Omni5876

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

The young Shield Hero understood what Cole meant regarding not feeling that big a deal. Hell, it had taken three of them, two supposed legendary heroes and the battle tested guardian angel. Out of the three, Fer felt as the most useless. He had done his job, true, but he needed to bring more to the table. To show his agreement, the young hero nodded to his companion’s assessment.

“I have not been keeping and eye on my stats, as you say. Honestly, I don’t really understand them much. Being able to see writing with not book in front of you is honestly a bit weird.” He proclaimed truthfully to his partner. Back on earth, he did not have the opportunity or the ability to play videogames. Those that existed were definitely not advanced enough to have compared to the real live application that was possible in this world.

“I don’t even know how levels work but I have heard you and Marcino talking about them. I can only assume that the higher the level the stronger we are. If that is the case, then I hope we are able to get that number higher and that the monsters we are to face in the wave are not that much higher than us. But even as I say it, I am sure we will not be that lucky…” he trailed off. If Cole himself was having doubts about how proficient they were and he was their main fighter, then the party was in dire straits.

“Well, I agree with you that we still have a long way to go. But I think comparing us to Marcino might not be the best thing. The man was a gladiator for years and even now does mercenary work. We have about a week here.” Fer shrugged, he knew that Cole was only trying to prove a point but it was like comparing cats and tigers. Marcino being the latter.

“Like I told you before buddy, I will support you and defend you as best I can. I will follow you not because you are some great hero or because you are in some pedestal, but I will follow you because we are the same. I know you are just human like me so you have real weaknesses and problems.” Again he patted his companion on the shoulder. “You may not feel like much but you have already proven you have what it takes to one day be that hero you envision to be. I don’t really know what special task you want to do but the way I see it, you are a stranger in this land and have agreed to put your life on the line for people you don’t know and owe nothing to. That is pretty special to me. You ask nothing in return. You have not demanded riches, or women, or anything like that. Trust me Cole, just that is pretty special.”

“I guess we will find out when the waves come how ready we were. There really are only two outcomes to a battle, either you survive it or you don’t.” he chuckled, “At least you have a damn sword to hack your way to victory. What the hell am I supposed to do…bitch slap them?” he chuckled again to hide the pain in those words. Oh how he wished he could use his old bow. He was not a master, but he could put arrows down range pretty decent.

Fer looked around again at the mention of their angelic friend. He nodded when Cole mentioned the Dragon Hourglasses. “Yeah, from the little I gathered, those things are special. Anything that can help in our upcoming fight will be worth looking into….heck even if I have to rub some fat man’s belly.”

A pensive frown appeared on the young Shield’s face at the mention of the other heroes. He had never met the bow, but from what had heard from Marcino and the local gossip, the girl was a loose cannon liable to kill anybody in their path, friend or foe. He remembered meeting the Spear briefly before the man had declared he would adventure solo. It still baffled Fer how other humans could leave each other to fend for themselves in a foreign world and with a wave looming in the future.

“To be completely honest, I don’t think about them much. Some times I forget they even exist. They would have sure come in handy fighting Rayla. At least, so that there was some more people who could actually use their weapons for offensive.” The ex rebel felt like he was complaining too much so he added. “I am sure that we were given our specific weapons for a reason but I am at a loss as to what that reason is.”

The mention of a person having been summoned before him made him raise one eyebrow. “Wait, you are saying there was somebody summoned before me? What happened to that person? Were they killed? Maybe that is why they don’t really worry too much about sending us out on dangerous missions if they are just able to summon another person to take up the fight” The implications of that did not sit well with the young hero. This meant that they could bee seen as disposable.

“I would like to talk to you more about what you know of this previous shield. For the time being, I do hope they have some food after this ceremony thing. Now that we are back amongst civilization, I want to have a warm meal instead of our travel rations you know.” Fer stood up, feeling antsy and wanting to get the whole ordeal over with.

Jewel of the Skies

Holding Eilis was second nature now to Arn. She was like an extension of him. Being near her was as natural and as necessary to him as breathing. Meeting the shadow of the ancient hero that had brought down the Sorcerer King and saved, or so it was led to believe, the world. The sensation of the power that the apparition of Touramaline mustered still sent shivers down the master mage’s back. But was it dread or was it intrigue. One thing was for sure, the battlemage would do all in his power to ensure that Eilis was freed of the shadow man.

