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In [The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED] → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Severin Vaust


​

Titles
[Monster], [Undead], [Monster - Mundane], [Monster - Evolved], [Necromancer] - [#2d7d38]
Noteworthy Perks: [Evolved] - gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.
[Menace] - An aura of fear emanates from the creature at all times that makes lower grade creatures take a -1 effectiveness on attacks against monster or monster allies.
Noteworthy Perks: Resilient C (28) [Aging/Fatigue and Exhaustion/Suffocation/Surprised]

Asset Goal: Duchy Nobility F

Severin, having decided to not intercede as the remaining Stalker was attack by both Esther’s magic and Liu’s might, looked at the going battle for a moment longer, before his eyes slid towards the narrow path of the thicket. “The puppet’s life is spent. Let’s continue ahead.” His voice echoed, moments before the last of the bony strikes were delivered against aberration. And, along with his words, the necromancer began threading down the path before them.

Every time the reverberating of the continuous thump reached his ears, his faux mustache twitched involuntarily. Yet his face remained unchanging: it was still adorned with the calm façade seen back at the Ethereal Luminary. If the man was simply unexpressive, or something else entirely, was up to each of his companions’ interpretations. The oppressive aura that exuded from him, however, was a permanent remainder.

Upon stepping into the clearing, Severin would produce a handkerchief from his pocket with his free hand, holding it against his mouth and nose. “The stench of rot and decay will likely only get worse as we delve deeper.” He remarked, his voice now slightly muffled by the cloth. And then his eyes finally fell upon the ‘thing’.

While the monster had been able to pretend the rot and stench bothered him, he couldn’t fake surprise upon seeing the tall, mishappen humanoid. And maybe it was for the best.

He stared at the creature at the distance with a clinical gaze, seeing how it tore flesh, muscle and fat while gorging itself upon the dead boar. Was it actually a boar? He didn’t know, nor did he quite care. There was however a bit of curiosity of what that thing was. With that, his eyes darkened, becoming purple for a singular moment, as he used his [Ancient Knowledge]. [Action 1]

“It seems like we could just ignore the creature and head to the shack over there. Or we could deal with it as with did to the Stalkers.” Severin’s tone was lower this time around, voice unflinching, not quite minding which of the options the others decided on.

Actions:
1 - Ancient Knowledge - Appraisal D + Sixth Sense D [Spirits and Soul-tethers] + Academia D + Arcana D + Energized D + Componentless Magic D + Magic D + Magic AoE E (50ft radius) + Magic Range E (100ft) + Magic Targets E (10 different targets) + Selective Magic E (targeting only the stalkers) - Grade D 1 Post Cooldown

CDs: D 0/1
In [The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED] → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
[If you are interested in joining a setting like this, check out: roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…]

@DoubleChecker - Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
@Book - Liu Fei Asset Goal: ?
@pkken - Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
@Red Hood - Esther Keaten Asset Goal: ?
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?





The battle's chaotic crescendo gives way to a swift and brutal conclusion.

The last remaining Verdant Stalker, already fractured and smoking from Severin's mana bolts, finds itself locked in a desperate struggle against Fei Liu's overwhelming strength. As the two are locked in their stalemate, Esther hurries forward, Griselda dismounting from her shoulder to allow her more speed. Reaching the fray, Esther snaps her fingers. A ribbon of distorted music lashes out, wrapping around the Stalker's leg and giving a sharp tug. The creature, already off-balance from its struggle with Liu, stumbles.

That single moment of instability is all the opening Fei Liu needs. With the creature's defenses compromised, the skeleton unleashes a merciless flurry of bone-jarring elbow strikes. The first blow cracks the Stalker's wooden skull. The second shatters its shoulder. The third pulverizes its core. The creature collapses into a heap of splintered wood and viscous sap, its internal magical light extinguishing with a final, pathetic flicker. The immediate threat is gone.

Silence descends upon the narrow path, broken only by the soft hum of Vaust's barrier spell and the ever-present, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest. The air is thick with the smell of ozone, burnt wood, and the creature's sap, which smells faintly of pine and rot. The path ahead is littered with the debris of the swift, violent encounter.

