Elyas stepped out of the rain into the inn. Sharox, he decided Is a thoroughly miserable place. Remind me not to come here again if I have to. Or at least this district. Elyas sighed dramatically, taking a seat at a table in the corner. He relaxed in his seat, content to let the shadows dance around him in his corner while he watched, watched and waited for the right man to appear at the right time. If such a man existed. He had been all over the place, all on the tail of these rumours that the King had sent him after. He picked up a shaky trail some towns back, lost it again and finally picked it up at Balmar and from Balmar, he traced it here. So from Sharox to where? The most obvious place was Corvus he supposed, but that would be more than a little brazen, starting your revolution from the city of the nobility itself. That said, where better? It was the heart of Rivelle, where most of the money was and where most of the security was. If you had to choose any place, Corvus was the most direct place to start. But, who said the mind of a man planning a revolution was a logical one? Indeed, who said the man was real? It might just be wishful thinking. It was too risky however. Revolutions were bad for politics. One goes off, then every other stupid farmer starts thinking of a new world and before you know it, the whole country is thinking exactly the same damn thing and then what do you do? Time to wait for his contact. He got an impression of what the guy looked like from a stroke of good luck, but figuring out who it was exactly was a job easier said than done. The description was sort of generic. He just had to hope it was good, otherwise he might just walk by him and boy wouldn't that be embarrassing? Elyas Muzane the Silvertongue, walks right past the guy he's looking for and doesn't realise it. Not happening. And now, Elyas waited. For something, for anything that might give him an inkling of where exactly this Vex character had gone. All he knew is that the man had stopped here. If he could talk to the bartender then he might be able to get more intel. The running joke was that bartenders knew everything. If it was travellers you were looking for, amusingly enough they usually did. "Attention!" The Sergeant commanded. With a clanking of metal as their armour crashes against itself, the group of twenty recruits stood at attention. "Yes sir!" The recruits shouted in unison. Kyle tried not to take notice of how heavy the armour was, or how his ears rang from the sound of the high pitched scratching that came from Morris' gear to his left. He really needed to make the plates fit together better seriously, because every parade at least once the armour let out that high pitched supersonic whine and figuratively murdered the ears of all gathered. Kyle held his position, 'Bang straight and arms nailed to your sides' as the Sergeant liked to describe the position. As far as Sergeants went, theirs was alright if the horror stories from the other men were to be believed. Surely none of them really decimated the trainees? He decided quickly that he'd rather not know after all. "You've all done well! I'm proud of you boys! Well, some of you. There are those among your unit that are total- Complete- Let downs!" The Sergeant continued. The man had a way with words unlike anyone else he had ever met. Maybe it was being a sergeant. "Whatever you are, I'm happy to say that each and every one of you maggots, despite the will of the Gods, has passed! Congratulations soldiers! And you Morris. One day your dumb ass is going to have to figure out how to make your armour fit properly. When a lord or lady picks you, you'd better not have your armour like that because oddly enough Lord Upperclassman ain't going to like being deafened by your squeaky armour!" The Sergeant stood in front of Morris, a whole head higher than him and bent down, his head hovering just in front of Morris'. Standing up straight, the Sergeant started to talk again. "Morris aside. We've now got to give you your deployments. That's right, we're telling you which wall you're guarding now boys!" And the Sergeant began the list. Kyle stopped paying attention. He was at the end of the line and everyone else came before him. As they were listed off, they disappeared, until the only one left was Kyle. "Son, you're the top of the lot. So you've got a special position." He said. "You're going straight to the nobility. No half assed positions for you! You're going to have to wait a while until a noble comes and picks you up. They like having guards, makes 'em feel safe. And they like good ones, and that's what you are. You're the best out of this lot. At ease son." "Thank you, sir." Kyle replied, shifting into a more comfortable way of standing. Staying at attention too long was uncomfortable. "How long will I have to wait?" "As long as it takes for someone to notice you." Internally, Kyle groaned. I might have to wait here a while. Such is my duty... Later, in his dorm as he waited he put out letters to the noble families of Bertram and Strive as well as Lelande, but he had already been rejected by house Lelande. So that's one of the three I've sent. Hopefully one of the other two will fancy having me along. The letter he wrote was simple, but effective. It was the same for both families, the sole difference being the name, Dear Lord or Lady Bertram/Strive, I have recently completed my military training and have been selected to be the Household Guard to a noble house.The way the system works is that since I am of the standard program but have been found to be of sufficient skill, I have no prearranged assignment. I offer you my service as your loyal guardsman until such a time as you would release me from your service. I am happy to servein any position that you would require of me, I merely ask that you consider what I have sent and take me on as an additional guard to add to your force. Yours sincerely, Kyle Ryogi "I hope at least one of them accepts me, otherwise I could be here a while without anything." Kyle said to himself after the letters were sent. And then, he started his wait. "When the reign of Kings seems to be coming to an end, one cannot help but wonder what is to come next for the realm all we peoples and nobles reside in. So carefully nurtured in our cradle of Despotism and Tyranny, fair as perhaps it may be, how does one proceed when the old Kings and rulers die and therefore the figurehead, the staple piece of the system’s architecture is gone? How does one break the present cycle that we live in and proceed to instate a new order, or a new system capable of surpassing in all ways that which precedes it?" "Perfect." Osric decided, having penned in the first part of his treatise. 