[System]
Age: 25
Occupation: Bartender
Ring: Violet

Appearance:

Biography:
Lester grew up in the city of York, located in the southern reaches of Northumbria. He never knew his mother, as she died shortly after giving birth to him, her first and only child. His father was a small time innkeeper, always struggling to pay the taxes. Father and son lived in one spare room within the inn. From a young age, Lester was put to work, first with cleaning chores, then with serving the patrons, and eventually slinging the drinks from behind the bar, along side his father.

By the age of nineteen, the small inn had risen to become a very respectable establishment, mostly due to Lester's ability to entertain bar guests. Life was looking on the up and up, until that fateful day...

One morning, Lester's father left to make his usual tax payments, but he did not return that evening as usual. Unable to do anything else, Lester went on doing his job, that day, that week, and a few weeks following. Then one morning, before open, a gang of men came knocking. They were nobles, looking for their tax payments. Lester tried to explain that his father had disappeared weeks prior on his way to pay them. He was unaware that the payment had never reached them and was unsure about the fate of his father. The men had no sympathy for the young man's situation. They proclaimed the building, and everything in it, state property. Lester was promptly kicked out onto the streets. He carried nothing more than small bag of clothing with one or two sentinmental trinkets hidden inside.

A nearby barkeep quickly snatched up the abandoned young man, offering him a position as a bartender there as well. For the next two years, Lester would stay at that pub living life much as he had before his father went missing. His same regulars came to visit him, and he made quite a bit of coin. But life was hallow now. His father was gone, and all the time he spent searching went completely to waste. Unable to stand this lifestyle that reminded him of the past, Lester decided to leave York.

For three years, Lester traveled aimlessly, from town to town. He searched for nothing more than a place to call home, somewhere that he felt safe. But in order to keep money in his pocket, the bartending profession kept pulling him back. From pub to pub, inn to inn, he stayed in no one town longer than a few months.

At his most recent establishment, Lester had a rather peculiar experience. A solitary man had quietly sat at the end of his bar. The man sipped on nothing but one or two weak ales. Lester tried to make conversation with the man, but he showed no interest in conversation. The man kept looking around as if he was waiting on someone. They never arrived.

At closing time, the man simply paid his tab and walked away. Lester chased the man down. He had given Lester far too many coins for such a small tab. The man only had two words for him, "Keep it." Lester had grown accustomed to big tippers, but this would be his best ever, nearly 10 times more than what the man had owed.

Later, as he was wiping down the bar, an expensive piece of jewelry caught his eye. It was violet ring, laid on the counter in front of were the man had sat.

Lester remained at this pub for nearly a month longer. He kept the abandoned ring in his pocket for safe keeping, in case man were to return. He would gladly give it back, but the man never returned. His words, "Keep it." kept running through Lester's mind. Was he also speaking of the ring when he said that? In any case, Lester's time was up. This too was not the town for him.

He now wanders the country side... with new accessory on his right hand.

[User]
Brandon's tense muscles relaxed when she hadn't responded with a shout. This came a little bit as a surprise since a lot of people got angry when this happened. It didn't happen frequently, but it still happened. He really should have bought a leash for him. As well-trained as Shawn is, he was still an animal. He guessed he should have taken the advice of every other person he talks with when it came to handling Shawn.

"I'm really sorry for that. He doesn't usually do this..." He said with a sigh. He then whistled and Shawn padded over to his side and then sat down beside him with his head still down.

He then gave her a silly grin and rubbed the back of his head. "I'm just as surprised as you." He then looked around, as if avoiding eye contact with the girl, and then noticing that there were some adults who just left but was really looking at them with a look that made him uneasy. He didn't really see her when she was down so he didn't really get why.

But now that he was aware of the loads of people around them, he suddenly got a little bit embarrassed as shown by a light blush on his cheeks. Oh but he shouldn't leave just like that. He looked back at Jill but still somehow avoiding direct eye contact. "Oh, uh, I have to make it up to you somehow..." He softly said, fiddling his fingers.

"This would be the perfect time to make a friend!"

Euan's words rang in his head. As one can tell, he wasn't much for interactions. He always stuck by Euan, and even way back when he was living in a village, he only ever really interacted with the two other orphans and the mother. Maybe he should snag this opportunity to actually get to know someone besides the people he barters with. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. Euan always says that a lot of acquaintances would pay off.

"Uh, would you like some food? My treat." He suggested with a small smile. He was pretty hungry. Even if she would decide not to come with him, he would still have to eat. Shawn would have been pretty hungry too anyway.

[Assistant]
A creepy crawling feeling ran up Lester's spine when the hooded woman pointed out his ring. She was changing the subject multiple times. She was looking to make a quick escape. And she was eyeballing Lester's only remaining object of value. Everything about the woman made him uneasy, but none of these thoughts leaked out of his voice:

"Yeah, I found this ring at my last job. It's all I have left after loosing all my money to a crafty yet beautiful pickpocket." He let these words sink in for a split second before coming in with the punch line. "But honestly though, all niceties aside, I need that money to survive. I don't know what kind of financial bind you may be in, but if you can spare it, would you mind?"

Lester let off the most comforting smile he could muster. His best hope was to appeal to the woman's human side. He didn't want this to end in some sort of fight or footrace. His wit was his best asset, not his fists or his feet. His heart pounded as he tried to remain calm. @Game Maker

To complicate things further, Lester had begun to feel the gaze of an extra pair of eyes. What this new person wanted, he did not care. He would not look away from the woman. His calming, pleading stare would not be broken. @RoccanIronclad

[User]
Jill noticed the boy color up but she wasn't too sure why he was embarrassed. She saw him looking around at the people who had been staring at her and wondered if that was it . Maybe he was just introverted, she thought. Only now had she taken a good look at him, noticing that he was carrying a bag almost filled to its maximum capacity, threatening to burst open any second. Was he travelling? she wondered.

As she made note of this, the boy started again , fiddling with his fingers. I have to make it up to you somehow he had said, but she didn't really feel that way. After all, she was safe and sound and it was just a silly incident that he couldn't have seen coming. She had made up her mind to refuse any money or items the boy was about to give her. Would you like some food? My treat. Food was okay, Jill decided. She could accept that. In fact it was about time she ate something, she was starving. Jill had been working since the morning and after the ruckus at home she had forgotten completely about eating. This often happened with her. Whenever she got too absorbed in her work or upset, she'd ditch meals. Not on purpose entirely,however, as she was a complete foodie and could wolf down a worrying amount of food within a minute's notice.

She beamed up at his offer and nodded. "I'd really like that! I haven't had a morsel since the morning and its already noon!"  She complained with a dramatic show of clutching her empty belly and staggering as if she had no energy to stand.

'I'm Jill by the way, Jill Wayland. What's your name?" She asked with an extended hand. She was a social butterfly who had never had much difficulty getting on good terms with most people. Her chatty personality helped her with this, as she was the kind of person who'd never run out of things to talk about.The downside however, was that sometimes her mind-to-mouth filter was almost nonexistent.
"What's in that bag?"  She asked him straightforward, unable to hold back her curiosity. "Are you travelling?"

North

[Assistant]
Brandon's eyes lit up when she had agreed and then laughed at her little dramatic display. "Well, good thing Shawn found you huh?" He said with a grin, the red tint on his face now disappearing as his focus was solely on her. Hey, this just might be a good time to make an acquaintance. This was a good thing for Brandon. He decided to see this to the end.

"Brandon Deschnik. Nice to meet you." He said before wrapping his gloved hand around hers and then shaking it. After a good shake, he broke the contact and then started walking, gesturing for her to follow. Shawn had also stood up and began following his master. Much unlike Jill, his social skills were no greater than mediocre. He hasn't exactly gotten a lot of practice in that particular field as he normally exchanges talking with reading. It led to him being a lot more awkward than he should be.

"Huh? Oh this?" He looked at his bag and then back at her. "I'm stocking up. Some food, some supplies, the usual." He replied with a shrug. Brandon does admit that it looked like he was packing up for some sort of voyage considering it looked like it was going to blow at any second. "Nah, I live at a clearing in the forest just an hour away from here." He said, gesturing to the direction of the exit of the town.

"Well I used to travel but I have some business now." He continued as he rubbed the back of his head. He did promise he would protect the farm so unless someone else takes up the offer of living there, he's stuck. "How about you Jill?"

