SilverPaw

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Asteria

---

---

A fast of skill progression, hm? Haven't seen that one in a while, Asteria thought. Well, if doing more of the same would get her level ups, she would by all means repeat and try to advance her training. She’d found out that slashing with the knife was more than possible, though stabbing unfortunately wasn’t feasible. Thus, she concentrated on improving the accuracy of her slashes, designating certain bunches of grass stalk to be ‘eliminated’, which she attempted to cut down without ‘harming’ the nearby ones.

Her regular rolls and jumps had proven to be reliable, so she tried some more advanced gymnastics. She first practiced jumping up as far as she could. Asteria crouched on all fours, tensed her body, then pushed off and into the air. After several repetitions of that, she tested her body’s flexibility. Once again, she attempted to push herself to stand on her hind feet. She crouched low, then pushed off the ground with just her front paws, using her tail to balance.

After that, she very carefully tried to do a handstand. She didn’t expect to do a full one, so it was really more of a half-flail as she pushed her hind feet into the air out of a crouch, but it was something. Finally, it was time to try a somersault. Not a move that she’d ever use in a battle by any means, but she was curious if she could accomplish it at all. She dashed off in a direction, accelerating to full speed, then jumped into the air with all might, and flipped over, hoping to land back on all fours.

The resulting thump as she met the ground was unpleasant, but Asteria did not think she’d harmed herself. Or maybe I’m just not registering it yet, she considered, somewhat dazed. She walked back to where Ed had been practicing, rather tired after going all out as she had. “Yes…yes, the shack would be a good guess. Once I rest a bit, I will be ready to go, though we can also wait a few hours more,” she replied.

Withdrawing to lean against one of the barrow’s walls, in a shade, Asteria closed her eyes, and simply breathed for a while. Now was a good as time as any to finally get that mediation thing down. She focused on her breath, inhaling and exhaling mindfully. She knew she was supposed to let her thoughts wander but not focus on any of them, which was rather tricky to get a hand on. Still, she persisted. Inhale…exhale…The light breezy ruffled her fur and the various smells prickled her nose. Her muzzle twitched. Asteria simply felt and existed for a few precious moments.

Oblivion: A Story Forgotten

Alnaera

Character reference

The female variant (right).

The artist, Moriartea-chan

Name: Alnaera, The Arcane Voyager
Weapon: Staff
Combat Orientation: Magical

Element:

Primary:
Given by GM. Your character will have significantly higher resistance to these elements, and the aptitude to learn spell/ skills of these elements

Fire - The embodiment of primordial power. It specializes in both destruction and self-empowerment. A highly offensive element.

Secondary:
Hand-picked by the players. Your character will have marginally higher resistance to these elements, and the aptitude to learn spell/ skills of these elements

Light - Having an all-embracing property, it specializes on wide-spread effects, be it healing or damaging. A very well-balanced element in terms of offense-defense-support spell / skill availability.
Lightning - A variation of Fire element. Whilst Fire element's effects are often rough and unrefined, Lightning put the full power of fire, and direct it in surgical precision. Requires affinity to Fire element.
Darkness - Having an all-consuming property, it can absorb and/or negate other's skills and defenses. Though it has many utility spells and skills, there are not many that involves direct attacking.

Skills:

Innate:

- Weapon Summon: The ability to materialize your weapon of choice at will
- Superior Intelligence: Your character starts with increased memory and cognitive ability, and has higher aptitude in increasing this stats
- Superior Willpower: Your character starts with increased mental fortitude and resistance to magic, and has higher aptitude in increasing this stats
- Blessing of the Prophet: When outside of battle, the energy "Vassa the Prophet" exudes will repair the damages done to your physical body. Greater wounds take longer to heal, but anything short of missing limbs and/or organs should heal given enough time.

Tier 1:

Sigil magic: The use of symbolic representations (e.g. glyphs, monograms, pictorial signatures) to practice magic. Such symbols must be inscribed upon a surface and infused with the caster’s intent, willpower, and magical energy. The uses are various, though at this tier fairly simple (e.g. barriers, traps, minor wards). This type of magic can be used in the quick, dirty, and rough variant, or in a complex, highly specific, and time consuming manner.

Oblivion: A Story Forgotten

Alnaera

Character reference

The female variant (right).

The artist, Moriartea-chan

Name: Alnaera, The Arcane Voyager
Weapon: Staff
Combat Orientation: Magical

Element:

Primary:
Given by GM. Your character will have significantly higher resistance to these elements, and the aptitude to learn spell/ skills of these elements

Fire - The embodiment of primordial power. It specializes in both destruction and self-empowerment. A highly offensive element.

