Rune_Alchemist

Edea Odyssey

@ERode@Superman@Pyromania99

~Oars Rest~

Isabella's gaze lingered momentarily on Ophene. In fact, she was probably staring just a bit. Not exactly in that way. She had just never seen someone so...scantily dressed before. Not that it was her place to judge others attire, but...well, being dressed like that would have likely gotten the Pheran kicked out of the church. Her staring was finally interrupted by Tsukiko moving close, and said something about trolls.

“The trouble is that of these ‘trolls’, and you wish for their extermination?”

She didn't detect the hostility from Tsukiko. Instead, Isabella was wondering if standing so close to another was common where she was from. Not that she particularly minded standing so close to another, but it wasn't something she typically saw unless she was with some other recruits during training. Her thoughts soon turned to what she said about 'trolls' and their 'extermination', however. Her normally cool expression turned into a slight frown at this. Violence, then. To be expected out here, she supposed...but it didn't mean she was fond of it.

She kept quiet though, for she had nothing to say until the merchant himself spoke.

"Alright alright settle down now. Let the man speak. Yes, I do believe we're interested. Just tell us what we need to do, how much we're getting, and we'll be on our way to doing it. Seem fair?"

She shot a quick glance over to the armored man. Was someone excited or something? None of them looked particularly excited or angry. Before she could question what exactly he meant though, the merchant finally spoke.

"Oh thank the heavens." He sighed, shoulders relaxing, glad that someone finally agreed to hear his plight. "Perhaps whatever accursed spirits I have offended have decided to give me a reprieve. Ah let me introduce myself. I am Arturo, a simple, though mildly successful trader. I organize goods to be shipped through the jungle to the outpost. I won't go into details, but recently...all the shipments have been getting lost in the jungle." He shook his head. "The first time it happened, it could be passed off as an unfortunate accident, but this is the third time! I hired help the second time and third times as a precaution, but they along with the shipment didn't return. I can only assume the worst. The embassy is breathing down my neck to find a solution to this problem, or find whatever is causing the disappearances to happen...I don't know what to do! I'm a merchant, not a sword wielding madman who charges into battle." He blinked, realizing that perhaps he had just offended one of the parties present.

"A-apologies...I am simply stressed. In short...I simply would like you to find what is attacking the caravans. I can not pay you up front, but once you reach the outpost and deliver news of your success to the Caededril representative at the outpost, I'm certain they can reward you amply."

As the merchant spoke, Isabella simply listened quietly. What she picked up on, was only that the shipments were getting lost, not that the trolls were responsible specifically. Still, it didn't matter. She couldn't really turn down such a direct request for help. Not when this merchants livelihood was at stake here.

"I can't speak for the others," She replied. "But you have my sword." And that was it. She waited for the others to either accept or reject the offer. If she must, she would go about this task by herself. Wouldn't be the first time she had to do something herself...plus it would give her time to practice.

~Docks~

@RedDusk@Ariamis@Lauder@Black Alice

When the captain finished, there was a murmur of discussion among those gathered. It seemed some were wondering what exactly the benefit of this would be. Certainly, they could all still go through the jungle. It would be much less hassle in this case, and much less work for them. They could get on their way without being hindered by the Imperials regulations and laws. Some were completely uninterested, and moved on their way towards the Inns and shops. There were a few who seemed like they were about to step forward, only to be beaten to the punch by a pale skinned man with red eyes. The captain looked down at him from where he stood, smiling.

"Excellent. Apologies for bothering you." He replied in a friendly tone. He said to the man driving the cart, before stepping off and addressing one of his knights, likely one of a higher rank than the rest. "Continue about your normal rounds. Make certain you have more patrols around the jungle. Those cowardly merchants are complaining about their caravans being raided by trolls again." The disdain in his voice was quite clear, but before any comments could be made he then faced the group who addressed him.

"The three of us will accept your quest, and eliminate the beassst. Also, we may have a fourth participant joining the mission."

"Indeed? Four is just the number we were looking for." He said, as Nazr walked off, turning towards Jagred as Ankt approached, asking him a question about another Aahari. The captain put on his helmet, thinking as he did so. Aahari weren't exactly a common sight in Oars Rest, so taking note of them was something a bit required in his job description, since they could often be somewhat...unruly. And dealing with unruly citizens was his job.

"Not often we get Aahari here." He replied. "They don't tend to stay long if they do, either. I can't give you any solid leads, but if you want to travel to the outpost just after the Grotto, the Captain there would likely have more information on an Aahari." It seemed like that was all the captain was going to say on the matter, though he could be holding back a bit in favor of perhaps motivating the Aahari in front of him to help with this incident.

