ReusableSword

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

Victor walked quietly towards the next hall, the next building for studying treaty law. Sure, he knew enough about it to know what laws and rules were in place in the punishments for breaking them. However, he never really looked into the history of it or the bigger picture of things. After all, he was a headhunter not a lawyer, that subject was left to those who had more patience for the political world they thrived in.

The tall vampire got to the class early, watching as the others slowly made their way inside and to their seats. He did not move until he saw Salem enter the room. Victor watched the boy carful, watched how he looked to a few other mages while he found his seat. Finally, the tall vampire made his way to an empty seat near Salem. Victor had no problem sitting amongst a group of mages even if he could sit in the front row with the nobles he chose not to.

Pulling out a small notebook and a pen, Victor set to work taking notes he knew he was going to need as the vampire he spoke to earlier began his class. “Is this what it meant to be a Teachers Aid for this class? To basically teach the class himself?” He thought while Salem stood and asked a question. The question asked was simple and to the point. Even then, Victor still watched the mage and how he held himself while speaking in front of a crowd.

The other vampire that spoke seemed to be almost shaking in his boots just by asking a question. It was not unexpected for a new blood to lose confidence in front of a large group of their peers and was frankly enjoyable to watch the boy suffer for a moment. Varis spent little time answering both of their questions before continuing with a brief overview to the class.

Victor was sure to jot down notes and points of interest over the topics he otherwise had little interest or knowledge of before. This class was sure to be interesting and he could only wonder what the others in his argument group thought of the house they were tasked with. Then the sudden bang of the main doors behind him.

He did not turn to look like the others he simply figured it was an over dramatic vampire or overconfident human with a death wish. It was not until he started to notice the whispers of those around him that he looked up from his notes at all. Well he was right, an over dramatic vampire with an ‘I’m the most important person in this room’ air about him. The man introduced himself in front of everyone like they all had to know his name and his presence.

Just by how the others around him reacted, he could already tell this was going to be annoying. “So who’s this one supposed to be?” Victor asked allowed. He was not speaking to anyone directly but by the looks, those around him gave him he wondered what kind of response he would receive. Even if he was being honest, he did want to see the reaction of those around him.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

Monty python "Run away!" > Safety? /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

Ardur looked at the slimy green herb on his arm and felt its soothing properties; quickly the Hipixie ate the herb and turned back to the sword as it spoke once again. “A hero? I am not worthy of it then? At least not yet.” His thoughts were quick and short as his attention went back to the wall of water between the three of them and the undead horde.

Looking to Asura for just a moment as they made their way toward the entrance. He listened dutifully to the slime, as he assessed the situation and gave a basic plan. Ardur interjected when he mentioned wanting to stay inside the cave. “I know you want to stay inside, but I do not believe that to be the best action right now. As far as Jason was concerned, the whole cave was his territory so we should not stay inside the cave if we want to rest for a long while. Who knows how long that spirit will keep the undead at bay.”

He was being cautious but was aware that the slime more than likely was not aware of the cease-fire with the goblins. “At the end of the other day, some of the other reborn and myself formed a truce or a cease fire with the goblins. One of them uhh Orchid I think her name was. She is like us and I think she was trying to move up the chain of command last I checked. That and Steve is waiting out there for me.”

He could see the opening of the cave now and continued to head for it. “I’m going to take the chance that the more level headed of our group haven’t pissed the goblins off yet and stay just outside the cave but still in one of the smaller outcroppings so I’m at least a little out of sight. If they are hostile again at least then we will be able to run into the forest instead of back into here. Better chances of survival that way.” He would stick to his words. Otherwise, Ardur just wants to get outside the cave and sleep. barley noticing the excited Steve or words being spoken outside.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 100%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 50%

Buffs:

Debuffs: Mana Burn,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level: 2x undead pixie

Other:

From the weakest goblin to the Strongest god

Work issss busy

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

well screw you too guy > Monty python "Run away!" /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

This frame definitely could take more of a beating then his last one. However, he still wasn’t anywhere close to being a tank. Maybe a glass cannon but not a tank. The last few hits hurt and now he had to worry about not getting hit again and blood in his eye.

After stopping the head of the pixie he had just crushed to be sure that it was dead, Ardur lunged back to his friendly slimes. The situation was deteriorating quickly. Undead reinforcements were coming in quickly, wisps crackling with energy fluttered towards them from the ceiling, more undead seemed to be rising from the ground, and to top it all off another large slime with the same crystal structures in its body like Jason had was making its way toward them.

