Rune_Alchemist

Steamworks: Prophecy

Boy.

I wrote too much, I think.

Have Arabella and Melni shenanigans as well as some Coalmire being up to probably shady stuff.

Steamworks: Prophecy

~Arabella Ambrose & Melni Ophel~

Collab with @Pyromania99

---

"There, that should do it." Arabella smiled. "Take two a day - one in the evening and one in the afternoon. Should help with the pain."

"Gah, thanks doc. That'll teach me to try liftin' something that weighs more than me without help."

"Tsk, next time just don't continue working if you've hurt your knee and come straight here you stubborn old man and don't try fixin' it yourself. You're lucky you just broke a few bones in that fall."

"Yea, yeah."

"I've bandaged it up pretty good, just make sure to rest and for the love of the stars don't go doing something else stupid. Might find yourself being eaten by little black piranhas. Such troublesome things, they are." She blinked, laughing softly. "Ah, never mind that. You can show yourself out, hmm?"

"Bah, I can walk...probably."

"Well. There's a perfectly good wheelchair here you stubborn old fool and your wife is waiting outside, correct? Have her help you. I however, am now officially done!~" She laughed, grabbing her hat from on top of a nearby medical desk and plopping it on her head. "Ta-ta, darling. Next time you visit it better be to report how healthy you are, hmm? Oh, and try not to have too much fun with those. Or at least, if you do, lemme borrow one, heh!" Before he could comment on that, Arabella left the room at her usual quick pace.

The institute was quiet as usual. A number of people and other doctors milled about - some of which were still in training. Arabella of course, nodded to a few of them and gave them a friendly wave. She new a handful of them. Some were those she had been trained with. Others were new faces who had been her assistant, every now and then though she tended not to be around too much to really do that. More importantly though, she was done for the day! Aaaah, she hated working. Most people from Coalmire did - most preferred the nighttime revelry that occurred under the swamps full moon.

Still...the smell of soot.

The taste of the smog on her tongue.

The sounds of the smiths and metal workers.

Truly, High tower was probably her favorite place in the world! Arabella laughed softly to herself as she opened the door to the Institute and headed out into the busy streets. A number of traders, engineers and other people milled about the smog ridden city. High Mountain may not be as lively Coalmire, but it certainly was a sight to see! Much better than Eagrose or those silly other nations. Ah, she might be biased though. There was one reason she even liked coming here. She moved swiftly through the streets, twirling her cane and humming a light tune as she walked.

It didn't take her long to reach her destination, a workshop where her favorite person in the world was working. A person so great, she couldn't just greet them normally, nope! She had to surprise them with her own greatness! That was just basic etiquette. Arabella laughed lightly, heading into the building next door, walking into the small refinery. Most people didn't pay her a second glance - first rule of being somewhere you weren't supposed to be - act like you in fact, belong there. She headed towards the back, going up stairs, paying no mind to most of the workers or other people there and most didn't spare her more than a glance. Besides, it wasn't the first time she had done this. Most of them knew Doctor Ambrose relatively well.

More or less. They still couldn't figure out why she liked having the second story window open that led to a small balcony on the roof of a nearby building. They were mostly alright with it though so long as she behaved themselves. So she hopped out of the window and onto the ledge.

”Hmmm, this seems mostly together. The armor is set in correctly. Thick enough, should deflect incoming fire. Sadly, some of these joints are exposed when moving. Well, gunfire shouldn’t be a worry. Too inaccurate. Not a worry I think. Not for a test model like this.” Melni was having a look over her newest model of her Steam Armor, as she called it. A heavy-set piece of armor that was powered by the steam function of modern and state of the art Coal-Gem technology. ”Hmm, the engine seems well enough.” Yes, this was the model she was going to show off to those backwards folks at Eagrose. Pfft, traditions of swords and equestrian combat. How barbaric.

“Hmm…a little to the left annnnd…” A quiet click was heard as the window finally unlocked itself. “Ah! There we go!~” The well-dressed woman would have been an odd sight, standing on the roof of a large workshop and fiddling with the lock on the window. ”Ahaha, with my expert expertise this is always easy, heh! Ah, Melni should really up the security around here…” The woman dressed in blue laughed lightly to herself as the window easily slid open and she hopped inside, brushing a few bits of dirt off her coat.

“Ahh…smells like hard work and steam.” She laughed, twirling her cane in her hand. Walking as silently as she was trained, Arabella moved swiftly and quietly – hopefully not alerting Melni to her presence in the large workshop. She knew her way around easily enough to find the Engineer. She wanted to surprise her, after all! And there was no better surprise than getting an Arabella in the mailbox.

Oh!

Now there was an idea. Maybe she should mail herself to Melni on her birthday as a present. Yes yes, now that was a fun idea! But for now, surprise hugs!

“Let’s see…Melni should be around…here! Surprise hug!” Arabella made a move to hug Melni from behind.

Surprises were best done without yelling that it was a surprise. Melni pulled a gun out from her coat and pointing it behind her, about where the familiar voice came from. ”Can you not, and say you did if it makes you happy?” The Engineer said as she stood to a now stopped Arabelle. ”And please, just knock like a normal person? I understand it’s hard for you but…”

Arabella stopped right in her tracks as the gun was pulled, holding her hands up to her shoulders just a foot or so away from Melni. She was wearing one of her usual small impish grins.

“Tsk, straight for the gun! So mean!” She laughed. “Ah, Melni it’s like you don’t like me or something.” Arabella giggled again, lowering her hands and resting a hand on her cane. “And please, just think of me as your security expert! Besides, if you really wanted me gone you’d bolt the windows shut. So quit being dishonest and just hug me already~”

”I’ve no ‘hug’ for you. Also, you’d just break the glass if I just bolted the window. Now, what’s your reason for being here?” Melni said, getting straight to the point. She lowered the gun, letting Arabelle breath a little. She was ready to fire if the doctor decided to do anything fishy again but hopefully that wouldn’t be a problem. Why was she always so clingy. ”Or did I have an order for you?”

“Waaah? No respect for the craft! Breaking glass is so barbaric and crude! I’d just pick the lock on the back door or steal a key.” Arabella scoffed, mocking offense at the suggestion. She quickly put a smile back on however, as Melni got right down to business. “Business as always. Tsk, why can’t I just come to say hello to my favorite engineer? Seriously, you should take a moment and relax every now and then.” She sighed in seeming disappointment before continuing. “Aaah, but that is what I do so love about you. Anyways…” The doctor hummed lightly to herself, taking a look around the workshop.

