot, which detonate in a devastating explosion.
wonderandawe
Most likeky not a Sidereal
Advance Scout!
Silanon
Four Thousand Club
Rearguard - if the king tries to chase us down, we'll be there to stop him.
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
Hm, with only two votes, I think I might delay things until next week until we get a tie breaker.
Also, considering how interest in the quest seems have dropped over time, I'm currently debating allowing this quest to quietly die off if things don't pick up.
To be clear, this isn't me throwing a tantrum and going "Wah! wah! Vote on my quest or else I'll end it!" I'm just recognizing that not too many people are posting anymore (although for those who have stuck around this long, I hugely appreciate that, you guys are great) so investing time and energy in to it instead of starting fresh with something new seems... hm, unreasonable.
Hopefully I'm wrong and people are still interested and are just quiet, but I'm not about to throw a fit and pout if that is indeed the case. I enjoy questing, and can happily start a new one if need be. Hopefully I'll do better next time.
Also, considering how interest in the quest seems have dropped over time, I'm currently debating allowing this quest to quietly die off if things don't pick up.
To be clear, this isn't me throwing a tantrum and going "Wah! wah! Vote on my quest or else I'll end it!" I'm just recognizing that not too many people are posting anymore (although for those who have stuck around this long, I hugely appreciate that, you guys are great) so investing time and energy in to it instead of starting fresh with something new seems... hm, unreasonable.
Hopefully I'm wrong and people are still interested and are just quiet, but I'm not about to throw a fit and pout if that is indeed the case. I enjoy questing, and can happily start a new one if need be. Hopefully I'll do better next time.
wonderandawe
Most likeky not a Sidereal
I'll change my vote to rear guard.
I also vote for not ending the quest. It's spring break and Easter time. I always got less votes around the holidays.
There were also times in Hero, where I only had two voters. As I was using Hero to keep to a writing schedule, I persevered. I got more voters eventually.
Also, with all the site maintenance, your quest is buried far into the hosted projects. It doesn't get as much visibility as a quest in the Quest Log folder. Since your quest is only one thread, you may consider asking the mods to move it.
I also vote for not ending the quest. It's spring break and Easter time. I always got less votes around the holidays.
There were also times in Hero, where I only had two voters. As I was using Hero to keep to a writing schedule, I persevered. I got more voters eventually.
Also, with all the site maintenance, your quest is buried far into the hosted projects. It doesn't get as much visibility as a quest in the Quest Log folder. Since your quest is only one thread, you may consider asking the mods to move it.
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
True, I hadn't considered the whole Easter thing. I'll give it a week or two more before making a final call on things.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
FUCKKKKKKKKKKK.
Well, the only thing reminding me of this roleplay is that tagging system. I mean, yeah, I think of this roleplay from time to time, but I really really need to be tagged to participate here. Sometimes, I just completely forget about this for a while.
>Rearguard
>Don't end the damned thing, JayTree. Just tag me and you can guarantee my attendance.
Well, the only thing reminding me of this roleplay is that tagging system. I mean, yeah, I think of this roleplay from time to time, but I really really need to be tagged to participate here. Sometimes, I just completely forget about this for a while.
>Rearguard
>Don't end the damned thing, JayTree. Just tag me and you can guarantee my attendance.
wonderandawe
Most likeky not a Sidereal
I watch the thread, so when there is a new vote, I get a red number. 
Silanon
Four Thousand Club
Same for me - though getting tagged certainly helps to not miss it by accident anyway. Also, I'd love to see this quest be continued.
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
>Rearguard.
"Alright, form up and move out!" Martin called to the assembled troops. They had taken position around the villagers, acting as an escort to the civilians who couldn't defend themselves from whatever dangers they might encounter during the journey to the Imperial city.
And there would be dangers, Martin had been explicit about that. With the Black King on the loose, not to mention the military forces that were at his call, the country side was predicted to become very unsafe very fast.
Hence, why Jason had taken Martin up on the offer to help with the escort. Sitting on top of a horse (which he loathed on principle for not having comfortable seats and air conditioning), Jason watched the majority of the remaining villagers and army depart, before moving out after cajoling his own horse to get going, as the contempt seemed mutual.
