[System]
Age: 19

Nationality: Scottish

Appearance:

Description: A fairly rambunctious and stubborn girl, Nessie isn't dissimilar to your average Scotsman. She can display quite a tough and, at times, even rude and imposing exterior when in the company of strangers. Around friends she is brash, cheeky and can be quite loud, frequently poking fun at those she surrounds herself with. Equally, though, she also enjoys her own company, her favourite passtime being sitting by or swimming in a lake, especially one surrounded by beautiful scenery. Definitely the outdoors type. She loves a good drink though, and will never say no to having a pint in a nice pub.

Biography: Born in the Scottish Highlands, Nessie comes from a fairly wealthy background, her childhood home a rural manor house within an idyllic setting. Mountains, hills, woodland and lakes as far as the eye can see. The perfect place for an adventurous young girl like her, and still it remains her favourite place. Her parents work in... well, that she's not really sure of. Never has been, even to this day and age. And it's not like she's had many opportunities to ask them either.

At a young age she was sent to a prestigious boarding school for girls in Edinburgh, to both heighten her education and to keep her somewhere while her parents were away from home working. And it is there that she has remained most of her life since then. Even when school is out, she usually goes to stay with her uncle, who lives in an apartment not too far from her school, and with whom she's built quite a strong connection with over the years.

After finishing school at the age of 18 however, she didn't really know what to do with herself. She would go between the Highlands and Edinburgh, aimlessly inhabiting each of her homes while thinking of what she wanted to do with her life. Though she had done well at school, it felt like something was missing. It went on like this for a year until her uncle, noticing her rut and seeing the effect it was having on her, recommended a change of scenery for the girl. A breath of fresh air (metaphorically speaking) and an opportunity to see her future more clearly, whether that was university or immediately starting a career.

And so now Nessie finds herself in London, the heart and the capital of England. And yet still, even with such a dramatic change in surroundings from where she was previously based, and with so many opportunities and paths right at her fingertips, the girl still feels as though she hasn't found what's right for her yet. Not only that, but since arriving in London she can't help but feel unusual. Strange flickers at the corner of her eye occasionally catch her attention, unexplainable shapes looming around her only to disappear as soon as she puts her full attention on them. Perhaps something there is something coming her way, a path she never could've expected...

Grimoire
 • Title: The Loch Ness Monster
 • Classification: Legend
 • Description: One of the ultimate creatures of folk lore, the phenomenon of the Loch Ness Monster has its roots way back in the sixth century, though most of its notoriety bubbled up in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The illusive long-necked creature, described by some to be a sea serpent or dragon living deep within the waters of Loch Ness, has created ripples throughout history with its disputed existence, gradually being pulled more and more into the limelight of contention until becoming the staple of the paranormal that it is today. And so its legend is reflected in its equally illusive Grimoire. A story that, to this day and perhaps even far into the future, has not seen its end.
 • Abilities:
The Undine - At will, Nessie is able to manipulate any water around her and bend it completely to her will. She can also summon water out of thin air if required, but that takes more energy and control to do, so don't expect her to be summoning reservoirs of water with no difficulty right off the bat. It'll take training to get anywhere close to that.

Misty Waters - Like the monster itself, Nessie can disappear herself out of thin air. The only catch is that she may only remain invisible as long as she can hold her breath. There is a loophole to this ability however, as shown with the next one.

The Loch's Blessing - These are more passive abilities than anything, but they can definitely come in handy, especially in a city that contains a massive river (*looks at London*). The Grimoire grants Nessie with incredibly swift swimming speed, making her look like a blur to anyone above the surface. On top of this she can also breathe, hear and see completely clearly when underwater, almost as if she were on normal ground. The final blessing is the loophole to her Misty Waters ability, which is that she can turn invisible for as long as she wishes when underwater, essentially ignoring its limitation. Of course, most battles would probably take place above water so this ability may not always be as useful as it sounds, but in the right situation, as well as clever usage, it can provide Nessie with an invaluable edge.

[User]
Lupin chuckled at Olivia's reaction. Though as they talked, it appeared a small crowd had gathered around the new girl. Man, animal eared magicals really must be a rarity around here. Regardless, she did her best to keep up with them. The beauty had asked her another few questions. But before she could answer, the wolf girl felt an arm wrap around her waist and carry her off. Okay. This was happening, she guessed. Blinking, she waved fairwell-for-now to Olivia, then turned her head to her apathetic snatcher who introduced herself as Silvia. Guess Celina didn't have to worry about finding a partner after all.

 When asked if she would rather walk to the library after a moment, she simply shrugged. "I can walk."

 Days passed as Lupin gradually got settled into her new school life. She got assigned the same classes as other new students, even Olivia surprisingly! Dorming arrangements she didn't mind what they'd settle with, but it'd take a bit to decorate her side and such, what with her spending a good bulk of her time training with Stripes. Something she learned quick was that despite the group as a whole working as a team, the tabby's power sorta goes against that. A "Less is more" type of deal. Luckily, Silvia and her worked well despite the drawback. Few words were spoken between them, mostly from Celina wanting to get to know her new teammate.

 Then soon enough, Lupin was going off on her first patrol with Marrywell's finest. She walked up next to Stripes, tucking her ears back under her hood and quietly nodding to the others. Ozma turned out to be the one leading, her and Maria giving out similar speeches. Admittedly, she wasn't paying much attention to that. She did get the gist though, be careful, work together, that sort of thing.

 Silvia and Suzuya talked a bit about Pizza for some reason. A post-op lunch did sound good to the wolf, if the flesh of Pageless wasn't enough to satiate this time. Then the former told her they should split up from the main group if anything crops up. Lupin nodded, idly twirling one of her knives in her hand. "Bullet hell, got it. Ready when you are." With a flick of the wrist, the single knife seemingly divided into three, resting inbetween her fingers.

[Assistant]
LILAC SHIMMER

Lilac stared at Tesni. The kind of staring that meant it was pretty clear she wasn't getting all of this, but she was trying really hard and didn't want to mess up.

"So, um.. If I...." Lilac took a moment to try and process, her face visibly focusing.

"You can only be so strong alone so you're learning to ask for not-help?" Lilac, it seemed, chose an unusual way to parse the situation, and dance around Tesni's offering/not receiving hang-up. She was hesitant at first, but grew in confidence as she got the ball rolling.

"In that case, I'm truly flattered you'd consider someone like me someone you could ask for not-help! At your call, what drink would you like?" Clutching hand to heart, she took a bow to offer her service. But apparently she thought she was helping with getting a drink?

"I will admit, I'm looking forward to the team up thing now that I'm over the bee fight. Everyone's gonna come up with so much cool stuff to see!" Lilac definitely seemed on board with the idea, a bounce in her step not only from the springs.

[User]
The days following the training exercise had been strange for Nessie. Not that anything in the world of Marrywell was exactly normal to the young Magical Girl just yet, but even within that context things felt off. No doubt it was connected to her failure to protect herself and assist her friends against the faux-Pageless Valeria had set the whole group up against. She didn't understand. She'd done it before, harnessed her grimoire's energy and inflict attacks of incredible scale and power upon her foes. So why not then?

This was what she spent the following hours and days contemplating; as her classmates began to understand their grimoire's better and trained to increase their capabilities, Nessie was stuck in limbo as her perceived understanding on her own grimoire slipped further and further away and her ability remained stagnant. Her free time and time in classes became consumed by her considerations, her mind in a totally different place than those around her as she dug to find an answer. In reality, the reason had simply been that at the time there had been no water around to help enhance her attacks, but in her overthinking and desperation she'd removed herself even further from the powers of her grimoire.

So caught up in her own thoughts was Nessie, that the redhead barely even took notice of the new faces in the group as they gathered outside Marrywell's entrance at the behest of Ozma and the other staff members who had supervised them as of late. She didn't even approach Stripes, her previous saviour and the very person who had guided her to her grimoire in the first place. Her usual fiery nature was gone and it was clear to anyone that looked her way that she wasn't entirely present, a somewhat numb expression on her face.

She kept to herself, with no real group to speak of given her lack of communication with even her closer friends in the time since the exercise. The young Scot appeared unemotive towards the instructions given to them by their teachers, simply conjuring her broom as they were told and mounting it in complete silence, save for a deep, sighing exhale. She wasn't thrilled at the prospect of a patrol at the moment, especially if she couldn't even do anything against any Pageless that might show themselves.

"Fuck's sake..." She muttered coldly to herself, before kicking off the ground sharply to follow along Ozma's lead with everyone else. It was time to return to London.


[System]
Age: 18

Grade: 3rd year student.

Biography:

Nidgardt was born from the union of a dragon and a demoness, his father sought powerful offspring and thus experimented with a co-worker.

Despite his nature, Nidgardt is not ashamed of his heritage, nor does he flaunt or act with a high and mighty attitude because of it. He accepted early on what he was, but decided to not let his half-breed status stop him from having a life normal to that of humans and others. His father had much expectations of him however, his mother was never in the picture or offered him anything. She was to Nidgardt 'just the woman who gave birth to me'. He was trained from an early age to make use of his strange racial powers, some whom not even his father could have predicted would fall into his hands.

Whilst he would never be able to turn into a true dragon like his father, he possessed draconic wings, claws and a single horn at the right side of his head, whereof the horn had been due to his draconic or demonic side is unknown.

Nidgardt's skin is naturally resistant to many forms of injuries, mainly slashing kinds. His bloodline also gives him resistance towards fire and demonic energy, but at the same time weakness towards holy magic and magic specialized for fighting with dragons. He also is more vulnerable to piercing attacks than any other. While he may not suffer the full effects a pureblood would, it is still enough to be felt would he be hit by either.

