Infinite Cosmos

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

(Writing this on a tablet, please excuse the lack of flair, tabs and the multitudes of errors that this post surely has.)

Munir, ever the social butterfly, heard that his family is at a dinner. However, he originally decided to not to attend, not wanting to sit at another family gathering with other royals. It is just simply too tiring for him, all this official events. All he wanted to do is to make sure his dear Mina is doing alright, and to enjoy his time in the Northern Kingdom before needing to return to Alidasht.

Alas, Munir sighed and got out of the chair he was sitting in. Pushing open the window to his room, letting some cool night breeze in. Mina was resting, after all of her ordeals. He was also a little hungry. The honeyed figs and chilled wine can only carry him so far. He needed to eat, and he did not feel like asking his personal guard to go fetch more bread for him. He walked over to his wardrobe, and gathered some of his more presentable clothing and dressed himself. Donning a tan linen tunic, over a pair of soft white breeches, he cinched the tunic to his waist with a soft red sash, made of fine silk. Over his tunic, he draped a soft shawl that matched the color of his sash. Putting in a few decorative accessories into his hair, both to keep them in place and to accentuate his facial features. Deciding to wear his royal signet tonight as well, Munir found a pair of light male sandals that went just slight past his ankles, he absentmindedly reached for coil of leather that sat by his wardrobe as well. Tying the whip to his waist, he pushed past his door and signaled his guard to follow him as he made his way to the dinner.

As he arrived at the dining room, the guards posted at the entrance seemed surprised to see him there. He smirked and nodded at his personal guard and sent him off until he was needed again. Looking at the doormen, he raised his eyebrows quizzically. “Am I going to need to open the door myself or…?” He said to the guards who jumped back slightly and quickly pushed the door open. The attendant then saw him, making the same expression as the guards. Munir waved him off as he was about to announce his arrival. It was a bit late for all that now.

Munir offered Lorenzo a bow, not forgetting his courtly manners. To his siblings and cousin, he simply smirked as he walked past them. Giving Farim a small clap on his shoulder, he allowed his hand to trail across the back and shoulder of Ariella. His smirked turned into a softer smile as he walked past his sisters, with him offering Mayer a small wink before arriving next to the Sultan. “Father, glory be on to ye.” Munir said softly. To the princes and princess of the other kingdoms and houses, he offered a half bow, a mere gesture of common curtesy.

Seeing an empty seat next to Auguste, he took his seat and reached for the nearly goblet to him. He did not much care if it was Auguste’s cup, as he simply took a drink from it. The chilled wine, while mundane by this point, was as refreshing as ever. A small drop remained on his lip as he looked to Ariella, offering a small wink and a quick bite of his lower lip.

“Don’t let my late arrival interrupt your conversations. Please carry on.” He said, the smile from before never left his face.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Interaction: Mayet @13org Roman @ReusableSword Sadie @Potter

"Lord Ravenwood, it was a pleasure hunting with you. A shame the bear changed the mood of the outing. Mayhaps I will visit your smithy when the opportunity presents itself." Munir said to Roman as he departed the group. It was truly an experience to see someone so proficient with the weapon that Munir did not, for a single moment, fear that they would become a burden and need defending. Roman Ravenwood, it is not the last time Munir would see the man.

Turning to the Varian princess next, Munir continued "No worries. Now that I know the dagger came from the hands of a skilled user, my previous fears are all gone. It was a pleasure meeting you, I'm sure we will be seeing each other around." Munir offered another bow, as the princess trotted off with her entourage towards her own afternoon engagement.

Finally, turning to his sister, his smirk ever present. "Sister Mayet. Is that a trace of jealousy I detect? It is very unbecoming of the great huntress of Alidasht, hm, Nala?" He reached down to gently stroke the chin of the great tigress. While kneeling by Nala, he continued "And no. It is not as it appears. I find the man interesting, yes, but not in the way you find him interesting. Your little... move did not go unnoticed. You wanted to conquer him, right then and there, didn't you? If we were not here, you would have, would you not? You would have taken him down, and feasted on the well toned body of that man..." He chuckled. "But, alas, it was not meant to be. At least not yet. It sounds like you might have booked yourself some blacksmith training. While I do have to get back to the castle and catch up on the events that we missed because of the rabid bear. I feel as if I'm missing something important. Besides, I have a need to visit the clothier for a custom item." He finished, walking over to the discarded beaver and retrieved it. He made two clicking noises to summon his horse. Tying the beaver with the rabbit to the saddle, he lithely mounted the horse and spoke one last time "Sister Mayet, I meant what I said earlier. I hope to not hear you and your bear of a man being too rowdy this evening. But do enjoy yourself. Gods know you want to..." He let out a hearty laugh before kicking his horse into a brisk cant and departed.