Secondary:
Hand-picked by the players. Your character will have marginally higher resistance to these elements, and the aptitude to learn spell/ skills of these elements

Light - Having an all-embracing property, it specializes on wide-spread effects, be it healing or damaging. A very well-balanced element in terms of offense-defense-support spell / skill availability.
Lightning - A variation of Fire element. Whilst Fire element's effects are often rough and unrefined, Lightning put the full power of fire, and direct it in surgical precision. Requires affinity to Fire element.
Darkness - Having an all-consuming property, it can absorb and/or negate other's skills and defenses. Though it has many utility spells and skills, there are not many that involves direct attacking.

Skills:

Innate:

- Weapon Summon: The ability to materialize your weapon of choice at will
- Superior Intelligence: Your character starts with increased memory and cognitive ability, and has higher aptitude in increasing this stats
- Superior Willpower: Your character starts with increased mental fortitude and resistance to magic, and has higher aptitude in increasing this stats
- Blessing of the Prophet: When outside of battle, the energy "Vassa the Prophet" exudes will repair the damages done to your physical body. Greater wounds take longer to heal, but anything short of missing limbs and/or organs should heal given enough time.

Tier 1:

Sigil magic: The use of symbolic representations (e.g. glyphs, monograms, pictorial signatures) to practice magic. Such symbols must be inscribed upon a surface and infused with the caster’s intent, willpower, and magical energy. The uses are various, though at this tier fairly simple (e.g. barriers, traps, minor wards). This type of magic can be used in the quick, dirty, and rough variant, or in a complex, highly specific, and time consuming manner.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Jandar Varan

Sharon, Shalador

“Well, as long as you keep that in mind,” Jandar said to Thom.

He sighed at the tension between Xandar and Mikhail, but chose to comment only once the former left. “Mikhail, I know that you know this hapless duo is an information risk. So, was that taunting truly necessary? It’s terribly…inefficient.” The Warlord shrugged to shake off the mild disappointment. “As the Queen has suggested, let us just all go eat,” he commented, then put a gentle hand on Thom’s shoulder, and guided him in the direction of the camp.

Jandar was surprised that the mouthwatering smells were the result of Xandar’s cooking. “This is delicious, thank you, Prince,” he offered to Markov once he took a serving of his own and ate a spoonful. He ignored the Sceltie’s antics, but kept an eye on Thom, curious whether the boy could adapt to the environment. Given how much they’d discussed his potential doom in front of the lad, perhaps not. Once his meal was finished, the Warlord simply whiled away his time, sitting and watching, half in thought. He was surprised to see Fatima approach him with a terrifyingly serious expression on her face, but stood up immediately. He raised an inquiring eyebrow, waiting to see what his Lady needed from him.

Climbing the Tower-TOG RP

Ha-nul jogged through the fields, back bent forwards a bit, so he blended more easily within the wheat. He had seen some people killed from afar, and though he’d already checked the possible snipers’ positions, he didn’t want to get careless. Just as well that he did not; he heard a swoosh and saw death coming at him in a horizontal direction. Rang ducked, concentrated on the Shinsoo within him, and manipulated it in the familiar Body Reinforcement technique. He felt a zing in his head, and a responding hum from his muscles.

Ha-nul could now process information quicker, more efficiently, and also react more promptly. His opponent, a hulking male in leather armour was already rising his weapon – a spear with a long thin blade at its tip; an odd choice that he hadn’t thrown it – but Ha-nul was already closing in. The ruffian redirected his attack course with ease, Rang jumped over…his opponent grinned toothily, attacking from below, but the slim youth was already aiming with the hook–

And the black curved weapon was plunged into the muscle-head, ripping through the neck. Ha-nul sailed past the enemy, his jump losing power, and descended into a forward roll. There was a loud thud behind him, and Rang turned to watch the unknown Regular as he gurgled to death. He released the hold on his Shinsoo control, and panted, a minor headache forming. His body trembled very lightly, but he clenching his weapon to stop it. He had killed before, and would have to do so again. This was the simple nature of survival. He couldn’t deny the sheer rush of adrenaline at the action was pleasant, either, though he didn’t take joy in the killing part itself. However, Ha-nul knew very well that hesitation would just doom him, and he couldn’t afford that.

