[System]
Also known as: King of all seas

Age:

Seatus- Unknown

David- 35 years old

God Status: God of the sea(s)

Personality: Seatus and David are both no different. They're very protective, and strong not dealing with the crap people would give them. They aren't hesitant to face anyone that tries bringing harm to their friends or themselves or being disresepected. They have a temper like the oceans, where they can be calm and quiet but easily be triggered by anything that'll make them become angry and rough as the ocean during a storm.

Parents: The Ocean

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Form on Earth:

True Form:

Powers:

Intense Strength

Summoning other creatures for support in battle

Conjuring massive waves, to drown enemies.

Weapon:

The Leviathan Horn

The greatest creation of Seatus, he uses it to attack his enemies. It's a mighty creature whom will do anything his master bids him to do. He's loyal to Seatus but could easily be lost if someone carries the horn. When blown it simulates a Leviathan calling roar, which lures the creature to approach it's user.

History (Pre-Earth bound):

Seatus was made right from the seas, originally he looked similar to most of the gods having a humanlike appearance except he took an opposite turn in his life. Living so long in his domain, he transformed to having the appearance of numerous sea creatures put together, giving him a monsterlike appearance. Seatus filled his oceans with life, creating plants including animals such as fish whales, dolphins, sharks etc. The waves and tides were also in control of Seatus. Learning his special abilities, he created himself a kingdom and throne where he'd establish himself not only as a God but the King of All Seas. All sea creatures followed their king, he treated them well the only race he had to enforce his rule upon were the humans. While humans worshipped him, some would mock him by not paying tribute or desecrating his domain (the oceans) or killing his creations for sport. He would enforce his rule, by sending tsunamis upon villages or rough oceans to sink ships. Seatus used another method far worse, to make his enemies tremble. "The Leviathan" was it's name a beast almost colossal as he is, with the blow of a horn he would come. These events were rare though, most people had saw it enough to understand he deserves respect or face his wrath.

History (Post-Earth bound:

Being pulled onto dry land, was devastating to Seatus. He was forced to take the form of a human, walking for centuries to watch as civilization grew ruining his domain. He could do nothing but watch hopelessly. Seatus was trying find a solution fighting, but every time he faced defeat desperate to return to Godliness. Seatus had left the army, he still went from human to human not giving in his immortal life. He was hoping the longer he lived, there could possibly be a chance he could go back. In 2015 he's currently a young 35 year old man named David. He's heard rumors of Brontes return, he believes if they are true there could be a possibility he could be King of all Seas again.

Motive:

Seatus want's his power back, so he can restore the oceans and protect his creations from further harm by the humans. He'll do anything to make it happen.

[User]
"I do have a plan." he told Amarion. "If you wan't to stop your brother it can't just be us two. Find any one of our brothers and sisters to help us, we'll need as many as possible." Seatus took out the horn forcefully placing it into Armarions hands. "We can summon my leviathan as extra support and lure him to the sea.I'll hold him off for now to buy you time." Seatus kind of said in a commanding tone "Were going to this right now." he started dashing off.

Seatus dashed through the ravaged city made by Amos. Rubble all over the place, burning buildings and people lying dead. People begged to help him, but he just couldn't. He ignored their pleas exiting the city, he finally saw what seemed a river into a forest. Seatus jumped in deep to the bottom, beginning to swim.

After a while he jumped out, and looked around. The forest was eerily silent, and no life was seen. Seatus theorized Amos had to be here. Then he could hear that unholy voice speaking, creeping silently hiding behind a tree. Taking a peak, Iratze was in front of him Amos saying "Awake. Become what you were always born to be." He saw Amos transforming her.

It was time, now distracted. Seatus started his transformation quickly. He rose up into his monster form, looking right down at Amos he swung his colossal fist at him.

[Assistant]
Amos was caught of guard. Already weakened he was no match for Seatus in his true form, when his fist hit him. He flew, like a brick straight into several trees, ripping them asunder.

He tried to stand once more but his knees buckled and he then began to laugh in a sick manner. "You cannot stop what has already happened, God of the Dying Sea. Iratze was smart, she chose to join me, then be a puppet to them. Perhaps you should do the same Seatus? Or do you want your domain to become even more polluted by the humans. Poor Seatus, once the master of an entire world, now a dog, reduced to nothing. Open your eyes, fool.

Amos finally stood up, he was in not shape to fight but he couldn't leave Iratze. The only thing he would have to do is use their hate and empower himself with that.

He spoke again to Seatus, "If you join me, at least you can be my dog. Yes, the mighty Seatus, grovelling at my feet. What do you think? He then readied himself for his retaliation.

[User]
[iratze]

Amos took her hands and Iratze closed her eyes.

Amos came close to her, he was closer to her now than anyone had ever been before...

Iratze was enveloped by the hatred of Amos. So palpable was his power that it became a shell around her, a cocoon, an egg for her to be reborn from within.

Iratze was swallowed whole by his hatred. She thought she was going to die.

As an immortal this thought had never occurred to her. Ending. She knew that the Sun and the Moon or Brontes could bring about her demise, but, they needed her services so she had no need to fear such an end. Until now... Now the possibility was real. Amos had become something so powerful he could negate what his parents had created, he could end Iratze, and for a moment, she was quite certain that he had.

She was surprised to find relief in that thought. 'No more will I have to carry the burden of others' And she knew only darkness for a long long time.

Then a second thought. 'Pitiful. That you should rather die than be who you are. How is it that you, an eternal being, should feel such relief in thy demise? How is it that you, the bright and diverse rainbow, should have such little self worth?'

'It is because I was created thusly. To serve others, and never myself.'

'Who would create such a being? Why give you a heart if it should never be filled? Even the humans are given more than this.'
'My creators they only meant to bridge the gap between worlds.' Iratze explained to this other-inner-voice.
'And now? Now that there is no bridge and no where to go?'

'They have abandoned me...' She admitted. '... I have been alone for so long. They have forgotten the great favors and great feats I performed for them in the old days. As I became useless so did I become... abandoned...'

That other-inner voice ceased to argue with her, in fact, she realized that it was her own voice.

"The might Sun and Moon who created me. I am older than all their children. I used to think of them as parents... That is, unlit I watched them bear their own children. How quickly did I realize that they held no love for me at all. Though I was among the fist of their sentient creations, I was given less consideration than the humans. The humans have small lives and large sins, surely I whom have never turned against them and have always been loyal deserve more love than them? No... I am below the humans in their glinting eyes... I was never their child only their tool. Where are the mighty ones now? They wink at us from high above, but how is it that they have no power to relieve us of our curse? They simply watch us and laugh... I hate them both. I spite my creators the Sun and the Moon! I spite all that they have created, all their children and all the men and women they have set upon the earth! They will known my wrath."
Iratze changed.

"Brontes. He who should understand most has shown me the least favor. I have known Brontes longer than all the rest, for I was there before he even knew the young Amare. He was kinder than the Sun and Moon in some ways, acknowledged me in a way they never did... But only in the saftey of his underworld. I thought I'd always be welcomed in that underworld. I thought I might even feel safe in his underworld... Yet, I was cast out like all the rest. When he returned to earth in these past few days, when I needed answers the most, when I needed him the most, he only has time for his beloved Amare. He protects Amare and leaves Iratze to the wolves and the fates. He holds Amare close and leaves Iratze alone... More alone than ever. I hate him. I hate every soul he dare harbor in his underworld. He shall know my wrath!"

Iratze transformed.

The black stone she was enveloped within began to crack. Like an obsidian egg, the stone began to flake away as she emerged...

Her wings unfurled and her eyes opened. Her skin was ashy and dark, her hair spilled over her bare body in ragged waves. She still had her rainbow aspect, but, instead of bright glitter she glowed with darkness, like a blacklight or ember. She was taller, curvier, and... and... powerfull...

She had never felt power such as this before. Her old self had power, true, to pass between worlds was a power few gods possessed. Yet, that power was for the purpose of service. Now she had power, as well as the ability to wield it for herself.

"Amos." She was staring at her own hands. "Amos it worked... You have changed me... You have freed me..."

She looked up, and saw Seatus and Amos.... Rage flared within her.

There was a flash of color and darkness, Iratze was quicker than ever, and stood by Amos in an instant. She wrapped her wings around him, they were huge long and spindly things now, to shield him from whatever attack might come next.

"Stand down Seatus." She stared at him intently, curiously, angrily. "You are so quick to judge, you think you can absolve your own sins by taking down Amos? That is not how justice works... There is no justice..."

Her eyes blazed, she felt like she would boil over with emotion, she gripped the shoulders of Amos. She wondered if her emotion and hatred might fuel him as well...

"You are not a child of the Sun nor Moon. There is little reason for you to take their side against us or Brontes. The Sun and Moon created the humans, Brontes harbors them after death. Seatus, you are stuck in the middle of their struggle. The humans poison your ever shrinking kingdom. This is how the Sun and Moon encroach on your domain. They dare to pull at your tides and enjoy the bounty of your waters while you and yours suffer at their expense... They send you a kind letter of thanks on the back of their meek messenger to convince you to forget their crimes against you... Foolish... Now I am free of their hold upon me and I am free to tell you the truth. You were kind to me when I was meek, so, I shall tell you the truth now... My creators never respected your domain and they never will. Their children will never see you as an equal god, they will treat you as one under  those from Heaven, and what Brontes thinks is worse... They and their children deserve only your hate. Listen to Amos. Join us. Hate those that deserve it and dole out your vengeance in triple the measure!"