Amongst the abilites that was granted to him early on due to his nature, such as winged flight, immense strength and durability, the ability to use flame breath, he also were granted a number of demonic powers at his disposal which he has inherited from his mother. His skills with them has made him a very variable combatant, even if his main strength lies in fighting opponents up close using his oversized demonic left arm or his demonic sword in his right hand.

When spoken to he is generally quite laid back and not very judgemental on first glance, he has come to understand people need time to accept oneanother, same goes for respect to which he thinks is important. Thus if engaged or challenged, he will gladly oblige and fight. Would he win or lose, he still think that it would have had it's purpose of gaining mutual respect for oneanother.

In the school, Nidgardt is working hard to gather a strong team in order to take on the Rhean schools in privately funded tournaments. At such he is interested in both bettering himself, but also his companions. He believes that teamwork is the key to everything, since he is a halfbreed he believes that mixing tactics and people in one same group is a good idea to achieve a variety of skills and ideas. He may upon first glance look quite intimidating, due to his oversized arm and claw, aswell as those large draconic wings on his back. Not to mention his attire, with him wearing a black visor almost all the time.

Powers:

Core: Aspects of the demondragon:

The best of two worlds, Nidgardt has been granted many gifts from his mixed heritage. Such as draconic wings usable for flight or attacking with, an oversized clawed left arm, a oddly shaped horn upon his head and the ability to spew fire in a cone shape. He is also resistant to physical damage, fire, demonic powers, mental control and has immense physical strength.

But all these gifts also come with it's flaws, his dualblooded nature means he has a weakness to holy magic and weapons, aswell as anything regarding causing harm to dragons do affect him aswell. Not to the full degree it would to a pureblood, but good enough to cause alot of damage. His body is also weak towards physical piercing attacks, as they pierce the near invisible to the eye scales which decorate his body.

1: Energy absorption: Nidgardt may create a small shield of dark energy to absorb magical attacks, such as projectiles, beams and anything which comes into contact with his hands/claws. Holy magic bypasses this, and so does physical projectiles, physical weapons and matter which are non-magical in nature or from a non-energy source.

2: Balor blade: This is a magical dark-purple blade which manifests in his right hand, it assumes solid form and may be used as a viable melee weapon for stabbing and slicing attacks, it can also hurl wave-like projectiles towards opponents, in both vertical and horizontal manners. He uses this as one of his main weapons and usually in conjunction with his oversized left arm and claw.

3: Demonheart: Nidgardt can attune himself more to his demonic side, creating a massive explosion from himself, sending whomever standing near him back in a violent fashion. Unless ofcourse they are too heavy, or if warded by some form of shield or barrier and capable of keeping their footing. The knockback effect is however not the main part of this power, it is that it empowers his strength and overall energy output, making his balor blade bigger, aswell as the projectiles used by it. His energy absorbtion also instead envelops him in a bubble, but he needs to lower it before being able to use his own magic.

Relationships:

To be added.

[User]
Sasha

---

The quest marched onwards, no matter the sacrifices made. Life was but a test of fate and righteousness, and the gods always saw fit to test the mortals with their whims and hurdles. Sometimes, they were beyond their comprehension, but whom can comprehend a god? Sasha pondered, as she eyed the writings that defied any kind of human common sense. Math homework. That was a plebeian kind of thing! How dare they inflict that into her, the Illustrious of the Yenin? Still, if this was her test and ordeal, then so be it. She would conquer it with ever growing confidence.

Even if Yuri had once again, made her to fast in her vigil and denied her the sustenance of Tiramisu. Outrageous, but a Holy Maiden's job would be done in any kind of circumstance. She clung to her stomach, a gut feeling of emptiness within. The day and the class was done, and she could not think of anything better to do than to patrol the halls of the academy.

Justice would triumph!

She didn't have to wait long, for she spotted a covenant between third years. A couple of them, that as a newcomer, had only heard ghastly rumours and foul tales about. The Demondragon and the Witch. Would they join together and breed to cover the earth in foulspawn? She dared to think not. She clenched her fist in determination, as she slammed the door open.

"HALT EVILDOERS!" She announced. "What foul play is this, Nidfart the Wicked? Allying yourself with more dark powers to cover the school in foul-yet-cute demon-dragon-witch-spawn? I shall not abide such display in my honour as Yenin!" Sasha said, her hands quickly reaching for her hilt.

And then, the rumble of her stomach rudely interrupted her. How could that fool Yuri not give her sufficient food before questing?

[Assistant]
Alicia

---

"Hmm? I desire others to be enthralled with me? Now that's a funny thing to say. All those people who adore me do so simply because of my... ah, irresistible charm. Even you should have noticed that, no?"

With her index finger, she touched Nidgardt under his chin, caressing his skin lightly as she gave him a teasing smile. She then recrossed her legs, this time making sure to do it in such a way that she flashed him a glimpse of her black panties.

"I never really desire them," she continued. "I simply view them as simple amusement and nothing more. A little romance is part of your typical everyday school life after all."

"Although, I do have something that I do desire. That perhaps you could grant..."

Before she could tell him that however, Sasha barged in, saying some platitudes about evildoers and honor and whatever, as usual.

Alicia rolled her eyes. If not for her holy protection, she would've placed a curse on her. Maybe a depression curse, just to make her less annoying and chirpy. It could be a love curse too. The girl was pretty cute at all. And she's the type that would be fun to tease.

And then, she heard a stomach growl. It wasn't her of course. She always had a low appetite. And it didn't seem to come from dragon boy. So by process of elimination...

"You might want to hold of your crusade until you fill up that big stomach of yours, little Sasha," she said with a smirk.

[User]
"Just do it already!" The voice rung inside his head, filled with impatience. "You've been hesitating all week!"

"S-sorry..." Kato mumbled back to his sister. He was the only person who could hear her, of course.

"Do you want me to do it?"

"N-no! That's... always hard to explain, and half the time they never believe us anyway." He sighed.

"Is it because of how she looks?" This time there was an edge to her voice.

"No!" Kato's face tinged red. "I just... don't like it when you get disappointed. Nothing ever works."

"Wanna know what's more disappointing?"

"Me not even trying-"

"YOU NOT EVEN TRYING!"

"OK, OK, fine... I'll go..." Kato hung his head and shuffled off. He soon found the person he was looking for, Sasha, but she seemed in a bit of a hurry. "Uh-... um... excu-" Nope, she suddenly slammed a door open and began shouting. "Sp-spawn?"

He shook his head. This seemed like a bit of a misunderstanding. If he could just interject. "If-if you could give me a mome-" But then some girl began talking back to Sasha. Wait, wasn't that- He felt a chill run down his spine. "I-I-... e-exc-" He was in a cold sweat now. His eyes wandered over to a guy who looked... Oh gosh... it was him. He was scary. Kato froze up.

"Oh for the love of..."

Kato's blue eyes suddenly took on an amber hue and his expression hardened.

"AHEM!" Suddenly his voice was loud and clear. "That's neat and all, but you guys can bully each other later! I have something important I need to take care of here! You, pay attention! I've been following you for the last minute straight!" He pointed at Sasha. A bit of an exaggeration, but... well...

"I... I could have..." Kato whimpered, now in the backseat so to speak.

"No. No you could not have..." Kakra grumbled. ". . . Sorry." Kato hated it when she forced her control over him.

(To be clear, italics is when Kato is talking mentally, and bold is when Kakra is. Only normal text is out loud.)

[Assistant]
Whilst he was waiting for Alicia to give her reply, she had taken the liberty of touching under his chin using one of her hands, while at the same time smiling in a teasing manner. The demondragon narrowed his eyes somewhat under his visor, he knew what she was trying to do. She was attempting to do to him, what she may have done to all those which constantly follow her around.
Certainly she was beautiful, but none were that beautiful that would cause young men to abandon all reason. The girl had even moved her legs in such a manner she revealed her undergarments to him. She did it on purpose, of this he was certain.

This girl was feared for a reason. Her powers were more than just teasing and tempting others. That both made him more interested and more wary, more wary than she wearing black undergarments of all things. But then again so did he.

Alicia did say however that there was something she desired, that which he could grant. The demondragon pondered for a moment what that possibly would be. Would the price be too steep to pay? That's when he heard the door slam open and a loud voice entering the room and ringing in his ears He slowly turned around, his large wings still folded on his back. There was a girl standing there, by the looks of her she was a first year. He had not made note of her before, then again the school had alot of students, many of which he had never talked with.

The demondragon did not consider himself leader material, but someone had to be the one needed to gather together a team and attempt to keep it together. At least long enough until a leader could be put in place. As for the girl, she was sprouting words about him. Words that were untrue. At least for now, he did not know what Alicia had in mind after all. Though dwelling on possibilities was a dangerous past-time.

"Judging people because of their bloodline is not right. That makes you the evil doer!" He raised his voice for the last part of his sentence, not in a hostile manner, but a matter of fact. He wasn't prone to make judgements on first sight, but this was a good way for the girl no doubt to ponder on if she were. The girl had placed her hand placed at her weaponry already, but was seemingly interupted by a rumble in her stomach.

"Fight at an empty stomach?" The demondragon asked in an amused manner, it was more like a statement but this girl despite getting the wrong idea. Hopefully. Might be a possible recruit for the tournament team, though it may require some work.

"Hmm. How about I treat you to some food for free and you'll consider joining the tournament team?" Nidgardt offered, holding out his oversized arm and draconic claw as a prince would offer a princess for the waltz. In a much more frightening and brute manner. There was more people showing up, a boy appearantly. This was a second year student for certain, the demondragon knew he had seen him before. He's looking for the loud talking girl? I wonder why... surely it's not because he needs help with maths.

