[System]
"We burn this city to purge it of heresy!"
Universe:
Warhammer 40k (OC)
Personality:
Hot headed, brutal, ruthless, and downright kind of a bitch....
Short bio:
Erica was born originally on a nice, quiet agricultural world. Sadly, it had the dreaded taint of CHAOS! The Inquisition soon arrived to deal with the "problem". The planet was practically set ablaze by the Inquisition as they burned each farm, each settlement, that had any hint of chaos to it. Erica's town was soon targeted when she was only nine years of age. Inquisition soldiers began to interrogate the townspeople, and surprise surprise, CHAOS! It existed and had touched every one of them! They began to burn both the town and its population alive, but when the sergeant came in to burn Erica's home down, he took pity on her and ended up taking her in. Her parents may have been obviously chaos cultist conspirators, but this little girl glowed with innocence, or so he said to his commander.

Or that's what she thought.

Really, she was the daughter of the commanding officer of said agricultural world. The Inquisition took an interest in her as she displayed early on in her father's teachings. Thus he father was secretly framed to be a servant of chaos, leading to the very death of her parents and the burning of half her homeworld.

Unsurprisingly, it was decided by the commanding officer to test this purity by sending her to become a Stormtrooper for the Inquisition. She grew up in the Schola Progenium, taking quickly to the teachings and easily sliding into the folds of the Imperial Cult. So much so, that she earned a reputation of beating her fellow students to near death (or just death), when they dare question the teachings, or even worse, show lack of faith in the Emperor!

When she left the school as a perfectly forged recruit for the Inquisition. She went on to fight for them, developing a more brutal personality as the campaigns dragged on. While fighting off a surprise invasion of daemons on a death planet of Lavos, she was attacked by a monstrosity of the warp, sending her into the unknown...
Equipment
As seen in picture!
Skills
Killing stuff... From hand to hand to long range, she is a killer through and through. Being a stormtrooper, she is particularly keen on getting up close and personal as well as tossing as many grenades as possible!
Age
28
Gender
Female
Other
BURN THE HERETICS!

[User]
"Mommy I don't wanna ride the pony...no...n-"

Wade Wilson or better known as Deadpool awoke to find himself on an island in the middle of the ocean the sun beating down on his backside and he was covered in seaweed.

"Really,"

Deadpool said as he got up wiping himself off.

"So I have to do this ugh I can always just-"

And then he noticed a part of his utility belt was broken: the teleportation device, Deadpool slapped a hand to his masked face.

"Well this is going to be a problem"

He looked around to find a girl yelling for a Mad- a Madyoo...

"How do even pronounce that?"

Deadpool said holding a script with a pair of small glasses on his mask which he threw both into the ocean.

"Well whatever at least we're not alone!"

Wade walked over to the girl who was now grumbling about some of her personal problems and he tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey uh so yeah we're kinda stuck on an island so let's work together or something like that,"

He said with a bored yawn and a whimsical tone of voice.

"The names Deadpool or Wade but just call me Deadpool!"

And he looked at the girl skeptically and then said.

"And what's your name?"

[Assistant]
Sayaka kept walking until she felt someone tap on her shoulder, she immediately turned around to face the man who looked like he was some kinda Marvel superhero or something.

My names Sayaka and I also gotten lost on this island too. say deadpool. have you happened to see A girl about my age with Pink hair walk by?. Sayaka introduced herself to deadpool and reached out her hand for Deadpool to shake. So. Team?. Sayaka asked.

[User]
Madara woke up on grass, right in the middle of the island. He thought he was alone. His clothes were dirty for some reason. He started wondering how he had ended up in that area, and where he was before. He was confused. Madara tried to call for help. But there was no reply. He wasn't used to surviving and needed help. He then caught something move at the corner of his eye. As quickly as he can, He ran towards it. And he was surprised when he saw two people. Walking with each other. He soon realised that he had to talk to them, whether he's like it or not. As they could be helpful. So he gets ready and walks towards the two Strangers, "Hello, I'm Madara, I seem to be stuck in this mysterious place, could you please tell me where I am?"

The two people look at Madara in surprise. He looked so huge and dangerous, and they didn't know if they could team up with him or not.

[Assistant] @Blackmist16 Sayaka lowered her hand turned around to the man who looked like he definitely needed to cut his hair once in a while and then lifted both of her hands and performed something that was called a shrug Beats me, both of us don't know where the heck are. say, have you seen a girl my age of pink hair anywhere?.

[User] Madara Looks at the girl in surprise, not knowing whether to answer her or not. He suddenly starts to speak "Sorry, But I just woke up, and haven't seen anyone" Madara starts to look around, he was hungry. He didn't know how long he had been unconscious. Probably for a whole day. He has never been this tired. He is one of the strongest shinobi of all time, and was surprised of how hungry/thirsty he is. He started to ask the girl "How are we going to survive this, We don't have food or water" Madara didn't know anything about survival, and started to ask many stupid questions. He definitely needed help.

[Assistant]
well thats okay.Well I guess maybe we need to find food and water? Sayaka shrugged once more and told the small group of people that they obviously need to find food and water.

Sayaka stopped and thought for a minute does anyone know how to find food and water? @Blackmist16

[User]
Deadpool just kind of pointed to the jungle casually not even looking at it, the. He said to Sayaka.

"Well there's always the dangerous and most likely to kill us option"

He said cheerfully, then he looked the guy who called himself Madara was wondering where he is.

"Well first off M-Mad- uh whatever I'll call you Murderer so first off we were wondering the same thing and secondary to that and most important why in hell's name did the author of my this setting make my teleportation belt not work,"

And Deadpool continued speaking to him.

"I am Deadpool and this Sayaka she does stuff I kill stuff what's your name pal?"

Deadpool asked "Murderer" guy.

[Assistant]
should I tell them?....maybe not..yeah that can wait. Sayaka thought a bit in her head, Thats me, the girl who does stuff Sayaka waved her hand to the Murderer guy in response to deadpool.

wait...whos the Author? Sayaka thought and then heard the sound of things rustling from a small green bush near the Lush green jungle of the Island. Sayaka turned around and stared at the bush and pointed to it, Theirs definitely something in that bush, I'm guessing its a animal and its eatable @Blackmist16@DarkLord99

[User] Dark yawned and sat up looking around surprised. It seemed that he was alive again, yet he couldn't sense the hero of time as he normally could. How very strange. He looked around and saw he was on some sort of beach, nearby a group of three people seemed to be conversing. Well he had no desire to do the same so he began walking inland wondering if he could find anything of interest. It seemed he had most of his equipment with him so that was good, why exactly was he here though...

[Assistant]
Sayaka mentioned eatable and Deadpool thought killable but they were two very different minds.

"I can guarantee it probably will either be something completely horrific or it's just a bunny rabbit"

He said as he stood there casually tapping his foot with impatience, he had noticed the Emo cosplayer dude walk off but I don't think it would bode well with the Emo if they tried to follow him most everyone would die...all except Deadpool sadly because of his regenerative capabilities, and that would most likely lead to the Emo cosplayer becoming even more annoyed so he let him go wherever he was going which was probably to his death whereas really if Deadpool actually died he could probably just woo death as he always did and maybe even save his new friends.

"Anywho who is for killing whatever is in the bush say I I!"

He said excitedly raising his hand as if in vote.

[User] Count Vladra Helcrest awoke in a forested area of the island. Drawing his sword he looked around 'by the endless were am I?' he thought to him self walk deeper into the forest.

[Assistant]
and then suddenly a medium sized green reptile hopped out of the bush, not just any reptile it was a raptor, it immediately jumped up in the air flying straight towards deadpool, Another Raptor hopped out of a green bush and another,

before the group could notice they were completely surrounded by a gang of 9 Reptillian creatures known as Raptors, one of the Raptors had a navy blue streak on its head.

I! Sayaka yelled and reached her hand into her pocket taking out a blue gem with a golden frame around it, She held it up in the air with her right hand and in a blinding white glow her school uniform was changed to a Blue leather breastplate with a white skirt, a cape Materialized on Sayakas back, the soul gem glowed white and disappeared, only to reappear on Sayaka's belly button.

A Sword appeared in Sayakas hand, Sayaka grabbed the handle of the sword with one hand, her face almost immediately turned from a Smile to a serious stare. @Blackmist16@DarkLord99@Eklispe

[User]
Dead pool had minor trouble prying the Raptor off his face but it prevailed after the fifth try and he had no time to rest so he did a back flip away from the small creatures and pulled out his two swords as he landed.

"I'm so awesome"

He said to himself, he was instantly attacked by another Raptor who he had to behead in order to kill it and another who he cut in half he sheathed his swords and pulled out his two hand guns.

"Eat lead Mother$&@%ers!"

And he shot one clean in the head and it dropped he shot another who had to take another shot to die, a Raptor bit his leg as he tried to shoot and he misfired and hit a tree instead aggravated he decided to grab it by the mouth and pry its jaws open which took great effort but worked and he let go of the jaw and grabbed it by the neck held it in the air and threw it up in the air and shot it as it fell.

[Assistant]
A raptor ran towards Sayaka, Sayaka immediately turned around to face the creature who by the time she faced the raptor the raptor had already pounced on her and pinned her onto the ground, Sayaka's sword flew out of her hands in a arc and disappeared in a white glow.

Sayaka grunted in response and a small dagger appeared in her hand, Sayaka flicked her hand and the knife flew straight through the raptors head, piercing straight through the reptiles head leaving a hole on the backside of the reptiles neck, Blood whipped at Sayakas face leaving a red crimson streak of blood.

Sayaka immediately gotten up only to be attacked by, yet another raptor. a sword materialized in Sayaka's hand in just enough time to block the creatures slash. Sayaka counter-attacked the Reptile with a clean cut through the creatures head. decapitating the thing in one slice.

