Ponn

Grimoiric Heart

Have a small Olivia post.

In other news, poor Bonnie...

Grimoiric Heart

@Izurich@Villamvihar@Sonnambula

With Xolys’s eldritch beams of unreality now joined by a fusillade of enchanted gunshot from Goodhope’s spectral crew, and a hail of weaponized raindrops courtesy of the Lady of the Lake, it was only a matter of time before their wraith-like foe succumbed to the massed barrage. Indeed, it would soon be readily apparent that several of the raindrop-spikes had embedded themselves in the glowing orb that passed for the creature’s heart. Emitting an ear-splitting shriek of pain, the Pageless’s attempts at evasion became all the more frantic, but it would do the creature no good, as it was hit once again, this time by several rounds of magical musket fire. “Oh my Goodness!” Olivia exclaimed as she plugged her ears to block out their foe’s deafening cry. “That is certainly some scream! Perhaps it is actually more of a banshee than a wraith…” she mused aloud, seemingly oblivious to the danger of their situation, or the creature’s attempts to frighten them.

Unleashing yet another bloodcurdling screech, the increasingly desperate Pageless hurled itself upon Lumiere. However, the venerable Magical Girl seemed utterly unperturbed by this. There was a blinding flash, and once it had faded, it was revealed that the sliver-haired seraph had imprisoned the dark creature within a cage of luminous energy. The angelic girl then brought the caged Pageless before her four teammates, as though she was a fisherman showing off a prized catch, and asked them to pass judgement on it.

Now that she got a close look at it, Olivia couldn’t help but feel that the poor creature actually looked rather pathetic, and so she found herself hesitant to make the decision she knew was expected of her. “Ummm, I, uh, suppose we should destroy it,” she began hesitantly. “Though it truly is a shame we can’t reason with them,” she added after a moment. “Y-You know, make them stop attacking people and perhaps even fight on our side.”

Symphony of Espers

For your consideration-

???

.

.

Disclaimer "Read Me First!"

The Following Character Sheet Is

MEANT AS A JOKE

(Please don’t get triggered by it and quit the RP)

---

Oh, is this color code too dark for you? TOO FUCKING BAD!!! Nyahahaha!

-Nykannis

NAME:

Doctor Nikki Yolanda Kannis (Doctor Nykannis, Queen of the Mad Scientists!) *It’s pronounced Kan-nis, not Kay-nis.

AGE:

Apparent Age- 13, Biological Age- 22, Actual Age- Unknown, claims to be at least several hundred millennia old

SEX:

Female

APPEARANCE:

Normal Form

“Fuck… And I thought Penrose was a shithole…”

Combat Form

“See, Binky?! THIS is what a real Mad Scientist looks like! Nyahahaha!”

GRIMIORE:

N/A

INSTRUMENT: Super-Scientific Ultra-Magitech Arsenal

At any given moment, at least three pairs of appendages (and often half a dozen more) protrude from Nykannis’s enormous technomagimechanical form, each covered in a plethora of bizarre technomantic armaments. The vast majority of these are ranged weapons, and while Nykannis’s exact load out is constantly changing, they are certain to be the most eclectic collection of death rays one can possibly imagine (Including, but by no means limited to: neutrino particle cannons, polyphasic penetrator beams, polycyclic plasma blasters, mega magitech magneto cannons, and multiphasic transdimensional hyper homing lasers).

These are supplemented by a slightly smaller (but no less impressive) array of melee weapons, from slipstream swords and biphase buzz saws to quantum hammers and monomolecular blades, for those rare times when Nykannis has to engage an enemy up close.

They are all very big, except for the ones that aren't.