'A Short Account on the Current Affairs of Politics and the Proposed Reaction to the Affairs of the Instatement of a New King and the New Order ' it was entitled, the latest of many of Osric's writings on politics from his point of view as a well learned, well connected nobleman. Eric Lelande had not installed loyalty to the present King in his son particularly so, but he had managed to educate him on the affairs of the realm and that of the deep interconnecting politics that made allies and enemies across the political spectrum. It was common knowledge that Eric was well connected, and through Eric, Osric. Osric more so, particularly amongst the younger lords and ladies. He decided quickly in his career that it was far preferable to make allies of the ones coming into power, so that those connections translated to the future when the next generation overtook the old. A modus operandi that he took everywhere he went, no matter the situation. It was always, invariably, unfailingly appropriate. After all, why befriend a dying man and preserve his reign, when you could simply wait and in the meantime, befriend his son? Pushing the chair back, wincing at the unbearable grating sound the chair made as it scraped along the wooden floor of his study. The fire some meters to his left cast complex shadows, only kept from confusing his writing by the presence of several of his writing candles, burning slowly down. He stood up and organised his papers across his sizeable desk, putting his quill in the inkwell and pushing that back against the back of the desk next to one of several large stacks of books as he shuffled sheets around his desk, each movement deliberate. He hummed along to his favourite piece of music, hearing the delicate stringwork echo through his head as he worked away, organising. His desk organised perfectly once again, he took a final look. "Hmph. Insolent page." He muttered, noting a corner of paper sticking out awkwardly from the middle of one of the piles. He picked up the stack and pulled out the offending sheet by half to give it a glance. "Looks as if it's an early musing on the relationship between houses. From the look of the page... Six months out of date. So, what is the rest of this pile?" Osric flipped through the stack of paper, removing from it the useful sheets. By the end of his search, five minutes had gone by and a stack of useless pages only a little smaller than it started was there, next to a few leaves of useful writings. Taking the useless stack, he walked over and tossed it, sheet by sheet, into the fire. He watched with a small, smug sense of satisfaction as it burned away, scrunching up in the hit and disintegrating to black. Finally, he left the study, everything neatly organised again. He walked down the stairs, boots clicking along the steps as he descended into the uppermost floor of the house. He demanded the study at the top from his father who really wasn't going to argue with him, because it was far easier to give Osric the room rather than have to go through the tiresome process of opposing his reasoning as to why he should have it over him. He passed by the trophies on the wall with barely a glance at their splendour, nor the brazen grandeur of the house. It was nothing special. It was his home. He deserved nothing less. He gave each of the more expensive pieces a cursory glance just to ensure the servants were doing their jobs before returning his walk of apathy down to the lounge where he decided he would read, then await news. New of what exactly he didn't know yet- Just that he awaited news. Maybe one of his house runners had some information on these rumours of revolution going around the peasantry. It was always good to keep an eye on what the common folk said. They were a very effective intelligence service. Especially when you paid off the right people. Descending the grand spiral stairs into the immense main foyer of the Lelande estate, he continued his stately stride until he reached their lounge. Expansive and rich, contrasting reds and blacks trimmed with gold and silver all lit by the iron wall brackets and the huge fireplace at the back of the room, bearing the old shield of the house above it, the twin Lelande blades above it. They would belong to him one day, assuming his brother Stevan was so kind as to get out of the line of succession. Osric briefly considered an accident for Stevan, but that seemed too obvious. It was never good to be too conspicuous with one's assassinations. The authorities and his family caught on very quickly. After all, they found out what Stevan did to Gareth only a couple of days after Osric did, and he caught on the next day. But what did one do? Give Osric the title of head of the house by removing Stevan from the line? Osric smiled slightly, knowing full well his father's opinion on that idea. Eric had very particular ideas for his heirs. Not that Osric ever listened. That he suspected, was the problem. Eric's plans were so dull. No ambition. "Jeremiah!" Osric called, hands folded patiently behind his back. The man was a good servant, if a little slow at times. How long does this dullard plan to take? A few moments later, a black suited man entered, his head bowed. He had a big grey moustache and grey combed back hair. "Yes, my lord?" He asked, bowing fully. Osric turned around and looked at him piercingly. No, he was quick enough. Not today Jeremiah. "Fetch the musicians. And my runners. I await news. I'll have a few pieces whilst I wait." Osric ordered, lounging in his preferred seat, back up against the leather cushions propped up by his right arm. Right foot on the ground and his left on the seat. He gestured with his left hand. "Go on, it's not difficult." A few moments later, the aforementioned musicians arrived. They set up their instruments with professional speed and care. Osric watched, bored. Finally, they were finished and he smiled. "My favourite piece. Go on, you know the one." And thus they began to play.