[User] Dark turned back at the loud sound of animals in pain and loud booming noises. It seemed the group had been set upon by creatures that looked like small dondongos. Since they and already killed around 5 out of the 9 that beset them they were clearly more than a match for the creatures. But it did warn him that this place was dangerous, he proceeded inland more cautiously. Through the trees he glanced a heavily armored warrior with a massive sword but he had even less desire to talk to this one than the others so he continued on his way.

[Assistant] Madara was not worried or scared of how dangerous this island could be. He had never been scared in his life, and he obviously would never be. Madara told the group of people that he'd protect them if there was an attack. He is really strong and fast. And nothing could touch him or even get closer to him. He could sense attacks from a large distance. But didn't warn the other group because he wanted to test their strength. He was impressed. Madara was prepared for a huge attack, and knew that this is not just the beginning, as there would be huger, fiercer creatures that could be impossible to defeat. He thought to himself "This is not just the beginning". He suddenly caught something moving, far in the distance between the trees. He readied his fists, and waited as that huge armored beast approaches him with his giant sword...

[User]
"FOR THE EMPEROR!" Erica yelled as she charged across the line, chainsaw bayonet brought to bare on the small Tau squad. Suddenly an object landed next to her foot, then white

A red haired woman awoke on the shores of an unknown island. Mystery surrounded her as there was no sign of wreckage or means of how she even got there. Sitting up, she moaned and rubbed her aching head. "By the Emperor.... where am I?" she groaned aloud, glancing around. She picked up her over-charged las gun and helmet before moving inland. Erica crept through the forest, staying low and being vigilant. Suddenly she heard something and immediately hid. A human looking creature, with nearly black skin and red eyes made its way through the forest.

"Could that be... a human tainted by chaos? Perhaps.... Well... the fact remains that its either a filthy xeno or a corrupted human. Right then!" she thought to herself, watching the creature. Suddenly she burst forth from the foliage, charging towards the creature, las gun blazing. "DIE YOU FOUL CREATURE!!!" she yelled as she ran.


[System]
Race: Centaur (sheep based)

Sex: Female

Age: 23

Class/Job: Druid/Traveler

Description: Being a sort of subspecies of centaur, she only stands at about six feet tall, and her wool is perfect for colder climates.

Biography: Growing up in a small village, Valis always wanted to travel and discover all the secrets the world has to offer. As a lamb, she showed great interest and potential in both healing arts and magic. This caught the attention of an old Druid centaur, and he decided to teach the younger his ways, Valis was taught of the ways of nature, as well some thrown in philosophy and stories of Druidism.

Upon reaching adulthood, she finally proved herself worthy for her mentor and was given permission to travel freely. He hoped that Valis would learn more in with more hands on training in the outside world.

Along her journey, she tries to help as many people could to the best of her ability. Most of the time she works as a traveling healer to villages and towns, using homemade remedies found in nature. She also manages to work in some minor tailoring, or rather making warm clothes and blankets from her own wool, often to be given to those who need them.

With no destination, she travels wherever the wind takes her, and just so happened to be heading to a small village in Itari.

Possessions:
-Seble, her sugar glider animal companion.

-Sadle bag where she carries supplies needed for travel
-herbs and other sorts of plants for medicinal purposes
-pestle and mortar for grinding up said medicines
-Knitting needles
-A wooden cane, ironically similar to that of what a shepherd would wield, mostly used as a walking stick, but as a last resort could be a weapon (she's not too fond of violence).
-Simple cloth poncho top as she's easily overheated

Demeanor: Being a caring and endearing person, Valis kind to anyone and everyone she meets. She is protective of those who cannot protect themselves, acting similar to that of a den mother. Valis sees the best in people as well situations, and often tries to get others to see it as well. She's compassionate and a born listener, meaning she's eager to hear the woes of a complete stranger. One of the downsides of her friendliness is she can't say no, as well tends to forget about taking care of her own herself. She's also not the smartest of the bunch, being rather gullible, and often not one to understand sarcasm.

[User]
The Tavern:
 The sound of large wings flapping echoed as black feathers dropped to the floor once more as the large Raven flew to land upon Vivian's shoulder. The raven looked to the two newcomers, the rat and the centaur. Strange the animal was to it. The Raven looked to Cassandra, its master and then back to the Centaur. The Raven wasn't the only one who reacted to Valis's appearance. Cassandra's attention was now set on her as well as Vivian's as she turned her head to look in her direction. The two were so focused on Valis that they didn't even notice Feiia enter the tavern.

 Cassandra did follow the pale elf for awhile with her eyes before her eyes turned back to Valis. Centaur's where not rare in this country ,but they were usually of a much bigger variety with their lower half looking more like a horses, not of a sheep.

 Vivian perked a brow and then looked to her shoulder. "Bernard, go retrieve room key,...." She said pausing and looking to Valis's scanning her size and judging her weight. "...number six." She said and the raven flew off past the bar and into the back room. "That will be ten gold for the night,.... fifteen if you want to throw in a warm cooked meal with it." She said. Vivian began to take her steps closer to the centaur. She then reached out and opened her hand to accept the coins. Her tattoos showing ever more clearly. Her white tattoos being that of webs and flowers. Even her top had some what a spider web design. The essence of the drow showing itself much more then Vivian would have liked.

 "Let me be the first to welcome you to the village of Reisui,.. is this your first visit?" She asked. The Raven returned from the back room behind the bar and landed back on Vivian's shoulder with the room key dangling from its beak.

The Longhouse:

 The Jarl's housecarl exited with the guard to see Durin. The guard taking his place while the housecarl held the door open for the dwarf. "The Jarl will like to see you,.. he want's to reward you personally." He said. However, Durin and the housecarl would not be the only ones to seek out the Jarl's audience. The two were joined by a guard who had just come from the northern gate. "I must speak with the Jarl, we just received a trader who has been attacked by a bandit hit." He informed. The housecarl nodded and gestured for him to enter as well. Closing the door behind them as they entered. He then moved to lead them to large table at the far end. Here sat the Jarl himself and his wife Arielle. The Jarl swallowed his food and wiped his fingers on a napkin as he picked up a good sized pouch of gold and stood up. The pouch was full of three hundred gold pieces exactly.

 The guard waited his turn as the Jarl tossed the payment to Durin. He then prepared to catch the sack which held the bounty. He then looked to the guard and nodded. "What is it?..." Jarl Erich asked. The guard stood straight up and proceeded to repeat what he said to the housecarl.

 "A old trader passed by the northern gate, survivor of a bandit attack on his wagon. " The guard informed. The Jarl's eyes narrowed as he sat back in his chair and sighed. Arielle looked to the guard and then to Durin. She then looked to the Jarl and leaned to whisper in his ear. The Jarl, suddenly felt his eyes move to the dwarf as she spoke. "What is your name?" He asked.

Reisui:

 Eirika and Haldir approached the village from the east. They stopped and studied the little settlement. Eirika leaned in and then leaned back whistling. "The village looks like one of those paintings you would see of the winter,... I suppose we can stop here for the night, right?" She asked as she turned to her brother. His stare fixated on the tiny village. He tore his gaze away and looked to his younger sister. He made a slight smile and nodded.
"That's the plan,... I think we will stay here for awhile and get the lay of the land so to speak" He answered. She nodded and looked back to the winter village and with her brother proceeded to enter the village. Their insignia being spotted right away by the guards.

 They gulped and looked to each other and then back forward. When the order comes to pay you a visit, it can't be good. They both hoped nothing bad will come of their home. The two elves moved their way past the other houses and eventually past the longhouse and to the tavern. They entered that tavern to come across what they did not expect. Not so much the Centaur, but two drow. He narrowed his eyes and then looked to his sister who just shrugged. He looked back towards them and tried to read them. They were not evil, but still it was uncommon for drow to be on the surface. He decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and led his sister to a table and pulled out a chair for her. Once she sat down he pushed her in and then joined her. The Centaur was obviously being served first, so they would have to wait.

 Haldir scanned the tavern for any more occupants and he took note of the unusually pale elf sitting alone in a booth. He kept his eyes on her for awhile and nodded in her direction. He then turned to face his younger sister and pulled back his hood, revealing his long blond hair and the fire from the hearth reflecting ever more on his blue eyes. Eirika's hair was a red color, very much like the Jarl's wife. She had to remove the sheaths of the swords at her sides and her hand crossbows and place them beside her. They were making her seating rather uncomfortable.

[Assistant]
Durin nodded at the housecarl, following the man in. Durin could tell from the way the man carried himself that he was a fighter. As Durin stepped in, he caught something about a bandit attack. Durin grunted. Seemed he might be able to obtain more work from this place. Bandits were a menace everywhere, and the dwarf was more than happy to rid the world of them, either by capturing them or outright killing them.

As Durin approached the table, it was easy to see who the Jarl was. The man sat like he was a leader. Durin could easily see the calculating look in the man's eyes. He, too, had seen battle. Then again, there was a certain way that warriors behaved that let other warriors know that they had seen combat. It was a great way to pick out good allies... or dangerous threats.

After Durin caught the hefty bag, he tossed the Orc head right to the Jarl. The dwarf mercenary was glad he had absolutely no talent for magic, as he was sure the elf seated at the Jarl's right would be able to tell if he'd faked anything in a heartbeat. Durin had met quite a few elves in his travels. Elves and Dwarves usually got along at the very least, and Durin knew that many were potent sorcerers.

Durin waited for some sort of dismissal, as he was not one to disrespect any sort of leadership, especially potential employers. As the dwarf listened about the bandit attack, he could see the Jarl's reaction. The man must not have liked bandits, not that Durin blamed him. The man just wanted a peaceful existence for his town, probably. However, Durin saw the Elf lean in and whisper some words to the Jarl. Before he knew it, the Jarl had turned his attention back to him and asked his name. Durin nodded in respect. "My name is Durin Redfire. I'm a traveling mercenary, traveling to learn about other races and cultures firsthand." What Durin didn't tell him was that the Redfire family usually had some sort of ties to the politics of the Dwarves. Some of his ancestors had even served as personal advisors to Kings. Durin knew that he might never get rid of the itch for travel, but he figured that the knowledge he gained would somehow be useful to his family.

