POOHEAD189

ELDEN RING

Yeah, I say go with option 3. A narrative of a group of tarnished sound cool.

ELDEN RING

<Snipped quote by POOHEAD189>

Hey Ben. Any answers to the questions I posed?

@Hank

Not yet, friend. But I'm thinking on it...

The Enemy Beyond: Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor RP

The wind cried out in a whistles as I stepped off the shuttle, an arrogant smile on my face. Urien and Bolskar wore the suits of courtiers and were instructed to keep their mouths shut unless spoken to directly, and Bolskar was encouraged to speak out of the two of them. They flanked Emmaline and myself, standing at attention like guardsmen. I pretended not to notice the Lord Ignatius's less than enthusiastic welcome, striding up and shaking his hand with both of mine, the little fact he had not offered a hand a mere pittance to Blasius Deckard.

"It's tremendous to be here," I said with relishing surety. "The good lady has told me vastly about you, my lord. When I heard you had invited her and her escort, I was thrilled to visit your home."

"Yes, well.." the hawkish man said, clearing his throat. He seemed to still be searching for his ability to lie about his pleasure I was here, but he spoke the words even if he did not act the part. He motioned for his honor guard to redeploy as ushers to bring us inside. "I am honored to have a Jovian Elite visit my home. Now, if you would be so kind, the wind can be quite rough in such heights."

The Lord Ignatius led us into his home, which seemed more like a complex that was built around half of the mountain. The foyer was huge and immaculate, with busts of long dead Moldarian philosophers and a picture upon the northern section of the wall that displayed Julius himself. At the front of the entrance, a handsome woman in a silver dress awaited, her smile practiced though her eyes fixed upon myself, Urien, and Bolskar as she, too, was likely not prepared for our arrival. The woman recovered far more quickly than the lord had, and gave a curtsy.

"My sister, the Lady Jezebel Ignatius," Julius introduced.

"We are honored to have you in our home." She confessed, her brown hair in glorious curls that did its best to hide the grey streaks within its folds. The two led us further in, walking down a long gallery with pictures of ancient battles and prominent members of the old family displayed, some even in expensive holo-picts. The archaic tapestries artifacts displayed, war trophies and old items of imperial stature, and the sheer livery of the carpet along with the scale of the house was staggering. It even more extravagant than anything I had yet introduced to Emmaline. In fact, it would be impressive even to certain areas of the Sol system, and I gave it my due looks of awe when I was duly galvanized.

"I must say, you have quite the extensive history of your lineage, my lord." I baited him, striding beside the man as he introduced Emmaline to what I imagined was a broken but highly prized STC. An odd device that looked vaguely like a jet turbine and a mechanical wheel of infinitite. What it could do was anyone's guess, likely including Ignatius himself. "To what do you credit your wealth, dear Julius?"

I saw he did his best not to scowl at me. He was becoming a better liar as time went on. Likely he thought I wouldn't notice regardless. He was far more mystifying in Emmaline's presence.

"Moldar's dynasty was founded by the Ignatius family." He said, a bit of pride seeping into his voice. He was an exceptionally tall man, and made a display of looking down on me. "Maximus Ignatius settled here, settling in what is today Gralinmakke and forming the first colony. His grandson became the commander of the subsector when he served with distinction in the Hironeiden Crusade. For a thousand years my family safeguarded the realm and brought it prosperity, but nothing lasts the wastes of time. Eventually we were mere Moldarian planetary governors, until two centuries ago when my ancestor Pontiphicus Ignatius was disgraced and ousted. How far we have fallen."

"You are still the second more powerful house on an impeccably beautiful planet." I reminded him, and gestured to Emmaline. "You certainly impressed the lady Von Morganstern."

ELDEN RING

No promises because of my schedule but you got my attention.

The Sunday Group

The world as he knew it was no more. Death had taken him, in a manner temporary but vastly worrying. Mal had stepped out of the bounds of the universe and strayed beyond the threads of time. He looked at his hand, so vague and yet distinct all at once. He saw with eyes that were not eyes, heard with ears that were not ears. Had he come here as merely a spirit, perhaps he could survive for a time if he was not plucked by one of the dreadful denizens, but as he came here physically, his body began to waste. It was a race against time, like a drowning man that had just sucked in his first lungful of water. And yet, Mal felt a serene calm that beckoned him. Had he been a normal man without arcane knowledge, he would have simply let it take him.