[User]
A horse drawn carriage cobbled past the city entrance and halted to a quick stop. A hairy, surly man holding the reigns whispered through his remaining teeth of their arrival, as a leather boot burst through the carriage's side door. The driver cursed about wood value while said boot dove out, dragging behind a skinny, cloaked young man with a big, fancy hat. This brunette boy carried a small side bag, and a small, sturdy case strapped to his back. For a moment he stood and took a breath, taking in all the surroundings. Particularly a beautiful set of pink flowers right beside the gate, one of which he plucks and places securely in his hat. The driver took an abacus out and started making calculations.

"Alright so where's this Aunt that's gonna pay for your trip. That'll be-"

The passenger turns his head towards the driver, takes in one breath, raises his finger, begins to speak his answer, aaaaaaand proceeds to bolt in to the city streets like his life depends on it. For all we know it might. The first test is whether that driver would even bother to run after him for the debt. And he would. Well surely this young man is much faster and agile than an old, geezer driver. And he is...for now. Next comes the real challenge, either losing him in distance or line of sight. Both should be easy in such a cramped and crowded city market. If only this kid would stop running away in a straight line! But yet another flower seems to have caught his eye, a young maiden walking through the city.

The young man almost passes the girl immediately, slowing to a stop just past her and backing up in a jog to stand next to her. He reaches up to his hat, plucks the pink flower from it, and stands it up in front of the lady. He even gave a small bow, causing a yellow ring on a necklace to fall out of his shirt. Meanwhile the raging driver still closes in.

"A pretty flower for the pretty lady. Lorenzo Martine, at your service."

Lorenzo looked up just in time to see the fuming driver just a few feet away. So he jumped away, barely escaping his vengeful clutches. With a wave goodbye he set out on his escape again, zig-zagging through stalls and people. After a few turns it looked like he finally lost the crazy fool. Lorenzo would honestly pay him back once he was able, he just wasn't able to afford it right now. And who's going to give you a ride across the country on an I.O.U. alone?

Winded, hot, and sweaty, Lorenzo Martin found the one place in town that felt right at home. A small tavern with a good crowd. No shows would be happening anytime soon, but he was definitely going to scope out the joint. Maybe he should lay low till that driver stopped looking for him.

North

[Assistant]
Year 800 - Feb 11th - Mid Afternoon

The skies were especially dreary, but not enough to cause alarm. Children played in the streets, while adults toiled away to earn a living. Beggars searched for food; elites planned their parties. At the end of the day, families would rest their eyes and drunks would leave the pub. It would be just another day. Nothing special was going to happen. Or so the ignorant people believed...

Little did anyone know, just beyond the horizon, a storm of epic proportions was approaching uncharacteristically fast. It was destroying entire towns in mere hours. Survivors were being left in shambles, staring at years of hard work, gone in mere instants, lives changed forever.

Our tale begins in a special village. Yes they would recount the destruction of the the horrible storm. But among these recollections are stories unique only to this particular village. For never in history had all ten of the "Legendary Rings of Power" been conveniently gathered in one place. Stories spoke of witches, demons, angels, and more. We now believe that these stories were actually first hand accounts of those that saw a "Ring of Power" at work.

But lets not get too ahead of ourselves. The leading men and women of our tale did not hear of this storm right away. Like all other villages before them, there would be no time for warning. When the storm would hit, everything would be thrown to chaos. Until then, it was business as usual.

Note #1: A link to this post now lives in the 0th IC post.
Note #2: Next entry will take place after a minimum of 5 more IC posts and a minimum of three more days.


[System]
The Mundane
Age: 17

Sanctum City: Hasta

Description: Nicole is a girl of average height, a slender build, and irrepressible good cheer to cram inside it. Blue-eyed and always grinning, her sharp features are framed by scarlet hair, cut fashionably to the bottom of her neck with bangs that occasionally fall into her eyes.

Hasta is one of the world's most fashionable Sanctum Cities, with all but its poorest denizens dressed beautifully in casual, flowing fashions and bright colors. Nicole is no exception, although she does her best to dress fashionably casual. Whether oversized hoodies or cropped tops, tight jeans or her school uniform's skirt, one of her only sartorial mainstays is the peach colored tassel scarf she's almost always thrown haphazardly around her neck. Sometimes she'll top her head in a cute little beret.

Personality: A laid-back and cheerful girl who always tries her best at everything. Nicole may not be the most zealous fighter or the most charismatic presence, but she's a stabilizing force among what may otherwise be a chaotic ensemble of students. She exudes a quiet calm about most things, a playful energy often expelled through practical jokes, and a willingness to laugh at herself and others. She's grown up into a fairly privileged life and tries to keep that knowledge in the back of her mind, so it allows her some measure of empathy for other girls who may not have had it as easy as she did. It makes her a solid, unifying presence among friend groups and just a generally good time to be around.

Though she plays it close to the chest, Nicole is a deeply idealistic, romantic girl, with notions of true love and eternal good vibes that she tries not to espouse too often. She has a headful of dreams about some kind of nebulous "better life," although what that life would be like and how it would be an improvement over her own free-flowing existence is something she hasn't quite figured out.

Background: Nicole was born among the upper middle class of the beautiful, fashionable, (sort of) sunny Sanctum City of Hasta. One of the cultural capitals of the world, her childhood was cosmopolitan and largely peaceful, with a large pool of friends across all walks of life. Her parents did what they could to shelter her through much of her childhood, but they were politically active people, often taking up the causes of the downtrodden and unfortunate who were unable to share in Hasta's joys. Eventually, as she grew older, Nicole came to share their passion for altruism.

For a time, like most girls, she dreamed that she was a secret princess - some long-lost member of a Duodecim family, someone who could achieve great heights and make a difference in a scary world. Eventually, she had given up on that dream and resolved to make change in meaningful, realistic ways somehow. It was realizing her magical potential at the age of thirteen that helped give her a sense of wonder again, made her dream of stopping Voids and serving as a paragon for all the world's helpless - someone with the power to make people listen.

Having decided her dream was worth pursuing once again, in a decidedly more fantastical direction this time, Nicole applied to Nova Lux Academy with stars in her eyes, and was overjoyed to be accepted.

---

The Magic
Armgaus Name: Twinkling Scarlet Emerald

Gladius:
Vedfolnir
A blued steel sabre balanced to Nicole's hand, with a small, polished chunk of red beryl at the hilt. Its size belies the potential reach of the blade, as combined with her Elementum Nicole's slashes can seem to extend three times longer than the length of the blade would suggest.

Parma: Nicole's eyes and hair glow a brighter orange, her skin begins to twinkle slightly, and she wears an all-white ensemble of her normal beret, a midriff baring top and shorts, with thigh high boots and a holster.

Elementum: Wind

Elementum Abilities:  In keeping with her elementum and her own breezy personality, Nicole has a great degree of agility and levity, often joking that she can dodge any attack thrown at her as long as she's not feeling lazy. It may not be an entirely empty boast; though not a particular powerhouse, her agility makes her a capable duelist with her sabre. She can also use her ability to make great leaps, bordering on sustained flight if she can keep her concentration - although doing so obviously limits her effectiveness in combat.

[User]
---

Upon finally catching up to Nicole, Dana had helped Penny calm the panicking redhead down a bit, before agreeing to follow the fashion-conscious Hastan to a local clothing shop. No sooner had they walked through the door, then her team leader had begun searching for the perfect swimsuit with an intensity that was both comical and more than a little concerning… After all, Dana herself was certainly no fashionista and she had never really understood why so many girls were so obsessed with how they looked. The cheerful Norban felt perfectly comfortable with herself just the way she was and didn't see the point in pretending to be something she wasn't just to fit in, or impress a member of the "popular crowd" so much that they'd want to include her in their circle of friends. If people didn't like her for who she was, then they really weren't the sort of people she'd want to be friends with in the first place.

Then there was price tag to consider. Although she had grown up in a fairly wealthy household, Dana had never let her prosperity go to her head. Instead, she had used the resources she'd been blessed with to help those who were less fortunate. Knowing that she had spent a small fortune on a designer dress, handbag, or swimsuit when so many people were struggling just to eat was something the kind-hearted girl could never be okay with. Besides, while her clothing choices might have been cheap, they were comfortable and looked nice, at least in her opinion, and that was the important thing, wasn't it?

Thus, when she boarded the Assurance the following day, Dana was garbed in a simple, bright yellow bikini and jean shorts combo that perfectly mirrored her sunny demeanor. Placing her hands on her hips, the cheerful Norban surveyed the various goings on, a brilliant grin quickly spreading from ear to ear. Although she'd never been to a party quite like this, and especially not one on a luxury yacht, the bundle of excited energy that was Dana Noel knew one thing for certain- this was gonna be fun.

"Wow, Aiya! This is really some boat!" Dana noted when their host welcomed them aboard. "I know ya just wanted to see Nicole again, so thanks for lettin' us tag along!" she added with a playful wink, while putting her arm around Penny. "I'm sure we're gonna have a great time!"