"You got the wrong idea, we are all on the same side here. We are all here to get stronger, where would bullying and bickering get us? You have buisness with this girl?" The demondragon inspected the newly arrived duo (Well, or trio. But he did not know that.). Perhaps I could put them through the test later. If they are strong or not, as long as they are willing to work hard and not quit they could potentially be good members of a team.


[System]
Age: 16
Race: Human(?)
Gender: Female

Appearance:
Druid Girl is an attractive young woman with healthy, shiny caramel-colored skin, long, silky and glossy black hair as well as bright, sunny eyes with the color of gold. She stands at just above average height, with a well-defined body, ample bosom, taut stomach and curvy legs. She is not slim or slender though, but neither is she chubby or overly plump, instead she sports a healthy and trim physique, with well-sculpted limbs and digits.

As for her attire, it is very simplistic. During late spring through to early autumn, she wears a cropped, hooded vest, a white tight-fitting bandeau on her chest - exposing her midriff completely, along with a pelvic curtain - held in place by a long-tailed sash - with many fabrics woven into it. On her feet she wears a pair of multi-strapped, but simple, sandals and on her forearms she wears a pair of simple cloth bracers. She also adorns her hair with two, long, snow-white feathers - one on each side of her head. Also worth noting is that the sash she wears has a handful of small bells hanging from it. During late autumn to early spring, her "winter clothes" consists of a hooded coat instead of the vest, a woolen shirt instead of the bandeau and a long skirt, with leggings underneath, isntead of the curtained skirt. She also wears boots and gloves instead of the sandals and bracers.

Druid Girl's voice is sweet and gentle, but full of life and vibrant energy. She is very expressive, both in her face and body-language. She has no qualms about showing physical affection for those she likes or cares for, hugging or embracing them without a smidge of embarrassment. By the same token though, it's eaasy to tell when she's upset and/or angry. Also, despite being a human, her unnaturally colored eyes seem to hint at some non-human blood running through her veins, though exactly what is far too distant and far-removed to have any actual impact on her psyche or body.

Height: 5'5" / 166 cm
Eye Color: Gold
Hair Color: Black

Personality:
Druid Girl is a friendly and kind person, with a love for life and the world around her. She is bright and cheerful, but can be mischievous and physically playful - especially with other girls. She loves nature and animals, which were the main reasons she chose to train as a druid in the first place. Additionally, the young woman loves good food and almost all manner of sweets, which often leads to her getting depressed as a druid should not eat or want more food than they actually need. While she likes animals she does not keep pets, and does not like the concept of domestication.

Also, Druid Girl loathes those who are cruel, and even more so if its targeted against those that are weak or unable to defend themselves. She also cannot stand for pointless destruction or those who indulge in great excess. She has a very hard time for anyone who believes in racial supremacy too, as well as those who discriminate agains others because of their species or gender. Unlike many druids or nature-lovers though, she does not begrudge the construction of towns and cities, as long as they don't grow too large or cause too much damage to the surrounding areas. She prefers to be out in the wild though, or at least outdoors, to being couped up inside buildings or indoors, as it can cause her to feel a slight bit of claustrophobia.

Druid Girl also doesn't hold grudges, nor does she stay mad for long. Even if insulted or angered, it will fade rather quickly and she has an easy time returning to her regular, happy and kind self. This, of course, does not apply to beings of an unnatural state though, such as the undead or beings that don't belong in this world. Any and all creatures of this kind are abominations in her eyes, and should be expunged with extreme and immediate measures. She can also get irritated when people whine about things like rain, winter or the sweltering heat of summer, finding it pointless to complain about things that they cannot change, but can handle in one way or another.

In her spare time, she likes to take walks in forests and meadows while singing, as well as checking on the local wildlife and tending to plants and trees.

Likes: Animals, Nature, Kindness, Delicious food, Sweets, All seasons
Dislikes: Cruelty, Wildlife exploitation, Senseless destruction, Unnatural beings (undead, demons, etc), People complaining about weeather and seasons
Hobbies: Singing, Forest strolls, Tending nature, Snacking on foods & sweets, Bathing, Teasing

History:
Druid Girl was born and grew up in a rural village in the western parts of the kingdom. Her parents were simple folk, her father a farmhand and her mother a daycare nurse. From an early age, she was brought along to both parents workplaces, being shown both the importance of crops and the kidness of caring for others. The girl never complained about this though, she loved her family and was happy to be with, and helping them. She espcially liked working with her father, who would show her how different crops grew, how to deal with animals and even how and where to do simple foraging. Her mother taught her more in the ways of showing kindness, the values of helping others and that why not to be spiteful or mean.

It was a peaceful time and though life wasn't always easy, it was still full of warmth of joy. As she grew older, she would take more and more interest in the things that nature could and would provide - flowers, mushrooms, nuts, roots, various types of grass and even the wild beasts that lived there. This growing interest however meant she spent less and less time aiding her parents willingly, which began to cause friction. Eventually, these little disagreements became arguments, and eventually full-blown conflicts. Finallye, Druid Girl left her house after a particularly nasty confrontation with her parents.

She left her home and her village and began to wander the great outdoors. However, even with the little information her father had provided, surviving on her own proved far tougher than she had expected. On the verge of both freezing to death and starving, she was found by a wanderer - a wanderer who happaned to be an arch druid himself. After being fed and being allowd to share his campfire, the girl told her tale and explained herself, her interest and curiosity about nature and the wilds. At first the old man urged her to return to her family, but she insisted that she wouldn't do so until she could prove that her desire to know and explore nature was more than just self-indulgence, she wanted to prove that it could be useful to both her and others. The old druid sighed and told her that, if she so desired, she could become his apprentice - on the condition that once she finished training, she would return to her family and show off the fruits of her labor.

Agreeing in a heartbeat, with the brightest smile this side of the world, Druid Girl had no hesitation or doubts when taking the old man up on his offer. The next few years were spent studying and learning from her mentor, who taught her many things, both about flora an fauna. He taught her how to speak to animals and plants, where to look and how to move to find things or places, as well as teaching her the basic arts of druidic magics. Once she reached about her mid-teens, her master eventually told her that her training was complete, congratuating his student and wishing her well - in addition to reminding her of her promise and the responsabilities she now had as a druid herself.

Returning to her home, Druid Girl was sure that she would be able to show off her knowledge and skills to her parents, allowing them to mend the rift that had been caused those many years ago. Upon her return though, she found that her father had fallen ill and her mother was worked to the bone, having to both care for her sickly husband as well as do her job to bring home money for the pair. When she first arrived, her mother was quick to lecture and scold her, then pointing out her father's condition. However, once the daughter went outside and returned with some plants and herbs, brewed a tea and used her spellcraft to help heal her ailing father, the tune changed quite rapidly. Much bawling and apologizing was had - from both parties - and the reconciliation was a success.

With her father on the road to recovery and with her mother's tearful blessings, Druid Girl agains set out on the road, heading eastward. She had heard that there was a new town in the far-frontier, a place which surely could use the help and skills of a druid to aid in keeping the wilderness in check, or at bay. So she began her journey, on the slippery, slithering pathway of adventure.

[User]
"Rogue adventurers...?" the Steppe Archer would ask, her gaze turning thoughtfully to the roof of the wagon. ...She couldn't imagine what kind of circumstances might make someone turn to banditry. Poverty for certain, but to make one's entire living off of ruining the life of another? It felt...craven to even think about. And yet, she knew that some of her own people had likely left their home only to have to turn to that to survive. Steppe Archer was just glad that she, at least so far, had had the good fortune to succeed in her ventures, no matter how...stinky they wound up being.

Then the talk of goblins...the craven species that tales were told of to scare children at night. From what she'd heard from her clansmen however, no matter what quarry, even something one dismisses as harmless can find itself to possess sharp fangs when its life is on the line. She wasn't quite sure if they would be as surprisingly deadly as giant rats or roaches, but she had to assume anything with thumbs and a brain could be more fierce in a fight than any normal beast.

"I'd rather not see it," Steppe Archer would say with a light chuckle to the Lizard Fighter's suggestion of him showing off his twig and berries. "Anyways, you can count on us, Sir. Any would-be bandits will be in for a big surprise if they even try," she would say, stringing her bow and sitting with it at her side, more than ready to protect the cargo if need be.

[Assistant]
The reptilian man shrugged those beefy shoulders before he tugged his studded club from its place at his belt. The Archer mentioned that she didn't want to see his junk, which just got a grin from the behemoth. Druid Girls face was still pretty red but she seemed to be calming herself down now that she was in the wagon and settled in.

During his travels to Pallisade Town he had heard of bandits. But he never encountered them, mostly because he didn't stick to the roads very much. Humans gravitated or made their own civilizations or roads and kind of stuck to them despite some of claiming to just want freedom or some shit. They had freedom but then they decided to get stupid and steal to go do stuff in the areas they ran away from in the first place!

The Farmer mentioned rumors about rogue adventurer's, which earned him a raised eye-ridge from the back. He picked up his pace some and began circling around to the front of the slow moving wagon. "Don't trust every rumor you hear. I can only imagine a really down on his luck, or shitty, adventurer going rogue. He rumbled out while he watched the nearby tree-lines. He was just ahead and to the left of the plodding old mare.

Then came the subject of goblins. They were bold enough to steal, but not bold enough to confront the Farmer. It seemed three were poking the nest, but if it was just three they'd be more discrete. "We'll be going after them once you're escorted home." The Fighter stated as he kept what looked like a lazy pace. Those long legs easily keeping him ahead of the tired old hoss.