As the adrenaline fades, the ominous sounds of the labyrinth return to the forefront. The wet, tearing noise is closer now, accompanied by a low, guttural chuffing, like some massive beast clearing its throat. It seems to be coming from just around the next bend in the winding path.

The party moves forward cautiously, stepping over the splintered remains of the Stalkers. As they round the bend, the source of the sounds is revealed, and the path opens into a small, grotesque clearing.

The scene is one of carnage. A massive, boar-like creature, easily twice the size of a carriage horse, lies dead on its side. Its hide is thick and bristly, but large patches have been torn away, revealing raw muscle and bone. This is not what holds your attention.

Standing over the carcass is another creature. It is humanoid in shape, standing at least eight feet tall, but its body is a horrific tapestry of the forest's corruption. Its skin is like pale, stretched bark, its limbs are long and knotted like ancient roots, and a mane of dark green moss hangs from its hunched shoulders. It is currently using long, claw-like fingers to methodically tear strips of flesh from the dead boar's flank and stuff them into a wide, lipless mouth that splits its face from ear to ear. It hasn't noticed the party yet, completely engrossed in its grisly meal.

This is not a Stalker. This is something different, something seemingly more intelligent.

To the left of the clearing, nestled between the roots of a colossal, weeping tree, is a small, dilapidated structure. It looks like a hunter's shack or a hermit's hovel, but it has been partially reclaimed by the forest. Thick vines crawl over its sagging roof, and the door hangs crookedly on a single hinge. A faint, intermittent golden light pulses from within the single, grimy window, momentarily illuminating the dark interior in time with the forest's heartbeat.

The creature continues its grim feast, oblivious. The shack waits, pulsing with a mysterious light.
In [The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED] → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
[If you are interested in joining a setting like this, check out: roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…]

@DoubleChecker - Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
@Book - Liu Fei Asset Goal: ?
@pkken - Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
@Red Hood - Esther Keaten Asset Goal: ?
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?







[Notes: When moving, declare it as one of the three actions.
Vetreus: Can't use Blight D while using Fighting Style E (reduced to E). Remember to mention stat + weapon grades to make my life easier xD
Esther: Include Focus F in the ability when hoping to move and cast. Her item remains at E even when casting an F grade spell (items are only reduced in grade when they take damage). Repeat the action for combo +1 (both were considered by me) total of 7 Base Effectiveness]
Penny: The grabs attempts should be mentioned in action format, like the other players have done so. They are Strength attempts.

The battlefield becomes a blur of motion and destructive energy as the party presses its advantage with brutal efficiency.
The prone leftmost Stalker becomes the epicenter of a focused assault. As Penny charges forward, fist cocked back, Esther moves with her, snapping her fingers. Two ribbons of raw magic, smaller but more vicious than her last, lash out, one wrapping the creature's neck and the other a free leg. They detonate in a concussive burst of sound and fire just as Griselda, now perched on Esther’s shoulder like a living artillery piece, unleashes a beam of pure yellow energy from her mouth. The concentrated blast of draconic power slams into the creature's side.

This perfectly timed barrage leaves the Stalker reeling. It attempts to roll its thorny back to intercept Penny's incoming blow, but it's too slow, too damaged. Penny’s fist connects with the side of its head with the force of a battering ram. There is a sickening crunch of splintering wood and snapping sinew. The creature's head is smashed into the soft loam, its glowing violet eyes flicker once, and then extinguish.

Simultaneously, the heavily wounded center Stalker faces an even more terrifying onslaught. As Liu begins his impossible charge, Vetreus closes the distance in a heartbeat. His battle cry echoes through the gloom as he brings his glowing White Wyrm blade down. The first strike of his combo cleaves deep into the creature's already smoldering chest wound. The following strikes are a blur of radiant light, hacking through bark and root. The Stalker raises its forelimbs in a desperate, futile block, but the radiant-infused blade carves through them as if they were dry twigs. With a final, brutal downward slash, Vetreus cleaves the creature in two. The two halves fall to the ground, dissolving into black dust and fading embers before they even fully land.

