VitaVitaAR

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Fantasy Knight RP

Fanilly considered the proposals for approaching the fort. While getting close with stealth was undoubtedly an ideal approach, it seemed difficult even utilizing the long grass... Though perhaps the naga was more capable of stealth simply due to her nature? But if they delayed longer, then it was possible that there was no way that whatever force currently occupied the fort would be able to prepare...

... But...

... Something was strange. Something didn't make sense. If the fort was being occupied... where was everyone? At this distance, it should have been possible to see someone on the walls, someone somewhere.

But there was no-one. For that matter, there was seemingly no sign the walls had been sieged at all. The fort seemed as if it was almost untouched from the outside... Just what was going on? Surely if there had been an attack...

Something didn't add up.

"... Very well, go ahead and take a look. If anyone spots you, signal us immediately."

Once Dame Maritza and Sir Jarde had proceeded ahead, Fanilly found herself sinking deep into thought...

... What if they were too late? What if something had gone terribly wrong? What if everyone in the fort was dead already?

Unfortunately for the scouting team, there was little more that could be discerned on approach and thus nothing to be reported. Without going too close to avoid being seen, it seemed as if the north door was intact and there was absolutely no-one on the walls.

When they signaled to approach...

The knights were able to proceed right up to the north gate without being stopped. On closer inspection it wasn't even shut...

But within...

The first and foremost among these details was what had been done to the south gate. The doors were reinforced, capable of barring entry to anyone but those using siege weaponry or potent magic. They had been destroyed, splinters of wood scattered across the ground, one of the doors even smashed off its reinforced hinges and lying on the ground. And within...

Corpses.

The bodies of the soldiers who had occupied the fort were visible, now. Not all of them, but enough to make it clear what had happened. Bodies lay strewn across the fort's open entryway. They had died through various means, more and more discernible as the knights approached. Some had been stabbed, others riddled with arrows, some burned... and some seemingly hit with extreme force, limbs at odd angles. Whatever the case had been, the fort's soldiers had been absolutely massacred.

And inside, Fanilly could see a man wearing Thaln's colors frantically raising a crossbow. Spurring her horse on, she tried to get to his assistance...

A crimson spear pierced his chest before he could even aim.

"You could have just surrendered, but you had to throw it all away, didn't you?" said a voice, as the spear's wielder came into view. It was a strange tone, somewhat... squeaky in a way that might be endearing if not for the situation. The wielder's appearance was that of an extremely pale, petite girl with dark blue hair in pigtails, her eyes as crimson as her spear. The armor she wore was light, leather, overlapping to provide better protection. "What a wasted life."

Almost immediately, Fanilly drew her sword, cold fury in her eyes. This girl... she was responsible for this...!?

"Drop your weapon immediately, or the Iron Roses will kill you where you stand," she said, her tone cold and piercing. This girl had just slain a soldier of Thaln right before their eyes. If she did not immediately surrender, her execution would be immediate rather then after imprisonment.

"... Ah?" the spear-wielding girl looked up, resting her weapon on her shoulder. "... Ohhh, those Rose knights, huh? Heh, your captain's just as cute as I heard. I wonder if that's why you all follow her so closely?"

In spite of the situation, the leather-clad girl grinned.

"You don't have to be mad," she continued, "These aren't the noble soldiers of Thaln you think they are, or whatever the blazes you were thinking. Just go inside and you'll see what's really going on."

She shrugged.

"I dunno what happened here either, to be honest. Fuckin' bloodbath if I ever saw one."

This was... they weren't Thaln's soldiers? But they were wearing the colors, the armor... what was going on? To Fanilly, it sounded like a trap. She'd just seen her kill a man in Thaln's colors, and yet she was expected to believe that this girl wasn't actually killing a soldier of Thaln?

It didn't make any sense, but if it was a trap... then it also was a rather poor one...

The blue-haired girl sighed, cocking her head. Her pigtails bobbed. "What, are you going to attack me? Fine then. But it's not going to magically make your assumptions right."

She snickered. If they had taken this entire fort, there were surely other fighters somewhere around here...

@HereComesTheSnow@TheFake@Crimson Paladin@PaulHaynek@FlappyTheSpybot@Raineh Daze@ghastlyinc@Krayzikk

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Fantasy Knight RP

Going to be updating tomorrow.

Dawn Beyond Tomorrow: A Magitech distant postapocalyptic action-adventure RP

Just checking to see if everyone's okay.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Nobunaga brushed off the statements by the new arrival. She had little interest in openly discussing her own otherworldly nature(nor any reason to reveal that she was the same as him).

No, she had a far more important purpose.

A smile crossed the small girl's lips.

"In that case, my proposal is a simple one," she began, "It is plain to me that the value of access to the forest was not enough to override the desire for knowledge, even if they lack any idea of how this pursuit could effect them."

