Complete Megathread Story Quest (Active World Event) As the World Turns

[Madison Mortiere]

AP:: 1/3 spent
Location: the bridge between Astorea and Tertoria
Prompt: The Starforged Bridge
Narrator Tag:

Honeyhome was safe. Safe-er, anyway.

Routes to the Astorean border had been established for freshly-spawned magia starcalled. Plenty of supply stops and places of rest along the way. Patrols have been solved so that they're not as much of a problem as they were just a week or two ago (take this as you will). Agreements and understandings have been made with other landers to just stay out of everyone's way and everything will be A-OK.

I was quietly thankful to have been given orders to go west.

When I got to the Starforged Bridge, things seemed to be well under control. No serious attacks by dissonant creatures. The bridge was being reinforced by my hands in order to make it safer for the mass exodus from player-controlled lands by those who were tired of everything happening whenever we were around. Myself and other volunteers made it our duty to keep an eye out for anything awry; and on the rare occasion that I spotted something suitably awry trying to claw its way out of the canyon, I gave it a little "stop that!" via repeater round to the noggin.

And there was @Aalam Abungu, looking in dire need of a little refreshment.

"Howdy, Ranger." I don't have a smile for him; but I do have a small flask with some water that I offer up. A separate one with some whiskey's buried deep in my inventory, if he'd rather have that. "How goes things with the bridge? I just got here not too long ago from Eastern Brisshal."

Rolls

Kept watch and try and spot any threats that might be lurking near or underneath the bridge.
Expertise Check 2d100 (Advantage) (53, 72) + 65 = 137
Awareness | Madison Freebird | The Starforged Bridge

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

AP: 1/3 (2 AP spent)
Location: MIT Headquarters
Prompt: Green Conspiracy
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

Surprise colered Ronja's face as she turned to look at the man unexpectedly appearing, making the magia a bit jumpy, with her eyes retracting and clicking twice before returning to normal as she kept her gaze on the man, peeking down at the refreshments and taking one to herself with a smile. "Hello Valen, thank you." She chirped. "The name is Ronja Bubblyfoot." A hand rested on her chest, as a small introduction.

The following question was surely... Strange, to say the least. Surely not the type of question you ask bluntly.

Quickly biding her goodbye, Ronja only had a time to raise her hand, waving to Vashti with a warm smile. "Ronja will talk to you later, Vash." She said, having a concerned smile on her lips, before then trailing to Luthien, who answered ahead.

Her gaze fell on the man for a moment, and with Luthien's answer being done, Ronja took a moment to consider her words, before being honest:

"Ronja's real body isn't her top priority right now." Ronja admitted, tilting her head.

"Not that Ronja thinks it is disposable... Far from it. Maybe in the past, she thought so... But still, this world gives Ronja more freedom to be herself than the other." Ronja explained, pausing and locking her gaze on the man for a moment.

"And you, Valen?" She asked, sipping her drink.

Rolls

Ronja answers truthfully to the question, intrigued by the question and the appearance of the man, but remaining still. She wave a goodbye to @Vashti and stays with @Luthien.

 

[Luthien]

  Explorers League  

AP: 0/3, 1 AP spent
Location: Astorea

Prompt: For a Better Tomorrow
Narrator Tag: N/A

There was always something that needed doing whenever Lúthien logged into TerraSpheres these days, and yet the blonde didn’t seem to actually mind it that much. Keeping herself busy had become a new norm of sorts as the weeks had progressed, and a part of her found comfort in always having a task on hand or an errand to run… It meant less time for her mind to wander off into unwanted and unneeded thoughts.

At some point she’d gotten the bright idea to spread the knowledge of the Lions for Cubs initiative she’d seen the Pride set up. After all she was already moving all over the place—whether it was the Embertorch or the MIT HQ here in Finweald or the tents all the way in Camp Hope IV and everything in between that—and that caused her to meet quite a large share of players out there, especially of the Guild variety.

The one faction that had managed to escape mostly unscathed when the aftermath had settled, and whose members were known to gather quite a bit of coin thanks to their treasure hunting and well paid contracts. Her own real world experience certainly helped in this endeavor and, when combined with her sharp in-game senses and confident approach, perhaps it was no wonder that Lúthien boasted a rather high rate of success when it came to engaging other players in a sincere conversation about the orphaned landers in Astorea.

Of course not everyone would entertain her approach, and fewer still were willing at first to actually loosen their pouch to spare the coins at first, but all that mattered was that they were now aware of such a cause… and that was always the first step.

❰ Rolls & Summary ❱

Lúthien’s been using the connections she’s come to meet while helping restore the Embertorch and also assisting in MIT things to slowly but surely get others to support the ❰ Lions for Cubs ❱ funds for orphaned lander children.

❰ Charity Roll ❱
1d100kh1 (72, 56) + 30 = +102
10k+ GP = 30 + Advantage | Luthien | For a Better Tomorrow

 

[Hanno Futaba]

AP: 0/3 (1 AP spent)
Location: Astorea
Prompt: For a Better Tomorrow
Narrator Tag: n/a

Many landers had escaped Finweald and Astorea in general. Those landers, engulfed by a very understandable fear, didn't look back as they marched either to Tertoria or Falderen... And by that, it meant many stayed behind... Those many weren't necessarily those who agreed with what has been chosen, regarding the robot that had killed so many... But rather, those were who probably didn't even have the full grasp of what had happened.

Innocent and naive souls, so vulnerable to the evil of the world, and now completely unprotected.

The Lions, and Hanno wouldn't allow such a thing to happen. Even if they were 'landers', Hanno didn't give mind to dinstiguish travelers from the people of the land. For him, all of them mattered.

