Active [Fae See - Strawtinlen River] River of Redemption I: The hunt before The Eclipse

[DarkKitsune]

Hello! This roleplay is a part of the Isekai Hell roleplay community in Hosted Projects! To learn more click here! This roleplay will be on a weekly schedule I’ll try to post every monday if that doesn’t happen rest assured it’ll be kept at 1 post weekly! [Advanced rules] will be loosely in play during combat. This is a two part roleplay series.

Characters and Goals:
DarkKitsune - Cheshire Charmel: Change race to Fae Racial tree, change this asset —> anything and everything that relates to race, character is now part of the monster tree. They will be treated well by monster allies and shown contempt by Monster Enemies. —> to place him on Fae tree instead of Monster tree.

NachoGod Qamar Kubas: Find information on her brother and potential Western Empire slavers who has him

Elvario Deliverance: Change race to Fae Racial tree, change this asset —> anything and everything that relates to race, character is now part of the monster tree. They will be treated well by monster allies and shown contempt by Monster Enemies. —> to place him on Fae tree instead of Monster tree.

Tellussoil Noelle: make new friends and learn Sylvan

Rev IX Ryan Kylieth: gather potential clientele, gather supplies for black smithing
OOC COMMUNICATION IS ENCOURAGED
—

over in The Fae See of Chearon,,, the light of the sun gleamed on the flora below, the sounds of chirping being heard through the air like whispers as water from nearby rivers flowed down their paths. The Fae See Adventurers guild was empty, although it existed this branch of the adventurers guild was not something frequented. However on the board for the guild there still, yielded a request; a job for any nearby adventurers that may be interested. The contents of the request read as follows in messy handwriting:

Greetings, To whomever adventurer finds
This plea. Not many put in jobs at The Adventurers Guild in this country, So I expect it to fail. But to cut
Straight to the point and job At hand:
I need help gathering supplies, As well as a group willing to search with me through the next few days
To find a spot near Strawtenlin River to conduct a race-changing ritual in two days.

Fitting Criteria for the job is as follows:
Doesn’t mind working with someone
Of the monster tree with no hostility,
Willing to keep a 10ft distance of me for their safety,
this is due to my Condition sucking the life force of people Within a 10ft radius of me.

I’ll aid as a guide and healer
Payment for joining this quest is by See of Chaeron
Standard will be service by service payment. Just tell
Me what you need and I’ll see it done. Meet me at the
The mouth of Strawtenlin River by sunset - Cheshire
—


Time would grow to a close near the water bank sitting next to the three mile wide mouth of Strawtinlen river was a person in tattered and burnt clothes sitting and waiting to see if anyone was willing to take up the job…






​

​

 

[NachoGod]

