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

[Aalam Abungu]

Working Man
An old duty

AP: 0/3
2 AP spent.
1 WP spent
Location:
Surrounding area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

He took a long pull from his pipe as he looked at the worker. This would be one of those days when he didn't need to exist, and he was good at it; he was good at making himself disappear when he needed to be someone else—pushing that smoke from his nose as he looked at the man and put a stronger hunch into his back, letting him lean on the man with a bit more effort letting him carry the weight. He hat let the smoke sink into his cloak and clothing, making him seem more like a lander, more like a person who was hard on their luck and needed to get out of the way of the problem.

As he spoke, he worked the drag into his mouth, not putting a full slur into his words that he seemed not too bright in the moment. "Thank you, been spending the last of my money trying ta find them for someone in the city. Paying me a good price to try and look for them but been having little luck, slept outside the last week, and then it went and rained." He reached into his pocket, pulled out two more of those gold coins, and pushed them into his hand as he leaned on him and spoke under his breath. "Thanks, man, gonna save me a lot of work, and I might get back to see my girl. If you hear anything, send me a letter at this address. I am sure I could get you some more coins if it pays out. It was getting rough now that all these Starcalled fucking things up." He would need people further out, warning systems that would tell him when a treat was coming, when there was something he would need to look into away from the capital. And the was one of the best ways to do it by setting himself up as a middle man it should pull the suspicion off of himself and transfer it to someone that didn't exist—someone with large pockets that paid for quality information. Giving him another slap on the shoulder as he headed off, heading to find that meeting spot while giving him the information to send letters to. He headed to the spot where the meeting was going to take place, working is way into the group that was in the back of the gathering. It had taken him some time to find his was to the meeting area, but it had given him time to prepare. Working a few seeds tino the ground as he moved around traps that could be sprung later when he needed them and switched his cloak to a heavier one. One that had a few steel plates sown in under the cloth for a bit more protection.

Rolls

Giving the man a dummy address that just collects letters for him and heading to the meeting spot and boobie trapping it.

Roll Result
1d100 (13) = 13
masked

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 4/6 2 AP & 2 WP spent
Location: High March? (In pursuit of Trizzaldi)
Prompt: Greed of The Pauper
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*
Golden Curse: 1/5

She had gotten slightly more confident on her ability after this far. So long, the arduous walk hadn't led anywhere, and perhaps getting a little closer could yield some results, hence why she blended in with the nature. Bushes, trees and anything in between that could work for cover as the elf worked the distance between the gilded soldiers and herself cut a little shorter. Somehow, something told her Trizzaldi was one to talk a bunch to herself.

Either that, or they would arrive to their destination sooner or later. This 'mask' she was after, the words from the ginger who spoke of a 'Queen G', and Gildebrook all stood in her mind crystal clear, rephrased, repeated, if only on an effort not to forget any small detail. From this distance, the marching steps from the knights clad in gold were intimidating enough, and the shine on their armor made the last ones she faced almost dull in comparison. Just the way her foes had vanished in thin air left too many questions as per the origin of the magic.

Her eye peered over to the wound on her arm, then back up to the troops just as an opening to keep moving forth came to her...

Rolls

Summary: Keeping tabs on the soldiers, Fiora finally decided to make an upclose approach via sneaking around between the bushes, trees, etc, being close enough to try and get a better look at these 'elite' sort of soldiers and to see if she can find Trizz or overhear her in all this. And at best case scenario, that they all finally reach their destination.

Roll Result
1d100 (23) 30 = 53

Fiora Di Angelo | Greed of The Pauper | 1815

 

[Ash Vargold]

AP:: 4/6 (2 AP Spent)
Location: Camp Hope
Prompt: To Save a "Princess"
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

Ash nodded as the young woman spoke. Everything she said matched up with what he knew, and more importantly what he believed.

"...that's good. A lot of people don't even know what Titanius was, let alone what Dissonance can do-"

He blinked as the woman suddenly darted past him. He briefly caught sight of the blinking gem before she was off, attending to the newcomer seated on the crate. Probably a Lander, going by the interaction, which made him nervous when he invited him to sit and talk.

Ash took a deep breath. He was a Lander, but he hadn't shown any animosity yet. There was no need for his heart to rattle on-

"It looks like you've spent too much time around dissonance..."

-well, maybe now there was a reason.

"Wait, what do you-"

Ash watched the woman leave, face pale. He almost missed the invitation to sit and have a snack, and when the thought finally processed it took a moment before he finally nodded and accepted both the seat and the piece of dried meat.

"Ah, um... thanks."

He chewed it quietly as the man -Maximilian, he'd said his name was?- rambled on, giving him a chance to calm down. He could think about... whatever the woman had said later. Right now, he had someone who was, at least for now, friendly enough to rely on. Still, he kept rubbing the place on his chest where the woman had touched, half expecting to find something moving under the fabric.

"Aha... well, I can't say I can speak much on what is and isn't appropriate, to be honest. I probably know less about them than you do."

His ears remained pinned back as he stared into the middle distance, trying to avoid eye contact. Was honesty really the best approach here? Alas, there was no tutorial for this. Hell, he was the one writing the damn tutorials, lately.

However, one thing was for sure - Ash didn't know shit about Caenis. And he wasn't going to try and weave some half-baked lie that would put this guy in more trouble than he'd already run into.