Caliborn walked into the Guild Hall, mentally noting the odd temperature. Not usually this hot in here. He led Silvia to a fairly quiet corner of the hall where they could talk properly, as he got the impression that it was better to take her somewhere quiet to talk. She didn't seem like the type that could talk around a crowd, besides matters like this were best discussed in private, rather than the public earshot. He didn't doubt that the Guild Members would be respectful and polite, but equally it was far better to take measures to ensure that one's privacy wasn't intruded than relying on human decency. Ezekiel had proved how unreliable it was. A shame he chose to change his ways before he killed Leviathan. He would hold a small service for Leviathan's passing- Whether it be small or a big event was dependent on those that really cared enough to. He wouldn't begrudge anyone that elected not to show up. Taking a seat at a small, round table, he unclasped Ashmark from his back and rested it against his chair. "To what you said earlier... Some people upon this world are cruel. Others ignorant, some intelligent, some wise, some kind and some... Some are selfless. He made an act that few would dare even consider, what many will say out of an idealistic vision of themselves, but it is oft the quieter ones that give their lives in the services of others. Those that need no announcement to declare their good intentions, but speak through their actions and their moral goodness. He was perhaps one of those. I didn't know him well. But he risked himself. It is rare to see someone do such a thing, but I'd like to think that anyone in this guild was capable of making such a great sacrifice." Caliborn explained. It occurred to him as he spoke how long winded he was when he talked about this, but he could hardly help it. It felt like a fair eulogy for the man that passed. The death of a Guild Member should weigh heavy on anyone, more so since he died before we could get to know him... before we learned about him, who he was. But I think that singular act told us what was at his heart. "He thinks he's so clever doesn't he?" She said, hands on her hips as she walked Thomas walk off, brazen ego and arrogance hand in hand as he went over to Dawn, undoubtedly to harass her with his vulgarity. Honestly, how could she tolerate him? Perhaps for the same reason she was tolerating his silly behaviour- it was an endearing sort of ignorance that she felt like she had to fix. He clearly wanted to find a girl to like. If anything, with her teasing and occasional mocking she was trying to help him learn how to be respectable and maybe even get a girl like he wanted in the process. Now that would be something, seeing him change from that ridiculous air he put on. I wonder if there's anything behind all that, or if it's all bluff. Maybe. It would be too much to expect wouldn't it? That's not fair, we'll give him a chance. After all, he is in this guild. Everyone deserves a chance.
2 points into Natsu 500 Jewels for a Titan Chain 80 Munny remaining New AS: Blitz Blitz Barrier Surge Barrier Surge Aero Cure
A timely intervention there Evanora. I see some of our Guild Members are rather bloody minded when it comes down to it. I expect that they will learn from this experience, or at least I would hope so. I wonder if we have seen the true colours of some of these people, or if this was just the product of rage? Time will tell I suppose, but I think I'll keep an eye on- Caliborn looked down as he felt a weight suddenly slam into his chest as Silvia wept, digging her head into his coat. Oh you poor child, this must be too much for you. You haven't the temperament to handle death like this, and the violence being displayed here. He embraced Silvia lightly to provide her some security. "It's over now Silvia, there's nothing to worry about." Caliborn said softly, still holding her. "Nobody is going to get hurt here, it's all going to be fine. I promise, it's all okay." He waited a couple of moments before he let go of her and put his hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eyes with the most gentle expression he could muster. "Now, let's go back to the Guild Hall and we'll see how you feel then, okay?" He asked. How tragic, that someone should be as insecure as this. "Thank you, Scarlett." He said. Outwardly he showed no sign but inside, he was relieved that it had worked. Of course, she still fired the bow, but between a spot on the ground or actually hitting someone, the spot on the ground was preferable and right now, he wasn't going to shatter the delicate peace he had managed to create by berating her for firing at Calxiyn. Perhaps that would come later, but he suspected that Scarlett knew everything he would have said on the subject so that was that. Evanora began to speak now, pronouncing her judgement. The Outlands huh? I haven't seen her do that in a long, long time. I know of it though, what it's supposed to do. I do not envy Ezekiel if he is in that place, but at least he's going to come out a better man, or not at all. "Satisfied, Scarlett? He's not going free for some time. I know of the Outlands, what it does. He'll either come out changed, or not at all. That's how we'll know the proof of his change of heart. He won't be allowed out if he won't change." Dale explained. Not sure it'll sate her appetite for bloodshed but it should hopefully win her sense of public security over since apparently she has one. She is not what I expected. Then again, did I really expect anything from her, or anyone? He thought about the answer to that question for a couple of seconds. No, I didn't. He watched Johanna leading a stressed out Calxiyn away and resolved to catch up with her later. He started to walk back as well, assuming that if she wished to talk then Scarlett would follow him, elsewise she wouldn't. "What's going on with this hall, it was nowhere near this temperature when we were in here before." Alessia muttered. It was so hot, it was like something was heating the walls themselves, any hotter than this and she was going to melt! Does the Guild Hall have some kind of magical heating? It wouldn't surprise me, what with all the powerful wizards that have been and gone over the past years this guild has been active so, who can say? Then she heard Thomas making yet another smart comment about girls. That boy really needs to learn about how to talk to and treat women, because he is absolutely clueless. I suppose someone has to take charge of his education. "Thomas, I don't know how much you know about humans, but I can tell you this- Just because you're cute, doesn't mean the temperature of the room goes up." She corrected, walking over and stopping beside him. "This is clearly something else's fault, did Ezekiel do something?"