[User]
"Yeah... Please keep that thing in your pants in your pants, Big Red." Druid Girl said, averting her face to look northwards, in a clear attempt to not have to look anyone else in the face. Their leathery-skinned driver just laughed, crassly.

"Aye, I'm sure them bandit be terrified of a waif like you." The man responded to Steppe Archer's boast about no brigands being up to the challenge of harassing this ensemble of adventurers. Obviously, the farmer was less sure of this claim. When the lizardman spoke up about only 'shitty' adventurers turning to banditry, the man turned his head and sneered at the lizard.

"You ain't been in the business of adventurin' for long, have ya, boy?" The man asid. "Not everyone has the patience or want to be a gutter-cleanin' day-laborer, or sewer-crawlin' shit-stain who smells like piss 'n crap day in and day out. Some folks get fed up wiih not advacnin' fast through your little guild's ranks. Banditry's quick and easy, all ya need is a few knives and a few lads, and you're all set." The man stated, before returning his eyes to the road. Druid Girl sighed.

"He's right there. Many adventurers give up on the lifestyle before they even reach Emerald-rank, and those people often turn to less savory professions instead. It's sad but true that you can often earn a lot of money much faster as a highwayman than by doing quests for the Guild." The girl said, her eyebrows lowering and her expression - and head - downcast, staring at the floor of the wagon.

"Aye, that's the truth of it." The farmer chimed in, as if rubbing salt in a wound. "Most of ya lot turn out as troublemakers and thieves. So don't be goin' 'round holding your nose in the air as if ya bein' some big-shots, 'cuz ya ain't." The man said, spitting a glob of flem off to the side that Big Red wasn't walking on.

For the majorty of the trip, nothing of particuolar interest. When the lizardman told the farmer about them going to deal with the goblins right after they'd escorted him, the man just rolled his eyss and said soemthing inaudible - most likely something snide. As the wagon slowly bumped and hobbled its way along the dirt path though, the lizardman and the archer would soon see somehting that seemed off. For one, there was an area ahead of them with woodlands on both sides of the road, yet the shrubs and foliage along the road seemed considerably disturbed and trampled - marking that this was either a very active animal-trail, or some large group had recently passed through here.

Secondly, there were strangely shaped marks across the ground. Not just footprints, but also signs of something being heavy being pulled or pushed. Finally, a fair distance ahead, there was something else. Another wagon, or more accurately, a hand-cart. However, something seemed off, as it was tilting to one side and seemed to only have one wheel. There also wasn't any sign of the person pulling it - thus, leaving it abandoned along the dirt road. Druid Girl, who was sitting at the back of the wagon, and looking mostly north and behind them - back to the west - wasn't privvy to these details though, so she remained oblivious. The farmer, on the other hand, seemed either to ignore the signs, or was oblivious, as he mumble-sang some shoddy tune under his breath.


[System]
Home Universe/Name of Franchise:  Star Wars
Ship Class: Venator-class, modernized
Role: Flagship, Battleship, Starfighter Carrier, Troop transport
Physical Description/Image:Reference Image
Physical Size (roughly): 1,137 - 1,155 meters
Armament (roughly):
Armament has been modernized
* Dual heavy turbolaser turrets (8)
* Medium dual turbolaser cannons (2)
* Point-defense laser cannon turrets (60)
* Heavy proton torpedo launchers (4)
* Heavy tractor beam projectors (6)
* Built-in beam weapon
* Deck guns(6+)

Complement (roughly):
All ships, weapons and armor modernized
* Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters (192)
* Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptors (192)
* ARC-170 starfighters(36)
* Clone Z-95 Headhunters
* AT-TEs walkers (24)
* Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry (40)
* Miscellaneous shuttles
* Landing craft

History of the Ship: The Resurgence has been the flagship of the Republic Remnant during its campaign to destroy any and all Imperial Remnants and reestablish the Republic. It has seen well over 200 engagements over the course of the Reclamation Campaign in it's battlegroup with the Kenobi, and Fisto.
Notable Crew:Supreme Commander Jason Erthos-The primary leader of the Republic Remant, he leads their reclamation efforts against the Imperial Remnants and leads talks to convince the New Republic that the old system wasn't entirely flawed, simply parts. He also leads the ground forces when needed.

CC-2174 "Hammer"-Commander Hammer was one of the first Clones to finish the accelerated growth process after Nama Le fled Tipoca City with a handful of like minded fellows and roughly 2,500 embryos twenty-three years after the end of the Clone Wars. He is considered to be the toughest of all his brothers and has aided in the training of subsequent generations of Clones and those who have been recruited from off world. He leads the 302nd Clone Legion of the Republic and is a stalwart believer that if any of his brothers still serve the Imperial remnants, they can be saved. That doesn't, however, keep him from doing what he must.

Optional, but helpful:
Unique Technology: Gravity Well Projector-Smaller scale, as most Imperial Remnant fleets aren't all that large, if they're large enough to be called a fleet to begin with.
Crew Size:
* 7,400 Officers, Pilots, and Enlisted Crew
* 2,000 Ground Troops standard, modified for 4,000 in it's AU
* 2 years of Supplies

Faction/Operator/Owner: Republic Remnant/Jason Erthos

[User]
@Zarkun

Taris/Alderaan
The Girls heard the announcement as the ship exitted Hyperspace and walked with the rest of the deligation team to the Shuttle. "This Anubis character seems very reminiscent to other villains that King Sonic has defeated in the past. I'm just hoping that we can pull out a win as we have in the past." She said "So... How do these people get so much power in your Universe? Eggman said that you don't have access to any Chaos Emeralds in your Dimensions? How do you stop these monsters when their power goes out of control? We have our own skills and abilities, but eventually, something more is needed." K'Tari asked Teyla.

Meanwhile, Sonia was walking beside Jason. "I am familiar with a lot of royal protocol, but one culture's royal protocol is another's barbaric tradition." She said. "What do i need to know? Do they respect submissive or dominant behavior? What are their biggest no-no's? What is their most important forms of artwork? The report wasn't very specific on their culture. But i do understand. You didn't wake up expecting to get flung into your own history, didn't exactly give you the time and forewarning to bring all of your history books with you." She smiled at him.

Egg Carrier
Eggman sat in the captain's chair with Jack and Oglivie stood around him. "A proper guys night out" Oglivie smiled at everyone. Thunderbolt stared daggers at him. "Well, you're essentially one of the guys are-Im not making this any better... Well, in any case, we are still going off to war and being big damned heroes." Eggman stared at him.

"Alright, if you're going to be a hero, then go get your squad ready." Eggman ordered. "Jack, you go get Egg-Wizard ready." He then put on a big smile. "Depending on what's going on, i might just show the others how much use Dragoon is. Best foot forward and all that."

"You are NEVER going to give up on that, are you?" Oglivie asked.

"I spent 40 years of your life trying to kill an annoying blue rodent. I think it's obvious to everyone that i gave up on giving up long ago." He grinned from ear to ear. "In the meantime-" He pressed the comm button and sent out a hail to the rest of the fleet. "So, what is the game-plan for this? Egg-Carrier has a powerful main cannon, but we're not going to survive long in the thick of things. We'll be supporting the rest of you with the Egg Bosses and our Drone Fighters. Daedelus, i don't suppose you want to use this as an opportunity to test out the capabilities of the Egg Viper we lent you?"

[Assistant]
Vael 'Virisusai - Alderaan

---

Vael had his intentions for how to approach these Alderaaneans, and he knew what his role would be in these talks. He did not intend to overcomplicate or overplan every word he intended to say. Though, he was still paying attention to those around him. One of the small, furred beings spoke of emeralds that, evidently, held great power in her world.

"It would be wise to rid yourself of your own reality's preconceptions." Vael spoke up to K'Tari. "We are, each of us, in a new place, and we have no choice but to adapt to it. These gems you speak of do not exist in my universe, and yet, there exist tools of destruction that can reshape a galaxy. The Forerunners, whom my people once revered as gods, did not require relics of power in order to create or destroy stars, build planets, or create a weapon that could kill all sentient life in the galaxy, all at once. The weapon that destroyed them. They required only their own knowledge, their own technology. Anubis, our foe, may not have some relic granting him his power, and there may not be one that we can use against him. It may be that we have to rely on our own strength."

[User]
---

---

*<:Location:_Lightspeed:_--->_Nar_Shaddaa_._>*

Mentions:
, @Zarkun

---

---

"That is if we CAN get back home in the first place." the armored huntress replied as she looked over the navigation computer, "What if we can't? If so, we'll have to spend the rest of our days fighting in this war for however long it lasts. And it's not like one could send a postcard back to your family and comrades to let them know where you are either - well, that is if you have any anyways."

Not much else was said on the way back to meet up with Jerus - other then random remarks and comments sprinkled into the mix - as they quickly approached Nar Shadda. Once they landed, they entered a bar and found Jerus' lounging at a table as he rose a toast to his newfound partners.

Samus waved her hand as to politely deny the offer. She was no stranger to alcohol in any capacity - for she often lurks in bars and cantinas back in her own universe when she wasn't working - however she simply wasn't in the mood for one at that moment. With that, Jerus allowed them to relax for the moment and do whatever they wanted. The huntress proceeded to remain seated as she began to chat to him.

"How was everything on your end?" she asked rather curiously as she pushed away a drink that was offered to her by the bartender.

[Assistant]
Jerus Je'and-Prancing Nexu, Nar Shaddaa

Jerus takes a sip from his whiskey before answering, enjoying the taste of the classic alcoholic beverage. "Went fine. The Nautolan had no way of knowing I was there, since I kept track of him with while remaining cloaked. All the enhancements in the world aren't worth a damn if you can't see the final blow coming. And your side of the job? Thaz made it sound considerably more exciting than my end."