Of course, the first approach to these kids was a bit cold. They were scared, uncertain, fearing what could happen at any moment. Some even had lost their parents recently, rather than simply being long term orphans.

He gave what he could, for now, mustering a smile for the little ones.

Today they were too scared for smiles, so Hanno simply nodded at the caretakers. "Make sure they are safe, alright?" He muttered, casting one last glance at them, with a faint smile before leaving.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (2) + 15 = 17
GP Check | Hanno Futaba | 1815 | For a Better Tomorrow

 

[Ludmilla Orphys]

AP: 2/3 (1 AP spent)
Location: Astorean Outskirts
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag:

"Quickly...!"
"...it's going to be okay."
"Can only hope so...hmm."​

Four lost shadows, lit by guttering torchlight, weave through the Western Brisshal woods. Following the southern flow of the Blue Rapid, the fleeing Landers threaded a dirt path only recently trodden along the river, crude weapons drawn to provide some semblance of security. They knew that many escapees from Astorea had hopped the border here in West Brisshal, but...

"...and none of this would have happened if you didn't lose the map!"
"So you think this is all my fault? That damned King Balthas..."
"What's done is done already! We need to..."​

Without the precious knowledge of where the local goblin patrols and roving bandits frequented least, every step was taken at the peril of their lives. Though the ambient crashing of the rapids concealed their footsteps and arguing, the Landers knew just as well that they could hardly hear anything but the river. It would be more than difficult to detect anyone following, watching, waiting...

"Wait. There's someone there."​

The vanguard of the four, who had been warily silent thus far, suddenly stops. Until now, they had been doubting whether their watchful gaze had failed them, though it was now less a comfort and more a sinking realisation that they had in fact been correct. That stalking presence trailing them since they began following the path was-

Travelers. But not Starcalled.

Short, or just hunched? The figure wore what looked like a large pelt, but in the darkness it seemed that they were garbed in a second skin, bristling in the chilling breeze. The fanciful mind may have conjured a beast on two legs barring the path, somehow having circled unseen and emerged so calmly ahead of the Landers, just out of their ring of protective firelight.
Bravely stepping forth, the vanguard kneels and issues their plea. Their companions huddle in nervous formation behind them.

"...'tis true. We are merely poor Landers fleeing Astorea. We have nothing of value save the clothes on our backs. By what grand goodness is in your heart, please, let us pass. We can do no more than this."​

But there's nothing to be scared of.

In the figure's words, they could detect a sting of mirth. None of the four had any martial training, no armour nor weaponry beyond scavenged and repurposed implements; woodworking hammers and kitchen knives, at best. If this were one of those monstrous Starcalled, then they had no fighting chance in a confrontation.

This path...

The figure points down the path, into the darkness beyond. Their torches illuminate only ripples of water that reflected their light, nothing more. In turn, its shrouded head regards each of the party.

...this path, I would not take. Landers...some Landers dressed just like you wandered by not so long ago. A caravan.

Was its voice truly that of a young girl? Was it some trick, a deception, magic or something similar? How and why? The goosebumps on their skin told the Landers that something sinister was at work. Gathering up their courage, one of the Landers raises their voice to inquire:

"The path. Is it safe?"​

Their bodies were never found. Only their carriage. Weapons. Scraps of clothing. Not a drop of blood spilled.

Letting a cold silence hang in the air, not a word spoken, the figure shuffles back and forth on the path. A light crunching sound, that of something crossing the undergrowth, seizes its attention. Slowly, it turns its head, slinking away into the impenetrable gloom.

Take care.

---

"F-Fuck."
"Maybe we should go back."
"We should run! We have to go!"
"..."​

The darkness seems to close in. Fear. Confusion. The vanguard breaks formation, stepping ahead resolutely with their torch held high. The gloom has no hold over this one.

"We've come too far. I'm going."
"No. No. I'm not dying for this. This wasn't even my idea..."
"I can't...this..."​

Another breaks wordlessly from the hemming and hawing to join them. The two pairs silently confront each other, gazes locked in confirmation before separating. Two go forth, two turn away. The chance of survival is most precious to preserve after all, the more certain the better.

But chance is still but chance. Roll the dice, not knowing they hold only one outcome.

...

Rolls

Roll Result
1d3 (2) = 2 Landers affected
+1 Wanderer Point for Ludmilla
Presence 15 | Ludmilla Orphys | 1815 | Lander Exodus

 

[Darkness]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent (Darkness) -1 WP-
2 AP spent (Druid) -0 WP-
3 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[276 count])
Location: Vintergard
Prompt: Magia without a cause
Narrator Tag: N/A

Somewhere around Vintergard

205 / 205

_____Darkness would look at the slowly controlled Magia around her, tapping her chin with clawed finger as she disliked the time it would take to fully turn the mounds of metal to her will as things stood. Looking along the dead from the fights prior and the fallen Magia of those who did not seek to turn the scrap in for research. It was a long shot from anything she had done before but where was the fun in no growth or change?~

"It is ok my newest kindle flames. This only hurts to start, but once it is finished if all goes well you will be faster, stronger, smarter, more refined then you currently are. A step closer to perfection.~"

_____Darkness hands would slam to the ground as she pulsed dark, corrupt, animancy, hemomancy, and spirit magic into the area around her. The fallen twitching as if shocked, flopping like dead fish as the parts of fallen Magia compressed or got dragged to the bodies that would soon undergo the same process. Darkness doing all she could to focus on the complex level of five magic casting forcing items that did not belong together to bend and reshape to her will.