"I'm Ash. I'm a Traveler, too- but the other sort. Just passing through, but I had to check in on what was going on around here.

Fortunately, it sounds like one of the best things that could happen to this place. Here's hoping it pays off."

His jerky was gone, but he still felt hungry. He briefly searched his pockets, but anything that had been in there had probably fallen out in the fight. Everything else was in his inventory, but he wasn't about to start flailing in front of this guy for the sake of some snacks.

"...it sounds like you've been running into trouble of your own, though. Never seen that kind of golden... curse on someone before."

Rolls

After talking with the D.E.S., Ash comes to the conclusion that they're probably the best thing that's happened to Camp Hope since he learned about this cursed place. Meanwhile, quietly freaking the fuck out about the Dissonance corruption becomes a future Aisling problem.

Afterwards, he accepts the welcome distraction of conversation with Maximilian, admitting his status as a Starcalled and asking about the golden curse affecting him.

Roll Result
1d100 (79) 10 = 89
Dissonance check

 

[Darkness]

AP:: 5/6
1 AP spent (Darkness)
7 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[594 count])
Location: Surrounding area
Prompt: Lander exodus
Narrator Tag: Nay

Somewhere around who know?~

44 / 180

-136hp​

"THOSE DAMN MASKED PEOPLE!!! I EXPLAINED I DON'T FUCKING HAVE THE ABILITY TO SOUND SORRY AND WHAT DO THEY DO, THEY STILL ATTACK?! I GAVE THEM BACK THIER STUPID FRIEND, THEY GO AND FIND SOME OTHER REASON TO ATTACK?! THEY CALL ME THE FUCKING MONSTER?! Abaddon, Orpheus show yourselves!"

"You summoned?"

"Yes, your corruptness?~"

"Get them ALL, every head and vice leader from EVERY group! I will not take this act against me lightly! This 'Masked dominion' chose to attack when I did all I could to be civil having found they arn't keen on violence only to be struck?! Have them all return to the manor. It is High time I started playing this role of 'MONSTER' everyone likes to give me!"

_____Just as quickly as the two demonic maids had appeared from Darkness' shadow they would slink back having been given their orders. It was high time Darkness stopped this 'polite' demoness when everyone still saw her as a monster. So she would give the world JUST what they seemed to want. it was high time every order under her rule stepped together to act. The masked Dominion had turned a what could have been friend into a pure threat.

_____Ascendants, Dark tide, Jungle's wrath, Desert waste, Bloodstar's chosen, Ragnarrok and Children of Taboo. Would all be gathering for the first time, and Darkness was going to have them all go after a single group. She would wipe every trace of the Masked Dominion off the face of Terrasphere. Her teeth grinding as she staggered back to her manor to prepare for them all.

Rolls

Action taken: Darkness is gonna go on a war path.~

Roll Result
1d3 (2) = 2
Lander Exodus | Darkness | Very angry

Play Sheet Link (PSL)

 

[Crimson Ruby]

AP: 4/6 (2 AP spent)
Location: Embertorch's Ruins
Prompt: Daredevil
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

Giving a couple last orders to a trio of Orange Whistles, Ruby sighed, rubbing the back of her nape as she turned around to take a break. The Embertorch's rebuilding seemed to be taking a good progress, and that was enough for her to at least feel a hint of relief in the middle of all that stress.

Before she could take a seat, however, a flashy green hair caught her attention, making her ears perk up, and her double-tails sway in surprise. "Huh?" Ruby perked up, spotting a black whistle she doesn't remember seeing before.

Fairly well-known, she heard a few calling her 'Rettah', mentioning her return, and for that, curiosity tingled.

She took a hold of the violet whistle on her chest, feeling a both jealous and admired that a girl that seemed just as young as her already had it. Certainly, it gave her hope of perhaps having her black whistle soon enough.

"Per Aspera-" Ruby greeted the girl as soon as she approached. "Rettah... Right?" She asked, a bit sheepish.

"A Black Whistle... That's so cool..." Her eyes sparkled faintly as she looked at it, then returning her gaze to the girl's, if she had caught her attention. "How many expeditions did you went through to have it? I've heard you've... Returned." Ruby blinked. "Did you just come back from a dangerous expedition?" She wondered, but soon, her ears twitched, with her eyes opening widely when she noticed her rudeness.

"Ah, sorry! My name is Crimson Ruby!"

Rolls

Ruby noticed the Black Whistle she had never spoken to before, and after overhearing some people mentioning her return, she eagerly tried to talk to her, wondering about her expeditions.

 

[Toko]

  Explorers League  

AP: 4/6 AP & 5/6 WP, 2 AP & 1 WP spent
Location: Eastern Brisshal

Prompt: Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

At first she had entirely forgotten about their name, her plate already full with helping the villagers as they prepared to sow their fields on the incoming spring… and that’s when Toko wasn’t making sure new players spawning in the vicinity weren’t being harassed by Falderen soldiers. Only when things had begun to slow down did she remember the odd name once more, a frown crossing her face as the lepus tried to think if she’d ever heard of that group before.

"Masked Dominion, huh..." The hare couldn’t recall ever hearing the name before, but that didn’t lessen the uncertainty that slowly nestled within her stomach. That soldier in particular had sounded very convinced that these people would come for the Starcalled and, from the look on his face and the others, Toko doubted it was to have some tea and sweets as they politely talked over their differences.