“Hmm, I do believe I requested a few of my normal specialty items. A few of those delightful little shrapnel toys…as well, I’d like to discuss a potential new design with you, hm?”

”Ahh, right. I had some of those completed yesterday. They’re in the chest over there. I tried a new formula. Should have a little more… Umph to one of them. It’s the one with a two marked on. She muttered a bit, pointing to the same chest she put Arabella’s devices in. She couldn’t feign ignorance if she wanted at the prospect of, ”’New Designs you say. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. Do tell.”

“Ooh, I’ll be sure to test them out at an appropriate time, heh.” She chuckled lightly, picking up her cane and resting it on her shoulders as she lightly tapped the back of her neck with it. “Hmm, what do you know of the ‘Magnetic Engine’, hm? Really fancy high tech stuff.”

”’Magnetic Engine’? That so called Clockwork? How intriguing. I know it’s a type of engineering they use over in Grusk. It’s a different type of power source than our ‘Steam Engines’.” Melni said, going over what she did know. That said, she… Well, didn’t know much of them other than that. The tech never made it’s way over to High Mountain. At least, not in an intact and reverse engineerable way. ”Why do you ask?” The Engineer asked, having a sneaking suspicion of why Arabella asked.

“Well, as its name implies it runs on magnets that create some sort of electrical current. I am not entirely certain as to how as that is not my area of expertise.” She replied walking over to the box that Melni had indicated earlier. She opened it, reaching in and pulling out one of the Shrapnel springs she had requested she make. “In theory, would there be a way to disable them easily remotely? Or at least, that could cause the engine to malfunction?”

Truth be told, going into Grusk to spy on them was incredibly dangerous. Not only were they extremely wary to start with, their military was nothing to laugh at. Coalmrie was taking a risk in sending its agents there…but there was little to be done. If Cordella wanted something - Cordella got it. If she could get her hands on some device that could deal with their supposed clockwork contraptions it would make her life a whole lot easier.

”I’m not wholly sure. Surprisingly, Magnetic Engines aren’t my forte.” Melni sarcastically. Thinking on it for a little bit. ”Well. Alright. If it’s a magnet, you could probably introduce another magnet. Preferably stronger than the one you want to disable.” Then something dawned on her. ”Hold on a minute, don’t tell me you intend to go some, definitely not Grusk, and retrieve a working Magnetic Engine?”

“Or find some schematics for one in a place that’s definitely not Grusk. Preferably both!” She laughed, a bit too enthusiastically. She pulled her tophat off, placing the Shrapnel spring inside of it before replacing it on the top of her head. Arabella turned back to Melni, not paying any mind to the other girl’s personal space. “Can you build something like that for me? Something that could introduce another magnet, or otherwise disable a magnetic engine?”

Of course, without an actual one to test with it was going to be difficult to say whether they could do it or not, but that wasn’t her job.

”Theoretically. It’d be close to impossible to know without a test unit though. Not like I’d get anything out of it even if I did.” Melni commented. Arabella should be able to figure it out for how long she’s known Melni. ”Right?”

“Pft. Is money all you ever think about? You’ll grow old and get wrinkles and everyone will call you an old hag one of these days.” She giggled. “But that’s okay, I’ll still love you regardless, but yes. I’ll pay, you greedy little thing you.”

”Tell you what. If it works, get me a copy of schematics and a working one. I know you’re good for it. For now at least. So if you can manage to pilfer a second, it’s free of charge. If you get caught? Well, I just know you from around town. If they ask.” Sounded fun to her. Not like she didn’t enjoy working on devices anyhow. She… Might have to consult with some others on this though. ”I might have to do a bit of independent research on it.” She wanted to make sure this worked before she sent her customer out on a practical suicide mission.

“Annnnd deal!~” Arabella grabbed Melni’s hand, giving it a firm shake. “Heh, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were concerned about little ‘ol me.” She giggled. “Thanks, darling. You’re always a great help. Your gadgets have saved my butt more times than I care to think.” She cleared her throat, seemingly thinking about something for a second as she released Melni’s hand.

“That said…Melni, I will be going to Grusk. I might be there awhile. It takes more than a quick jaunt to a factory to steal something from a heavily guarded military state. I know I am extremely skilled and good looking, buuut…” She chuckled. “I know you’ve been considering traveling to show off your wares – and Grusk could likely be fairly interested in them – and I could use an easy way to…restock.”

”They already have those ‘Magnetic Engines’. I don’t want to give them any ideas. Well, if they don’t have some of these things already. No, I planned to see if Eagrose was interested in this things. I don’t think I’d be useful in the stealth mission you have. Could get you some more supplies together though.” Melni wasn’t too sure about going to Grusk. She never had a good feeling from Grusk. Well, truth be told she didn’t feel amazing about Eagrose either… But, well, you could see a sword coming from a mile away.

“Ah, alright alright. I understand.” Arabella grinned. “I’ll pay the usual price…Though, perhaps the beautiful maiden could give the brave spy a kiss before she’s sent off on a dangerous mission she might never return from? She’ll settle for that hug!”

”If by ‘kiss’ you mean a bullet through the foot… Then yes. I’ll give you one.”

“So mean!” Arabella pouted for only a moment. “And I am nothing but friendly and affectionate! You know, we have a word for people of your prickly disposition in Coalmire.” She laughed, twirling her cane in her hand.

”Yes, yes. Some backwards word that matters little to me.” The Engineer muttered.

“Heh.” She chuckled, grinning at the Engineer. “And this is why I still find you adorable.”

”Say what you will, regardless, come back tomorrow, I’ll have more information for you.” Melni said as she turned to look at her armor suit.

“Ah, trying to get rid of me I see, fine, fine. I’ll be off for now, miss prickly pants.” Arabella gave Melni a pat on the shoulder as she passed her. “Though, a word of advice, darling. I’d keep your distance from the institute in Eagrose, hm?” Whatever she meant by that she didn’t say, but simply left the shop in a surprisingly normal manner until she turned on her heels and gave the desk by Melni a glance.

