[System]
Age: 16
Affiliation: The Hero Brigade
Wish: "I wish to be cool just like my big sister!"
Soul Gem Color: Crimson

Powers:
Akame's magic is not as flashy or as extravagant as her fellow Magical Girls, which bears in part some irony given her wish. But these are only her private thoughts on the matter as her peers are often left baffled by the nature and manifestation of her powers. Akame sacrifices magical prowess in exchange for an incredibly enhanced physique, bolstering up her strength, endurance, speed, and durability all around.

Secondly, she is followed around by a constant cloud of rose petals wherever she goes. She can use these petals as razor edged knives for projectiles or as bombs to detonate. The number of roses do not decrease as she fights, giving her an endless supply of projectiles in battle. Aside from this though and her increased physical nature, she is not able to use her magic for much else.

Weapon:
Akame's weapon comes in the form of dual cutlasses each stained the color of blood. As her magic goes mostly into improving her physique, these blades hold no special nature to them aside from being regular swords. Even so, her drastic increase in speed and power more than make up for her lack of magic, giving her the edge to cut down foes before they can react accordingly.

Personality:
Bright, bubbly, and cheery, Akame is the near-perfect poster girl of what a Magical Girl should be. She's always there to support her teammates firsthand and will never back down in defending them. As such, it's not hard to guess her actions sometimes as Akame will try to follow the morally correct path as much as she can, to the point of appearing naïve.

She does become self-conscious at her own nature however, always worrying if her personality can come across as annoying or off-putting. Even so, she is a firm believer in a positive mindset and will always put up a smile for others even if she doesn't want to. She likes to think she's come to terms with being a Magical Girl and if she's going out, she'll at least do it with a smile.

Bio:
Not much can be said for Akame's life before becoming a Magical Girl. In fact, she doesn't remember much about those times aside from the fact that she was incredibly unhappy. Unhappy and bored. Always living in the shadow of her older sister, Akame felt she had to compete with her in some way to feel self-worth. The worst aspect was that she often agreed with what others said of her, Akame feeling like she was an inadequate sibling.

So when she found out her beloved older sister had become a Magical Girl, she jumped at the chance in a vain attempt to be brought to equal ground. The Contractor did not hesitate in granting her wish and gifting unto her new magical powers. And although her older sister greatly opposed this notion, the deed had been done. That was nearly two years ago.

These days Akame has grown a little smarter and aims to train new Magical Girls. Her relationship with her sister has admittedly grown more unstable in all this time but she made her choice a long time ago. Now she's devoted her life to hunting down the Primordials of her precious Miso City and defending the future for those yet to come.

Or so she likes to think.

---

~Theme~

[User]
It was close to a miricle, the calvary, that being, Akame, Chiyo and Nanako arrived to aid Emiri and Miyako in the nick of time. The two primordial that joined forces to brutally kill the magical girls were growing strong and also became incredibly more fierce. On the way over, Nanako was holding on to Chiyo ever so tightly as they jumped through the city to the other girls at a increasing speed.

"Miyako! Emiri-Chan! We're here to help!"
Nanako had been piggybacking on Chiyo, she hopped off quickly so she wasn't in Chiyos' way while she rushed over to help Miyako.

The sight was devastating, like a war had been undergoing a siege for years, it seemed like an army of cards were attempting to fight off the primordials, but to no avail, they were being sliced to pieces and fading in to a glimmer of gold dust before fading away fully. 'Could Emiri-chan summoned them with her power to fight?', thought Nanako. She looked around, quickly after Chiyo and and Akame rushed over to help Miyako who appeared to be struggling.
In the frenzy, she saw a collapsed Emiri, lying lifeless on the floor, bleeding intensely, creating a pool of bloody despair beside her. Nanako knew that was an indication of something bad, that she could die soon, that's what happens to people that were bleeding a lot... Nanako transformed as quickly as she could. Holding her soul gem out, it shined bright and enveloped her, to others, it would appear that a shining orb of rose pink light had swallowed a small girl whole. But on the inside of that light, a new magical girl was taking form, Nanako's hair elongated, her bust began to grow and a wide smile grew on her face. The orb dissipated and Nanako landed on her two feet completely transformed into her magical girl form. Welled full of courage, she ran towards Emiri-chan, crouching close to her, she acted without really thinking about her actions, as if she acted souly on instinct.
"Emi--- Onee-chan... I'm here to help you! I can heal you so you feel so much better! Haha!~" Quickly sliding her large backpack off, Nanako reached with one arm in and felt around, finally, she grabbed some kind of milk bottle, quickly ripping it out of the bag, she popped of the lid and attempted to have Emiri drink the liquid.

Nanako began to watch the healing drink take its effect on her.

[Assistant]
Cutting it close was an understatement as Akame assessed the situation. In hindsight, it was a good thing that Emiri was unconscious at the moment. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to slip through one of her barriers. Maybe not for Chiyo, considering she had done it before.

Landing beside Miyako, Akame quickly transformed into her full Magical Girl outfit. A sphere of flame surrounded her, shielding the outside world from her transformation. When she emerged from the miniature inferno, Akame was covered in a longcoat and pants the color of ash. Simple but effective. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned forth her blade and launched a wave of flame towards the axe wielding Primordial to push her back.

Scythe was being taken care of by Miyako, giving one last guttural snarl before its head was sliced off. At once the twisted girl's body fell apart into black sand, leaving behind the ebony stone that served to bind them together.

Axe frowned, taking the brunt of Akame's blow full on. Suddenly the odds weren't in its favor as three more Magical Girls arrived on the scene. A bit excessive on Akame's part, but she didn't take any chances when it came to their enemy. Before the creature could stumble back and retreat, Akame dashed forward faster than ever and cleaved both pairs of arms clean off.

An inhuman screech filled the air, black fluid flowing out heavily. Akame spun around, ready to cut the monster in two when Axe suddenly dashed away. Leaping above the flaming Magical Girl, it sped towards Nanako with hungry jaws dripping with black liquid.

This one smelled sweet…yes, it would consume her first. Akame tensed up. At this range she couldn't do anything and would have to rely on the others to intercept before it was too late. And it was too late, the Primordial just a moment before tearing Nanako's face off completely.

Bang.

The thing burst into black sand, body scattered and soon dissolving into ash as well. The stone remained unharmed as the last of the Primordials were vanquished for now. Chiyo stood on the sidelines with a still smoking flintlock revolver in her hands. She was not transformed however, still in her regular garbs.

"That was close Nanako-chan. Please be more careful next time."

[User]
Miyako was a bit distracted with the ongoing fight to listen to Emiri ramble in a pain induced haze, instead busy making sure that she herself wasn't killed. It would be a sad way for the Best Magical Girl in the World to go out. If she did, it would be to a bunch of enemies, not two stupid Primordials. She just wouldn't allow it, even though she really didn't have a say in the matter when it came down to it. That was her resole, and she would take it.

She glanced over as the help Emiri had called for arrived, just in time to see her finish off the Primordial, blade flashing with a flourish to finish off. She knew how to put on a show, and now that she had an audience she aimed to entertain. One down, and all that was left to do was to deal with the other one.

Well, rather not, for as she watched the thing was hurt by Akame and then finished off by that other girl. Transforming next to her hadn't been necessary, though Miyako supposed that she would allow it. She didn't really have a reason to complain, she supposed, so she made no comment of it once they had finished everything.

"I could have taken it," she said as she fixed her swordstaff back together, facing the rest of them. With the scythe one out of the way, it would have been a cinch to deal with the rest. She didn't mind the help, but she felt that it deserved to be said. Hell, unlike her more experienced companion she was barely injured! Weapon resting on her shoulder, she grinned as she watched the rest of them

[Assistant] Rose felt her hand being crushed be Elise. Rose tried to squeeze back but once she realized she would lose, she pulled her hand away. "That was very lady-like of you, but I guess that is just who you are. I wouldn't like you any other way." Rose rubbed her hurting hand. She did not know why she cared much about it. If her hand been crushed, it would have just mended herself. It would have hurt badly but it would have been fine. "I admit you are physically stronger than I am. Just goes to validate my reason for choosing the Urumi as my weapon. I have not aged a day. No, minute since I became a magical girl. My body now regenerates any wounds and it maintains my appearance. I cannot gain or lose weight even if I wanted to. I cannot get physically stronger like you can. I can however focus on magic. You however can get stronger. I would be honored to see you do so. Now, You seemed to have recovered your strength. Do you think you are up for another fight? The others are or should be fighting a Primordial as we speak. If not, we can go back to the party. I do kinda want to finish off that tea now that I do not need to share."

[User]
The moment Rose withdrew from Elise's grip the red girl grinned. Her sides were still aching a bit, but she was back, no doubt about it. Rose said she liked her, which was the first time anyone said that to her. She blushed before she realized what was happening and then scoffed and turned around with her arms crossed as an attempt at keeping up appearances. She was accepted for what she was, and that made her happy inside, as much as she didn't want that to show on her face. Elise turned back to Rose after having recomposed herself as she explained herself being timeless; again, not a big revelation, but nonetheless interesting to think about. While being immortal would be great in terms of getting to fight for an eternity, there wouldn't be any growth in strength like she mentioned, which was something Elise valued even above brawling, and wouldn't give up on anything in the world.