Thus began the the worst road trip ever. There were no rest stops on their three day journey, no places to resupply or settle down for a break. Nights were bitter cold without indoor heating, to say nothing of unsanitary thanks to a lack of plumbing. Food was awful, and consisted of meager rations that were dolled out in the most tightfisted of manner.
On some level, Jason knew he had it better than most. He was on a horse as opposed to walking like almost everyone else, due to his associations with Matilda and Martin he was considered one of the "elite" and got better food as a result. Despite this Jason couldn't help but become increasingly irate as they continued to advance. He did, thankfully, have the presence of mind to not make his irritation visible to anyone watching, as he understood the concept of group moral well enough to avoid that.
The source of his irritation was not unexpected, the simple lack of all the modern convinces were hard to go without, especially if you were raised with them. Even though things were easier for him he was still basically roughing it.
In retrospect, he was almost grateful when the fog started rolling it.
It was sundown on the second day, just a few minutes before the sun was fully beyond the horizon. A thick, almost opaque fog seemed to swell up from the ground, almost out of nowhere. That in and of itself was enough to get Jason on edge, as this had never happened for as long as he had been in this world. A quick look to the other men who were acting as rearguard with him only confirmed his fears.
"Vampires." Said Matilda. She had been drifting about between the advanced scouts, the civilian and the rearguard, making her presence known to provide people with a level of comfort that The Living God was present. "They raise the fog to sow confusion. Be on your guard." At her words, one of the other man took off to inform the central escort group that they were in trouble.
Out of the fog, they came. Two of them, one male and one female. They were pale as death, with jet black hair. The telltale I'm uncultured were also clearly visible, gleaming in the setting sunlight as the pair of them looked like a pair of hungry lions about to have a feast. At their back were what appeared to be more goblins, as well as men dressed in the garb of Martin's soldiers.
There was something distinctly off about them, however. The soldiers and goblins both were moving in a ragged, uncoordinated fashion, and did not seem to have any weapons. Instead, their limbs were swollen with muscle, bursting out of their clothing. The dull glow their eyes possessed also indicated that they were not in a natural state.
"Are you kidding me?" Jason said under his breath. The last thing he wanted to deal with right now were goddamn VAMPIRES!.
The two vampires eyed him with a look of scorn, before speaking at the same time in monotone. "The Master sends his regards." The female said. Her voice had a disharmonious tone, inflections and accents changing randomly. "Your tin men took many of his warriors. We took your fallen and now to seek revenge on his behalf."
Realization dawned on Jason. They were here on a mission from the Black King to attempt an assassination, or at the very least, make sure that they couldn't arrive at the Imperial City at full strength.
"I thought Vampires couldn't stand sunlight?" Jason asked, looking at the final rays of the setting sun.
"It's the fog." Matilda said. "It's thick with warding magic, and the sun is almost set."
Jason felt his frustrations starting to boil over. Of course, because vampires were always cheating jerks who never played by any consistent rules. Why would this time be different?
"Please tell me I can at least stab them to death." He said.
Matilda nodded, but before she could say anything, the Vampires spoke once more.
"Incarnate. Even your power cannot save everyone." Mocked the male, speaking in the same disharmonious tones as the female. "These simple creatures with you will not stop our hunt." At the last word, Jason understood why they hadn't simply intercepted them from the front.
Still, simple creature? To hell with that. He earned his degree, damnit.
"Hey!" He called, drawing attention to himself. "I'm a damned college graduate. People pay me god damn money for me to tell them how to solve their stupid problems, so how about you shut up about things you know nothing about." Goddamn vampires.
The vampires glanced in his direction, then continued to address Matilda. Jason didn't really hear what they were saying, as he was now barely containing his anger.
He was in this stupid world with stupid magic and stupid vampires and dragons and who knows what other shit, and they had the gall to just flat out ignore him?! Goddamn bullshit is what this was.
What do you do?
>Snap.
>Control yourself.
OOC
So how's that personality doing for you so far? Think it could use a bit of a tune up?
