Graded [Ryken City] Ryken Welcoming Party

[RavenSong]

As the skeletons shattered before her eyes, Scylla's features expressed a silent relief.

She looked towards Rudy, and resisted a smirk as she glanced at Rowan. They seemed to have chemistry and Scylla did not want to come off the wrong way. “Yeah, don’t mention it.” She said after an exchange of glances.

It seemed that the party had passed this first test. She looked at the others briefly then at her new acquaintance after pretty much saying what was on her mind, her silent indifference well drawn upon her pale face. “Hmm, yes, so it would seem..” she said solemnly through alabaster lips. “..but let’s not make the mistake of thinking this is over. This illusionist is quite the rather talented, albeit merciless.. ‘teacher.’” She patted Iberis on the head lightly, she seemed fairly young to be taking on such dangers. Her crimson eyes betrayed her wonder at this little witch specifically her possible reason for joining the academy. Surely to advance her magical prowess, but for what purpose? Perhaps. Power.

As the party went into the crypt she stopped to look at Clarice, “Took you long enough..” she said coldly. “..next time let us know before you go frolicking among the undead.” She smiled inside at the thought. But her outer shell remained composed as she continued after the others.

Her amusement quickly faded however as a sudden chill, followed by a petrifying laugh sent shivers up her spine. She gasped audibly as her eyes widened with surprise, mixed with fear as she felt herself having to force her limbs to move forward. She almost wanted to cower behind Iberis, but to do so would be simply embarrassing in the eyes of the party.

The groaning would start, but she’d press on even after feeling Iberis get closer to her. Scylla put a hand in her shoulder as they descended. “Don’t worry, remember this is all some kind of simulat-“ it was then that iberis was pulled away from her as a ghoulish hand threatened to pull her into the wall. Her shrieks spurred Scylla into action as she quickly reached to hold onto Iberis' hand. “Ergh! A little help here!” She called out to the others. Whatever monster was in the walls was fairly strong, and she feared that if she let go to cast a spell it would pull her into whatever abyss lay before.

“Iberis! You must concentrate! Open your eyes!” Scylla exclaimed in an attempt to get her to strike at the fiend that had its grasp on her locks.

 

[D. Rex]

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As the group of living beings began to regroup, the skeletons themselves were beginning to break out of their net, Scylla was able to move to Rudy's side who did take a couple steps back from the attack. Scylla's ability to heal the wound of Rudy's cheek would somewhat succeed, a strange divine power would pulsate out from her hand in concentrated mana, Rudy's serious wound would stop it's spreading and instead linger as a minor burn, his eye would be red and the skin that was affected from his right side of his face down to his neck would be red as well, Rudy still could see but his eye would still bother him. Similar to have chlorine in your eye. Scylla's magic had worked, but she wasn't able to fully heal his festering burn, just suppress it.

As the group was beginning its next round of attacks against the incapacitated skeletons, Clarice would come from out of her hiding spot, sprinting up the stairs of the tomb entrance to where the caught skellies were at now being within 10 feet of each of them, she would activate her ability, Proxy War. Just as the armored skeletons broke out of the net that Rowan had entrapped them into, ripping the net to shreds as they flooded on out into the world again, the creaking of their bones could be heard, they still had strange green fog coming out from their mouths as they moved forward. But then they would suddenly stop moving as Clarice now had a hold on their minds, whatever was left of such. Slowly with creaking bones, they would begin to slowly take off pieces of their armor, throwing them off in front of them, eventually as they were nearly naked Rowan would cast her spell next, Mass Blackout.

Barriers surrounded each Skeleton's head now blinding them and keep their poisonous breath within these small prisons. Now with these incapacitated, naked and vulnerable skeletons in front of the group, they would begin their move, Rowan would clad everyone in armor now as they made their attack. Scylla would fire off her ability, Spectral Blast, summoning a concentrated skull from magics of old, she would fire this skull as it screeched towards her target and collided with the front skelly, blasting its chest cavity open, blowing it back. Iberis would next concentrate a beam of magic with the color of red at the next skeleton with her ability Energy Stream, it would cut down the skeleton into a pile of ash. Finally, up would be Rudy, making his attack, he would then run up to the last skeleton waiting for him to attack now, the one that had attacked Rudy and laughed at him. Hammer on Iron would take out the last remaining enemy, the first punch breaking its ribs and the next punch would break the skeleton into two, throwing the top half of the torso into the darkness of the crypt. The torso slamming and rolling down the stairs until it reached the bottom.

Silent lingered for a few moments and the battle was done. It was time to move on now, move on down into the crypts.

As the group would make their way down the stairs into the crypts, the walls around them would begin to light up with torches, each time they got closer to the bottom, more torches would light up to show them the way. Eventually that same wind with the chill would fly by each of them, there was a faint laughter to it as it flew down the stairs, chills would run up everyone's spines. As the air became still there would be faint groaning and moaning, then on the walls around everyone there would be loud banging until hands would break out through the walls, arms of the dead, arms that were decaying trying to grab anyone, multiple arms would pop out of the walls until Iberis' hair was snagged by a hand and she was pulled into the wall, the hand trying to pull Iberis into the wall with them.

Clarice as she saw Iberis get grabbed would have her arm grabbed tightly, the hand cold and wet, wet with blood as she was beginning to be pulled into the wall. She would have to catch herself with her foot on the wall and push herself away lest she get her arm fully pulled in and possibly eaten. The walls were full of the dead and they were stuck in the middle, they would need to quickly get out of this mess before more arms come out and grab everyone.

Interactions: slifer37 D. Rex TheSimianMind RavenSong TheTimePiece

They dismantled the skeletons as planned. Each one destroyed in turn like clockwork. Good. With everybody in one piece as well. Also good. Which meant now all that was left was to enter into the crypt.


Rudolph did not want to go into the crypt... not because he was scared. But because he knew there would be untold amounts of bullshit waiting behind every corner. No. He wasn't scared. Of course he was aware he would feel entirely differently if this was a real crypt with a real ancient evil and not some haunted house style entrance exam. As it stood currently. He was essentially walking into a Halloween scare house with the exception you were allowed to beat up any of the staffers that jumped out at you. In cynical admission, Rudolph had to say that very fact was an improvement on the concept.


As they descended, and the torches flickered alight and the wind and laughter wafted by like a bad fart, Rudolph grumbled to himself, "I'll certainly give him an A for theatrics... could have made a killing in entertainment..." That would be all that he would give him... a written test would really have been more than sufficient..."Given there is skeletons... and this is a crypt... where dead things are kept... I'd say yes we are surrounded... however. I would think the question of the day would be is he making this up as he goes along and trying to target where we are weak just to mess with us, or if he is sticking to an unchanging script."


He was in the process of tapping some ashes from his browned cigarette when the hands sprouted from the walls like weeds. It would be uncharitable to say he wasn't expecting something like this. Some skeletons or zombies or ghosts. Maybe a vampire or something.

Yet in moments one of the girls were grabbed. And seemingly latched onto quite securely. Clarice and Scylla were doing well in trying to pull Iberis back. Rudolph too had already turned heel to try and help the girl.


The hands trying to cop a feel, well Rudy wasn't about to have any of that. Striking like a viper, his hand came down like a mace atop the offending hand. To get it to let go, or shatter its bones to dust. The latter would be more satisfying.

If one blow wouldnt do. Then a second or third. Though he would be more than happy to break any arm in his path with his flurry of blows.


All the while... he was more than prepared to break of those ghoulish arms like a twig if they tried to grab at him. But right now he need to help get Iberis free.


"Rowan? Barriers?"

 

[TheSimianMind]

Clarice would derive no satisfaction from dismantling the skeletal simulacrums arrayed against her. These wretched figments of Darven's imagination are utterly dispossessed of anything resembling a survival instinct. They have no aspirations nor do they truly live. As illusions, mere forms without substance, their destruction is supremely uninspired - tedious, even - for the outcome of this battle is meaningless to them. Consequently, Clarice would not expend much energy in claiming their "minds" and repurposing them according to her designs.

With the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of her left hand, Clarice presses her black bauta mask to her face as all color drains from her eyes. She extends a gauntleted hand toward the skeletons and issues a single command.

Doff!

Tendrils of infernal energy erupt from Clarice's fingertips, ensnaring her prey and burrowing deep inside of them. As the skeletons tear at their armor in abject horror - consummate dread that undead creatures should not be able to feel - tarry, black ichor begins to bleed from their eyes, indelibly staining pearlescent bone as it sloughs down their skulls. Strings of infernal energy burst from within them, tethering them, like marionettes, to two spectral controllers Clarice grips in her palms. Then, Clarice observes as her marionettes swiftly and unflinchingly execute her orders. While Iberis, Scylla, Rowan, and Rudy smash the skeletons to pieces, Clarice assesses the value of these skeletal units on the battlefield.

Response times fall well within expected tolerances. Minimal upkeep. Possibility of delegating control to subordinates.

Scylla's chastisement snaps her back to reality. In lieu of immediately riposting, Clarice removes the mask from her face and gingerly stows it in a pocket. Just before she raises a sleeve to her face and dabs at her eyes, Scylla might notice the black streaks discoloring her cheeks. A fleeting smirk signals how amusing she finds Scylla's behavior.

Aw, you missed me! Cute. Is this your awkward goth-witch way of hitting on me?

Clarice kneels and quickly takes stock of the skeletons' inventories. Swords, shields, armor, and bugger all else. No keys. No notes. Zilch. A sword and shield might come in handy; Clarice hastily sheathes one sword and straps it to her side before picking up a shield and attaching it to her backpack.

Listen, Scylla - it's Scylla, right - you wouldn't survive a relationship with me. I'd break a porcelain doll like you within two weeks, so why don't you save us both some of my very valuable time and scurry back to your dusty grimoires, flying brooms, cauldrons, and black cats before you wind up on an all-expenses paid vacation to the local asylum with all of the trepanning and godawful hydrotherapy you'll never want?

For good measure, Clarice picks through the loot again. Discovering no other items of interest, Clarice rises to her feet, snatches her silver hip flask from her belt, pours alcohol onto her hands, and idly wonders why goth-witches deem cemeteries teeming with the undead romantic venues. Hey, that Rudy guy tried hitting on her too! What's wrong with these people? Shaking her hands dry, Clarice finally proceeds toward the crypt making her the last to enter.

The interior of the crypt is as about as dank and claustrophobic as Clarice anticipated. As she descends the staircase with torches bursting into flame around her, she is vaguely reminded of the Haunted Mansion attraction at Tokyo Disneyland. Somehow, this exam didn't really stack up. There wasn't enough pizazz. Running away from monstrous creatures didn't really seem all that viable here. The mortal danger part wasn't all that fun either. Yeah, that was probably the lamest part: the whole "if you let your guard down, you'll almost certainly die because the cast member running this attraction is a complete sociopath" bit.

Clarice feels her heart leap out of her chest and cling to the ceiling as a familiar chilling wind and disembodied voice harass her and, disconcertingly, things start to bang on the walls surrounding her. In response, Clarice draws her new sword - y'know, the one that she doesn't know how to use - and bellows.

Press forward, you -

A bloody hand crashes through the wall beside Clarice and grabs her left arm! Almost automatically, Clarice attempts wrench her arm out of her assailant's grasp while crackling white mana violently jolts through its fingers (Beginner Magic: Force Mana - Magic Affinity: F). Clarice's spell needn't disintegrate the hand; best case scenario it would loosen the grip of the lubricated hand allowing Clarice to free herself!

