Rune_Alchemist

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Into the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin

---

The smaller creature would use its tendrils to shuffle away from Novak initially, until it would hit the back of the cage. It would stay there a few seconds, obviously still skittish - but it seemed to at least understand that Novak wasn’t here to cause it immediate harm. Whether or not it was intelligent beyond that, was entirely up for debate, though. It would slowly move towards Novak, resting just at his feet before making an attempt at...jumping in a somewhat irritated seeming manner when he mentioned something about not harming it earlier.

“...Uhm, I think its irritated.” Lazhira replied with a small frown.

The small slime would then scurry over to the bigger one. It definitely looked like the bigger slime was stuck, or at least couldn’t move. The smaller one would move around to its side, and it almost looked like part of the slime had dried onto the wall and door - the part facing away from them seemed to have somehow slowly hardened into being unable to move. It was difficult to tell what that exactly meant, but maybe it’d be a simple matter of cutting it away? Of course, that also meant somehow getting past the big one likely attacking them.

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

“Hm...You’re quite the shrewd one, aren’t you Isidore? You would do well not to take Raelzeth’s words too much to heart.” Rullphana replied, lips forming into frown. The Elf would take a few seconds to consider the addendum, a number of seconds passing before she would eventually sigh and offer a small smirk towards Isidore. “But very well. I will agree to those terms. Aside from you questioning my abilities, I would rather maintain a good relationship with the two of you as of now.”

Rullphana would turn her gaze towards Augusta.

“Then lets get started shall we? I’ll need to see a good example of what you can already do if you want an assessment of what you could theoretically be capable of. The most powerful thing you can do. Whether it be skill at manipulating it, or raw power. Go on, impress me.” She probably already had some idea what the two of them were capable of but was choosing to see first hand. As Augusta would start with whatever it was she was going to do to impress her, she would turn her attention towards Isidore’s second request.

“A little history lesson, first. Magic at its essence, is raw power. The raw force of creation that the ancient Gods once made the world and universe out of. That is the way we teach it here, at least. I can’t say much on what it actually is aside from the raw power to create in some fashion, though I have theories.” She would move a bit closer to Isidore.

“There are typically two sources of ‘magic’ power. Those that come from ‘somewhere else’, say a divine blessing, or perhaps a demonic patron granting you power, or those that come from ‘within’ the person themselves using an understanding of the natural world and well, sheer arrogance to be able to twist reality into their favor with the manipulation of it. Effectively, you could say it is forcing reality to bend to your will in some fashion.” She frowned slightly, considering her next words carefully. “As for the theories behind it, that depends on what you are trying to do. Are you trying to bind a creature to your service? Summon a demon or something? Either of those require different requirements than say, simply casting a fireball. And casting a fireball and binding both are a far cry from shall we say, altering the properties of an existing spell. All have different theories behind them, and all are used in different ways. As a general rule however - the more mana you pour into it, the more potent and long lasting the effect as long as you don’t lose control of it.”

She seemed confident, though from her words there didn’t seem like there were many hard classifications or perhaps more perhaps formulaic approaches to magic.

“Oh, and then there’s the abilities of the Elder Beasts and their kin are born with...though its not something normal humans can harness usually.” She would off handedly mention. “They’re a sort of ‘law’ that must exist, if that makes sense. In a way, I suppose you could consider the Elder Beasts and such abilities natural forces of the world. The Steineter, for example - its ability to burrow through rock as though it were clay and split the earth with a mere gaze would classify as They are typically exceedingly powerful - but they can only usually possess only a single set of abilities...though I’ve heard mention the more intelligent ones can apply them in quite creative ways.”

A Traveler
@PaulHaynek

---

So, Novak would start praying. Prayer was perhaps, what all gods wanted in some form. Worship. Faith. The attention of mortals. Perhaps it could be said that Gods were even powerless without someone to believe in them. Was this Sage the same? But would it [i]really[i] be as easy as a prayer, when he had been told they didn’t like to involve themselves in mortal affairs?

Perhaps it would be.

He would become distinctly aware of something approaching him from the side. The footsteps of someone walking across the snowy ground, causing it to crunch underfoot. Opening his eyes, and turning to face it...he’d see a relatively normal looking deer having a leisurely walk some distance away. The most notable thing about the deer, was the fact it looked...well, relatively normal compared to the blue furred deer of the rest of the forest.