Also, posting now as I'll be at work during normal posting hours.
"Alright, form up and move out!" Martin called to the assembled troops. They had taken position around the villagers, acting as an escort to the civilians who couldn't defend themselves from whatever dangers they might encounter during the journey to the Imperial city.
And there would be dangers, Martin had been explicit about that. With the Black King on the loose, not to mention the military forces that were at his call, the country side was predicted to become very unsafe very fast.
Hence, why Jason had taken Martin up on the offer to help with the escort. Sitting on top of a horse (which he loathed on principle for not having comfortable seats and air conditioning), Jason watched the majority of the remaining villagers and army depart, before moving out after cajoling his own horse to get going, as the contempt seemed mutual.
Thus began the the worst road trip ever. There were no rest stops on their three day journey, no places to resupply or settle down for a break. Nights were bitter cold without indoor heating, to say nothing of unsanitary thanks to a lack of plumbing. Food was awful, and consisted of meager rations that were dolled out in the most tightfisted of manner.
On some level, Jason knew he had it better than most. He was on a horse as opposed to walking like almost everyone else, due to his associations with Matilda and Martin he was considered one of the "elite" and got better food as a result. Despite this Jason couldn't help but become increasingly irate as they continued to advance. He did, thankfully, have the presence of mind to not make his irritation visible to anyone watching, as he understood the concept of group moral well enough to avoid that.
The source of his irritation was not unexpected, the simple lack of all the modern convinces were hard to go without, especially if you were raised with them. Even though things were easier for him he was still basically roughing it.
In retrospect, he was almost grateful when the fog started rolling it.
It was sundown on the second day, just a few minutes before the sun was fully beyond the horizon. A thick, almost opaque fog seemed to swell up from the ground, almost out of nowhere. That in and of itself was enough to get Jason on edge, as this had never happened for as long as he had been in this world. A quick look to the other men who were acting as rearguard with him only confirmed his fears.
"Vampires." Said Matilda. She had been drifting about between the advanced scouts, the civilian and the rearguard, making her presence known to provide people with a level of comfort that The Living God was present. "They raise the fog to sow confusion. Be on your guard." At her words, one of the other man took off to inform the central escort group that they were in trouble.
Out of the fog, they came. Two of them, one male and one female. They were pale as death, with jet black hair. The telltale I'm uncultured were also clearly visible, gleaming in the setting sunlight as the pair of them looked like a pair of hungry lions about to have a feast. At their back were what appeared to be more goblins, as well as men dressed in the garb of Martin's soldiers.
There was something distinctly off about them, however. The soldiers and goblins both were moving in a ragged, uncoordinated fashion, and did not seem to have any weapons. Instead, their limbs were swollen with muscle, bursting out of their clothing. The dull glow their eyes possessed also indicated that they were not in a natural state.
"Are you kidding me?" Jason said under his breath. The last thing he wanted to deal with right now were goddamn VAMPIRES!.
The two vampires eyed him with a look of scorn, before speaking at the same time in monotone. "The Master sends his regards." The female said. Her voice had a disharmonious tone, inflections and accents changing randomly. "Your tin men took many of his warriors. We took your fallen and now to seek revenge on his behalf."
Realization dawned on Jason. They were here on a mission from the Black King to attempt an assassination, or at the very least, make sure that they couldn't arrive at the Imperial City at full strength.
"I thought Vampires couldn't stand sunlight?" Jason asked, looking at the final rays of the setting sun.
"It's the fog." Matilda said. "It's thick with warding magic, and the sun is almost set."
Jason felt his frustrations starting to boil over. Of course, because vampires were always cheating jerks who never played by any consistent rules. Why would this time be different?
"Please tell me I can at least stab them to death." He said.
Matilda nodded, but before she could say anything, the Vampires spoke once more.
"Incarnate. Even your power cannot save everyone." Mocked the male, speaking in the same disharmonious tones as the female. "These simple creatures with you will not stop our hunt." At the last word, Jason understood why they hadn't simply intercepted them from the front.
Still, simple creature? To hell with that. He earned his degree, damnit.