[User]
Upon her entering and disturbance among the few in the room, Valis felt like all eyes were on her. It wasn't like this was the first time, and certainly wouldn't be the last time. Even so, relax, people tend to look at you when you address them after all. She hesitated for a moment, making sure to get over her sheepishness with the flick of an ear.

Meanwhile, Valis's little friend wasn't too sure about this place. She let out nervous chitters, as if warning the centaur of the possible dangers this place may hide. Seble clambered from one horn to the other, looking to and fro for any signs of a threat. Something caught her eye as it fell to the ground. Curious, the sugar glider peeked at the ground, noticing it was a black feather. With more panicky barks, she dared looked up, seeing the owner of said feather. Ravens! She grew chattier, trying to catch Valis's attention, although her cries were ignored.

"Ooh, if you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate something to eat!" She gave her pouch a bounce, coins giving a jingle, pulling out fifteen gold, as was the price, but decided to add an extra five. "Please consider this extra as a gift for allowing me to stay indoors. Not many are as kind," Valis said with a cheery grin, handing over the coins. She couldn't help but have a glance at the intricate design of her tattoos, finding them rather fascinating. She couldn't help but think those enduring the pain to get such art on their bodies to be rather brave. She blinked, looking away as to not be rude to her friendly hosts.

"Thank you, dearie! Yes, this is my first time in this lovely village of yours. I never thought a charming place like this would even be out here. Thank goodness too, I was running low in supplies, and seeing new faces is certainly worth the quiet trip up here. Well I suppose until I helped that poor old dear. Said he was attacked by bandits or something of the sort!"

Valis looked behind her, feeling as though she was getting rather chatty, and saw there were others who needed to be tended to. She moved aside, trying to get out of the way of the several people who have entered, giving warm smiles to each of them as a greeting.

Once the raven reappeared, Seble gave a little leap, landing back into Valis's hair. Before departing and going back into hiding, she gave a small hiss at the bird. Valis couldn't help roll her eyes in good nature, knowing too well her friend was being a drama queen as usual. "I apologize for her behavior," she shuffled a bit with her hooves clattering on the wooden floor, "and sorry for making the rest of you wait," she added, feeling bad for inconveniencing anyone.


[System]
Sex: Male
Age: 17
House: Odd-Eyes House

Appearance:

Duel Disk: Arc-V styled duel disk. Main body is dark orange with a blue screen and flame patterns on the pendulum zone.
Personality: Tekkan is a very snarky individual, always one to crack a joke whenever the opportunity presents itself. He has a very short temper, but he tries to keep it under control whenever he's around his friends, and is generally a very fun guy to hang around.
History: Tekkan was born the first and only son of two police officers who met each other during service and eventually settled down and started a family. However, his mother eventually fell ill and could no longer conceive. In due time, she passed away and Tekkan's father retired to look after his only son. The two would regularly go shopping; one of their favorite things to buy and play with were Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. They would buy packs of cards every weekend and have duels against each other, his father usually winning.

When he reached 17 years of age, Tekkan's dad signed him up for a dueling academy to further improve his dueling skills, since he himself had gotten to old to fully enjoy the game. The two promised to meet each other again some day, once the program ended.
Wish: For his mother to come back to him from the dead.

Deck:
Monsters: 26
Igknight Gallant x3
Igknight Veteran x3
Igknight Cavalier x3
Igknight Margrave x3
Igknight Templar x3
Igknight Paladin x3
Igknight Crusader x3
Igknight Squire x3
Igknight Champion x1
Igknight Lancer x1

Spells: 11
Reinforcement of the Army x3
Terraforming x1
Summoner's Art x3
Pot of Riches x2
Ignition Phoenix x2

Traps: 3
Tyrant's Throes x3

Extra Deck: 11
Igknight Noble Viscount* x1
Wind-Up Zenmaines x1
Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer x1
Blade Armor Ninja x1
Heroic Champion - Excaliburr x1
Number 86: Heroic Champion - Rhongomyniad x1
Tiras, Keeper of Genesis x1
Number 61: Volcasaurus x1
Gauntlet Launcher x2
Photon Strike Bounzer x1

Igknight Noble Viscount
Level 9 FIRE Warrior-type Fusion Pendulum Effect monster
ATK 3000/ DEF 1800
Pendulum Scale 9
Pendulum Effect: If you have an "Igknight" card in your other Pendulum Zone: You can destroy it, and if you do, add 1 "Igknight" card with a different name from your deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Igknight Noble Viscount" once per turn.
Monster Effect: 3 "Igknight" monsters with different names
Must first be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by destroying the above cards you control. (You do not use "Polymerization.) You can target 1 "Igknight" card in your Pendulum Zone: Destroy it, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Level 7 or higher "Igknight" Effect Monster from your hand or deck. You can only use this effect of "Igknight Noble Viscount" once per turn. If this card is destroyed: You can destroy as many cards in your Pendulum Zones as possible, and if you do, place this card in your Pendulum Zone.

[User]
@Eklispe@Satoshi Kyou@PKMNB0Y

"O-oh. I guess I'll go f-f-first then..." Martin thumbed his duel disk as it shot five cards into his hand.

"I'll activate the f-field spell... Chaos Zone." the area warped around the mall, making it appear as if the group were going through a worm hole as swirling masses zipped in and out of existence around them. "N-next... I'll activate Soul Absorption. Then, I'll use G-gold Sarcophagus. W-with it, I'll banish Necroface until the second standby phase after this t-turn..." The sarcophagus opened and inside of it writhed a mass of fleshy tentacles around the cracked face of a doll. If there was any reason for the boy's timidity, it was likely how absolutely horrifying that card was. "O-oh. And Necroface activates his special ability... We each banish the top five cards in our decks..." he sent five cards from his deck to the banish zone. Mathemetician, Pot of Desires, D.D. Survivor, Dimension Barrier, D.D. Trainer. Just like that, four counters appeared on the field in a form resembling spiral galaxies behind Martin, and his lifepoints shot up by a whopping 2500, putting him at 307500 life points.

"I'll set one card... O-okay. You guys can go..." he said, ending his turn. Crawling out of one of the ether was a man in tattered clothing- D.D. Survivor- taking a knee. It was in defense mode.

1. Activates Chaos Zone
2. Activates Soul Absorption
3. Activates Gold Sarcophagus banishing Necroface.
4. Chaos Zone gains a counter; Lifepoints are increased by 500.
5. Necroface activates. Each player banishes 5 cards from the top of their deck (Martin sends Mathemetician, Pot of Desires, D.D. Survivor, Dimension Barrier, D.D. Trainer)
6. Chaos Zone gets three more counters.
7. A card is set.
8. Enter End Phase, D.D. Survivor activates, special summoned in defense mode.

MARTIN - 410000 LP - HAND 1
NONE - NONE - D.D. SURVIVOR - NONE - NONE
NONE - NONE - SET - NONE - NONE
(Graveyard: N/A | Banished: Necroface, Mathemetician, Pot of Desires, D.D. Survivor, Dimension Barrier, D.D. Trainer)

Szall@Menhir@Blight Bug

It was unbelievable how quickly the match ended. The girl had not only won, but also vanished before their eyes. Though, the lady had another issue to deal with, and was quick to give chase to the Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell. She picked up her phone and called back to professor Furiko, letting him know of what happened and ran after Fyodor.

"You win some, you lose some, kid." she told Yuryu before dashing off. The parking structure of the dorm houses was attached to the side of each of them facing away from the main school gates. Cars were parked throughout the structure, with specific duel runner parking designated at the bottom floor- which of course did not stop any student from parking their motorcycles elsewhere.

[Assistant]
Baseball sliding into the garage, The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell sprung up and glanced from side to side. So far it appeared that those Servant of Angels, or as the mundanes would put it "Saotome Staff-members", were not close on his tail. Konstantinovich quickly clasped his hands together in prayer as he rushed towards the stairway and slid sideways down the railing.

Some might've questioned why The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell actually placed his Duel Runner in the proper section. For one thing, it reduced his chances of having a car scratch up that beautiful, sleek black exterior. It also served as a nice way to keep tabs on other riders. And finally, who would suspect The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell to follow even a single rule? Surely they'd think he'd park it in a way to deter cars or something.

At the bottom of the stairs, The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell spotted the trash can he marked as a drop off spot. With the upmost haste did Fyodor thrust both arms into the trash can to root around for it. After he passed quite a few opened trading card packs, soda bottles, and some partially eaten takeout which was starting to grow foul, he grabbed what he needed.

Out of the trash The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell pulled out a black trash bag with blue tie that was partially filled. Slinging it to the ground, The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway to Hell began to madly claw through it.

Plucked out of this mess was a bright and gaudy golden drawstring sack with glittering pink strings. The outside of the sack had a multitude of images from the Funny Bunny series. The largest of these images is the titular character Funny Bunny sticking his hands out wide with both thumbs in his ears with a dangling tongue staring directly at the outside viewer. However Funny Bunny seems unaware of his plight as Ruff Ruff McDog holds out his comical gun pointing down at Funny Bunny in the foreground. But to keen minded individuals who paid attention to the other smaller images, they would notice many images depicting situations of Funny Bunny managing to escape the long arm of the law of Ruff Ruff McDog.

Fyodor held out both his arms out for a moment and glanced at each of them for a second. He pulled the bag open, leaving some nasty smears near the opening. Surely there was an expression under the helmet of The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell as he glanced at the smear marks on both the Funny Bunny drawstring bag, and then at the few little smears that were on a ziplock bag that held a collection of trading cards. But that expression was between him and the Devil. The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell opened the plastic bag and pulled out the trading cards; then shortly after he opened his duel disk to reveal his deck. After pulling out a few more cards from his deck, The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell swapped the cards hidden at the drop off point and dumped the others in the ziplock bag. He quickly threw the ziplock bag into the trash and focused his attention on the Funny Bunny drawstring bag.

