Graded [The Underbelly] The Twisted Underbelly

[Skyhunter]

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In the previous thread Thief's Wonderland Fantasy - [Isekai Hell] Thief's Wonderland a plot of thievery has been told since the beginning, characters meet and form alliances, seeds of deceit have been planted. Untrust builds in a group. Many are after this stolen artifact known as The Seeing Stone. But a couple of mysteries remains, why does someone want this Stone? And who wants this Seeing Stone?

In a city of crime, debauchery, and murder, a lot of organizations are after this stone, war and fighting has taken to the streets. Looking for this Stone to get a large prize out of it. But while there is murder in almost every alleyway, something beneath lingers. Something else is slowly making its way to the surface of this Underbelly. After this seeing stone. Strange sightings have been noticed or weirdly hooded men in black robes, caked in tattoos and symbols. Whatever it is, good luck on your travels, and beware The Twisted Underbelly.

Within the Underbelly there is lawlessness...



Arthur Verg stared down his target, Clover, the thief cloaked in white. Having her mask up over her face holding her chain and kunai, her bag on her side was notable for Arthur, while he couldn't see her face features, he did memorize her clothing, bag, and weapon. The bandits were staying to the wall with their hands up, having one of their own dying on the ground in a mess of his own blood by some unknown strange weapon that made loud noises. " Rowan. Trap the thief. " Arthur commanded.



At this, the bandits behind the thief, teacher and Rudy attacked. One hit Rudy on his cheek with a cocked back fist, another attacked Francois, hitting the older man in the back with a entwined fist. Arthur knew of Francois, but did not bat a eye. His weapon had disappeared and Arthur's ghostly appendage glowed, the runes glowed a icy white. " Spirits of those dead. Serve me. " He whispered Summon: Acidic Spirits - F (1 Post cooldown.) Strange formless Spirits appeared around Arthur, floating around him and whispering quietly in a formless and dead language. They leaked some sort of ectoplasm that dripped onto the ground below them that sizzled the surface.



Clover pulled her chain from Rudy as he was dealing with one of the bandits, she swung it in the air, twirling it. She then used the momentum and threw it at Arthur, Rowan and Baxtor. Arthur moved out of the way just as one of his spirits got caught into it and dissipated away. The other four then caught wind of this and floated towards the woman whispering.

A couple of the bandits tried to run but a couple of the spirits ended up merging into their faces and absorbed into them. Acid began to melt their faces away as the bandits fell screaming and crying as their faces were no longer a thing, only skulls and flesh were. Eyes melted away as well. It was a terrible scene. But Arthur did not care.



Clover witnessed this and was pretty disgusted to say, she had not expected this. She pulled her chain back and caught the kunai. " Baxtor. What can you do to help? " Arthur asked, while he didn't trust the man, they were on the same side and needed to get what was stolen back.

Interactions: slifer37 D. Rex EMIYAman Goran Glacial

 

[Goran Glacial]

Baxtor Everfrost

​

Baxtor had never met such an unruly man from the beginning Baxtor had begun to hate arthur and even plotted getting even eventually. Baxtor had enough of being treated like scum on earth and he was going to be damned angry if it happened again, His new ryken family noticed he was odd from the outset petty grievances repaid in full and the abnormal maturity for a child. They had excluded him from the inheritance because of these signs figuring it was another mischief by god. Baxtor didn't care he was at least on good terms with his family learning the Family swordplay, as Baxtor sidestepped the chain, then scoffed at Arthur's comment while drawing his sword. Baxtor would rather fight the bandits then the thief's party, getting into stance he angle toward a bandit on the outside while pulling back his shortsword "Let frost begin! Glacial Stab!" Baxtor invoked the only skill he had aiming for the bandit's body.

Skills invoked - Glacial Flash - Blight(Ice) - Glacial Stab F

 

[slifer37]

Rowan took it all in with surprising amount of grace- the quick finding of the thief, the arrival of a new member of their party, the excess amount of bandits. She had known from the beginning that taking this job would be more than what she was used to. It was a crash course mixed with intense field experience- and she sure was getting a lot of it. Why a thief decided to wear all-white in a place like this was beyond Rowan- unless it was for branding purposes. Though white was a terrible color for branding. Made you stand out, made you look like a highly robbable priest or something, or like a rich person who stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time.

"We are in the middle of battle, but hopefully we'll be able to introduce ourselves later." Rowan replied to Baxtor quickly, telling him in her own way that she wasn't ignoring him- there was just a fight going on and they had to survive that first before getting through pleasantries like names. She could network with him later. She was used to being relatively polite to others upon first meeting- unless they were disgusting pigs like Setzen. Then, she was allowed to be rude and aggressive, as weakness for someone like her would lead to others gunning after her. Baxtor may have been inappropriately dressed for the occasion, but the noble's clothing he wore was better branding than almost anything else-although it did paint a large target on his back that she wasn't sure would be worth having. His choice, she supposed.

Being with Arthur this whole time had seemed to give her the practice she needed- as she could feel managed flowing through her, allowing her to do more with her magic. Whatever happened, being around Arthur really was helping her develop her abilities.

The chain hurtled towards her, causing her to react quickly. She cast Basic Barrier- Grade F-Multiple Post Cooldown, using it to deflect the chain so it bounced harmlessly off her barrier instead of whacking her in the face.


Well, Arthur had said to capture her- and capturing her seemed better than the alternative-melting a man's face off. IT made her uncomfortable- maybe it was the pot calling the kettle black for suffocating the bandits earlier, but making someone suffer like that, in pain...well at least the bandits lost consciousness after not being in too much pain. Her hands wove themselves in a net pattern as she cast Net Barrier- D Grade-1 Post Cooldown at the white-clothed thief. IF she was captured in it, she would be dropped to the floor as an aerated barrier weighed on top of her, pinning her to the ground while still allowing her to breathe.

She focused on Clover, not sure what to do with the older man and the one who had held the thief's chain. They hadn't done anything to her yet, so didn't deserve to be attacked. Besides, she had to focus on defense- protecting Arthur, Baxtor, and herself were priority over fighting them. Their lives were more important than the stupid rock that everyone seemed to be salivating over.

"Please give him the stone. It's not worth dying over the stone. He won't hesitate to kill you." Rowan asked the thief while point to Arthur, using her kindest and most honest voice possible in the situation. Bloodshed was likely in this scenario, but she had to try diplomacy. IF this woman or any of her companions came after her, she would retaliate with a vengeance. But in this scenario, she was trying to keep the murder to a minimum. It was unlikely that this would all end without any casualties, but she would be able to live with herself at the end of the day.

 

[EMIYAman]

Francois Rychin
Interactions: D. Rex
​

Things had escalated, dramatically. Francois found himself in an incredibly volatile situation. The remains of the bandits on one side and the Academy's "hunters" on the other. He recognized the two boys but not the girl. He had not met them but the higher ups had told him to keep an eye on Arthur, and the Everfrost's boy was due for a meeting. The girl however was a little rough looking for an academy student though Francois certainly hadn't memorized everyone. A local perhaps? Hired help potentially. Francois' eyes narrowed, he had been seen with the thief while not that dire it would be troublesome should they consider him an accomplice to the theft. Though in a way he supposes he was. He didn't doubt that Arthur knew of him he seemed the clever sort. Though what he would do with this information was the question. (Insight F)

Pain interrupted his pondering. The pain was familiar but more intense than before. "Always the back..." he mused as he calmly turned and broke the club still in his hands on the bandits head. The bandit had been surprised he had reacted with little more than a stumble, and while it had been quite painful Francois wasn't the type who broke poker face easily. The dangers were mounting, and were growing more exhilarating. He moved to finish off the bandit until one of Arthur's spirits got to the man. Francois watched as the man writhed and screamed as his flesh melted and fell off the bone. He smirked. Fascinating. He turned back to the Academy group. Watching them. Arthur coldly stared back at him as the bandits around died in the fighting, Mr.Everfrost was joining the fight with his families telltale magic as well. The girl with them did a maneuver with her hands most likely magic. Francois wondered if it would be directed at him, only for it to seemingly fall upon the thief some kind of trap meant to capture her though he could not see what held her other than an almost imperceptible shimmer.

Francois narrowed his eyes. He sidled up to Rudolph. "The thief, she stole something from the Academy a rather prestigious school of magic and knowledge. These three are here to capture her and take back the item in question for her transgressions against them." Francois quietly spoke this into Rudolphs ear. "You may continue to aid her, you are a rather loyal sort I can tell so you may feel you owe her. However, this would put you in contention with the Academy and the law of the city above. In addition you would have to get through these three and you'll find the man leading them is going to take offense to such a decision." Francois eyes gained an intense glint to them as he placed his hand in a comforting gesture on Rudolphs shoulder. "Or, you could leave her to her fate this is the consequences of her actions after all. Technically speaking you don't owe her your life. You could seek asylum leave this dreadful place and return home. Your decision is your own, whatever you decide I will help. You deserve that much." (Persuasion C) Francois stepped back content. The bandits were few in number and should the situation escalate further... He fingered the gun in his coat. Francois looked back to Arthur looking him directly in the eye, and smiled.

 

[Shatter Shard]

Dayle Keller​

Dayle ran along the streets of the underbelly with his four goons, unsure if the others had already beaten him to the punch. The people along the way gave him strange looks, but kept their gaze once they realized he was part of the more violent people of the Underbelly, even though he wasn't an Underbelly dweller. He sent out two of his men to scout ahead, and one of them came back to lead him to the other's current location. "What's happenin down there?" Dayle asked, sweat dripping from his brow. "I don't know boss, I just immediately ran back after we found them. Zeke's stayin to get a better read so he could tell us the whole story after we get there." The goon leading him replied. As he ran, he took some time to marvel at the place, realizing how big the world truly is. Who would've thought that something like this would exist under Ryken? The slums were a given, sure, but a sprawling lawless undercity? Not in Dayle's biggest dreams. Though, this place wasn't exactly what he likes. It being lawless meant it was even more unforgiving than the slums above, and because he had no connections here, it was simply a giant maw that would eventually swallow Dayle if he's not careful. "The hell is this place?" One of his men shrugged "Beats me, boss." He wondered if he should extend his reach down under in the future, but pushed it to the back of his thoughts for now. Not that he has much influence anyways.

Dayle arrived at the location, a mess of a marketplace, spotting Zeke standing behind stall about 50 feet away from the commotion. "Zeke!" He called, and the man turned around to beckon them without making a sound. Dayle and the rest of his crew nodded and carefully made their way to Zeke. "Welcome back boss." Zeke greeted Dayle as his boss approached him. "What's the situation?" Dayle asked, and Zeke replied with his eyes back at the commotion "Not really sure boss. The guys with the thing disappeared into the alleyway." Dayle observed the situation, and what he saw was a mess. There were dead bodies on the floor, the area was roughed up as if a fight have happened, and people are keeping away from an alleyway. The scene was already fucked, so it wasn't a good idea for Dayle to come swooping in without some kind of plan or clarification. Zeke suddenly tapped Dayle with the back of his hand "Boss, from what I saw, those guys are bad news. I even heard-"

AAAAAAGGGHHH!