"Hey!" He called, drawing attention to himself. "I'm a damned college graduate. People pay me god damn money for me to tell them how to solve their stupid problems, so how about you shut up about things you know nothing about." Goddamn vampires.
The vampires glanced in his direction, then continued to address Matilda. Jason didn't really hear what they were saying, as he was now barely containing his anger.
He was in this stupid world with stupid magic and stupid vampires and dragons and who knows what other shit, and they had the gall to just flat out ignore him?! Goddamn bullshit is what this was.
What do you do?
>Snap.
>Control yourself.
OOC
So how's that personality doing for you so far? Think it could use a bit of a tune up?
Also, posting now as I'll be at work during normal posting hours.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
>Control yourself.
Nah, Jason seems more like a chill person if you ask me. It is my belief that his best strength is staying graceful under pressure and he does not seem like the aggressive type of guy that would pick a fight if he didn't see it as worth it. Sure, Jason would have fought the vampires if they killed some of his buddies, but he isn't going to lose control all because they ignored him. The last thing we need is for him to break character by acting like an idiot. He just isn't cut out for that stupid stuff since he's smarter than that. Unless there is a strong justification for his actions he won't be doing anything reckless.
Jason's personality is fine by me, he doesn't need any changes. We've been with Jason for months already, but I do not want a major revamp of his character just yet. In my eyes, the story is just getting started and he does not have any real reasons to change.
BUT, you can slowly change his personality by making him be forced to make difficult decisions. The path that Jason chooses will shape his personality. And personally, I don't think keeping your cool in the face of magical vampires isn't such a tough decision. You're going to have to come up with something better than that if you want me to make Jason change.
This is what I think. What are your thoughts, guys?
Nah, Jason seems more like a chill person if you ask me. It is my belief that his best strength is staying graceful under pressure and he does not seem like the aggressive type of guy that would pick a fight if he didn't see it as worth it. Sure, Jason would have fought the vampires if they killed some of his buddies, but he isn't going to lose control all because they ignored him. The last thing we need is for him to break character by acting like an idiot. He just isn't cut out for that stupid stuff since he's smarter than that. Unless there is a strong justification for his actions he won't be doing anything reckless.
Jason's personality is fine by me, he doesn't need any changes. We've been with Jason for months already, but I do not want a major revamp of his character just yet. In my eyes, the story is just getting started and he does not have any real reasons to change.
BUT, you can slowly change his personality by making him be forced to make difficult decisions. The path that Jason chooses will shape his personality. And personally, I don't think keeping your cool in the face of magical vampires isn't such a tough decision. You're going to have to come up with something better than that if you want me to make Jason change.
This is what I think. What are your thoughts, guys?
Silanon
Four Thousand Club
>Control yourself.
I tend to agree here: I feel like this is a rather abrupt change of personality that does not quite fit with what we've seen thus far. Not talking about the first part (we've seen Jason's frustrations with this world a couple of times, and it's one of the main things influencing his character), but the words addressing the vampires directly. Thus far, he never appeared to be a person that wants to be in the spotlight. He always felt like someone who primarily wanted to go home, but then help out because it was the right thing to do - not someone who longs for recognition. Besides that, I'd rather expect him to have Gregori in mind than his degree - thus far, he felt like people were quite important to him, and the old man died only two days ago (I think? Maybe three?). If he reacts angrily, I'd expect him to mention his heritage, not his degree. He's well aware of the difference between both worlds - especially after two days full of thoughts about every damn little thing he's missing during the ride. Let them know that he fought against their goddamn joke of a Black King, and that he survived even though he learnt using magic only a few days ago - don't mention a degree that has no meaning in this world, he's too clever for that.
Just my thoughts, and they probably don't make any sense. I'm all for a slow change of personality as he grows into his role in this world - just feel like this is too much of a jump from one moment to the next.