The two hours that followed saw the bubbly Norban bounce from group to group as she took a self-guided tour of the opulent ship. She knew some of the other guests, Cara and Priya, of course, and Noah, too, but the majority of the cadets were new to her, and the ever-friendly Dana wasted no time in getting acquainted. Yet, even between making new friends and making sure Penny wasn't totally freaking out, she'd still managed to find time for a harmless prank. Having retrieved a chocolate bar from the travel bag slung over her shoulder, the mischievous Ars Magi had removed the wrapper and nonchalantly thrown it backwards over the side of the boat and right into the middle of some unsuspecting swimmers. Still, even with all the dancing, games, and overall wild revelry, Dana couldn't help but feel that something was missing, and once she'd realized what it was, she wasted no time in seeking out Aiya to address the matter.

"Hey, Aiya!" the grinning Norban called with a wave as she made her way over. "Where are ya hidin' the water guns?!"

[Assistant]
---

If Dana was able to go in a simple choice of beachwear, Penny had no such luck. The bespectacled Siscian, not exactly a social butterfly and still getting used to the big-name parties that Ars Magi frequented, chose a one-piece swimsuit that would not have been out of place in the pre-Void time period known as the 1930s. Needless to say, the red-haired fashionista took the choice as a challenge, and dragged Penny (with the help of a few store assistants; the mousy little brunette had a death grip on the wall and had to be pried loose) to try on something "more suitable for the occasion". The result was Penny finding herself in a two-piece she felt would induce either a heart attack or frothing rage in her parents if they ever found out. It was a sea-green bikini with white and gold trimmings, complemented with criss-crossing lacing across the back, but the modestly-minded Penny only felt that if she shows any more skin, she'd be arrested for indecent exposure.

Arriving at the bay, Penny is amazed to see the yacht waiting for them. She thought this would be a small party with a half-dozen people on a boat; instead, it's a fancy mansion on the water with about two-dozen people, with loud music and bright lights everywhere. She cleans her glasses to make sure she's not seeing things.

"I'll say," Penny adds, still stunned by the size of the thing. Initially, she feels very self-conscious about her swimsuit, but then realizes some of the partygoers are wearing things bordering on the outright scandalous. Plus, it makes her realize Nichole was right about the "granny suit" she had initially wanted to bring along. Not that it completely removes her self-conscious feelings about her suit.

Penny had been to quite a few social gatherings since she arrived at Palmyra, what with the socially-conscious Nichole as her guide. However, a mosh pit and rock music club was a place where one could find anonymity and privacy in the teeming masses by sheer volume (unless they were supremely unlucky). A private party on a yacht was a place where anyone could and did stand out by simply being there, and Penny feels very out of place next to nobility and military crème de la crème, and very conscious of her (unwilling) choice of swimwear.

Fortunately, with Dana acting as a personal chaperone helps alleviate her anxiety. Between the Norban's encouragement and endless optimism, Penny finds herself slowly easing into the party, feeling more and more at home. Though Penny does use one of her towels as a cloak or dress to alleviate the worst of her appearance concerns.

Then there was the chocolate bar prank. Penny initially assumes Dana was just indulging her sweet tooth, when the raven-haired Ars Magi just discretely tosses it overboard.

"Wait, Dana, why did you-" Her protests were cut short when she sees where Dana threw it, and Penny has to fight hard to suppress her laughter, biting her lip and quickly following Dana to get away before bursting into laughter.

"Dana, you can be nasty, you know that?" Penny wheezes between gusts of laughter.

"Of course," Penny sighs, though she's smiling in amusement. "Not a party on the water without water guns, huh? I think we should find out if there are any Water Elementum here, get them to join our side in... well, whatever you're planning."

[User]
Nicole had always tried her best never to get sucked away in parties.

After all, she wasn't a stranger to them. Hasta was renowned around the world for its freewheeling nightlife, for the garrisons of arcades, dive bars and dance clubs where the only answer for the sound of rolling thunder and the hiss of rain on the street lights was rolling bass and hissing synths. Then, as now, Nicole was a thrall to the vibes at play in her home; she still remembered the first impression of Palmyra as a dim, unwelcoming place bereft of fun and vibes, and though she'd found her share of fun in the city it was still hard to shake off that initial sense of incarcerated dismay.

And then, as now, she'd played a specific role in the group dynamic - the girl who always tried to keep an eye on every friend, keep everyone together, make sure no one was too drunk or not having their share of the good times. It was a way to make sure everyone got home safe, no one got anything funny dropped in anyone's drinks, and no one was tempted away for the night by anyone too untoward...but it was also a way of making sure everyone felt included, and that the night would remain a positive memory for everyone to share. She'd assumed that tonight, Radiant Storm would all be--

-ehheh--

-ahhah--

--in the same boat, in that regard.

But there were signs early on that Penny and Dana viewed this whole shebang in a different light than Nicole did. Both of them resisted her attempts to buy them trendy swimwear with a voraciousness she found admirable as their team leader, but confusing as their friend; in the end, Dana opted for more simple garb that at least fit her personality, while Penny had ceded to Nicole's sense of taste but looked as uncomfortable as Nicole had ever seen her once she actually put the swimsuit on. You would have thought Nicole was sending her to the trenches at the bottom of the ocean with no armor on from the way Penny fought and stared at the swimsuit in disdain. Even now, the two of them seemed content to prank each other and begin dividing up an armory's worth of water guns between each other. Nicole wouldn't fault them for that. She knew enough to know that the two girls wouldn't find much comfort in the embrace of electronic music or by licking salt and lime juice off of a rich girl's hand or midriff.

but Nicole was a simpler girl, made of weaker stuff than water gun wars. And Aiya's eyes were always watching her.

They were even watching her right now, playful amber oculars glinting as Nicole slung her head and neck back to gulp down a quick drink of rum. Her body below the collar continued to move on its own; she ruled the dance pad at the moment on a particularly upbeat, heavy disco-funk beat with plenty of driving synth and the occasional orchestral gong to herald Nicole dropping to the floor or twirling in place. She had put down four competitors in the space of twenty minutes, and was now about to vanquish her fifth, so the richer cadets and blue bloods had slowly begun trying to ply her with alcohol mid-dance routine. As if cerebral impairment had anything to do with slowing down a girl's footwork. That came from the vibes system, not the nervous system. Nervous systems were for nervous people.

And right now, Nicole was dancing on the wind in front of the eyes of the global elite.

"This one goes out--" she whooped between another GONG "--to Dana Noel! Queen of the gunslingers!" She spun on her heels and began dancing backwards, the lights of the dance machine glinting off the gemstone in her navel as she pointed two finger guns in the direction of the girls on the railing - just to show there were no hard feelings in refusing to engage in some of the more risque activities.

"One of you pick the next beat! These rich people want to see me loooose!" she shrieked. "They don't know I caaaaan't!"


[System]
Alias: Happy Item Salesgirl (Some of her neighbors and relatives call her the Bitchy Item Salesgirl

Age: 17

Sex: F

Race: Hylian

Handiness: Right

Appearance:

Inheritance: Majora's Mask

Personality: Petty, selfish, greedy, sometimes rude but most of the time can hide her less desirable traits.

Recent history: Joined the Hero's Guild as soon as it was formed but never really came to meetings up until now. Spends a lot of time selling her wares.

Personal Goal: Reclaim the fortune that her family once had.

Three strengths (Not just combat)
1. Telekinesis (with mask)
2. Good barterer
3. Stubborn (Also a weakness)

Three weaknesses (Not just combat)
1. Stubborn
2. Apathetic
3. Poor hand-to-hand combat

Greatest Love: Herself/Money

Hates the most: Cheap customers

Misc: Most likely to screw somebody over for Rupees

Theme music:

[User]
He was tired, it had been days since he had last gotten a good night's sleep. Or, good day's sleep. Vieru travelled mostly by night, when people were much less likely to see him. Day or night, it didn't make much of a difference to him, he could see just fine either way. Perhaps that was why the demon didn't notice the little, feathered, creature until it was jumping at his head. Startled, Vieru quickly sent a small breeze at the little bird, sending it's path away from his head. Catching it lightly in his arms, he held it away from him and stared for a moment. It was a Cucco, the only thing people feared more than demons. "What are you doing out here little guy?" He asked, confusion obvious in his voice. It wasn't common to see Cuccos wandering alone, out in the fields they usually travelled in flocks.