Besides, she didn’t need the likes of them bringing trouble to the bakery where Esther worked… or the inn that Mabelle and her husband ran and lived in.

This had been the driving force behind her actions, the fighter making sure to excuse herself with the innkeeper and her husband under the excuse of having some Guild work to attend to. She paid in advance for her room to remain unused, something she’d always done whenever work pulled her away from the small village longer than she would’ve liked. It took some time to calm down their daughter, young Brielle had quickly become quite fond of the “bunny lady” after so long, but the promise of a surprise once Toko returned finally seemed to do the trick.

A last glance was given to the village that the hare had come to consider home, before the lone adventurer branched away from the worn down and beaten path as she ventured into the wilds of Eastern Brisshal.

❰ Rolls & Summary ❱

❰ Roll Result ❱
1d100 (81) = 81
Toko | Masked Dominion

Worried over the unwanted chaos this so called Masked Dominion could bring to Honeyhome Toko decides to head out into the nearby wilderness of Eastern Brisshal, hoping to find clues that might shed light on who they are and what are their plans… or perhaps a trail that might lead her directly to them.

Open to others that might want to meet up with Toko during her investigation~ :pikalove:

 

[Pandora*]

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

"Halt. This is the spot."

Trizzaldi came to an abrupt stop and spread her arms straight to her sides in a near-perfect T pose. The soldiers all halted as well.

"High March is SUCH a pain in my ASS. I will return to my Tower where all the world's magic will be! I, TRIZZALDI, should not have to create portals from places with PITTIFULLY low mana. Of course, it's EASY for me! I don't have to like it!"

A tipped staff with a razor-sharp ringed edge generated in her hands. Pulled from nothing yet the tides of magic flowed outwards. An over-dramatic swing as she brushed back her cape in such an over-the-top way it could be seen as parody.

"Yes! I am indeed the GREATEST and once again you shall SEE! I know you golden peons are brainless THUGS! Yet even you can WORSHIP my unrivaled POWER! MWAHAHAHAHA!"

Another swing of the staff and this time it left a streak of light in its path. That light tore open and a crackling magical gateway was left behind. ...It immediately began to shrink. She swung several more times and put more effort into it. It now stayed open.

"Disgusting magicless region. Well, get in there peons! I must return to my great Tower of POWER! So I will be away for a bit. That wannabe queen PROBABLY can handle things on her own... It will just be INCREDIBLY difficult MWAHAHAHA!"

The shoulders began to enter in a line as Trizzaldi waited. Another voice came from the gate.

"Wannabe? I rule by my own accord and can create worth in this world that she could never understand. You can be dropped like a one-night stand. So, you saw her? That worthless dropped daughter. Still, trying to make her pay the old-fashoned way? Begging in streets like a pauper is so improper."

"Do you think I pay attention to what EVERY peon I encounter does? There was an elf though as well with, get THIS! NO magic power? It was DISGUSTING! Such a weakling!"

"Worth doesn't come from magic, that would be tragic. It comes from money, so don't be so foolhardy. Your space-tearing skill has limited worth. It's closing as we speak. So get your rapidly devalued ass and make the leap."

"Suppose I have to look for the mask later...always having people literally BENEATH me telling me what to do...."

"What was that?"

"Nothing. I have to get back to the Tyrant TOWER and finish MY interrogation. So let's get this OVER with.."

Trizzaldi mumbled as she stepped through the gate at the last second.

...and so Fiora was left alone again. With nothing but what her elf ears could hear as profit...

<Fiora has gained a +25 mod on her next Greed of the Pauper roll. This scene is concluded.>​

 

[Pandora*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Hall of Heroes: For the Fallen: @Hanno Futaba

Rhiannon is silent.

Only Tyldr's Blade of Light awaits those that chase after forsaken gods.

Rettah Dam: Explorers League
Finweald: Daredevil | @Crimson Ruby

theme

​

"Per aspera. Rettah... right?"

Staring at a map in her hand. The Death Seeker spoke.

"Yeah yeah... asperado to you too."

Then came a bunch of questions from this redhead. Looking up she pulled the shiny black whistle from her pocket and smirked.

"This thing? Eh, it's a formality. It's useful for dealing with some killjoys here and not much else. What matters is the exploration and danger that comes with it. You aren't here for just something to blow right?"

Nonchalantly returning it to her pocket. Rettah gestured at her map.

"See this? It's all the areas we've been to so far. We as in the Explorers League. Disappointing isn't it? See, I go out and do expeditions alone... that's where the real fun is. The threat is a lot higher then. Of course I never hear the end of it when I get back but I guess the whistle shows I'm not entirely wrong heh"

The felis revealed her name to be Crimson Ruby... funny.

"Named after a gem? I feel for you. We don't get a choice what we are named but at least I got something fun about it... anyway. I finally think I'm ready for my next challenge."

Rettah gave a finger gun gesture and wink as she headed off.

"Who knows when the Embertorch and the Explorers will be back at it? I sure as hell am not waiting for them. I'm not immortal."

A laugh.

"... which is the best part! Heheheh...."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 3/6 1 AP & WP spent
Location: High March
Prompt: Greed of The Pauper
Narrator Tag: @Pandora* (for the sake of conclusion)

Despite how noisy the blonde could be, her suspicions were confirmed once magic of the rarest type was put in display before her eyes: Wormholes. Or teleports. Or space & time ruptures, however one wished to label it.

