Rune_Alchemist

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

Location:
Airedale
Mid-morning
Airedale Fields

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@Crimson Paladin@A Lowly Wretch@VitaVitaAR@Guy0fV4lor

The bandits, were understandably unprepared completely for such a complete and utterly outmatched assault. Od was the first to engage. The five that had decided to attack what initially appeared to be the only one defending the gate, were soon dispatched in such a quick and efficient method they barely had time to even register what had happened.

Those that had used their number to push past Od, did not fare much better. Fio's blades, fifteen of them would aim for those that had gotten near the gate. Shouts of surprise came as ethereal blades would rip through them, though not all found their targets and not all immediately went down. Those with shields had managed to block a few, and more quick footed among them managed to evade - but what they were not expected was what initially appeared the grass at their feet to simply attack them. Those that were left, would find themselves quickly falling before one bearing the blood of a dragon slayer.

Those that hadn't quite made it yet were not quite safe either. While those at the front were being slaughtered by the combined might of the three knights, a fourth smashed into their flank. A Steed of rime frost tramped into the bandits, most men falling beneath his lance, a few more fortunate ones had the cries of their comrades to warn them of impending danger, dodging out of the way just in time.

In all, of the fifty bandits that had started, barely twenty remained. Those that did, were the furthest back. The ones that hadn't been close enough to fully engage. Of course, the bandits had something to say about the utter defeat they had just faced.

"Kings blood! what sort of monster is that thing!?" One would shout, getting to his feet shakily after just barely managing to avoid Ethelred's horse.

"Forget the demon horse, swords came out of nowhere! Some sort of fey-magic!?"

"That girl with the sword cleaved right through their armor!"

"Bloody stones, I don't think even boss could beat that guy in a fist fight...!"

"We had fifty men, how in the damned gods name did we just lose over half in five seconds to four people!?"

Atop the ramparts near Fio, Vyrell observed the field quietly, narrowing his eyes across the field. Well, no doubt this rabble would swiftly disperse if they didn't decide to suicide themselves against the knights...still, something didn't quite seem right about this. Surely someone wouldn't have attacked a fortified town like this without some sort of further plan? Or was this merely a test for their defenses for another assault later?

Then what about that archer that had almost taken out that sentry?

He'd turn his head towards the forest. There, a subtle movement!

"Knights! Archers in the forest! Someone go take them out!" Vyrell shouted. "Militia, take cover!"

On cue, a number of arrows would home in on the knights position, well aimed shots fired at quick intervals, at each of the knights directly. They would soon be followed by a volley of arrows fired in the general direction of the knights. From the number of arrows, there likely weren't many of them. Just enough to pose a threat if left to keep firing. One among them seemed to have almost pinpoint precision accuracy, however.

"...hit them while the archers have them pinned!" The bandits shouted, starting to run towards the gate and the knights again, emboldened by their perceived ambush.

---

@Pyromania99
The Queens Chambers

"...nnhn? Under attack? Who would be so foolish to attack-" Another yawn, and the woman on the bed would stretch, suddenly blinking as she'd realize she was in fact, no, not talking to Vyrell. "Gah! Lady Luna!?" She would sit up, stumbling out of her bed, tripping in a rather spectacular fashion, and fall right on the floor. Not that she'd wait too long before she'd scramble to her feet.

"Ahem," A color of red would color her cheeks as she'd sheepishly laugh. "Sorry, sorry, I was having a really nice dream, mhm." Her gaze would linger on Luna - a fact that was probably not helping Luna as the queen was indeed, still completely naked and didn't seem to mind one bit. Slowly, her gaze would turn harsher as she'd register Luna's words. "Who would be so foolish to attack my city? Luna, thank you." She'd grab the clothes from the night, and start pushing Luna out of her room. "But I should get dressed. Now go help the knights. I swear Vyrell doesn't trust me..." She'd grumble, not giving Luna time to get a word in edge wise as she'd be hastily shoved out of the Queens chambers.

"Oh, and," She'd quietly speak, a somewhat sultry tone. "If you mention annnnything you saw here, the Lightsword family will carry responsibility, yes?~ toodles and good luck, you can do it~!" The door would slam shut behind Luna, though she could hear the queen grumbling about the audacity of bandits attacking this early in the morning and ruining her beauty sleep. She should probably go join the other knights at the North Gate now.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Kokoma

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"Hihi~!~ back with a new little guest." Kokoma would greet her companions, though not like they had been gone for too long really. While Eunice and the others started on the fire pit and discussing food, Kokoma was already checked out of the discussion and instead, focused in her own little world. Well, hers and the world of this little cat cub. Aaaah, she wanted to snuggle and cuddle and pet it all over but there would be time enough for that later.

"Oya? Hungry? Alright alright, you can eat something once I get this leg of yours fixed up." She'd say, putting the cub down on the ground, holding him tightly. No doubt this was gonna hurt a bit but well, it'd be fiiiiine. So she'd grab a few pieces of wood just the right size to make a splint...and then actually do the limb setting. "I'd say this wasn't gonna hurt, but its totally gonna hurt just a bit." She'd say with a grin. "Annnd-done!"

It was probably a good think Kokoma was busy with the cub and didn't hear Sefira mention something about needing to wash and change clothes. It was around this time, Tatlliya would return...dragging along behind her in a web, was the Arachne's prey. Her bringing something back was less unsual than what exactly she had brought back.

"O-oh? With as many fish I wonder if me bringing this was even worth it." The Arachne would sheepishly laugh...and what exactly had she hunt, you ask? It was a massive two-headed bird, about three times her size. Its entire body was covered in what seemed to be tough, coarse feathers and its neck seemed to be much longer than it initially appeared, with large talons about the size of your average human. "And if its washing clothes, I can help..."

"Hm? Washing Clothes?" Kokoma would tilt her head, of course having picked up on something her friend was saying. "Who needs clothes washing?" She'd look towards Sefira, seeming mostly unfazed by the Arachnes kill.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

A skill Seeker and Warlord
@Crimson Paladin@VitaVitaAR

---

“No idea.” One of them replied.