“Ah…by the way – there’s a little black birdie on the table that’s a little irate. Should probably feed him. Or ignore him? Can never decide.” She turned back around without waiting for Melni to respond, if she would have. “Ta-ta darling and watch out for the metal hounds. They get restless this time of year. Ah...for some reason, The air smells so faintly of the sea...I wonder...no, it couldn't...”

With that, Arabella was gone, muttering to herself as she left Melni to her own devices.

”A bird?” Skeptically, Melni looked over to the table where she found. . . ”Nothing? What the hell is wrong with her?” She just shook her head and went back to her armor. It was a bit late to bother anyone. She’d wake up and go check out and gather information in the morning.

---

~Coalmire, Cylnath Clocktower~

~Cordella Porter, Archdeacon of Coalmire~

Later that evening, in a moonlight swamp...

"Praise be to Cyl."

"Yes yes, praise be and all that." A small woman standing just over five foot four stood next to a comfortable looking throne - for that was what the seat could only be described as. Plush, violet colored upholstery lined the regal throne. Its edges were trimmed in silver and black. In front of the girl was a canvas, and in her hand a palette and paintbrush. She placed the brush upon the canvas, filling it with a rich, dark sea blue color. Aside from a few candles, the only thing illuminating the place was the clear, moonlit night as pale rays of the moon illuminated the interior through the clocks face. "Are we quite done? I have a painting to finish."

"Lady Cordella." One of the few gathered in the room, dressed in standard Cylnath garbs - a fancy, well groomed suit. "Perhaps we should discuss what the Werneath scholars are up to."

"Hm? What are they up to, exactly? Fiddling away with their machines and machinations? I have no desire to speak of such a thing. They know what will happen if they do anything to endanger the Grand Work of Aamator." She made sharp, swift, motion with the paintbrush - some of the paint flinging itself onto a nearby scholar.

"Lady Cordella. Reports indicate they may be straying from that path..."

"Ah, unless you boring old men have proof of this I have nothing else to discuss. You've kept me here all day! I say by the light of the Stars above you all are trying to bore me to death. Someone go bring me something sweet before I-!" Cordella stopped mid sentence, eyes going wide as she finished a stroke on the canvas. "It...it..." She started, stepping a few steps back from the canvas she had been so interested in earlier. Upon a sea-painted canvas was a single image.

Image

She turned from the canvas, immeditely ignoring the rest of the scholars around her. Could it be? Could it be? Could they have been so blessed? She turned to face the giant face of the clocktower. Upon the face were inscribed various runes of differing meanings. They had been cut into the glass, and as the shadows of the hands ticking away passed over the small group of gathered scholars she was filled with a sudden desire.

"Dismissed, everyone!"

"A-archdeacon?!" Before anyone could stop her the smaller woman bolted from the room. Her swift feet carried her down the winding staircase of the clocktower, past the dorms and study halls of the scholars and through the vast libraries filled with the scrawl of madmen. Ultimately, she found herself outside of the tower, past the gates that sectioned off the upper portions from the middle city. She didn't stop, not even stopping to revel in an outdoor feast. Rather, she kept to the back alleys, moving swiftly.

The wet, warm air felt odd against her skin. She didn't get outside of the tower much, but it was an oddly comforting feeling. She even found herself gracing the people who saw or heard her with a song. A soft, somber tune she was humming. She hadn't a clue to its origins, but the melody simply entered her head. Her steps carried her down steps and more steps, until eventually she reached the canals. Not stopping for a second, she leaped over one, earning quite an odd glance from a vagrant but she didn't stop.

Not until she got to the old mines.

The entrance of the old mines loomed in the moonlight night. Deep shadows, hiding things from the eyes of mortal men in their depths. She cared not, for the night was something her people always welcomed. The mines had been off limits since Amator's time. He always said that one day, they would open again and then their work truly could begin. What was that work, exactly? She had no idea. Amator was quite null on that. He feared something...something would interfere with that.

Still humming that nameless song, Cordella continued into the murky darkness of the mines. What she did know, was that drawing that symbol - that rune, meant something. It was Amator's sigil - or at least, that's what they called it. He emblazoned it on all of his old notes. It was forbidden for anyone to use it in any capacity because of it. Why had she drawn it then? Some might pass it off as a subconscious thing...but the subconscious was a powerful thing. The scholars of Cylnath preferred to work letting the world guide them, opening their eyes to knowledge and not questioning why everything happened if they couldn't find an answer.

They simply accepted it, whatever it was. Madness, some said, but they were closed minded fools who had no vision for the future. A vision where all of humanity could benefit from their discoveries and insight. Which is why she was not frightened of walking into a pitch black cave with just the light of an old lamp she had just pilfered form the old mine entrance. Swift feet carried her down, down, so far down into the earth below the city. Under the sea, and the muggy swamp, until -

She found it, in a section that had long been deemed off limits to all, even the Archdeacon by the will of Amator himself.

There, an unnatural light filled the cavern, and she could see all.

In front of her was a door. A massive thing that was twice the height of a human, made completely of stone. Part of it had decayed, withered away due to time and inside of it she could see something floating, casting a light over the ancient ruins, and she found her legs failing her. She fell to the ground, as laughter filled her lungs.

"Glorious! So Glorious, Amator! This is what you found isn't it! I can tell, yes! Yes yes! It is, ah what is it? Ahh...oh dear oh dear should I? I can't decide. Yes or no yes or no." She laughed again, bringing herself to her legs as she approached the door. No no, perhaps she shouldn't? What did her eyes tell her? Whatever was in there was potentially dangerous.

...she would need to excavate. There was no telling what this place was, but it held secrets. Their direct link the beyond! No no, she would arrange it. She would go back and arrange it with the others after singing a prayer to them. Oh yes, yes indeed, this was glorious.

Cordella hurried back to the surface, where she gathered the scholars and began their work.

Over the next coming few days, it was said that the Scholars of Cylnath were unusually jubilant and jovial. Something happened in the night, and they began excavating in the old mines once again. Among a select few of their doctors, they would receive a missive to suspend all activities at once and return to Coalmire immediately.

The Grand Arcanium (An Isolated DnD wizard school rp, new roleplayers welcome)

@Spirit

Still here and waiting to have the Tsundere elf do things.

Shattered Fates - A Dark Fantasy, Boss Battling Epic

@RyuShura

Hm, you think it would be feasible for Isabella to slowly move forward in the dark until she reached the wall where the light was previously shining above?