A sudden voice literally caused him to jump, he really did have his guard down if he allowed someone to sneak up on him. Usually he was excellent at staying out of sight. Taking advantage of his leap, Vieru shifted the Cucco to one hand and tucked it close against his body, his now free hand conjured up a breeze that caught him and carried him into the air. Putting well out of range of most projectile weapons, not to mention close range ones. His grip on the Cucco was very careful, it was gentle enough not to aggravate the bird, but firm enough that it hopefully felt safe enough to not rip his face off. Maybe if he was lucky, he'd survive this without injury.

With the wind still swirling around him both protectively and simple keeping him up, it left him free to do other things. Vieru pressed his long ears back against his head and let out a menacing snarl, hoping to simply scare the person off. Which, considering he was holding a fluffy bird, would be kind of difficult to do. He had only heard a portion of what the person said, as he had been thinking more about getting away than anything. They had said something about descendants and some kind of guild. Ah, that's right, that flyer said the same things. Whatever, he was still a demon, it was impossible for him to be descended from a hero. The only demons in Hyrule's history were evil.

If he couldn't scare the person off, then it would come to him either fleeing or being forced to fight. Right now Vieru didn't want either one of those. What he really wanted was to find a nice, quiet, safe, spot and maybe get some sleep. "Get away from me human!" Vieru hissed, "If you don't, then you may not be leaving this place at all!" A major bluff, he wouldn't really go around killing people, but they didn't know that. The only things he hunted and killed were monsters. If people actually had proof that he killed people, well then he would be hunted constantly. Never again getting a moment of peace.

[Assistant]
Rima nervously slipped into the building just as the very important man was starting his speech, and he looked around the very much filled room. Taking a deep swallow, he half turned and shoved his dominion rod further down into his pack so it couldn't bee seen. He had brought in in hopes that someone would be able to dig up some kind of old lore or something on it. That was sounding less and less likely.

Refocusing his attention back on the speech, Rima would look more nervous as the speech went towards 'if you're not willing to die painfully, leave.' It was very difficult for the young scholar not to do just that, but he managed to get over himself enough to get out of the doorway so as to let those who did want to leave to leave. Why did everything interesting have to be deadly and dangerous. While he wouldn't be joining those leaving, he couldn't keep himself from murmuring under his breath.

"P-personally, I'm not the go out and get in fights... I prefer just reading about them..." He didn't say this loud enough for anyone to really hear, but his anxiety would be clear to any onlooker. His hands would be fidgeting with his belt buckles, the nine arrows in the crappy makeshift quiver he had on his belt, the strap that held his hommade bow to his back. He was clearly no ranger, but he looked as if he might be able to handle himself in the woods alone. If he had a book that told him which berries he should eat.

[User]
Ever since Kagumo saw the poster, she knew it would help her getting all 3 goddess treasures she wanted, so she headed to where the gathering was going to be. She noticed the writing that was on the bottom of the paper, but was too focused on the possible rewards.

When she got to the hall, she saw many other people gathered here and food set out everywhere. She didn't expect this many people to be here, but wasn't entirely surprised, considering the rewards they could obtain. Kagumo had never seen half the food that was here, so she started to eat it. Eventually a man appeared on the stage wearing a mask. After he had got everyone's attention and to be quiet, he did a speech about why he had all these people gathered. Kagumo sort of paid attention to the person that was talking. Introducing who the other people on stage were. Than the man mentioned how if people were here to make a quick buck, they should leave. This didn't make much sense to Kagumo. "Of course everyone here is to make a quick buck or reward. Why else would anyone show up?", Kagumo thought to herself. The masked man then mentioned how the people would have to deal with danger that could result in death. Kagumo had dealt with that possibility her whole life, even coming close a few times. Yet Kagumo knew she'd be able to deal with whatever dangers could arise, especially with the Roc's Cape she had stolen long ago. It had become invaluable in her adventures.

[Assistant]
Mari and Rida convince Vieru to join the guild

Rida watched as the demon man flew into the sky with Henry with him. When he threatened her though things started to change. Her gate of souls started to activate at this. Her face changed to that of a rather sinister looking grin as well. "You really don't want to pick a fight with me. Also I'm not leaving without Henry there." Rida said pointing up to Henry.

At this point Henry was quite angry after this main threatened his owner. His eyes almost seemed to turn red with anger. With a loud "Bwak!" Henry started to peck at the man with great ferocity. "Now you come with me calmly, or I throw more Cuccos at you. Your choice!" With this Rida changed back to a rather innocent looking face. Though her threat was all too real as the Gate of Souls was now starting to spill out Cuccos, one at a time.

Vieru really didn't want to pick a fight. He just wanted to be left alone, that's why he had tried to scare the girl off. But apparently she was too stupid to notice the fact that a demon had just threatened her. Henry? Who was that? Was she talking about the bird? She must have been because the thing started pecking at him. Great, now even the Cuccos hated him. This was exactly the type of thing he had wanted to avoid. People attacking him needlessly. With a frustrated huff, Vieru dropped the bird, no longer caring about it's safety. And now the girl was threatening him, with Cuccos, which were coming out of some kind of portal near her.

"Leave me alone human!" Vieru hissed, angry about the situation. Mostly angry at himself for letting his guard down. Calling up his magic, he prepared a wave of razor, sharp, wind to throw at the girl and her birds. If she wanted a fight, she'd certainly get one. A very short one as he was more interested in leaving than anything else. In matching with his more aggressive wind magic, the breeze holding him up became stronger, swirling around him quickly. As always, his only friend was at his side, ready to help.

A rustle came from a nearby thicket of bushes, and out stepped a teenage girl wearing a medium sized burlap backpack with various trinkets and items haning from it's sides. At the sight of the brawl that was about to happen, she let out a large gasp, "Rida! What are you doing!" Mari shouted, reaching for a peculiar purple mask hanging very close to her arm.

Rida could tell that this was just going to turn into a fight if she kept going. And now that she noticed Mari there as well she took a step back. "I guess I should have started with the selling tactic huh?" She asked Mari before looking back up at the demon. At this point all of her Cuccos were next to her. Each of them looked up at Vieru with the cutest look they could muster. Rida then followed with even more of a cuter look on her face.

Vieru's heart was pounding in his chest as he tried to think of a way to take out this many Cuccos, at least long enough to fly the hell out of there. Now another person was showing up, another girl who seemed to know the first. Warnings were going off in his head, he needed to get out of here, now. But then, everything changed. Instead of attacking him, the Cuccos just stared up at him, not moving, or blinking, or anything. Then the girl joined in. He was very confused. They had suddenly gone from threatening...To cute. The demon bit his lip, a sharp fang digging in hard enough to draw blood.

Vieru's brain overloaded for a moment and the wind stopped swirling around him. Thankfully he snapped out of it before hitting the ground, instead staying a few feet up, so he could still escape if needed. "What do you want?" He demanded, crossing his arms and trying to keep some control over the situation. "And why are you looking at me like that?" He couldn't believe that he was talking to a human. All of them just seemed to want to kill him, not to chat.

Mari looked at the technique that she had taught Rida to sell items more efficiently, a smug grin on her face. Somethimes they had posed as sisters to bring in more bussiness since her eyes could convince a Goron to swim. After a moment Mari realized why Rida would be doing this and looked over at the demon who floated there in the air, "Rida, did Henry think he was a decendant?" she calmly asked, trying her hardest not to be shocked.

Rida smiled back at Mari. "He did! Henry flew right for his head!" Rida said with a smile. "And I want him to join us!" Rida added making sure that Vieru heard.

Mari looked back to the man who floated in the air and tilted her head, "You dont see people much do you? Poor guys probably scared out of his mind. Here, have some Red Potion on the house!" Mari ripped one of the bottles that dangled from her bag off its hook and tossed it upward at Vieru, the red liquid sloshing inside.

There was all that stuff about descendants again. Vieru still had no idea what any of that meant. And now the two girls were talking to each other and not directly at him. Even though he had asked questions. The demon pinched the bridge of his nose, this was starting to become a major headache. The second girl started talking to him. It wasn't that he didn't see people much, it was that whenever he did, they wanted him dead. He was in fact scared out of his mind though, but certainly wasn't going to show that. He growled when something was thrown at him, and caught it on a breeze. He examined it before letting it drop into his hand. Usually when things were thrown at him, they were dangerous. "Why would I even consider joining you when I don't know what you want me to join?" He asked, ignoring the potion for now.

Rida smiled at Vieru. "We want you to join the new Guild! You must have seen the fliers right? We could certainly use more friends like you! I bet your fun once we get to know you!" Rida added with a smile as she approached him. The portal was still moving around behind her, but it seemed to be a sort of sleep mode where it didn't do much. "So what do you say mister? Will you join our cause to save the world?" Rida added. The Cuccos were still giving him the adorable look as before. It was hard to say no the them and Rida.

