Private High March Friends On The Other Side

[Herrscher]

The Shadow Reaper

Today marks the second day of Haru's stay in High March—the region of Astorea that possesses magical violent weather. As dangerous as the place was, it was the perfect spot for this new Shadowmancer to conduct her training. Haru decides to resume her "Shadow Reaping" activities. Before she started, she was constantly visited by these creatures that referred to themselves as Shadow Spirits. Some were kind and helpful while others were more like tricksters and wanted to cause nothing but trouble for her. But the main takeaway from encountering these spirits was that there was something more to her. Haru could not just sit around and explore the world on her own. She needed help. She needed friends.

When she first spawned into Terrasphere, she ran into a deceased puppy. It has yet to truly experience what it means to be alive so she offered it a second chance in life. She uses her masteries to reap the puppy's shadow—its soul essentially. Together, the two managed to go on a few adventures together. Eventually the pup earned itself a name—Prizrak. Despite all the good that has happened so far, Haru was troubled by her own thoughts. Was it all right to take a creature's soul? Was it fair to take charge of someone's life? Was it fair to disrupt the cycle of life and death? So much debates went on her head but she always manages to distract herself from concluding the topic. For better or worse.

After encountering an unnamed village somewhere in the region, she receives information that there was an abandoned fortress nearby. She decided to make her way over there to possibly gain more followers—more friends. Though seeing the condition of the village made her feel awful. A lot of the villagers here look like they're about to die from starvation. Haru wanted to help but she did not have the tools, the supplies, and the help to do so. So for now, she buries this feeling of pity and moves on. As much as it had hurt her, she had to be realistic and plan for the future. Maybe then, she will be able to come back and help them.

Currently, Haru would be walking in a dirt road and making her way to the abandoned fortress with Prizrak staying in her backpack. He barks and occasionally licks Haru's cheek to provide comfort to his master. The puppy is able to tell that his master was feeling scared. Haru was very thankful that Prizrak was by her side with her journeys thus far.

@Madison Freebird @Yugam

 

[Yugam]

Per Aspera

Ad Astra

Strange dreams.

Strange voices.

They'd all started after Ari had logged into Terrasphere for the first time. A side effect of having a terribly traumatic experience in a hyper-realistic game? Or was it something else entirely. Ultimately, Ari didn't know. But, ever since Askera had mentioned that some players had been trapped in the game after a certain amount of deaths, he'd been betting on the latter. After all, he'd already suffered one death, and by his own hand no less. Was this all just build up to some anti-climactic, pitiful, whimpering death, or what?

And more importantly, had she known all this, or did she just assume it was internet urban legend? If not, why did she play it all the time? What kept drawing her back into the game? It was the search for an answer that kept Ari logging in time and time again. Even though he kept getting that eerie sense of foreboding every time he donned his headset. He had to know.

And what better place to search for answers than in the rocky wastelands of High March? Mysteries abound out here, or so they said. Thus far, Yu had seen none. Only desolate earth and dark looming clouds cracking with their whips of magical of lighting. Faint traces of static and magic could be tasted in the air. But no answers.

Pulling his coat tight around his body, his only defense against the biting chill of the wind, he pushed on, walking further and further into the mysterious wastes hoping for something, anything.

And then there was something. A familiar figure in the distance who's form tugged at the ragged edges of Yu's memory, only hinting at the fact that he had met them at least once before. Yu paused for a moment, simply staring at the figure, struggling to recall who they were, and why he knew them, until it finally clicked.

"Haru?!" the man called out to her, approaching. "What are you doing out here?"

@Herrscher | @Madison Freebird

 

[Madison Mortiere]

As the lone gunslinger strolled along the path carving its way through High March, pulling the collar of her duster up to keep the winds from lashing at her cheeks, Madison Freebird started remembering shit.

Boy, she did not want to remember any of it.

It was near here, wasn't it? Where she and hundreds of other travelers and landers squaded up to take on some big fuck-all eldritch being with a million eyes, sapping the life and color from the land and leaving desolation in its wake? There wasn't much on the road to distract her from the screams as Titanius swallowed them all up, the burning sensation of acid lapping at her ankles, the shapes in the darkness as all of the survivors fought for their very lives

And then the fucking Ynglar Brotherhood. The promise of salvation; snatched away by their demands that only landers leave through their portals. "We, the all powerful mages of this world, have only the energy to rescue some of you. And since you Travelers can basically die over and over again, would you all be so kind as to die once more? For little ol' us? Cheers, loves! <3"

To this day, it made her blood boil. The complete disrespect. The complete ignorance.

Did they not know about UI-locking?

...No, she supposed not. Not a lot of players did at the time, either.