_____The first black goo mound rolling towards the first Magia that chose to kneel as it latched onto it crunching the existing form as it forced itself to meld at the will of the caster. She could not control robotics but add enough flesh and living material and she could force a back door to the existing problem as she grinned widely. It was slower, but she had far more control how her new toys may look, act, hell even do when she gave the simple order if it worked.

_____Darkness would click her tongue as parts of the black goo would burst, parts of metal trying to escape the shapeless form as her hand would slam the earth again dragging it back to her project. It was not going to agree, least not in such a raw and unrefined stage so willingly as her teeth grinded together to upkeep the spell. Frame taking to both Knees as she would not be able to keep a prideful stance with raw magic like this but she would grin seeing the first sign her experiment was 'working' to some degree.

"A battle of will? Oh what fun this spell is.~ Who will be bent to the ground first, the metal that dares appose or the one who demands it reinforce her works of art to be?~ AHH this is what magic should always feel like.~"

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (96) + 25 + 20 = 141
141 damage
Animancy | Kaede Hoshi | Magia without a cause

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

NOTE: Name has been submitted for change to Darkness pending staff change.

 

[Schilva Flasch]

AP: 0/3 (2 AP spent)
Location: Hall of Heroes
Prompt: Lions and Tigers!
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

Unlike many others, Mylar had immediately logged in again after the assault on Vintergard ended, as soon as the shock of being jolted out of the role of Schilva Flasch had worn off. In the confusion and heat of the moment, even as everything that Mylar had known about Terrasphere had been thrown into question, the fact that the 'good guys' won and the 'evil' Magia matriarch had been beaten back JRPG-style was what he hung onto most desperately.

He wanted to believe. Mylar wanted to believe that Terrasphere was still what he conceived of it to be. He would leave it at that, period.

Walking through Finweald and examining the sobering state it was in, Schilva Flasch was no Musashi, even with the makeshift bokken at his hip. Since he'd broken his swords during the confrontation against Szofrit, he had been low on funds purely by virtue of having spent too prodigiously on some, er, other pressing necessities after battle...namely banquets and bar-crawling. Through all this, all he'd learned was that the alcohol and spirits available in Terrasphere were better than those in the real world by far.

Thankfully, despite his extravagance, the rational part of Schilva's brain had insisted he set a pittance worth of savings aside for when he inevitably sobered up. On his way now to find a reputable smithy, Schilva's stature sank with a distinct guilty slouch as he tried not to think about how much honest heroic work he'd neglected with how much 'heroic' carousing had taken place. Passing by the Hall of Heroes in particular made him want to hang his head in shame.

O great Schilva Flasch, how gravely you've erred...

As he bemoans the sorry state his honour was in, sounds of commotion reaches Schilva's ears. A brawl? A mugging!? Here in front of the Hall of Heroes, of all places?!?! Criminals to be stopped!!!

No evil shall escape my blade! Hie thee, evildoers!!!

Drawing his bokken with a flourish in the middle of the street, Schilva causes no small commotion as he shouts out and rushes forth towards the source of the clamour. When he happens upon the training bout between Sarina and the three Starcalled, the swordsman unceremoniously tosses himself into the proverbial ring and raises his bokken at the Starcalled combatants, even as the bout continues.

What is this injustice that appears before me? You...you are Starcalled, yet you assault this knight serving the just order of the Lion Arms! How dare thee! Stand down or prepare to face the sword of the great Schilva Flasch!

@Harper @Pandora* @Vina Skysong

Rolls

Mastery Check
1d100 (79) + 15 + 15 = 109
Starcalled attacking Lions!? How could this be!?!?
Dynamism | Schilva Flasch | Lions and Tigers! | 1815

 

[Vashti]

AP:: 1/3
1 AP spent
Location:
Finweald, MIT facilities
Prompt:
For Science!
Narrator Tag:
N/A

"You did some really impressive work on the foundations and framework for the Core Archive, Vashti," at this point the researcher felt almost like a handler with how she gave assignments and the Foxgirl followed through, but Vash didn't mind. She was used to following instructions, and not having to call the shots herself was, admittedly, much less stressful. "I forwarded some images of your work to the designers and they were very pleased. You have a knack for reading and interpreting the diagrams."

"Well, that made them very clear and concise," she replied modestly.

"Not many people take data and interpret it flawlessly without ever seeing a sketch or some sort of preview," the woman smirked.

Vashti didn't want to get into too much detail about how she figured it out, or about how simple the schematics translated when run through some of the more complex (but decidedly available) algorithms in the Magitech tool catalog. They'd given her access, and that was all she had needed.

Instead, she smiled. "I'm just glad that my work was satisfactory," she said. "At the end of the day, we're all cogs in the machine. Not heroes. It takes every effort available to make the process work."

"Well said," the scientist reached up and adjusted her glasses before passing Vashti a file folder. "These are the schematics for the Field Testing and training facility that they want built, but the design is highly theoretical," the woman cautioned. "If you're even simply able to clear out an area and partition it off for later construction, that would be more than helpful."

"They think I might be able to do more than that?" Vashti asked.

"Based solely on the work you've done so far, they postulate that you might be able to make strides in bringing such a project to fruition," she shrugged, "however, were it my decision to make, you would prioritize more important things, like lodgings for MIT resident professors and student researchers, a mess hall, laboratories, and then after we have an actual, functional facility again- then perhaps consider a 'highly theoretical training facility."

Vashti smirked. "I like the way you think, sister," she said as she took the folder off the woman's hands. "I'll hold on to this for the time being, but for now, the highest priority should be on everyday operations. I'll get to work immediately."