Shrill cries of pain and agony caused Dayle and his crew to reflexively look back at the entrance to the alleyway, before Zeke continued his words "...terrible noises." The crowd around the marketplace were terrified judging from their expression, none bothered to pursue it any further. Dayle's expression hardened, unable to imagine the horrors going on that alleyway. "What the fuck..." He had his fair shares of beating people up, humiliating them, or just generally causing pain, but he has never heard any of his enemies scream in such a horrific way. Except for that one time he crushed someone's family jewels, and he was sorry for that even. The scream made Dayle even more unwilling to go in without any information. "Zeke, got anything else?" Zeke shrugged as he answered "To be honest boss, I didn't really wanna risk it, so that's the only things I can say." Dayle held his chin in contemplation, before addressing three of his men. "You three, find a guy from the people here. We're going to squeeze info outta them." """On it boss!""" They went off to find an unlucky fool, and came back after a few seconds dragging somebody. "Hey! What in the goddamn-" "Shut the fuck up." Dayle interrupted him as he was presented and restrained in front of him. "Tell us what you know about the shit that happened here." The man gulped, before asking hesitantly "W-what's in it for me?" Dayle replied by making the man feel what's it like to be near a burning furnace. (CD | 0) [F] Hot Stuff

The man spilled out what he knew, and when he started sputtering after being pushed for more, Dayle let him go as he scrambled away from the marketplace. "We didn't get much, but there are three points that we need to keep in mind." Dayle started to say as he adjusted the chains on his right arm. "One, there are three parties in here. One is probably trying to retrieve the stone, another is the thief's group, and the other are people who also want some." He then raised his hand to point to fingers up. "Two, at least one or two of those people are big trouble. By big, I mean, real big." He lowered his hand and looked around. "Third, Red Star isn't making a move, we haven't seen any of their men." Dayle's crew looked around as well and found no one bearing the Red Star's insignia. "Boss you're right!" One of them quipped "Boss, doesn't that we ain't stayin anymore? We got things checked out, like the 'request' told us to do." another asked. Dayle roughly scratched his head, ruffling his hair, before answering "We can't go back for now. The bastards won't let us off the hook unless we bring something back." One of his men wearily looked at the entrance of the alleyway "But Boss, we don't even know what them's doing there." "Yeah boss." another one added "You're hands are even injured." Dayle scoffed "Old Man Bartins said it ain't serious. It just needs a few days of rest. Besides, I can still use my chainz." he slapped has arm and shook it, letting the sound of clanking fill the silence between his crew. "Too bad we have to do this though. First priority is getting information from the actual people, second is getting the thing." Dayle continued "But we're gonna have to do something to increase our chances." He looked around the marketplace, and he smiled as he saw the broken stalls and fresh materials lying about for him to use. "And I think I have a plan."

 

[D. Rex]

To say that things were bullshit was to greatly underestimate the situation he was in. To say that this was a horrible day was just as large of an understatement. How long ago was it that he was shoveling snow and chopping wood? How much of a fool was he to think things sucked then? Where was safe and dry and nobody was trying to kill him at every third step he took? But this place... it certainly put everything in perspective.

Even then, fighting a couple bandits was not as bad as seeing a new group of thugs coming charging in and one of them beginning to shoot the place up. With... a gun? It seem like any gun he knew. It looked like one. Shot like one. But it disappeared with some ghostly fuckery as the bandits felled. The bandits. Better the bandits than them. But a gun? Everything he seen down here has been some sort of fantasy medieval screwery with swords and magical stuff and all them kind of things. Then this guy comes in with not just a gun, but a recognizable shotgun.

"Who the fuck are you and why do you have gun?" He was able to spit out before heck broke loose all over again as he began spewing out spirits. Clover was a bit trigger happy, he didn't blame her one bit however. It did take out a spirit at least. That was all well and good, as he was assuming you couldn't touch them. And apparently that assumption still held true as the charging bandits melted at their embraced. That was absolutely disgusting. As well as horrifying. Most importantly, it was quite dangerous. Despite the stomach churning display, there was the pressing matter of already being in life or death situation. Another of the newcomers was just as quick to attack. Again, the bandits. Better than them. But it came very clear that these folks had come to kill too. It was probably only a matter of time before they decided to turn on himself, Clover, and Francois.

At least the third person did not seem to have such a violent streak... the girl with them seemed to have no such goals. Either that or she was the one bossing them around. Didn't matter as he wasn't about to complain at one of the few people here not trying kill everything. So immediately she became his favorite of the newcomers. Even if she was doing some wierd magic stuff.

Then the words she said sunk in, and his face turned rather red. A pretty angry shade of red too. "A stone! This is all about a stupid little damnable ROCK!" He exclaimed in a shout that concluded with his voice cracking in furious incredulity. That's it. They were mad. They were all absolutely mad. Since he came here he had been running for his life because some idiots wanted some rock. Killing over it.

As one of them was attempting to do now, taking full advantage of Rudolph's stunned lack of attention. Reminding him that he was indeed in a fight. The his smacked into his head and made him see stars as his awteness drifted back to the problem at hand. That people were trying to kill him. He wasn't sure how he forgot. There was pain... funny... he could taste blood, but it didn't hurt like he had expected. He really was growing stronger. Tougher. All the better for him. All the worse for them.

Rudolph planted a foot, and reared back his arm to release a hearty haymaker to the man's jaw. Slugging him back and adding in that extra bit of vitriol that he was feeling right now.

Then came the words of the old man. He didn't mind this fellow. Another one of the rare few who wasn't seeming to want to kill him in sight. This was nice. What wasn't nice was apparently the news he had to say.
Clover stole something. Gun man was crazy. Risking life for a rock.

"We wouldn't want to offend anyone. Now would we?" He said with bitter sarcasm through gritted teeth. Not that he felt bitter towards Franky. Just the situation, his eyes fell on the nearby bandit waiting his turn at making Rudolph die.

Rudolph immediately squared himself up against the threat, "I didn't carry her bratty ass halfway across the scumhole just to leave her to die here." He said without thought. The trouble she had drug him into...because of a stupid stone. Still... Francois did have merits to what he was saying. So far the others were just attacking the bandits. The woman seemed diplomatic enough... of all the options maybe diplomacy had a better shot... could always fight later if needed. Plus, it really did feel better that at least one person would be on his side.

"I dont care about the rock. I'll hand it over to them myself if I got to. But I'll be damned before I let us die down here. Alive and out of here. Thats the priority. All three of us. Whether she likes it or not... and especially if she doesn't."


This was shit. It was the culmination of all of it so far. And there was no way it could get much worse than this... anyway... he had already talked to much and the bandits were about to wait forever surely... with a sudden step forward, Rudolph swung his opposite leg around and extended it as a kick from the side at the gut of other bandit.


He had to get over to Clover. One way or the other. Certainly before anyone else did.



Action Summary

Str B

Bandit 1: Punch to Face.
Bandit 2: Side kick to stomach.







Skyhunter slifer37 EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard

 

[Skyhunter]

Within the Underbelly of Ryken...



Quickly the bandits were apprehended, Baxtor's attack on the bandit worked while they were distracted with his dying gang, quickly two had been dissolved before him. A sharp and icy stab went through this bandit. They didn't have words as they stared at Baxtor, their eyes said enough. Life quickly faded from his eyes and replaced with death, slowly falling onto the ground, ice surrounded his wound, frozen blood stayed on Baxtor's blade as it was pulled out.

Rowan's use of barriers still impressed Arthur, easily Rowan deflected the kunair attack which made the blade ricochet back in a random direction, canceling the attack, but also shattering Rowan's shield in the process. It seemed that this white clothed thief had power in her attacks. Just a little bit. While she was recovering from the attack, she did not see the net coming from above. It was already too late and she got caught in it falling to the ground. " No! Gods no! " She cried. A barrier appearing above her to prevent her from getting back up. Leaving Clover in a hunched state while trapped. These new pursuers of the stone were very capable.

To Francois, his insight of Arthur would show a cold and determined man, he had just killed a couple of bandits without batting a eye, his angry amber eyes stared into Francois', there was no doubt that he knew of the professor, but he was not an threat to the old man, but to those who opposed him. Arthur had a rep at the academy for outcasting himself from everyone, being rude and cold to those he did not like, and being a rather diligent student surprisingly for someone as brutal as he was. But Francois was slammed in the back by the bandit who was laughing at the old man, about to say something snarky when one of those spirits that Arthur had summoned came to his aid, running straight towards Francois but jumped up over him and landed on the man's face. Spitting acid as they fell over, blood began to flood the area of his head as he was screaming. It soon turned to gurgling and nonsense. It would seem Arthur saw Francois and his new weapon, but still did not say anything, only thing Francois would get was his look of acknowledgement.

Rudolph would have seen what transpired before him, Arthur would have acknowledged Rudy's question but ultimately gave no answer but only a stern look. His anger did not help either when he yelled out about the stone, this actually spark a reaction from Arthur who looked like he was about to say something but he was attacked by one of the remaining bandits, knocking him down. When the bandit raised his weapon high into the air, he received a punch from Rudy which knocked the man back, making him take a few steps backwards to hold his nose. He dropped his weapon. Groaning in pain looking at Rudy with disdain, but that disdain became ruin when he saw his brothers. His entire gang, gone, each were killed. He being the last remaining one. And he only suffered a broken nose. The thief, Clover, was caught in a net. And these three newcomers were the victors.

Over by where Dayle and his crew of outcasts from the over city of Ryken, a couple of men with sheathed weapons ran by through thr market, heading straight for where the commotion he and his gang was scouting. Soon enough, Dayle would see another one. Then another one. Hell footsteps could be heard on the rooftops above him, looking up he would see small gangs, hired mercs, well prepared mercs, a knight, a weird troll with some sort of human leg for a weapon, and even a gang of midgets, smaller than dwarfs running by. It was almost as if everyone was hired or told to get involved. What were they after that was so gods damn important?

Arthur stared at the scene before him, they had won easily. The thief was caught, one of his academy teachers was involved and this third guy who looked tough as nails was alone. Shouldnt be too hard to deal with, even in his anger he still cared for this thief, saying he didn't care about the risks of death but that they were getting out of here. Arthur smirked a little, a pretty naive thing to say, although he was unaware that he just met this thief today. Arthur's arm glowed for a moment and he whispered something quietly. " I gather you, spirits. You shall come forth and form my weapon. " sticking his hand out, glowing light appeared as strange mist moved towards the lights and swirled into it. The light faded and formed a firearm. Similar to that of a regular 9mm pistol. Spiritual Ordnance: Basic - E - 1 Post Cooldown. Arthur then held this purple ethereal weapon Rudy. " Give me the damn stone, then, and I'll let you walk out of here alive. " Arthur spoke to Rudy. Showing no emotion in his eyes.