Perhaps not, then.

Nothing at all seemed to happen from the prayer alone. Maybe if he kept at it? Perhaps he needed to do something else. The wind would blow gently towards the south, towards the mountains, shifting from its usual path. Well...Enli had mentioned those of the Mountain were likely closer with this Sage, perhaps he could head there and find more answers from them himself...but that meant climbing the mountain, and braving the frigid plains leading up to them. Maybe he could ask the Kyrnith, too, about this Moonblossom.

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

"Easily done. Hopefully that one hasn't found them yet." Soyala would reply with a smirk. "If nothing else, we have the home field advantage." And Soyala would run off, and a not long after Malphas would notice her leading several more hunters through the fog, a little deeper into the forests. They didn't seem to have noticed him resting, thankfully. That left him with his own devices, figuring out what to do next.

It might be a decent enough time to run, with the hunters distracted if he wanted to distance himself from them.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Into the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin

---

The slime, if it was intelligent, did at least seem to go for the easiest meal possible - the meat on the end of Novak’s sword. The tendril would slowly lash out, wrapping the meat in its gooey grip before retracting the meat back inside. The body of the blob would shiver and bubble, its surface making a gurgling noise as the meat was presumably digested within. Clearly still violent, but it seemed as long as they kept their distance and maybe fed it, it wouldn’t immediately harm them.

The smaller one inhabiting the skull seemed to peek out from its hiding spot, before becoming motionless again.

“Hm...I think...i don’t think the big one is erm, intelligent?” Lazhira would reply with a measure of uncertainty. “But that smaller one seems to be somewhat. It looks like its...stuck? Or it can’t move for some reason...” The smaller one would attempt to move as far away from the others as it could. It definitely seemed scared of them. "...and is it just me or do I smell something burning?"

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

“...I do not think my deal with Augusta extends to her companions.” Rullphana replied with a tone of mild disinterest. “But if you’re curious - I agreed to instruct Augusta and I get to study this rather...extraordinary pup you have, as well as that seed of yours. I think it’s a fair deal. Instruction from one of the most powerful mages in the entire realm is an opportunity most would shall we say, kill for.” Rullphana chuckled, before turning her gaze to Raelzeth. “Sadly some don’t understand the weight of that.”

“...Hey! Maybe if you actually taught me more I’d-”

“I teach you exactly what you’re ready for, and until you can actually read the same amount of words as the time you spend getting up to no good, you won’t be ready for anything else.” Rullphana would turn her gaze towards Isidore once more. “As for a written agreement, well, yes, we have those. Typically reserved for merchants and those in power looking to do things.I really don’t think any of us want to go through that process, especially as I am the one typically settling disputes that arise from them...and we really wouldn’t want to bother the queen with this.” Raelzeth pouted slightly, but would soon set her sights on the pup. She would walk over to Octavia, and start accosting her with aggressive headpats. “Of course...not that I made a deal with you. This was entirely between me and Augusta. If you want something, then what exactly can you offer me, Isidore? I’m a busy woman.”

A Traveler
@PaulHaynek

---

“Aha, making an Elder Beast more approachable is...quite the suggestion.” Enli chuckled with bemusement. “But yes, I do hope your search goes well. Dawn will always welcome you.” And so Nicholas would leave Enli’s house, heading for the cliff where the Obelisk was located - where he had first stepped into this new world that he was now a part of. It was a fairly easy trek, even with the setting sun casting long shadows - it’d probably be night by the time he returned, but that was also the perfect time for him to attempt using this ability of his.

Soon he’d be at the base of the tall, black pillar. It loomed over him like some silent watcher, or guardian. Some sort of testament to some divine power. The quiet breeze from the sea met his nose, smelling of salt and brine. This was certainly the place, but how would he go about trying to make contact with this ‘Sage’ person? He didn’t have a Moonblossom...perhaps he could try praying? Or maybe there was something else?

If perhaps, he was paying attention, he’d still see the two stars he saw last night flickering oddly brightly to the south, just over the mountains as night was beginning to set in.