Rolls

Having finished the foundational work for the Core Archive, and after a sufficient amount of rest, Vashti returns to the grind. Armed with plans for future additions to the MIT facility, she begins construction of everyday necessities such as kitchens, lodgings, baths, classrooms, and labs.

1d100 (94) + 20 + 5 = 119
Knowledge | Vashti | For Science!

 

[Vina Skysong]

AP:: 1/3 (2 AP spent)
Location:
Hall of Heroes
Prompt:
Lions and Tigers!
Narrator Tag:
@Pandora*

Vina could barely suppress a laugh when Sarina apparently took her flirting with Harper a bit more seriously. Of course, context did matter a lot, so it wasn't surprising that the knight would interpret it differently.

Her name is Harper, and I was joking~!

She answered Sarina's gratitude and confidence with a grin and a thumbs up, for the moment letting the brunette and the striped girl go at it with one another. The cyclone Sarina created to try and draw Harper in pulled on the vixen as well, even harder because she was currently relying on her aeromancy to float, with the judoka already having given a very effective demonstration of how that made her more vulnerable to being displaced.

Luckily that also meant that she could use her aeromancy to counter the effects. Raising her hands Vina first secured her own position before slowing down the air around Sarina, forcing her to put more strength into spinning her staff to keep pulling Harper in.

C'mon, you can do it Sarina~!

As much fun as it had been to play grappling tag with Harper it was clear that the knight and the judoka were more invested in this training than Vina was. It wasn't like she wasn't serious about becoming better at evasion, but she lacked the drive of a dedicated martial artist.

Still, she could help make the training more interesting. She'd now spent enough time in the training grounds that she had a keen understanding of the air flow within, which meant that she could change the very atmosphere into an obstacle course for Sarina and Harper to work with. Gusts of winds would push against them to slow them down, a tailwind would suddenly speed them up... if it wasn't for the absence of rain or lightning it'd feel like the two of them were facing off in the middle of a storm, with the pale-furred druidess humming to herself as she regulated the ferocity of the winds to make it appropriately challenging for the other two trainees.

Her ears perked up when she heard another (very loud) voice, turning her head to watch a fifth person enter the training grounds, already wielding a wooden sword. His declaration of protection made her tilt her head, followed by a smirk as she caught him with a gust of wind that pushed him back towards the edge of the training area.

We're helping her train, but if you want to join in I'm sure we don't mind~ I'll be healing anyone who gets hurt, so you don't have to hold back either: show us what the great Schilva Flasch can do~

With how loud the man was it would've been impossible for her not to recognise him. Boisterous like nobody else, but she appreciated that kind of liveliness. The vixen winked before returning to using the air to help Harper and Sarina push themselves even harder, as well as possibly making them utilise their surroundings more than before as they now could get a significant advantage out of moving with the winds rather than pushing against them.

@Harper @Schilva Flasch

Rolls

Vina is using her Aeromancy to control the air in the training grounds, creating wind currents and gales that the other trainees have to either muscle through or take advantage of.

---

Mastery Check
1d100 (80) + 25 + 20 = 125
Aeromancy | Vina Skysong | Lions and Tigers! | 1815

 

[Darkness]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent (Darkness) -1 WP-
2 AP spent (Druid) -0 WP-
4 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[332 count])
Location: Vintergard
Prompt: Magia without a cause
Narrator Tag: N/A

Somewhere around Vintergard

205 / 205

_____Darkness Knew she would not be able to do all three of her new aids with this magic in one day, even she was worried just doing one would push herself to the limit and force a black out. But that was all part of the risk and fun of the experiment now. Could she beat her own limits while she was working or would she make to many mistakes leading to a failed attempt and all her work resetting?~ A wild grin as the demoness poured all her focus into the single work of art she was sculpting. Head nodding to the other two Magia she had managed to capture before the area had gone silent of combat to protect her while she put her all forward.

"Defense, I leave to you while I work to improve the you that could become. Do not let me down.~"

_____Moving to stand as her frame trembled holding the magic as she walked to get closer. Doing it from a distance was not as effective, nor did it have as much risk but it took more magic then she would have to finish it such way. Watching as another part of the black goo started to bubble and one of the other Magia under her loose command moved to deflect the metal shards away from Darkness as she approached the first of her aids. Hands resting on the black goo as she could feel the control much easier being directly attached to her magic. She could feel the insubordinate parts as she ran her hand along the mound of goo and focus magic to get them to comply.

_____It was like molding clay as her mind went into drone mode, eyes closed as she focused only on the feeling of the magic. Molding the form she wanted her Magia aid to take. She did not need another toy or a stand-in for her Sins, the other pieces of her chess board game but ones to represent her pawns. Hands drifting to form docile hands of the goo, light but refined with the power of the magia scrap parts. She only needed the organs for vital area to reinforce them. Tracing and interlocking her own hand with it as the goo would peel away, the area was done now she just had the rest of the bodies to handle as the work would resume.

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (11) + 25 + 20 = 56
56 damage
Animancy | Kaede Hoshi | 1815 (Magia without a Cause)

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

NOTE: Name has been submitted for change to Darkness pending staff change.

 

[Pandora*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: Greed of the Pauper | @Fiora Di Angelo

"A group of armed soldiers rounding up the poor doesn't give for a pretty sight, even with the contrast gold gives in such a rotten land like this."

"Ey now! Watch it! I was just trying to get your attention before you get mobbed, you crazy woman!"