---

Resurgence-Enroute to aid the Immaculate Aegis

Kol'Zife sat in the heart of a frantic storm as the ship followed the others to aid their wayward ally. Even before Eggman linked up to ask how the situation was going to be handled, the Resurgence had it's battle plan. While the Empire's new Assimilator-class ships were clearly upgraded and, in many regards, superior to both the Arquitens-class Eques and the Venator-class, but there was still enough tech native to this version of their home that Y-Wings on a solid bombing run would turn them into limping giants instead of striding.

Or at least I hope they can. Of course the Supreme Commander would be gone when this happens... Flight paths for the fighters and bombers were plotted and even as they spoke, Spartan Company prepared for boarding actions and Wolf Company to repel any attackers that made it through the fighter screen and point defenses. The ARC troopers were already on the bridge and in Engineering, ready to do their duty as the Commandos headed for boarding pods that would be launched at any Venators in the fleet of Imperial ships. Combat Engineers and medics headed for their assigned squads and places as crewmen all over the ships donned their light combat armor and checked their weapons.

If the enemy did manage to get anyone on the Resurgence, they would find that the crew was far from helpless, having been through the same combat drills and sims that any of the clone and enlisted forces went through. It went without saying that the only way an enemy would claim this ship is if they killed everyone on board or if the acting bridge officer, the XO Kol'Zife at this moment in time, ordered all hands to abandon ship. So when Eggman came through with his own idea, the Twi'lek nodded. "It makes sense, given you know what that ship can do best. We'll try and keep the bulk of the capitol ship fire focused on us until we can meet with the Immaculate Aegis and their new Separatist allies. If possible, we need to get those allies out of the fight quickly."

---

Jerius "Mando" Wren-Tomb of Freedan Nadd, Dxun

Eri's tactic was clever and the attempts to grab the Tarantetek failed, however, she felt an unseen hand grab her and fling her into the wall behind Jerius as the Mandalorian rolled forwards to avoid the flailing monstrosity. An eerie laugh echoed throughout the chamber as a figured in black stalked out of the shadows from the path they'd lead the beast down. "Interesting to see that you're all still alive after that run." The figure ignites a crimson energy blade that Jerius and Eri both recognize as a lightsaber and the latter knows won't be set to simply hurt and leave welts.

"Dar'jetii!" Before Eri can move from her place of landing, the Clone has jetted forwards, a blade in his hands and crossed weapons with the dark Force Wielder. "Finish the beast! I will hold the dar'jetii until then!" The Sith cackles and unleashes a torrent of Force Lightning at Jerius as he breaks the blade lock, but the member of Clan Wren blocks it with a small energy shield projected from his gauntlet.

"Presumptuous, even for a Mandalorian. I'll make you suffer for that!" Ceasing the flow of lightning, he closes with the clone again and their blades clash as the Tarantetek finally regains focus and looks straight at the recovering Eri with a low growl.

---

Jason Erthos-In orbit over Alderaan to Castle Organa

"I fear the politics of Alderaan, young princess," Jason says as the reach the shuttle that would take them planet side, "is something best learned through experience. The only thing you need learn about before talking with them is that honour, both personal and House, is of the utmost importance." The group boarded the shuttle and the Scorch Guard came up behind them before the ramp closed and the ship took off. Silence reigned as they first entered atmosphere and then approached Castle Organa. Before long, they were within the House Organa spaceport.

As the diplomatic corp, such as they were, exited, none other than Bail Organa himself awaited them, along with several members of House Organa's military and their Star Barrier Battalion, their specialized blades crackling with energy and their shields braced. "Lord Organa."

Bail makes no move to speak at first and simply appraises the group before him, pacing back and forth. The Scorch Guard had their weapons down and in the least threatening position possible while still being ready to jump to the group's defense while the soldiers of House Organa were none too shy about aiming their rifles at the new arrivals. Finally, after several minutes, the leader of House Organa speaks. "Who are you? Because the ship you arrived in has no records in the Republic military database."

Jason answers first. "I believe, Lord Organa, that my allies here will speak for themselves, but I am Supreme Commander Jason Erthos, leader of the Republic Remnant from...a different version of this universe."


[System]
Cassi Fairbairn
Age: 35

Race: Hobbit

Sex: Female

Personality:
Cassinia, or Cassi as she prefers to be called, is cheerful and upbeat, one to grin in most situations. Due to being very friendly she finds it easy to get along with most people and can forge friendships in unlikely circumstances. Her general friendliness is coupled with someone who enjoys joking, playing pranks on others and generally having a laugh. Sometimes this can get to an annoying point, though she tends to stop before she goes too far. Though generally friendly Cassi has a terrible temper, and very little control of it – if she gets angry, she's angry. It really isn't difficult to cause this as well. Along with this, though she is one of the hobbits who scout the borders she is naïve and yet to truly experience any kind of combat or hurt.

Appearance:
Cassi stands at 3'5", with the typical stout and short figure of a hobbit. She has a soft, and round, face with freckles splashed across her cheeks. Her skin is fair, with her hands rough from years of using a bow. She has hair of a reddish-gold colour, somewhere in the realm of auburn. This is of a decent length and messy; while she isn't particularly good at keeping it, she doesn't want to cut it shorter like would probably be sensible. Instead it is often kept tied back or braided so it is off her face and doesn't get in the way. Her eyes are a bright, somewhat unusual green in colour. As Cas normally is working or scouting she can often be found wearing practical clothes in shades of green and brown; somewhat longer tunics and trousers, the kinds of clothes more suited to men. However when she is not working she will wear simple dresses in bright shades of green, yellow and blue. Like all hobbits, she does not wear shoes.

Backstory: Cassi is the fourth child (of five), and second daughter, of the current Warden of Westmarch. She is descended from Samwise Gamgee from his daughter Elanor the Fair, and was born in Undertowers (in Westmarch). She had a relatively normal and safe upbringing, but from a young age disliked being confined and had no interest in anything scholarly. She insisted in getting combat training while growing up, and her wish was granted as her father saw no point in confining his spirited daughter. She spent her time training in Undertowers and travelling to the Shire, often visiting the Took and Brandybuck family (along with the extended line of Gamgee / Gardener) – as the three families had kept close contact. The Fairbairn's were probably around the least, however, due to their location in Westmarch.

As soon as she was old enough Cassi joined those who guarded the borders of Westmarch, and continued to train while choosing to specialising in scouting. She learned the kind of things she couldn't in Undertowers; survival, tracking and navigation to name a few. She soon gained a reputation for having an incredibly accurate shot, talented for her age and station but not quite to the level of an elven archer. While her fighting is adequate, her archery and slingshot skills make her good at her job guarding the borders.

Reason for investigating the silent colony?: Cassinia's cousin, Roderic Fairbairn (through her father's younger brother), was recently travelling around Mirkwood and specifically stopping in Dôr-min-Taur. Roderic was around seven years older than Cassi, and she knew him well enough. Along with this one of her closer friends in the scouts, Theobald, was good friends with Roderic and wishes to know what happened to him. So Cassi is setting off to investigate, both for the chance of adventure and to find out what happened to her cousin.

Other: Cassi is the great-great granddaughter of Samwise Gamgee. Her great-grandmother is Elanor the Fair, and her grandfather Elfstan fairbairn. Her father is his first son, and current warden of Westmarch.

Weapon wise Cassi's main weapon is her bow, of finely crafted Silvan make. Given the name Egros (though Cas just calls it Thorn) it is a prized possession that she was gifted by Roderic after his travels. Her arrows are also finely made. Along with this she has a hobbit made slingshot and a basic sword, and a couple of knives.

[User]
A thick gloom hung over Dôr-min-Taur, so palpable it clung to one's clothes, tugging slightly at each and every action. Those keen of sense would taste the blackness on their tongues, feel the dark that lingered just beyond the capacity of mortal reckoning. And there, in the deep of the Mirkwood, shadows oozed out of the silent colony. That empty place where indulgence and avarice once reigned supreme, replaced by a fell and foulness so bleak that the forbidding atmosphere of the grim woods surrounding paled in comparison.

-An excerpt from the journal of Callum Taul

The residents of Dôr-min-Taur, Lambin reflected, did not live so lavish existences such as some tales would imply. Each and every house that he came upon was simple in design, small in size, and solidly built. Squat little things that seemed more intent on hiding the wealth of their respective holders, rather than flaunting it. The interior of each house seemed to be a little less modest, but not by any significant mark. Finely carved but functional furniture was the norm by far, but evidence of their wealth could still be found: fine baubles and jewelry, smelted from gold and silver, set with rare gems, were commonplace, while satin and velvet could be found in the clothing and bedding of most homes. Lambin was sure to pocket the finest trinkets from each residency; the rest would have to be saved for when he and Callum did a proper sweep of the place with the wagon.

The lack of people was a strange thing, but it made looting exceptionally simple, and the lack of bodies was even better. Lambin was rightly sick of the stench of corpse, and anything that smelled similar. Still, he wrinkled his nose at each crusted stain of blood, and carefully avoided stepping in anything that seemed too suspect. There were more than a few occasions where he had to avoid tripping on a piece of overturned furniture, dimly lit as the homes were. Yes, he was dressed for work rather than pleasure, but the leathers were still expensively made, and there was no sense in getting oneself filthy if it could be avoided.

"Callum!" Lambin shouted with mock joy. "How welcome your dour expression is at a time like this, a true beacon of warmth in the oppressive locale we currently find ourselves in." He sauntered a little closer to the man accompanying him. "I think we must laden ourselves with as much loot as we can carry, without straining the poor beasties too much." As Lambin spoke, he edged closer to the two horses yoked to their wagon, stroking the mane of each one affectionately. "Slip, Grin, we're going to make a fortune here, and I'll trust you two to the heavy lifting."