Fyodor returned the deck to the duel disk and took the Funny Bunny bag, gave it a quick pat, and hazardously folded it and shoved it underneath the trash can.

With this task accomplished, The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell dashed towards his duel runner, hopped on it as he quickly grabbed his keys. Turning on the ignition and slamming his duel disk back to where it rightfully belonged, The Ghoulish Rider - Traveler of the Highway of Hell sped out of the garage.

[User]
book of bad juju

Listening to the dark-haired girl talk smack about him more and more, Tekkan gritted his teeth in anger. Would she shut up and get on with the duel already?

The youth regretted his decision as soon as Aya played her first spell card.

He watched as the cockroach was immediately destroyed by debris caused by two Kaiju straight out of a Godzilla film; a gigantic spider monster surrounded by sticky strings, and a giant mechanical three(?)-headed dragon who seemed capable of decimating even stars. Tekkan wasn't sure if he should bask in their glory or run to the hills.

The dark-haired girl wasn't done yet, however; after marveling at her gigantic monster companions, the two were shrunk down(although not by much) into two Xyz Materials and replaced by quite possibly the biggest thing that Tekkan had ever laid eyes on.

And it was even on his side of the field, albeit in Defense Mode, but did it really matter?! He had his own Kaiju to command as he pleased!

"Haa-hahahahaha!" the youth laughed as he pointed at Aya with his index finger. Tekkan was a small speck of dust compared to Daigorah, but then again, so was Aya. "Are you out of your mind?! How do you expect to defeat me if I control the strongest monster in your deck?!" the youth ridiculed the dark-haired girl as he drew his card and entered the Standby Phase. "You're as good as d-"

A quick yet blindingly bright flash of light blasted from the Kaiju's mouth. The indicator on Tekkan's duel disk skipped his Main Phase 1 and jumped straight into his Main Phase 2.

"...what." The youth said flatly. He wasn't sure what exactly it was that he expected, but it sure as hell wasn't this. "Uh. This thing is useless to me now, so I guess I'll tribute it for Igknight Gallant?"

The giant cosmic horror, swallower of entire stars, vanished into a spectral dust and was soon replaced by a comparatively tiny bulky green knight. Slightly confused by what just happened, he shrugged and then adopted a fighting stance.

"A-Anyway. I'll activate Summoner's Art and add Igknight Veteran to my hand." The light blue Igknight with a very weird gunblade(a weapon that big with a blade that small? What?) ejected from Tekkan's deck and into his hand.

"Next, I'll activate Igknight Paladin and Igknight Templar in my Pendulum Scales, then use Paladin's effect to destroy both of them and add Igknight Margrave to my hand." The purple knight made hand signals towards the orange one, and they then blasted each other with their respective weapons. A red knight dual-wielding riot gun-esque gunblades was then ejected into Tekkan's hand.

"And now, I'll activate Margrave and Cavalier in my Pendulum Zones and Pendulum Summon the Igknights I previously destroyed from my Extra Deck, as well as Veteran from my hand!" With a quick whistle, the red and pink knights called forth Igknight Paladin and Igknight Templar, who were riding out to the scene in a dune buggy decorated with multicolored flames, as well as Veteran, who was struggling to keep up with the other two. When all 4 Igknights were on the field, they each adopted their respective fighting stances.

"But that's not all! I'll overlay Igknight Veteran with Igknight Gallant and Xyz Summon Photon Strike Bounzer!" The two older knights were condensed into spheres of light and made way for a red beast of some kind with light emanating from its thighs and torso.

"And with that, I'll set one card face-down and end my turn."

He hoped that the card he just set would work on Aya's Kaijus. Regardless, he would activate it immediately after she drew her card, and then the fun would hopefully start.


[System]
Gender: Female

Age: 16

Appearance:

"Which one of us is the mask?"
Arcana: Temperance

Personality:
On the surface, Shizuka may be the stereotypical "ojou-sama" (young mistress), from her formal speech to her delicate mannerisms with a blend of shy and soft spoken side, but do not let that deceive you as the class dismissal bell rings and Shizuka's part time hour begins, the counterpart she created for herself, Shizu-chan, takes the spotlight with her lively demeanor, friendly smiles, and undying passion of being an otaku.

Equipment/Skills:
Twirling Baton (Cosplay prop, can be upgraded to Rod weapons)
Sewing, professional make up, baton twirling, which were all gained from her experience with cosplay.

Background:
Being a balanced student with an appropriate amount of intellect and proper physical fitness, one would say Shizuka is an average high schooler if it weren't for the fact that her family was of a higher class compared to that of an average student. Like most children coming from a wealthy family, Shizuka was left alone most of the time, with the exception of servants, by her parents in their mansion with no one to play or interact with. Not necessarily neglected, but she didn't mind either way as she was an obedient child and she understood that both her parents were flooded with work which needed to be taken care of.

This is why she sought out a hobby to preoccupy herself with. Flipping through the channels as a curious child, she abruptly stopped when an animated female character on the screen magically transforms, with all the colorful lights and sparkles, and shouts, "In the name of the moon, I will punish you!" Eyes widened in amazement, Shizuka could not take her gaze away from the television screen while her thoughts were of how exciting whatever this was and how she wanted to become like them, hues of hair she's never seen before, costumes of different variety and color, and the dynamic personalities each one had.

Years had passed since then, but her love and excitement for anime never wavered. What remained though was her calm, delicate nature she presented towards her fellow classmates, friends, and parents. Her passion for anime (and now manga) was to not leave the four corners of her room. Shizuka would occasionally show hints of interest when her classmates discussed about them but no one, and she means NO ONE, should ever find out about how "otaku" she was.

Keeping all of this within her had limits and before she was about to breakdown, someone on the hallway of the school uttered the word, "cosplay". It took quite awhile for her to learn the meaning and to take enough courage to disguise herself in the colorful costumes and hair she once saw years ago, to find people of similar interests without them ever finding out her true self.

With the positive reactions given by the people she has met, Shizuka continued to create more disguises by her own hands, to the point where she landed at her current part time job at the cosplay cafe as Shizu-chan, the persona she presented to the people of the otaku world.

Persona: Inari Ōkami

Appearance: Illustrated by: Sho Minazuki

Abilities:
Twin Slash - 2 light Slash attacks. (1 enemy)
Tarukaja - Increases 1 ally's Attack.
Tarunda - Decreases 1 foe's Attack.

[User]
Kitsune Inn

These girls were handling the news better than she thought they would. Though in all honesty, yakuza weren't just gangsters. As long as Jun gave the word, none of her father's men would harass the pair of girls. Unless they were drunk, in which case her fist would be a decent reminder. The blonde haired girl chuckled before letting her down and draping it over one shoulder, letting the end of it soak in the water.

"I suggest you don't do anything of the sort unless you want to end up in real trouble." Jun warned the pair when their 'defense strategy' was mentioned. "I'll be here tonight, so if any of them get too friendly with you, just drop my name and tell them to sod off. I'll probably be having tea in my room after my part in this whole meeting is done, so why don't you join me if you want to avoid the mean gangsters?"

The menacing demeanor she carried was softening a little, now that she had her fun scaring the pair of them. She got up to leave, seeing that the time was near for her to take her place at the meeting. She turned back to the pair. "I'm not sure if you'll find me scarier than them though, after watching what happens in the gardens." She commented cryptically on her way out.

---

Kitsune Inn Gardens//Evening

For most of the evening, she had her hair bunned up neatly, sat poised and elegant in her yukata as she entertained the guests her father was meeting with. Pouring them sake with a faked smile that they took to be charming and genuine. All of it grated on her nerves.

So when the time came for her demonstration of her strength, she had a lot of steam to let off. She walked into the gardens, dressed in her kendo gear and armed with a bokken. A ring was loosely demarcated by the spectators, her opponent stepping in at the same time she did.

"It is an honour to see your skill firsthand, Himarua-sama. I shall not insult you by going easy on a young girl." They bowed, exchanging compliments, though Jun couldn't tell if her opponent was being genuine about his compliment or if he was trying to make a veiled insult.

"And I shall absolve you of the shame of losing to one." Jun replied flatly, all of her irritation channeled into her fighting spirit.

The first exchange took place right after the judge declared the start of the match. It was vicious and brutal, neither party willing to hold back, especially not in front of the audience they had. Every blow was both testing their opponent's guard and a punishment for slipping up. Jun managed to dodge and sidestep most of his blows, but at the same time none of hers were really landing anywhere critical.

They broke off, the crowd cheering at how serious the fight was getting, while each combatant sized up their opponent. Jun was faster, more agile, but she couldn't match the raw strength or experience of her opponent. It would all come down to skill and who made the first mistake. Of course, she made the mistake of assuming they were going by conventional kendo rules.

Because when her opponent attacked a second time, he was aiming below the waist, at her knees, trying to knock her off balance. She stepped back nimbly, cursing her mistake. So that's how you want to play, huh? She cursed silently as she stepped back in and proceed to draw on all of her training. Her kendo instructor had been paid to teach her how to fight with a sword to injure someone instead of just for sport, and apparently her opponent was going for the same. Well, in for a penny, in for pound.

It was over in one movement. With impossible speed, Jun landed nine strikes successively, comprising the basic attacks one used to lethally wound an opponent with a real sword. Kuzuryusen., her mentor had called it. There was a racuous cheer of victory from her father's side as her opponent crumbled to the floor and gasped out the yield. Silently, her father was glaring at how her opponent had gone for her unprotected leg and possibly tried to cripple her.

Jun just turned and left, eyes scanning to see if the two girls really had come to watch.

