VitaVitaAR

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

Rylia Ainsberg

Paladin of Reon

Hmph. Of course it won't work perfectly, if the curse is elsewhere. It's not as if she could purge it, either. And, what was that supposed to do, anyway? She's getting so close again, too, it's just annoying! Leaning down right in front of me and getting so close and---

"Tiny one?!"

...

---It's not as if I have any reason to be angry! Aside from her blatant disregard for my position and Reon's grace, those are plenty of reasons to be angry. There's nothing else.

"Hmph, i-it's not like your methods performed any better," I say as I glance towards the sheep. They don't seem to be as weak, and the sores are weeping less profusely. There's little difference between the sheep either of us attended to, "Besides, perhaps there's a reason Barukstaed receives less light to begin with."

I cross my arms over my chest, and quickly follow as the ingvarr goes to explain to Fletcher.

"Even the best medicine needs to be able to directly address an affliction."

I'm not going to let her have the final say on this.

"It's only natural that Reon's light must be directly brought to the source of this wicked curse in order to purge it," I continue, "If it's not directly on the sheep, it might be on the land itself."

The cow didn't even mention that possibility, did she? I beat her to it, even though it was completely obvious with the information she provided.

---Putting aside that she provided that information, at the very least.

I'm a little frustrated that mage didn't ask me about what to do first, given I'm a paladin, but at the same time it's not as if her conclusions are wrong. If she can learn more about the black ichor, it might help track down the source of the curse. And failing that, if something tries to take a sheep tonight, or the curse causes a sheep to leave, then we can intervene or chase it to the source.

"I can take the watch duty," I declare, placing my hand to my chest, "No evil will find any further purchase here. We'll find the curse and burn it away!"

@Raineh Daze@ERode@Octo@Rune_Alchemist

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

---Tch.

A Valheimr patrol? Here and now? There is very little chance that such a thing could be a coincidence. There's no reason to protest Mathiassen-san's decision, naturally. Splitting our forces and moving to best deal with the Valheimr patrol as subtly as possible is our only viable choice. As I follow him, I consider potential options. We'll have multiple angles of approach, certainly, but if they already anticipate us being here then that alone may not be enough to ensure the element of surprise.

---Ah? 'We'll keep an eye on things'?

...

---Very well, I suppose. I would have liked to assist in eliminating the patrol. In fact, I would have greatly preferred it. But apparently my position is best suited to simple observation in this scenario, for whatever reason.

Far from me to question the need for subtlety, but I am perfectly well-suited to such aims.

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

Rylia Ainsberg

Paladin of Reon

---

"Hmph. I wouldn't expect a Northern barbarian to understand Reon's light, I suppose."

It's not as if the ingvarr has shown any kind of good manners until this point, so why would I expect anything different? Of course she's untouched by the sun, there was never a single reason to believe otherwise.

"Your lack of education will do nothing to dull Reon's blessing, thankfully," I add as my eyes slowly scan the sheep, as Reon's gentle warmth is channeled into them to purge the wickedness of the curse.

---What?

It is working, that much is certain, but it's not totally cleansing the curse. But there's definitely a curse present, and yet it's not fully dissipating?

---Is the curse not on the sheep? But they're being affected. You'd have to be blind not to see the effects. And the cleansing prayer is working, certainly, but it's not fully removing it.

What does it mean? If the curse isn't on the sheep directly, then what is it on?

A frown crossing my lips, I lower my holy symbol and sit back. At least they don't appear to be suffering as much, and the odor appears to have faded considerably, but I was hoping that I would have been able to remove the curse entirely before trying to figure out where it could have come from. Not only that, but one of the sheep that disappeared was healthy?

There must be something more going on here.

Hmph.

Regardless of what it is, I'll crush this wickedness all the same!

@Raineh Daze@ERode@Octo@Rune_Alchemist

---

Fort Magrial

The top of the wall fared marginally better than the ground level. There was less clear damage, and the stone was mostly intact. Though, at some points, it was clear wooden defenses had become worn and fallen away due to the elements. The presence of the goblins, while still felt, was less obvious here. There were a few scraps of bone and the skull of an unfortunate deer placed nearby, but aside from these questionable decoration choices the Goblins appeared to have focused mostly on the ground level. Perhaps they believed they were unlikely to be attacked from above.

Regardless of the reasoning, it appeared this was a possible entry point without being immediately spotted.

However, it may have been too late for that.