It turned out that Fiora's blade had just decapitated the source of the unwanted attention. Yet it still spoke! The voice came from the chest plate of what appeared to be someone's poor attempt to cobble together the look of a Golden Knight.

Then a head stuck out of the top and a young woman with freckles and raggy hair stared at the Raging Flame with a frown.

"I'm not one of them! You're interested in these creeps too? They caused a bunch of trouble where I'm from so I've been keeping an eye on them once I learned they were up to something."

She rattled some in her fake golden armor as she knelt beside Fiora. Another creepy conga line of landers passed by and continue past a group of Knights only to be lost sight of afterward.

"Listen these guys can talk but they are really freaking nuts and will gut you in a second. They can turn people into pure gold just like that! Not normal useful tradable gold either, it's all a lie. Just melts away in a flash the moment she wants it to. Anyway... this place is dangerous and the folks going to them aren't going to listen to you. I've tried even wearing this stuff. It's like they are hypnotized or something. Worse, there are a couple of other spots like this. Those areas have those guys too.."

The question now is... to stay and get deeper into this mess to actually interact with the Golden Knights or this girl..., or go gather information elsewhere? Do you even trust this redhead?

<Regardless you have made some progress in learning more so take a bonus mod the next time you roll this prompt! +50>​

 

[Darkness]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent (Darkness) -1 WP-
2 AP spent (Druid) -0 WP-
5 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[438 count])
Location: Vintergard
Prompt: Magia without a cause
Narrator Tag: N/A

Somewhere around Vintergard

205 / 205

_____Darkness was starting to get the hang of molding her new aids. Her hands gliding as she would press herself closer to the black mound of raw magic and material as she enforced her will and desire into it's very being. Hand spinning along limb and tracing each curve and joint. Each time the metal or parts of the Magia tried to escape the sculpting process she would reach to smack it back down into the rough form she had created thus far.

_____Her mind torn as she opened her eyes and stepped back to overlook what she instinctually molded. A young docile frame that likely would be no older then a teenager or young adult at best. Sure she was barely an adult herself but to her this mound gave her the idea of a child born of experiment magic and rebellious Magia parts. Moving back as she would kneel down and begin to finely mold the docile body. her mind imprinting the very basics of orders and commands and allowing the parts she used to fill in any remaining gaps.

_____This Magia, once likely with some serial number for a name would be 'Enigma' built from the rawest magic and raw parts that had no real full or function. the defective or proto-type to be the simplest explanation. While it was still far from finished, the body was constructed, internal organs mostly set, and all that was truly left was the mind and likely the largest hurdle of the process.

"In part I may just leave it an empty slate, aside from the very basics of things. But if I do such there will be far more to teach and refine... If I let the remains of the parts try and form a solid brain with memory or such it will also go astray. Guess I'll be guiding that process along."

_____Darkness inhaled as she reached both hands to the unformed mound that was the head of her aid and without further delay pushed her own head into the raw magic to allow her direct interaction with the memories, personality, and very soul of would become Enigma. She already invested a decent amount of time into this project so it was only fitting she ensured they would be perfect tools to use as needed. Humming as she would start with a very simply memory 'their creation' For birth to the age she wanted them was to much work even for her.

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (61) + 25 + 20 = 106
106 damage
Spirit Magic | Kaede Hoshi | 1815 (Magia without a cause)[/icode]

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

NOTE: Name has been submitted for change to Darkness pending staff change.

 

[Aika]

Queen Slayer
World's Greatest Lovers

AP: 1/3 (2 AP Spent; +1 WP)
Location: East Brisshal
Prompt: Beware! Brisshal!
Narrator Tag: N/A

       

The Vintergard job was definitely easier. Or at least in philosophy, it was. Beating down machines was always easier than beating down humanoids, even if Aika did have a harder time taking down said machines with her hydromancy. Maybe if she further hardened her water? Eh, it all ended well, anyway.

"All right, let's do this with a stealthier approach. I'll—"

Before Aika could finish sharing her tactical plan, Devi had already launched herself toward the patrolmen abusing newcomers to the game. Shaking her head, she heaved a sigh, before shooting a hard water arrow at one of the spooked patrolmen, taking them down, though without actually killing them.

The projectile went straight into the guy's shoulder, the impact forcing him back-first into the ground. These fools seemed utterly unprepared for their ambush. Either they were newbies themselves or had been too confident in themselves to actually come up with tactics. Ah, Devi's kindred spirits!

With one less patrolman to worry about, Aika believed Devi can handle the rest of them on her own. And then she shot another one down. Now that's more like it. The water archer quickly scampered out of her hiding spot to assist the new players out of there. Since the events with the failed robot uprising, logging in has been quite the troublesome thing. Still, our employer won't pay unless we get these people to safety.

"Come on, sweethearts! Time to go. Lady Florence sends her regards."

Rolls

Joining @Devi in saving newly arrived Starcalled from the wrath of infuriated Falderen patrols in East Brisshal. +1 Wanderer Point (4 Wanderer Points max)!

Roll Result
1d100 (54) 10 + 5 = 69
Aika | Beware! Brisshal! | 1815

 

[Darkness]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent (Darkness) -1 WP-
2 AP spent (Druid) -0 WP-
6 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[497 count])
Location: Vintergard
Prompt: Magia without a cause
Narrator Tag: N/A

Somewhere around Vintergard

205 / 205

_____Darkness waved her hands as she walked around the black memory, placing in things she wanted there using parts of memories from the dead bodies she had compiled to achieve the feat thus far to avoid making to much from magic. The area of the first memory for Enigma would be a manor deep in the forest, right alongside two others that the Demoness had not decided the looks of just yet to reprasent the other two Aids she obtained.