"Something terrible has happened here." Callum spoke flatly, mild in tone and with a hollow ring to his voice. Lambin watched the much taller fellow climb into the wagon and seize the reigns. "We should start at the front of the city - does this place count as a city? - and work our way to the rear. We can search the mine then."

As the pair made their way down the main road, horses clopping along towards the looming wall that grew bigger every other moment, Lambin peered forward from his seat. "Whore's tit. We have visitors."

Callum raised an eyebrow. "Make that one up yourself? We should greet them. We're well within our rights to be here, and allies couldn't hurt us." A shadow fell across Callum's face. "They may be useful. In the mine."

"Let's be on with it then, stay the course, and let me do the talking. You just… be you."

A great tragedy must have befallen Dôr-min-Taur. Though no bodies or survivors remained in the town to speak of, there were other signs. Near every home had its furniture in some manner of disarray, chairs and sometimes tables cast about. Arrows were firmly embedded in posts and walls, missed shots by some panicked or unskilled marksman, that much is clear. The most obvious sign of crisis, however, was the blood. Blood, crimson and black, crusted and flaking in some spots, sticky like sludge in others, was no stranger to my gaze. It seemed everywhere I looked, there was some of the foul residue. Something very, very terrible happened to the people of Dôr-min-Taur.

-An excerpt from the journal of Callum Taul

[Assistant]
Thurin the III often looked very dour, but curious as to the road they traveled. It was as if the very ground was something to take note of, as were the trees and sky when they could see it. He gazed at the surroundings with a slow yet professional air, almost akin to him examining the craftsmanship of a blade he had just received or had made himself. He kept his Axe noticeably close and at the ready, for he had seen enough of the foul spiders and their ilk in this forest to know they were never truly safe.

If he was alone, he would sing a song from the Dwarf holds within the mountain. A tune of feasting or a song of toiling and the comraderie of Dwarves hard at work. His favorite road song was The Song of Durin, for it lent his bones strength and reminded him he strode and fought the evils of the world as the ancestor of one who had explored these very lands himself. Durin was a great adventurer and founder of the Kingdoms of Old. Thurin hoped he could reach for success such as that, one day.

For now, the task at hand was enough, and it seemed perilous from what he could ascertain as the group moved ever onward down the path. A loose branch, a ripped bit of cloth there, and old footprints the date of which he could not hope to guess or tell to whom they belonged. "The road darkens akin to the very stone of the tower before us," Thurin declared once the tower of Dôr-min-Taur loomed above them.

He did not believe it was wrought by Dwarf hands, but Dwarfs had perhaps lived here judging by the engraved art. He gazed at the dancing image for a moment incredulously, and believed the tales of this colony were indeed true. Many races had lived here together in peace. If Thorgig were alive, Thurin needed to find him. If not...he would give his cousin a proper burial.

The lack of noise from within was, indeed, as loud of a warning sign as the roar of a drake. Thurin hefted his long handled axe in a two handed grip, Dwarf eyes set on the tower's interior as he slowly walked into the doorway, not even having bothered asking what his companions had thought to do. Not out of arrogance, but he was a well trodden pathfinder and danger-seeker. He knew his business.

[User]
Cassi Fairbairn and Ted Noakes
"Oh, I'm Casssinia Fairbairn, but everyone calls me Cassi," Cassi chirped up all too cheerfully as the now larger group was on their way towards the city, glancing around at her new companions. "I didn't manage to introduce myself earlier. It's nice to see so many friendly faces in a place like this."

"I doubt everyone will be thankful to have met you soon enough," Ted chided, lips drawn into a frown as he kept his hand on the sword at his side. Unlike the younger hobbit he had traversed some of the more dangerous Mirkwood forests before and knew that there were always dangers, even with the numbers they now had.

"I'd like to thing that I help cheer everyone up," Cassi retorted, though she lowered her voice a bit as they approached the walls that now loomed before them. "And, if not, my good shot could be useful!"

"I think the fair folk have you beaten on that," Ted muttered as he shot her a narrowed look to silence her. He moved his gaze back to the wall as they traversed around it, the two hobbits having to hurry to keep up with the taller folk. There was an eerie silence coming from the place. It was unnatural, as was the lack of men on the walls. The place seemed more than just abandoned. What exactly had happened here? Somehow he doubted they would find Roderic alive within. Cassinia may be hoping to see her cousin again but Ted was far from an optimist.

"Oh wow, it's so big," Cassi let out a quite gasp as they reached the gates, staring up at the carvings with wide green eyes. The depiction of people of all races living together would have brought her joy if it wasn't for the silence that hung about the place. Even she knew that an open gate was not a good sign.

"It would have repelled most invaders," Ted half responded to her, looking thoughtful. He was about to turn to Elennína, the elf who had led them this far, to ask what her thoughts were on how they should proceed when Thurin stepped forward and into the doorway. Well, it seemed that the dwarf was confident in his own judgement. It was unlikely that something would jump them as soon as they entered, he guessed. It would be easy enough to hear anyone approaching.

"Stick close to me, even if people start to split off," Ted spoke to the two other hobbits, looking specifically at Cassi (who was want to just wander off). "We don't know what could be inside." And then, to the others still outside the gate. "I'm going to follow Thurin inside, you are welcome to come with me."

He went to follow the dwarf with Cassi fast on his heels. They were barely in when the younger hobbit spoke loudly, nudging Ted as she did and pointing forward down the main road.

"Hey, is that other people?"


[System]
Age: 15
Race: Actually is a changeling from the Seelie summer court of fairies, meaning he was swapped for a human child and grew up in a human's family, which is where he gets the name "Offgood." If asked, Raph will swear he is human, because he finds it embarrassing to be called a "fairy."
Gender: Male
Proficiency/Abilities: Raph is a light magician, able to conduct light into weapons. He has minor healing magic, but he barely knows how to use it. Raph inherited the skill of mind manipulation as well, but at his current level it only works on humans with weakened minds and is more of a suggestion rather than full control over their bodies.
Likewise, Raph suffers from chronic migraine, and if he is put in a place without any form of light, he will becoming weaker and weaker and can eventually even die without it.
Identification: Due to his fae genes, Raph is quite short, barely making it above five feet. He has a very feminine face, with wide beautiful auburn eyes surrounded with thick black-brown eyelashes as well as thin golden eyebrows to match his groomed straight medium length hair. He has a thin nose and thick lips, always seen with some sort of layers of roped bracelets and ear piercings at random. Raph is usually seen in a long green jacket with a white sleeveless undershirt, black skinny jeans and black converse. He is often chewing gum or has a lollipop in his mouth, generally appearing unamused.
Personality: Raph isn't the most talkative of kids, in fact he usually keeps to himself. He's quite sarcastic and judge mental, someone easily annoyed by others. He usually doesn't get his work done and if he does he does it at his own pace when he wants to, often getting distracted easily by minut details. Raph can be temperamental and aggressive if you pester him too much, but he never looks to hurt anyone. Underneath it all he's not a bad kid, he's just not friendly.
Raph is frightened by the prospect of getting close to anyone, and will do his utmost to push people away so he doesn't become attached. He's lonely, but he demands that it is what is best for him and says he simply wants to be left alone.
Backstory: As mentioned previously, Raph is a changeling. The true Offgood son was swapped with him at birth, allowing Raph to grow up in a well off human home. He grew up his entire life believing he was human, though he detested the luxurious lifestyle he was in. The children at his school avoided him and talked behind his back, causing the outcasted little Raph to act out with thievery and fighting a particular student. He was homeschooled from then on, constantly watched over and forced to meet unfair expectations. Ralph was not given a childhood, he could not play and had no friends, only studying of how to become more like his successful 'father.'
Recently, his fae mother returned to collect him as his powers emerged (in the form of him severely injuring his abusive instructor) but Raph was furious at her for giving him away. He exclaimed she never truly cared about him, and would never go back to the Seelie court with her. Raph ran away from home, and stumbled upon the academy, where he took up residency.
Originally, Raph was just a squatter that they repeatedly tried to drive away, but once they found it useless and saw how well adept he was with his powers, they enrolled him as a new student.

Note: this is a living form, meaning more information will be added as it is revealed in the rp.

[User] Listening to what The headmaster was saying Mikale kind of hoped for a partner, he thought about who his partner would be and how there powers could complement his. He daydreamed about being partners with someone with super strength who could launch him like a cannon ball "that would be so cool" he thought to himself. His daydreaming was interrupted by a loud noise, the room suddenly in motion reacting to the sound. He decided to head towards the far back corner of the room, he saw a few chairs stacked next to a window and climbed to the top one. He sat and watched the other students to see their abilities, he sees a kid put up a red bubble of sorts around him and another person. Next to him a pile of the strange substance began to clomp together, seeping in through an opening in the window, it took the form of an old man. "This is scary stuff, you look like him but can you take a punch like he can" Mikale said jumping down from the stack of chairs.

[Assistant]
Before Feine knew it - the blonde lady he now knew as Lalisa took his hand and shook it, as if teaching him how to shake hands.

'Hmm? T-this isn't what I meant... I know about handshakes and things like that...' Feine found it rather interesting that Lalisa simply grabbed his hand and shook it, though. It took guts to simply shake the hand of someone of such high caliber - like Feine thought of himself. 'I'll allow this handshake - just this once. It must be an honour for them, anyways... and in the end, I'm winning out. This provides me with possible new material for my works.'