[Assistant]
Ayano Wakahisa:Kitsune Inn
Ayano could do so little as her cousin faked that smile, making her grit her teeth. Seeing as there was no choice but to go along with her plan, she mustered up the most fraud smile she could, "Y-Yeah...It'll be t...t-totally...wacky!", the girl said with an obvious look of pain in her face, realizing her poor choice of words, the girl immediately said another word to replace her last. "I-I mean fun! Yes! F-Fun!" As Jun spewed more words fit for someone such as herself and made her leave, Ayano just faked the smile until she was gone and when she did...

She burst and flopped her arms open and laid down on the water, making her float lightly. She groaned and put her arms over her head, like a child being grounded. "Don't tell me we're actually going to see this freak show, Chi-Chi?" Ayano said as she glanced back at her cousin. If anything, the wisest course of action right now would be getting all of their stuff, go back home and make plans to move to the nearest prefecture. Sitting up in the springs, Ayano motioned to Chiaki and splashed some of the spring water in her direction.

"Look, you probably want to watch her cause she's all lonely and broody, right?" She sighed and stood up, slowly walking away from the springs. "Fine, I'll come with you, if it makes you any happy. But I won't enjoy it!"

[User]
Shizuka Otonashi || Ferrero Mall || April 26 SUN
After the dismissive response the spiky haired boy gave, Shizuka's worry grew. With the pale, ill complexion the face of the boy had, there was no way to proclaim that he was perfectly 'fine'. The stumble just now could have proven this point but before the female student could point out anything, he introduced himself. To return the courteous gesture, she politely bowed with her hands clasped in front of her as she made her own introduction. "Li-Likewise, Saji-san. My name is Otonashi, Shizuka, a high school student." The soft tone of her voice made her timid nature audible.

While internally debating whether she should bother him any further after his clear disinterest of any assistance from her, Shizuka stuttered 'Um's while shifting her gaze from the ground to the boy, back and forth. Perhaps he could be well aware of his current condition? Did he just not appreciate help from total strangers? After a moment of conflict for what she should do in this situation, the raven haired female decided that she could not simply leave a troubled person alone. Maybe he had to see for himself how fatigued he appeared to be convinced he might require some assistance.

"I-I don't mean to trouble you any further bu-but your face shows clear signs of exhaustion. I believe it would be best for you to take ample rest, i-if not visit a doctor." While speaking, she dipped her hand into her purse to pick up a compact mirror, facing it towards Masahide to take a look at himself.

[Assistant]
Ferrero Mall26/4/2015

Masahide raised a brow curiously, eyeing over the girl as she spoke. He noticed her rummaging through her things, though he offered no reply- merely watching to see what she was after. Once she withdrew the mirror, Masa couldn't help but chuckle. 'This is a random time for her to check her-', seeming somewhat surprised as she turned it in his direction. At first, he was disinterested, glancing away as he nearly turned and walked away... However, upon closer inspection of himself, he now knew the reason for her worry.

Honestly, it had been awhile since Masa took stock of his appearance. The dark circles forming under his eyes, the pale complexion, and the dazed look in his eyes. His daily routine didn't give him any time to preen himself too much, merely running a comb through his hair and putting on his best suit of clothes. Seems time was finally taking it's toll. Shaking his head with a subtle sigh, he'd turn to face her fully. Though still seeming somewhat rigid, he'd offer a subtle smile as he swept his hand through his hair.

"Yeah... I guess I'm looking a little rough." Shrugging his shoulders as both hand now found their way to the pockets of his pants, "Still, I'll be fine, truly. Just a little worn out- what with my schedule and all." Once again he'd raise his brow, "A fellow student? Which school? I attend Warakuma High, myself."

[User]
Shizuka Otonashi || Ferrero Mall || April 26 SUN
Masahide's initial reaction to the directing of her compact mirror was worrisome until he finally took a proper look at himself and confirmed Shizuka's claim. Slightly relieved that the sickish student was now aware of his current state, she hoped the other would take better care. She nodded in response to both statements, about how he didn't appear as healthy as he should and why he was in such a condition. While being a high school student, it wasn't unusual for Japanese students to be over busy with part time jobs, cram schools and such, perhaps he was one of the more busy ones.

As the name, "Warakuma High" was mentioned by the other student, Shizuka's lips formed a faint smile and her head tilted lightly to the side. "Oh! I'm actually a first year student at Warakuma High. I don't believe I've seen you before but it is delightful to be acquainted now, at least." She giggled softly, feeling less nervous speaking to a fellow schoolmate. "I-If you don't mind me asking, are you a freshman as well or perhaps an upperclassman?" The younger student asked curiously, since they were currently conversing about their school anyway.


[System]
Nickname: Abdul

Race: Humanoid Fable

Gender: Male

Job: Abdul makes a tidy sum as a writer of coffee table horror novels. He has written several books on alternative medicine and spirituality, to mixed reception.

Personality: Despite his history, Abdul embodies the very concept of a kindly old man. He is always happy to accept guests into his home, and holds no small amount of patience for children and pets. Abdul's voice is a horrendous grackle-squawk tempered only by a soothing tone and a thick Arabian accent.

Fable: Once upon a time... Abdul was of a scholarly mind from his birth in the early 700s, in The Arabian Homeland. Surrounded by beings with terrific powers, Abdul took it upon himself to record many of the less savory beings living in his Homeland. He traveled across his homeland, learning hushed stories from local shamans and priests, and narrowly evading death at the hands of ghuls, djinni, and other demons of all sorts.

The end result of Abdul's travels and learnings was enough to fill an entire grimoire of dark lore and sinister rituals. Abdul named his grimoire Al Azif, after the mysterious howling noises supposedly made by demons in the night. Not satisfied with the reception Al Azif got in the Homeland, Abdul moved to the Mundane World, and worked his way across medieval Eurasia, learning from the local cultures and adding onto Al Azif.

Abdul Alhazred happily shared his works with all who were curious, and found astonishing popularity as a wizard, medicine man, and exorcist. Al Azif was passed on to a wide variety of recipients, and influenced a large amount of the world's occult culture throughout the Renaissance and beyond.

 Al Azif was rewritten dozens of times by Abdul, each attempting to serve a different purpose. Some became holy instructions for demon-hunters, others became an occult recipe book for raising the dead and cursing one's enemies.

 The latest of Abdul's rewrites, the Necronomicon Ex Mortis, had found its way into the possession of a little-known English author in the early 1900s. Plagued by nightmarish dreams about what he read in the Necronomicon, the author wrote story after story based off his fiendish night terrors. At the forefront of all these stories was the nightmare-creation of the Mad Arab, Abdul Alhazred.

Due to the nature of belief and its effects on one's life, this astonishing surge of popularity not only gave Abdul great amounts of power, but it changed him immensely. Once thought of as a kindly old wizard, his public image had turned him into a snaggle-toothed warlock with a crooked back and yellowing eyes. All of Abdul's other works were forgotten, and the Necronomicon entered into the public subconscious as Abdul's greatest and only product. Now known as a mad worshipper of elder gods and sinister demons, Abdul went a bit insane. He produced many more eldritch tomes bastardizing his previous works, and personally headed a number of dangerous cults. Each time, his tome went forgotten, and each time his cult was disseminated within the decade.

In 1950, Abdul realized that his current attitude would only end in an unpleasantly brief moment of government attention, and opted to find some peace away from his homelands. He moved away from the Old World, and emigrated to America. His books on cruel rituals and mad gods found no audience beyond the tabletop wargames crowd, and so Abdul turned his encyclopaedic knowledge of the occult outwards into the fictional realm. Now a little-known writer of penny-dreadfuls and spooky doorstoppers, Abdul eked out a quiet living in New York.

 Never one to interact with other Fables, he hadn't even realized that Fabletown existed until recently. When it was discovered that he was the Abdul Alhazred, Abdul was promptly forced into Fabletown, to live with the rest of the Fables. The alternative, of course, was definitely not preferable. Abdul is certainly not a pillar of the community, but he has earned some measure of popularity as the suspiciously kind old freak living in a creepy apartment.

Abilities: Abdul has no actual combat abilities, though his fingernails are almost constantly filthy, and he is abnormally strong for someone of his stature.

Abdul's many travels have given him a wealth of knowledge, focusing on tradition, herbal medicine, ancient religions, and defense against evil creatures. He knows a wide variety of rituals for a wide variety of circumstances, though the materials necessary for them have long ago gone extinct. Only a few rituals can be reliably replicated with modern equivalents.

Abdul is a quite popular author, and his appearance is well-known to his readers. Though he is certainly not a celebrity like the (in)famous Jack, Abdul is capable of using his star power to get small amounts of special treatment from mundies.

Though Abdul is quite hideous, he is not nearly hideous enough to require a Glamor and has had plenty of experience working with mundies. Abdul is capable of comfortably fitting into mundane culture with very little effort on his part.

[User]
"Oh, the festivities are wonderful. I am enjoying this immensely.", Mr. Black said unconvincingly. Mr. Black was not enjoying this immensely. Mr. Black did not enjoy anything immensely. Mr. Black's level of enjoyment never went above very mild amusement, which in itself was very rare. Mr. Black did not tell people this. He scanned the table, and sure enough there were platters of immensely-gamey zebra meat, tough-as-leather elephant, and then another platter of what he could only assume was dragon, though Mr. Black could not read the label from where he was standing. Mr. Black looked back to Leon.

"You are a smuggler, then.", Mr. Black said, "It must be very lucrative. Tell me, is this African or Indian elephant that you have here."

[Assistant]
"Smuggler? Of course not. I am merely a purveyor; who specializes in ensuring his patrons have their needs well met, and more," Leon did his best to hide the subtle tinge of agitation that flickered within his voice as he spoke, "Though I must say business is as lucrative as ever recently. Did you perhaps have a want to get into the market yourself? I could arrange for you to speak with a few of my contacts. It'd provide a nice change of scenery I'd imagine, but perhaps you prefer snooping around and making yourself somewhat of an enigma?" Leon could only offer a condescending smirk as the final words escaped his lips. He didn't know Black well enough to say whether his remark would offend or humor, frankly unsure of how he meant the phrase himself. Still, he couldn't help but take a subtle offense by Black inquiry into the affairs of his business. He had a hard enough time merely collecting the resources for tonight's event, now having to justify the spread to a fable he hardly even knew.