GRADE: APEX
KEYWORDS: Hands, Hatchet, Club, Javelin, Sword, Shield, Greatshield, Great Ax, Great Club, Greatsword, Spear, Halberd, Handgun, Long Gun, Wand, Staff, Mechadendrite, Death Ray
DAMAGE TYPES: Physical, Arcane, Chaos
DAMAGE: S²³
SPEED: S²³
SENTINEL: S²³
SPECIAL: MAXIMUM OVERLOAD!!! (Nyahahaha!)
As one might guess just by looking at her weapon-covered form, Nykannis can put out a lot of firepower. A LOT. But sometimes, she needs to unleash even more… When it’s time to really get serious, she can override what few limiters she has to massively overload her already dangerously overpowered arsenal. Or, as she likes to say, “crank it up to 11²³ out of a possible five!” When this happens, reality itself weeps, as its very fabric is rent asunder by inconceivably powerful forces unleashed by weapons too impossible to describe. Not only is her arsenal’s destructive power and rate of fire drastically increased, but her weapons are also given secondary (and in some cases even tertiary) effects, mostly of an explosive nature. The downside, of course, is that this drastically depletes her mana reserves and can only be sustained for a short time.

TLDR: Once per scene, Nykannis can triple all her Instrument’s stats. They also gain AoE.

STYLE: Ultratechnomagimechanical Combat Form

Nykannis’s magical monster girl esper state Combat Form is exceedingly large, towering over most other espers and non-behemoth monsters. Her lower body resembles that of a segmented metallic serpent, although several pairs of legs often protrude from it in a manner similar to that of a caterpillar or centipede. These are useful for finding purchase when climbing, or for anchoring herself in place when employing weapons with considerable recoil. The vast majority of Nykannis’s various supplementary appendages are tipped by weapon clusters, and thus are unusable for any forms of manipulation, while her “original” pair of limbs become much larger, their fingers ending in wickedly sharp metallic claws. Even so, this does not completely preclude the good doctor from performing detailed work, as she can easily create smaller, more refined appendages for such tasks. Indeed, with their array of built-in tools they are far superior to human limbs in every respect.

GRADE: APEX
PHYSICAL: S²²
ARCANE: S²³
CHAOS: S²³
SPECIAL: Technomantic Titan
Nykannis’s massive Combat Form grants her an increased level of vitality and protection, due to the additional layers of nanofluidic hyperalloy armor covering her body and the multiple energy shield generators protruding from it. In addition, her biomechanical body is also covered with dozens of technoarcane supplementary power accumulators of various sizes and shapes, which are all linked to her personal power accumulator pocket dimension, thus granting her virtually unlimited technomystic power for use in her super-scientific sorcery. She also possesses five weapon and sensor covered drones which she can detach from her massive technomantic body and use as scouts or additional attackers in combat. They are particularly useful for locating hidden enemies and discovering blind spots in a target’s defenses, uploading all their findings to Nykannis’s own advanced targeting array.

TLDR: Each round, Nykannis can completely ignore any one attack directed at her and can survive decapitation, dismemberment, lack of food, oxygen, etc, without experiencing any pain or discomfort. In addition, if she does not employ a melody, she can instead fully replenish her mana reserves. Her five drones count as Gold Grade summoned constructs and are armed with an array of ultratech melee weapons, ray guns, rotary beam cannons and missiles. They can also combine to form an APEX Grade construct with appropriately scaled up armaments. Naturally, they cost no mana to deploy. When coupled with Nykannis’s own target acquisition array, their various spy rays, finder beams, and other scanners grant her the benefits of enhanced magnification, infrared, and X-ray vision, along with the ability to perceive magical trails, cloaked/stealth targets, hidden portals, and any other detection ability necessary at that precise moment.

GENRE: SCIENCE!!!

As befitting the Monarch of Mad Science, Nykannis’s Genre enables her to create all kinds of strange super-scientific ultra-magitech inventions and other experimental creations that break all known laws of reality. She can also employ swarms of technomystic nano assemblers to enhance and modify the weapons and equipment of nearby allies (or sometimes even the allies themselves, if she’s in the mood for some genetic engineering or bionic augmentation), along with the capabilities of her own bizarre Ultratechnomagimechanical Combat Form.

