Jeep Wrangler

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

My excuse is that I've been editing a big video of eight hours of recording just to make a five minute video. Very important project indeed.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Fae Nikia

Fae suddenly felt a sense of trouble, sorrow and fear flood through him when she spewed out her first responses. It was the expression, and the tone...It gave him something to be quite fearful about. The grin, the jaw tighten, the mocking voice...Had he introduced a biased group into his homestead? What's more, were they going to be happy with him being of both blood? The way she listened had filled him with confidence, up until the last five words. 'I suppose even Magi do.' He wanted to respond, but she continued, and he listened on.

She continued further and further down the rabbit hole. She wasn't creating a good impression to him. After seeing someone who potentially spared him out of sympathy, to only reveal as some sort of grudged individual started to cause his hair to stand on loose ends. She talked about Faran, in ways that gave him conclusions in his mind. She had seemed so lovely, so kind-hearted at first. It was someone he thought he could finally get along with, and relate to in some matters. But what she explained about Faran's actions began to prove an obvious answer. She was told by someone to chase after Faran, maybe with money or honour on the line. It began to make him tense up further. He had no need to attack anyone, because that wouldn't be the way of Sarkath. But this woman, had no idea who contracted her in the first place, did she?

Jeanne, as he had given her the name due to her many titles, rambled about her life, her birthplace. Religious as such, it seemed to confuse him. Did her religion portray hatred and inequality throughout life? From what he knew, there was nothing of that from her origins. The coin that needed to be brought into her hands made him uncomfortable. What if he were just the next target, and she'd already won the game of cat and mouse? She tried justifying herself, but was contradicted by what she had said before. 'Nothing personal' didn't seem to fit her side of the story; the tale of her past seeming to cancel it out as if she never said it in the first place. It was time, at this point, to retaliate with his words. Peaceful needed to be his course of action. Nothing could be done to antagonise her.

"Before we get to that answer...Let me just question you on some of your descriptions...A religious woman, you must be? Hailing from a place like such, referencing in casual blasphemy towards the local icon to that religion? I'm not a well informed man about this particular faith, but what does it believe in? Does it cherish equality and justice amongst the races of this realm? It doesn't add up to me, unless of course the religion supports the idea of biased segregation?" His tone had slightly changed. It wasn't violent, no not one bit, but it was different, less relaxed. It almost sounded frightened to some degree. She would see it, his general worry. He was never subtle about his emotions when he needed to be.

"So you're a mercenary too? Hired because of a big price. Take the highest bidder, no matter what the reason is...Or who the bidder was? You are aware of who sets these prices on Magi, do you? I wouldn't be surprised if the Lord General of the Thalburn had set such a bounty on Faran, seeing as the two have run into each other before...But what would anger such people? Oh, that reminds me...That concert was filled with many Thalburn representatives. Now, I can see your...Anger...Towards Faran for the casualties in-between, and let me assure you...So am I? But what does that make me? Does that make me any different from you? I bet Faran himself even regrets it. He usually does...You know, especially because he kills for a cause, and not cash." His words were flowing quickly. His mind buzzed with questions and answers that were too quick to catch up with, even for himself. She could be readying a dagger as they spoke. Fae had to plan his words carefully, because in no doubt she was going to cut his throat. He better make it count.

"And I can see it in the expression...There'll be a cliche amongst the group, won't there? Magi killed a family member, I presume? It isn't an angry mock towards the issue, any issue like that is sad. But if something, anything, is remotely similar to being wronged in the past does not justify the actions you've just described to me. What is it that ALL magi are guilty of, exactly? Do you not just hunt down humans, or only take orders from dictators? Why not just grab a job for the Thalburn King? I hear he pays more money for practically the same job...Don't you stop to think about individuality? Not ever Magi user is a war-criminal. I've seen both sides. There's no difference except abilities. It's either you fear them, or you are jealous of them. Both of which don't show much thought being put into a matter. If it were the other way around, wouldn't you agree with my statement, if I were hunting down Magi or Humans? And if you are only hunting down the Magi for coin...Well then, I don't think I should bother putting my opinion forward on that. And with what Faran did...Don't you think it's wiser to openly act for a cause, than to hunt in the shadows without one? Might give you something to think about."

