Fantasy VainGlory! & Other Vices of the Tantalus Adventure Troupe

[Blu]

「OP: SHOOTING STAR by SPARK SPEAKER | ED: Watashi No Sōshiki by Hana Sekitori」​

Premise

The continent of Etria is new and ripe for exploration. Enter Adventurers: those who seek fame, fortune, and glory by way of wondrous expeditions and conquests. With the prospect of the new continent in the horizon, Adventurers and cartographers from all over are gearing up to set sail to the New World. But to do so alone would be tantamount to courting death. Which is why the establishment of Adventure Troupes is such a pivotal part of the history of adventuring. To fight and live alongside comrades makes such lengthy voyages all the better! Together, you'll face the trials and tribulations of the New World, fraught with dangerous creatures, powerful beings, and old magic. But for an Adventurer, there's not a better life worth living.

Minerva Laan Gracille is the sole heir in a long, prodigious line of dragon slayers—one of the oldest lineages in the world. Born to great wealth, it would seem her life is destined to be one of absolute comfort. But that decadent illusion was promptly shattered on her 16th birthday as she was told by her parents that in order to secure her future as the family matriarch, she must become an Adventurer, journey to the New World, and slay an Arch Dragon, bringing back its skull as a trophy of her accomplishment. Minerva, well-trained in the art of combat and bestowed from childbirth with incredible physical strength, has never actually seen a live dragon let alone slain one. To add to her dismay, Minerva learns that she is to accomplish her goal with no assistance from her family, monetary or otherwise. With nowhere and no one to turn to, she establishes the Tantalus Adventure Troupe to hopefully rope in some willing Adventurers to help her on her quest.

Unfortunately, the story of her situation has now spread far and wide, ensuring that any worthwhile Adventurer will now steer clear of her and her task. Is she fated to take on this task alone? Well, like herself, there are Adventurers out there who has seemingly lost hope of joining any Troupe because their vices have been deemed to outweigh their virtues. They're the bottom rung of the Adventuring society. Outcasts and losers. You get the point. Kindred spirits unite for a fun-filled romp! Misadventures await the Tantalus Adventure Troupe in the New World!​

 

[Blu]

[div class=ArteFlex] [div class=ArteImage] [div class=ArteTitle]Arte Blueoak[/div] [div class=ArteMentions] Character Sheet
Location:
Forsythia City Port

Mentions:
SilverFlight Elenion Aura Sizniche Dolches NightMoves Croaker [/div][/div] [div class=Arte]"Whoooah...!" A young man stands in awe at the sight of numerous, fantastic airships prepping to set sail. "I still can't believe it. Me: an Adventurer! I can hardly contain my excitement!" He is quick to snap back to reality as he pulls out a slightly crinkled flyer tucked into his belt. He examines it closely, walking as he does it. "Right, I'm looking for the 'Tantalus Adventure Troupe'. Their airship should be around here somewhere." As he walks around the port, the young man can't help but take in all the sights. His name is Arte Blueoak—an upcoming Adventurer.

After some time of walking, he stumbles upon a familiar-looking airship. Arte checks the flyer once more. "Ehh...?" As he sets the flyer down from his face, Arte is greeted by a dirty, slightly broken down version of the ship pictured on the flyer. Mold and grime are abundantly visible on the ship's hull; there are even planks missing from parts of the ship. "W-What the hell is this...? I feel like I've been scammed..." He thinks to himself.

"You there! The unimpressive young man with the dopey look on his face!" A feminine voice calls to Arte from a short distance away.

He points to his face as he looks in the direction of the voice. "D-Do you mean me?"

Arte is approached by a beautiful young maiden with long, lustered red hair. "Who else is gawking at my vessel?" She puts her hand to her mouth and an arrogant smirk forms from her lips. "You must be here to join my Troupe. While you seem to be a less than adequate candidate, I will do you the favor of allowing you to join, if only to serve a destiny greater than yourself. Listen well my unremarkable recruit: I am Minerva Laan Gracille, daughter of Aldofus Treagar Gracille and Cecily Laan Synphona, and sole successor of the Gracille family name. Yes, you heard correctly. I am a Gracille, of the famed Gracille Dragon Slayer line. You may grovel now if you'd like- HUH?!" She notices Arte walking away. "H-Hey, don't walk away while I'm announcing my titles!"

