SilverPaw

⤫ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 ⤬

#5

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Five retracted his palm as soon as he noticed the general’s arrival, who warned him against his action. Number two handler’s reaction was extreme, but the knife waving did not perturb him any. He did, however, drop to his knees, for it was the only way he could think of to show that he meant no harm. “My apologies,” he said. Mary, who had come to stand by his side, ran a hand through his hair.

Then, a personage of far greater import arrived, stealing his entire attention. “Your Excellency,” he greeted, reverence colouring his tone. His handler echoed the greeting.

A screeching grinding resounded throughout the building, calling to mind car crushers. Five wondered for a split second if a great beast had ascended from hell, its claws reaching out to wreck the Rookery to bits.

But no, a steady hum a moment later reassured him. All was well.

Except not. That illusion was shattered by Valentine.

A stolen bow from the Vatican?

They were told to climb the stairs. The general and archbishop included.

Five was convinced the archbishop at least, should have taken the elevator. He was inclined to offer to carry the man – but then, that might be rude. “Mary…” he whispered, glancing from the archbishop to her. She smiled faintly, and patted his head. “Yeah, let’s go.”

The nun hurried towards Geal, and caught up to him before the first staircase. “Your Excellency, please allow us to accompany you.” Five and his handler walked behind the man at a respectful distance, though always keeping him in their line of sight.

They arrived at the conference room, where a great number of people were milling about. Thankfully for Five, none were paying attention to him. He took a seat on the fifth chair on one side, while Mary sat on his left. They both listened attentively. Mary frowned when she saw the video, and Five…Five shifted very minutely, staring blankly. In his heart, however, he was infuriated.

A Holy artifact, stolen and handled by infidels? This must not be.

Sensing Micah's unrest, his handler briefly laid a calming palm on his thigh. “Your Excellency, General, if I may,” Mary spoke up quietly. However, as she went on, her voice was firm, determined. “I believe it is of the utmost importance that we retrieve Vatican’s artifact and return it to its rightful place.” Her lips pursed as she glanced towards eleven’s handler. “Though…its power worries me. I know this is highly sensitive information, but do we have at least an idea how it may be combated?” she queried.

“Either way, Five could safekeep it once it is reclaimed. Of course, I will leave the decision where to assign him to you. He could keep our allies’ bodies out of enemy hands just as well,” Mary concluded.

Three-pronged Multi-check Interest Grabber(TM)

Conceptually I am intrigued by number 1, but no promises on joining.

Sword and Dungeon: An Adventurer's Guild-based Fantasy RP

Mentions: /
Interactions: @RolePlayerRoxas Soruha, @Eisenhorn Renard, @VitaVitaAR Rylia

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Raven, who had climbed the chair to see the table, also prioritized the goblins. Eustace nodded at Renard’s words, echoing, “Goblins it is.” The paladin wasn’t pleased – he wondered if she ever was – but agreed to take on the job with them. The mention of solo jobs made something click.

“Ah,” the noble smiled, a tad awkward. “Solo jobs can be challenging, especially since we’re mostly dealing with groups. I’m sure you’ll get there in time,” he tried an encouraging approach. He wasn’t all that comfortable with someone who seemed on the border of insulting – but then again, she hadn’t said anything nasty, it’s just her tone was the kind he’d heard people use when they were picking a fight. She seemed like the hotheaded, impulsive type; Eustace hoped they’d not have too much trouble on account of that.

But then again, he really shouldn’t be judging so soon.

“Eustace Wyndham,” he introduced himself after the hundi, also offering her a hand. “I’m a healer, so I’m best at patching up people. I use a bit of light magic, too…Hmm, I can draw – er, maps. Oh, and I doubt it’ll be needed, but I know quite a few languages. Not goblin, though, haven’t had the chance to learn it, and, well…” he chuckled a bit as he trailed off. It was known goblins were far from what you’d call a conversation partner. “I can use a rapier, but I'm not suited for the frontlines. So, I'll support the rest of you from behind,” he concluded. “And you, miss...?” He queried, since she’d asked them their skills but hadn’t yet introduced herself.