GRADE: APEX
ELEMENTS: Mad Science! and Weird Science!
NOTES: [Research (4), Upgrade (6), Invent (4/8/12), Overcharge (6/0)], Damage (2), Damage X (6), Push (20, Pull (2), Slow (4), Blink (4), Transplace (8), Shield (4), Reflect (4), Magic Sense (4), Mana Burn (6), Restrain (4), Minor Heal (2), Heal (6), Major Heal (18), Stabilize (0), Purify (6), Dispel (6), Craft (2), Build (4), Construction (8), Portal (8), Summon (4), Zone (4), Puddle (0), Trail (0), AoE (2), Rain (2), Channel (2), Extend (2), Full Extend (4), Contract (4), Delay (0), Expiration (0), Mark (0), Trap (0), Enhance (2), Full Enhance (4), Powerful (0), Quicken (0), Bend (0), Bounce (0), Orbit (0), Dynamo (0), Homing (2), Piercing (2), Recoil (0), Avoid (0), Every Condition and Logic Gate Note (0)
SPECIAL: Super-Scientific Supremacy
Such is the staggering super scientific genius of Nykannis, that she is able to harness the power of not one, but TWO (Nyah ah ah!) special snowflake completely unique Elemental Types! In addition, her various ultramagitech inventions (which range from small gadgets and gizmos to massive technomantic biomechanical constructs) are fully capable of exhibiting abilities indistinguishable from those expressed by other Elemental Types (freeze rays, lightning guns, and gravity beams, for example).

TLDR: If she wishes, Nykannis can incorporate the unique notes of any other Element into any melody she employs.

LEITMOTIF: Greater Still Shall I Achieve!

Like any good Mad Scientist, Nykannis doesn’t believe in half measures, safety measures, or basic sanity. She also doesn’t believe in limitations. She knows from several hundred millennia of experience that everything can be improved upon, including perfection. Given enough time, knowledge, and resources, nothing is impossible for her to achieve. Similarly, nothing can be allowed to contain her greatness, and even in her normal form, Nykannis is still able to wield a substantial amount of her technomystic power.

GRADE: APEX
SPECIAL: Any monster, artificial construct, special ability, Leitmotif, etc. Nykannis encounters can, with sufficient analysis, be replicated. In addition, even in her normal, untransformed state, Nykannis has complete access to all her various abilities and powers (and yes, this means she can cast melodies while untransformed).

FACTION:

N/A

TRIVIA:

Personality

Nykannis is a typical Mad Scientist, in that she is extremely egotistical, highly focused on her work, and very, very insane. Aside from that, though, she can be rather personable, and if you take an interest in her current projects/obsessions, she can happily talk with you for hours on end (that said, Nykannis’s social skills are sorely lacking, and if you don’t have an intellect or level of enthusiasm close to hers, it will be a very one-sided conversation).

Background

Nykannis isn’t real, Izu. She can’t hurt you.

Spoilers

Nykannis IS real, Izu, and she CAN hurt you.

---

??? | Female | N/A | Greater Still Shall I Achieve!
Super-Scientific Ultra-Magitech Arsenal | Hands, Hatchet, Club, Javelin, Sword, Shield, Greatshield, Great Ax, Great Club, Greatsword, Spear, Halberd, Handgun, Long Gun, Wand, Staff, Mechadendrite, Death Ray | Physical, Arcane, Chaos | MAXIMUM OVERLOAD!!! (Nyahahaha!)
Ultratechnomagimechanical Combat Form | Technomantic Titan
SCIENCE!!! | Mad Science! and Weird Science! | Super-Scientific Supremacy
[Research (4), Upgrade (6), Invent (8), Overcharge (6/0)], Damage (2), Damage X (6), Push (20, Pull (2), Slow (4), Blink (4), Transplace (8), Shield (4), Reflect (4), Magic Sense (4), Mana Burn (6), Restrain (4), Minor Heal (2), Heal (6), Major Heal (18), Stabilize (0), Purify (6), Dispel (6), Craft (2), Build (4), Construction (8), Portal (8), Summon (4), Zone (4), Puddle (0), Trail (0), AoE (2), Rain (2), Channel (2), Extend (2), Full Extend (4), Contract (4), Delay (0), Expiration (0), Mark (0), Trap (0), Enhance (2), Full Enhance (4), Powerful (0), Quicken (0), Bend (0), Bounce (0), Orbit (0), Dynamo (0), Homing (2), Piercing (2), Recoil (0), Avoid (0), Every Condition and Logic Gate Note (0)

DAMAGE: S²³ | SPEED: S²³ | SENTINEL: S²³ | 6.02 x 10²³

PHYSICAL: S²² | ARCANE: S²³ | CHAOS: S²³ | 6.02 x 10²³

Symphony of Espers

As Ashley continued to charge up her impending attack, she heard the distorted voice of Silhouette offer an apology for disappearing earlier. And ask if she was still able to heal his hands…

“I’m sorry, Silhouette,” she told him with a voice filled with cold determination. “But your hands will have to wait.”