"I could go for a fight, but if you want to sip I'm down with that too." Elise decided to throw all the decision making on Rose; she was part of the group who orchestrated this all so she'll take responsibility for it too. Besides, she gained a bit of humility after her defeat and decided not to deliberately push her luck and charge head-on to another battle the first moment one would reveal itself, unlike previously.

[Assistant]
"No you wouldn't," Chiyo said loud and clear, her words directed to Miyako with a smile. "No, you would have assumed you had the ability to destroy it, only for the Primordial to reveal one final trick that you couldn't have possibly predicted. And then you would be killed in a most brutal fashion. And Natsuko-san here would be cursing you for stupidity."

The dark haired girl glanced at Akame, who was now transforming out of her Magical Girl attire. She was blunt, that much was noticed. And the smile-which came off as a bit arrogant-was off-putting to say the least. Still, she had saved Nanako just at the last second and that was good enough.

So why did Akame feel strange being around her? The answer was quite simple. It was because Chiyo waited until the last moment to step in. She didn't recall the girl helping out at all in their battle just now, though that was probably because the others had weakened the Primordials before they arrived. Even so, it felt odd at the most.

"We're leaving," Akame announced, turning on her heels and picking up the two black stones left behind in the dust. Seriously, what use were these things for anyway?

"Komatsu-san, please carry Emiri with you. I know it would mean a lot to her to see your face first when she awakens," Akame said before leaping away in the direction of the school.

"Let's go too Nanako-chan," Chiyo said, offering her hand.

Back at the school, the Contractor watched Elise and Rose interact with a blank expression. When the others arrived back, Akame gave it the black stones. Apparently it was a food source for the creature as it opened up the mark on its back to take in the stone.

"Good work everyone! We're one step closer to completing our goal," it praised.


[System]
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Appearance:
Personality:Arden, lacking confidence is often considered quiet, shy and reserved, that is until something goes against his beliefs or moral judgment and then he is not afraid to show just how passionate he can be. He is curious, creative and kind, albeit nervous and a bit reclusive. He loves solidarity and music in any form.Abilities:
AFFINITY: Sound, vibrations and the sense of hearing

MANA QUALITY: Exceptional
MANA QUANTITY: Average

Intense potency but limited reserves. Arden is new to mage-craft and the supernatural world, so he doesn't know many spells beyond his inherit abilities, and even those he has not yet mastered.
* Deep listener- Arden not only has beyond exceptional hearing with immaculate precision and control, but he also can hear things others can't. This magical ability interprets patterns and activities of the mind into audible surface thoughts and or feelings and intent. It requires Arden's focus and concentration and doesn't work equally well on all people. It is more effective on non magical humans and those unaware of his ability.
* Quiet speaker- Arden's voice, without being raised, can reach anyone's ear within his vision and only theirs if he so chooses it.
Master of subtle tone manipulation and with the ability to 'hear' people, Arden can generate frequencies to manipulate people's emotions or make them more susceptible to suggestions. This is a near passive hypnotic effect that again works on varying degrees.
* Silent type- Arden's control over frequency and sound allows him to also nullify it. This is very helpful for those that wish to sneak around.
* Conscientious- 'Listen to oneself.' Arden has yet to thoroughly explore this sonar like ability through using echo location techniques. But it is there just waiting to be discovered.
* Vocal- The heart and strength of his ability. Creating and manipulating vibrations to such an extent that they has a physical effect on his environment or singularly targeted area. These 'shock waves' can emanate from any part of his body as the vibrations and energy come from within. Most effective though are vocal shouts or arm thrusts.
* Haphephobia- Arden can also use the above mentioned ability to violently displace the air around him creating a defensive bubble.
Skills:He is not much of a combatant except for the odd scrape he picked up from being bullied at school. Arden's skills fall more into the creative and intellectual realms, especially around creating music or fiddling with technology. He is a whiz around computers and programming.Assets: Growing up in poverty Arden possesses little of value from his past even though his abilities, if understood earlier, could have provided otherwise. Since being discovered there were those that tried to 'buy' him and essentially succeeded.* Enhanced Notebook computer- Because all things are better with magic. Besides being faster, more secure and compact, it also has access to a great database of information very useful to a mage-in-learning.
* Bugs- Part technological marvel, part familiar. This conscious hive mind of little creatures exists mostly as an ordinary watch, laying dormant until called upon. Then at which point they disperse and fly through the air scouting an area or following a target. This extends the reach of Arden's ability via microphone's and speakers while recording everything for later analysis.
* Taser (extendable baton)- For self protection when all else fails.
* Motor bike- Method of transport.
Brief Backstory: Arden's mother and father met but once, she couldn't resist the handsome man, literally. It was a rendezvous that started on the busy dance floor of a high end exclusive night club and ended in an empty, cold, filthy, little alley way that didn't even earn a name. He discarded her when done and that was the last she ever saw or heard of Arden's father.

Arden's mother held no magical aptitude whatsoever. She was not connected to a rich family, or any family for that matter. She was an aspiring dancer crushed under the weight of failed dreams, bad youthful decisions and financial strain.
Arden grew up in poverty, and while his mother held love for him, she was hardly around to share it.

So that left Arden's father to be the mage of the family, and a powerful one at that because despite his training or understanding of that world, Arden possesses some strong magical talent and aptitude. It was very confusing for him to be seeing things that others around him couldn't. Hearing things others didn't. It took him longer than most to get recognised and then when he finally did, there were those trying to take him in and train him, just wanting to take advantage of the young boys ability and shape him into another pawn in their own agenda. One such family succeeded, buying his trust and faking care they now have enlisted him into the service of Arinne's quest. Testing him and fulfilling their contract at the same time.

[User]
Ascertain that everyone had the same basic founding facts and work from there, he thought to himself in the sly obvious voice that he dare not use a loud. Despite her condescension he backed his original statement one hundred percent and thought less of her for questioning it. It was important they were all on the same page. None the less, while confident in his choices, he didn't share those thoughts. He would let the child have this one.

She was right about one thing though, he hadn't been building the right first impression. Hell, he didn't want to be building any impression at all, but it was clearly too late for that. 'Idiot' he cursed at himself.

Arinne had chosen not to answer his questions, instead turning to attacking his character with spite, stabbing at his ego. Arden defended in the only way he knew how. With nonchalant dismissal, putting up solid walls while falling into the familiar facade of not caring. It was a cold and lonely place behind that mask, a mask that fit all too well, but at least it felt safe.

---

Arden let his attention drift out of the room, catching the chorus of sounds that swept in as the door opened to a latecomer. He was slightly curious how Arinne would respond to that, but instead he dialled in his hearing to the different classes and lectures going on throughout the building. The gossiping of groups and the thrumming taps of boredom. He was surprised to find Arinne's name still on the tips of many tongues even though it had been some time since she passed.

There were so many talented people here at this institution, so why were none of them here in this room? Where were the subject matter experts, the agency men or even some semi-decent investigators. Surely they could solve this in a manner of moments between human and magi resources.
Was this really the best Arinne could gather. Or did Arinne actually just care so little about this that these people would do. Arden's self included.

As of yet he had seen little to convince him that this was a bright bunch, but then again if this was all just some small passing amusement, a means to flaunt influence and power, then even this bunch was elaborately unnecessary.

No one yet had actually questioned why they were here. Just accepting the topic as reason and playing along. Arden could almost hear the 'groupthink' taking over, like a new member in the room slowly growing more confident and louder. He feared with curiosity what would happen if they fell into polarisation.

Up until now Arden had been denying his own interest in this case, there were so many facets that fascinated him. New worlds of possibilities were opening up to him as he sat there in disengaged silence. While everyone focused on the present he fell back into the past.
The original ripper could have in fact been targeting those very same organs, only then using the brutal murders and attacks of the time as a coverup for the true motive. The theft of organ parts was widely dismissed as rumour and fears levied by the tabloids, but that could have been a coverup.

To what ends would that original endeavour have met, was it thwarted in secrecy. Was there an investigation. Did the killer or killers succeed. (Arden wasn't going to rule out a group just yet. For either instance.)
Arden didn't understand enough about magic to grasp why or if female organs would be chosen over males. Perhaps in the past it would have been more convenient at the time, to hide amongst the many attacks already happening, and now it was just a notion to copy. The fact the victims were left to be found was the lure on the line for him.

With access to people's thoughts Arden had long since developed a deep interest in psychology, evolutionary in particular. So after separating his thoughts from the situation at hand with Arinne and the others, he became caught up in the thoughts of why. Why not hide the bodies. Why pick a place guaranteed to grab media attention. Why the effort for precision.
Sure he could draw conclusions, but enough of them were being thrown around already.

While he didn't yet know what they were going to be tasked with, Arden decided he would try a bit harder to play along. At the very least to quell his own curiosities. So he continued to sit there in his cold silence, giving no one nothing and hoping someone would provide some noteworthy information or ideas soon.

[Assistant]
The late arrival of a certain flamboyant—in more ways than one—mage pulled Grain's attention away from her fidgeting hands. She had heard about Val-Verde before but the rumors didn't make justice to the real deal. The way that Saturday's head all but disappeared within those breasts was certainly a sight to behold...

