Fantasy The Plague

[Soviet Panda]

Luther sat on his wagon at the Standing Stones of Amberfall. The massive, rune covered stones held many secrets, but its location had been well known since long before the onset of the Plague. Lazily looking through his notes for the hundredth or so time, he sat patiently while the three knights accompanying him, two from the Order of the Maple and one from the Eternum Sentinels, were making ready to hunker down here for the foreseeable future. He had not expected any of the Orders to be here immediately, let alone two of them immediately deciding on and sending their chosen champion. But he did not turn his nose up at their much appreciated muscle and expertise with a blade.

Once those that the Orders decided would best contribute to this journey to defeat the Plague, be it by skills or demon, were assembled, they would go to the city of Amberfall. He did not look forward to having to enter it's moaning walls. For whatever reason, it had turned into a focal point for the infected. But something within that damned city would be indispensable for helping them find all that they need. What those things were, not even he was sure, yet that was another reason for their visit to the city.

But for now they would wait, rationing out their food and getting comfortable, waiting for the others to arrive.

 

[EldridSmith]

Seras arrived with the chosen champions of each faction: Roisin and Derrick of Ariana's disciples, Naria of the Devouring Flames, Evangeline of Craftsmen, and himself representing both the Crimson Inferno and Servants of the Court, though the others were under the impression the representation of the Servants of the Court was honorary for this expedition, he was truly representing them as a member. As he was the highest ranking member with the most combat experience, as well as he was representing two factions instead of one he was chosen to be the leader of the group for this expedition by the Archons, as the Archons themselves were the bulwark of the temple's defenses they themselves were unable to leave for such a venture lest they gamble on the extreme heat of the temple being enough to protect the refugees and clergy there.

As such the most experienced of each faction was selected to undergo this grand quest that could save the entire world. While Seras was sure that there was some scheming as to why so many were sent to represent the church, he had to respect such decisiveness and clever planning. Thankfully the journey hadn't take too long as the tunnels underground which were too hot for most zombies kept them safe until they reached the end of their former territory. Still the rest of the journey was swift thanks to the fact the stronghold temple was still visible on the horizon, at least if the trees weren't in the way currently. Seras made his way through the grove of trees to where the standing stones with the others in tow as they broke through the ring of trees to find Luther accompanied by knights of the Maple order and the Sentinels, which wasn't surprising as they were much closer to this location then the Temple of Seraphina. Still the group made good time arriving here so soon.

Seras respectfully bowed at the waist to Luther, the old man was quite the mystery but he was known and respected by the Archons and most of the orders. He was likely to be a man who should not be trifled with but respected, regardless of his power the knowledge collected by this man was enough for Seras to treat him with respect as a Scholar. "A pleasure to meet you Sir Luther. I am Seras Blaze, along with the other champions of the Order of Seraphina Roisin, Naria, Evangeline, and Derrick. We are eager to help rid the land of this plague in any way we can." He declared cordially as he introduced the others before turning to members of the other orders. "May I inquire of your names as we will be working together in this endeavor?" He asked politely with a friendly tone.

ArchAngelLexi Amaya Itami AquaMarie NightmareDeviant RandomBlobMan Soviet Panda

 

[Petroshka]

• Entrance
• Prelude
• Preperations

• 
  Chevron upon Chevron of indistinct arcane runes appeared far above in the sky each fading into existence creating a reverse glass shattering sound six appeared in total, it took a few seconds for the the arcane runes to connect to one another and once it was complete this magnificent circle in the sky shattered like glass creating a gate to another section in the world. Then out of it came flying a winged humanoid clad in white extravagant armor, it circled around the Standing Stones for a few laps before hovering in place. Caenis had arrived, she looked down on the preceedings below her, so far only a few had gathered, was that all? Descending down she got a better look at their groups, it seemed to be that there is so far a group of 3, and a group of 5, with the latter kneeling to the former, it would seem she was meant to be sent with assistance, no matter the case at least she was here and it did not seem she was all too late.
  
  Descending further she got to see each of their faces, an old man, one middle aged man, both from the three person grou pand another middle aged woman that seemed to be younger than Caenis herself from the five person group, though what was more concerning was in that very group it seemed to have, rather young individuals. Was this really a suicidal quest after all? Landing she looked at both the groups rather puzzled. Then doffed her shield and placed it on her back as to not get in the way of greetings, not really the one to kneel or bow, she simply placed a fist to her chest as she nodded to both groups.
  
  "Caenis Skinyr, of the Kongisvolk. Answering for The Shield of Occilan"
  
  
• 
  Caenis looked up at the gathered council before her, and they stared back down in silence. "We cannot spare resources to send just any warrior to the Standing Stones safely and back." Kierian Valshin spoke up, he wasnt a very imposing man, but appearently he was the right man for the job of leading countries in crisis. She was summoned here without much information other than to bring the arms and armor she is comfortable in, so of course she brought her custom made plate mail made to be form fitting with engravings of her families crest and and wing iconography. Along with her Valkyrie made spear she loaded them up in the carriage that would bring her to Irellea, all together they weren't exactly special weapons, at least in terms of being mystical.
  