"It seems the magic achieved the goal. Welcome to the world, Enigma. Your purpose is simple and direct, you are to be the most tactical of your siblings. If there is a way to get out of something to save strength then do it, if there is something you could convince another to do for you do so. You are to serve me before anyone else, and Unless I tell you otherwise you are not to harm your siblings or anyone I designate as friendly."

_____Darkness spoke to the memory, instilling her voice into it as she would resume building it at a faster rate. Giving just enough to enforce her words, she did not wish to forcefully puppet each of the Magia into dolls just yet however tempting it was. Nor did she want to instill memory of strength or power to avoid them picking fights beyond what they could as the spell was bound to have backlash. What was instilled though was the terror of making Darkness mad, to not do as she instructed.

_____Darkness would give them a few memories of what happen to people that angered her. Either turned into a shapeless, emotionless, and lifeless mound to serve as nothing but cannon fodder. If they proved somewhat useful they would simply be a husk that only acted on order, if they did mostly what was told but tried to get back underhandly they would be puppets only able to act when Darkness deemed it. But Enigma, and her sisters to be had been given the chance to become more then that but free standing selves if they proved worth the time and investment.

_____Darkness would, with the last few memories and spirit imprinted peel herself from the black goo and shape the last part of Enigma giving the body it's head. It was far from a perfect model but that was the point. Darkness planned to have them grow with her tutelage, to make them her own way over time and shape them as her needs for them may change. As she leaned to kiss the forehead of the Magia to seal the magic and watched as their eyes fluttered open slowly. Did she succeed or was the first a bust?

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (14) + 25 + 20 = 59
59 damage
Spirit Magic | Kaede Hoshi | 1815 (magia without a cause)

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

NOTE: Name has been submitted for change to Darkness pending staff change.

 

[Vashti]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent
Location:
Finweald, MIT facilities
Prompt:
For Science!
Narrator Tag:
N/A

The better part of the foundation had been laid and they had begun casting framework for the new buildings, laying out a floor plan and setting up walls and ceilings. With a good portion of concrete to ensure that the ground would not easily give and enough mortar to allow for more durable metals to set when cast over top of it, Vashti felt satisfied that she could hand over the rest of the work to the teams who weren't using repurposed Magitech machines. The reality was that it would take a much longer time to fully recover from all of the damage done, but with her efforts, a great deal had been managed in only a few days time.

But Vashti wasn't the only one toiling. She had met multiple researchers and Fixers during her work, and she had begun to felt like she might have a place where she belonged. Counting Ronja, she might even have friends. She hadn't had those in...

Vashti took a deep breath, then exhaled. No reason to dwell on dark thoughts. With a bright smile, she moved toward the center of the compound.

"The Common Area," her mentoring researcher commented as she watched the young woman enter, "and possibly one of the most vital places in the facility. It is where people come together for fruitful discussion, for the arguments that reshape our way of thought, and perhaps most importantly, where the greatest minds in Arcia can be at rest."

"You sure make it sound important," Vash smirked.

"So precious few truly appreciate the places where they spend a majority of their time," the older woman spoke thoughtfully. "Prizing all of the time they spend thinking, reasoning, and seeking answers, they neglect to allow for the time to do the relaxation and resting that permit for their minds to perform such feats."

"You're definitely speaking from experience."

"Sharp as ever, Vashti," she smiled. "Before logging into the game, I was an independent researcher doing freelance work, and I was approached by people who I should have been more skeptical of. Ever the inquisitive mind, I followed the logical course- I accepted the code, I logged into the game, I began to obsessively study the effects of death on the brain, and went so far as to follow some of the more radical minds toward UI lock."

Vashti looked at her in horror.

"I left behind a loving husband, all for the pursuit of knowledge," her voice fluttered. "Do you have anyone like that? Someone you love?"

Vash just shook her head.

"Obsession can be good," the woman offered, "it can foster determination, cultivate a strong work ethic... but it can also drive you to a linear course of thinking. It can make you short-sighted, and rob you of the things that you hold dearest in your heart. If I had stopped to rest, if I had thought about the other things in my life, I might still be alive outside of this world," the senior researcher turned to smile at Vashti, finally.

"I would very much like it if you took these things to heart, Vashti. I believe you have a beautiful mind, and a wonderful talent- but I want to be sure that I at least caution you against letting the Institute take hold and steer the reins in your life. Only you should be allowed to do that."

Vashti could feel her heart sinking, just a little. She had let things do that before- the modeling, then the fear- until now, backed into a corner, she looked for an escape from reality. She really was tired of other people being in control.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "I mean it. Thank you."

Rolls

Vashti completes the initial phase of foundational groundlaying and framework and moves on to preparing and building the Common Area of the MIT facilities. In the process, she receives wisdom from a Senior Researcher about being in control of her own life.

1d100 (80) + 20 + 5 = 105
Knowledge | Vashti | For Science!

 

[Darkness]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent (Darkness) -1 WP-
2 AP spent (Druid) -0 WP-
7 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[594 count])
Location: Vintergard
Prompt: Magia without a cause
Narrator Tag: N/A

Somewhere around Vintergard

205 / 205

"System reboot online, New parameters discovered, reprogramming..."

_____Darkness was almost giddy enough to squeak if she did not have to keep up appearances. Hand waving as she would go to mold another mass of organic and non organic material to start work on the second Magia she wanted to construct as the ideas raced in her head. She wanted to have an army of loyal doll like soldiers, but only cursed herself for arriving so late into the area to only have enough to salvage three. Sure she likely had a lot less work because of it but her mood was a little shot by the fact.