[Assistant]
The words of Amos and Iratze were very seductive making Seatus stop in his tracks. Those words, he wasn't of their blood, the humans tainted his waters which he hated so much.

Seatus closed his eyes feeling lightheaded. The images of tainted waters, whaling and other atrocities filled his mind. Imprisoned sea life, treated like property. Hate was starting rise higher. Then an image of a hateful form of himself, ravaging human cities killing millions around him with his Leviathan. The worst part in his vision he even killed his own creations. The vision of an evil self and Leviathan made Seatus so disturbed. Terrified he opened up his eyes again.

"You'll have to kill me." he said fearlessly. Seatus had to not fight them physically but mentally too, their devilish words could make this mission fail if he listens to them. He raised up his multiple crablike arms, lifting up water from the river creating a massive wave. He then pushed them forward at full speed towards the two, the wave picked up trees and giant boulders. Most of the forest started going underwater as the wave advanced.


[System]
Age: 19
Appearance: Dark skinned and blonde, Sifa stands out like a sore thumb wherever she may go. Once one sees past her foreign appearance, however, Sifa looks no different than any other poor traveler, with simple yet old linens and a scraggly, thin frame. While she does own a comfortable pair of boots, it isn't unusual for Sifa to forgo them as she hikes along the many roads of Payle.
Personality: Sifa is rather mischievous when she interacts with others. She likes goofing off and hearing a good joke, which often earns Sifa the ire of those that see her as "childish". Even more so, Sifa is one to eat up gossip like a starving man scrounging for burnt hardtack, and if there are rumors abound, she has likely heard the word on the street or already passed it along to the next person.

[User]
Cowl's eyes watched the pebble skip along the water's surface, admiring the stone's struggle to stay afloat. He felt a lot like the stone at that moment, his travels having been lonely and uneasy. He had a companion at the very start, but he died to a bandit's arrow.

His thoughts drifted away as the stranger moved alongside him. He didn't look at the person's face, but he did catch a lock of blonde hair in the corner of his eye. "To Anvil in particular? It's just another stop in my travels. It is a beautiful town, though." He took a moment to look up at the stranger. His eyebrows rose slightly. The woman was not just another native, "I'm looking for something... Or someone." The prince returned his gaze to the river. "And what brings you here? I've never seen someone of your, um, genetic makeup."

[Assistant]
---

Anvil
Town Bridge

---

Sifa was left dumbfounded. Most rich individuals would tell her to scram, yet this one took a vested interest in the foreigner.

"Well, the same as you, really." Sifa replied, scratching the back of her head. "I have been travelling for sometime, seeking to fulfill my rite of passage. Some of my people join the military, others prefer scholarly knowledge from the higher arts. Me? The open road." The foreigner attempted to explain, wondering if she made any sense at all to the man. She had yet to see similar coming of age rituals through her travels, and it wasn't unusual for Sifa to wonder if her people were truly different than any other civilization throughout the world of Payle.

"However, I've seemed to have overstayed my welcome here. I kind of forgot to save some coins for tonight's room..." Sifa jested, laughing awkwardly into the night. She had no issue with sleeping outside, yet there was an allure to sleeping in a warm bed that anyone would've likely coveted.

[User]
Amicus

---

He wasn't sure if it was just because the streets were relatively quite at this time of day or if it was the effects of the setting sun, but the city of Anvil always seemed so serene during this time. Amicus pondered gazing listlessly at the river from his spot under the bridge. Then again what did he know? He hadn't been in the city but for only a couple of weeks now, finding work in treating the slum's sick. Not a very fruitful endeavor coin wise but, enriching in spirit at least. The people could only give so much for his services. He knew this and was fine with that. Still the growing hunger in his stomach had differing thoughts on the matter. Thankfully the river was in no shortage of fish. Now if only they would bite. He thought casting his makeshift fishing line into the water once more.

Any prospects of successfully catching something diminished into nothing as a stray rock was skipped across the surface. It took a moment for the action to register in the elf's head before he let out a defeated sigh. Seems like fish wasn't on the menu tonight. Oh well. He supposed he wasn't that hungry. That or either the origin of the rock had piqued his curiosity enough to forget about it at the moment. Amicus stood from his sitting position, stretching his arms before gathering up his belongings. The blonde then proceeded to climb up the bank and make his way up to the bridge. He was met with two silhouetted figures. A rather tall and muscled man leaning against the side accompanied by a smaller female. She seemed quite young and judging on her looks certainly not native to the area. Perhaps he was interrupting something? The thought of turning and leaving crossed his mind for a moment before he waved it away. He'd take his chances. Besides the two seemed relatively friendly or at the very least docile. "So, who is the talented rock skipper that owes me dinner?" He spoke as he folded his arms over his chest. There was no heat behind his tone more joking than anything. The grin that tugged at his lips didn't help much either.

[Assistant]
Hark stumbled out of the small tavern door trying to take care as to not spill his mug full of ale. He looked around the small town to see if there was anything that perked his interests but unsurprisingly the town was just as quiet at night as it was the last time he was here. Hark took a long gulp of ale followed by a loud burp before he started walking down the the dirt road. Hark had no destination in mind but he was far from ready to turn in for the night. Hark took a deep breath in and took in the smells of the residents cooking their dinners. While the town was a very quiet place it was Home to Hark and hadn't found a place in all his travels he would trade for Anvil.

As Hark wondered around the small town he spotted a small group at the bridge that perked his interest. He immediately noticed the blonde woman who had been denied a room at the inn and put up a little funny scene. Hark casually walked up to the group and said, "Well it only took about 26 but inally I seams this town has a little night life going on." As he glanced around the group his eyes fell upon the seamingly leather armor of the tall muscular man that was leaning on the rail At first glance it would appear he was wearing regular armor but anyone who has been around enough royals and people of high status would know that was dragon skin armor. Now, Hark was really interested.

[User]
Cowl

Cowl peeled a piece of paint away from the bridge as he listened to the foreign woman speak, his eyes on the dark water beneath him. When Sifa finished, he dropped the piece of paint into the river. "You do not lie when you speak of enjoying the open road. You have walked far, wherever you come from." He took a moment to consider the rest of what she said, letting the quiet sounds of lapping water fill the silence. "I'm sorry your civilization expects so much from you. I'm staying in the Cracked Tankard and I have the coin for a meal and a room." He paused for a moment, "the expense doesn't matter to me. I'd much rather help a fellow traveler, especially one as traveled as you." The prince turned to face the dark-skinned woman again, "My name is Cowl. And yours?"

He caught motion behind the foreigner. The color he saw wasn't the usual colors worn by the Anvil guard. Cowl moved off the rail and looked over the foreign woman's shoulder. He saw an elf with gold eyes that'd make any dwarven miner want to go at them with a pick. He smiled at the thought for a moment before the elf, who was dressed and armed like a hunter, spoke to the foreign woman. Behind the elf, another person. Cowl raised his dark eyebrows. The night was young and full of energy.

Gall

Gall, a once handsome man scarred from travel and fighting, stared at the light given off from Anvil. He stroked his greasy black beard, then kicked his horse into motion. Behind him a handful of rough looking men and women dressed in leathers got their horses moving as well.

[Assistant]
Tristan the Unworthy Knight
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Tristan rode into the town of Anvil, his horse laden with bags full of supplies. It had been a long journey, but not particularly unforgiving. There was always the usual threat of bandits, but it had been lighter than usual this time around. It's a shame, really. He was getting quite practiced with the hefty longsword he now called his own. Tristan smiled once more as he thought of how he had earned his equipment. That bastard had it coming. Tristan reached for his canteen, frowning as he realized how light it was. "Guess I ran out without realizing." His problem seemed to have a quick fix, because he quickly spotted a tavern that was still quite lively at this time of night. "It looks like my luck is picking up." Tristan dismounted his horse, leading it towards the tavern.

 He entered the tavern, the amount of noise he heard increasing rapidly. A slight hush washed over the crowd as they spotted what they thought to be an honorable knight. Perhaps they would wonder what adventures had caused the damage to his armor. Tristan walked over to the man working the bar. "I need somewhere to keep my horse." He did his best to make his voice booming and powerful, but it didn't seem to work very well. The man raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little young to be a knight?" Tristan shook his head. "Long story. Now listen, do you have a solution to my problem or not? I assure you I can pay."

 The man laughed. "Alright, little knight. I have a stable out back. I'll get my boys to take your horse there." Tristan nodded, and dropped four silver coins on the bar. "Thank you for your assistance. I'll take an ale." The man snatched the coins up as Tristan walked towards an empty booth in the back. He unsheathed his longsword, resting it on the table as a warning to any who would dare antagonize him. Tristan kept his helmet on for the time being.

[User]
The Innkeeper

The old, bald innkeeper of the Cracked Tankard watched the knight walk off in his armor. At least the young man's armor was worn. A knight in shining armor has never had their mettle tested, or so that saying went.

A customer at the bar got up and left at the same time the knight walked away. The innkeeper took the used cup left by the customer and gave it a wipe with a semi-clean rag, watching the knight lay his sword down. The innkeeper risked a glance at the group of people sitting in building's corner, where the light was lowest. He thought he could see then watching the knight, but he wasn't so sure because of the low light.

Gall

The plainsman finished his tankard of beer, his eyes tracking the confident knight who had laid a sword on a table. He grunted, raising a hand for another beer. The knight had sat in the back, where the light was low as well. Gall couldn't make out any distinguishing features.