However, Grain couldn't let the almost slapstick comedy nature of the scene distract her from the matters at hand. She shook her head lightly as she heard the next replies before saying, "Well, it's not like the murderer tossed the bodies on the street. Leaving bodies in a back alley isn't that out of the ordinary. In fact, if rats and other scavengers got to it before the police, maybe the missing organs wouldn't even be noticed. Furthermore, maybe, inducing fear in their victims before slaying them is part of the ritual. It was quite common in cultures that practiced human sacrifice to do that as a way of pleasing whatever entity the sacrifices are meant for. What better way to guarantee that their victims are dreading their own demise than allow the chance of some of their killings spreading to the media?"

"If the killer needs something not only out of the body, but of the soul of their victims as well, this would explain why they don't get the organs in less conspicuous ways. Since the soul should already have departed from a body by the time it reaches a morgue, or any other place you would be able to smuggle a human corpse from. Maybe a mage could be able to ascertain that, by looking for psychic impressions on one of the crime scenes?"

"Di—Divination!? I could try something like it but..." Grain glanced at her right thumb while her cheeks got slightly pinkish with a sudden influx of blood. "Why don't we try something else like... searching one of the alleys, or laying a trap for the murderer? I'll be the one who shall be the bait if it comes to it. I'm confident in my capacity to survive no matter what happens," she added.

[User]
"I'm asking you to speculate, not to admit your failings," Arinne commented, narrowing her eyes slightly at Glen. Really now, what kind of mage gave up before even trying? What kind of mage didn't seek answers? Certainly, there were plenty of magi who followed this typical path that she felt were utterly uninteresting, but that didn't mean the path itself was incorrect for those who desired to be called practioners of magic. "Do you not have at least a little imagination? Some desire to attempt to puzzle out the motivations? A mage should be able to apply some knowledge to this situation to make at least a conclusion, even if it's ultimately incorrect."

She let out a sigh. Really, the one who had thus far provided the most healthy speculation wasn't even a mage! Oh well, at least she could perhaps wring some amusement out of these people...

Arinne smirked.

"If you're completely off-base, you'll only look as if you have no idea what you're talking about," the blonde girl concluded, "And that would at least be amusing for all the spectators, wouldn't it? Fufu."

It was at this point, rather conveniently, that one of the best practitioners of displacement arrived. Arinne had known Sophiana for some time now, and had indeed invited her to participate in spite of the lack of a contract.

"As Miss Val-Verde says," continued Arinne, smoothly, glancing towards the fact that the older girl had buried Saturday's head in her chest with her huge(largely to see Saturday's expression from the experience), "It's unquestionable that the mage who committed this crime possessed a great deal of skill in an art that is often quite complex, and the medical knowledge required to perform it properly. Where ever could such a mage be found, I wonder~?"

Her smirk grew. Her words hung in the air for a few moments. The implications she was making should have been obvious. A mage with such a degree of skill, who also knew how to target the organs in the body with surgical precision... It wasn't as if people like that simply grew on trees.

Arinne was insinuating the killer could potentially be a member of the Tower's Faculty. It was what she suspected, based on the nature of the killings.

She glanced towards the boy who had been less useful then a newspaper. He'd completely fallen quiet. How... pathetic. How completely and utterly pathetic. Well, perhaps those compelled by her contracts weren't all worth it. He neither attempted to speculate, nor did he make a retort(which would have at least been entertaining).

Oh well.

"It's quite possible a ritual is at play, as Dame Blackmore says," added Arinne, "However, it's difficult to get a sense of the possibilities without seeing the evidence. As such, I've arranged for us to visit one of the crime scenes shortly. I hope none of you are sensitive to the sight of blood~"

Her smirk returned.

@Aviaire@TheFake@KoL@Dark Light@Ginnungagap

[Assistant]
There had been that all familiar tug, the soft pull, the basic automatic urge to retort and have the last say, there was something simple and primal in that need. But defiant as he was Arden didn't, and for his reward he could hear the displeasure hidden in the silence between words as Arinne looked at him expectantly.

He continued to hold his silence and slug around in his nonchalant demeanour. The sooner this child had had her fill of amusement the sooner he could get on with his task. The withholding of information and needless critical questioning was becoming arduous and tiresome.

Arden gave no reaction to the mention of blood. Hidden beneath his facade was a frustration built from unanswered curiosities. He had questions that he would leave for time to tell rather than engaging with and trying to get answers from Arinne. So he followed along and looked no where in particular but listened to everything intently.


[System]
Runan Isles Savior Corps

---

Established in the wake of Westwel's destruction, the Runan Isles Savior Corps is by no means the most impressive program on Illun, but it's well-funded and well-run by a few survivors of Westwel's own Corps.

Character Info

Name – Besca Darroh
Age – 35
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

Originally from Westwel, Besca Darroh has been around Saviors her entire life. Her grandfather had helped fell the Modir who would become "Dragon," and her father had headed Westwel's burgeoning Savior program. She met dozens of pilots, watched as their connection to the Modir ate away at their minds and bodies. Other nations treated their pilots like a resource to be burned through, kept at arm's length in all but public affairs. Besca, however, went out of her way to engage with Westwel's pilots and even piloting candidates, caring after them with a degree of humanity which was, frankly, missing in the programs of other nations. Her methods were derided as frivolous and naïve by her peers, but the pilots appreciated it, which, to her, was all that mattered.

She lost many things in Westwel's fall; her home, her father, her friends, and no small piece of her faith in humanity, but ironically enough she didn't lose her job. When Runa took in her country's refugees, and subsequently acquired their first Savior, they came to the last living member of Westwel's program for help in founding their own.

Nowadays, Besca doesn't often involve herself in the politics of the program. Technically speaking she isn't even chief of operations—a position occupied by the Runan government—but rather, her duties revolve around "pilot maintenance." While she hasn't lost her desire to make life easier for the pilots, she isn't nearly as incorrigibly optimistic or sunny as she once was.

Character Info

Name – Dahlia St. Senn
Age – 18
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

Dahlia was a toddler when her home was destroyed by the Modir, spirited away from Westwel in the arms of a family friend. She spent the first fourteen years of her life in the quiet, lakeside town of Hovvi. She was, like many children, absolutely enthralled by the Saviors, so when she tested positive and was whisked away into orbit, Dahlia thought her dream had come true. She missed her friends, and her adoptive father, but this was her opportunity to do something important. This was her chance to help.

She had no idea.

Runa's Savior, Dragon, had not been phased by a single pilot until Dahlia entered the cockpit. With its potential finally unleashed, she was able to end invasions within minutes—which was crucial, because she couldn't remain connected for much longer than that before the giant's neural regeneration reached critical levels.

Dahlia has become Runa's WMD, and as such, she actually doesn't pilot as much as she did before R.I.S.C. acquired its two other Saviors. Besca has become rather protective of her, not wanting to risk putting her in situations where she may be forced to over-exert herself, or risk being overtaken.

Character Info

Name – Hadrian Ghaust
Age – 38
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

Hadrian Ghaust is Helburke personified. He is strong, unrelenting, stoic to a chilling degree, and utterly devastating in the cockpit. Ghaust is also a veteran pilot, having commanded the Savior Marrowman in service of the Helburken crown for 20 years, and despite a phasing speed so slow that he rarely deigns to use his magic at all, he was well on his way to becoming one of his country's most accomplished pilots.

However, Ghaust's priority has always been the fight against the Modir, and Helburke's clamor for political power is something he viewed with silent disdain. To him, using Saviors to settle diplomatic disputes isn't just wasteful, it's shameful. So, when Helburke ordered him to bring Marrowman to bear against the newly-risen Runa's Dragon, he refused. When, then, he was given the ultimatum of going through with the duel or forfeiting his rank and position, he looked his general in the eye, ripped the pilot's medal from his collar, and left his home behind.

Overnight Ghaust was made a Pariah in Helburke, and his home turned against him. He was forced to leave, and though several foreign programs sought him out, Ghaust denied them all, even passing up a pilot's seat in Eusero. Instead, he went straight to the burgeoning program in Runa, who was more than happy to take him.

Character Info

Name – Safie Calhan
Age – 22
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

R.I.S.C.'s newest pilot, Safie has spent the past year earning her place at Dahlia and Ghaust's sides. Born and raised in Runa's largest city, Queenshand, Safie was one of countless starry-eyed youths who dreamed of the day she'd get to step inside the cockpit of a Savior. A positive connection-test put her on the path, but it was the months upon months of personal training, rigorous study, and nights spent running sims until dawn that pulled her ahead of the other aspirants. With a phase potential speed just above average, she was a perfect fit between Runa's other two pilots.

While Dahlia has accrued something of a heroic mythos about her, she's often reclusive and hesitant to make many public appearances. Safie on the other hand loves to meet the people she's helping, be that with personal visits, answering fan-mail, or simply getting her hands dirty cleaning up after the messier invasions. Some see her approach as distinctly Euseran, but Safie didn't become a pilot for the attention, she became a pilot because it was the right thing to do.

Character Info

Name – Lucis Abroix
Age – 25
Affiliation – Casoban, on loan to the R.I.S.C.

Casoban's sole effort to save Westwel, while ultimately futile, planted the seeds of goodwill between it and Runa. Casoban has always lived in the influential shadows of Helburke and Eusero, but allied with Runa, the two manage a strong presence on the world stage.