_____Darkness would turn back to look at the two more robotic Magia and her finished work of art, she needed to pick what one to work on next as she could feel her magic screaming for 'payment' due to the vast outreach of her normal power and with an annoyed grunt would give away a few years of her life, and then enough to do the same magic two more times like she was planning. It was not a deep cost, mostly due to how one of her magic she could leach the remaining life of someone else to refill that dent she took or give herself more for later.

"Enigma darling, Mind helping keep me safe while I work on the others.~"

"System reprogramming complete... I guess mother..."

_____Darkness did not like that, well not entirely as she was nobodies mother, she lost that chance when her taboo magic took it's pound of flesh and blood back when Kaede was in charge and chose to simply give up the ability to have children. So while she was annoyed by the painful reminder she also had a tinge of happiness and was the main reason she was angry but would just nod and get to work. Moving to the magia that gave her the most trouble as she would work on them next.

_____It was mostly the same process as the previous, but rather then working from afar to start she was up close and personal, already starting to refine her tactics and weaving of the spell. It was not as difficult the second time as she knew some of the don't and do of the process. Nimble hands playfully molding her next Aid as she could not fight the smile that had snuck onto her face. it was just so much fun to mold life in her ideas, the power of magic unbound she supposed.

Rolls

Normal Attack
1d100 (52) + 25 + 20 = 97
97 damage
Animancy | Kaede Hoshi | 1815 (magia without a cause)

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

NOTE: Name has been submitted for change to Darkness pending staff change.

 

[Imoogi]

AP:: 2/3 (1 AP spent)
Location: MIT Headquarters
Prompt: For Science!!!
Narrator Tag: N/A

Imoogi darted between equipment and people working on more physical restorations of the MIT building, heading towards one of the storage rooms. Every day it seemed busier in this place, which was a little annoying to deal with. She'd been around long enough that some of the MIT regulars recognized her.

Which meant that she was getting asked to help the newbies out. Ugh. She didn't sign up to be a teacher, she was here to do science and steal supplies.

"Storage C, storage C... ah, there it is!"

A lot of players had quit the game. Cowards, the lot of them, but it meant that Imoogi's ability to shove dangerous materials into her inventory was more valuable than ever. It was unfortunate that they were tracked more carefully than the more mundane chemicals. She would have loved to get her hands on a few of them...

Rolls

Imoogi is moving hazardous materials through hazardous places. Without stealing, this time.

Expertise Check
1d100 (72) + 30 = 102
Knowledge | For Science!!! | Imoogi | 1815

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent,
Location: Solvale
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: N/A

---

"Thank you so much, miss..." The merchant's words dragged on...
"Fiora." She gave him a short-lived smile then turned back to the broken wheels. "How did this happened again?"

She tilted her head to try and get a better look from the side of the wagon, but the burly Lander had climbed into his transport to search for his tools and the appropiate replacements, rolling one out first that gave a little spin over the dirt and flopped, followed by a second he himself stopped before it could even touch the floor.

"Something struck the side of the wagon last night. It was dark and I didn't get a good look at it, but the air turned cold that night. I should have trusted the word of my collegue when she adviced me not to." He sighed it off, rolling over the wheel next to Fiora, who seconds after lifted the wagon without too much of an issue given the casual expression she wore.

It didn't shock him much, given she was pushing it not an inch further than what he himself would, only that would apply with one wheel, not two, and certainly not without using some form of assistance-- It unnerved him to imagine how far that could go, but he settled to work as quick as he could instead of thinking about it any further. The process repeated itself again, and once his tools were left on the wagon's back once again he dusted his hands off and smiled.

"Well that would be it. Thank you so much for your help again, Travele-"

"Wait a second." She frowned lightly, eyeing the man's garments up and down for a second before folding her arms under her bust. "You are a merchant you said, right?"

"...Right." He nodded, clearing his throat as to recover that charisma he always flaunted about when it came to business. "So! Does that mean the lady is looking for something?"

"Yeah, I am. A gift, in fact." She added. Given it might be one of her few opportunities to get a fair price out of a Lander, specially with how unacquainted she is with the prices of stones, or their rarity, it would be her one time to let her banter and 'selfless assistance' come in handy.

---

Rolls

Summary: Helped a skilled merchant to fix his wagon after a mysterious accident involving a shade in the middle of the night damaged his wagon and wheels and inevitably they broke down in the middle of the road on Solvale, buying some products out of him before parting ways.

Roll Result
1d3 (3) = 3

Fiora Di Angelo | Lander Exodus | 1815

 

[Rael]

Independent Agent
Storyteller, Scribe & Record Keeper for hire.

AP: 1/3

-1AP​

Location:

Camp Hope IV+​

Prompt:

Camp EX+ Champion Edition Redux​

Narrator Tag:

N/A.​

"Finally. I'm awfully tired."

"You cannot be, I didn't make you to be tired."

"You also didn't quite create all of me, if we are to be exact."

Something that passes for humor finds its way into their conversation whenever she passes him by, easing the pink-haired woman into a rhythm that nearly pulls a smile out of her otherwise immutable exterior. Like his fellows, he takes a seat by a group of leather-clad individuals who already seem to be digging into the food that is brought to them, manners be damned.

The soft murmur of conversation has replaced the steady beat of tools beating against stone, of orders being shouted above the lively buzz of camp, of song and the whistling that had come with it, surprising as it had been for the one performing at its center.

But as she knows all too well, such moments are never meant to last for long. Something, no matter how big or small, always returns.