"What an annoying person..." Arte thinks casually to himself. Suddenly, Minerva runs in front of him and holds her arms outward in an attempt to stop him. She has an angry and frustrated look on her face. "Listen here you," she begins. Suddenly, her expression changes into a comically pleading look with big eyes and tear drops in their corners. "Please join me, kind sir. No one else wants to join me and you're the first one to show up in weeks. I'm in desperate need of servants- err, party members. Please please please please-" [/div][/div] [class=ArteFlex] width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; justify-content: center; display: flex; align-items: stretch; flex-flow: row wrap; box-sizing: border-box; [/class] [class=ArteImage] position: relative; width: 300px; max-width: 100%; max-height: 300px; background-image:url('https://i.lensdump.com/i/8SIMPk.png'); background-size: 150%; background-position: 35% 5%; background-repeat: no-repeat; margin: 5px; [/class] [class=ArteTitle] position: absolute; bottom: 2.5px; width: 100%; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Great Vibes'; text-shadow: 0px 0px 8px black; text-decoration: underline; [/class] [class=ArteMentions] position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top:0; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Philosopher'; color: white; opacity: 0; background-color: rgb( 0,0,0,0.65); transition: opacity .5s; [/class] [class name=ArteMentions state=hover] opacity: 1; [/class] [class=Arte] position: relative; min-width: 200px; flex: 1; height: auto; padding: 0px 15px; margin: 5px; font-family: 'Philosopher'; [/class]
[div class=MinFlex] [div class=MinImage] [div class=MinTitle]Minerva Gracille[/div] [div class=MinMentions] Character Sheet
Location:
Forsythia City Port

Mentions:
Check Arte's Portrait Above

[/div][/div] [div class=Minerva]"Like hell I'm joining you! All you've done is put me down in the last few minutes! I know a scam when I see when!" Arte exclaims before attempting to walk away. But Minerva has other plans as she basically wraps her arms around his legs in a vise. "H-Hey, let go! What the hell is the matter with this chick?!" Arte attempts to pry her away but her grip is just too damn strong. Suddenly, the people around them begin to talk among themselves, saying harsh things about Arte. About how he's breaking the poor girl's heart and whatnot. Clearly a misread of the situation but their stares are piercing Arte like daggers.

"Oh crap, this isn't a good look for me." Arte pokes at Minerva's forehead repeatedly to get her attention. "Okay, enough already. We can talk about this if you calm down and let go of me." Minerva perks up immediately. "Really?!"

Some time later, Arte finds himself roped into joining this bizarre Troupe run by this crazy bipolar girl. Crossing his arms, Arte lets out a long sigh. "How'd it come to this...? I [REDACTED]'d uuuuuuuuppppppp!" He clutches his head in frustration. Meanwhile, Minerva is just casually going through Arte's League License. [/div][/div] [class=MinFlex] width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; justify-content: center; align-items: stretch; display: flex; flex-flow: row-reverse wrap; box-sizing: border-box; [/class] [class=MinImage] position: relative; width: 300px; max-width: 100%; max-height: 300px; background-image:url('https://i.lensdump.com/i/8Sgiec.png'); background-size: 150%; background-position: 50% 10%; background-repeat: no-repeat; margin: 5px; [/class] [class=MinTitle] position: absolute; bottom: 2.5px; width: 100%; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Great Vibes'; text-shadow: 0px 0px 8px black; text-decoration: underline; [/class] [class=MinMentions] position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top:0; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Philosopher'; color: #c4c5ca; opacity: 0; background-color: rgba( 0,0,0,0.65); transition: opacity .5s; [/class] [class name=MinMentions state=hover] opacity: 1; [/class] [class=Minerva] position: relative; min-width: 200px; flex: 1; height: auto; padding: 0px 15px; margin: 5px; font-family: 'Philosopher'; [/class]

 

[NightMoves]

Small feet clad with pointed boots patted against the wooden docks as a bright eyed girl looked around in awe. She held a flyer close to her chest along with a wooden staff that was quite a bit taller than her person. Around her the crowd muttered and hustled, going about their daily lives. The fact that the docks were so busy filled Clunaira with immense happiness. Whether they be civilians, adventurers, knights, or even nobles everyone was here for a reason. She began to wonder what everyone was here for, growing more excited as her imagination soared. She came up with adventures and scenarios that might bring these people to new places. She thought about the events that might unfold; A budding romance, a platonic friendship, a beautiful view. There were so many things that could happen while out on an adventure.