Luckily he was too clever for that.

Briefly he looked up at the world cavern, letting himself take a precious three seconds to admire the horror of the death realm. Rock of some unknown substance filled the horizon as far as any eye could see or grasp, higher than the sky and beyond scope. Great roots the size of small countries snaked out of the broken cavern top, monumental in range and wholly significant beyond Mal's small existence. Had Mal been able to breathe, his breath would have caught. Oddly, he was aware of some cosmic light that kissed the stone and roots, originating to his right. Somehow he thought of it as north, but he knew directions like that were impossible in Hel.

Turning, he saw the maw of the tunnel feeding into some other chamber. The light ebbed and flowed off the wall as if it were alive. Mal had theories to its origin, but he decided he could study such things later. Gripping his talisman, he closed what eyes he felt he had and concentrated, his spirit stirring within his discarnate breast and gathering itself for a final gambit. The light in the chamber pulsed slowly, and he felt something tremble as if it had awoken. Mal called to Odin, his voice noiseless. He knew the God could hear him, regardless. Grimnir had other plans for him, Malcador knew. He had spoken as much. Seconds passed, and as his soul bucked in its death spasms and the light began to grow brighter, Malcador finally felt the tug of his pendant pulling him.

He was hurtled out of Hel and back into the mortal plane faster than light or information, and yet it felt like an eternity.

Malcador gasped, opening his aching eyes. Vaguely he was aware of pavement under his body, but at the moment he was like a newborn babe. He had forgotten how to breathe, and choked for a few key moments until his entire being returned to his vessel and he felt his nerves and body returning to normal, the flesh arising from its labyrinthine prison of the underworld. It was an experience he couldn't describe to anyone, and he hadn't exactly planned for it to happen. He gave a word that succinctly defined his current thoughts of returning to real-space.

"Fuck."

Clutching his chest, he blinked and struggled to push himself from a prone position. Distantly, he heard his name being called by a familiar voice. Jaelle, yes. He remembered Jaelle, but what led him here?

Oh, the spell, and the men irritatingly immune to his magics. That wasn't possible, but somehow they had been. Malcador lifted himself up unsteadily and called out to Jaelle. "I'm here! Over here!" He yelled with gusto, clearing his throat. Damn, he was thirsty, and he felt he could eat a horse. Mental note, if you're going to cast Mund-spilli, make sure you had aetherial ties to the regular plane if you planned on escaping its blast. It's a suicide spell for a reason, he told himself. Briefly, he saw a man across the gas service stations at the convenience store running into the street. He thought it was the same man that had survived his attack. Well, for once in his life, he wished he had a goddamn gun or something.

When Jaelle got there, he would send them both back to headquarters. This place was getting tiresome.

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

---

They seemed to be in a situation old Lord Myrthawnean would call 'quite the pickle.' Gusts of wind, almost certainly magically induced, separated the fog and allowed a volley to fly into their midst from the archers on the rooftops just long enough for the fog to return once the arrows had been loosed. A good strategy, Kayden had to admit. The assault that happened after the shafts had reigned down was as predictable as it was effective. He could not do much with his sword, and almost as little with his wit. He did decide to grace Veronica with a smile that showed his white teeth.

"Didn't you say you were the best archer?" He asked the future princess-consort. Truthfully, Veronica was quite good with a bow. If there was someone he wanted to guard his back with such a weapon, it would be her. Which was, in fact, the only time he wanted her around. As the aerial attack began, Kayden gestured to the pegasi that barrelled towards the group. Better to make Veronica determined and focused to prove her insufferable husband-to-be wrong rather than afraid. "Time to prove it."

The sword that nearly took the life of an instructor caught Kayden's eye, the flash of steel causing him to whirl as the four swordsmen in the ground assault moved forward. Idly, he thought they would be more effective fighting in a bulky unit. Surrounding wasn't the greatest idea when you lacked numbers, and there were only enough swordsmen to keep their group's attention. Still, Kayden would protect Kellen as he had bade, as well the others. The footman closest to him swung at the prince, only for his blow to be a feint for a quick stab to the gut. Kayden's block was redirected and he leaped back in time to knock the thrust away with a clang of steel.

