Fantasy Hunter's Moon: Ascendancy [IC] [CLOSED]

[Dmaster]

The huntress looked over the weapon on her arm as she listened to the instructions given by Adrien, carefully she removed the strap from the device as its arms unfurled and readied itself for the ammunition. Though her head was swimming with the sheer breadth of options available for the device's use, she kept focused on the operation since that was what she needed to learn at present. Those springs and cables seemed strong, to the point where she wondered if this was dangerous to have attached to her arm like this.

Slowly she brought the cabling back as her left palm was open, the firing lever ready for her fingers yet Camille kept to loading her imaginary bolt just to get a feel for the mechanism. As the machine rotated and quietly clicked as the latch secured the bolts, she pointed the device upward and pulled down on the lever. There was an audible click and rush of air as the cables shot back into place with a sizable amount of force. This prompted a smirk from her as she seemed to be satisfied, starting to fold it back up into its compact box before affixing the strap the way it was.

"This shall do nicely, merci," Camille thanked Adrien, starting to turn about so that she may load up on bolts to take on the journey. Before too long she noted that she got the answer to her silent inquiry, overhearing that the researcher was a dhampir, with his parentage having that of one of the more expansive bloodlines. She was somewhat familiar with the solar weapons debacle that the Union had gotten into, not too pleased that such an advancement was being made. Such a device had the potential to completely invalidate her job as a hunter, and give any ordinary citizen extreme killing power against vampires with incredible ease.

Moving to the rack of bolts, she started to grab several iron bolts, a few cast in silver, and some in gold. They were placed into a free pouch that was on her back, affixed to her waist for easy access. After that, she rejoined the others and Adrien.

"You mentioned a blinding bolt as well as explosive ones, yes? Are any of those available currently? I'd take one or two if so."

 

[K0mori]

Somewhere along the course of the conversation, Sebastian had emerged from the adjacent room, in time to hear about Adrien's dhampir status, but a moment too late to witness Ser Royland's strange magic. He seemed to sink deeper into himself, his eyes disappearing under the brim of his helmet. It seemed that the church had swung from one extreme under Velin's leadership to the opposite extreme under Undite, from purging the supernatural among Adonia's population to employing them at seemingly every opportunity. He silently wondered how true Adrien's backstory was, but he wasn't about to question the man when he was clearly providing the party with equipment they needed.

 

[Infab]

"And what of handguns? Would one with a mechanism similar to the one on this rifle be functionable too, if I were to also use it with magic?"

"Yes! Revolver style handguns and rifles tend to have stronger frames and cylinders compared to more modern handgun. They can handle higher pressures and more powerful ammunition, but I'd make sure to find a revolver that features a top strap. That bit of metal that goes over the top of the cylinder. Normally, revolvers that feature that instead of being open-topped like older Colt models tend to be stronger." stated Adrian. He then pointed to the rifle in Takato's hands. "If you'd prefer to use another weapon that uses similar technology to that carbine, I'd suggest a Nagant revolver. Neat little Tsavanian-made weapon. Should be a few in the revolving handgun rack."

He motioned for Takato to hand him the carbine. "I can remove the stock and attach a solid wire frame folding stock in no time. I'll have it done before you leave to do whatever it is Adona is having you do!" he said, with a nod.

"You mentioned a blinding bolt as well as explosive ones, yes? Are any of those available currently? I'd take one or two if so."

Adrien glanced back to Camille. "You're in luck! I finished a pack of two today. I'll bring them with me when I deliver your compatriot his modified carbine." he responded, before looking back to the group. "Well! I believe all of you are armed well enough! I'll get back to the lab, and begin work on my promised devices. I hope you all have a pleasant day, but at the moment with the way the world is looking, pleasant days may become a bit of a rarity."

While Adrian was finishing up his conversation with the group that was gathered near him, Valeria had quietly wandered around the armory. She didn't visit the armory often, even before the Grimtham incident, so there were plenty of objects here that she had never seen before. It was rather surprising the lengths nations would go to outgun one another, and she honestly wished the world would return to a far more peaceful point.

As she walked, she passed by some armor in the back near the shields. One set, encased in glass, stood out to her and forced her to pause and gaze at it a bit more closely. It was near solid black, with only the light reflecting off of it giving a bit of color and shininess. As she peered through the glass at it, she noticed that it wasn't made of metal plating like most of the others in the room. Nor was it made of leather or other common materials. Instead, this seemed to be made of... scales? Certainly an oddity. She looked about, to see if there was something that described what it was.

Adona's voice caught her attention, though, as the god stepped up beside her to peer in at the armor as well. "...You're wondering what its made of, correct?" he asked, to which Valeria nodded quietly. He glanced to the armor then back to Valeria, as a slight frown formed on his face. "Dragon scale. Removed from the hide of Xieralth, the Black, after he was slain during the Age of Darkness. Xieralth was said to be one of the most powerful dragons to ever live, and his hide was nearly impervious to everything available at the time. And that made him a perfect choice for a pet for Taranoch during his rule. The Demon King used his abilities to break the dragon's will and force him into servitude. He was slain by Ser Tristyn and your friend Ethraeil, on the shores of Lake Durand in Daristein. It took them three days to slay Xieralth. One spent simply trying to bring the dragon down to the ground. The other two trying to figure out how to pierce his tough exterior."