I want to try something with the whip-sword, and Isabella wouldn't really wait around on anyone else.

Shattered Fates - A Dark Fantasy, Boss Battling Epic

@RyuShura

To be clear, Isabella and others are in the same area as Dwynn who's currently climbing up a rope to somewhere, right?

I might need to go back and read a bit to get a clear picture of the place again xD

Highschool DxD: The Devils' Due [ENDED]

~Suzue Yamazaki~

Suzue listened with a soft smile, sitting next to the priest. It seemed like a complicated matter, really - and a dangerous one. The spider hummed lightly as she processed the information. Well, there was nothing to be done, it seemed. If these cultists did pose a threat there wasn't much she could do herself, aside from make sure they didn't hurt people. Still, the priest was right. It wasn't there fight, technically...but it left a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. If one of there so called gods did get summoned, judging from the priests tone it...wouldn't be pretty. Suzue could only think about her family - if something happened to them....

well.

It was the only motivation she'd need to make sure these cultists didn't succeed.

"Ah...you may call me Suzue, Calvin." The spider replied softly. "Suzue Yamazaki to you humans." She giggled, not really elaborating on that. "And this is Asia. I'm sure the others wouldn't mind being introduced either. They a little...excitable but most of them are good little ones." She laughed lightly, standing up from her seat having decided that was at least as much information as they were going to get.

Shattered Fates - A Dark Fantasy, Boss Battling Epic

Alright, probably been putting this off long enough. I'll try and get a post up tomorrow~

Steamworks: Prophecy

Welp, My girl and the City-State of Coalmire is up! (approved through PMs)

If anyone else wants there to be an institute in their own nation, or want to discuss relation between Coalmire and them, do feel free to PM me to discuss things. There would be a few thing we'd need to discuss privately, heh.

Steamworks: Prophecy

~The Coalmire Scholars~

Your friendly totally not psychotic Doctor

Arabella Ambrose

"Care to join me for some wine? Tsk, don't give me that look. It's not poisoned and you...maybe won't wake up butt naked on an operating table. Depends on how far you want to take this little chance meeting, heh. Wink wink, nudge nudge."

Character Summary

Name: Arabella Ambrose
Aliases:
Bella Clearstone, Belladona Stoneworth, Abigail Rivers - she's used many an alias over the few short years she's been active, and only one or two more than once.
Titles: Doctor Ambrose, Star Touched, Child of the Stars
Age: 25
Place of Origin: Coalmire
Kingdom: Coalmire & Werneath Institute
Gender: Female

Physical Attributes

Eyes: Violet, a color commonly seen in Coalmire.
Hair: Black
Day To Day Attire:
In her usual attire, Arabella prefers fancy, high class suits and clothing. Typically a high collar blue suit that would denote someone of some wealth. It's somewhat tight fitting, with gold trimmings and a bag hanging from her hip. Usually, a blue top hat with a white flower inlaid in it can be seen atop her head. Her brown leather boots are surprisingly durable and light, specifically made to aid in comfort and silence whilst moving. She always can be seen wearing white gloves.

Strengths:
- Academically Learned
- Agile
- Always Optimistic
Weaknesses:
- Mentally unsound
- Selfish

Psychological Attributes

Upbeat * Driven * Fickle * Resourceful

Sexuality: Bisexual, finds a lot of...things attractive.
Relationship Status: She has a little black book of lovers she keeps into contact with.

Personality:
As far as Arabella goes, she's somewhat of an...eccentric.

Arabella is by far, friendly. A bit overly so, some might say. Indeed, she's quick to give people her affections in the way of hugs, compliments, and otherwise just general somewhat overly friendly personal space invading behavior. Obviously, this sort of thing can be a major put off to most people, but she doesn't seem to care one way or another. Indeed, she seems to take a small bit of delight in making people just a tad bit uncomfortable in such a manner.

Aside from that, she tends to speak fairly formally, as evidence by her impressive academic abilities and Education.

She is a pleasure seeker, first and foremost. She doesn't care where this pleasure comes from. A hedonist through and through, as most people in Coalmire are. She also has a bit of a selfish streak in her, and has a tendency only to care for herself and her own desires and urges, whatever those may be. She doesn't have a very large list of things she'd never do, and once she decides she wants to do something, she will definitely attempt to do it regardless of the danger or harm involved - that's part of the thrill, after all.

It's unfortunate its the result of a less than friendly or...morally correct work space that has given her some odd tendencies. Due to certain happenings in her life, she has a few odd quirks.

She can often be found talking to herself, even having full, seemingly coherent conversations. Other times, she suggests that there are unseen things moving around people, and sometimes she'll seem to know something about something she really shouldn't.

She has little regard for human life, ever since her mom died she's distanced herself a bit from other people, though won't intentionally or go out of her way to harm anyone - but if they happen to get in her way or something, she won't hesitate to stage a little 'accident' for them.

Skills

A listing of skills, such as horseback riding or cooking. Levels include novice (1 pt), apprentice (2 pt), journeyman (3 pt), expert (4 pt), master (5 pt). Each character can spend 21 points & only two skills can be mastered. If your character knows magic, it counts as a skill.

• Esoteric Medicinae (Master): Esoteric Medicine. Born in Coalmire as one of Amator's Lariviere's many illegitimate children, Arabella has had a somewhat charmed life in her home town. She was blessed at an early age with great intelligence and learning environment. Most notably, as a Doctor of Coalmire she is a skilled physician in the medical field and with chemicals.
• Casus disciplinam (Master): Espionage Training. The act of using spies and subterfuge to do gain an edge of an enemy. Like most doctors of the various Coalmire institutions, Arabella is trained in the art of espionage. While technically a 'Master' of this field, this is more of a general skill set defined by her practice and chosen profession.
  
  However, Arabella is a master of none when it comes to this skill set. Sure, she can pick locks, move silently - but she's only average when compared to other, masters of their field. Lock picking, safe cracking. Effectively only 'Journeyman' in terms of skill when compared to others.
• Charisma (Expert):She has received some basic speech training and can fairly easily talk with people, and seems to have a bit of a charm around her. Perhaps not the best smooth talker out there, but can talk her way out of a number of things and knows how to get lost in a crowd or convince someone she was 'just out for an evening stroll'
• Marksmanship (Journeyman): Likewise, she received training in how to both fire a rifle accurately as well as maintain them. While not one of the best, she has training with rifles and handguns of all sorts and can use them fairly adeptly. Aside from her cane-rifle she has a tendency to carry a fairly high powered pistol or two on her, along with some ammo
• Self Defense (Journeyman): Of course, she wouldn't be a very good spy and infiltrator without some sort of self defense technique. While she isn't the best, any doctor from Coalmire knows how to defend themselves with hand to hand combat and bladed weapons. In her case, this would happen to be her cane-rifle, though she knows how to fight in more unconventional methods and while she isn't the most physically strongest person alive she's a fairly resourceful sort.
  