  "That is why we chose you." He continued, gesturing to her.
  Of course, she knew what he had meant, she did not require a caravan, and supplies for such a large party. "But why? Why am i being sent to this place?" Caenis asked, with some suspicion and tone of disapproval.
  Fafner, one from the mages association she assumed, stood up from his seat "our allies of one of the knightly orders has requested a champion, apparently they had sent this to every knightly order as well. It appears that they are gathering a small coalition of each factions strongest warriors."
  w in the fire in this suicide mission she suspects it to be. Her train of thought was stopped when she felt the hand that was placed on her shoulder, stopping she looked around to see who it was. "Ah, Drenias, the leader of the mage hunters order spoke up this time. "it would appear they want to defeat this plague with a one swift strike"
  The other leaders seemed to exhale a breath of disbelief at the notion of somehow accomplishing this feat.
  "needless to say, whether or not this is within the realm of possibility-" Kierian spoke once again looking around at his ensemble of faction leaders. "-Using this as propaganda will help immensely to give the people the hope and morale they need to keep carrying on." everyone looked at him understandingly. "and at the same time this gives us more insight to the other knightly orders, hopefully with this they will be more willing to work together to survive the storm." he stopped and looked at Caenis with a stern face. "And who else is better suited than a winged angel."
  
  Caenis' eyes wided when she realized what she is being sent to do, it was practically suicide, was she being sent off to be a martyr? Looking to the ground in thought she clenched her fists if this would help end this nightmare, whether directly, or at the very least help everyone hold on for just a bit longer. Then perhaps it was a suicide worth pursuing, eyes narrowing at the leader of Occilan's shield, She could see why they chose him to lead. The rumors of him being unorthodox in his ways, and even him being a cold leader seemed to be true, the right man for the job. "I will accept this quest" she swear she could see him smile, ever so slightly.
  
• 
  After the meeting was over she was given a day of respite and they a day to set the ceremony. Caenis bit the nail of her thumb while following her guide to her room, wondering how she could prepare for her journey, what would she need to bring? Who are the other knights? If anything she hopped they were capable warriors and not simply those to throw in the fire in this suicide mission she suspects it to be. Her train of thought was stopped when she felt the hand that was placed on her shoulder, stopping she looked around to see who it was, much to her surprise it was her old friend. "Ah, Drenias."
  
  "I would think you are in need of more than simple weapons and armor" the old man, smug as he was. Knew what she was assuming. His order of mage hunters had perfected in crafting trinkets or runes, that negated magic. With much glee Caenis followed Drenias to the order's base of operations in Irellea with her equipment in tow, to allow them to modify it. She herself wasnt much of a caster anyways so it was clear that this was the best option for her. The mages association had offered her magical runes to use but she had declined it in favor for this. While they were working on her armor she walked about the recovering city. it was bustling once again, with the sound of people going about their day working hard to keep things from falling apart, when they had noticed her, they of course stared at the winged woman walking down the streets. It was a common occurrence for her and she shrugged it off like she had many times before, buying food, water, and tools she assumed would help herin her journey. Axe, knife, rope, waterskin, extra pairs of straps, a whetstone, three extra pairs of clothing, and of course a sack to hold it all in. Along with these purchases she bought a quiver for javelins and 5 javelins themselves.
  
  Once the day was over, her improved weapon and armor were delivered to her and she simply prepared for what is to come.
  
  She did not expect what was to come the next day, she had assumed there was going to be a few goodbyes, and she was to fly off to the Standing Stones. Donning her armor, preparing for a long hull trek, she walked outside. But what she assumed was wrong, there was a parade in the streets, and a circle of wizards crafting a ritual, with Fafner waiting for her. The crowd was deafening, it was clear that they were looking for any sliver of hope that the order could give them, and give them she will. Unfurling her wings making her look larger than life made the crowd more ecstatic she waved at them with a smile. it was astonishing how easily they sent information out about what she was to do, and frightening how easily they accepted this fantasy. walking down the streets to the ritual circle Fafner informed her of the preceding's, the ritual was almost complete, it was a gate to the Standing Stones of Amberfall.
  
  Upon hearing that she let out a sigh of relief but at the same time a sort of anxiousness. She needn't make a trek that will take gods know how long, but at the same time she would have little time to mentally prepare to speak to the other members orders. She guessed it was probably better for this way of travel, and what Kierian meant as safe travels. Instead of preparing for the long trek she placed her equipment in a more ready position, sack over her back, spear and shield in hand. Guessing this would look more presentable to the other knights. After a minute of waiting Runic symbols appeared in the air one by one six in total forming a circle of sorts, each time one appeared a crackling sound could be heard. Once all six were assembled Caenis unfurled her wings and the circle formed as if glass shattered, ripping the two spaces together. She could see the other side was in the air, a bright sky and breeze, and so she jumped through.
  
  

 

[ArchAngelLexi]

Naria was honestly quite excited to be chosen to join this mission to possibly do away with the plague. This was the moment she had been waiting for since she joined the church of Seraphina; not only would this be avenging her family but an opportunity to further prove herself as a devote follower and warrior.