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

“I doubt they’d be our ally.” Soyala replied, hefting her spear over her shoulder. “From our brief interaction...she’s here to make sure at least one of them makes it back alive, but if anyone could convince them, it’d be you...and Chagawa. Its Chagawa.” Soyala would reaffirm as she thought briefly about Malphas’ question. A secondary exit? “...there may be a few routes out, though I don’t know if they’d be possible to go through. I can take a few hunters with me and check if you’d prefer to stay here. It shouldn't be too difficult. We know what traps and other pitfalls to look for.”

By now the other hunters had already made a fairly sizable bonfire at the bottom of the pit that led to the second floor of the temple. They had tossed a number of logs, branches, shrubbery - anything they could find that was burnable into it. The area below was starting to fill with thick, black smoke of burning wood and structure. The plan was working more or less as intended for now, it seemed.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Into the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin

---

Lazhira would start helping Novak dismantle the barricade. It wasn’t really hard. The wooden furniture was rotten, starting to break down already. As long as they were careful they could easily have it done in a few mere minutes.

Donning the mask, would reveal...surprisingly little to Novak. Though, he’d notice a familiar sight. The skull from earlier, shown squeezing through a crack in the bottom of the door. Had it gone in there? What was that creature, anyway? It would also show a few handprints on the door, like someone had been holding it, or beating against it? Odd, that they’d be on this side.

Nothing else could be seen.

Narkissa, however, could feel a light draft of air, but where it was coming from was unknown. Perhaps there was an exit in this room somewhere, but there was also a chance that it was just some...ventilation or something from above, not suitable for human passage...but it was their only lead, so far.

Inside, should they deign to enter, was...quite the sight. The room seemed to be a large rectangle. Cages. Cages would line the walls. About the size of large dog kennels. Were animals kept here? It was easy to assume that at first, but upon closer inspection, the remains of a few human skeletons could easily be seen. Seems like aside from these features, the room was barren. A prison, or holding area of some sort.

At the back of the room, against one wall however, was a some sort of grotesque looking black blob, undulating and writhing as it seemed to be stuck to the wall. It looked fairly similar to the one Narkissa had fought earlier, though it seemed to be stuck somehow, where it was. At the base of it, was that tiny little skull that Novak had seen earlier, it seemed to possess a few tendrils of its own and was holding a small piece of meat up to the larger one. Upon being noticed however, it would give a high pitched shriek as though it was startled, retreat back into its home and scurry into a nearby kennel.

There seemed like there might be a door behind the slime, if they could find someway to remove it. The large slime creature would shudder, unlinking one of its gelatinous tendrils from the wall and attempting to lash out towards the group. It seemed slow, cumbersome almost.

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

“Hm. I see.” Sorcha would reply to Isidore. She had expected no less, really, from the way he carried himself. “Worry not. Remuneration will be plentiful from myself, and I am sure Leuca’s uncle would be more than grateful for your services so far.” As much as she’d like to have them help for free...it was, in a way, also comforting. She understood desiring payment for services rendered better than most. Perhaps it was a chance to finally put some of it to use, at least. “Regardless, thank you for your services thus far. Now, Leuca...lets get you out of those rags and into something more appropriate.”

Isiodre and Augusta both would leave the room, with Octavia trotting along behind them and leaving Leuca in Sorcha’s care. It wasn’t hard to find Rullphana, she was still in the same tower she had been in earlier. The guard from before would eye both Isidore and Augusta with some contempt, but otherwise say nothing and allow them to pass.

“Ah. Augusta, you’ve returned...and...my, that’s quite the handsome catch you have there.” She’d chuckle.

“Weh! Its the old hag and the cool dude that was with that other elf!” Off to the side, was also someone who would be familiar to the both of them. The elf from the weapon shop as well as the one from the tailors. “What are you two doing here?”

“Shush, you.” Rullphana would smack the back of Raelzeth’s head earning a pout and a click of her tongue. “Apologies for my apprentice. She can get a little...hot-headed. Probably that dwarvish blood in her. I swear by the sage, she’s more of a handful than the prince was as a child.” She’d lament. “A-ahem, but anyways, what brings you back so soon? And who is your friend here, Augusta? Here to fulfill your deal already? I admire your ethic.”