So, without another look back, Rang proceeded. He took a look at the Pocket, and was surprised how swiftly the numbers of Regulars had plummeted. I did a good job surviving this far. Less and less should be targeting me, now. Still, Ha-nul remained on the lookout as he traversed the terrain. Not long after, he came upon a grisly scene – a group of people slaughtered. A group? Why were they working together? And why? Were they against someone who’d teamed up too? A careful inspection of the scene denied that possibility. The wounds on the corpses were all physical, and not too disparate. More importantly, there was only one set of bloody footprints leaving the scene.

“Whew,” he whistled, half-admiring, half-horrified. There weren’t many individuals who were capable of such a thing. But these folks had made a mistake whenever they had targeted whoever they had; even numbers hadn’t helped them. He kind of wanted to see who they had been so eager – or desperate – to kill. Oh, Ha-nul, no, no, no, don’t let the curiosity get to you, you know what happens when you do… Even as his internal monologue warned him against such an action, Rang moved to follow the trail slowly.

He froze after advancing only three or so meters, a sudden thought striking him. Wait, shit, what if whoever it is thinks I’m trying to ambush them? I gotta make them know I mean no harm somehow… Ha-nul pondered on a solution for a moment, then decided to announce his presence. It was a risky act, but he thought it has less chance of backfiring than just sneakily following the mysterious powerhouse. “Hey, competent slayer person?” he shouted the question as he let the tracks lead him once again. His gaze flicked left and right. Being loud like this was bound to attract any nearby others, which would be decidedly bad. “Want to team up?” he shouted. There, this would give anyone at least a moment’s pause, right? “If you’re looking for apprentices, I’d like to be yours!” he proclaimed.

Though his black hook was sheathed at his side, Ha-nul kept one hand on it. No matter who he was facing, he wouldn’t just roll over and die for them. Though he did hope he didn’t have to fight…that…person. Ha-nul halted as he finally caught sight of the likely perpetrator. They were ominously familiar. Of course, it’s a Princess. Fuck my life. Don’t they just kill any commoners in sight willy-nilly. Dammit, Ha-nul, why’d you have to follow… The tense Rang peered at the redhead, unconsciously taking a step backwards as he kept his eyes on her. He knew instinctively that he shouldn’t turn his back on someone so dangerous, nor let them out of his field of vision.

Oblivion: A Story Forgotten

Channeling my energy into the shadow-bound being worked; I felt an answering hum vibrate throughout my body. Memories of a story, part of my former knowledge began playing out in my head. It was thrilling at first; finally, I was recovering what should be mine. This was part of what I have forgotten, and it felt right to have it returned to me. However, I was not used to such an overwhelming assault of information, and soon I was screaming, clutching at my head, violently shuddering.

It was as if I were experiencing several vivid dreams – painful nightmares? – all at once, the only reprieve the possibility of falling unconscious. However, I did not faint; the barrage of visions did not allow me to do so and nor did I truly wish to miss this. I gritted my teeth against the pain, enduring. Even when my own flames engulfed me, from within and without, I weathered the agony.

“Oh, this…is,” I muttered. I recognized that what I had seen was my world. It was where I belonged. The pain and the flames abated, and I fell to the floor, breath laboured. The air had never tasted sweeter, though the sweat clung to me, uncomfortably sticky. Wait, sweat? I queried myself. Was I not a being of shadow, unaffected by such mundane concerns?

I looked down at myself, and saw the surprising changes. I was not made of darkness, after all. Perhaps I should have realized how odd it was to possess such a distinctly material staff while I myself was such a vague existence. Robes adorned my body, and I blinked at the curved chest and hip area. Female, I recalled. The little glimpse of flesh I saw wrapped around my palms was mocha with an undertone of gray, and somehow, I knew that so was the rest of me. I patted my face, my mouth, my sharp teeth, the short black hair upon my head, and the pair of horns curling forward from it.

“Alnaera! I am Alnaera!” I exclaimed, exhilarated. This was my name. My name. I couldn’t have suppressed the beaming smile even had I wanted to.

When I turned to the creature I had released, fires were raging, tall and wide. Within it were piles of unburning scriptures. I identified the entity in front of me as one of the Pillars. It spoke to me, introducing itself, and I nodded in response. “Yes,” I stated, unhesitatingly. I did not truly know whether I had mastery over such a being as this, but why refuse its offer? “Who are you to me, then? A servant? A follower? An assistant or an informant?” I queried it in return.

Climbing the Tower-TOG RP

I didn't much describe in regards to the test on the 2nd level, but Ha-nul is out there trying to eliminate the competition or avoid being done in himself. I'll add more details in my next post. Also, we're supposed to make up the NPCs we encounter ourselves for now, I assume?