Qamar Kubas

Language: Sylvan
Interactions: DarkKitsune

It had been a mere week since Qamar had left Nevaeta, Yet in that time she had found herself lost and could not seem to find the right way to go. Turns out she did not have a very good sense of direction, a problem compounded by having no idea where to begin looking. Eventually she found herself in a small town whose name she promptly forgot and upon wandering further would find a job board where she would read the request. Upon discovering a chance for more information about her brother’s possible whereabouts she made up her mind rather quickly. Granted she had to ask for directions to the river but that was easy enough, she would find the riverbank and begin a journey south to the rivers mouth.
~~~
Getting to the rivers mouth was a rather tedious process, the walk wasn’t particularly difficult, and she would often decide to take to wing on occasion because such locomotion was more comfortable. What made it tedious was the ample distractions. She spotted a couple of fishermen and would make small talk while watching them before remembering she had places to be. Next she would find herself growing a bit drowsy and would find a soft patch of clovers to nap in, only awakening after realizing there was a anthill there, luckily their bites weren’t too painful. Her final distraction would come in the form of a rabbit caught in a hunters snare.

“you poor little creature!” She would say in her twin toned voice as she reached down to free the critter from the trap, unfortunately she noticed its foot was broken. “Don’t you worry little miss fluffy, ill make it stop hurting for you.” She would say softly as she lifted it from the ground and looked at it with a merciful gaze. A split second afterwards she would thrust her proboscis into the rabbits chest, easily penetrating its ribcage and making contact with the heart. Walking with the rabbit for several more meters as she drained it of its lifeblood she would finally find the rivers mouth and spot a lone figure sitting there with tattered clothes.

“Helloooo, are you that Cheshire fellow that posted on the adventurers job board?” She would ask after her proboscis had retracted. Her voice sounding as if two people were speaking simultaneously. “If so i have brought you something to eat.” She would say smiling, coming to a stop about twelve feet back maintaining some distance. One wouldnt need to be very observant to see she was a tad nervous, this was her first official job from a guild. Her lower set of arms had their hands clasped together in front of her navel while The other pair offered forth the rabbits carcass, left hand holding its ears while the right cradled its lower body. By now it was completely drained of fluids and would easily be skinned and cooked.

DarkKitsune
​

Spoiler: Summary

Qamar wanders aimlessly and finds a job board, Meanders down the river being distracted many times before encountering Cheshire. She offers him a dead rabbit she has drank dry

Skills used: Flight F, Penetrating F

​

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: Cheshire DarkKitsune | Qamar NachoGod | Ninelle SilverFeathers

Things had been blurry. He recalled reawakening as something different in those Dark Tunnels in the bug nest. He also recalled trying his best with the rest of the war effort. Helping scout ahead in battles, putting his allies in favourable positions, helping hold on to the See's land, helping relay information about the Queen of that hive. Yet all of it had felt almost unnatural, as it'd passed him all by in a daze filled by a mixture of an unnatural sense of duty and a struggle for his brain and new form of existence to adjust to one another.

It'd also made him bitter. Bitter about their horrible faith in those tunnels the sheer lack of preparedness they'd been sent into battle with by their superiors and bitter about the current fate of his lover. The fact that he'd turned into a Wraith was one thing, but seeing her in her state of undead, twisted by the very nature she'd fought to protect... It had him angered and frustrated. The only 'upside' was that it seemed his own undead being made it possible to keep her close. As she was either sleeping in his breast-pocket right now, or in a deep coma depending on is Silver Joins or not.

That said, all endings were also the start of something new. In this case, the quest for him to return to his 'normal' form, as he'd learned this form of 'Ethereal' was a far cry from the one he longed for. This contained only the wild, uncontrolled, destructive elements, which were fascinating, but not the end-goal. The end goal was to find the blissful, peaceful, the overwhelmingly good type.

It's why learning of the new quest was like a sign from the Spirit King himself. Exactly what he'd needed. A race-changing ritual. The criteria also seemed awfully familiar... He'd approach an odd scene. Some sort of moth creature and and a orange-ish.. Human? Maybe. He wasn't sure what the boy was originally. Seeing how he looked, Deliverance figured it might very well be their quest-giver. Keeping his own 10-feet+ distance from both him and the moth, he'd speak up. “You. Did you ask for people to help you get to the ritual?” He spoke, direct, almost impatient.

“Is this something that can be done by multiple people?” He asked, although as he did, part of him reminded some 'polite' behaviour might be warranted. Like an explanation. “From seeing you and hearing about your condition, I feel the same fate might've befallen us.” He'd speak. “Let me guess... You too, were involved in the war efforts against the bugs? You too, decided to try to keep on fighting, even past death... yet you too, were cast aside as a [monster] in the end, whilst those that surrendered to death and gave up fighting got resurrected as normal beings, whom are now honoured as Hero's of the nation?” His words were like vomit in their acidity, bitterness and in the way he couldn't help spew them. Perhaps a part of his [monstrous] nature already starting to show through... or a justified complaint regarding how the real hero's of that war were treated.

“If you are, I should say, starting a letter with stating that you'll fail is normally doomed to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” He'd eye the boy, wondering how old he was. Probably young. Too young. “We'd best both keep our distance just be to safe, though you'll find I have very little life to take in my current state of being.” He then turned to the moth. “As for you, I'd suggest you stay away from me as well. Unless you agree to being hit with disrupting magic energy, becoming disoriented, suffering headaches, dizziness, hallucinations and feel like the full wild force of Ethereal itself violently calls you into its embrace. You'd also risk to age and rot where you stand.”

 

[DarkKitsune]

Spoiler: ACTIVE TITLES! IMPORTANT! READ ME!

[LUMINOUS WRAITH] -Deliverance has been reanimated as a Luminous Wraith, an ethereal undead form that channels pure, raw magic. His translucent body shimmers with arcane energy and the light within him flickers like a dying star.
While his form is ghostly, he has retained his connection to magic, casting spells that weave through the arcane plane. His existence is both fragile and dangerous, as his magic is now more unstable and volatile, yet he retains his ability to interact with the material plane same as before.
Deliverance's unstable magical form radiates waves of arcane energy that interfere with the natural world. This energy can disrupt nearby magic, causing spells to be more likely to misfire, enchantments to weaken, or even unravel entirely. His ghostly presence also distorts the atmosphere, causing fluctuations in light and temperature, with cold drafts often accompanying him. For those around him, living near his arcane power creates a disorienting, almost haunting sensation, as if they are constantly on the verge of entering another plane of existence. The unpredictable surges of his magic can also induce headaches, dizziness, or hallucinations in others.
[Lich]- Cheshire has been reanimated as a Lich, a magical undead once a magic user full of potential. Living characters around the lich have their vitality sapped from them, reducing it by one grade for those within 10 ft of the Lich.

NARRATORS NOTE: STAY 10FT AWAY FROM THESE CHARACTERS OF THIS IS FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE CHARACTERS WILL EXPERIENCE THESE EFFECTS.

Spoiler: Color coding

To prevent confusion here are some color codes for the characters
Cheshire Charmel
Asher
Echinacea
Caspian

​

“Yes that would be me…”

he answers in response to the Fae in front of him, this was not a fae type he was familiar with regardless it wasn’t as if it mattered, he was just happy he was capable of receiving any aid, she kept her distance, and while it hurt he understood. After all, he had been the one to administer that warning. When he was offered the rabbit his response was.

“Oh…thank you, but I do not need to eat. But if you keep the rabbit on you I could cook it during our travels. You and anyone else that could be joining may need it after all.”

He told her in an attempt to improvise, there wasn’t any lie one of the things he lost besides his humanity and soul had been the need to eat it wasn’t a function Cheshire had anymore. Upon Deliverance’s arrival, he nodded in response to the question.

“That would be me, my name is Cheshire. Hmmm, I believe so.”

At first, it was a seemingly odd request until the Wraith continued talking. He nodded with a sigh.

“Yes, I was involved in the war, I was human but I was raised by a Fae couple here in the See, despite them having me leave send sending me to Ryke for my safety I decided to get involved. I thought it was only natural to want to help my home. I aided the supply camp, but one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was burning to death trying to stop a fire. I may have been resurrected as a Monster, but I am glad to be able to see my home no longer being at war, this is about redemption after all.”

He curtly nods at Deliverence's warning.

“Well, That tracks.. anyway what do you wish in return for helping me in all this?”


A nearby bush started to shake catching Cheshire’s attention, before three small Fae flew up into the air, their appearances in tune with the connections of nature they represented.

“Sprites?”

He murmured curiously, while the red-haired Sprite flew up to the crew mainly keeping the same distance as Qamar. He spoke up,

“Gotta say, this is all quite suspicious never thought I’d see a monster show any signs of intelligence, be nonaggressive, and try to change species. Quite the strange thing to see.”

Cheshire looked at the Sprite before asking.

“Are you here to help or?-“

The fire sprite continues “Maybe, possibly, our curiosity has been peaked and if genuine something to gain!”

Another Sprite flew up next to her companion with blonde and pink hair, a white flower crown in her hair, she said “or maybe to make sure no harm comes to the Chearon!”

The blue ones hid behind them, though they didn’t have anything to add.

“So…babysitters?” Cheshire asked, tilting his head.

“I prefer the term temporary officer!”

Cheshire sighs. “Right, what are your names anyway?

The fire sprite replied, “I’m Asher, these are my friends Echinacea and Caspian.”

Cheshire nods. “Pleasure to meet you three…I guess, what do you want in return?”

“If there’s you’re being genuine we’ll find it on the way!” Echinacea spoke readjusting the flower crown in her hair.

Cheshire then pulled out a book.

“Right, we should probably prepare to head out soon, so here is what we need to look for first the ritual is in three parts.


Cheshire opened the book and skimmed a few pages before pointing at a blue flower with interesting markings.

“These are called River Rosettes. They grow near rivers that have higher mana concentrations in multiples. We only need four, although usually they are used for healing purposes…according to the book at least.”

He turned the page to another flower, the drawing making the petals have a more flame-based look to it. “Emberblooms, are typically found growing from piles of ash. They have the properties of fire magic the book doesn’t state any other uses though.”
He flipped the page once more. This flower looked more normal with subtle changes. “Mudpoppy, similar to the River Rossette grow near rivers of high mana concentration except of growing in the water they grow in the muddled dirt areas on the sides of the river.”
He then flipped the page and held up the book to show a picture of yet another flower. “Aeriel Blossoms grow in shady areas, the wind blows the flower away once they’ve matured, so we need them not fully grown.”

He closes the book.

“Any questions?”
—
Elvario NachoGod Tellussoil ​

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: Cheshire DarkKitsune
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

“Good.” He'd reply to Cheshire's confirmation. “Deliverance.” He'd return his own name. Though his very name felt like a mocking of himself in his current state. He scoffed at the kid's innocent view on things. Even so, he did have to admit there was some truth to it. “Perhaps. Though I can't help loathing how those that fled are honoured, whilst those that kept fighting ended up [monsters] and outcasts like us.” His hand gently moved to his chest, hovering over a breast-pocket for a bit, before he shook his head. “Never mind that.”

As for what he wanted, it was very simple. “I'd like for myself and... Someone else... to attempt this ritual as well.” He hoped Ninelle would be able join, or awaken, or that something would happen to make it work. Perhaps... perhaps he could resolve this for her, so she'd not even have to wake up in this nightmarish state. That would be ideal. “Preferably the other first. Can you use this ritual on someone else?” He asked, having some hope, though not a lot.

He took a few steps back, ensuring the spirits wouldn't get too close to him and die. They seemed fragile enough for a single wave of his ethereal energy to kill them. “{You'd best stay back from me, if you value your lives.}” He warned them. There was no hostility in his voice, just a genuine warning.

Something snapped when one of those three mentioned harm coming to the See. “We became this way because we fought and gave our lives for this very nation, only to be brought back like this and shunned. Don't you dare insinuate we'd destroy it, or you'll starting making me cave in to this nagging [monstrous] voice in the back of my head and turn your words into their own self-fulling prophecy.” This time, there was anger in his voice, lots of it. If he'd been recovering his emotions since meeting Ninelle, he was lately discovering how deep hatred could root and how intense anger could grow. Perhaps the [monster] having taken root and needing constant suppression.

The next bit surprised him. “Flower picking?” That seemed almost ridiculous. “How come these aren't sold, grown in gardens or replaced by concentrates or dried variations?” Going to pick flowers felt like a huge waste of time and energy, so he hoped there was some good reason they apparently took the long way around by going to get them themselves.

His fingers crackled as a wave of [Ethereal] energy released around him. Those that happened to be looking at him would've seen him fade in and out of existence, part of him almost becoming entirely see-through, like it was pulled into some void, whilst another was just glimmering bright colours. The area around him seemed to have gone dark for a moment, as the temperature had decreased ever so slightly. He clicked his tongue. “It seems to become more frequent. Perhaps worse, before long. Best we make haste.” He had no clue if this could get worse or if it'd instead end up balancing out in the end.

He looked to the three spirits. For a moment, he weighed his options. Then he'd carefully take Ninelle out of his breast pocket and show her to them. “{You three, if you are truly here to aid us, I shall reveal to you that this is the fate that has befallen the Hero of Wisdom. If you wish to aid a true hero of your nation, help me return her to her former state.}” He stated, showing them the comatose, continuously decaying and regrowing Fairy. “{You'd have done a far greater service to your nation than many of the supposed 'hero's' that returned from the latest efforts against the bugs. I can guarantee you that much.}”

 

[Tellussoil]

Noelle Nichi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With: DarkKitsune | Elvario | NachoGod

abilities:
Mermaid form - [Transformation F]: Noelle transforms into her mermaid form. Gaining Gills and her fishtail instead of lungs and legs. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
Language: "Common" ~ <"Beastial">
​

Spoiler: TLDR

​

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Another day, another adventure. Noelle was walking along the riverside on her way to her new contract. This was her first time in the See after travelling with her friend halfway to their destiny before she went to do her own thing. And to be honest. It was a nice change of pace after she had been on the frozen slopes of the Paizu mountain for so long. Being in a more moderate climate now felt good.
The mermaid looked at a small piece of paper on which job details job were written. It was by coincidence that she stumbled on the listing. Or was it really a coincidence? Travelling through the See was strange. But she always knew wherever she went she could go to the adventurers guild to find her way. Although the guild in these parts was far less occupied than she was used to in Ryken. Nonetheless, she has a goal now.

The objective was easy. A standard gathering quest so they could do some ritual. Although some of the conditions were a bit unusual. The fact they asked for willingness to work with someone who was a [monster] didn’t bother the girl. If someone needs help, she is always willing to help regardless of who or what they are. And if she can get compensated then that was just a big plus. But for this quest, it was rather vague what the reward was. Normally there is a cash reward. Sometimes with a few extra bonuses. But this request works on a “service for service” rewards structure whatever that entails. Whatever it means there was only one way to find out.

"AARG!! How far is it still!?" she complained seemingly to no one. She’s been walking along the river for what felt like hours now while in reality, it wasn’t even that long. She has gotten some directions to where the meeting point should be. However, her unfamiliarity with the area and slight language barrier did not make it any easier for her. "screw this. I don’t want to be late. I just need to make sure I don’t overshoot the location" she said to herself as she put the note in her bag.

She walked to the edge of the water and looked over it. "been a while since i did this…" She took a few steps back and took a deep breath. "Okay… here it goes" Noelle ran up to the water’s edge and dived into the water transforming into her [mermaid form] as she hit the water. She resurfaced a couple of metres from where she dived in. "That went well I must say. Kinda forgot how it felt to have my fishtail." She started to swim around a bit getting used again to swimming with her tail before remembering why she dove into the water.
"Right right… the assignment" Noelle started to swim parallel to the river’s edge. This was way faster than walking [swim speed D]. And also more fun. She kept an eye on the shore from time to time to see if she could spot the contractor.

After a while of swimming, she spotted a small group of people and some sprites. " found them" Noelle swam up to the group appearing as a shadow beneath the water's surface. When she got close to the shore Noelle popped her head above the water’s surface "Hello..are you guys here for the gatherer guild request?" she asked looking towards the people there.
She was quick to notice the pale-looking guy in tattered clothes with several yellow glowing patches all over his body. She noticed the book he was holding so she suspected this to be the contractor. She got an unsettling feeling from watching him. Then there was the ghostly guy that faded in and out of existence. That guy really gave her the heebie-jeebies. Still, Noelle was not going to judge a book on its cover. She averted her eyes to the last person on the shore. It was a moth lady. Noelle silently felt a bit relieved to see, what she thinks is, another beastkin here. It makes her feel a bit at ease. Noelle remained hanging in the water waiting for confirmation whether these people were the ones she was looking for.

 

[NachoGod]

Qamar Kabus

Language: Sylvan
Interactions: Cheshire ( DarkKitsune )
Deliverance ( Elvario )
Noelle ( Tellussoil )
~~~
Qamar would look briefly flustered that her offering was declined but would find herself quickly distracted as another person approached. This one had bright eyes and gave off a feeling of danger…one that was confirmed when he listed the dangerous effects that he radiated. Qamar would smile nervously at the being named deliverance while she fluttered backwards a little closer to the river. She would seem to light up in amusement when the three sprites came out and flitted about, she would silently nickname them within her mind Ashi, Echi, and Caspi. Giggling to herself she would commit the names to her limited memory as she listened to cheshire read the instructions out of his book. “Wait…so if we need flowers…well isn’t your Curse going to make it a little hard for you? Your friend here and you cant really get close to the flowers without killing them…” she would mutter out wondering if their aura’s even worked that way.