Sword and Dungeon: An Adventurer's Guild-based Fantasy RP

Mentions: Calaphindë
Interactions: @RolePlayerRoxas Soruha, @Eisenhorn Renard, @VitaVitaAR Rylia

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Well, the younger paladin lady was grumpy, but not hostile. “Thank you,” Eustace offered as he joined her at the table. He perused the listings, considering the missions with a soft hum. Even after two years, a part of him sought the adventure, the novelty, and from that view, all jobs were interesting in their own way. He hadn’t seen griffins except from a distance. If he captured someone’s run away pet, could he sneak in a pet? Might he be able to fly upon its back?

…Probably not, but the fantasy was appealing.

He was awfully curious why someone was looking for a lost ring after fifty years, and would gladly hear the story behind the requester’s call for help. A fort or mausoleum would be fascinating to explore, and both tempted with the idea of secret knowledge and hidden treasure.

Renard came over then, and told them what he’d spotted on the job board. “Ah, not much left there, then?” Of course, the senior adventurer made a very practical selection. Eustace wondered if it made him selfish not to have thought of it as the hundi had. He opened his mouth to answer when an elf passed by, snatched up the griffin listing, and was gone as soon as he’d appeared. “…I suppose that is it for the griffin job,” the noble smiled, bemused.

The mine near Haesting, the ruin by Walverrest, or the tomb near Pelle?

Eustace hemmed and hawed, then finally came to a decision. “If I had to pick one…I would choose the goblin job,” he settled on. “Though,” his gaze travelled to the younger miss. “A paladin’s presence would be reassuring if we were to take on slaying the undead.” He, Renard, and Raven were at least acquainted with each other, and might even group up. He didn’t know if the stranger had someone or not, so he tested the waters with what could be viewed as an invitation of sorts. "Which one are you interested in, Raven?" He hoped the short nem had managed to get a look.

⤫ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 ⤬

#5

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Leaving Italy had been difficult for Five, to say the least. Yes, meeting the family that he hadn’t seen in – how long again? – was nice, but what about Rome? What about Italy? His duties to city and country?

But as Mary reminded him time and again, always gentle and soothing, these were the orders. This was his duty.

Five couldn’t help the niggling thought: did this mean they didn’t need him home? If they could function without him, what was his purpose? Must he still stay? Couldn’t he just go? Leave, forever?

Where lay the path to salvation?

But no. No no no. His presence was required. It would be selfish if he were freed when there were so many others in need of aid…

He kept telling himself that, and it helped. Somewhat. So did Mary’s presence. So did the barrier of light they let him encase the plane with.

Flying was a fascinating experience. Had he done it before…? Surely, he must have. The skies, the clouds, the sun, they were all so glorious. It was frightening, yet resplendent. Reaching so close to the Heavens – what could it be if not a transgression? Would God not punish them? He couldn’t help but think of that sinful city and its damned tower. Would they feel His might?

He trembled, feared, and dreaded, but oh, there was that sinful shiver of desire too.

Just what would it be like…?

Then the car ride came, and somehow, Five was even more jittery. Being grounded reminded him of where he was, and that he was not where he wanted to be. There was no familiar vibration of his ability – they did not permit the use of his ability for this vehicle. He wrapped himself in more chains to compensate, but his breathing came too quick, too shallow.

Mary found his hand, and squeezed it. “Shhh, Micah, easy there,” she murmured calming words to him until he managed to get himself under control.

He was relatively stable by the time the car parked, but the crowd outside nearly undid all his efforts. He had to avert his gaze – there were too many eyes. The stares crept under his skin like parasites, crawled all over him with all the insistence of a swarm of blood-sucking insects drawn to wounded prey. Their faces, their signs, their chants of doom; were they a host sent by the devil?

“Filth,” he spat.

His handler, the only one to hear him, placed a fist over her mouth. “Micah,” she scolded, faux-scandalized, “That’s rude.” He knew her well enough by now to realize she’d found his comment funny against her wishes. Nonetheless, he chose to hold his tongue.