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

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Being led into the tavern, Rayland reached his hand out as he passed by the bar and took up a mug of ale. Once the group found a table large enough to accommodate them, Rayland found himself a nearby pillar to support himself as he leaned against it as well. It seems the group is going around doing introductions. Rayland sighed and noted that he should probably procure some small details about himself that he would not mind sharing but not important enough to be used against him later on...

Rayland took in mental notes of the people that went before him. There is a fox-kin, that seems to be a magic user, seemingly skilled in illusions and other small tricks. How useful would that be in the upcoming battle? Rayland thought to himself. Hopefully the man actually has some survival skills so Rayland would not have to drag his useless corpse out of the battle...

Then was the short man, who took hearty slugs of ale from his mug. Rayland smiled lightly, as the man seemed to have bravado to spare. This is good. There is always a use for headstrong fools who would not hesitate to rush into battle before assessing the situation. It kept the enemies occupied enough for Rayland to take calculated shots to finish off the enemies. When the short man pointed to his weapon of choice, Rayland pursed his lips in a sign of approval and intrigue.

Of course, who can forget one of the Varo twins. This one spoke up about being able to keep distance and allow for the gathering of information on their targets. How interesting, seeing as that was the plan Rayland had as well. Keep distance, observe without being noticed, and devise a plan to deal efficient and devastating damage to ensure mission success. However, Rayland saw that role to be one best fitted for himself, as he had to hunt other monsters and such by himself, so he was used to having to observe without being seen and record vital information. However, more eyes on the target will surely increase their chance of success...

"Ralyand Gerhardt. You all might know me. You might not. It matters not to me. I'm here to kill the monsters and claim the prize. That is all. I hope to not have to drag any of your corpses out after the monsters have been slain. However, know that if you get in my way of a kill shot, I will not hesitate to shoot through you to deliver the blow. Successfully completing the missions is all that matters here. If I can't survive this mission, then so be it. Best of luck to all of us." Rayland said, keeping his own introduction short and concise.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Interaction: Mayet @13org Roman @ReusableSword Sadie @Potter

As the combination of blows landed on the rabid beast, Munir kept his distance and one arrow nocked the entire time, ready to let loose the arrow and tumble away from potential danger as needed. Munir let out a slow exhale as the bear finally collasped, life leaving it's crazed eyes once and for all.

Even though the beast seemed crazed, Munir still took a knee where he was, and offered a quiet prayer in Alidashtian for the felled beast. "May your next life be peaceful and filled with the grace of the Sun Goddess Arinna." He finished. Shaking his head, he lamented on the fact that the bear was more than likely rabid, and thus called for the dramatic actions of the trio to quell the danger. The beast's pelt has absolutely been ruined. Also given the sudden nature of this attack, Munir essentially threw down the beaver Roman had given him. He first looked up and made sure his sister and Roman were both still alive and about, before turning his attention into seeking out the beaver.

However, before too long, a dagger flew past him and caused him to stumble back a few steps. The dagger flew past him harmlessly but it still alerted him. With his bow in his left and the fletching of an arrow in his right hand, he naturally turned his attention to the direction where the dagger came from. Seeing a princess follow by her guards and retainers, he relaxed slightly. Since if he was to be harmed by another royal, his Father would not take lightly to the situation. The figure started speaking, first checking in on Roman, confirming what Munir though and revealing themselves as someone of the court. She then turned her attention to Munir and his sister, offering them a curtsy. Munir bowed back in an Alidastian fashion befitting of a prince. "I'm fine. But I do not believe we have met. I am Munir Ibn Raif Al Kadir, Son of Sultan Raif, Prince of Alidasht..." Munir's voice trailed off, waiting for her to respond back.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Interaction: Mayet @13org Roman @ReusableSword

Munir's tumble gave him some distance between him and the feral beast. His arrows, being the first to be fired off, found their target. Most of them anyways. One that was aimed dead center of the bear missed, much to Munir's annoyance. The two arrows that struck were not clean, nor were they killshots. They seemed to have only acted to further provoke and infuriate the beast as it now charged at him with ferocity.