Beyond the walls, a faint chattering and shuffling sound could be heard. It was difficult to make out anything particularly distinct, especially given the source of such sounds was clearly attempting to remain as quiet as possible.

It was not unlikely, then, that the goblins had realized there was something approaching and were attempting to set up an ambush or send out a scout to see what was occurring outside. At the same time, it appeared unlikely they were fully aware of the nature of the potential threat.

@Raineh Daze@Animal@Psyker Landshark@Eisenhorn@The Otter

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

"Ah, the Flower of the North," responded Lizaelea, her eyes starry at the mention of yet another Iron Rose Knight and thoroughly distracted from her prior embarrassment, "A duel between two Iron Rose Knights must truly be something to behold..."

She let out a sigh, as if envisioning the moment that steel clashed upon steel and the field was set ablaze with combat.

"I would be lucky to witness such a thing!" she added, brightly, though she paused for a moment, her gaze drifting between each of the knights.

"Though frankly, I would be far more lucky to face one of your number on the field," she continued, one hand placed to her chest. At this point, her tail was wagging so furiously it was a blur at the mere thought of facing one of the knights in a duel. Perhaps such a thing had been the Lady Beaux's goal from the very start. It would hardly be uncommon for a hundi to desire a duel with a knight of renown, after all.

"I think I would be satisfied regardless of the outcome, if that were so!"

@Psyker Landshark@Eisenhorn

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

This odor of iron and rotten mud. The weak, listless movements of the afflicted sheep, too ill to even shy away from an unfamiliar hand. The sores near the eyes and mouth, weeping black ichor unrecognizable as blood. It's obvious that this is no ordinary illness, though that much was never in any doubt.

A frown crosses my lips.

There's only one thing to do. Though it isn't the focus of my skillset, any paladin worth her salt should be able to perform a basic ritual. Even those without their own supply of usable mana should at least be able to use a blessed icon.

I reach into my bag as I approach the nearest sheep. It's simply lying their, motionless. If not for its breathing, it would appear dead.

"There's no doubt in my mind this is some kind of curse," I respond to the snake. I don't have much experience directly with curses, but you'd have to be an idiot not to recognize it for what it is even if you don't have any kind of training.

My fingers wrap around my holy icon, and I pull it from my bag.

"I might not have seen a lot of curses first hand, but it's obvious," I continue as I raise the icon. The shape of a golden lily, in the style of Reon's most favored symbol, gleams faintly in my palm. At its center is a polished, finely-cut red gem. Just like a mage's catalyst, a holy icon can be made a number of different ways, but one of the most effective ways to make one is to use orichalcum and a mana crystal.

Unlike a mage's catalyst, it's not just a tool. This is a symbol of my service of justice, and to Lady Reon, after all!

"Oh Lady of Sunlight, please grant your blessing."

The words leaving my lips are ones I recited over and over again during my training. A litany against wicked afflictions and purify evil influences.

I'll burn away this curse.

"May your warmth burn away the darkness, and purge all wickedness and poisons."

I can feel heat spreading through my fingertips, a warm light flowing through my veins. It rushes over my holy icon, the lily's gleam growing brighter as I stretch out my arm to hold it near to the afflicted sheep. There is no need for these animals to suffer, so who did this?

Why?

Who would curse a bunch of sheep?

@Raineh Daze@Rune_Alchemist@HereComesTheSnow@Octo@ERode

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

"---Very well."

Remaining in town is most suited to my skillset. There is no denying that, so on that front I agree with Mathiassen-san entirely.I am adept at killing, naturally, and dragons can die like any other creature. But in terms of direct application of my capabilities, remaining in Solitude is the wiser choice.

If that were my only concern, I would have no qualms with the decision.

---However.

I had pledged assistance to a crippled ally. Even if she does not understand why I had pledged such assistance, the fact still remains.

Despite the fact that I am well aware my skillset is best suited to going to Solitude, I cannot help the twinge of concern I feel regardless. It is my duty to ensure that my allies survive in order to fulfill their duties, and operate as close to full capability as they can for the same end.

I will not protest. Mathiassen-san's decision is perfectly sound.

---But I do not feel altogether comfortable with it, regardless. I will not allow such feelings to be displayed. My personal feelings are of little consequence in the fact of our objectives.

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

Finally.

It's easy enough to slip out when she isn't nearly crushing me any longer. Hmph.

She better not act this way once we're on the job. I have no interest in dealing with a snake who doesn't understand the idea of personal space while I'm trying to carry out my duty.