Rather than giving the footsoldier time to realign his attack, Kayden pressed his own. A diagonal slash that would have taken the footman down were it not for his armor. His opponent blanched for a moment, but once he realized he was not wounded he cut at Kayden's midsection. The prince parried with the strong of his blade, the two now in a match of muscle. Kayden was fit, but he was lean. With a shove forward as if to try and strong-arm his way in, Kayden suddenly relaxed and let the footman's blade fly past him.

There was more to a sword than the blade. If the footman had forgotten that, Kayden reminded him. Stepping into his reach, Kayden moved behind the swing and slammed the pommel of his sword into the man's helmet, ringing the footman's helm like a gong that reverberated over the fellow's body. Like a stunned animal, the enemy slashed wildly. Kayden yelped at a small cut across his leg, but did not relent and suitably returned a more practiced cut to fell the man with a duelists grace. The prince then kicked him across the chest, letting him fall to the ground, his sword clattering where it lay.

The Enemy Beyond: Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor RP

"Your studying of the xenos has a two fold application," I told her, adopting a professional air. Xenos archaeology was not my forte, but a basic understanding of the curriculum was required as an interrogator. Emmaline receiving a crash course in the subject would have happened one way or the other as my aide. Better to let her think it a unique item of study for the mission and not a boring task for her to learn because of the slim possibility she might need such knowledge someday. "Somehow the Igantius family is connected to Bahometus and this key-"

I produced a box of blessed ceramite and opened it to reveal the strange artifact from Tallarn. It seemed dead and unsuitable for anything save a token set piece. Even if one were to lack a superstitious mind unlike the more learned of the Imperium, the fact this artifact was connected to a chaos sorcerer was disturbing, and enough to classify it as daemonium artificium. I closed the box before anyone had to suffer looking at it any longer.

"It is inevitable that he will try to separate us. Let him. It will give me a chance to look around relatively unmolested, and you to try and gather what information you can from him. I advise you not to go down any path you are uncomfortable with, but getting him to talk or brag on unique hobbies or items of his private collection would be a good start. Have him show you the tour of his home. Anything you find with a language you don't recognize, any item you have never seen before, any doors he wants to remain closed. When we reconvene for dinner or any other pertinent time, report to me." I said to her, speaking clearly and deliberately so it might sink in. I motioned for Lazarus to present his addition, pulling out the ruby that had been set in the tiara and the sapphire ring that displayed holy terra. "The jewelry we have from Hostas's venue is ours, or yours. I have had Lazarus install a small locator and communicator on the ring, beneath the precious stone. Turn the gilded signet to notify me of anything or to give me an inkling of your whereabouts. I, myself, blessed the ruby and placed it on the golden thread to wear as a necklace. Any residual corruption or chaotic influence should be nullified by its presence, if only marginally."

The woman gathered the jewelry in her hands and seemed a bit perturbed. I felt for her, as much of this now rode on her shoulders, if only for the moment. I wanted to say something more intimate, but that would be for if we lived. Lazarus turned back to the cogitator and patched into the Caledonia for the next phase in preparations.

"You needn't worry, I'll be more at risk in all likelihood." I said to her, though I doubt it would help or seemed even believable. I did intend to go places Julius Ignatius was not counting on. Placing the comm to my ear, I cleared my throat as Lazarus completed the link. Static blurted into my skull for a few moments before Urien's voice came through, cutting into the feed mid sentence.

"-hatches to get underway!"

"Urien, status on the shuttle?"

"Kafk! Whvat?" He asked, having cursed surreptitiously. I sighed, wondering if they had even prepared to embark.

"The shuttle."

"Yehs, ah will be theer in a few hours to pack yoo up." He said, blessedly confirming he was on schedule. Residual static buzzed and I turned the device to redirect the frequency. That was disturbing, this almost never happened unless something was wrong with the machine or there was something on the planet that misaligned the electromagnetic energy. Briefly I considered how Moldar had been so isolated for the last few thousand years, despite all of the trade and traffic to and from the planet. Perhaps there was something about the world that kept orbital traffic and ground communication to a minimum.

"I'll have to ask you to stay on planet when we arrive. I can't risk not having transport back until we've found something."

"Ihll brig drinks!"