The rightmost Stalker, the last one standing, sees Fei Liu coming. The skeleton is a crouched blur, a battering ram of bone and purpose. The Stalker lowers its head and charges to meet him head-on. The two forces collide with a thunderous CRACK. The Stalker is powerful, but Liu's unnatural momentum is immense. The creature is driven back several feet, its wooden hooves gouging deep furrows in the ground as it struggles to hold its ground against the relentless skeletal powerhouse.

Just as the two are locked in their struggle, Severin's spell arrives. Five bolts of azure mana arc through the air, their explosions strategically placed. The blasts engulf all three positions. The two already-defeated Stalkers are blasted into little more than splinters and dust. The last remaining Stalker, locked in its struggle with Liu, takes the full force of the explosion. The raw mana tears chunks from its body, and it staggers back, its form smoking and fractured. It is grievously wounded, but its struggle against Liu has saved it from utter annihilation.

The fight, which began only moments ago, is nearly over. Only one Verdant Stalker remains, heavily damaged and locked in a contest of strength with the tireless skeletal familiar. The immediate threat has been neutralized with overwhelming force. The path ahead is clear, for now. As the echoes of the explosions fade, the deep, rhythmic THUMP... THUMP... of the forest's heart seems to quicken its pace, and from deeper within the labyrinth, the faint, wet tearing sound that Griselda heard earlier grows noticeably louder, closer. Something has taken notice of the commotion.
In [The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED] → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Severin Vaust


​

Titles
[Monster], [Undead], [Monster - Mundane], [Monster - Evolved], [Necromancer] - [#2d7d38]
Noteworthy Perks: [Evolved] - gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.
[Menace] - An aura of fear emanates from the creature at all times that makes lower grade creatures take a -1 effectiveness on attacks against monster or monster allies.
Noteworthy Perks: Resilient C (28) [Aging/Fatigue and Exhaustion/Suffocation/Surprised]

Asset Goal: Duchy Nobility F

As new information about the creatures flooded Severin’s senses, he was momentarily in deep thought. His hazel gaze sharpened, taking a rather clinical edge to it. “Puppets being pulled by their strings.” He summarized the creatures’ condition, conjecturing about the tethers which kept them connected to their puppeteer.

With his barrier withstanding the assault against the skeletal familiar, a new wave of assault against the Stalkers had begun. He saw the pieces on the chessboard moving: some more reckless than others, yet boldness could very well deliver bountiful results. ‘Every result is most… interesting.’ He thought to himself, eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.

And then he acted, still not revealing all the cards in his hands. With a flourish of his hand, he twirled his cane, out of theatrics rather than necessity. Pointing its globular crown towards the trio of Stalkers, his lips parted. “Mana Bolt!” Another basic, common spell.

From the circular globe, which pulsated with an ominous, dark green hue, five bolts, in plain azure of raw mana, were launched from it. They arched in midair, flying and travelling towards the bizarre amalgamations. When the bolts reached them, they exploded in a 15ft radius. While the explosion avoided his companions, it spared nothing else. [Action 1]

Actions:
1 - [Mana Bolt] - Magic E + Magic AoE F (15ft radius) + Magic Range F (30ft) + Magic Targets F (5 different targets) + Selective Magic F (targeting only allies) + Energized E - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown - Intelligence B (5) + Catalyst C (4) + Ability E (2) = 11 Base Effectiveness against all three Stalkers

CDs: D 1/1
In [The Duchy: Aslan] .·:★・¨༺ 𝔓𝔯𝔦𝔡𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔤𝔢 ༻¨・★:·. → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Sir Edwin Stormcrest?


​
@Moonberry
@Tellussoil

Titles
[Human - Mundane], [Noble Ryke Baron] B, [Apprentice Lancer], [Power Potential], [Get Looped], [Dark Knight], [Knight in Black], [Dark Horseman] - #0E0101
Noteworthy Skills: [Resilient Surprised], Regeneration F
Asset Goal: ?

Edwin was thoroughly delighted by the discomfort he caused to the clerks who signed him up, making a point of staring directly into their eyes during the signing process. And, when catching wind of the commentary of him being a mercenary, the grin which was splattered across his face just widened. The perfect first impression had been delivered.