Valeria looked to the armor. "...How did they do it?" she soon asked. Adona's eyed the armor again as well. "...They didn't. It took Ser Tristyn being swallowed alive to kill Xieralth. He killed it from the inside, then crawled his way back out his mouth. Afterwards, the Church decided to craft an armor from the dragon's hide, and used angelic assistance in order to cut it from Xieralth's body. The resulting armor stands here before you."

There was a brief moment of silence, before Adona spoke once more. "...A terrible thing, what happened to the dragons." he said softly, before glancing to Valeria. "...The armor has been encased here since it was made, having never been worn. Taranoch's banishment, along with his Icons, came soon after, so there was no need to have someone put it on." Eventually, he turned about, looking towards the others. "Perhaps someday soon, however, someone might have need of it." He gave Valeria one final glance, before stepping away. Walking back to where the others were with Adrien.

Leaving Valeria alone, eyes tracing the intricate scale work on the armor.

--- --- ---
​

It wasn't long after that the group returned upstairs into the main cathedral, emerging from the staircase to find Undite was now standing amongst the wounded in the central hall. She noticed the group, and handed off a tray of medical supplies to a nearby nurse before moving towards them. "I've been told that the train is ready. I sent word to my associate a few days ago, so she should have either already received it, or is receiving it soon." she said softly, as she stepped up.

She looked among the group, and smiled. "...I pray you all return safely." she added, "And I hope you're able to bring this... this madness to a swift end." She then looked to Valeria, whom was standing rather close to Rebecca. "...Valeria, let's get you back upstairs. I still have more of Sazak's magic to remove from your mind."

Valeria nodded, stepping over next to Undite before looking back to the group. "...Good luck. And please take care of yourselves...and each other." she said, giving them all a smile, before turning and walking towards the other staircase at the other end of the cathedral.

Adona was the last to speak. "As Undite said, the train is waiting. Let's get you aboard and situated." he said, eyes moving between each of them. And soon enough, he was leading them through the cathedral. And through the massive double doors at its front.

​

Eternis was still as busy as ever, with civilians going about their daily lives as best they could while soldiers patrolled the streets in huge numbers. As the group walked a few blocks towards the railroad depot, they would occasionally get looks from those walking by or standing talking to one another. With the way most of them looked, it wasn't surprising. Sebastian would, from time to time, get rather hateful looks, but no one said or did anything. Especially with Adona himself walking among them, along with a Living Saint.

The railroad depot was just as busy as the streets, with soldiers moving about. Removing supplies from one train for Eternis' use, while others were being loaded up for transport to Escaria's forces to the east. The allies were hard at work supporting one another in their defense against Daristein and Tsavania, and supplies would be needed by both sides. Which made this city on the border between the nations key to their survival. The trains themselves were well protected, most bearing armor plating and heavy weaponry fitted onto them for protection.

Adona soon pointed out a locomotive connected to four rail cars behind it, as well as another in front of it. They bore the emblem of the Church, as well as the Vigilant Order, and seemed to have an armed escort riding on it in the form of two to three platoons of Atracan soldiers. The front car was armor plated, with a pair of machine guns poking out of either side of the car as well as one poking out the front. Ready to go at a moment's notice. Another armored car sat at the rear of the train, armed in the same manner. The rest of the cars looked more akin to traditional wooden passenger rail cars, but all had most of their windows replaced with armor plates with slits in them to view out of. "That's your ride up north." said Adona, pointing briefly to the train.

As they neared the platform where it waited, another individual stood near the rear car. It seemed to be another Inquisitor, speaking with one of the soldiers that would be riding with them. "That's someone else that will be going with you. They go by the name Rajko Sottaks. New member of the Order, just joined recently and passed Inquisitorial training. A brief warning: they're a werebeast, so don't panic if they shift." explained Adona. "They know what you're going to be doing, and volunteered to join."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The newly-minted Inquisitor tip-tapped his way over to this marvel of engineering. Identified by the insignia of the Church and the Order, Rajko paused patiently. It seems his timely preparation of trivial matters and subsequent speedy arrival at the armoury ensured that he would be well ahead of his designated party. No matter, The Atracan Inquisitor thought as he clasped the badge of the Vigilant Order, his mentor drilled the value of forbearance with the ferocity of a blacksmith hammering out his greatest work. In the meantime, his eyes gleamed as they observed this motley-assorted railway vehicle. Yes, it did not impose any grandiose statement nor was it an expertly fabricated tool of destruction, but Rajko appreciated—being a general enjoyer of tools of war—the ugly simplicity of it all.

Machine guns socketed neatly through peep-holes, two weaponised cars (one at the front, the other in the back), and hastily bolted armouring on the interior cars' windows. But as with any tool, there is the weakest link: in this case, the unshielded wooden sections of the middle cars. While it is vulnerable, Rajko believes that the speed and directional miniguns should ward off most threats. And if it's an ambush, then you have bigger problems than the wooden panelling on the train.