If she succeeds on the first attempt, Clarice snatches the shield from her backpack, forces her way to the front of the group, dives onto her new shield, and begins to shield surf down the staircase! By staying low, moving fast, and protecting her head, she intends to coast beneath the arms while making her speedy escape!

If her opening gambit fails to free her, Clarice plants her left foot against a solid section of the wall, grabs the offending arm, draws her new sword with her free hand, steadies herself, and hacks at her assailant's fingers with wild abandon trusting the Barrier Rowan had cast on her to prevent her from damaging herself! If she manages to free herself at this juncture, she attempts to stay low and move to the front of the group.

Mages, we are leaving!

Abilities/Skills/Items Used:

1. Beginner Magic: Force Mana - Magic Affinity: F
2. Sword (Looted from Skeleton): Attack -OR- Shield (Looted from Skeleton): Surf

 

[slifer37]

Thankfully, everyone had contributed to taking out the skeletons, even Clarice. Personally, as long as she helped, she could run her mouth. As long as she could put her money where her mouth was, she would be fine. Though, she had figured they could take on the skeletons. Darven could make the challenge extremely hard, but she doubted that it would be interesting if they all just died. The other professor most likely encouraged the man to make the test passable- at least enough so that if they actually worked together as a team, then they wouldn't die. At least, that's what she told herself before they entered the crypt, hanging back so she would have time to react if anything were to attack them. She was in work mode, so there wasn't much of a need to talk right now, unless it was important communication. Besides, everyone had a personal armour up, and she was waiting for something to happen. Which it probably would.

The petrifying laugh made her stiffen, but in an anticipatory way. It was a mocking warning, as the walls suddenly grew hands and grabbed Clarice and Iberis, threatening to pull them into the wall and take them who knows where. As per usual, Clarice was running her mouth as if she wanted to be left to die alone in this hellhole, but she had a duty to protect everyone, which included people who seemed to just like talking to hear themselves talk.

She wasn't sure if her magic would stop the hands at dragging away Iberis, so she decided to go defensive instead of offensive. Rowan cast Barrier Wall/Dome at Iberis, Clarice, and the multitudes of hands, trying to make a blockade between them- something that the others won't get pulled in, but also would keep Iberis and Clarice from being pulled in. (Barrier Wall/Dome-D Grade- 1 Post Cooldown) 5x5 squares would cover the wall, interlocking themselves together to create a defensive line about 25 feet long. For the wall involving Iberis, it would fill in the space around the connecting arms that had grabbed Iberis, the shield catching her before she touched the wall. Like a solid fence with holes that only had the arms that had Iberis and Clarice, leaving just enough room so someone could cut them or pull them out to safety.
Whatever space around the large wall barrier was left, she would cast her most basic barrier (Basic Barrier-Grade F- Multiple Post Cooldown) every five feet, not letting the hands get through the solid, smooth surface. When she had finished casting, she would reach out to grasp Clarice or Iberis, whoever needed help to keep them away from the wall. She may not have been super strong, but at least some extra weight would be a counterbalance to whatever force was tugging them...hopefully. At least everyone had a shield around them, which might help them out in the long run- last one more hit, endure the enemy, and maybe avoid dying here.
If Iberis and Clarice were freed, Rowan would do a quick patch job with her basic barriers, so no one else would be pulled away from the group.

• Barrier Wall/Dome- Magic Affinity D, Barrier E, Magic Range E, Energize D, Magic Duration E, Magic Targets E: 5 5x5 Barriers are stacked on top of each other tightly together to make a wall or a dome that's bigger than the individual barriers- D Grade- 1 Post Cooldown
• Basic Barrier - Magic Affinity D, Barrier Affinity F Energize D- Create a barrier of F grade around caster or target can touch for a post - Grade F - Multiple Post Cooldown

 

[Skyhunter]

​

(This is the closest I could find of hallways with arms coming out of the walls)

As Rudy was taking a drag off his cigarette, a arm would come out of the wall and punch Rudy across his burned side of his face before pulling back into the wall, probably from his comment about theatricals or maybe just from him taking a drag off his cigarette. But whatever hit him was laughing on the other side of the wall.

Rudy helping Iberis would be done in one attack, he would break the arm of this undead on the other side of the wall, but soon more would appear, one even grabbing Rudy by his hair and shoulder. Next Clarice would be able to get free from the grasp of the first undead's hand causing the hand to let her go, but just for another hand to take it's place grabbing her arm once again. Her magic would free her again but then once more a arm grabbed her again, this time keeping her in place. Clarice's sword would be able to hack through the arm with ease, as she was about to get away, a hand would grab her sword next. The sounds of groans and growls filled the hallway down. Scylla then would be grabbed by her foot and arm by more arms popping out of the walls. It seemed like it was doom for them all.

Until Rowan would save them, using her barrier ability, she created wall on each side, arms would be cut off from the sudden creation, there was groans of pain from the other side of the walls as limbs fell onto the ground, blood got onto people that were grabbed. Behind them coming from where they were walking, a amalgamation of arms was making it's way down towards the group, several arms too big for them to fight would be coming for them. Their only way was down or to be consumed by the grabbing hands that were cold with death.

When the group made their way down the stairs, there would be more arms popping out of the walls, the team was able to get pass them, with a few grabs and scratches but they would continue their way as the wall of hands continued it's way down towards the group. Eventually they would get to a large room with two large metal doors that they could close. Once they reached the new room and was able to close the doors, the hands would bang and slam on the door wanting to get in. But the large CHONK noise the doors made would secure their safety for now. Before them would be a strange room with a walkway over a large chasm, below would be what looked like a bottomless pit. Across from that was a platform. Above was it looked like some portal that looked like it would lead to a ethereal realm, the room was dark but this portal would light it up with blue. In this portal there looked like souls spinning eternally around, in the center was a darker colored hole, like a entryway for someone or thing.

​

Interaction: D. Rex slifer37 TheSimianMind RavenSong TheTimePiece

 

[TheTimePiece]

Iberis had felt somewhat comforted prior to being grabbed with Scylla's words, She couldn't help but scoff a bit quietly at hearing the interaction between Clarice and Scylla, as far as she was concerned Scylla had every right to make the comment she did, splitting up just sounded like a bad idea even if it had helped in this case. having her near her made things not feel so bad. To the present however; while Iberis was being pulled she continued to flail around, her inexperience and younger age in that moment showing, someone else who was more battle hardened might have opted to immediately cut their hair or try someway to properly dislodge themselves and get right into action, Iberis on the other hand felt panicked, suddenly she felt Scylla grasping onto her hand which she reciprocated almost immediately with her own tight grip as if she was holding on for dear life, anything to prevent her from getting pulled into the wall, she could feel the strain in her arm. When Scylla told her to concentrate, her panicked expression like a deer in headlights eventually went away and she looked more serious and focused at the very least. Thankfully it seemed that she didn't have to jump into action to save herself. Rudy Jumped into action smashing the arms about which helped.

Of course the refocused look began to shift to one of dread began to return when suddenly it seemed like everyone was being grabbed in rapid succession, like they were going to all get pulled through into the void, unsure of what that would mean in this test if it was successful in pulling They were illusions after all right? As she continued to hold onto Scylla deadset on not letting go, then Rowan came in with the assist, Iberis's eyes lit up in awe at just how effective Rowan was at casting the barriers, she really wished she could do something like that, watching the arms get vanquished which had been threatening to pull the vast majority of the group now.
"T-Thanks Rowan!" She'd call out after the fact once she was and Scylla was freed, she stayed near her once more gripping her staff. this time at the ready to cast if more of the hands showed up, that was of course until she saw the mass of hands that was heading after them so she went the only place that was logical which was down the stairs swiftly, For the most part she'd try to avoid any would be hands as they descended that decided to join the fray if a hand on the descent got too close to her or Scylla for her liking she'd quickly try to cast Mana Strike (F) by lobbing an unstable orb of mana at it with her staff which involved making a circular motion to build up energy before pushing it forward while on the move in the direction she needed to strike, but it seemed the situation was under control even as they had to move quickly it felt to not get enveloped by the large hands behind them.

Once they finally reached the he large metal doored space she wasn't entirely sure what she was seeing in the doorway from afar but it didn't take too long for them to find out since the whole group was making their way through in swift order and the metal doors were promptly closed once everyone was inside to prevent the hands from getting to them. While the pounding sound wasn't the most comforting Iberis let out a small sigh of relief as she looked over to Scylla "Uh thanks for helping me back there too. If you hadn't grabbed onto me I could have very easily been pulled in..." Giving Scylla a bit of a soft smile, with some eye contact. She also then turned looked towards wherever Rudy had ended up initially in the space. "You too, thanks for jumping into action like that." It seemed that positive experience had brought Iberis a bit more out of her shell so to speak on being a bit more socially vocal as she really did appreciate it, plus deep down she knew that it only was beneficial to at least try to be friendly to those who had been willing to help her regardless of how she felt. She then looked onwards at the strange space lots of elements in this room to consider. "Looks like we're gonna need to proceed with caution particularly after that huh?" motioning towards the abyss and platform, not particularly keen on going anywhere alone after that grabby event into the room for all she knew there could be traps or something was going to come out for them to engage with.

Interactions:
RavenSong Skyhunter D. Rex TheSimianMind slifer37

 

[RavenSong]

Scylla was left speechless, not because of Clarices insults but at the bold assumption that in some way she was romantically interested in her. Am I? She wondered as the thought of it seemed to make her uneasy as bizzare unexplored feelings seemed to emerge within her. She began to detest Clarice for stirring up unwanted thoughts within her.

However, her outer shell appeared indifferent, composed and cold. In spite of the emotional turmoil she was finding herself in she had impressive control over her frame. She’d practiced so long to maintain her indifferent expression in regards to matters of the heart for so long that all that was beheld was a shell of a person.

“Hmph.. how ignorant for you to assume anything about me, Clarice.”

—-

After the hands had gotten hold of iberis, and Scylla herself had held onto her. Another set of hands held onto Scylla as she attempted to get Iberis to react, she gasped at the near bone splitting grip of the ghoulish hands. Too startled to shriek, and too many things going at once to call for help. Just then, Rudy came to their rescue, they’d let go of Iberis but Scylla was now within their clutches. But not for long as Rowans uncanny magic barrier sliced the fiendish arms, gazing in disgust as they slithered about the ground as the nerves within them began to shut down.

Scylla’s face was smeared with blood, but the need to press on was much more dire. Holding onto Iberis hand yet again she made her way down further into the crypt. Arms and ghoulish sounds echoing through the putrid cobbled path down. She glanced back through her blood stained face to see a horror she’d only seen in her darkest dreams. Hurriedly they’d step through the door, helping to shut it close. Holding onto the door she was pushed back by the creature's force against the iron gate.

Scylla was panting as her heart raced, her amber eyes wide, and mouth agape in horror. She’d get up slowly, eventually calming down as she rested a hand on Iberis shoulders. “Don’t mention it..” she said as her chin dripped with the crimson life force of the dead. “..when I see this illusion teacher, I’ll be sure he understands my distaste for this exam.”

She’d walk up to Rowan. “Thank you for that back there.. I.. I almost thought I was done for.”

The glow of the portal and the entire display of magic before her would rip her attention towards it. She approached slowly and carefully as she looked towards the others. “What do you suppose this is all about? Any ideas?”