But before anyone could react, there would be the stampeding of footsteps and the sound of people nearing, Arthur actually turned his head and would see that small gangs began to now surround them, even on rooftops, smaller gangs formed up there. Strange leather knights appeared above the two main groups closest to the trapped Clover, who herself looked terrified. Strange cloaked one-eyed men with no hair appeared on the other roof and stared down the leather knights. Tensions were growing. One by one each of these different and complex groups showed up. Wanting to get their hands on this stone, unaware of what it was or if they were aware either didn't care or wanted that money.

Each of these gangs different than the next. Each their own syndicate of criminality. There was whispering and talks of what would happen next. Each of then did not like the other, people stared others down. There was almost no way out of this. Everyone was surrounded by someone, and each had their own bone to pick with someone.

Arthur sighed, " Well fuck. " He mumbled. " Oi! Ghlanesh! " A random man yelled across the opening, a silence fell over everyone besides these two that would talk. " What? " A woman called back. " Your mother's nothing but a whore I had my way with, you mumce! " The man called. " Oh ye? " the woman called. " Yea! " The man yelled. " Your brother has a better way of fondling a woman than you do with your baby hands! " The woman yelled back. " WHAT!? " The man yelled then roared as they charged each other, this then caused a large battle to ensue with each of these groups jumping off rooftops or jumping across rooftops to fight. There was nothing but yelling and screaming, the sound of metal clashing and blood slipping.

Arthur lost sight of almost his entire crew within seconds of the fighting. Quickly he fired his gun into people around. BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! Easily, people went down but it did not matter, people were too busy fighting each other to realize what was happening.

Quickly, Clover used her mistforming ability to move through the net and escape, materializing again and seeing the blood and fighting. Blood spilled onto her from a troll and knight fighting. Quickly she began to move through the crowd, a couple of people noticing her as she ran through the crowd.

Arthur growled as he dodged attacks and moved through the crowd. " Rowan! " he called, as he fired his ethereal gun into the crowd of fighting idiots. Taking a couple down as he moved to find his half-paid mercenary.

Dayle and his gang would see a white clothed woman run out of the crowd, covered in blood. With a bag on her hip, she wielded a kunai and chain that was also covered in blood. She looked tired and exhausted, a couple of people running from the clusterfuck tried to pursue her, as tired as she was, she could still fight. She used her kunai as a leathered man approached with a iron sword, swinging it. The woman easily sidestepped and brought her weapon up, stabbing the man through the jaw into the brain from below once the sword swung down. Pulling it out, the next attacker was a strange half naked man with tattoos all over his upper body. He wielded a spear and tried to charge Clover, but she only threw her weapon forward on its chain and slammed the kunai through the eye socket of the warrior. Who immediately fell. The woman sighed of relief for a moment of rest.

Interactions: slifer37 D. Rex EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard

 

[D. Rex]

How many times can one say this is a bad day? The thought seemed to roll through Rudolph's had at least every ten seconds. Just in case he somehow forgot about all the stuff that was going on around him. When everything was going wrong, you just had to grit your teeth and plow through best you could. Though it did come as some relief when the other bandits fell leaving the last one to wisely flee.

With a brief respite, he took a deep breath. Now that was done with... that left the other problem. Crazy gun man, the ice fellow, and the magic girl. They wanted something. Seemed willing to kill as they were to talk. There was little doubt in Rudolph's mind that talking was by far the superior path to take here. But he wasn't so stupid as to assume it was going to be that easy.

Sure, the gun man called back his spirits, though that wouldn't count for much if he brought out his gun again. So it was then that Rudolph took advantage of this moment to reach his foot out under the weapon the fleeing bandit had dropped, and kick it up enough so that he could grab it out of the air.

It was a but of an awkward catch, but he let him keep his eyes on the gun man. Who was summoning a gun at the same time. Now, Rudolph never held a sword in his life. It felt weighty and awkward, and he was under no disillusion that he could hurt himself as easily as an opponent. However, Rudolph was pulling his weight pretty well so far... and he had seen enough to know that the pointy end goes into bad guy. The sharp edge went into bad guy to. Stab, slash, chop. Whatever worked. In all honesty, Rudolph would have preferred sticking with his fists, he was familiar with those. And since he couldn't have himself a gun too, bringing a sword to a gunfight was marginally better than bringing his bare hands to a gunfight. Better than nothing.

Despite his inexperience, Rudy didn't feel helpless. Even with the awkward weight of the blade, he felt he could swing it with ease. He could FEEL how much stronger he was. How much faster he had become. Even with all this exertion he still was not out of breath, as if he could do this all day. Whatever this world was doing to him, it was certainly a blessing in disguise.

So now, he was staring down the barrel of a gun. Throwing out threats when he could have just said please... And with only a sword to work with, he had to ask himself what else could go wrong. Cosmic humor dictated he did not have to wait long for an answer as rather suddenly they were surrounded. Things had went from bad to worse in a heartbeat.

Lovely.

Luck was one their side... as whatever prize these gangs were seeking, they were willing to fight over it. This normally would have been fine by Rudy... if he wasn't stuck in the dead center of it.

The crowd swarmed. And Rudolph prepared himself. Welp... the decision was made for him. Fight his way out. The direction? That was made clear by the escaping figure in white. Clover found a way out before he could get to her. Good on her. That was a good a direction as any. "Francois, this way!" He shouted, to be heard of the yells and clangs of battle. Rudolph charged forward.


He didn't need skill with a sword to know what he needed to do. With as many people as were around, any swing of the sword would hit somebody, and odds are he wouldn't hit a friend. Rudolph swung when he needed to swing, hacked when he needed to hack. Shoving aside those he could that weren't paying attention to him Charging forth to batter a way through towards Clover. Trying to clear a way for himself and Francois before the gangs decided to turn their sights on them.


Just as he neared the edge of the crowd, he met the eyes of probably the first of these gang members that was ready to fight him one on one. It was a tiny thing. A dwarf? A garden gnome came to life? Didn't matter... for it was in his way and would kill him given half the chance.

Rudolph did not slow his charge. No... Rudolph sped up. And with the angry and determined look on Rudolph's face, that midget knew exactly what was coming for him.




Clover may not have even have had a a chance to take two breaths over the dead body of the tattooed man before she saw a tiny package of a midget soaring out of the crowd like a wayward soccer ball. Rolling to a stop and scampering out of the way the boy who broken free from melee. He certainly did not look in a state to be messed with. His sword was bloodied, and his face red with sprays of blood that wasn't his save for a cut on his lip. He was still soaking wet from his dip in the pool, and his clothing bore various cuts and gashes from near misses.

He lowered his sword as he was running towards her. "Get your ass in gear, girl! Or do i have to carry you across this shithole all over again!" He shouted. "I can't believe you pulled me into this mess over a fucking rock. I'll have words for you later. Now move it!" Oh he had words for her alright. And first chance he got he was going to turn over that stone so they could get out of this mess with their skins intact. And if Clover thought she was better off without Rudolph, the only person who seemed to be on her side... well she was stupider than he had given her credit for.

But first, they needed to get out of danger.



Skyhunter slifer37 EMIYAman Shatter Shard Goran Glacial

 

[Goran Glacial]

Baxtor Everfrost
​

Baxtor Grinned smugly in the dying bandit's face showing a clearly twisted smile as the light drained from the bandit's eyes. As Baxtor stood up his face cleared showing the deadpan expression he usually has straightening his suit cuffs and slapping a nearby wall to shake the frozen blood off before wiping it with a cloth and cleaning it, as he did these he watched the surroundings even the thief making off through the crowd. Baxtor was clearly not intending on following alone as in this kind of crowd that would be suicidal instead he just memorized the direction she went carefully. As Baxtor sheathed his sword finally he slowly made his way through the ground to a high ground where his group could see him, as the gangs were fighting they had no interest in a obvious noble clearly ignoring him. Baxtor laughed lightly as he enjoyed this situation "Ah being a noble is so easy... maybe I ought to raise my status..." Baxtor muttered as he finally arrived at the high ground standing out so arthur and the others can find him as he lit another self-rolled cigarette and watched the fighting with some amusement.

​

 

[Shatter Shard]

Dayle Keller​

Dayle had a bright idea. Take the stalls apart, or what is already broken anyway, and take whatever they can. Boards, planks, anything they can to use to turn into a makeshift shield or weapon. Take the ropes that hold them together and stitch it up with the boards. They would make a barricade of some sorts. We their set of skills, it would've been sloppy work, but Dayle would be damned if he didn't make it work.

As Dayle and his gang were "acquiring" materials, leisurely crafting, and shooing away the poor folks who wanted their stalls intact, Dayle paused as he held a wooden board in his hands. "Do you guys hear that?" The rest of his gang also stopped, only to find out that a number of people have started to gather towards their general area. Mercenaries, hired swords, outcasts, and even midgets have appeared. "Shit! My plan!" Knowing that there would be an eventual scuffle, the gang hastened their efforts, but only managed to create a shoddy wooden board that acts like a shield. A terrible one at that too. "Well, fuck." Although he knew that there would be others just like him, he didn't expect it to be so many. If that's the case, thin this artifact must be a really big deal. However, none of them are even from Red Star. There was a growing bad premonition inside his heart, and he can't help but start to wonder if everything's going to be worth it by the end of all of this.

Dayle threw the board towards Zeke and exclaimed "Take it Zeke! You're on guard duty!" Zeke nodded with determination and stood in front. Frankly, it barely covered his upper body and will most likely only protect his arm. They then prepared for battle, only to notice the shields of those mercenaries. Compared to their own, it was incomparably better in every way. "Uh... Boss?" "Not a fucking word." Before any of them could even do anything, the groups of society's filth started to argue with each other. Dayle and his crew looked at each other, and then a fight suddenly broke out between the scums. The gang was taken aback, but realized this was the inevitable conclusion. Hired people of differing views and factions is bound to cause problems, more on between themselves than the actual target. Although they were thankfully some distance away from the infighting, a few stragglers managed to find their way to them. Thinking about the infighting made Dayle pride at the loyalty of his gang.

"Whatcha looking at- oof!" One of the stragglers was immediately clocked in the jaw, and stomped on by five different sets of feet until the edge of life. "Take his shit." Dayle commanded, before the rest of his crew stripped him of his equipment. They only useful stuff they could get without wasting time was a crappy sword. Just as Dayle was trying to think of a plan, one of his goons called out "Boss! The white guy ova' there!" Dayle's head whipped towards the direction his goon was pointing at "Them's part of the group!" On the edge of battles was a person clad in white robe, who has just recently been joined with another guy. "Shit! No time to think, after them!" With that prompt, Dayle and his crew began charging towards them. Zeke kept on the side to guard their flank, and whenever someone gets near their path, they would be clotheslined by one of Dayle's men. There would be some people who'd block their way, either unwillingly or otherwise, but they were soon met with pain of steel lashing at their body. "Get out of the fucking way!" Dayle exclaimed, shoulder checking a guy in the process and throwing them back into the battle.