What wouldn’t have to wait was the grand debut of Dr. Moller’s esper form. “Vermillion Veronica” was an apt codename, Ashley reflected, as she beheld her crimson garbed superior’s elaborate, yet rather impractical outfit. However, a moment later, her vision was consumed by darkness as the last of the glowing rocks faded away. Still, Ashley had fixed Billy’s location in her mind, and the giant monster would be hard to miss at this distance. Thus, not wasting a moment more, the Knight of Tomorrow aimed her fully charged techno-wand and unleashed a blinding beam of incandescent annihilation. With a mighty screech, the brilliant lance of destructive energy shot forth, a scintillating cyclone of raw arcane power, primed to disintegrate whatever unfortunate thing lay in its path.

Unfortunately for Ashley, that thing wasn’t Billy Black…

Instead, the ruinous emerald cylinder met with an obstruction, one which strongly resembled a particularly… swollen aspect of the male anatomy… With a sound akin to the shattering of several dozen window panes, the bulbous ovoid exploded into a shower of warm droplets, the small portion of the ice sculpture that hadn’t completely evaporated having been turned into a spray of heated liquid.

If the sensation of these droplets landing upon her was unpleasant to Ashley, the Knight of Tomorrow gave no sign. Instead, she merely clenched her teeth and glared at the fleeing terrorists with utter fury. Once again she had failed, once again, a monster was allowed to escape… Dr. Moller had apparently managed to capture one of the Mavericks, but that was a small consolation after all they had endured.

Turning to Silhouette, the high-tech heroine gave voice to a weary sigh. “It looks like I’m almost out of mana,” she told him in a tone suffused with despair and exhaustion. “You should probably ask one of the medics to help you with your hands.”

This had been a complete disaster. What had they even accomplished? And why did Dr. Moller seem so unconcerned about everything? Gathering her resolve, Ashley strode over to her crimson-clad superior to ask just that…

---

18 | Female | GEMINI | Vision of Tomorrow
Implements of Tomorrow | Wand, Shield | Arcane | Tune of Tomorrow
Raiment of Tomorrow | Stride of Tomorrow
Light of Tomorrow | Light | Power of Tomorrow
[Reveal (2), Purity (4)], Damage (2), Damage X (6), Shield (4), Reflect (4), Heal (6), Major Heal (18), AoE (2), Powerful (0), Piercing (2)

DAMAGE: C | SPEED: E | SENTINEL: D | 750

PHYSICAL: E | ARCANE: D | CHAOS: C | 22

Symphony of Espers

Her CS has been updated!

Symphony of Espers

@Erode

Defense penetration that only works for the attack in question.

Symphony of Espers

Here's my tentative Silver upgrade. Let me know if the Special is a little too overpowered/not situational enough.

Current

INSTRUMENT: Implements of Tomorrow

As an Esper, Ashley is armed with a futuristic wand and an energy shield. The wand is tipped by what looks like an ultra-tech tuning fork, between the neon green prongs of which rests Ashley’s Grimoire, now grown to over twice its original size. The wand’s iPod-white body is etched with what appears to be neon green circuitry, punctuated intermittently by several glowing spheres, inlaid at seemingly random points. It is 12 inches long, with a 5 inch grip. Her shield, worn on her left arm, is seemingly composed of semi-transparent green energy, upon which is emblazoned the GEMINI insignia. Upon closer inspection, a hexagonal pattern can be found lightly imprinted upon it, which grows more pronounced when the shield is struck by something. It is 30 inches in diameter. In addition, all the luminous parts of Ashley’s Instrument glow much brighter whenever she fires it, or when she charges up a melody.