It seemed that everything was coming back to that new guild. The one he had seen the flyer for. The one that once again talked about descendants and saving the world. The same things this girl was talking about. Her and the birds were still staring at her in a confusing manner. With a tired sigh, Vieru finally let the breeze holding him up move on, and he dropped those last few feet to the ground. By this point he was semi-certain that these girls weren't going to hurt him. Though, as the one tried to approach him, he stepped back. He wasn't that certain yet. "I would but... Do you really think they'd let a demon near town, let alone be okay with working with one?" He said, his voice much less menacing and much more human than before.

"Of course, if youre with us you should have nothing to worry about. We are two of the most respected people in these parts." Mari intentionally avoided mentioning Ark and the others because of their Black and White opinion on morals. Last thing she needed was Ark hunting this guy down to Terminia to find him. Her strategy would be to introduce him as a human first, then one he proved himself, she could reveal that he was a demon. Ark might be clever but not as clever as her thats for sure! Mari sat down and swung her bag around infront of her. "Either of you hungry? I, for one, have been passing out those stupid flyers all day!" she said, pulling out a small pile of sandwitches with a side of Octorok calamari.


[System]
Priscilla
Nickname: Cil
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Powers:
Very, very, very lucky. Very.
Able to wield anti-magic. Can get extremely tired out by this act as it draws from her willpower directly. Revolves around the idea of disrupting a beings link to magic, protecting the user from magic or interrupting spells in some way. Highest level of use can stop spellcasting in an area for a short time, but runs the risk of harming the user.
Can only cast anti-magic after she has absorbed some magic, be it from taking a hit from an enchanted weapon, weathering some lightning or wading through a dragon's breath. Its like eating for her, she can't do it too much or else she risks hurting herself.
Species: Human. 100%.
Crush: None.
Relationship: A family she has almost forgotten.
Spouse: None.
Children: None.
Personality:
A very snarky woman, prone to taunting those that cross her or making a jest at their expense. Usually very friendly, but not above suspicion and wariness when it comes to meeting new people. A simple woman in habits and tastes, but not in thoughts. She would rather sit and watch the river roll by than ford its depths to get to the other side. Always one to look for the easy way out, she isn't diligent in anything save for her training and her survival. She prefers to travel alone, or at least that is what she tells people.
History:
Priscilla was once a god-fearing little girl, in a small river village with no name. Well, it had a name. It was named Mudbank, but she either preferred that it had no name or did not remember it had one in the first place. She was raised in a small hut near the village chapel, and as a result, she went to the sermons everyday to pay reverence to her god. Their god was a water god, said to bring them the rains and flows that brought fish and helped the crops to grow. That year, the crops hadn't grown, and the fish hadn't come, because the people were not devout enough. The pastor said that she wasn't devout enough. She had prayed every night that year, and the gods in the water still hadn't seen her as devout. She heard that there were still tithes to be paid, belongings to be offered and so the waters wouldn't flow. This made her confused, but she stayed vigilant through the tough years. The water god kept them fed, kept them happy and kept them safe from the horrors of the night... right?

It wasn't until the village was raided by a relatively small swamp dragon that she completely lost the faith. Just like that, her belief was shattered. The water god didn't come to help them, didn't come up from the deep to strike this creature down. It just ran amok, devouring people and burning down homes. It even got to her home, and still no sign that the water god would help. No sudden rains, no giant floods, no water elementals like in the old tales. Nothing. The only saving grace was found when a band of rugged men and women came to combat the thing, saying that they had been tracking it for weeks. They made quick work of it. They stayed for a while to help the village rebuild. They even found out that the pastor had dammed up the river mouth, and was letting water through as he pleased. That year the fish and the crops were plentiful. The water god did believe that they were devout enough, but he was being suppressed by man. Her belief had been shattered by a mere man, and that made her mad. She took up praying to the water god once more, everyday by the river and she could have sworn she saw the water moving towards her.

When it came time for the band of warriors to leave, after a few weeks of helping and hunting other horrors near the village, they said their goodbyes and departed. Slayers, they called themselves. Priscilla bathed in the river that day, and offered a final prayer, before stowing away on their equipment cart. She was 13 then. She convinced them to take her in. To train her. She wanted to help them fight the injustices of the world. They took her in, and found she had a gift. A gift for magic, or rather, a gift for dealing with magic. She ate it as if it were fish and bread, and stopped it in its tracks moments later. For years she trained, both her body and her ability, until she could best almost every person she had lived with the past decade or some such. Then she ventured out on her own, as a solitary Slayer, to just... solve problems. Maybe even find her way back home.
Other: She can't read or write. Let the games begin.

[User] Amos upon the old chair, but not really as he was only a spirit who didn't have a body, so he was more just suspended on it. His power was returning in that old room with the silence that was deafening. Somewhere deep down he reminisced about the touch of the sun but it was quickly replaced with an insatiable hunger for chaos. He looked at the gem upon its pedestal and came to realize that it was a curse if anything, or a demon was in it. The corpses seemed to scream that something nefarious had happened here long ago. He turned his mind back to his dark ent and the ramification of such an act of corruption. Would it spread? Would it die easily? So many questions, but he would have to wait for the answers, for now he needed to recharge a bit more.

[Assistant]
"Oh a ranger is it? I've worked with your guild before quite a few times. Helped me to track down quite a few nasty creatures until I learned to properly track my quarry for myself. Good folk, the rangers." Jovial and warm was her tone as she hopped over a small hole with a clatter and a grunt. She was not beginning to tire, but rather beginning to bore of walking. The torch was making her sweat in her plate, and the dark of the cave was almost oppressive. "I now realise that I would have preferred to have taken the surface, but I guess we get there either way." She muttered to herself before concentrating her attentions on Jacque's question.

"I began my training young. Three and ten years if I remember correct," She brings up her sword-hand and looks to count over her curled fingers for a moment before nodding, "Yes, three and ten. This wretch we are moving towards had already ruined my village and my family, so I asked the waves for guidance. They pushed me to the Slayers. I hid away in one of their caravans and when I was found out, I begged them to train me to hunt monsters." She chuckled lightly, a bubbly but gruff sound. "I took to it like a bird to the air. Found that it was the one thing that I was truly exceptional at. Soon enough I was leading parties, training recruits of my own and hunting the big game. Dragons, Hydras, Giants and the sort. I was well on my way to becoming one of the Purifiers and taking the hunts a step further when I caught wind of this disgusting creature on the rise once more, so I requested leave to hunt it for myself. Now I'm here."

She takes a look up the tunnel and growls in annoyance. "By the depths, how much farther until I can see sunlight again!?"

[User] "I prefer the darkness myself, but then again I am half vampire."

[Assistant]
Arin and Ace continued to explore the forest while playing a game of 'I spy'. As he was doing that, Arin was also keeping a look out for anything suspicious as he knew someone would try to pick a fight with him eventually.

Ace looked around for something to use for his little 'game' and said, "I spy something brown with leaves on the top."

Arin smiled while shaking his head in amusement. "A tree." He replied in a simple manner.
____________________________________

Price moved a little bit closer to the triplets and Aniram, hoping one of these people would notice him. Then again, he could go the other route and attempt a greeting. He decided to go with the latter and waved at them.

Virgil decided to find out if there were others stuck here and if he was right, he would have two questions for whoever came up to him.

[User]
"Thank you for the complement, not everyone tends to see eye to eye with us rangers. Your tragic circumstances aside, you sound as if you're doing quite well for yourself madam Slayer. And impressive tale indeed." Jacque stated as he idly pulled a spearmint leaf from his pocket, popped it into his mouth, and proceeded to chew it, filling his nose with the crisp scent. He wasn't quite sure if Priscilla could smell it yet given how much sharper his senses work than the average humor, but the hole that was being dug was beginning to smell of damp, rotting foliage, typical of many swamp regions. "I think it's about time we surfaced, dragonspawn. We don't want to come up inside the swamp itself, remember?" Jacque loudly called up ahead to James, his deep rumbling voice echoing down the tunnel like the sound of rolling thunder in the distance. After giving James a heads up, he contemplated pointing out the fact that Priscilla had said "three and ten" rather than thirteen, however given the fact that he'd also witnessed her physically counting out the number with her fingers, he held his tongue, surmising that books smarts weren't really the Slayer's strong suit. For now Jacque would let it be, however he made a mental note to teach her how to properly count if it became a hassle in the future.

"The darkness does hold several advantages to it, however there are flaws in it as well. The same could be said of any environment really. Given your heritage it's no surprise that you'd prefer this sort of environment, but never forget that one should strive to be able to adapt to any location they find themselves in."