The entire situation was frantic, but Dayle had no way of calmly dealing with it now. It's now or never, and he knew he would lose sight of the targets if he did not chase now. His face hardened as he neared the white robed thief and their presumed comrade.

 

[slifer37]

Everything had gone according to plan. The thief had been captured, they had a decent chance of making it out alive because it was a 3 on 3 battle- things had been looking good. Until the thief turned into mist and escaped her net, along with roving bands of gangs all after the god-forsaken stone. Though if she was being honest, things had been going too smoothly. At least a wrench thrown into the plans made it feel less like a weirdly elaborate trap.

The thief clad in white had been gone from view-having taken the chance to escape in the wild confusion...until her companion raced through the crowd, leaving her a surprisingly large opening as he charged through the dense crowd.

"Cover me!" Rowan exclaimed at Arthur and Baxtor, seeing her chance. She slipped through the opening the man gave her, weaving around fighting midgets and gangs all gunning for each other to chase after the damned stone. Baxtor...was taking the time to have a cigar? Goddamn it, she had just met the guy, but that seemed careless, considering they were in the throes of probably one of the largest gang wars the Underbelly had seen. Hopefully he would actually back her up- or at least back Arthur up in the absolute chaos of this battle. She didn't know the man well, but it didn't bode well for their health if he needed a smoke break after killing one person- during an all-out-brawl.

More than a few times, she would have gotten hit from a stray punch, an errant slash of a sword, if not for the new quickness of her casting. She managed to throw up a shield (Basic Shield-Grade F-Multiple Post Cooldown), using it to take the brunt of the weaker attacks.
Finally, she made it to the other side, spotting the thief with her...accomplice? No, he wasn't anything of that sort- he seemed to be yelling at her, not having known she was holding the bullshit magic stone.

Amour molded over her skin (Mage Armor- Grade E-0 Post Cooldown), giving her an extra layer of protection in case someone tried to attack her. She had been closer to the pair than most of the new groups of gangs were, so she had a few precious moments alone with the thief and this man clearly determined to protect her. She would try diplomacy again- at least until someone truly came after her. "I don't know who you work for, and frankly I don't care. All I'm going to tell you is that almost everyone in the Underbelly is going to be gunning for you- and you look quite distinctive. Everyone's seen your face, and your clothes are bright white. Even if your companions defend you, it's us, and every gang in the Underbelly coming after you. I hope your life is worth more to you than that stone- because they won't try to talk to you first before going for your throat- and turning into a mist won't save you then. You get to walk away without a word if you hand over the stone. No tricks, no backstabbing." Rowan tried once again-hoping it would also reach her companion's ears as well. He didn't seem to like the stone as well.

Fuck- there was a gang coming towards them- leaving her at a severe disadvantage. IT seemed like they weren't focused on gang rivalries, but on the stone as well. IF both the gang and the thief came at her...well she wasn't sure how many she could take with her. If Arthur and Baxtor had been with her, she would have a chance of getting out of this...but the odds were really stacked against her here. Hopefully they wouldn't leave her out to dry. If they did...well, that was a situation she didn't want to contemplate. She was ready to use her magic on everyone here- but only if it truly came to that.

D. Rex Skyhunter EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard

 

[EMIYAman]

Francois Rychin
Interactions: D. Rex slifer37
​

He was beginning to sense a pattern. It was astonishing the rate at which things just. Kept. Escalating. If Francois was a more religious man he would have said God was testing them. He wasn't vain enough to think God would be particularly interested in him, he considered himself rather unremarkable. Perhaps that boy caught the attention of some deity. He seemed the their type. However, Francois didn't have the luxury to pursue frivolous thoughts at the moment.

He ran after Rudolph doing his utmost to stay on the heels of the thief girl. He had told Rudolph he would honor his decision and despite the danger and potential risk to his livelihood by going against the Academy like this he stay true to his words. It was strange Francois had long since realized any handle he once had on the situation had long since slipped from his grasp, he had been prepared to abandon Rudolph and Clover. Yet, even now he couldn't bring himself to leave them... This was just too entertaining! He turned back to their myriad of pursuers weaving through the chaotic battle around them. He had hoped he could save this a little longer but necessity demanded its use. Francois pulled the gun from his coat feeling the cool metals weight in his hands. As they moved Rudolph cut down enemies in their way with a seized sword while Francois gunned down those who broke through his onslaught. He caught sight of all sorts of different groups with all sorts of justifications for their intervention. Unfortunately or fortunately by his standards someone more focused was chasing after them. The girl who had been with Arthur and the Everfrost boy was quite close to them. The same magic she had used to attempt to capture Clover with shimmered slightly across her body as barreled through obstacles like a storm.

She was oddly enough still trying to appeal to their good nature. Opting for a "peaceful" solution of surrender. Francois found it humorous. Rudolph had conveyed his position to continue to support Clover despite her mistreatment of him and the danger had had been shoved into. He cared very little for her mission however, and the Academies Seeing Stone was still on her person. Francois wondered if he would give it up in favor of escape though he knew the thief would not allow that meekly. He eyed Rudolphs fierce form hefting his bloody sword. He brought up his gun and aimed he could shoot her, the invisible armor she possessed must have a limit and this weapon hadn't come to him cheap he knew it stronger than it looked surely a few well placed shots would be enough. He pulled the trigger shooting the roving gangs approaching them. He would leave the decision to Rudolph his purpose was to merely support him for now. He had to admit he was feeling some kinship with the boy one cannot fight together and risk life and limb with another without forming some kind of bond. Even a monster such as he. Though it certainly wasn't one of affection, it was more akin to respect if it could be called as such. The boy struggled desperately and so long as that maintained Francois interest and served his desires then he would help.

 

[Goran Glacial]

Baxtor Everfrost
​

Baxtor scoffed then spit to the right as he saw that neither rowan or arthur would regroup at his point. as he watched the conflict from his point at the overlook, Baxtor decided *fuck it* and flicked his lit cigarette into the crowd below before walking in the direction he saw the thief and crew run. Baxtor made leisurely steps as he made his way to the group, as he did so he saw rowan already there as well as all three members of the thief's party and a gang. Baxtor scratched at the scales at his neck as he moved to a wall in which he could step in to help if needed but also hidden so the other party wouldn't notice him obviously.

 

[Skyhunter]

Within the Underbelly of Ryken...



Throughout the chaos of this war that took to the streets, fire began, whoever started it was now either gone, dead or wounded. This was getting out of hand now. Buildings were catching flame, people were catching on fire too, some didn't even know and were too distracted by one another and their hatred for others. The ones that sought space and 'safety' from what was happening ran through the crowd where collateral damage was more than likely, intentional or not. Making his way through the crowd, Rudy would be hacking and slashing his path into this cesspit of degenerates and criminals. While he swung, a unintentional swing came from his right, he would see it for a moment but would have no time to react, a large mace would come his way and hammer him in his head, above his right eye, blood splattered into the air and he would be dazed for a moment. But he would move forward, almost as if he would not remember the hit but gods be damned he could feel the pain, blood would be running down the right side of his face. Clover would have noticed Rudy, her head whipped around seeing the man, now bloodied.



Rowan, making her way through the field after telling Arthur to cover her got what she needed, as shots rang out, a few bullets struck their marks taking down a few of these miscreants. Giving Rowan enough time to cast herself some mage armor, luckily for her her armor blocked a few hits that seemed to have been weaker than her shield strength, but each hit cracked it a little. Eventually just as she got out of the warring crowd, she would have gotten hit by a large sword that sent her flying forward, breaking her shield. Luckily she was protected but the force of the swing would still hurt. Upon getting up, Rowan would see Clover ad Rudy meet, Rudy looking worst for ware, behind Clover a gang was approaching her quickly. Clover's head whipped around where she saw the gang coming. Spinning around once, her kunai came flying from the side, her blade had looked like it grew in size as it was covered in sharp frozen ice to extend her range and slice deeper. She spun around and sliced one of the members that got too close, she then pulled the kunai back and stood there in a defensive stance with her weapon swinging, this woman in white looked like she was a caged animal. Wild, scared and desperate, luckily being blinded by her emotions she only was able to permanently blind one of the Red Star member's eyes. Taking one as a unintentional warning rather than a kill. " Shit... More of them. " She said out loud, sounding like she was meant to say that internally.

For the teacher of Ryken, this had gotten out of hand, especially being the only remaining teacher that got this far and even this close to the Seeing Stone. This was almost too much to bear, people were dying left and right, fires began to burn up, sounds of battle and murder. Clover taking off as soon as the fighting began really showed where her priorities were at, Rudolph chasing her should also show where his priorities were at. Right through the crowd, Francois would see Rudy taking a bad hit, so bad that it was like he didn't even notice the hit and kept running, luckily for Francois he would have been able tog et through without any damage, besides getting constantly bumped and pushed by fighting parties. Arriving to the scene, Francois would see that Clover blinded one of a new gang that came to take the prize from Clover, hoping to get a easy steal and kill probably. Clover's eyes turned around as she breathed hard, seeing that Francois was pointing a weapon similar to that of the one-armed man. But it got pointed pass her and to this new gang, Clover quickly moved out of the way of where he pointed at.


But in the distance, there would be faint moving and a weird shadowed figure in the distance, something long and skinny heading their way. Eventually what they would see was a strange looking bug that was actually taller the closer it got. It made a strange noise as it moved closer, it's head quickly whipping around, it's bones could be heard moving and cracking. The large stinger on it's head moved in then out, almost like it was sniffing the air, a passerby that ran by it immediately got stomped on, a foot stabbing through the man's body where they laid now, lifeless. It made another noise as it folded down, now close to the ground. It looked at the body and looked like it was sniffing the body, but it must have not been interested as it then folded back up and now stood tall, it had to be around forty feet tall as it overlooked everyone. It moved rather slowly at the moment.



Being the smug noble that Baxtor was, he looked down over the consuming crowd of fighting and murder. Nor Arthur or Rowan would see the half dragon kin, each busy with their own situations. Even having the audacity of lighting a cigarette in this gang war, he would have no one notice him as he then made his way down from where he stood. Too many distractions to see one noble looking down on all them, ironic and almost poetic. As he made his way down, just leaving the large warring party, Baxtor would hear a call from behind. " Hey, Noble. " Upon looking back, he would see a couple of warriors, covered in blood but it wasn't theirs, their voices sounding like they were from another country, very eastern. " You reek of dragon's blood, Dargon. " One spoke, " We were originally paid to retrieve some stone but that will have to wait. This takes priority. " The other spoke, his voice having the same accent but was much deeper. " By the Dictate of Scales, you, Dargon, are sentenced to die. " They both spoke then moved away from each other to separate themselves away from each other to make it harder to fight them.