 

[slifer37]

Damn, Darven had an imagination on him. Smacking Rudy for smoking a cigarette seemed like what the teacher would do. She wouldn't even be surprised if he was behind the walls, messing with them- and not just a creature the illusionist had created. . The arms were freaking creepy, and she was thankful her barriers could actually do something to help free everyone.

Rowan cracked a smile at Scylla and Iberis, glad that they had come out of this mostly unharmed, and well. She didn't need the thanks, but it was nice to be recognized for her efforts once in a while. "Iberis, Scylla, you're both part of the group. I'm going to use my powers to protect the five of you as best as I can. So you're welcome."

Once Rowan decided you were someone to use her powers on, she would do her best to protect them. If anything, Rowan would probably be graded pretty generously on adaptability and teamwork, when this was all over. Her barriers were her bread and butter- and she knew how to use them well. She may be a one-trick pony, but her barriers were well-used, and could be used for more than just shielding someone.

That was when an amalgamation of arms, even too massive for Rowan to protect against forced them downstairs, to this new fresh hell that was next to them. There was a portal- either they had to go into the portal, or something was going to come out of it, neither option making Rowan feel remotely ready for whatever new bullshit Darven thought of to throw at them. The man seemed to already love the macabre, and she didn't doubt she would make more bullshit for them to fight.

"If you want, I can get us across, in case the floor drops out from our feet. Then, we can stick something in there- like a barrier. Maybe we could see what's in it before just wildly sticking our heads inside. In case we get dropped into an even more dangerous situation. Though, we should probably investigate the room first, before looking at the portal. There could be another exit we're not seeing." Rowan suggested to the others.

Darven had a reputation, and he was probably sadistic enough to plop them into a volcano just to get his jollies off, or could be sadistic enough to create a portal that sent them to hell while the real exit was hidden in the wall.

While they came up with an answer, Rowan made stairs right above the pathway, in case they decided to avoid the bridge and the chasm all together- 5 squares that were 5x5, separated enough to give maximum length as far across as she could possibly manage. Then, she could make new stairs across when everyone was on the first set of stairs. They all had their mage shields up still anyway, and didn't need to renew it, as she doubted a whole hour had passed.

• Even More Advanced Barrier Stairs- Magic Affinity D, Barrier Affinity E, Range E, Targets E, Duration E, Energize D- Advanced Barrier Stairs but with a 30ft range, Duration of 1 hour, Barrier Strength of E- Grade E- 0 Post Cooldown

-

 

[TheSimianMind]

All in all, Clarice appears dead chuffed to have mounted a stalwart defense against the legion of arms bursting from the walls. Though she had found sparring dreadfully dull in her youth, something about this feels right - magnificent, even. The tepid blood cascading down her blade and spraying across her skin, the war drum pounding in her chest as it rhythmically drives adrenaline through her veins, and the limbs she lops off wriggling, like bisected worms, on the floor before her whet a predatory appetite wholly alien to her, and she grins like a Cheshire Cat at the beauty of her work.

Her manic, toothy grin is not diminished by the futility of her resistance; the strength of her assailants only stokes her ferocity. With every strike, her newfound brutality manifests. Fingers, hands, and unidentifiable hunks of flesh soar through the air about her as her gleaming blade falls again and again. Undaunted even as the undead horde restrains her, Clarice roars like a beast as mana blasts out of her, irradiating the enemies that dare lay their filthy paws on her.

Not even death can stop Clarice; these figments don't stand a chance in hell of accomplishing anything more than testing her patience. They are imaginary and possess no more power than her mind allows. They are thoughts without substance, and as thoughts, they fall within her domain.

Rowan's barriers cut Clarice and the others free of the undead that bind them. As the others barrel down the staircase, Clarice presses a gauntleted hand to her face, smearing her cheeks with blood, as darkness wells within her.

Now, I will teach you something, proctors!

With that, Clarice casts Proxy War on herself. She commands herself to ignore the illusion with the intent of disabling any inconveniences it might pose to her. She convinces herself that her senses are deceiving her and that the world around her is not real. She excises her doubts and imperiously casts them out.

While Clarice does not know how her tweaks will interact with Darven's illusion, she hypothesizes that, for one minute, she will be exempt from the rules of the illusion Darven has constructed. She suspects the effect will be something akin to enabling Godmode and NoClip. If this occurs, she will fly in and out of the map at breakneck speeds in a bid to load all of the areas, rapidly scout them, and set off triggers before circling back to the exit of the soul-portal-death-trap room or, if the exit to the dungeon is right there, "skipping" the dungeon and exiting the illusion before Darven can halt her.

If her incantation does nothing, Clarice will swear like a mule driver then shield-sled down the stairs after the rest of the party. Upon reaching the soul-portal-death-trap chamber, she will drop her sword, dig through her bag for her 60 feet of rope, tie one end around her waist, and grumble about a Vulcan and contests between mind control and illusions in something called "Sci-Fi" - which is probably some kind of arena judging by the choice words Clarice "meticulously" selects to describe it.

Proxy War

• Formula: Mind Control ((E: 42 Points) + Magic Affinity (E: 14 Points) + Magic Range (F: 7 Points) + Spell Duration (F: 7 Points) + Magic Targets (F: 7 Points)) = E
• Type: Spell
• Target: Up to Two Creatures of Grade E or Lower
• Range: 10 Feet
• Duration: One Minute
• Cooldown Per Casting: One Post
• Cooldown Per Target: Twenty-Four Hours
• Mechanical/Narrative Effect: Mind Control

 

[Skyhunter]

​

Behind the group as they were able to escape, they would hear the slamming of hands and fists on the large stone doors that protected them, eventually they would fade away back into the darkness. Before them was a large chasm with a strange bridge, on the ceiling was a portal that led to somewhere else. Where it led was not known. A strange stillness would be noticed to everyone, like the world stopped, yet the portal on the ceiling moved, the closer they got the more the world seemed to have disappeared as the portal spun, beckoning them to come. The portal was a light blue, swirling eternally as it tunneled to a new end, on the other end it would not be known or seen unless one passed through.

As Rowan would cast her stairs that lead up to the stairs, Clarice's choices and actions would happen at the same time. Using her own methods of control upon herself, she would be able to ascend, like she was moving up to heaven, looking down she would see her own body still there in the corridor with the bridge and portal. She would rise from into the ceiling and see only darkness where her vision would split into different visions, giving her a headache until there was a loud ringing and finally a flash of white. Her body floating in nothingness as her vision would return to normal, darkness would return then a window opened up, she would see outside into the real world. Seeing Orphus with his hands behind him and Darven standing with crossed arms, they were staring at a woman with a red leather coat and a red witch's hat. " What do you mean you won't allow me to join in your exam? I travelled hundreds of miles just for you to say no? I don't think so! I offer much knowledge and need to know more that you lot can provide! " She sounded angry, of course. " Sorry, Ms. Nyx. But we have very tight time constraints, you'll have to join next time. " Orphus tried explaining in a nice and professional manner. " Time Constraints? You hardly let anyone join! " This Ms. Nyx pointed out.

" Renee, please calm yourself. You're making a scene. " Darven said in a condescending manner. Renee looked around the courtyard. " There's only three of us here, professor. " Renee commented, saying professor in a mocking manner. To which Darven rolled his eyes, " Exactly, so please quit making a fool of yourself. We don't want any undesirables here, we have enough to deal with as if, so if you could just go back to whatever dog house you came from, have yourself a terrible trip- " Darven was cut off when he looked over at Clarice, he felt that someone was staring at him, a look of anger on his face. Quickly he jabbed his finger into this window, poking Clarice in her eye, causing this window to close and her eye to be in pain. While he didn't poke her eye out, he would cause her great harm. This did mess with his illusions a bit as Clarice would awake back in her body. The world warped for a moment around everyone.

Renee Nyx

​

She had enough of these fools, they thought they could deny HER? Renee wanted to join this shoddy school and they denied her? Renee growled as this Darven, this strange illusionary man with the ego about as high of a high elder dragon, told her to go back to her backwater village, travelling so long just to be told to go back. She certainly would not go back, she turned her head looking at these strange portals to these worlds that Darven had created, three with different scenarios, her eyes could see one group fighting a temple full of plants and were on even ground with them but mainly because of a girl with a magic conjured bow, the second had a group that was already defeated and now imprisoned by goblins in a dark cave where they were being prepared to be eaten. The third was a strange crypt with a group that looked capable enough. This group looked like they were troublemakers. Her eyes shot back to Darven who saw a window in this portal then proceeded to poke some sort of eye that was peeking into them from the illusion. " Bah! Those damn kids thinking they can make a fool out of me! " Darven sounded angry while Orphus was laughing a bit, " Some creative children that this academy needs, Darven. They even were able to poke and prod through your flaws in your illusions. " This statement Darven hated, he turned his head, " I will not stand here and be humiliated! " Darven growled, to which Orphus smiled, " Darven, calm yourself, you're making a fool of yourself in front of our guest here. " Darven's anger did rattle the illusions for a moment, Renee saw this as it grew towards her.

" Ah crap. " Renee sighed. She felt the illusion touch her arm and she felt herself fall into the illusion, she knew what would happen next.

While the world around them fizzled for a moment revealed the real world, there would be a faint screaming, breaking Rowan's stairs and changing the world around them as everyone was placed back by the doors where the hands were banging on it again, " Shit! " It came from above in the darkness, a women would then land on the ground in the middle of the bridge, her eyes wide as her hat came floating down and landed on her head. Renee straightened up when realizing what happened, her head turned and looked around, her silver eyes turning red.

" Whoa... Inside an actual illusion, and not just run of the mill illusion. This has a storyline it seems. " Renee realized there was people here as well, her eyes turned back to silver, " Oh. Hello! " The witch looked at each person before her, " I am Renee Nyx. " She smiled, offering a smile to each of them. " This is a interesting place Darven has chosen, these symbols on this portal. " Renee turned to look at the portal, " Yes... This is the Churub Civilization. A crypt and tomb that was gone long ago. Never seen before but only described, yes... This is a very detailed and beautiful rendition of this civilization. This portal leads to the spirit world, the astral plane of death. " Renee spoke looking back at the group she was now joining. " Looks like I joined for the best part. "

Mentions: D. Rex slifer37 TheSimianMind RavenSong TheTimePiece

 

[RavenSong]

Scylla looked on emptily as Rowan made a sort of magical step way up into the portal. She advised against it as she crossed her arms and raised her chin, a cold challenging tone in the witches voice, “What do you think you’re doing Clarice?” She asked a bit annoyed, the reckless girl would pay her no heed as she continued, however. She seemed to have casted a spell upon herself.

Scylla looked away with a bit of disappointment, but she figured maybe this was Clarice's way of contributing. It’s not like this illusionary world was real after all. Or so she thought.

She was oddly reminded of the days when she was a witch in training. Eager to prove herself, even putting herself in harm's way to prove to her mentors she was worthy of their apprenticeship.

Scylla's crimson orbs would rest on Iberis, she wanted to know more about her. However before she could inquire about the little witch's life the environment began to wane and falter. Seemingly glitching and warping. “What in the hells could this be now?” She said with a sigh. When she exhaled however, in a blink of an eye she stood once again at the entrance of the door along with the others.

When Clarice had returned to her body, she wasn’t the same, a type of affliction now plagued her ability to see. Scylla would move closer to inspect her wounds. Being the only healer in the group seemed to have placed a certain value in the witch. Which Scylla wasn’t exactly fond of, but for the sake of passing these tests she would play as nicely as she could stomach.