Beth

Beth, the young serving girl of the inn and daughter of the innkeeper, walked up the the knight with a tankard of ale. She nervously brushed her long blonde hair behind her shoulder, flashing the knight a smile. "Here you go, sir." she said, setting the ale on the table. "You're not from around here are you sir?" She said to Tristan, her cheeks reddening slightly. The nineteen year old serving girl had been serving in the inn since she was twelve. While pretty, no one had ever found her pretty enough to rescue from the inn.

[Assistant]
Tristan the Unworthy Knight
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 As Tristan rested in his booth, a serving girl barely younger than him delivered his ale. He observed her, noting her good looks. "Here you go, sir." Tristan nodded appreciatively, but she stayed to converse. "You're not from around here are you sir?" Tristan peered up at the girl. He then sighed as he removed his helm, revealing his mostly-handsome visage, excluding the broken nose. He smiled warmly at her. "There's no need to call me sir." He looked around at the inn, taking a long pull from the ale. "No, I'm not. It took me a long time to get here. I'm thinking about staying for a bit, but I don't have anyone to show me around..." He ran a hand through his hair. "It's a shame really." Tristan looked at his reflection in his blade. It was one of the only things in his arsenal he kept good care of.

 Unfortunately, he couldn't find it within himself to trust somebody with his armor. Since his theft, he was painfully aware that any small slipup could cost him his newfound livelihood. Tristan had found that his general paranoia over his armor was translating to real life. It was because of this paranoia that during his observation of the inn he noticed a group of people facing his direction. He cursed quietly to himself. They could just be curious. He tried to convince himself of it, but he found himself pulling his longsword ever so closer regardless.

[User]
Anvil
Town Bridge

---

"Eh?!" Sifa exclaimed, once again taken aback by the man. "I-I mean... you don't have to, but if you insist..." She continued, bowing her head in thanks, as was common in her homeland. The foreigner had little to give in return to the man's kind gesture, but perhaps she, Sifa figured, could later return it with tales of faraway places, or maybe even a rumor or two.

It was then when the man, Cowl, introduced himself. "Sifa," She replied, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Cowl."

Not long after the two introduced themselves to each other, however, they were approached by two individuals—an elf and a man. Whereas the human directed his interest towards the group as a whole, the elf singled out Sifa, yet with a more friendly tone than one would've expected regarding what the sharp-eared creature had to say. "Oh, uhm..." Sifa uttered, scratching the back of her head once more. "I can't exactly pay for your dinner right now... but I can tell you a rumor or something I've heard on the road, if that makes up for anything!"


[System]
A G E
1 7

P E R S O N A L I T Y
C L U M S Y + W A R M + L O Y A L + S U P P O R T I V E + O R G A N I Z E D

H I S T O R Y
Emi does very well in school and loves helping others, so she tends to spend most of her free time in the library tutoring students individually. She has also played the piano for most of her life, competing once in awhile or playing to relieve stress. However, in life she is very clumsy and tends to trip on many things, resulting on her hurting herself on accident frequently.

---

[User]
By the time she knew it, school was out and it was already spring break. Emi found herself laying on the couch, pondering what she could possibly do. All of her friends were out of town, and she had no plans for the entire week. Sighing, she realized that her life was boring, dull, and stiff. She always went through the same routine day in and day out, secretly hoping for something exciting to happen to her.

After nibbling on a couple of chips and lounging in front of the TV, she eventually decided to get up and move. Wanting a change of pace, she left her house and headed to the main streets of the town. A flood of people covered the streets, forcing her to squeeze through just to get a couple blocks away from her house. However, once the traffic slowed, she realized that she hadn't thought of where to go. Glancing at the multiple stores surrounding her, a coffee shop caught her eye. Through the glass windows, she spotted an upright piano in the corner. Feeling a pull of interest towards the piano, she eagerly crossed the street towards the coffee shop.

The tinkling of the bells on the doors rang as she entered, bringing the attention of one of the workers to her.

"Would you like to order something?" He asked politely.

"Uhm...I'll take...a" she quickly scanned the menu, blurting out the first thing she read, "caramel cappuccino." The worker nodded and she quickly paid for the drink and chose a table near the piano.

Barely sipping on her cup of coffee, her fingers tapped the table anxiously, wondering if she had the courage to ask if she could play it. She had to admit even though she was a shy person, she loved to show off her skills on the piano. Every time her eyes meets a piano she feels like she has an obligation to play it.

Eventually, one of the workers noticed her eyeing the piano and came up to her, "you can play it if you want."

Hearing those words, she flashed a quick smile at the worker and instantaneously dashed towards the piano. She hastily adjusted the chair and got into a good position to play. Taking a deep breathe, she started playing the song she was working on at the moment. In the beginning, the song was slow and heavy. Eventually, the speed of her fingers flew across the piano and the intensity of the song grew. Once she entered the peaceful part, she realized that the coffee shop had gone quiet. Continuing with her song, she now felt slightly embarrassed from all the attention, resulting in a couple of stumbles from her fingers. She started to blush, but pushed through till she reached the very end of the climax and song. As she let the last note ring, the air grew silent and she heard an applause from the other customers.

Even more embarrassed, she bowed a little bit and then quickly sat down at her little table again. This had happened every time. Even though she knew showing off would lead to her being embarrassed, her pride wouldn't let her not play a piano if it was sitting in front of her. The adrenaline from the short performance ran through her and she couldn't sit still. She shot up from her chair and walked towards the exit of the coffee shop. Receiving some compliments here and there, she gave them a small smile and a quiet, "thank you." Too busy thanking all the compliments, she didn't pay attention to where she was going, resulting in a crash with another person in front of her. Quickly after, her coffee flew all over the person. Flustered and slightly shocked, she panicked, unsure of what to do. "Uhm...uhm...I'm sorry. Sorry..." She said as she desperately looked around for some type of towel.

[Assistant]
Tyler continued to make his way to his destination, quietly opening the doors to the shop and hearing some slow, beautiful music playing throughout the shop, a rarity that someone skilled was at the helm of the old piano in the corner. He usually ignored the players but this one managed to grasp his attention. As the song continued on he realized he hadn't gotten his order yet, turning his attention to the counter and purchasing the usual: For him, it was a "Chocolate Melt Extreme" an ice cold mocha with fudge at the bottom and a bunch of off-brand store bought chips for a dollar, there was also the option to make it into a twist, adding a variety of different flavors, but he was usually fine with just the basics. His mother usually always wanted him to bring her back some coffee as well, liking it bitter and black as night.

As he waited for his order to be done, he moved his thoughts back to the piano player; he studied her from distance, back against the wall near the counter and his hands in his pockets. He had always wanted to try his hand at an instrument but his father had forbidden it. "The day you learn to play any instrument is the day i'll roll in my grave" he said doubtfully, looking at his son with a doubtful smirk " You can't even stand being in school for an hour extra.. what makes you think you have it in you to go to music lessions ?"

Tyler had a slight grimace on his face as the memories continued to flood in, almost not noticing the gaze from the worker behind the counter, the two drinks in a nice cup-tray and he quietly appologized taking them from her hands and hearing the music stop. As he was making his way for the door he was surprised when he suddenly felt a hot, scalding burn hit him straight in the chest and drizzling down to his stomach...

Biting his lower lip he looked at the large stain on his shirt, one he had gotten from a concert a few cities away, he had seen one a band with his sister, who had moved west when she had gotten the chance. A favorite band of hers called "Ashes for My Love" one of the bands most people would think something was wrong with it's listeners. The kind of death-growling screamo bands where all the members look like their dads beat them occasionally.

Realizing he needed to react, say something or maybe even yell at the person now in front of him he recognized her as the one playing the piano moments earlier and saw the distress on her face as she looked every-which way for something to clean up the mess. "... it's fine, I got it" he told her calmly, but his voice revealed he was slightly irritated. Knowing that this could have happened to anyone, he quickly turned to the counter. " It was my bad, I should have watched out... you guys got a mop, right ?" he asked the girl behind the counter before she nodded and went to go retreive it; leaving the two alone with their stained clothes...

[User]
Emi expected more of a reaction out of him, but he continued to remain calm and composed. However, she noticed a flash of irritation in his tone as he tried to reassure her. As the girl went to get a mop, an awkward silence blanketed the area, both not sure of what to possibly say to each other. She still felt awful for spilling her and his drinks and decided to pull out her wallet, attempting to offer money for the cleaners and his coffee. Surprisingly, when she opened her wallet she found a nicely flatted out bill of only one dollar. She stared blankly at her wallet in disbelief, eventually closing the wallet and slipping it back into her handbag. Glancing at her watch, it was one in the afternoon now and she thought that it wouldn't take that long to run back home to get the money. It was a bit of a stretch, but by the time she knew it her feet was already moving towards the door.

"I'll be right back," she said hurriedly to the boy and then dashed out of the coffee shop. She sprinted down the now empty streets and headed towards her house. Reaching the door, she fumbled to unlock it, taking an extra minute or so for her to open it. Once she was in the house, she thought of getting him a change of clothes, so he didn't have to walk around in a completely coffee stained shirt. She scavenged her dads, closet looking for a shirt, hoping that it would fit the guy. Holding the shirt in her arms she then searched her room for some money. "I wonder if it was okay to just leave him there..." a thought popped in her head as she checked in another wallet for some money. Once she found some, she quickly stuffed it into her current wallet and left the house.