Ardur heard Asura call for them to fall back as they were all clearly outnumbered and being overwhelmed. The Hipixie hesitated to move for a moment. Trying to get a good grasp of what was coming for them and how many they would need to deal with. Then suddenly without warning the water from the nearby pool rose and flowed between them and the undead. The sudden influx of water was followed by a voice and then a sword floating past them. He barley noticed that the slime applied some healing herbs to him.

It told them to run while it distracted their pursuers. Even through his sore injuries and bleeding head wound the mighty Hipixie still tried to reach out for the sword in an attempt to take it with them as they fled. Not the most well thought out plan but he was suffering from a head injury and somethings seemed a little fuzzy. The need to run wasn’t one of those things.

Only attempting to grab the sword once, Ardur took off toward the entrance. Running and at the same time using his wings in an attempt to move just that much quicker along the ground toward the entrance and hopefully safety. He didn’t care about what was outside of the cave or how the goblins would react to them but it was better than dying in here like Jason.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 20%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 50%

Buffs:

Debuffs: Mana Burn,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level: 2x undead pixie

Other:

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

Eventually as the stars grew ever brighter in the dark night, more and more Vampires and Mages alike began to come out of hiding. The tall vampire didn’t seem to care about the influx of people. He had finished what he set out to do and filled in the blanks of the map with trees, brush, and outbuildings. He even had some time to check out the arena.

It was quiet and peaceful until the rest of the populace began to wake and make their way around campus. The new bloods sticking out like a sore thumb, either acting like a mopey zoo lion or being in an unnecessary rush. He under stood stretching one’s legs but there was a time and place.

Victor was keeping track of time while he was out for his walk. He didn’t want to be early but didn’t want to be late either. There was no need to fray relations between himself and those that would see themselves as his superiors. He could only hope that his teacher wasn’t too extravagant in their teachings and general way about them.

He would soon find out that he would not be disappointed. Finding his way to the class and his eventual seat near the front of the class. Their teacher looked rather elegant in that red dress of hers. The way she spoke and dressed reminded him of home and the other nobles that shared the underground half of their winter home.

The tall vampire sat straight in his chair, never slouching. Giving off an air of arrogant superiority towards any that would look at him. His eyes stared straight ahead and never wandered around the room. He was perfectly content in knowing what he already did about the others in the class just by looking at them. Few seemed confident, others seemed to be barley awake, and the few that seemed competent to him looked like they never fought a day in their lives.

“Did high born nobles and pure bloods always look this soft?” he thought to himself. Honestly he was never able to stray into the areas where other noble vampires would be. Their clan within their house wasn’t high on the list of nobility. Normally only his father and one of his elder brothers or sisters would go to the fancy parties and meetings. While he was left to train and go through his lessons.

Their teacher proceeded to go through the first part of her lesson rather well. He honestly was not looking forward to the computer parts of this school. At least so far it was just an overview of what he already knew about humans. Of course he learned what he did to be able to learn their weaknesses. Weaknesses that would allow him to kill easier. Humans were an enemy once they could be again.

Taking a few notes here and there with his scratch paper he continued to listen till she asked if there were any questions. Pausing for a moment to see if anyone else would speak up first before he did. Victor stood looking towards the teacher with his hands clutched behind his back. It was customary from where he lived to always stand and say what you needed to say at a form of attention before the class would carry on.

“Ma’am.” Speaking with a deep clear voice and eyes that never left hers. “Victor Strigois Astorio.” A short but polite introduction, to him at least. “If I may, I have one statement for the class and one question for you. The statement is this, for you new bloods here, a good way to tell if your biting into an arterial vein or not is that arterial blood is a light shade of red almost pink because of the oxygen content. The blood of a non-arterial vein will be a darker shade of red.”

“my question is, in your opinion, with the carotid artery. Would you suggest tipping the mortals head back to gain access to this point even though the neck muscles move to protect the artery, or tipping the head down which in turn can increase blood flow to the area?” after stating his question he still stood for a moment longer before taking his seat.