"And where has giving all that death put you?" Dale asked, as quietly as she. Got to keep up this calm debate as long as I can. Until someone intervenes. Why aren't the S-Classes doing anything! Caliborn should be doing something! Mikasa! Hell even Edric would do something if he were here, so what the hell are they doing? Come on Evanora! Someone take control here because they're not going to listen to me! I'll hold the line here Johanna, as long as I can, but you'd better get something sorted out here quick! "Scarlett, come on. It's time to let go. We'll leave this man to the law. He won't go free Scarlett. When we get the authorities over here they'll deal with him as they see fit. They may even invoke the death sentence. You can get your results with some patience. At this rate you'll be the one they punish, not him. We will see justice done, but not like this." He looked up and saw Calxiyn making her speech, holding out her weapon and then a strange mask. I have no idea what that is but if she's using it like a threat then it's something significant. Something dangerous. Why haven't they taken it off her yet, or had an explanation for it? This is bad. She'll just rile Scarlett up and then all of this will be useless! Another figure intervened. At least he's making sense. Good, that should hold up that time bomb while I take care of this one. "Make the right choice Scarlett." Dale continued. Damn it I'm running out of arguments. What am I supposed to do here Johanna? Wait... I still have one. "I'm not asking you to stop this as a superior, nor a better wizard or any of that. I'm asking you respectfully, as a friend, hold up, be patient and we'll see this done the right way." I swear if this doesn't convince her then I'm saying goodbye to friendships because clearly the ****ing things are useless. I'll keep Johanna and Caliborn and Edric and Johanna, but the rest of these Guild Members won't even matter. Selfish, impulsive bastards. "I'm with Veilen!" Alessia declared, moving over and standing in front of Veilen, to show that she was wholeheartedly on his side. Why did it have to end like this, surely we could have been reasonable about it, but now we're fighting and Dale actually hit Scarlett. What are we meant to do with all this? "Honestly I'm disappointed with some of you! I won't be as bad as he is, and neither will any of you! We're good people! This is Sapphire Eclipse, not some Dark Guild that does nothing but murder people! Come on everyone, don't fight! We shouldn't hurt anyone else! Isn't one death enough? Isn't one death too many?" She unclasped her sword and sheath from her back and dropped it to the ground. She looked at the other guild members in turn (All that were paying attention to the scene), trying to show that she wasn't afraid of them. I'm not going to back down here! Not even you people are going to make me back down! I won't be as bad as Ezekiel! He killed one of us... One of our guild members... He needs to pay, but we can't kill him otherwise we're no different to him!
"And I'm trying to make sure we make the right decision here, and that isn't going to happen if we kill a man on impulse. I agree to some extent, we'd definitely be safer, but would it be the right thing to do? Should one murder permit another?" Speak the words you need to speak Dale. You don't have to believe in them, they just have to be the right ones. I don't believe in this. Ideally I'd do as Scarlett and the others seem to think but... But maybe that's not right. Johanna wouldn't do that. Evanora wouldn't do that. I wish Evanora would just intervene and make her mind up. I can't let a murder happen right now. I have to control this situation. I've managed to stop Scarlett... Maybe that'll be enough. We can talk this through rationally now. Say the right words Dale, even if you don't believe, but you'd better make it sound like you do! "And if we kill Ezekiel what then? One of his guild members comes to kill us in return? We kill him in self defence? Then when does it stop? When do we stop being a true Guild, and become a Dark Guild?" I will not let Sapphire Eclipse become a Dark Guild! Just because I'm cold hearted and could kill a man doesn't mean I should let our guild become that too! I've got to make sure that never happens... Even if I could kill him... I can't allow anyone else to do that. Nobody else should have to carry that guilt... I believe in that. That I do believe in! "I would rather die than see our guild turn to something twisted like that. We're a good guild, we're here to do good things, help people. I know what you're saying but... Just look. Look at how much sorrow killing causes, just the idea of it. Silvia has cried and begged you on her knees not to. Surely you can see the sadness it'll cause. And more..." Dale explained all this calmly now, trying not to intimidate and master the situation with a flame greater than the rest, but now trying to return reason to the situation. "Could you bear the guilt of being a killer on your soul? Could you? Could you really murder someone, take away all their chances at life and starting again and not feel guilty? Not regret it? Not let that guilt consume you? Would that be right?" I can hardly believe I'm saying this but... The more I speak the more I almost believe what I'm saying... Maybe that makes it more believable. I just hope you listen Scarlett! I won't beg you, I'll never bend the knee, but I'll try and make you see sense! If I have to... I won't give you any other choice! Just like I never gave that girl any choice. Maybe she'd rather have been there with Ezekiel but I took her away. Was that right? Of course it was. He was a bad man, but I saved her from him. She probably didn't know anything else. But still... I stand by my choices to the last!
Dale didn't reply for a couple of seconds. He just glared at her. No emotion registered in his eyes. No sign of anything appeared on his face. He was a statue, rendered in flesh and blood, but as silent and still as a stone. Then he walked forwards. Step by step, drawing closer to Scarlett, eyes still making contact, still that cold glare drilling into her very soul. Then, he was in arm's reach. He drew his arm back and slapped her as hard as he could across the face, then he let the anger show and released it. "How dare you speak to me like that!" Dale snapped. "How dare you so casually speak her name to try and manipulate me to your pathetic, ignorant and immature agenda! No, I won't have that, not from you and not from anyone in this guild! Especially not from some trumped up arrogant girl that thinks because she's got good looks and a bow she can claim the world for herself, take justice into her own hands and make everyone else thinks she's the ****ing queen of everything! I Will-Not-Stand-for this! Impudent girl! Let me tell you what happens. We let someone who has far more experience than anyone decide! We have a guild master, she will be the one to decide here, not you, not Gaius, not Silvia nor anyone save her! And not me! I'm not a paragon of justice and frankly, I almost want to see him die but I know, unlike you, that I have a place! And that place isn't to deliver judgement to the accused!" "Normally I might show a guild member more respect, but you eschewed all rights to that respect when you talked back to me in such a way! Now I'll treat you the same way you seem to believe I should be!" Dale continued. He realised suddenly, that he had made a mistake. Johanna will not be happy with me for this. Bloody hell I'm trying to get her to forgive me but it really isn't working out very well now is it? It's never going to work if I keep getting provoked like this! I need to calm this situation immediately, before it's too late. He tried to relax his body language and control his breathing, reducing his voice to a more reasonable level. "Now back down. This need not continue any further."
