Rune_Alchemist

Re: Zero: The High Council

~Chieko Okawa~

Main Road
Death count: 1
Reset Count: 4
@Crusader Lord@FamishedPants@BrokenPromise

---

They were swarmed, but it was easy. These cultists and bandits were mere fodder. The heavy club Chieko was wielding slammed into one bandit's head. A sickening crack was heard, but she couldn't let it bother her. She focused on the good that she was doing - saving people. Every cultists she whacked, meant potentially one more person that they couldn't hurt. A few even ended up on the receiving end of a fire blast. Still - she was scared. Nervous. No matter how confident she looked.

But then, someone who clearly was the leader of these degenerate evil doers showed himself. Some...elf? Who was obviously totally crazy. The mention of Lust and Witches gave her pause, but no more than a second. She couldn't let her thoughts wander. She briefly registered Flame.

"Hmph. So the villainous rival is coming, is he?" Chieko replied in her mildly over the top fashion, but before she could get lost in her own words again, a beast went right for Eiko. Not if she could help it. Before the beast could hurt the small bird girl, Chieko bolted over to the beast, bringing her club slamming into the side of the creatures head, hopefully at least knocking it off the girl.

Mie Yukima

@BrokenPromise
Golden Quarter
Deaths: N/A

---

It took some time. More than she liked to have admitted. Getting there was easy, but getting in was a bit more difficult. With the cultists attack, all of the servants and the few soldiers had fortified the estate. Some even decided to use the rooftop for a vantage point. Normally she could just have waltzed in. In fact, perhaps that would have been better. She could slip in as someone simply looking for sanctuary. She had no doubt that she could talk her way out of seeming suspicious, and if they tried, she had ways of hiding her weapons still.

Pulling herself up onto a balcony, Mie considered her options for a moment.

Covering up a hit among a chaotic attack was simply a too good of a way to get away with murder. Perhaps at some point, she might have hesitated, but now there was nothing. She didn't care. Passion? No, this wasn't out of any such base desire as passion. She just wanted her next paycheck. Money was one of the few things she cared about, and this was far too good of a deal to pass up. After all, money was the only thing anyone ever cared about. Dangle a fortune in front of someone, and they'd betray their friends. Kill their family. She had seen it plenty of times. Take someone's money, and they'd have nothing left. They'd end up on the streets, broken and lost. Someone could get away with murder if they had enough money for the right people to look the other way. She should know.

The corners of Mie's mouth twitched as she heard some servants move just inside the room. She had perched herself on a balcony. Observing, just for a moment. There was a lot of movement. Not to mention the guards that were outside. She counted almost a dozen, if she didn't miss any in her quick count. The place was quickly turning into a small defensive fortification. Which meant doing this quick and messy was out of the question. She could handle a few guards, but a small army of them? And that wasn't accounting for however many servants may decide to forfeit their lives for Vertti.

Ah, she almost wanted to find out just how entertaining they'd be.

Pushing the thought from her mind, Mie moved into the manor. Most of the upstairs area seemed free of people. No doubt the lower levels were being used as fortifications and to hold any civilians that happened by. Thankfully, she knew where some spare uniforms were kept. No one would question an extra foxy maid hired by Vertti. No one ever did.

So she ditched the cultist garb, trading them for a maid uniform. For now she'd play the part of a maid. Now she just had to wait for Vertti, and avoid being seen by her and Grisaia.

Warped Earth, Twisted Air (An Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler RP) — Now Open!

@Lugubrious@SquishStar45@Anonawrimo

---

"Hmm~" Soraya hummed lightly. "Sometimes one has to do something they don't entirely enjoy to get to something they do." She replied in response to Marxion's question. "And that's part of the whole adventure, is it not? Besides," She flashed him a small smile. "If I am with you, your chances of success go up quite a bit. You should be glad I am here, yes?" Confidence or hubris? Difficult to say, but it was clear at least she was certain of herself in a number of ways.

The ride in the snowcat was pleasant enough. Soraya contended herself by deciding now would be a good time to check her hair and do a bit of nail work while listening to the idle chatter of everyone else. Quite the eclectic bunch. Judging from their talents they certainly made a decent team, and eventually they arrived at their destination, in which, Marxion decided to play a dirty trick on the others apparently.