I tend to agree here: I feel like this is a rather abrupt change of personality that does not quite fit with what we've seen thus far. Not talking about the first part (we've seen Jason's frustrations with this world a couple of times, and it's one of the main things influencing his character), but the words addressing the vampires directly. Thus far, he never appeared to be a person that wants to be in the spotlight. He always felt like someone who primarily wanted to go home, but then help out because it was the right thing to do - not someone who longs for recognition. Besides that, I'd rather expect him to have Gregori in mind than his degree - thus far, he felt like people were quite important to him, and the old man died only two days ago (I think? Maybe three?). If he reacts angrily, I'd expect him to mention his heritage, not his degree. He's well aware of the difference between both worlds - especially after two days full of thoughts about every damn little thing he's missing during the ride. Let them know that he fought against their goddamn joke of a Black King, and that he survived even though he learnt using magic only a few days ago - don't mention a degree that has no meaning in this world, he's too clever for that.
Just my thoughts, and they probably don't make any sense. I'm all for a slow change of personality as he grows into his role in this world - just feel like this is too much of a jump from one moment to the next.
wonderandawe
Most likeky not a Sidereal
> Control Yourself
Jason worked in IT and from my experience those people handle pressure well.
Now, it is possible Jason may break down after the battle. When the adrenaline wears off and he can think about what happened during the battle. Maybe afterwards he freaks out and takes his sword to a tree or something strange.
Jason worked in IT and from my experience those people handle pressure well.
Now, it is possible Jason may break down after the battle. When the adrenaline wears off and he can think about what happened during the battle. Maybe afterwards he freaks out and takes his sword to a tree or something strange.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
It DOES make sense, Silanon. Don't sell yourself short but I like how you keep your pride in check.
Yeah, you basically said everything that needed to be said. Nothing for me to add here... I guess.
Or what if a magic tree creature gets the jump on Jason and he draws his sword out in surprise?
wonderandawe
Most likeky not a Sidereal
Well, then he can play his freak out off as "I was defending myself! yeah! Totally Defending myself!"
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
On second thought, anyone who was jumped on by a walking tree would probably draw out their sword in self-defense. So that excuse is actually pretty good.
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
To be fair, him snapping isn't about to turn him in to a raving lunatic. This is more of a chance to determine if we want him to be more assertive and demanding control of his own destiny or not.
The pressures of this world have been building for a while now, and it seems like a good opportunity to have a reevaluation of who Jason is and his place in this new world. Like I said, its a tune up, not a revamp.
The pressures of this world have been building for a while now, and it seems like a good opportunity to have a reevaluation of who Jason is and his place in this new world. Like I said, its a tune up, not a revamp.
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Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
So in the end, you were just trying to determine if we wanted to take a more active approach when dealing with people. I just didn't want Jason to tussle with dangerous vampires so early in the story. It felt like I was playing with fire here and I didn't want to get burned. There are better ways to make Jason to take control of his own destiny without risking his neck so much. He has power, but he does not have to fight every time. Battle takes its toll on mind, body and soul and there's a chance that you'll not be so lucky to make it out alive.
To be fair though, whether Jason decides to strike first or not, the vampires are clearly going to be a threat sooner or later. I just believe that it's better to be safe than sorry for now. Matilda's talking it out with the vampires and you can trust her to do what's right in the end. Have some faith in her since she knows what's best for us.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
JayTree, where are you?!
Silanon
Four Thousand Club
It's not quite the time for him to post yet, right? I usually find his posts at some point between Friday evening and Saturday morning, so it'd be at least a few more hours from now...
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
Just thought I'd appear to give him some support! I want him to know that there's someone always rooting for him. I want to see JayTree make a beautiful story with my own eyes, and the people that matter will be there to see it.
JayTee
Eight Thousand Club
>Control yourself.
His temper boiled just below the surface, but with a supreme effort of will, Jason managed to take that anger and frustration and shove it down inside him where he could safely ignore it. Odds are that wouldn't work well in the long run, but for now he didn't care. Right now he needed a level head to deal with the vampires and their army of undead.
They were currently attempting to banter with Matilda, alternating between mocking monologs and threats. They way there were going at it was so typical it was almost a stereotype. Matilda didn't seem to want to give them the satisfaction of rising to their bait, nor reacting to any threats they made. Likewise, Jason could tell that the vampires weren't growing board of monologging about how doomed they and the rest of the caravan were any time soon.