It also didn't take a genius to notice the tensions between the voice within the gate and the Tyrant Witch, yet despite how hard her eye squinted, no amount of staring could fetch her a view of whoever was on the other side, but the banter between Trizz and 'Wannabe Queen' spoke plenty on it's own. But between their back and forths, the re-telling of their encounter opened a revelation that almost made her sigh outloud as every piece of the puzzle finally dropped on her hands. At least, the one started by the ginger woman of hours ago.

Inexplicably having a magical armor, the knowledge of someone who could probably get you killed for knowing even a single initial of their name... Of course she had to be related with the big bad girlboss herself or be the culprit herself.

Yet once Trizzaldi and Queen both concluded their 'amicable conversation' and left nothing on their wake but dust and a location for Fiora to keep in mind, the elf pushed through the flora to reach the spot where the meeting transpired, rising her arms briefly in disbelief and dropping them down to her sides once again.

"Great, didn't even get an invitation." And worst of all, they dropped her on a dead end. The clues were there, and only two things remained to be seen: Where the 'daughter' is, and what tower Trizz spoke about. If the place ressembled half of the witch's ego, then it wouldn't be a problem to find.

For now, she turned tail and went back from whence she came. With many hours against her and not even the urchin's name.

Rolls

Summary: Fiora listened over to the conversation between queen G and Trizz, gauging every detail and making the decision of heading back to High March. Given that there are supposedly more golden soldiers terrorizing Landers, and the fact she has to now find that ginger again, with that being her only hopes for it.

Roll Result
1d100 (44) 35 + 25 = 104

Fiora Di Angelo | Greed of The Pauper | 1815

 

[Pandora*]

ACTIVE WORLD
amp EX+ Champion Edition Redux | @Luthien (with Yugam nearby)

"You look like you're looking for something. If you pray to Goddess Tria, she can find the fate you want most. Then she will work to try and find it and grant it to you. You see, she is the one who understands the fate of humanity more than anyone in the whole world! Tertoria and Astorea and Faldero and uh...the other ones if there are any? I never graduated so I think I missed some classes, sorry. I just jumped right to D.E.S., because a miracle happened or something like that hahaha!"

A girl that for all intents and purposes was a child even compared to the young women of D.E.S. pulled on Luthien's arm gently.

"By the way are you a elf? That's neat. I have never seen an elf before. Do you have anything that might belong to your friend? I coul-"

Another woman grabbed her shoulder and frowned sternly.

"Where is your guardian? Excuse her, she is still a trainee. Here, please before this girl gets into trouble!"

The woman pulled the childlike girl away. She waved to a large knight that slowly approached.

"..."

The massive hulk of steel nodded and stayed by the small girl.

"Sister Zia is scheduled to arrive shortly. Forgive us but we have to prepare for her evaluation. That includes you missy!"

She said with a glare at the younger girl.

Maximilian: Gardibrook
Camp Hope+ / D.E.S. Astorea Branch: To Save a "Princess" | @Ash Vargold

Theme [

​

"I'm Ash. I'm a Traveler, too- but the other sort. Just passing through, but I had to check in on what was going on around here.

Fortunately, it sounds like one of the best things that could happen to this place. Here's hoping it pays off."

"I see. It was always said that we were protecting the outer world from dissonance. Many people have now cognitive dissonance ironically enough due to all this. I... am grateful for it. I just wish it didn't seem to bring ill to my lady. She truly loves the eastern civilizations and visited them whenever she could. Astorea but also Falderen. She was fond of the nobility and their customs. Even when she made jest I could tell..."

He laughed softly.

"Here I am just reminiscing when I should be searching. Blast it."

At the mention of golden curse. Max nodded.

"Curse is right. It plagued my fine home of Gardibrook. It is a strange power. The D.E.S. say it is dissonance but..."

He rubbed an area where the gold once was but had completely vanished.

"There isn't anything in any doctrine I've read or sermon held about dissonance being able to create gold from nothing. Dissonance is a monster from the underworld. The deep. Anything more is just above me I'm afraid. I am a simple man with a simple oath. Sigh, I must ask you, good sir."

He stares intently at the caenis man. A man-to-man stare. The desire in his eyes strong. This question mattered to him beyond all else.

"Have you heard or seen a bandaged strange-smelling woman or a very loud scrawny sort? Trizzaline? ...and I can't recall the other's name. They are leads in my search for my lady. She is the Oracle of Gardibrook and if she is not back in power... my fate is lost and I fear for what it could lead to."

There was deep foreboding in his voice at the end. As if something terrified him beyond just what was happening now...

<WARNING: @Ash Vargold must make a dissonance check vs 100. +10 for your dissonance (DA friend in Solitude). Then +10 if you hold a dissonant tag. Each time you post you must roll an additional 10 modifier. If you roll over 100, you will be escorted out for bringing too much dissonance to this area. You will be instructed to go get your ailment resolved at Gardibrook.>​

 

[Crimson Ruby]

AP: 2/6 (2 AP spent)
Location: Embertorch's Ruins
Prompt: Daredevil
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

Ruby's ears twitched in confusion at the half-arsed greeting. But this confusion soon faded, with the gesture and words that followed from the girl making it clear she wasn't that much into formalities.