 "As for your enjoyment; perhaps you should mingle with Grey and Guan," Motioning over to the rather out of place dispute as he retrieved a plate from the table, loading up the vessel with samples of his own wares, "Seems they are a lively duo this evening. Might provide for a bit of sport. Or perhaps you'd rather brood in a corner with Boogie?"

[User]
Mr. Black stiffly placed a hand on Leon's shoulder, "Oh, it is okay to be honest about it, nobody's going to arrest you for taking part in a little smuggling. After all, we're all fictional here. Ha. Ha.", Mr. Black drew his arm back, "Yes, if you could give me the contact information for your-", Mr. Black made air quotes, "-associates, that would be extremely helpful. Thank you."

Mr. Black paused as he processed this information. Mr. Black looked at Leon. Greasy dreadlocks. Relatively light facial hair. Yellow eyes. Likely of African descent. Identifying scars over left eye, left cheek, right side of nose. Did not appear to be ritual scarring. Skin tone did not match Yoruba or Maasai peoples, dreadlocks likely did not have cultural significance. No visible identifying marks from known criminal syndicates. Likely hailed from northern African or American country. Hint of an English accent pointed towards Africa. Obviously somewhat wealthy, but likely newly wealthy given apparent extravagance, egotism, and lack of taste. Aversion to direct confrontation, but also a desire to show off. Mr. Black did not know of anyone with these characteristics on Interpol's wanted list. All signs pointed to a man who had recently made it in the underworld, a small fry riding high on his success. Perhaps a name would help.

"By the way, I do not think we have met previously. Are you new here."

[Assistant] The speech was inspiring and beautiful as it was every year since the first time it had been spoken till this very day. Most probably knew it by heart by now but it just wasn't quite the same if not spoken by King Cole himself. Soon the party was in full swing, music filling the room as many people started to dance while others decided to converse on stories past. A gentle voice hummed with the music, feet gracefully dancing around guests as she made her way through the crowd with one destination in mind and only waving now and then to thoses that acknowledged her presence. Bianca happily made her way over to the refreshments, noticing Guan Yu and Dorian Grey at it once again which caused an amused smile to pull at her lips as she took a glass of champagne from the table. She glanced down the refreshments table, trying to spot other familiar faces which hadn't taken long at all. Boogie was being anti-social, looking as though he might leave at any moment and at another part of the table Leon seemed to be chatting with...um...Black was it? She didn't see that one very much but than again, it seemed as if Black preferred it that way since Black seemed so mysterious. Her bright green eyes glanced back at the party, glad to see everyone enjoying themselves and took a sip from her glass before tucking a piece of pale green hair behind her ear. It didn't matter to her if she was a wallflower or keeping away from the crowd of people since it was a delightful view just to watch the others.

[User]
Chapter 2: The Reunion

The generally-accepted term for a grouping of witches is referred to as, contrary to the populace's belief that beings of immense magical power enjoy each other's company, a conflict. True to the implications of this name, this conflict of witches was brewing up a tempest in a teapot.

Conflicts generally don't reveal themselves in their immediate area. Previously, an analogy was drawn to the eye of a hurricane, and it still remains appropriate. Witches are notorious for their ability to effect calamities, but their effective range is inversely proportionate to the number of witches in their conflict. In most cases, the best power-to-range ratio for a conflict is three, hence the widespread fables of the three-witch coven and the ever-present Rule of Three. Right now, this conflict had nine witches in it. The room--except for a small portion of land approximately two yards of the conflict, taking into account ambient temperature changes and other environmental conditions--teemed with raw magic, the old kind of magic that people like to spell with 'y's and 'k's. Much like a riptide waiting just below the surface of a beautiful lagoon, it was wholly imperceptible beyond inflicting a general sense of foreboding that tickled the hindbrain like a thread of gossamer on the wind.

---

Abdul cheerily argued with the rest of the conflict. He didn't understand a word they were saying, and neither did they, but that wasn't the point of arguing. If you didn't ignore your partner, why bother starting an argument with them? Though each witch maintained a cheerful smile and a pleasant demeanor, determining their actual mood would be impossible to anyone but a veteran witch. Prohibited from demonstrating their powers by those few people strong enough to stop them, witches promptly shifted their focus to a new target: their opponents' social standing. Bitter rumors and hissed conversations would follow this party for years to come, and would shape the state of Floor Thirteen forever.

Abdul was a champion conversation-haver, and could soundly argue with the conflict without even paying attention. It's easy to infuriate a witch, and Abdul knew exactly how to do it and, most importantly, survive. Bored already with the ever-changing realpolitik of witchcraft, Abdul let his eyes wander.

The room was smattered with people of marginal interest. Fine young men and women, each with their own stories that were of no consequence for Abdul. He'd be glad to hold a conversation with them, but unless they had any business to conduct, he wouldn't have much else to do with them. None of these people looked like fans of any of his works, much less capable of holding a conversation on the merits and personalities of the Ousted Beings of the Ninth Plane.

However, one being stood out in particular. Events like these held dozens of Glamored monsters. Trolls, ghouls, ghuls, and demons of all sorts. Most of them were either antisocial thugs or genuinely regretful people. This person, however... This shabby-looking fellow in the middle of a formal event. This man who brings his own alcohol to a party that includes a complimentary bar. This Boogeyman...

He was also an antisocial thug. As a matter of fact, he was probably the worst possible example of a Fabletownie in this room. However, Abdul very dimly recognized him.

Abdul was, despite his haggard appearance, quite astute for his time. A Glamor can cover up a lot of someone's true form, but it can't cover up anything. Their smell, the way they hold themselves, their eyes, all of them can be handily cross-referenced to the original. Abdul had been around for quite a long time, and knew quite a number of the world's spooks and monsters. The Boogeyman was no exception.

---

Grinning widely and toothlessly, Abdul broke away from the conflict and made his way over to Boogie. Old people have an amazing knack for crossing areas without actually moving into them, and the sight of Abdul inexplicably appearing next to Boogie would boggle the mind of anyone not familiar with this principle. Abdul placed a shaky claw on Boogie's shoulder, looked him straight in the eye, and cackled breathlessly.

"Hoi, I know you!" wheezed Abdul, a mad glint shining in his eyes. "How've you been, Bogey? You look like you've let yerself go!"


[System]
ALIAS('s): Darsby
STATUS: Living
SPECIES: Human?
GENDER: Male?
AGE: ???
HEIGHT: 5' 10"
WEIGHT: ???
BUILD: Lean-Lanky-Thin
RANK: ???
OCCUPATION: ???

BASIC PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: He's attenuated, pale, entirely covered in various ebony tribal tattoos up to and including the neck, numerous lengthy blade-born scars, and holds lean muscle in quantity's just thick enough to not look emaciated. His hair and eyes are generally a somewhat luminescent rose pink, the X scar just above his right eye is of the same color. Said scar is the only piece of tissue with such an oddity. Darsby's scars cut through his numerous tattoos as if having occurred after getting ink-work done.

BASIC PERSONALITY DESCRIPTION: He's most easily related to an apathetic college student during finals week who's will to live was lost after discovering their GPA is ruined due to failed exams.

BASIC ABILITY DESCRIPTION: He can hide his presence with alien cigarettes and teleport objects from one place to another, I guess? Maybe he can sense strange magics?

BASIC HISTORY DESCRIPTION: Unidscovered

PICTURE:

[User]
Anora watched Dan with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. She couldn't tell if he was just etremely eager to answer and possibly get her fully on his side, or had had too few people to talk to in his lifetime. Or perhaps both, with how he spoke.
 She inhaled, her expressive features shifting slightly with each bit of information Dan gave. At least he seemed a tad bit less skittish now Darsby had contented himself with the outside and Ahllasta was too busy in her world-hating corner of self-pity.
 "I'm going to take that as yes, I control aether," she interrupted, unsure if his 'Yes' was in answer to that question, or something else with how easily he said it.
 She listened to the rest of his response with a look of awed disbelief.
 "So, I'm not completely human, then?" she asked, her voice giddy. "But… then why am I the only one in my family who can control aether? Shouldn't my siblings or parents have the same abilities? And Darsby mentioned Olympus before," she continued on, eager for the answers he seemed willing to give. But she gave Dan scarcely enough time to breathe between questions, let alone respond. "We talking Zeus' and Hades' Olympus here, or in some sort of code? And is their 'era' something like a dynasty, then? Like, a period of rule? Or popularity?"
 She reached to fidget with the Earth pendant. A bubble of panic worked into her chest when she realizing she had dropped it on the floor when the car took flight. She quickly adjusted to search for it. She found it beside her backpack.
 With a relieved sigh, she grabbed it and straightened. Sitting awkwardly in her seat, she draped its cord around her neck. The small Earth thumped lightly against her chest.
 On the bright side, she hadn't noticed any catastrophic earthquakes when she dropped it.
 "And… I won't crush anyone in Australia by handling this thing, will I?" she asked with a slight, concerned smile. She carefully indicated the pendant, holding it from her by the cord. She didn't think Darsby would give her something she could cause mass destruction with. Not without a warning, anyway. But it was better safe than sorry.

[Assistant]
Words flowed like water into an already occupied mouth, gagging Dan with strange sputtering sounds as Anora bombarded him with question after question. The neurotic soul was overjoyed to witness an actual display of interest developing. His limbs wrenched forward with his palms upward in a show of openness to whatever it is Anora may be questioning. Just before Dan could begin speaking, Ahllasta made some obscure quip about machinery and Anora being confused about what's going on.

"No, uhm n-no, you're actually more human than m-m-most humans. The original humans were, in fact, those elementals I spoke of..-" Dan scratched the back of his head before setting his innocent gaze upon Anora. There wasn't any struggle aside from that of the self here. His anxiety and joy looked appallingly human, yet, something about Dan was still alien. He was like a kindly classmate you meet at university who must've come from an entirely different walk of life, his smaller mannerisms denoting something of a different upbringing.