“You…think the Hag is behind this whole thing?” Another would question. “We were told if we saw her to kill on sight, but Soyala told us to focus on recovering the orbs and since she’s the one in contact with the Illuminators’ Face…”

“...hey you don’t think with the seal weakened they wouldn’t need both to undo it?” The third remaining one would chime in. What followed was a heavy silence between the group as a concerning realization perhaps, started to fall into place. "Well if we don't know where it is, is, it shouldn't matter right? But then what about the second one?" Didn't seem like the hunters may have any more immediately relevant information unless they were pressed further or had anything else specific they'd want to ask.

"Oh...uh...we could show you two to that pit with the seal in it. That's where you're heading, isn't it?"

A Traveler
@PaulHaynek

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“...Necromancy.” Baba replied with a passionless voice. “The faithful of the goddess of death are given the ability and permission to use Necromancy to both punish sinners and use them to protect people.” The younger girl would shake her head. “Most people always found it…repulsive…they just wanted an excuse. The Apostles gave them that.” She’d take a few steps towards Nicholas.

By now a few alarm bells in his head might be going off.

“The maids marked me for death. Even if I run to the furthest lands, they will pursue.” A smile, would form on her lips, slowly turning into a wide, toothy almost excited grin. “So if I’m going to die…I’m going to take as many of them as I can with me, simple, right? They deserve it, just as I do. As for you…” A pale hand would reach out and grab Nicholas by the chin. “I could. Do you want me to?”

Yeah, maybe he should be careful about his words now.

“...You’ve not done anything to insult me. Yet. So you can stay. Until you do. Are you planning to?” She’d release him taking a seat and starting to eat. Well, she didn’t seem like she was going to harm him, but he was getting the sinking feeling the longer he’d stay, the more in danger he’d be if he let his words run completely unchecked.

---

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

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Breathe in. Breathe out. The waves lapped upon the shore, then receded, rhythmic as Nomura’s breathing would slowly become as he meditated upon the shore. He could already direct his mana into a specific part of the body, that was fairly easy to do now and honestly not too taxing as long as he didn’t continuously do it.

Strengthening everything at once though, did seem to put some strain on him.

First his arm again. It was hard to tell how much of an effect it was having as he wasn’t actively applying the force when he was strengthening it, but there was definitely some change. A bit like a coiled spring - tension forming in his muscles perhaps.

Next his legs. As the energy shifted, leaving his arm it’d feel a bit like being drained of energy. Fatigued, a bit. His legs would feel much the same as his arm did. Moving it back to his arm, the fatigue would vanish entirely as it’d resettle into its resting place. It seemed he could roughly keep the strengthening up for about a minute if he focused on one limb, and only thirty seconds if it was two, while enhancing more at a single time seemed completely out of reach for now.

Perhaps, he’d need a way not to just push or test his limits - but find a way to actively break them.

The gentle waves upon the shoreline was broken by the sound of something splashing in the water, though if he looked he’d see nothing immediately unusual.

Goddess Note

Skill Evolved: Muscle Reinforcement (lesser) -> Muscle Reinforcement
A skill denoting ones ability to reinforce their muscles via magical means, making them temporarily tougher and stronger. Can be used on multiple parts of the body, though as one may expect doing more than one limb at a time causes greater drain on mana reserves. There is an upper limit that exists, dependent on the physical ability of the user.

The Roma Mob
@ERode

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“Oh? Most warriors don’t care for the process,” The half elf dwarf would say, a tinge of curiosity in his voice. “Well, I’m not one to turn away a lad who wants to learn.” He’d say with a hearty grin. “Alright, Isidore. Asvar. Lets show ya the forge, then. Rael, bring out some of the iron and a suit for Isidore here.”

With a wordless signal of affirmation, Rael would head into the back store room. The Blacksmith, would lead Isidore into the forge, a noticeable shift in temperature from the burning furnace where arms and armor were made. The room itself had all the trappings a blacksmith might need - a large forge where ore was blasted with heat to make them malleable. Anvil, to hammer said ore into shape. A grind stone on which to sharpen the blade to a fine point. Table and materials to make repairs to armor and weapons.

“I’ll assume ye don’t have any knowledge whatsoever, eh Isidore? So we’ll start from the basics.” He’d say, grabbing a nugget of raw Rubell ore in one hand and Iron in another. “The ore itself. Each is different. Each has different strengths and weaknesses. Rubell ore that’s common here in Gloomhollow, soft. Easily worked, but is good at conducting magic. Iron is harder. Needs a firmer hammer and more heat, but sharper and harder than Rubell ore. Knowing what you’re working with, and what you want to create with it is important.”

He’d let Isidore have both of them. The Iron was hard, rough…and well, exactly as he’d expect of Iron. The Rubell, was similar to the previous time he had felt the blade. Sharp, but soft. He could likely break it with his bare hands if he had enough force on it.

“You can add other metals and things to strengthen it. Normally Rubell blades are made with a bit of iron, to make them not so brittle.” He’d move over to the forge, grabbing a hammer as Raelzeth would appear with a box of a few pieces of iron ore and an apron for Isidore to wear. “Put it on lad. Best way to learn is to do. The forging process is simple enough. Once the metal is heated, start by shapin’ the metal into a shape that best fits the tool or weapon you want to make, making sure it stays up to temperature while you hit it.”

A hammer, tongs, and a variety of other tools were laid out near the anvil. Asvar would hand the hammer to Isidore.

---

Back to Roots
@Guy0fV4lor@Crusader Lord

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“Don’t have to tell me twice lass! I didn’t sign up to get eaten by some sorta slime!” Eirhild would yell back, as she’d hop off the cart. A certain little fox would use this time to flee the scene, heading back into the direction of Mie’s camp.

Donovan would surge forward, divine speed carrying him to his target. He’d leap into the air, intent to smash the creature with a heavy blow to its supposed head. The hunters were still too disorganized to respond properly, the creature though - was already recovered from the blow Soyala herself had just dealt.

Slimy tendrils would latch onto his leg, a hardened bone weapon impaling his shoulder. Pain rippled through the point of impact as it would pull the blade upwards in an attempt to sever Donovan’s arm from the rest of his body.

Leannah’s timely intervention, may be the only reason that it wasn’t. The blast of fire would slam into the ground behind the beast, causing it to recoil forwards - right into Donovans hammer. The sound of glass shattering. A myriad of colors as the creature's head seemed to fracture into multiple fragments. The creature would toss Donovan aside with a pained shriek, he’d land on the ground, a large gash in his right shoulder and bleeding profusely.