Had Arn known that his presence made his young protégé feel safe, he would have smiled. Their short time together still left him with concerns that he was not doing all he could to protect or take care of his charge. In his eyes, the blonde girl had suffered more than enough. He was bound by word and by his own code of honor to ensure that no further harm befell the lovely lady.

This was easier said that done, especially in the midst of a raging battle, astride a nervous flying wyrm as mount, and scanning the near by heavens for a sign of the Knight Captain who had recklessly returned to the fray instead of running away as he had been ordered by the elder Venray.

Still, Arn could not fault Tyrhallan. He knew that the other man was drawn by duty and by the same gnawing itch to lead his men in to battle that the mage was feeling. Having seen Tobi again had made him worry about the other members of the Shooting Stars. He was not naïve in thinking they all would survive this desperate struggle but he hoped at least some would.

Such was his musings and search that he missed the loving gaze his charge bestowed upon him. That look would have sent even more shivers down his back. Despite the decent number of women who had declared their love for him, he had never cared to be looked upon thus. That is before Eilis. Even now, he was not sure of what his feelings for her were but he knew that he wanted to be with her and keep her safe.
To do so however, he needed to get her as far from this damned battle as he could and not only Tyrhallan, but now Tobi made the simple decision that much harder. If they could all just get on the same page and get the hell out of there, then he would not feel like he was breaking his promise to keep the young girl safe.

The Master Mage sensed a ripple in the Aether and turned to look down at Eilis. Remembering how she had used their connection to show him earlier where to find Tobi, he closed tried to feel what she saw. He guided their mount away from any close fighting as he followed the Thread that as connected to her.

“They’re over there…”

He felt more than saw the light pinpoints and the direction she meant. While he was not as skilled as a knight in guidng a battle Wyrm, the mage was descent enough to by pass most fighting. He dealt with any would be pursuers with lighting, the power enhanced by the natural and magically created storm clouds around them. Arn had learned early in his career that manipulating the natural forces was easier than creating them. His bolts where not only powerful and deadly but he also did not have to sacrifice much Mana.

“He’s in pain…They’re in trouble…We all need to leave…”

Her words caused the master mage to grit his teeth. If it were up to him, he would plunge head first into the fight and take as many with him to his ultimate end. A body littered with scars and a kill count that was staggering proved he was not a man who held back. Despite this, he had never been reckless. So he used his quick mind to come up with a plan. Thanks to unique connection with the Aether and his natural affinity and mastery developed through training, he was able to cast magic that only few could.
This meant that he was able to cast spells that only Tobi, Lornias or the others. Still attuned to the Aether and Eilis, he flew closer. His plan was one of two. Either he would use the electrically charged atmosphere to create an EMP that should disable the hulking ship that seemed to hold Tyrhallan or he would use a strong magnetic repulsion to send the armor clad opponent he could not see yet into the skies. No matter how strong you were, gravity was a bitch. At the least, either plan should provide an opening for the group to escape….the All Mother willing.

Dragonier (Medieval Fantasy, Dragon Riders, Magic, War)

@TheMerlin

I will continue working on my Character boss. Please look at it every now and then to ensure my world building and background dont seem to conflict with what you have in mind.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Cool, Cool. I will try to think of appropriate things. Also, I cant remember if you said if Fer could learn spells.

Jewel of the Skies

totally my bad. I forgot you had replied. I will try to post something on Tuesday. I am trying to wrack my brain on how to best ensure we all make it out alive lol.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

I am guessing it is my turn to post since Whaomi is out on the field? Or will @Lunarlord34 wanna post her intro? I dont mind just wondering.

Also, you mentioned about levels. How applicable will this be in the RP. I am guessing the higher the level the stronger the monsters we will be able to take on but I did not know if this also meant the increase to our abilities or other such things. Do you mind explaining that a bit more @vancexentan?