"Bring a weapon." I ordered, and turned the comm offline. The door to the room kicked open, and Bolskar walked in with a handful of food in packed bags and balanced plates. He smiled like a hound dog, but thankfully held the drool. I approached him and pluched a sausage off a plate, biting into it. Still hot. "Put this down and get dressed. You're coming as my squire."

"Squire?" He asked, his smile disappearing.

"I'll prep you. Just get dressed."

---

Hours laters...

Suitably refreshed, rested, and full bellied, the five-man team flew over the city towards the mountains in the distance. The noonday sun caused the white stone of Galinmarkke to gleam almost blindingly. I kept my head down and my mouth shut as we flew, drawing inward as the two barbarians spoke in their native tongue and Lazarus flew the aircraft with orders to remain in the vehicle until called. I did not want them to know we had a fifth person accompanying us, much less a former skitarii ranger. He even had his favored weapon with him. I just hoped I did not regret letting him bring it.

I wore a smart suit, with dark polyester utility pants and a lightly tan button down flagrantly unbuttoned at the neck and collarbone to appear like the carefree dandy, with a fashionable long jacket and a study belt, both with pockets and small compartments filled with a repertoire of equipment to use in tight situations. On my jacket were varying medals, some of my own making and others forged reproductions. In my hands was my force staff, of a mere walking stick of an upper class Jovian elite. In five minutes, we would arrive.

Post a random fact about yourself.

I always loved seeing tattoos and I think they're unironically cool, but for some reason I just want to stay all natural.

Hello... again!

Hello! Welcome back!

The Enemy Beyond: Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor RP

By the Emperor, I had suspected this would happen. I knew as soon as I mentioned that heap of scrap, he would appear. I was so in the moment that I did not care, but damn I was frustrated.

"Thank you for your invaluable service, Lazarus. I will go over these documents accordingly and see to it they get a proper eye." I said with a voice that had the edge of a blade. Lazarus gave a curt 'you're welcome' and showed no sign of understanding what he was interrupting. Twenty years of knowing him, and I could never tell when he knew the proper signs of higher forms of communication like sarcasm or jokes. Sometimes he did and other times he did not, seemingly at random. I had asked Inquisitor Kronus of it once, and he informed me it was a side-effect of being put back together. It had been a miracle he had survived the warboss's wrath at all, there were going to be a few kinks in the system.

Taking up the papers, I gave it a cursory glance. The documents were made with a form of laminate, the font matched imperial patents of nobility, signed by planetary governor Adominus Phalkos and co-signed by Jacoby Bowlingcock. Even as irritated as I was, the name made me smirk. The levity was short lived, however. I still felt the flush on my cheeks. I pretended to be engrossed in the relatively simple documents so I needn't show my face.

"Miss Von Morganstern," I called. She popped up and gave me a serene look, though from my glance I could tell she looked at me with a hidden interest.

"Yes, Inquisitor?"

"How soon would you be able to contact the Lord Ignatius and have the two of us invited to his Manor?" I asked with all the command I could muster.

"Immediately, sir."

"Very good. Lazarus, patch the good Von Morganstern to the local Union Aristocracy network and see if we can hail his aide and set up a date. Preferably within a day or two. Add some legitimacy to the request, perhaps some field of study near his manor. Moldar is not unknown for its xenos ruins. I'll accompany as your companion and I shall bring a small retinue with us."

"That works out, Hadrian." Lazarus declared, tapping his fingers with a machine's speed on the keyboard of the cogitator. "Ignatius's ancestral home is located upon one of the few mountains in Galinmarkke, overlooking much of the city and a fast country where old ruins are said to remain untouched. It lies sixty eight kilometers from our approximate location, due northeast."

"Very good. With any luck, we'll find out what we need and join the council meeting a week hence. Lazarus, where is Bolskar?"

"Asleep in his room." The skitarii said, binary feedback screeching from his mouthpiece. His secondary arms rummaged within his red robes and produced a small black box, sliding it out of his cloak into my waiting hands. Lazarus looked almost apart of the computation machine he worked upon, wires of unknown import snaking out of his back and being hooked into the cogitator, likely to speed up the process of his current objective. I wasn't very learned in the techno-arcane of the mechanicus, but Lazarus always did his job.