“Let me see Clarice, come on, move your hands..” she said, a bit annoyed, if/when she would cooperate Scylla would inspect her affliction further. “..hmm, yes.. seems like someone has seen too much.”

Focusing her magic to her free hand, she held her staff with the other, kneeling over to release the mending magic attuned within her,effectively casting on Clarice's eyes. [Mending Stream]

“That should be enough.” she finally stated with a degree of pessimism in her voice.

When her work was as done as it could be with Clarice, her gaze shifted to the one who seemed to fall from the sky, or the glitch. She seemed powerful, her stride seemed confident as her eyes changed to a deep crimson.

“I was equally impressed..” Scylla would tilt her head softly. “..storyline? So our success or failure here has already been written?” She said with a bit of disbelief shining through the cold witches icy lips.

Scylla would walk up towards the portal within just enough range for her not to get pulled in. “Where do you suppose this leads?” She asked curiously to Renee.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Iberis felt a bit warm inside hearing Rowan refer to her as part of the group. She couldn't say she'd felt like part of much of anything for most of her life so even that was enough to put perhaps a slight smile on her face. A large part of Iberis was impressed with the display by Rowan, once again wishing that she could do something as strong and bold similar in this situation, a bit of awe in her eyes as she watched, sort of glad the others were going first. She looked over at Clarice hearing Scylla comment on whatever casting was going on there, very curious as she hadn't quite seen anything like it from her perspective as far as magic was concerned. She turned and her own grey gaze meeting Scylla's before she glanced away rather quickly.Once the world stared to glitch out around them however Iberis seemed bewildered, her eyes going wide a bit at the scene unfolding ball around them . "uhhh, Pretty sure that..isn't supposed to be happening" She said to no one in particular stating the obvious just very surprised. Once it stopped she couldn't help but hope the illusion guy was doing okay since she doubted that rarely happened under regular conditions to someone who was so skilled.

She let out a small gasp however as she found herself getting moved suddenly without warning the only thing being the yelling, the whole area shifting about and the light exclamations of displeasure. The whole experience made the unexperienced one feel a bit woozy. She immediately made her way back beside Scylla even at that door, as she made her way over to help Clarice out who it looked like eye's had been negatively impacted by whatever that glitching was and what she had potentially seen. She wanted to see how Scylla went about healing her because it fascinated her. She turned to Scylla with a bit of a smile, "It's really cool you can do-" Her attention then fell upon the woman who was speaking..Iberis seemed further awed at the sight, it was like.. a witch who looked more than the part right there on the bridge before them. She listened intently to what this new comer had to say, given the origins probably not part of the illusion with how everything freaked out and the way she spoke.

Iberis listened intently to the new comer and what she had to say about the illusion and space, perhaps she had some kind of insight, afterall she looked quite experienced and was definitely someone who Iberis would assume had superiority status magic wise much like the others who were around her. She didn't smile back but her eyes were locked for the time being, if she remembered correctly she had heard about that civilization somewhere before, perhaps in passing when she was at the orphanage since people had a wide variety of interests and topics they often ended up discussing. She had really heard all kinds of fantastic things.. She followed along with Scylla as she made her way over to the void , staying an equal distance if perhaps not a bit farther back, looking onwards cautiously , before she had felt very rambunctious coming in but after all of those events she felt like she had to be more reserved for her own safety, as she gave Renee a bit of a arguably shy wave of acknowledgement. She then turned to Scylla, while that was an interesting way of thinking about things, she continued, "I think..the only way we find out for sure is if we..write onawards..", as she also looked down. She wished she could remember what was thought to happen to this civilization. Since everything had been reset perhaps there was another way of going about this...also eying the portal once more, surely they needed to go through something here one way or another.. listening to hear if perhaps afet Scylla's information if they'd get anything helpful out of Renee regarding it, before she attempted doing anything rash.

Interactions: RavenSong Skyhunter

 

[slifer37]

They were close to the portal, and had even crossed the bridge. So close, yet so far. One second everyone was climbing up the stairs she had set up to the portal, and the next they were back near the walls, back at the doorway to the room, just past the arms. That was weird enough, but then a new person came up out of nowhere. The whole experience had made her queasy, but she shrugged it off- as she had her eyes on the prize- leaving the crypt.

Rowan had gotten used to the group she had now, and this new person was a factor that she didn't like- bringing the group from 6 to 5 to 6 people again. Maybe the school instructors were on some form of crack to have randomly added a new person like this. Which then again, if she knew the instructors, why in the hell hadn't she started with them? It showed a level of nepotism that would only benefit this new person, and not anyone else. Even Clarice, for all of her faults was a part of the group and didn't get this amount of special treatment.
Rowan didn't look particularly impressed nor dismissive with Renee, but it was more of an impassive mask that was there to disguise the unease that came with this person's appearance- that her time as a mercenary had allowed her to cultivate. The scenario would change, and it would be a lot harder to accomodate this new person. The woman, Renee, had some insight to what was going on, but Rowan wasn't sure that the knowledge was worth this new person showing up. When Scylla and Iberis had introduced themselves, she would ten introduce herself. "My name's Rowan." She kept her introduction cordial and polite.

Though, it was nice that Scylla could heal- it was a really useful ability. It would be worth keeping tabs with everyone later on, if they actually made it into the school. Well, they would all do so, if they made it out alive and in one piece. Iberis seemed interesting as well, as her magic use was pretty cool.

"Should we try this again? I'll make stairs again to get to the portal." Rowan asked the group when they got close enough to the portal, making steps to go up through it. (Even More Barrier Steps, E Grade, 0 Post Cooldown) She hoped it was the exit, and not a portal to Hell or something. But if there wasn't any hidden doorways, then the portal was the only way out- even to the Astral Plane of Death. "Do you know if there's a way out from the Spirit Plane, or will we be trapped there?" Rowan had to ask, wondering if they could tunnel out of the crypt somehow- and not go into the Spirit World, considering they were alive and spirits didn't quite like it when live people entered their territory.

• Even More Advanced Barrier Stairs- Magic Affinity D, Barrier Affinity E, Range E, Targets E, Duration E, Energize D- Advanced Barrier Stairs but with a 30ft range, Duration of 1 hour, Barrier Strength of E- Grade E- 0 Post Cooldown

 

[D. Rex]

Rudolph blinked as they appeared right back at the door. "Are we rubberbanding now?" He asked, in curious voice to no one in particular. A surprising but odd effect. No doubt in relation to this all being some sort of illusion. "Maybe whatever she did overloaded things enough to cause a bit of lag." Would lag even be the right word? A good a word as any... this all did seem pretty video gamey after all. Might be a tidbit of information to file for later. "Worst case scenario... and we need to bust out... then we at least have a lead of how we can start. Though surely it will not need to come to that. The guy seems to already have an end of this track in mind for us to finish." The last part he said doubtfully, but added for the benefit of Darvens ego.


Crossing his arms he looked around, and of course back down to the portal. Trying to pay the woman who just popped into existence no mind. For there was a good chance she was some more of the illusion that Darven popped into existence. Of which he might have thought of the others, but given that he had seen them before entering into the illusion, they at least had the benefit of the doubt.

"Well... I can't say I have any love of the idea of jumping through a random portal. I've done that enough to know it tends to not end very well." He did wonder if there was a cat or something they could chuck in first to see if it was safe.

"This experience has been a rather on rails type of adventure. The creator of it having an idea in mind of the paths we are to take, the challenges we come to, and the exit we will take. It is likely that whatever choices we make have only one of two outcomes. One, we fail the exam. Two, we continue to the next set of events he has in mind. With any combination of choices made essentially going down the same path. Which is something to applaud as such a thing needs to be seemless." Again that last sentence being to stroke the professors tender ego.



"So. Since there really isn't anything here to suggest the presence of a puzzle." He looked around just be sure. Skyhunter


He peered into the portal with an apprehensive frown, "We can expect either a boss fight to pop out of the portal to attack us, which would likely have happened by now if that was the case. Or... as you suggest, we might be expected to do such a thing as... jump in. Which doesn't seem particularly wise."



He then looked back towards Clarice, "Or we could take the unprecedented option of fucking everything up royally."

 

[TheSimianMind]

It worked? *Blinks.* It worked! Smug as all hell, Clarice ascends toward -

Huh. That's weird. She can't -



Okay, this - this is bad. Clarice is still ascending and she can't steer or stop and none of her party members can see her. She's falling up into the skybox. Swimming through space isn't working. Willing herself in a direction isn't working. She's locked out of the illusion. Now, don't panic! These effects will probably subside when she drops concentration on her Mind Control! Probably. How long has it been? Clarice has lost track of time. Her head is swimming. Visions flood her mind, and she can't make sense of them. Gods, she's dizzy. In a few seconds, her vision clears, and she finds herself gazing out - out of a hole in the illusion - out into the real world.

Pushing past her nausea, Clarice hurriedly scans the area. She spies Orpheus, Darvin, and a newcomer - an unnerving newcomer - chatting. Boring! Instead of eavesdropping on their vapid conversation, she opts to focus on the other illusions. Hmm. One group appears to be doing quite well for itself, but the second group is down and out and -

What the hell, Darven! Oh, those applicants failed the test so you're going to get your jollies torturing them? As if!

Staking it all on Clarice's willingness to graciously decline the tantalizing opportunity to foil the schemes of the psychotic illusionist trapping the applicants in his twisted games is a fabulous way to go flat broke, for Clarice extends her hands and plucks the strings of fate, reshaping destiny to her will. Though she floats "helplessly" in empty space, the items she carries are not so immobile. She reaches down, plucks a torch and a book of matches from her backpack, and hurls this care package at the group imprisoned by goblins. If that group starts a fire, the applicants might free themselves from Darven's little snot-skins. With her aid, perhaps they would escape the manifold torments Darven seeks to lavish upon them.

Then, with teeth bared and eyes as black as coals, Clarice glowers at Darven with such frightful intensity that he can feel her eyes, like daggers, sinking into his spine [Scowler]. Discarding all pretenses of civility, Clarce roars at her uncharitable captors like a leashed beast as her restraints start to give way.

Proctors, I reject your judgement! You and your pot-bellied superiors are so fixated on prestige and exclusivity that you have lost sight of your duty. Your duty is to teach all who are willing to learn, to lend your strength to the weak that they might one day rise above their lot! Discharge your responsibilities or accept my judgement!

When Darven, evidently humiliated by Clarice's tenacity, makes a bid to gouge Clarice's left eye, he will learn the dangers of assaulting Clarice. He might be attacking to wound, not to kill, but the same cannot be said of Clarice. As his fingers shatter her Mage Armor, corrupted, eldritch mana arcs from her. As Clarice screams in pain, Darven might realize that while he targets Clarice's left eye, she means to obliterate his dominant hand up to the elbow.

Beginner Magic: Force Mana - Magic Affinity: E

Clarice tumbles, half-blind, back into her illusory body. As the illusion resets, she stumbles back and falls to the floor, shielding her left eye with her hands. Her breathing is shallow and pained, gulps of air inhaled through grit teeth. She sits up as black blood trickles down her left cheek. Her eye is ruptured. Her depth perception is gone. The silver lining is Clarice made Darven pay dearly for her eye.

Clarice flinches when Scylla kneels or crouches beside her, but afterward, Scylla will find her uncharacteristically compliant. She removes her hands from her eyes, balling them up in fists, and stares forward across the chamber revealing a ruptured eye. Although Scylla's healing magic closes the wound, the milky white cornea of Clarice's left eye reflects its permanence.

