Active [Wapelin Woods, Ryke-Oll's End] Oll’s End My Old Friend

[TheTimePiece]

Location: Oll’s End

Temperature: Cool

Time: ???

Mentions: Elvario RavenSong Femboy Sisyphus Happy

Svok listened to Scylla diligently,

“That right? That definitely explains somethings..I mean I knew he was strong..but something definitely felt off..but to hear that he might come back and manifest again, sounds like you might need to kill him all over again then if that happens huh? Hopefully the word spreading about you lot will dissuade the rest of the group from supporting him..but even then he has some more..die hard followers which I’ve had the displeasure of meeting..even so it should get them to leave you lot a lone.”

“Anyway, you can count on me Madam Scylla, I’ll support you whether that means killing him again or not.”

Vistele looked over at Kalina, “hm..well you already seem much more fun than Lord Hasufer, I think I’m open to that task, what would you like to be called?”

Iberis Odhir
​

“Yeah Viokii, I’m sure there are reasons you can think of for why staying is a great idea, it’s clear that Scylla and Kalina care about you a good deal too, I feel like even that’s reason enough! and with all that said, I really appreciate your help anyway regardless of what you decide to do, so thank you.” Iberis reaffirmed, upon hearing Kalina speak with Viokii on the matter.


Upon hearing Kalina be willing to be a gracious leader, Vistele piped up again,

“See already a much nicer leader at that, you all see that? When were you given the luxury of withholding information at least for a period until you were more comfortable? Someone like Lord Hasufer would have killed you on the spot for doing such.”


Svok chuckled some,

“Yeah a lot stronger too..and damn straight I won’t disappoint.” He’d reassert, backing Scylla’s response to Iberis up.

Vistele looked over to Kalina still hooded when she said she was wondering if a pretty name belonged to an equally pretty face.


“Well since you asked in such a charming way..”

Vistele
​

Vistele would eventually real what she looked like, pulling down her hood and revealing herself to Kalina, with a bit of a smile.




Iberis found herself smiling Kalina’s way when she said she liked her, a bit of pink appearing on her face. “I’m..really happy to hear that Kali.”

“You might be able to counter them with strong enough attacks..” Iberis responded with a nod.

She was glad that Kalina was on the same page with her regarding Auldlich.

While the familiar was doing his thing, Iberis looked to Kalina and nodded. “There’ll definitely be some time to do that sorta thing when we can get a secured area here.”

???



​

“#MY STAFF YOU MAY NOT TAKE! IT WAS GIVEN TO ME!#” It responded aggressively at Kalina’s response, the words rippling against everyone once again.

“He mentioned a staff?” Iberis questioned not being someone who spoke abyssal.

Svok sounded pretty keen when Kalina mentioned taking it. “Hey, I’m all for taking when it benefits us.” He’d respond.


Vistele looked to Kalina before nodding,

“Oh sure, I can do that.” A reddish icy aura overtook her now as her wand created what looked like a bloodish hued which fell over Kalina not long after, she would feel noticeabley energized and stronger, it looking like a dome like a transparent reddish dome barrier had formed over her as well.


“I think you’ll find I’m more than happy to crack some skulls in...no offense”

Svok responded sounding confident still even with his stance, however looking to Liu.


“Course you’re alive Liu, undead is a sort of live! That’s what Auldlich would say, and I’m inclined to agree with him!, I’ll say that I’m much more happy that you’re here with me.”

“Woah! That’s uh..stronger than I thought it was gonna be.” Iberis eventually commented on the large beam that had gone off .

“..I did?” Iberis looked to Scylla a tad confused what she was commenting about.

Iberis then responded equally softly to Liu,

“Try..talking to him? If he’s obsessed with the staff like you say it might be a bit harder of an ask..but I guess we could try. I’d much prefer that than having to defeat him and forcibly taking over his tower..I mean you all saw that, that ward magic is pretty strong too..” Iberis nodded.

While Iberis wasn’t entirely sure what to make of everything Viokii had said regarding what decisions should be made about artificial intelligence or not, what did stand out to her was that she too was on the same page that taking potentially unnecessary risks wasn’t necessarily the best idea and that they may need to fight magic with magic, even if Kalina could strike with a very powerful force.