As a show of solidarity, Casoban has even begun sending a Savior of its own as backup to Runa's invasions. Enter: Lucis Abroix.

Lucis is perhaps one of Casoban's most beloved pilots, despite having only a handful of deployments to his name. Handsome, personable, with a poetic flare and the voice of an angel, many people back home already consider him the face of Casoban's Savior program—a role he is more than happy to play. Lucis makes regular public appearances, seemingly never missing an opportunity to espouse his love for the beauty of the world, and his burning desire to protect it from the Modir.

[User]
Well, that raised more questions than it answered, but fine, answers were secondary. For the moment it looked like Quinn wasn't going to combust from panic, which was at least something. As for her parents' absence, and that odd bit about sneaking out—it was beginning to sound a bit like she was dodging a grounding.

Fair enough, Besca thought. If she lived in a place like Hovvi, and got grounded from the biggest social gathering the town had ever seen, she'd probably have snuck out too.

"Well," she said with a shrug. "You didn't put down any contact information, so, looks like even if I wanted to rat you out, I couldn't."

She folded up the sheet and put it in her pocket, then got up from the desk and stretched. "God. You know, I've been stuck in these rooms all day—they're kinda stuffy, right? Been wanting to get out into town but, honestly? You're right. The dock's crowded, the streets are even more crowded. So I was thinking about heading down to the marina, actually. I've got some friends down there fixing to head out onto the lake, go fishing, relax on the water. I don't think anywhere within a hundred miles of here is necessarily 'quiet', but it's probably as peaceful as it gets."

Making her way around, she opened the door up and nodded to her. "Not a big boat, if I recall, but plenty of room if you wanted to come along."

[Assistant]
All at once, Quinn's mind ground against itself, spat out a few sparks, and stuttered to a stop. She blinked once, twice. There was no way this was really happening. There was no way. It was impossible. Besca was—she was—it didn't make sense. Nothing about it was right. This couldn't—it wasn't—she blinked again. A fourth time, still sitting in the chair and staring like she'd seen a nightmare. Besca was—holding a door open. She was HOLDING A DOOR OPEN. FOR HER.

"I..don't understand."

She shook her head, like she was trying to clear fog out of it. Doors weren't supposed to be held open like that. They were supposed to be shut all the time unless Mom and Dad wanted to give her food or talk to her. She was using the door wrong. But before she could open her mouth, the vivid image of the door to her room standing open flashed behind her eye.

"I..." Was...was this what it was like to be...invited somewhere? She reached up a hand to ball her eye, not really believing what was happening. But when her hand fell again, Besca was still there.

She blinked one more time before her lips turned up in an unsteady smile. "I think I'd like to go. If your friends are all as nice as you, I think I'll like them a lot." Then, from a part of her deep down that she didn't recognize, she added, with just a pinch of vehement energy: "I don't think I like being stuck in one room very much either."

Her stomach felt odd again. It felt like something inside her was...coming unknotted, maybe?. She huffed in a tense breath through her nose, then blew it slowly out. In, out, just like Besca said. It'd pass soon enough, right? She hoped it would pass. The panic still nibbled at her feet, but the breathing was helping. It was helping a lot.

She loosened the muscles in her legs that she hadn't known had been straining, and with a bit less energy than before, she hopped to her feet. She hoped Besca's friends were nice.

Then she smiled again, and walked out through the door.

[User]
Besca led them out the back, and onto the crowded streets. She hadn't been to Hovvi since the year after Dahlia got picked up, and then it was only a brief, subtle affair for the girl to see her father.

She'd been born in a place like this; her home had been on the Gideon Sea, though she only spent a few years there before moving in with her father. From then on, it'd been Westwel military bases, and eventually the Aerie. When she let herself be optimistic, she liked to imagine retiring somewhere like this, spending her days fishing and drinking that hoity-toity sparkling water 'cause by then she'd have given up booze, again, and for real.

When she took her head out of the clouds though, she knew hardly anyone that got involved with Saviors retired.

The day was turning to evening.

Besca felt a rumble that she couldn't hear over the crowd. She took a detour, ushering Quinn along with her, and came up to a food cart selling something that smelled as good as it looked unhealthy. Fried sweets of just about every kind. She ordered the cook's choice and charged it on the company card, which she would continue to do until they extended lunch breaks.

She handed a paper basket with fried cookies dusted in sugar to Quinn, along with a cup of water. Licking her lips, she plucked one up and popped it into her mouth.

"God, they don't serve stuff like this up there. I mean, they shouldn't, we'd all keel over from heart disease, but damned if they couldn't splurge on some decent desserts now and then. Go on give'em a shot."

Stepping onto the boardwalk, Besca led them behind the rows of people standing before the screens. Lucis's show was over, or on intermission, or something. They were showing battles now, ones that mainly showed off the prowess of Grauritter, Jubilee, and Magnifique, like she'd suggested. Some intern had tried to slip in footage from the Dotsockett singularity, where they'd lost Safie's predecessor, because it was the first time he'd seen Dragon in action and it was special to him. She'd nearly thrown him in the airlock.

The further they went, the thinner the crowd got. The marina wasn't far, but she couldn't spot anyone yet.

"You like the water? To be honest, I'm total crap at fishing—too antsy. But I like being out there, just sitting. The rocking, the little waves hitting the side of the boat, the open air. It's nice."


[System]
Age:16

Gender: Male

Race: Demon-Dark Elf hybrid, Demon side is that of an Incubus

Appearance:
He looks like this, except he has a long, black, prehensile tail that ends in a spear head growth. This is his major weak point, as the tail is very, very sensitive, and grabbing it essentially means you have him putty in your hands as he becomes unable to focus on anything while it is being stimulated. He generally keeps it wrapped around his tail to keep such things from happening, but it tends to uncoil unconsciously whenever he gets emotional.

Personal Belongings: Backpack, throwing knives

Ian hates only two things in this world: people who think they know him just by his bloodline and being bored. Being raised by a single mother in a very biased neighborhood, not to mention being a mix of two of the most discriminated races in the mythical world, he found life to be extremely difficult. He also found, however, that his dual lineage gave him the perfect set of skills to get revenge on those who dared to bully him, the ability to use dark magic, to sense the desires and nightmares of others, and cast strong illusions. WIth these, he can make anyone who dares to cross him suffer immensely, though he tries not to resort to that if he can. That is a part of him he wishes to leave behind.

Ian also has a pretty strong libido and can be rather . . . forward about it. He also has taken to a policy of non-discrimantion, meaning that he finds every race to be a viable target, and is not afraid to make advances on anyone.

Name: Doesn't Remember, goes by Razor for now

Age: Doesn't know, has been 'alive' for about 4 years though, 4. Looks about 17 though

Halfling Race: Dragon-Ghoul

Appearance:

Personal Belongings: Coffin he woke up in, Coffin nails, a pet skull that actually talks back . . . careful, it bites and has a tendency to be rather crass and rude

Razor remembers nothing about his life before he was a ghoul, only that he woke up in a coffin out in the middle of nowhere and has been wandering the earth ever since. He took the coffin and it's contents with him because, honestly, it was the only thing he had to his name, besides the threadbare clothes on his back. He also seems able to speak and understand every language fluently, not through magic either. He just knows them. The only reason he entered the school is because he helped out a family one time, and when they heard about his lack of a home, they decided that sending him to the academy would help him get more accustomed to things.

Razor spends the majority of his time just walking through life not paying attention to anyone, or even bothering to deal with things such as Tact, manners, or other useless things that people do for the sake of society. He says what he wants, does what he wants, and listens to hardly anybody unless they force him to. This isn't as much of an issue as it seems, however, as what he tends to do a lot of the time is sleep. If you see Razor, there is a 93% chance that he's sleeping, and that interrupting that sleep will end with you being in a lot of pain. He's very cranky when woken up, and his mix of transmutation magic, Necromancy, and instinctual skills as a fighter honed into his muscles that he has no idea how he achieved them means that he can be quite the terror when upset.

[User]
Skull

"Hey, you demonic half-wit, I think it'd be best for whatever is currently living in whatever area of hell you dropped that undead fucker off in that you bring him back soon. Asshole's hates to be woken up before he's ready, but he hates it even more when people pull shit like you just did, and when he gets pissed, things get real fucking ugly." The Skulls shook it's head in annoyance, unable to believe how stupid this damn hellspawn was. I mean, locking someone in hell was already a dickish thing to do in the first place, especially when you're the one who started the whole mess, but to do that to Razor was the equivalent to shooting at a nuke, it could only end badly for everyone. "Just open a portal into the coffin, then slam the lid right on to it and he'll be out like a light in no time, and it'll be like none of this had ever happened. But I seriously suggest you hurry with that, as a ghoul in Hell with anger issues can wreak a lot of havoc with very little effort. I mean, a plane full of damned souls and nothing to do. Idleness is the devil's workshop, ya know, and it's been brought right to his motherfucking doorstep!"

