Fantasy The Valerian Chronicles: Second Crusade (VC:SC)

[revior]

Marianne Basil
​

"I'm afraid most of my followers are of flesh and blood. The likes of Spirits and Djins are a little too "wild" for my taste."

However, without something with at least that level of power, a direct confrontation would be difficult considering the forces Ari had gathered, and that's not even mentioning the rest of the Crusaders and Ari's own familiars. Stealth may be a good, option, ambushes and guerrilla tactics are good too. Still, these plans still lacked a certain decisiveness, and Marianne will prefer not to commit to a fight unless she has a certainty of winning.

"You know, Ethan dear, personally I find the best way to deal with an enemy is from afar, where you can reach him, but he can't reach you. So how about this? We form a few long range bombardment units with mages that specializes in long range magic and anti-mages to defend them from ranged counter attacks. We'll have them stationed at multiple locations and strike all at once. Of course, I don't expect the Crusaders to simply roll over and die just like that, and there's something to be desired when it comes to the precision of such spells, but that is hardly important, because one way or another, to stop the bombardment, they'll have to come to us, and because we have multiple units in multiple locations, they'll have to split up. If you'd like, we could also ambush them while they're on their way to the units to make it harder for them. Of course, all of this would only apply if we hurry and strike while they're still loitering in that back-watered village of theirs, I doubt they would care to face us very much to protect a field or a forest. Of course, we'll only do this if we can both agree, we should get along while the king is out, no?"

And then there's the innocent villagers that would be caught in the bombardment. What about them? Marianne herself had witness her own village burn, and she had learned form that, she had learned that in war, it was sometimes better to burn the villages and dwindle the enemy's supply or both provision and men than to spare them and let the war drag out. Not to mention, it could also force a confrontation with the lords tasked to protect the village if they care enough, making victory, and thereby the end of the war, much, much swifter.

"One last thing. There was a unit that defected, Sergeant Gordin's was it? Whatever happened to their family members?"

If they've already been rescued, then that's too bad. However, if they're still around, then she would very much like to make them her hostage, very willing hostages at that.

Kylesar1

Birdsie (mentioned)

 

[Jenzo]

Aseal’s attention was drawn to the booming voice of Ari. It must have been time to finally get this show on the road. He took a step closer to better observe the man as he addressed the group from atop a table. Ari’s eccentric theatrics brought a smile upon his face as he quite enjoyed displays of behavior such as this. Closely he paid attention to every word the man utter, hoping to gather more information about their situation.

As Ari tossed his blades across the room introducing his companions. Aseal took the moment to memorize the faces and names of those he introduced. The one known as Tyr was perhaps the largest fellow he had ever laid his eye on. His presence alone struck accord within his own soul; he must have been a hardened child of war. The man’s wife Bailey was a delight to look at. However, he feared if he stared any longer than he should, she would blind his other eye. The woman seemed just as tough of her spouse. Then Arabelle the leader, his heart sank the moment he saw her. There was something wholesome about her he couldn’t quite figure out. Observing her appearance forced the man unknowingly graze the right side of his face. The group together looked like a formidable team.

Aseal took a deep breath before speaking out. He hoped to start a chain reaction to learn the other member's names. “My name is Aseal L Adair I’m fro..” Quickly he cut himself short. Big brother is watching the words echo within his mind like church bells. He quickly snapped his mouth shut biting down on his bottom lip. He knew the next words he was about to speak were going to cut him like a thousand blades, “..I’m a former soldier exiled from my homeland for speaking out against Alreos and my Lord. I’ve come to liberate my countrymen even if they have forsaken me.” His gaze dropped to the floor. Saying those words brought him great shame. Not because they were true, but because they were lies. Ari was right. Big Brother is watching. If he revealed his true agenda, what would befall his family and his people over the mountains? For now, the General will play the role of a Banished Knight from an unloved country.

GreenEyedStranger @ Kylesar1 Bakuyoshi Hanarei Allibi Damafaud Birdsie FireMaiden P Paint The Wind

 

[Allibi]

Anna Dawnne​

"We'll see about that."

She kept quiet during the rest of the time, just as she heard a voice in her mind. She knew magic is definitely at play here. And a magic of the high tier kind.Finding herself a chair, she sat on Aseal's right side. Holding her staff in front of her, she thought of Ari's meaning for Big Brother, before knowing that its Alreos that he meant. She contemplated the magic at her disposal, and gave a much thought about it. A smile creep up her face slowly, and concentrated some of her magical energy into her staff. As such, no one would be able to see anything suspicious, such as the flow of mana from her arms or some glowing orbs of such. The only thing that happened would be the gem that was sitting on the tip of her staff passed off a soft blue glow, and then vanished.