[Assistant] Apparently, James had gone ahead of them, far ahead of them, and finished the tunnel, so he came walking back in human form. "The tunnel is done. We're about 50 yards from the swamp."

[User]
(Still in his lair)

Hunter grinned once he thought up a plan and sent the first shadow creature he caught to find the one called Arin. He looked at the other ones and told them that they would all get a turn.
______________________________________________________________

Virgil decided to venture the forest a bit and went further down the woods once inside.
_______________________________________

Price walked away from the triplets and the girl(Aniram) since they didn't seem to acknowledge him. He ventured off into the forest and wondered if he would find someone there.

[Assistant] "That is true, While I may have certain advantages in the darkness it is important that am able to to fight and survive well in any situation and/or circumstances."

[User] Jacque stopped and nodded approvingly and sniffed the air again, detecting the scent of peat moss and stagnant water up ahead, "You're quite the adept digger, dragonspawn. If I didn't know it was you I would've assumed that a wurm had dug this hole, well done." he said before swallong the mint leaf in his mouth and producing another one to chew on. "Now, before we surface, I should warn you lot of what dwells within the swamp.", Jacque reached out to the side and grabbed a fistful of dirt, "The soil in the swamp is not like the soil you'll find at the beach or in the forest. It's extremely muddy and sticky, and will start to suck you down if you stand in one place for too long. In some spots the muck will be a bit deeper than others, if you get stuck do NOT struggle, you strength will only cause you to sink quicker. You'll find that the spots were the muck is deepest with have a series of bubbles from trapped air pockets coming to the surface.". Jacque dropped the soil and dusted off his hands, "The next issue will be the plant life. There will be any number of dangerous plants, like razor grass, noose vines, or thorn bushes, and even a few berry bushes that produce poison fruits and attract all manner of dangerous insects with their flowers. Speaking of insects, unlike the larger animals that were smart enough to flee, these creatures will still be around, and without their predators milling about, they'll be out in full force. These are creatures that are loaded with extremely toxic stings and bites formed by years of defending themselves from predation, so try to avoid them if you can. Lastly, if you hear a loud buzzing sound or see what appears to be a black cloud approaching, run as quickly as you can or duck under the water for as long as you can. That "cloud" will be a swarm made up of a particularly nasty species of fly native to this island. If they catch you they'll burrow into your flesh and drain you of your blood, and that's if you're lucky. If you're not, they'll end up drinking enough to incapacitate you, then lay eggs inside your body. The larvae that hatch are prone to digging into bone to feed on your marrow rather than just blood or tissue. If that happens it'll take weeks to die, and it'll be agonizing every step of the way. I've seen this first hand, and personally, i'd sooner slit my own throat than sit through that.". Jacque let his words hang in the damp air as he stared down each member of the rag tag group.

[Assistant]
Priscilla stepped from the tunnel and smiled, feeling the open air upon her face. Her revelry was cut short by the smell of moss, stagnant water and rotting plant matter, a dank scent thick in the air that hit her in the back of the throat and made her stomach budge slightly with disgust. She looked to the dragonspawn and nodded curtly, "Well done, Dragonspawn. You'd make a fine miner, I'd wager. Still would have like to walk the earth on its surface, as the Maker intended, but we are here now. I have no interest in complaining." After a bash of her fist on her breastplate out of small respect, she turned to Jacque and pushed the scent of the nearby swamp from her mind, trying to take in all of the sage advice that he doled out. "I see. So in short, we have man-eating mud, man-eating insects and more man-eating mud before us. And we are to wade through it all before we reach the dragon itself?" She grinned, the prospect of danger exciting her and spurring her heart on even more. "I am to believe that the beast itself resides in the centre of the swamp itself?"

In the back of her mind, she could still taste the scent of something malicious on the air, just as before. Rotting plant and brimstone, smog and smoke. Her fingers felt as if they were punctured on all sides by needles, and her eye felt fit to leap from her skull, prompting her to rub it slowly as she gazed at their surroundings. Something was here. Something unnatural. She tightened her grip on Verschlinger and gave it a small practice swing before pointing towards the swamp with it. "If so, then I guess its to the centre of the swamp we go."


[System]
Age: 25
Race: Human
Appearance: Short, red hair, sea blue eyes and a pale complexion, Jaime has the cast of a dreamer. Despite spending days under the scalding sun, he never seems to burn. If you looked closer, you would see the faint outlines of two runes etched into his skin, just beneath the nape of his neck. The first channels magic, the second provides a degree of fire protection.
He is of middling height, around 5ft 11inch, maybe six on a good day. Despite resembling a learned man, his body has been honed by years of fighting beasts, first in his native Tour de Rouge, and then in the Nether Gate. He also happens to be quite handsome, which even the girls he has left behind will bitterly attest to.

Attire: Typically, when not fighting monsters, Jaime wears a white linin shirt under a jacket of monster hide died red. When he is fighting monsters, he wears only padded leather armour, with a few metal plates behind over more vital areas. They are, however, empowered by runes of his own design so that, when hit, he armour is harder than plate. Like all heroes, he neglects a helmet, stating it would ruin his hair. In reality, it blocks the flow of magic to the rune on his neck, which would significantly hamper his runic enchantments.

Bio:
Growing up, Jaimie fully embraced the hunter ethos, throwing himself into each fight with an almost suicidal vigour. It was his mother who gave him his runes, she herself being a skilled rune smith, and she instilled his curiosity and his desire to learn more. As he began to craft his weapon, she aided him with knowledge of the correct symbols to inscribe and the correct way to pull the magic through the blades, though of course, he did the work himself. The weapon that he crafted was one that he had always wanted even as a boy, when he fought with nothing but a long stick. His father called it a double-glaive, a thick metal haft with sword blades at either end, (You, like those things some elves use on LotR) Jaimie's also split in half to form two short sword. Despite it's tremendous weight, he has fought with it long enough to know how to use it properly. He first kill was a huge golem which had been driven crazy by a wild magical force, it was ten feet high and crafted of stone. The fight went on for hours, and it is said that they fought for so long that the runes on his blade grew hot enough to slice through the golems stone body, and this was how it was defeated. This much is true.
At the bidding of his mother, whom desired that he also should learn how to craft runes, lest there be none locally when she died, he set off for Nether Gate in order to improve his craft, aged only fifteen.

Upon arriving there, he apprenticed with a demon hunter named Marik, who was well known for often going out alone to hunt demons, and returning with more heads than many parties could hope for. It took much cajoling, fighting, and a life debt before he agreed to take him on, but he soon found that the boy was an apt learner, and soon they were discussing runes as practically equals, as opposed to student and teacher. Jaime made quite a name for himself as an accomplice to the legend Marik, establishing one of his own.

Completing his 'apprenticeship', Jaimie bid farewell to Marik, vowing that they would meet again soon. Journeying back to his native village, as he promised his mother, he returned to the life he'd led before, hunting, fighting, working, he even began work on an runic chainmail suit, every link being individually inscribed with the desired runes, but he still hasn't finished it. It just wasn't the same, back home. He missed the thrill, the adventure of Nethergate. So he left. Now he's in Tour de Rouge, looking for someone to share in his adventure.

Personality and Aspirations:
Jaimie's a thrill seeking, risk taking son of a bitch, and can barely sit still unless he's doing something
(weak ADHD), but his speech is quite smooth and practiced, which comes with being an shameless f***boy ladies man. He is a constant seeker of adventure.

Inventory:
Jaimie's aptly named bright flame glows with the power of the runes used upon it, which allow it to slice through even the hardest of mundane metals as if they were butter. As the fight goes on, the runes become more powerful as they begin to heat up with the current of magic passing through, and more than a few times, flame has manifested itself on the blades. It can be wielded as a double glaive, or split into two short swords.
Jaimie's leathers, as well as having a strength akin to plate, are completely flame retardant, and ehance the strength of the rune on his skin to the point the he could stand in a bonfire and barely feel a prickle.

Basic survival supplies
Coin purse (respectable amount of money)
Backpack
Equipment to complete minor runes

Skills

Runesmith:
Jaimie has the knowledge required to create powerful runes, although he is not a master. He specialises in creating flame enchantments and developing runes of his own design, but is more than capable of creating almost any kind of other rune you could imagine. And some which you couldn't.

Beast Hunter:
Jaimie has fought many beasts and demons in his time, and he knows how to handle himself and adapt his strategies.

Agile fighter:
Despite it's cumbersome weight, Jaimie has found a way to use his weapon that involves as many doges as parries, and can keep it up for quite some time.

Languages
Jaimie speaks fluent Abbalic and Neath-scratch.