Luckily she didn’t have to think too ling on the details as another distraction had presented itself. Turning her head towards the river where the voice had come from it would he as if the previous thought had fallen out of her ears with the head turn. It was a small woman with fins on the side of her head and a fish tail. She had never seen anything like it before and was clearly amused by the sight. “I think you found the right group…i didn’t see any other people on the way here…well there were these two fishermen…” she trailed off wondering if the fish girl would find the idea of fishermen problematic.
​

Spoiler: Summary

Making small talk and having a rare moment of cognitive observation.

 

[Rev IX]

Ryan Kylieth
​

Understandably, Ryan was very much hesitant of leaving Stonewall. He was happy enough to have his arm back (and likely to have his curse mark removed or changed). That said, he had plenty of favors to repay, and delayed work to catch up on. And thus an expedition was in order to get back on track.

After several days and nights, making up and showing his thankfulness to Aileen for the big scare, and the subsequent awful travel she set up for him to be healed. The smith managed to convince her to let him leave. At the price of promising over and over to not put himself at risk. Ryan picked Chearon as his destination. Since despite the rough travel, everything worked out in the end.

He looked for chances to make this trip worthwhile in a local branch of the Adventurer's Guild, when one of the very few posted jobs caught his eye. It sounded simple enough. And while the monster part sounded dangerous, he was confident the locals would avoid such a monster. With that settled, Ryan made his way to the rendezvous point stated in the request.

A party was already gathered. Small faes, a moth woman, a mermaid, and one more monster than the job described. Ryan closed his exposed eye, focusing on his other senses and holding his hand cannon's grip under his poncho, ready to shoot and run away. He slowly closed in, keeping in mind both the job's warning and the distance from which he could land a headshot fast enough. Upon seeing the scene with more attention, he realized that the group wasn't being actively hostile towards each other. Not much, at least.

Ryan asked the monsters "You two. Was the job offer your doing?" while continuing to keep his distance. It was the right place, and the right time. But better safe than sorry.

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: Cheshire DarkKitsune | Noelle Tellussoil | Qamar NachoGod | Ryan Rev IX
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

He looked at the new comer a tad bit surprised. A mermaid? You don't see those all that often. “We are.” He'd answer. “So you'd best keep your distance from him and me alike.” He was quick to warn her. He had absolutely no desire to end up becoming a criminal due to someone getting too close. “If you don't, it'll be at your own risk.” That said, there was something that he immediately realised. “Seeing how you swam here, do you already know where a good spot near the river to execute this ritual might be?” She clearly had a home-field advantage on that part of their quest.

Looking at the moth next, he was a tad confused. “We were unacquainted up until right now. We're as much strangers as you and me are.” He'd correct the moth on calling them friends, for whatever reason. “Though you would be correct. If this were just me, I'd have to try bring large quantities and hope enough of them stay intact enough to work. I'd be easier if you or someone else that isn't cursed were to get them.”

Somehow, an even stranger person to be here appeared. What was a Human doing in the See? Beasts were already odd, but a Human? “You've got guts to be here. Some might kill just in case you've got any ties to the East.” He'd 'greet' the Human, as the [monster] in him was definitely giving him a very strong desire to just kill this Human right then and there. He gritted his teeth, suppressing it, though whilst he did, the area around him once against started to blur, as if being pulled in and out of existence. “It's his offer, though I'm here for the same reason as him. So keep your distance.” He'd warn the Human as well. “Also, don't try anything stupid.” A specific warning was added for the Human, as he already felt a strong desire to kill that one, just because he'd be able to do so without repercussions, which made the [monster] in him scream at him to just enjoy the act. Yet he knew he'd probably never get this curse undone if he gave into it, so he just dug his nails into his hands until they bled as the feeling finally faded again enough for him to keep his head straight.