Ward : Nondetection

A ward against people that just want to spy others. In all simplicity, it renders spying useless. How does it feel ? Nothing really. However to anyone that attempted to spy on her, or her companions, they simply could not. Just like casting a spell into thin air, they will not see anything in return, as though the person in the spell is gone from this plane of existence. Like a 404 image not found, Alreos's orb would return to being murky. And if he attempts to look towards the Prancing Pony, he will not be able to see them anymore, as though they simply vanished. Its a bread and butter ward spell for her, how else she could manage to slip herself away from the Inquisitor all these years ? But since she just used her staff as the catalyst of the spell, anyone that is within the 30 meter radius of her staff will be covered. Other's that are outside of range, will still be able to be seen.

Knowing the spell has taken effect, she stood herself up from her chair, right after Aseal finished giving a small background introduction to himself.

"My name's Anna, the rumours called me the White Witch." She spoke to her companions. Noting the original Ravinian Crusaders, she let the word White Witch sink into their minds. Certainly there are rumours of a wandering healer to the common folk, where the person would travel around towns healing the sick, and setting up protection wards against pests, or wildlife. For a fee, of course. "For the ones that have not heard of the rumours, I'm a healer. I also cast wards, just like the one just before I introduce myself, so that our Big Brother now is blinded from it."

"My healing isn't free, but the price is rather simple. A limb for a limb, an eye for an eye. It won't cost a hand and a leg." She continued, just simply advertising herself. She could see that Arabelle's blindness, and simply put fort a solution to it. Arabelle would need to approach her if to ask her if she intends to be healed herself. Some blinds prefer to be blind, and she isn't going to be butting into every situation.

GreenEyedStranger Kylesar1 Bakuyoshi Hanarei Allibi Damafaud Birdsie FireMaiden P Paint The Wind Jenzo

 

[Jenzo]

An unsettling rage boiled inside his heart. He could n’t help but feel as if he had betrayed the love of his nation by denouncing them in such a way. His gaze slipped over the group of people counting heads of those all who were here, trying to push out the sense of betrayal. Finally, his eyes slipped by the one who he dubbed Sky Maiden. His earlier interaction with her was unnoticed as she gallivanted off to the healer to thank her. He recalled only snippets of their conversation as he wasn’t trying to pry.

His gaze pressed on through the group. The Sky Maiden was rather cute despite her weird mannerism he thought to himself, still recalling the earlier interaction and the words she utter. While thinking about her, he continued on through the group till his eye abruptly stopped at Ari. He glared at the man out of the reaction of trying to recall something he overheard the woman had uttered, 'Ravine? No…Ravinia!?'. "No" he rasped out under his breath. His glare flared off Ari and onto the Sky Maiden whom now he believed what he heard was correct. He wasn’t sure still, the lack of sleep he had could have been affecting him. Still, he needed to make sure.

Pushing through anyone in his path he made his way towards the woman, his eye still fixated upon her. 'Please let me be wrong, I hate being right.' he wailed at himself internally. When he was finally within arms reach of her, he spoke out in a self-deprecating tone, “Excuse me Sky Maiden, were you lost? Cause I could I have sworn you said you need direction to Ravine? Correct?” He looked into her eyes hoping she said Ravine.

Damafaud

 

[Damafaud]

Vale Frostwind
Frozen Hermit
Location: Prancing Pony Tavern
Interaction: Jenzo
Mention: Kylesar1 Bakuyoshi Allibi Hanarei Safety Hammer FireMaiden P Paint The Wind​

Vale tilted her head as the sleepy looking man asked her whether she asked the direction to Ravine. Was she not clear enough? Maybe it was the way she spoke. Or maybe she wasn't loud enough. It was a tavern, after all.

"No, fellow stranger. This self is asking for the direction to the capital of Ravinia; Toron, was it? The name might have changed with the passing year. This self is a hermit, see, and hasn't came out of seclusion for some time, " she explained, raising her voice and adding more stress to the word Ravinia.

In truth, Vale was ignorant of the past violence and discrimination by King Valerian against non-humans. She had always live around humans, and being someone not of a high status, the politic of the kingdom did not concern her. Nor did she know anything of Alreos and the epic quest of Valerian Crusaders. She was already deep in her study during the instable period of history, often went for months with her master in the wilderness. If not for Master Merrick settling down on the Ravinia's army, she would know almost nothing of the kingdom.

"Does kind stranger know the way? This self plans to meet an old acquaintance, and if he is no longer to be, to fulfill an old promise."