"Of course not, but having a black whistle makes a lot of things much easier." Ruby retorted, letting out a sigh while fidgeting on her own whistle with her fingers, glancing at the black whistle being tucked away before looking up at Rettah again. "I want to see the world, after all... And doing that with others is fun, but too limiting sometimes."

Her eyes then trailed to the map, which the crimson cat leaned in to peer closer. "Yes, it is a lot of unexplored areas... I wish I could see it." Ruby's eyes then went up to Rettah, with ears perking up at her reveal, casting a quick glance around before admitting: "So you do it as well? I try to sneak to other places sometimes, but... I don't think I can get away with it as much as you." Her lips pursed.

For most of part, she ignored her name being called out, but it did make her eyebrows burrow. Was she a Lander?

Before she could think for too long, the woman stepped away, and even if her last words were shivering inducing, Ruby didn't back off. "Next challenge? Wait! Tell me, what's your secret?" She asked, out of impulse, holding her breath before elaborating:

"To find and see what no one has ever seen... Without being stopped."

Another pause, and she added:

"Before you became a black whistle, that is."

She couldn't go that far with the League behind her tail, after all.

Rolls

Ruby brushes away the teases, and while she reveals a bit of her own rebellious nature, she inquires what is Rettah's secret.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP: 2/6 1 AP spent
Location: High March
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: No

Lost Hope had cut through enough to lose it's edge. The weapon, while durable, still required proper maintenance and care least she wanted it to become no better than a dull stick to smash with. By now she lost count of how many Landers she had guided through, and this duo was not an exception, terrorized by the lesser dissonant creatures that had become natural to Tertoria and this deep into the High March. The patterns across the fuller only reacted once tainted blood splattered over it, a sight as intriguing as it was intimidating to the farmer's wife, enough to lose attention from the elf herself.

A snap from her fingers claimed otherwise.

Pay attention. Ginger woman. About this tall and wearing a golden armor. Have you seen her?

"A-ah? Golden armor? Who would wear gold to protect themselves in the first place?"

Fiora sighed off, and while the man had a point, she opted to simply assent with her head and turn her back, now that they were out of danger there was little reason for her to stick around, at least until hurried steps from the unnerved man caught her ear's attention.

"Wait wait! I uhh I heard there were some golden knights rounding about High March! An old friend adviced me to take this route instead."

"Please miss, we'll show you once we can unpack somewhere safe, if you wouldn't mind sticking around for a little while." The woman struck a bargain that left much to be desired in the arts of subtlety.

One that had her sighing off after pondering for long enough to make the man fidget with his thumbs.

...Let's keep moving before it gets dark.

Fiora finally nodded to the side, gesturing towards the road, and pushed her sword back into it's sheath.

Rolls

Summary: After getting a lovely couple of landers out of a pickle (keyword for something trying to kill them in High March), Fiora asked them about a woman clad in fake golden armor, only to be given a deal for a map that shows some of the traveling routes across the area and the ones the pair were told to strictly keep out of, given the rumours of gilded soldiers going around.

Roll Result
1d3 (1) = 1

Fiora Di Angelo | Lander Exodus | 1815

 

[Ash Vargold]

AP: 2/6 (2 AP spent)
Location: Camp Hope | D.E.S. Astorea Branch
Prompt: To Save a "Princess"
Narrator Tag: @Pandora

Ash crossed his arms. The gold didn't make him think of Dissonance, but Tertoria was apparently far more experienced with that sort of thing. Still...

"Well, when all you have is a hammer, everything starts looking like a squid-y purple nail, I guess. Even the golden ones."

He shrugged, snorting softly. He wasn't going to laugh at his own 'joke', but that wouldn't stop him from liking it. If that saying even existed among Landers, that was. Still, though... if they really were the sort to see anything negative as the enemy they were sworn to fight, then maybe that extended to his own 'condition'.

Ash turned towards Maximilian, only to get caught off guard by the intensity of his stare. Had he done something wrong? He hadn't reacted to him saying he was a Traveler - a player, but maybe he'd just realized what that meant? Or maybe...

...or, he was just asking for his help. Still, Ash's gaze flicked away as soon as he had the option to.

"I can't say I've heard of either. After Szofrit I've been out of the loop regarding most stuff happening in g- mmph. In the area."

Saying "game" would have been an embarrassing slip-up.

An oracle, or in this case "The Oracle", sounded important, and not just to this man who was probably his bodyguard. He had been shouting about that when he came in, hadn't he? If this were just a game, it would be the perfect lead in to a side-quest. But of course, this was Terrasphere, and he couldn't think that way. This reeked of Lander politics, and he wasn't particularly interested in getting tied up in that, but as the frantic pounding in his chest settled to a steady beat...

"...but if it's that dire, I might be able to help out."

...well, it was distressingly hard to not to follow his heart.

Ash opened his palm menu, making a face as the clock reminded him of just how long he'd been in-game. Pushing the thought away, he instead flicked through as quickly as he could to pull out a fairly normal notebook and pen. Even if there was a notes feature somewhere in the UI, there was something that felt more secure about writing his thoughts on paper (and then hiding said paper in a digital vault).

"I don't know how much you know about Travelers or what we can do, but I could get the word out. I have some friends I could ask to keep an eye out, or even reach a wider audience. I'd just need to know where you saw them..."

