PatientBean

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

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Location ⋗ The Forest Interactions ⋗ Zhalia @Benzaiten, Simon @Prosaic, Phalko @CasLink, Scott @Blizz School of Magic ⋗ Enchantment, Abjuration & Divination Items ⋗ N/A

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Manon knew deep within her that there was no way they could fight back against this creature. She had no real offensive magic (though some could be used in a pinch), and she expected that the others didn't have much to help either. Simon even voiced that he didn't fight. She felt a bit of shame coming from a family of well-known protectors of the French countryside and, here she was, faced with danger with no hope of quelling it.

Zhalia, on the other hand, appeared, unlike the others. While she was filled with a deep fear, Zhalia appeared almost....calm? Scott noticed it too and voiced his opinion. Manon glanced at Zhalia, waiting for a response.

"A cloak may not work. If word about this thing is to be believed, the fact we have already seen it means we are in danger. I can also throw up some barriers as backup, but I highly suggest we leave now. The more time we waste, the faster we become prey." Manon stepped back a bit, her eyes still on Zhalia. Waiting for the girl to respond to either the creature or the question posed.

Manon felt unease now. Not just for the creature, but now for those, she was traveling and living with.

The Sunday Group

I'll be getting a post up tomorrow :)

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

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Location ⋗ The Forest Interactions ⋗ Zhalia @Benzaiten, Simon @Prosaic, Phalko @CasLink, Scott @Blizz School of Magic ⋗ Enchantment, Abjuration & Divination Items ⋗ N/A

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Manon filtered out the comments from the others as her Danger Sense continued to run. Manon scanned her surroundings. The forest, often in lore and history, was a place of mystery and danger. How many times had a young girl gone missing only to have her body found in the forest? How many cults have had meetings to discuss dark dealings with their chosen leader in the forest? How many sacrifices to deities beyond their comprehension have happened in a dark forest?

However, the forest, despite its dark setting, did not really frighten Manon. When you grew up with a family o those who often ran towards darkness, you learned that a simple environment could not cause fear.

It was the things the forest hid that one should be afraid of.

As if on cue from some unreliable narrator, the fog around their ankles gave way to a shadow. "No," thought Manon, "Not a shadow. A monster." Before them, the shadow gave way to a form. Manon felt her Danger Sense go ravage. The creature before them appeared like a black dog. Manon called upon some of her knowledge of otherworldly forces, but this being was something the average user, especially one versed in Divination, could recognize. A Black Shuck, often associated with death, meant dark things were on the horizon.

Manon knew they would not be able to fight this thing. Though one of them (the handsome wizard named Scott) had pulled up a shield. Quick thinking, to be sure, but it would not last. "I suggest we leave the forest and tell someone. If this creature is skulking in the forest, it is best if the community is made aware to set up protection." Manon backed up a bit. She glanced at Zhalia, who by all accounts, appeared unfazed by the creature before them. "What is her deal?" Manon thought to herself.

If they had any hopes of surviving this encounter, they needed to be gone before the creature got through that shield.

The Sunday Group

@Fetzen Go for it!

The Sunday Group

Primrose drove as Fynn worked on his computer. It gave her some time to think and plan the next steps. They were entering unknown territory. Primrose had been to a number of clubs before, but never this one. And she assumed Fynn had never stepped foot in one at all. Primrose had to admit she would have rather had Mal or Jaelle as back-up in there, but she also knew Fynn wasn't a pushover. "No accounting for taste, it seems." If music was all that bothered Fynn about this, then maybe she was in good hands.

"From my own experience, members-only access in these clubs results in one of two things. Either it is an exclusive only perk such as bottle service, private rooms, and privacy or there are some....colorful activities that happen behind closed doors. I'll let your imagination come up with what those might be, but suffice to say I think we are leaning towards the latter if our dead man is any indication."

"I suggest we go in undercover. I can easily create an illusion and look like any random socialite interested in learning about the city's hottest new club. I could throw an illusion around yourself also if you want, but that means you would have to act the part. It can be uncomfortable, but I don't want whoever is in charge suspecting we are there attached to this investigation. Very much like prohibition days, if they are doing anything underhanded, chances are they have a quick way of hiding anything and escaping. Or, and this is more likely, they have the means of handling things their own way. We don't want to end up like our victim. So before I do so, are you comfortable lying?" She assumed Fynn wouldn't be, but they had very little else. There was no way the owner would talk to them on a normal day, let alone two people looking into a crime that connected to their club.