Arthur Verg



Arthur was fighting tooth and nail in this crowd, fighting random people he came across or that came cross him. His eyes looked over to see if he could find Rowan, that dragon guy, the thief or even Francois. He was surprised to see that old man down here originally, he didn't seem the type to be here, he also wasn't sure if he had actually battle skills besides that gun he just saw earlier. But the old man even being with the thief was sort of strange to him, either he was in on the thief stealing the Seeing Stone or he was just that good at getting involved in situations this serious, but Arthur himself never really heard much of Francois besides he was just a normal old man. Although, Arthur wasn't too sure about that, Francois seemed normal but his normal was strange, almsot Nova-strange...

Getting knocked out of his thoughts by a hard punch, Arthur would feel blood spill from his lip, whoever struck him got grabbed and pulled into the mix. Arthur saw Rowan, thanks to her strange shimmering armor, Arthur pushed his way through the crowd, he could taste his blood and oh man, it tasted good, it was far too long he has been able to taste his own blood. Exiting the gang war, he would come across some tall and skinny... Bug? Coming their way, his eyes looked over the scene and he saw Baxtor, that strange dragon noble taking on two strong looking warriors. " Rowan! Help the helpless dragon! " Arthur called as he walked forward, his ghost arm glowing faintly. His eyes looked at all that was already at the scene, the white clothed thief, scared looking and she should be. Her strong looking guy friend who took a massive hit in the head. Francois, having a gun, which he approved. The tall bug stepping and killing people, and finally the gang that arrived, Red Star. Arthur knew of them, he studied his gangs before coming down here.

Luckily for him, they weren't the strongest gang nor the biggest but that didn't mean they were weak by all means, these guys had to be lackeys. " Hey, Red Star goons! You best get out of here, whatever your little gang is paying you is not worth this. Especially since one of you just lost a eye. " His eyes moved over to Rudy, " And you, you'd best get that Seeing Stone from your little scared girlfriend over there. Lest she gets killed or that wound gets worst. " Arthur had blood on him, he was covered in it, and even was bleeding himself from wounds.

Interactions: D. Rex slifer37 EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard

 

[Eccentric_Undead]

Jason Ithbecka

Spoiler: Minions

Vilpincer's:

Crypticrawler's:

Caustic Spitters:

Jason didn't quite know exactly what he was expecting when he came to the underbelly. He was informed that there was a massive bug that lived there, so he decided he wanted to go see it. However, upon arriving, he was taken aback by the site of gang violence and a war going on. Looking around at the chaos that was spreading throughout this place, he wondered what exactly was going on. Seeing the massive bug that he was looking for walking around and killing people was a bit shocking to say the least. Despite this, he didn't think that it was the bug that was causing the chaos. If it had already lived there, there would be no need for chaos. It would just be something that people are used to. Ergo, something else was going on. Of course, he didn't really care either way. In fact, he was simply looking at the Scorpion fly that had landed on his finger, a smile of joy upon it as he examined the perfect specimen of insect. The 15 battle ready insects just standing around him, looking around and skittering about without getting more than 10 ft away from him. They were loyal and he appreciated that.

As the chaos and destruction spread, Jason had decided that he was done with this. He started down the street. Each one of his insects taking a very specific role in travel. The Crypticrawlers skittered forward quickly to make sure that nothing was in his way and stopped to wait for him to catch up. Repeating this action as they walked. The Vilpincer's trudged along at his side, their tails swaying above them as they moved. The Caustic Spitters lumbered behind him, clicking their jaws and making sure that they covered his flank well. They moved as though he was the king of this small hive. Of course, that was exactly who he was to them.

Small varieties of common insects crawled about his clothing and flew around him. Of course, normal insects had always done this. He didn't mind at all, but of course, there were people who avoided him on a regular basis because of this fact. Other people simply couldn't understand the beauty of the common insect. Jason was not like them. He understood that insects were a powerful and wondrous thing. By comparison to other things its size, insects were stronger and more capable than any other species on the planet. He envied them and was in all of their capability despite being so small and so frail.

After a moment of walking he stopped. A random conversation in the middle of this all out War caught his attention. Something about a stone? Seemed like a bit of a weird conversation to be having in the middle of a battle. Unless, that was what this battle was about. He turned his head and looked upon the group that he could see was talking about this. Granted, despite how odd that seemed, he knew that they would think he was the odd one. A person standing so calmly in the middle of a battle with insects swarming about him. However, he turned and started to walk towards them. A smile on his face as the scarred, black eye on his left side seemed to stare into their soul "You all are incredibly strange. Here we are, in the middle of a total war and you all are talking about a stone? Interesting. So, which one of you should I consider speaking with at the moment?" The battle ready insects around him each started to chitter and move in an erratic nature. They could instinctively tell that Jason was about to tell them to do something. Probably to attack someone. Their bodies started to shake slightly as the chittering noises of anticipation filled the air "Speak now or I will choose at random whom I will feed to my hive." With the way he had his arms placed in front of his body, each hand hidden inside the other sleeve and the smile upon his face, it wasn't like he was threatening anybody. Rather, it was as though he was just speaking pure facts. It was common knowledge that insects were able to devour a lot compared to their relatively small body size. One can only imagine how much insects that size could eat. Jason was a creature of curiosity. Now, it was only a hunch that these people knew exactly what was going on, but he was going to follow that hunch.

Mentions/Interactions: D. Rex slifer37 EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard Skyhunter

 

[RavenSong]

Scylla





The underbelly, a crude place for all who desired to live a life of crime, and the perfect hideout for those who chose a path inacceptable to the buzzing organized society above. Murky streets, alleys that reeked of urine and miscreants just waiting to rob unaware passerbys. If you wanted to call them that. It was less than homely for Scylla, who had come down to a part of the Underbelly, notorious for pickpocketing, where the act had become a sport of sorts. “No one is innocent when stealing from thieves.” The witch says confidently to a local as she slides him a few coins for information. She had only recently arrived and wasted no time in conducting her business at the marketplace tavern, it wasn't the place to linger but her need had greatly outweighed the risk. “Now, tell me what you know about this, wizard..” The hood of her cloak casting a dark shade, concealing her face from the candle lit table, revealing only her amber orbs. “..say I was trying to free a prisoner. If I could get him in, could he undo a spellbound lock?” A vile smirk forming on her black painted lips wouldn't even get a moment's notice from the informant as a loud commotion fulminated outside. Everyone in the tavern would cry out in panic as they started towards the exit to see what had transpired.

As explosions and fire began to erupt outside, the informant, already incredibly anxious about the meeting, would vanish to somewhere unknown. Scylla's frustration exploded in equal measure as she angrily stood while slamming her fists upon the shoddy table. “Damn it!”
Seemed like negotiations had failed, a bitter thought that clouded her even tempered mind as she started towards the exit pushing past the ragged, smelly, scared but drunk spectators.

They wouldn't really begin to run until a massive stampede of criminals and thugs stormed the wide streets, firing bullets, swinging swords, screaming, leaving a trail of gore, fluids, broken swords and dying criminals on the cobbled path. As she appraised the situation she immediately noticed multiple fires had already begun to set ablaze the poorly laid out slums. “Brilliant. Another war.” She said with bitter sarcasm, as she set out of the now burning tavern, looking over her shoulder at once to notice the owner helplessly attempting to put out the fire.
She didn't wish to get involved in this war, considering it wasn't her fight, much less a place she cared about, a decision she quickly reconsidered as a rugged ruffian manicaly charged at her. The witches' staff would swiftly produce a shadowy mist-like stream through her body and into her opposite hand under her cloak before blasting the gang member with a Spectral Blast spell. She’d attempt to search for a way out or through the chaos. But her steps would come to a halt upon noticing the sudden quaking of the ground which echoed and rumbled beneath her feet. The rickity surrounding buildings would tremble as they shook off rotting parts of roofing material. She began to search for its source, stepping on the fallen criminal to get a boost. "You're much too kind." She'd say mockingly at the cold corpse sizzling from the witches blast beneath her boots, discovering the colossal insect-like creature approaching.

As more and more criminals seemed to join in on the battle and now a colossal insect, Scylla found herself stuck between two sinister fates. She’d sigh in frustration, gritting her teeth as she fastened the brooch of her cloak. Perhaps there was something for her to gain through her involvement, but she didn't count on it. It all seemed like pure madness. Her assumption was that everyone would turn to the massive bug, but what if it's in league with some kind of other faction, or group? She would attempt to conceal herself as best as she could with her magic (control environment F) as she started through the shadows towards the massive bug approaching. Perhaps she would pass by others who were more closely affiliated with the reasons behind this mess.

Spectral Blast - Magic Affinity E - Witchcraft Affinity F - Magic Range F - Grade E - 1 post cooldown

Skyhunter slifer37 D. Rex EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard

 

[Shatter Shard]

The Underbelly

Dayle Keller

Grade E
Ignition Gang Leader / Red Star's Bastard Dog

Current Titles:
Human | Thug

Stats
Strength
Precision
Intelligence
Vitality
Speed

[D] | 14
[F] | 0
[E] | 7
[E] | 7
[E] | 7

Coded by Shatter Shard

Dayle was charging just at the fringes of the chaotic war, towards the white robed thief and her presumed companions. On his head was something he believed he didn't currently have—time. The entire situation was frantic, and the flames of war have started to literally destroy their environment. However, just as he was about to reach them...

"Aaaagh! Boss, they got me!"

A voice from his men stopped him in his tracks. The thief had unleashed an attack against them, slicing the eyes of one of them. Without delay, Dayle grabbed his injured men and pulled him back, before giving him to Zeke and stepping in front to protect him. The rest of his crew also positioned themselves around, on high alert and cautiously watching the rest of the people that have gathered. One of the people was pointing a suspicious looking device, and his instincts told him that it could harm or worse—kill him. His chains have already unfurled, dragging cross the ground as he readied himself.

One of his men was injured to the point of crippling his eyes, and although many gang leaders would've brushed it off, these guys were priceless people to Dayle. They might be a little academically slow, but their loyalty and quick responses were traits no one can just buy. Even if only one of them dies, it won't be something Dayle can just easily recover from. He had to get them out of here. It's his duty as their leader.

One of the people arrived later than the rest, but his words turn Dayle's expression sour. He couldn't blame the guy for mistaking him as Red Star's lackeys, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth. "What do you know, cripple?" He retorted, looking at his glowing arm "Or freak, more like it." With every word he spoke, his eyes were darting around, soaking up information from the situation around him. On one side, an all-out war was happening and it was very unlikely to get past that. On another, a tall bug-looking creature thing was slowly making its way towards their location. On the calmer sides were people who were also after the artifact, and they seemed more reasonable than the rest of the other sides. There were three grouped together, the man with a glowing arm was approaching them, and a woman—who heard was negotiating with them—was on a small distance away from them.

"Boss, that's almost all of them." Zeke whispered from behind him, holding his injured comrade. "The last one's a guy with white hair, and a moody lookin' face." Dayl turned his head to search for the man, to find him surrounded by two well-equipped people. He had never seen their outfits before, so he assumed them to be foreign force. It's either that, or they are an exclusively underbelly force. Well, he has no intention of helping him. He's already in a severe disadvantage as is, he would have no time for caring about anything else.