 

[Jenzo]

Ravinia

Aseal let out a soft sigh as the woman clarified her purpose to her destination. He tried his best to understand her mannerisms in referencing herself and the mention of passage of time. However, he was a bit irritable from his lack of sleep. This had led him to fashion a crazy speculation she was the enemy, from the mere mention of Ravinia. Now explain her desire to met an acquaintance who didn’t have much time in this world, from his understanding. He felt like a damned fool but was glad his intuition was wrong for once. “So your friend is passing, huh? Someone here might have a better understanding than my own to give you direction and draw you up a map.”

The man took a step back from her finding a seat to rest on, allowing himself to breathe in his stupidity, “What kind of promise did you make if you don’t mind me asking.” He quietly said a bit curious now. Damafaud

 

[Birdsie]

Alreos
Castle Riverskull

His pupils widened as the green orb lost connection and a murky darkness enveloped it. Alreos snorted, then rose his right wrist and clenched his fist, releasing power from it. "Is a fight what you want? To combat a god in the ether?" he scoffed. Alreos smirked and Anna could feel a tremendous crushing force creep in the weave of magic from the corners of the tavern, assaulting her magic from all directions, trying to dispel the ward. "I'm all for it."

Alreos didn't quite care about what they were planning. Regardless of their plans, he had faithful men and women working to destroy them, planning around their plans for him. This was more for his amusement, but the moment that Anna cast the nondetection ward, he felt defied. Every attempt to deny him was a challenge, and he wouldn't refuse one, even if unintended. Anna would have to fight mentally to keep her spell lit and to keep his prying eyes off of them.

But to deny a god, one needed wit, not raw power.

Allibi

 

[Hanarei]

Lucille Irebrook
Prancing Pony
​

Lucille listened to Beatrice giving light nods to acknowledge though she seemed to show she was a bit surprised with what she said. Act as a translator? Teach someone their language? It wasn't something in the least bit she ever thought about when it came to why she learned various languages. It was perhaps something most would come to think of though she had put her efforts mostly in expecting to be reading from some ancient texts or the likes. She seemed a little uncertain, not for the sake of not being willing to help but having some self doubt if she would really be a good teacher.

"Algbo... si jatil swasinir jalla ti qe winhal. Si tir ti vucot svanoa bensvelk di vi ankin si ornla qe. Si shilta xoal ekess letoclo wux yor wer xanalre. Si mi ti quite jaunus svanoa bensvelk si ornla qe." She spoke fiddling a bit with her fingers seeming a bit uncertain of herself. It was perhaps a bit silly of her to he hesitance on something she was much more astute to do over trying to accompany a group on some dangerous task to take down a crazed king. She simply nodded a bit trying to get back on topic before her mind wandered too much into self doubt.

"Lae karif lae gewjir lae sia shivi. Si jatil... si tir ti vucot svanoa Feir ornla hefoc batobot, jaci shilta itrewic vi moxt naake." She spoke with a light laugh attempting to be more light hearted. Feir heard his name, perking his head up looking over towards Lucille. He might not know what she was saying, but he was paying enough attention to know she was talking about him.

"What did you just say Lucille? It's not nice to talk about people in front of them you know!" She spoke scolding her, lifting his cute puny paw and tapping her on the face as if a form of discipline. Lucille awkwardly smiiled seeming to almost scrunch up a little as if his light little prods were actually effecting her in some way despite not doing anything at all. It was at that point a voice spoke up quite booming in tone. It was Ari, Misty's master. She looked on feeling a bit meek standing before hearing his voice. She nodded lightly as he ushered on introductions, glancing over seeing the others introduce themselves. She seemed a bit nervious, keeping quite fidgeting with her fingers again. Having so many people around made her quite nervious.

"Lucille Irebrook... s...summoner I g... guess you c... could call me... w.. with my partner Feir." She spoke as her voice was quite quiet. Feir looked at her as he prodded at her face. She looked at him knowing what it was he was trying to hint at about her speaking up a she simply looked down making him let out a sigh shaking his head. He knew she was a bit too timid to speak up given how much of a spotlight was put on her to speak right now.

Bakuyoshi Kylesar1 Allibi GreenEyedStranger Damafaud FireMaiden P Paint The Wind Jenzo

 

[Damafaud]

Vale Frostwind
Frozen Hermit
Location: Prancing Pony Tavern
Interaction: Jenzo
Mention: Kylesar1 Bakuyoshi Allibi Hanarei Safety Hammer FireMaiden​

Could she tell him? Her matter was not necessarily a secret, but had she still remembered it correctly? What was this promise of hers? Vale tried to dig up the memory of her last meeting with Master Merrick. It felt like it had happened a long time ago. Upon a tree, on top of it. She wanted to follow him still, yet he told her to travel alone, as the way of travel is the way of discovery. She had solemnly promised to follow his path, and after giving him one last hug, she left him. Where was her promise? Had she forgotten it? Vale fell silent for a while, before she spoke again.