Dale watched the argument between guild members with that same bored expression he always wore, with his arms folded standing tall and straight. They make good points, each of them. Ezekiel should die for what he has done. But... What would Johanna do? Johanna wouldn't kill him, would she? She'd let him go I think. Give him another chance. Maybe there's a compromise. If we can get what functions as the law around here to lock him up in a magical dead zone then maybe during that time he can reform, then go out into the world again a changed man, a better man. Maybe. But still the ****er killed one of us so what do we do? Goddammit Johanna! Why do you have to confuse me so, what do we do with him? Then something caught his eye. Scarlett drew her bow and nocked an arrow. Immediately, Dale knew to intervene. Whatever happens they can argue but they can't turn to violence like that. What does she think she's doing she could kill someone with that thing! He strode forwards quickly with his most stern look on and grabbed Scarlett's bow arm, keeping it pointed down while looking her straight in the eyes. "Scarlett that's enough!" Dale shouted, he looked at the others and addressed them next. "I understand that you're all stressed and angry. I know, I understand and I respect it. To be honest, I could kill the ******* myself and not lose any sleep about it right now, but I'm not going to. Because let's face it, who are we to take the law into our own hands? Most of us aren't a day over twenty, not even twenty for that matter and only a handful are older than that! Who are we to meter out justice, especially when we all answer to someone else! We answer to Evanora! And she answers to the law!" "If any of you struck him down, then what makes you any better than him? Because you did it out of revenge, out of some sense of justice? Please, don't kid yourselves into thinking you're so high and ****ing mighty that the laws and standards of human decency don't apply to you! Such arrogance to believe that between you, this group of people who've barely seen what this world has to offer, can decide the fate of a man! Now stand down, step back and cool off! And the next dumb ******* to draw a weapon faces me! Speaking of which, put yours down right now Scarlett!" Dale barked, breathing heavily and glaring at everyone around with his harshest gaze. As he looked at them all, and saw Silvia crying there at Scarlett's feet, he curled his fist into a ball and spoke again. "And look what you've all done! All you've done with your talk of killing is make an innocent girl cry! You'll bring everyone more sorrow before you bring anyone happiness on this present course! You all disgust me!" He released Scarlett's arm and stepped back a bit, challenging each and every person standing there with a few moments of eye contact, before moving on to the next. There Johanna, I've tried to stop the killing. I hope I made the right decision, the decision you would have wanted me to make. She would be right though... Killing him wouldn't achieve anything. And that was the most frustrating realisation Dale had made.
"We did it!" Alessia declared as Ezekiel fell, beaten by the combined power of Sapphire Eclipse. She backed off a couple of steps, panting and dropped her sword, falling to the ground in exhaustion. She took a seated position, holding herself up with her arms spread out behind her. She wiped several beads of sweat off her forehead and bringing her lungs the much needed oxygen they had been demanding. She surveyed the scene before her, looking at all the guild members, those who were wounded and those who stood tall alike. He defeated so many of us... But we did it. We won. We actually won. I knew the Guild could do it! I just knew it! Is this what the life of a guild member is like? Surely not everything is as powerful as he was. I'm so glad Evanora managed to reduce him to human. As that strange magic thing he was unbeatable. How could we ever have won with him like that. Still... He was just a man after all. Is that what magic can do? I wouldn't want to be like that... I wouldn't want to lose all my humanity and enslave so many people the way he did. One of his followers looked like a little girl! She couldn't have been much older than me could she? She kept looking around, seeing the ones who were knocked out. She watched their chests rise and fall. They were all alive, that's what mattered above all else. She suddenly made an observation, and started laughing softly to herself. Those Team King guys went down! All apart from their one girl! You show them! Picking herself up, she looked around for one specific person. There's Thomas... She approached Thomas, smiling. "Not so tough now are you, Thomas?" She said, obviously teasing him. Fantastic. Just. Not only did they have to deal with Ezekiel, but his power drew in something else, something big and something dangerous as all hell itself. What was that thing? It was... It was... What was it He folded his arms, looking at the space where they had fought the creature. Had he forgotten? How could he forget that? He hadn't seen anything like it before in his whole life. There was literally nothing at all like it he had ever seen, so what was it and why couldn't he remember? He looked around for any sign, only then noticing that they had then beaten Ezekiel, but finding that there was no clear sign of what this creature was and perhaps more importantly, where it went. "Nice work guys." He muttered, a measure of respect emerging for the new guild members inside him. Maybe they were good for something after all. Apart from that one guy who got vaporised. Rest in peace, Guild Member. I never knew your name. He turned to Caliborn, who also surveyed the scene. "What was that thing we fought?" "To be honest Dale, I wish that I could tell you." Caliborn said frankly, one arm folded along his chest and a hand on his chin with his elbow propped up on his arm. My memory, it has drawn a blank. What is it that we saw? What did we fight? It was nothing I could identify directly at least and worse... It's wiped my mind. I don't even remember what it looked like, that is what is most disturbing. A Basilisk perhaps? I remember that and then... It roared. Basilisks don't roar. But what could it have been? Were those horns? No, impossible. Basilisks don't have horns, but what therefore nearly gutted me? The teeth. Must have been the teeth. An old creature to be sure then, for it to have developed that well. "My memory is clouded, I am unsure... I have theories but nothing specific that I can think of for us to trace or track down. It hasn't left any obvious marks. The only thing my mind can call upon is a basilisk, an old one whose fangs have developed suitably. Other than that, I'm lost. Regardless, something must have intervened with our memory, there is simply no other explanation for what just occurred." His explanation finished, he looked to the surrounding area and saw the spot of black on the ground where he watched Levi die. Farewell, noble Guild Member. We shall remember you. You have been avenged however. I hope you can thank your brother and sisters for that at the very least.