His voice had lowered as he took to his feet. It wasn't mocking, angered or hostile. It was sorrowful, defensive-ish and almost informative. It was his job in life to do this, to ensure he expressed himself before death. Fae's arm took the hatchet from the table in where it was placed and into his sheathe quickly. It didn't indicate any type of hostility or attack, seeing as he moved away before committing to such an action. He had to give it to her, she was strong in her faith...Even if it was against what he wanted in life. Confidence in opinion was not something that was common these days, and many just followed the common rabble.

"I can respect you for being so strong and confident to tell me all of this information. Must take a lot of gut and self-discipline to do so, am I right?" Perhaps his flood of questions against what she had said was too much for her, or perhaps not enough. He didn't care. She'd kill him no matter what, wouldn't she? Especially after he answered the last question. He moved away from the desk slightly, and lit another few candles and lanterns around the room, lighting it up more. Documents and letters pinned onto the wall became visible. Each had stories of missions, of combined operations between the members of the rebellion.

"So let me just answer that question truthfully, even with the fear of my own safety...I'm a half-blood. Magi and Human parents...Magi powers are present, but not as powerful or long-lasting as the rest. You want more comforting with knowledge? I can form an outer-layer of skin, or armour, consisting of hard rock-substances as a short defensive. But after saying that...Are you going to kill me? You hate Magi right, and I'm half of what you despise, if not your group. So if you plan on doing so, go ahead...But heath what I have to ask. Does me being one make you fearful, like most magi do when near a human? Does me being one make me untrustworthy, despite me putting all my trust in you this minute? I have many prices on my head, why not claim them now? Because there's a world that I can see, somewhere in the future...Where I know what I've done today will end what you might do now...If you do it, that is...Jeanne.."

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Fae Nikia

He heard mumbles from all around as soon as the group had settled into his humble abode. It was a name he could call it. Nostalgia and melancholy spurted from the walls and drowned his vision with everlasting memories. It was a trip to be cherished, and feared, with connotations of good and bad times to surface the shadows they'd hidden within. Fae was indeed where he belonged, where he had trained to live and cope. This was the habitat for himself, the master of the Ring Forest. The darkness of the hideout acted as a screening area, for where light shadow puppets of flashbacks could be projected onto the walls and floors. The show of what he'd been through here kept recalling over and over. It was bliss. It was until he was pulled back into the reality he should be living in.

She returned. The girl, the woman. He hadn't learnt her name still. Remarkable. To think he'd learnt more of her own team than herself was quite a peculiar way of making allies, or enemies. She had done a standard cough to grab his attention, which had indeed worked. The silence he was gifted with was easily broken, but by all good measures. First, there came the gratitude. This, indeed, surprised Fae. In all honesty, it touched his soul and heart. To hear, after all these years spent working in the low-life area trying to fight a secret war, and to finally get gratitude from revealing himself as a subject of the realm...It made him smile slightly. It was a genuine smile. Not a cheeky, confident or friendly one...One of self-pride. That sense to thank the person back without any need of words. It was a simple emotion, but one that spoke more than any adviser could. She then began asking questions...Well, hinting towards them. It was about time that Fae would give her what he bargained for. That is fair...

"Right...I can already answer those questions without even the need to be asked..." He took a deep breath. This was the first time he'd be speaking to an outsider about this. Whether it would benefit him, or not, was out of his own control. He could only pray against the latter.

"More than ten years ago, during my child/teenhood era, there was something that lived throughout history, and will do forever. I'm sure you heard of what the Thalburn were dealing with in the papers of the realm, the heralds of the streets. Rebellion, they would cry, correct? Not many believed it, but those who did...Well they weren't half blessed with good-will, I'll tell you that...The Ty' Un Rebellion, Fighters of the Old Tongue, as our opposition nicknamed us. We were led by a man of the name Sarkath, very infamous. The Thalburn had been exposed for their exploits in their lower citizens. The oppressive nature gave us a cause. We were to get as much corruption in the Realm as we could, or die trying...Through Unity and Strength..."