"Now, more importantly...we're not sure what beast did this. There have been a lot of rumors about the Grotto since we first found it. Most adventurers tend to overlook it since its so close to Oars Rest, but...well, let's just say some of those rumors might be a little more than rumors." What he meant by that he didn't elaborate before he continued. "I trust you can find your way to the Grotto yourselves?"

Whatever the adventurers answered, the captain proceeded to give them a sealed letter.

"Once you're done, give this to the Captain as proof you're there on official business. He will reward you quite well for your services, I assure you. Information on the surrounding land, weapons, rations...this matter is something we would like solved quickly and quietly." His tone took a somewhat more grim turn as he spoke. "And I must warn you that the Empire does not tolerate failure or deception." That last bit was probably added, just in case they decided to get wise and move through the Grotto without even attempting their given job.

Edea Odyssey

Hey, a post!~

At this rate, Tetras is gonna have all the women in his party~ xD

So. For those of you at the docks, feel free to volunteer for this venture, if you wish. There will certainly be rewards for your characters if you do. (obviously).

Or not, and we'll go from there~

For the rest of you, an opportunity has just revealed itself in the form of a distraught merchant~

Edea Odyssey

@Lauder@RedDusk@Ariamis

~The Docks~

Just as the three adventurers were becoming acquainted with each other and deciding that perhaps working together were in their best interests, a commotion was heard from the direction of the Barracks. Several guards dressed in armor of the Baumn Empire made their way through the crowded streets. Most people instinctively gave them their space, as the man at the lead was dressed in ornate black and gold armor, signifying some status among the army. A large, two handed sword rest on his back as he made his way forcefully through the crowd, though he appeared to at least try not to stumble over anyone. He was likely on a tight schedule, and in a hurry to address whatever public issue that was to be had. The black armored soldier walked over to a stack of crates that had been piled by the docks, likely almost ready for transport to somewhere else in the city.

The rather forceful nature of the soldier moving through the crowded street easily made them the center of attention, and the docks hushed at the sight. It was probably a common sight in Oars Rest, at least, this was how the Baumn Empire usually made public announcements in similar fashions.

"Apologies for interrupting your work, sailors and Adventurers, I am certain all of you are quite busy." He spoke with confidence, and somehow his voice was loud enough to carry almost all the way through the docks. Some sort of enchantment, perhaps. "However, it has come to our attention that a rather tragic incident that happened recently in Oars Rest." The man speaking removed his red-plumed helmet from his head, revealing a face with aged but sharp features. Friendly blue eyes stared at the mass of people gathered.

"A few days ago, the guard stationed at this end of the Reef Grotto was viciously mauled by some unknown creature." There was a small murmur of comments that echoed through the crowd. For the most part, they had kept the death of the guard silent until they had figured out what exactly had caused his death. "His body was found halfway through the cavern, half eaten and...I'll spare the public the rest of the details. It has come to our attention that there has also been rumors of things lurking about in the cavern given out by adventurers passing through the area." He sighed, holding his helm under his arm. "In light of these recent events, we have decided to cut off travel to the outpost of Oars End until we can resolve these issues for your own safety."

There was obviously some outcry's of protest among some adventurers gathered, and rightly so.

"Now, I realize this is a bit of an inconvenience as it's typically the safest path to Oars End," He continued. "As such, we would like this matter to be resolved quickly. The Baumn Empire is looking for a small group of adventurers to go into the Grotto, find whatever creature did this, kill it and report to Captain August at the outpost. There will be a reward of course - equipment and supplies, as well as information we have gathered regarding the surrounding land." He held out a hand, gesturing towards the group gathered.

"As such, any volunteers from the gathered adventurers present will be given a pass into the Grotto and allowed to continue on their way, as well as compensation for your services. Do note, however, we will only be accepting a handful of outside help."

@Superman@ERode@Pyromania99

~Oars Rest~

As the tall man, Pheran, and woman with the oversized blade conversed, a loud argument could be heard erupting over the crowd of people. Must have been some argument, really, for it to escalate to shouting that was able to be heard over the normal hustle and bustle of the city. If they happened to look, they would notice a heavy set man dressed in fine blue robes. On his lapel was a badge being proudly worn, a gold falcon emblazoned upon. A badge worn by merchants of some standing within Caededril. Likely this man was from the embassy, doing trade work between the outpost further inland, Oars Rest, and Ailon.

