Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Hawthorne
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Hawthorne Mageknight

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Alistair was not completely satisfied with the man's response. It did not answer the concerns he put forth, and it certainly didn't make complete sense. You didn't have to be an inquisitor to know that something was off-- why the King would choose to keep something like this a secret was beyond him. A scouting party was more than reasonable, but why did it have to remain clandestine, and why did it have to be this group of people?

It was peculiar, to say the least.

Still, it seemed as if the man would refuse to divulge anything pertinent at the moment, and so Alistair simply nodded. Patience was a virtue after all. Soon after, Virgil departed for a meeting shortly after showing the group around the area and telling them a few things that he felt was important. The priest made a mental note to look for these answers again in the future. As per his instructions, Alistair kept that simple white band with him, finding the presence of that simple silver cross reassuring. It was a mark of shame-- one that many of the faithful were not afraid to carry around. It kept them grounded, for it reminded people that at the height of humanity's hubris, it was humans that drove the Messiah and the Creator away.

Perhaps there was no chance at absolution... to be forgiven of all sin and to be free of consequences so easily... but it would be a sin to succumb and fall into depravity. To accept the fate that had been given to them. The right thing to do was simple: all they had to do was try to be better. To try and be worthy of salvation.

As Alistair was ruminating on the meaning of religious iconography, he looked around at the group that had assembled. Five women and three men, including himself. The first to speak was a woman with blonde hair who had introduced herself as Braska, from the northern lands. She seemed to be the timid type, but the priest could tell that she possessed great strength of spirit, and could be relied upon when the time was right.

"My name is Alistair." The priest said with a gentle smile. "As an ordained priest and inquisitor, I suppose you could address me as Father-- but I walk amongst you all as a fellow crusader." He then explained. "Simply Alistair will do, but if you must... you may call me Brother." He bowed politely. "A pleasure to meet you all."

He briefly wondered if he had been too heavy-handed with his introductions, but he figured that once this was out of the way, they could get to know one another better. Braska then mentioned her skills, prompting Alistair to do the same. "I've been trained in the arts of battle by the inquisition. I can serve many roles, but my place is at the front." The priest said matter-of-factly. Most people believed that someone of his stature would be better staying away from the battle. He knew better.

Alistair himself knew how dangerous an undertaking like this could be, and while he would try his hardest to ensure everyone's survival, he knew he could not in good conscience, make a promise he might not be able to keep. "...Let's do our best." And God will do the rest. He thought that last part to himself but did not say so aloud.

The priest waited until everyone finished with their introductions and then nodded. "I believe it best we keep our rooms separated into male and female quarters, as Virgil suggested." He says simply. "That way, the ladies can have their privacy, and we can have ours." Alistair of course, waited to see if there were any objections to that, but on the assumption that there weren't any, he went to his quarters to retire for the rest of the day.

He unpacked his belongings, storing them in his footlocker. Although he was eager to explore the city, standing under the blazing desert sun for an hour or two had been more than a little bit exhausting. Alistair changed out of his heavy inquisitor robes and donned a simple priest's cassock. It was still quite a bit stuffy, but he welcomed the removal of the extra weight. The man then spent the remainder of the day maintaining his equipment, acquainting himself with the building, and resting his weary body.

Alistair remembered the priests from the chapel stating that most people do not go out in the evening. Seeing an opportunity, the man spoke to the people in his quarters and then extended that same invitation to the people in the other room. He noted Braska's disappearance, but paid it little mind-- she was likely busy. "I will begin my evening prayers soon. If you are not busy and would like to join me, you are free to do so." He smiled. "Of course, I will not hold it against you if you decide not to. Such is the way of things, after all." The priest appended with a bit of understanding. Prayer was not for everyone, especially nowadays, as God has long since fallen silent. To him? Virtuous action was more than enough.

But who knows? Perhaps this was an opportunity to grow closer to one another, provided they give him the chance.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Luminosity
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Luminosity Glows in the Dark

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Fiona de Valencourt


It was a lot to take in. When she'd entered Zion earlier, Fiona hadn't expected to end the day rooming peacefully with seven others without once using her sword. Her years of training with her family had led her to believe she was ready, as ready as she could be at least, and so when she arrived she expected the wait until the fight began wouldn't be long. A month... it was a relief of sorts, but also a new weight on her shoulders. She needed to refocus, to find more patience, and drive away the anxiousness she felt creeping up. It would only get worse as the day drew nearer.

The group exchanged introductions in the hall, so she added her own. "I'm Fiona. It's nice to meet everyone." She didn't feel much else needed adding. Some of the others mentioned their roles in combat, but Fiona felt hers was fairly obvious: she was a girl with a thin sword and barely any armor, best at striking demons and not getting struck in return. She could burn them as well, but Heaven's Fire wasn't something she dared to demonstrate indoors. She barely trusted herself with her powers, and wasn't about to show off.