GRADE: Bronze
KEYWORD: Wand, Shield
DAMAGE TYPE: Arcane
DAMAGE: C
SPEED: E
SENTINEL: D
SPECIAL: Tune of Tomorrow- Whenever Ashley uses her Instrument, whether on its own, or to direct a melody, a series of somewhat stereotypical sci-fi sounds accompany the process. Usually this consists of a mixture of rising whines and hums, followed by a series of zaps and zorps, when a beam or bolt is discharged, even though modern physics states that energy beams should be completely silent. An interesting thing to note (no pun intended) about this attribute is the fact that, depending on whether the melody being manipulated is intended to cause harm or healing, the sound of the prior charge up will be different, giving keen-eared allies and opponents a bit of an early warning on roughly what to expect when the melody is fired off. Generally, softer, soothing tones denote a beneficial melody, while harsher, piercing tones denote one of a decidedly more harmful nature.

Upgrade

INSTRUMENT: Implements of Tomorrow

As an Esper, Ashley is armed with a futuristic wand and an energy shield. The wand is tipped by what looks like an ultra-tech tuning fork, between the neon green prongs of which rests Ashley’s Grimoire, now grown to over twice its original size. The wand’s iPod-white body is etched with what appears to be neon green circuitry, punctuated intermittently by several glowing spheres, inlaid at seemingly random points. It is 12 inches long, with a 5 inch grip. Her shield, worn on her left arm, is seemingly composed of semi-transparent green energy, upon which is emblazoned the GEMINI insignia. Upon closer inspection, a hexagonal pattern can be found lightly imprinted upon it, which grows more pronounced when the shield is struck by something. It is 30 inches in diameter. In addition, all the luminous parts of Ashley’s Instrument glow much brighter whenever she fires it, or when she charges up a melody.

GRADE: Silver
KEYWORD: Wand, Shield
DAMAGE TYPE: Arcane
DAMAGE: B
SPEED: E
SENTINEL: C
SPECIAL: Tune of Tomorrow- In addition to the somewhat stereotypical sci-fi sounds her Instrument emits whenever Ashley fires it, or employs it to direct a melody, the techno-wand’s glowing, tuning fork-like prongs are also capable of generating the precise harmonic frequency necessary to bypass even the strongest defenses. When firing a bolt from her Instrument, the target’s Defense is reduced by one rank if it is higher than her Instrument’s Damage. Melodies directed by the Instrument do not benefit from this effect.

March of the White Rabbit: A Roll-Your-Own Magical Girl Roleplay

Connie and Mia Stats

Connie

3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3
5 | 4 | 6 | 22 | 5

Oddball: Nightmares | Tentacles

Enhanced Weapon | Power Artifact | Mystic Artifact | Ally | Interdimensional Home

Focused | Mental Link | Hidden Death | Mana Font | Mystic Might

Alien Mind | Formless | Rival Force | Clueless

---

Mia

3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3
5 | 8 | 7 | 22 | 5

Wood | Barrage

Enhanced Weapon | Dual Weapon | Purification Artifact | Big Red Button

Blessing | Divine Competence | Gifted Item | Mana Font | Mystic Might

Rites| Arrogance | Big Brother | Clueless

@PlatinumSkink@Majoras End

Connie and Gaia could only listen as Justine and Sonia engaged in a tense conversation, and with their attention firmly fixed on the unfolding drama, the two friends were only vaguely aware of the dejected grumblings Sann directed their way. A moment later, however, the dark valkyrie’s actions gained a far more significant importance, as she swooped down upon Justine and her sister, before promptly warping herself and her two captives out of existence.

“W-What just h-happened?!” Connie gasped, placing her trembling hands over her mouth.

“I am not entirely sure, little sister,” Gaia conceded with a frown as she watched an equally confused Sonia also teleport away. “But I think our new winged acquaintance has proven that she is not to be trusted…”

No sooner had she given voice to this concerning observation, than the verdant maiden’s phone began to buzz. Although she normally didn’t like taking it with her when she went on patrol, since she’d started becoming more connected to the various members of Penrose’s magical community, she’d reluctantly begun bringing it along. Retrieving the device from the folds of her cold weather robe, the Daughter of Mother Earth smiled when she saw that it was a text from her boyfriend, asking if she and Connie were all right.

“We’re both fine, thank you for asking,” she texted back. “All the wendigos at the bank have been dealt with, but there was a bit of drama afterwards. I’ll tell you more later. Stay safe for me, okay?”