"Forgive this self, stranger, but this self is not sure. This self only promise to follow Master Merrick's path, and could not remember further. However," she pointed at herself "this self is sure that without trying, this self cannot fulfill any promise, old or new."

...old?

"Ah!" Vale clasped her hands. "Stranger, could you point out the general location of this tavern? This self forgot that a map is in this self possession, though it is a bit outdated," She opened up her chest again and took out an old scroll. She rolled the map out on a table, showing various landmarks and cities. Todor was marked under the symbol of a city, as Vale excitedly pointed out.

"Todor is here. Where is this Prancing Pony, stranger?"

 

[Kylesar1]

Ari Waesmor​

What caught Ari's ear was her saying she lived in inclusion and calling him Lady Waesmor. "You obviously haven't if you think I'm a woman," Ari said, irritated. "Don't let my long hair and female clothing fool you. My goddamn VOICE is that of a male," he said, emphasizing the word voice by yelling the word.
"The only way I'm leading you to Toron is on the road laced with blood and steel or if you can produce an Anti-Magic Scroll. We're getting to Alreos." An anti-magic scroll would let him give this brief without Big Brother watching, which would let them go more stealthily. If not, then they'd have to go and cut down everything Alreos sent. Alreos had the advantage of Omni-hearing. That gave him what could be omniscience of their plans if they weren't careful. This was already a full-blown battle of wits, a chess game where one had an overwhelming force.

Ari turned back to the group. "Here's what we're gonna do. First and foremost, we have to get the hell out of here or Alreos will throw more at us. Always forward momentum is the name of this game. We're gonna need to split up, but we'll get to the next town first and get transport. Does anyone lack long-haul transportation? This will be a 7-10 day journey to Toron."






Ethan Coleman
Ethan pondered the plan. "That sounds doable. However, to get the force will take a bit of time. This requires snipers, ballistas, artillery and catapults, as well as the 3rd Anti-Magic Platoon. Then set-up. The Crusaders heavily likely to go ahead and leave asap. That's the smartest thing on their behalf." Ethan brandished a map with Loudwater and Toron circled. Quite a distance to travel. About 400 miles. "A horse can travel on average about 50 miles a day. This is 8 days of non-stop travel. However, they'll streamline it as much as possible, so we can safely cut it down to about 6-7 days. If we start immediately, we can have everything set up and ready to go by daybreak tomorrow
.

Bakuyoshi Hanarei Allibi GreenEyedStranger Damafaud FireMaiden P Paint The Wind Jenzo revior

 

[Archdemon]

Quest!

The two old couple had been too busy arguing about the screeching that they heard nothing of what the group of adventurers were saying. Suddenly however they turned their sights to the group of heroes and turned to what they assumed was the leader.

"Hey You! Young man! You're an adventurer right? You and your rowdy friends correct? Listen I have a favor to ask of you. My wife is convinced there is something monstrous in the old ruins to the north. I personally think it is just some wolves. The town has been plagued by screeching at night and commonly we keep losing our farm animals. I'm asking you to check out those damned Velspar ruins, it's the source of these disturbances. I'm sure if you kill whatever the problem is, the town would repay you kindly and obviously most of the loot you find would be yours to keep. What do ya say?"

"Jack! Why didn't you tell them of the traps? The ruins are filled to the brim with traps and monsters, so be careful. Too many greedy and brave men and women have died to them. Be careful."

Kylesar1

Bakuyoshi Hanarei Allibi GreenEyedStranger Damafaud FireMaiden P Paint The Wind Jenzo revior

 

[revior]

Marianne Basil
​

"Quite right you are. Though it would be ideal to hit Loudwater, I suppose we'll just have to strike when they're at the next town."

Marianne then held out her hand in the air and atop of it a tome appeared out of thin air. Resting comfortably at the top of Marianne's hold, the tome flipped open its pages on its own and revealed a list of followers to be called upon.

"I can prepare the numbers you need. My followers are quite good you know, the can always retain their composure and won't ever panic. As for the rest, I'll leave that to you."

The operation was proposed by Marianne, and as such, she was going to make sure it goes well. Her troops are all well trained and all of them are devoted to her and her cause. They will feel no fear, the will not lose their composure, and they will gladly offer up their lives if it meant victory.

Kylesar1

 

[Kylesar1]

Marianne Basil
​

"Quite right you are. Though it would be ideal to hit Loudwater, I suppose we'll just have to strike when they're at the next town."