After having his registration confirmed, his gaze slid towards some songstress that had registered just after him. Unimpressed, her ogling of the food made him think she was some homeless runt that had stumbled into the contest. “A pity.” He rumbled to himself, thinking of the drastic tainting of the whole event: it was worse than mere cultists, it seemed.

His attention then drifted towards the judge’s aides, if only for a moment, his armored hand tapping against the shaft of his three-pronged lance, creating a methodically metal clink in set intervals. That was, until his gaze landed upon Lady Avelyne herself. He stared back at the woman, openly and undisguised, his expression stony. He would keep the gaze, as an almost primal contest of dominance, daring not to glance away. Not until she did so.

And more and more contestants showed up, likely eager to show off their meager, insignificant skills, a certain scene caught his sight, making his golden eyebrow arch: Aedrianna calling out for the famished, destitute wretch. ‘Aedrianna, you should focus your efforts in ways that actually give you a better return… but I guess your pure heart brings you to help the miserable. I will fix that, in due time.’ He thought to himself, fully misplacing how the two came to know each other.

“To the Western Promenade it is. I do hope that the magic from the Duchy is actually effective in lessening slashes, cuts and bruisers, or that you, at least, have some cleric at the ready. I would hate to be blamed for not controlling my own strength.” He told both of the clerks, tone chilling, rumbling, filled with both malice and promise. A brutal beast covered by a thin layer of etiquette. No warmth could be found in him at that moment.

He stepped into the sandy arena just as he had crossed towards the register: heavy steps that did nothing to conceal his presence. Much on the contrary. His azure eyes glanced over the place of battle itself and then towards the competition.

His expression was unchanged, keeping its chiseled features, almost as if it was a marble bust. Yet, there was a glint of interest behind his azure orbs, one that heralded that maybe, just maybe, there would be some fun in addition to pulling the cur out of his hidey-hole. “Let me guess, you are all from outside the Duchy, fighting for yourselves or earning some coin from a noble to do it in their place?” He blurted that out, voice loud enough for it to carry, as his expression changed to a knowing grin.
In [The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED] → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
[If you are interested in joining a setting like this, check out: roleplayerguild.com/topics/196759-ise…]

@DoubleChecker - Severin Vaust Asset Goal: Grand Duchy Nobility F
@Book - Liu Fei Asset Goal: ?
@pkken - Vetreus Draedora Asset Goal: Harvester Asset Mine F
@Red Hood - Esther Keaten Asset Goal: ?
@Nakushita - Penny "Iron Maiden of Pax" Asset Goal: ?





The narrow path explodes into a whirlwind of coordinated chaos.

As the battle erupts, both Vaust and Vetreus focus their senses, peeling back the layers of reality to understand the nature of their foes.
Vetreus, locking eyes with the lead Stalker as he prepares his attack, activates his own Appraisal. Information flashes in his mind:



Vaust, in contrast, unleashes a far more potent and esoteric form of analysis. His [Ancient Knowledge] washes over all three creatures simultaneously. He doesn't just see their stats; he perceives the very essence of their unnatural existence.



Armed with this new knowledge, the party's assault begins.

Esther is the first to react, her harp singing a sharp, commanding note. The fiery ribbons of music lash out, wrapping around the front leg of each plant-like horror. As she twists her harp, the ribbons pull taut.



- The leftmost Stalker is caught completely off guard. Its leg is yanked out from under it with a crack of splintering wood, and the creature topples sideways onto the path with a heavy thud, momentarily disabled.

- The center Stalker digs its hooves into the soft loam, bracing itself. The ribbon strains and burns against its leg, but it holds its ground, letting out an infuriated shriek that sounds like tearing bark.

- The rightmost Stalker is similarly prepared. It stumbles but catches its balance at the last second, the magical fire scorching its wooden hide but failing to bring it down.