He was well aware of the muscles that protected the artery when the head was tipped back. a protective measure gained through evolution. To protect vital spots. When the head is tipped down these arteries’ almost move in front of the jugular itself. This being the preferred position if you wanted to bleed a human dry quickly by cutting its throat like cattle.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

Lets see what this new form can do. > well screw you too guy /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

Undead always had to be troublesome, what was the saying in all those zombie movies and comics again? Go for the head? These thoughts and questions going through his head while he clutched the broken pixies head in his hand. Its knowing jaws and mangled face facing him.

Then he seemed to be enveloped in a black smoke for a moment. After a split-second of confusion, Ardur caught a glimpse of the other pixie chanting something with black blood pooling out of its mouth. Then the system notice sprung into his mind warning him of his imminent bad luck.

You have been Cursed! The next attack against you will be more effective!

System:Ardur

Then a motion came at him from the corner of his eye. He could see it, that gnarled stick, as it and the skeleton holding it came at him. Yet his movements felt slow almost as if his body wasn’t reacting as quickly as it normally did to his orders.

Then he felt it, a hard blunt force to his side as the stick made impact. It didn’t make him falter to the ground but it definitely pushed him and definitely hurt. “Son of a bitch that hurts!” crushing the skull of the pixie in his hand from the pain he grimaced. Asura was quickly going after the skeleton with the stick, but he could see the others picking up stones.

Dropping what was left of the pixie in his hands, Ardur then fly’s up slightly before attempting to smash the other pixie that cursed him with his feet. Just like he did to the lizard before. Only this time he was aiming for the pixies chest and head. The rage inside him was slowly starting to come back to life.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 55?%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 85%

Buffs: Inspired

Debuffs: Mana Burn, cursed,

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level:

Other:

Of Blood and Magic

Victor Astorio

The car rolled to a stop on the cold cobblestone street. A vampire not much older than 100 years hesitated to open the door into the cool evening air. A shadowy figure sat across from him shifting slightly in his seat. The figure spoke with a deep and menacing tone while holding onto a slight Russian accent.

“You are the first of our family to attend this place. Do not disappoint me. We both know what happens if Lord Peiron is displeased with your performance.” Again the figure shifted, one leg crossing the other.

"Are you ever going to tell me why the lord requested that I personally do this? Not only would Valeria be a better suit for this, but she is my elder." Victor seemed reluctant to go. the tone of his voice showed that it wasn't because of fear but more of annoyance.

"Your sister is on another assignment and the lord specifically asked for you to do this." Red eyes pierced through the veil of darkness surrounding them, “Now go, this world will not wait for you and neither will I.”

His father’s words were never comforting in any sense of the word. Still, the large man sighed and pushed open the heavy door. "I would be learning more at our barracks... I hate politics" the young vampire whispered to himself. Turning his head slightly to glare at the figure of his father while he left.

He was met by the sounds of a few people unloading his luggage and a short female standing near the main pathway. Her red hair was pinned up in a neat bun, and she wore a dark purple jacket and black form fitting slacks. The girl was holding onto something, and he could smell the faint hint of a light jasmine perfume.

“Victor Astorio?” the women spoke while he looked her over for just a brief moment. “This way please.” Short and brief, something he preferred.

Victor followed behind the Hostess his eyes scanning about the complex as he counted his footsteps. He was in unfamiliar territory with unfamiliar people who he could almost guarantee did not share his mindset. Either nobles who had everything given to them or humans who simply hadn’t lived long enough to know better. He could already feel that this place was going to test his nerves.

The short red head in front of him handed him a few pieces of paper. A small map of the compound as well as his schedule, his room number, location of his dorm, and lastly a name and a picture of who he could only assume was his mage. “Salem Spellman.” He whispered while looking over the picture.

It was another thing he would have to come to terms with. Working with a human that he knew just by the looks of him wouldn’t be able to keep up. Victor could only wonder just how their ability’s would work with each other. Something to brain storm when they got a chance to sit down and talk to each other.

When the women in front of him slowed down he had to adjust himself, so he didn’t fall into her while she motioned towards some buildings. “Mockingbird hall is that way, that is where you will be doing most of your course work. Rose Hall is over there and is where the mages will be doing most of their training. You should be able to find the arena and your dormitory on the map that was given to you.” She definitely was blunt and straight to the point. “I do not recommend that you are late to your first class but, you still have some time before it starts.”