Marianne then held out her hand in the air and atop of it a tome appeared out of thin air. Resting comfortably at the top of Marianne's hold, the tome flipped open its pages on its own and revealed a list of followers to be called upon.

"I can prepare the numbers you need. My followers are quite good you know, the can always retain their composure and won't ever panic. As for the rest, I'll leave that to you."

The operation was proposed by Marianne, and as such, she was going to make sure it goes well. Her troops are all well trained and all of them are devoted to her and her cause. They will feel no fear, the will not lose their composure, and they will gladly offer up their lives if it meant victory.

Kylesar1

Ethan Coleman

Ethan nodded. "Can do. I'll gather the 3rd Anti-Magic Platoon and the equipment we need. What is your forte? Archery? Heavy? Magic? I will supplement your force." The siege engines would take a bit of time to both move and get set up, so he needed to get to work asap. He would suggest she choose 1 or 2 areas and get a large force there, as a generalized force was typically weaker than a specialized. Plus, they had access to Special Forces.

Quest!

The two old couple had been too busy arguing about the screeching that they heard nothing of what the group of adventurers were saying. Suddenly however they turned their sights to the group of heroes and turned to what they assumed was the leader.

"Hey You! Young man! You're an adventurer right? You and your rowdy friends correct? Listen I have a favor to ask of you. My wife is convinced there is something monstrous in the old ruins to the north. I personally think it is just some wolves. The town has been plagued by screeching at night and commonly we keep losing our farm animals. I'm asking you to check out those damned Velspar ruins, it's the source of these disturbances. I'm sure if you kill whatever the problem is, the town would repay you kindly and obviously most of the loot you find would be yours to keep. What do ya say?"

"Jack! Why didn't you tell them of the traps? The ruins are filled to the brim with traps and monsters, so be careful. Too many greedy and brave men and women have died to them. Be careful."

Kylesar1

Bakuyoshi Hanarei Allibi GreenEyedStranger Damafaud FireMaiden P Paint The Wind Jenzo revior

Ari Waesmor​

The Velspar Ruins? A powerful magic ruin that wasn't terribly out of the way. Plus, they could be supplied with good equipment from the town. It could give Big Brother time to prepare if he knew they were going which, since there was no anti-magic being cast, he'd certainly know. Whatever. "Sounds like easy work." He turned to the rest of the gathered group. "If anyone dissents, I need to know now. There is a separate job I'll need those dissenters to do, for compensation since you didn't sign up for anything other than taking down Alreos. You've seen my money, but not the connections I can put to use with that money. I can get you some good shit. We won't all need to go unless we all just want to steamroll it. If anyone wants to take on my job, come to me and I'll explain it just a little later. Misty, I need an anti-magic scroll. Go get one and don't come back without it."
"Only for you, Master!" If Misty could salute, she definitely would. She jumped off Arabelle's head and flew out from a hole in the Prancing Pony wall



Bakuyoshi Hanarei Allibi GreenEyedStranger Damafaud FireMaiden P Paint The Wind Jenzo revior That Poppy

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Beatrice chose to step up for the Ari's mystery Mission "Split forces. Keep heat from ruin party." She still needed to give the king a surprise. And if anything an enemy general could be a perfect distraction. She looked to the rest of the party as though she was waiting for anyone to join her.

Kylesar1

 

[GreenEyedStranger]

Keara turned to stare intently at Aseal... Something was not right about him, whether it was the eagerness, or the odd attitude, something intrigued Keara. Along with that, he was rather attractive, it might be fruitful to gauge what he thought on her...

As Kearas magic tapped into Aseals mind, he started to feel a light scratching noise, coming directly from inside of his head. As a byproduct of her dark nature, her fig magic had an hnpleasant aura.

As Keara, without consent, began to investigate his upper thoughts, she seemed shocked.

Interesting... So he truly served Alreos.

Not really interested in ratting him out, perhaps she could get some information from Alreos by blackmailing him. Just as she was about to discreetly end the conversation, the loud noise of the ‘quest-giver’ startled her, causing the mental link to disrupt rather loudly, leaving both Aseal and Keara with a passing headache. Hoping to not make her intrusion noticed, she moved away from him, trying to make herself look like she was looking into this side project.

“And where will the main group go while the secondary group deals with this? Personally, I dont think we have time for diversions. The god closes in on us.”


Jenzo Kylesar1

 

[revior]

Marianne Basil
​

"Heavy and magic, as I believe this will mostly be a defensive battle, let's focus the units around these two."

Of course, if it need be, Marianne can also summon additional troops to her location, though that would only be effective on the battlefield she's in and won't be able to help with the other areas if she's already occupied with another.