“My name is Deliverance, by the way.” He'd finally add to the newcomers. “My current state is most unfortunate, so I do hope to get it resolved. Though even more so, I'd wish to fix hers.” He's say, showing them the comatose fairy he carried.

 

[DarkKitsune]

Spoiler: Color keys!

Cheshire Charmel
Asher
Echinacea
Caspian

​

Upon Deliverence's explanation of his opinion on the newer heroes of the Fae See his reply was a nod of understanding. Although he lacked a full sense of empathy to understand it all completely

“I see, I can understand why you’d see it in a way I suppose. But truthfully I wonder if the gods truly have a say in what one comes back as. In my eyes it make sense to have little control if it affects the order of life and death.”

At Deliverence's question he thumbed through the book Inquisitively, it was a good question..could someone change the race of someone else. His dull pupil-less eyes reading the Sylvan texts.

“Unfortunately not, the ones intended to be affected by the ritual must be awake and speak the incantations. This also seems to be the kind of ritual where intention is required. As for the flowers they are hard to cultivate due to this they’d be expensive which I doubt anyone of us has the services or goods a fae who did managed to cultivate them might ask for in return for the flowers.”

For Noelle and Ryan who had just shown up he opted to address them with a review. He flicked the pages backward to show them the the drawings of the flowers.

“My name is Cheshire, I’ll be your guide and healer. seems we are in need of a quick rereview. I was the one who originally put up the job, although it seems it reached to some others who also need the ritual as well. We are looking for four River Rosettes, two ember blooms, two mudpoppies and one none matured aeriel blossom. Keep a 10ft distance of myself and Deliverance, I sap the life force of living things within 10ft proximity, he causes magic to malfunction among other symptoms from what I’ve gathered. For helping us don’t be afraid to list the services you wish in return”

He sighed. “Deliverance please do be a little lighter on the warnings but I suppose it is to be understood. The treaty between the See and The East is a fragile one…”

He turned to Qamar and nodded.

“Assuming the sprite trio don’t do anything rash we think we do as well, not being able to touch the flowers was one of the reasons I posted the job.”


“Woah you have no place for the threats you—huh?” Asher said floating midair the air around him beginning to swirl with smoke as his flamed wings kept him suspended midair. Caspian flew from where they hid to investigate.

“The hero of wisdom? What happened…” concerned laced their voice, the voice that was compared to the other sprites light as a feather. Floating closer to Deliverance but not too close as to accidentally harm themself.

Cheshire looked at Deliverance solemnly. “It happened to her as well? The gates of death seem harder and more difficult to recover from it seems…”

“You guys keep on saying ‘it’ but this ‘it’ has not been clearly explained” Echinacea brought up, a voice of lingering suspicion.

“right we talked about thah before you three showed up… I, Deliverence and Ninelle participated in the war. As far as I can tell though from what he’s said the two were fighting on the team sent out to deal with the bugs, I worked at the supply camp and had a less heroic death than they did as all I was doing was trying to put out a fire. We were brought back to life and we came back as [Undead] I don’t know who did it I vaguely remember a lantern.”

“Is that why you are uncomfortable around me?” Asher asked.

“Maybe…” was Cheshire’s response. “not that it matters I doubt we’ll get anymore willing party members. We have until the Eclipsus event in two days, first goal is to get a hold of the River Rosettes considering they are needed in nigher quantity”

He gestured for them to follow the party would then be moved to start following the river downward. The sprites followed in the air vs the sounds of feet against grass plus splashes depending on what Noelle’s preferred choice of travel would be [Note: swim speed can still be utilized if used at E grade] to walk down the sides of Strawtinlen River. Caspian sped up keeping their distance in the air.

“Careful! We should becareful we cannot disturb the Water Cardinal!”

Cheshire asks. “What are the chances of them showing up?”

Caspian answered “I don’t know! But they are in charge of preserving this river!”

—
Elvario Rev IX Tellussoil NachoGod​

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From: AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: Cheshire DarkKitsune
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

“Does it really matter? The fact remains that those that fled the scene are made heroes whilst those that stayed and fought only got cursed into becoming monsters for it. This nation's heroes are objectively fakes.” He sounded a tad agitated as he replied, not wishing to accept alternate opinions on this.

He grit his teeth upon learning the ritual might not work on Ninelle. “Right...” He debated his options. “I'll continue regardless, perhaps she'll reawaken in time.” That was the best thing to hope for, right now. He'd yet to decide what to do if she didn't.

He scoffed at Cheshire's warning. “Isn't that all the more reason not to be light on the warnings? Even if I won't, another might chose to kill him in my stead if he's not careful. Humans are on dangerous grounds here.”

Although he'd been about to snap back at the Sprites, they seemed to recognise Ninelle, so he held his tongue. “It's as he said. We were sent into the bug nest by the leadership unprepared and without plan, told to try to just go at it. It became our doom.” He'd add. He still didn't know why nobody had even brought a torch, or glowstone, or something. Or had bothered to quickly introduce themselves. Or at least appraise one another for possible traitors. It's why their whole operation had been such a terrible mess...

That said, he tried leaving the past behind. He was now working to try secure a future, after all. “The Water Cardinal?” He asked. “If they're a Cardinal, the least they can do is aid us, rather feel disturbed. It's their country we've been dying to protect.” His natural no-nonsense tendencies were only amplified by the [monster] in him making it more difficult not to lean into his sharper, less refined and more aggressive tendencies.

 

[Tellussoil]

Noelle Nichi
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With: Cheshire DarkKitsune | Deliverance Elvario | Qamar NachoGod | Ryan Rev IX

abilities:
Mermaid form - [Transformation F]: Noelle transforms into her mermaid form. Gaining Gills and her fishtail instead of lungs and legs. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
Language: "Common" ~ <"Beastial">
​

Spoiler: TLDR

​

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

It seems Noelle had found the people she was looking for as both the moth girl and the wraith guy confirmed it. The moth girl also mentioned some fishermen who would have been somewhere along the river. Noelle thought for a moment. She might have seen the two fishermen earlier but didn’t pay it much attention. She had no problem with fishermen. She would try to avoid them if she noticed where they were fishing. But that was not because she was scared but more to not risk the chance of getting tied up in their lines.

The question of the wraith left Noelle a bit confused. How could she know what would be a good spot for the ritual he was talking about? She could figure out it was for the ritual described in the request. But so far she has no idea what the ritual was or what it would need. Did they need a spot where the light of the sun or the moon was visible? Or maybe some spot along the river deep enough that they could submerge themselves completely? Not that the mermaid had been looking into it as she was more occupied finding the group to look for pretty places.

Even Though the wraith’s presence made Noelle feel on edge, as is a normal reaction to monsters, at least he had the decency to give his name.
When Deliverance showed the unconscious fairy he was carrying with him Noelle felt sorry for her. The little thing was suffering from some sort of curse. Hearing he wanted to have the ritual performed on the fairy before himself, Deliverance was not a bad person at heart. And she hoped more for the fairy that their quest would be a successful one.

A final party member arrived. This time it was a human with red hair. He looked like a person capable of holding his own. Noelle smiled at the man. Happy to see more friends join the quest. Deliverance on the other hand immediately showed some passive hostility towards the man. Luckily the pale guy stepped in. Noelle was vaguely aware of the situation between the See and the East Empire. So the defensive stance was not wholly unfounded. But this man was from Ryken, not the empire so there is little chance he would cause trouble. At least she hopes he won't.

With all said and done the pale guy introduced himself as Cheshire and briefed the newcomers on the mission. Noelle swam closer and hopped onto the shore but far enough away from the monsters to not be affected by their aura so she could have a better look at the drawings of the flowers. "Hmmm. Searching for some flowers. That would be just like when I had to look for the Skythorn blossom… oh maybe I can get some of those flowers for Aedrianna. I bet she would love to get some medicinal flowers from the See" She said aloud thinking to herself. "Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself" The mermaid sat up a bit on her fishtail "Good day. My name is Noelle. Wandering musician adventurer. It is nice to meet you all and I hope our quest will be a fruitful one" she said bowing in a republican way.