As she was lost in her own thoughts, Clu managed to trip right over nothing and plant face first into the wooden planks. Clunaira felt her face grow red with the force of the impact as well as embarrassment as people stopped what they were doing to stare at her. A kind person stopped to ask if she was okay, which only heightened the amount of embarrassment that the young woman felt.

"Y-yeah...I'm fine." The mage stuttered as she attempted to gather herself from the ground. She stood up and grabbed her enormous hat from the ground, dusting it off before putting it back on her head. She held the flyer tighter to her chest as she continued forward. Honestly, she should know better than to daydream than walking at this point. The last time she had done that she had actually walked off the edge of a cliff. Thankfully, a branch had caught her by the back of her cloak, but she had been hanging there for hours until someone came to help. That was definitely something she didn't want to happen again.

For the rest of her journey throughout the docks, Clu remained focused before she arrived at her destination. The boat looked quite a bit different than what was on the flyer, but the girl didn't particularly mind. She just hoped they would accept her, as she wasn't sure if she could face rejection for the 43rd time.

"Hi! Are you two here for the troupe too?!" She asked with a cheery tune to the two who were standing in front of the ship. Her nose was still incredibly red from the impact from the ground, but she didn't seem to notice as she kept on a bright smile.

Dolches

 

[SilverFlight]

​

"We can't cure you." The words hit her like a slap in the face.
"W-what?! But you're the best magicians in the city! I assure you money is no object, I just don't have...that much with me right now."
The elderly mage behind the counter adjusted his half-moon spectacles and regarded her with regret. "I'm afraid it's not the money that poses a problem...this spell. It's been so badly bungled the magic has fused itself with your body...honestly I don't think I can even recognize the spell he used at this point, let alone how to disentangle it. I'm afraid trying might be far too great a risk. It might kill you...or at least leave you with horrible mutations."
Zephyra looked aghast, her mind quickly trying to work out which outcome was worse.

Her last shred of hope gone the young thief left the shop with drooping shoulders. She plonked herself down on the stoop and put her head in her hands. A stray gust of wind picked up and hurled a handful of street debris into her face. Zephyra's hands slapped onto her nose in an instant, but it was too late. With one big sneeze and a puff of purple smoke she vanished, and in her place was a very disgruntled-looking dog.
"Graaah! I can't take it anymore! If I don't get my reputation back I'll go crazy!" She lashed out at the garbage the wind had deposited at her feet, a flyer coiling up in the breeze and landing across her short, orange muzzle. She smacked it away in annoyance and it fell at her feet.
"Tantalus..."
Maybe it was her desperation, or maybe having her mind stuffed into the head of a dog one too many times had scrambled her reason...that adventure was suicide, but...on the off chance they actually succeeded...
Killing an arch dragon was a sure fire way to get her back up to the top! If she came back with that trophy she could be a dog forever for all it would matter, people would be lining up to employ her.
"Well, it's not like I have any other options..."
The bread merchant passing by did a double take as he heard a talking dog, smacking the side of his head once before shaking it and moving on.


The ship did not look anything like it had on the flyer. Zephyra, having changed back a moment or two ago regarded the mold and dirt with a sniff of disdain. The mooring ropes swung lazily in the breeze and Zephyra stepped onto one, walking on it as casually as if she were strolling down the high street. She vaulted over the side (she hadn't even thought to ask permission) and began to take herself for a tour about the vessel.