With that done, she turned to face Valerie and the twins.

“So, I don’t suppose any of you know where they just went, or better yet, have any way of following them?”

---

MDP Stats

Magical Dream Princess

3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3
4 | 9 | 4 | 24 | 9

Oddball: Sweet Dreams | Barrage

Wealth and Resources (not while tf'd) | Enhanced Weapon | Power Artifact | Dual Weapon | Natural Aging | Money | Intuition

Focused | Mental Link | Hidden Death | Mana Font | Mystic Might

Alien Mind | Formless | Rival Force | Clueless

@Shifter_Master@twave@Bright_Ops

MDP was happy when Roxanna apologized, but her frown returned a moment later when the goth girl accused her of talking down to people and not treating them with respect. “But, like, Magical Dream Princess isn’t wisn’t talking down to you, Roxanna Wanna!” she insisted, once again sounding rather distraught. “She super duper pinky winky promises womises she isn’t! Like, she’s super duper sorry worry if the way she soundy woundies bother wothers you, but like she told you beforesie, she just can’t helpy welpy herselfy welfy! Like, Magical Dream Princess wishes Pastel-chan were heresie weresie…” the whimsical girl pouted. “She’s, like, lots better at explaining waining this stuffy wuffy than Magical Dream Princess is… But, like, she had to go bye bye, because Magical Dream Princess did something womething super duper dumb, and she wasn’t even Magical Dream Princess when she did it…”

The poor girl was looking as though she might cry once more, when Roxanna asked about something, just as said thing gently tapped her shoulder. Upon seeing just who it was, the childish girl squealed in delight, her typical bubbly demeanor fully restored. “Snoopy Woopy~! (giggle!)” MDP cheered, before giving the small drone a hug. “When did you get heresie weresie~?! Like, did Penny Wenny send you to make sure Magical Dream Princess was okie dokie~?! Like, you’re such a good little Snoopy Woopy~” she cooed while gently nuzzling the robotic scout. “Yes you aresie~ Yes you aresie~ (giggle!)”

---

Angel of Hope Stats

Angel of Hope

3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3
5 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 5

Reinforcement | Third Eye

Enhanced Outfit | Enhanced Weapon | Enhanced Sustenance | Wings | Gifted

Job Satisfaction | Chatty | Mana Font | Mystic Might

Cagey | Expendable | Big Brother

@Bright_Ops@twave

As the “discussion” between Roxanna and MDP wore on, the Angel was beginning to feel increasingly troubled. A part of her fully empathized with the goth girl’s annoyance and confusion in the face of the bizarre Princess of Dreams, but another part of her felt moved with concern for the childish girl’s clear distress.

(Sigh…) I should probably say something to try and clear up this clusterfuck…

However, before she could speak, MDP’s frighteningly fickle attention was drawn to the small drone, which had begun hovering nearby.

The fuck? She knows that thing? And where the hell did it even come from? Oh, but regardless, I am so very glad its presence has allowed the poor darling’s joy to be restored once more!

A moment later, the Angel’s attention was drawn away from the wholesome sight, when she felt something tug her wing. Turning around, the Angel was greeted by a small girl with a crystalline theme, who proceeded to express her confusion at the current situation and inquire if she could have some help in understanding it.

Join the club, kid…

“Oh, my deepest apologies, little champion,” she told the girl with a submissive bow. “I did not notice you at first. But, yes, I would be more than happy to assist you, although I must regrettably confess that I, too, have only recently arrived in this fair metropolis, and thus, am also at something of a loss as to its current state of affairs. Indeed, all I truly know is that a pack of monsters most foul has just been defeated, after attempting to visit great misfortune upon the populace of this noble city. If this humble servant may be permitted to be so bold, perhaps the most advantageous way to learn more would be to converse with the various noble champions gathered here?”

After all, better them than me…

Grimoiric Heart

@Izurich@Villamvihar@Sonnambula

Olivia frowned upon hearing Wilhelmina’s distress, the kindhearted beauty completely clueless as to why her friend was so freaked out by Xolys’s efforts to protect them. “Creepy?” she echoed. “I-Is darling Xolys holding you a bit too tightly?” she inquired, her tone a mixture of concern and puzzlement. “I know you’re just doing your best to ensure Helmi won’t fall again, darling,” she added while smiling up at her eldritch companion’s misshapen head. “But could you perhaps loosen your grip ever so slightly?”