Alessia used Quick Blitz
Answer 1: You electrocuted yourself on the basis of "Ander uses Thunder to protect himself." It's an attack, not a self defence mechanism. Hence by specifying himself as the purpose for the attack, you make yourself the target of it. Answer 2: That shouldn't happen but a certain someone isn't managing this combat system properly. The technical specification for the attack does state that only it can be used per turn. We are working on rectifying this issue for later combat rounds.
There is a perfectly good OoC thread for this Garrett. Post it there. There is a reason it exists other than the necessary RP bureaucracy that goes on, it's where we address issues like this. In future, raise them there. You'll find the answers to both of these queries in the OoC thread.
Alessia, surprisingly enough, used Quick Blitz.
Welcome back to this fair forum comrade! Hopefully you'll find everything as awesome as it was when you were here before!
Character Name: Elyas Muzane Age: 25 Appearance: This Guy Personality: Unwaveringly loyal to his cause, determined and almost stupidly brave. An excellent and frequent liar. Brief Bio: A high ranking agent of Rivelle's lesser known force of Spies that the King operates to a reasonable degree of confidentiality. After hearing certain rumours of a rebellion stirring under the command of a man named Vex, the King looked to his spy corps for someone to investigate. The Kingdom's Spymaster elected Elyas for the job due to his magical power that makes him such an effective agent in the field. He was assigned with the task of confirming these rumours and reporting them back to the Kingdom at any cost. He is to record any and all information about deployments and deliver them and his final and most dangerous objective is this: Kill the man Vex if possible. Elyas' commitment to the Kingdom and his almost suicidal bravery allow him no other option- He must kill Vex at all costs, even his own life. His magic is frowned on, but tolerated because of it's use. Magic/Powers (Does not have to know any magic if you prefer that) : Tongue of Silver - Usable only once on a person, Elyas can convince a character of a fact about himself or another person to an absolute degree, one of the main ways Elyas is able to infiltrate groups. This cannot be used to order another character to do anything- Their actions are their own, but any misinformation the character receives can be acted upon or not based on their own choice. This power cannot be used to convince a character that they have done something they haven't as their mind would have no recollection of doing so. Activating the power is noticeable to anyone watching, as his left eye will flash silver for a moment although the target will not recognise that it has been used on them. Weapon (Again, optional) : This and This Additional Information: While he does use a sword, he isn't the best sword fighter in the world (Below average). He prefers to silence his targets by slitting their throat with his dagger. Wears soft soled boots to muffle footsteps. Character Name: Kyle Ryogi Age: 19 Appearance: This guy minus the mark on his hand (Hang on is that Shu? If that link is broken then try this http://www.mosta2bal.com/vb/imgcache/3/19514wall.jpg) Personality: Strong moral compass, Stubborn, Believes in the King and the Kingdom, Protective of people in trouble, Idealistic and Kind. Brief Bio: A couple of years ago, Kyle followed Vex as a mercenary. A young man like him was easily impressionable and he followed, but something always seemed wrong with the stealing and his mind changed when their actions and more precisely, his actions led to the death of his father, a strong believer in the Kingdom who worked as a guard for the Kingdom. Horrified by this discovery, he began to have further doubts and when the time came to make the decision- Join Vex in his revolution or turn away, he chose the latter. But Kyle didn't just turn away. Remembering the fate his father came to, and remembering how well his father took care of him, Kyle turned to the Kingdom. The Kingdom had bred a good father who tried his best to raise his child with good values. All Vex had raised was a killer. Joining up with the Guards he distinguished himself as a swordsman and now awaited placement somewhere, wielding the unique blade his father wore on duty. Many of the Kingdom's guards around his birthplace recognised Kyle as he trained and gave them their condolences for his loss, but he never told them that he was why his father died. Somehow he had to redeem that act. Magic/Powers (Does not have to know any magic if you prefer that) : Loyalty's Edge - In his time of need, Kyle channels his loyalty to the force of Good and uses it against his foes. His sword becomes charged with blue energy that dances across the blade and strikes harder and faster. In more desperate situations he can channel it further and strike out with the energy itself, although this weakens him making him slower and has less strength. Weapon (Again, optional) : This Sword Note on it: Commissioned by his Father as something special to pass down to Kyle when he was older. He called it Blackthorn. Additional Information: At the start of the RP he doesn't have a position yet so if anyone opposing Vex decides they want to have this guy with them as a guard or something then feel free to take him with you! If none of you want him then Glen can figure out something for him XD Character Name: Osric Lelande Age: 22 Appearance: This guy (He's not a vampire! XD) Personality: Snarky, sarcastic, looks down on the common folk (the men at least, and the unattractive females) for the most part, ambitious but calculating. Brief Bio: The Lelande family are respectable, well off Noble houses. One might know of Osric if they were a noble, seeing him attend various balls and parties but always with an air of aristocratic indifference. Behind that guise however lies an ambitious young man always looking for an opportunity to boost his own rank and prestige. Also Osric is bored. Incredibly bored. He's looking for something new and exciting, and a Revolution fits the bill nicely. Besides if it works then he can satisfy his ambitions, seeking a place in the new realm born. Perhaps a position of power