Victor simply nodded to the women and started to walk toward where he was supposed to go. The guards patrolling the area looked him over occasionally but otherwise didn't bother him. He did hear about some council business stirring things up the night before. Perhaps they are still dealing with the aftermath.

He didn’t bother them, and they didn’t seem too keen on bothering him either. It was simply another thing to look into. The approximate strength of the guards here could tell him a lot of what he was going to be dealing with. Victor didn’t believe that they would be his enemy anytime soon but you could never be too careful when dealing with vampire politics.

Slowly walking around the campus filling in the blank areas of the map with small outbuildings, tress, bushes, and the occasional statue. He wasn’t feeling all that ready to go out and search for his mage just yet. Until it was time for his first class Victor would simply wander around the area. Everything was different and now he needed to get used to new sounds and scents, perhaps he could even overhear the odd rumor or two.

Royals did like their gossip after all.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

On wards to victory > Lets see what this new form can do. /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

It seemed through all of that he still had to work with things inside his own power level. Apparently what he was attempting to cast hadn’t been understood by the system. And here he was just trying to cleanse the area. Now he was out of mana and experiencing something called mana burn? Good, now he knew what consequences awaited him for over drafting his mana.

It also seemed that Inspire I and Spell chant I seemed to work together regardless. To him it made sense that in most instances where he would use inspire it would require words or chants like that. It would probably get leveled up quicker that way though. But he would have to be careful with spell chant. The last prayer or chant he used wasn't meant for the spell more for the gods that were listening. Maybe he would have to adapt some way of triggering spell chant before using it again.

The scene around them looked bleak, the ambient light of the mana crystals around them seem to be fading with the crystals themselves. A shame really, now he would have to learn that meditate skill he was shown earlier for sure. That and now that the healing herbs seem to be withering away he would be needed more than ever. Then to top it all off multiple undead creatures where heading their way.

Asura and mother slime seemed to notice the change in the environment as well. Asura didn’t waste anytime to make his point clear on what he planned to do. Ardur needed to give him the best sit rep he could of his current conditions. “Yes I am larger now and my health pool has grown. Im stronger now and I feel like im a better flier. However be advised, I currently have no mana left and im starting to get hungry. I advise we take care of these ones then make a break for the entrance to regroup and rest. Hell we could even persuade a few of the goblins to help out with this as well, I think orchid might have more sway with the goblins now that rattle skull is dead.”

He knew what he had to do and as the slimes charged toward this new danger he wouldn’t turn and run. The flighty impulsive instincts he once had faded with this change of his. They were replaced with instincts he understood. Running forward briefly, the Hipixie jumped into the air and took off at speed toward the nearest flying pixie. while being mindful of the reach of the other undead below him. His plan was to try and grab one of the pixies by the leg and swing it around to hit the other pixie. If nothing else he would at least try to break its wings or its ability to fly.

"for the sun and the cycle of life." he whispered to himself.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 85?%
Mana: 00%
Stamina: 100%

Buffs: Inspired

Debuffs: Mana Burn

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level:

Other:

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The Mighty Hipixie

towards the heavens > On wards to victory /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - cave

The words the light the stories the voices. Everything was so much… so much more than what he was expecting. Sure it didn’t give him the answers he hoped for but it gave him something more. It gave him more questions. For now all he could do was sink back towards the planet.

Looking on at the three figures who slowly faded into the light of the sun as he was pulled away. Their words almost branded into his mind. “A guardian, a mother, a king.” It gives power to those that who have the will. To those that continue the cycle. What should he do? What will he become?

The sun faded quickly and soon he was forced back down to his body. His muscles felt tight, his joints ached, and his head throbbed. Ardur opened his eyes and stood slowly. The view of the world had changed and felt different, he was taller now, broader. The system message said he was Mighty, a rare variant perhaps.

Squeezing his fists and looking at his new form the naked Hipixie looked forward toward the thing that was beckoning to him. He could feel it now. Something urged for him, wanted him. It was in the direction of the dungeon core. All he did was watch with new-found purpose and power while the mana crystals shattered and their dust drifted towards the core.

“Come brother, the dungeon core calls for us. Let us put an end to this madness. The cycle must continue and this crystal is obstructing that.” Feeling a new sense of strength and being he stepped forward on shaking legs. He hoped the slimes were well rested for the fight that surely laid before them. One foot in front of the other, slowly getting used to his new form he continued on his march towards the core.