  It should be noted she's not built or equipped for drawn out fights. While she can hold her own against a single opponent of similar or high skill easily enough as she's not afraid of fighting dirty, she's not built for protracted battles and typically is ill suited to handle anything other than a single opponent directly..
• Lorem Magia(Novice): Like any respected Cylnath scholar, she has knowledge of magical things. Of course, they currently don't do anything but she has knowledge of magic circles, rituals, and other such things. At the moment she doesn't do much with this, but Coalmire is a veritable bastion of occult practices and things. As such, she has basic knowledge of how magic works and how to use it.
  
  In theory, of course. She likes to pass off her 'magic' as card tricks and pulling things out of her hat.
• Sewing (Novice): A basic proficiency in sewing. Repairing and making small articles of clothing. She's far from an expert, but she picked up a few things from her mom. Useful when making disguises.

Magic

A listing of favorite or unique spells, if any. Maximum of four.

• Spell: Description
• Spell: Description
• Spell: Description
• Spell: Description

History

Parents: Amator Lariviere (Deceased) and Isolde Ambrose (Deceased)
Siblings: Notable half-siblings
Cordella Porter (Half-sister, High Deacon of Coalmire), Charlotte LaChance (Half-Sister, Fellow Doctor)

Childhood:
Arabella's own childhood and history is shrouded in as much mystery as her current life. She doesn't really speak of it much, and she doesn't really go around telling people who her father was.

Arabella's Childhood was...colorful, to put in a positive light. Coalmire is a relatively peaceful place during the day to be sure, but at night hedonistic acts are always about, though often in secret behind closed doors. It can be rather bad place to raise a child, honestly. Even more so if your one of the ones that live on the Lower Levels with the Canals - which is where most of the homeless and less well off live. As well, its where the majority of the Scholars find desperate souls willing to partake in experiments at the promise of money or being given an affordable living space.

As for Arabella, she was one of these such children. She didn't know her father that well growing up - she only met him a handful of times and all those times he was rather...distant. Instead, for the first years of her life she lived with her mother. A seamstress by the name of Isobel, who after gave birth to Arabella left a comfortable life in the upper layers of the city and started again in the Canals.

She never told Arabella why, but she said the upper layers just weren't a good place to raise a child. Now that she's older, she suspects her mother didn't want her getting involved with the Scholars, though hindsight is 20/20.

None of the Scholars can exactly tell you when or where Arabella simply showed up on their doorstep, wanting to be taught how to be a doctor, but when she was seven years old she made the trip to the Clock tower herself and demanded to be made one. After a few initial tests to determine her 'aptitude' it was discovered she was a blood relative of Amator's, and given the privilege of getting one of the best education and treatments possible for those of Coalmire.

Most of her childhood was spent reading, writing, and learning various academic pursuits, though mostly and focusing on involving Biology, Chemistry, and medical practices. It's reported she quickly took to the practices, and was a savant in her field, even more so than most of her siblings were. Her life continued following a strict regiment of academic study and physical fitness for most of her early childhood. After she was eighteen however, she was sent to High Mountain, where her actual 'Doctor' training began, in their branch of the Werneath Institute.

Here she was taught how to fight physically, maintain and use various guns, as well as further her medical skills by putting them into actual practice on the people of High Mountain. It was her first time doing actual work on people, but with a steady hand and remembering her training she was a natural. It was a few months after she began practicing there as an apprentice there was an accident where a girl by the name of Melni was injured - it wasn't pretty, but Arabella managed to patch her up with minimal scarring and without much of an issue.

Perhaps this was also a case of love at first sight for Arabella, too.

Whatever the case after the incident Arabella kept hanging around Melni, and spent most of her free time when she wasn't working, training or carousing in typical Coalmire fashion bothering the other girl. The two have remained fast friends, since then and Arabella gets most of her gun work and gadgets built by the girl - for a price, of course.

Adulthood:
As far as her life goes after graduated, she was given a proper medical license and a place to practice in Eagrose in the main Werneath institute, as well as opening her own small clinic in High Mountain. She often travels between the two cities and staying two weeks or so each month. It's a well paying job, though of course she doesn't do it solely for the money. She does in fact like to help people and simply enjoys healing them.

Of course, sometimes the good doctor disappears for a few weeks or a month or so. On 'Vacation' and whatnot, visiting other cities in empires and other things. It's merely a cover of course. She does a lot of spy and espionage work for Coalmire, making sure its potential enemies are kept in check through subterfuge, as well as backing its allies in some manner and other such practices.

Special Moments:
The first time she met her father when she was ten. She had been invited to meet him at a fancy dinner, made with freshly caught fish and other meat from animals from the swamp and some fruits from their fields. It was a...stiff affair. Atamor wasn't much of a talker, though Arabella did learn a few things from him in the coming days.

When she finally graduated from Werneath and became a fully fledged 'Doctor'. It was a fun little affair for those who did graduate. A feast and a little night of revelry in true Coalmire style.

The death of her mother by illness, as she was the entire reason she wanted to become someone who could heal people. The event impacted Arabella greatly, though most of the time she doesn't linger on it.

Current Events: Currently is in High Mountain, paying a visit to her favorite little gunsmith. She will, however, be heading to Grusk soon to see what all the fuss is over their military.