in the new government, that would suit the young lord Osric nicely. The Revolution is his best way to get the rank he's looking for, but he's loyal to it for his ambitions, not for justice or a better world for the poor. A good world is a lie; but a world of personal success is a whole other story. Not that he'd tell any of the Revolutionaries that. Magic/Powers (Does not have to know any magic if you prefer that) : An excellent shot with his Crossbow and an above average sword fighter. Also good at telling when people are lying due to his experiences with the other nobles in the courts. No magic. Weapon (Again, optional) : This and Backup Additional Information: Will try and flirt with girls he deems attractive as he's looking for a suitably attractive wife for a noble lord. Character Name: Kari Statten Age: 17 Appearance: This girl Although dressed a little more in period. Imagine a plain dark green shirt and trousers and some dependable boots. Personality: Reckless and determined with a hatred of the noble classes for their abandonment of the poorer folk. Will protect anyone in need, but let a noble suffer. Brief Bio: Kari is the youngest daughter of a moderately successful carpenter in Corvus. She and her two brothers cut wood for their father, who made barrels and cupboards and all sorts out of the logs. They'd head out to the forests outside of town on one of the many woodcutters' tracks and chop down trees and bring them back. As a result, she is a great deal stronger than most girls her age as she cultivated her physical talents rather than the more stereotypical female talents of knitting and cooking. She proved herself an apt hunter as she learned to make traps from her eldest brother and set a few in the forest where they got their wood from. She knew the woods well. However, the time came when things went wrong with this existence. While they were asleep in the room above the shop, the door was kicked down by the town guards for an unknown reason and her father and brothers rushed to defend her mother and her. Unsure of why this happened, she ached to go and fight the injustice, but her mother wouldn't allow her to fight. Ultimately, the guards prevailed and Kari's mother died to allow her to escape, clambering over the small buildings and racing through the alleyways to escape. Her later investigations into the subject, namely going back during the day to see who checked it out. Perched on a rooftop, she overheard a lord talking about how regrettable it was that her mother died in the raid, because the man in question happened to rather like her but having a living family of her's would have been awkward for him. She then left, her hatred for the nobility burning in her soul after that. She carried her woodcutter's axe with her from the house and due to her bad luck she saw a guard from the raid. As he drew his sword instinctively she swung it and hacked his throat open. From then on, there was no going back. She traced the rumours of the Revolution all the way back to Vex and threw in her lot with him. Magic/Powers (Does not have to know any magic if you prefer that) : Brutal axe and melee fighter. No magic. Weapon (Again, optional) : This 'ere axe Additional Information:
Alessia used Quick Blitz (again)
After lying there uselessly for a few minutes, he finally exhaled. He was calm again, although a little subdued inside. Being upset always made him feel a bit empty. It was just the way of it. So much feeling had been expended in being upset that he didn't have any more to give right now. In the back of his mind however, that same final statement flickered in his head. "You're impossible!" I'll make it up to you Johanna, somehow. Somehow I'll fix this... It's too painful for you to hate me, because you're the one thing that I've got keeping me in this guild. I'd strike out on my own and get away from all this. Sure I like it here but... there's got to be more than this. And what does it bring me? People that I can't talk to, people that I fight all the time? Hell do I even really feel proud of this guild or do I just say that? I don't know, is this what I usually think or is this just because of me worrying over her? I don't know, I don't understand! Checking that there were no signs of his tears on his face, he left his room and walked down. Evanora would need him soon for sure. He was going to lead one of the teams going to fight Ezekiel. Time to take you out you annoying *******. You've been screwing with me too long. You've made this all worse. He walked into the main hall again, now calmly opening the doors and slipping in quietly- Nothing too attention grabbing. He spotted Johanna calling her team to her. He felt a pang of sadness and he squashed it quickly. They had a job to do. "Squad two form up on me!" Dale ordered, shouting so that people could hear him and then stepped up on to a chair so that everyone could find him. "We've got an Ezekiel to beat!" I'll let you all believe I care. Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. Right now this is what my job is to do so I better do it. Ah, there! I'm ready! I've healed just about enough now. Caliborn summoned his magic to him and held a hand out into the air. "Sky Dragon's heal!" He whispered, as not to attract too much attention over using a healing spell. It wasn't exactly necessary and it would be far, far overdone if he did. He felt a rush of wind around him, before feeling it flow into him, mending the injuries that he had sustained with arcane power. He felt refreshed and renewed, the magic coursing through his veins. He saw Mikasa returning and heard Johanna calling the group to arms. It's time. Caliborn swung his legs off the bed and stand up. He had only just healed, so his legs collapsed under the sudden weight, forcing him to one knee but he soon stood again far steadier than he had. "Group 3! Here! Let's save our guild!" When he looked around at everyone, he noticed something was off about Dale. Perhaps it was the slightly slumped position he was in, or the empty look in his eyes, but something seemed off- Badly off. I wonder... I heard him raising his voice earlier although I didn't hear at who. I was too busy talking to take notice. I should ask him later. I was his mentor in the guild after all.