He paused, trying not to get too patriotic about his pause. Though she herself did not look bored, but more like a child listening to a story, he was sure to not take any chances. A good connection to those living in his house would be the better way to start things off, especially after what they saw him do in MiddleSeed. Why was he telling her this? Well...His mission was out of the way, to get the documents and messages over to the Alfheim. If he were to die doing what happens next, then he'd have died knowing he did right.

"Heralds of different places depicted us differently. A religious cause, some said...Military strength, another. We were more than that. We were a bond of Magi and Humans alike, settling differences aside to conflict the largest danger in our very time. The war and oppression between man and magi was more than enough to bind us together. We took advantages of our strengths, weaponry, knowledge and powers. This allowed us to become a valuable asset against the Thalburn, and other factions that aligned with them. Rebellion of old Tongue is named for our speciality. We are all taught in an old Language that Sarkath used to first build the army up in secrecy. Vy Nu, my own name in the tongue, set me into my own individual spot. An army of many religions, cultures and races...But with one banner to follow. What we fought for was to be given back to rightful leaders before the days of oppression...Well, it was going to be like that...The Battle of Two Confrontations, I'm sure you've heard of that. Eight years ago, it was....I was there, after the Settlement Campaign that kicked it all off. Inside the Thalburn walls, everyone outside was almost slaughtered...Including Faran, the catalyst for this introduction we share..."

He paused once more. Reminding himself of the massacre from either side, it was difficult to think about. How his partner and friend, Isiah, was cut down by the ruthless captain. The one's who wore special armour and handled special weapons, and hunted down the largest of threats. The ones...Like the Hunters of MiddleSeed. He questioned his chance of survival knowing they knew about him now...Fae did not want to think about the massacre anymore. It was haunting his expression.

"Faran was a friend of mine, still is...He is a good man, just...He's different. He was a headline hero for the Ty' Un rebellion, his Magi abilities with the art of the Fire Pike made him a formidable opponent. It's what saved him in the end, as well. He still fights publicly...Trying to show that the Thalburn and its associates can still be damaged, even without the large force that we once had. What happened at MiddleSeed...It was just his sign, unfortunately he had to do it during my time there."

Fae turned, now looking up from his desk. He could feel her eyes burn into the back of his skull without moving, listening to every detail stated. She wanted answers, this woman, and she was determined to get the ones she wanted.

"That woman you saw me kill...She must've been a part of a Thalburn force more secretive than the regular Expeditionary Force or Guards Regiment...She attacked me anyway, so I reacted. I've been living in MiddleSeed for a long time, trying to hide myself from the Thalburn, right under their noses. I don't even know how many numbers of us there are, but what I do know is where to find them and raise the awareness of their need again. That letter...The one I gave your friend, was a documented piece of evidence regarding the Thalburn Settlement Operations, the expansion of their kingdom, and a possible declaration of war against the other cities and Kingdoms of this realm. It also contains a completed document, explaining the mechanics of their firearms. The musketeers, remember? We salvaged parts and sent them over in secrecy, about ten villages did. We might be able to develop our own firearm team before the end of the week or so...Depends if they make it or not."

He unsheathed the hatchet still in his sheath. Taking it out, he rubbed a finger across the blade to ensure it was still in its sharpest form. Either way, the groggy finger left the metal, and he placed it down beside the candle. Sitting up straight, he looked at her once more. Perhaps...He could get some answers herself.

"Look...I know how everyone else feels about me, how you'd feel. Suspicion, scepticism, worry...It's been easy to see that...Your expressions, low conversations 'out-of-sight' and that thirst to find out more. I don't want to be seen as any hostile to you, but if that is how you feel, I can respect you for doing so...But either way...Who exactly are you? I've heard them calling you Ris, but you said you go by many names before..."