Her family name felt like something best left for later, as well. She wasn't sure if any of the others would know it, but more and more Fiona was becoming self-conscious of it, wondering if she'd been chosen because of her blood and not her ability. It couldn't be true, considering how green some of the others looked, but doubt was a tricky thing to get rid of.

Fiona nodded in agreement with Alistair and Braska and went to get settled in the rooms. The men and women looked to be splitting as Virgil had suggested, so she followed Braska and claimed a bed. She unfastened her sword belt and removed her breastplate to be more comfortable, but she soon found herself unsure what to do. She wanted to train, to go over her sword skills again, to hone her magic, but it wasn't the time. She needed to save her strength for tomorrow, and the days to come.

Her sister had mentioned that it was common to stay inside at night, though she herself often disregarded that. Fiona was not as much of a troublemaker as Sophia had always been, so she had no intention of wandering the streets.

Alistair eventually solved the problem, however, when he invited them to evening prayers. Fiona imagined the relationships with God in this group were as diverse as their fighting styles. Her own thoughts on the matter were... mixed, and perhaps troubled, but she had no qualms going through the motions for the sake of appearances and cooperation with the group.

"I'll join you." Her prayers would likely be as silent as God's answers, but it was useful enough for finding her center. Her strength had always come from peace and focus, and she'd need all of it for what was ahead.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by TheMushroomLord
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Petra Nisbet

Virgil’s answers didn’t seem to fully add up to Petra. Then again she was, as far as she could tell, substantially less educated than most or all of the others present and not particularly wanting to make a fool of herself opted to abstain from interjecting so long as nobody else did. Besides, if he had in fact left out something important by this point she suspected he either didn't know the answers or wouldn't share them regardless of how much they pressed for them.

Beyond that, not much of interest happened during the tour, save for receiving their identification, something Petra was mildly annoyed to find took the form of a silver cross, especially since the other groups she encountered had far less obvious iconography and even then, it was a relatively minor issue, all things considered, and by the time Petra had pocketed the icon she’d already pushed the matter from her mind, her interest instead taken up by the rooms they’d be staying at, wandering off to explore it even before Virgil had finished taking his leave. It was certainly a lot nicer than what she’d gotten used to, in some ways even reminding her of the home she’d once had, though obviously different in many other ways.

Satisfied, Petra returned to the rest of the group just as Alistar was making his introductions, as she’d guessed the man was a priest, though that much had been obvious from his appearance. At least he hadn’t spouted anything about fighting in god's name this time, though that didn’t stop Petra from giving him the stink eye as he spoke for good measure. Next, a girl with a sword introduced herself as Fiona before she left herself.

Deciding it best not to leave her own introduction until the very last minute, Petra stepped forwards herself. “I’m Petra. We’ll probably be working together up until we each end up dead or something like that, so let's try to get along.” That last part was probably a little hypocritical given she’d already decided she disliked a couple of her teammates from the get-go, but for now, she just try to avoid her more religious companions.

After finishing her introduction Petra hung around for a bit to listen to those of her teammates before slipping off to unpack her stuff, though dumping an already mostly empty backpack onto one of the bunks was probably a better description of Petra’s idea of unpacking.

Petra realised she should probably look into getting her hands on a proper weapon or even just enough clothes that she wouldn’t be distinguishable from her companions by smell alone most days. On the other hand what she really wanted to do right now was to explore the city some more, though the thought of having to go out again after the heat she’d endured the last time made her reluctant to do so again. Instead, she’d tried exploring the hallways, but she could only last so long before the feeling of being watched so closely by members of the other groups got to her and she returned to her own dorm.

With nothing much to occupy her Petra was quick to grow restless, so when the blond-haired woman that she’d seen writing something earlier got up and left the room Petra’s curiosity was piqued and she was quick to tail her out. Was she going somewhere specific or just exploring? It had certainly gotten a lot cooler since the sun went down so maybe exploring now wouldn’t be a bad idea. Patra heard as Braska was cautioned about leaving, but paid the warning no mind herself, she had a weapon, if a little makeshift, and as long as she was cautious she was pretty confident she could avoid any trouble. Besides, they were meant to be teammates and Petra was pretty sure she’d missed Braska's introduction, so if anything it was in the best interest of the team for her to follow them, satiating her own curiosity was just an added bonus.

“Wait up,” Petra called out as she caught up to Braska, more to get their attention than anything else. “If you're going to take a look around mind if I join you? There isn't much to do back there and I'm not particularly tired.” She paused a moment before adding, “I don’t think I was paying attention when you introduced yourself, could I get your name again?”