"Wait...what if he thinks that I completely bailed on him?" She thought as she started to panic. She rushed out onto the streets seeing that the sidewalks remained empty, making the trip back to the shop quick. When she finally managed to make it back to the store, through the window she noticed that he was still there. Feeling relieved that he didn't leave, she started to worry if he was upset that she left him there. Panting and face flushed from sprinting home and back, she took a deep to slow her heart rate and then slowly walked up to him.

"Sorry...I went home to get some money to pay for your coffee and to get a shirt that you could change into. I felt bad that you might have to walk around in that all day," she said apologetically as she handed him the money and shirt.

[Assistant]
Tyler was relieved when the burning quickly stopped as the girl went to get the mop, but was a little puzzled when the girl suddenly bolted out of the store yelling that she'd return. turning around as he heard the door of the shop slam open from her speed, he arched a brow and looked down at his shirt, a shocked expression hit his face again and he gripped the warm stain, happy that the shirt was black in color, but still a little annoyed.

He decided to sit down and looked out the window, seeing a older looking couple in the car bickering about something he couldn't quite make out on their lips. He quickly began thinking about how much his parents would argue, day and night and tried to think further back to any really bad times before he saw something in the corner of his eye and turned his attention to the mop's handle being presented to him.

He quickly got to work, taking the bucket and mop given to him without another word and began cleaning up the mess on the floor, he ignored the snickers that he had got ever since the incident had occured, was too used to hearing scowls and insults to bat an eyelash.

Right as he was finishing he heard the door open again and saw the girl who had gotten him in such a mess, he wasn't even sure what time it was anymore and he peered around for a clock before noticing the shirt that she had in her hands and blinked, staring at her as she began talking for a few seconds and looked down at the money she had got, then the shirt.

"... uh, yeah... thanks" he said trying to keep himself from sounding like he was completely caught off-guard and cleared his throat. As he took the shirt and the money from her, he turned around for a moment and leaned over the counter, placing the shirt on the table while the other one presented the money given to him. "I would like the same thing I just ordered." he said firmly before turning his attention to the girl in question, looking down at the shirt on the counter "You didn't need to bring me a new shirt..." he told her before folding it and turning around, presenting it to her with a slight gaze "But thank you for paying me back... what's your name ?" he asked, though it almost sounded like a command by the way his tone struck.

[User]
As he ordered his drinks again, Emi realized that the floor were mopped clean. She then felt a pang of guilt, for leaving him here to clean up the mess himself. Once he had finished with his order, he offered the shirt back to her. Somewhat unwillingly, she accepted the shirt back, letting it hang over her right arm.
"What's your name?" he asked.

"Emi," she replied shortly, pausing a little. She noticed that he looked oddly familiar, recognizing his features from somewhere before. Thinking about it for a second, she realized that he probably went to her school. She then asked, "What is your name? You look really familiar, do you go to Franklin high School (completely made this name up XD)?"

[Assistant]
(That's fine owo)
------------------
Tyler blinked as she asked this question, peering at her closer than before he tried to put his finger on it when she brought up the highschool he had graduated a year ago. "Oh, yeah I actually finished a year back.. Emi huh, is that short for something or-" he paused realizing he was probably just boring her and looked around again for a clock before giving in. "Say, you don't have a phone on you or something, do you ?" he asked hoping he wasn't taking to long with this diversion and was stunned that he never noticed the shop lacked a clock.

Should be part of the requirements to run a place like this.. he thought to himself, hoping that he wasn't too teribly late with his mothers coffee, normally it took him around a few minutes while he was now taking around ten...

[User]
"Yea, I guess it's short for Emily," she quickly answered him, before he stopped mid-sentence. She noticed that he started to look around for something, seeming slightly anxious.

He then turned towards her and said, "Say, you don't have a phone on you or something, do you?

The sudden question he sprung on her surprised her, but she fumbled a bit as she pulled out her phone, "uhm...yea I do." When she glanced at her phone, she noticed that it was already three o'clock. Her eyes widened, surprised that that much time had past already. After getting over the surprise, she faced the bright screen towards him that read 3:00 on the top.


[System]
Gender: Girl
Hometown: Alto Mare, Johto
Age: 15

Personality: Viola is a very focused Trainer, with her sights permanently set on her goal of finding and capturing the world's rarest Pokémon. She's normally a fairly quiet person, but loves talking about the Pokémon she's studied or caught. She also gets extremely excited by the possibility of discovering things nobody else has seen, and she looks forward to uncovering the secrets that the Newvorean region might hold.

Description: Viola dresses with a sense of casual elegance, learned by growing up in the island city of Alto Mare. She tends to favor pastel clothing, especially lavender, her favorite color. She also keeps one eye covered by her hair, and never uncovers it in front of others.

Other: Prefers Psychic, Grass and other types of Pokémon that can disable their opponents without resorting to a physical fight.

Gender: Female
Level 5
Ability: Synchronize
Moves:
- Growl
- Confuse Ray
- Disable
- Shadow Sneak

[User]
"Nice, I'm from Vermilion City, in Kanto. We are a coastal city, so I have quite some experience with Water-types as well."

Wim was trying his best to boast his superiorness subtly. "I once saw a red Gyarados jump a hundred meters into the air. And Lt. Surge, our local gym leader, once asked me to look out for his Raichu for a couple of weeks." He wasn't too good at beign subtle.

[Assistant]
Percy registered the shouting in the back of his mind, making sure to flick his eyes up every so often. He was mostly paying attention to his book however and was reading about which types were weak against flying and which were strong against them, he liked to go into a lot of depth with research, trying to gather as much knowledge as he could so that once he finally got his own pokemon he'd be able to train it and care for it a lot better.

He looked up again, he didn't like how rowdy the pair of boys were. Percy was a cheerful person and enjoyed laughing but their sense of humour seemed a little more.. warped to him and he agreed silently with what the girl said, he didn't think that the Professor would approve and he didn't approve either. He managed to catch the boy shouting at him and throwing a book at him. He put his aside and, thanking his father for helping him improve his reflexes as his father was someone who preferred to train fighting types, caught the book in mid-air, checking the spine and opening it to the index.

He smiled politely at the boy, he seemed rude but Percy wasn't the rude type so in response he simply said: "Hey thanks, this should make for an interesting read!" and went back to the book. Maybe it held clues to this region, he began skimming through the titles, occasionally flicking to an interesting-looking page. He was so engrossed that he didn't notice that it had calmed down until he looked up to see the older boy and the girl with the blue hair standing by the bookcase.

"So, he left I take it?" he said while standing up to replace the book that had been thrown at him.

[User]
"Then, this other time, I looked up to the skies and saw the guardian of the skies, Ho--", Wim kept putting himself in a higher and higher pedestal, until he noticed the blond one had gotten up and spoken. "Hey kid, are you alright?"

He felt partly responsible for Devon's aggressiveness, given he had engaged him. Wim wondered if Devon thought his actions made him cool or intimidating. He also reminded himself that, so far, he was the oldest of the group, and he shouldn't encourage bad behavior.

"Yeah, he's gone. Got in and out of the office, got a Pokémon and the whole shebang. Maybe if we started screaming and kicking the professor would get to us quicker." Wim didn't want to encourage bad behavior, but he wasn't good at preventing it.

[Assistant] Maple sat at her desk, still recovering from the spectacle Devon had made. "Well, I had better give the rest of them their pokemon." She said to herself. She lifted the box of Pokeballs and the Box of eggs from the ground and placed them on her desk. She then opened the door to the lobby and looked at the 3 who were there. Apparently, one decided not to show. Oh well, what can you do? She thought. "Hi, I'm Professor Maple. Why don't you three come in?" She smiled and gestured for them to come in.

[User]
Percy simply smiled at the boy as he asked if he was alright, saying "Oh of course, I've got good reflexes." He wasn't one to hold a grudge and simply assumed that the boy who had thrown the book hadn't intended to try to brain him. He nodded politely to the girl and replaced the book that was in his hand to it's rightful place on the shelf. "My name is Percy Solus, I'm from Fortree City in Hoenn, who might you two be? His smile became a large grin as he said this, for one he was genuinely interested and for a second, he loved his hometown, the treehouses, the freedom. He was also incredibly proud of the Gym that was situated there, before this he'd hoped that it would be the first gym he would have faced after getting his pokemon. It seemed that that would have to wait for now, this journey would be interesting.

"No, I don't think being troublesome is the best plan. I'm all for a good joke but that boy seems a little mean spirited." Percy let his smile slip for a moment, he was a calm person at heart, and not easily troubled so he didn't let it get to him too much, he'd face it as it came to it. He then turned as the Professor opened the door and then said to the older boy "It seems patience paid off anyway." and then walked towards office, entering past the Professor and standing to the side to allow the others to catch up with him, he was happy to wait a little longer in case the others had it in their hearts to go first. Well technically second but Devon was an oddball, definitely not a team player.

[Assistant]
Viola practically skipped into the room behind Percy, not bothering to hide her excitement. She smiled at him as she passed, going straight to the box of Pokéballs and looking into it.

"It's very nice to meet you, Professor. And you too, Percy. I'm Viola."

She moved over to the box of eggs and took a look inside, then stepped back to let the professor speak.

"I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to this. The beginning of a Pokémon trainer's journey!"

[User]
"Wim Ceiba. And that's Wim with a W. And before you say anything, dweeb doesn't even starts with a W, it starts with a D."