“Of course, my sweet,” Xolys replied. “I do apologize, Captain,” he told his terrified passenger. “I know you may still be somewhat uncomfortable, but please be assured that I intend you no harm. Indeed, all I do is with your continued safety in mind.”

Realizing the rudeness of her words, Captain Goodhope quickly apologized to her nightmarish protector, before asking that they focus their full attention on the Pageless.

“There is no need to apologize, Captain,” Xolys reassured her. “Your reaction towards me is perfectly understandable, although I thank you for your generous compliment,” he added. “You are truly a kind soul, much like my dearest Olivia.”

“Oh, darling!” the azure-clad beauty giggled, while a blush colored her cheeks.

Meanwhile, as they had steadily drawn nearer to the sky borne Pageless, an interesting aspect of its nature rapidly became apparent. Its “eyes” were actually nothing of the kind, merely clusters of glowing specks. Was this creature some form of bizarre gestalt consciousness, Olivia wondered, or was it perhaps just a distraction to conceal their foe’s true form? As it happened, the mysterious creature would soon provide an answer as it moved to attack Nessie. Thankfully, the redhead’s increased alertness, coupled with the creature’s noticeably slower speed, meant that she was able to dodge the attack, although not without getting a few scratches on her broomstick in the process. The Pageless then proceeded to swipe at Captain Goodhope. The shadowy creature was swift, but Xolys was swifter still, and thus was able to place one of his own twisted appendages between Goodhope and the creature’s claws. The Pageless vanished into the clouds soon after, but the eldritch monstrosity and the two Magical Girls that rode upon him still had time to make out just what they were facing, a spectral being with two clawed arms emerging from its cloaked form.

“Goodness!” Olivia exclaimed. “He’s quite fast! And he looks a bit like a wraith, or maybe a shade… Oh, but I just love his tattered cloak! It makes him look very mysterious!”

The creature darted at them a second time, but a luminous barrier blocked its attack, causing it to pull back into the clouds once more.

“My thanks, Miss Lumiere,” Xolys told their angelic team leader with a small nod.

A moment later, the glowing motes that composed the Pageless’s “eyes” dispersed in a brilliant flash. Under cover of this blinding light show, the vile fiend once again attempted to strike at Nessie, but as with Wilhelmina, Lumiere’s obelisk wings shielded the Lady of the Lake with a protective energy barrier. The angelic girl then gave the order to attack, and Xolys responded by firing a crackling beam of unreality at the cloud into which the Pageless had retreated. However, although the cloud was utterly unmade, the cloaked form of the Pageless was able to narrowly avoid the blast. Indeed, it seemed far too agile to target, although perhaps a greater volume of fire would leave it unable to maneuver? That said, Lumiere seemed perfectly content to allow the rest of the team to deal with this threat, and while the Lady of the Lake and the Master of Xhar’doth both possessed the ability to unleash powerful ranged attacks, those attacks didn’t have the greatest rate of fire, and there were still only two of them. If only Captain Goodhope’s offensive capabilities weren’t so lacking… Then again, perhaps there was a way in which she could contribute…

Having apparently come to the same conclusion, the maritime maiden shakily noted that she could call upon the aid of her ghostly crew, but only if they had something, or someone to bare them aloft.

“Captain,” Xolys intoned, his strong voice resounding in both her ears and her mind in an effort to cut through the howling wind and roaring thunder. “If you wish to summon your spectral sailors, I shall be most pleased to provide them with protected positions from which to fire upon our elusive foe,” the Master of Xhar’doth told her, even as his shifting form enlarged and reshaped itself to create the shielded depressions that would hold and guard Goodhope’s conjured crewmen.

“Oh! That sounds like a wonderful idea!” Olivia agreed. “Don’t you think so, Helmi?!” she asked her friend with eager excitement, once again completely unaware of the terror said friend was probably experiencing…

Grimoiric Heart

@Villamvihar

Okay, sounds good!

I'll hold off until then.