It’d lash out at everything in fury, its body starting to lose cohesion as slimy, oily liquid dripped onto the ground along with a number of bones and the weapons it had taken into itself.

“Kkkkrr…gggrrrrk-” Pained, furious gurgles as its body began shrinking. “Mmrttthher…hlllk-hhhrrrst….” Whatever it was communicating was difficult to tell, but though the blow it had been dealt was fairly staggering, it wasn’t completely losing its cohesion just yet - no, instead it would lash out for more of the hunters, grabbing them by their ankles and bodies, pulling them into itself more. Consuming, assimilating as its body would stabilize.

Of course, the water bolts being slung towards the creature would have done more damage - had it not used the bones from the hunters it had recently consumed to create more armor for itself, the bolts of water not able to penetrate it, it appeared. As the chaos settled, the remaining hunters were few in number. The slime’s body bubbled and rippled, morphing and shifting into a larger form as the bodies it had consumed were serving to further its own growth now.

From one side of its lower body, two large slimy hands would form, tipped with bony claws and covered in painful looking spines. Armor made of more bone would form upon its upper body. No doubt getting near this thing was going to be tougher.

Soyala herself, would take this time to bolt from the scene, deeming the ambush lost and the goal at the moment, not mattering as much as making a swift exit. Narkissa would at least be able to note she was fleeing back towards the forest. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to follow her? She was still far enough away from the slime she could flee, but at the same time the thing looked like it wasn’t going to be going down as easily as the others.

Misaki

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@PKMNB0Y
“Right.” Lazhira would exhale, still seeming a bit on edge from the situation. “Be safe, Narkissa.” Lazhira would start making her way back towards the village. It’d probably be safe enough there for now, back at her house. The deer would follow, prancing along beside Misaki seeming awfully pleased that it was able to help in the situation.

“Jeez, i’m not cut out for playing hero, am I?” Lazhira would say, trying to lighten the mood just a bit as they’d walk. “You and Narkissa are really good at this sort of thing, aren’t you? Well…I suppose you didn’t really do much…sorry rambling because I’m nervous.” She’d chuckle sheepishly.

A few moments would pass where Misaki could reply if she wanted.

“Whew…I’m tired after that. Hey…Misaki? Can I use your tail as a pillow to nap on once we get back?” She’d innocently ask, seeming as though she still wanted to get a chance to since she hadn’t really since they’d arrive.

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

Location:
Airedale
Mid-morning

---

Just inside the forest

Amidst the foliage in an otherwise quiet forest, a small group of men had gathered. Most were rather rough looking, armored in leathers and simple armors indicating likely someone not of actual knightly origin, but rather someone that had simply taken up a weapon and set out to cause either trouble or look for fortune elsewhere.

Normally, one of them would have been chatting up a storm.

Now though, there was dead silence.

"He dodged..."

"It missed..."

"She missed..."

"...Ugh man, I don't need the chorus of failure, thanks!" The woman in question would click her tongue in a bit of annoyance, a look of mild exasperation and resignation forming as bells from the town indicating that their little ambush to take out the watchers quietly failed. "And I just wanted to lay down at the hot springs today and drink the fancy wine we got from the dwarves...guess we'll go meetup with the boss man..."

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@Crimson Paladin@A Lowly Wretch@VitaVitaAR@Guy0fV4lor

By the time Fio had made it back into the city proper, the streets had been emptied. The only ones left were the Militia manning the walls and running to their positions. Vyrell had taught them well, it seemed. The only one that wasn't a militia - was the familiar face of Lugh.

"Lady Fio!" He'd wave the small girl over. "Bandits! North gate! Others should be there already!" He was speaking quickly, and more or less what was only needed to get the immediate point across in his opinion. "Lady Luna's informing the Queen!" well, that was that then. What were presumably bandits were attacking the city. Before Fio could ask for further clarification, the young Tuatha would bolt off back towards the ramparts himself.

Following him, Fio would be greeted by the sight of the towns Militia standing atop the wall, Vyrell shouting orders. Really, none of them were trained soldiers. Most were just people that felt like they had to do something to protect the city they now called home. They only took volunteers, of course and the queen at least ensured they had satisfactory compensation.

"Steady men," He'd say to one of the militia near him atop the ramparts. "Just focus on sniping any that come close to the walls." Noticing the young mage approaching, Vyrell would shout the situation to her from his vantage point.

"Lady Fio! Bandits. About fifty of them from what I can tell!" He'd turn his head towards the outside of the walls. "No time to talk, they're almost here! The other knights have already gathered!"

Reinhardt would be the first on the scene, not long followed by Od showing herself. The Unbreakable took the time to position himself for an ambush, using the tall grass of the plains to his advantage. Od, would take a much more defensive stance, peering towards the trees of the nearby forested area to the west, though it would seem most of the bandits were simply attacking from the plains.

Armed with swords, spears, axes, shields...it didn't seem like they favored any type of weapon, nor did it seem they had any specific formation in mind as they'd rush towards the city. No doubt they simply thought a small city like this would be easily taken - not having taken much stock of the rumors it could be assumed.

Reinhardt would get his opportunity. It seemed they were too busy focused on their target, and most weren't bothered with checking the tall grass for traps. No doubt as soon as he'd ambush them, they'd quickly catch on, so he should hopefully make it count.

Running past him, about five would instead seemingly turn their attention to Od, weapons drawn and prepared for a fight. They didn't seem to think she'd be putting up much of a fight. The others, would seemingly be heading for the gate in an attempt to breach it. No doubt letting them in would be ill-advised.

This, would be the scene Fio and Ethelred both find themselves arriving upon.

Fifty decently equipped bandits that didn't seem like surrendering, versus four well armed and skilled knights.

---

@Pyromania99
The Queens Chambers

The queens chambers, were indeed where the queen currently was. Everyone had some idea of where it was, within the wood and stone fortress. Getting through the mass of people it was currently sheltering though, proved to slow her down just a bit longer than she'd have likely liked. Her room, was located above the throne room, up some stairs and across a large balcony that she could use to address a large number of people gathered there, if she needed to.

Normally, it was off limits to anyone but the knights.