A soldier happen to pass Rajko while he was ogling their transport. To aid in passing the time, Rajko called out to the soldier. Ask him a few questions about the transport or some other detail.

It turns out that this did help. As soon after striking up the conversation, Rajko swore that his name left the lips of another person. The dark-clad neophyte appeared to drag his head across the train car once more to give off the appearance of idle examination. In truth, he was closing in on the source of the voice. His brown orbs spotted a squad of inquisitors like him and differently attired individuals. This must be them, the presence of Adona all but ensured it. His attention whipped back to the soldier. "Thank you for the chit-chat, but it appears my coterie has arrived." With the dismissal, Rajko approached the group. "Gentlemen, Ladies." He said while doing a small bow. Rajko held the utmost respect for his superiors, this admiration was never beaten into him by his mentor, but rather by his family. "Lord Adona here already introduced me, but to needlessly reiterate. I'm Rajko Sottaks, a pleasure to meet you." If one were to pay attention to the new inquisitor's words, they would notice that he did not assume that he was introduced but was cognizant of the fact. His neck gaiter hung low exposing his sharp features, a few minor scars here or there, and a minor slice through his right earlobe. "I have had the pleasure of being informed about you as well, but I elected to personally acquaint myself. I prefer to receive anything straight from the well. And this puts us on equal footing, yes?" His accent had been uniquely a mixture of Atracan and Tsavanian. If one were to carefully glimpse under Rajko's coat, one could spot a shashka sabre on his right hip and the faint outline of a revolver, possibly Tsavanian in origin, on his left.

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou nodded and handed the revolving carbine over to Adrien, before heading over to the revolving handgun rack to find this Nagant he spoke of. Once he identified the mechanism on the revolver, and identified that it indeed had that bit of metal that goes over the cylinder top, he looked for and found a holster for the handgun to put it in, before placing both in his bag. As he was identifying what ammo went into the handgun, Adrien came back with the now-folding carbine. Adrien had paired it with a befitting scabbard, which Xiaòzhou promptly placed into his bag, despite being told that he could wear the holster and the scabbard so that the guns were ready at all times. By the time Adona called out to them, Xiaòzhou had managed to identify the ammo he needed with Adrien's help.

Bowing to Undite and Valeria after their goodbyes, Xiaòzhou thought about the fact that once more he would be on a train. It seems as though whenever the divine call, they have a train ready for you too. The sight of Eternis' ever-continuing militarization had brought about some sadness in the hermit, remembering those days prior to the expedition down below, but then he noted some of those at the railroad depot waving at him - they recognized him from the past months of help. He made sure to wave back with a smile, before turning his attention to Adona and their ride. Though he likes the aesthetics of this train more, he had to admit slitted armor plate windows and the armored cars just reminded him of the ongoing militarization. He sighed, knowing these were necessary precautions.

Soon enough, Adona introduced them to Rajko Sottaks. He nodded at understanding over them being a werebeast; panic is the least he would do, with what he had seen. As the newcomer to the Order introduced himself, he looked him over. Ever so slightly scarred, and in the usual Inquisitorial attire, albeit with a distinctly Tsavanian saber and what appeared to be the revolver he had picked out for himself earlier to his sides. Seems like someone with some experience - after everything he had witnessed in the Abyss, that was the thing one would need right now. He bowed.

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Sottaks," he said, "I hope you are prepared for what is to come."

 

[K0mori]

Sebastian had only just begun to nod in understanding as Adona introduced Rajko as a newly-trained inquisitor when the god informed them all that Rajko was a werebeast, causing Sebastian to simply hang his head for a moment in exasperation. He once again told himself to have an open mind as the man approached them and spoke in a strange accent. Like Sebastian, Rajko seemed to have Tsavanian heritage, although the latter also seemed to be more in touch with it. Sebastian on the other hand had been raised a Daristinian through and through. He wondered which side of the war Rajko sympathized with, or if he put any stock into it at all.

He watched as the mystical Redonian stepped forward first. What was his name? Takato? Sebastian knew very little about him, aside from the fact that he could fly, as he had been doing so all around town for the past few weeks. He reminded himself to find out what sort of magic the man was using, but he had a suspicion that it would only reveal yet another member of the party as being inhuman.

"Guten Tag, Herr Sottaks," he said. "I'm Sebastian."

 

[Dmaster]

Camille gave a nod of appreciation to the dhampir, figuring that she was sufficiently armed enough at this point to move on. Fortunately it seemed that the others were finishing up down here as well, allowing them to continue onward to carrying out their mission. When Undite wished for their safety, the huntress carried a neutral expression and said nothing, though she offered another smile to Valeria as she said her goodbye. "I'll show these Icons that threatening our home is a grave mistake," she replied.

It was staggering to see just how much had changed in Eternis because of the active war, seeing soldiers in such numbers and armaments posted about while civilians tried their best to keep living their lives still could give her pause. This was the new normal for many people, and it served as a reminder that a terrible war was being waged on the borders. As Camille thought on its orchestrators, she could not help but ball her hands into fists as they walked to the platform.