Builder and a Traveler
@PaulHaynek

---

“I’m...not quite sure what you mean.” Enli replied to Nicholas with a furrowed brow. “I...yes, you came from elsewhere? ‘Earth’? It must be a village very far away, but I don’t see how that is...relevant?” It seemed the village elder may have misunderstood Nicholas’ words somewhat, assuming that ‘earth’ was just some far off village or gathering of people or place.

“Regardless...yes, the Sage has a number of names. I believe those of the mountain chose ‘Urumna’ as it means something in their ancient tongue - while Chaenelith is supposedly the name they were born with...though I can’t say for certain.” He’d pause, humming briefly as he would think over Nicholas’ other words. “There’s mention of a ‘Moonblossom’ at times in some records, although I don’t know what it is. Other than that...I can’t say.” He shook his head. “I apologize I can’t be of more help in this matter.”

---

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

“How would they know? Unless the girl...hm, its possible. Fine, then.” The hunter replied with a grunt. “Alright, good of a plan as any. You heard him, men. Start getting wood. Cut down some smaller trees if you need to!” He’d shout. And so the group of hunters would get to work collecting wood. If they weren’t going to come to them, then they’d need to somehow make them come out. The command he gave to his group, too, was soon carried out. They’d grab the torches and other burnable lights that could be carried and carry them to the front of the old temple in order to be used.

And then he would notice the hag. Cautiously, he would approach. The mist surrounding the temple rather thick, here, obscuring most of his vision...but a trap, it did not seem to be.

“Suspicion will serve you well, boy.” She would say, before he even turned the corner of the temple, acknowledging his presence. “But you should know that thing won’t even scratch me. More importantly, your quarry is getting away. Or you could choose to quit the field, but eh. I wonder what the hunters would think of you after that. Maybe they’ll spread rumors of a coward, and it’ll reach other people!” She would cackle. “Seize every opportunity, boy. Those who don’t never amount to anything.”

“Malphas.” A familiar voice. Soyala would approach from around the other side of the temple, a mildly concerned face. “Seems that merchant has taken an interest in our thief. She’s sent one of her...specialists to find them. I tried waylaying her, but the skills those from Chagawa possess are...difficult to deal with...why are you back here, anyways?” She’d ask, taking a quick look around, but the hag was gone, as though she had never been there to start with.

Fate/Eternum (Take 3)

~Thalia~

---

Thalia stood, adjusting her guitar slightly on her shoulder.

"Well, might as well then." Thalia said with a grunt. "Doesn't look like this place is going to start getting up to anything fun any time soon except some noise, maybe." She sighed, stretching and walking past Scylla, taking the rest of her fries with her. Really, if a fight broke out and it directly got in her way, she'd help, but...otherwise? She had Scylla to make sure didn't get upset or up to anything funky, and she wasn't about to stick her neck out for some randoms, either. "Head back and start practicing for tonight...unless there was something you wanted to do, 'Zerker." She asked her servant, not expecting her to say anything to the contrary.

Dungeon Clearer! A Fantasy Adventurer RP

Since no one else had yet, I have engaged the skelingtons with the power of smol.

Dungeon Clearer! A Fantasy Adventurer RP

~Neffy~

---

Neffy was...honestly a little bewildered they didn't want her to scout ahead. That's what she was good at. Besides, how exactly was she supposed to effectively do things otherwise? Sure...the guy in armor could protect them, but at the same time, wasn't it her job to make it easier on them by giving them both intel and taking out anything she could, quietly? Or was...that just something she thought she was doing to help. Or were they just wanting her not to get hurt? Tch, she could handle herself. She had no issues with defending herself and doing things quietly, out of sight.

Neffy pulled her hood over her head a bit tighter. Whatever the case was, it made her slightly irritated to not be able to use her skills effectively like this.

A creaking sound puled her attention to a hole in the wall of a monastery.

"...undead!"

Neffy shouted from her position near the rear. Tch, see, if she had been let to scout ahead a bit, she could have effectively taken our or reduced their number, or helped set up more of an ambush! Well, whatever. She wasn't going to focus on that. She was going to focus on the creatures in front of her. There didn't seem to be an easy way to flank them, and now that they had already been seen sneaking in seemed out of the question.