Noelle watches as the sprites start to show some interest in the unconscious fairy. Cheshire explained in broad lines what had happened to them. This made Noelle wonder if Aedrianna was okay. Didn’t she also go to help in the conflict between the See and the empire? She was probably doing fine. Aedri was a big girl that could take care of herself. And if anything she had Hiruq with her to protect her.

As no one else seemed to be coming the group set out to look for their first objective, the River Rosettes. Noelle was following along in the river. It has been a long time since she had the opportunity to go into her mermaid form so she damn well going to enjoy it as long as she could. She made sure to adjust her swimming speed so she could stay with the group.

The blue sprite named Caspian suddenly warned them that they should not disturb the water cardinal. "got it. I will not disturb the cardinal if I can" Noelle said and just kept swimming.
By this time Deliverance’s standoffish attitude was getting on the mermaid’s nerves. "Can you please lighten up a bit!? We get that you are frustrated due to injustice done to you and your friend. But you don’t have to be a dick about it!" She said, slightly irritated. "And if the Cardinal is something like a guardian deity of the river as I expect it to be, I don't think they would care more about the river’s safety than whatever good deed you might have done… and with all due respect. The presence of you and Chester over there are not exactly healthy for your surroundings as you know." She berated the wraith sick of his attitude.

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From: AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: Noelle Tellussoil
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

A flare of annoyance, followed by the welling-up of some deep-rooted hatred, arose when the mermaid called him out. Gods, why was it so rough being [monster]? The other boy was surprisingly unaffected by it, but to him, the desire to destroy that came with the new nature were seriously tough to suppress. “I would, if I weren't trying to suppress this god-awful monstrous nature constantly.” He stated, through gritted teeth.

He stared straight at her. “Imagine a voice in your head continuously telling you to just destroy everything around you and let loose a little, except that voice keeps blaring up like an air-horn every time someone makes remarks like yours. The voice draws out nearly every other thought you're capable of having....”

He sighed, trying his hardest to calm the fuck down. “My mind is flooded with images of your corpse, hanging over a fire like a roasting fish, trying to convince me that it'd be the funniest, most delicious thing ever. It's slowly trying to chip away at what little non-monster resistance of mind that I still have left in me, the bit that knows I'm grateful for the assistance... So no, the idea that this Cardinal might delay me from stopping to sink deeper into this sorry state when they wouldn't have even defend their own nation when it needed them most is not exactly something I'm willing or able to be lightening up about. Especially not with Ninelle in an equally horrifying, if not worse, state.”

The area around him seemed to bend and twist again when it was mentioned he wasn't good for his surroundings. “That's exactly one of the reasons that a Cardinal getting in the way from fixing this state simply due to feeling disturbed would be utmost... annoying, to put it mildly.” He bit his tongue on using worse terminology. Taking some deep breaths, he was able to calm down a bit more. “Look, sorry. Let's just try get this fixed sooner, rather than later. Any aid you're able to give, I do truly appreciate.” He managed to get it out, silencing the [monster] side just enough to at least be somewhat polite.

 

[Rev IX]

Ryan Kylieth
​

Ryan opened his eye, lightly frowning to the greeting he received. "I don't have such a thing", as a person that had many clients, getting worked up over certain attitudes was something he was used to avoid. It did make it hard for him to be calm, however. So he opted to stay in the background as much as he'd be allowed. A dry "I won't" was all he could think to say to not antagonize the strange spirit and his unwarranted threat much.

The smith took a mental note of the flowers they were looking for, and what little he needed to keep in mind for their search. Ryan threw his name into the fray as the others did. "I'm Ryan".

As the strange party started their travel upstream, Ryan quietly and carefully looked around the river area for the flowers as he saw them on the pictures.

The group didn't take too long in being dragged down into more hostility coming from Deliverance, of which the mermaid snapped back. Things surely were yelled. Ryan moved his hand back to the grip of his cannon, but was quick to lower it. Instead, he simply took a few more steps away from the discussion, and went back to use his supersenses on the vicinity of the river. Not wanting to disturb the peace of nature, remembering full well how emphatic Tisiphone was about it.

...Right. He still has favors to pay back. Better get this done, hopefully with more to work on back in Stonewall.

 

[NachoGod]

Qamar Kabus

Qamar would continue to smile as deliverance spoke but it was obvious to anyone with half a brain that the more intricate details of what he said were lost on her. Made apparent by the way she cocked her head to the side and furrowed her brow at certain words. The exchange between him and the Sprites was something she could hardly fathom. Bugs? What bugs? She didn’t see any bugs around here…other than herself. ‘should i be paying more attention to the rest of the world?’ She would muse to herself as the conversations continued.

Soon the conversation would creep to something she thought she understood, A cardinal. However the addition of Water in front of it told her they were dealing with some kind of water bird? Luckily Noelle cleared up some of her confusion with the mention of it being a guardian or water spirit. ‘thank the gods…i hate birds.’ she would think to herself. Her thoughts wandering for a bit after seeing Noelle turn her tail into legs and she seemed to drift off into a daydream.

Finally Qamar would refocus on the situation at hand and would clear her throat softly. Still clinging to the fluid drained rabbit carcass. “So we have to gather four kinds of flowers, avoid this Water bird thingy, and try not to kill each other on the way there?” she would say with a mild giggle at the thought of them failing such a simple mission because they all killed each other. “If most of the things on our list are along the river why don’t we just wander down the banks and find them? If Miss Noelle can swim to the other side, and i can fly to the other side we should have no problem gathering the flowers. And if this Mean old water bird shows up well there are five of us surely we could win against it.” she would add her high pitched tone and bubbly demeanor somehow making her words about them beating a cardinal feel a bit more creepy. “Oh yeah! And my name is Qamar. Its nice to meet all of you guys. The shade doesn’t really have too many Fishy folks, monsters that can talk, or humans, its pretty cool being able to meet so many different creatures” the enthusiasm in her voice left little room for doubt as to the sincerity of her comment. Her massive White pupils would dart from each of their faces as she seemed to be making an effort to memorize each one.
​

Spoiler: Summary

Qamar listens and misunderstands alot of what is being said. Daydreams. Then tries to formulate a plan as to how to gather the supplies. A slightly sinister undertone seems to imply some kind of ulterior motive, yet her excitement at meeting new kinds of creature seems genuine.

 

[DarkKitsune]

Spoiler: Color codes

Cheshire - #FFC100
Echinacea - #30D84B
Asher - #DD1313
Caspian - #0099FF

Cheshire sighed in relief that the situation between Deliverance and Noelle relieved itself. Though he couldn’t resist the urge to correct the mermaid.

“Uhh, it’s Cheshire…like the Cheshire cat! Uhhh has anyone here ever heard of the Cheshire Cat even?”

It was from a franchise on earth wasn’t it?… he had little reason to properly remember that name after all Cheshire had only been a video game character.

“Anyway, Cheshire not Chester, and I would worry that Deliverance and I would be more likely to tip off the cardinal if anything considering most life forms settle near water sources. But we can cause things to die without meaning to…so might be different…”

He then told Deliverance “And you are right about earlier, this place has only got less human friendly…I often forget why my parents rushed me out of the nation when I was human and ended up staying a while in Ryke. But enough of that…”

Cheshire also told Noelle committing the request to memory.

“If we find more flowers than what we are looking for you can keep the extras…but only any extras we see I would give the flowers to you after the first part of the ritual was completed but according to the book it sucks up all their mana.”

Cheshire then tells Qamar.

“About right, we are after four elemental flowers of various quantities, I’m sure your flight and Noelle’s swimming capabilities will come in use for the mudpuppies and river rosettes…the Aeriel Blossom and Emberblooms are a different story”

Caspian flew buzzing around areas of the river as Cheshire guided the group further down the river
[NOTE: characters cannot see the map]
They found a small pond near the river a small tributary that oozed river water into the 10ft by 15 ft that created the river in width but how deep it went was unclear besides besides the inner top layer viewable by the muddied water that lined the inside of the pond’s edges a red and white herbaceous plant stood tall among the short cuts of grass. One singular flower, a mudpoppy. Unfortunately there wasn’t any of the same flower species that accompanied it but there were three River Rosettes floated along the service their stems drinking up the water below. Caspian’s watery wings flapped as the tiny fae flew over the top of the pond. The small fae no larger then a pinky attempted to pick up one of the rosettes

They dropped it into the water having only lifted it an inch.