The armored train they would be riding in was yet another indicator of their grim reality, but she could not help but twist her lip as she took in how ridiculous it looked. It was a wonder how such a boxy pile of metal could gain speed at all. "Hardly a luxury car, is it?" she joked quietly, only to shake her head a moment later. "I suppose the luxury is not immediately dying to enemy weapons fire."

Yet another person joining their ranks piqued her curiosity, and them being a werebeast of some kind already had her on edge. Though they may be an inquisitor, that did not mean he could not be quick tempered or insane. In the past Camille believed such traits to be a requirement for the order...

A hand went to her hip as this Rajko introduced himself, the judgmental huntress already taking him for an eccentric as she listened to his introduction. "Camille Giguere," she states with very little fanfare, yet offers a nod of slight respect. "What sort of werebeast are you, if I may be so bold to ask?" It was important for her to get every detail she could, given that the noblewoman was already worried that an ally would try and take a bite out of her at a moment's notice.

 

[Infab]

"Good to see you again, Inquisitor Sottaks! I trust Senior Inquisitor McDavis wasn't too rough on you during your field test?" asked Rebecca, setting her towershield down for a moment and propping on it. "I've heard tale of him being quite the... how did they put it... the 'jackass'?" She grinned as she finished speaking.

Cassandra cut Rebecca a look, cocking an eyebrow beneath the wide brim of her hat. "...I see the Saint has been brushing up on more modern slang." she muttered, before looking to Rajko. "Greetings. Cassandra Bainbridge, former Inquisitor and a wide variety of other things. Some pleasant, others not so much." She gave the new inquisitor a slight bow, tipping her hat to him as she spoke.

"What sort of werebeast are you, if I may be so bold to ask?"

As Cassandra straightened up, she nodded. "I'd love to know the answer to that as well... You smell like a fruit basket exploded on you." she said, adding a light chuckle to the end of the statement.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The reactions to Inquisitor Sottaks were unsurprising. At least in the eyes of the man himself. A variegated spectrum of emotions: from positivity to banality to obscured negativity. An acceptable—even reasonable—sentiment, one that Sottaks was all too familiar with when it came to his past. The morphic curse hoisted upon his sinless soul that day stuck in the back of his mind like a niggling canker. By the Gods, the bite scar on his neck pained him from time to time. Yet the accusative presumptions of being a vampire proved more nauseating than the pain. The inquisitor adjusted his V-shaped hat, partly out of annoyance.

"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Sottaks, I hope you are prepared for what is to come."

The Redonian was the first to greet Rajko, his curiosity had been subdued as he didn't immediately inquire about the manner of his bestial transfiguration. Rajko thought on his words: to be prepared for what is to come. His face adopted a stern façade. "Sir Takato, to that I can only answer: "all things are ready if our mind be so."" - Cute citation aside, Rajko believes himself to be prepared, but preparation seldom survives initial contact with the foe. If one tenth of what Rajko heard is true then he would need the fortitude of titans.

"Guten Tag, Herr Sottaks, I'm Sebastian."

"Greetings, Herr Ackermann." Rajko pondered whether or not to reveal that he knew how to speak Daristinian, at least enough to hold a basic conversation but irresolutely decided to withhold that information for now. Before further words could be exchanged, Camille Giguere had stepped in to announce herself. Immediately followed by the question Rajko did not want to hear. As if on cue, Rebecca The Living Saint and Cassandra followed suit. Rebecca inquiring whether Senior McDavis had put Rajko through the ringer or not and Cassandra by also inquiring Rajko's nature though admittedly, she seemed jovial about it.

"That he did, Saint Rebecca, oddly it reminded me of one excursion I had long ago with a pack of undead." Reminiscing aside, Cassandra's comment about an exploding fruit basket puzzled Rajko. Evident by his face and the way he lifted his neck gaiter and the collar of his inquisitorial jacket to sniff out any lingering odor. "Well... I did devour an entire bowl of mangoes and dates yesterday." As he continued to speak, he did become a smidgen exasperated about the ordeal. "In regards to what manner of beast I am... I am a Chiropteran... The noble bat." He braced himself for their grating words. And their scraping inquiries.

 

[Dmaster]

The huntress would struggle to call bats noble, but she was not going to say such a thing out loud. A corner of her lip twisted upward as she hummed at his answers, satisfied with the information that she had just received. "I see. Well you needn't prove yourself to me or anyone, given that Adona has already selected you. If he sees you in a future where we manage to win this, you could be an animated corpse as far as I am concerned," Camille replies. Granted she was not particularly enthusiastic about Adona or any of the gods' outlook on their situation, but she wasn't out to deliberately tear down group morale at the moment.

"That being said, I expect you to be far more useful than a corpse. Good to meet you. Now, let's get on this train before these artifacts are taken, oui?" she gently brushes her way past the inquisitor and moves into the awaiting door of the train car, though she hesitates before the entryway for a moment. She gives a quick glance back toward the Grand Cathedral for a moment, soon steeling herself with a breath before she gets on the train proper.

 

[Breadman]

Royland stifled a bit as Rebecca tried to use the modern slang terms. Many a years had passed, but it didn't seem like her curiosity had been effected.