It would seem that this time, it would be fitting punishment.

Rael extends her hand.

Metallic utensils clatter against the ground, the tray's contents spilled at her feet.

"What are you playing at?!"

Someone recoils away from her touch, backing away as if the very thought of being in her presence was sickening.

"You think just standing around doing nothing, singing a song, will fucking fix anything?"

The peaceful buzz of conversation lulls to a halt.

Her hand stings, faintly colored red where it had been slapped away, as she brings it to her chest.

Would it ease them if she were to look guilty? But she doesn't.

She watches on with the same dull expression permanently writ upon her features, and at most, her body and the way she so hesitantly moves speaks for what she cannot easily convey.

"Ohohoho, I bet it is really amusing to you now. You were with them, we saw you!"

The weight renders her immobile, pinned to the spot by the weight of hundreds of eyes fixed upon her back.

Another onlooker rests their hand on the person's shoulder, where it gets shaken off.

"Screw everyone over and then act like you didn't do anything, and for what?"

Rael retreats a step, allowing herself to tear her eyes away from the one yelling at her.

What she finds is that no one looks at her now. The moment they notice her attention straying nearby, they look away, suddenly interested in the unique geometry of a pebble near their boot.

"You, all of you did this!"

The accusations grow louder with her lack of response, fanning the flames of discontent burning in the heart of one she does not know. One she does not know what to say to.

She doesn't have the right.

"That's all your kind ever do. Ruin other people's lives then come to act like heroes, but never stop to think that we never needed you - we don't need you."

Her summon is at her side, having stood up from his brief respite at the first sign of aggression towards his summoner. She stands, however, slightly in front of him, as if to block any line of thinking that might consider escalating the situation as "punishment" to the one who had attacked her.

The man scoffs at the display, at the inaction of the pair who have yet to do or say anything. Replying to his words, denying him and his anger, never occurs to her.

Rebuttal never comes.

The elf turns on her heels and bumps her shoulder against the Warrior's, and the yelling that continues on from behind her is but white noise to her ears as she speaks a command.

"...Walk with me."

---

Rolls

— Action: After a brief altercation with a lander, the Faerin Warrior and the Summoner retreat to where a particular story first began.​

Roll Result
1d100 (83) = 83
Rael | Camp EX | 1815

Roll Result
1d100 (69) = 69
Rael | Camp EX | 1815 | Adv. Roll

 

[Skyswimsky*]

Beware! Brisshal
Unmasked Followers @Toko @MayoYume

As @MayoYume was not intimidated by the Magia hostage at all and instead decided to bare her fangs, the soldiers seemed visibly shaken for just a moment. "Y-You think you can just waltz in here and throw around threats?!" Oh, touche. "You Starcalled AND Lion's Pride are ALL the same." He spat on the ground beside Esther. "Acting like you're some kind of savior. When in reality, you're making it all just so much worse!"

"Tzch... Now, let's all calm down. Look, they're serious. We can't afford to take them lightly. We've made our point here anyway..." Another one whispered to his friend upon realizing the two Starcalled wouldn't be so easily threatened.

"Fine. We'll stop this. But don't think this is over, Starcalled. We'll be keeping an eye on you." While seemingly willing to let Esther go, it did not seem like Yume and @Toko made them leave Honeyhome that easily. "We'll be there to see all of you fall, Starcalled. The Masked Dominion WILL come for you."

With that, the soldier removed his boot from Esther and lifted her by the arms, shoving the baker roughly toward Yume. Which just left.... the soldier taken captive by Toko and the Magia who was still sort of a hostage.

"Now, we ain't stupid. Unhand our friend here first and we can all be on our merry way. Unless, you really want a war." It seemed the situation de-escalated, for now. "Yeah, unhand me, you rabid beast!" Unless the two Lion's really wanted to push the situation? And what was this Masked Dominion anyway?

Valen MIT

Fineweald: MIT Headquarters @Luthien @Vashti @Ronja Bubblyfoot

"Mhmhm.... take care." Valen responded to @Vashti as he winked her goodbye before snapping his attention back to the other two. He listened closely to their explanations, occasionally nodding and murmuring words like "freedom," "excitement," and "suicidal tendencies." Taking notes while they were speaking, although a peek at the paper would reveal only nonsensical scribbling (DC 75 Awareness flavor check).

Valen's smile slightly diminished, barely noticeable, not too happy with the response he had ultimately gotten. "Quite the assumption to make that I, too, am Starcalled." He responded to @Ronja Bubblyfoot, though not refusing her an explanation. "Science." As if that word explained all. "I am deeply invested in reversing the effects of three deaths."

His eyes snapped to @Luthien, seemingly seeing right through her. "Have you considered that each death alters your personality ever so subtly? Beyond the shock induced by experiencing it. Furthermore, getting a heavy Dissonance affliction seems to skip the death requirement. Which suggests a connection betw-" He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening for just a moment as if realizing something.

"I did not come to lecture. Let me ask another question. But first, be aware: The liquid you just consumed contains a potent poison. Venenum Diaboli Viriditas." He paused for a few seconds, allowing this revelation to sink in. Perhaps, they wondered why their UI didn't show any signs of poisoning. Of course, he had an answer.

"Conventional poisons differ. This one targets Starcalled specifically. Your UI is inconsistent. Flawed. It omits vitamin deficiencies or sugar overdoses, right? Yet, excessive alcohol triggers a warning. Intriguing, isn't it? I do have one antidote. Enough for one person. You have about five minutes. Now, for my question: Given this information, how do you feel?"

He didn't seem to be too bothered by casually revealing that they had just been poisoned.