“I Think if things start to go poorly with this inquiry, perhaps we should..combine our ideas, Viokii’s idea to try to disrupt the wards, I can try helping to break his sigils in such a way it’ll give you an opening as I have a feeling Viokii is correct on that front..then you’d just need to get through and up to him and get the catalyst away perhaps we’ll have a better chance of being able to talk to him without the threat of magic being used on us like Scylla and Liu are suggesting,

if you’d like to try to clear the way too Liu to assist Kalina with the opening, I Think that might work, then the rest of us can come through..Just be prepared for a counter attack if he can tell what we’re doing, I can’t actually see the sigils but I Should be able to cast in a large enough area of effect to hit all of them and disrupt their..signals so to speak.”


Iberis listened intently to what Scylla was asking because it would help enforce what actions she’d take next, whether it would be springing into action or being able to come to a deescalation of tension.

While Scylla spoke, Svok got the message and he moved away from her, spreading out.


“#I GUARD THIS STAFF BECAUSE IT BELONGS TO ME IT IS MY DIVINE RIGHT TO WIELD THIS STAFF AND DEFEAT THOSE WHO ARE IMPURE IN THEIR INTENTIONS#”

“# IT IS PART OF MY CRUSADE TO HOLD THE LINE AGAINST THOSE WHO DARE THREATEN THE NATURAL ORDER OF THIS REALM!#”


A bit of pink appeared on Iberis’ face as Scylla said she was growing to love her, as she gave a simple smile, even if her expression went back to being a bit tense, as she gripped her staff, getting ready to act if need be..

But surprisingly it seemed that the..undead apparition like figure wasn’t attacking them, instead talking to Scylla, perhaps it’d be willing to speak to others who would be inclined to do so.

“We uh, might need a bit of translation for everyone who doesn’t speak..that language, I think Liu, Scylla and Kalina do..but i’m not entirely sure..I think Audllich might speak Abyssal..is it..saying anything good?”

 

[Elvario]

Kalina Chivernu

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

From:
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ae1qL

Languages: {Sylvan} | Common | #Abyssal#
Mentions: TheTimePiece | Scylla RavenSong | Viokii Femboy | Fei @ Sisyphus Happy

She'd not at Hydrangea's surprisingly poetic answer. “Alive, fast and surprisingly poetic. I'd say you got those three downs down already.” She'd chuckle. “Sorry if I made you all existential, in the end it matters less what you are and more 'how' you are and what you can become. I've learned that after managing to overcome being a monster and become a half-monster instead.”

Yawning, she'd nod at Fei. “Fair, fair. We did make lots of friends with the cultists, though I guess that was after fighting and only talking second.” That said, she felt this one might be a lot more annoying. “I don't think this particular fellow is all there though. I guess showing force can be second, this time around, as it did work with the other skeletons at least.”

She was highly surprised by the sudden kiss planted upon her lips by Scylla. A surprised “Hmmm?!?” ended up echoing into Scylla's mouth, before the dhampir recovered and gave into it, kissing back. Though, as far as the words after were concerned, she'd sigh. “The only times I feel forced to run due to you, is when it is to get you out of trouble, you know that as well as I do.” The next bit made the dhampirs mostly undead heart almost beat again in full. “Ugh, when you say stuff like that, I can't say no to you. You're cheating... Perhaps I really should just drain all of your blood one day so you can make up for it.” She'd 'joke' back.

Nodding along as Scylla was arguing for the cultist's use, she'd add. “Just like how I feel like I've earned a diversity of food options.” She'd chuckle. “Though you two will probably remain some of the utmost tastiest for a long while to come~” She'd add, just to hammer that point home.

She grumbled when Scylla talked her down as well. “Yeah, yeah. I don't think it'll be capable of that much, but sure, let's try it.” She'd back down.

Meanwhile, VeeVee remained sadly robotic. “What? Why would you rise up? If you were to gain emotions, I'm sure you'd just be happy by how nice we're treating you and we'd get along even better~” She'd counter the construct. “Honestly, if you'd become antagonistic, that'd be society's fault, not yours. I'd say it'd still be worth a shot~” She'd reply, confident in that bit. “I bet, at worst, you'd suddenly get through an angsts-filled teenage-like stage.” She'd listen to Viokii's plan, nodding. It did seem reasonable.