"Ser Royland, at your service." The knight greeted their new colleague. He didn't know what a choropteran was, but he knew what a bat was. He also wondered if this meant that Rajko would be a full grown man sized bat or if he would morph into a smaller beast. The infamous ware-squirrel is said to be capable of just that sort of morphism.

 

[K0mori]

Rajko had succeeded in revealing two things to Sebastian. Not only did he make his affliction known, but he had also expanded Sebastian's awareness of were-beasts to include bats, something he had never considered before. The young soldier stifled a laugh- not out of ridicule, but rather out of the audacity of the situation. He gave a sigh and appeared to relax, or perhaps resign himself to hopelessness, as he took out a new cigarette and lit it up.

"Well, at least you're not a cat," Sebastian said after a moment. "Allergies," he clarified before stepping onto the train.

 

[Infab]

Adona soon motioned for the others to step aboard the passenger car. "Go ahead and move aboard. The train will be departing soon enough." he stated, waving a hand at the door before glancing back to the end of the platform. Someone else was approaching, dressed in a heavily modified version of the typical inquisitorial garb, sans a hat. Cassandra glanced back as well, pausing her movement towards the door. And she recognized him quite quickly.

"Ah, Vincent. Here to wish us well as we head off?" she asked, as the man approached quickly. Almost power-walking across the platform past soldiers to where they were standing. She shifted around, facing him as he arrived. "Or coming to join us?"

Vincent Beaumont shook his head rapidly. "Mainly to deliver some things from Adrien, but I guess you can count this as seeing you all off as well." he responded gruffly. In his hand was a small pack of bolts, marked in large block letters FLASH. Likely Camille's flash bombs for her crossbow.

She smirked. "I figured you'd be too exhausted to do anything, what with all the running about Eternis. Warding things against demonic influence and invasion." she said, eyeing him. He did look tired, with visible circles under his eyes. "You should get some rest. You're not going to be useful if you just up and collapse from exhaustion."

Vincent tilted his head, giving Cassandra a look. "...I thought all that thoughtfulness of yours faded with the passing of the months." he stated, eyeing the pureblood back.

Cassandra's smirk quickly shifted to a faint frown. He was telling the truth, honestly. She was nothing like she had been when she had first returned from the Abyss months prior. Perhaps it was the time away from Mariette that was getting to her? Too much time back in the mortal realm, dealing with issues here and people like Camille and others who despised her for her past misdeeds. She wasn't happy here.

Vincent continued to eye her for a moment, before smiling. "I'll get some sleep after handing these off to Camille. Don't worry, Cassandra." he said, "And this will be over soon enough. You'll be back with her in no time. Just take care of yourself, and watch over the others."

Her reaction was a simple, slightly hesitant nod. "I will, believe me." she said. Vincent soon stepped over and gave her a pat on the shoulder.

A moment later, he was stepping through the door of the passenger car. "Camille! These are from Adrien. He told me to give them to you." he said, calling out to Camille as he stood near the door. The inside the train car was equipped well enough to be comfortable for their journey to the north. Padded seats, instead of bare wooden benches, and tables for things to be set down on. There were even cots at one end of the cart in the event someone wished to sleep. Oil lamps hung from the ceiling, secure enough to make sure they didn't fall and shatter. Useful, as the armored plates over the windows didn't allow much light to slip through their slits.

He also noticed Sebastian. "Ah, the Daristeinian Adona recruited. Pleasure to meet you. I'm Senior Inquisitor Vincent Beaumont." he stated, giving the soldier a nod. "Don't fret. Just keep your wits about you, and work together with those around you. You'll make it through this, believe me. You're just as gifted as the others. Otherwise you wouldn't be here."

 

[Dmaster]

Camille was taking a minute to look over the amenities of their train car, quietly eyeing the provided comforts of this repurposed war machine. Naturally this completely fell flat in terms of the standards she was used to, and she could not help but frown at that. Not that she was expecting terribly much, given their situation. She was somewhat disappointed that they would have very little view of the countryside, the oil lamps within the car making everything much dimmer than she was used to for a train. It would take a lot of effort on her part not to fall asleep without rolling vistas to keep her occupied.

She flinched slightly upon hearing her name called out, stopping her from taking a seat in one of the booths. Turning about she saw Vincent, starting to step toward him before she took the pack from his hands. "My, that was quick. I'm surprised they got you of all people to deliver something so small. Merci," she thanked him, moving back to her seat soon after. Once there she began to open up the box before putting the bolts in a separate pouch on her person.

 

[K0mori]

Sebastian got himself situated in one of the padded seats, setting his pack, helmet, and guns down aside himself. Opening one of the pockets on his bag, he rummaged around for a moment before pulling out a paperback book. Over the past few months, reading novels had been one of the best ways to pass the time, and he would often trade books with the wounded soldiers in the cathedral in order to keep the material fresh. He preferred fiction to nonfiction, as the world around him had become both too estranged from normalcy as well as too akin to an era better left forgotten for any account of the recent past to hold his attention for long.

Instead, his current book was about a vengeful Escarian sailor on a quest for revenge against rivals who plotted his false imprisonment. He admired the main character's ironclad resolve to survive his incarceration, his diligence to train his body and mind when others would have crumbled in despair, and his commitment to justice against the ones who wronged him, no matter how long or how much it would take. He wanted to be a man like that- a man worth imitating.