The rigging needed work. So did the deck...and the main sail had a hole in it.
"This thing looks like it was stuffed into a cave for two hundred years!" She said this loudly to alert its owner of her presence. Rounding the corner she caught sight of a young woman, reviewing the adventure license of an overly-forgettable man.
Zephyra checked the flyer again. "Hmm Gracille...the name sounds familiar...maybe I've robbed you. I haven't robbed you before have I? That would be awkward."
She folded the flyer and put it away in her bag, padding over to them as nonchalantly as a noble's cat.
"Right." She clapped her hands together once with enthusiasm. "Payment in advance, my cabin should have a port side view. I don't like fish so you can tell your galley cook not to bother serving it...When do we set sail?"
She caught sight of a few other people milling about the gangplank and gave them a cheeky salute, then. Realizing one of the figures had his face wrapped so tightly there was no possibility he could actually see, she called out: "Hallo there! Nice day for an adventure isn't it?"

Blu Dolches NightMoves @all the other players

 

[Elenion Aura]

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[div class=Photo]

The Mage​

People think me mad. I can scarcely blame them, either. Perhaps it's time for a bit of introspection, eh? What've we done to end up here? On this dock, penniless, and smelly? Tried to prevent the end of the world. Obviously.​

The End Is Near.​

Sometimes it's difficult to know the right thing to do. Which course is best to take, when they all lead inevitably to the same destination? I certainly don't know. If I did, surely, I'd be on a beach somewhere, looking out on a world whose future is no longer in jeopardy. But! Alas, my work is not yet done. So here I shall sit. Waiting. Watching. The benevolent universe has led me here for a reason. All that's left for me to do is find it out. Oh how th-- Oh, oh shit!

"You there! Oi, stop!"​

But I didn't stop. Those ruffians were out for blood. I could see it in their black, beady eyes. Well, they wouldn't be getting mine. With a wave of my hand, I engulfed the street in billowing clouds of smoke. I can hear them - the brutes - thrashing about like a couple of beasts. Apologies, guardsmen, but I won't be your prisoner today! Nay, today is the day I set myself on the path that destiny has laid out before me. Now... Hm... Left? Or right? Oh, universe, I beseech thee: tell me which way to go!

"There he is! After him!"​

Persistent, aren't they? Right we go! I slip away again, unscathed! But for how long? If only there was a more permanent escape... A-ha! An airship. I'll flee into the sky, that's what I'll do. But which one? Hm... Eeny, meeny, miny, moe... That one! Now, to ditch my pursuers for - I imagine - the last time. All I have to do... Is envision myself in a mirror. Ah! There I am. Dashing, as always. Now, mirror-me. You know what to do. Magespeed! Be you on your way. Here they come!

"This way. He went this way!"​

I slip behind a pile of crates as my pursuers burst onto the scene. They spy me, and I take off in a dead sprint in the opposite direction. Once they are well out of sight, I re-emerge, only to find that the pristine and sparkling air-ship I'd set my sights on has left me behind! Ah, ah... They'll discover my ruse soon enough. I have to find another one, any will do. Ah, how about that one? I think I hear a raised voice - nay, several raised voices - coming from a ways in the other direction. Yes, yes! That one will do marvelously.

With a puff of smoke to signal my arrival, I flourish my staff. Clearly, these people would see that I am a mage of considerable pomp and importance! Pay no mind to the dirt on my tunic. Nay, nay! Look at the staff.

"Greetings, fellow adventurers! Quintus Travexius, at your humble service." I make a little bow, and pay the content of this crew little attention. Is that a dragon's head? Never matter. "I am here to join your crew! My mage instincts tell me you are headed to the New World. How fortuitous. The Fates are calling me there, right this very minute! Lucky for you that I arrived. My only stipulation is that we shove off, very much immediately!" With that, I take long strides up the gangway. The sooner I get aboard, the better.