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Fer felt under dressed compared to Cole but his upbringing helped. The humble clothes that were repaired over and over until they either did not fit or were much to tattered to be of any use were common to him. During his time as a guerilla fighter, he had often had to repurpose the clothes of those who had died not hours before in order to remain clothed. More than once his shirt or pants sported holes that had been the demise of the item’s previous owners.

The shield hero heard his companion speak regarding the upcoming events. A nod was given back as response to the question. “Cole, I have do doubt that the king needs to be a sharp individual. As I am sure I have said before, we are one of the many tools in his box that helps keep the wolves away and inspire his allies. Even dressing you up like that is a good show of force.”

The young hero had no doubt that the king or somebody from his advisors, had planned for the success or failure of the heroes. While Fer was no stranger to the manipulations of men in power, he hated that his companion had to experience some form of it. The shield hoped with all his heart that the king did not just view the two of them, or actually the four of them, as disposable assets. Cole deserved better than that.

“My friend, people will like you because you are a good person. You are sincere and upright. The people need that, especially now.” The young hero offered his friend a smile. “They dressed you up like that to cement your image as a hero in the hearts of the people. That image will be used to inspire and rally. You will be the example to follow in the dark times.” Fer took a slow deep breath in. He hoped that Cole would not be used as an inspirational martyr.

The next statement resulted in a questioning look. It would not be strange to attract more followers, especially after a victory. But what would that mean for their team dynamic. Speaking of team, where was their feathered friend? Fer decided to ask Cole which seemed to be more informed than him.

“Cole, have you seen Auriel? Will she not be joining us?” He looked around. The young hero hoped he had not driven a wedge between him and their angelic companion. The purity in Auriel’s heart might have been troubled by Fer’s sadly pragmatic approach to life and death. The young Hero knew that mercy and honor were not always the best ways to win a battle.

“You say we may have new companions? I wonder if they are volunteers or have been ordered by higher authority?” The trio had already been spied on enough by those damned shadows. The young hero did not want to have to worry about spies in their own team.

“Yeah, more people would help. It would help you and Auriel at least more than I can. I still need to find out more about this shield Cole. If you can, using your new found direct connection to the king, could you ask if there is someone who can help us unlock our true potential faster?”

"Speaking of Rayla...she's in the dungeon right now. Hope the King doesn't expect me to kill her myself."

Fer hissed at this. He wanted to believe that this would not be the case, but what better way to showcase a heroe’s obedience to the throne than to have them perform a state mandated execution. “I hope that too, Cole. I would say I would do it in your stead but…” He pointed to his jeweled bracer which seemed to glow as if in reaction to the jive.

“You know, for what its worth, I think you did a great job. We got the bad guy. You prevented her death so she could be tried by a lawful court. The mission was a success. You do deserve props.” Fer smiled as he patted Cole on the expensive looking clothes. “Oh maybe I should not have done that. Hope I did not stain your regal dress Sir Cole the Magnificent!” He teased his companion hoping to help the young sword be at ease.

Jewel of the Skies

@deia876lat

Also decided to put the fate of the kingdom in your dice roll and you did not disappoint there ;)
Though we're not out of the woods yet, you'd better watch your coming steps....

No more Castle at least and Olysium will fall and be overrun. Now let's see how many will survive.

@deia876lat

I dont know if I should smile or cry lol.

I only asked for the mount because if they need to make their getaway lol I assumed that At least Alexa had some sort of whistle that could call her mount but did not know if you would allow this to be standard for all mounts.

I kinda figured about the small air ships. Ok cool Thanks for the info and believe me, I can totally imagine the current chaos. One can argue that it is much safe in the ground than in the air but potato potatoe.

Avalia

Time:10 am
Location: Helius between Ironhold and River Port
Interactions:, Rue @Potter Bowyn @Helo
Equipment: basic travel pack, medical pack, foot soldier armor, foot soldier shield and weapons. 779 Amas

Slowly, the nausea began to subside. The almost imperceptible motion of the exceptional Helius began to fade. The dwarf listened to the passionate recollection of the white haired lad. The love for his people, and land evident in Bowyn’s speech. For a second, the medic saw behind the walls that the winter fairy had put up to protect himself or perhaps protect other from him. Isolation was isolation. Apparently Rue felt the dissertation deeply as she sniffled back emotion.