The man who he was arguing with looked to be a seasoned adventurer. A tall, pale skinned man with a spear resting on his back, plate armor covering most of his body with furs of defeated animals sewn into it. Perhaps it was for looks, or he decorating his armor with his trophies. His hands rested on his hips, glaring at the short and somewhat portly merchant.

"And I'm telling you I'm not pickin' a fight with those trolls. I like my bones in my body, not being crunched on my a woman with a face as ugly as an Illithid." He growled. The merchant sighed at hearing this, shoulders slumping slightly.

"I'll pay you double what I did for the first shipment!" He replied, sounding a tad bit desperate, but the spear wielding man had already turned to leave. The merchant took off after him, still trying to convince him to take whatever job he was suggesting. He didn't get far, unfortunately. Thankfully, the confrontation didn't escalate into violence, but the merchant still seemed quite distraught and either unfortunately or fortunately for you, his chasing after the taller adventurer brought him close to the three of them, and his eyes lit up with renewed vigor. It was obvious what he was about to say to the three of them.

"Ah! Y-you three! You're adventurers, aren't you?" He asked walking up to Ophene, Tetras, and Tsukiko. "If possible, perhaps would your skills be for hire?"

~Isabella~

Location: Oars Rest

As soon as she stepped onto the stone path leading towards the square, she noticed the red-plumed helm of a high ranking night pushing through the crowd. Her blood froze in her veins, thinking she had been found. She kept walking however - it wouldn't do her any good to panic. If she looked like she wasn't doing anything wrong, then chances were she would be fine. Plus, it seemed like the knights were there for some other reason entirely. She kept her ears open as she walked away from the docks, heading up the gently sloping street to the town. A murder? She frowned...she would offer her services, but the risks of her being discovered were just too great. She still couldn't be sure the guards here still didn't know about him.

She felt terrible about being unable to potentially help the knights from her homeland, but...she put one foot in front of the other and continued on her way. As much as she wanted to help, she also didn't wish to end up executed because they were closed minded fools. It wouldn't be the knights fault though, they would just be following orders as they should...she allowed herself a small sigh.

And soon enough, she reached the square, passing by a rather gruff looking man with a large spear strapped to his back. She thought nothing of it, only thinking he might be in a bit of a hurry to get somewhere. Instead, she happened to catch the last part of the Merchants offer to three people, and she wasn't the type to turn down helping someone if she could help it...at least she may be able to help this merchant instead of helping find whatever murdered that guard.

"Pardon the intrusion, sir." She interrupted them, voice cool and even. "I overheard...what troubles you?" She gave the others gathered a polite nod in acknowledgement. She didn't know them, but she had no reason not to trust or like them.

Edea Odyssey

Just a heads up, I have some posts in the works for everyone that'll get you guys started wherever you're going~

Expect them up sometime later this afternoon~

Edea Odyssey

No bonking for Isabella, unfortunately as she has just arrived by boat~

Edea Odyssey

~Isabella~

Location: Oars Rest Docks, walking towards the Square

The shouting of sailors overhead brought her out of her reading. Had they arrived in Oars Rest already? Not entirely out of her realm of expectations, but she wasn't entirely prepared for arriving so soon. The Sanando Sanguinis didn't easily give up it secrets, and reading the ancient, almost faded text was nearly impossible sometimes. Of course, if she was any better at reading this ancient language it would certainly help her a great deal, but she had no idea what language the book was even written in. She had as of yet found anyone to help in that regard as well. It seemed like it was ancient and very obscure. She had made some headway, but not nearly enough as she would have liked.

Well, trying to read any more would likely give her a headache. With a sigh, she closed the book and wrapped its faded leather seal around its pages and secured it on her belt. She stood, grabbing her sword and shield that was laying on what had been her bed for the extent of the journey before heading upstairs to the deck. She was greeted with the unpleasantly humid air and a breeze, though it was nothing her training hadn't put her through.

"Oi, Miss Valencia." A voice called out to her as she arrived on deck. "Pleasant trip I hope?" The man addressing her was the captain of the ship.

"Ah, captain...I should be thanking you for a smooth journey.. It was quite the enjoyable experience, your crew is very good at what they do." She replied with a small bow. She may have formally been a princess, but showing your thanks to those who deserve it wasn't in anyway harmful or shameful. Just as she said that, however, a commotion on a vessel not too far from their own was heard. Sailors shouted, some were tossed into the water as a Aahari burst from the ships interior. A brave sailor tried to stop him, but was immediately put down by the large reptilian creature.