"...quite the useful trick." Soraya mused getting out of the snowcat. Really, how inelegant was this person? His manner of speech and even his attribute seemed to be something quite tricky. Well, no matter. Soraya focused instead on the rift in front of them - a majestic castle rising into the sky! Oh marvelous!

"Indeed, perhaps you're not entirely a waste." Soraya replied with a light laugh upon seeing the castle, standing a bit closer to Reese than the others. "Hm...well enough standing around. Shall we head inside?" Soraya began walking towards the entrance of the castle with a slow, purposeful pace.

Razelia: The Kingdom Of Magic (FINISHED)

Posting here this afternoon or tomorrow at latest,

Intrigues of Venedig [Reboot, Lore-Rich, Mature]

@Letter Bee

Alright, got a little skimpy with the history but I got it out.

If there's any problems, I'll fix 'em up later. Almost midnight here and I am pretty damn tired.

The White Scarab

"Ignorance is an abomination to the Illuminated."

History:

An enigmatic conclave of mages.

Their history is as shrouded in mystery. Hidden behind half truths, misdirection and even outright lies. In order to discover the true history of this secretive cult, one would be hard pressed to discover it without being a member. Some of their detractors say that they're hardly an organized religion at all - saying they're nothing more than madmen spewing nonsense to lure in others. Others say they're just fools with too much free time. Who can blame them, really? The Church of Existence frowns heavily upon them - indeed, the members of this society are welcome openly in no lands, even as though they themselves claim to be harmless seekers of truth.

What is known, is that it was first founded by a woman by the name of La-Zha, the first and the holiest of the Illuminated, said to have ascended to be placed beside the holy being. This pure white, enigmatic being was said to have descended from the holy Moon, bringing with it a gift of fire and incomprehensible knowledge to her. This knowledge was said to change her into a both a Gate of knowledge, a key to mysteries and secrets to those willing to bear the burden of knowledge.

The way the Church of Existence tells it, if she bought any knowledge, it was nothing but chaos and destruction.

The way they tell it however, is far different. The Gate traveled the world. Taking in everything with her own eyes. Writing journals, meeting new cultures, seeking the world and all the mysteries in it while educating and bringing her knowledge to others. Should she have been allowed, she'd have bought understanding to the entire world...and yet, the people were frightened. Terrified of having their blissful ignorance taken from them. So they imprisoned the Key, before executing her. She became the first Illuminated - a Venerated Ancestor that is considered to reside in a White Palace upon the moon. And she, was given the special privilege of being the gate that locks it from the unworthy, and the key to ultimate knowledge.

After her execution, the others fled into hiding, deciding that if the masses did not want their illumination, then they would have it to themselves, sequestering themselves away in small cells, content to study the world around them.

and as such, they have survived to this day despite many a trial.

Religion:

The religion of the White Scarab is simply put, the discovery of knowledge no matter the cost. A religion not every could find palatable, and they would be the first to admit, not everyone who joins their society has the best of intentions, and they would say that they do not care for those outside of their conclave. After all, why should they care for the ignorant masses who reject them? Some have caused many a trouble for Venedig, in pursuit of their own lust for knowledge.

Those of the Scarab worship two beings - The Illuminator, the primary deity, and the Illuminated. Venerable members and ancestors that contributed greatly to the knowledge stores of the Scarab. However, while they praise these beings, there is no formal worship of them. No masses, prayers, or other such arbitrary things. After all, the most pleasing thing to them would be to further knowledge or make a discovery - but every year, during the Summer and Winter solstice, they hold a secretive meeting where a grand debate and exchange of knowledge takes place. Where one can show off their progress to their peers, should they wish.

Upon becoming a Neophyte, those entering must forgo their past. Let go of everything and devote their entire lives from that point on to their new cause. To cement this fact, they are stripped of their old name and after a ritual they are given a new one. These names are kept by a most trusted member of the group, the 'Keeper of Names'. Some believe these names hold power over their holders. Some merely believe its something to exert more control and loyalty.

As well, upon their left breast is tattooed their loyalty in silver ink. A depiction of a torch above a crown, back dropped by a rising sun.

This is the key one needs to enter into any den of theirs. Failure to produce it along with several secret and key words, will be met with nothing but death - or worse, imprisonment. Human experimentation can lead to valuable insights to the physical human nature...

