Cu Chulainn

Blackharbour

It's just the darker reds for me that I have trouble reading.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Malphas
Second Floor, ???

@Rune_Alchemist@Crusader Lord@Guy0fV4lor@Click This

Malphas sighed once more, annoyed that they continued to try and rush things. Looking back down at his bow, Malphas figured that such a weapon wouldn't do if their little motley crew kept continuing on so quickly. Shouldering his bow, Malphas resigned to finding something else he could use in the short term.

Before he began his own search, he noticed he was addressed by the newcomer, his attention drawn more towards what she was holding. Some sort of book? He wasn't too in the mood at the moment to really probe the girl on who she is or what ability she may have. Perhaps something to do with reading? Still, it may be in Malphas's interest to get on at least one person's good side within this group. It was also convenient that she didn't have a means to defend herself properly either. Putting on his best salesman's smile, Malphas made his way towards the pile of weapons as well.

"You were asking about me earlier, yes?" Malphas uttered to Narkissa as he looked for another weapon, or potentially something that could be used as arrows. Ideally, he desired something small and easy to carry on his person, like some sort of knife. Worst case scenario, he'd have to try his hand at magic again, which does remind him...

"You can call me Malphas. Sorry for not introducing myself moments earlier. I can see you're quite the reader?"

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Lady of the Alabaster Scales? Lew stroked his chin as he thought of the ramifications of joining an in-game religion. He didn't think too much of it in the end, however. If this way of life should inhibit his time in the game, the easiest thing to do is to just not play it anymore. That said, there is one thing he needed to know before he joined this group in full...

"Lugh Dysphoria." Lew stated his in-game name aloud. "I must ask, though, before we begin... What does the Lady of the Alabaster Scales think about monstrous beings, those both near and far from human?"

In any case, Lew awaited the beginning of his training as well as any purchases he needed to make. A staff and possibly some sort of talisman would be ideal, although Lew wondered if talismans worked like ammunition. Would he only be able to buy a few single-use ones, or is it like Raymond's crossbow, capable of being utilized in a generic matter indefinitely?

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Rather than shocked at the brutal tactic utilized to take out these Immortals, Lew was more impressed than anything. It also helped that his attackers were all animated thanks to his "anime" setting being on. Even then, not much would have shocked him, for he has seen much worse happen in the degeneracy that he normally consumes. All this had shown him was another hidden power of creating barriers in the field in such a matter, which added to his general excitement towards becoming a Kekkaishi.

Turning back to the Priestess, he decided to do something less formal as a show of thanks rather than prostrating himself, giving a formal bow instead.

"It's quite alright. I only expected such an outcome to occur, as I did do what I did partially to force someone's hand. At the same time, I did wish to, uh... use that beating in order to further my training?"

Lew, realizing he's starting to sound weird again, raises himself up and nods in response to her inquiry.

"Yes, I do intend to join the faith. Most of my friends are warriors in one way or another, but I am unable to defend them in my current state. I wish to join the temple in order to further my skills in protecting my friends from the monsters roaming the wilds. More specifically, I do wish to begin my training as a... Kekkaishi, was it? It's why I was hoping I would have received a proper beating, as I haven't quite met the threshold yet to reach the class. That said, I'm fine with undertaking whatever occupation you all believe would fit best for me, as I also intend to learn as much as I can from the faith. Please treat me as an empty vessel, willing to be filled with whatever it is you wish to make of me."

Lew bowed once more, resisting the urge to apply palm to face once his head was completely down once he realized what he just said.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Malphas
Second Floor, ???

@Rune_Alchemist@Crusader Lord@Guy0fV4lor@Click This

Malphas contributed nothing to the conversation so far, aside from just pouting and brooding. What did they mean he had to earn their trust? They should know that they're beholden to a true child of divine... Still, they did have a point. He wasn't dealing with rich impressionables any more. If he wanted to induct anyone new to his new religious order, he'd have to actually be convincing about it.

Malphas only continued to stay silent as he watched Donovan's ability come to play. To be able to summon up a couple of phantoms could be useful for the long run, although he wasn't too sure on their specifics. Perhaps this is what he meant when he said he could build things? Either way, it seemed like an ability very important to utilize later on, when they're finally out and about... Perhaps smoothing things over with Donovan might be the best course of action after all. Perhaps the fourth person up above could also be of use to Malphas as well, although she didn't do much to introduce herself just yet.

"Sticking close is a proper idea," Malphas chimed, slinging the old walking stick he was given by Donovan over his shoulder, although he did make sure to keep note of its value, "but we also shouldn't take for granted the treasure trove we have found ourselves on. It seems that whatever this Guardian may be, it's possibly looking for us elsewhere. It should give us plenty of time to scrounge up a few more valuables from this wretched place, and possibly get a better understanding of where we are.

"Come to think of it, considering how large this place is, that could mean there mufht be others like us in here, trying to find their own way to avoid this Guardian. Perhaps together, we could even...!"