[/div]

 

[Blu]

[div class=ArteFlex] [div class=ArteImage] [div class=ArteTitle]Arte Blueoak[/div] [div class=ArteMentions] Character Sheet
Location:
Forsythia City Port

Mentions:
SilverFlight Elenion Aura Sizniche Dolches NightMoves Croaker [/div][/div] [div class=Arte]"Hmm, I gotta be honest," Minerva cups her chin as she finishes her examination of Arte's League License, "I totally called it when I said you were unremarkable. I mean look at this: you're a Rank 1 and most of your parameters are below average." Minerva summarizes as she tosses his license aside carelessly. Arte nearly toppled over as he rushed to caught his license in free fall. "Well I don't see anyone clamoring to join your Troupe. Matter of fact, if you didn't like what you saw, I'll just take my business elsewhere." Arte replied in annoyance. But Minerva was quick to stop him. "H-Hey now, no need to scamper off. I could still use a good monster fodder." She replies with a nervous laugh. "You didn't even try to think of a nice way to put it, did you?"

The pair's back and forth bickering is quickly interrupted by the arrival of a rather adorable mage with a bright red nose and beaming smile. She immediately asks about the Troupe to which Minerva's eyes lit up. A potential party member that looks like they may actually be useful? Minerva isn't going to let this one go. She briskly scuttles over and cups the mage's hands in her own. "You're at the right place! Welcome to the Tantalus Adventure Troupe, little girl. My name is Minerva Laan Gracille, daughter of-" Arte quickly interjects. "Don't start with that long friggin' introduction!"

"Oh just ignore him. More importantly, you're definitely joining my Troupe, right? Right...?" Minerva's face is uncomfortably close to the mage girl's as she peers into her eyes with an almost lusting stare. Then, a young woman in a cap walks up to Minerva and interrupts with a list of demands including something about payment in advance and a room with a port side view. Minerva lets go of the mage girl's hands and looks at the other girl. "Sorry. The only room with a window is the captain's room, obviously reserved for yours truly." She places a hand on her chest and smirks arrogantly. "As for the pay... Err, take it up with that guy there." She points to Arte. Obviously she's lying about the last part but grins through it nonetheless. [/div][/div] [class=ArteFlex] width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; justify-content: center; display: flex; align-items: stretch; flex-flow: row wrap; box-sizing: border-box; [/class] [class=ArteImage] position: relative; width: 300px; max-width: 100%; max-height: 300px; background-image:url('https://i.lensdump.com/i/8SIMPk.png'); background-size: 150%; background-position: 35% 5%; background-repeat: no-repeat; margin: 5px; [/class] [class=ArteTitle] position: absolute; bottom: 2.5px; width: 100%; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Great Vibes'; text-shadow: 0px 0px 8px black; text-decoration: underline; [/class] [class=ArteMentions] position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top:0; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Philosopher'; color: white; opacity: 0; background-color: rgb( 0,0,0,0.65); transition: opacity .5s; [/class] [class name=ArteMentions state=hover] opacity: 1; [/class] [class=Arte] position: relative; min-width: 200px; flex: 1; height: auto; padding: 0px 15px; margin: 5px; font-family: 'Philosopher'; [/class]
[div class=MinFlex] [div class=MinImage] [div class=MinTitle]Minerva Gracille[/div] [div class=MinMentions] Character Sheet
Location:
Forsythia City Port

Mentions:
Check Arte's Portrait Above

[/div][/div] [div class=Minerva]While Minerva is still pressuring the mage girl to join, another patron arrives, one with a flair for theatrics. He flourishes his staff dramatically but both Arte and Minerva are incidentally looking at his dirty robes. He then introduces himself at length and demands they go immediately. "Y'know, normal people just say 'hello', right?" Arte tells the flamboyant mage. "I don't get it. Why are so many people showing up? They see the ship, right?" Arte thinks to himself.

Minerva begins laughing heartily. "This is perfect! My crew of servants is building up tremendously! Arte, take a headcount!" Arte does his best to refrain from smacking Minerva upside her head and takes a long sigh. Like it or not, he's part of this Troupe now somehow. Better see what their working with. He points to each new member. "Okay, this seems good. We have two mages, a thief..." Arte gets to the last person and notices someone with their head wrapped. "And a mummy...? WHAT THE-" Arte steps back in surprise. "When the hell did you showed up???" The poor guy actually was here before everyone else but both Arte and Minerva managed to be oblivious of his presence until now.