Neffy would brandish her blade, the sparkling ornamental object light in her hands. Silently, she'd bring the blade to bear, running a hand over its length as she felt magical energy run through its blade. A simple, but at least hopefully practical and effective spell as water in the shape of a blade would launch itself towards one of the skeletons.

Dungeon Clearer! A Fantasy Adventurer RP

I'll get up a posty tomorrow.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Into the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin

---

“Flowers…?” Lazhira grimaced. “Ah...those...they might be the white flowers that grow around the temple - they are really, really, toxic. Even touching one can put someone down for days. It can kill in seconds if it gets in your bloodstream...” She frowned. “If they’re using that, then they’ve probably coated their weapons and arrows in it.” She rubbed her arm in an uncertain manner. “...Poison probably wouldn’t hurt me, so I could probably help with that at least...but it’d be a death sentence for you two...” Questions on why it wouldn’t affect her aside, Lazhira would look towards Narkissa. It was a good plan, really. Why walk right into a trap? But at the same time, she shook her head.

“I don’t...know if there’s a secondary exit. I still feel like this place is weird somehow, but I can’t quite put my finger on it...” She turned towards Novak. “I doubt they would be that...rash. Enli might not have much power, but the people do like him and not everyone would agree with something like that.” Still, if they were to stick with their plan of looking for an alternative, they would be pleased to find their other guest had left. The only sign of them being here was the mannequin left behind, with a rather comical sign tied to it labeled ‘Out for dinner, back in five.’

The main worship hall seemed to have no other doors leading out as far as they could tell, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t. Maybe with a little looking around they would find some sort of secret exit or something. The only other unexplored place was the door from before that was still blocked by old furniture. Donning the mask seemed to reveal nothing immediately new, either.

---

Nobbu and the Fox
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y

“....haaa, really? You’ll not find me being generous agaaaain!” Mie replied back, words slurring slightly. “Well, whatever...don’t come askin’ again.” She’d watch Misaki leave, frowning a bit. She really was a mysterious little fox, wasn’t she? She didn’t press the issue, holding out a hand as a quiet figure placed her pipe in it. She would bring the pipe to her lips, inhaling quietly before speaking. “What do you make of her, Ayumi?”

“E-eh? My opinion? She seems weird. And the black-haired one...she seems...similar to the Oni?” A voice replied, as the dark clothed figure would kneel beside Mie, just out of sight behind her. “Uhm...but that aside, didn’t you have a meeting with one of those travelers?”

“Ah,” Mie stopped in her tracks, stumbling over her feet slightly. “...I suppose I did, didn’t I? Hmm, and he’s not here...”

“I shall bring him.”

“Ha, yes, yes, do so. He might have gotten involved with whatever is happening here. Make sure to tell anyone else that I’m not having any more visitors this evening.” The fox would walk off, towards her tent. So many things happening. Ah, she really wanted to leave before things escalated...

---

The beach was calm, gentle waves rolling against the shoreline. Most fishermen had already tied their boats to the makeshift docks, or pulled them aground some distance ways into the beach so they wouldn’t drift off. It was really a rather picturesque scene, the setting sun sinking over the horizon, only a bit of light left in the day for the moment. Thankfully, the tide was low, allowing the fox girl to use the sand fairly easily to draw her plans with.

"Excuse me."

Of course, her thoughts were to be interrupted by someone they may have seen around before, hovering around Mie's entourage. She would bow lightly in greeting. "Apologies for interrupting your thoughts." She would glance towards the drawings in the sand Misaki had been drawing. She would frown a moment, before shifting her expression back towards Misaki. "I am Haruno, one of Lady Mie's retainers. If It is not too much trouble, may I speak with you? Of course, I understand if you do not wish to converse with one such as I and if so I shall quietly make my leave."

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

Sorcha looked at the map Isidore offered, eyes scanning it as she spoke.

“Unfortunately, I am not very familiar with the dwarves of this mountain.” Sorcha replied. “But I know their culture, at least. They are a culture with...a fair emphasis on castes, typically divided into four distinct ones. You have the Rulers and their families, followed by the Scholars and Warriors, then the craftsmen, and then everyone else...” She looked up from the map, turning to Augusta.