Clarice stares ahead blankly for a good minute. At the conclusion, she attempts to wrap her arms around Scylla and whisper,

Always remember that your compassion is a strength, not a weakness.

She attempts to linger for a moment before unsteadily rising to her feet and slowly shuffling forward.

There's no need to suck up to Darven. He's a coward and a bully, and I have wounded both his body and his pride. He thinks himself better than us; I have shown that he is not.

Turning her attention to Renee, Clarice continues. Her expression is humorless and stern.

Renee, I am Clarice Gailingen, and my interference brought you here. Therefore, you have an obligation to me. Dispense with the history lesson and tell us how to exit this crypt. Our proctors and I have unfinished business.

Abilities/Skills/Items Used:

1. Beginner Magic: Force Mana - Magic Affinity: E

 

[Skyhunter]

Renee Nyx


​

Renee curiously stared at the portal with wonderous eyes into the other side, she couldn't see what was there but there was something beyond. Beyond their understanding, she knew this was an illusion but through there had to be a possibility of this being real. Renee's concentration was cut off when she heard the voice of a goth looking woman, Renee turned her head and stared at her ask her question, Renee smiled, her eyes back to their silver color. " We shall see. But if you really want to know. " Renee placed a hand on Scylla's shoulder, " We create our own destiny and storyline. What lies beyond this portal is what we create. " Renee explained. " If the storyline of the Churub Civilization is true... " Renee paused, " The Astral Plane is on the other side. I am not sure what it looks like... But if Darven is as imaginative as what I've seen so far. " Renee waved a hand through the air at the portal. " We are in for a real treat. " Renee had a smile on her face, very excited within. Renee looked back to Scylla, her eyes studying the woman, Renee took a step forward, so she was face to face with her, her eyes looked over Scylla, up and down, up and down. " Hmm. " Renee nodded, " Interesting. " Renee smiled.

Renee's attention moved to the younger witch, Iberis, Renee stepped to the side looking over the girl. " You are right, young one. " Renee looked at the portal. " I could tell you all about this place and the people that once created it. After we get out of this. " She smiled kindly. Renee looked to the rest of the cast that approached. Next a woman with blonde hair approached, she was cute. Enough. Rowan... Okay. Renee would remember that name, this girl had some sort of strange aura of her. Her magic had to do with... Blood. Renee took a deep breath to calm herself, her hand clenched into a fist but then released, " Hello, Rowan. I am Renee Nyx. " Renee smiled kindly, giving a gentle bow before following Rowan, when she created stairs out of thin air, Renee's eyes lit red for a moment. Barriers. Interesting. Renee thought to herself. That could prove to be a useful ability that Renee could learn herself. Renee was snapped back when asked about the other side of this portal by Rowan. The witch looked up at the eternal spinning portal. " I am not sure. Since this is an illusion and this seems like we are entering the final part of this exam. The other side is most likely the end. We'll probably just be taken back to the academy. Or we'll die horrible deaths. Who knows. " Renee sounded calm about the theory she just came up with.

Renee looked to the next person that came up, seeing Rudy, Renee smiled, " Hi. My name is Renee- " Renee watched him walk by her without saying a word. For a moment, Renee's eyes glowed a deep red of hatred, her anger showed for a moment. She wanted to kill him. Kill him! She imagined that she would use her electricity to make Rudy's eyes melt and explode in that moment. But Renee took a deep breath and turned around as Rudy kept walking, " Well that was rude. Must be that little ugly rash on his face. Matches his personality. " Renee scoffed and shook her head, referring to when he injured by the skeletons earlier. She knows who not to help if things were to go wrong. Turning to the approaching Clarice, her eye would have been healed by Scylla's healing, despite that her eye was still red and sore but not as bad. Before Renee could introduce herself, Clarice already knew her name. Already down to business even stating that Renee had an obligation to her. Renee stared at her for a couple moments in disbelief before she turned her head to Scylla and Iberis. " She can't be serious. Right? " Renee pointed a thumb at Clarice then turned back to Clarice.

" You think you damaged a Master Illusionist and then state that I have an obligation to you? " Renee asked with a smile before she leaned forward, placing her hands on her knees like she was talking to a child. " That is so cute. " Renee said mockingly before standing back up. " You didn't wound him, angered him sure. But I am pretty sure you made the other trials worst for them. Just as you most likely made this trial for us a whole lot worst. " Renee pointed out. " I saw you out there, yeah you definitely angered Darven out there. So if we end up failing this exam. We can thank you for that, now can't we? " Renee still had a kind smile on her face and even a sweet tone to her voice. " You remind me of someone who thinks they know more than they truly realize. " Renee thought back to that Sophia Smith. That damn bug Renee wanted to cook alive and even feed her the very limbs she had. " They made the situation a whole lot worst than it needed to be as well. " Renee looked at the portal then to Clarice, " For your own ego, you probably made this exam a loss for everyone here. " Renee still had a mocking smile on he face. " Obligation? What a funny joke. " Renee said out loud as she walked away to the stairs that Rowan had created.

Approaching the portal it would activate, glowing brightly as the spinning within sped up. A strange torrent of wind would begin to flow into the portal, like a vacuum. Renee sighed, " Ah crap. " She mumbled, everyone would be pulled off the ground and into the portal, bright and magical looking lights would fill everyone's visions. Noises that sounded like a language of a ancient people, mana would flow through everyone's bodies as they moved through the portal, they would begin to see memories of their own pasts. Their sins. Their good times. The hard times. The fun times. Renee would see her past life, her life of nothing... She did nothing in her previous life. She saw herself but her face was gone. Blurred. Renee's eyes flared. That wasn't her anymore. No. No more. She was different. She was different. Renee kept telling herself. Finally the visions ended and everyone would find themselves on a new ground. The air was no longer still, it was alive. Dead. Both?

​

Renee looked up to the sky and saw eternity before her. Renee smiled brightly, so this was what Darven thought the Churub Civilization was like. What it looked like. This was the Astral Plane that they found. This was... Beautiful. Renee smiled happily, this only encouraged Renee for her goal. This story was one of immortality. Finding the secrets of the Astral Plane would lead to immortality. The ground looked ethereal, below them were reflections of themselves. Like a eternal mirror. Then as the group finally got their bearings. There was footsteps approaching them in the distance, pass the ruins of possibly a temple? A figure of a man walked towards them. Their coat gently flowing with the current of wind they created through movement, there was the light of a cigarette being puffed on. They exhaled as smoke flew through the air. They then flicked the cigarette away as they came into view. They had dead amber eyes. One arm was... Different. Dead. Like a curse. They came near as they stopped around 100 feet away. To Renee she would not know who this was. To Scylla, Rudy and Rowan, they would. It was Arthur who stood before them. Their final trial was the one who got them in. Arthur stared each of them down, he looked at his hand then back at the group. " I got you three into this exam. The rest would be up to you. I requested that I be your final trial and here I am. " So this was a fake, this wasn't the real Arthur. " Unfortunately for me. I won't be able to actually enjoy the violence that will transpire. So be it. "

​

Arthur's cursed looking arm glowed and had veins on it move and swirl like maggots, this was what Arthur saw his arm as. And for the first, others would see what Arthur saw. Arthur extended his human arm as a pistol appeared in his hand pointing it at the group. His face looked bored and tired just as five strange little spirits appeared behind the former hitman and came out behind him, making their way towards the group. Ready to attack the group as acid was dripping where their mouths were. His eyes stared over each of them and he began to fire bullets at the group randomly, to see how they would react and what they would do.

 

[RavenSong]

After Scylla had performed her [Healing] spell, she sighed. Surely her abilities could use some refining but she made due with what she was comfortable with, for now. It was now that she began to regret not heeding her mentors suggestions to stay a few months to improve some abilities. It couldn’t be helped now though.

Clarice was surprisingly still to much of Scylla's astonishment. What was even more surprising was that Clarice would suddenly wrap her arms around her neck. The witch gasped, but didn’t resist, she couldn’t if she wanted to anyway. Her eyes would widen with a mixture of confusion and surprise at her whispered words that sent a heat wave through her frozen spirit.

She winced, she almost even felt pain. “I-'' she stuttered as she tried to look away, her knees a bit weak. “..w-what? No.. don’t you ever say a-anything like this to me again, Clarice.” She whispered back at her, hiding her feelings behind her unwavering deadpan expression. “..you barely even know me.” Her eyes would match hers for a moment before finally breaking away towards the newcomer Renee.

This new witch appeared a fair bit more powerful, and the confidence to match it. Her eyes would appear to glow red in various ways, which she could only guess to be related to her mood. Her trail of thought however would be interrupted when this new witch rested her hand on Scyllas shoulder. “I see..” Scylla looked at her fairly intrigued, however fairly uncertain about the lore she was speaking of. “..I suppose there’s only one way to find out..” her gaze turned towards her hand as Renee seemed to revel in the mystery of her words and vision. Scylla would continue to ponder as Renee went on to greet the others. She’d turn to look at Iberis. “Hmm, yes.. undoubtedly the only way to truly find out is if we move forward..” she moved her hair from her face to her ear. Expressionless, cold and composed she turned to look at the others. She didn’t know what to make of Renee just yet, she seemed powerful but wondered if she was some kind of illusion herself.

After having a bit of a heated encounter with Clarice, her eyes would follow this newcomer up the stairs made by Rowan. Before long however, she suddenly felt a pull, like falling into some kind of vortex Scylla was transported somehow to what appeared like a completely different dimension. A sudden disoriented feeling would overcome Scyllas senses. She placed a hand on her forehead. “Ugh.. I hate it when that happens.” She complained, but her eyes soon took in the beautiful scenery before them. “Is.. this really some kind of replica of a world that actually existed?” She asked the wind. Then referring to Renee, “My name is Scylla..” she said coldly, “..I- “

Before she could continue however the image of Arthur appeared, as if made by some kind of ethereal magic his body took form and finally his face. “A-Arthur?” She said with a bit of confusion and surprise. “Wait.. you are the exam?”

Before long a shower of bullets came darting their way, generally missing due to his intention to test the parties reaction. Scylla would grab hold of Iberis, and once again pull her with her behind some ruins. “Hmph.. I should have known..” Scylla said bitterly. “..but I suppose this isn’t all that bad.. if this Arthur is not real as he claims he isn’t, then this would be a most interesting fight.”

She would hold off on firing any magic of her own, Scylla had to find his weak spot, a gun jam or a reloading break maybe even some kind of quirk she could use to everyone’s advantage,

 

[D. Rex]

View attachment 996751

Renee Nyx

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​

Renee curiously stared at the portal with wonderous eyes into the other side, she couldn't see what was there but there was something beyond. Beyond their understanding, she knew this was an illusion but through there had to be a possibility of this being real. Renee's concentration was cut off when she heard the voice of a goth looking woman, Renee turned her head and stared at her ask her question, Renee smiled, her eyes back to their silver color. " We shall see. But if you really want to know. " Renee placed a hand on Scylla's shoulder, " We create our own destiny and storyline. What lies beyond this portal is what we create. " Renee explained. " If the storyline of the Churub Civilization is true... " Renee paused, " The Astral Plane is on the other side. I am not sure what it looks like... But if Darven is as imaginative as what I've seen so far. " Renee waved a hand through the air at the portal. " We are in for a real treat. " Renee had a smile on her face, very excited within. Renee looked back to Scylla, her eyes studying the woman, Renee took a step forward, so she was face to face with her, her eyes looked over Scylla, up and down, up and down. " Hmm. " Renee nodded, " Interesting. " Renee smiled.