"Tsk" Munir mouthed in annoyance as he tumbled backwards several times to narrowly avoid the bear's paw strikes. The two arrow he nocked previously were snapped in the process of his tumbling and dodging. As he was gaining space, he noticed that the other two nobles, his sister Mayet and Roman both attacked the bear, who in turn focused it's attention at whoever was attacking it. Each member dealt what could have been the killshot to the bear but it persisted. Munir watched as Nala tore a hole in the neck of the bear, dislodging it's spine in ht process. Munir smirked and shook his head once at the brutal nature of the world. Exhaling, Munir fired off another volley of arrows as the bear charged at Nala. Munir fully understands that Nala is agile enough to move out of the crazed bear's away so he was not shooting to defend the tigress. He was shooting to hopefully end this madness...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Interaction: Mayet @13org Roman @ReusableSword Hanna @potter

Munir chuckled at his sister's dismay and expense. In truth, he wondered about his sister. She tends to prefer the company of Nala than to other members of the court. Sure the royal siblings of Alidasht appeared at gatherings together but they all lead fairly separate lives. Munir sighed contently as he stepped away from Mayet and Roman to begin removing the fur from his prize.

It should make for a fine lining for a pair of gloves he intends on making for Mina.

When Roman spoke to him regarding his mistake with his name, Munir merely chuckled. "Oh no, Lord Ravenwood. Of course not. We surely are on friendly terms. I do not have any underlying ailment that I am not disclosing nor did your jest from earlier touch any nerves. It was merely done in a jest, you see. A jest to relieve whatever tension that existed in these hunts. Also, if you do not mind, allow me to purchase that beaver pelt from you. I would like to fashion it into a hat for...a friend of mine." He said coyly. As he was reaching for his coin purse to offer Roman whatever payment Roman had deemed necessary for the pelt, the huntress leading the event praised him and his work. Munir simply offered a smile and a nod as he waited for Roman to give him a price for the pelt.

Not long after, Munir heard his horse whinny and become very agitated. That is abnormal. Munir at first paid it no mind, before hearing a guttural growl. Munir looked up only to see the huntress be swatted aside like a wet cloth and the sight of the menacing, possibly rabid, bear charging at them. Munir left the half-skinned rabbit on the ground and dashed his coin purse aside as he tumbled back with the grace of a trapeze artist and grabbed his bow and quiver in the same motion. Deciding to keep enough distance between them, he first called out the command "Kill" in Alidashtian, hoping that his sister had trained Nala to do so in a dire pinch. It would not matter to Munir if Nala obeyed his command or not, Munir was drawing back three arrows at once from his bow and letting loose. As soon as the first three arrows were fired, he nocked two more, ready to fire...

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

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Rayland crossed his arms and listened to the queen blather on and on about the mission and whatever else she wanted to talk about. He kept his hood drawn over his head, looking at the ground. Leaning against a pillar in the great hall, Rayland secretly hoped that there was somehow a magical fast forward button that he can push so the queen can be done and they can set out already.

"...Bruja... Lizard..."

Those were the words that caught Rayland's attention. So they're hunting a bruja, a magic user. His arrows can kill those, he supposed. However, this reptilian creature... Depending on what it actually is, he may have to resort to brute strength and conventional weapons to take care of it. However, just as he was beginning to formulate a plan for tracking and killing his targets, the queen had decided to split all those that have gathered into two teams. He quietly took over his slip of paper and took a quick look. The number one was clearly written on it. Rayland had not planned to be working with others on this mission. He has always worked alone. Seeing as this is a condition that the patron of this mission had set, Rayland sighed and paced over to the rest of his 'team' when Nikolai had began boisterously calling for the rest of them to gather around him, as if he was de facto team leader.