Malphas continued to scheme silently to himself, pleased with his own inner musings.

Fate/Glimmering Oasis

Middle of the City District, Fuyuki

---

@Letter Bee@SSW

Ever the defiant troublemaker, Autolycus chose not to follow Daniel's orders. However, this was not due to defiance, but instead because of his mentality as a Servant of the Assassin Class. Autolycus thought it'd be the best that, for now, he'd shadow Daniel until they figured out just who the Assassin of this Fuyuki is... if they're still alive, that is. It seems that Fuyuki had seen better days from a cursory view. Autolycus doubted they would find any survivors as well, but he chose to hold his tongue regarding this fact, for his Master's sake if anything.

As soon as he noticed the presence of the Assassin, Autolycus knew his decision to stay back was the correct one. Quickly, he threw Daniel to the ground along with himself to ensure the thrown knives don't hurt his Master. As he did so, he quickly materialized a smoke pellet, throwing it down to mask both himself and his Master from the view of the knife-throwing scoundrels. He moved with the agility and swiftness truly belonging to the demigod son of Hermes, one seemingly unbecoming of an "old man" like Autolycus if not for his ancestry, let alone his profession. Thinking fast, Autolycus then materialized his Noble Phantasm, taking the shape of a plain, gray, handheld sack. Just holding onto it caused AUtolycus to slowly disappear.

A bit too late, but hold your breath, Master!

By viewing Daniel as a valuable target to the ambushing Assassins, Autolycus applied his mentality as a master thief in order to steal away Daniel from the Assassins, stuffing him into his knapsack. In other words, Autolycus quickly snatched Daniel into his Noble Phantasm with one swift movement. However, despite being filled with the body of a young male adult, the bag itself did not expand outwardly. To Daniel, it felt as if he was thrown into a different world albeit one with a very tight fit. While he essentially saw nothing, he also felt as if there was something else in the bag with him. He just needed to turn around and have a look, himself.

As for the Assassins, they could see only nothing as the smoke faded away. Because he had yet to make any attacks, Autolycus's presence was still masked by his Class Skill. His visual appearance was obscured by his Noble Phantasm, as well. Still, Autolycus opted not to stand up for now, crawling away from the hail of knives before another wave came at him. He clutched his knapsack tightly, although as soon as they left the smoke, Autolycus made sure to loosen his grip lightly enough for Daniel to finally get some air.

You aren't full of holes just yet, are you, Master? Good, good... Keep still for now, and make sure not to touch my toy in there, will ya? Hah!

Crawling away, Autolycus began to gather his thoughts on their current opponent. Skull masks and hit-and-run tactics... Definitely Assassins of no small renown. Why there was an army of them was something that needed to be figured out soon. Were they specialized familiars, or a form of Noble Phantasm? In any case, it was quite strange for an Assassin to have, but still quite nifty! Autolycus slowly began to shift his appearance accordingly as he slithered off, like some sort of concrete cobra, starting with the skull mask and working his way down...

Hey, hey! Do me a favor and let Donnie Boy know you're safe, and that I'm not just leaving him to the fray just yet! If he can hold 'em off long enough, I might be able to see if I can find a ringleader for these Assassins... Maybe then, they'll stop giving us a hard time.

Windfall ☄ A Character-driven Fantasy

---

Looking upon the crossroads, Derrick scratched his head at the need to make such an important decision. On one hand, cutting through the woods to the Croplands almost seemed like something to do instinctively. Derrick was, after all, the type to avoid roads. A true hero avoids the roads whenever possible, after all. Running into random people wasn't very heroic according to Mother, as their entanglements may become his. What kind of hero would Derrick be if he was too busy helping other people to save them from monsters, anyway? Derrick also pondered on whatever this strange monster in the Croplands may be. Perhaps it will be different from the slimy monsters, scaly monsters, and ribbity monsters he was too familiar with.

While the path to the Croplands was something of a mystery bag in terms of variety, Derrick looked upon the road. The Scorchlands seemed to have the largest variety of new and different monsters, such as the stingy monster, a close relative to the eight-legged monster. At the same time, Derrick was sure that his clothing wasn't good enough to last in the desert, and he would need to cut down on his gear a fair bit to properly manage the heat there. His other choice was the Tidelands, perhaps a land he'd be more familiar with. Coastal and humid, it almost sounds like a more open swamp... And to fight a snaky monster, as well. It does sound quite exciting.

So many decisions and so little time... Derrick looked on at the feathered monsters dotting the skies and trees with a fair bit of annoyance at their miniature roars. As much as he was tempted to slay them, his bow was broken and he was running low on sharp rocks to sling at them. The number of sharp stones laying at his feet will determine whether these beasts will be spared by Derrick's wrath or not. In any case, Derrick thought of a way to determine where he will go, nodding as the method came to his head.