Kylesar1

 

[Allibi]

Anna Dawnne​

The mental pressure came in like a migraine, though not enough to make her disable her magic, it wasn't light enough to ignore it. It felt like her monthly flow, if she were to equate the sensation to be alike. She knew her magic worked against Alreos this time, as Ari was going off with getting an anti magic scroll for Alreos. But it seemed Ari could be extra cautious against a God. No matter, she gave herself a comforting thought, before turning back her attention to Ari.

"I don't have a long haul transport. And moreover, aren't we forgetting something ? Are we going to march the fight against Alreos with the children ?"

She voiced her opinion, before she stopped for more. Maybe Ari did thought about it, getting the scroll is for the group to split up. The children will be headed off to a safe sanctuary, while the main force will spent their time either for the ruins near here, or to Toron. But she dared not to voice more. She wasn't a Ravinian Crusader before, and she didn't know how Ari runs things. But she do know that if she doesn't assist this bunch of misfits, as well as put up with Ari's rough language, sooner or later the Ravinian Crusaders will be wiped out. And then Alreos will certainly come for her. Unless He is benevolent enough to forgive her for poking his magical eyes out.

Kylesar1 FireMaiden Birdsie Jenzo GreenEyedStranger Safety Hammer Archdemon

 

[Birdsie]

A steamy veil entered the opening under the tavern's doors and through the cracks between the floorboards. Sparkling with white-blue light and gold dust, it enveloped the entire room. A specter of pure light appeared in the middle of the room, blinding everyone.

From it, came a soft, peaceful voice, but the words it spoke were haughty, dry, and unwelcoming. He spoke immediately after Anna's question. "Please. All of you are children. Grouchy, too, if I may add."

A moment passed, and in that moment, everyone in the tavern realized the magnitude of the person they were hearing speak. The light weakened, although it was still intense, but now you could look at it. Alreos' form stood in its center, one hand resting casually on his hip. His armor was donned, but only because this was a ceremonial occasion. "But yes, that loathsome hag makes a good point. Why carry your offspring with you to certain doom?" he scoffed, making sure to throw in a dry insult to the witch that defied him for good measure.

They didn't come to him, so he came to them.

Kylesar1 FireMaiden Allibi Jenzo GreenEyedStranger Safety Hammer Archdemon
(I got permission from the corporal. No fighting - just belittling you.)

 

[Kylesar1]

A steamy veil entered the opening under the tavern's doors and through the cracks between the floorboards. Sparkling with white-blue light and gold dust, it enveloped the entire room. A specter of pure light appeared in the middle of the room, blinding everyone.

From it, came a soft, peaceful voice, but the words it spoke were haughty, dry, and unwelcoming. He spoke immediately after Anna's question. "Please. All of you are children. Grouchy, too, if I may add."

A moment passed, and in that moment, everyone in the tavern realized the magnitude of the person they were hearing speak. The light weakened, although it was still intense, but now you could look at it. Alreos' form stood in its center, one hand resting casually on his hip. His armor was donned, but only because this was a ceremonial occasion. "But yes, that loathsome hag makes a good point. Why carry your offspring with you to certain doom?" he scoffed, making sure to throw in a dry insult to the witch that defied him for good measure.

They didn't come to him, so he came to them.

Kylesar1 FireMaiden Allibi Jenzo GreenEyedStranger Safety Hammer Archdemon
(I got permission from the corporal. No fighting - just belittling you.)

Ari Waesmor​

"That is why," Ari said simply, letting the fact that Alreos teleported in speak for itself. Elaina dashed to Ari's side, sword drawn and looking ready to kill, her stance honed by 3 years of hardcore Valkyrie training. She was actively trying to cover up her fear. It dissolved when Ari stepped in front of her and put his hand on her head. "The glorified elf knows we're coming and teleports in, yet feels the need to question my logic." Ari shrugged. "Guess intellect isn't a requirement to be a god."
Shall I come out, master?
That was Lexi, ready to go, in Ari's mind
Nah, if he were looking to kill, he wouldn't show himself to us, Ari replied back in his head
Your safety is my priority. Remember that.