"You should b-be fine with the pendant, I mean, I-I didn't make it, so there really wasn't a whole lot of p-power invested in i-t-t-" *HACK!-HACK!-COUGH!* Dan broke out into another fit of openly painful coughing. His shoulders heaved, and body trembled at the receding of his episode. Oddly, no one in the car gave that physical distress any mind. You could say they might have even ignored Dan's moment out of reverence or respect for something. By the time he was done, he had looked back up towards Anora and continued responding after a little adjusting of his glasses. His cheeks were red, eyes gilded by moisture, perhaps the first sign of common weakness displayed from any of our three wizards.

"S-so you're a sign to Pahn being active again, with your p-powers awakening and all. His m-mind and body are tied deeply to your Earth-th and it's populace, likely from some old contract-ish magics used to m-mold them, you being here in your above average form shows Pahn being in n-need of something, likely subconsciously. I m-mean that whole pantheon of people you call gods, Z-Zeus and Hades are all part of, uhm... Y-y-you said dynasty? Uhm, things didn't exactly go like how they do with most humans. I m-mean, l-like, it's not like a bunch of people flocked together to survive and called it 'history'. I mean, th-there's no need for a code or rank of popularity when the ruling being here could end all of what you c-call, uhm, like, life on Earth? Yeah, that. When he could end all of that with a proverbial snap-" Dan snapped his fingers to that last word as if he were putting on some fascinating lecture. "-of the fingers." Dan was bright and spoke quickly of these subjects. He was not surprised to say that gods existed or that some even higher power ruled them. Dan became more and more comfortable as they spoke, enjoying the act of conversating with someone, anyone. His legs had folded into his seat by this point, that smallish figure fitting comfortably into a hunched posture of gesticulating amidst further relaxed expressions.

Our group's vehicle was well over the ocean by this point, faint scents and smells growing stronger in Anoras mind the more they traveled. Blue fields of aetherial mist spread out beneath them while clouds slid over an invisible table. They were high in the sky, very high; one could say they may even be reaching some atmospheric limit. The heavens hadn't quite grown dark or shown signs of being exited, yet, they must be close with how distant the Earth has become.

[User]
Anora shot Ahllasta a glare at the woman's comment. She bit back a retort; further aggravating the driver—especially while in a car flying over the ocean—was never a good idea.
 'More human than most humans,' Anora repeated mentally, returning Dan's stare as she waited for him to catch up with her questions. "So… humans without powers have more non-human blood in them?" Her brows rose. She made a light, chuckling snort, still fidgeting carefully with the mini-Earth's cord. The implication that, once, humans were magic beings themselves was a mind-blowing thought.
 She stared at Dan for a short moment when he answered regarding the pendant. Either he was the most chill type of arrogant, or he really did have powers beyond what his appearance let on.
 Dan's second coughing fit interrupted her thoughts.
 "Are you okay?" she asked slowly when the violent cough subsided.
 That couldn't be normal. Yet, a quick glance at the others in the car showed their lack of reaction. Whether because of some unknown respectful custom or it being a normal occurrence, she couldn't say.
 She cringed inwardly in sympathy when Dan looked back to her. For a self-stated monster, his lack of monster-like characteristic was shocking.
 Anora chewed the inside of her cheek as Dan continued. She listened, gaze never straying from him as she tried to follow the rest of the man's explanations. Something about him made her think of her old high school history teacher. Only if he was an inexperienced substitute with stage fright and a stutter.
 She sighed, and reminded herself to use different terms. Terms possibly more common so Dan wouldn't have to guess so much about what she'd meant. Maybe that would help him make more sense to her. Or maybe not.
 She glanced down when Dan finished speaking, letting his words sink in. Her fidgeting with the pendant increased.
 "So… whatever it is Pahn needs, some type of magic somewhere thinks I'm the one who can solve whatever problem he has?" She shook her head. "What happened to him, anyway? Why'd he vanish—go dormant—whatever, in the first place? And wouldn't it be smarter to activate that contract in more people if someone that powerful needs help? I mean, I've had my powers for years now. But Mad—" she caught herself before she said her siblings' names. She didn't want to risk getting them involved. "But like I said," she corrected herself, "I'm the only one in my family who has them, and Darsby said I'm the only living human with that contract. Is that something that should run in families? A bloodline type deal? Or is it all determined by chance?"

[Assistant]
Dan chuckles at Anora's questions, the innocent laugh of someone excited to shed truth on subject those nearby may be unclear on. He was joyful to spread knowledge, or perhaps he was simply in the mirth of being close to someone curious about anything at all. Dan wiped his somewhat runny nose while his cheeks cleared of their rosy complexion. Grey eyes bounced before focusing in on Anora in a way most humans don't, clean of any dirtied thoughts or wishes.

"I could be wrong, b-but, uhm, I'm being misunderstood. We aren't speaking about a human, or a-anyone who lives and dies or thinks l-like you do. Pahn is s-someone who's passing thoughts bring things into existence here. P-perhaps he anticipated d-danger of some kind, like in p-passing, and your particular existence r-resonated just right with uhm, w-with his possible suggestions of a future solution. L-like, if you g-got old and decided to take a year or two off j-just to recover your, uhm, y-your thoughts, or perhaps-s uhm, like, work on a project in secret, that wouldn't b-be unheard of-f. Pahn is suggested to b-be billions of your Earth-years in age. Maybe he took a c-couple hundred m-million years off or to do, uhm, to do something in s-secret?" Dan shrugged, taking a shaky breath through a hoarse throat before continuing. His lips pursed as if he had been holding something back. He was excited to tell all but limited by the avenue of words and habits.

"That would line up with The Seers Guild's divination of a great danger here. Your celestial reverence, respectfully, may ask about something?" Darsby chimed in, having turned from his view of the outside with a slow and sanguine air. Those dark eyes loomed with faint connotations of fearful respect over Dan.
"Y-yes, sure! Go right ahead!" Dan squeaked back, not having expected Darsby to interrupt.
"Your celestial reverence, I have wanted to ask this since meeting you, does the situation truly demand a presence like yours? Has The Council's formal analysis of the 'Comet Omen' in this sector revealed greater peril than I can handle?" Darsby was focused intently on the smallish man beside him, the suitcases underneath his eyes still keeping him from looking entirely awake.
"W-well, uhm...-" Dan leaned forward an arm running slowly over the back of his neck while the other rests in his lap.

Ahllasta had white-knuckled the steering wheel again with audible groans of leather after Darsby had called Dan 'your celestial reverence'. Strangely, she quickly calmed herself and grew tense with a faint air of survival-driven fear when the question of dangers magnitude came to the table.

"-...I-I mean you're all in my charge s-so, anyways, this has to do with another d-development. I p-plead that you do not worry about it." Dan acted like he spoke of some solemn affair, Darsby mirroring the emotion as he turned to look out the window again. This time, Darsby was in thought over something different, something more immediate, his tightened jawline showed it. Ahllasta invoked a similar change in herself, her eyes looking far away for the first time since she'd met Anora.

Dan had withdrawn himself inward for several moments before looking back up at Anora via youthful exuberance. He was ready to continue with her questions; these talks of danger doing nothing to dim his spirits in the moment.


[System]
Gender: Female

Age: 21

Career/Class: Courtesan/Duelist

Physical Description: Camilla is a medium sized woman around 5'5. She possess the slightly bronzed skin, angular features and dark hair common among Tileans. She has the smooth clean lines of a classical statue and the lean musculature of a dancer. Every part of her seems artfully contrived, as though she stepped from the canvas of a master painter. Camilla moves with deliberate grace which is appropriate to her profession.

Mental Description/Personality: Camilla is a fiery impetuous young woman. As a child she was selected from among orphan's for her physical beauty and raised to fill the role of Courtesan in the decadent courts of her native Tilea. Among her studies were poetry, dance, repartee, song, politics, literature, art and sword play.

Camilla is out of place in rough and dangerous situations, and although naturally adventurous and curious about the world she is no heroine. She has a fiery temper and has a tendency to act rather than to wait if given the chance. While technically trained with the sword, Camilla's education is that of the stylized art of the sword rather than the rough and brutal style of real combat, while she is perfectly comfortable fighting a duel to the tough for the entertainment of a crowd, she had little experience with real killing.

Camilla has a passing devotion to Randald and Shyalla, although she tends to focus on the world in front of her rather than the world beyond.

[User]
Amal wanted to attack then and there, but he knew he needed to be patient. The Arabyan had a very good sense of memory and direction, and as Emmaline was escorted out by spearpoint, he could guess at least somewhat accurately where she might be taken, though he couldn't guess if there was any eldritch locations or pocket dimensions. He doubted it, however. He knew little of spellcraft, but even powerful sorcerers only did it when necessary or showing off. From what he could tell, it took energy to make things, and why make a pocket dimension in a mountain when you could just use rooms?

Luckily for him, he was right. It took Amal sneaking past a few patrols, servants, and sleeping guards. He waded through overpacked storage rooms at chilling temperatures and rudimentary sleeping chambers for the goblins. He passed through an armory with the weapons the goblins used, though he found blades that glimmered in shadow and dulled in light, with edges that could cut hairs in two, and swords that had the green tinge of warpstone. Thankfully, he merely had to slink through one kitchen past a plump goblin in a strange hat that prepared a meal and sang to itself, and he made it to a corridor connected to an antechamber where he heard a familiar voice.

"I'm so good at this," he whispered to himself, and appeared in the doorway before Emmaline's eyes, behind the dwarf woman but right in front of Emmaline's face. Her eyes lighting up and the beaming smile she gave him was worth all of the gold in Araby, but he pressed a stern finger to his lips. She buttoned her lip.