Drawing his trusty hatchet, Derrick began to whisper to its head a request... Show me the way to the biggest, scariest, most monstriest monster. As he did so, he began to cast a spell from his own personal method of magic, a special gift given only to him by the gods as a means of surpassing his blood curse as it didn't require the use of mana, and one he kept a secret even from Mother. Derrick remembered the last time he told Mother he was able to "do magic," not wanting to relive of the painful needles and yucky poultices he suffered because of it. It was a school of magic different from the core three, as it consisted of things only a "hero" would need. This school was one that Derrick aptly called "Hero Magic."

To create a fate in order to surpass it...

Derrick threw his hatchet into the air and took a step back, awaiting for the axe to land. Whatever direction his axe's haft pointed towards was the one Derrick would take, no matter what...

... Unless, of course, it pointed at a path he didn't have in mind. In that case, he will try again and again until he got it right. "Hero Magic" is unreliable at times.

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

It seemed that these players were rowdier than he had realized. It wasn't something that talking would solve, either. Lew knew he had to take action. At the same time, he felt that if he were to physically harm these other players it would only set his training in the priesthood back. Still, it was clear that he needed to do something to alleviate this situation, especially now that he has made his presence known.

For now, he stepped back for a moment, placing his silver coins back into his coin-purse before figuring out a proper place to hide the entirety of his money within his person. What he was about to do he knew the potential of being mugged was high. Still, any nook or cranny on his person would suffice, although he would be very much against putting his coins inside that. At the very least, he did his best to distribute as much silver coins within the soles of his shoes in order to at least have some emergency funds in case his purse was taken.

Next, Lew opened up the menus, searching for his Pain Settings. He already had it at a pitiful number but, just to be safe, he lowered it down to a nice 1%.

Finally, Lew made his approach once more, interposing himself between the miko and the more enterprising players with his arms and legs spread out.

"I am not a violent man, but I feel like you are wasting everyone else's time with your... off-topic questions. Either resolve them now, or deal with me."

Lew awaited the first hit. His END was pretty high, and his STR was getting there, but he wasn't sure if these newer players had any high statistics to counter that. Should they attack him, Lew will only allow them to beat him until they tire or he's about an inch from his life. It wasn't like he was at a temple that could heal him or anything, anyway. Lew will also keep in mind not to make any overtly offensive attacks either seeing as he still had an impression to make towards the inhabitants of the temple. He will rely on his high stats to avoid or even muscle through any attacks made at him.

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Lew was very interested in what he has seen in the Shin-Yu Temple, inspired by those other players hopping around with their barriers. What he was less interested about was that he had to talk to a blue-haired miko of all things. Lew tends to avoid waifus with blue hair just as much as he does waifus with red hair, as he knew choosing a side would only throw him deep into the eternal debate. Plus, Lew was more interested in the rarer, but more refined purple-haired waifus in the end. It was because of these reasons as well as the fact she wasn't even a monster girl that Lew hesitated to help the miko out.

At the same time, he didn't want to waste his friends' times waiting for him to have settled into what he wanted. Lew knew that he needed to spend some time at the temple training and, even then, this time spent training might not even award him XP. While he didn't want to be a hero for multiple reasons, he was less inclined towards waiting his turn. With a face full of resolve, he made his approach towards the priestess.

Lew procured about five silver from his bag of coins, making his way to the offering box to place it. As he did, he made sure that his approach was dramatic enough to catch the miko's attention. Once he reached the box of offerings, however, he paused, one if his silver coins obviously hovering over the opening. It was at this point that he made eye contact with the miko, clearing his throat before speaking in a calm and assertive matter, loud enough to speak over the other newbie players.

"Ah, I'm sorry. Does the temple accept silver, or rishi as donation?"

It was with this question that Lew offered an 'out' to the miko. Whether she would take it or not would be up to her. The worst case scenario is the newer players preventing her from replying in kind. Otherwise, should she attend to his question in kind, Lew would quickly make his second inquiry while he had the chance.

"By the way, I'm interested in training within the temple as a... priest? Where is the best place to begin?"

Cacophony Concord

_{HP 110/110 SP 100/100 MP 100/00}

---

Lew kept his head low as he collected his silver pieces, avoiding eye contact as he made his way out of the ogre smit's shop. He was disappointed that he locked himself out of one route as he made his way to the Shin-Yu temple, but soon slowly began to cheer himself up once he began to think of other monstrous wives he could conquer with his new upcoming profession. After all, his knowledge of moon runes was enough for him to know that priests of Eastern traditions specialize in capturing monsters. Clearly this is just Lew naturally growing to the setting around him, anyway. One cannot grow as a man or a lover without heartbreak, after all.

Whatever awaited Lew at Shin-Yu temple, he would be open to receiving. It was his intention to devote himself to training in whatever they offered, spending his time learning while his friends spent theirs leveling. Perhaps dedicating some time there will allow him to reach the Kekkaishi class quickly, or perhaps he may learn of another profession that could also impact his party well. After all, it seems they are in need of another supporting fighter rather than a tank or damage dealer, and it seems this temple may teach Lew the ways of the priesthood. In any case, Lew believed it was best to approach this new path with an open mind.