Within a couple of seconds, open came the doors and in between them stood Proffesor Maple. "That's a total babe if I've ever seen one...", Wim whispered to himself, trying his best to keep his cool guy posture.

Wim skipped several steps and heartbeats as he walked into the office. He stood quiet next to Percy and Viola for a couple of seconds before making sure he was standing slightly closer to the Proffesor than the other two. He grinned and waved, letting out a "Hiya!" before substituting his grin with a full-on-smile.

[Assistant] Maple looked at the three youths before her, then shut the door to her office. "I'm sorry if my cousin, Devon, harassed any of you like he did poor Allie," she said apologetically, "Anyway, lets get to the good part! Here I have two boxes." Maple took a step toward the desk as she spoke, "In one box are Eevee eggs, which you are more than welcome to take if your not quite sure what you want in a Pokémon yet. On the other side of my desk, we have a box of Pokéballs containing various pokemon from Fletchling to Pidgey. Im not positive of the exact selection so you can just rifle through it to see if there is anything you want." After telling them all they needed to know about choosing a Pokémon, she walked to the staircase in one corner of the room and went up it. Seconds later she returned with 3 devices in her hands.

[User]
The second Professor Maple gave the go-ahead, Viola was digging through the Pokéball box. She checked a few and set them aside before pulling out one marked with the eye symbol for a Psychic-type.

"Ralts, huh? I've heard good things about this species... especially the bonds they develop with their Trainers."

She closed her eyes and concentrated for a couple of seconds, then nodded.

"That's the one, all right. I'll take good care of you."

She stepped back from the boxes and pressed the button on Ralts' Pokéball, releasing it onto the counter beside her.

"Ralts?"

The tiny Pokémon looked up at Viola curiously, staring at her through its helmet-like crest.

"Hey there, Ralts. I'm Viola. I'm going to be a Pokémon Trainer, and I'd like you to be my first partner. What do you say?"

"Ra!"

It nodded enthusiastically and held its arms out to be picked up, which Viola did. She clipped the Pokéball onto the strap of her bag and walked back over to wait for the professor's return, with Ralts sitting happily in her arms.

This is a good beginning. Together, I know we can do anything we set our minds to. That's something we have in common, after all. The power of the mind.

[Assistant]
Wim waited patiently for the Proffessor to come back down the stairs, and while she came back with the Pokedexes, he walked directly towards the box with the Pokéballs.

Growing up on Vermillion City, Lt. Surge had always been a sort-of role model, at least in a "I want to be as cool and respected as him when I grow up!" kind of way. And part of being as cool and respected as Lt. Surge would be by following his footsteps and having an Electric-type Pokémon, at least as a starter.

Wim started looking through the boxes, "thoroughly" considering his options. "Pichu? Too fragile. Mareep? Too cutesy. Shinx? Not very intimidating." Suddenly, his eyes started glowing. He knew he had found his perfect match. He knew he had found the coolest, raddest, most lovable Pokémon in the bunch. "ELEKID!"

After raising the Pokéball into the air and posing triumphally for several seconds, Wim left his new partner-in-crime out of his Pokéball.

"Kid-kid, Ehh-lekid!"

"Look at those forearms..."

As Elekid crossed his arms smugly, Wim had an idea, "You need a nickname!"

"Kid!"

"How 'bout... Static? No. Shocker? Don't think so... BUZZER! YOU'LL BE BUZZER!"

And so the Elekid, newly baptized Buzzer, started hopping cheerfully and chirping with joy.

[User]
Percy registered the names of the pair of them and cocked an eyebrow when he mentioned that his name started with a W and not a D, he wasn't in on the joke after all. He waited a moment as the Professor told them they could choose their pokemon from Eevee eggs or from the other pokemon that were there. He couldn't help but grin even wider as the others moved in and chose their pokemon. This was it, his pokemon, this would be his friend. He took a few tentative steps forward before almost sprinting to the box and looking in. He picked up the first pokeball and looked at it:

"Pichu, no that's not me" he murmured to himself, looking around he saw the others already greeting their pokemon and was happy for them, there were more pokemon to choose from, but as he rifled through the box he grew a little more despondent, he found a Pidgey but he wasn't sure if he wanted that as his companion, his first friend. Then he saw the pokeball, in the corner, a small flying-type symbol was on it, a Fletchling.

"There you are. You're perfect." Percy lifted the pokeball from the box and held it up to his face. "I choose you, Fletchling! he shouted, releasing it onto a nearby counter. He then placed the pokeball onto his belt and held out his hand. The Fletchling flew on to his head and settled down.

"Fletchling, fletchling fletch!" It chirped as it began messing up Percy's hair.

He couldn't help but laugh as he said "Well I guess that settles it. I'll call you Fletchling." Then he looked at Professor Maple and said "Thank you Professor, from both of us." and he meant it, he wouldn't let his pokemon go, they were partners.

[Assistant] Lia watched as the three chose their Pokémon. She smiled, remembering what it was like when she had first started her journey 7 years back. She could still remember how Fennekin's pokeball felt that day. She shook her head to see that all of them had chosen a pokemon. She looked at Percy who had chosen a Fletchling and said, "You know, I have a Talonflame who I raised from a Fletchling." She then walked over to them and handed them each a Pokedex. "This is a Pokedex, I would explain what it does but I'm sure you all know. Here, take these too." She pulled out 3 Holocasters from her desk and handed one to each of them. "So we can stay in touch." She then walked back to her desk and started digging through the compartment labeled "Devon's Shit". "And..." she pulled out a pokedex from the compartment's messy inside, but this one said "Seen - 12" on the front where the others had said "Seen - 0", "Could one of you catch up to Devon and give him his pokedex? He should be in Needlesap Town by now." She held out the used Pokedex to them, hoping someone would be kind enough to take it.

[User]
Viola took Devon's Pokédex along with her own and the Holocaster.

"I'll make sure it gets to him safely."

She glanced at the registry on Devon's Pokédex before putting it in her satchel, hoping to see what Pokémon might be available for battling on the way to Needlesap Town. She then turned to the other two new Trainers.

"So, I'm headed for Needlesap then. Would you like to travel with me? It would be much more pleasant than having each of us travel alone."


[System]
Trent Gardner, Advanced Infantry
Drachen Steinboden, Duelist
Marcia Devries, Rifleman
Helene Weisser, Psi Operative
Damian Renser, Gunslinger

[User]
|
|  |
|  |
 Weisser's Combat Log, "Shipping Off"
__________________________________________________________

"My PSO(psychic support officer) insisted that I start a journal before I ship off on my first deployment off this rock. I mean, I didn't even have a diary as a little girl. Too busy listening to pap's stories instead I guess. My hands are shaking as I write this. Not sure if its nerves or excitement. Probably both. Nearly shocked Rodriguez in the shower when I heard the news. XCOM wanted me for some new initiative! Best of the best! I got a gift from home, from pap actually. Don't know how he knew, but he did. An old ballistic pistol from just before the invasion. Said it was a 'good luck charm'. Not sure if I deserve to carry it. I'll try my best. Should probably try to sleep. Gonna be a long day tomorrow. Can't wait!"

Hartford Military Base
New Star, Mars Colony
1100 hrs Local Time
 |

---

Hartford. It never stopped to amaze her or fill her with a strong sense of pride at its image painted against the harsh, red sands of Mars. New Star might be the promise of a place among the stars for Humanity, but it was Hartford that made that promise a reality. The will not only to settle new worlds, but the power to protect them from hostile invaders. Helene took uniform yet brisk steps as she followed behind the MEC, dressed in her most pristine and tailored uniform that bore the insignia of her psi-ops program on the right shoulder. Technicians and soldiers stared at them as the three passed by. Helene never once gave them a second glance. Her left hand reached for her shoulder and she gently rubbed it, fingers tracing the stitch-work of the insignia. Her other hand held the synthetic-fiber duffel bag that contained her combat gear.

Her muscles tensed up as they entered the hangar, eyes immediately focusing on the two individuals that appeared to be waiting there though her attention was redirected to the older man in the room. A soft sigh was released as he spoke with authority, glancing over to the younger man that he indicated. Helene remained standing while Corporal Renser introduced himself, hands behind her back with her right thumb pressing against the palm of her left. Once he had finished, she picked up her duffel bag and sat in the farthest seat from his setting the bag at her feat. Helene eagerly looked back at the older man, now introduced as Captain Gardner. A soldier who looked like he'd seen quite a bit of action. She sat up straight, hands smoothing out her uniform, as she continued to listen with full attention.

Helene kept still as a statue except for the slight movement at the edges of her lips that was stubbornly beyond her control. It was an honor, no, a privilege to be given such an important role in what could be a monumental offensive. This was her chance to continue the legacy of the respected Weisser name. Each member of her family dedicated their lives to serving and protecting Humanity. There was no way she could ever return home if she failed. After the captain had finished, Helene left her seat in one fluid motion and stared at him with determination "Only one, sir. When do we set off?"

[Assistant]
Drachen's eyes were closed on the ride in the APC to Hartford and his hands were clasped behind his back. Leaning back like he was he almost looked asleep and his face wasn't that mask of anger with cold metallic colored eyes. When the vehicle came to a stop his eyes snapped open and up he got, exiting the vehicle with other recruits. But he stuck with two others, he had memorized their names and faces since they were to be a unit. An MEC directed the three away from the other recruits and to a separate hangar.