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

@Jin Of Mana

Hul'na Shi

Notice: This location is West of what used to be MiddleSeed, further West from Thalburn. It leads to the deep circumference of the Thalburn Kingdom, the Ring Forest.

"Despite being an Instrument for the War, it still is the most peaceful place of the Realm."

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Name
Outpost `Hul'na Shi` - Rabbit's Hole

Human or Magi Settlement
Depending on the occupants, but mostly mixed.

Allignment
Lawful Neutral

Population
Thorp - Used to have space for 16, but numbers are limited based upon post-battle uses.

Government
Rank Superiority - Because of its function during the original time of operation, and what it should be used as in the future, the highest ranking authority designated in this posting area would've made most of the decisions, though could be over-ruled by visiting authorities or high-classed messages.

Qualities
Out of Sight - The outpost was amongst the seven hidden advancement Ouposts (Or HAOs) that were used for quick deployment of guerrilla units during raids, as well as providing small hiding spots to lose the heat. With four of them being discovered in the past, Outposts Ny' Rek, Kilae Hydad, Rims and Hul'na Shi remained. They were so well hidden, that only individuals posted there for a while were able to find them, even from the Rebellion itself. Surviving Rebels sometimes have trouble finding the other bases themselves.

Shelter from Weather - Due to the structure having a mix of stone, wood, metal and clay materials for construction, as well as being mostly underground, the outpost is sturdy. It has the ability to survive strong weathers, though on rare occasions flooding can be an issue. With the Thalburn weather generally being quite balanced and scheduled, it allows the predicted construction to suit its environment.

Strategic Location - Very self explanatory. This location was chosen and constructed so to serve the rebels in the best way possible. It is difficult to come across, has a natural camouflage shielding and provides a lot of safety from natural military operators.

Terrain
Dense foliage and forestry that covers the surrounding area for a vast distance.

Dangers
The Wild - The Ring Forest has had the general reports of occasional, and dangerous, wildlife roaming in the parts of the West and North. There were some cases of Dire animals, both predatory and prey-like, that moved around. There'd only been one issue with a Dire creature invading and killing half of the occupants.

Past Threats - With the war not technically being over, it still is under the potential threat of the Thalburn Military. Though still, it is limited due to their lack of knowledge, they are aware that four outposts are still around. Whether or not the other outposts are still active is questionable.

Imports/Exports
The General supplies of the Ty' Un used to provide enough food supplies and materials when needed, which needs to be requested for through a Thalburn New-Age Messaging equipment (Similar to Morse Code). Currently, there has not been any supplies led in since the last operator met whatever fate.

Specialised Jobs
Reconnaissance - Hit 'n' Run Tactical Support - Information Gathering - Espionage - Shelter

Character Origins/Backstory
Fae Nikia served most of his time in Outpost Hul'na Shi for the majority of the Thalburn Rebellion. Serving several years amongst his team of 21, Fae called this his official home, despite him living in both Alfheim (His birthplace) and spending many years in MiddleSeed. It still has his running equipment, and some of the notes he left behind, calling for a very nostalgic and peaceful location.

Summary
Outpost Hul'na Shi was, and still is, a Ty' Un Rebellion outpost designed to house a small Detachment of Guerrilla fighters for quick deployment, espionage, and sheltering without any hassle of the Thalburn with reduced threats. Being amongst the original Seven of the Ring Forest, these were designed to house only specially trained and equipped detachments designed to survive the harsh conditions, wildlife and threat of the Thalburn that the Forest had to deal with. The land was hard to live in, and the shelters provided the safety, comfort and practicality for their uses. It, though empty when found by Fae once more, cannot be recalled for when it was unofficially decommissioned, during the refuge of the Ty' Un, though notes and nostalgic, and melancholic, memoirs left around the base may give it some answers.