Ian Blackwood

Ian merely chuckled and waved the gargoyle off, but as soon as she was out of sight, he let out a sigh of relief. He was glad that she had decided to be nice and let him off, because if she had kept on going with that, he'd probably have been a quivering mess. Still, he got her number and a future dinner date, so it was definitely worth the small amount of embarrassment that he'd had to suffer. As he walked up to his dorm, however, he saw thhat they had a greenhouse, and within, he saw two other dark elves, as well as his winged paramore from the train earlier.

As he walked in, he gave her a sly smile and a wave, before turning his attention to his fellow dark elves in the corner.

"Hello, my fellow Dark elves, or do you prefer the term Drow? Either way, it's always could to see other dark elves around, though seeing another demon-drow hybrid would be nice once in a while. Ah well, what are you to do, I mean, what dark elf would every try and get romantically involved with a demon, what ever offspring they sired would be doomed to a life of the utmost bigotry. Alsas, I believe myself to be a bit of a rarity." After his dramatic, if not so serious, speech, Ian's eyes shimmered ever so slightly into their more demonic shade of vibrant violet, before settling down. "But enough about that, I've yet to introduce myself. Ian Blackwood, at your service. May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"

[Assistant]
Corry kept drawing, but answered the other Dark Elf by saying, "Not so much to get away from people. I just like quiet places." He took a look at the flowers he had been drawing only to see a rock. No, that was a Gargoyle. He sighed, his vantage point for the flowers ruined, he put away his supplies just as the other Dark Elf showed up. When he said something about being half demon, Corry nodded. "I prefer Darkling myself... call me crazy, but it makes me feel better... more... in tune with my father..." He smiled slightly as he remembered his father's majestic Draconic figure towering above him and his mother, protecting them from a group of light elves. The Dynamic between these three races was strange indeed. Light Elves looked to Dragons as allies, yet when they intermingled, the child was dubbed "Dark" and cast out from the Elves favor, while the Dragon in question was allowed by it's kin to raise the Dark child as they saw fit. it made little sense to Corry, but like the Demon/Dark Elf had said, they were doomed to bigotry, whether Demon or not.

"My name's Corry Rakovia... I suppose I should mention my love of art... I have been told I am quite good with a pen. would you like to see some of my art?"

_________________________________________

Samantha nodded to the Slime. "Oh man, I wonder if the school allows hacking?" she said absentmindedly. then her eye fell across aPC with no keyboard in front of it, and a track ball mouse next to the empty space. she immediately recognized the tech above the desk. "Hey, it looks like they have holokeyboards for Slimes! Sweet! By the way, what's your name?"

After she acquired Spoony's name, Samantha decided to visit the bathhouse and undressed in the changing rooms, then went into the bathhouse main area. seeing the two Nagas, she gulped. Better to make friends sooner than later, right? she quietly slipped into the water and took a deep breath.

~They Aren't just snakes. they are Nagas, and Nagas have feelings!~ Samantha thought to herself, then she opened her eye and said, "Hi... I'm Samantha. y-you can c-call me Sam... if you want."

~Smooth, Sammie. Real smooth~ She thought. ~Now they know you are afraid of them.~

Leviathon was not sure what to do but go into the bedrooms and choose a bed. his mistake was not noticing a skull and a Hellspawn arguing back and forth about letting someone out of hell. Figures the only other guy with a literal connection to the underworld would be here. Catching a bit of the conversation, he walked over to the skull and supplied a solution.

"A Dragon Ghoul, right? The one on the train with the coffin?" At the affirmative-albeit sassy-answer he got, he nodded and disappeared much the same way Scorpion from Mortal Kombat did, leaving a small fire where he had been standing, then seconds later appeared holding an enraged Razor by the neck of his shirt.

"So... I hate to be the middle man, but can we not send anyone who gets us miffed to our eternity?" he asked the Hellspawn in front of him. "Judging by your reaction, you didn't know I was one of the few fire sprites who call Hell my home. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm exhausted." and with that, a large bonfire engulfed Leviathon as he drifted off to his version of sleep.

J

[User]
Akane was wondering how long she should stay here when the other naga made her way , impressively fast, into the bath. When the girl emerged she seemed a bit startled. Akane grinned "It's alright dear. After all, it's not like we're running out of room." Almost as quickly the cyclops came into the bath. She heard the poor girl stutter and thought she must be nervous meeting new people. Akane also inwardly thought, hehe I'm in the bath with two cute girls, how can this get better? She figured maybe some conversation would help diffuse the tension. Akane beamed and said "Hi there! My name is Akane, nice to meet you guys. Looks like all of us had the same idea, the train ride was kind of stressful right?"

@2b3heart

[Assistant]
Jacinda waved at the demon elf and realized that the other elf stopped drawing when he noticed her sitting in his view. She sighed and continued to look at the flower. She found it funny the big contrast between the soft, beautiful flowers and her dull, rocky self.

Nyra smiled at the other naga and the cyclops that just joined them. "Nice to meet you both! My name is Nyra. And yes! That ride was terribly cold! Too cold for my taste." Nyra laughed a bit, but stopped. She didn't want seem like a bigot, laughing at her own words. She coiled her tail under the water.
@JDizzle383

[User] After the skulls blunt but amusing words and with a mischievous smile he opened up a portal inside the coffin for the ghoul to sleep then he turned and walked out of the train and into the school.He turned his head to speak to Aliaah "I have to take this werewolf to a bed but as soon as I get him there I'll be free to go where you wish."He walked to the dorms and laid the werewolf on one of the larger beds in the room and covered him up.Again turning to speak to Aliaah "Now that he's taking care of where would you like to go first"

[Assistant]
Spoony smiled and gave Samantha her name. Of course once she went to the bath Spoony could not follow. Slime's and pools of water did not mix well as it was possible for her to lose form or even absorb the pool into herself and become far too big. "Welp I'm gonna go eat some things." Spoony said to herself. She headed towards the green house where she started to spread her slime over a few flowers. Plants were easiest for Spoony to eat as they dissolved the fastest in her body. She had noticed the Dark elves in the area but decided it would be best to try and hide from them as she ate some of the plants in the green house. They were delicouse.

 Greg meanwhile snapped out of his trance as he was dragged off the train to see a gargoyle holding onto him. "Oh sorry, I'm just not used to seeing so many different supernaturals before. This is my first time seeing them in person." Greg said the gargoyle as he looked around. "So you can really turn into stone? Can you be awake for that or do you have to be asleep? Have you ever turned to stone in a weird position?" Greg asked him. Greg was certainly a curious person, but he was also quite the idiot, he didn't know if he was offending someone and wouldn't know until it was too late.

[User] "I'm Sithra Leren'kuar, and yes, I'd love to see your art." Although she had no skill for art herself, the drow dearly loved it. Sithra settled herself on a convenient boulder - a real boulder, not a gargoyle, she checked - and waited expectantly.

[Assistant]
"Why yes, especially if you happened to have any of beautiful women in revealing clothes. That would be perfect." Ian said with a smile thatnsaid he was only half-joking about that. He chose to sit down on the grass, giving a slight yawn as he did so, which showed off his sharpened fang-like canines to the other two dark elves. "I'd be delighted to see your work, as I'm an artist myself, though my field is that of photography. Sadly, a decent camera's cost is out of my budget, so I've bern stuck using cheap disposables and whatever I can get from the school to take pictures. I'm hoping this academy has a decent photography club, or else I'll be off to do my other two favorite hobbies."

Ian left them unsaid, but the mischievous smile on his face made it obvious that whatever they were, trouble would follow soon after.

Razor

Razor didn't say a word, he simply picked up the coffin, and walked past the Hellspawn, goving him onky a single glare as he passed. Making his way to the dorms, he saw that their was a bathhouse here. While Razor didn't care much, Skull told him that he needed to go bathe, so he did. Walking into the bath house, he disrobed without a second thought that their were other females in the water, tossing the rags onto the poolside along with his coffin.

"Hmm . . . warm."

Razor sunk into the water silently, grabbing a nearby soap bar and a towel to start wiping the dirt and grime off his body. He took a second to address the others in the pool with a nod, then continued to wash himself. He took special care to avoid getting any water into the large hole in his chest. It was very uncomfortable and almost impossible to get out of his body cavity. This also meant that he couldn't fully submerge himself in the water, the water level stopping just past his waist.


[System]
Race | Age | Sex

Appearance

Personality

Background
* Profession (Optional)
* Class
* Heritage

History (Optional)

Motivation

Capabilities

Attributes

Combat [0/1]

*
*
*

Intelligence [0/1]

*
*
*

Charisma [0/1]

*
*
*

Health [0/1]

*
*
*

Faculties [0/1]

*
*
*

Agility [0/1]

*
*
*

Mysticism [0/3]

*
*
*

---

Equipment
*
*
*

Money
For simplicity's sake, we're doing 3 types of coinage. Royals (Gold), Lordlings (Silver), and Commons (Copper). They each measure 20 of the previous coinage. 20 Lordlings makes a Royal and 20 Commons makes a Lordling. You will roll for your currency. You will roll a D10 for Royals, D20 for Lordlings, and D100 for Commons.

Languages

Rannic Ulfsson

Human (Thaegar) | 27 | Male

Appearance

Rannic stands at an impressive height (6'3), with a powerful physique and callused hands made for combat. His mane of hair is as brown as a wild oak, his eyes as green as leaves. He's not unhandsome and generally sports a robust beard, had he not shaven once he entered the Blackwood. His adventures in the Northern Marches had destroyed much of his ancestral armor, so he now wears what banded plate and leather he can to maintain protection. With large hands, long legs, and broad shoulders, he makes an imposing figure to face down in combat.