He jotted down some thoughts in his notebook...

max issues
* bandaged woman with a smell
* loud and scrawny person
* "trizzaline" (prev descriptor?)
* gold curse, looks like paint (dissonant???)
* oracle of gardibrook missing (tertorian, important p.)

Then Ash paused, pen still hovering above the page. His look of focus faded as he realized exactly what he was saying. Could Maximilian even understand the ramifications of what he was offering? Would he even want it, considering the general opinion of players right now?

"Uh. Only if you're okay with it. I wouldn't want to make this into a bigger thing than you want it to be."

Rolls

Summary: Ash states his willingness to offer the unbridled power of the blogosphere to both help and ask some of his friends to keep an eye out for Maximilian's targets.

Roll Result
1d100 (69) 10 + 10 = 89
Ash Vargold | Dissonance Check

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 1/6 1AP spent.
Location: High March
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: No.

At the very least, the couple were true to their word despite what hidden discomfort the two had travelling with her. At least none had begun to call her silly names as of yet, and her face hadn't gone known despite the amount of people she's escorted out of the broken Finweald. Perhaps it was her clear distaste of the capital that made some Landers warm up to her.

Or perhaps just another trick to get on her good side, afterall, she's the one whose integrity is at risk whenever trouble seems to surge, minus the few capable fighters among the crowds.

This pair did as she asked, as the map now served little of use to them once they were in a comfortable distance of Gildebrook. The glorious Tertorian city that she was yet to put a foot in-- Unecessary until she had something substantial to prove the veracity of her bargain chips. If the city had something to offer to her in the first place.

The map kept reminding her of these two landers, and the fact that she's been doing this all by herself. Her only eye focused onto the campfire in that moment, captivated by the way the flames danced in a fashion that brought to mind many things, and between the ugliness the fire proposed to her and her alone...

Fiora pulled open her UI with a quick squeeze from her palm, seeking through her contact list, landing on Ronja...

Rolls

Summary: After escorting the married couple, Fiora received the map as per their promise and begun to camp before she resumed her search for the gilded soldiers and the ginger. Figuring she shouldn't keep moving alone for this, the elf opted to send a message to @Ronja Bubblyfoot to ask for her assistance.

Roll Result
1d3 (3) = 3

Fiora Di Angelo | Lander Exodus | 1815

 

[Luthien]

  Explorers League  

AP: 3/6, 1 AP spent
Location: Camp Hope IV+

Prompt: Camp EX+ Champion Edition Redux
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

She was oblivious to the man’s own creative application of hemomancy, her focus currently consumed in its entirety as Lúthien tried to find a clue—anything—that might shed light on Stephanie’s current status. Astramancy was still a power above her understanding and, while the elf had certainly become accustomed to it, the honest truth was that half the time Lúthien didn’t know what she was doing.

Her brows soon furrowed as she struggled to keep the astral energies stable, and the girl’s eyes had long since closed to avoid any unwanted sensory inputs that could disrupt her focus. She reached out as far and wide as she could, unsure of what she was looking for but unwilling to give up without trying. "You look like you’re looking for something." A young voice caused her concentration to shift, a grunt escaping the blonde as she felt her grasp on mana begin to weaken, before her focus was quickly scattered to the four winds as someone tugged on her arm gently.

A frustrated sigh escaped her lips before she opened her eyes once more, glancing towards the child that had continued to speak excitedly at her side. "Tria…?" She couldn’t say the goddess’ name rang any bells in her mind, though it wasn’t hard to put two-and-two together as she took a better look at the clothes that the girl wore and listened to her words. "I see." She’d seen that attire before in Camp Hope, seemingly worn by some of the Tertorians that had come to offer their assistance...

"By the way are you an elf?"
"Mmm, I guess you could say that…?"
"That's neat. I have never seen an elf before."

Lúthien crouched down slightly to be at eye-level with the younger girl, a faint smile now tugging at her lips once the initial annoyance of being interrupted had begun to wear off. It didn’t look like the girl meant any ill with her actions, if anything she was just a curious child with a lot of things in her mind… though she couldn’t help but wonder what a child was doing all the way out here on her lonesome.

"Do you have anything that might belong to your friend?"
"Uuuh, shoot that’s actually a good question…"
"I could—"

While she was quite certain that she had nothing on her (or in her inventory) that belonged to Steph there was always the chance that the redhead might’ve dropped something around this place before disappearing, and this prompted the ranger to start looking at the ground around them carefully—until the girl’s voice was sharply disrupted.

"Where is your guardian?"
"H-Hey…!"
"Excuse her, she is still a trainee."

A woman had grabbed the girl by her shoulder suddenly, only addressing Lúthien when the blonde had tried to butt in, before beginning to pull the younger girl away while waving towards a knight. The massive hulk of steel was certainly intimidating as they approached, their appearance causing the ranger to take a few steps closer to Yugam as she witnessed the exchange. She couldn’t say she was a fan of the way the older woman spoke to the younger girl, but she was smart enough to hold her tongue back on that matter… for now, at least.

"Sister Zia…?" Another name that meant nothing to her, though seemingly belonging to someone of importance… perhaps another D. E. S. member?