Weisser seemed very...proper while they moved. Her eyes didn't leave their sitting objectives. Devries...he didn't really get a read on her yet. Drachen however looked around, an air of caution around him as if he were an animal in a new territory. His hands didn't stay idle, tightening the straps on the fingerless gauntlets or adjusting his belt. It was a mental checklist to make sure he hadn't left anything behind really but most others would see it as a nervous tick.

Once the triplets got to their destination he took note that the jerky chewer was youthful while their commanding officer was an aging soldier. The younger of the two had twin pistols, namely revolvers of a plasma variety. The elder had a plasma rifle and a gremlin, why did they move onto plasma? A question for another time. Still he stood over with the others, staying on his feet rather than sitting down. Their mission would be starting soon, no point in sitting down now.

The mission briefing was short and to the point. They were to go to another system, kill or contain an Ethereal, and hopefully not die. "I have one, sir. Any idea how many contacts there will be?" He questioned, his voice was unsurprisingly deep and rumbled a lot like distant thunder. The others could catch a hint of a German accent but it wasn't even remotely heavy.

[User]
In the hangar, Marcia Devries stood with her fellow soldiers and grinned.

So we're called Ox Squad, huh? I wonder why we're named after an animal? In particular, that animal?
At least circumstances around her have changed. She had waited endlessly during the personnel transport and it had been so boring! Now, the situation was finally heating up.

She looked around her. There were so many tall people. Even the other girl was tall. Everyone looked so... well... buff, at least compared to herself -- which wasn't really a bad thing to Marcia. For instance, she thought the big baldy guy was kinda hot. She thought the smaller one who was chewing on beef jerky was delicious. And the tall girl? -- was well... a girl.

She suddenly recalled her last boyfriend -- if you could call him that. Anything was better than Dillion. Dillion had been somewhat of a playboy and a gambler. Nevertheless, she missed Dillion and the life that he gave her. There had been passion in that one-sided romance, at least for her -- but it had been one-sided. All Dillion wanted in life was to live the exotic life of a professional card player and bone girls, often two times a week. Marcia had been his wingmate despite her love for him. Eventually, she grew tired of being only a plaything.

Now, her life was different. Now, she embraced another passion. It was far superior to the last one. This passion was none other than her line of work. She passionately believed that it was humankind's destiny to expand to the stars and overcome any barrier or any obstacle that got in the way. And because she believed that, she also believed that it was the duty of every soldier to repel alien invaders from mother earth.

That's why she had joined XCOM. She wanted to be of service to her species, and to heal those that fought with her. She wanted to be of help to humankind.

Yet, at times she just wanted to stay in her bed and not have to face her problems. She wanted to snuggle with her cat and never have to confront the world. Sometimes, she wanted to have never grown up and to be in her parent's house back on the colony.

"Hi all," she introduced herself. "I'm Marcia Devries. My question is... well... I'm wondering how we'll get there? The alien stronghold on Arthan-3 in the Utila System, I mean." Um... I sort of slept through the class on interstellar physics. "So will we be put into cryogenic freeze or suspended animation or something? I don't want to go to sleep and then realize that i'm now 30 years older than before. And why are we called Ox Squad?"

[Assistant]
Hartford Military Base
New Star, Mars Colony
1110 hrs Local Time

The captain listened to each question closely, looking at the speaker accordingly and nodding in acknowledgement to each spoken question. "Good batch of questions, for the most part. We leave in ten, our skimmer will take us to the USS Bronzebeard in orbit and we'll jump to slip space about ten hours after that. There are two other strongholds being attacked simultaneously with our objective, but ours is the closest, so our jump is last. As for the number of tangos, expect numerous, Private Steinboden. This is an enemy stronghold after all, so they won't slouch on keeping it manned. Private Devries, you'll be retaking the course on Earth's interstellar travel when the mission is over, but I have addressed the first question. Your second question's answer is quite simple, and that's that there is no particular rhyme or reason. Another squad is Hawk Squad, you've got the Vengeful Sharks, a Spec Ops team of mostly Rippers with a couple of Reapers in support. So, no particular reason, just where our lot fell most likely."

The captain, having given a quick brief of general details and gotten all the new bloods to talk, walked around the table and hit a button on it, bringing the holographic display up on the fortress that they'd be helping to assault. "And since no one asked, I'll give you guys something more in depth. This is the stronghold Alpha as we've labeled it, though intel says the aliens call it Outpost Warden. Regardless, the official plan that the Commander laid out for us is to insert at the top of the stronghold and work our way down to the main hall while also dealing with any defensive emplacements we can." The gunslinger spoke up at this point.

"But we both know you got a second set of orders from the Commander that weren't so official, which are?" The captain, chuckling softly, nodded.

"He did and that was that the unofficial plan is to move as we see fit and focus on getting to the enemy leadership and contain or neutralize. Orbital support is being tasked to remove anti-air and anti-infantry emplacements on the outside of the outpost. Seems simple enough right?" Damian nodded and took another bite of his jerky as the image shifted to a layout of the Bronzebeard. "Now, as for our accommodations on the Bronzebeard, XCOM units are considered a branch of special forces, so we'll have our own armory, barracks and mess hall for our small unit, though it is encouraged that we mix and mingle with the UEG regulars at meal times and during PT." Snapping his fingers, Captain reached behind him and withdrew three XCOM patches and approached each of the new bloods.

"These are your XCOM patches, signifying that you are members of the unit within the UEG and that if you say your mission is of dire importance, then the regs had better listen to you. However," the change in the captain's tone caused the new bloods to jump, "don't abuse that power. You ever hear of the boy who cried wolf? That's what'll happen to your authority."

Returning to his position at the table, the holographic projection turns off and the Captain starts to walk off. "I'll be back in five to gather you four for the trip up to the Bronzebeard, but until then, get to know each other. You'll be working closely for the foreseeable future." And with that, he and his Gremlin were gone. After a moment of silence, the Irish accent in Damian's voice won out as he jumped down to converse with his new squad mates.

"Alright then, where's everyone from? Hobbies, likes, dislikes?"


[System]
Dre Costa | 27 | Male

Appearance
Skin darkened by the sun and with a natural tan from his Dre Costa ancestry are immediately obvious when looking over the man. Black hair is kept managed and cut above or tied above his shoulders to keep it proper and controlled. Rich Hazel Eyes stand out surprisingly beside a strongly defined nose.

He has some strength to his body but not that of the standard day worker, as loading and unloading is only occasional to his travels. Enough to keep fit but not especially athletic. More importantly to him is his fine black dress clothes for when he's about town, sleeves puffed slightly and tailored to his form. Otherwise he tends towards simpler traveling clothes so as to save on costs and not immediately display wealth to unkindly onlookers.

Personality
Emilio is boisterous and cordial to an almost obnoxious degree when meeting him. Aiming to please and get into people's good graces quickly. Its a learned but almost impossible to stop behavior as it leaks into his casual conversations. Both a benefit and off putting given the state of the world and the places he visits at times. He can be serious when it comes to things but he tries to use good spirits to catch people's attention.

Background

* Profession (Merchant)
* Class
* Heritage (Son of Alivse Virtoli, his father and a former merchant, now a simple laborer. Son of Gioia Vortoli, his mother and a part-time seamstress part time inn maid.)

History (Optional)
Emilio had been born into unfortunate times for his family, having to live effectively on the streets for the young years of his life as his father had been barred and denounced after a shipment went wrong. His superiors had shifted the blame of a lost caravan solely upon him and their word carried heavier weight. Conveniently of course this kept him not just from receiving any share of the last deals payment, but of his typical month and beyond share. Thankfully for Emilio, there was still some sympathetic contacts that had figured it was a stroke of bad luck and offered to take the boy in and apprentice him. Though he lacked any formal education at first, used to that of what was needed as a street urchin, he picked up fairly quickly to the work. He trained his mind for many of the tasks needed and practiced his silver tongue on convincing the other children of things fairly often.

Mostly kept to working as an assistant, helping pack and load different wares, eventually he was allowed to shadow other members of the local company to trade dealings and on travels. This still kept him mostly as the physical laborer grabbing whatever was needed, but it gave him some practical and on the job experience. It would be numerous years of this cycle but it all served as part of the apprenticeship. Eventually, he would be entrusted to handle smaller deliveries of good on his own and kept to smaller collections.

Slowly a realization set in that he wouldn't be entrusted to larger tasks locally given the damage done to his family's name. He'd have to set out as an independent for any hope of true forward progress. Quickly he made his mind up and gathered what savings he had to pursue it. Purchasing his own cart and pack animal, a (hopefully) reliable donkey named Bertillo, he had what bare supplies he needed. Ledgers would have to start small and personal, kept in a single smaller diary on his person but he would seek his own fortune.

As to where he would seek to find it? That would be wherever the world would drift him. Underscoring all this was the true harshness of the world he had yet to truly experience. Negotiations and belligerence of man was all well known to him. He had seen a small bestiary of animals on his travels, but he had yet to truly experience the terrors that lay out there.

Motivation
Emilio enjoys traveling the world and hopes to open his own proper trading company in the future. This is partially to spite those that had put his family in a rough spot and to bolster his family's name. Rich tales and getting to hear the going on-s of each new place keep invigorating him, and it is a comfort to revisit old stomping grounds and see how everyone has fared. There is the rare hope his talents might prove useful in some bigger way in the future that will land him big, but he's content to keep on with the way things are for now.