"Hmm, feels like we're lacking something here. Like, some really big bulky bodies. I want some meat on my servants! Arte, do something about this!" Minerva orders. "What the hell do you want me to do about it? Err, Quintus, you take care of this." Arte passes on the responsibility. [/div][/div] [class=MinFlex] width: 100%; max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; justify-content: center; align-items: stretch; display: flex; flex-flow: row-reverse wrap; box-sizing: border-box; [/class] [class=MinImage] position: relative; width: 300px; max-width: 100%; max-height: 300px; background-image:url('https://i.lensdump.com/i/8Sgiec.png'); background-size: 150%; background-position: 50% 10%; background-repeat: no-repeat; margin: 5px; [/class] [class=MinTitle] position: absolute; bottom: 2.5px; width: 100%; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Great Vibes'; text-shadow: 0px 0px 8px black; text-decoration: underline; [/class] [class=MinMentions] position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top:0; padding: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Philosopher'; color: #c4c5ca; opacity: 0; background-color: rgba( 0,0,0,0.65); transition: opacity .5s; [/class] [class name=MinMentions state=hover] opacity: 1; [/class] [class=Minerva] position: relative; min-width: 200px; flex: 1; height: auto; padding: 0px 15px; margin: 5px; font-family: 'Philosopher'; [/class]

 

[SilverFlight]

Zephyra wasn't impressed. If there was a word that could describe how unimpressed as she was at that particular moment, she didn't know it.
She was left next to Arte as their 'captain' went on to investigate the rest of their motley gathering.
"This harpy couldn't captain her way our of a paper bag..." Zephyra mumbled, audible only to the disinterested young man beside her ( Blu ) . "I hope you like working for peanuts."
Zephyra Prospero did not get her reputation in the first place for being unobservant. She cottoned on to the fact that their patron's purse was likely in worse state than her ship.
She checked the flyer again, then looked up and called out loudly, knowing full well the others could hear: "So your parents cut you off until you come back with the head of this nasty beastie. Better get your contracts in writing lads and lasses! I know a set up when I see one. Hell, I've made a living off them."
Elenion Aura Sizniche Dolches NightMoves Croaker
The truth was, Zephyra wasn't going to refuse. Anything was better than going back to a life in the gutter, and if this was the only way to restore her reputation then so be it. She could tolerate a spoiled noble and whatever else for a few measly weeks.
She let out a defeated sigh, suddenly feeling sorry for herself. "Oh how far the mighty have fallen..."

Zephyra eyed the casters suspiciously. She had cultivated a dislike for mages ever since the potion incident, still, they were...interesting.
The most recent, a man named Quintus ( Elenion Aura ), seemed to be in a great hurry. Zephyra could take a good guess why. He was running from something. Of course the only reason she felt she could guess that, was that she had been in the exact same predicament countless times throughout her life. She recognized the tells.
She approached him, tipping her hat in greeting and offering her name. Part of her expected his eyes to pop as he recognized it, but for all the times that did not happen recently, she wasn't counting on it to happen now.
"So, what did you do? You're being chased right? Who by?"

 

[Croaker]