He looked back then, to make a point. In place of their eyes, he imagined voids, until all he saw were pitiful creatures with a pair of black holes in their faces. He stared them down, straightened his spine, and entered the Rookery as a proud member of the numbers.

Five was dressed in attire that was somewhere between a suit and a security uniform. The colour white dominated, and emblems of his station decorated his upper body: the flag of Italy beneath a golden cross on his left shoulder, Rome’s flag and coat of arms on the right shoulder, another cross and the words “Urbs Aeterna, Caput Mundi” over his heart. Unlike his handler, he wasn’t armed, though his accessories were far strangers. Lustrous chains hugged his torso and bound his hands, while a simple leather and steel muzzle rested on his face. Five appeared entirely comfortable with all of these, and carried himself as any prim and proper gentleman might.

He scanned the guards, noted the biological scanners, and deemed them insufficient. He was comforted by Three and Nine in particular, for he sensed they would serve exceptionally well in the defense of this base. Even so… “It’s not secure,” he murmured. Mary patted his shoulder in understanding. “I know, but we’ll have to ask for permission before you set up anything. Don’t want to spook anybody, eh?” Five inclined his head, complying even if he did not agree that unruffled feathers took precedence over protection.

The Rookery’s interior did much to soothe his nerves, at least; the religious imagery was familiar and comforting. He bowed to the statue of Virgin Mary, and recited a prayer under his breath, “Remember, O most gracious…”

Only then did he take in all the siblings who had gathered so far. “Blessed day indeed,” he echoed Twelve, the only one whose words he had caught. There was an incomprehensible fondness as he looked from one to another number. His memories were so vague and confusing, he did not understand the attachment. Unbidden, a smile formed. The steady and serious three, cautious eleven, dreamy seven, ever-watchful nine, faithful twelve, and the lively ball of energy that was fourteen.

“Ah.” The soft, musical clink of chains alerted him to the fact that he had raised his arms to his midsection – which was as high they could move with his bindings. He had had the urge to shake the hand of some, hug others, pat Fourteen’s head.

Why? He did not understand.

However, looking at Two, what he did know was that he felt distinct sorrow as well as pity. Approaching the container, he glanced at the pink-haired handler. “May I greet Two, miss?” He inquired, indicating he wished to touch the glass. If given permission, he would place a palm on the tube…

Sword and Dungeon: An Adventurer's Guild-based Fantasy RP

Mentions: Hyseleia
Interactions: @RolePlayerRoxas Soruha, @Eisenhorn Renard, @VitaVitaAR Rylia

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Eustace smiled at Renard's advice, smiling a bit. “I know. It’s not as if I can solo missions.” It’s not as if it was his aim to be one of those lone wolf adventurers, either. He glanced at Raven at her new impromptu nickname, but she didn’t seem to mind, despite the ‘little’ in there. He supposed it was natural for the nem to be smaller compared to humans and others, though. Besides, Renard didn’t mean anything bad by it.

He was a bit startled when the hundi placed a hand on his shoulder, issuing a quizzical, “Hm?” in response. “Thank you,” he said. He was glad for the compliment, though not sure why Renard offered him one. “Let’s,” he nodded, figuring the senior adventurer would be the one to go see about the jobs. As it turned out, however, the hundi simply encouraged him to make a move. “Er…” Eustace had no idea where Renard got the idea that he could make ‘fast friends’ with anyone. He wasn’t even sure that he had any. And someone described as a fiery sort…? He didn’t know about that.

But then, Hyseleia made her move, crashing through the crowd to make her way to the job board. Lamia really were amazing, weren’t they? When he glanced at his party, Raven was already on her way to do what Renard had asked him to try. “Alright, alright,” he obliged. “We’ll go talk to her. But could you try accessing the board now, what with Miss Hyseleia clearing the way? We can share and compare afterwards,” he suggested.