“Firebeard is the captain of the Ice Guard. That is, the dwarves sole unit meant for scouting and fighting on the surface, and in charge of guarding the gates and other important caverns from the outside. They’re fairly respected, so I’ve heard.” She would sigh, placing a hand on leuca’s shoulder who was understandably uncomfortable with this information. “I can’t say for certain if he’s the leader or not...or why a Dwarf would want Leuca, but...” She frowned, looking briefly down at the small elf. “I have some ideas, which is why I would ask for the continued help of the two of you. I’ll be busy in the coming days, but the two of you...you can investigate in my stead while I keep my eyes and ears upon the palace. I suspect this is also what the queen wishes to speak with you at length about.”

Of course, it wasn’t any of their business, really, to get involved in these sorts of politics but they likely had already been grouped with Sorcha and Leuca on their way in.

Builder and a Traveler
@PaulHaynek

---

At first Enli didn’t appear to be there, but soon the older gentleman would walk into the main hall from a nearby one, likely one where some food was being made judging from the smell of it. A few more people were also inside, too. He greeted Nicholas warmly.

“Ah, Nicholas...yes, I met with the two of them already. They’ve already informed me of what happened. I must prepare to meet with the Kyrnith tomorrow. I can not let this opportunity go to waste...but a Sage? I suppose you mean the Sage of the Moon, or Urumna, as those of the mountain call them. What do you want to know?” He would say, taking a hand to take the stone and inspect it, if Nicholas let him. “Truthfully, the Sage is a rather...enigmatic figure, to us. All we have is a name from some of our ancestors - Chaenelith, and that they were beloved by the moon. The Second Moon in the night sky represents their position in the heavens, accompanying Delpithi across the heavens as her attendant. I can’t say much more than that, but they are said to be able to twist fate and luck to someone's favor.” He would pause. “I can’t say I know much about the stone you hold, but if it has some connection to Chaenelith...hm...”

He would rub his chin in thought.

“Perhaps you should visit that obelisk outside the village at night and try praying? Its always held a strong connection to the Moon and Sea. I apologize for not being more help - Chaenelith is not known for desiring to be involved in affairs of others and was said to make efforts to prevent themselves from even being known. Forgive me for asking, but why do you want to know of them? It’s rare any will seek the Sage, let alone possess something with some connection to them.”

---

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

The hunters that had been placed under his watch, would collectively hesitate for a moment, before they would react in affirmation The group seemed to react positively to his speech at least. Unbeknownst to Malphas, such things had already been going on - the worshippers may be simple hunters, but the Illuminator themselves was one to do such things, and regularly encouraged his own followers to do so.

He could tell at least, that his words had made them believe in what he said, and in turn, him, even a little. They could fight and handle themselves even a little bit better now. So he would leave, the hunters behind him, encouraged by his words into the forest and towards the temple.

But...it seemed as though there might have been a small problem. Even before he approached the temple and the other hunters who had been hiding, there was no sign of the party they were supposed to be ambushing coming out.The hunters had set themselves up in several positions. One was by the templer entrance, and another had taken a perch in a tree, bow at the ready while the others were laying in wait to engage from the ground.

Curiously, through the mist, Malphas could make out the retreating form of a person in dirty rags, moving behind the temple. He could at least recognize it in his memories as someone he had seen before...wait, the hag from last night? What was she doing here?

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Into the depths?
@Click This@Crimson Paladin

---

“...The hunters.” Lazhira replied with a glance towards Narkissa. “He probably meant the hunters. Most of them still do, I think.” She frowned, glancing back towards where the God was still hanging about as she listened to Narkissa’s suggestion. It was a good suggestion, but she didn’t want to cause a scene with the hunters...though it was also likely too late to find some way to just sneak out. “That’s...sort of why I didn’t hang around when they approached us when you guys first arrived. I can’t be sure who is or isn’t, or if...” Her voice trailed off, frowning.

But a plan had been set, and it was an easy enough to follow. The trek back to the temples entrance was easy enough. The creature using the skull as a home seemed to have left them alone, and as far as he could tell was gone completely, having vanished somewhere else into the temple. Once they arrived at the pit, though, Lazhira would pause.