Relations

* ☠ Enemy * ⚜ Unfriendly * ☯ Neutral * ☮ Friends * ღ Ally * ♥ Crush/Significant Other *

• Cordella Porter ღ☮: High deacon of Coalmire and current head of the Cylnath Scholars. A friendly, energetic girl that likes sweets. Can often be found shirking duty. Cares greatly for the residents of Coalmire. Supposedly. She oversees all the Scholars do, more or less - which means she has to at least, on some occasion, approved something that was likely less than reputable.
• Charlotte LaChance ღ☮: Fellow doctor, trained together and on occasion end up working together though Charlotte is not fond of Coalmire or the institute for various reasons, believing them to be corrupt organizations. They didn't know they were half-siblings when they met which led to...an interesting situation. A specialist in chemistry.
• Melni Ophel ♥: Gunsmith and Engineer at High Mountain, that Arabella met when she was in training in the High Mountain Institute. Now, it might be a bit of a one sided love on Arabella's end, but out of all her travels she still vists Melni the most. She often has Melni handle and clean her guns. Arabella often visits frequently when she's not busy, just for giggles. Often by way of coming in through a second story window - which usually results in her getting shot at.
  
  Played by - @Pyromania99
• Name: Description
• Name: Description
• Name: Description

Extras (Optional)

Character Quote:
"I'm a doctor. I cure people of sickness. Sometimes the only cure to their sickness is death. And let me tell you...I am extremely good at that. Now hold still, darling. The little black ones are hungry. Tearing at your flesh so eagerly, like viscous little piranhas of the swamp. Shh, shh, don't worry. I'm a doctor, as I said. It won't...hurt...a bit!"

Theme Song: ~WOOOORKING ON IIIIT~
Aura Color: Deep, dark blue speckled with white
Scent: Salty scent of the sea, mixed with a sharp chemical smell.
Anything Else:
Has amassed a small fortune. Coalmire pays their doctors well, as does the doctor gig.
Typical Inventory - Note gadgets are either given from the Institute or she has someone else makes them:
To be added to and adjusted as the RP progresses

• Cane-Rifle: A top of the line item made from heavy metal, disguised as a mere walking cane it is a rare weapon that can fire two shots before needing to be reloaded, and is often her 'trump card' as most fire arms these days still need to be reloaded after firing even once. Most wouldn't be aware that it can fire again without the need to do so. This is done simply by a mechanism that 'rotates' the chamber the projectile rests in. She does not use it much. It lacks a bit of power, and is best used at close to mid range due to accuracy constraints.
  
  The butt of it works as a fairly effective bludgeoning tool, and she is surprisingly trained fairly well in the sue of self defense with it. (Easily concealed in public)
• Poison Darts x10: Small darts designed to be tossed from mid range towards an enemy. Sharp and able to pierce most standard clothing worn at this time and able to deliver a dose of a toxin of some sort. However, not very sturdy and prone to breaking easily and works best on an unknowing target. Usually kept in her purse. (Easily concealed in public)
• Grenades x2: Typically, Arabella carries a few grenades on her. Not of the explosive kind mind you. More of the subterfuge kind. Usually, either an obscuring smoke grenade, a grenade designed to produce a sound to distract or alert, or a corrosive, deadly gas grenade. (Does not carry in public)
• Pistol: A simple flintlock pistol of some power. One shot, hopefully one kill. Simple and effective, and comes with a rudimentary scope on it to assist in aiming. Surprisingly effective at long range and carries a few extra bullets to reload with. (does not carry in public)
• Medical Syringes x10: Filled with a number of different toxic chemicals designed for various uses. Some simply to knock out, others a more specialized purpose. Several are highly lethal and would kill a man nigh instantly. Difficult to use in a direct fight, but not impossible if she could get close enough. Only used when she's on the job. Typically, this is most doctors method of taking out foes silently. (Does not carry in public)
• Shrapnel Spring x2 - A deadly little clockwork trap that can very effectively kill or cripple a pursuer or foe. Place it on a surface and and the trap unleashes numerous pieces of sharp, metal shrapnel at foes that tear and cut flesh. One armed, a timer will count down until a spring activates and flings its deadly shrapnel in every direction. (only carries one in public)
• Medical mask x1 - a mask developed by the doctors of Coalmire. Officially, it's a mask to be worn during surgery in order to help protect the wearer from breathing in harmful bacteria and bodily fluids. Unofficially, it also works pretty well at protecting the wearers face and eyes from gaseous chemicals as well as covering their identity. (To be worn only on the job)
• Lockpicks x5 - a simple tool, usually kept in her bag. Used for picking most easy to access locks.

Archdeacon Cordella Porter of Coalmire

Cordella Porter

Character Summary

Name: Cordella Crowley Porter
Aliases: N/A
Titles: Arch Deacon of Coalmire, 'Blessed of the Stars'
Age: Appears to be young, though never gives her actual age to people.
Place of Origin: Coalmire
Kingdom: Coalmire
Gender: Female

Physical Attributes

Eyes: Brown
Hair: Blond
Day To Day Attire: Typically, Cordella can be seen wearing a variety of dresses ranging from gothic styles to more flamboyant suits. As fickle and free-spirited as she is, she doesn't particularly have one way she prefers to dress and tends to change on whatever she's feeling at that moment. If she feels the urge, she'll walk around in just her undergarments if it takes her fancy.

Cordella herself stands at a short five foot four, and supports a slender frame and pale skin. In all, she's a rather unassuming and not too intimidating woman upon first glances.

Strengths:
Calm
intuitive
Intelligent
Weaknesses:
Physically weak
Holds grudges

Psychological Attributes

Whimsical * Jovial * Childlike * Unforgiving

Sexuality: Bisexual
Relationship Status: Single
Personality:
If there is one thing most would agree upon about the current Archdeacon of Coalmire, is that she's as fickle as the sea itself. One moment she might fancy white flowers and order her servants to fill the halls with them, and then the next she'll find them distasteful and want them all thrown out. It's fairly hard to predict what she will do in her day to day life, making her guards and the other scholars of Cylnath quite troubled at times.

She's a fairly friendly and upbeat woman who has a childlike curiosity about a lot of things, and like most people of Coalmire likes experiencing new things and will never say no to trying something at least once. One should note however, that she will put the advancement of Cylnath and the city of Coalmire above all else. Those who betray her - or the city - will find themselves on the receiving end of their infamous doctors.

Extras (Optional)

Character Quote: "They say genius and insanity are two sides of the same coin. I wonder which side we're on, my dear Scholars? It's difficult to tell at times, isn't it?"
Theme Song: What would be playing when they walk up if we were in a movie?
Aura Color: Murky white
Scent: Moonlit flowers and Paint.
Anything Else:

~The City of Coalmire and the Werneath Institute~

The Werneath Institute

"Men are capable of so much more than they think - they just need to look harder...and keep their minds open and realize that not everything in this world can be understood or explained by humans."