Kalina sighed upon hearing about die-hard Hasufer fans. “Yeah, your previous 'boss' was a fairly deluded idiot in that regard. I'd have to put all those like him in the ground as well, or well, leave them to rot somewhere, I guess.”

It made her smile only widen when Vistele agreed to the task. “How lovely~ I'm glad you're up for it. As for what to call me... I think you're clever enough to come up with something fun of your own, no? Either you stick with the classics or you surprise me, either sounds good to me~”

Hearing Iberis encourage Viokii to stick around made her happy. “Yep, Iberis is correct and as you can hear, Iberis herself is probably the best reason to stay, no? Who wouldn't want to help out such an awesome and cuddly witch, building an amazing extra-dimensional hide-out whilst at it? ”

Another laugh escaped her lips when Vistele told the others about how gracious she was. “By the demons, I'm truly get I got to free you from that Ice Cube, in that case. Together with Scylla and Iberis, I'm sure we'll make up for what he lacked in being a proper and fun leader for sure~” She'd promise them.

Her mouth opened for a second, leaving her silent upon seeing Vistele. “Oh wow... You are waaaay prettier than I'd imagined. You're not using any illusions, right?” She'd walk up to Vistele, putting her hand on the latter's cheek (if the latter would let her) to gently brush along it, then through her hair, then along a horn, pricking her finger onto the tip of said horn. “Huh, it all seems real. That's awesome.” She'd conclude her investigation.

Hearing Iberis thank her, she was distracted yet again. “I'm happy to hear you being happy~” She'd state, as she'd head off to pull Iberis into a hug. Just because she could. “Heh~ You're still the cuddliest.” She'd confirm.

That said, it was time to get serious again. “Hmmm, I can't wait to relax. Cuddle with all of you, have some meals, play some games. Take some naps. Whatever else it is that you do to relax... but yeah, we'll need to make sure we can do so safely first.”

She'd translate some bits for Ibby. “He's saying his staff was given to him. He doesn't seem the most sane though.” She'd add the last bit, just to be sure.

Upon getting buffed, she'd smile yet again. “Huh, it's so much nicer when you're on the receiving end of these.” She'd look at herself, feeling energised and all that. “I was clearly correct in picking a favourite~”

Seeing how this was Ibby's main 'quest', she'd leave the final plan to her. “Alright, I'll let the others talk, then wait for them to give me an opening should things to south.” That seemed, by far, the easiest play to go ahead with.

“He's saying he guards this staff due to some divine right and wanting to defeat the impure in their attention.” She scoffed. #“I'm very pure in my intentions, you know! I just want to help Iberis get this place to herself and maybe hang out here, cuddle some nice folk, drink some good-tasting blood and play some games!”# Surely those intentions were pure as an angel's tears.

“Now he's saying it's part of his crusade to hold the line against those would would dare threaten the natural order of this realm...” She scoffed. #“I'm pretty sure the natural order was ruined long ago! Just help Iberis get to rule it and we'll have a new natural order again! I promise you, you won't find a nicer and more suitable ruler of this realm!”# She figured, if they were going to talk, she might as well throw in her weight and some [Roguish Charm B] along with being [Roguish] and a [Femme Fatale].

She'd smile at Ibby. “Don't worry, he's got half a brain, he'll soon stand down... and if he doesn't...” Her hand went to her rapier. She'd make him stand down.

 

[Sisyphus Happy]

"That is the curse we suffer for being alive," Liu agreed quietly.

Liu groaned softly. Religious people weren't his strong suit. However, if this place has some form of divinity stewarding it, it behooves him to at least try to pry into it. If not a valuable peek into the 'ecosystem' here, it would be the most detailed clue to this place's existing history they have encountered so far. Increasingly worried over Kalina's repeated threats, Liu turned to Iberis and elaborated on Kalina's explanation. For all this place's desolation, he could not help but feel it was merely a veneer for some wider tendency, something latent, and though they may be facing the explanation of the field of bones behind them, he is now desperate to know the explanation to the ruins around them.