Her brow furrowed in distaste at the individual actions. The captain sighed, glad his passengers were at least a little better behaved than that.

"At any rate, I do not wish to trouble you further. Good day captain, and smooth sailing in the future." She began to leave, stepping onto the plank that led to the docks. She didn't want to linger here for any longer than she absolutely must.

"Aye, miss. If ye ever need a ship to sail you back to Ailon, don't mind givin' me a holler. Make constant trips between Edea and Baumn I do." With that, he held a pipe to his mouth, a puff of smoke leaving the end of it as he waved bye to her. She gave him a friendly smile, but otherwise didn't reply further.

She only had one goal for now. Get as far away from here and the Baumn Empire as she possibly could. She prayed to Nesenth news of her hadn't reached the soldiers here yet. Otherwise, this would make her life a whole lot harder. As she made her way to the dock, ignoring the large lizard man, she headed in the direction opposite of the Buamn Barracks. She wasn't going anywhere near any place that might be able to identify her. Some place in the Cadedril Embassy would probably be able to give her information about what laid further inland....

Edea Odyssey

Bell definitely probably wouldn't mind getting bonked by Tsukiko~

...I mean what?~

*Ahem*
I'm going to wait for everyone to get their characters established somewhere before posting again in a GMly fashion. I'll get Isabella's intro up soon, hopefully~

@ERode@Lauder@Black Alice@RedDusk@Ariamis@Superman@Pyromania99

Also, I forgot to mention this earlier, but if you have specific plans at all for your characters development or a certain way you want their skills to develop, I definitely don't mind working something in for you! So do, please ask. If you want things to be kept secret for whatever reason, do PM me. We can definitely work something out.

Edea Odyssey

@Superman
Oh yes.

Because that's a completely smart and intelligent decision and won't have any negative consequences at all~

Edea Odyssey

annnd she's up...ah crap.

Uh, are we still accepting or...?

@KillBox

Well, this is a bit awkward.

Unfortunately, if you would have been a bit quicker on that before I posted my own CS, I'd have said yes since we now have eight characters. I can definitely tell you if a spot opens up later, though.

Edea Odyssey

Isabella Alexuis

"Greetings, friend, I am Bell. Former Holy Knight of the Baumn Empire."


Name:
Isabella Valencia Alexuis

Race:
Human...for now.

Age:
20

Gender:
Female

Appearance:
Isabella stands at a rather imposing five foot seven. She has dark skin, with hair the color of snow and ruby colored eyes that seem...rather odd, if one were to stare into them for whatever reason. The have a tendency to make most people feel slightly uneasy, tough for whatever reason no one really knows. Overall, she has a strong and sturdy frame with obvious muscles on her body. Often times, she wears a calm, composed and even look on her face.

Clothing/Armor:
Her armor, is honestly designed to more or less be ornamental. Something nobles wear to expensive parties. It's not even armor, really, just a dress with some ornate metal plates on it. Still, those metal plates do their job well and protect her upper body and legs quite well and fits fairly closely to her body. The armor plating is worn over a sleeveless blue dress, and on her hand she wears gloves.

It really isn't anything special, aside form being a bit of a fashion statement and offering some decent protection to her vital areas.

Personality
Calm, somewhat taciturn, though not unfriendly. Isabella prefers reading and the quiet company of books rather than people. She carries herself with an air of grace and nobility, and often can come off as rather aloof and speaks rather formally most of the time. Despite this, Bell has a strong sense of justice and responsibility and often will help others if she can possibly do so. She dislikes violence in general, though won't hesitate to pick up her blade and use it to defend herself or another.

She can also be somewhat Naive, being a typical sheltered noble. She is somewhat too trusting of others at times, and believes that everyone is inherently good. Tends to also have a rather powerful curiosity about her, and can't resist trying to learn something if she doesn't know what it is - even if it's something that she maybe shouldn't know.

She has a tendency to look down on those who are closed minded. Or rather, those who don't keep an open mind about magic.

History:
Isabella is...well, a crowned Princess of the Baumn Empire. At least, she used to be. Not that its a well known fact, as she is the third kid in her family and her older brother is slated to take the throne after her father dies, while the middle brother is destined to become head of the military affairs. And with the throne currently denying her existence...well, she's not exactly the popular sort.

Growing up, she always had very little prospects in the realm of nobility or in the way of important stately affairs. Most of the time, her father let her do her own thing, and she didn't suffer a lot of the same pressures her siblings did in regards to academics, diplomatic and other such affairs.