- Osgood Glass, founder of the Institute

Located near the edge of Eagrose, the Werneath Institute is looked upon with favor and accolades. Formed some odd years ago from a group of scholars from Coalmire who sought a new environment to start practicing in, and to bring their revolutionary medicines and practices to other people. After a few months of suspicion, they finally convinced the government to allow them to set up a medical school after their craft was able to cure a deadly sickness.

Now, It is the foremost collage in Eagrose - where one can go to learn practically anything. From engineering, medical studies, to more labor and trade related professions. Many of the elite send their sons and daughters to the prestigious school to better themselves and learn. The scholars, professors, and those who work here pride themselves at being the absolute best in their field.

Additionally, the Institute also doubles as both a hospital and place of medical practice. It is here that most doctors in Eagrose go to learn, practice, and otherwise learn their trade of healing people and keeping them alive. It is one of the only place in Eagrose not held back by the past - and constantly strives for bettering their healing techniques through technology and other means by combining a mix of medicine and technology to ensure people are kept healthy and alive.

It is currently headed by Osgood's successor, Zophar Legget.

City state of Coalmire and the Cylnath Scholars

"The swamps of Coalmire? Bah...something eerie about those swamps, lad. Don't linger there and no matter what don't leave the road. More people go missing around there than anywhere else in the known world."



Situated next to the ocean in a swampy wetland, the city-state of Coalmire is one of the younger 'Nations' to crop up in recent history. Used to be a part of a larger nation but after a rebellion led by the current ruling class, it's maintained a tenuous independence from its former parent country. This, in part, is because the city itself is well - has practically zero strategic resources, as well, the area surrounding the city is nothing but swamps and rumored to be home to all kinds of supernatural things. Hauntings, disappearances, etc. Indeed, the swamp itself is incredibly difficult to navigate unless you know how. Thick vegetation that can block out a good bit of sunlight, bogs one can get stuck in...it's more than a little difficult for anyone to navigate without the aid of locals or knowing the path.

---

"Been to the city proper. Let me tell you one thing, lad. You go there, get your business done and get out. That place...something be strange about it, I assure ye."

The city of Coalmire itself is a bit of a layered city. Land was difficult to build upon, as the mud and mire of the swamp meant it was difficult to build solid foundations near the coal. Eventually they decided that if they couldn't built outwards, they'd build upwards. It took a good bit of manpower as well as time to actually achieve making a suitable foundation for most of the city, building large metal support beams into the more stable ground deep beneath the water and thick soil. The lower streets aren't streets at all - but rather canals of water that people use either bridges or boats to build across. Any roads in the city are typically in fact, peoples roofs. It makes for quite an amusing, and somewhat odd sight for any outsiders.

Once done, the people started building their homes and business up, while the miners built down under the city. The largest part of the city is the massive clocktower that is the center of the city, and the head of the current ruling class of scholars known locally as the 'Cylnath Scholars'. The clocktower is the most notable feature of the city, aside from its canals.

The city itself is only moderately industrialized, and most industrialization is kept to the upper parts of the city on the opposite end of the Clocktower.

---

"Aye, started out as a coal gem mining operation. Poor fools though...the coal dried up faster than I do on a summer day, haha! Still, did well for themselves...but the guys who run the place? The Academy or whatever they call themselves? I don't trust them."

The history of Coalmire started out as a small Coal-gem mining town upon the coast, the swampy lands supposedly holding an abundance of the valuable resource. Miners and those who wanted to get rich quick upon the resource rushed there, promises of wealth and fortune driving them. A 'Coal Rush' as it was labeled. Unfortunately, the Coal was not nearly as abundant as people believed and only within a year the resources had dried up.

This led to many problems, especially for the people living there. At the time, leaving the swamp would have been difficult and expensive. Many of course, looked to the government for help, and despite some supposed rescue attempts being made in the swamp the government said multiple parties and efforts had simply gotten lost in the area, never to be heard from again. Of course, the people didn't believe this and unrest grew among the populace.

It was then a young and charismatic scholar and occultist by the name of Amator Laruentius Lariviere came to power. Amator was able to make himself the defacto leader of the populace, setting himself up as the leader of Coalmire. He convinced people to keep digging at the promise of a long buried, ancient treasure resting deep beneath the swampy earth.

Records after this are a bit unclear. It's said that they did, indeed, find something and that because of it Lariviere had unprecedented influence among the city and it's populace. It's also said that the mining was just a convenient way to keep people busy while he worked on furthering his own power by creating a group of elite scholars within the city before wrenching power and declaring independence

Whatever the case is, after a year or so Lariviere had made Coalmire into a fairly self-sufficient city state, only having to import Coal at times to run things. He and a select few scholars established an occult school and place of learning while mining operations were still under way. The city grew as their research into the occult and other sciences, such as chemistry, grew.

Amator eventually died of old age, leaving behind a large number of illegitimate children, and is currently headed by one of his older children, Cordella Porter.

---

"Friendly enough, lad. Just don't take a drink from anyone claiming to be a doctor. Might wake up naked on an operating table missing a liver, haha!"

The people of Coalmire are an oddly happy bunch. Rumors of the Scholars using various drugs and other techniques to make that happen are rampant outside of the city, though they strongly deny it and in truth they do nothing of the sort. Such a thing would detract from the overall quality of their own populace, and the scholars want nothing if only the insight and abilities of their own people expanded. They value knowledge and the use of it above all.

While during the day they attend various jobs and live a fairly normal life like any would expect, at night things are quite lively. Balls, feasts, and other such happenings are a regular occurrence for the people of Coalmire, often lasting well into the night. The people are fairly friendly and jovial, and even towards outsiders who visit they treat with hospitality. The only place that isn't, is the enigmatic upper portions of the city where the Scholars stay and conduct their occult experiments.

---

"You go there and meet anyone from Coalmire that calls themselves 'Doctor' you can be sure of two things Lad. They're some of the best physicians in the field...and they've probably killed more people than you can call your acquaintance. But I'm just a drunk beggar, what do I know?"

One of the most sought after people in Coalmire, are their doctors. Using advance medical techniques involving Chemistry, technology from the Werneath institute, and other somewhat...esoteric practices, rather than technologically advanced ones, they are rumored to be able a number of diseases and ailments that would otherwise be extremely difficult to treat.