Rayland assessed his 'teammates' and let out a small "tsk". What a hodgepodge of demon hunters. Elves, mountain man, a dwarf, a fox-kin. Just what the fuck is this group... Would he really be the only competent one? He did not like the idea of having to split whatever rewards that is coming his way AND having to drag a bunch of second-rate demon hunters through a mission. As soon as he reached the rest of the group, he would fix his posture and stand straighter than before, letting his hood fall back slightly to reveal most of his face.

In the moment, he did not even want to waste his time or energy to create small talk. He looked at the other team and deemed them to be unworthy as well. Just other no name demon hunters that thought they can step up to the big leagues and try their luck with something like this...

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

---

Rayland sat alone in a tavern tucked away in the Silk Steps. The music that played in the tavern was relaxing, and just what Rayland needed. After hearing about the royals seeking out the best monster hunters in the lands, Rayland matter of factly made his way to Abona. After all, he is the best monster hunter in the lands.

If not him, then who?

Finishing his mug of ale and whatever morsels of food left on his plate, he dropped a few coins on the table and flicked one more coin into the hat of the musicians, he stood from his table and daftly sifted through the other patrons of the tavern and made his way into the streets. Lightly tugging on his bow and quiver, the morning sun was far too bright for Rayland's liking. All of his years of working as a monster hunter has made him more accustomed to the dark and the gentle moonlight. By contrast, the sun's rays were a harsh reminder that he must still sing for his supper...

Meandering through the streets, Rayland made his way into the palace, where some other monster hunters have gathered. Very quietly, Rayland took mental notes and studied those who would set out on the same mission as him. The Varo sisters. He has heard of the elven sisters. Their feat of killing a vampire lord is very well known, though Rayland doubt it's validity. Nest was a giant of a man. Easily over seven feet tall. Rayland is not aware of another monster hunter of that build. Nor was he familiar with this man. If he had to guess, Rayland would guess that this man came from the mountains. A bumbling oaf, that is for certain. Next was a man that had near identical build to himself. This could be none other than Nikolai Maximillion. The one that rid a dungeon of it's lord in years past. An impressive feat, for average monster hunters. Finally there was a man that was smaller than his weapon. This one would be the first to die, Rayland guessed. Rayland shook his head softly as he walked and 'approached' the gathered group, making sure to keep his distance should any one of them gets any ideas.

Hunter's Game (Small Private Group)

Rayland Gerhardt

Image

| 22 | Enhanced Human | Male

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Physical Appearance: Rayland stands approximately 6'3", with a lithe but athletic build. On the back of his hands are markings of his clan. The mark itself is normally a very faint grey, but can start shining light blue during combat. He typically wears a long duster coat with a hood that is nearly always kept over his face. He does keep his hair long, down to his shoulder blades. There are various scars around his body, from his previous battles.

Class/Skillset: Taking after his clan, Rayland is an archer through and through. In combination with his archery training, he is able to see much further than baseline humans. His endurance, resilience, strength, speed and other tangible physical feats are also both above that of Olympic-level athletes. He is able to achieve these things because of his clan's true nature. His clan has long been hired as monster hunters, specifically spiritual monsters. Throughout the ages, members of his clan gained the ability to manipulate and absorb the latent spiritual particles that are ever-present in the environment to use as fuel. This 'fuel' allows members with the ability to manipulate and absorb it the capability to achieve feats typically not possible to baseline humans such as accelerated healing, heighten senses, superhuman strength and speed and the like. A select few members of his clan can also imbue these spirit particles onto the weapons they wield to increase their lethality.

Rayland is one of those rare 'chosen' members of his clan.

Personality: Rayland tends to keep to himself, having chosen the life and style of a lone wolf. This way, he comes and goes when and where he pleases, not having to follow orders or worry about anyone else. To almost everyone, Rayland is a stone cold killer who works with precision. If one arrow can get the job done, Rayland isn't using a second arrow. A naturally somber person, Rayland speaks plainly, often not choosing his words with enough care and opting to speak in simple facts. However, even the quietest volcanoes can erupt when triggered. Rayland does have a temper on him. As much as his training during his formative years preached patience, cautiousness and being even-mannered, Rayland was never quite like how the elders wanted in regards of his overall temperament.