As such, she had a lot of free time growing up. She didn't take much to histories or other academic pursuits, but took very well to martial pursuits and religion, often her and her brother sparred in both of their free time. When she wasn't doing that, she was pouring over tome and tome of religious text. She developed quite a bit of skill, and from a young age decided she wanted to be a Holy Knight, under the service of the Church of Nesenth, the Holy God that was worshiped throughout the Empire.

She was one of the best recruits they had in years, and had such high hopes for the red-haired girl. Her skill with both magic and blade was something they hadn't seen in years. And then she stumbled upon the archives...the archives that were strictly off limits to everyone but the high priest because of the dangerous information regarding some subjects the Empire would like to better keep secret. There...she learned of demonic magics and was fascinated with them.

She was able to hide her practices for a few years...but eventually it got out, and when it did, she faced execution for practicing the Vile Magic known only as 'Life Drain'. She didn't understand really - there was nothing inherently bad about the magic as long as it was used correctly...but well...eventually it is said the magic will turn any who uses it into a blood-thirsty demon, and indeed, over the short time she practiced it her appearance did change...

So she escaped, and took the first boat she could to Edea to get as far away from her former home as she possibly could. She would never be safe as long as she was on the continent. The Empire is ruthless in hunting down heretics...

Weapons:
Blue Steel blade - A blade designed by the Baumn Empire to act as a channel for magic instead of the traditional staff. While not as effective of a focus as a staff, it does it's job nicely as both a magic tool and a melee weapon, though its strength leaves a bit to be desired. Mostly employed by their Holy Knights.

Ornate Shield - a simple shield, designed to protect someone as a shield would.

Physical Skills:
Swordsmanship
She has been training since she could barely walk to wield a sword. As such, her abilities with it are quite impressive, even for someone as young as she. She's probably not as good as the rank and file Royal Knights, but her magic more than compensates.

Shield
While it is very true her current armor offers some very decent mobility should she need it, she mostly relies on blocking things with her shield, for the most part and then parrying with them. She knows how to use her shield to deflect blows of someone up to similar strength as herself, and could likely use it as a makeshift weapon to bash someone's face in.

Vitality and Endurance:
The soldiers of the Royal Baumn Army are no slouches. Their training, rigorous and sometimes even fatal for those unprepared or for those who just don't have what it takes. While she was a Holy Knight, they are a branch of the army and are similarly as rigorous. As such, Bell is quite use to harsh conditions and her body is able to handle the effects of various things better. She can also outlast most other opponents in a fight of pure stamina, and can keep fighting for a quite long time if she must - making protracted battles most always turn into her favor due to her sheer tenacity and willingness to not give up. This also offers her small resistances to poisons and other physically debilitating abilities.

Magic:
While her propensity for magic is high, she has decided to mostly give up the Holy Arts of her upbringing, and instead focus more on the magic she learned from the Archives. As such, her magic abilities are rather lacking at the moment, but she seeks to further her abilities with them.

Blood Draw
Blood Draw is exactly as its name states. It allows the user to draw spilled blood to them. A basic art of the Life Drain magics, and all must start here when attempting to learn. She can draw blood to her as long as it's in a few yard radius and make use of it.

Blood Stitching
A spell she made to mimic a holy art designed to heal. The blood stitches wounds together, staunching the flow of their own blood and invigorating the bodies healing processes. Unlike the holy art counterparts to healing, this is somewhat uncomfortable for the one being healed...at first. Subsequent uses, start to have a euphoric effect on the one being healed.

She mostly uses this on herself, when she has need of it as the art is usually looked down upon. If she has too, though, she won't hesitate to use it on someone to heal or save them.

Weaknesses:

Admittedly, she isn't the best with the sword and shield at the moment. As she has focused on magical pursuits and studying. While her skills with a sword are fairly decent, her skill with a shield is beginner at best as she never perfected that training before she was branded a Heretic.

Secondly, her magic is purely reliant on blood. While she could use her own blood for such things, that's not exactly going to lead to a long life. Against creatures such as Golems, beings of pure magic and the like...her magic on them would likely be almost useless for now. Additionally, she has to physically touch the blood in order for her to receive the effects, and drawing it to her isn't an instant thing. Something could interrupt the flow of blood, for example.

Her armor, also isn't the most protective of things.

Other Inventory:
Carries an old, leather bound book on her belt. Doesn't like others touching it. It is, in fact, a book from the Archives she pilfered when she left. She reads it almost daily, so she can better gasp the particulars of her chosen magical pursuit.