Before he could get lost in this grand adventure again, however, a visitor entered the train car. Vincent Beaumont, a man he had heard about a few times over the past few months, was wishing him luck and assuring him that he was 'just as gifted' as everyone else on the mission, as if he could sense Sebastian's unease.

"Ja, well..." he grunted, smoke puffing from his lips which curled into a wry smile, "if it turns out I'm not, and I die, do me a favor and burn the fucking Cathedral down."

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou smiled at Rajko's response. The man, if not ready, has at least steeled himself - despite his stern appearance, he could see it in his eyes, he was only prepared as he was based on past experience, and what's to come would likely go far beyond that, and yet he was ready to take on this task. Just as in the case of Sebastian, whose opinions on all this he had openly expressed, and perhaps more abstractly for the wider group, they would have to band together to ensure they handle the task before them, lest they face eternal damnation.

After simply nodding to the revelation that he was a werebat, upon noting Camille and Sebastian boarding the train and Adona motioning the rest of them to get on, he began making his way in, albeit not before Vincent stopped by to deliver goods for Camille. After Vincent handed off the goods and reassured Sebastian, his response prompting a smirk from the hermit as he made his way through the train car, Xiaòzhou patted Vincent on the back and gave him and Sebastian a hardy smile.

"Whether it be here in Eternis, Sir Beaumont, or to our destination, Sir Ackermann, troubles will come, but as they say, even an iron rod can be ground into a needle. One's potential must be nurtured, not discouraged, otherwise one's 'gift' would be wasted," he maintained his smile towards Sebastian, "And that goes for all of us. None of us can achieve our best truly by ourselves. Only through cooperation can we achieve not just our goals, but our best," he concluded before turning towards Vincent once more, "Rest well for what's to come, my friend," motioning for a hug.

 

[joshuadim]

"Let me know how they handle, will you?"

Azathor gave him a courteous nod after he had explained what these pistols were exactly. "I'll be sure to test them thoroughly against our enemies." he commented aloud as he went about to gather whatever else he would need for his journey, whether it was the necessary holsters or the ammo provided. He then followed the group outside when it was time and were introduced to a new face, whose own intricacies were unique in that he was a werebeast in the form of a bat. Azathor didn't have much to comment outside of a slightly bemused look as he scratched his chin while observing the man.

As they were beckoned onto their ride out of Eternis and towards their first objective, Azathor gave a remark to Rajko as he passed by him: "I look forward to seeing you fight." he commented with a nod, genuinely interested in seeing his capabilities in such situations. Once inside the train car, Azathor took a booth for himself and kicked out his legs as he leaned back against the compartment in his seat. He was going to savor these last times of comfort, as things were only bound to get harder from here on, as his stay in Eternis until now had been a great reprieve from the constant warring and slaughter he had been a part of back in the Abyss for...

It was at this point he realized that he couldn't remember exactly how long he had been fighting for. All the events and days seemed to blur together into one giant, endless orgy of violence that seemed to be insatiable. So much so that this quiet and peaceful time in the mortal realm had seemed almost as if years had passed without needing to raise a sword against someone else. It felt nice... this feeling of calm.

Vincent's entrance marked a return of Azathor's attention as he looked at the man and gave him a quick salute with two of his fingers. Another figure from the Abyss recently he had come across and aided in his mission. Although they had failed, maybe this time they would not. One could hope for such an outcome. This also brought Azathor's attention to Xiaòzhou, whom he also recognized from that mission in the Abyss, and saw him conversing with Ackermann. He'd need to have a chat with him later regarding application of his magic. For now though, he "Die or not, so long as you kill some of those bastards we come across you'll fit that criteria." Azathor spoke to the Daristenian, "Though, I'm sure we all prefer not to die."

 

[Infab]

"Ja, well..." he grunted, smoke puffing from his lips which curled into a wry smile, "if it turns out I'm not, and I die, do me a favor and burn the fucking Cathedral down."

Vincent cocked an eyebrow in response. Certainly not the response he expected, or even remotely close. He cut a look to Camille, for a brief moment, as she took the flash bombs and returned to her seat, before looking back to Xiaòzhou. He listened as he spoke some wise words, before stepping in and giving him a brief hug. Once he broke it, he gave him a nod (and gave Azathor a quick return salute) before turning and stepping back off the train.

Outside, he moved to look at the war train itself as the others climbed aboard. "...Hope we have to do this kind of thing again any time soon. Heaven knows this will already be quite the mess to clean up." he said casually, glancing over in Adona's direction.

Adona simply smiled. "You have no idea." he responded, his eyes looking up towards the blue sky above as he folded his arms.

 

[K0mori]

"Whether it be here in Eternis, Sir Beaumont, or to our destination, Sir Ackermann, troubles will come, but as they say, even an iron rod can be ground into a needle. One's potential must be nurtured, not discouraged, otherwise one's 'gift' would be wasted," he maintained his smile towards Sebastian, "And that goes for all of us. None of us can achieve our best truly by ourselves. Only through cooperation can we achieve not just our goals, but our best," he concluded before turning towards Vincent once more, "Rest well for what's to come, my friend," motioning for a hug.