❰ Rolls & Summary ❱

❰ Lore Gremlin Check ❱
1d100 ❰ Lore Seeker ❱ Advantage (64, 34) = 64
Camp EX | Luthien

Though initially upset at being interrupted the young girl's excited speech and questions cause her to relax. It's then that she gives Lúthien an idea the ranger hadn't thought of, but before she can tell @Yugam and look around in the hopes of finding something belonging to Steph they're interrupted by an older woman... and a very armored knight.

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

AP: 6/6
Location:
Surrounding Area
Prompt:
Masked Dominion
Narrator Tag:
@Skyswimsky*

The stench of blood was one Mizuki was quite familiar with, and whether it was because of her beastkin nature or simple familiarity it drew her in rather than chasing her away. She still felt a prickling in the back of her neck, a warning that whatever she was heading towards could be dangerous, but it didn't deter her while she was on the trail.

The stone itself was so blatantly out of place that she had no doubts that this was the stone she was looking for... unless of course there were multiple mysterious stones in this forest which each had their own occult purpose. Frankly, she wouldn't be entirely surprised.

But seeing how her blood offering had some effect the caenis kept going, drawing more blood from her arm to see if she could summon forth all the patterns which were hidden upon the marble surface. However, as she continued offering her own blood she realised that the pace at which the lines kept appearing meant that by the time she had enough blood to cover the entire stone she would have done quite a number on herself.

Taking a break she squatted in front of the stone, studying it with a cautious frown. The patterns didn't look familiar to her, and she wasn't sure what would happen once enough blood had been offered. According to that man, it was a way to get into contact with the Masked Dominion... but why would that take so much blood? The Dominion supposedly was interested in helping Landers while shunning Starcalled, but she was getting the suspicion that they didn't so much shun Starcalled as opposed them entirely. Otherwise, there'd be no point in demanding so much blood that a less sturdy individual could die from it.

In which case giving so much blood could backfire if someone from the Dominion did show up and they were hostile.

The only thing keeping her from just walking away and choosing a different way of investigating this organisation was the feeling that she wasn't going to get a clearer lead than this.

Shaking her head Mizuki stood up. This could very well be a horrible idea, but she'd have to risk it. But that didn't mean she had to be stupid about it.

As there was the distinct possibility that she'd have to run away she shifted her legs into a form more suitable for running, the powerful digitigrade paws of a wolf. Opening her inventory she pulled out a bunch of meat which she kept in reserve in case she didn't find enough food to satiate her overactive metabolism.

The Runic Marble would have its offering, Mizuki eating as much meat as her stomach could comfortably hold before continuing to bleed herself, controlling her blood flow with hemomancy both to ensure that the stone got what it wanted and to keep herself from growing light-headed in the process.

Rolls

Mizuki sacrifices 100 HP to activate the Runic Marble.

 

[Yugam]

AP: 1, 2 AP spent
Location: Camp Hope

Prompt: Camp EX+ Champion Edition Redux
Narrator Tags: @Pandora*

Peering into the glassy crimson disc, no reflection stared back at the man. Nor did any vision or premonition appeared. Only the infuriating emptiness of a red tinted sky. The man let out a quite frustrated groan before the blood melted back, and seeped back into his wounds as the man gave up his attempts at scrying, or whatever it was that he did could really be called.

A booming clank drew the man's attention, the unknown sound sending him into high alert. Danger? He wasn't sure, but it came from the direction Luth had gone in. Yugam quickly dashed around he corner, ready for anything. Except for a little girl, a woman, and a heavily armored knight of some sort. "Everything okay over here?" Yugam asked Luth, his hand on his scabbard as he approached.

@Luthien

Roll Result
1d100 (40) = 40

Yugam | Camp EX+ Champion Edition Redux | 1815

 

[Pandora*]

Rettah Dam: Explorers League
Finweald: The Death Seeker

theme

​

"Next challenge? Wait! Tell me, what's your secret?"

Rettah halted as Ruby spoke. The tabby wanted more freedom. She wished to learn from someone like Rettah? A secret? Oh...how cute. Rettah's head twisted in a nearly inhuman way. Looking at the redhead with more interest now.

"Curious are we? You want freedom from the rules?"

She raised a finger and brought it to her own head as she slowly turned around. Mimicking the motion of pulling a trigger before a shrug.

"You know what that means right? That's what happens when you break the rules. Even the nicest people will become violent if you do it enough. Trust me on that one. Are you ready for everyone you know to want you dead? As for secret? I don't have any that you'd care about kittycat. ...but where I'm going? Heh... have you heard of the Prism Aurora incident?"

She took off her hat and waved it around in the air before returning it to her head.

"For one day the sky was ... a vast rainbow. If you asked around for how it happened. People just say eh a fluke, or some religious mumbo jumbo. Ill omens heh."

She walked up to the girl and leaned close with her hand over her mouth.

"I think differently. There's a place. It's called Silent Palace. It's in the Crystalized Zalra. Deep in, where the Explorers League just isn't up to snuff. The Silent Grotto's a really nasty place. Bad for the average visitor of wonderland...."

She pulled away and laughed as she turned away and began to leave again.The question of where she came from was conveniently ignored.

"Best stay home with your friends if you have any. I'm going to catch up with my auntie for a while. Then I'm off to the crystal wonder of the world! It's not like we can just hop skip and jump there. I am doing this the fun way! The dangerous way, heheheh..."