The journals and works of the Gate, as scant few that still exist, are treated as the holiest of texts to them, even if they are written in almost undecipherable code.

Internal workings & Hierarchy:

The hierarchy of the Scarab is divided into four ranks. Neophyte, Adept, Cipher, the Illuminated. They have no formal leader, not officially at any rate, but a council of the most learned and respected members known as the Illuminated are often the ones who make the decisions for the group. At any time, there is only ever five such people, but most have it for many, many years, and sometimes a seat is left unfulfilled for a lifetime - but there is always at least, someone upon the throne of knowledge.

There is a general understand that one can practice and do whatever he likes within the group, so long as he does not endanger the whole.

That said, they are hardly united. The pursuit of knowledge can often make one blind. Obsessed, some might say. Some would put their own ego above others. While officially outlawed - if one has a rival within the group...destroying his work, so long as you are not caught is an accepted practice. Murder, is a common outcome of such plots as well. After all, if you weren't clever or bright enough to see through such a scheme then you likely as well deserved it, according to them.

Their only base of operations, if they have one, is a library on the northern fringes of society. Hidden in a mountainous region, deep underground, carved out by many, many years of construction. This is where all of their knowledge and research is pooled, and only those of rank Cipher and above are allowed entrance, save for the rare special exception. The library doubles as high end magical research facilities, and some rooms date back centuries - and some have been sealed for just as long.

The rest of the time, they operate mostly independently as it is safer for them to do so. At times, in small cells should some agree to work for some common goal.

mage

Name:
Given Name: Franziska Gwerder
True Name: Iathullel (I-th-oo-lel)

Age:
24

Physical Description:
As one might expect of a scholar, Franziska is not too physically impressive. Standing at just five foot four and weighing only 122lbs, she has a slight and overall dainty frame. Her hair is generally kept in a mild state of disarray, messy and unkempt with only a few decorative beads braided into it. A mark of a madwoman who spends too much time reading, perhaps? Or just a traveler who doesn't have time or care for her overall appearance? That said, her face is kept mostly free of blemishes, thanks to a mix of makeup and clever applications of 'change' magic. With bright golden, inquisitive eyes that seem eager to take in all of her surroundings, she's fairly mundane.

When traveling, she wears unassuming, warm robes over a loose, simple shirt and easy to move in pants. Wears a sapphire necklace around her neck.

Important items:

• Her fathers Necklace
• A simple hunting knife in a sheathe around her belt
• First Aid Tools
• Journal, written in a different language

Short Bio: The one now known as Iathullel has been part of the Scarab since she was ten. Her parents, were traders that met their end at sea, and from then she was raised simply by her uncle, living a quiet life in their small town, until a rather curious traveler sporting tales from far off lands, and gifts of sweet honey to the people. Always the curious and precocious child, Iathullel quickly took a liking to the man, who in turn took a liking to her inquisitive mind. He stayed for three days, and during those days Iathullel became enthralled with those stories and little tidbits of information of his.

It was, for this reason, she decided to leave with him without saying a word to anyone. You see, while she had a decent life, she was something of the black sheep. People in the town found her odd, or just rather difficult to be around simply because of her slightly erratic nature. So the man took her under his wing, and inducted her into the society, where she quickly studied everything from science, magitech, and the magical arts, particularly excelling in the fields of biology and mind-based magics.

Eventually however, her caretaker and her had to part ways. Expected, really, of one of their natures. She was just sixteen and she must eventually follow her own path of learning, rather than follow along on his coattails. So, she has been traveling the realm since then as people of her disposition often do. Learning, often trading her healing services for payment or other things.

Starting Faction:
The White Scarab

Spell List:

• Slow Mind - A mind type spell that alters the perception of ones flow of time in a radius of around five meters around the user. Any target with a mind in the radius, will have their perception of time slowed. That is, the caster will appear to be moving at super fast speeds when in reality they are moving at normal speeds. It is those affected that are merely moving slower than normal.
• Erasure - another mind spell, effectively removing her presence from the memories of others. In effect, it acts as a perception blocker, allowing one to travel mostly unnoticed. Only works on unaware targets. Meaning that if someone is already aware of her presence, it won't work. If she performs an action, such as touching a person they will become aware of her presence. If said touched person alerts others to her presence, then they will also become aware. Effectively, its a sort of invisibility spell.
• Purify - a change spell with simple effects. Detoxifies the body, removing poisons and removing dirt and grime from the body. Stronger poisons and curses may resist unless applied continuously.
• Decay - An Underworld spell characterized by a mist of rot expelled from ones hands. Less effective on flesh - mostly corrodes metal, objects, and armor, weakening them permanently and making them easier to deal with, but can cause corrosive burns if exposed to flesh for too long.
• Rabid Mutation - A rather nasty spell that causes a violent, random, biological change in the target. Be it tentacles, rapid growth, or other such effect. Often causes sprouting of new limbs. The pain and sudden shock has a tendency to cause one to become mad from it. Only works on organic targets. Only can be done through a brief touch. Sufficiently willful or physically adept people will be able to resist, and of course, things protected by high magic.

Exceptional Skill List:
Exceptional Surgery (1) - an extreme understanding of the human body. One knows how it works and understands its inner workings. Might be best to find a real doctor though. You might end up as a lab experiment.

L'Mordryn Academy

Library, First session

---

After breakfast, Livia went with the others to the Library. An uneventful trip for her, at least. She wasn't wholly one for idle chatter. She was a little concerned that Eva decided not to come, but ultimately it was for the best. Less distractions for her own research. Now she just had to worry about entertaining Sio. And speaking of, that little ghost...she was currently silently hovering over Odhra and poking him at regular intervals over the course of their entire walk over here. Her hands were cold, and well, rather pointy. If she poked to hard she definitely might have drawn blood.

"Sio could you not act like a child."

"Cu'laihm." She replied simply with a giggle.

"Could you at least make yourself useful and find me something then?"

"Sh'ihm, Meui." Zipping back over to Livia, the ghost playfully saluted before eagerly seeming to bounce up and down at the prospect of being given something to do. Walking into the East Library proper, Livia took in a deep breath. Libraries were one of her favorite places. The smell of books and old paper was something she quite enjoyed.

"Wonderful," Livia smiled. "If anyone has anything they need found, do tell Sio. She'll be more than happy to find you anything you need."

"Na'Wa?" Blinking in surprise, Sio pouted lightly. "Cu'laihm!"

"Now now, don't pout you're part of this study group too and if you're not here for reading purposes you can help out in other ways." With an audible 'tsk', Siobahn looked off to the side before sighing, relenting and shrugging.

"Hes, Meui." Despite her seeming agreement, she gave the others present a particularly cool glare that almost challenged them to try taking Livia up on that offer.

"Excellent." Now that they were in the library proper, Livia took a brief glance at the others. "So what are all of you here studying, anyways? I'm looking into some...legends around an old eastern empire."

Pokémon: Start

~Claire Blackwood~

@PlatinumSkink

Current Team

Ralia, Ralts
Level: 14
Status: 100%


Ritz, Ledyba
Level 15
Status: 100%


Lure, Combee
Level 13
Status: 100%


Del, Beedrill
Level 12
Status: 100%


Zeal, Monferno
Level 14
Status: 100%
Held Item: Focus Band


Chikorita, Pip
Level 10
Status: 100%

Inventory

9352P
Antidote x1
Great Ball x4
Super Potion x2
Tiny Mushroom x 1
Revive x1

Important Items:
Castle Medal
Crystal of Knowledge

Badge Collection:
Challenge Badge - Redcoast Town, Hector. Minor League.

---

Claire watched with fervor as Frans engaged the bronzor. Obviously, with all this training, he should be an expert by now! After all, no one was as good of a trainer as she was, and there was no way her teaching methods could be ineffective or nonsensical, heh! Ralia herself started acting as a cheerleader as the battle ensued, using her clones as little motivators to make Frans more certain of himself. Paravati hit it with an attack, Frans launched a pokeball at it...

Once...

Claire gave him a thumbs up.

twice...

Ralia had her clones build a tiny tower of ralts

Thrice...

Claire struck a victory pose of her own.

poof

The tower of Ralts' fell into a pile.

Claire looked visibly shocked, making a comical flinching motion with an accompanying grimace.

Blinking in surprise, Claire folded her arms, not quite sure what just happened. That should have worked, right? She was certain. No way in heck it didn't. Ralia's clones had disappeared, leaving her staring curiously at the bronzor.