"Die or not, so long as you kill some of those bastards we come across you'll fit that criteria." Azathor spoke to the Daristenian, "Though, I'm sure we all prefer not to die."

Sebastian watched as Vincent embraced his friend before leaving, having not responded to Sebastian's cynical joke. Maybe I made a poor impression on him, the soldier considered silently. For a man who's been to Hell and back, you'd think he'd have more of a sense of humor. Sebastian nodded without looking at Azathor. Although he certainly didn't mind the demon's attempt at reassurance, the notion of nobody wanting to die was so obvious that there was nothing insightful he could add to it.

"I'll try my best to kill a few of them, but I'll admit that the guns will do most of the work," he snarked. "I just carry them from place to place."

Takato, on the other hand, seemed to be a amicable fellow who enjoyed his jokes. "So..." Sebastian said after a moment, "I've been wondering how it is that you're able to fly. It's got to be some kind of magic, obviously, but is it the kind mortals can learn?" The tone of his question is nearly sarcastic, as if he were were really asking so what are you supposed to be?

The smile on his face is genuine, however. Having had a moment to smoke and make light of the situation, even in a way that didn't quite land as intended, seemed to have relaxed the Daristinian's conscience a bit, and he was more willing to mingle.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Rajko had venerated the Gods for his new acquaintances not pestering him with the tiresome questions. A small blessing all things considered, but a blessing nonetheless. Adona urged them to board the train, and Rajko happily obliged as he had already selected his seat. He unwounded; Frist, he exposed the blade of his shashka partially before unstrapping it from his belt then stowing it alongside his Gewehr rifle. The padded seats were not to Sottaks' liking, but he'd be petty and infantile if he were to complain. It is not like his current associates could do anything about it. Everyone took their methods of relaxation, Sebastian The Soldier read a book - he wondered which one.

As for the Atracan Bat, he shifted through the contents of his rucksack. A small, wooden object was retrieved. Closer inspection reveals it to be a smoking pipe. Hand-carved with motifs of flowers, leaves, and roots. The bezel of the pipe is made from white willow wood, while the rest sported a blacker type of lumber. He picked up a packet of ground herbs, briefly shaking them for a quick examination. A matchbook flick and a dancing flame later, Rajko soon smoked.

"Very calming," He said aloud, a stream of smoke leaving his mouth.

A man entered the train, Rajko recognises as Vincent Beaumont. His superior and respected man for his venture in the Abyss. He hopes that Rajko could be one-tenth the Inquisitor of this man. But he had only greeted his superior an acknowledging nod before resuming his activities.

"I'll try my best to kill a few of them, but I'll admit that the guns will do most of the work," he snarked. "I just carry them from place to place."

The werebat chuckled under his smoke, amused by the soldier's quip. "Guns are a tool like any sword, crossbow, or even magic. A proper lad behind an improper gun makes all the difference between the reverse." Rajko chimed.

Takato, on the other hand, seemed to be a amicable fellow who enjoyed his jokes. "So..." Sebastian said after a moment, "I've been wondering how it is that you're able to fly. It's got to be some kind of magic, obviously, but is it the kind mortals can learn?"

Rajko admits that he is curious about the nature of his flight as well, though his tone did not match Sebastian's inquisitive one. "Aye, I'd like to hear about that as well."

 

[K0mori]

The werebat chuckled under his smoke, amused by the soldier's quip. "Guns are a tool like any sword, crossbow, or even magic. A proper lad behind an improper gun makes all the difference between the reverse." Rajko chimed.

Sebastian nodded in agreement, although a sad thought crossed his mind: how many 'proper lads' have died in this war so far because they didn't have the tools they needed? He thought about those strange, box-shaped guns Azathor took from the armory and wondered how many soldiers had already died with a Colt revolver in their hand, six empty casings in the cylinder or at their feet, while other 'proper lads' walk over their bodies with Lugers or Mauser pistols, still partially-loaded. How many were still carrying Martini-Henry or Gras rifles at the outbreak of the war, fumbling with single-shot mechanisms while the enemy advanced?

Sebastian brought himself back to reality. He knew that Rajko wasn't trying to say that bravery and proper training would render him invincible, nor was he suggesting that he or anyone else who died were deficient. He simply meant that those virtues could help Sebastian survive and succeed. The world certainly didn't need to be fair, however, and that was something he had already come to grips with on more than one occasion, growing up. War simply made reality more stark.

"And another thing I'd like to know..." Sebastian said, "You're Tsavanian and Atracan, and you carry a Mauser. Where are you from, and does the war mean anything to you?"

 

[Worthlessplebian]

"And another thing I'd like to know..." Sebastian said, "You're Tsavanian and Atracan, and you carry a Mauser. Where are you from, and does the war mean anything to you?"