Current Location: Tour de Rouge

[User]
Falke East Shopping District

"I would recommend ye take yer leave as quick as ye can friend." The man said with a slight snarl that offset his previously polite responses.

Cain was at an impasse, he was here to collect information and make an informed decision on what he wished to do next, but staying would certainly cause this man to alert the guards and the surrounding crowds, Cain probably could escape them with his knowledge from the city but that in itself would be a major inconvenience and would keep guards on the lookout for him. Yet even despite all these variables, from a sense of annoyance Cain really did not want to let this guy talk down to him with no issue.

"With further reassurance. Why don't you-" Cain was interrupted when the man grabbed a handful of the back of his hood.

"I said you'd best leave, friend! Or perhaps take the consideration to dress with much less-" The man himself was interrupted with a savage punch to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and sending the man hunched over on the ground. Cain readjusted his hood.

"Enjoyment. As a professional, am ashamed to admit it but; did enjoy that much more than should have. Please refrain from harassing citizens in the future." Cain said quickly, as if to conclude his turn in this petty battle of one upsmanship.

Swiftly and before the man could even start alerting the guards, the immediate surrounding crowd had turned their attention to the two, Cain began pushing his way through the mass of humanity. Blending in was finished but if he was quick the descriptions of him may get jumbled up and wrong.

"It was him! It was the freak in the leather armour!" A woman helpfully pointed out from one of the crowd, prompting others to yell out vague pieces of information on Cain and others to call for the guards proper.

Amass the sea of angry faces trying to push him back or hurling insults in his face, Cain kept his head down and continued pushing and squeezing his way to the edge of the crowd.

[Assistant]
The golem under Denise shifted uncomfortably during the conversation. The fundamental difference between soulbound golems and normal ones, this one had a mind of it's own. Denise's former sister was like any other person, so to speak, however she could not go against anything that Denise said, or do anything to harm her. She was a slave, no more, no less. But now this slave was getting uncomfortable.

Denise patted the golem's head. "Oh, but it might turn into my concern. Because if you want to go there, you'll need me as a guide. And that place is incredibly deadly, and the person who might hold the information you seek is not kind to strangers. So...currency does not concern me too much, my life however...is a very different matter."

She paused for a while. "So..how much are you willing to give up? Your life? Limbs? Your soul, cast to eternal damnation?" Denise chuckled. "Because there's no way I'm going back out there without knowing your commitment, and what's in it for me, of course."

[User]
[Tirñea]

 Tirñea listened intently to everything the knight had to say, only catching a few snippets of the conversation directly beside them. Mentally she ran over the correct pronunciation of the city a few times, then took a moment to consider everything she'd been told to keep her next question from sounding foolish. Was everyone in this city a hunter? The knight had spoken of such an activity like it was a common pass time, the idea worrying Tirñea since as far as she knew the beasts in this land could be very dangerous.

 "The hunters?" Tirñea questioned, still unsure who the knight was directing her towards. Quickly she looked around at the people walking in and out of the city, nobody in particular standing out other than what few individuals carried weapons. Looking back to the knight, Tirñea noticed as the woman adjusted her hold on the hammer she carried, then realized the other two nearby were also carrying weaponry. Though she looked most like what Tirñea could imagine a hunter as, the knight had already explained that she was military. The other two weren't wearing any uniform by the looks of it though, and since they were close it was a fair guess. "Those two," Tirñea started, lowering her map and looking towards the woman in green and man in red, "are they hunters?" She spoke softly enough to try and avoid being overheard by either of them, but since they were so near it was a little obvious that her attention was now on them.

 The man in red's response caught Tirñea off guard, though his cheerful demenour elicited a smile from the startled girl. "Tirñea, it is nice to meet you too," she replied, fairly pleased that this Jaimie fellow had introduced himself as a hunter. He spoke cheerfully, introducing the other two he was with but omitting their names. If the woman in green was paying Jaimie to kill something she might not be a hunter after all, but rather than assume Tirñea stayed silent to see what she or the knight might have to say.

---

[Calieo]

 Calieo's grin deflated the moment the merchant began to explain her tedious demands again. Still though, the knight listened to what ashen skinned woman had to say. The idea of a guide was insulting at best, even if Calieo knew absolutely nothing regarding the place she wanted to travel. Still though, she'd known nothing of what the mountains would be like to navigate, and here she was without so much as a few bruises. An informed decision just might be beneficial this time around though, if all that the merchant was saying had even some truth to it.

 "I know not what this 'soul' you speak of is, but you should know that I'm not only willing, but eager to give up life and limb to find what I need," Calieo proposed, hoping the answer would somehow please this uncooperative fool. Whatever sacrifices needed to be made would be done, and though Calieo truthfully meant what she'd just said, there were far more expendable lives and limbs than her own. After thinking for a moment though, the knight considered that these things might not be enough still. These people were obsessed with currency, such a wasteful practice, but still perhaps it could serve a purpose.

 For a moment Calieo looked around the market, her eyes watching as people exchanged handfuls of metal discs. Dull browns, soft greys, and the heavily contrasted glimmer of gold. A short ways away, the sight of someone pushing their way through the crowds amidst angry shouting brought a slight grin the Calieo's lips, then she finally returned her attention to the merchant standing above her. "Perhaps, if you would be willing to aid me in such a noble cause, there would be plentiful compensation of the- shiny variety," Calieo proposed, failing to recall a word for valuable things. "Though I carry nothing with me, with my influence I can ensure whatever amount of monetary compensation you require will be fulfilled. That is, if you're willing to help me reach my goal," Calieo went on, putting on a more sincere smile this time and raising an inquisitive eyebrow.

[Assistant]
Seeing that no reply had been immediately forthcoming, the foreign travellers enquiry caught his ear. He turned and flashed her a smile and a wink, "Jaimie Cartarsy, monster and demon hunter," he gave a slight bow, "Pleased to meet you, miss..." He wondered if she had a foreign name to match her look, or if she'd just chosen a more local one. He hoped she hadn't, he quite liked the way a lot of foreign names tended to roll of the tongue, those of his own country always seemed a bit blunt. She did look foreign, though, and he'd certainly not seen many people who looked like her before. Her eyes in particular, a deep shade of green, were very interesting. He'd have to ask her about where she came from at some point, you can't travel everywhere, and hearing about it was the next best thing.

If she replies, Jaimie would smile again and say, "I like that name, far more...imaginative, than some others around here. Sounds good to." He repeats the name a few more times to himself, smiling. "Of the lovely lady in green, I can tell you little except that she has given me money and something to kill, so she is, to all intents and purposes, the greatest lady in this vicinity at the moment." He looked up at the armour clad Veronica who stood behind the girl, "She's cool to. If only because I fear what she'll do if I say otherwise."


[System]
Rank (If applicable): Commander

Species: Sangheili

Appearance (for his armor, at least):
Height: 7'10"

Skills:Vael bears the title of a blademaster, and with good reason. He also has general combat experience befitting his many years of experience, and has a long history of leadership.

Preferred Weapons/Equipment:
* Type-1 energy sword
* Type-25 plasma rifle
* Type-57 carbine
* Active Camouflage

Background: Vael 'Virisusai is an old and experienced warrior, having already held the rank of major at the start of the Human-Covenant war. For him, the war had been an opportunity both to strive for the honor and glory of victory, and to serve the will of the gods. Early in his career, there was nothing that had set him apart from other ambitious Sangheili warriors. He did not have any particularly exceptional skills, nor an enlightened strategic mind. What he did have was the ability to survive, and to learn every lesson he could take in from every battle and skirmish.

Over the course of the war, every facet of Vael's skill as a warrior was honed to a fine edge. From simple aim, to his ability to keep a calm mind in the chaos of battle, Vael became a more and more deadly presence on any battlefield. Victories, and especially defeats, shaped his judgment and leadership ability just as much as his personal combat skills. Like many of his kind, he preferred to kill in close quarters, especially with a blade. In both fighting against the Humans and countless hours of training and sparring among other Sangheili, he learned the intricacies of using a blade in a variety of contexts, and against different opponents. Given his people's respect for swordsmanship, it was this accomplishment, perhaps more than the others, that most helped him to ascend the ranks of the Covenant. In the end, it was not accident, nor fate, nor genetics bestowing natural talent that created the warrior Vael became. It was pure, earned experience.