Alessia listened to the story intently, nodding and smiling, even giggling a little at the totally ridiculous parts of Thomas' version of the tale where he clearly overplayed himself, although Gaius and Veilen obviously weren't letting that fly. There was a nice banter between them as they discussed their battle against Orpheus and could see that they were all really good friends. I hope I can find friends like that around here some day. They've already fitted in so well. I almost wish I hadn't been so stuck up and joined in their fun on the first day. "Well Thomas that sounds amazing. All of you. It sounds like you guys really can't be beat can you?" Alessia said. She wasn't sure what to say exactly, being that she enjoyed their company plenty enough for her. Then, she had an idea. If they're so unbeatable, then why don't I test them a little? I'll have to wait until after we've beaten Ezekiel clearly, but that could be fun. I mean, I want to see where I stand compared to these guys. "I'd like to how good you are some time. Maybe if we head out on a mission together I'll see." She looked at Thomas, trying to figure him out. She wasn't terribly good at reading people though, so that wasn't going anywhere. I wonder why you winked at me... And overdoing the flirting so much. It's nice but, it doesn't feel personal to me.. It's like he's trying to chat up every girl in the room. He'll never get anywhere if he's talking generic like that. Unless he's trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator. "Wait- What was that part about turning Gaius into an undead? What happened there?" She asked suddenly, remembering one of the crazier parts of the story and it sounded like it wasn't made up. Looking at Gaius, that must have been unpleasant. "I'll see if I can arrange the necessary recipe books for you then Silvia." Caliborn said when she mentioned that she'd need recipes. Good progress, good progress. They'd make a guild member out of this nervous girl yet. Then, she appeared even more nervous and when he asked if she was okay, she left in a hurry. I'll ask her later, after this is over. It's better to let her be for now. She'll be ready to talk another time, but for now it's probably best to wait. Besides, she may not like talking with all these people around given that nervous disposition of hers. After she had gone, Caliborn lay back to rest again. He needed a bit more while he could still get it- They were going to face Ezekiel soon and he might be required to help fight him, so he'd be needed out there with the rest of the guild. He had to be rested up and ready and above all, he needed to naturally heal as best he could so he could use his Sky Dragon magic to fix the rest.
She did a double take as Thomas winked at her. She looked at him, startled for a couple of moments. He... Winked at me? Who does he think he is? Who exactly? And yet... That's more attention than most people have paid. That Ander guy just walked off without even talking to me so you know, what the hell. Let's entertain this guy a little. Sure he overplays himself a bit, but whatever. Looks like it'll be fun anyway- If only to laugh at him being silly. She smiled at him and walked over, arriving just after Cal did. She sat down on a bed next to him and smiled at Thomas, leaning back, holding herself up by her hands placed behind her. "Sure I'll listen." Alessia said. "Sounds like an adventure. Let's hear it all, I'm sure it'll be great." There was an aspect of genuineness in what she said. Necromancer huh? I feel sorry for them, that must have been horrible. All those rotting bodies and stuff going for them with weapons. I wonder how he would have fared with Alastor. Let's hear about it though, since I have no idea what the other groups got faced with. "Ander, I never said it could. Merely what some people believe." Caliborn corrected gently. I am not one of them. And then he walked off suddenly, obviously upset. Someone died in his past and couldn't be saved I assume. Death weighs heavy on a heart. I wonder who Bryce was. He'll talk when he's ready to, if he ever is. Some men simply aren't ever ready. He returned his attention to Silvia who hadn't yet walked off and seemed okay, if a little surprised that she was asked to do something like that for the guild. "Thank you Silvia, it's very much appreciated and I'm sure that you're better than you give yourself credit for. Most people underestimate your talents- It's natural. If you would like, I'm sure we can get someone in to teach you more, or any books you may wish to read and we'll be able to supply the ingredients you want." That scar, why does she hide it so? What gave it to her I wonder... A question for another time. If she's hiding it then it's not up for discussion and right now, she needs to feel secure in the Guild. The questions about her past can come later. He noticed her expression changed, and she started to tremble a little bit and look down at the ground again. He knew immediately this was a bad sign. "Silvia are you alright?" He asked, concern notable in his face and voice. Normally he'd place a hand on the person's shoulder to comfort and stabilise them, but right now he couldn't move and besides- He didn't know Silvia's temperment all that well, so it was unwise to try anything so familiar as of yet. She was a member of the guild that he'd be seeing regularly so it was best to wait and understand them before anything like that. Some people didn't handle physical contact that well. "Is it anything that you want to talk about, or is it okay?"