"...Raaaal?" Quickly teleporting up to Claire's shoulder, Ralia tapped her trainer lightly on the cheek before motioning to the Bronzor.

"Well that's weird." What happened? For the most part she ignored Ralia's prodding. "Should have worked..." Pouting lightly, Ralia quickly grabbed Claire's bag from her shoulders.

"E-eh?! What's the matter girl?!" Before Claire could ask or say anything, Ralia had fished out one of her Great Balls, scurrying the item over to Frans and holding it up for him to take. "U-uh Ralia, you can't just give out my hard earned battle spoils..."

"Rrral~"

That sounded suspiciously like a 'Yes I can'.

"Tsk, well, whatever I can always buy some more." Claire looked over to Frans. "I think she wants you to try one of mine for some reason."

"Rrrraaaaal~" She eagerly hopped, waving the pokeball back and forth trying to get Frans to take it.

Warped Earth, Twisted Air (An Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler RP) — Now Open!

@Lugubrious@SquishStar45@Anonawrimo

---

"Merveilleuse." Soraya seemed entirely oblivious to Reese's less than friendly attitude. Taking a position standing next to Reese, Soraya continued. Might as well explain a bit about how her own attribute worked. "Then I shall start with my attribute. It's nothing flashy - just a suit of armor I can wear that will allow me to bear the brunt of attacks from anything." A simple attribute, but a useful one, and one that she very much approved of! It fit her historical tastes perfectly.

She'd have loved to get to know her partner somewhat better, but it seemed time wasn't on their side. By the time Soraya had finished her introduction, things had started to get underway. The prospector showed up on the stage, introducing himself and revealing what everyone was there for - and more. Someone was already on their way towards the rift. Which made her pause. It was an awfully foolish idea to do something like that, in her opinion. If it had been publicly announced, then they would know there would be others coming.

As such, the ability to make a profit would be low, unless they somehow thought they could get through a rift on their own before the others arrived. They'd likely end up fighting other Rift travelers.

Stupid, or something else?

No time for thoughts.

"Come along, partner!" Soraya moved quickly, weaving through the crowd as one might through a dance floor, and soon they had arrived at their destination. Pulling herself into the vehicle, Soraya made sure to help Reese get in, if needed, or help her in other ways. Once everyone was strapped in, Soraya quickly made an introduction.

"Mhm, Soraya. Let me handle the defense and distraction. I can handle a beating."

Beyond the Looking Glass: A CYOA Magical Girl Roleplay [Completed]

---

"If you didn't, I'd have to kill you for not doing it." Chloe replied with a smirk. "And don't be so cautious. I have no intention of starting a fight." Letting Penny rest for a bit as the healing wards worked, eating the metal, Chloe watched the rest of the fight. Hm. Something happened to Delta. Regina was gone. Was she slightly concerned? Yes. Was it because she felt emotion towards the Archive girls or was she concerned about their business deal falling through? Difficult to say.

But for now, Chloe merely wrapped an arm around Penny's waist, giving her an affectionate hug.

"That's what I'm here for." Chloe grinned. "Playing hero and saving beautiful damsels in distress. Glad I gave you that trinket. Otherwise I might not have made it." Still...taking a quick look around, it was easy to see what was happening. Beacon was swarming all over the place, and at the moment she didn't particularly have the energy to fight off a hoard of them. Ah, but still she didn't want to leave Penny alone. Penny was hers, after all. Lucy wasn't looking so good, either.

"Ahhh?" Divina blinked slowly as she was pulled into a hug by this unknown girl. A few melodic clicks came from somewhere on her body as she quickly and eagerly returned the hug. "Nhn...sorry, did we know each other? From before? The light is...obscuring so I can't remember. There was...a foolish person who went about love the wrong way and...something before then, but I can't - it hurts to think about." Smiling happily however, Divina rubbed her head on Jantet's in an affectionate manner. "But you seem nice, and the affection is welcome." There was something odd with divina's words. Almost as though they were 'heavier' or something about them was a little off. It wasn't anything overly noticeable or cause for concern, but it was certainly there.

It was about this time, the hulking undead chimaera stumbled back over to Chloe, visibly on its last legs unless it got some rest. The poor thing was wheezing, shambling like a common zombie. Now that wouldn't do at all. Especially the chances of beacon getting on her case, despite the fact she had one hundred percent helped.