In the closing years of the Human-Covenant war Vael had ascended all the way up to the rank of Zealot, and in the final months, he had remained on High Charity after accepting an even more honored position. He was present when High Charity arrived at Installation 05…and present when the San'Shyuum wholly betrayed the Sangheili. Being stationed on the Covenant Holy City, he was a part of some of the thickest of fighting against Jiralhanae-led Covenant forces, then later the Flood as it infected the city. Ultimately, he did escape the parasite and went on to join the Fleet of Retribution to cleanse Earth of the Flood. From there, he took part in the Battle of the Ark, which finally put an end to Truth's Covenant.

Following the end of the war, many Sangheili returned to their homes, to their clans. Many of those allied with one faction or another, but Vael did not do so immediately. His life had been one of honor and war, but most of all service to a faith he now knew to be a lie. Shortly after the Battle of the Ark, he secured a small ship and simply…left. He was not seen in Swords of Sanghelios space, nor that of the UNSC. With the exception of a single re-fueling run on Squala, it was as if he had vanished from civilized space.

Then, after a year's absence, Vael suddenly returned to Sanghelios itself. He pledged his service and loyalty to the Swords of Sanghelios. Given his history, he rose quickly through the ranks. However, those who knew him before the war would have saw some changes in him. He was more reserved, both in terms of speech, and in a more cautious, calculated style of leadership. Perhaps the most notieable change is that, while he still kills his enemies without hesitation, he no longer shows the same eagerness to take glory in battle. He no longer demonstrates his pride in his kills, nor intentionally seeks the most challenging of foes. Despite all of this, his effectiveness has not diminished. He continues to be an honored warrior among the Sangheili, but for those who knew him before, one cannot help but to wonder what else has changed within him. Despite this, he has been chosen for the Aegis Team as a Sangheili warrior with enough skill and experience to be comparable to a Spartan.

[User]
Vael 'Virisusai

---

Vael's meditation was interrupted by a visitor at his door. Naturally, he had received few since he had been staying on his planet. Some of the younger members of his team had chosen to indulge some of their curiosity on this world, but Vael himself had been content to keep to himself. He suspected that ONI had anticipated he and his team would behave just as Vael had been when they offered them the freedom of movement befitting a guest. It was for that reason that Vael did not mind allowing his team to defy their expectations and do as they willed. It would certainly cause some irritation for their handlers.

In any case, Vael allowed his guest to enter his quarters. The room was entirely unchanged from its state when the Humans had assigned it to him, apart from the large covenant storage crate near the back of the room that contained his personal belongings. He listened in silence to everything the Spartan Ben had to say to him, then stood himself to his feet once he was finished. Even out of armor, Vael still towered over the Spartan. Across his body were many marks of his long military service. Scars from gashes both deep and shallow, plasma burns, and the remnants of more than a few gunshots. Even were Vael a mute, his body alone could weave a compelling tale.

At first, Vael simply stared down at Ben with a stare that was hard to read. Even after he spoke, it was hard to say if he was being judgmental, or merely contemplative. "You say your job is to punish insubordination and cowardice? You require this…deception and secret orders merely to punish the unworthy within your ranks? I still find myself confused on how your people have become so competent with the limitations you cast upon yourselves. But it is no matter to me what you do to your own people. Share whatever information your superiors have deemed necessary. You need only make sure to stay your hand against my warriors. If any should prove themselves unworthy of our ranks, then they will be mine to punish, not yours."

[Assistant]
Ben-E218

"Oh, don't worry. I'd never attack a Sangheili in our group for those things. The UNSC's authority doesn't go that far, even though ONI seems to think that it should interfere with whatever it wants. For the record, I've always admired your people's ability to get things done. In any event, the information in question is that my standing orders supersede any particular directives I am otherwise assigned to on a mission. My superiors believed that you needed to be privy to this in order to explain my long periods of seeming absence. What I do is something my people- the human race- needs very badly yet cannot bring itself to admit. By necessity, what I do must be done off the record. The truth is a luxury my species can't afford. We're too weak to handle it, to paraphrase a centuries-old movie my people made."

Ben looked at Vael's armor, still unused. The armor was in a crate, but it was a container which Ben had seen before in Covenant barracks.

"And on one minor note, you may want to put your armor on when you absolutely don't need to have it off. God knows there are plenty of people who have it out for your species after what happened during the war. Like at Harvest. Or Reach. Or even Earth, although I suppose we should thank your people for glassing that part of Africa, since the Flood had landed there and anything to stop them was warranted. Rest assured that you're being watched by ONI even now, but that doesn't mean they're looking out for your safety."

 "For the record, Harvest was glassed by the Jiralhanae. Not that many people care to draw that distinction, although I suppose most people lump all of the Covenant in as equally culpable for those glassings, regardless of the facts."  Phong kept his speech limited to Ben's systems, so Vael didn't hear that.

[User]
Spartan Lucas Ryker

After finishing up cleaning his weapons, the SPARTAN-IV could only stand to be in the quiet for another few minutes before, with a groan, he geared up and headed out. Well, specifically, he grabbed his knives and his pistol and headed out. Once his door was closed to his room and the lock had engaged, he turned to his handler as they approached and shook his head. "ONI can stuff it, Sergeant. And be sure to tell them I said exactly that when you have to report that I wouldn't allow you to accompany me on MY home planet." The handler, stunned by the way Lucas bluntly handled his approach, doesn't even try to follow him as he heads for the room of Aegis' Swords commander, pausing just in time to hear the SPARTAN-III finish his sentence.

"Rest assured that you're being watched by ONI even now, but that doesn't mean they're looking out for your safety." Ryker's snort likely caught the attention of the pair as he joined Ben in the doorway.

"Lad, if that isn't the understatement of the day, I don't know what is." Offering a bow to Vael, the SPARTAN-IV removes his helmet and offers a smile to him. "If you're up for it, Commander 'Virisusai, I was about to head down to the seaboard for some fresh seafood. Thought I'd stop by and see if you wanted to join me."

[Assistant]
Vael 'Virisusai

---

"My superior instructed me not to mention the parasite while on your worlds, since your leaders hide the reality of it from your people. I do not know why they feel that ignorance of the threat will protect them from it. Vael remarked.

Vael was not sure whether to be irritated or relieved by the arrival of Spartan Ryker. He had been content with the silence of his meditation, but it seemed the time for that had passed. He had permitted the Spartan to assist with many of his missions during the time since the battle on Sarcophagus. In truth, he had not expected the idea of Aegis team to survive, but he did agree with it in principle, for he believed in the Arbiter's principles. He would not be here if he felt otherwise.

In the time that they were working together, Vael had treated Ryker exactly as Tar, Yalu, or any other warrior, giving him no trouble, nor special treatment. That said, he had not made a habit of socializing with anyone under his command, and he wondered what Ryker hoped to gain by making this suggestion. "Is this a custom of yours I am unfamiliar with, or is there something else you wish to accomplish? The staff of this building already provide me with food."

[User]
Spartan Lucas Ryker

Ryker shrugs, roughing his hair with his free hand. "You could say it is a bit of a custom of humanity in as a whole. Before we took to the stars and encountered the Covenant, military units often became a small family, as they came to rely and trust each other explicitly both on and off the battle field, and as a result, they'd often do things such as going to meals together and other activities to build trust and cohesion. I figured you'd appreciate the chance to get some fresh air too, since I'm pretty sure you've been in your room far more than I have."

The SPARTAN-IV glances down the hall, where Vael's handler was sitting, talking into a cell phone and he sighs. "I can also get you a break from ONI's little watch dogs, if only for a couple of hours. Both Major 'Suumko and Commando 'Mdalak have been spending their time out amongst the city. Though personally, I think it's because ONI didn't think they'd actually spend their time outside of their rooms."

[Assistant]
Vael let out a low hum. "You may expect what you like of your customs from your own soldiers, but I warn you against expecting the same of me. I am here to fight for our alliance, not for cultural study."

As much as he might have preferred solitude, however, there was some reason for Vael to want to leave. From what he had heard, it did seem more likely now that Aegis team might become a permanent unit, but Humans still confused him in many ways. Some of their behavior reminded him of Unggoy in how pointless they seemed, yet he could not deny their effectiveness overall. He worried that it would be unwise to simply deny that which he did not understand.

"Although, if my leaving would be to the irritation of my 'handlers'…"" Vael grunted. "I suppose that would be an acceptable reason to go."

Approaching the large crate on the other side of the room, Vael unlocked it to retrieve his armor. Inside the container were essentially all of the personal effects that Vael cared to bring with him, though it was packed quite tightly. The largest objects were armor pieces, but it was not just his usual armor that was contained within. Alongside the normal armor he was retrieving, the others would be able to glimpse an older set. Pragmatically speaking, it was of higher quality than his Swords armor, but it was not what he chose to wear. Aside from armor, there were also other objects from his past, but most of those were not visible from the angle at which the Humans were looking.