Renee's attention moved to the younger witch, Iberis, Renee stepped to the side looking over the girl. " You are right, young one. " Renee looked at the portal. " I could tell you all about this place and the people that once created it. After we get out of this. " She smiled kindly. Renee looked to the rest of the cast that approached. Next a woman with blonde hair approached, she was cute. Enough. Rowan... Okay. Renee would remember that name, this girl had some sort of strange aura of her. Her magic had to do with... Blood. Renee took a deep breath to calm herself, her hand clenched into a fist but then released, " Hello, Rowan. I am Renee Nyx. " Renee smiled kindly, giving a gentle bow before following Rowan, when she created stairs out of thin air, Renee's eyes lit red for a moment. Barriers. Interesting. Renee thought to herself. That could prove to be a useful ability that Renee could learn herself. Renee was snapped back when asked about the other side of this portal by Rowan. The witch looked up at the eternal spinning portal. " I am not sure. Since this is an illusion and this seems like we are entering the final part of this exam. The other side is most likely the end. We'll probably just be taken back to the academy. Or we'll die horrible deaths. Who knows. " Renee sounded calm about the theory she just came up with.

Renee looked to the next person that came up, seeing Rudy, Renee smiled, " Hi. My name is Renee- " Renee watched him walk by her without saying a word. For a moment, Renee's eyes glowed a deep red of hatred, her anger showed for a moment. She wanted to kill him. Kill him! She imagined that she would use her electricity to make Rudy's eyes melt and explode in that moment. But Renee took a deep breath and turned around as Rudy kept walking, " Well that was rude. Must be that little ugly rash on his face. Matches his personality. " Renee scoffed and shook her head, referring to when he injured by the skeletons earlier. She knows who not to help if things were to go wrong. Turning to the approaching Clarice, her eye would have been healed by Scylla's healing, despite that her eye was still red and sore but not as bad. Before Renee could introduce herself, Clarice already knew her name. Already down to business even stating that Renee had an obligation to her. Renee stared at her for a couple moments in disbelief before she turned her head to Scylla and Iberis. " She can't be serious. Right? " Renee pointed a thumb at Clarice then turned back to Clarice.

" You think you damaged a Master Illusionist and then state that I have an obligation to you? " Renee asked with a smile before she leaned forward, placing her hands on her knees like she was talking to a child. " That is so cute. " Renee said mockingly before standing back up. " You didn't wound him, angered him sure. But I am pretty sure you made the other trials worst for them. Just as you most likely made this trial for us a whole lot worst. " Renee pointed out. " I saw you out there, yeah you definitely angered Darven out there. So if we end up failing this exam. We can thank you for that, now can't we? " Renee still had a kind smile on her face and even a sweet tone to her voice. " You remind me of someone who thinks they know more than they truly realize. " Renee thought back to that Sophia Smith. That damn bug Renee wanted to cook alive and even feed her the very limbs she had. " They made the situation a whole lot worst than it needed to be as well. " Renee looked at the portal then to Clarice, " For your own ego, you probably made this exam a loss for everyone here. " Renee still had a mocking smile on he face. " Obligation? What a funny joke. " Renee said out loud as she walked away to the stairs that Rowan had created.

Approaching the portal it would activate, glowing brightly as the spinning within sped up. A strange torrent of wind would begin to flow into the portal, like a vacuum. Renee sighed, " Ah crap. " She mumbled, everyone would be pulled off the ground and into the portal, bright and magical looking lights would fill everyone's visions. Noises that sounded like a language of a ancient people, mana would flow through everyone's bodies as they moved through the portal, they would begin to see memories of their own pasts. Their sins. Their good times. The hard times. The fun times. Renee would see her past life, her life of nothing... She did nothing in her previous life. She saw herself but her face was gone. Blurred. Renee's eyes flared. That wasn't her anymore. No. No more. She was different. She was different. Renee kept telling herself. Finally the visions ended and everyone would find themselves on a new ground. The air was no longer still, it was alive. Dead. Both?

View attachment 996753​

Renee looked up to the sky and saw eternity before her. Renee smiled brightly, so this was what Darven thought the Churub Civilization was like. What it looked like. This was the Astral Plane that they found. This was... Beautiful. Renee smiled happily, this only encouraged Renee for her goal. This story was one of immortality. Finding the secrets of the Astral Plane would lead to immortality. The ground looked ethereal, below them were reflections of themselves. Like a eternal mirror. Then as the group finally got their bearings. There was footsteps approaching them in the distance, pass the ruins of possibly a temple? A figure of a man walked towards them. Their coat gently flowing with the current of wind they created through movement, there was the light of a cigarette being puffed on. They exhaled as smoke flew through the air. They then flicked the cigarette away as they came into view. They had dead amber eyes. One arm was... Different. Dead. Like a curse. They came near as they stopped around 100 feet away. To Renee she would not know who this was. To Scylla, Rudy and Rowan, they would. It was Arthur who stood before them. Their final trial was the one who got them in. Arthur stared each of them down, he looked at his hand then back at the group. " I got you three into this exam. The rest would be up to you. I requested that I be your final trial and here I am. " So this was a fake, this wasn't the real Arthur. " Unfortunately for me. I won't be able to actually enjoy the violence that will transpire. So be it. "

View attachment 996778​

Arthur's cursed looking arm glowed and had veins on it move and swirl like maggots, this was what Arthur saw his arm as. And for the first, others would see what Arthur saw. Arthur extended his human arm as a pistol appeared in his hand pointing it at the group. His face looked bored and tired just as five strange little spirits appeared behind the former hitman and came out behind him, making their way towards the group. Ready to attack the group as acid was dripping where their mouths were. His eyes stared over each of them and he began to fire bullets at the group randomly, to see how they would react and what they would do.

"It is indeed because of the rash and it does indeed match my personality. Ugly and unpleasant." He would end up saying to Renee. Agreeing with her. Kind of because of the more. More because of how he got it. The dangers of the illusory world. Of which this woman might just be a part of after having appeared here out of nowhere to give exposition on this place. She very well could be some NPC insert for Darven. A good bit of evidence for it.


Well there wasn't more much more that he could say as Darven decided to make the decision for them and suck them into the darn thing. Wasnt much Rudy could do other than hang on for the ride. And a theatrical ride it was. A curious one too. How would Darven even know these things to be able to display them?


The scene played in front of them when he was but a child. The police breaking down the door in the sting operation to arrest his gangster father. The family dog having been shot as it tried to attack. His mother passed out on the couch from drugs not even knowing realizing the raid. And him being carried off to protective services.

Rudy watched it in the sense that his eyes followed what was happening. It was nothing to him, as he lived through the moment enough times to be unphased. Idly instead wondering if there was a degree of mind control to this illusion. Could Darven see what his own mind was projecting?

The visions flashed to the unpleasant orphanage. Full bratty and mentally challenged children. To despite there annoyances, Rudy took care of them. He was an asshole. They drove him crazy, being the only sane person in that hellhole. But he cared for them. He really did. Doing small things for them. Taking blame so they could be spared punishment. Doing chores they skipped just so they could avoid a scolding. Being there, even when no one else was.

He saw himself opening a letter saying his father was being executed. Then throwing the letter away as it didn't matter. He wasnt a good man. He saw himself smoking a cigarette outside in the snow chopping wood for the orphanages fireplace. He saw himself with pancakes in front of him in that fateful day.

And he saw that one wolf that changed his life forever. Nago, if he remembered correctly. Some shadow wolf thing that drug them all into the world of dreams. Where he lead and carried them through crazy shit. Where he argued with Goddess who wanted to use the kids to get her power back. Where they ran from monsters. And there was that time where they reached the river.

An argument broke out there. Even thougj it was played out before his eyes, he still couldn't remember what it was about. Aria pushed him out of anger. Rudy knew she didn't mean what happened next. That he fell into the river. That it sucked him down into its depths and spat him out into the Underbelly.


He hoped they were okay. Surely they were. They had those stupid deer twins to protect them. But it was him now that was lost. And he'd figure his own way back to them somehow.


And then. He was here. In a dark yet bright place where all the stars in the sky provided the light they needed. It was indeed a pretty place. Or he would acknowledge it as such if it wasn't for Arthur not far away.

"Boss room. Totally called it." He muttered.

"You know, Arthur, you could be a real champ and let us win this. That would be rather cool of you. At this point I'm starting to think that the only point of this exam is to see that we end up grievously wounded. Even if we wake up perfectly okay. I've yet to see this tests merits."

Yeah. It looked like it was going to be a fight. Sure enough. Rudolph stretch his shoulders and took off his coat, slinging it to the ground. It wasn't going to offer him any protection, would just hinder his movement. And even if it was an Illusionist, he didn't want to see it destroyer. That illusory coat cost good illusory money.


"Watch out for those spirits, everyone. I've watched them melt a man to goo. I'm going straight for Arthur and need you to keep those things off of me. Take out as many as you can. I'll keep his attention. If I can't beat him down... I'll at least be keeping him from shooting at you. And that will give you license to blow him the fuck up. But if I die... well... not much else I have to give in this fight."

Would he die for real? Unlikely. Would be a shit academy if it worked that way. Wouldn't have had so many people clamoring for a postioming at the place if they just died during entry exam.

Caution to the wind. It was either charge in or sit back with thumb up his ass.

"Rowan. I need a way over those spirit things. I'll trust your judgment. " he said.


Then, like Usain Bolt, Rudolph kicked off into a dead sprint. Dead probably wasn't the word he wanted to use... but he did anyway. He wasnt one for semantics. Rudy wasn't the fastest man in the world. But he was fast. Faster than he had ever been. And the young man ran. Ready to go serpentine if the gun was pointed his direction.

He'd have to trust Rowan to come through with those stairs. Otherwise he would probably just die.


Which, if it would get him out of this stupid test sooner, really wouldn't be that bad of a deal.


slifer37



Mechanics.

Speed B, Fast F.


Taking a half movement action. Will continue the movement once/if Rowan casts stairs. After which I will continue into my attack action for the round.

 

[TheTimePiece]

She listened intently to Renee and any information she could get from the nearby conversation with Scylla. When she was mentioned, Iberis lit up in her eyessmiling at Renee, she had just been informed that she was actually right about something from someone older about something related to history, that felt really nice, it wasn't like on the streets she had these types of interactions commonly, nevertheless she was getting rather excited from all of this. Not only had this more experienced woman offered to share knowledge with her if they got out, but Scylla had also offered similarly if they made it through, she was ecstatic internally. "T-That would be..really nice.O-Oh also my name's Iberis.." She responded in a subdued but somewhat warm fashion through the somewhat nervous edge, trying to maintain a mature appearance. However as time progressed that feeling that Iberis had shifted to one of some anxiety when she heard Renee say that they could all die horrible deaths..the academy seriously wasn't going to select who got in vby who lived and died? The very idea caused Iberis to shudder ever so slightly.

What transpired between Clarice and Scylla was also rather interesting, whilist Iberis had been impressed by the healing act, she wasn't entirely sure what to make of what had been said as she wasn't entirely sure. due to the soft speaking..but the way Scylla reacted, Iberis almost wanted to ask her then and there if everything was okay and show some compassion, but knew then and there wasn't the time to get into such things.She looked back to Scylla, she was so cool too..never getting panicked, cool and collected she hoped at some point soon enough she could be more like her...nodding in agreement once again.She wasn't sure what to make of Renee's interaction with Rudy and and Clarice either, other than sort of finding herself admiring Renee's confidence in how she spoke and presented herself. She did nod in agreement swiftly when Renee looked back at her and Scylla like what was Clarice's problem not daring to speak a word on it. Of course had she had more foresight or thought, she might have also thought it was very possible that Renee could have been an illusion completely like Rudy and Scylla were taking into consideration.