Simultaneously, Vetreus lunges. His blade becomes a conduit for pure light, and a scorching bolt of radiant energy erupts from its tip, screaming through the air toward the lead Stalker. The creature attempts to twist away, but the blast is too fast. It strikes the beast square in the chest. The radiant energy sears through its bark-like hide, causing it to smoke and blacken. The Blight effect intensifies the damage, and the creature staggers back, a deep, glowing wound smoldering where the bolt hit.

On the other flank, Penny charges. Her aggressive sprint toward the leftmost Stalker—the one now prone on the ground thanks to Esther—is a blur of motion. However, as she moves to grapple it for a suplex, the creature reacts with surprising speed even from the ground. It shoves its free leg out, catching her mid-stride. Penny's momentum is broken as she stumbles over the unexpected obstacle, her ambitious suplex attempt thwarted for the moment.

While two of his packmates are occupied, the rightmost Stalker focuses on the nearest threat: Fei Liu. Shaking off the lingering heat from Esther's spell, it lowers its head. The corpse-white flower closes, revealing a sharpened, ram-like point of hardened wood. It lunges forward in a goring charge.

Just as it attacks, Vaust's spell takes effect. A semi-transparent shield of shimmering blue hexagons materializes in front of Fei Liu. The Stalker's charge is also subtly hampered by the oppressive, chilling aura of [Menace] emanating from Vaust, causing a moment of primal hesitation. The creature's attack, slightly weakened, slams into the magical barrier. The hexagonal shield flashes brightly, absorbing the brunt of the impact with a sharp CRACK. Fei Liu stands untouched behind the shimmering defense as the Stalker recoils, frustrated.

As the initial exchange concludes:
- The center Stalker is heavily wounded but still standing.
- The leftmost Stalker is on the ground but has successfully defended against Penny's grapple.
- The rightmost Stalker is unharmed and has had its initial attack completely blocked.

The air crackles with spent energy and the smell of burnt wood and ozone. The remaining two standing Stalkers turn their glowing violet "eyes" on the party, their wooden bodies creaking as they prepare for their next move. The fight is far from over.
In [The Grand Duchy] Labyrinth of the Primordial Bloom [FINISHED] → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
Severin Vaust


​

Titles
[Monster], [Undead], [Monster - Mundane], [Monster - Evolved], [Necromancer] - [#2d7d38]
Noteworthy Perks: [Evolved] - gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.
[Menace] - An aura of fear emanates from the creature at all times that makes lower grade creatures take a -1 effectiveness on attacks against monster or monster allies.
Noteworthy Perks: Resilient C (28) [Aging/Fatigue and Exhaustion/Suffocation/Surprised]

Asset Goal: Duchy Nobility F

Vaust observed with barely noticeable curiosity as Liu Fei put pencil against paper, faux mustache on his mortal guise twitching from side-to-side momentarily. When the last scratch against the paper was delivered, the Necromancer approached, neck craning towards the paper being held by the skeleton. “Mmmm… seems like we have quite the eventful encounters as we make our way there.” Lifting his cane, he pointed its tip towards the massive signature at the very limit of what had been scouted.

Retreating the cane, the other markings found almost no interest coming from him. “A pity, even if I had been able to see those other marking with my own eyes, chances are I wouldn’t have any idea of what they might be. Botany and biology are not my areas of specialty.” He still left that one comment to hang about in the air, while he continued to thread onward through the thick thicket.

While the sickly, overly sweet scent of decay was not a bother for the Undead, quite used and even found of such fragrances, the very oppressive nature of the Labyrinth was a different matter. It made the undying narrow his eyes slightly, considering it a slight against his very presence: some contender trying to measure strength with his own. But, in due time, it would be dealt with. Momentarily, his eyes slid towards the floating Scrying Orb, lips curling infinitesimally. ‘And so will those toys.’

With the forest’s pulse on his mind, suddenly that forest’s predators were revealed. Like a stitched monstrosity of plant and beast, Vaust greatly disapproved of such a creation. It bore no finesse, no beauty, no intricacy, just a thing for an end. It was dull, and ⚐︎⬧︎⬧︎♋︎■︎♏︎⧫︎♒︎ wasn’t found of dull things. Still, the being, perhaps, bore some studying.