So he blew them up.
The ring on his finger flashed crimson as he triggered it, a bead of light no larger than his fingernail shot forth at speeds almost too fast to see, striking the ground under one of the vampire's feet. The instant it made contact, it blossomed in to a massive fireball that shook the ground like the fury of an angry god.
For several seconds after the blast, Jason could hear nothing but high pitched ringing. His vision had gone blurry as well, and he had to struggle to maintain his balance as a wave of nausea overtook him. In retrospect, it was not a smart idea to be within several dozen meters of a spell that was effectively an artillery strike.
The ringing and blurry vision subsided, and Jason surveyed his work. The vampires and several of their undead minions had been pulverized by the explosion, and lay strewn about in one or more pieces. A thick cloud of dirt filled the air, and small fires could be seen dotting the breadth of the crater that had been left behind as a result of the explosion.
A scream of rage suddenly burst out from the cloud of debris, and Jason could see a figure struggling to stand up from inside the crater.
"YOU!" The figure roared, and Jason could see it was one of the vampires. "How DARE you!" It continued to scream. It finally stood upright, and Jason could see that it's body was ravaged thanks to the explosion. It's whole body was shredded and burned, muscle and organs could be seen under skin that had been incinerated. The vampire's left arm was completely gone, and the left half of it's chest was missing most of it's... everything. Despite this, the damned thing was still alive! It's eyes glowed with a fiery red light that was soon mimicked in every undead minion behind it.
"I will tear off your head and feast on your blood! I will take-" What exactly the vampire intended to take form Jason was unknown, as Matilda was standing before the vampire, sword drawn. She had moved so fast that Jason hadn't even seen it happen until he realized where she was.
The vampire screamed in rage again, and tried to attack Matilda in it's fury. It's flails were utterly ineffectual, and before it could even come close to her, Matilda's sword had separated the top half of it's head from the rest of it's lower half in a single swipe of her blade.
The red glow of the vampire's eyes, now in four distinct locations, grew dull, and in turn so did the lights in the eyes of the undead behind it. One by one, they fell to the ground in a heap of motionless meat. Matilda observed them for a moment, before coming to some kind of conclusion and turned her back to them, facing Jason.
"Well." She said, surveying his handiwork. "I do appreciate a pre-emptive strike, but please do not use that spell so recklessly." She said.
"I'll try to avoid that in the future." Jason said, still feeling some resents of the after effects of the blast. "What happened to them?" He asked, pointing at the undead hoard.
"Without a master, the living dead cannot function." Matilda said, looking back at the now rotting bodies. "I was waiting for the right moment to launch an attack myself to avoid losing the vampires in a sea of corpses, but you beat me too it. Well done."
"Yeah, well I figured if you were going to be a big shiny distraction I might as well make use of it." Jason said. It was technically true that he had intended it as a preemptive strike, but if he was completely honest with himself, there was also a small part of him that just wanted to blow up a bunch of stupid vampire assholes.
Because fuck vampires.
The sound of hoofbeats caught their attention, and Jason turned around to see that several armed men here bearing down on them. The reinforcements that one of the rearguard riders had gone off to retrieve.
They looked quite impressive, armor gleaming in the moonlight, spears at the ready, sharpened to a razor point. Jason could tell by the seriousness on their faces and the speed of their gallop that they were approaching with every intent to murder everything that was not an ally. Of course, the work had already been done by Jason and Matilda, and the knights could see that as they slowed their mounts to a canter, and eventually a full stop.
Jason watched as their eyes traced the ruins of the vampire's bodies, to the fallen corpses that they had enslaved. He knew, just by watching, that they were about to profess their thanks and admiration for Matilda, who stood in the center of the crater, surrounded by bodies and ruined earth.
What do you do?
>Take credit for what you did.
>Let Matilda take credit for it.
His temper boiled just below the surface, but with a supreme effort of will, Jason managed to take that anger and frustration and shove it down inside him where he could safely ignore it. Odds are that wouldn't work well in the long run, but for now he didn't care. Right now he needed a level head to deal with the vampires and their army of undead.