He nodded at the hundi, then joined the nem as they wove through the crowds, approaching the stranger. “Excuse me,” he called out gently, but still pitching his voice over the noise of the crowd. “Could we please take a look at your listings?”

⤫ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 ⤬

No. 5, The Sentinel

#5

T H E S E N T I N E L
• P h y s i c a l A g e •
34
• G e n d e r I d e n t i f i e r •
He/Him
• D e s i g n a t e d L o c a t i o n •
Italy

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• P s y c h P r o f i l e •
+ Devoted + Empathetic + Merciful
- Delusional - Obsessive-compulsive - Pliant
* Serve God * Offer Salvation * Reach Heaven

_{* Freedom * Help...me * Ç̶̷̵̢͎͔̜͕̥̠̫̙̻̣̲̱̙̞̠̱͚̾̄̉͛ͧ́̌͐͆ͣ̊̌̾̂͐ͪ̈́ͥ̍͛͟͝ͅǫ̨̜̠̝̱̹̞ͦ̆̒̓̊͂͂͜n̸̵̸̶͍̥̖̫͚̱͓̜͍̙̭̾ͨ͊ͮ̽̈͊̉̽̀̑̕͜͝͡s̴̶̛̳̺̤̣̜̱̭̳͎̉̑̒ͨ͆͑͌̋̏̀̌̌̀̀̍̍̂̋͌̕͠͡͝ͅu̶̢̻̩͈̭̻̮ͮ̂̀̉ͨ̆̾̆m̧̡̱̠̹̞̗̱̥͖͙̠̣̹̯̙̠̌ͭ͗͌̊ͥ̉ͪͣ́̕͜͟ę̸̴̡̜̟̪̣͍͍̪͉̥̥̱͚͙̣̱͈̘ͪ̇̒̎ͪ͑̾͑̒̀ͧ̽̉́̀ͮ̈́̃̐̚͞͡͡}

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• U n i q u e T r a i t s & A b i l i t i e s •

Fiat Lux | #5 can generate and manipulate light. From illuminating vast areas, creating illusions of "holy light", bending light to make something invisible, to firing off concentrated beams which obliterate all in its wake, Five's power is as immense as it is versatile. However, as the Sentinel, he primarily deals in the creation of light constructs, specializing in protection and immobilization.

It takes months, but he can create nigh indestructible, city-sized barriers, specifying exactly who or what may enter or exit. Such barriers can be set up so natural light automatically fuels them, requiring only the occasional active upkeep on his part. He can also, for example, implement specific parameters of temperature, UV radiation, etc., thus producing a habitable dome. He has been experimenting with alarm systems which would alert him to disturbances (such as hostile intent), but it is a thing of finesse, which can easily overwhelm him if the limits are too broad. For the same reason, he rarely connects to his barriers - if need be, he can establish such a mental connection to get a general read of how many are inside his barrier, sense areas of concentrated danger, or even track a specific person. However, his keepers know not to demand it of him if it can be avoided, for his sanity is fragile enough as is.

Besides barriers, his second most used constructs are chains. The chains can extend as far as he needs them, and if he and his target(s) are within one of his barriers, it's practically impossible for them to escape him. Then, there are his spears: radiant spikes which appear to rain down from the heavens to pierce their victims, disintegrating them on the spot. He has been tasked to use the latter both to provide relief to the faithful as well as to purge the sinful - it takes talent to make death appear beautiful.

Once, there was an incident which led his body to break down into pure light, only for it to fully reform mere meters away. Five has not attempted this again, nor does he wish to. Thankfully, his superiors agree that this ability is to remain sealed.
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A p p e t i t e L v l :: 5

⤫ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 ⤬

The edge classic--the unstable romantic who can't tell the difference between love and hunger.

@Burger

Hey, it happened to Five once. He's very guilt-ridden about it tho.

⤫ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 ⤬

Love this concept!

<Snipped quote by SilverPaw>

If you’re going to put a scuffed consume in your sheet, be brave give him a maxed out appetite. Handlers are a collaborative effort so jump into my DMs.

Approved!