There was no response upon her initial knock, and the large wooden double doors would open fairly easily. The queens room was surprisingly extravagant when you took her insistence to go for practicality on most other matters. A large, canopy bed with red and gold colored covers, a similarly plush carpet woven from the finest of silks. A few hunting trophies as well as a fire place.

...it would have looked better if her armor, a few clean plates of food, books, and some other articles of clothing hadn't been haphazardly left laying on the floor.

The sight of the queen herself that greeted Luna within, though, was definitely something...excessively unqueenly to say the least.

"Nnnhn?" The queen, was splayed out on the bed in a show if rather incredibly bad sleeping posture. She'd give a yawn in response, lazily waving at Luna as she'd sit up, half asleep. "Vyrell...five more minutes...or bring some mead..." She'd yawn, some of the covers slipping off her body, revealing in fact, she was completely unclothed under them.

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

"Hm...you want to know about that old legend again? Well, alright! Lets see...where did we leave off last time?"

"Oh, oh, just after the king finished his training!"

"Right right..." His father cleared his throat, motioning with his hands as he'd start speaking, the warmth of the campfire warming the cold Albion night as his mother began cooking dinner. "Well. After the Wise Sage saw to the kings training and teaching, and that he was fit for ruler ship...he gifted the King with a blade. A very, very special blade. A gleaming gold hilt, with a blade that shone with moonlight and could repel the lands curse...but in doing so, the sage left, their job done."

"Now that he was trained and possessed a blade that repels evil - he had to make the land itself recognize him." The woman responded with a kind tone as she'd hand her son and husband freshly cooked meat. "He first ventured to Mt. Sliabh, to earn the blessings of the Tuatha and to seek out some clue from our druids as to what he should, or could do."

"So they told him, "The land already recognizes thee. It is the 'demons within peoples hearts which does not'". So they sent with him their youngest druid, and the king went out into the land - determined to make people recognize him. Along the way, many, many knights would eventually flock under him. Sigurd, the dragon slayer. Gerainth the valiant, the saint of the sword...many other would come and go from his side in these years, but eventually, after gaining the respect, admiration, and acknowledgement of the people - they built a massive castle of gleaming white."

"Alright, alright, that's enough. Your foods going to get cold you two..."

---

@A Lowly Wretch@VitaVitaAR@Crimson Paladin@Guy0fV4lor@Pyromania99

-The First Cycle: Reclamation-

Slowly, the sun rose over the sea, its glistening early morning rays bringing light upon the coastal village, nay, the now coastal town of Airedale. The bustle and sounds of humans waking and starting their day was slowly starting to build. Hammer on steel as the blacksmith set about working. The shouts of woodcutters and loggers as they got to work just outside the towns new walls, cutting trees and carrying them to the sawmill for further expansion. Farmers, land now untouched by the lingering curse of the Betrayed God, getting to work to provide. Guards, recently trained by her majesty starting their patrol of the quickly growing town and the outskirts of it.

The village, this same time last year, was barely getting by. When the Fomorians ransacked it under the command of a terrible half humanoid, half equine beast? There were only a handful of survivors. If it had not been for the queens timely intervention, it'd have been quite literally, wiped off the face of the map. Many people in the northern and eastern lands of Albion, hearing of this, soon came flocking and seeking protection.

Another king might have turned them away, but the Queen? She refused none that sought sanctuary.

Of course, keeping the village safe was no easy task. While within the walls were safe...the outside of it? Well...bandits, Fomorians, Unseelie that sought to be actively malicious. The recently trained militia and knights however, did their best to ensure safety and people were kept alive. Didn't stop an occasional Unseelie from slipping past the cracks, though...

"...so this is the the city that queen's supposed to be in, huh? Looks like a pile of dirt to me, ahaha!" Skirting around the edges of the town, was one such troublemaker. Really, this was probably bad. A single Unseelie by themselves could cause some pretty devastating trouble if they put their minds to it. Usually they didn't go near extremely active towns, but...there were some exceptions.

"Heheheh, lets see...what dumbass can I mess with today." The fey, small as they could be were oft difficult to see unless they themselves wanted to be seen, and this troublemaker was no exception. Flitting behind houses, away from people, across the ground and garden, she was doing a good job of being unseen. For a few seconds, her eyes would linger on what was obviously the largest building - a recent construction. A wooden and stone castle - not the most defensive or glamorous construction, but the queen had demanded it be as such.

She could go there, but something was telling her that it would be a very bad idea.

"Jeez, what in the feywildes are that place-weh!" Just as she had let her attention wander, a feline made an attempt to pounce on what it thought was a flying little pest, causing the fey to spiral off her flight path and slam into the bottom of a lookout tower. "HEY YOU DUMB FELINE! YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM!? Guh, whatever I don't have time for you. Laters stupid!" The fairy would instead, focus on the lookout tower and the lookout stationed there. She'd quietly fly up, peering over the wall of the lookout tower.

A single human was standing watch, lazily gazing out over the northern plains for any signs of trouble.

"Heheh, a lone human. Peeerfect. Lets see...what curse am I gonna give you. You're life's gonna be miserable from, kehehehe!" Raising her hand, the Fairy would start chanting in an otherworldly, long forgotten language speaking in words that were incomprehensible to human ears. Eyes, glowing emerald. An ominous breeze would blow.

The human's face would scrunch, as if uncomfortable. He'd wiggle his nose, rubbing it a bit as if trying to scratch some invisible itch.

"Ah...AH-CHOO!"

"...wait that's not right-Yeeeek!" Before the fairy could attempt further shenanigans other than giving someone a mildly uncomfortable sneeze, something whizzed through the air, right where the humans head had just been and embedded itself into one of the walls, right where the Fairy's head had just been. A sharp, extremely deadly, arrow. "Nope nope dangerous I'm out not happening bye village of deaaaaaath!"

The man, was similarly sweating bullets.

If he hadn't just sneezed, his head would have been the recipient of that arrow. His face would contort into a frown, scanning the area it had come from. Whoever had done it, must have been an extremely good shot - wait...there! Just over the northern fields!