“Too heavy…erm… Asher and Echi? Can you both help me w….Never mind just Echina.”

Cheshire was about to walk towards the pond his trashed, one foot in he begun to sink and then jumped backward exclaiming

“woah!”

“Looks like the surrounded by quicksand!”

Echinacea mentioned as she flew over to Caspian. Asher told her “That isn’t quick sand” as the ‘quicksand’ begun to solidify around the hardly intact boot like stone.

“I’ve never seen anything like that…” Echinacea spoke as she watched the stone. “neither have I.” Caspian followed up.
Cheshire questioned. “i could be wrong but aren’t you earth and water sprites?”

Echinacea huffed “I’m a plant sprite.”

Asher flew towards the stone and tried to melt it, before beginning to float in the air as if he lost complete gravity. After a few moment he steadied himself saying.

“The odd stone has a high melting point as well…”

Cheshire asked “you don’t know either?”

“The gems and stones aren’t my specialty! My specialty is fire!” Asher answered

Cheshire examined the surroundings as close as he could get to them without sinking in at least. He looked at the large rocks that seemed scattered around the pond. He lifted his palm and put it on the top of it.

“Seems like the rocks aren’t effected!” Cheshire

Asher sat on a rock and with the pressure even of something so light it began to sink the sprite flew up as the lighter-colored rock turned from its original state into that stone from the odd sand.

“Or…some rocks are still affected, maybe just the darker colored ones that are left untouched?”

This prompted Cheshire to ask,

“But do we have anyone that understands what kind of stone or sand this is? I don’t recall ever reading about something like this…”


NachoGod Tellussoil Elvario Rev IX
—

PUZZLE #1 ACTIVATED
​

Horrible Sketch map of the puzzle

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From: AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: DarkKitsune | Ryan Rev IX | Qamar NachoGod
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

He looked at the Human, who denied having ties to the East. There wasn't any way for Deliverance to check it, so for now, he'd just assume it to be so. “Good.”

The moth was a more odd creature. He let out a sound between a scoff and a chuckle when she mentioned trying not to kill each-other. He was pretty sure the others were far more at risk in that regard. “I'm not sure how well we'd stand a chance against a cardinal. You might end up as dead and sucked dry as the animal you're holding.” He'd warn her. “Besides, you'd get the anger of this entire nation onto you if you were to attack one and might become an enemy of the nation if you'd win.”

He sighed. “Annoying as it would be, we'd have to deal with any such cardinal without violence.” A thing that'd be tough with his newfound [monster] nature, but necessary nonetheless. The part of 'monsters that can talk' made him annoyed again. “I'm Fae. This current form is just a curse I'm hoping to lift. If I were a monster through and through, you'd be long dead already. As would everyone else here.” A tiny part of him wanted to be nice, seeing how she seemed nice, yet the overwhelming monster voice in his head made that as good as impossible.

“Alice in Wonderland?” He asked, surprised to hear the Cheshire Cat mentioned. “Seems we shared more faiths than just this latest one. How peculiar.” Deliverance didn't wish to think back too much on his 'Earth' life though. It hadn't been great.

“I guess we'll have to avoid the river's edges.” He'd reply, with regards to him and Cheshire being the most risk to anger the cardinal. “Less? As far as I'm aware, Humans were always considered the same as insects here. The only thing changing was an increase in the amount of people feeling the need to start exterminating them.”

He silently observed what was going on near the flowers. Seeing the sand change, shift and crumble, it was giving him a bit of a headache. “It seems it might change based upon temperature and force or weight omitted onto it. That's about all I gathered this shortly. ” He sighed. “I'll check it for magic or enchantments first.” He stated, as he'd use [Magic Studies] on the sand, rocks, mud, water and the likes, attempting to study all of the area.

Magic Studies - Magic B, Appraisal E, Area of Effect D, Range C, Targets C, Sixth Sense F [Spirits], Perception E, Nature E, Academia F, Arcana F, Physics F – Studies something, the magical way. - Grade B – 4 Post Cooldown

He'd crouch down to gather some sand, trying to study it with a more mundane [Study] next.

Study – Perception E, Nature E, Academia F, Arcana F, Physics F – Studies something, the non-magical way. - Grade E – 1 Post Cooldown

Assuming he'd find anything of interest or worth, he'd relay it to the others.

 

[Rev IX]

Ryan Kylieth
​

This Deliverance person brought him more and more conflicting feelings the more they spoke. His rude and temperamental demeanor was quite unpleasant, but it also seemed like this cleansing ritual was really his way out of whatever mess he had in his head. Him, and his comatose pocket friend. As for Qamar, she seemed nice. Even if her manners of speech were mildly unsettling. For now though, he was well aware that he needed to respect the land he was in. So he remained quiet and distant.

After some travel upstream presented the first flower of the list. Ryan observed the faes and Cheshire trying to figure out a way to the plant. And while it seemed reasonable to simply ask Qamar to hover over the non-newtonian fluid surrounding it the smith had the hunch that it couldn't be that simple. Instead, Ryan gave a thorough scan to the varying soil and rocks in a flash. Relaying the results to the group, should he be able to present a solution.

- Multi-layered Instant Scan - Appraisal C, Supersense C (X-ray Vision, Bullet Time, Telescopic Vision, Tremorsense), Physics E, Engineering E, Alchemy E - Grade C

 

[DarkKitsune]

Spoiler: Color codes

Cheshire - #FFC100
Echinacea - #30D84B
Asher - #DD1313
Caspian - #0099FF

During Deliverance's vocalizations of the ‘Alice and Wonderland’ thin Cheshire nodded, had he also been a game character once? Or worse a real-life person that once existed on earth? He didn’t touch on the subject out of respect for the wraith. He answered with a nod and a frown.

“that is the mainstream opinion of humans….but it didn’t mean they thought the same that or they decided to have mercy on a human baby. But yes the extermination thing has gotten worse.”

——
Use of his knowledge in magic studies in tandem with his studies of the mundane knowledge would be interwoven into a clearer answer of what the material was in nature, the spell and the ability would work and combine writing out something akin to a report with Appraisal in the Fae’s mind. As well as the experienced studies in the physical and mundane side of the world played a factor in his understanding.

Spoiler: Results! [Deliverance]

Material name: Mana dust
Mana Dust is an ore typically found near ponds located on or close to a leyline or area with higher mana concentration. The ore takes the appearance of sand and has the texture until any amount of pressure is applied turning it into an ore that has no known melting point. Mana dust is impossible to collect while in the form of sand but is harvestable in its hardened form and can be acquired as a material for crafters. No Manadust is located beneath the darker colored rocks

Ryan’s observations would grant results that were similar although not the exact same. The result of his instant scan would be as follows.

Spoiler: Results! [Ryan]

Material name: Mana dust
The sandy portions of the liquid appearance unstable the only stabilized pieces of it are the ones shown to be put under the tiniest amount of pressure. Small glimmers of light linger in the material. The stabilized mana dust appears to be removable. The sand form ran eight or so ft below from what could be seen, the stablized form dug directly beneath the pressure afflicted areas.

“Sooo what are we gonna do. I clearly can’t melt it!” Asher shouts, clearly not fond of the newly fallen silence that befell the party. Caspian replies “calm down Asher. It hasn’t been that long” the water sprite answered than turned to Echinacea.
“Hey Echina, do you think you could grow the stems out more?” The plant sprite shook her head. “No, they seem to be fully grown. Normal rosettes have stems, but these are nearly non-existence likely adapt to its aquatic habitat they are extremely short and are basically just there to suck up the water. the poppies…I can try but I dunno how far I can extend them”

Green light flickered off of Echinacea’s hands. The height of the mudpoppies grew and then turned to hang over the edge of the pond sort of. The green light dimmed and Echinacea nearly fell out of the sky, Caspian flew up and helped prevented her from falling.