Feine bit his tongue as Lalisa squeezed his hand. Now that wasn't something Feine remembered of handshakes, though he didn't particularly care about the techniques of hand shaking and all that. It was likely normal, though.

In time, Lalisa said 'Let's be friends'... to which Feine merely nodded, but didn't say a word. Famous creators often had followers who supported them, so this was no doubt an important step to becoming the next great writer of today's generation.

But then, something particularly interesting happened.

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

"W-what is that infernal sound?!" Feine spoke to himself, but he quickly got an idea of what it possibly meant. "... I see. If this is what I think it is."

Feine's suspicions were very quickly confirmed. All sorts of ominous creatures started to appear through the area, as students rushed to combat them, as if they were warriors from a story. Now that Feine realized what was going on... a grin broke out onto his face, perhaps uncharacteristically. Other students may have yelled, shivered, or even screamed about the spirits. Not Feine, however. Feine was glad - and excited.

"Now this... this is what I've been waiting for... spirits." Feine muttered quietly. "Now-"

Feine was taken off guard by a sudden attack from behind. What he could only assume was a claw dug into the side of his chest, causing noticeable pain. Swiftly, Feine clutched his light wound with a chuckle.

"As a writer, it's best to experience all sorts of things... including pain." Feine explained to his assailant. "This does hurt to a degree, surprisingly enough, though I'm happy you did hurt me. Of course, you lucked out. As soon as you even touched me..."

Feine turned around to his attacker, almost casually - as if he were in no danger. What was there to fear for Feine Rhiter? He'd written all sorts of works. Dying here would just be anticlimactic.

Laying eyes on the spirit that had attacked him, Feine investigated the creature's appearance. It seemed to be a grim mockery of a human being, like Feine's fellow students. Just like them, it too was clearly inferior to Feine Rhiter, at least in his eyes. But what set this beast apart was a large, curved claw on its right arm.

"'As soon as you even touched me, you'd already lost. That's a quote from one of my stories, if subpar trash like you can even fathom the meaning in those words.'" Feine spoke calmly and clearly, eyes on the spirit that had attacked him. "Allow me to end your story. Of course, I expect you to try your best to keep this interesting. After all, I am looking for things to write on. Make this as dramatic as you can muster, though chances are this will be... lackluster." Chances were that the spirit couldn't hear Feine, but on the off chance it could... Feine still thought he'd tell it what was what.

Feine was excited... his first fight awaited him. Though he didn't have his spear on him at the moment, it would still be a cinch to beat his enemy. Feine was the most powerful wind user to grace the Academy, or even the most powerful person in the Academy in general. Or, so he thought...

Nonetheless, his enemy waited ahead of him. Feine stepped closer and closer to his opponent, ready to unleash wind magic on his foe...

[User]
Fillan could tell Kludd was upset even before he opened his mouth as Kludd more or less pulled him back to his seat after his rather awkward expedition with Ashley. Fillan crossed his arms and was about to open his mouth and explain how he didn't know Ashley hated guys when he heard the Headmaster begin speaking. He had almost forgotten about her, the lady-with-hawk-eyes, in the midst of all these other events happening within the break of her speech.
Respectfully, Fillan turned his full attention to the Headmaster, even if he did find her eyes pretty startling. He was starting to get accustomed to it. In fact, her eyes were the least of his concerns at this point. Fillan was too busy trying to register what she was saying, it all came together too late.
REEEEEEEEEEEEE!
The sirens began to ring, and Fillan could feel the atmosphere of the classroom take a complete shift. He was trying to fight the rising panic growing inside him, Wait, we're going to fight, right now? I don't think I'm ready for any of that yet, shouldn't we learn basics first?
There wasn't anymore time to think as the lights went out in the room. He could feel Kludd tense up and remembered he didn't like the dark. Strange, mutated forms slipped into the room. Fillan was slightly curious about these creatures, but he decided that now would not be the best time to indulge his curiosities. As a bubble formed around him and Kludd, Fillan looked up towards the ceiling and narrowed his eyes. If the lights are what I think they are- light bulbs, then it should be run by electricity. Maybe I can do something to get the lights to come back on...
Despite all the chaos that surged around him, Fillan tried to clear his mind of all things and concentrate on reconnecting a power source. He stood there, completely motionless for a minute. He didn't ever use his powers, a choice he was beginning to regret as he concentrated. A faint glimmer, a spark caught Fillan's eye.  I'm almost there! Just a little more...
The lights above suddenly turned back on, blazing with full illumination. The display blinded Fillan for a moment and he averted his eyes away from the lights, sighing softly.

[Assistant]
The fae seemed vaguely uninterested even though he was the one to request the white haired person's name, just blankly watching them as they opened their mouth to speak. It quite possibly could be the case that this was his resting face, just generally unamused with the world around him. Could be a reason why people avoided him for the most part... well, that and his rough personality.

But, nothing came out. Seren has cut themselves off, making the blonde boy cock a brow with impatience. Raphael was close to going off on the ridiculous little demon, until a horrible ear piercing sound struck his eardrums.

"Ow! Ah, what the—?!" Raph stopped in his tracks with a wince, slamming one of his hands against his ear in a futile attempt to protect his hearing from the invasive sound. Before he could do much else once he got his sense back, there was what appeared to be some sort of blob of slime walling off the door to the inside. Spirits were slowly coming in. If they didn't move fast, they would be surrounded out here.

The wild golden eyes flashed back at Seren, only to see them paralyzed in fear. A sinking feeling pulled at his heart. Somewhere in their subconscious a little voice said you can't just leave them defenseless like this.

Raphael's upper lip curled into a frustrated snarl, he suddenly reaching out and grasping Seren by the opposite shoulder, throwing them quite carelessly behind him. "I said don't get in the way! Stay behind me until I get rid of it, then get inside!" Raph barked the orders, facing the slime spirit and holding out his right hand. A ball of light began to swirl and form in his palm, before suddenly bursting out on either end. It formed the shape of a sword, the light condensing with a snap to solidify the weapon. Raphael lowered his stance, glaring harshly at the spirit. "Today isn't your day, pal..." He growled.

Suddenly the fae shot forward, bringing the blade down into the blob with a schloop. The thing jiggled from the shock and pain of the blow, but refused to release the golden edge. Raph's eyes widened as he was tossed off to the side, the blade shattering back into the light it came from. Still, he had injured the spirit.

"You wanna play that way, huh...?" This time, Raph held his palm outstretched towards the sky, where the same balls of light formed at about eight different angles from him. Raphael threw his hand forward at the slime spirit, the balls sharpening into daggers and stabbing multiple holes into the blob. It let out a silent cry of pain, beginning to retaliate the attack when an evil smirk curled the corners of Raphael's lips. His hand clenched into a fist, the daggers reforming into balls in the slime's gelatinous body, but they became smaller and shook in an unstable manner until they exploded into golden spikes shooting out at all sides of the spirit. The spirit was now so ripped up, it could barely bring itself back together of it even tried.

Raph snatched up Seren's hand, dragging them along beside him as they quickly got themselves safely inside the school. The blonde boy was panting already, having to double over to catch his breath. It seemed he had overdone it with those light formations, and the artificial lights of the school definitely wouldn't be enough to replenish his powers, but he'd just have to do. "Come on, move. We gotta get back to the orientation room."


[System]
Nickname: "Gensai the Muramasa"
Age: 18
Eyes: Blue, red when using Septima
Hair: Originally black, now permanently pale
Description: This will be drawn.
Country of Origin: Japan
Condition: Adept
Biography: Itou Tenma was a young Japanese boy, at a young age he was a studious child, and possessing a sharp and quick mind. He studied martial arts as well as academic pursuits as a good child of a comfortable family should, however when he awoke to his Adept powers, his father immediately disowned him, while his mother wept, and he soon found himself alone with few friends, as many of his friends had done very much the same.

Having to drop out of Middle School due to this circumstance he wandered homeless for a year, travelling to the far south of Japan during this time, and soon he ran into others of his kind. They came together as a community and he finally got back into being able to study, but he was changed from his studious self, seeing no more point to be the good student he was, getting into many fights, and more feverishly pursuing his martial arts, starting to learn Kenjutsu, which he took to incredibly quickly.

His skill as a fighter brought him to the attention of radical Adepts who offered him a place among them, he accepted, seeing this as a much better alternative to a normal life. From then on he has been from part of Japan to another for military espionage, and assassination. He quickly gained the title of "Gensai the Muramasa" due to his profound speed, capable of killing targets before their guards could even react, which is reminiscent of one of the Hitokiri of the Bakamatsu. It felt like a fitting title for a member of a rebellion.

He was eventually stationed to the parts higher up their command, and placed in one of the main precursors to QUILL, an extremist group known as ARCHON (Adept Resistance Corp of Hope, Order, and Nationalization).

As a person, Itou is highly cynical, his humor is dry, and he seems more mature than his age. Early in his career as an espionage agent for Adepts, he was driven much by his hatred for being robbed of his life, however he met his family again not long after, and is now driven by the desire to see a world for Adepts, at any cost. Whether or not it will be alongside humans, as he sees governments and large powers as their representative, is still up for debate.

Though out of combat his eyes are still blue, one mission forced him to use his Septima for much longer than he was used to, putting so much stress on his body that it discoloured his hair too.