"...bandits!" He'd shout. His hand would immediately go towards the bell that had been installed on the tower. Almost instantly the other lookout towers situated within the town and on its walls would take up the alarm, too. The militia moved instantly upon hearing the bells and receiving confirmation from one of the Knights that were on duty. Civilians would all rush out of the streets, towards the large keep as the Militia directed them. Shouts of urgency would fill the air as warning beacons were lit with fire.

A white haired young man would calmly walk up the ramparts along with a Tuatha child. In all, the response had gone as well as they could have hoped. It had barely taken five minutes to get the major streets clean of civilians, the western gate closed and the northern gate secured. Some were being stubborn and remaining in their homes, but there was little they could do about that for now.

"How many?" He'd ask simply, eyes scanning the horizon.

"H-hard to say, sir!" A nearby soldier would shakily respond. "We counted at least twenty, but they're moving fast and there's more of them coming over the hills and out of the forests!"

"Hm..." The silver haired boy would narrow his eyes. "...fifty. Fifty and whoever leading them. A simple raiding party? Or organized assault?" He'd exhale, a small smile appearing on his face. "Well, we can figure that out later. The peoples and village's safety comes first. Lugh!"

"Y-yes?!" The Tuatha youth would stand at attention.

"The other knights should have heard that - go make sure they have. Tell them to Assemble at the North Gate quickly if they're not on their way here already. We only have a few minutes before the bandits make their likely assault. Also, tell Lady Fio or lady Lightsword to check on the Queen. I've not seen her up this morning. I get the feeling she'll want to be here for this."

"R-right! On it Vyrell!" The young Tuatha would bolt off, electing not to take the stairs but to vault off the ramparts with surprising skill and dexterity as he'd run through to the most visible spot in the street, hoping to catch the other Knights if they still needed direction and to catch Lunalel or Fio before they headed there themselves.

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

Alright well, I said I'd let five in and its been a week, so...

@A Lowly Wretch
"Od, is your name then? You seem to carry the scent of fairies upon you...Ahahah, a fairy wants to be a knight? Even if you're not one, I'm not in any position to refuse! Very well, I knight thee. Swear upon your honor and name to serve faithfully."

@VitaVitaAR
"I suppose having an advisor on magical and otherworldly means would be a good idea. I must thank you for looking after that blade...hm? What do I mean? Well...Its nothing to worry about. You may not be a knight, but I welcome you all the same so long as you swear to serve faithfully."

@Crimson Paladin
"Ethelred, Ethelred...hm, the name is familiar, but unfamiliar. Not a family name I am familiar with, then. Still, I have heard of your family and their plight. Now then, swear to serve faithfully and so long as your vengeance is just I will aid you as you aid me."

@Guy0fV4lor
"Sigurd? Sigurd?! You're still-Ahem...no, sorry, I just remembered something humorous. You must be the one from house Reinhardt...I have heard a great many tale of you. You carry your families name well...hm, but do I sense the magic of an Elder Beast on you...? Well, so long as you serve faithfully it matters not."

@Pyromania99
"Lunalel of house Lightsword. I have heard quite the tales of your house. I must thank you for protecting the land and living honorably. You will be a fine asset and knight to have at my side. Swear to serve faithfully and no matter what happens, I shall do the same to protect this land."

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Everyone has been accepted!

With that out of the way! Hopefully we'll be starting in the next day or two after I finish up some misc. houskeeping and other things

The Storm Cycle: Reclamation

~Map of Albion~

Map of Albion

-Locations-

Locations

Airedale

What used to be a small seaside village on a small peninsula, could now be considered to be a fortified town. After it was attacked by Fomorians, the current Queen drove them off with a furious storm, or so the remaining residents say. The village's eastern side meets the Southern Sea, and the land around it is lightly forested with rolling plains to the north.

Its generally a safe region, with few fomorian sightings. However, like much of the land of Albion, large scale crops and farming was not possible until recently - the Queen purified the land through some means, allowing people to actually start agriculture in more than just a few plots of land for a few scraggly crops.

Hjrelskins Fall

West out of Airedale, is the largest body of inland water in Albion. Known as Hrelskins' Fall, legend has it that it was created when an ice giant was slain, and their blade fell to earth and sunk into its depths, creating a hole in the earth. Others say its where the Ice Giant Hrelskin used to live - in a cave behind the waterfall that filters down into the lake from the mountains to the north.

The lake itself is home to numerous fresh water fish, and the abundant nature makes it an idyllic and otherwise peaceful spot.

If not for the Fey that haunt the forests around it...

Redwater Point

The most prominent and productive fishing village in Albion. Once, it was under the Ethelred's family's care, though after their fall they fell under the jurisdiction of Lord Bernard Alistain who now rules through proxies and administrators due to failing health. Known for its milder climate compared to the rest of the Albion. The particular fish that can be found here are a bright crimson in color, and in certain seasons the sheer amount that can be found turn the sea surrounding the village red, hence the name.

The surrounding land consists of forests, that soon turn into sweeping, rolling plains the closer to the Wastes it gets.

Its rumored the old Ethelred castle became haunted after its defilement and abandonment...

Ethelred Ruins

The abandoned ruins of the Ethelred families castle and home, sitting forlorn upon a cliffside that overlooks Redwater Point. What was once a bastion of defense and civilization, has fallen into disrepair and silence. A story many a structure and family share in Albion, really.

Still...some rumors say that the ruin isn't quite as dead as it looks. Surrounded on its southern side by sea, and the north by hills and plains, with a small forest upon the eastern coastline where a path leads to Redwater.

Southern Sea

The southern sea of Albion. A calm sea, compared to the stormy seas of Nid to the east and the frozen Whispering Sea to the north. It extends from the southern side of the land to the western, though most don't traverse the waters due to the leviathans and potential monsters lurking within if one travels too far from the coast.

Harzelslack

Surrounded by rolling plains on all sides, the City of Harzelslack is currently the largest city upon the Albion landmass. Ruled over by king Harzelslack who built and founded the city after dealing with the bandits in the area it is the currently safest and stableist place to live in Albion. While he doesn't claim it - many people consider him to be the current reincarnation of the king.

That is to say, most view Sorcha as the pretender.

Who can really say who is right, here?

The city is peaceful, but the king is known to be something of a tyrant. Broken laws and dissent is met with swiftest and harsh punishments, but loyalty and cohesion is rewarded.