“Okay you two don’t do that again! For the love of the spirit king why is this so draining?” Asher asked. Cheshire answered. “Probably due to your bodies not being able to withstand much I suppose.”
Cheshire decides to test his and Asher’s observations from earlier. He jumped onto the darker colored rock, nothing happened. “Yeah the darker rocks seem most stable”

He looks ahead of himself, there was a lighter colored rock in front of him, “dang it.”

“you can swear you know.” Asher told him. “I won’t even blame you.”

“The only curse words I can think of are those restricted in my programming.” He told the sprite which he was meet with.

“what is that even supposed to mean?”

—-
Elvario Rev IX Tellussoil NachoGod
​

 

[NachoGod]

Qamar Kabus

Her already massive eyes would widen even further as deliverance Explained the facts about the cardinal…well at least its not a bird She would think to herself somehow not feeling any better about that fact. Part of her was feeling as though she should have paid more attention to the elders teachings when she was younger, perhaps then she would have known what a cardinal was…after all they were not far from the shade where she grew up. Her gaze would drift down to the rabbit in her lower left hand but as Deliverance mentioned that he was Fae the look of fear seemed replaced by something else, something akin to desire.

“Right…So no killing cardinals…You said you were a fae. How does a fae become a monster? I wasn’t aware something like that was possible. Di-Did it hurt? Are you stronger than before?” she would say following the wraith as they walked the rivers edge though being careful to maintain the distance. She would occasionally cast suspicious glances at ryan, she had never met any humans since the raid on her Clans nesting grounds. As such her only experiences with them were terror and hatred, it took her the better part of a decade to come to terms with the fact that they might not all be bad…yet even still she somehow felt more on edge around him than she did towards anyone else in their entourage.

Hearing cheshire speak about the local opinion of humans in the land qamar would give her own two cents to the topic. “From what i can tell, humans haven’t exactly left many good things here in the Fae see. Unless you consider destruction and pain good things.” It was odd…though her words were heavy and clearly came from a bitter place within her, the tone was still bubbly and sweet sounding.

She would watch as the group worked over the obstacles between them and the first flower. Most of what was being said was completely lost on her, primarily due to her vision having a hard time differentiating between the darker and lighter rocks, especially in the daylight…still she wanted to help so she would chime in her own suggestion. “Um…I could try and get the flowers if you guys want…” ​

 

[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From: AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: DarkKitsune | Ryan Rev IX | Qamar NachoGod
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

He'd just nod at Cheshire's reply, not seeing any need to reply to it any further. Upon having figured out some about the material, he'd share it with the others as planned. “Mana Dust. There's probably a leyline near, or something else that causes this area to have an irregularly high concentration of mana, even for the See. It should be solid enough after pressure is applied to it. It seems like there's none of it underneath the darker coloured rocks.”

As for what to do, he'd sigh. “Can't the moth just fly over?” He asked, looking at Qamar. That'd be the easiest. It seems she was thinking the same before long. “Please do.” He'd reply to her. “Though if that doesn't work, just putting down something on the sand, branches, leaves, other rocks, whatever, should make it turn into solid ores to create a path to walk upon without risking your feet getting stuck.” He'd suggest next. “Though whatever I'd pick up risks getting destroyed, including the flowers, so I'd have to leave it to someone else to do so.”

The moth made him sigh deeply, enough so for it to be paired by some interdimensional shock-waves wafting around him yet again... or perhaps the timing of both were just funny. Either way, he'd force himself to reply without loosing his patience yet again. “I went into the bug nest to try defeating them. The monster-ones that eat anything and everything along the border of the See and East Empire.” He'd clarify with the second sentence to assure the moth that she wasn't the type of 'bug' he'd been exterminating.

“We got stuck in the tunnel in some... highly unfortunate circumstances. We fought our best, yet died. The next thing I knew, I was resurrected and had to dig myself and Ninelle out of the rubble. By then, I'd gone from a regular Elf to this form. It was useful to help the continuing efforts against the bug nest, but it seems this form made the higher-ups decide to try ignore my existence the moment our mission wrapped up... whilst those that were revived in non-monstrous forms simply fled from the mission were celebrated as heroes.” He bolded his fist again, his anger flaring up so badly that it looked like his wraith form would start to destroy even more than his immediate vicinity...

His hand would go into his pocket, taking out the unconscious Ninelle. Breathing in deeply, looking at her to calm himself down, he'd recover before he'd stop the [monster] from raging on further. “So yes, it did hurt. Both physically and mentally. Yes, I am probably stronger, though I can't live a normal life without destroying everything around and me and I'd eventually cave in to this awful monstrous voice in my head to destroy everything.” He looked at Cheshire. “How do you deal with it? You seem too calm.” His voice both a question and an accusation, as if expecting Cheshire to be leading them to their deaths by secretly obeying their new [monstrous] nature already.

The situation in front of him started to annoy him more. He could probably even try to use his Ethereal Form or Control Environment to just cross the Mana Dust, yet even if he did, he'd not be able to pick the flowers.

 

[Rev IX]

Ryan Kylieth
​

The blacksmith sighed, disappointed Deliverance beat him to the punch with his more detailed evaluation of the strange sand. He was about to compliment him when his less than desirable attitude flared back up. As he discussed with Qamar and Cheshire, Ryan backtracked. Going to the riverbank a few meters before the pool of mana dust, where he picked a bunch of pebbles and a long, yet somewhat sturdy stick.

Ryan stood at the edge of the dust pool where he first threw pebbles, one a bit after the previous one. While the dust reacted to the pressure from the pebbles, Ryan also tried making a path with pokes of the improvised walking stick. Quickly jabbing the dust, in order to trigger the hardening without trapping the tool he used for it.

Were either method be successful, the blacksmith would make his way to the flowers. Staring at them, he glanced at each of the sprites, then at Cheshire, and then at Deliverance. Intimidated by previous experiences, he turned to the floating creatures again. "Am I allowed to grab them?" If he was granted said permission, the smith would gently grab them. Giving his all to not damage the flowers.

Back on solid ground, Ryan would examine the nearest of the spheres that the mana dust shaped itself into. Then turned back to Cheshire and the sprites once again. "May I take one of these for myself?" If allowed, Ryan would jam the stick between two spheres, and push to roll the nearest of the spheres off the pit. Where he would examine it more intently.

Based on touch and sight, it appeared to be a good material to work with. Light yet sturdy, potentially magical. Hell, he might be able to take two now that he looked at the other one closest to the edge of the pond. He once again looked for the approval of the locals, though in a simple look. And then popped it off like the first one. pocketing the two of them beneath his poncho. "Thank you very much! These look like prime smithing mat..." he cut himself off when he could almost predict Deliverance lashing at him. "...Sorry. Let's just get going."

 

[Tellussoil]

Noelle Nichi
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With: Cheshire DarkKitsune | Deliverance Elvario | Qamar NachoGod | Ryan Rev IX

abilities:
Language: "Common" ~ <"Beastial">
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Spoiler: TLDR

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Deliverance was a victim of circumstances. He could not be blamed for the hand he had been dealt. Noelle felt a little bit sorry for him. It must be tough not to be able to get close to any living beings without causing them great pain. May this mission grant him the chance to rid himself of the curse. But would he give in to it? Noelle would make sure his end would be peaceful without pain.

Cheshire corrected the mermaid for referring to him with the wrong name. "sorry… I kinda got lost in the moment. I will try to say it correctly from now on" she said apologetically.
The mention of the Chesire cat sounded vaguely familiar to the mermaid. But most of the knowledge she would have from her previous life has been muddy, to begin with ever since she came to this world.

Everyone in the group has now introduced themselves. With the moth girl being called Quamar and the human being called Ryan. They had been travelling for a while now when the group stumbled on a small pond not far from the river. Noelle hopped on shore and transformed her tail back to human legs before she followed the group to the pond trailing behind about 16 feet at all times.

Noelle made sure she stayed at a safe 16-foot distance even when they came to the edge of the magic sands. She saw Chesire’s boot getting stuck in the sand when he stepped on it and the coloured rock when the red sprite landed on it. "hmmm… that sand is seriously reactive… and it is too far to just jump over it… how must we proceed" Noelle pondered. In the pond were some of the flowers they needed. But gathering them would be a problem if they can’t cross the sands. The sprites did an attempt to gather the flowers as they could just fly. But alas they were too weak to even budge the flowers.