Primrose pulled up to the club and parked in a spot. She turned to Fynn, waiting for his response. "I got your back in there, whatever we decide. I think this is the smart play, but I can understand any apprehension."

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

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Location ⋗ The Patch > The Forest Interactions ⋗ Zhalia @Benzaiten, Simon @Prosaic, Phalko @CasLink, Scott @Blizz School of Magic ⋗ Enchantment, Abjuration & Divination Items ⋗ N/A

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Manon was touched by the kindness shown to her in a matter of minutes. She felt guilty for not reaching out sooner. Both Zhalia and Simon had included her in their trek. Though she was unsure of a walk in the forest being relaxing and fun, if she went along with others she was sure it would be enjoyable, if nothing else the conversation would not be boring. She was especially excited to learn more about the two of them. Manon had only been there for about three months now and she was still seeing new people whenever she left her home.

Zhalia struck her off guard. She hadn't expected to meet another person from her home country. It wasn't like she was hiding it. Her accent all but gave her away the moment she uttered any word. "Yes, I am from France. I moved here a few months ago. I am afraid I do not know many others." Even saying those words was embarrassing. Someone with public relations accolades should be meeting more people. Shipden was different though.

"I would love to accompany you if you two don't mind." Before they could all make their way to the forest, more people joined them. One was a young Asian individual and the other was a rather attractive-looking man who she had seen around before. Since this was not her own expedition, she felt rather silly saying they could join them. Instead, Manon left it to Zhalia and Simon to extend the invitation as they did for her. Manon would be kidding herself if she said she wasn't excited at this new opportunity to learn about another person.

Once all seemed set and done, they were on their way to help look for herbs and plans.

---

The forest itself stood, both menacing and beautiful. A subtle warning for anyone daring to enter. And yet, their group dared. Manon was not well-versed in flora so she allowed the others to search for the necessary bounty. Instead, Manon's senses were alerted elsewhere. A handy skill to have when facing foes, Manon's danger sense triggered. She quickly glanced around, seeing if the threat was obvious, but it was not. Not difficult to imagine the thick forest would hide many threats. She debated telling the others, but felt it was in their best interest. She would not forgive herself if they were harmed and she stood there and said nothing.

"Be mindful. There is danger around us. I suggest we tread carefully. And keep your guards up."

The Sunday Group

Hey, so I woke up yesterday feeling like absolute garbage and today, very much the same. Going to go get tested for Covid, just in case, but I am probably gonna stay in bed and sleep. I will get a post up tomorrow.

The Sunday Group

@Penny I have some ideas. I will probably post tomorrow. @Fetzen Any ideas on your end before I do?

The Sunday Group

Well obviously, I think the next scene for Primrose and Fynn is gonna be interesting. Do you want us to take charge of what happens or do you have some ideas for your own for what we will run into there?

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

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Location ⋗ The Patch. Interactions ⋗ Zhalia @Benzaiten, Simon @Prosaic School of Magic ⋗ Enchantment, Abjuration & Divination Items ⋗ N/A

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Manon was content, eating her bread when she felt eyes on her. She had always felt eyes on her for the past few months. She was new there. An anomaly that no one knew. She had grown used to it. She glanced up to see who it was and her eyes fell on a young woman with brown hair and piercing eyes. The girl acknowledged her with a shy greeting. Had Manon seen her around before? Perhaps, though Manon often kept to herself. Manon gave a warm smile in return. Manon's eyes shifted to the individual next to Zhalia.

Simon Hart. He was someone Manon knew better, at least through passing. While the two of them never conversed fully, they had passed by each other on more than one occasion. A quick "hello, how are you?" in passing. What Manon did know about Simon was his technical prowess. She had heard many things since coming here, but one of the popular ones, especially in her current residence, was Simon's ability and intelligence. It had made Manon want to meet the man to see how his mind ticked.

That was the other side of the card that is Simon Hart, though. Simon never seemed willing to converse with anyone. What lay beyond that exterior? Perhaps Zhalia cracked him open and was proceeding to find out what secrets there were. Manon could not pass up this opportunity and she did say she wanted to open up more.

Manon made her way over to the two of them. "Sorry, but do you mind if I join you two?" Manon's french accent, something she took pride in, was center stage. "I don't believe we have ever been introduced. I am Manon D'aureville. A pleasure to meet you both." She did not bother to take a seat as the two could tell her to take a hike if they wanted. But she was hoping for an in. Her eyes glanced over at Simon to see his interaction. Though she knew nothing about the other woman, it was Simon who intrigued her more.