Dotera "The Iron Maiden" Opal​

The sky was alight with fire, set ablaze by the divine light of the Sun. The sparse mountainous clouds burned brilliantly in the heavens, like great smoldering smoke stacks, sourceless and without tether. Between each cloud, orange blades of light struck the city bellow, casting an auburn glow on all that rested upon the world, blessing these lands with the holy hand of Sodra. It was dawn, the very end of the night and the most hallowed time of day.
Rising early and greeted by the majesty of the morning star, Dotera Opal, Final Disciple of the Sun, found herself busy with ritual.
While most had still been fast asleep, Dotera had awakened just before the Sun began peeking over the horizon. With practiced efficiency, she departed her room and traveled to the nearest well, retrieving two pales full of water. When equipped with a pale in each hand, the Paladin then returned to her room at a local inn entitled “The Wayside Respite”.
Now back in her room, The Iron Maiden got to work blessing both pales of water with a simple prayer, granting them the holy touch of the Sun. The Paladin then eased her window curtain open, so as to allow a pool of the Sun’s orange light to take its place on the worn wooden floors of her room.
Parting the dusty drapes, Dotera felt the wind suddenly escape her lungs, leaving her breathless as she starred at the celestial grace of the morning’s Sunrise. No matter how many she witnessed, their majesty never failed to fill Dotera with such pride and excitement.
Several minutes went by as Dotera starred out into the winding city from her third story room, her golden eyes filling with tears, blurring her vision. A single drop eventually escaped the edges of her eye, riding the outside of a scar down her cheek. Yet, before the tear could make its way off of Dotera’s cheek, the rays of sunlight seemed to intensify for but a moment, drying the young woman's face. Dotera allowed herself a soft chuckle as she felt the rays on her cheek, reminiscent of a hand giving comfort and reassurance.
It wasn’t until Dotera wiped the tears from her eyes that she finally managed to pull herself away and continue with her morning ritual.
Drawing a pale towards the pool of Sunlight, Dotera disrobed and sat cross-legged in the light. The Paladin then began dipping a sponge in the pale of holy water, before scrubbing herself, thoroughly purging her flesh of all its earthly grime.
After Dotera was finished bathing and giving simple prayer, she laid herself out in the Sun, allowing the warm morning rays to dry her off.
Now completely dry and once again dressed, Dotera pulled her armor from one corner of the room, and laid it out in the pool of light. Using the other pale of holy water, Dotera began cleaning the armor and blessing each of its individual plates and ornaments. This took a considerable amount of time, and by the time the Iron Maiden had finished, the Sun had escaped the bondage of the horizon.
Being fully satisfied with the blessing of the Dawn Father’s mantle, Dotera sat cross-legged once again in her pool of Sunlight – now a considerably larger part of the room – and began to meditate about yesterdays events.

It hadn’t been the first time Dotera had been excommunicated from an adventuring troupe, and it probably wouldn’t be the last either, but for some reason she couldn’t help but feel terrible about the way she departed. Something about the words the old man running the group had used cut deep and stayed on Dotera’s mind. Even into the morning of this new day, Dotera couldn’t help but replay the scene in her head.

“No religion I ever encountered made any sense.” The old man’s hard-set eyes spoke volumes of the cynicism that laid deep in each of his bones. There was no passion for Dotera in those eyes, only disdain. ”None are consistent. Most gods are megalomaniacs and paranoid psychotics by their worshippers' description. I don't see how you could survive your own insanity. But it's not impossible that human beings are incapable of interpreting a power so much greater than themselves. Maybe religions are twisted and perverted shadows of truth. Maybe there are forces which shape the world. I myself have never understood why, in a universe so vast, a god would care about something so trivial as worship or human destiny.”

It was only an excerpt of his speech, but it was the part that stuck with Dotera the most. There was reason in those words, Dotera could tell that every ounce of that man’s cynicism came from historical precedent, but she still couldn’t help but disagree. If only he had taken the time to read the books she had given him, surely then he would have understood. Surly he was just misinformed... but then, why did those words stick with Dotera so damn hard?
“Dawn Father, King of the Briar, I am lost. Your light guides me down the road I have chosen, but as I travel its length it becomes more and more unfamiliar. I see no respite from my burden in sight, nor a single lost sheep willing to be shepherded by your good word. I have done as you asked, purging those too blasphemous to be saved in your name, and yet I have made no progress. What am I to do, what is to be of me now?” Dotera’s eye were closed as she spoke to the Sun, and almost immediately in response to her prayer, a strong gust of wind threw the Paladin’s window open, a single sheet of paper riding the gale. Without opening her eyes, Dotera’s hand shot upward, catching the flyer.
The paladin paused, and opened her eyes.
Dotera read the flyer. “Ta-Tantalus?” Another adventuring troupe, it seemed. The pale whisper of a doubt took surface in Dotera’s mind, but was almost immediately dismissed. The Dawn Father had spoken.
Donning her mantle, the Iron Maiden departed from “The Wayside Respite” and stepped into the morning Sun. The rays that struck the holy mantle were reflected off its pristine surface, giving Dotera a celestial glow that was almost too bright to gaze upon. Of course, that didn’t stop each passerby from starring as the Paladin slowly strode down the streets towards the docks.