However it wasn't long before Iberis let out a yelp as by instinct she reached out towards Scylla or anyone really holding onto her staff tightly, as everything began to feel strange as the vacuum like portal brought her forth the sounds and lights were foreign and there it was..Iberis saw herself on the streets strange urban neon signs..drinking blurs of herself in places with many people with loud music and lights it was all flashing by her and she wasn't sure how to quite understand what she was seeing of her past life having a hard time identifying it as her own even if it all seemed so strangely familiar, but these scenes were very sparse what was more prominent was her past in this world at the orphanage good times and bad times. When she found herself landing on the new ground she looked quite awed by the scene before them, it wasn't like anything she had ever seen before, if this is what illusion magic was capable of, imagine the possibilities... However when she saw that guy from before she looked quite confused herself and before she knew it she heard the loud sounds of gunfire letting out a yelp. Her immediate response was to slink down to try to lower her chance of being hit but she was then grabbed by Scylla thankfully once more and pulled over to safety before she could get shot. She was breathing heavily, her heart racing now as she looked up at Scylla, thankful that she had been there once more. Being near Scylla did bring her some additional calm and collectnessed recalling when she had told her to focus when she had been grabbed earlier.
"Hopefully that's the case then.. it also looks like the others are springing into action..we should probably provide some kind of support from a distance..right? Those spirits look like they could be problematic, beyond Arthur using..that thing. If it'd be helpful I can cast barrier on you and then I'd try to stay close behind you so we can move into a more advantageous position to assist, depending on how things go we might also be able to get some hits in not far from here..Do you reckon we should focus on 'Arthur' or the spirits first?"

If Scylla agreed to Iberis casting, Iberis would swiftly attempt to cast Energy Shield on Scylla so they could presumably move onwards more safely close together,valuing her safety over herself due to her greater utility and experience.

If Scylla proposed an alternative plan Iberis would await her feedback whether suggesting something else entirely or modifying or adding on to what Iberis said before doing anything as she knew that Scylla was more experienced than her and hadn't steered her wrong once so far.

Mentioned: RavenSong Skyhunter

 

[slifer37]

At least Renee was polite- she had responded in greeting to her response. Though, she was surprised at Rudy for outwardly showing his feelings towards her- why sow discord when they would need each other to get out of this in one piece- or at the very least alive? At least Clarice was reacting predictably to this new suspicious person's presence- with that arrogance that seemed wholly undeserved. Arthur had the power to back the arrogance, but Clarice, not so much. She wasn't sure what to make of Renee, but for now, as long as she was on their side, she could tamper down her suspicion, unless she betrayed them for some reason. At least everyone else still had their shields up from before. She would recast them if needed. Iberis and Scylla seemed to be doing fine, which was good, as they all had to work together, or they would loose or die to this final challenge.

For a second she stopped, concerned that this was the real Arthur, come to kick their ass, but then, after thinking it over for a moment during the monolouge, courtesy of Darven, she realized it was an illusion. Of course, Arthur would request this. She had only worked for him for a little while, but her asessment of him was clear- he's the kind of asshole who would most certainly choose to be a dick. And Darven was the kind of asshole to accept Arthur's proposal. Probably knew most of the other man's moveset to be able to accurately impersonate him.

Rowan cast her magic, letting the big guns out as she saw how powerful Arthur had become. Whatever shit Arthur was doing, she wanted dibs, because he hadn't seemed that powerful when they had met in that tavern a while ago. Well, they hadn't been around each other for that long, and he didn't know the new things she had learned.

She realized that they had to attack when there was a lull, or when there was an opening, considering bullets were pretty lethal- and Darven would make sure to use Arthur's form to destroy them- possibly ending in their deaths- considering they were in such a powerful illusion.

She had to wait until she was thirty feet away from him, but that's when she would burst magic at Arthur, when she was given a chance. She would be inching up as best as possible, doing her best to avoid the bullets.

The spirits looked small, which meant her shields could cover them- at the very least prevent them from dripping acid on the group. Using magic, she would wrap 5x5 barriers around the 5 little spirits, hoping that their acid wouldn't be able to get out. As things couldn't get in to a barrier, things normally didn't get out. More importantly, it would be the step that Rudy could use to jump over spirits, as they looked halfing size- 4 feet and under at the very least.

A curved barrier vaguely in the shape of like a football/circle/fist went towards Arthur when she was about 30 ft away, intending to smash into him with all of the force a D Grade shield punching into someone could. She would show him that she wasn't just useful for bodyguarding and protection, that she could actually kick ass when she tried hard enough.

• Barrier Uppercut- Magic Affinity D, Barrier E, Magic Range E, Energize D: A Barrier is pushed towards someone in a pushing/punching attack in various crude shapes, like flat plane, circle, square, triangle, sphere, etc. - Grade D, 1 Post Cooldown
• Cover Barrier, but Stronger- Barrier Affinity E, Magic Affinity D, Magic Targets E, Magic Duration E, Magic Range E, Energize D, Control Environment F- Net Ability but with an increase in Barrier strength, Duration time increased to 1 hour, and Range increased to 30ft.- E Grade- 0 Post Cooldown

(NO STAIRS FOR RUDY- MADE COVERING FOR RUDY SO HE COULD JUST JUMP ON THEM)

 

[TheSimianMind]

As Scylla withdraws, Clarice indulges in a fleeting smile: a smile that gives way to naked hostility the second that Renee's eyes change color. As Renee lectures Clarice, Clarice dissects Renee, gleaning precious insights into her motives from her manner.

Red and silver. Change isolated to iris; pupil and sclera unaffected. Insufficient to rule out demonic influence.
Nyx. Personification of night. Related to sleep and death. Assumed name?
Pronounced behavioral abnormalities including volatility. Potential lack of self-preservation instinct.
Can identify portals to the Astral Plane of Death. Source of detailed information on civilizations that spawn such portals.

Renee's presence bodes ill, that much is patent. It is probable that her mission objective is to increase her own power, but at what price? From her admiration of the Churub Civilization coupled with her assumed/self-given name, Clarice deduces that Renee is fixated on death. Her vocal defense of Darven, an authority figure who was preventing her from accomplishing her goals not three minutes ago, brands her as a sycophant and a turncoat - the sort of person who will not hesitate to use and discard people to further her hidden agenda, yet her graceless bearing marks her as lowborn.

Are you touched? You would do well to recall that I afforded you the opportunity Darven denied you. You are obliged to seize that opportunity and, if you are capable, to repay it in kind. Such are the dictates of Honor, which ought to be at the forefront of your mind if you intend to elevate your Social Class.

And if you intend to elevate your Social Class, you could do worse than ingratiating yourself with me.

Few understand that the Black Queen and the White Queen, while the most powerful pieces on the board, are still bound by the rules of The Game. That is the folly of half of these hopefuls. They seek power, but to command real power, one must play The Game. Manipulation, deceit, theatrics, seduction, scandals, backroom deals, and sabotage: on such fields, Clarice would best people like Darven and Renee, rank amateurs that they are, on every occasion!

Clarice sets her right hand upon her mask.

If you travel South along the trade routes cutting through Bristol Pass, you will come upon a federation of states in which masks like mine are commonplace. When you learn their significance, perhaps you will appreciate how something as innocuous as a pastry could prove the undoing of a duke and the importance of compensating your perfumer generously. Until then, you may continue to believe in the invulnerability and infallibility of those you deem powerful, creature.

If you cannot grasp this simple concept, I sincerely hope that, once our business concludes, I will never have the displeasure of encountering you again.

With that, Clarice turns sharply and strides away from Renee. While she had to be careful not to say too much in that exchange, she trusts her message was received. Clarice would prefer not to elaborate on her dealings - what she helped smuggle into Ryke - or divulge the identify of her benefactor (not to be confused with her employer), yet she needs to remind Renee of her station.

When Clarice feels the tug of the portal, she crosses her arms and exhales.

Here we go again.

Clarice feels her body soaring through space as everything fades to black.

-----

Within the beating heart of Iustitia, a Sapphire Dragon brings her power to bear. Psionic energy surges through the lattice of cables suspended above her like a spider’s web. The frayed weave shudders, further distorting reality. All is consumed in ethereal radiance as Stygio reacts to her unbridled fury.

Miles beneath her, one thousand souls howl in unfathomable agony as the Sapphire Dragon rips them from their vessels and commissions them into her legion. Without compunction, she reaps the souls of men, women, and children. It is, after all, far better that they serve her than remain captives within their own bodies. She shows her enemies no such mercy, snapping up their essence to bolster her own strength. Her actions are as brutal, efficient, and decisive as ever, and as she reconnects to Iustitia‘s Artificial Intelligence through her mind-machine interface, she takes what little comfort she can in that fact.

[Clarice], the Stygio Network has sustained critical damage from prolonged use outside of design parameters. Output levels have dropped to 31.244 PF with a tolerance of 0.001 PF. Organic Capacitors 3, 57, 89, 105, and 162 are seizing. Trauma teams are standing by to -

Purge all remaining Organic Capacitors. Raise the bodies as Replica Heavies, MK III, and reassign for immediate cybernetic augmentation. Patch me into Red-Blue Tac Feeds - as many as are live.

Aye-aye, [Clarice].

The amount of raw data flooding the Sapphire Dragon’s mind would have reduced the brain of a lesser being to a liquified mass of grey slop, but [Clarice] could process all of it without Stygio. Moreover, she could transform it into actionable intelligence for her Replicas and Wraiths and issue orders via her paranormal hive mind in real time. If she desired, she could assume direct control of full companies of men while offloading the burden to forces in low priority engagements.

Yet for all her talents, [Clarice] cannot turn the tide of this war. All she can do is liberate as many Taken as she can. She commands thousands; they command millions. Today, the Sapphire Dragon of the Devil’s Crown would finally fall and the world itself would be unmade.

It started roughly a decade before her rise to prominence. Her foes, the Collisse, arrived on an asteroid that splashed down in Lake Nene. With their jellyfish-like bodies, they quickly adapted to aquatic environments. As invasive species are wont to do, they spread throughout the world moving from freshwater to saltwater and back again to populate other continents. Terran biologists failed to properly study these creatures, for if they had, they would have learned that the blighters could embed themselves in people’s bodies and repurpose them to suit their needs.

[Clarice] heard the Terran’s “Final Broadcast to the Free World” and took it as a call to action. Time and time again, she risked her name and fortune in frantic bid to unite the world against the parasites. Again and again, the world rejected her.

And so she schemed as dragons are wont to do. She allied with the underworld, supplying them with cutting-edge armaments in exchange for their loyalty. She propped up radical political groups - militants, cults of personality, and everything in between - to give the world a fighting chance. She initiated polarizing propaganda campaigns portraying herself as a bloodthirsty maniac to encourage an arms build-up and force the populace to feel visceral fear or zealous patriotism. She spearheaded unethical research programs and constructed weapons designed to commit atrocities. She poured everything, even her humanity, into protecting a world that didn’t want her. At last, she staked a lifetime of torture to gain an Emperor’s ear and succeeded. Alas, it was already too late. Cities were already falling to the Collisse. Militaries were sabotaged at the highest echelons leaving the rank and file rudderless as hordes of parasites descended on them. Powerful beings retreated from the world as the Collisse bled the mana from the spheres.