What did they want from him? why were they looking at him like he had a choice? did he have a choice? were they asking which view he chose or how he interpreted their will? “A king is a leader, put on a pedestal to serve those less than him. A mother is nurturing, for the fruits of life can grow strong under her care. A guardian is mighty, to shield the frail Behind the plate and mail. So if it is a choice, I choose all of you.” He spoke aloud but mostly to himself trying to grasp what he was shown. to him the sun was all these things and more.

“The will. I have the will. I have the will to be mighty. I will be mighty.” His muscles flexed, his joints cracked and popped. Ardur was nearly yelling now but this time for a reason. Using Inspire I he spoke, “This is a call to action, this is a call to arms, all lives for one, together, there are no false alarms.”

With this he raised his hand in the air in an attempt to try something new. “I have the will, to protect, to lead, to nurture. I have the will of the sun to bring balance to the cycle and release these undead from their earthly bonds.” Again Ardur remembered what it was like to cast fire ball for the first time, to cast shield for the first time, to cast heal. He willed it to happen. With that will he will summon what strength he can from the sun.

He envisioned an orb in his palm, just like he did with fire ball except he didn’t feel the heat. Only the light. He envisioned every angle of the cave and light enveloping it. The bright light he saw as he fell back to this place, envisioning it penetrates the skin and bones of the other creatures of the cave and seep into their souls. Then he could almost see them, see their souls be released into the heavens and absorbed by the light of the sun.

“The sun takes and gives power. These souls are the power I give to it so that I may will its power here and now.” Somehow Ardur felt unstoppable in this new form. Unsure if what he was doing would yield anything but still having full faith that it will at least do something. Even still, he had no idea what he was doing or saying.

@Zeroth
@Kazemitsu

Ardur's character stats

Level: 5

Health: 85?%
Mana: 90%
Stamina: 100%

Inventory:

Clothes: N/A

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger II, Crafting I, Muffle I, Inspire I, Guidance I, Spell chant I, Use light equipment,

Kills for current level:

Other:

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Ardur The ?????

Pretty lights > towards the heavens /// Adventuring day 4 // Afternoon / Location - ????

The air was heavy, his form didn’t move like his last one did. More of a blob trying to push its way through a thicker blob. All to reach one shimmering ray of light. One hand finally reached it, and he was suddenly sucked up into the light and out of the cave.

The view was spectacular and vast. A few glimpses of far off places and an island covered in lightning and storm clouds. A vast sea and many other things that soon disappeared in a blur as he was taken higher and higher. Soon even the planet spun away with colors of blue, green, and brown. Before long, he was basking in the light of the sun.

He seemed to stop near it, all he could do was examine the object of his worship before him. Yet somehow, he felt like something was observing him as well. The silence of the vacuum could very well have been over bearing if not for the bright globe in front of him. Then he heard it, almost a whisper but not quite a scream, a question.

“What is the Sun? Why praise the Sun? Why seek its glorious incandescence?”

Hesitating for only a moment he spoke up or at least spoke how he thought. “The sun is a constant in this unknowing world. Something to depend on when it is needed, something to be praised when it is not. A symbol of hope and promise of a better tomorrow.” He felt something in what he could only describe is his stomach. Something heavy that threatened to pull him down.

“I seek its light, so that I may become stronger with the suns help. So that I may be able to protect those that I surround myself with as friends and family. To be their light on the darkest of days. Because she….” He trailed off again and looked away. “Because when I see the love of my past life and this life again. I don’t want her to see me as a monster. I want her to see me as I was. A good man that cared about others and their well being. A man that defended others from the monsters.” Looking back to the burning sphere with the same determination he had felt before he entered his rage towards the skeletons. “Whatever the cost, whatever it takes.”

It was all he could say, all he could muster in the presence before him. Something about it slowly became overwhelming. And the stone in his stomach seemed to be pulling him slowly back down towards his body no matter how much he struggled to keep aloft.

@Zeroth

Ardur's character stats

Level: ?

Health: ???%
Mana: ???%
Stamina: ???%

Inventory:

Clothes: Spider silk belt and leaf loin cloth, mud coating.

Weapons: N/A

Magic/Skills: Shield II, Lesser Flight III, Minor Heal III, Physical Conditioning I, Fire Resistance I, Taming I, Fireball I, Stronger I, Crafting I, Muffle I,

Kills for current level:

Other: