Sho Minazuki

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Rorenville - Abandoned Lumbermill

@rawkhawk64

The trek up to the lumbermill took them through the trees out the back of the village, a dirt path that was barely visible, unsurprising as it hadn't been in use for some time reportedly. How close they were to their destination was marked by the appearance of stumps and logs becoming more and more frequent, but it would be barely a few more moments until they would see the mill itself dead up ahead on the straight path. Afira and Rikshath were silent most of the way, only with occasional directives from the fair knightess as they made their way.

The lumbermill itself looked like people had simply stopped working here, and was left like this for many years. The small pile of tree logs, some equipment rusted and left into disrepair, tools broken or unusable. The grass had grown tall over some of the areas where work was done as nature slowly reclaimed it all. There was but one thing however that did see any use, and that was the stack of firewood, though that should not be of note, as it seems villagers until recently had come here to claim some of it, or use some of the things here to cut wood for the winters.

"I believe the site was reported to be inside...", she remarked. Lady Afira seemed to with heavy heart approach the lumbermill's front doors. Large, wooden doors, similar to a barn. From the size of the mill itself it seemed there was once pride in it's creation. Though, such thoughts were of no import now, as the two bore witness to the results of these 'grotesque murders' with their own eyes.

The first thing they would notice is the smell. Opening the doors seemed to have let it all free as the rotting musk assaulted their senses. Soon as they are able to compose themselves, they would look forward, the trail of viscera getting thicker as it led their eyes to the corpse, writhing with maggots and swarmed by flies at this point. It seems for fear and disgust of the murderer and the victim's fate, they did not try to clear it away at all. There was certainly a body of some kind recognizable, and a man's from the strands of hair that were visible as but bloodied tufts from the blooded and crushed face. The torso was ripped open, exposed ribs, but curiously no organs were visible, like his entire insides had disappeared. The victim's limbs while heavily bruised, missing bits and chunks though, were the most untouched. The clothes were much the same to reflect this, with only the inner areas being completely shredded or gone, but any clothing covering the limbs were only somewhat ripped. Truly, it was a horrible, yet becoming curious as one were to not avert their eyes.

Covering her nose, Lady Afira pressed forward, resolute in her duty, finding it in herself to despite being a high born woman, dared approach such an undignified site. "We... We must attempt to identify how the... This poor man had died", she was breathing unevenly trying not to take another breath of the rot, but she knelt down, and began to inspect the body...

---

Rorenville - The Rills House

@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

When the two inquired about the family to the elder they were informed that it was the Rills who were affected, and prior to their departure for their little abode they were told it was the father who had died. Eidan Rills was his whole name. As an aside they were also told where to find his house where they can talk to the daughter Relia afterwards.

As the two approached the house, a young man was outside, most likely the victim's son, who was chopping some wood. Albeit with some struggle. It seems the axe he was using was somewhat chipped, and old from the wear on the steel. The young man, brown hair, Hylian, with green eyes saw the curious pair... A Hylander, and a Goron together. They were a Zora short of a popular Faron joke. "Ma! It's those knight folks! They've come to ask 'bout pa!", the forced energy of the young man's call for his mother to come greet them was wasted as she slowly opened the door to their small cottage. Her face was gaunt, and eyes red...

"H-how... Y-you've come to... We didn't expect a-anyone would come, this village's small see and not even our lord would give us scraps... I had given up finding justice for my dear Eidan!", the woman was distraught yet from her tone their presence had given her some small measure of hope.

"I-I'll tells you whatever I can, just... Please, after the horrible news of the other villagers disappearing too... T-this was the first time a-anyone's... Been found... A-and they... He...", she howled, her tears overflowed. As the two waited for her to calm down so they could ask questions, they can infer that others in the village had died too likely at the hands of this same murderer, yet their bodies were never found. Only Eidan's was, recently too... Their timing here was lucky as having a body would help them greatly.

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Al-Marabar, Sand King Arena - Throne Platform

@Letter Bee@Rezod92@Renose

"Hooh, hear that? She wants to take down the 'enemy', so to speak", he laughed for a short while, the Sand King seemed to be a fairly jovial fellow, but after calming down he gave some cutting words. "To a beast who sees all as possible enemies, it would take the world to be burned down to satisfy them... Young lady, my lieutenant here seems aware of your state. Please, allow him to see to your needs", his words were cutting. Kazue was still young to the ways of the world, despite her experiences, but it seemed at this moment what the Sand King needed were people who had the right mindset. If she did not accept, she would likely be detained, and if she did, Rajeev would take her to see someone by the sounds of him. Rajeev though, gave Kazue a knowing wink, she seemed to want to be part of all this, so it was a sign to just go along with it for now.

Regardless of whether or not she would accept right now, he did intend to keep her around for what came next, and it was to talk about what happened earlier today.

"Right, so it appeared that during the attack by the Aldugan Spines, some mysterious interlopers had made off with the Geo Gnosis", indeed, one of exceedingly powerful Electro capabilities kept Axom occupied, while the other, an Anemo user had stolen the Gnosis itself, then running off together using their abilities to traverse the sandy dunes. "The Gnosis was left behind by my predecessor, and brother. It was he who built the technology that powers this very city. Ordinarily such a humongous craft would use a whole fleet's worth of energy in mere minutes, but knowing the power source that the Gnosis could be, he built this city", some of this was known to residents here, but it wasn't common knowledge what actually kept the city running. No one who came by here were people for details afterall.

"It seems the recent attack was specifically to target the Gnosis. I know not their motive, and whether or not their motive is good doesn't matter to me either way. This city needs that Gnosis to survive, as it is what allows us to generate essential resources. We will last maybe... A week, before people would have to start deserting this city, or requiring it to root itself right here", he rubbed his chin a little, pausing for a bit. He looked to the direction that the thieves had gone off to.

"I believe they made for a ruins east of here. It's close by, and there is an oasis, it is quite likely that without proper craft, they cannot cross the sands safely. Especially where we are now. The Aldugan Spines get their namesake from giant monsters that roam the sands around here. Hmph. Talk about bad luck, I suppose...", he turned to the group and the crew assembled before him.

"You all will take some of our sandcraft and hunt the thieves down. I will give a reward for a successful mission naturally. If there are any questions, I have but a few moments to answer, before I too must see to my own duties", he commanded.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Chapter 1

Reflections of Darkness

---

Rorenville

In the northwestern reaches of the central Hyrule region, past the minor clusters of villages and camps, and beyond a small forest lay a humble village known as Rorenville. It was far out of the way, and was a lumbering village that saw much use during the reign of the earliest kings of Hyrule. Everywhere one looked around this settlement, one would see the shadows of prosperity long past, be that it the abandoned lumbermill, the many barely used log storage facilities, or that their stables were completely empty with no sign of usage beyond the odd traveler's horse. The peoples here fared no better to reflect the somber state of this village, no one dared step outdoors without a compelling reason, and others who chose not to fear the air of death that had recently taken hold of this place they called home, would be looking over their shoulders every so often. There were no soldiers, no militia, as if this place was abandoned to its fate, and by the way the lord that owned this small fief had acted, that seemed to have been the case. It was a village that brought very little value, and so its people were often forgotten. Perhaps some of the newcomers present, did not know of this place.

"A Hylian Knight...? Truly, are we not forsaken? Though there are fewer than I had expected...", an old man had come out to meet the group of barely a hand's count. Consisting of a Goron, Sheikah, and Hylander, led by the young lady knight standing in front.

"My apologies. My name is Lady Afira, and I am sure this is a group you were not expecting, but know this... This party is bound to an oath to protect Hyrule and its peoples as much as the Hylian Knights are, for they are the Valorbrands, led by myself", she assured the man that they would demonstrate the due diligence, yet still the sentiment was fairly meaningless in the old man's eyes. He did not see trained soldiers, but a small picking of mercenaries, led by a single Hylian Knight, and a young lady at that, who appeared to not have seen more than a handful of skirmishes. Whatever name they went under, it was meaningless to him in the face of reality.

"Very well... I suppose it is better than having to... Abandon this place. It is a sad village compared to some others, but for many here it is home, and abandoning it would only be done in a dire circumstance... I am the village elder, Relan", he gave a defeated sigh, knowing this may just be the best he has.

"I... I see. We have gotten reports of recent murders here, might you tell us more about what you know?", the young lady knight inquired.

"Mmm... Recent you say...? No they've been happening on and off for some time now, almost regularly each month. Our lord then deigned not to share this news with the Knights for months then it seems... We had sent word to him, in hopes of getting help, but it seems only our direct message to the Knights really did reach them", and even then, not even the Knights sent a proper party here. The old man shook his head, then turned around to the village. There were some villagers standing outside their homes to observe the happenings, while others might peek from their windows. There were the odd few who were still going about business, such as the ones cutting wood to sell in another town.

"The most recent occurrence happened near the old lumbermill... The poor sod, barely recognizable when we found him... His name was Eidan, and his family is... In the house over there", he pointed at a small house, no one outside, but there was smoke in their chimney... Just over in the corner of the village.

"The one who found his body is a young lady who lives in the house right next to mine... She is my daughter, Relia, and this event has been quite harrowing for her. Though we have had deaths before this one, none were so abhorrent as this. At least the other bodies were not desecrated so...", there was a sadness in his voice, and for very understandable reasons.

"Thank you for sharing, it must not have been easy to share, elder Relan", she gave him a solemn bow, before turning back to business. "Do we have the freedom to question and investigate the village?", she inquired.

"Of course... We want to be rid of whatever this nightmare may be, please... As backwater as this village is, it is still home for us", with his blessing, the group was now left to their own devices. Afira turned to the group,

"I will go and investigate the lumbermill. Might I request one of you to accompany me? The others, I ask that you learn what you can from the daughter and the family?"

---

@rawkhawk64@ChozoHunter@Jerkchicken

Objectives

>Investigate the Lumbermill
>Question Eidan's family
>Question Relia, the witness

---

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

@ChozoHunter All checks out, can put it in characters. Just remember to put it in a hider.

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Al-Marabar, Sand King Arena

@Renose@Letter Bee@Rezod92

"Hoooh~! Interesting! A Cryptid, your kind is rare, and each unique! Without knowing our problems, you would offer us assistance? How fortunate of us", the smile of the Sand King begot his delight. Though, his expression would change as he seemed to take a moment to reflect on but one of the things he mentioned, a 'great change', he would mutter to himself. He did not let that moment last long though, "very well, your assistance will be welcome".

His address then turned to the young gunslinger, who also offered assistance, albeit for less mystical reasons, and more personal. Yes indeed, the slavery of peoples from other nations being brought here by slavers was an issue, and those from Walton and Averton are the most numerous. The Sand King nodded his head to the side in thought, "very well, you! Bring him his things, with luck the quartermaster hasn't decided to sell them off just yet", he said. The crewman standing off to the side did a bow, before walking off. "You will have them before long, but it seems you have some bone to pick with the Spines".

The Oni Takemura would shortly step forward, he took a hand to his chest and beat it, "of course! I will join the Radiant Suns! I had been searching for a place to be, ever since my homeland had ousted me, and I was sadly taken captive", Axom clapped, "excellent! An Oni would be a boon to this crew. I will see to it you get introduced after this audience", and with that... They had to address the elf in the room. The one tied up and staring a hole into the Sand King.

"Hmmmm...", he crossed his arms, and stared into her eyes, not breaking eye contact. She said nothing, of course, and this seeming staring contest seemed to last for an uncomfortable amount of time. The crewmen were... Understandably glancing at each other in confusion. This continued for... Yet a little while longer, before the silence was finally broken.

"Such pure eyes and yet it trusts no one... And you are no ordinary elf either", he was at an impasse, on what to do with her... He cannot very well just let her go free, afterall she seemed to be predisposed to deadly force, but it did not seem to be out of pure malice or hedonism, but rather rampaging and fear...

"Rajeev, what do you make of her?" The Shaitan known as Rajeev would also cross his arms in thought, nodding his head before scratching his chin, looking at the tied up elf girl.

"I think, she has simply yet to learn the ways of the world, and her power is impressive... We are not babysitters, however so we cannot spare anyone capable enough to watch her, what with the Spines on the move even as we speak...", he continued.

"Hmmm... I may know someone, who can be of help. Leave her with me to see to that, once my short business is concluded, I will return to assist in the chase and investigation", and there it was... It seems Kazue would be put under someone's care.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

@rawkhawk64 That ought to be good to push into character section.

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

Reserved post

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

Al-Marabar, Sand King Arena

@Renose@Letter Bee@Rezod92

After the situation had calmed down, and the Sand King's men were getting about to cleaning up and repairing damage done, as well as putting away Aldugan Spines that were captured, Takemura and Ken were brought before the Sand King at his demand. The two had their hands bound, as they were slaves still, standing in front a new throne that Axom had created with his Geo abilities. He waved a hand, which in turn signaled to the pirates behind the two to cut their bindings.

"From this point on you are both free men, as a reward for assisting the recent disaster. I also extend invitation to join my crew, the Radiant Suns. Fear not though, for if you refuse you may simply walk free and go wherever you please", the offer was generous, as it was often extended to those he simply took interest in the arena, and such an event usually was only after many bouts and matches.

"Axom sir, I don't mean to interrupt, but I think it best I bring these two forth as well", a voice called out from behind the hallway as a Shaitan appeared, garbed in white, and some gold and browns.

"Ah, Rajeev, very well if that is what you think is best", with a bow he allowed through the two, Garrick, and being held by a few of the pirates, Kazue. The two were placed before the Sand King, standing beside Ken and Takemura. Though, at this point the only one bound was Kazue. One look in her eyes would inform Axom she was a bit of a wild one... Thus explaining the bindings that stayed firmly around her.

"Before I speak further I would ask you two explain your own circumstances. I believe my lieutenant has thought you two interesting enough to bring before me", what did he mean by that one might wonder? Well, it wasn't anything more than simple interest... Afterall, the two were perhaps some of the rarest, a Cryptid and an Elf, one that seems to be modified to unknown specs. He turned for a brief moment to Ken and Takemura too, "sorry you two, you both can ponder on your answer to me while I listen to these two".

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles

@rawkhawk64 Seems fine to me. While it's ok and can be added to the character section, I can't help but feel his bio is a bit wanting for more detail, like what's he been doing since coming of age, since that'd be late teens. Was he travelling? Or did he stay in Kakariko to instead learn to be a farmer, or take up a trade within the village?

The Legend of Zelda: Valorbrand Chronicles [Interest]

There is a discord open, should anyone want to ask me questions more directly. You'll find it in the OOC