Whether he agreed with Bowyn regarding seeking to thrown himself head long into war and killing as many dark elves as possible, it did not keep the young dwarf from validating the reason why the fairy wanted to protect such a memory. Arn knew firsthand that war had a nasty habit of changing people, and places. Certain locations where big battles had been fought in present or olden times had become dead zones. No matter, how stoic, nobody left the battlefield unscathed. War changed you.

I loved my home, and I have seen enough of Avalia that I know without a doubt I do not wish for it to spoil my home.
Arn nodded. “Your home does indeed sound like a worthy place to defend. There is no cause mor righteous than to take up arms to protect.” The young dwarf gave the fairy lad a nod of respect. At least now the medic knew that Bowyn was not just fighting for the sake of fighting. The flame that burned in the winter fairy’s heart would help him keep the cold grip of despair at bay.

The dwarven solider listened to the rest of the lad’s speech. A slight smile painted on his face as the lad explained
his position. The dwarf did not disagree or had issue with anything that was said. After all, they were strangers. Why should he expect these two to give up their lives for him? That was not something he would ask of them to begin with. Yet, in his heart, he knew that he would protect them, strangers or not.

When Bowyn finished Arn gave him an acknowledging nod. “I do not seek anything of you Bowy. If allies are all that we are meant to be then so be it. I welcome it. I shall walk by your side as long as our paths take us. If I am able to even in some small way prevent this war from reaching your village, then I gladly accept my role.” He offered him a weak smile because his body was stills suffering from the vertigo of the flight. “I promise you also that no harm shall come to you via my hand. However, I hope you do not begrudge me being unable to leave you to harm if any is to befall you. I will do it with no payment or repayment in mind.” The medic shrugged. “I am vowed to heal the sick and care for the wounded.”

“If your letter is from the dwarven king, and he is supporting the light elves in the war, why do you need to hide your position in his army?”

Arn took a deep breath. His mind weighing in the answer that he was to give the winter fairy. “Thank you for being so open with me. So I shall attempt to return the favor. A dwarven Legionnaire does not serve as a lone asset. While it is not strange for a dwarf to explore the world, it is done while on leave and in civilian manner. A single dwarf in Legion issued gear will raise some eyebrows for sure.” He adjusted his armor as if the weight of the things he was saying had become physical. “The secrecy was imparted on me by the king itself. I promise to reveal more when we have a less likely audience.” He looked around to drive home his point.

”You are a good dwarf Arn; I sure hope the others have your kindness and selflessness. The world could use more of it than the cruelty we saw yesterday.”

Rues comment actually caused Arn to break into a tender look. Her comment had truly touched him. He smiled in her direction and nodded to her too. “I am afraid you think too much of me Miss Rue but I am thankful for the sentiment regardless. I agree with you that this world would be a much better place if people talked before submitting to violence but unfortunately, that is not so. Therefore, I commit to saving as many lives as I can. If that be by my medical skills or by delivering this letter and its contents to the Princess of the Light Elves then so be it.”

There was a firmness to his voice that was not normally there. He did indeed want to save lives, even those of the dark elves. In the medic’s eyes, any life was important. He was just saddened that some people decided to cause harm and pain while living their lives.

”Bowyn’s right. Why are you trying to hide so much?”

Arn looked at the winter lass in a pensive matter. “Miss Rue, as I have promised. I will reveal as much as I can without harm. I promise I do not keep this from you to vex you but I hope you understand that in these times one must be wary. Also, I fear that you think I am holding some big secret. In deed, I feel that the truth may leave you with more questions. What I can tell you freely is the following. I was raised by my mother and father..” He paused a little at this but continued on. “My mother’s name was Vera and my father’s is Thur Battlehammer.”

He took a deep breath again as he alternated looking at either fairy as he spoke. “As required by our kingdom, I enlisted in the military when I came of adult age. I trained in the medical field as a combat medic but I am also able to perform certain surgeries and other type of care. As a medic, I hate taking life. That does not mean that I will allow my allies to be harmed.” He looked at Bowyn when he said this as if to make a point that the fairy could trust him on this.