Lylmesari Forest

The mystical forest of the elves. Ancient and primeval, with ancient buildings once dwelled in by fey that no longer are inhabited by them...or so most believe. The marble, pristine while buildings are now home to little more than elvish outlaws and overrun with beasts and lesser fairies that were spared the curse from the Betrayed god.

Within, somewhere, lays the Lylmesari city. The last city of the elves.

Kythels Coast

Named by the Dwarves after an ancient Goddess, the coast is made up of rocky cliffs and snowfields. Many old dwarf ruins dot the land here, and some can even be found as far south as the southern sea. The ruins are incredibly old - and also incredibly taboo for dwarves to venture into lest they incur the wrath of their goddess.

Wild beasts and animals make the place their home, and recently an Elder Beast has taken to stalking the land along with its cult-like followers that worship it.

Kythel's Hand

The only Dwarvish settlement upon the mainland, and the staging ground for many of their raids. A peninsula sticking out into a frigid, frozen sea. Its one of the few places safe from dwarf raiding parties. That is to say, they don't tend to attack or bother non-dwarves here from an unwritten rule of not harming those seeking shelter or protection.

Surprisingly safe.

Rumors exist of other routes to Emain, via ancient tunnels.

Emain

The bastion city of the dwarves situation upon three islands. Normally, its surrounded by frigid winds and a sea of ice, with waves as threatening as any fomorian. Normally, its impossible to cross unless you have a dwarvish guide to bring you through the storms.

Once you hit the island proper - its a surprisingly pleasant place. The deep timbre of dwarves singing rumbles the earth and causes the sea to swell outside their walls from deep within the vast tunnels below the islands.

Llobrokor Mountain

The mountain of Giants which extend high into the heavens. In their language it means 'Root of the Tree.', and in certain tellings of their own history is where the root of a massive, ancient tree once connected this world with that of many others. They were sworn to protect it, but they were betrayed by those of the Ice.

Being as reclusive as they are, most never leave the mountains and their singular settlement upon its slopes, and most humans have no reason to visit. The mountains are exceedingly dangerous, and a number of Elder Beasts call the place home, including the most dangerous of all - Dragon kin. Rumors say a river of Lava flows under the mountain across Albion that feeds into an ancient realm of Demons.

Gheslias Wastes

Wastelands are nothing new to Albion. They may come, and go, drying up crops and entire swaths of forests and lands, but the one at the foot of the mountains to just north of Hrelskins fall, is the constant. Windy, grassy plains where nothing can grow. Elder beasts avoid the area like the plague. Fomorians stalk the land, hunting any human unlucky enough to travel here. The air is thick, choked with visible malice that makes ones skin burn even in freezing temperatures.

There is no reason for any human to come to a place so steeped in hatred.

Yet, within the center...people say there is a shrine, that is always empty but always full of fresh offerings.

Field of Ghosts

A vast expanse of snow and ice. The land here is especially cursed - that is, it is so filled with hatred for those that live that the land itself causes the dead to simply rise from the graves. Spiritual grudges will manifest, and the gate between this area and the underworld is especially thin.

A massive frigid Elder Beast of frost and decay stalks the land, seeking to add more to its collection.

Whispering Sea

The frigid and uncrossable northern sea of Albion. The wind howls constantly, the waves crash upon the glacial cliffs. They say, far, far to the north across the frigid wastes lay a paradisical realm where great kings and warriors are allowed to live in paradise. Some though, say it is a land where both the horrors and miracles of the Endless Night remain untouched by the world and any who travels there is doomed to die there.

All rumors, of course, carried by the wind.

Castle Lightsword

Located at just the end of the Field of ghosts, in the northern most region of the land is Castle Lightsword, home of the Lightsword clan. In ancient times they were warriors and fighters under the care of an Elder Beast. Part of their family was also tasked with guarding the tombs of giants in the plains below.

Still, with remnant powers from the Field of Ghosts nearby and the inherent death-seeped land of the giants graves, dead do raise here occasionally and mystics who seek to further their more darker arts tend to call the place home.

Giants rest

Located south of castle lightsword and to the west of mt. Sliabh, is the graveyard of Giants. Massive stone monoliths indicating where giants rest dot the land. Giants tend to bury their dead in a rather unique fashion - they first cremate the body in a bath of lava, letting their soul return to the mountain. Next, they take the ashes and bones that remain and carry them to their final resting place - giant underground tunnels.

The land itself is marked with ancient runestone tombstones, and littered with warm, hot gyesers that blast boiling water into the air heated from somewhere below. Its a popular spot to rest upon the road should travelers be heading through the area. Aside from the undead, beasts, fey, and fomorians its a surprisingly pleasant place to rest.

That is to say, you probably shouldn't linger for more than few hours unless you have business.

Ithica Lake

A lake of cool, fresh, clear water situated within a secluded grove within Gaints rest. No one is quite sure of the origin of the name, but it is supposedly where the Old King received the blessing of Heroism and was given a golden blade by a wiseman that would later serve as his advisor and train him to becoming a proper king.

The giants say that the lake is a remnant from the old world and bears the name of a Moon Goddess.

The dwarves refute this, of course. Their Goddess is one of the ocean and heroes, not a lake and her name is Delpithi, not Ithica.

Perhaps its a simple translation error.

Mt. Sliabh

The home of the Tuatha. They rarely travel from the mountain, except when a young one now coming of age goes on a pilgrimage to see the world. Intelligent and wielding primordial magics and knowledge, they are often sought after to be advisors and hired by those aspiring to kings or queens. The mountain is off limits to most humans, and aside from it being the place in the entire realm where the curse is the weakest no one knows much about it.

Castle Reinhardt

The noble Castle Reinhardt. A mere shadow of its former self. Walls crumbling, unable to be kept up. The only thing they are good at now, is keeping the rain out. Situated as it is...its a good thing the Fomorians and Fey have no interest in such a place, otherwise the few who remain would have been tormented to their demise long ago.

Surrounded on all sides by the Laughing wood, its family was once the one who kept the Fomorians and Unseelie in check around the area, but with their dwindling numbers, the Fomorians and Fey both have grown in number and the effects are most certainly being felt across the land.

For if a habitat is overflowing.

They those without, seek their own elsewhere. Fomorians are no different.