Voices and a small magical display from a mage fill the air around the derelict ship the flyer had led Dotera to. The Paladin sensed an aura of eagerness and excitement around the vessel, as well as an interesting cast of characters, most of whom – save a heretical priest – looked to be in general high spirits. What good fortune! These lost sheep were the perfect group; surely they would be more accepting of Dotera’s guidance. Even the ones who were clearly Spellbeggers seemed to be friendly enough.
Dotera’s heart fluttered, as she whispered to herself. “Thank you, Dawn Father.”

Dotera made no effort – save for being near the ship – to make her presence known to the others. Instead, she watched in fascination as the other figures began to accumulate around the ship and engage in conversation.

 

[NightMoves]

"Wow!" Clu exclaimed happily as a mage just appeared on the ship. He seemed to be in a hurry...she wondered why that was.

It seemed like the ship had become very busy in the last few moments. Would all these people be part of her team?! That was very exciting to think about. Since she had been disowned from her family everyone treated her quite terribly so she hadn't really been able to have nice conversations with people. Perhaps this time it would be different!

In fact, it was different. Suddenly, the captain was now extremely close to her face. Clu's nervous mode activated as she wasn't really sure what to do in these sort of situations. "Y-yeah!" Was all she could stutter out in this situation. It was so weird for someone to ask her to join. Did the captain not know the chaos that her magic caused? She thought she was a running joke, but this was amazing! She would actually be able to get into a troupe. Yes, it was definitely wrong to hide her major flaw but...what else was she gonna do? Hopefully they wouldn't turn away just from her luck alone. It was known as a useless attribute, so perhaps she would get through scot-free.

As the redhead moved away from her face, Clu let out a hefty sigh. That was a rather nerve wracking situation.

Clu went up and gave her best 1/10 strength punch to the very rude young man aboard the ship ( SilverFlight ). "Hey! Don't be mean! Not everyone has nice parents!" She nagged with a huff. There was no way Minerva could prevent going on this adventure. Clu knew all too well about this situation. Despite hating her parents, she would do everything she could to gain their approval. Minerva was probably the same, but hopefully hers were a little nicer about it. At least they'll allow her to come back if she gets this dragon head...

"Servants? Hmm...that's not a very nice thing to call us." Clu said with a small frown on her face, which then turned into a smile with her next words. "I'd like to think of us more as teammates and potential friends!"

She ruffled through the small brown bag on her side until she pulled out her adventurer's licence and attempted to hand it to Minerva. "I'm Clunaira la Pérouse, but everyone can just call me Clu! Do you need this?"

Blu

 

[Elenion Aura]

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The Mage​

I Don't Have Time For This.​

"My good lad, I would love to. Truly, I would. It's just..." I feel myself trailing off. Don't look at me with that plain look on your face, child! ( Blu ) Look away! Away from me, gah! What in the... "You there," I point an accusatory finger at the burly-looking fellow in heavy armor ( Croaker ), "Surely, you will help this young man find more imposing companions." I give the boy a hearty shove toward the iron-clad paladin, hoping-beyond-hope that that will be the last of my interruptions. But, alas, life is never so easy.

"Zephyra ( SilverFlight ), hm? A good name." I say, without making any effort to sound sincere. Truly, do I look like a man interested in small-talk? Of all the... What did I do? And what's with that accusatory tone I'm sensing? Well, this lass just earned herself an enemy, surely! The gall. "How should I know? These ruffians will accost anyone on the road, these days..." It is true, believe me. There's no justice in the world any longer. A portent of the end-times, if ever there was one. Casting a wayward glance around the dock, I begin to wonder if this was truly the best course. These folk did not seem well-prepared enough for a sojourn into the New World. Perhaps tis best I slip away unnoticed and unseen... But first, let us have a look at what's below deck. I may find some useful provisions for the long road ahead...

"Now, if you'll excuse me," I start toward the doorway leading to what I believe is the entrance to the cabin, "I'm feeling a bit peckish. Think I'll go... Lie down!" Hurry, Quintus. But not too fast, that's good.

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