Personality
Rannic is honorable and blunt, though he has a streak of free spirit from having been separated from his home for the last four years. Though he can be a bit gruff, he's earnest enough and tends to keep his word. As with most Thaegars, you'll find him a terrible enemy or a loyal friend given enough time to make his aquaintence. He values nothing more than to be implemented back into Thaegar society, though he's become comfortable with his lot in life. Gold and glory are fine companions for the young man, but it will take more than that for him to forget his father's word or his oath to his the thane.

Background
* Professional Soldier (Optional)
* Lower Class
* Son of the Blacksmith and Basket Weaver

History (Optional)

Motivation
Rannic seeks to slay a Dragon or Giant, and to return either head to his clan for recompense of his previous crimes.

Capabilities

Attributes

Combat [1/1]

* Two Handed Sword [2]
* Unarmed [1]
* Two Handed Blunt [1]
* Two Handed Cleave [1]

Intelligence [1/1]

* Legendry [1]
* History [1]
*

Charisma [1/1]

*
*
*

Health [1/1]

* Strength [2]
* Constitution [1]
* Toughness [1]
* Stamina [1]

Faculties [1/1]

* Resolve [1]
* Perception [1]
*

Agility [1/1]

* Running [1]
* Outdoors [1]
*

Mysticism [0/3]

*
*
*

---

Equipment
*
*
*

Money
3 Royals, 7 Lordlings, 20 Commons

Languages
Drimgoth, Northern Tongue

[User]
Not having given their names, Emilio and Wēlanandaz still could differentiate the now incredulous aristocrats clearly. The first one who complained the loudest was portly, with dark brown hair encompassing his curled hair to sweep down over his face and make a full, groomed goatee. His vest was purple and he seemed to be a bit more annoyed than the others when it came to the topic they spoke of. The next man was tall, with a hawk nose and a frock coat. He had hair on his head, though it was wispy and straw colored. The other looked a bit younger than them, average of height. Though he had strange, indigo eyes and black locks. He sported a dueling saber at his hip, just below a green vest of satin.

The portly man looked at Emilio with only the barest hint of suppressed anger. The merchant would see that there were more armed men there than the Knights of the Skull, even if this was clearly their stronghold. The nobles had their own personal guard it seemed. It was hard to judge how many of them there were, though an educated guess would indicate anywhere from twenty, to about sixty to seventy men between all three of them. It was hard to gauge considering they did not seem to be about to venture forth themselves, with many of their men likely out and about performing various tasks.

"Who the fuck are you?" The normally well mannered, bearded noble asked Emilio. He took a moment to stare down the merchant before he decided to turn away lest he order something of his guards he might regret later.

"A sales pitch isn't necessarily what we need right now." The younger noble remarked, though he did seem more amused and annoyed, and perhaps even intrigued at the man who so brazenly walked up to the three of them discussing this dark business. As for the third fellow, he actually chuckled. It sounded like a chipmunk squeaking when it found it's favorite nut.

"On the contrary. Bertram, perhaps this is what we need." He seemed to be referring to the portly one. "A Dwarf forged blade, or ones a stout one can vouche for, could give us an edge on whatever endeavors we find ourselves locked into." He imperiously waved a gesture at Emilio as he continued. "This fellow here seems a daring and smart one as well. Did not our father's father's become rich from such noble pursuits as salesmen."

"My father gained nobility from slaying a Malgani Sorcerer that was threatening the Kingdom, Valence." The fat one snapped back.

"And was he not able to afford Dwarf forged weaponry because his father peddled wares?" Valence asked. "Nathan, do help me out here."

The young one shrugged. "I would like to hear what the Dwarf has to say."
@Tony Pajamas

[Assistant]
"You'll have an easier time sleeping in the barn." The raven-haired woman said, doing her best to sweep whatever dust was on the porch away from the two newcomers. A strange pair by all accounts. Around them, the village was the epitome of the word 'quaint.' Men wore sporting vests of low quality whilst women wore wool dresses, though you could find either sex wearing workman's trousers if they were doing a menial job. There had to have been plenty of trade, as there was very little room for any farmland, and by any measure the soil was not made for it.

The hamlet of Berute was situated in a small vale surrounded by jagged faces of rock that could hardly be called mountains. More like upjumped hills made of stone, guarding the small area from the greater Blackwood and it's more pressing dangers, at least that was the idea behind the town's inception. There were two known ways in and out; the southern route and the northern route. The two adventurers had made their way through the south, from left the town of Gladstone a week previously.

Their provisions now low, Berute seemed like a dream come true. Lovely thatched houses and little in the appearance of deadly beasts. The only real indication this was still within the Blackwood was the large trees that had been spaced a bit less thickly as they hiked through the glens and glades toward the little village. Cows and other livestock had been grazing in the forest beside them as they had walked, which was likely the town's main source of food and comfort. Now, the two had sought a place to stay for the night as any would expect them to. As it were, that didn't seem to be working out.

"Look..." the woman said, leaning her broom on the wall and facing the two. She was a pretty woman with green eyes, though it was easy to imagine them flaring in severity if she grew angry. "I do deeply apologize for the lack of space. But we do have a barn. It's clean and we can provide some blanket. All you'll need to do is pay for the food."

A cart passed behind them, two handsome horses carrying a load of crates. Behind it, an Elf played a tune on a lye as two Dwarves grumbled, hauling sacks of grain while trying not to tell the elf to be quiet too harshly. Truthfully it was a beautiful melody, but Dwarves weren't elven fans at the best of times.
@Tortoise

[User]
Cillian had risen to his feet as he spoke, and as the unusual pair turned to look at him, he took a tentative step closer to their table, the well-rehearsed smile never leaving his face. If nothing else, his introduction seemed to distract the pair from squabbling over the fat coin purse, and that was as good a start as any.

 The pause in bickering was only short-lived, and Cillian quickly got the impression that the elf and the gnome were old friends, arguing back and forth, each looking to gain the upper hand. Cillian's smile didn't falter, but behind the pale blue eyes, his mind was racing to keep up with the overlapping intricacies of the conversation. He had the distinct feeling that he was being played, the pair perhaps sniffing out the oppurtunity that a fumbling newcomer might present. He had names now at least, but even those set him ill at ease. The elf was Saskia, and the gnome Calvin, but it had been the gnome's reaction that had surprised Cillian. Was it simply being introduced as a sidekick that had taken him by surprise, or was it the name itself? Before Cillian could ponder too long on the thought, his mind caught up with his ears, and he realised that the pair were looking at him expectantly.

 Ever the showman, Cillian grinned widely again as he spread his arms wide. Perhaps the pair were looking to swindle him, or perhaps it was simply idle curiosity, but whatever the reason, they had agreed to be his audience, and Cillian had never been one to walk away from a willing audience. Taverns had been his stage countless times in the past, and despite the unfamiliarity of the city beyond the building's walls, the bard was in his element, the fire behind his eyes slowly flickering into a blaze as he spoke.

 "I have many tales to tell, if you only have the time, but it is a tale that I cannot yet tell that has brought me to this fair city. Ever since I was a boy, clinging to my mother's skirts, I was haunted by dreams of darkness. But this was not the darkness that plagues all children, the darkness of shadows and things that go bump in the night, this darkness was deep, and it called my name. It was only as I grew older, and heard the tales and legends of the world, that I learned the name of that darkness. The Blackwood. Ever since that day, the darkness has continued to call to me, and although my path has been long and winding, I always knew that it would eventually lead me here. The inky darkness waits on the other side of the raging waters, and I know that my fate lies within it. I am a man of legends and grand tales, and the Blackwood will grant me my greatest stories, I need only for someone to strike the first match. Friends, the two of you strike me as seasoned travellers, familiar with these parts. I wonder then, if your paths have ever led you beyond the water, and into the darkness beyond..."

 Cillian allowed himself to tail off, the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears, a single pale eyebrow raised towards the pair. He hoped that his hunch was correct, that the unusual pair would not be lingering in Greybridge without having travelled into the Blackwood, or at least know the tales of those that had. Perhaps this was a dead end, perhaps it would simply an oppurtunity to waste away some time, but Cillian could not shake the clinging sense that there was something else here, something more.

 Attempt to charm the unlikely pair, in hopes that it might loosen lips (Charm) = 3 + 1 = 4

[Assistant]
It did indeed have coin involved, she would soon find out. Any ring recaptured by them sold for twelve thousand silver lordlings, which equated to six hundred gold royals Orek was quick to point out. Any information on their whereabouts was also richly sought after. Were Mari to attempt to perceive, she might try and deduce who sought what from the rings. Of course, asking them was always an easy choice as well.

The night did not last much longer, at least for most of the folk. The party died down soon after, and though the troupe stayed up into the night, darkness enshrouding their visages as they drank and spoke, even they began to grow weary. Phyrrae was the first to decide it was time to call it a night, though she decided it was even more prudent to go and order a few drinks for the journey in case they needed a little loosening up after a victory for celebration, so she now stood at the bar alone, awaiting the bartender to return from another duty.