Laughing Wood

The opposite of Lylmesari, once the home of the Fey, now mainly inhabited by Fomorians and Unseelie. The forest is dark, mystical, and oddly entrancing as if whispering invitations to those inside to get lost, only to laugh mercilessly as they themselves become a permanent resident of the forest.

Its an utter mystery, really, aside from those of House Reinhardt. Anything within the forest is cursed, and partaking of anything will result in an inevitable curse falling upon a human.

Nids End

The cost of the Laughing wood. Supposedly, an ancient serpent met its end here. Not much is known, but the coast itself is home to particularly terrible and vicious fomorians that inhabit the coastline and caves upon it. Not even dwarves dare to step foot here, lest they fall victim to the Fomorian and Elder beast that lives here.

An elder beast, that is said to have somehow learned to command Fomorians and fey both.

|Glossary|

General Knowledge & Misc. Myths

Wasteland
Land afflicted by the betrayed Gods curse. Contrary to popular belief, it does not necessarily mean a land that is nothing but a barren land of hard, dry soil and hills. It can be roughly described as any land that refuses to allow any plants or food to grow aside from trees or hardy, tough shrub that also angers and causes local wildlife to go berserk. Disease, undead, and famine all are common here.

Like seasons, Wastelands can come and go, afflicting land seemingly at random. There is very little that can be done to combat this, but the Tuatha are able to purify land using complex rituals and maintenance.

Wings of Light, Wings of Dark
A tale from just after the time of the Betrayed Gods fall. As his now cursed ridden body fell to the ground, his soul was split in twain. From it, the first Dragon Elder Beasts were born. Notably, a terrible dragon of black and a radiant dragon of white. Both, were born from the gods malice towards the creatures that had betrayed him. The black, was utter destruction and hatred. The White, was of righteous divine fury that would judge all as sinners.

The Endless Night
When the old world ended, the world was shrouded in endless darkness. Only a fractured moon would hang above the skies, lighting the world against a tide of abhorrent beasts, nightmarish creatures, and soulless husks that had lost their way in the madness of it. Albion would have been wiped clean, had it not been for a single, surviving god. Whatever its reasons were, it protected the humans that had no where else to go, the giants that had remained loyal to it, and the fey and elves that had been cut off from their home. When the sun finally rose upon the world once more, the God desired rest -

But the Elves and Fey were greedy. Seeing the cold, arctic world the wanted more, and realized that if they could use the Gods power themselves, they could likely make Albion much warmer. To weak to directly harm the God, they presented him with a cursed gift. Unfortunately, in turn, they too would be cursed, transforming into hideous monsters themselves.

Perhaps they were just homesick for their green, endless forest.

Myths of the King

Colloquially known as the 'Scéal Rí', it is the most prominent legend that exists after the Endless Night, taking place a scant few years after the fall of the Betrayed God and the ending of the Endless Night. It is split into four parts, each corresponding to a different time of the Kings Journey and Rule, and a popular story to tell children, as well as something that simply gives the people of Albion a hope for the future.

The first, tells of the Kings childhood and training under the guidance of a wise sage of the Moon. He traveled around Albion, meeting all the different people as a knight errant. Future knights of various houses, Unseelie fey and Seelie fey. Fomorians, both good and bad. The second, tells of his rise to kingship and the many tales of the knights which served under him up until he was officially crowned king. The third, focuses on the Golden Age - the age in which Albion was considered the safest. The age in which the King Ruled. The fourth, focuses on the betrayal of the king by one of his knights and the subsequent fall of the realm and devastation of Albion that followed.

The Peoples Heart -
The dragon of black ravaged the land, bringing curse and destruction, while the dragon of white would devastate the people, bringing divine fury to the beings that had sinned whether they be human, fey, tuatha, or giant. The king, would slay the dragon of black to gain recognition of people along with his knights. No one is quite sure what happened to the White Winged dragon. Some say it recognized the king as pure and just, and would fall into a deep slumber. Some say it blessed the king, before disappearing and leaving Albion in the hands of mortals.

Knights of the King

Lunestel Castle - The Lunar Citadel
The Castle of White, the Castle of Light, the Throne of the King. When the people of Albion recognized the king, the Giants would build the king a castle. Instead of building it from brick and mortar, they would find a mountain and quite literally, within a week, carve the entire rock into a majestic castle that towered above the land. The castle's location while not lost, few remember where it is, and fewer dare to venture there.

King Arthwys:
The eponymous king of the Sceal Ri. The king who held Albions future in his hands. A brave lad that was initially from a village near what is today Ithica Lake with his brother and sister. The very same lake that he would first meet the Sage of the Moon that would lead him to become a king. After all was said and done, he was unceremoniously killed by his most trusted knight, his body so badly burned and torn to pieces barely anything remained of it. His holy sword was lost, though is said to have been enshrined in a place where the Moon meets the Earth by Queen Morgana.

Queen Madwen Morgana Alafan:
The kind and loving queen of Albion. Was a simple village girl living in a village near the Laughing wood along with her brother working as a healer and was the one who'd run off the malevolent fey if they bothered the village. Eventually she and the king would fall in love. What became of her after the Kings death is uncertain. Sigurd helped her escape the castle, but after that it is uncertain. Rumors say she pleaded with the moon for Vengeance.

Lady Erahith:
A tuatha mage who stood steadfastly by the king, joining him shortly after his training had concluded. Fell in love with Gerainth. She carried his magical sword far, far away so that it wouldn't fall into the hands of the rebels. Supposedly died peacefully, passing the sword down to her children - who some say would still bear the blood of Gerainth.

Lord Regimbald:
A human of dubious origins. A wise man with 'eyes which reflected the seas of another goddess'. He joined the king some years after the slaying of the Dragon of Black. His reputation is a bit mixed - considered knowledgeable and insightful of many things, but also possessing a somewhat ill temperament and personality. When the rebels stormed the castle, he was found on the vacant throne laughing before he thus told the rebels the prophecy for the future. Supposedly only one man who saw him that day left the throne room alive.

The Nameless Knight of Betrayal:
once of the Knights closest knights and confidants, she led a rebellion against the king. Legend says she was jealous that he would take another woman as his wife. Possessing armor and spear crafted from a storm dragon, she was considered the strongest and most loyal of knights up until that moment. Her true name is only spoken in hushed tones, and most general folks likely wouldn't know of it. Depicted as having a spear made of the corpse of a storm dragon, and wearing armor the color of gold and red. Said to have been slayed by the Dragonslayer, Sigurd.