"Hey, new girl!" Chloe turned her head towards Divina. "Take Lucy here home, will ya? I'd rather not lose him if I can help it."

"Ah...certainly." Breaking the hug, Divina fluttered over to the hurt Chimaera. "Apologies...hmm, do you think you could help, maybe? Chloe would likely be grateful that you helped keep her pet alive."

"Now then," Chloe turned back to Penny. "Any plans for later today? You need some rest and my door is open as always. I'll even send Aurora and the new girl on some errands for me." She leaned in a bit closer. "We could...have the whole place to ourselves~"

---

"H-hey wait! Doughnuts!" Rina called after Mika as she left, once again, for the third time, Rina had missed her chance with this girl due to to little time or interruptions. She was a little disappointed...but if they were wary of Beacon, maybe it'd be for the best. Still, she seemed nice...and, ah, well, no. Sighing and observing what was left of the battlefield, Rina took note of several faces she hadn't seen before. Some were obviously with Beacon, there was Penny sitting next to some...dark magical girl.

Hm.

Well, as long as they weren't going to cause trouble for now, no need to cause needless violence after this trial for now. Ah, she wanted to sit and have a break, but she probably should do what she came here for and find Alicia. She headed into the crypt, and a number of Beaconers were gathering around the place it seemed.

...still, that was a lot of people...plus there was someone else that might need something. Alicia could wait, at least for a bit. What was she supposed to say though, good job? Congratulations on saving the world? Neither of those looked like they'd help right now.

"...Hey, Shakespeare." Rina passed Amaryllis, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. From what she could see, Annabelle was gone. Permanently. At least for a bit. Even if Rina had run out of mercy for her, that didn't make what happened any easier. "You look like hell." She offered her a smile. Tried to anyways. Ah, something to change the subject. Something that wouldn't seem totally insensitive or totally callous or like she was being overly cautious either.

Argh, peopleing was hard when she couldn't just tell people to get lost.

"Friend of yours?" She asked the question towards Sammy. She brandished one of her swords. In a totally non-intentionally threatening manner.

L'Mordryn Academy

Cafeteria

---

"Bwark!" Immediately upon receiving the pettings, his melancholy quickly dissipating. The dragon rubbed his head against Albus' hand, panting happily before rearing up, and assaulting Albus' face repeatedly with his long, slobbery tongue. This continued for about a minute, the dracona male now well and truly covered in saliva enough that might make one question what he had been up too.

"Son of a-" Before Isobel could confront the attacker, he played some dirty, cheap trick. A smoke bomb. She tried to follow after him, but only ended up utterly blind, almost running into the door herself. Ciervia hissed as Max ran, sending a blast of cold, icy breath towards the direction he had fled, but to no avail. It slammed into the wall, freezing a small portion of it. "...tch." Isobel frowned, hands clenched into fists as she lost sight of him.

"Next time I see that bastard, Rutul's getting a snack." Isobel glanced over to Eric, still visibly angry at the turn of events. Grarves gratefully accepted the sausage, and Albus was finally free of the dragons assault as he wolfed down the treat. "It's not my fault. That jackass tried to hurt Albus and Grarves." She replied with a scowl. "He wasn't hurtin' no body. He just wanted to play." Ciervia, the calmer of the two was nuzzling Isobels' cheek lightly in an effort to calm her down a bit.

Warped Earth, Twisted Air (An Urban Fantasy Dungeon Crawler RP) — Now Open!

@Lugubrious@SquishStar45@Anonawrimo

---

"Only a minute?" Soraya replied coolly, seemingly somewhat curious or perhaps disappointed. "Hmm...were you perhaps standing around just to look pretty, then?" She didn't seem to understand people just sat around idly for no reason and it was difficult to tell if she was being sarcastic or she meant what she said, but before she could reply there was a commotion with the two she was just sitting at. Something loud that sounded like the shattering of a vase met her ears. Yet when she looked, nothing was out of the ordinary at all.

"Some men lack all sense of class...mhm, well, anyways." She smiled faintly, voice still that neutral even tone. "I am Soraya Labelle...and since I assume you are also here to explore the supposed rift, that makes us partners now." Perhaps Reese would be regretting her decision on giving Soraya attention.