<Rettah has left the scene>​

Maximilian: Gardibrook
Camp Hope+ / D.E.S. Astorea Branch: To Save a "Princess"

Theme [

​

"I don't know how much you know about Travelers or what we can do, but I could get the word out. I have some friends I could ask to keep an eye out, or even reach a wider audience. I'd just need to know where you saw them...""

A small knowing smile emerged as Max watched Ash pull a book out of thin air and begin writing notes. Unlike many of the others here. The wandering knight had met his share of Starcalled. This was just something they could do. While making objects appear and disappear via magic was not that rare in Tertoria. This was always so unique in how it worked.

"Ha, would be nice to have that ability myself Ash. Would make traveling much easier hahaha."

The laughs were meant to be jovial but came out forced. He couldn't be happy, not when his lady was still in peril... or even dead. When Ash asked him if it would be ok to spread the word. The blond became torn.

"... I would prefer to find her myself. That is my duty. However, good sir, I have not been successful as of yet. So yes.."

There were, of course, political reasons not to spread this too much either. Gardibrook was in the hands of Hinata, a temporary leader assigned there by those with far more power than he. If other nations learned too much, would that...? No Priscilla was his priority. Over anything... even Tertoria itself.

"...her name is Priscilla, Priscilla of House Flanst. The loss of the Tertus Valley Oracle has already incurred enough trouble upon my home. With the rumors of the Heretic growing active and Queen G still out there. The sooner my lady is found and brought back to Gardibrook, the better. Any fateline that is not with my lady present... isn't one I can live with."

He stood. He had a look of shame on his face. Then reached out his hand to shake the caenis man's.

"It was good to meet you. I trust you will not misuse what I told you. I have become a desperate man to ask for the help of a complete stranger with such a delicate affair. However, you Starcalled have ways I could never begin to understand. If I could have your help I would be grateful. ...I'm certain I will see you again. Godspeed.."

With one final nod, Maximilian left to find his Princess.

<Maximilian has left the scene>​

 

[Bluebird]

AP: 0/6 (2 AP Spent)
Location:
Surrounding Area
Prompt:
Nora the Explorer
Narrator Tag:
@Skyswimsky*

Bluebird listened with a polite smile as Nora spoke, hands still clasped behind her back. 'What an energetic person,' she thought, with only the occasionally twitching of her wings and tail showing her... Well, it wasn't quite doubt, or concern. But as a public speaker herself, Bluebird felt that this Nora didn't have much practice on keeping things concise.

She nodded as Nora finished her speech. "A traveling fortress... truly this world is full of surprises." She tilted her head slightly, careful not to move too far lest she tip E.P. off her perch entirely. "That it would hide beneath a city, though... could such a thing happen without others noticing? It must be quite powerful to do so."

If this were reality, Nora's words would be no better than the ravings of a madman. But Terrasphere was a world full of wonders, and even the thought of exploring such a mysterious place was enough to put a sparkle in her eyes. She raised a hand to tap her cheek thoughtfully.

"I became an Explorer because I wanted to see all this world has to offer. Even if your Arcadia doesn't lie beneath the earth, the fact that such a labyrinth hides beneath a city is wonderful."

She lifted a hand to give E.P. a few scritches. "I would happily lend my voice to such an expedition, if such a thing is being planned. And surely I would not be alone..."

Rolls

Bluebird expresses interest in Nora's quest to find the magical moving city.

 

[MAI]

‎

AP: 4/6 (2 AP spent)
Location: Camp Hope
Prompt: Stars of the Land
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

Many things still occupied MAI's mind, even as the battle against Szofrit and her mechanical children became a more and more distant memory. A restlessness that gave rise to a search for answers, even if not a very focused one. Tertoria was one of those places that the magia didn't know much about yet. After all, it seemed largely closed off to outside influences such as herself.

However, it seemed that even such a nation was stirred by the events that transpired, or at least that was how the girl had interpreted all of this. It was the first time she had heard about the D.E.S in Astorea, anyhow. Or the first time she had heard about such an organization/group itself. But considering what that abbreviation stood for, they seemed like one of the possibly helpful links she could investigate, especially now that they seemed to be operating in a reachable area.

Looking over the camp was almost nostalgic at this point. But reminiscence was not why she was here. Countless people seemed to be working tirelessly, frankly making MAI feel bad for even trying to bother any one of them. Moving about the camp and waiting as long as necessary, the magia would finally find one member of the D.E.S squad that, at least in her own eyes, looked both important and like they weren't actively occupied at the moment.

Approaching somewhat sheepishly, she tried to wave them down to indicate that she had something to ask. Clearly, these people didn't have much time, so she had to try and respect that as much as she could, conveying all she wanted to as efficiently as possible.

"Pardon - This unit is one of the Starcalled magia who helped in the recent events. If possible, this unit hoped to ask if your organization was at all capable of combating Dissonance that has already affected individuals... though, more specifically, Dissonance-afflicted magia. Since we are different from other races, this unit was hoping that maybe you would have some more answers in this field?"

As unlikely as it was that the answer would be positive whatsoever, the magia tried to remain hopeful as much as she could.

"This unit really wants to help other magia affected by Dissonance. It has even acquired a special lullaby that helps calm magia and pacify them. If it can be of any help... this unit... wants to help."

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎❰ Actions ❱
MAI is attempting to find a free member of the D.E.S in hopes of gathering any information on Dissonance, magia, and those two combined.

Rolls

N/a