As they made their journey to the standing stones the young woman became increasingly more antsy at the lack of action and thirsted for a fight, a sentiment she was sure none of her companions shared. Her two contracts picked up on these festering emotions and reacted in their own ways. The familiar voice of Alev filled her head, silently encouraging her to act on her blood lust and strike out on her own or better break her code and turn on one of her weaker companions. His chuckle echoing in her mind as he half joked. Despite the voice invading her mind Naria maintained a calm composure. Meanwhile Kindle blew a small burst of flame in front of her face, catching her attention. She raised her hand to hold at chest level, allowing the small flaming salamander to scurry from her shoulder to her hand. With her other hand she gently stroked it's back with one of her fingers.

It wasn't much longer till they reached their destination. Kindle returned to it's place on her shoulder as Naria let her hand fall back to her sides. She remained silent as Seras introduced them to the man she now identified as Luther. Her attention turned to the runes in the sky. When her name was said she gave a small bow of her head before watching as a winger woman descended from the gate formed above. This woman seemed more to her speed than most of her current companions. She wished dearly that she could duel this Caenis at this very moment.

 

[Amaya Itami]

The journey to the standing stones had been easy for her since she didn't have to walk at all. However this gave her time to observe her companions as they walked. For a brief moment she noticed a dark flash in Naria's eyes. She had been laying on Cora, relaxing at that point but when she saw that she decided to sit up just in case. Soon she arrived with Seras, Derrick and the others from the church. She smiled gently as she looked around at the other orders. She was a bit nervous at the sight of them all. The group stopped In front of a Man named Luther and Seras bowed. He must be important.

Roisin slid off of Cora and bowed slightly as well when introduced. When she looked up to be a part of introductions to the other orders runes appeared in the sky. Everyone's attention shifted as a winged woman appeared. Even Cora lifted her head to watch. It certainly was quite the entrance, valiant and beautiful indeed. the woman introduced herself but Roisin was speechless to answer, and if she could admit it, slightly frightened as well. along with a dominant air about her the woman also had an air of disapproval.

EldridSmith
ArchAngelLexi
Petroshka
Soviet Panda
AquaMarie
NightmareDeviant
RandomBlobMan​

 

[Huntertabbysandshark3]

Oldor Tervus​

The caedentibus daret tempestas. Or simply caedentibus for short. A temple know for its.. sporadic nature in how it operated or at least it would appear so. of course the representative They sent of course a tempest superior made apparent by the fact that aside form the incredibly heavy armour the figure moved with little encumbrance. small arch’s of electricity flicking through the air around the figure as they walked forward Towards the group currently present. “ caedentibus daret tempestas representative present... let’s get on with it shall we” the voice was clearly a mans as it echoed around him somewhat. “Hmm I was expecting a few more.. nevermind” he’s mumble seemingly a little annoyed.
ArchAngelLexi ArchAngelLexi Soviet Panda EldridSmith Petroshka

 

[RandomBlobMan]

Hugo was a simple man. He believed in the Goddess, and he believed that his destiny was lead by the Goddess and only the Goddess herself. He trusted the Goddess, and hopefully, the Goddess trusted him. And she had lead him to the Standing Stones. It was the Order's higher ups that directed him, but in the end it was the Goddess that lead him anyways. By the man's side was his trusty sword and the charm of that faithful day. Though his travel by foot had taken longer than expected, he finally arrived at the destination. The man had never paid a visit to the Standing Stones before, having heard of its existence only a few times by fellow knights in his Order. He could almost say he was excited for this trip.
"Hugo Xandros of the Order of the Maple, present."


Had it not been for its magical capabilities, Haru would have already attempted slaying the Steed. Travelling with that mysteriously noisy creature, he had to endure the unintelligible mutterings of it for countless hours. They weren't even consistent to begin with-started at random hours, ended at random hours. Sometimes in the middle of lunch, sometimes when he was about to sleep, sometimes when he was beating up a group of street ruffians who were looking for an easy prey. He still didn't understand why they decided to go for a big man with a crazy beast by his side. He arrived to the "Standing Stones"(His cultist folks used to refer to it more as the "Unholy False Idols") to a handful of people gathered there. There was even someone with a big, beautiful creature. Haru looked at Paimon's Steed, who returned the gaze with an equally tired look, and a bizarre smirk.
"I'm from the Quills of Quinn. Ever heard of that one?"
He spoke to the old man sitting at the wagon.
Soviet Panda

 

[AquaMarie]

Evangeline was still felt in ways confused as to why she was on this mission to get rid of the plague. However, she did as well feel quite honored to have been chosen to help out in such an important mission. The journey to the standing stone seemed a bit long for Evangeline as she wasn't quite used to walking great distances, really it was extremely rare for her to ever leave her home. She did not say much on the whole trip, mainly keeping to herself only ever speaking if spoken to. Even if spoken to Evangeline kept her responses short.

The woman held her staff close as she leaned against it. She looked at Luther as Seras introduced the whole group to the man. Evangeline gently bowed her head at the old man in a respectful greeting. Lifting her head she turns to look over at the surrounding people from different orders.