“Uhm...h-hey, you may want to use that mask if you’re going up. It...may help.” Lazhira suggested. Maybe she knew more about it than she was letting on again, but he probably didn’t have the luxury to ask her about it. It would take little effort to climb up the rope, and Novak would find the temple area above exactly as they left it. Remnants of the battle with the slimes were left, black slimy oil stuck to the floor with bones of various humanoids left on the ground where it died.

But his own eyes could perceive nothing out of the ordinary.

Should he elect to do as Lazhira said, however, and don the mask again, things would be a slight bit different. While there were no people to be seen, as the black and white monochrome color of the masks sight would cover his vision, he’d notice a faint shimmer of an arrow stuck in the floor near the entrance of the temple. A small silvery white line would slowly meander its way from the hole to the door, where it would abruptly stop. Likewise, a float mask with disembodied hands would be attempting to grab a mark similar to the one on Lazhira’s arm.

Upon the floor were flowers of a similar color, growing from the floor and dripping with some thick, viscous liquid.

What exactly it meant, was difficult to discern - but if this mask had shown him something that happened in this temple, then perhaps it could show him something that could potentially happen? But how exactly would he determine what it meant? Either way, it was likely something was waiting up there to ambush them.

---

Nobbu and the Fox
@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y

“Ink? Paper?” Mie took a sip of the clearly alcoholic beverage at her side. “Hmm...If you mean the bamboo slips I use to write my inventory on then yes, but...they’re not really for sale.” The fox would inform Misaki. “I’m surprised you have knowledge of it. Its something those human’s came up with to help repel evil and empower their magics...I only learned of it after...well, lets say a trade deal in my favor, fufu.” She chuckled. “They’re quite protective of it. I usually keep it under lock and key. I could run a profit on it, but eh, more useful to myself than to sell to these people. I take it you need some of it?”

Mie would fix Misaki with a grin.

“Alright, alright, over here.” She’d hop off the table, leading Misaki away from the main tent that was quickly emptying of people as the Oni put away the wares for the night. Once leaving through the back of the tent, Mie would lead her to what was obviously a storehouse for various goods she’d sell. Rather than paper, it seemed as though she was more referring to strips of bamboo that had been dried, and then preserved in a method fit for writing on. They were stored in large stacks, locked in a chest away from the elements.

She’d take a few and hand them to Misaki to inspect.

“And...before you ask how much, I wasn’t really planning on selling any. Truthfully, I doubt you have the monetary compensation to pay me in any fashion.” Mie continued with a sigh. “...but well, I’ll consider it a gift from one fox to another. Its rare I meet someone from my homeland out here, even rarer one of my kin that is on friendly terms with me. I suppose they’ve all forgotten little ol’ me, how distressing, ha~” She’d idly comment with a light chuckle. “Take a few slips if you want, but if you want more, well, I can only be so generous.”

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

“I see my guests are blessed with tongues of nectar and sharp wit...and possessing quite the odd custom.” The Queen smiled, she would tentatively take Isidore's hand. Her grip was as one might expect of her appearance - far from firm in any since of the word, leaving one to wonder if they were even holding anything to start with. As she released Isidore's hand, her gaze slowly turned towards Leuca. “I am glad to see you have arrived mostly unharmed. Sorcha has told me of what happened...though I fear it was more than a simple raiding party.” Some of the guards seemed less than amused with Augusta’s words, though all kept their tongue to themselves.

“A-ah? W-what do you mean, your majesty?” Leuca questioned, frowning as she considered the words. Sorcha would place a hand on Leuca’s shoulder gently squeezing it.

“In time, child. I’m sure you are all exhausted from the trek from sea, to mountain, to the earth. We can discuss things more in depth one you’ve all had a rest. There is still time for that, at least. First, another introduction.” She would motion to the male next to her. “This, is my son. Nesherit. He will be your guide while you stay here. If there is anything you need, please, he will be more than happy to assist.” The rather youthful looking male would take a few steps forward towards the group. He appeared much similar to the other Shadow Elves, grey colored skin with white hair, and eyes of blue. His tight fitting top covered only his chest, and a pair of elbow length gloves adorned his hands, though they left his palms and the tips of his fingers uncovered.