However - it is also heavily rumored that anyone with the title of 'Doctor' in Coalmire is far more than a simple physician. Many are rumored to double as both spies and assassins, though of course such claims are denied strongly by most of them.

As far as their military goes, they are protected by the swamps on one front, and the sea on the other. The swamps themselves are as previously stated, difficult for a large army to travel through. There are a number of dangerous wild animals and bogs in the area. Likewise, Coalmire has seen to set up various traps to hinder invaders progress, and the swamps are typically watched by a group of trained scholars and soldiers from Cylnath.

As for more actual military, they have a few airships but their army is by far, not large or extremely powerful. Even so, they know how to win wars, strategically at least. Cut off their supply lines. Poison their soldiers. Guerrilla warfare. When dealing with naval enemies they have a few shoreline defenses - but their spies could easily slip aboard a ship unseen and plant explosives and other such things, winning battles before they even began.

Overlord : Advent of the Gods

~Senna~

@Hammerman@13org@BurningDaisies

---

Whatever words were said by anyone to try and stop the rampaging demon was drowned in a sea of screams from the civilians.

As she finished off the knight who fired a crossbow at her, she moved quickly to the next group, stopping not even for a second. She leaped towards them in a manner befitting a wild animal more than a human. The blood drenched halberd swinging a wide arc in front of her, cutting through the unarmored people easily as their cries and yells were cut short. The black armored woman landed on all fours, not even stopping movement for a second as she leaped again, using her momentum to carry her forward, kicking off the ground as her free hand supported her in a hand-stand like fashion before pushing off with powerful, inhuman muscles as she launched herself into the air.

The blood blade writhed, shifting its image from a halberd to a large two handed sword mid jump - increasing its weight, but lowering its mass just slightly. The momentum of her jump carried her right over the heads of the fleeing civilians, and the blade landed right on top of them. Her feet hit the shoulders of a man first, sending him to the ground as the heavy blade slammed into the ground, an explosion of red followed as a mist of blood droplets coated the people's clothes, the force of the blast nearly knocking some people off their feet and causing them to stumble.

The only noise that could be heard from Senna by now was clearly disturbed laughter.

She moved quickly onto the next group without wasting another second. As if she was caught in some macabre dance, she continued without rest. The heavy blade was lifted easily in one hand, easily dashing towards a fleeing man and cutting into the flesh, letting the blood boil do its job. She moved onto the next swiftly, quick foot work causing her to spin and catch another poor soul by the neck as a curtain of red flowed from the blade. She crushed his neck in an instant, before tossing the lifeless body towards the other fleeing people, the weight of the body knocking them off balance and easily hunted.

Their only saving grace, was Yasha. The shot from Yasha was the only thing seemingly able to stop her, even momentarily from her rampage...but the results weren't good. The demon stopped, for only just a moment to look for the source of the attack, easily determining where it had come from. Despite the blood-addled state, it seemed Senna was far from lacking intelligence or sapience. Blood dripped off of her armor as she turned her gaze towards the heavens - she didn't know where she was up there, but she knew she was there. There was only one person in this world that they had met that showed that amount of power.

"YAAAASHAAAA!" It sounded more a feral growl than anything - but it at least showed Senna was in there, somewhere, buried under all of that bloodlust. Perhaps if someone could simply knock her out or subdue her, it would calm her? Though, that was easier said than done. The demon only gave the other player a moment to react before she stomped the ground in annoyance at not being able to reach the flying target, but that only served to further agitate the demon. "IF YOU'RE GOING TO ATTACK, DON'T HALF ASS IT, HAHA! AND WHAT ABOUT YOU, SELENA?! PLAYING BIG SISTER AGAIN?! COME OUT AND FIGHT OR I'LL TURN THIS PLACE INTO A GHOST TOWN!" The maniacal laughter that followed nullified any thoughts of sanity.

For now though, she ignored it. She needed more. She leaped onto the roof of a nearby building - easily catching the fleeing civilians. She landed behind them before leaping into the air and twirling, creating a trail of red around her as the blade writhed. She pulled the blade over her shoulder, slamming it into the ground hard enough to crack earth as she cleaved a person clean in half before continuing the bloody work.

How many was that now? Ten? Twenty? Thirty? The count didn't matter.

She just.

Needed more.

So the dance continued.

~Tania and Lena~

@drewccapp@Spanner@BurningDaisies@GrafRoy Zeppeli

---

Two dead? Lena frowned, narrowing her eyes in disappointment and running a hand over the silver choker around her neck. It was unfortunate - she hadn't been here for that, but it still made her feel for them. He went on to explain more about the job and how they had posted one recently. Then there was the issue that Rath had mentioned. She could understand the rankings and why they would be hesitant to send someone who wasn't ranked on a potentially dangerous mission. However - Lena was confident in her abilities.

"I see." She replied softly as she continued in a sincere tone. "You have my sympathies for the deaths, for what it's worth." Lena paused for a moment, thinking of the best way to go about this. She didn't like lying. Saying they lost them or some other equally ridiculous reason would be sure to raise suspicion. Unlike Cain or Vander she wasn't good at the whole lying thing in the first place. Even if one of them was doing the talking, she was 100% confident in her inability to lie with a straight face. Even so, she had to come up with a suitable answer that was at least believable, even if it made them seem somewhat suspicious.

"I understand your concerns, Mahon. It would be foolish for an unskilled party to deal with something like this. Fey are dangerous and fickle creatures even when they're your allies. However, all I can say in our defense is that we are from extremely far away - a place where this guild of yours does not exist and we have only recently became aware of it. I realize that is likely an unsatisfactory answer, but it is the best I can tell you. If there is a way I can at least perhaps give you a display of my skill, then I would be happy to provide." Lena cast a glance over to Tania and Vander who were conversing with someone that seemed a bit familiar, though she couldn't quite place the face or name. "However, I can not sit idly by why this place is plagued by dangerous creatures. Whether I am part of the guild or not - Tania and I will deal with these Fey."

The fairy in question had currently become aware of Vyrmain's presence. The pixie bolted over the moment Vander had said something about him, pointing at him accusingly.

"Gah! It's you! Grumpy McDragon lava butt! Why're you here!? Shouldn't you be getting beat by Sen you masochist?!" Considering how many times Sen and Tania had worked together in the actual game, it was no surprise she was easily able to recognize Vyrmain.