The man with the improvised weapon, Pete seems far more agreeable in terms of temperament. I brush my fingers through my pigtails with a huff.

"Rylia Ainsberg, Paladin of the Saint Salva Academy, in service of Reon," I say, placing my hands on my hips. There's no reason not to show some pride, after all. Saint Salva's Academy is the school from which many of Estival's most capable paladins and other religious figures received their education, after all, and serving Lady Reon is obviously a reason to be proud.

---Tch, the ingvarr too.

"I have no interest in drinking alcohol with you. Hmph!"

There's no reason for subtlety. This is purely an arrangement of convenience for the sake of carrying out my duty and putting a stop to whatever wicked presence is poisoning the livestock, and nothing else.

It won't be too long before we depart, anyway. Is she seriously thinking of getting drunk?

---

If not for fact that it was being haunted by something unclean, the farmland outside of Keelsgraav would have been quite pleasant. With the sun setting by the time we've made our arrival, the fields are painted orange and the shadow of the nearby windmill has stretched out like a hand reaching towards the horizon.

The farmhouse is a large one, and the property expansive, with tall and peaked roofs and walls of white plaster and wood. The barn and surrounding fields for cattle, too, look quite sizable.

Apparently, despite these expansive lands to roam in, even the healthy ones haven't been willing to move very far from the barn anymore.

Hmph. Whatever wicked presence is lurking here, there's no reason for there to be any worry any longer. After all, crushing wickedness and dispelling evil is exactly what I've been trained for.

@Rune_Alchemist@HereComesTheSnow@Octo@ERode

---

In its heyday, Fort Magrial must have made for an impressive sight. It was characteristic of late period Talderian forts, for those who had knowledge of such structures. A rectangular outer wall formed its main defense, with watchtowers at each corner and flanking the main gate. Within, a larger tower stood tallest, and from the scale of the fort it must have housed a considerable garrison.

But those days had long since passed.

Wood had disintegrated and collapsed. The gate no longer had any doors. One of the walls had crumbled, allowing easy, direct access to the interior.

But these were not the only thing that demonstrated the fort had long since passed its glory days.

The fort's new occupants had clearly made themselves at home.

The sharpened spikes of wood planted in the ground bore only the skulls of animals, indicating at least that the goblins had not taken other victims in recent times. Such displays were meant to threaten and intimidate those who would approach the locations which they had taken up residency in. Other scattered items outside the walls of the fort seemed to be less for the purpose of threatening passersby and more because it was being used as a dumping ground. Smashed pottery and fragments of animal bone littered the ground in a haphazard fashion, having been discarded for lacking any interest for the goblins.

At the gate and the crumbled wall, wooden supports had been haphazardly bolted in place, with bones and pieces of pottery hanging on strings. If passed without consideration for the sound they would make, it would surely alert the fort's current occupants.

Aside from this, there was no current sign of the goblins, at least not visibly. It wasn't impossible that some were on watch duty, but at the moment they couldn't be sighted.

@The Otter@Psyker Landshark@Eisenhorn@Raineh Daze@Animal

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

"A... a-ah..."

Upon the clarification that she was, in fact, not correct in her guess that the nearly-arrived Knight was Sir Gerard, the Lady Beaux appeared to briefly go rigid, her cheeks coloring immediately. The hundi girl's tail, which had been wagging nonstop since she encountered Sir Renar, had become completely stiff, an awkward smile frozen on her face.

"I-I... I apologize," she stated, after a moment, swiftly bowing her head, her ears drooping slightly, "Yes, er, she had not yet mentioned you in her correspondence, th-though she did mention there were new knights in the order as well! Ah-hahaha..."

The speed at which the hundi girl was speaking made it quite clear she was attempting to cover up her own embarrassment, however unsuccessfully, scratching the back of her head as she seemed to attempt to search for any topic that could allow her the route to compose herself.

"Th-then, er, you..." she trailed off, "Princess Elisandre does quite love novels! I actually recommended a few..."

Lizaelea trailed off again, clearly not escaping from her embarrassment swiftly enough with that topic for her liking.

"... Oh, right, is there anyone you're particularly looking forward to facing in the tournament?!"

That, at last, appeared to be the escape route she so desired, her tail wagging rapidly once again.