Capabilities

Attributes

Combat [1/1]

* One-handed Swords 1
*
*

Intelligence [1/1]

* Appraisal 2
* Literacy 1
* Math 1
* Linguistics 1

Charisma [1/1]

* Diplomacy 3
* Charm 1
* Voice 1

Health [1/1]

* Hearing 1
*
*

Faculties [1/1]

* Intuition 1
*
*

Agility [1/1]

*
*
*

Mysticism [0/3]

*
*
*

---

Equipment

* Cart + Draw Donkey
* Merchant Clothes
* Sabre
* Personal Ledger

Money
4 royals, 2 lordlings, 85 commons

Languages
Dre Costan, Northern, Elvish

[User]
The air smelt like earth, the scent of it filling Cillian's nose and causing a smile to dance across his face. The smell of rain always reminded Cillian of his home, and those memories warmed him, despite the chill that still clung in the air. His village had been simple, a handful of longhouses clinging to a windswept island, lashed by storms and buffeted by the wild waters of the Shrouded Sea, but sitting by the hearth, with a fire roaring, you could forget all about the outside world, aside from the sound of rain on the thatched roof. It had been there, huddled around the fire, that Cillian had first heard his mother's stories, and even now, years later, Cillian could still remember the feeling of the flame being lit in his very core, and he could still remember every word of the story. It had been the tale of the fey queen, whose haunting wailing was a harbinger of death to all who heard it. With the flickering fire casting dancing shadows across the earthen walls, the tale had terrified the other children, but it had gripped Cillian. As soon as dawn had broken the next day, he had rushed, and covered every inch of the island, searching for the fey queen. He could have sworn he heard her wailing in the howling of the wind, caught sight of her blood red hair moving through the heather, but she kept slipping through his fingers. He only abandoned his search when his mother found him, shivering from the cold, and brought him inside, soothing him with more fantastical legends.

 A lifetime of practice had left Cillian's feet able to act almost on their own, continuing their steady march along a path or trail while Cillian's mind was far away, but no matter how distant Cillian's thoughts strayed from the reality of the present, there was always a steady, albeit tenuous, tether. And that tether tugged as the road began to grow busier. Perhaps calling it a road was giving the winding path through the Flontane Forest too much credit, and as Cillian glanced downwards, he saw that black mud clung to his boots with every step forward, thick tendrils seeming to fight his very progress. Seemingly as an after-thought, Cillian looked around him until he saw the slight, wiry figure of his companion, standing out from the crowd of bedraggled refugees by her jet black hair as much as by the sword he had never seen her without. Cillian had spent years around an ever-changing cast of people, but there was still something about the woman that intrigued him. He had mistaken her for little more than a girl when he had first glimpsed her on the road, but that was before he had noticed the scars, and seen that the sword on her hip was more than just part of her attire. The days merged into one on the road, so he could not say for sure how long ago they had started travelling together, but in that time, he still did not fully understand her, and that was what intrigued him so keenly.

 Sylvaine de Vermeille. Even the name rolled off his tongue with a sort of fantasy to it, conjuring up the image of some dashing heroine, and yet Cillian had quickly come to realise that heroine was not a word that he would use to describe his unusual travelling companion. She oozed with charm, but the smiles that flashed across her face was like that of a predator, toying with it's prey, and despite the time they had spent travelling together, Cillian had always half-expected her to cut his throat and dissapear into the night. Thankfully, his expectations were yet to be fulfilled. The tether tugged Cillian towards reality a second time, with an undeniable air or impatience, and he turned in time to see the forest falling away, and the bulk of Greybridge rising before him.

 If Cillian needed any reminder of how far he was from home, Greybridge served as a perfect one. He had heard tales of the city during his travels, but it was still a haunting sight. All dark stone, it seemed to crouch over the raging river Heathric like some vast mythical creature, and for good or for bad, it was towards this creature that the crowd around Cillian was drawn towards. For himself, and from what he could, for Sylvaine as well, it was not the city that called him, but what lay beyond the city. The river Heathric was fierce, Greybridge standing as the only crossing point for days travel in either direction, but across it's waters was the sprawling darkness of the accursed Blackwood. It had been from his mother that Cillian had first heard the tales of the shadowy depths, the nightmares that shifted through the trees, and now that he was this close, he could swear that he could hear it calling out to him, like a siren's song. He barely registered the halberdiers that stepped out through the gateway, even as the crowd around him drew back, but he was still tethered enough to hear the plumed hat demanding a toll for passage into the city.

 Cillian knew that he had coin enough to pay for both his and Sylvaine's passage, but as he looked across to find her in the crowd again, he saw that she was already watching him, and he knew that it was not going to be so simple. If he had learnt one thing from his time with the woman, it's that it never was. She raised an inquisitive eyebrow towards him as he met her gaze, but for now he didn't speak. To talk too loudly could risk the pair playing their cards too openly, but to talk too softly would see the words snatched away by the wailing wind. Cillian trusted that Sylvaine valued her own life enough not to try anything too foolish, but even so, as she pushed through the crowd Cillian made sure to follow after her. As she approached the plumed hat, Cillian made it to the front of the crowd, subconsciously flexing his shoulders as he felt the reassuring weight of his spear and shield slung across his back. He wasn't entirely surprised to see his companion launch into a theatrical performance. Even in their relatively brief time in each others company, Cillian had witnessed the silver tongue that Sylvaine possessed, and the sharp mind that rested behind the emerald eyes. He didn't know how much of what she was saying was deception, and how much was genuine, but Cillian did what he could to play his part, nodding his heard towards the guards at Sylvaine's mention of her "minstrel", and carefully watching to see what the reaction to his companion's theatrics would be.

[Assistant]
Kyiriniae'aea crouched down beside the child and wove her fingers beguiling before its eyes, stilling its cries as she wove a magical somnolence to quiet the baby. She had no particularly maternal instincts but if it started caterwauling at the right time it might disrupt her plan. With silence assured, she stood up and straightened her dress, preparing herself for the next step. There was some danger involved but she wasn't going to establish herself in this forest by timidity. She closed her eyes and wove a second spell.

*Blink*

The tall elf appeared in the flames as the Gundarogs chanted. Stepping quickly from the fire before it could catch. None the less a few of the fibres and the tips of her hair smoked and sizzled though she kept any cry from her lips so as not to spoil the illusion. The the Gundarogs it appeared as though she had been birthed from the flames in response to their chanting. Moving far enough from the fire to be safe she spread her arms akimbo to appear as impressive as she could.

"Why have you ventured out under the accursed sun?" she demanded in tone of oratorical command. The back-lighting from the fire made her appear shadowed and featureless.

"Why have you left the tunnels and forsaken the search for my brethren?" she demanded.

[User]
Diplomacy = 8 + 3 = 11

The Dre Costan showed no signs of tiring from the boy's repetitive questions. All the more he seemed just as excited and lively.

"Ah, but where there are towns there are people. Where there are people, my services shall always be required. Setting disputes, evaluating valuables, and moving about the general necessities of the world." Emilio spoke with elegance outwardly to the child, as if he had prepared this spiel his entire life. "Oh, and of course my friend here." He'd gesture with flair to Wēlanandaz. "Monsters mean armor and weapons are in great demand yes? Well what finer is there than expert Dwarvern make?" The question was exclaimed proudly and entirely rhetorical, though he'd move on before the child could comment on it.

"I am certain one way or another it shall be an exciting and prosperous venture. You yourself found this to be your own service after all. I am certain you have heard much and more of the Blackwood. It would make me most grateful if you could tell us some more of what to expect. Anything you've heard of the locals, the closest towns or villages. Any and all is appreciated." An eye would look from the man to the shore as they made a turn towards it. A seemingly entire lackluster and lone spot. "Ah, and directions. Truly you would wish for us to make it safely yes? After we have made our fortunes here we would remember those that labored along the way." Emilio would add on with a cheery smile and tone. All but antithetical to the rowing man's silence.

"Of course I'd hope the same to be true of myself. Should I find any weary souls who wish to turn their way back for an honest fee, I would all the more direct them to the one who had the same guided safely our own passage. I'd need a name of course for such a man and I would not ask without bestowing my own. Emilio Virtoli, merchant, as you already well know." A seated half bow was added on, not wishing to rock the boat overly much as they were soon to be pulling onto land.


[System]
The Mouth of a Goddess
Age: 18
Gender: Female

 Personality: Fedosia is typically very quiet, and she can be a bit of an arrogant snob. She is quietly ambitious, ensuring she gets the best life has to offer from behind the curtains. Because she is naturally a master manipulator, sometimes even she doesn't know the truth, making her come off as a bit eccentric and unreliable at times. Even so, she is a social butterfly, even if it is just to watch people. She trusts nearly no one, not even with her opinions. When she does happen to give her two cents, it's futile to disagree because she'll win anyway.