The base is mostly underground, having a sustainable farming location up top, as well as a makeshift, successful ventilation system for those who live below. Quite advanced for its time, though it could be considered modern now, it has proven itself numerous times. Housing dormitories, cooking locations, tunnels for escape and entrance, storage and sanitation, its design allowed detachments to spend months, even years, posted here.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

@Jin Of Mana I shall work on the location CS right away, and I'll tag you in when it's ready for assessing for the Character Page.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Fae

The shots that had been fired had frightened Fae slightly, but his reactions to grab the smaller boy as quickly as he could was just a matter of instinct, rather than decision. That isn't to say he wouldn't of helped him in the first place, this was more of his moral speaking to him. The reaction was quick, and he felt as if he may have hurt the poor boy. It seemed odd to see such a young fellow amongst a group of what he thought to be debt collectors, or bounty hunters. It worried him further. What if those he was lurking into his safehouse were to truly ridicule him of life? Well...at least he had someone to get the letter to the destination. It was a massive favour for his own part.

They had been riding for some time now. The fires and gunshots becoming less and less of an echo. It was getting moderately dark already, the Festival having happened during the near-dusk hours of the day. It would've been so beautiful if it had gone through properly. This upset Fae. It upset him a lot...

Eventually, the group of riders had reached the tree-lines of the surrounding forest. The Thalburn were protective of these forests, which made them quite the ideal spot to hide a small encampment inside. As soon as they rode it, without slowing down, Fae looked around at the familiar sights. The trees of high stances, the fallen branches of the pond. It all seemed so familiar once more, as if the Two Encounters had finished yesterday. But it hadn't. And the base itself, if it were large enough to even call a base, was more likely to be abandoned after the 16th Detachment of Guerrilla Fighters had left for Alfheim. He knew there'd be very small storage of food already, and possibly a small working farm underneath the ground, a technique mastered by themselves.

It was when they approached a small hill, that he remembered where the door was exactly. He unmounted from his saddle, halting those behind him. He walked ahead, and held his hands out. It was as if he were caressing the grass, moss and branches that laid on this strange mini-hill. But for those who paid attention long enough found him halt in a particular spot. His hands plunged further into the grass and moss, before they retracted back out, a hatch, the size of a bent over man, slipped open and revealed a small entrance. Fae couldn't help but smile to himself. It'd been so long. Fae turned around, and looked at those who'd followed him. It did seem a bit more relaxed, the lack of the two messengers and townsfolk being murdered indicating this.

"Right...It's more roomy on the inside. It uses a tunnel system with makeshift breathing tubes stuck aside. The tunnels are approximately standing height, from what I remembered. The door is a bit small though, stops the threat of an armoured Thalburn Infantrymen from charging inside. Anyway...The dormitory is on the left passage, straight down. Don't knock any of the metal supports. Though they may not be loose, it's worth not crushing us all here, even if it is mostly just dirt, stone...and metal over our heads. Anyway...If you need me...I'll be by the desk...Yes, we have a few cruddy desks." After introducing the scene, he tied his horse down to a designated tree not too close to the entrance itself. It used moss and grass to provide minimal, but effective sheltering for the horses. That being done, he disappeared into the doorway, crouching on the way inside. Once he was sure that the others would follow, he sat down at a small, newly candlelit (Made by himself only seconds ago) desktop, where he sat down. There were chairs behind him, well...There was one chair.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

I'll be working on my post later/tomorrow

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

@Jin Of Mana@AlidaMariaUhm...Well, I won't share any details publicly, but I may be quite inactive compared to what I've previously been doing. Things are not at their highest. I'll try to post whenever someone needs me to, but...I dunno. Stuff.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

I apologise for infrequent attendance. I'm in the hospital ward at the minute and I'm extremely tired and sleep-deprived. Luckily my ward has wifi, so when I'm not tired I can send the odd message or post something, but I'll be out soon (I hope).

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Tonight was legitimately the scariest night of my entire life. I just did the remembrance town service (So Veteran's day in America, I presume) for WWI soldiers and victims further on. The catch was, I had to do the final Sonnet reading, followed by playing the National Anthem on the French Horn as mostly a solo without the orchestra in front in front of ny County Mayor, Commanding Officer, Wing Commander, Music tutors, parents, two government officials and a handful of the town.

I swear I nearly cried.