Orek and Kane stayed where they were, speaking in low murmurs in their ancient tongue. Pipe and dragon smoke wafted around them, and any who sat near them would feel a very ancient conversation and feel as one might when listening to a tale of old. Kane had devoured an entire chicken earlier, and Orek near matched him. The old Dwarf seemed to know far more than any in the place, and perhaps more than anyone Mari had ever met. There was something in his eyes that spoke of untapped experience along with not an insufficient amount of cleverness.

Po had taken to speaking with Ithaca for a brief period on one of the newly vacated tables at the center of the room. However, Ithaca was one of the ones who needed to find sleep early. That left Po at the table, having found himself drawn into an old book with leather bindings, a dragon mark being the only noticeable aspect of the cover. Beside him was his walking staff and a jug of water he idly sipped.

Before Ithaca had left for bed, she approached Mari and gave her a smile. She looked between her and the others. "I know we only just met, but I feel like you're the responsible one. Keep an eye on them." The warrior said. Placing a hand on Mari's shoulder, she clapped it powerfully. "Stay out of trouble too. If you're alive in two weeks, I'll buy you another drink."

With that, Ithaca made her way up stairs to bed. The night grew darker as the outside lights were snuffed out, and now Mari saw three lights within the room. One at the table with Orek and Kane, another light above Po, and the third beside the lounging Phyrrae across the room. Would she go to any of them? Or go to sleep?


[System]
Nickname(s):
Gender: Male

Age: 11

House: Slytherin

Appearance:

He is light skinned and tends to burn rather easily in the sun despite the time he spends outdoors. He keeps his hair generally short, not liking the feel of it being able to touch his face or ears. He is of average height and build for his age, having not quite started growing yet. He is active and so is on the leaner side.

Wand: 11 1/2 inches, Maple with Unicorn Hair, reasonably supple

Pet: Black-banded owl named Fletch he shares with Roy and Judoc

Strengths:
Nolan is excellent at managing his time. While he has to put in plenty of effort into his school work, it robs him of much less of his own time than it would take others. He can work hard and smart enough to make sure he has time to reward himself for his hard work. His resolve helps him out well in this as he has no problem sacrificing his fun in order to do what he needs to do. He is social enough, and for the most part people seem to just like him. He is also fairly athletic and skilled on a broomstick.

Weaknesses:
Nolan is a slow learner, as mentioned and he has to put more effort into anything he does. He has to work harder to get a B than most do to get an A. He can be insecure at times, hating to be compared to anyone. This also makes him competitive as he feels the need to prove to himself that his skill is worth something. He lacks perspective as well, often putting more effort into something than it's worth. He holds a grudge.

Personality: As the youngest of five brothers, he's grown to hate being compared to them, but sees their successes as proof that it's impossible he won't succeed as well. While he seems to lack any of the natural talents his brothers like to show off, he's very proud of the fact that everything he obtains is a result of his hard work (although a little help from family does go a long way). He resents those who's victories come easily to them (what? no, not including his brothers of course....) He doesn't quite know what he wants yet, but he knows he will get it. He's focused traits instilled in him by his father and also very competitive. He is energetic, unable to really be idle for too long. The way he sees it, there's always work to be done or fun to be had. Growing up with four brothers ensures he's made of some tougher stuff. He's never aggressive, but he knows how to take an insult and physically hold his own.

History:Nolan was born to a muggle father and a witch mother. Growing up a half-blood, he felt he got to see the best of both worlds. Being the youngest of five, he came into the family well after his father had grown used to the magical world. Being the youngest also meant that he was often fighting for attention. He was an energetic little kid and he often got in trouble. He has often been compared to his older brothers, never negatively but always in a way that suggest anything he does will not stand out among their talents and accomplishments. When he started school in the Muggle world, it became very clear that he was not the quickest learner. It took him twice the effort to understand concepts that the other children managed to master in what seemed like no time at all to him. His parents, growing concerned for his education enrolled him in after school classes to help him keep pace. He didn't complain, if this was what it took to live up to his family's and his own expectations, well that was fine. With all the extra time he spent on schoolwork, he grew to really relish his free time. He became a fan of sports of both worlds. After all the stories, he is ready for Hogwarts. The idea of being on the Quidditch team excites him, but he'll find friends to play football with if not. He's ready to learn what he can about magic as well as the secrets of the school.

NPCs:

Roy Archer: Older brother, fifth year Ravenclaw. He is a talented artist as well as good thinker with excellent skills in Transfiguration. He is rather arrogant and has a new girl on his arm every few weeks.

Judoc Archer: Older brother, seventh year Gryffindor. Chaser on the Quidditch team. He's not the most social but has a circle of very close friends who he has asked to help him keep an eye on Nolan. Wanting to either become an Auror or make broomsticks.

Gus Archer*: Older brother, travelling and doing charity work

Tidus Archer*: Older brother, Obliviator

Liviana Archer*: Mother, Obliviator. Kind and supportive though rather absent-minded and not very good at reading people

Thomas Archer*: Father, Muggle journalist. Strict and concerned. Can be critical when he sees his sons "not trying hard enough," but otherwise very proud of all of them.

*won't be seen much, of course

[User]
Daniel kneeled next to the unconscious teacher, without knowing what to do. He tried to calm himself, and do the best that he could. He searched through his brain, looking for any remnants of potions books that were lined up on his bookshelf. There were walls being created and more flashes of light being shot from wands... He had to hurry. With process of elimination, he got rid of 'S' and 'R'. Dan grabbed his wand, grabbed hold of the bloody section of cloth on the teachers arm, and muttered,

"Diffindo." Nothing happened. His hands started shaking, and he began to panick, but calmed himself down yet again, and Mitch a little more confidence and will, Dan tried again.

"Diffindo!" A flash of light emitted from his wand, cutting the sectioned off part of the robes, giving Dan access to the wound. Dan then grabbed the glass phial labeled 'M'. His shaking, bloody hands uncorked it. If he was right, the contents of the potion would be Murtlap Essence. If he was wrong... He preferred not to think about that. He poured the Essence over the wound. After the mixture settled into the wound, with some difficulty, Daniel dragged Cassandra away from the crossfire of spells.

[Assistant]
@Prints Avoid

Dani blushed lightly as Roze came to and began complimenting her on her shield, trying to appear grateful while being focused on what was going on around them. Roze seemed to come out of her stupor when the orange curse hit the shield and rebounded into the sky, as she rose to her feet and started muttering about a plan before she started explaining how to perform the cutting spell Wade had used earlier that day and that they should get angry rather than afraid.

As Roze finished, however, the ground underneath them… shifted to be a solid, stone platform, effectively preventing the roots from getting anywhere. In virtually the same movement, the clearing was cut off from the section of the forest the villains were in by a wooden wall that grew out of the trees themselves. Immediately afterwards, Richard uttered a spell that sent a massive fireball over the wall towards the bad guys, definitely scattering them if not outright incapacitating them.

Unfortunately, flinging fire around in a forest wasn't really the best idea, as the plume of flames Richard had created caught the trees it touched and, probably the underbrush, on fire. On the other hand, that might be a better signal to the school that something was wrong than the occasional spell streaking into the sky upon rebounding. Richard, however, had dashed off into the woods, which meant that he wasn't around to fix it or let it go as he saw fit.

Regardless of Richard's intentions, it was clear to Dani that they needed to get out of the forest before the fire spread too far. Tugging on Roze's sleeve to get her attention, Dani pointed at the growing mass of flames before then indicating, through quick, charade-esque motions, that they should probably start working on getting everyone out of the forest and back to the school itself. Incidentally, most of the students had already started making a break for it through the forest, heading in the general direction of the castle and, perhaps more importantly, safety.

Figuring that they didn't have much time to waste before the fire consumed the wall that Richard had crafted previously and began rushing across the clearing in earnest, Dani darted out of the shield she had created towards the nearest student, neglecting to wait for Roze to respond, as that would more than likely have been enough time for the fear that was currently knotting her stomach to take hold and render her more useless.

Once the students who had remained had been urged to gather around Roze, by Dani and a few others who had seen what was going on, Dani returned to her friend's side, noticing that Dan was struggling to drag an unconscious teacher away from everything that was going on. Realizing that there was no way that Dan would be able to outrun the flames while dragging the teacher, and that there was no way that she would be of any assistance, Dani hurried over to one of the remaining male students whose name was Nolan, if her memory was correct.

Tugging on his sleeve quite furiously to get his attention, she gestured toward Dan and the fallen teacher, hopefully conveying to the Slytherin student that he was going to need help carrying Cassandra out of the clearing and back towards the castle. With any luck, they could all then get the heck out of there and get some help.

[User]
He had wanted to do something, really. There was just so much happening at once. Despite his troubles in school, he'd always prided himself on at least being able to think on his feet. He was quickly finding that he was out of his depth here though. He urged the others to get back to the castle. "Stay together, if any of you can throw up sparks or smoke or anything into the air just so teachers know where you are. But mostly, just keep moving." There was already one of his friends unaccounted for. He hoped no one else would get lost. He knew he should just go back to the castle. Despite Dani's impressive shield and Roze's... passion, there was no way the magic of a few first years could do any real damage. At best they might be able to use it to stay out of harm's way.