@Dream Maker
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by DracoLunaris
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In the end everyone accepted, and the group was led to the place that would be their home for the next month. Little more was divulged as to why their mission was a secret, instead they were given explanations as to what they would be doing, namely, training. Training that among other things would allow them to form a bodily shield that would protect them from the fog of the abyss, a prospect that interested Ioxeia greatly. Anything that could ward against corruption was another tool to her arsenal, and a skill that would interest her order a great deal.

After a bit more information from Virgil about their rooms, financial situation and schedule for the coming month the group was left alone together and were able to introduce themselves to one-another.

“My name is Ioxeia, a Disciple of Panacea. I’ve come here from a monastery a day away from this city, though my family and order both originally hail from the city of Constantinople,” She informed the others when her turn came to introduce herself, feeling little need to hide what she was and perhaps oversharing in the process “As I mentioned before, I am first and foremost a doctor, and I will do all I can to ensure Petra’s prediction does not come true,” The masked doctor spoke with conviction despite knowing how all to possible such an end was.

She followed suit with the gender split of the rooms. Despite the obvious occupancy discrepancy this created, it was likely for the best. People who were about to face death sometimes desperately tried to find intimacy and even though a month was not long enough for this to cause an issue, and so in her opinion it was best to reduce the risks. The corruption of the abyss was not somewhere a new soul should be developing.

The first thing the doctor did was put her bag down on her chosen bed, and, after rummaging around in it for a few moments, retrieved a stick of incense and a jar to place it in. These were put on a nightstand near the bed she claimed and then lit. “For purity,” she explained succinctly if questioned as the pleasant scent slowly filled the room. Once the smell was suitably suffused into the air of the room, Ioxeia carefully removed her hat, boots and long gloves. The fabric covering her face was pulled down, and the mask was clipped to her belt, keeping both her most vital protection close at hand just in case. The rest of her protective ensemble remained on, but she would change out of it to sleep.

After her various other belongings were packed away, securely in some cases (you did not leave any kind of alcohol, even that intended for medical purposes, unsecured around soldiers, even the chosen of god) Ioxeia found herself at a loose end as to what to do, which made the Priest's offer to lead an evening prayer a reliving bit of familiar structure in what had been a rather tumultuous experience up until that point.

“I would be glad to join you, Brother Alistair”, she replied with an appreciative nod when the offer was made, unwilling to entirely drop the honorifics of the priest. Partially because she was a true believer and partially because her order had a complicated relationship with the church’s orthodoxy (their focused reverence of Saint panacea and their opinions about the nature and threat of demonic corruption rubbed some of the faithful the wrong way), and so it always paid to be polite to it’s Inquisitors. The last thing this expedition was arguments about minor doctrinal disputes.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Spectral
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Saul


As Virgil responded to their questions, Saul found himself raising a brow as he scratched his cheek. It seemed that what information he answered only left himself (and the others as his eye caught some of their expressions) with only more questions about their current situation. He can understand the importance of having a scouting group, he wasn’t confused on that. His father had often told him how the knowledge a scouting party brings back can affect the coming battle. Knowledge was power, after all. But the part that they needed to remain hushed above being said scouts. The secrecy didn’t sit well with him, but if this was coming from the local king, there wasn’t really anything he could say or do about it at this time.

Coming out of his thoughts, it seems some of his compatriots were introducing themselves to everyone. As it circulated to him, he straightened up his back, holding his helmet at his side while his other arm came up to his chest to give a polite salute. “Well met friends!” He says with a large and jovial smile, before continuing. “I am Saul Anders. Know that you have my shield!”

When introductions were settled, Saul followed along with the others as they were taken to the place they were to be housed for the coming month. Once they were shown to their respective rooms, Saul was more than eager to unload his pack after the long day. He could hear the siren call of sleep as his eyes laid upon the bed. It was fairly plain all things considered, but to Saul, it was the most beautiful thing in the world in that moment.

The voice of Alistair turned his attention away from bed as he extended an invitation to them for evening prayer. “While I do appreciate the gesture, friend Alistair, it has been a rather long day and I find myself quite tired,” he offers an apology as he lays back onto the bed. It would be a good opportunity to bond with some of the others, but the fatigue was becoming more pronounced as time passed.

A yawn escapes his lips as he continues. “Perhaps... another time?” His eyes slowly closed and not long after that, sleep embraced him.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Cleverbird
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The answers Virgil was giving were far from satisfying, but the sense of pride clouded Amélie's judgement. After all, she had been chosen as one of the few to spearhead an expedition into the Abyss. Surely, this was God's providence guiding her towards humanity's salvation!

With Virgil leaving their rag-tag group alone, everybody had the opportunity to introduce themselves. "Enchanté, my name is Amélie de Lyonesse. Chevalier of the order de Lyonesse." She spoke with a thick accent, taking a short bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you all." Proudly standing at attention, she pushed her armored breastplate forwards. "I have been trained in the art of combating the enemies of God for as long as I remember, it would be my honor to fight alongside you."