“I...yes, I am Prince Nesherit of Gloomhollow.” Nesherit would reply slowly. “Mother has deemed me to be your...guide, at the palace and the city should you have need of it.” He didn’t look particularly happy about this.

“Nesherit, be a little more kind.”

“S-sorry, I just wasn’t expecting to do...this,” He motioned vaguely towards the group. “today.”

“Yes yes, but mingling with something other than books or your studies will do you some good, child. Maybe learn some eloquence from Augusta.”

“Tch...I...yes, I suppose I could do that.”

“My sons' distaste for socialization aside, allow me to get on with one of the reasons you are here, little Leuca.”

“R-right...I was told I was going to be learning history and magic from, uhm, Rullphana? I think.”

“That is correct. And in turn we would learn bladework and about your histories from you and Sorcha. It is a...small step forward, but an overall welcome one even if the King was rather...forceful about it. That man has no sense of discretion...” She’d straighten her posture, waving a hand at the group. “That will be all for now, travelers. Unless you have further questions for me, Nesherit will show you to your rooms. I will have Rullphana come fetch you tomorrow after you’ve had sufficient rest. And I’ll have someone bring you a change of clothes too, Leuca.”

“A-ah, right! Okay. I’ll be glad to get out of these...”

“I expect you to inform the group of what we discussed, Storm-Bearer.”

“Of course your majesty.”

“...Right, erm, well, if you would follow me...” Nesherit would say. The Prince would lead the group to a trio of rooms that had been seemingly just set aside from them - Sorcha and Leuca in one, Isidore in another, and Augusta in another. The rooms were mostly the same, luxurious carpet covering a stone floor, the lighting being handled by bioluminescent mushrooms. The beds were made of the finest materials they seemed to be able to make, with little plants and other growths covering the interior, between the cracks in the stone though it seemed more intentional.

Once Nesherit had led them to their individual rooms and any questions had been asked, Sorcha would pull everyone aside, into hers and Leucas room assuming there was nothing left or needed of the prince. The Prince would leave the moment he was no longer needed, muttering something under his breath and heading back to what seemed to be the throne room.

Once she was sure they were alone, Sorcha would turn to the group.

“...it seems the Apostles may not have just been there looking for trouble from someone.” Sorcha would begin, once everyone had been settled in the room. “Her majesty has informed me that there is a certain faction in Gloomhollow and the dwarven city that seeks to do Leuca harm, though what and who neither of us can say for certain, and at the moment we have a single lead - Firebeard.”

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

“Hmm...no objections from me, then.” The hunter said with a nod. “Fine. I’ll go with the first group, and make sure to see if I can split her off from the others. You’ll come in with the second after. I’d say don’t take any longer than five minutes, but I’ll leave when to you.” And with that, the hunter would walk off, motioning for Malphas to follow. A number of hunters had been gathered inside this temple.

“The general plan is this. I take five. You take five.” He’d say, taking a spear from one that was offered by another hunter. “Don’t be afraid to get a little rough - as long as she’s alive we’ll be happy.” He would then offer Malphas a mask, unlike the ones in the old temple, these were smooth, made of wood, but had eye holes for use. “Do what you want with these five. We’ll go ahead and get into position. Don’t make us wait.” This left Malphas with only a little time, but perhaps he could say something to these five hunters that may...motivate them a bit more.

Meanwhile, the hunter would already leave with five, for the temple and get themselves into position.

Fate/Eternum (Take 3)

~Thalia~

---

"...or maybe not." Thalia watched the proceedings with a mild bit of interest. Honestly, she was hoping for some sort of fight to break out, but from the looks of it, seemed like things were just going to go on business as usual. Didn't stop her from overhearing some things, though. Something about some dumbass using bombs to attack someone? Not any of her business as of now as far as she was concerned. Still, the explosion did add a certain charm to the fast food place, what with the rubble, people being injured.

Maybe she should take a picture for some particularly edgy album cover or something?

Hm. Hmhm~

She hummed lightly to herself as she looked back towards Scylla.

"Haaa, good job being a tease." Thalia harrumphed. "And I was ready to break out the heavy riffs, tch. Hey, you almost done or are you gonna start eating the table?" Maybe she should just start playing anyways...