It had been abundantly evident that Sebastian pondered Rajko's assertion. It is clear to the inquisitor that he should not have hastily replied, as it might come off as insensitive. He removed the pipe from his jowls, holding it aside in his hand as Rajko prepared to withstand the brunt of an outburst. Rajko's shoulders drooped when that prospect never occurred. Even the question that Sebastian impressed on him could not compare to what Rajko was anticipating. This man who is born in Atraca, carried a Tsavanian sword & revolver, and fired a Daristinian rifle did not find it hard to cope with that question. His face contorted between grim and accepting. "My home is the Atracan forests in the highlands, my parents were disillusioned Tsavanians. The Mauser is a fine rifle, that I find it to my fancy. What does this war mean to me? A terrible, bitter reality. A war between nations, spurred by a combination of politics, mortal inclinations, and Gods know what else." The Inquisitor allowed a moment of rest, before continuing. "A distraction carved from the corpses of young men, watered by their blood and the tears of their family."

His mood had soured and they haven't even departed yet! But Rajko did not fault Sebastian's inquiry. It is right, especially from a soldier's perspective, to question the integrity of the man next to you. Entirely possible to die, not just from the weapon of your enemy, but the thought of your comrade as well. "I'd prefer the simpler times when I could just hunt monsters. Then again, a lot of things are easier when you're younger." He mused.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille settled in her seat by leaning back and kicking up her boots on the table, trying to make the best out of the cheap seat by stretching herself out. Idly she listened to the conversation between the other members as she inspected the weapon on her wrist. Quietly she unbuckled it from its strap and worked over the process of opening and closing the mechanism, trying to be studious with it. She could already tell that the train ride was going to be long, and she felt the need to better understand the tool due to the fact it would be utilized in life or death situations.

Unable to avoid hearing Ackerman's bitter joke and the commentary that followed, the huntress could not help but chuckle softly. To hear Azathor, son of a demonic Icon, speak on his own mortality was also humorous in the same tone. Of all the people in the group, she and the Daristenian had their humanity in common. To realize the frailty and limits of their nature could be a fast track to a defeatist mindset, yet the huntress turned such weaknesses into her strength.

No doubt Takato could answer the question Sebastian posed himself, even if her husband had given the information necessary for her to do so. Though she was not exactly sure if it was a magic that could be learned by regular people. When the subject of the war itself came up, she directed her attention from her arm-mounted crossbow and looked to Rajko.

"This war is the product of demonic plotting," Camille spoke up to him. "All meticulously planned out so that the world is collectively weakened for the upcoming Abyssal invasion. The beautiful hills of my home are singed by artillery fire, littered by the bodies of men who are blind to see that they are pawns in the Icons' scheme. I am a hunter too, but my prey has always been those that would harm the innocent. Those who believe themselves strong yet cloak themselves in shadow and obscurity."

"My experience lies with fighting vampires. Yet given all of the pain and suffering caused by these demons, I am willing to learn how to kill them just as efficiently. All tyrants must meet the same fate."

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou found himself slightly surprised by Sebastian and Rajko's inquiry into his flight, before immediately after remembering that he is the only one here who flies regularly. While Rajko's tone was one of curiosity, he could tell there was an underlying suspicion behind Sebastian's tone. Thankfully, he could answer this question simply. As he reached for his densely-packed box pack of talisman-like cards, the other two engaged in one another over their place in the world and the war, though simply discussing the war could lower morale already, given how sensitive of a topic it must be to those from the combating countries. At least Camille followed up by speaking of the demonic influence on these affairs.

With Camille having finished, Xiaòzhou pulled out his box and held it in both his hands.

"Regarding my flight, it would be silly if mortals could not learn to do so themselves! The impact of the Age of Darkness on my homeland of Redonia had rendered the lands continually in touch with mystic arts even as your lands slowly abandoned them; as a result of this, many remain in tune with their own 'qi' and that of the world, and if channeled properly, they are able to teach themselves or be taught by another the ability of flight. Another method involves these," he said, raising the box, from which two talisman-like cards sprouted, "These spell cards enable even a child the ability to wield magic, a vessel to channel qi into. Cards used for duels deal no physical damage to those they had been used on, unlike proper talismans, and thus use minimal qi. Though one could make them do damage if enough qi is channeled into them, this facet of them needing little qi to use has allowed for many non-combat cards to appear, such as these two."

Pulling out the cards, showing their Upper Redonian writing clearly, he continued: "Wrapping these around one's ankles and channeling qi into them allows one to have the ability of flight for a limited time, the time depending on the amount of qi channeled. In combat, they are useful for narrowly avoiding mystic attacks and graze them with style, but you can often find them used by merchants outside of combat to enable them to quickly travel from one place to another. As a well-practiced hermit, I need not use them, but I had for many years out of respect for my mortal peers."

As he placed the cards back into the box, he finished: "There is technically another method, which is the use of these cards with another channeling their qi into them, aiding their partner in the art of flight. You see this method more commonly with those searching newcomers to flight though, as they help them adapt, using their qi flow as an example for the other to imitate and learn. I had not had much opportunity to show others here in Adonia flight aside from just carrying them, so if either of you are interested, I am willing to help you achieve flight."

 

[joshuadim]

"My experience lies with fighting vampires. Yet given all of the pain and suffering caused by these demons, I am willing to learn how to kill them just as efficiently. All tyrants must meet the same fate."

"Just make sure not to shoot me on accident." Azathor chuckled aloud at Camille's remark, trying to inject a bit of humor into the conversation.