Ari stepped forward, not at all intimidated by the fact that their primary objective was standing right in front of them. "Look at the ant. Endless work ethic and dedication to their mission. We are Titans to them, all powerful beings that can kill and destroy, yet leave behind food for them to eat. In their eyes, we are as benevolent as we want to be. We are also as malevolent as we want to be. We are to ants as gods are supposed to be for us. However, unlike the humble ant, we can strike hard enough to kill even those Titans that supposedly reside over us." Ari pointed his short sword at Alreos, a universal symbol of a challenge. "We WILL get to your castle and we WILL kick your ass out. I don't give a damn what you do after then. Sleep, go to whatever fucking realm, go marry someone, fade into oblivion, but you will NOT retain your rule over mortal life."
Kylesar1 FireMaiden Allibi Jenzo GreenEyedStranger Safety Hammer Archdemon Birdsie

 

[revior]

Marianne Basil
​

When Alreos suddenly appeared before them, Marianne could not help but quirk and eyebrow, intrigued by the range of abilities wielding by this god-king, but then again, he is a god, which makes one wonder why he doesn't just take care of all this mess himself. Yes, why indeed, but the answer came to her in an instant. It is because it's more interesting that way, there's no point for a god to simply take care of everything, if such a thing is done, then there would be no point in anyone doing anything would there, why not just leave it all to the gods? Alternatively, it may be because the god's power is declining, that the age of the gods is coming to an end, that too would be a most interesting turn of events wouldn't it? However, first thing's first.

"It is as Ethan had said, our opponent is a troublesome, as expected as someone who had dealt with your brother. However, I'm sure even he would have trouble fighting on multiple fronts with the manpower he currently has."

Then, Marianne added, jestingly,

"If it is to you fancy, milord, why not come along and observe our work. I'm sure you presence will give the Crusaders quite a shock."

There wasn't really much meaning behind inviting Alreos along. It was something Marianne did in a whim. And though merely having Alreos on the field would have great effect on enemies and allies alike, Marianne wasn't really considering such things. To begin with, she wasn't really expecting him to come anyways.

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[Hanarei]

Lucille Irebrook
Prancing Pony
​

Lucille looked up at the mentioning of transportation. She hadn't really thought about it. It had been a worry for her the other night but she had forgotten all about it. While she had her summons, it wasn't something she could maintain for a long period of time, and even if she could it would end up draining her making her a lot more limited after. It was something she would have to figure something out at some point in order to help her travel around easier, granted her summons weren't exactly typical in how they came to be.

"I... I would need a f... form of transport..." She spoke up softly, being less soft in her voice though far from being loud. It made her feel like a bit of a burden not having her own form of transportation. She mostly had to get around hitching rides on caravans or simply walking from place to place if it was close enough. She looked over as an old couple spoke up staring on quietly as they had a mission for them to do. She seemed uncertain how to react, only to be a bit surprised to hear Ari seemed up for taking on the job... or at the very least contemplating it. Feir jabbed at Lucy's face as to usher her to speak up.

"I... um... I'd prob...probably be best... if we split up... not going t.. to the ruins. M... my summons tend to be more flashy... and limited... and um... they kind of tend to cause damage when they are summoned." She spoke fumbling with her fingers as if exposing some form of guilt. It wasn't as if it happened in just one case. She had unintentionally caused property damage on a few occasions. If it wasn't by their very nature of being summoned and active, it was their personalities that tended to cause the chaos to unfold.

She kept quiet again, listening at the mentioning of the children being brought along, and the extra look of confusion as some strange person appeared before them only to further speak about it. She looked down feeling uncertain if perhaps she shouldn't be listening into such a conversation. Sure it was pushed as an open question in the public but she couldn't help but feel it was something much more personal being talked about.

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[Jenzo]

Aseal glanced at the map the woman had laid out on the table. Carefully he examined the contents of the map locating their current position. After finally find Loudwater on the map he pointed to its location for Val to see. “We are here. Unfortunately, as Ari has stated there is no path we can take at the moment until we can have complete seclusion from watchful eyes.” The man removed his finger from the map and pointed towards the woman, “I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But if Ethan or any of his remaining men spotted you in our skirmish the other day. Chance are they might view you as our ally and potential threat. I would have to ill advise heading out for Toron on your own miss.”
Damafaud

The man brought his hand towards his head rubbing the tempts of his skull. The invasion of his mind from the flayer went unnoticed only leaving a pounding headache as evidence, which he assumed had occurred from lack of sleep and irritability. He called for a glass of water from the keep, which came seconds after his order. Slowly he siped away at the drink trying to calm his aching mind. Aseal listen to everyone voice their concern on splitting the party. In truth, he found himself torn about the idea. From a military stand point splitting your forces could be a good and bad thing. However, this was not a militant unit. Instead, a bunch of people gathered together for one cause. It was at this moment he regretted leaving his company behind to peruse this adventure alone. Ultimately, he will go where he is needed the most.

Just as his headache seem to subside a piercing light exploded in the tavern blind its occupants. Aseal slammed his hand against his face trying to block out the light, “This is only making it worse damn it!” he shouted referring to his headache that was coming back. When his vision finally returned, he saw a man donned in armor standing in the midst of them. “Who the hell is this woman? Why does she feel the need to strobe us to death.” He spat out in anger towards the man.