She spread her arms.

"Of course, you could merely insist this pursuit was punished in forming a new deal, but even the threat of punishment cannot stay the desire for knowledge," Nobunaga continued, "As such, that desire must be met with something else. Not only must this adherence to this reckless and careless God of Knowledge be punished, but an outlet for the desire for knowledge must be provided."

Nobunaga's smile grew. She had considered this the moment that the Kyrinth spoke of the root of the trouble between itself and the villagers.

"The villagers are to protect the forest, to ensure that it will flourish, to treat it as valuable not only for the sake of the resources they require but also for its own sake," the warlord continued with a flourish of one hand, "Because the guardian of the forest is also their beloved teacher."

The value placed on a teacher, someone who gave their knowledge to others, was high. And in a world like this... there was so much that the elder beast could share, wasn't there?

"You cannot move against this god directly, but you can supplant its purpose," the very thought of punishing the reckless god of knowledge in such a way, even if he had long sense moved on from this experiment, was pleasing to the practical-minded girl, "Those who seek knowledge will merely need to consult with the teacher they knew from childhood. The one whose very existence is tied to the natural world, whose knowledge of this world improves their lives."

She had no way of knowing just what the Kyrinth knew, but its very nature as a beast of the natural world and the title of 'Elder' implied wisdom if nothing else.

"Replace this god of knowledge. The value of not only access to the forest, but of a teacher who is far less reckless and far more wise, who will become beloved for the knowledge they pass on, will seal a renewed pact with the villagers. After all, knowledge is a valuable thing, and thus those who can provide that knowledge are beyond value."

It was something of a gambit... but surely, the capacity to guarantee care for the forest improve giving knowledge, and also begin wearing down the reckless deity's influence... it had to count for something, didn't it?

@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y@PaulHaynek

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Fantasy Knight RP

@Krayzikk: Is everything okay?

Dawn Beyond Tomorrow: A Magitech distant postapocalyptic action-adventure RP

The left path shared some similarities with the right. Just as was the case on the right side, the glow proved to be the work of a multitude of glowcaps, covering nearly every surface in the tunnel. Joining them in this case were a multitude of vines hanging down from the ceiling, immediate recognition of the species rendered difficult due to the lighting and their generic appearance. Still, this implied potentially more lush growth deeper in the cavern.

This time, however, it became apparent just why the glowcaps were so numerous.

Roughly five meters on into the left path, was the relatively fresh corpse of a carrier bird. While it was still most certainly dead for more then a day or so, that was still fairly fresh given how difficult to access this part of the cavern must have been. The implication was obvious, there must have been another entrance to this cavern elsewhere... or the building that had fallen into the pit wasn't as empty as first expected.

Glowcaps had already begun to grow on the body, but it was mostly still visible. On closer inspection, another grisly discovery would be made: The carrier bird's body was savagely torn open, much of the meat and internal organs gone. The entire underside of its neck had been torn away as well, and given the particular density of glowcaps there it was likely the animal had been killed by having its throat torn open.

The presence of a saddle was also concerning, though no human body was present.

@Pyromania99@Raineh Daze

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

So that was it.

The machinations of another deity, and those who chose to connect themselves to it, were the reason for the collapse of the deal between the Forest's Ruler and the people. And on top of that, the Kyrinth's personal feelings on it seemed to be one of mild disappointment rather then anger...

In a way, a lack of animosity between both parties was both a boon to their cause... and a setback. Without a particular grievance or incident, it became harder to address it specifically. Additionally, the fact the Kyrinth had no particular attachment to the land and could simply relocate the forest in its entirety...

But Nobunaga would not be discouraged from her cause.

"So it is the actions of those who still cling to the ideals of this god who threatens the very land they live upon?" Nobunaga asked, casting one glance back towards the new arrival before refocusing on the great deer once more, "Unable to see the danger through the allure, I see."

She took a deep breath.

"Still, there are those within the village who wish to rekindle the lost relationship between you," the petite continued. Indeed, the town's chief was quite happy to hear that she was willing to attempt to reform their deal, and she could not imagine that desire was absent from the rest of the townsfolk.

Then perhaps...

"You may have no particular need to remain on this land... but are their not animals who dwell within this forest who would be incapable of moving with it? Those with young, those who have attachment to a strict territory, or any other myriad of reasons. This sacred grove and all within it may be able to depart, but there are still creatures that would be destroyed not by a natural cycle where one animal feeds upon another, but by the upheaval of what lies sealed beneath this land and the waters that would rush in to contain it."

Nobunaga paused for a moment.

"Of course, my concerns to that regard may be unfounded," she added. It was impossible to know for certain just what kind of capabilities the Kyrinth had in regards to the creatures that lived in the forest, but it was unlikely it was specifically sending those beasts from before to attack the town based on its own lack of malice.