Amal pointed at the dwarf, and gave a quizzical look as he slid a finger across his throat. Emmaline shook her head. Amal shrugged and pointed past her, indicating with his chin for good measure, before giving the same gesture. It was easy enough for her to tell he meant the sorcerer, and she nodded. Looked like there was no reason to keep him alive, at least. Amal gave a thieving cant gesture to be patient, placing his left hand flat and vertical with his right hand mirroring it just above. Amal then gestured past her once more, and mouthed the words' play along.' With her nod, he gave a wink and a grin, and then playfully looked her naked form up and down before fading into the shadows again.

Now all she needed do was distract the sorcerer, and Amal would take his shot.

[Assistant]
Emmaline's relief at seeing Amal alive was immeasurable. A leaden weight which had been lurking unrecognized in the back lifted. How he had found her and how he had gotten here so quickly remained good questions, but they hardly seemed immediately pressing. For a moment she regretted not having him cut Zwili's throat, just so they could have talked together, but that seemed a rather uncharitable regret. Amal was no fool, and he must have a plan. All she could realistically do was play her part as best she could. She raised her arms and allowed Zwili to continue to anoint her with oil, hoping it didn't result in her sprouting tentacles or something. It didn't or it least it hadn't by the time the dwarf had clothed her in a white and gold garment which Zwili said was called a kimono. Once this was done a white paint was applied to her face, accented with dark eye mascara and cherry red lipstick. The whole effect struck Emmaline as slightly ludicrous, making her look exceedingly pale and washed out with her fine gold hair, but she supposed that an insane chaos warped wizard probably wouldn't be that interested in her fashion advice. Once again she tried to rouse Asp, but the snake remained stalwartly inked on her arm, unwilling or unable to manifest.

"You are ready," Zwili announced in a dull listless voice. Her face worked mightily and she managed to add, "I am sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Emmaline responded, "Half the girls I knew growing up got married at the end of a pitchfork with their bellies swelling. I suppose I'm better off than they are." It seemed impolitic to remark that at least they weren't marrying psychotic wizards.

"Not," she added with a grimace as she plucked at the kimino, "that it is without its challenges." The garment had clearly been cut for someone with a figure significantly less generous then Emmaline's. The belt that cinched around her waist pulled the fabric in ways it hadn't been designed to do and she had to make frequent adjustments in order to prevent her cleavage from making a made dash for freedom. A result she doubted would be looked upon with favor. Asking for a shift seemed unlikely to go over well however.

"Alright, lets get this over with," she announced finally, figuring she had delayed long enough to give Amal a chance to make whatever preparations he needed, without giving the inhabitants of this strange fortress too much time to stumble over him.

"A… wedding…. gift," Zwili ground out, reaching into a pocket and producing a small knife. The dwarf was twitching so violent as she handed it to Emmaline that she seemed about to vomit. Emmaline tucked the blade away in a fold of her kimono, greatful for the effort. The dwarf seemed disappointed that she didn't stab her with it and try to escape, but the dullness stole over her before she could make further comment.

"This way."

***

A lot, it seemed, could change in an hour. The throne room, which had been majestic bare stone, was now draped with blue silks of every hue. Some were bright as the sky, others the dark grey black of a storm tossed sea. Others Emmaline had no name for and made her slightly nauseous to look upon. An eye searing sigil was emblazoned on many of them, perhaps some kind of coat of arms of Zar Tan Zhou, or perhaps a sign of his blasphemous patron. The wizard himself was also transformed. Gone were his simple robe, replaced by armor that seemed to be wrought of dark blue ice and edged with gold. It had an improbable number of hooks and points that seemed to limit its practicality, though he showed no signs that it hindered him.

"Step forward my dear, let us speak the words of dedication before mighty Tzeentch," he grinned, showing his pointed teeth and beckoning her. As sthe stepped forward the ground began to glow as it was lit by strange sigils on the floor. There was an odd smell, like sandal wood and old pine tar. Emmaline swallowed, hoping that Amal knew what he was doing. Against the unarmored wizard, Zwili's knife might have been some use, but against this armored warrior of chaos she didn't much like her chances.

[User]
Amal pressed the goblin's nose to the chakram, threatening to cut its face on the honed blade. It squirmed, but was powerless to be loosed from Amal's grip. Had it been any other greenskin, Amal would have listened to it and then slit its throat, but he had decided to save on time and go back to gather the one he had knocked out. He wasn't exactly growing fond of it, but he did find it funny in hindsight.

"Yes, this one! Yes!" It cried, and Amal dropped it. Behind him the carpet trudged around as if it were perusing the weaponry itself, but when Amal snapped, the carpet sprang to action and floated upwards. The thief leaped atop it with the disk in his hand, and the two zipped away, the goblin hyperventilating and cursing its luck. If Amal died, Zar Tan Zhou would skin the goblin alive and keep it breathing through magical means even as he cut out his beating heart!

Luckily, Amal didn't intend to lose.

As the procession went underway, Amal watched from the darkness of one of the dozen corridors, and he had mixed feelings on the whole affair. On the one hand, he was glad he had thought ahead when he saw the armor, and he had seen Emmaline in some nice outfits before, but she was all but bursting out of this one (and the hair suited her too). But of course, the dark sigaldry of the tapestries and unnamed, eldritch signs, not to mention someone trying to marry his woman...that didn't sit well with Amal.

"Don't I get an invitation?" Amal asked in his smoothest riekspeil. He liked to think he cut quite the figure when he cleared his throat, standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, cloaked but unhooded. Zar Tan Zhou spun in bemused bewilderment, blinking at the sight of the Arabyan thief. Chilling hatred entered his eyes for so brief a moment, it was almost as if it had never been there at all. But then the chill turned into cold curiosity.

"So, you're the one." The sorcerer calmly stated, the barest flicker of recognition in his eyes. Amal wasn't certain what he meant, but he supposed dead, cut up goblins drew attention at some point. "I should have come looking for you myself, but I incorrectly thought my minions would solve the problem for me." As Amal yawned, Emmaline was suddenly scooped up by the carpet and ferried to the other side of the room. It was far more gentle, but it felt as sudden as a hawk plucking an unsuspecting rabbit off the ground.

Amal indicated the sorcerer look behind him with his head. Curiously, Zar Tan Zhou did, and to say he was angered when he saw Emmaline gone was an understatement. If he was enraged there, however, he would be even more pissed once he realized Amal's plan. A discus chakram was flung through the air with a deft flick of Amal's wrist, landing to horseshoe spin atop the chaos chosen's helm, which caused the item to begin to glow a vicious red and white as the armor began to shift and change before their very eyes. It looked like the goblin's tale had been truthful. The armor of Hanra was a sacred metal suit for a chosen of tzeentch, unbreakable and unassailable in all ways, and Zar Tan Zhou had taken precautions to gather up all the items in the Old World that could possibly dispell the armor. Unfortunately, he didn't plan on someone fighting him with it within his sanctum, so the key to the dispellment was very close for any would-be attackers like Amal.

The armor melted, Zar Tan Zhou cursing Amal in his native tongue in frustration. To everyone'e surprise, the armor's disappearance left the sorcerer utterly naked at the alter, and Amal burst out laughing when he saw the man in his birthday suit.

"Tzeentch did not bless you in all ways, did he?" Amal chortled.

With a word of power, the robes he tended to don reappeared upon the Cathayan's form, his staff materializing into existence. He had a noticeable lack of mutations on his torso and legs, but as he spoke, Amal could see his tongue was forked and slithering as if it had a mind of its own.

[Assistant]
"Perhaps you can discuss it with him when I feed him your soul," Zar Tan Zhou snarled, leveling his staff. Before Emmaline could react a bolt of ravening energy ripped from his staff. Amal, moving faster than anyone expected, dodged aside and the bolt blew a smoking hole in one of the walls. Emmaline raised both her arms and began to chant, but the chaos sorcerer, sensing magic directed at him, flicked an irritated wrist. An invisible hand swatted Emmaline away and she avoided crashing to the ground only by virtue of the carpet coiling around her to break her fall, its fabric snapping taught and flipping her onto her feet like a prize fighter being pitched back into the ring by his supporters. Zar Tan Zhou slicked his hands in angry gestures, deflecting two thrown knives away in showers of sparks.

"Come minions!" Zar Tan Zhou shouted, the words ringing unnaturally loud. Emmaline tried her spell again only to have Zar Tan Zhou snap his fingers. The blue tapestries shot out, grabbing at her wrist and she yelped and leaped away, avoiding the enchanted fabrics grasp but loosing the focus of her spell. All across the chamber the tapestries reached out, forcing Amal closer to Zar Tan Zhou. The wizard snarled and shouted a word, tendrils of mist reaching out to seize the thief. Amal slashed at them with his blade and there was a flash of light and a grunt of pain from Zar Tan Zhou. Quick as a whip the wizard lifted his other hand and blasted the thief off his feet. Amal flew backwards, but twisted in the air like an acrobat fingers catching on one of the columns, and landing horizontally on it, cushioning the shock with his feet before flipping down and back to his feet. Emmaline could see shapes moving through the entry hall now, the greenskinned servants of the magus coming to his aid. Ahead of them, almost being dragged by her collar was Zwili, eyes filled with hate, teeth bared in useless defiance. Emmaline raised her hands and began to chant, gathering Charmon to her as greedily as she could. The snake tattoo on her arm writhed and extended out into the golden staff. She leveled it at the dwarf and shouted a word. The iron collar around the dwarf's neck shattered explosively, spraying fragments of hot metal all around. The goblins howeled as their own enchanted collars flew to pieces. They came to their feet, wiping at the cuts and contusions the spell had wrought.

"Oi, the fuggin' collars gone!" one of them hissed. A dozen pairs of yellow eyes turned towards Emmaline and the wizard beyond her. She swallowed hard and stepped to the side.

"He did it," she declared pointing an accusatory finger at Zar Tan Zhou.

"Da' blonde bint is 'it! Git 'em!" one of the green skins snarled and then they were surging forward, some brandishing garden tools, one wielding a pastry roller.