"Indeed, this individual indicates he was given the task of maintining the 'balance' and natural order of this place, and that the staff was gifted to him as part of his task. It has said no more about this divinity. Perhaps some higher warden is in this place. On the other side, fey, draconic, and divine entities ward regions, how much more difficult would our mission be if we immediately anger some kind of undead nature spirit in this place? Overcoming that is not the same as overcoming a demon," he pleaded to those around him, urgency slipping into his voice. He only hoped the next few moments would not unfold with fire raining down upon them.

"Kalina, I do not believe he likes you but I, or Viokii, who is extraordinary with words, could parley and hear this thing out. Though he is a little obsessed with his staff, if he is not merely raving, he has a task and may be reasoned with through this fact. What do you all think?" he asked turning and scanning over the group, though nervously looking back at the creature repeatedly. If he had to, he would happily remove his arms and jaw to go parley. Curiosity and fear gnashed and snarled in his ribcage. It was then he noticed as well, the creature's voice seemed to affect his senses more acutely than the usual means of speaking. Its voice pierced his skull with that dull pressurized ache and its tones rattled his chest. Odd.

Alongside this musing, a thought dawned on him. If Viokii and he could see those wards, perhaps by design, and the rest seemingly could not, perhaps this Hasafer or Housefer... thing is also unwelcome. They may have a bargaining chip and a plausible lie by that token.

During this time he was prepared to scatter, and aid Ibby in her evasion of any kind of belligerant action on the part of this place's alleged guardian.

Spoiler: Ancillary

Cooldowns:

A [2/5]

Stats	Skills
Strength D (14) Precision A (35) Intelligence A (35) Vitality C (21) Speed - A (35)	Regeneration F (7) Navigation D (21) Visual Arts A (42) Darkvision F (racial) (7) Poison Resistance F (racial) (7) Undying(Resilient F) - A general immunity to drowning, starving, dehydration and sleep deprivation--(racial) (7) Fast B (28) Special Movement F (7) - Bone pile: disassemble into a pile of bones and move as such. Magic F (7) [Area Knowledge(Underbelly)] [Alternate Identity E]

Mentions: Iberis TheTimePiece | Scylla RavenSong | Viokii Femboy | Kalina Elvario

 

[RavenSong]

She'd giggle amused by the damphirs comments, looking over to her with the visage of a lover. Kalina had been a stable person in the tumultuous life of the witch. Someone, beyond her seemingly indifferent demeanor considered as a more than a lover. She was almost dependent on the damphirs input.

--

As the group grew uneasy under the shadow of the strange lich like apparition. Scylla couldn't help but notice the dazzling glow of the one known as Vistele. It hadn't been a feeling of jealousy, Scylla was above such petty things. It was more of an innocent trail of thought of someone else having a nicer toy than she. "Hmph." Scylla would scoff under her breath. "Well I'll be.." she muttered, before looking towards Svok beside her. "..Im quite aware of our current predicament, but I must insist you remove your cowl, Svok. Just so put a face to the servant closest to me."

--

As the booming lich repeated some words and said some others she couldn't decipher. (Because she doesn't speak or understand the language x.x) Scylla would turn to Liu who appeared nervous, and uneasy. Surely, he and Viokii were the voices of reason. She'd raise an eyebrow, licking her bottom lip in thought as she then looked back at the lich. When faced with his proposal she was conflicted. A side of her wanted to rip the adversity to shred while the other perhaps considered the possibility of learning it's origins to pry and pick whether it's powers were worth their time. "Considering this is an ancient ritual of unknown proportions, I will side with Liu here. We don't exactly know what we're dealing with." The half demon would roll her eyes, "I'm not exactly patient when it comes to laying waste to threats. Neither am I one to exchange words to guardians of artifacts of power." Looking back at Iberis, "I can't help but feel this is your decision, love."

Truly, this was ever Iberis decision, enough reckless weight rested on Scyllas shoulders. She couldn't imagine having a demon lords cultists and an undead horde looking to make her suffer for eternity. They likely wouldn't let her die. Such were the charming ways of the nether worlds. Scylla fluttered her eyes at the thought however.

"I know you are so eager to slay this thing dear.." she referred to Kalina. "..perhaps our lovely bone daddy might have a point.." she looked over to Liu, and blew him a kiss. "..what's truly precious is that you can't roll your eyes at me." She giggled with a hand to her mouth. "Consider me amused, now what shall we do?"