@Psyker Landshark@Eisenhorn

---

The Akitsushiman man nodded slowly, in turn, as each of the knights introduced themselves, though his gaze still remained on the field below. Despite his age, his gaze was sharp and portrayed no loss of vision. Perhaps he was looking for those who were likely participants in the tournament, out of curiosity?

After a moment, her turned to face the knights fully once more, a smile finding its way to his lips.

"I am glad to hear your praise for my homeland's techniques," he began, "But I am here as a simple bodyguard. When I first arrived, I had no intention to be anything more than a spectator to my niece's efforts."

He paused for a moment, glancing towards the field below once again.

"---Until I witnessed the preparations, that is," he continued, "It certainly has a way of making one's blood boil, does it not? The meeting of steel and steel, words that can only be exchanged through blades."

His firm gaze returned to Sir Fleuri and Sir Gerard.

"I am honored to meet the warriors of this land in such a competition."

Given the man's words, it appeared that he would not be the only warrior of Akitsushima participating in the Valours tournament today. With the distance between their nations, it was hardly a frequent event.

Perhaps the amount of times it had occurred could be counted on one hand, despite the many occurrences of the Tournament over the years.

@Eisenhorn@HereComesTheSnow

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

It didn't pierce the armor.

If I had more time to aim, then maybe I could have hurt the Valheim dog more seriously. But he was still able to vanquish Garuda, though our objective had been completed and Valheim's goal denied.

And none of the others had been harmed further than they already had been. At the very least, the shot had accomplished that much.I would have to retrieve the cannon in a few moments.

Shilage-san is alive. There is no need to worry myself any further than that in regards to that matter. Malina-san is alive and already mending what injuries she can, as well, despite her dire state. I can do little to assist with mending injuries in a more effective manner, but at least I was able to ensure that neither was harmed further. Izayoi-dono, too, had been able to break free due to the shot. My ears are still ringing, so I am at least happy that using that thing was able to achieve as much as it had. Had I failed---

I do not believe there is any purpose in thinking of such an outcome. Guaranteeing the success of this mission, and by extension the survival of my allies, is the most important matter as of this moment.

---Garland. That Valheim dog was strong, and well-prepared. Slowly, I make a mental catalogue of every technique, every piece of equipment that he had utilized. He had not been pushed particularly far, and he had even been able to overpower Izayoi-dono, but at the same time keeping in mind everything he had shown himself to be capable of would only benefit us for the future.

"... Had I more time, I would have taken more careful aim," I speak half to myself. But ultimately, there is no longer any purpose in worrying about that.

For the moment, I should simply be ready to offer my assistance to my allies.

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

This damned snake is proving to be far worse then the boorish ingvarr. Why does she need to be so clingy? Why does she need to insult me so? Why doesn't she have any sense of personal space?!

And her grip is so tight, too? Why?! What part of this situation made her thing this was acceptable!? Did she have to pat me on the head with her tail!? I'm not a child!

And that ingvarr just keeps making it worse. Every single word out of her mouth---!

"If you don't let me go, I'll---"

... Hmph. She's lucky that someone else has intervened. Especially given what the Lady Mage and the other adventurer have just described.

I press my lips together, narrowing my eyes. It's not as if I'm familiar with every livestock malady that a farmer may have to deal with, but it doesn't sound like anything as simple as that. Weeping sores producing a black ichor, and fear at night? Both of these combined imply something beyond a typical illness.

Besides, at least these people seem to appreciate my station.

"That doesn't sound like an ordinary ailment," I respond, as I attempt to at least free one of my arms from this stupid snake's grip, "It sounds like something much fouler is afflicting the animals."

As a paladin, it's only natural that I have learned about the evil spirits that inhabit dark places in this world. Wicked things, born due to evil deeds of the enemies of all life, in a far bygone era. The kinds of fell spirits that lurk in the darkness, away from the light of the Sun and Moon, and proliferate in shadow.

It's not immediately clear what sort of presence could be affecting the livestock just from hearing the symptoms, but the fact that it's inflicting them with some sort of blight does narrow it down, somewhat.

"Of course, as a paladin," I begin, refusing to allow the stupid snake's grip to hold back my pride, "I will gladly assist in purging whatever wickedness lies on the farmer's lands! ... Can you let go already?"

I shoot the lamia a glare over my shoulder, as best as I can manage. Ugh, she did say she was interested in coming along, didn't she?

I'm not about to let that dissuade me from cleansing an evil presence, but it doesn't mean I'm happy about it.

@Rune_Alchemist@HereComesTheSnow@Octo@ERode