And still [Clarice] kept fighting. Her world and her people - the mortals descended from those who once worshipped her kind as living gods - were doomed, but she never stopped trying. She would return as many souls to the gods as she could and then she would die gloriously. If left unchecked, she would rend flesh and bone with the unerring, untiring rhythm of a machine until they brought her down!

If left unchecked…

The Capital Ship DCS Iustitia pitches to the side as if struck by a colossal kinetic force. This shouldn’t be possible: the Shields are holding at 60%. Cecelia expertly recovers only to recoil in shock as something tears the hardware linking her to the Iustitia from her skull.

The voice Cecelia now hears freezes the blood in her veins. She hears waves crashing upon the shore. Waves dashing a ship upon the the rocks. Picturesque panic. A voice from Outside speaking in a language she has never heard yet somehow understands.

Cecelia stares directly ahead, petrified, as an Elder God sets his hand on her shoulder. In that moment, she feels as small as a gnat. She knew her Second, Carina, was a child of Bast and had spoken with her at length about their interactions, but she had never entertained the thought that she might one day meet her father.

——-

Clarice collapses onto the “ground” in the ”Astral Plane of Death”. She lies there, motionless but in decent health (with solid black eyes that haven’t been poked out). The Academy’s egregious violation of her privacy does not concern her at the moment. The two (mercifully) unpolished representations of Night Gaunts that have joined her, on the other hand, are everyone’s concern as they have simply been instructed to defend Clarice at all costs.

 

[D. Rex]

Closer and closer he got to the spirits, Rudolph worrying that Rowan might not come through. Thankfully. She did. However it wasn't her signature stairs. But something he'd argue as being better. He could see the sheen of the barrier form around the acid sprites. Yes! This could certainly by them some time.

The young man leaped. While he could have cleared the spirits entirely... he had a different idea... as soon as he was just clearing the top of one of the spirits, he kicked off again. From the very barrier that was containing it. Giving him the angle he needed to come down to bring his fist down in a flying punch, putting in all his weight behind it. And as soon as his feet touch the ground, he followed it up with another punch.


The danger was not lost on him. But if he was going to die here, he would at the very least give it his all. He would have too. And while bringing a fist to a gunfight was not his idea of successful strategy... he stood a much better chance up close than he did with his thumb up his ass a hundred feet away.

And this close, at least he had a chance. He was fully expecting that gun to swing around towards him. But he had a chance. He was able to counter attacks with a sword or punches. At this range, a gun wasn't much different. He just had to be faster. Sure, Rudy might not prevent Arthur from pulling the trigger, but he might at least be able to smack aside the gun to keep Arthur from blowing his head off, and maybe a land a few extra punches in the process.





Mechanical Summary.

Rudolph jumping off the barrier and strikes with a flying punch, and then a second punch the moment his feet touch the ground.



Strength B + Natural Weapons(orichalcum) F + Fighting Style E


Ability Used:

Spoiler: Hammer on Iron Technique

Hammer on Iron Technique
Grade F
The hero brings an unrelenting punishment to his enemies. After delivering one blow, the hero quickly follows up with a second.

Solar Hero Style F, Linked F

Cooldown: 0 post

Ability Readied for Defense.

Spoiler: Solar Counterattack

Solar Counterattack
Grade E

Those who attack the chosen of fate have chosen their own deaths. Upon deflecting a single attack, the hero takes advantage of the opening and retaliates two-fold.

Solar Hero Style E, Linked F, Deflect F

Cooldown: 1 post

Mechanically relevant skills

Fast F
Jump F
Speed B


Skyhunter

 

[Skyhunter]

The Astral Plane



​

The approaching spirits grew closer very quickly until Rowan entrapped the five spirits, they were groaning as they slapped the barriers. They were trapped and didn't really have any way of escaping. Arthur saw immediately that Rowan and Rudy for going for him, already his spirits had been trapped almost immediately as they grew closer, Arthur quickly shot all five barriers to release them, shattering each barrier even as Rudy jumped over the spirits, Arthur's eyes laid on Rudy, they were cold and almost evil as his pistol then transformed into a shotgun, a Lupara if Rudy knows his weapons. He was about to fire on the approaching Rudy when a strange barrier form on the ground, Arthur would look and see it was an attack coming, he wasn't quick enough to move and took a hit on his chin, throwing his head back, for a moment he saw white and stumbled backwards. Arthur's vision returned and he caught himself before falling, Arthur's eyes full of wrath now as Rudy was now in front of him, Arthur's Lupara turned into a crowbar as he readied for battle.

He saw Rudy's first attack coming and was able to dodge it, going for a swing only to be hit by Rudy's follow-up attack, Arthur's crowbar would slam into Rudy's jaw, causing blood to fly from his mouth. Arthur stumbled backwards shaking his head as his crowbar turned back into a Lupara, just as Arthur aimed it at the stunned Rudy, he saw a bright light on his side coming from the ground, Arthur threw up his cursed arm, causing a large ethereal arm to conjure into the air, taking the brunt of the attack as it held it's palm out to taking a lightning bolt for Arthur. The arm exploded, Arthur growled and pointed his Lupara at Rudy again, firing at him. Although what the former hitman wasn't expecting was for Rudy to slap the barrel away just as he fired, slapping it to the side, pellets flew by and skimmed Rudy's side. Pellets opened up his side a bit, similar to a scratch but it still stung.

Turning his attention to the group, Arthur moved away from Rudy then released the Lupara as it faded into thin air, only to conjure another gun into his hands, a Thompson with a drum magazine. He then aimed it and began firing at Rowan, Clarice, Scylla, Renee and Iberis. Arthur began moving to the side to the ruins for better cover knowing he was outnumbered. Arthur saw two strange beings appear out of thin air, he growled in frustration as he then split into two copies, a second Arthur now appearing before them, a ghostly copy that moved towards Rudy, seeing his weapons, he conjured up brass knuckles on his fists and had his fists up ready to fight Rudy with fists now.

Renee Nyx

​

Renee was busy looking up at the Astral Plane, smiling as she lifted a hand up, wanting to take the world she was in into her hands. But she lowered her gaze, remembering this was all fake. She then heard the whizzing of bullets flying by. Renee quickly moved out of the way and into cover of the Ruins with Iberis and Scylla, " Son of a bitch. " She growled, " Who is that dumb looking dog? You said Arthur, right? " She growled looking at Scylla, " You sound like you know him, Scylla, he an old flame or something? " Renee asked with red eyes glowing, she turned to look out and heard a bullet hit the wall which made her recoil back into cover. " Not again... " Renee mumbled, this was how she died the first time, or at least from what she could remember, she was shot in her face. But instead of feeling fear, she felt anger. " You two, assemble a plan of attack, I will try to help out Rowan and that other guy. " Renee placed a hand on Iberis' shoulder smiling at the young woman, " You got this, don't do anything you aren't sure of. You seem like a smart kid, think with this and we'll survive. " Renee gently tapped her head before releasing her. Renee dashed around the corner to see that both Rowan and Rudy already on the attack, Rowan trapped the spirits and stunned Arthur with a attack while Rudy was getting close and personal.

Renee ran up to Rowan, " See if you can't protect that rashy idiot. " Renee commented as she began to generate mana into her body. Renee took a deep breath as her journal began to float; a shadow moved around Renee from the book, large red eyes could be seen in the shadows, they stared at Arthur as Renee had electricity generate in her arm. As Rowan was able to land a hit onto Arthur and Rudy attacked Arthur, dazing him. Renee found a good opportunity to try and end this quickly, Arthur quickly was able to get the upper hand when he pointed a gun at Rudy. Renee then unleashed a very powerful attack, electricity flowed out of her hand slowly for a moment, flashing brightly before a large string of unstable lightning shot out at Arthur. Great Exploding Bolt - B - 4 PC

Renee smiled a bit just as an explosion erupted, she then saw that Arthur had blocked it and already shot Rudy. " Oh shit. " Renee had widen eyes, she quickly moved into cover as the spirits sprang forward and more bullets began to fly. " You've got to be kidding me. " Renee growled, turning her head, she would see Clarice on the ground with these strange beings with her, Renee stared at them with amazed eyes, " What the fuck are those? " She asked with a shocked face. " I want one... " She whispered to herself.

• Great Exploding Bolt - B - Magic Affinity B, Electric Affinity C, Magic Range D, Magic AOE F: Casting a stronger and more unstable bolt of lightning 100 feet away and exploding on contact that affects the area 10 feet out. - 4 Post Cooldown. (0/4)

 

[RavenSong]

As a sudden volley of bullets came raining, Scylla held Iberis close as her back leaned against the ruins. Acid like vapors would dissipate where the bullets had hit. It was then that Renee dashed towards her, then with blazing crimson eyes interrogated her, she wouldn’t hold her gaze very long before looking away. “Yes, that’s his name..” Scylla then met the furious witch’s gaze. “..and he’s just a friend.” She said as her eyebrows furrowed. It seemed there was a lot of assumptions about her, from the supposed crush on Clarice and now with Arthur. She closed her eyes and shook her head before Renee said her part to Iberis and dashed off.

“She’s right..” she said softly as more bullets flew. Scylla dragged her back on the ruins, getting down to meet the little witch's eyes. “..alright, lets just do as we’ve done so far..” she nodded. “..you shield, I attack.. When your shield wears off we take cover and do it again if we can. Let’s go. Behind me.”

Scylla would cast [Control Environment F] to blend in with the environment. If iberis followed behind she’d likely be covered as well.

When Arthur appeared, he had blocked Renees attack, and seemed to get the attention of the spirits. Now seemingly exposed and distracted, Scylla would suddenly erupt with magic, casting [Twin Shadows], bypassing her usual channeling, this cast much more instant. The ghostly screeching specters both storming through the air directly at Arthur.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Iberis was really thankful that Scylla had been there to guide her around as she really wasn't sure if she'd have been as perceptive or fast thinking herself. She was a bit surprised to have Renee's hand on her but she did perk up once more, did she really just call her smart? "I'll..try my best." She replied with a slight warm inflection, cutting through the somewhat stressed out look of concern on her face that had been pretty obvious throughout not long as the gunfire had persisted. She wasn't used to anything that was so fast and dangerous sounding like that first hand.. Regardless the compliment made her feel pretty great coming from someone who carried themselves like her. Listening to the conversation which went on between Scylla and Renee regarding this Arthur guy.

She nodded at Scylla glad to hear that she approved of the plan, "Right that's about what I figured we could manage.." Scylla's addition sounding quite sensible finding both of them; Her attention was so focused on staying close to Scylla right behind her after going through with casting Energy Shield(E) after the verbal confirmation, the shield shaped rapidly moving energized mana conglomerate forming if it was successful, that she let out a small gasp when she heard the explosion before she found herself seeing eeing Scylla jump into casting action not long after the attack from Renee. feeling some what inspired seeing that they were getting some additional cloaking, after she saw Scylla's attack go off, "I'm gonna try a follow up!" She proclaimed before she moved her staff out away from the right side of Scylla peaking to see if she could get the shot off, before moving somewhat beside her quickly moving the staff in a circular motion swiftly before attempting to fire off Energy Stream (D) towards Arthur, the beam of intense energized mana heading that general direction if she was able to complete the cast she'd try to move right back behind Scylla in the position she had been in before.

Mentions: Skyhunter RavenSong