With that being said, then perhaps it was worth appealing to its concern for native creatures living outside of the grove itself.

To be truthful, a God of Knowledge sounded far more like a figure that would appeal to her under other circumstances... But Nobunaga detested what she had heard here. Seeking knowledge and away to better the future was all well and good, but it was utter foolishness to pursue it to destruction. Knowledge had to be acquired with wisdom, not with recklessness.

Nobunaga placed a hand to her chest.

"Regardless, I have proposal, if you should be willing to hear it."

@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y@PaulHaynek

Dawn Beyond Tomorrow: A Magitech distant postapocalyptic action-adventure RP

"Eh-heheh, I avoid fighting anything, but I'm really good at hiding..." Imarui responded, scratching the back of her head with one hand. She didn't have anything good for fighting. She didn't have an Arti-

The small girl paused for a few moments.

That wasn't true... and that reminded her, as much as all these people seemed nice, when it was time to locate an artifact she was going to have to get away from them as soon as she could. After all, she didn't know how they'd respond when they learned about the true nature of her necklace. She could hide its light, certainly, but she didn't want them seeing it in the first place...

But that was okay for now.

First, they'd explore!

It was pretty dark down here, and that was the remains of the building that had fallen into the pit, all smashed up and crushed... it really was good nobody had been inside it at the time!

"Anyway, exploring together is a lot better then splitting up!" declared the little white-haired girl cheerfully, even as the boy from before rushed off down the right side path. She definitely didn't mind the older girl sticking with her, but there was no reason to dawdle around here any longer! Imarui adjusted her backpack and turned to follow the skateboarder's path...

---

The right side path was much brighter then the initial site of the descent, and it was immediately apparent why that was.

The walls, floor, and part of the cieling were encrusted with hundreds upon hundreds of glowcaps. The large mushrooms gave off a somewhat eerie blue-white glow, and while they in and of themselves were harmless, it did indicate something somewhat unsavory.

Something had likely died here at one point. Glowcaps could grow in incredibly harsh conditions, far moreso then this cavern was, but the initial catalyst for their growth was almost always the presence of a corpse.

The light of the glowing fungi did, however, illuminate the true hazard.

Hanging from the ceiling were thin, silvery, hairlike strands that would have been completely invisible in the darkness. Following them to the roof of the cave would reveal that they were attached to a slimy substance, within which was the bodies of the creatures the strands were attacked to. Wormlike creatures, the length and width of a grown man's arm.

On their own, they were harmless to anything larger then a rat or similar creature. But when something brushed against their sensory strands that was too large for them to pull up and consume...

They weren't called Screaming Slugs for no reason, and many subterranean predators had learned to respond to the screams of the creatures as a sign that food was nearby.

Beyond, the cavern seemed to widen again, and it almost appeared as if something other then the glowing fungi was attached to the walls. Perhaps there was an underground forest of some sort? They were hardly unheard of.

@ERode@AzureKnight@Rune_Alchemist@Searat@Raineh Daze@KoL@Pyromania99

Dawn Beyond Tomorrow: A Magitech distant postapocalyptic action-adventure RP

Alrighty, I'll update here tonight.

Fate/Eternum (Take 3)

Mihama Nanako

"Uwaaah..."

Slumping entirely off the bed, then rising into a sitting position, Nanako lamented what a mess her wakeup must have looked like. Melt had plenty of reasons to poke fun at her already, and that just gave her more! ... She paused for a moment, glancing at her right arm and experimentally moving it up and down.

The soreness was barely present now.

"Eh-heheh..." Still embarrassed by literally rolling out of bed, the brunette scratched the back of her head, giving a smile to her Servant, "You know, I actually do feel a lot better today, I think... Do you want breakfast?"

Sure, it was a little bit late for breakfast, but not only did it provide an easy way to change the subject quickly from her embarrassing fall out of bed, but Nanako was quickly realizing that she really felt very hungry, and maybe getting something to eat would help her get a little bit more into the swing of things for the day.

@PKMNB0Y

---

Saber - Artoria Pendragon

"Perhaps they were inspired by seeing others come here?"

The Saber-class Servant sat down at the table across from her Master. She supposed that was the case, though it was something of an odd coincidence... not that she knew exactly what that could mean. This city was still so strange to her. But... Perhaps they were planning for some sort of combat mov-

She paused.

That line of thought was unlikely. Certainly, there were Servants all over the cafe, but this was no army in some sort of Great Holy Grail War, or anything of the sort. This was simply people enjoying food, be they Master or Servant.

It remained difficult to get used to this atmosphere given her previous summons.

... Their orders might not arrive soon...?

At that note, it was difficult for Artoria not to show any signs of impatience. She wanted to try the food here... but being so impatient would surely be unbecoming...

@KoL