With the rooms divided between genders, Amélie carried what meager things she had brought with her on this journey and tossed the bag next to the bed. Unlatching the platemail breastplate, she let out a satisfied sigh as she just fell face down onto the bed, muffling a moan of exhaustion into the pillow. Even this cheap bed felt like heaven after the weeks of traveling on a boat and the journey through the desert. "Tellement confortable... I dont wanna get up anymore." She muttered into her pillow.

Part of her just wanted to drift off here and now, especially as a pleasant scent filled the room, but the many years in the order had hammered the need to put out a prayer before bed. With a groan, Amélie pushed herself reluctantly out out her bed and followed Ioxeia to meet up with the Inquisitor for an evening prayer.
Hidden 4 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by Shovel
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After spending a few seconds admiring the craftsmanship of their team symbol, Genor quickly added the item into his pocket before listening to the group of strangers, who he will spend the next few months, probably a year at least, fighting side by side. Saul, Ioxeia, Petra, and something something... To be honest, there were too many faces and so few minutes being spent to remember them. But, that is something he will work on in the near future. What more astonishing was their "positivity." It is too bright. Too beaming for his own liking, a clear contrast from his nihilistic brooding.

But still, when all of these puppies eyes lock on him with excitement and thrill of the adventure to come, Genor couldn't help but to force a smile on himself. Maybe a grimace? Maybe he is just showing how red his gum is? Who knows?

"Genor." The soldier stopped, scratching his chin to think if there is something cool to share about himself. "... Yep. That is pretty much it." He shrugged.

And as the group divided itself into more menial tasks, where the mumbling prayers can be heard and the snores in between the hush voices, Genor decided to hit the canteen and eating something late. The bread was exquisite and the corn was great. The ale was... decent and the atmosphere can't be of any complaint. Still, he didn't sleep very well that night.

It is not because of the future's uncertainty that kept him stirred at night, nor was it the sense of being wronged by Gods gnaws at him. Something stuck in his teeth. And all night, the sound of his tongue working meticulously around the teeth, trying to get this thing out from the space between his canine can be heard.

Yeah, it is that fucking frustrating.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Patroxclus
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And so a new life would begin for our delvers, every morning that would come they would be met with rigorous training given by Virgil as he trained his members accordingly. From sword and magic techniques to intense rock climbing and swimming, Virgil would cover any topic that would ensure his team's survival.




In the scope of the month, tensions began to rise between the ten lords of Zion as news had been released of King Baldwin’s apparent sickness. With no successor inline the lords were in a panic and had to quickly prepare if the King were to pass. Alongside the news of the king’s sickness a great quiet veiled the abyss, an unusual silence formed and no sighting of demons had been spotted after the announcement of the delver’s training.

With the cooperation of the delvers and the city guard patrols became tighter, the shield that protected Zion thicker than usual, as if something was to come but to general knowledge, they were at peace. As training continued, however, Virgil was noticeably more worried and though training continued as normal there were faint moments of where his mind seemed to wander elsewhere.




In the culmination of the month that passed, the members of the cross would feel stronger, faster, and healthier. Along the way they would learn a skill or two and because of their association with the king and his grandeur quest to explore the abyss they would gain coins as compensation and a little extra due to certain reasons. On free days the members of the cross would be given time to explore the city, though sadly it had felt quieter than usual.




On the fifth day before the end of the group’s training session, Virgil gathered his teammates for a final speech before a collective break towards the descent.

“This month has been rigorous for all of us, time is getting tighter with every moment that passes and with the coming of the abyss I must ask you all this… are you sure you would delve into the abyss. Would you rather stay and watch the world burn or would you fight for humanity and burn in the process? Over the last week of these endless training sessions I have faltered, forgive me as for I should be the leader guiding us into a new hope for humanity but I see myself in fear of what is to come. But alas… “

A silence would overcome, Virgil before he’d abruptly grab his robes and hastily put it over him.

“Forgive my moment of weakness, It has been a long day. For now, the week is yours, make it as you please for training has ended. You have all done a considerable amount and I am sure you will all make great warriors out there. But for now make do with the days you have and rest, for when the final day comes we may never experience peace again. On the final day, I request that all of you meet me in the morning of the final day in front of the chapel within the church grounds, a special set of guards will lead you there. You will know if it is them. “




You spend the remaining days doing whatever it is that you please, while you make your final departures the other groups continue to do their daily training. You still get the same amount of scoffs from the sparrows within the dormitories and are often unrecognizable by the citizens but nevertheless, time continues to pass.




A day before your descent you awaken just like any other normal day. In the mornings the sparrows are off doing their training and return somewhere in the afternoon. The maiden of whom tends the bar on the first floor continues to do her job of dusting the floors and serving any delver who comes by.

What shall you do on the day before your descent?



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