Noelle listened to the assessments of both Deliverance and Ryan. "So this is mana dust and it hardens at the slightest of pressure…" The mermaid started to get lost in thought. As she looked around her focus stopped on the little stream of water that connected the pond with the river. " That might work" she said mostly to herself as she concocted her plan. In the case that the dust was also stretching beneath the creek then the weight of the water and the movement of it should have turned the bottom of it solid. But just to be sure Noelle quickly looked around for a stick to use as a prod in the creek. " Sounds like a plan Quamar. You fly over there and I will try to get there another way" Noelle said to the moth as she asked if she should fly over to get the flowers before she ran over to the creek.

Noelle heard Deliverance again proclaim his displeasure with how he died. She just shook her head and continued doing what she was doing. It might be for the better to just ignore the wraith for now. That way she wouldn’t be annoyed by his rude behaviour.

Noelle walked over the grass to the small creek. When she got to the water Noelle jumped with her feet into it. Standing in the water she wade through it. As she got to what should be the edge where the mana dust started on the dry land Noelle started to poke the water bed before her to test if it was solid enough to stand. She would keep doing this while moving through the water until she reached the mud bank.
While she was doing this she noticed Ryan trying the same thing she was doing but then with the dry dust. She was unsure if this would work for the blacksmith. But she hoped it did. Cheshire has climbed onto one of the darker rocks. What his next plan of action would have been the mermaid could not determine. But with him also being cursed it might be best if he just stayed on that rock and be on the lookout.

When she reached the mud bank Noelle climbed over it into the pond. She carefully approached the rosettes. She lowered herself into the water and carefully tried to pull the roots of the plants out of the muddy ground. This would make sure the plants could be picked up without the chance of damaging the flower while trying to lift it out of the water. When she did that she would give the rosettes to Quamar to fly them back to the grass. That was safer than holding on to them while moving back through the creek. Or in Ryan’s case over the sand itself. If time allowed she would do the same with the mudpoppy and try to pull the plant out of the ground closest to the roots. If everything worked out well they had their first batch of flowers.

 

[DarkKitsune]

Spoiler: Color codes

Cheshire - #FFC100
Echinacea - #30D84B
Asher - #DD1313
Caspian - #0099FF

Cheshire pocketed what information had been mentioned of the Manadust mentioned from Deliverance with a nod. As the fae had re-explained the whole thing with death and resurrection Cheshire told Qamar.

“That would help make this easier so please do,”

When Cheshire was asked how he was so calm he was reluctant to admit it but did so anyway. It would likely help build trust between the group. Cheshire looked around and saw another darker-colored rock and hopped but he wasn’t sure he would be able to get closer while the Fae and Noelle sat in the middle of the pond. He would need to retrace. As he jumped he told Deliverance.

“I don’t think I classify as ‘calm’. Distracted maybe? I am trying to put all my focus into fixing this condition some thoughts pop up…negative ones…I assume you experience similar? Death..murder… may be wondering why I’m trying, why I resist. Then I remember why I’m trying, I’m a healer by some cursed twist of fate, and some people need my help! But mostly the thoughts of my parents…they could’ve killed me when I was a baby but instead raised me. What would they think if they knew? What would they think if I gave up and gave in? Then there is a patient of mine named Peat who is expecting me back eventually. She’s a dryad who went through too much as it is, struggling with addiction issues. If I gave up and gave in her life would be on the line! I promised to help her I can’t give up I can’t. There’s worry that this will fail, there are instincts and urges I am struggling to resist. So while I seem calm my main focus is fixing this and fixing it as soon as possible. But I have to be strong to make it there…”

Noelle’s trudging the narrow creek was difficult as it was a tight space, however, the mermaid made it into the pond quickly she noticed how deep it seemed to go, she managed to put the Rosettes on the muddy area that circled the lake, Asher flew over to Echinacea for Caspian to run to the Rosettes using her magic to create small bubbles of water for the stems.
“Good call Caspian! They might need a constant source of water though…” Echinacea mentioned.

“I got it! As long as I distribute carefully.”

Cheshire asked. “are you sure? We have two days until the eclipse won’t be until two days.”

They nodded. “I’m sure, besides as long as we stay near the Strawtinlen I could recycle the water from there. Ms Qamar! They are right here I’ll help keep them stable while you hold them.”

Ryan would succeed in picking up both the rocky Manastone spheres [D grade] Cheshire told Ryan. “Yes you can keep them service for service after all. Consider it payment for helping with the quest so far”

Asher asked. “What now?”

Cheshire told Asher. “We focus on getting the Mudpoppy as well. But I figure it should be easier then the rosettes. And then get Noelle out.”

He did have a pained expression. He felt utterly useless.
“And the plan after?” Asher asked.

“We continue looking, I wish I had the skills to do so though.” Cheshire answered, “We are likely going to need someone with knowledge of [nature] but with descriptions of the flowers in the book we should be able to reduce the search load by a lot. So as soon as Qamar picks up the flowers and Noelle out of the pond we should prepare to get a move on. Considering the deadline upon us” Asher nodded and Echinacea moved from the pond over to hovering next to Ryan.

“How could it be useful? That didn’t even melt against my fire!”

“carving maybe? Asher, besides I thought you were gonna keep an eye on the monsters? Cheshire at least? In case of betrayal?”

“I am Echincea. But I don’t want what little life force I have to be sucked up.”

Tellussoil Rev IX Elvario NachoGod

Spoiler: FLOWER COUNT

River Rosettes [0/4] [3/4 next round]
Mud poppies [0/2] [1/2 next round]
Aeriel Blossom [0/1]
Ember Blooms [0/2]

Extras [??/??]

PUZZLE #1 COMPLETED

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[Elvario]

Deliverance

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From: AI and Edits

Active titles: Mandatory Title: [Luminous Wraith]
Mentions: DarkKitsune | Ryan Rev IX | Qamar NachoGod
Languages: Common | [Terran] | {Sylvan}

As a researcher of the arcane, Deliverance would've likely spent a fair bit of time gathering up Mana Dust as an ingredient and research topic, if he wasn't likely to just destroy it whilst carrying it around. It's why he understood Ryan's question well enough. The bit he didn't understand was when he apologised. “What for?” He asked, quickly checking. Had the Human destroyed some of the flowers? That'd be rather annoying. It didn't seem like it though. He sighed, probably best to just ignore it, before it'd get him angered again.

He saw the mermaid setting out to grab flowers as well. Perhaps they'd actually get this done, which would be great. He'd... probably figure out a way to thank them. Once he was no longer a [monster] at least.

At the very least, Cheshire's reply was satisfactory. “Very much so.” He'd near instantly reply to whether or not he was having a similar experience. “I can't even describe them without risk of bringing them back up in full.” He'd have to add. Upon him mentioning his parents, he'd feel the weight of Ninelle heavier on his hand. “I think I understand.” He'd state, a fair bit more silently. Gently, with the very tip of his index finger, he'd stroke along the wings of the comatose fairy. It was eating away at even his own undead finger, but so be it. “I believe her waking up to such a faith, or seeing me having given in to it, would be more devastating than anything else imaginable.”

Being able to share his condition and thoughts with someone was surprisingly calming. “Thank you, I needed to hear that, I think.” He'd reply, unsure of even his own thoughts at this point, but feeling a fair bit calmer than he'd done thus far.

On the topic of [Nature] knowledge, he'd speak up. “I know some, though not a lot” (Nature E) “and I'm not sure if the book would remain intact if I were read it or if I'd destroy it by going near.”

Upon seeing the flowers gathered, he'd nod. “Well done.” He'd compliment them. Then he'd look at Cheshire. “Could you hold the book up for me to read from a distance?” If he'd do so, Deliverance would study it with [Study] to see if he could learn anything from it that the others hadn't caught up on yet, somehow, to smoothen their journey.

Study – Perception E, Nature E, Academia F, Arcana F, Physics F – Studies something, the non-magical way. - Grade E – 1 Post Cooldown