"Look, It's getting dicey and I'm not going to die here. I wanted that shit ya'll been hunkerin to get. But! That ain't happenin' now." His accent was slipping in, so Dayle paused to recollect himself. "So instead, a compromise. Tell me what the fuck this—" Dayle waved his hand around "—is all about, and I'll stay off." He offered, his eyes getting shiftier the more time was spent negotiating. "If I were you, I'd—"

Dayle was cut short when a newcomer calmly walked their way towards them with an off-putting demeanor. Does he not know what's happening around here? Dayle was about to open his mouth, but the newcomer was faster as he asked all of them for their leader, else they get fed to the insects. A vein bulged on Dayle's head as he faced the newcomer "Haaaaah? Ya pickin' a fight, ya lil' shit? Think ya can patter over like some kind of fuckin' hotshot, talkin' to me like that huh?" Dayle lashed out, spitting on the ground afterwards. Stress has finally burst his bubble, and he couldn't help but explode in anger from the ridiculousness of it all. "Goddamn hoogies skitterin' around like them's the shit. Ya want to talk? I'll give ya the talk!" Dayle was ready to throw down, but was held back by his men. "Boss, this ain't the time!" One said "Boss, calm down! Thing's ain't lookin' good, but explodin' now ain't better!" Unfortunately, his mouth continued to throw curses, flailing his chains around and threatening the newcomer.

"Zeke, what the fuck is going on?" said the injured goon, still holding his eyes from the pain. "I have no idea." Not even Zeke—with his functioning eyes—could truly grasp the situation.

 

[Goran Glacial]

Baxtor Evefrost

Baxtor's current thoughts were 'Dragon hunters? now? the fuck? are you kidding me?' he stepped back out of the hidden view of the wall at the same time shit started picking up again with all the bugs and ghosts and monsters. Baxtor saw each new addition to the chaos as an eyesore he was growing increasingly exasperated not to mention he wasn't sure if he could hand tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum on his own. Baxtor sighed long and exaggeratedly as he straightened his collar and cuffs before gripping his sword. "well boys... I don't think i need to teach you what a noble is... but don't think that i'm just gonna roll over and play day like some lower beast." Baxtor uttered as he shifted into a defensive stance "I haven't slept in fourteen years due to nobilities underhanded schemes and you think you intimidate me? I think your enjoyable as you don't hide your intentions behind a polite smile." Baxtor began to grin twistedly he had spoke the truth as from the day his second brother was born he had to dodge assassins' and poison by never sleeping, never trusting, and always cooking his own food. Baxtor was saddened by the fact he had had to depened on others again but had no choice but wait for rowan or arthur.

 

[D. Rex]

Rudolph really had been hoping to just run. It would have been best. It really would have. Having thrown his lot in with Clover was probably not the brightest idea he had ever had, but he was far too stubborn to just let it go now that he invested his own skin in trying to keep her alive. On top of it all, now there wqs a giant bug roaming around. What the hell was he supposed to do now?? Stupid Rudolph. Stupid stupid stupid. He should have just fled from everyone in this hell hole until he found the surface. Then fled a bit more until he could gather his bearings. Then again, how was he to know she was some thief? How was he supposed to know this entire city would be gunning for her?

Speaking of gunning... that little group that found him... the blonde chick had caught up with them. And there she went trying to talk some sense into Clover. Rudolph himself needed no convincing, he was already sold on handing over the stone. Unless it was some world ending super weapon. Then he'd just pocket that himself because there was cleary no shortage of crazy and violent psychopaths around who should not have it.


Speaking of psychopaths. There was a gang approaching. Some eyepatchy fucker charging straight at them. Rowan was more than right... everybody really was after Clover. Well, not in his watch. Brandishing his crappy sword, Rudolph moved closer to Clover, ready to defend her as needed. She was already attacking, getting one of them fuckers in the eyes. Well he was about ready to throw himself into the mix... or would have if the injuring of that man didn't bring them to halt to take care of downed thug. Unexpected. But nice. At least someone around here wasn't a complete asshole.


Speaking of assholes. The man with the gun had to rain in on their parade. Arthur. Rudolph wasn't sure if he should groan, or be glad. For at least Arthur seemed to be interested in keeping this new gang at bay. Rudolph could get behind that. Sliding up between Clover and Arthur, the young man wiped at the blood that was stinging his eye. Only to feel more drip from his brow... maybe he hadn't come out of that fight as unscathed as he thought after all...

"I'm working on it!" Rudolph snapped. "And when exactly do you expect me to make negotiations? After we get killed by that giant bug or between getting stabbed repeatedly by gangs on lunatics?"


With a growl, he turned to look at the white clad thief. "Clover, I'm trying to keep you alive here. Fuck knows if it is even possible at this point. And fuck knows you sure as hell ain't making it easy. I'm on your side here. I'm trying to be. But with everything this place is throwing at us, we are running out of choices save to work with those we don't want to. That stone won't be worth anything to you dead, but that doesn't mean we can't salvage this situation to get something out of it. Work with me, girl," Rudolph extended a hand out to her, looking her in the eyes. "I mean to get you out of this alive, so help me help you. Let me carry the rock. If you can't get you at least something out of this, I'll give it back and leave you alone. I promise. Either way we have a better shot of making it out of here working together."

Rudolph was sincere too. He wasnt on anybodies side. But if he hadn't shown by now that he was trying to help keep her alive... then nothing would show it. As he spoke, he shot a glance at Arthur. As if to say 'work with me here, man'. Surely Arthur was in some position to make an offer that would sweeten the deal aside from 'I won't kill you'. "Together. We can get out of here together. Then when this shitstorm is behind us. We can hash this out in a way that benefits all of us." Surely Arthur could see some value to that. Even if he were a madman. He at least seemed to be a pragmatic.

Speaking of madman. Now entered some man who was crawling with bugs and like. Seriously. Like seriously what the fuck. Rudolph would have much rather dealt with the one eyed gang leader. Dayle at least had sense enough to be as confused about all this as Rudolph was. And right now, Rudolph was in complete agreement with him, even if Rudy was ready to go toe to toe with him just a moment ago.

Rudolph turned his sword from Dayle to Jason. "What he said, get fucking bent. Can't you see we are trying to kill each other in peace? Or not kill each, as I would prefer." What the fuck? Like what? On top of everything else now some new bloke was coming in making threats. "If you are in the mood for killing, go kill those fuckers." He said angrily, pointing over towards the two goons squaring off against Baxter. "If you want to talk, then wait your fucking turn or go say hello to that giant ass mosquito thing for me. Otherwise, can you just not throw fuel in this already blazing fire?"






Mechanical summary:

Rudolph is trying to convince Clover to hand over the stone to Rudolph

Intelligence B, if that matters.

Spending a Luck point to ensure a positive outcome.


May effect Arthur as well, as he is trying to negotiate an good deal for both parties too.


Skyhunter slifer37 EMIYAman Shatter Shard Goran Glacial RavenSong Eccentric_Undead

 

[Eccentric_Undead]

Jason Ithbecka

Spoiler: Minions

Vilpincer's:

Crypticrawler's:

Caustic Spitters:

Chaos and fighting. Everything spiraling and people snapping at him. All this death and destruction and threats, but Jason wasn't even slightly disturbed or bothered by it. He simply listened and sighed. Clearly they wouldn't be talking to him right now. Which was not ideal. Looking to Dayle, who was a bit more than Jason cared to deal with "Well, you are quite ornery." He then turned his Rudolph.

Jason rolled his eyes at the man. That one was vulgar and rude. Of course he didn't understand why everybody was freaking out anyways. It was just a little chaos. Of course, he understood that he wouldn't get the answer that he was looking for so long as they were tied up in this situation they found themselves in. With that in mind, he decided to do something about it. He turned a bit, facing the two dragon hunters that were engaged with Baxtor "Fine then. Just keep calm."

Nonchalantly, he started to take steps towards the Dragon hunters. The insects following suit. He looked down at his precious bugs and knew that he had to get things going. When his eyes returned to them, a smile formed on his lips "Distract them for me. Only attack when you have an opening. Other than that, scatter." He glanced to the Caustic Spitters behind him "Lay down fire for them."

With a swift motion he pointed and the insects started. The Vilpincer's and Crypticrawler's dashed and skittered towards the two dragon hunters, weaving in and out like a well oiled pack. The Caustic Spitters spread out on either side of Jason, preparing a bit before each one started to fire their biochemical bullets at them. All the while Jason continued to walk towards them.

Mechanics:
Jason gave express orders to each bug.
Leadership F, Warfare E

Ordering the Vilpincer's and Crypticrawler's to scatter and distract unless they see an opening to attack.

Ordering the Caustic Spitters to lay down Fire.
Caustic Spitters Attack:
Precision C, Bioliquid Bullet Weapon D, Fighting Style Caustic Shot E, #1 tech Blight(Boiling), Grade F. #2 tech Accurate, Grade F.

Mentions/Interactions: D. Rex slifer37 EMIYAman Goran Glacial Shatter Shard Skyhunter RavenSong

 

[slifer37]

Rowan's shields were pretty good, but they couldn't block out every hit that she got. The accidental hit she had received caused Rowan's body to ache, but it was a pain she could shake off. She had work to do anyway- protecting Arthur, and now the Dragon Noble. Arthur's call had caused her to turn her head- spotting Baxtor, alone and looking like he needed help. She wasn't sure why he had separated himself from the group, but she had to help him, especially on Arthur's orders. "Will do." Rowan said to Arthur, a flash of annoyance at having to turn her attention away from the thief and her companion. She seemed to like digging holes for herself, as she made herself another enemy by slashing the eye of one of those gang members- attacking him first out of nowhere. Her companion didn't seem as absolutely nuts as the thief- Clover, her companion called her- seemed just as tired of her shit as everyone else was, and wanted to live. He seemed much more reasonable than Clover, which meant maybe, if needed, they could work together.

The stone seemed to attract all sorts of types, because a man who looked to be controlling more than ten bugs appeared- not to mention a giant-ass bug that would probably make the bug man swoon or something. Though if she could summon bugs herself, she supposed she too would love to control the giant-ass behemoth squashing people, that looked to be possibly heading towards them. At least the man with the gun was helping out, and hadn't decided to shoot her at the moment. She wouldn't be surprised if other people went to look for Clover and the crap stone that had sent what seemed like the whole of the Underbelly into chaos over it. Judging from the enormous bug, it was a shit stone that didn't keep out monsters that well, if the ginormous bug was anything to go by. He seemed to threaten them, but it it seemed to lack a little bit of bite, as Bug Man...turned to give cover fire to Baxtor. A surprise for sure, but a welcome one. She didn't like creepy crawlies all that much, but this was an exception, considering he seemed to be on Team Academic's side for now.