Sigurd the Dragonslayer:
One of the most well known and also popular knights from the tales. Sigurd slayed the dragon Fafnir, gaining incredibly powerful physical ability upon doing so. Supposedly crafting weapons from its body, he went on to become a beast-slayer that defended the land from the likes of many Elder Beasts. A children favorite most of the time. Fiercely fought the traitor knight until he could no longer and was one of the few survivors. He returned to the castle, where it was said he would protect the castle until the new king of Albion would return.

Gerainth the Valiant, Saint of the Sword:
the 'Most handsome knight' under the kings command. Supposedly a bit of rapscallion with a habit of being a bit to fond of women, the knight possessed reportedly innumerable magical blades they could call upon at will to pierce foes. Was slain by Isolt the Lion at the edge of the great bridge, giving Sigurd enough time to evacuate the queen and its civilians. Gave his sword to Lady Erahith to protect as his dying wish.

Mathilda the Watchful Star:
Not much is known about this knight, her deeds less well known and fewer. However, her importance was no less than any of the others. Possessing a bow made from the mysteries of the Endless Night, it was said she stood atop the tallest tower in Lunestel Castle. Her eyes could see across the entire land, and her bow could rain stars down upon the unsuspecting interlopers who would dare stand against the king. In the end, she could not bring her bow against the King, nor could she bring herself to harm her former comrades. So she left before the final battle, taking a dwarven ship across the northern sea to find solace.

Lord Harzel Alafan:
A man who was half brother to the queen, sharing the same father. A serious sort who was cursed to be 'Beloved by the Unseelie' Possessed no remarkable skills other than a sturdy body and was often in charge of more dubious operations under the king and had learned many tricks for dealing with Fairies and how best to kill or placate them over the years. Killed by Waltram, the Champion of the Sun in a duel after Harzel had made terrible mistake. Supposedly his body was stolen away by the Unseelie Queen at the time. Some say she revived him with particularly terrible magic.

The knight he loved would later go on to give birth to a second child...who's descendant would eventually become known as King Harzelslack.

Isolt The Lion
A cavalry commander bearing lance and riding upon a horse kin to an Elder Beast. Supposedly an artificial creation by a fomorian who turned against their masters. Possessed incredible strength and speed and a lance that could 'roar like a mighty beast and make the heavens and earth shudder'. Was close friends with the Traitor Knight, and in the end threw her lot in with her. Was wounded by Gerainth in the final battle, but would recover not long after the battle had reached its end. Though her pride and honor were tarnished, she would travel far, far below where not even giants nor dwarves dare to tread to find the answers she sought.

Waltram, Champion of the Sun
Often considered a foil to the king. A former ruler in his own right, who possessed a blade similar to the kings, but of Sun and Hope instead of Moon and Portent. Supposedly had the blood of giants, he wielded great strength and honor, and had a penchant for challenging opponents to knightly duels in order to resolve differences. He had been returning to the castle from a Wyvern extermination when he received news of what had happened. Initially he desired to help the king, but would end up in a duel with Harzel where Harzel would be slain. Not realizing the full scope of what had occurred, he'd grow disillusioned upon seeing the body of Gerainth and Margeth and the pure white walls of the castle stained with blood. For once, in his life, the hope he inspired in others vanished and his blade dulled, never to duel again.

He would seek his end among the giants that he called kin.

Princess Margeth Harzel
Daughter of Harzel and supposedly a knight he fancied. Was gifted a magical axe by the Tuatha upon her birth, and would later go on to be a knight errant, traveling around the kingdom to solve problems. A bright, spunky and friendly girl by most accounts. Had a tendency to wear full armor and used magic to mask her voice to avoid suitors. However, when she got word that the Traitor Knight was leading a rebellion she hurried back, forgetting to bring her axe.

She was slain by her father in the initial chaotic moments of battle not realizing who she was.

Sir Friedwald, the Beast-speaker:
A man from the north, from what is now known as the Field of Ghosts. Unlike most, he preferred life among the wild and the beasts - and supposedly had even befriended several of them. How true it is, is up for debate but it is true he was the first one the king turned to when dealing with elder beasts to see if a more peaceful and less violent solution could be found. For whatever reason, he threw his lot in with the Traitor Knight, using the power of a particularly tricky beast that could travel great distances in instants to sneak past the main body of the kings army and ambush the castle, nearly obliterating the forces before they had a chance to even react. Eventually the remnants of the Kings army would chase him all the way to the north once more, but the beasts of the land supposedly protected him.

Dead Gods Dream: A post-apocalyptic divine action-adventure RP

Legends Arceus came out yesterday and I completely lost track of time lol

Anyways a post has been made a day late.

Dead Gods Dream: A post-apocalyptic divine action-adventure RP

Alasayana

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As Alasayana's teeth sunk into the flesh of the creature, it let out one final hoot before finally going limp. It merely twitched a few times afterwards, before stillness completely took it. This did allow the goddess to get a sense of the texture of its meat and the possibility of any toxins. The neck meat was definitely fairly tough, but it also did not appear to be poisonous in any way.

Well, not poisonous in any way, then. Even if the creatures were strange and unfamiliar, they could serve as some form of sustenance then. The tough meat might need a bit of tenderizing, though. She was a bit wary of the birds that seemed to take note. Scavengers, most likely. They didn't seem hostile just yet, but no doubt they were hoping for something themselves, that was at least what she was thinking as she'd settle next to the others.

"I had a taste of the creature, Trinneon. Tough meat, but not poisonous or dangerous to my senses." She'd respond to the ocean god. "I'll leave the cooking to you two then." Did she want to say she had no knowledge of how to cook? Well, maybe she could put together something simple but most of her more lavish meals had come in the form of offerings and festivals put together by people on the occasional chance she decided to mingle more directly with mortals. "The meat needs a bit of tenderizing, I think, but it should be fine to serve once skinned. I'll keep watch for now. I should be able to hear anything dangerous approaching."

Dead Gods Dream: A post-apocalyptic divine action-adventure RP

Its fine with me

As well, I'll be posting tomorrow