Aseal watched in silence as Ari stepped forward baring his blade towards the man. It took him a moment to grasp hold of whom he was glaring at. Alreos. Aseal rose from his seat with his shield in hand and sword at the ready. He glanced around looking for more intruders who came with the King. When he saw no one else with him, he relaxed his weapon but kept his shield at ready. Carefully he listened to Ari speak to him, denouncing him and his rule. A sentiment he full hearty agreed with, “Now now, let’s not be too hasty here. Perhaps the King has come to us to give us his terms unconditional surrender.” Aseal jested with a bit of a smile.

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[Birdsie]

"Elf? Excuse you. Elves are cheap and lack vision, much like most of you," Alreos responded, crossing his arms and grinning behind his helmet. His grin didn't falter when Ari insulted his intelligence. Instead, he scoffed back. "Just how cross-dressing isn't a requirement to be an assassin."

He listened to his tirade about ants, his amusement being replaced by a calm, uncaring yawn at the end. He rested his hands on his hips. "Is that all? You done? Am I supposed to feel threatened?" Alreos paused, staring blankly, then his entire body shook exaggeratedly, flailing his palms. "Oooh! You're really scary!... I'm shook," he said with a drawn-out voice.

He stepped forward and crossed his arms, gesturing. "I would now proceed to launch into a nuanced monologue on the nature of evil, good, the balance between them - yadda, yadda, yadda - but let's be honest here: none of you really care about any of that. You want me off the throne, but you're not smart enough to realize that won't change much." Alreos paused, to let them ponder on what he was going on about. He frowned deeply as he continued:

"God? Yes, I am! What's that got to do with anything? Would you prefer Valerian? It doesn't matter what I am - if I was a powerful human you'd try the same thing. After my death, someone else with a similar position will simply take over. It's in the nature of things. People accept orders because they are well-aligned with their own intentions. Do you think soldiers would callously slaughter at my behest? Their loyalty comes from convenience, and when a new ruler takes over, he will either be convenient or he will be overthrown."

"Besides. Can you blame me for abolishing trash? I kill only those that deserve it. I'm cleaning up this world of the mess that you mortals have made. Valerian is evidence enough, and so are the hundreds of despots and conflicts that affect everyone, everywhere. Am I evil for mercilessly destroying evil?"

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[Archdemon]

Fen'Harel
Location: Forest outside of Prancing Pony

Fen'Harel looked at Anora and shook his head. If it was alive, he wouldn't have dragged a slightly bloody carcass to their camp, and besides they weren't going to stay long either. They must keep on the move to avoid any assassins coming after them. If she wasn't willing yet, then he shall face the task alone.

"Your majesty, the deer is already dead and so it cannot feel pain. Besides I gave him a proper prayer like all hunters do, but your royal upbringing probably didn't teach you that... Either way, I'm skinning it here because we will be moving soon. The world is a dangerous place, especially now with what's going on. We'll have to salt the meat so that it doesn't rot away while we travel, if you're too shy of blood then I suggest you go pack up everything and inform me when you're done. We can sell the hide and antlers at the nearest human settlement, it should fetch a nice price. Now start packing."

Fen'Harel would proceed to skin and take apart the deer. When he was sure he had everything he needed from it, he cleaned the hide and salted the meat. He was ready to head into town, as much as he didn't want to.

FireMaiden

 

[GreenEyedStranger]

As Keara saw Alreos, her intentions began to shift a little. He didnt seem as intimidating as she had expected... However, now that she was here, it would be worth asking...

Just as she was about to ask Alreos himself on his mastery of soul revival and fig magic, or if he had any knowledge of it, she realized the entire group would be aware of her question, making her seem completely driven by self interest if she would ask.

If I did that now, she thought, their trust would be completely severed.... Especially if Alreos attempted to sway me to his side.

And so, she stared at Alreos, remaining in the back of the group with ber tentacles writhing in an irritating fashion. The frustration of missing such an opportunity was unbearable....

However, she had another trickup her sleeve. No better time than now.


She began channeling her magic to communicate with Aseal, forming the psionic link.

He would feel the scratching sensation, followed by a whispering, distant voice.

“You serve him. You heart lies by his side...”

The scratching becomes louder for a brief moment as Kearas thoughts darken

“Your secret is safe... As long as you can assist me.”

Maybe it would have been better to time this question after Alreos left, but in this commotion it would be difficult for Aseal to confront her if he found the ifentity of the mind intruder.

As Keara retained the mental connection, Marianne would feel a strong tug, pointing in the direction of Keara who seemed concentrated on something. If Marianne could detect it, she would feel a dark, but faint, aura of magic.

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