Background: To know Rayland's background, one must first gain at least some rudimentary knowledge of the Gerhardt clan. Originating in Jale, the Gerhardt men has always served the lord of the castle. Renowned for their skills with the bow and hunting, the men that were not in the army were often hired as household guards to anyone that can afford that sort of service. Due to that, the Gerhardts amassed a small fortune and lived in general comfort, albeit having to work for it. As time went on, the lords that came and went through the ruling class in Jale became weary of the Gerhardts. In the eyes of the lords, the Gerhardts had too much military knowledge and has accumulated too much gold, even though the truth of it is that their family was fading into history. Over time, the lords of Jale stopped accepting Gerhardts as a part of their standing army, despite being some of the most capable fighters around. The folks that employeed Gerhardts as personal guards started to hire them less and less in fear of being on the wrong side of the lords of Jale. Even through careful budgeting and reverting back to a more frugal lifestyle, the family fortune that was amassed over generations eventually ran dry.

It was during this time of disgrace that some powers started to manifest for some of the Gerhardt children. Bumps and scrapes healed completely overnight. Children routinely outrunning adults, performing physical feats not typically possible for humans their age. Some of the keen eye elders noticed this and began paying special attention of children that displayed these traits. Elders often asked questions these children did not have the answer to. For all they know, it just happened. They did not know the triggers and how to cultivate this newfound ability. It took years, even generations to gather enough information and knowledge about this power to allow the Gerhardt to comfortably understand how to use it and what they can use it for. With this ability, they began taking on private contracts, hunting unspeakable horrors and other monstrosities.

This is the current state of the Gerhardts. A once renowned clan that has since faded from glory. The lords of Jale are still ever-present, having forgotten the history between the two families. Despite having lived meager lives until the discovery of their latent abilities, the Gerhardts never forgot their roots and has always taught their children to behave as men and women of honor. Now, the Gerhardt name is whispered in pubs, used to scary misbehaving children, and generally disliked by royalty and their adjacents.

Noteworthy Past Events: There has been whispers of Rayland taking down a pack of wretches, a sort of foul creature that take form out of waste products and other unsanitary things. There are rumors that Rayland once hunted a werewolf and some of the scars on his body are from that hunt...

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Interaction: Mayet @13org Roman @ReusableSword Hanna @potter

Munir made his way back to the clearing where they were all gather previously, squeezing his horse's belly with his calves to get it to slow itself into a walk. Once he was back at the clearing, an attendant trotted over and took over the reins of the horse and Munir lightly hopped off the horse, his prize in hand. Noticing that his sister made it back before he did, he glided over towards her and took a look at the small creature in her hands, one not dissimilar to the one he held by it's ears.

"Sister Mayet, it would seem that we had taken down a similar prey. Though, Nala seems to want to take your prey as a her snack, eh?" He said, smiling as he walked over to Nala to give her a boop on the snoot. As he did so, he made sure to keep his kill away from Nala's nose, as to not let the blood awaken something unintended in Nala. "Though, I feel as though thats not the only prey you're after this day, is it Sister Mayet?" Munir jested and looked in the general direction of Roman. "Lord Ravenwood is truly a specimen to behold. A man built like a mountain, of which we're not used to seeing in Alidasht..." Munir said in a hushed tone, "Though, would he be used to not being the dominant one in bed? Are you willing to submit to him? Or would I, and the rest of our siblings, be subject to...let's just say raucous behavior and sounds... from your chambers at all hours of the night? Hm?" Munir said with a suggestive smirk on his face.

Looking down at his own prize, he felt the soft fur between his fingertips. "Hm. I have an idea what to do with this. Nala can have the flesh, I would simply keep the pelt, or what can be salvaged from it anyways... Then perhaps I will stay out here a bit longer, to gather more, and fashion it into a coat..." He said to no one in particular. Mina was on his mind. His fiery damsel. Even though Munir has never been, he can still imagine the unbearable cold Mina has had to live through. If nothing else comes from this royal gathering, Munir wants Mind to at least take back some warm clothing. Not that she had a shortage on such things.

Seeing Roman from a fair distance away, Munir called out "Lord Deepwood, has your first hunt proved fruitful?" Munir was not able to see if Roman carried a prize with him and he was genuinely wondering. Whispering to his sister, Munir said "Though, if he plays his card right, he might just end up with the biggest catch out here today, eh, Sister Mayet?" Munir finished with a small smirk and a quick flourish of his hair, letting the sun's beams shine down on his forehead and face.