“This also does not mean that I will not take life if absolutely necessary. I just believe that peaceful resolution should be given a chance. I was recently appraised of some information that I am not at liberty to share right now but I promise you I will. It is this new information that started me on this quest. Though I must say that despite the distress I felt when I first heard it, I am glad that it allowed me to cross paths with you two.” He shrugged as he did a flat slightly uncomfortable smile.

“A Legionnaire often forgets that there is a bigger world out there when we are looking at the world over the rims of our shields or the confines of a cavern. Perhaps one day I may be lucky enough to visit your village.” He offered the two a friendly smile.

It ate him up that he was not able to be fully open with them but his duty as a soldier still overruled his own feelings. Why was he such a good damned soldier. He was not part of the military machine. There was not rank structure to follow. Orders and regulations did not apply to clandestine operations such as these.

However, for a foot soldier such as him being thrust into the unknown on a mission he had basically no information about to do the gods knew what, his training was the anchor that allowed him to keep putting his foot forward. War was about to break over the world of Avalia like the fires of a forge. All the inhabitants would be pounded between hammer and anvil and only the gods knew what would be left over.

Jewel of the Skies

Arn returned the stare of the shadow man who had identified himself as Troumaline. The master mage’s eyes were devoid of any feeling though in the inside of him he there was confusion. History had recorded the man before him as a hero. There were a myriad of books in the library at the Academy that detailed exploits and even assumptions on the life of this mysterious mage who had appeared out of the shadows to become basically the savior of Ith.

The men who stood before him, however, felt nothing like the merciful hero that he had read about and even had courses on. One thing the master mage could not deny was the fact that the power that emanated from the shadow man lived up to the legends and stories.
The pressure he felt on the Aether was tremendous. It was almost as if the Thread itself was trying to escape from being too close to the man. What kind of fools or demented people would bind such a powerful being to a fragile girl like his Eilis, no matter how brave she was? He needed to find out more.

Arn did not need the ancient mage to tell him that they could not easily liberate his protégé. The warning regarding the danger of attemptin such a procedure weight heavily on the Mage’s heart. But he knew that perhaps it would be best for his blonde companion to die and be free than continue this life of slavery. She had on many occasions begged and had him promise that he would not allow her to become a tool of destruction.

He shook his head, no there had to be a way to ensure not only a successful transfer but also keeping the young girl alive. “Master Tourmaline” The battlemage said respectfully. Not because he wanted to sweet talk the shadow man but because regardless of the current situation of the man causing harm to his charge, Arn truly felt respect for the shadow figure in a professional level, especially if the shadow figure was truly Troumaline. “I will do all I can and all I must to see Eilis free…”

“I fear we have no more time to converse…for the now at the least…your presence is required as the Empire is closing in on its victory. Take my advice…take the girl and leave…there will be nothing but death for you and her here in this land.”

Arn was cut short by the shadow man. He nodded understanding and agreed that this chaotic battle sky was not the place to strategize or figure out how to proceed with liberating Eilis. “Very well, but you have my promise that this will not be our last talk and do not worry, I would not burned Eilis with worrying about the decision I already have made.”

It would hurt him to keep his lovely charge in the dark about transferring the shadow man unto himself but like Tourmaline had said, she would never allow it. Sometimes, it was more merciful to leave such things unsaid.

Through his connection with Eilis he felt the powerful presence slowly fade. The Thread stopped throbbing and instead resumed its even hum almost as if it was taking slow deep breaths after being frightened.

Regaining his senses, the din of battle was deafening. The mage even had to shake his head to shake of the shock. He felt the body of Eilis go a little limp. It made sense as the pressure that Troumaline had placed on not only her Thread but her body must have exhausted her. When she came to, her screaming reaction was understandable.

Arn leaned in close as she spoke directly into her ear. “Eilis, Eilis, its ok. You are safe. We need to get out of here.” The mage helped her sit back down and tried not to touch her open wounds. “WE need to get you healed up.
I know you are probably weak but are you able to draw power from me to heal yourself.” He looked around not only to identify any threats but looking for specific people. “Where the hell is Tobi and Tryhallan…” he muttered under his breath as he prodded this mount towards the part of the sky that looked like it had the least amount of fighting on it.