They were currently attempting to banter with Matilda, alternating between mocking monologs and threats. They way there were going at it was so typical it was almost a stereotype. Matilda didn't seem to want to give them the satisfaction of rising to their bait, nor reacting to any threats they made. Likewise, Jason could tell that the vampires weren't growing board of monologging about how doomed they and the rest of the caravan were any time soon.
So he blew them up.
The ring on his finger flashed crimson as he triggered it, a bead of light no larger than his fingernail shot forth at speeds almost too fast to see, striking the ground under one of the vampire's feet. The instant it made contact, it blossomed in to a massive fireball that shook the ground like the fury of an angry god.
For several seconds after the blast, Jason could hear nothing but high pitched ringing. His vision had gone blurry as well, and he had to struggle to maintain his balance as a wave of nausea overtook him. In retrospect, it was not a smart idea to be within several dozen meters of a spell that was effectively an artillery strike.
The ringing and blurry vision subsided, and Jason surveyed his work. The vampires and several of their undead minions had been pulverized by the explosion, and lay strewn about in one or more pieces. A thick cloud of dirt filled the air, and small fires could be seen dotting the breadth of the crater that had been left behind as a result of the explosion.
A scream of rage suddenly burst out from the cloud of debris, and Jason could see a figure struggling to stand up from inside the crater.
"YOU!" The figure roared, and Jason could see it was one of the vampires. "How DARE you!" It continued to scream. It finally stood upright, and Jason could see that it's body was ravaged thanks to the explosion. It's whole body was shredded and burned, muscle and organs could be seen under skin that had been incinerated. The vampire's left arm was completely gone, and the left half of it's chest was missing most of it's... everything. Despite this, the damned thing was still alive! It's eyes glowed with a fiery red light that was soon mimicked in every undead minion behind it.
"I will tear off your head and feast on your blood! I will take-" What exactly the vampire intended to take form Jason was unknown, as Matilda was standing before the vampire, sword drawn. She had moved so fast that Jason hadn't even seen it happen until he realized where she was.
The vampire screamed in rage again, and tried to attack Matilda in it's fury. It's flails were utterly ineffectual, and before it could even come close to her, Matilda's sword had separated the top half of it's head from the rest of it's lower half in a single swipe of her blade.
The red glow of the vampire's eyes, now in four distinct locations, grew dull, and in turn so did the lights in the eyes of the undead behind it. One by one, they fell to the ground in a heap of motionless meat. Matilda observed them for a moment, before coming to some kind of conclusion and turned her back to them, facing Jason.
"Well." She said, surveying his handiwork. "I do appreciate a pre-emptive strike, but please do not use that spell so recklessly." She said.
"I'll try to avoid that in the future." Jason said, still feeling some resents of the after effects of the blast. "What happened to them?" He asked, pointing at the undead hoard.
"Without a master, the living dead cannot function." Matilda said, looking back at the now rotting bodies. "I was waiting for the right moment to launch an attack myself to avoid losing the vampires in a sea of corpses, but you beat me too it. Well done."
"Yeah, well I figured if you were going to be a big shiny distraction I might as well make use of it." Jason said. It was technically true that he had intended it as a preemptive strike, but if he was completely honest with himself, there was also a small part of him that just wanted to blow up a bunch of stupid vampire assholes.
Because fuck vampires.
The sound of hoofbeats caught their attention, and Jason turned around to see that several armed men here bearing down on them. The reinforcements that one of the rearguard riders had gone off to retrieve.
They looked quite impressive, armor gleaming in the moonlight, spears at the ready, sharpened to a razor point. Jason could tell by the seriousness on their faces and the speed of their gallop that they were approaching with every intent to murder everything that was not an ally. Of course, the work had already been done by Jason and Matilda, and the knights could see that as they slowed their mounts to a canter, and eventually a full stop.
Jason watched as their eyes traced the ruins of the vampire's bodies, to the fallen corpses that they had enslaved. He knew, just by watching, that they were about to profess their thanks and admiration for Matilda, who stood in the center of the crater, surrounded by bodies and ruined earth.
What do you do?
>Take credit for what you did.
>Let Matilda take credit for it.