Kudos
Used: 1000
Remaining: 0

Gear:
 Lens-
 Left: Surgical Lens - Increases precision, allowing near-surgical strikes. (Crit+, Details+)
 Right: Seer Spec - Prevasion cost is cheaper.
 Ring: Traction Ring - Gives single-dash ability.
 Pendant: Geist Locket
 Mobility: [150]
 Run (25 Points)
 Jump (25 Points)
 Flip (25 Points)
 Wall Jump (25 Points)
 Dash (50 Points)

Gear- [140]
 Super Sneaker (10 Points)
 Tactical Sidearm Handgun (20)
 Septimal Katana, Shakuryu (50) - A Septimal Katana forged from a simple katana by Itou's Septima. It's blade has become blood red, while keeping a black backing. It briefly glows when his Septima is in use. It seems to respond more strongly with his, giving it an unusual sharpness.
 Combat Suit (60 Points)

Combat: [80]
 Small Blades Familiarity [Small] (5 Points)
 Katana Familiarity [Medium] (15 Points)

 Small Blades Training- Traditional [Small] (10 Points)
 Katana Training- Traditional [Medium] (25 Points)

 Handguns Familiarity- Firearm [Small] (10 Points)
 Handguns Training- Firearm [Small] (15 Points)

Septima-
 Name: Muramasa
 Element: Slash [Simple Element, 100]
 Color: Sleek black with red lightning
 Powers- [225]

Heaven's Pad [Shock 5] - A chargable slash that slashes the area immediately in front of Itou. Amount of slashes is increased based on charge time.

Retribution [Shock 5] - Itou will take a stance for a brief moment, having a variation of three. All have similar results, that being a rapid backstep into short lunging slash in a single motion accompanied by a burst similar to Heaven's Pad.

Phantom Twin [Shock 5] - This allows him to do an extra slash using his Septima. This basically allows him to fulfill the task of two people, letting him strike another enemy within sword's reach down while he cuts another with his own blade. It requires they be in front or to his flanks as the attack only reaches that area. This move also lets him extend combos in various ways. He can also simply make it mirror his attacks for heightened pressure.

God's Grasp [Sphere 10] - Create a solid instance of Slash all around in a static fashion, able to trap melee attacks in a razor-sharp barrier. This can be used as a general shield as well but is much more effective as a parry tool.

Judgement Cut [Sphere 10] - Seemingly distort a small area and cover it in slashes.

Bladewind [Beam 50] - Itou is able to throw out a bladed beam with a swing of his sword, and is able to do this consecutively too. He is also able to charge it for a larger and more powerful strike, while ones uncharged have speed comparable to bullets.

Shadow Cut [Self-Adjust, Prevasion, 75] - Itou upon being attacked can expend some EP to leave behind a mirage to absorb the strike in his place, essentially letting him use a substitution technique. This lets him easily mount a counter-attack to the unsuspecting attacker.

Blade of the Phantom God [Tool/Self Adjust 75+25] - This requires a weapon, or immediately gives him a [Simple Weapon Katana], allowing him to use this to create a second weapon to use in combat. If imbued to an existing weapon, this allows him to slice through near anything for a short few strikes, the duration is increased with a Septima-Enhanced weapon.

Build: Average
SP: 3/3
Special Skills: [300]

Offensive 1 (100 Points) Senshin no Tsurugi - A simple wide-area slash that deals heavy damage. Translated as Blade of the War God.
"The blood-soaked sword
The war-horn's echo
The blade that cleanses the battlefield"
Offensive 1 (100) Shinryuusoku Jinshi - An offensive skill that allows him to ride his Septima attacks, letting him move at breakneck speed while riding them. Translated as "Hasty Dragon God's Bladed Wings".
"The winds of destruction,
Sweeping all with it
Into a vortex of annihilation"

Recharge (100) Fuushin no Kisei - Uses raw Septimal energy to recharge EP. Translated as "Fervor of the Wind God".

[User]
Gavin, in response, kicked at the enemy man's stomach with his Techno Boot, not activating the thruster, of course. He would then holster his assault rifle, so that his now-free hand can try and finally snatch the duffel bag, before, if the enemy wasn't unconscious yet, kicking him again with the Techno Boot.

"Please," Gavin pleaded, "stay down, all of you; I don't want to kill anyone, but I will if I have to." He would then finally look at what's inside the bag, while making sure that if there were any enemies left to attack him, he had enough energy to open a portal and redirect any attack back at them.

Breathing in and out, Gavin noticed that blood was on his shoes. He hoped that it wouldn't end up being the blood of dead people; he was and had been willing to kill, but even so...

[Assistant]
As the sound of pain reached his ears, Joseph's instincts recognized it as the screams of serious injury, despite him never having heard those sounds beforehand. As terror seeped into his mind, his thoughts raced to the conclusion he had come to earlier: get out, quickly!

However, before the adrenaline rush would force him to run for his life from whomever caused that pain down in the cargo hold, he did manage to grab his suitcases.

Aided by his adrenaline rush, Joseph ran for the nearest way to deck, forcing it open by swinging one of his suitcases into it with his arms.

[User] Lilith heard the spherical object hit the floor and she ran with a slight limp away from it, hoping to get away from it before it did what it was going to do. Damn, these divers pissed her off. She was tempted to just throw a grenade over there but sadly, she had none. She drew her Demonshadow Katana and ran instead directly at them, throwing a beam of Demonshadow at the divers engaging her.

[Assistant]
Gensai the Muramasa
Out of control Cruise Ferry - Deck

As soon as he landed on the bow he could quickly survey the situation. Based on some of the crazy stuff going on, he can tell there were some Adepts on board, whether they were his enemy, or in combat with these soldiers was beyond him, but the ones he can see seemed to be fighting the soldiers. They didn't seem to come geared for Adepts specifically either, meaning they didn't expect adepts. There also seemed to be a hostage situation going on too as some soldiers who were herding the civvies on deck turned to him, and pulled out or picked up their harpoon guns.

As soon as they fired, Itou quickly sprinted at them, zig zagging in seemingly crazy ways, returning fire with a Bladewind, before abandoning the zig-zag pattern and speeding straight at them as soon as the harpoons had been expended, and going for a wide swing. They didn't have shields or anti-Adept equipment on them, meaning this was going to be easy as soon as he got to them, slicing through not just the soldiers themselves, but their guns too as they tried to raise and fire, rendering them useless.

[User]
The moment the whirling vortex of wind appeared, the lunging diver began wincing in pain as he moved. However, he was still able to punch the adept in the back of the head before the wind stopped, leaving him breathless. He stumbled back, panting a bit, as the boat slowed, then lurched to a drifting stop, floating in the ocean. The diver who had punched the Adept was then impaled by a curved blade, falling to the ground, the next was sent staggering as the heavy weight crashed into him. However, a small red light was now blinking, and letting out a buzzing sound on the console next to the tiller. The ship was going to be late.

 The man who had been kicked scrambled away in fear, clutching his stomach, and fumbling with his pocket. After he pulled out a small device, he spoke into it, calling for assistance, saying the job was in jeopardy. After stowing the assault rifle, however, the skinny adept would find that there was no duffle bag to be seen. Some of the mauled divers began crawling towards the stairs, while others writhed in agony and despair as they bled out in excruciating pain, almost unable to hear what was being said.
 "You... you're a monster!" one of the divers shouted, and began shooting a pistol with a panicked persistance from his position on the ground.

 The German man running wildly up the stairs to the deck would be met with the sight of a pale woman running away from the wall, as an explosion sounded moments later. Not long after that, a throng of divers began running down the stairs, some almost ignoring him. The passengers who had been rounded up remained guarded, however.

 As Palav and the new Arrival rushed forth, they would see a beam of smokey darkness blast through several of the divers who had gathered near the stairs. A few stray shots floated past the beam, but most didn't make it past the beam. Hindered by the beam, they were helpless against the slash from the new arrival, which cut right through five of them, as the beam disabled three. The fighter in pink paused as he saw this, a harpoon from the hostage guards cutting through his shoulder, before barreling towards one of the other adepts in the fight.

[Assistant]
Gavin Prince

With a twirl of his finger, Gavin whisked away the bullets to empty space with a small wormhole, then used another tiny portal to take away the goon's pistol, which would reappear in the floor in front of the young man.

As for the person who used to have the duffel bag, Gavin would open another small wormhole right in front of his face, and then punch through it, causing the goon to run directly into the Navy Seal's fist.

He would then portal away the laser weapon the enemy used back to his cabin room; Gavin might need it in the future. That might yet be the largest expenditure of energy he might have attempted yet.

Then, finally, he would start looking for the mysterious bag, because it obviously contained explosives or something terroristic, while portalling away any attempts to attack him. And once he had finally found the bag and disabled whatever metaphorical witchery it contained, Gavin would then look for a first aid kit in the cargo hold or brought by the divers; compassion had won out and he wanted to give the wounded medical attention, even though it would delay his' saving the hostages or investigating the sounds of battle on the top of the ship...

[User]
Gensai the Muramasa
Cruise Ferry - Deck

As the five diver soldiers went down in an instant, falling back and chests cut open, and whatever harnesses or gear they were wearing were also slashed. Some gun bits split apart mid-fall rendering some of the weapons useless too. Itou quickly looked around him while he flourished his blade, letting the blood fly off of it. The stairwell likely had an adept down there as the soldiers attempted to bypass it, a few were completely stopped, and seemed a little preoccupied, unable to attack for a short while. As his free hand went for his hand gun he heard the bellow of a harpoon gun. He turned just in time to spot the shot, taking a quick backstep to the side, ensuring it flies right past him. It didn't seem to be aimed at him at all, evident by the injured Adept. Yes, this adept seemed to have come out of nowhere, but it was no concern of his as long as they weren't his enemy.

He turned back to the remaining disabled soldiers after that little scrape, pulled his hand gun out, and shot all three of them down. As they were unable to quite fight back, he took his time with each shot, aiming for their head, or vitals in their upper chest. As soon as that was done with he immediately sped along further down deck, hunting for the leader.