Without uttering a single word, nor performing any gesture, he scanned the area with knowledge beyond mortal ken. [Action 1]

In the next moment, he lifted his cane, the glass globe on its crown pulsing with a low and constant dark green. “Barrier!” He uttered, casting a defensive spell, rather than an offensive one. His targets were his allies, which were granted a semi-transparent, blue shields in front of them composed of hexagons. It allowed attacks from inside, while blocking attacks from outside. [Action 2]

He then waited, eager to watch how things would unfold.

Actions:
1 - Ancient Knowledge - Appraisal D + Sixth Sense D [Spirits and Soul-tethers] + Academia D + Arcana D + Energized D + Componentless Magic D + Magic D + Magic AoE E (50ft radius) + Magic Range E (100ft) + Magic Targets E (10 different targets) + Selective Magic E (targeting only the stalkers) - Grade D 1 Post Cooldown
2 - Barrier - Magic E + Magic AoE F (15ft radius) + Magic Range F (30ft) + Magic Targets F (5 different targets) + Selective Magic F (targeting only allies) + Energized E - Grade E 0 Post Cooldown - Intelligence B (5) + Catalyst C (4) + Ability E (2) = 11 Base Effectiveness for defense if attacks are breached
In [Otenzel - The East Empire] The Grand Coliseum → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
1. **Narrators Involved**
Me - Narrator Grade S - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185…

3. **Summary of the Roleplay**
- Don and Varius found themselves being drawn to the Grand Coliseum of Otenzel. There, they met a mysterious cat-like being who gave them a short, tutorial like of how effectiveness is calculated in the advanced rules. After being coached by it, the duo step into the sandy arena, facing off three opponents in a death match. At the higher stands, a foreigner to the continent was present.
- Intense match takes place, Don and Varius beat the three thug-like fighters. They receive an invitation by the foreign emissary to visit his homeland. Meanwhile, the cat-like creature makes a small fortune from their win and advises them to come back to the Coliseum after getting even stronger.

5. **Criminal Acts Perpetrated**
- No criminal acts

6. **Lore to Establish**
- As long as this rp is a full grade and not a partial, you may submit the the answer to this block to the request mod channel and ping lore mod
-
- An emissary of a foreign nation, Grand Mayor Maffeo di Albrisis smells like salt and talks with a heavy Common accent. He mentions a strange land: The Serenissima Thalassocracy of Albrisia. And while this could be chalked as nonsense, the dozens of ships docked earlier at the Otenzel's port tells a different story.

-
- Once more, the cat-like creature makes it chaotic presence: first in Ryke and now in the East Empire. What this mischievous runt really wants? Only time will tell.

7. **Partial Participants**
- Provide a list of partial participants, including their character names and roleplayer (RPer) names. Prety much anyone who should get nothing but points and no bonuses
- None

9. **Full-Time Participants**
- Don Kureger - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing Grade F
- Varius Interitus - discord.com/channels/5207614178892185… - Standing Grade F

10. **Characters with Point Boosters**
- No point boosters

12. **Assets/Titles Roleplayed For**
- Varius Interitus - Grand Coliseum of Otenzel [Participant] F (Starting fame at the Grand Coliseum)
In [Otenzel - The East Empire] The Grand Coliseum → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
@Sanity43217 - Asset Goal - ?
@CorvianMERCDB - Asset Goal - Grand Coliseum Participant F

The finish comes fast and loud.

Don scoops the fallen board, plants, and rips his shoulders. The round shield leaves his hand like a thrown door. The dockside bruiser flinches a fraction, boat hook twitching to meet it. The rim hammers his guard and pops his chin. In the same breath Varius threads the lane the impact opens and drives the gladius straight and true. Throat, then sand. The roar hits like weather.

For a heartbeat the whole bowl breathes as one, then breaks into chants and stamps and a rain of cheap wreaths. The Announcer rides the wave. “Otenzel. Your rookies of the Red Team stand. Green Team is finished.”

High in his box the Praetorian Prefect inclines his head the smallest degree and lifts two fingers. Marshals move. The gong falls once, deep and final. Two handlers in crimson sashes gesture you toward the tunnel.