The man with the bugs was laying down cover fire, enough to give her the opening she desperately needed. Rowan gave the bug man a nod of appreciation before slipping away- using the distraction to get as close to Baxtor as she needed to work her magic. Luckily for him, she was close enough to this newcomer, the bugs he so evidently commanded, Baxtor, and those random assholes threatening Baxtor- making sure they were all close enough before she worked her magic. Until he proved himself to be a threat, he would receive the benefits that came with helping out. If he decided to turn on her...that was a thought that would come later.

She summoned her shields (Mage Armor E, 0 Post Cooldown), wrapping them around herself and four other allies. Baxtor (or Dragon Noble, as they hadn't exchanged names yet), Jason (or as he hadn't introduced himself, Bug Man), herself, and the closet two bugs that were giving her cover fire were wrapped in her barrier magic. "Dragon! Let's go! It's time to go!" Rowan called out to him, hoping Baxtor would get the hint and get his ass over to her and Arthur- where he wouldn't be so vulnerable.


On top of the Bug Man giving Baxtor cover, Rowan cast the only offensive magic she knew. Two shields wrapped around the dragon hunters' heads, (Mass Blackout, Grade D, 1 Post Cooldown), pressing against their face like a plastic bag being thrown over their heads, causing them to suffocate- an equally effective distraction as the one Jason was doing with his bugs.

D. Rex Skyhunter Eccentric_Undead EMIYAman Shatter Shard Goran Glacial RavenSong

 

[Coffeepot Giraffe]

Lin Beaurgarde
​

Lin definitely took a wrong turn somewhere.

He was currently in an underground city, searching for information. But everything had a cost here, and he seems to have misplaced his wallet. So Lin was forced to keep an ear out for a way out of here, and also any info about The Dragon. All he was hearing though, were whispers about some sort of stone that had been stolen.

And now, whispers that the one who stole this stone had been found, and there was a gang war going on for possession of the stone. In fact, two people whispering about this had just run off. Together. In the same direction others were running off. 'Definitely not suspicious at all.' Lin thought, before discreetly following.

Eventually, he found a absolute sea of people, hacking and slashing and burning each other. The smell was nauseating. Wait... It wasn't the smell that was making him sick, it was the presence of some huge concentration of mana. He was already nearby, his eyes scanned the surrounding area before he pinpointed where it was coming from. Up the street and around the corner, roughly 35-50 feet away.

But in order to get there, he'd have to fight through part of the crowd.

Lin donned his mask, and conjured his Mana Blade - Grade E, the blade of shimmering starlight hovering in front of him, ready to be directed. He dove into the crowd, his blade following behind him. Any attacks made against him he blocked or dodged, not that there were many of them. People were to focused on fighting out old grudges than to deal with someone they didn't know and didn't care about.

Finally Lin made it to the mana concentration. As he approach the group he held his hands up in what he hoped was a friendly manner, Mana Blade lowered to the ground. "Hey there. Mind telling me what that one has on her that is giving off such powerful mana?" Lin asked the group, nodding towards the white clothed girl.

D. Rex Skyhunter Eccentric_Undead EMIYAman Shatter Shard Goran Glacial RavenSong

 

[Laszalet]

Vasumir

He could smell it, feel it, death, everywhere. It felt familiar, yet he felt something else as well. Danger. It was dangerous for him to be here! Vasumir was once without match and now even something as mundane as a criminal undergorund posed a threat to him. Truly how he had fallen, all for the chance of living once more. Yet he had to come to this place, to visit inspite of the threats it posed, he knew, there would be nothing that would decide his success in the future more, than what he could only truly seek here: Information about this world. Even if he had to risk his live, he had to gather more information about this world, for there was nothing of greater value to possess than knowledge, that he was certain of.

If he truly wished to once more reach or even surpass his former heights, he just had to do it and risk it all, he couldn't wait, he knew this world had seen an influx of creatures with seemingly limitless potential, even ones that arrived before him. These creatures and their growth posed by far a greater threat than anything else he could possible imagine in this world, so he had no choice. And fate, oddly enough, seemed to agree. As much as he believed his actions to be right, he knew his search for informations was in essence a desperate act, he wasn't certain what he looked for after all, but it all became clear once he had entered underground completely.

Whispers. Rumours. A stone had been stolen. One, that evidently was believed to possess abilities grand enough, to create a bloodbath. With each step he took, with each step he went deeper into the underground, the number of corpses increased. And with each passing step, the wounds on the corpses became more and more brutal, some of them had what seemed to be bitemarks, did they go as far as to bite each other? While others were almost beyond recognition, their limbs laying dismembered all over the place, he even saw one or two, whose face was missing! Whatever this stone could do, it definitely made most beings go crazy.

Was that all the work of the greed of all these sentient beings? Or was it the stone itself? Was fate even guiding him to the stone, or would the stone just be a start for something else? So many questions, yet not a single answer that could be provided at this moment. But he would find, what he was seeking, he just had to keep going.

And indeed, he had found his destination for now:
"Hey there. Mind telling me what that one has on her that is giving off such powerful mana?"

Just a step more and... he could see it, no, them. A group of people, and, oh my, quite a diverse bunch at that. All of them clearly not common thugs, no, they clearly seemed more capable.
And they had it! So the stone truly had value, beyond it's reputation. Value so great, it was difficult to not feel it seep out. The mana truly felt tremendous compared to most sources he had felt since his arrival, and while that had not been long, it was clear to him, that this concentration of mana was not common in these lands.

He would have to make a good impression, if he wished to be able to follow what he deemed the strings of fate. Vasumir put on the best of his smiles, for what they were worth, and bowed once, to show respect.
"Good day, it is truly a pleasure to meet the ones, who fate has guided me too. Am I correct to assume, that the source of which the young sir had asked before about, is the rumoured stone, so many beings have being going crazy about? Pardon me, for asking so brashly."

Impress - Grade E - Post Cooldown: 1

Fate had not deceived him, or did it? Only time would truly show him, whether his decision would lead him to eternal rest once more, or allow his ascent to greater heights.

Skyhunter Goran Glacial D. Rex Coffeepot Giraffe Eccentric_Undead Shatter Shard RavenSong EMIYAman slifer37

 

[Skyhunter]

Within the Underbelly of Ryken...



Arthur Verg



The one armed man stared at the ensuing chaos around him, more and more people were popping up around him while a city burned, smoke rising up into the air. Bodies hit the floor all around them, the smell of blood and burning bodies filled his nostrils, a smell he was too familiar with unfortunately. This brought him back to those days he would follow commands like a dog. His eyes stared at this group of men, he didn't know any of them but the leader of them, Dayle. His eyes began to see the faces of people Arthur reaved. For a moment in his vision, ethereal faces appeared with the murders he had carried out. He could still see his target, but these faces appearing was new to him, why was this happening now. He could hear gurgled voices silently trying to make words he wasn't to understand, they finally died down and the faces disappeared.

Arthur stared at Dayle, yeah Arthur knew Dayle as well as the organization he was a part of. Red Star. Freak? Was that all that the man had? " You amateur, freak? Is that what you're going to go with? " Arthur asked, while he didn't want to make the situation worst, Arthur could not help but just be shocked by this insult if you could even call it that, even moving his arm around to show he had control of his arm. Clenching it into a fist. " Dayle. A freak is the correct term for someone such as me. You are in the same as me if not worst. You're the bastard dog of Red Star, or better yet, Red Star's Bastard Dog. I would have hoped you could give a better retort that isn't so... Miniscule compared to what I am staring at. " Arthur's cold amber eyes were locked on Dayle, he knew who he was. Even as the ground shook with the incoming Long Legs in the distance. Screaming and yells were still filling the air. With this strange insect bug man entering the picture and picking a fight with this Red Star bastard amused Arthur a little bit. Especially with their criminal history and very dodgy tactics, they weren't very trustworthy. This insect guy had balls, Arthur had to admit, getting his arm ready to summon his pistol.

Arthur considered himself a good shot so with these weird insects appearing, Arthur could take out most of the bugs or even summon his spirits to help dissolve the bugs. But that wouldn't hold much merit as that brash man with the thief and Dayle deterred him to go help that damn stuck up dragon noble out with his situation. Hopefully with Rowan over there they could take out those mooks. Arthur would rather not have people in the academy die in his presence as he would be held responsible for it. Die on your own time and not on Arthur's. His eyes moved to the brash man that was involved with the thief, his look showed Arthur that he wanted out of this and the stone out of her reach. Arthur let his hands down, while still having his cold looking eyes he spoke to the thief. " Look, we don't want to hurt you, we just want the stone. That is the cause of all this. If you want to be safe, give him the stone. " While Arthur did want to get the stone away from her, especially with her type of powers that allow her to get away so easily. She looked scared, that was good, she was more likely to comply. But that wasn't necessarily a good thing, she could easily act out and even attack people just like she just blinded one of those Red Star goons.

But then a couple new faces appeared, " Are you fucking kidding me... " Arthur muttered under his breath, that caused the white-clothed girl to spin around while whipping her blade towards them, in her scared state she ended up missing but it showed her paranoia and recklessness. " You two, get the fuck out of here! " Arthur called, these two did not look capable of much to the former hitman. (Lin and Vasumir) " Does this look safe to you! " Arthur questioned, especially with a gang war happening behind him and in front of him was Long Legs who was in the distance, approaching them , being attracted by the noises the gangs were creating. Arthur could care less for their well-being, he just didn't want more people around to create a bigger mess.

---



Clover was freaking out, she was being surrounded. Surrounded! There was so many people after her! After the stone, the Seeing Stone! She needed it, she needed it for her next dinner! This was survival, her life was worth this stone. She felt dizzy, her anxiety getting to her as she lashed out at a group of people approaching, flicking her kunai and chain. Actually taking one of their eyes. This wasn't getting better, hell a couple new people approached her from behind and she lashed out again, her breathing was getting intense, flicking her chain the other way but she ended up missing (Lin and Vasumir). She looked like a caged up animal, a cornered beast. She was ready to attack anything, until she heard Rudy's voice, the only one she was beginning to trust.

Her eyes looked intense, exhausted, scared. A wild animal, she had been running constantly since the early hours of the same day. Now it was the late afternoon, the Underbelly was getting more and more twisted by the second, it was getting worst, people dying, bodies burning, Long Legs the infamous last Tunneling Strider was now roaming around. Clover stared at Rudy, she pulled her mask down to properly breath, staring at him as he explained that he wanted to help her by taking the Seeing Stone. No... No. NO! She couldn't give it away, this was her survival at stake, her ante. But, she felt very compelled to and trusting of Rudy, with shaky hands, her hand slipped into her bag where she then pulled out the strange smokey black stone. It looked similar to a glass sphere, it's mana was overwhelming. She then placed it in Rudy's hand with shaky and tired hands. She then dropped her knees breathing heavily.



But this... This would be a big mistake. The Stone has been revealed.



