(https://i.imgur.com/Z1AMUTw.jpg)<br/><strong>Astrid Darkbane (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=298603.msg14610082#msg14610082)<br/>Theme - Castlevania (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVRJktHHiTM)<br/>Tag: Introduction</strong><br/><hr/><br/>Lady Astrid had either worked as a loner, or tried to establish herself as the leader of any party she was in. Not because she was amazing leader material, (Not that she was inept, mind) but more because people tended to get sidetracked from the real problems in this world.<br/>"Vampires." She nodded.<br/>"Oh, excuse me, I was lost in thought." She raised an iron gloved hand. You always dined in armor. So that no one could suprise you and nom on your neck. "That trainride got me thinking. Not everyone is in favor of Futanaria rushing head-on into a mechanized future. Conservative theologians aside, I'm talking about the undead. For those to whom time stands still, frozen decades and centuries ago, such new, what were they called.. ah yes, inventions, are a threat.<br/><br/>Now I'm not saying that sinister forces had a hand in the passing of the queen and might try to interfere with the coronation -directly-, but I'm certain that there are forces that wouldn't mind this country falling into a far less benevolent state..." She mused. "What do you think, Ambassador?"<br/><br/>She chuckled and leaned back. "Stories to tell, hmn.. well, let me tell you of the Rice-hunt then. Think that was before I met Kiyoni.. yes, it was, but I told it before I think.. so anyway.." She nodded and leaned back, beginning her tale.:<br/>"So I was called on a suspected vampire-murder case." These and similiar were of course the only cases she'd been taking, for many years, some would know.<br/>"The details didn't match up, however. No bitemarks, first and foremost, yet the description fit a higher class undead. I tracked them down as is standard procedure, readied a little trap for them, there was a nice little river closeby, flowing water, easy pickings.. or so I thought. When I prepared my ambush at the waters edge, net and ropes at the ready to trap the vampire underwater there was a nasty suprise waiting for me. The trap worked, yes, but the flowing water did nothing.<br/><br/>That was when I noticed the stiffness of the creature.. and more importantly, eastern clothings." She explained, interrupting herself to sigh softly. "Hamnn what did you say this soup was from? Shark fin? I mean I prefer nutritious over delicious but this is an exception.. anyway!<br/>So I stare as the vampire, who should be weakened enough by the flowing water for me to impale right now, is currently tearing through the net and hopping towards me.. a vampire-subspecies, known as the breath-stealers. Jiang-Shi. Lucky for me, I knew of it's weaknesses. Not so lucky for me, holy symbols do nothing to them, and that was all I brought. I could have thrown holy water to make it angry but what I needed was either a polished mirror - and you try to find one in a poor rural village, not that easy actually."<br/><br/>"Or rice. You see, confronting a Jiang-Shi with the food they can no longer consume has them recoil in shame at what they've become. So.. I ran." She explained. "Because that is what you always do when your opponent ends up entirely different from what you expected, or you end up with holes in your neck.<br/>I ran to the village.. now, again, this was a poor rural community and.. well, with the vampire hot on my trails, I knocked on every door I could see, peered in every window, shouting. 'Rice! I need Rice!' I must have appeared quite a little deranged. Now, Jiang Shi are not the fastest vampires, but this armor is heavy, I was sweating...<br/><br/>Luckily, an elderly man recognized me as Zettai Ryouiki member due to my customized armor and handed me the rice without locking the door or staring at me baffledly for way too long. So.. well, there was a happy ending, I grab the rice-bag.. and here's were the problems start, you see, dry rice wont do. It also has to be cooked to work as a satisfying meal. So.. well, long story short, I know EXACTLY how long it takes for rice to boil. Luckily it's only -almost- as long as a Jiang-Shi needs to break through a reinforced wood door, turns out." She chuckled slightly.<br/><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Knowledge Religion 29!</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll Result: Super Frog rolled: 1d20, adding 11 to the total<br/>Comment: Can never resist a knowledge check.<br/>Result: 18,<br/>Total: 29</div></div>