As you clear the light, the world cools to stone and shade and the ragged echo of your own steps. Water skins pass down the line. A chirurgeon with quick hands gives Varius’s side a glance and a linen press. A second crewman checks Don’s breathing with a hand on the ribs and a quick nod.

Steel-shod boots approach that are not Imperial. Cloaks in sea-blue and foam-white. Breastplates chased with waves and a lighthouse device in gold. Curved boarding sabers at the hip. Hooked gauntlets for climbing line. The guards move like sailors who have never stumbled on a wet deck.

Between them comes the elder with the staff and the easy smile, the Grand Mayor you saw above. Up close, the salt is in his cuffs and the sun is in his skin. He looks the pair of you over with the frankness of a man buying a ship.

“Signori,” he says, voice warm and thick with a lilt you have not heard on these streets. “Molto bene. You fight with cuore. With the… how you say… the good storm inside.” He taps the staff once. “You will come visit my homeland, si. The Serenissima Thalassocracy of Albrisia. Porto Aureo. We have work for brave hands, and good coin, and views that make the gods jealous.” He smiles again, then adds in a quieter tone, “I speak your Common, but the sea keeps my tongue. You understand me… just.” Both of you understand him, but only just. The accent is heavy.

Behind him, one of the sea-guards steps once and the line of them settles like a tide that found the right shore.

Neco-Arc



From the tunnel lip, something jingles. Neco Arc is juggling a coin pouch, then two, then three, eyes glittering with pure mischief. “Coach is very proud, nya. Coach bet on the right horses. Look at that payout, shake shake shake.” The cat slings a pouch up, catches it on a single claw, and winks. “Buns in, fangs out, do not lick the wound, drink the water, and when you get stronger you come back to coach. Coach will make you legends or at least excellent posters, nya.”

Far above, the Announcer lets the last cheer wash through the stone. “Take your bow, Red Team. The sand remembers your names tonight.”

The handlers hold the line a moment longer, not rushing you, giving the corridor its little pocket of quiet before the next thunder. You have a beat to say a word, take a breath, or trade a look before the work of bandages and signatures and sponsors begins.
In [Otenzel - The East Empire] The Grand Coliseum → 8 mos ago Forum: Casual Roleplay
@Sanity43217 - Asset Goal - ?
@CorvianMERCDB - Asset Goal - Grand Coliseum Participant F

Varius sees the opening and commits. Both hands on the gladius, point set to drive through the chest, a clean finish that would make the boxes lean forward. The dockside bruiser reads the weight a heartbeat before the drop. He slides his lead foot, lets the line pass, and whips the boat hook’s haft across the inside of Varius’s forearm. The blade kisses leather instead of lung. The bruiser rams a short jab into the ribs on the recoil and skips a step sideways, half turn, hook low again. Pain sparks along Varius’s side and steals a breath. One point taken, the execution denied. [Varius takes 1 HP, 2/5]

Don gives him space and throws his voice to the bowl. The name catches, first in the cheap benches, then in the middle rings. “Varius.” “Varius.” The chant starts rough and rounds out into a real beat.

The bruiser hears it and bares his teeth in something that is not a smile. He keeps the hook twitching lines in the sand, eyes cutting between sword and hype man, pale and stubborn, still there.

Neco-Arc



Up on the tunnel lip Neco Arc detonates into theater. “No, no, that was not on the script, nya.” Papers fly, are caught, fly again. “Page three says glorious poke then handsome roar then tasteful decapitation. This is the bathhouse roster. Who shuffled my art, nya.” Tiny paw jabs at the ring. “Fine. We jazz. Sword guy, make him hold all that regret again but with footsies. Punch guy, keep the chorus alive. In two. Out two. Do not hug the hook. Style points are a legal currency, nya.”

The Announcer tastes the moment. “Otenzel, the finish slips the noose. Red’s blade sings, Green’s hook bites, and the chant calls for thunder. Who answers first?”

The drum keeps time. The crowd breathes in once, together. The bruiser steadies, hook low and mean. The sand waits for the next choice.
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