Climbing the Tower-TOG RP

When Ha-nul Rang blinked his eyes open, it was the middle of the night, which was odd, because he usually woke up with the sun if nothing unusual happened. Gazing at the darkness, he realized he was looking at a ceiling, though it was a very distant one.

“The Tower…” he whispered. “Finally,” he sighed, and rolled into a sitting position. He looked down at himself, checking that his clothes and weapon were with him; they were. Good.

Then, the so-called God appeared before him, as he thought he had in a daydream. It wasn’t just a dream this time, though. The boy smiled eagerly at the Guardian, then stood up, now towering over the short rabbit-like being.

“Correct, young one. This is the Tower. Were you truly in such a rush?” Headon asked, amused, and shook his head. “A common trait among the Chosen,” he commented.

Ha-nul knew he was being mocked, but just shrugged nonchalantly. “Hey, we live long, but time is still precious to us, you know?” he replied with a smirk, his words carrying an undertone of ‘so stop wasting mine’, though the boy wasn’t so arrogant as to truly state such a thing. He was more than willing to imply it, however.

The Guardian smiled its characteristic smile, the corners of his mouth opening enough to reveal his sharp teeth. “Very well. To the test then. I’m certain you will appreciate the one-hour time limit within which you must complete the task,” the God grinned mischievously, twirling its golden staff. “Your goal is to reach the center of the labyrinth,” he stated, pointing to a wall. There had definitely been nothing but a wall there before, but suddenly an entrance to another area manifested. “The count-down begins once you enter the maze,” Headon explained.

Ha-nul blinked, observing the entrance, then the surroundings. “No clues? Information? A whole layout of the maze for me to memorize or a partial map of it?” he asked. The Guardian seemed to consider this with a hum, and answered, “One clue: Don’t let the Barnacle Goblins impede you.” The damned rabbit was still smiling, obviously enjoying messing with him.

The young male pursed his lips, and strolled to the labyrinth’s entrance. He stopped just before it, crouched into a low start, then dashed within, eyes roaming around, observing. The walls were high; he couldn’t see where they ended, so jumping or climbing over would be unlikely. Ha-nul drew his hook from where it’d been sheathed at his side, and struck at the wall. As he expected, the damage was minimal; he would not be breaking through by any means. Keeping his pace, the youth jogged through, making turns on random – though he memorized each one, in case he had to backtrack.

When he reached his first dead-end, Ha-nul was faced by a trio of agitated barnacle goblins, and he simply turned around, ran to the last intersection, and proceeded down another path, disregarding the creatures chasing him. He had to evade and jump over another duo of goblins, which was quite the close call. Thankfully, he was able to reach the center soon enough. The heart of the maze was a simple square room, empty besides a glowing cube with a timer. Ha-nul ran to it and tapped it, which stopped the count-down, and transported him back to the 1st floor.

Ha-nul collapsed to the ground immediately, panting and sweaty. The rabbit stared at him complacently. “Congratulations, you have completed your first test successfully,” it said cheerfully, though with blatant cheekiness. “It took you 18 minutes and 58 seconds to do so. Not too shabby for someone like you,” he remarked, entirely unnecessarily in Ha-nul’s opinion. However, the boy was too tired to do much beyond direct a glare at the being.

“Hmm, as a gift for being such a good sport and learning your lesson, I will let you rest for 10 minutes before sending you up,” the Guardian offered. “Unless you are still too impatient?” Headon immediately added a flippant query. Smartly, Ha-nul kept his mouth shut, resting his mind and body.

The God nonchalantly paced around the 1st floor and after ten minutes, transferred Ha-nul to the next testing ground. The newly minted Regular found himself within a vast field of wheat. At least I can see around here, he thought grumpily. However, his spirit wasn’t at all undeterred, and with a renewed vigour, Ha-nul took to jogging around, watchful for single targets. Seeing as the task was to halve the number of aspirant climbers, it would be best for him to run and evade powerful opponents, remove the weaker ones, and possibly team up with someone of at least equal strength or ability.

Climbing the Tower-TOG RP

They can see as if it were illuminated, ok, but can it be more than that? Sensing someone attacking you from behind, someone forming a baang, et cetera.

Climbing the Tower-TOG RP

Gonna put this here too: How refined could sensing shinsoo get? Is it 'just' sensing people's position in a certain radius? Or could it eventually mean being able to sense when someone is going to attack based on their shinsoo flow, maybe recognize people by their shinsoo, and even predict the environmental changes to an extent?