@Haha

Haha, did consider it, but was like, 'hmm'. Anyhow, Five is at five appetite ;) And will do~

⤫ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 ⤬

Me to myself: Don't make it too OP. /.../ But what if? Hey, what if cool thing?

Anyhow, if it's ok, I figure he might be stationed in Vatican, presumably to protect the Pope and the city. As long as he's within his 'domain', it's unlikely (but not impossible!) for him to be defeated. Outside of it...his limitations will be more apparent.

No. 5, The Sentinel

#5

T H E S E N T I N E L
• P h y s i c a l A g e •
34
• G e n d e r I d e n t i f i e r •
He/Him
• D e s i g n a t e d L o c a t i o n •
Italy

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• P s y c h P r o f i l e •
+ Devoted + Empathetic + Merciful
- Delusional - Obsessive-compulsive - Pliant
* Serve God * Offer Salvation * Reach Heaven

_{* Freedom * Help...me * Ç̶̷̵̢͎͔̜͕̥̠̫̙̻̣̲̱̙̞̠̱͚̾̄̉͛ͧ́̌͐͆ͣ̊̌̾̂͐ͪ̈́ͥ̍͛͟͝ͅǫ̨̜̠̝̱̹̞ͦ̆̒̓̊͂͂͜n̸̵̸̶͍̥̖̫͚̱͓̜͍̙̭̾ͨ͊ͮ̽̈͊̉̽̀̑̕͜͝͡s̴̶̛̳̺̤̣̜̱̭̳͎̉̑̒ͨ͆͑͌̋̏̀̌̌̀̀̍̍̂̋͌̕͠͡͝ͅu̶̢̻̩͈̭̻̮ͮ̂̀̉ͨ̆̾̆m̧̡̱̠̹̞̗̱̥͖͙̠̣̹̯̙̠̌ͭ͗͌̊ͥ̉ͪͣ́̕͜͟ę̸̴̡̜̟̪̣͍͍̪͉̥̥̱͚͙̣̱͈̘ͪ̇̒̎ͪ͑̾͑̒̀ͧ̽̉́̀ͮ̈́̃̐̚͞͡͡}

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• U n i q u e T r a i t s & A b i l i t i e s •

Fiat Lux | #5 can generate and manipulate light. From illuminating vast areas, creating illusions of "holy light", bending light to make something invisible, to firing off concentrated beams which obliterate all in its wake, Five's power is as immense as it is versatile. However, as the Sentinel, he primarily deals in the creation of light constructs, specializing in protection and immobilization.

It takes months, but he can create nigh indestructible, city-sized barriers, specifying exactly who or what may enter or exit. Such barriers can be set up so natural light automatically fuels them, requiring only the occasional active upkeep on his part. He can also, for example, implement specific parameters of temperature, UV radiation, etc., thus producing a habitable dome. He has been experimenting with alarm systems which would alert him to disturbances (such as hostile intent), but it is a thing of finesse, which can easily overwhelm him if the limits are too broad. For the same reason, he rarely connects to his barriers - if need be, he can establish such a mental connection to get a general read of how many are inside his barrier, sense areas of concentrated danger, or even track a specific person. However, his keepers know not to demand it of him if it can be avoided, for his sanity is fragile enough as is.

Besides barriers, his second most used constructs are chains. The chains can extend as far as he needs them, and if he and his target(s) are within one of his barriers, it's practically impossible for them to escape him. Then, there are his spears: radiant spikes which appear to rain down from the heavens to pierce their victims, disintegrating them on the spot. He has been tasked to use the latter both to provide relief to the faithful as well as to purge the sinful - it takes talent to make death appear beautiful.

Once, there was an incident which led his body to break down into pure light, only for it to fully reform mere meters away. Five has not attempted this again, nor does he wish to. Thankfully, his superiors agree that this ability is to remain sealed.
___________________________
A p p e t i t e L v l :: 5

Oh, I also have an idea for his handler, Sister Mary. Is that ok, would you need more info? Not sure how much you write the handlers vs how much we do.