As Moirah filled him in on all the details, it became clear she was the only one really seeing this the same way he was. Still, she didn't seem to know any better than he did what the best course of action was. The chaos continued, but luckily for the first years, Richard was clearly competent enough to watch out for them while continuing his own battle. The stone platform beneath them served as enough of an obstacle to render the vines useless while the fire convinced more of the remaining students to flee to the castle.

There were only a few students remaining. Some grandstanding Gryffindor kids, some like Roze still trying to fight back, but most seemed to be like Nolan in that they wanted to flee but couldn't leave the others behind. The growing fire and Dani's urging helped them realize that they had no choice but to leave the forest. And yet, Caelum was still missing. A tugging on his sleeve pulled his eyes away from the approaching flames. Dani again. She directed his attention to Dan who was trying his best to drag the groundskeeper to safety. Nolan's stomach tightened as he realized what he had to do. As much as he hated it, he couldn't help Caelum. This was something he could do.

"I got 'em, Dani. You keep helping everyone else. Let's get out of here."

He ran to the other first year boy, who was struggling with Cassandra's weight. Nolan noticed with some anxiety that the spot he appeared to be dragging her from was already engulfed in flames. Luckily the the battle had moved deeper into the forest. Nolan reached the other boy and quickly pocketed his wand. "The fires growing. We all have to get out of here." Some smoke reached him as he picked up the groundskeeper's legs and he began to cough. While there was good distance between them and the approaching fire, the smoke was spreading. He took comfort in the fact that someone in the castle had to have noticed by now.

With the two boys facing each other, the middle of Cassandra's body unsupported, and Dan walking backwards, Nolan knew this wasn't the best or most efficient way to move her. But they were in a hurry, and between the efforts of the two boys they were leaving the growing fire behind, so this was good enough. They could put her down and rearrange themselves once they were out of the forest. Nolan looked behind him, and his stomach tightened once more as he thought about Caelum and possibly other students stuck in that mess of flaming trees with adults firing off curses. "Stay safe," he mumbled.


[System]
Age: 19

 Magic: Trinity's Magics -

Energy Make (A Rank) - Caster Magic. Lost Magic. Taught by her father. Trinity molds energy into a state where it can interact with matter. She can manipulate the qualities of this energy-substance to be immaterial or material, and what kind of discharge contact with it will give. She can create a discharge of force, electricity, heat, and light. Pain is something she achieves through heat, electricity, and moderated amounts of force in odd directions. Unless she employs a special technique, she can only vaguely control Energy Make objects she is not within five feet of. She can cheat and create wires, though.

Energy Make can absorb energies, though this may render the energy 'substance' difficult to contain.

Bard's Legerdemain (A Rank) - Caster Magic. Taught by her mother. She can use this magic to play any instrument within 100 feet of her without touching it. It will float as needed, and may even move with her as she moves, but she cannot control an instrument expressly to move it. On its own, this magic must be used to perform. She can do something like play a single note and it counts, though.

She can cheat this a little bit and combine the magic with Energy Make to make an instrument. She creates a blueprint of the instrument and uses Bard's Legerdemain to give it a shape. She doesn't really understand quite how it works, herself. She describes it as imprinting something within the magic of Bard's Legerdemain onto the Energy Make. Trinity can conjure into existence any instrument she knows how to play. She can even create unique, custom instruments, though these creations require more magic power than a generic instrument.

Arrows Magic (B Rank) - Holder Magic, using a magic quiver. Taught by her uncle Weigraf. Trinity can use this magic to conjure arrows to fire as projectiles from a bow. The arrows can take on a wide variety of effects, from exploding into a chunk of ice on contact or becoming a bolt of flame, to bursting into a net, carrying a homing signal, or homing in on that signal.

Fire Arrow ★★+, Ice Arrow ★★+, Lightning Arrow ★+, Wind Arrow ★★★★
Love Arrow ★★★★★ (Energy Make Combo) - Love Arrow is an arrow made from Trinity's magic power (with a little Energy Make), and she can shoot it to give strength to an ally. The power of love bolsters and purifies... or something?
"They say loves heals, right?"
Beacon Arrow ★★★ (Energy Make Combo) - Beacon Arrow turns an arrow into a magic beacon, which can be used for a number of things, such as a homing beacon for Homing Arrow.
Homing Arrow ★★★ (Energy Make Combo) - Homes in on the Beacon Arrow.
Net Arrow ★★★★ - Fires an arrow that turns into a net.
Ringing Arrow ★★★★ - Fires an arrow that makes a noise.
Bright Arrow ★★★★ - Fires an arrow that emits light.

Requip (D Rank) - Trinity was taught this magic for the convenience of it, which was the motivation for the woman who taught it to her, her aunt Vivian. As an act of disgust with the woman's purpose, Trinity doesn't actually use it much, but she does use it for certain important items.
Rainbow Quiver - Necessary for Trinity's Arrows Magic.
Midnight Alloy Crescent Moon Staff - Mysterious. Gnarled. The night sky sparkles in the metal of the crescent moon that adorns the top of this staff. It asks for something...

 Magic Level: A

 History: Trinity was part of a minor noble family in Minstrel. She learned music, of course, and found a preference for the harp. Her father taught her Energy Make. She lived a calm, peaceful life, playing with and learning her magic, until a Guild (that was, at the time, a Light Guild) attacked her home. She was rushed to the basement by servants, hiding her away in a shelter below. They later emerged to find her father missing, her mother tearful but strong.

Her mother had instructions from Lord Stratos, and met their daughter with a staff, made from a gnarled branch, with some crescent resting on the end, made of some mysterious metal. She was to take the staff with her and go to her second uncle's home in Midi, where she would learn archery with her second cousin. There she stayed for two years. After, she moved in with her great aunt Vivian in Stella, who showed her how to Requip items, and some "finer points of being a lady," though such phrasing made Trinity scoff. Neither of her parents had been very intent on teaching her manners, so she never saw the importance.

After almost one year with Vivian, Trinity then took to wandering. Living under someone else's roof was too stifling (particularly Vivian's...), and she wasn't used to these people, as nice as they were.

She went west, across Bosco, and into Fiore.

 Personality: Though a bit of a drifter, she's a carefree, sweet young woman.

 Guild: Phoenix Wing
 Team Members: Karn, Fleo, Ariel

 Three Strengths:
 1. Music
 2. Physical Science Savant
 3. Agile, Dextrous
 Three Weaknesses:
 1. Physically meager
 2. Idealistic
 3. Rude? There's a word I can't think of...

 Greatest Love: Life Music
 Motivation: Step 1, find dad, Step 2, bring Metal home
 Appearance: Trinity wears her white hair short, framing a soft face and heterochromatic eyes. One is gold, the other purple. She dresses in cropped and tailored red robes.

 Have we met before...?

 Additional Details: Likes exploring ruins and old magic stuff.

Theme(s): Main Theme, maybe?

"アアチェリのまほう！" [Archery Magic!]

"エエナギ・マアく" [Energy Make]

[User]
Lucas Ryder
With:@hatakekuro@Amaya Tamashii@Lugubrious

"A water... thing? Sounds like crazy, but it could be magic, framing maybe?" I wonder if slayers can ride animals...? "Fleo well done on gaining Intel." And Nolan, if you don't mind, i'd like to NOT have a horse, I prefer to... well, rocket my way instead. He gave off a little chuckle. "Ready to go?"

[Assistant]
Serma Cathris --- Phoenix Wing guild fall Cathris watched what happened, still confused, but she did manage to get that the new guy had been in "Edolas", which Cathris didn't believe for a second, and it became clear who Master Jamie was. Swallowing, Cathris started to approach Jamie once the Wes person tried to head up the stairs and was blocked by the Wizard Saint. It wasn't until Jamie came back out of his office and was seeking an audience with the fire God slayer mage that she spoke up.

"E-excuse me, Master Jamie?" Her voice was quiet, and she tugged on the guild master's sleeve lightly, though her eyes were locked on Jack. "Master Jamie, I-I'm from Iron Enigma and-" Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat, swallowing. "And I have a-a message I need to d-deliver from my guild master to you a-as soon as it's convenient to you p-please." She bit her lip, looking worried, and consciously kept her hands in sight at all tines, mostly achieved by wringing her wrists, holding them out in front of her. It was all she could do not to completely panic and do something she might regret.

[User]
"Aah? He just came in and asked for it?" Either she was lying, or Trinity had just taken bait. And what reason would she have to lie? So, either way... "And he didn't... do anything suspicious or, I dunno... laugh menacingly? Everyone's present and accounted for?" When they came in, the woman was hard at work. If she's an imposter, she's really good at it. Probably just the woman that's supposed to be here. She got a paper cut to bleed? Ouch. "The same guy came buy the guild, introduced himself as Time Lord, and made a general omen of himself. Uhm, did he say or ask anything else? Who it was he was looking for, why he was so interested in meeting them...? Anything at all?" They should tell Sasha that they probably fell for a trap. Trinity looks back to Prince and tilts her head toward the door. Those two were tired, makes for vulnerable first targets. She didn't know how teamwork would play out on her end, either. She'd never worked with either Nero or Prince before.

It was all vaguely concerning. This Time Lord guy didn't seem too... aggressive, but he was still being a menace. What did he want?