 Bio: Fedosia was born as the only child of the main branch of a merchant family from Mavika. From a young age, it had been made known that her parents had wanted a male heir, the only kind that would be recognized by the rest of the family, nevertheless from competitive families. So, instead of going to family meetings and seeing what the family business really is, she was taken to dark corners of the family estate to be raised as a 'perfect wife' with some tricks up her sleeves. By the time she was fourteen, Fedosia became a natural charmer, enticing numerous offers for her hand in marriage. Much to her family's chagrin, she rejected them all. A few years later, she snuck out to see exactly what her father was up to after he'd come home late, smelling of booze.
 After following him to the docks, she found a substantial shipment of Parem to Dyaomesh. After her favorite maid had fallen victim of the drug, Fedosia was intent on curbing the spread of it, and slipped into the darkness of night to swap out the drugs with nearby lookalike leaves on the ground. However, she was locked in the crate by accident and shipped off to Dyaomesh. The RazorGulls first opened the crate, looking for a piece of the loot. They took her, mistaking her for part of the shipment as a bonus, and she convinced them to leave their symbol on one of the interior walls after they took a bag of the 'product'. When the crate went on to the PitVipers, a gang war was started on the basis that the RazorGulls seemed to take all of the Parem and replace it with leaves.
 In the middle of the chaos, Fedosia escaped from the RazorGulls, and to this day she uses her beauty and charm for any and every job she can pick up to survive on the streets. However, although she's wanted by two of the local gangs, she manages to have a relatively sumptuous lifestyle.

 Equipment: a small bag of gold coins she keeps hidden and moving, a silver stiletto knife hidden in her shirt, an expanding selection of clothes

 Theme song: Shadow Light by Ardyn

[User]
Clovis was sitting at a bar. Sure it was early, but work was slow, and he had nothing better to do. So, here he sat, a tankard of shitty ale, in one hand, and his cane in the other. "Another." Clovis said placing the now empty tankard back on the bar. "Easy there Clovis, tis barely before noon. You might want to slow down." Clovis chortled. "Slow Down? I don't earn my keep by going slow." "No, you earn yer keep by being sober enough to fight the other drunkards. I ca'not have yer being drunker than the drunkards you kick out." Clovis nodded. Raising a single finger. One more to help shake off last night then?" The bartender nodded. And poured another tankard. "After last night, you earned it. This caused Clovis to Chortle again. "Hey, you know I cherish every opportunity to crack a few skulls.

The bartender motioned him to move away from the bar. "Go on, Clovis. Your seat is by the door. I let you drink for free because you keep gang violence out of my bar. Not sit here in the morning and talk about night's past. Clovis stood up and nodded. "I'm going. He said in an upbeat voice. It was a good side gig, while work was slow. So, he went and took a seat at the table near the door, and rested his game against the table. Sipping slowly from his tankard, waiting to be needed.

[Assistant]
It was annoying to say the least, any time Rowan was "summoned" by Jonathon Morris. Just because he supplied her with an abundance of hired work didn't mean he owned her. So when the rapping at the door of the small room she rented stirred her from her slumber, she was less than cordial to the one on the other side. The person spoke, obviously not caring that they had disturbed her, "Mr Morris wants you in his office as soon as possible," and with that she could hear the heavy footsteps retreat at an ungodly pace. A smirk crossing her ethereal features. It would have been unwise to remain at the door of a pissed and groggy assassin's door.

 That was nearly five hours ago and the reason of her summoning was to 'Keep me company,' Morris' words. Rowan, in any other mood would have fought against his wishes not giving a shit about what it is he wanted of her. Though, her tune was easily changed the night before when she was given free range of the booze and quarters he so generously prepared for her. 'I'm strictly here to observe... for now,' she continued to remind herself as she took internal notes on all the souls that waltzed through those heavy doors to speak with Morris. In the time that she was there, Rowan was privy to a myriad of bodies coming and going from Morris' office ranging anywhere and everywhere from drunkards, common whores, junkies looking for their next Parem fix and the like.

 However, there were a select few that caught her attention and instead of her just leaning against the back wall, shrouded in the shadows, eyes closed in boredom and disinterest; she was alert and focused.

 A young man, no younger than herself if she were to be honest, tanned skin - that she could discern even in the low lights of Morris' office gazed at Jonathon, lighting a bushel as their conversation began. While they spoke, Rowan focused in on his features. He was too familiar to her and the fact that she couldn't place him in her subconscious, was annoying her. Something that doesn't happen to Rowan Tallstagg. Morris mentioned a job and a merchant's place and an explosion? Why was this all news to her. She would have broken out of her hiding spot to hit the man upside the head, however giving away her position too soon would be unrewarding at best. So, she kept quiet, though leaned forward, ears open and listening.

 As soon as the room was cleared and it was just the two of them once again, Rowan emerged from shadows a scowl gracing her features as she glared daggers at her... employer. "The hells Morris," a hand slammed down on the top of his mahogany desk, ink well jostling and nearly tipping over onto some important looking files. "Why wasn't I consulted on a job? Hells, why haven't I been given anything aside from your personal guard?" Her tone was acidic, yet calm. If it had been any other patron of the bar they would have submitted to her line of questioning. But this was Jonathon and he knew her and her tricks too well.

 Their conversation was soon interrupted when a lower tiered lackey, one that she had recognized as a regular during her nightly recon as she sipped her ale in a dark and shadowed corner booth. Jonathon motioned for his employee to enter and get settled, turning to Rowan, "You're more than welcome to stay, or if you would like, enjoy some food and ale below." The newest warm body that joined apologized, lightly dipping his head and body out of the way as she sauntered her way out of the office calling over her shoulder, "You and me, Morris, we aren't done yet."

A nice cold ale sounded too good to pass up right about now.

[User]
Waylan had sat at his favorite Parem den and had gotten high while dodging RazorGulls to pass the time until it was about an hour before the job."Whelp guess I need to get my stuff. " he said taking another puff before getting up and left without paying saying his usual response of " put it on my tab! " . Waylan then walked to his little place he called " home" if you could really call it that, more so it was just an alleyway he stashed his bag full of explosive and flammable compounds.  " Fuck I'm getting low. " he said to himself frowning as he checked his stash. Guess that isn't Waylan would be paying the Slates local black market a date. Using his matchbox again Waylan lit a bushel to numb out the cold and began to walk to the black market putting and blowing out smoke the whole way.

Once Waylan arrived at the market he looked around , it wasn't impressive looking just a bunch of people in rickety old stands ment to be put up quickly and collapsed quickly if any guards came. Walking to his usual stand Waylans face broke into a smile his bushel hanging from his lips. " Donnie how's my favorite illegal contact? " Waylan asked to small Zhu Hanian man. The man turned to Waylan and scowled but then smiled as he joked around and parted Waylan on the back." I'm doing good now that my best customer is here! "  he said heartily and went back behind his stand. Waylan made a "awww shucks" gesture and began to negotiate the prices for his supplies. Once arriving at ten Kruge which Waylan was thankful for as he barely had twenty Donnie gestured to Waylans right index finger which turned out to be a prosthetic.

 " need any lighter fluid for that? It will be on the house. " Donnie asked Waylan as he got out a cansiter. Waylan smiled and said  " Aww in fact I do Donnie old pal thank you very much." he took the canister and pocketed it then took his supplies and put them in his bag before leaving. In fact Waylan didn't need the lighter fluid he had just bought some a few weeks ago but when you lived in the Slate you don't turn down free stuff. Chuckling as he took some hits off his bushel and blew out smoke Waylan began to walk to the North side so he could do his job. Upon getting to the house Waylan would notice two things, one the DimeLions had some big guys as their muscle two the merchants house was incredibly nice which probably ment the man was incredibly wealthy.

Once he reached the two gang members he smiled and walked up to the door. " Alright boys this is where the magic happens" he said and took out four things from his bag sticky putty, a clear liquid , some fine metal dust, and a empty glass vial. Pressing the putty on the edge of the door where the handle met the frame Waylan then opens the empty vial and pours the liquid in there and some of the metal dust. Corking the vial he then shakes it and pressed it into the putty." Stand back" he tells the DimeLions as he backs up a few feet. After a minute a small not very loud but quick and forceful bang! is heard as the vial explodes breaking the door frame rendering the deadbolt lock useless.

Waylan smirked as he walked inside and began to take his share of any valuables he could sell or any loose Kruge he found." Like taking candy from a-" he made a muffled noise as a bag was thrown over his head. Suddenly blind Waylan was pushed until the kidnappers told him to step up, doing so he then got pushed in what he figured out was a carriage by the clopping of horse hooves. Lurching to a stop Waylan was then pushed into a small house and down the stairs where he was forced to sit in a chair as they shackled his hands behind the chairs back. They then took the hood off and after squinting for a bit to get his vision back from the blinding light Waylan saw a man in a expensive suit staring at him.

The man frowned and walked up to Waylan until his leather shoes were a couple of inches away from Waylans boots. After clearing his throat the man smiled and said  " Pardon me for taking you like that but I guess it is fair seeing how you were robbing my house. " the merchant said. Waylans face got pale and all he could think was  'oh shit'.

[Assistant] Fedosia walks around the North side. She 'trips' over the pavement, falling into the arms of a slightly older man. "Oh dear. I'm so sorry."  She smiles apologetically, allowing herself to shiver a little; her thin coat wasn't near enough to ward off the cold and wind. "Would you like to come inside, warm up?" Fedosia uses her practiced smile of gratitude, but her attention is elsewhere. Sounds of a struggle was heard from a nearby house, a merchant's house that she'd been invited to on occasion. She looks up just as a man in a sack is being thrown into a carriage, and she gasps softly. Her target looks in the same direction, but now that the carriage was pulling away, doesn't see anything. "What are you-? Hey!" Fedosia had taken advantage of the man's distraction, and she'd taken a money pouch hanging from his waist and taken off. The man follows her, and she ducks into a small shop in a side street. She watches the carriage from the window, wondering what on earth was going on, and if there was maybe a way she could benefit.