In a instant, a face appeared beside Rudy, standing behind him with his head over Rudy's shoulder, staring at the stone in his hand with deadly purple eyes, the eyes of a maniac. " It's so much more beautiful up close. " The voice whispered, his attention focused fully on the stone. His voice sounded sickly and strained. The eyes looked up at Rudy. " Don't you think so, stranger? " He asked with a smile, teeth yellow, breath stank of rot and death. The man breathed heavily, his breath was disorienting. Almost in a unnatural way. A dagger would be pressed up to Rudy's neck, with intense pressure. " Thank you, kid, for revealing it. The True Despot will appreciate it. " The man whispered. In the corner of Rudy's eyes he would see hooded figures appear from the shadows. Dayle and his gang would see the black cloaked with dark red linings along the edges of each seam. Something would elude to that the red wasn't just dye. He stood behind Rudy while these weird men followed the hooded figures, half naked and dual wielding zealots that couldn't speak, stained blood was seen where their mouths were. Their traumatized eyes stared at whatever living thing that wasn't them with hatred. They probably had much to say but no actual way to speak, but show they could through actions, the actions of their knives.



Around Dayle, one of his Red Star minions was grabbed, the one that had just been blinded was snatched by strong hands of these weird fanatics, with his screams came the stabbings, a couple more of the similar dressed men came running over and began to stab this newly-blinded man. Blood poured all over the ground as insides hit the ground, the body was unrecognizable in a instant with these sharp and wicked knives. Their hoods lifted to showed deformed faces, dropping their knives they began to scoop gore into their hands and scuff them into their mouths. Their faces looked like they had been through a meatgrinder, when their mouths opened, their tongues were missing. They enjoyed their feast. The groans and growls of enjoyment from the flesh of the Red Star sacrifice.



The two dragon hunters both scoffed at his remark of nobles. " Do we look like we care, Dargon? A dragon is still a dragon, noble or not, we do not care. Your blood and scales are property by the Dictate of Scales. " They both moved with deadly intent, their movements sharp and swift. But they were not expecting Rowan to appear along with a insect master. When Jason's insects appeared, they backed up seeing they were quickly outnumbered. " Well this situation immediately became a turntable. " The polearm hunter spoke, he attained a stance holding his polearm towards the bugs that came forth, slamming it on the ground as they came near, showing his readiness.

The swordsman that held a a strange glowing amulet watched the bugs approach, he began whispering quietly as his amulet glowed, two golden runes appeared below both the swordsman and the polearm wielder. These runes glowed brightly as they were surrounded, a vision of a shield appeared before the two for a moment before dissipating. It looked like they were safe for a moment until. Mass Blackout. Both of their heads were surrounded by a shield, pressing against their faces as the spell broke and fell, they dropped their weapons, panicking now. It was clear they were unexperienced and never probably have been in a situation like this. Jason's smaller companions would see their opening and quickly overwhelm their prey thanks to Rowan's help. These two prejudice hunters would meet a grisly fate down here in the Underbelly where no one would know of their deaths.



Long Legs could be heard crying out, in the distance, ever approaching closely. But at the revelation of the Seeing Stone, there was a loud screeching call, the at the feeling of the earth moving for a moment. while these strange people made their presence, there was loud and rough rumbling underneath everyone's feet. Rudy would feel the knife pull off his neck for a moment, the the hooded figure quickly moved away, in front of Rudy he would see a large mass pop out of the ground, it was Long Legs, he had tunneled through the ground to find the Seeing Stone, whatever the Seeing Stone was, it was revealing a lot of mana into their air, so much that this strange people appeared and Long Legs appeared and even was acting aggressive. Rudy would have to put it away to stop it's effects. Long Legs began slamming it's legs all around itself, impaling these half naked people and hooded figures.

One of Dayle's men were impaled by the random legs, and he quickly disappeared in the dust that was now thrown into the air. Blinding people momentarily. Arthur ended up moving away quickly, Long Legs, uh, legs prevented him from moving to either Rowan or Rudy. His hand grabbed Lin and Vasumir and pulled them out of the dust and preventing them from earning a quick or painful death from Long Legs, Vasumir would note that Arthur's ghostly appendage that glowed purple was cold as death. While pulling Lin and Vasumir, Arthur would get the two to whatever safety was left, which he ended up running into Scylla in her concealment thanks to all the dust in the air. " Fucking hell... great, three new people. " Arthur moved away from the three and in his ghostly appendage a pistol would conjure out of thin air. Spiritual Ordnance: Basic - E - 2 Post Cooldown. He pointed at the three, while using his hand to wipe dust from his eyes. " Don't you two or three fucking move. I will shoot you and make sure you don't walk out of this shitty city again. " Arthur threatened, he couldn't see well but he could make out their figures. " Who the are you three and why the hell are you here for? That damn Seeing Stone everyone wants it for? " He asked.

Rudy and Clover would be forced to move towards Dayle and away from Long Legs, the maniacal people were chasing after Clover and Rudy but would quickly be picked up by Long Legs in a quick and stabby fashion. While one was closing in on them, Clover used her kunai and chain to swing her blade around and slice their achilles. Causing them to fall and become quick work of Long Legs luckily. Clover would then push Dayle out of her way, " Move! I ain't dying here to a damn bug! " She would rush into the more downtown area of the Underbelly, their only option besides Long Legs, uh, legs.

Rowan, Baxtor and Jason would be able to see Long Legs frenzy from not that far away, they didn't get hit by the dust cloud she created but they could see that her legs would stab anyone moving around in her pretty large vicinity. The only place for them to go would be into a more secluded area where homes and houses were at. Their only option that isn't long Legs frenzy, Jason would feel her pain, but it was a more rageful pain. A frenzy, it was that Stone that had everyone on a spree. It needed to be rid of here in order to make sure Long Legs was safe and no longer in pain.

Interactions: D. Rex slifer37 Eccentric_Undead RavenSong Goran Glacial Coffeepot Giraffe Laszalet EMIYAman Shatter Shard

 

[Shatter Shard]

Dayle Keller
"Red Star's Bastard Dog"

Strength
Precision
Intelligence
Vitality
Speed

[ D ]
[ F ]
[ E ]
[ E ]
[ E ]

E

Active Titles:
Human | Thug

-Ryke-
Underbelly of Ryken, Marketplace

Code by: Shatter Shard

The Underbelly

Dayle kept on throwing insults after insults even when the insect boy had left to help somewhere else, there was no stopping his mouth. His attention was only caught, when he heard the glowing-armed man made a remark from his insult. He faced him, and his eyes were already shooting glares at him. "The fuck did ya say?" Red Star's Bastard Dog? "YA FUCKIN' WHAT?!" "Boss!" "YA CALLIN' ME A FUCKIN'-" "BOSS!" Dayle felt a fist crash against his jaw. "Get a grip already!" Zeke pulled Dayle, and straightened him up. "Situation's bad enough already boss, cool it!" Dayle blankly looked at his own men, who were already uneasy with everything that's happening, and his own sudden outburst didn't make it any better. Dayle felt as if cold water washed over him. His nerves tightened, and his vision wasn't red anymore. He took a deep breath, collected himself, and uttered with a small voice. "Sorry 'bout that. My bad." His crew nodded at him in understanding. Dayle sent a glare to Arthur's way, crossed his arms, and spat on the ground.

They were starting to negotiate with the thief, but then two more newcomers came unannounced. Although he despised Arthur, he had to agree with his words. They were causing more ruckus than its worth. His blood pressure was once again rising, but he managed to restrain himself this time. "Okay, listen you goddamn bozos. I don't know if you know what the fuck's happening, but you lil' shits doing all this greeting stuff is really doin jackshit!" He spat out, his voice already starting to rise. "You guys are either fuckin' blind, or-" suddenly, men with black robes and their entourage of half-naked executioners straight out of a horror tale appeared. He and his crew was almost instantly on high alert, but it was too late as one of his men, the blinded one, were dragged and stabbed to death. Too shocked to react, all of them had to see their brother be devoured before the information managed to process inside Dayle's mind. "YA FUCKIN' BITCHES!" Dayle unfurled his chains, and just as he was about to attack, he felt tremors. Strong tremors. He steadied himself, his thoughts once again scrambling from the continuous sudden turn of events. What the hell is happening? That's when he remembered. The screech. The fucking bug.

BOOM!

The ground near Dayle suddenly burst out, an eruption of rubble and dust filling the air and taking Dayle aback. All of them coughed, the dust making it harder to breath and see. Then one of his men was impaled with a sickening squelch, and his eyes locked with Dayle's for a moment before he was pulled into the air and away from their sights. "Boooooossss!" The scream echoed inside Dayle's head, his hand subconsciously reaching out. The his eyes darted at the... thing before him. The bug has essentially separated the group, and only three of his men was left. "God fucking damnit!" There was no fighting this thing, even Dayle would die just from one stab of that thing. His head was swarming with thoughts, only to be jostled by a sudden bump. It was the thief, pushing him aside as she darted away and proclaimed to survive. Her running immediately kickstarted the gears in his head, and he looked at the man holding the stone. The dust still impaired his vision, but knew where he stood relative to where he was. "What the fuck you waiting for?! Get a move on!" Dayle followed with whirling his chains into a chaotic cyclone, before whipping it like a snake slithering to its prey, the chains aiming at the other man. (Catch 'em Lackin [E] - 1 Post CD)

He then turned to dash to the thief's direction, his remaining three men following after him. He ran with gritted teeth, indignant from the events that has happened so fast. "Those fucking bastards... they sent me to death!" The Red Star. What did they gain by sending him here? Dayle had a faint idea, and he'd need to get answers from these people if what he thought was true. But before that...

Number 1 priority: survive.

"Zeke!" "Yeah boss?" Dayle ran beside him "Lead the way!" "On it boss!" Zeke took the front, while Dayle took the back and his remaining two men took to the flanks. One had the shoddy sword that didn't seem like it would help, while Zeke still had the terrible shield in front of him. "Slow down!" Dayle yelled at the running thief. "I can see that you're already at your limit! You're better off grouping up with us and your guy!" Although he didn't know these two people, his best chance at survival was grouping up against the common enemies; namely those robed fuckers, the big long thing, and the others who are still after the artifact. At this point, he was not going to risk it for some artifact that caused all of this mess. It wasn't worth it at all. He'd rather throw it down a cliff if he had the choice, but it seemed like those upper people after it won't let him be if he did that. So for now, he was going to cooperate. It's the only way. If anything was going to be in his way, his chains were ready to lash out. He made sure to be in decent speed so if the other guy with the stone ever needs help, he has enough leeway to stop himself and throw aid his way.


Invoked Abilities
[1 | CD] [E] Catch 'em Lackin: Fighting Style [Bonebreaker] E, Chainz [Flexible] F| Dayle flourishes his chains, making it unclear when or where the next attack would come next, before striking wildly. If an opponent is caught off-guard, Dayle can potentially disarm or trip them.

Mentions: Shatter Shard Skyhunter D. Rex