It was business that brought her back this way. A rogue specter, causing havoc along this slice of land still recovering from the near-cataclysmic events from four plus years ago. It was a simple bounty; tag the fucker between the eyes, bag up the ectoplasmic remains, and send the soul along to whatever lore-friendly name they were calling Hell here. Madison's guns were in pristine condition--always--the revolvers hung from her hips and the rifle slung over her back. The ghosts that haunted her remained quiet, as they usually did. But this was an especially quiet kind of quiet. The shitty weather probably drove them deeper into the dark recesses of her soul; it's amazing how much a strong wind can truly cut through to the core of one's being. And here they were, without windbreakers or a nice North Face fleece.

On her minimap, Madison had picked out a small fort where she could set up a temporary camp. Warm her bones by a fire, get some lunch going. It was only another fifteen minute's walk away--if she squinted hard enough, she could see a couple of the battlements in the distance. Gray lumps sticking out of a smudgy landscape.

Along the way, two more lumps sticking out; this time, in the middle of the road. Two figures, standing side by side. As she drew closer, Madison could make out the details of their outfits. Very colorful; slightly impractical. A katana dangling from the waist of one. Fellow Travelers, for sure. Because there wouldn't be anyone else dumb enough to stand still in one of these storms, eh?

Madison shot them her usual grumpy look as she hoofed past. "Whatever it is you're yapping about, you shouldn't be doing it out here. This wind'll flay your skin right off. There's a fort about ten, fifteen minutes ahead. Should be abandoned; you can get out of the weather there."

@Herrscher @Yugam

 

[Herrscher]

The Shadow Reaper

Other than Prizrak, Haru thought she was alone here. In truth, she prefers that it stays this way. Having company is not a bad thing but her current goals can be considered questionable by many. Only dark magic users like an Animancer she knows (Kaede) would understand her reasoning for being in a place like High March. So when she heard her name being yelled out loud from somebody, she jumps and quickly looks around to locate the source. Her heart raising as she could not help but feel like she is in trouble. Did some stranger or acquaintance inform someone else that she is here to commit what may be viewed as a criminal act in this world? She can't even imagine would happen to her if the game's authority were to get involved. After all, such taboo is not exactly accepted in Terrasphere.

Upon seeing Yu moving up to her, her eyes widen. Of all the people that could catch her here is somebody she had met at the very beginning. Yugama. He was her guide when she and Bjorn were heading to Dunnstads. He was a very kind person all throughout but if he were to learn about her intentions, his perception of her may change.

This isn't good.

"Y-Yu? Uhm. I don't really know how to explain..."

Things only get worse as another individual makes their presence known. She sees Madison down the road and gasps. Instinctively moving behind Yugama. The person ahead of her looked quite scary. All the weapons she had on her person was also a very intimidating sight. Today was going to be a bad day, Haru thought. Has her luck finally ran out?

@Madison Freebird @Yugam

 

[Yugam]

Per Aspera

Ad Astra

Spoiler: Mood Music

Haru practically jumped out of her skin when she heard him call out to her. From their journey to Dunstaads, Yu was at least able to recall her skittish nature. "Sorry," he apologized, as he got closer, "I just didn't think any one else was out here. What're you doing here, anyways?" he asked, before the managed to stutter back a reply.

The man gave her a skeptical look. "Uhm, okay...did you get lost or something?" the man asked, piercing crimson eyes narrowing, a brow raised in confusion. Even if Yu didn't know her that well, this seemed a little out of character...for really anyone. It was rare for someone to not be able explain why they were somewhere...unless they were hiding something.

Another voice called out to them, approaching from another direction than the one Yu had just come from. Although her words seemed to be not to be threatening in the least, Haru shifted, hiding behind Yu. Immediately, alarms began to go off in Yu's head. Heavily armed, 90% chance she could squash them both, and a friend hiding behind him. Averything told Yu that whoever the woman approaching them was, she was probably bad news.

Yu's hand's went to the katana at his side, thumb pushing on the handguard just enough to free it from it's scabbard. "Who are you and what do you want?" Yu called back to the woman.

@Herrscher | @Madison Freebird

 

[Madison Mortiere]

Madison, completely ignorant of the effect that suddenly seeing a woman appear behind you with a black duster flapping threateningly in the wind, a big honkin' rifle strapped to her back, a pair of deadly-looking revolvers hanging at her side, and her face painted in the stark blacks and whites of a skull could have on spiking the anxiety levels of people, simply rolled her eyes and rested a hand on her hip.

"Oh for cryin' out loud--put your little toy there away." She shot Yu such a look. "I'm searching for someone; and it ain't either of you. So you don't have to worry about anything. Name's Madison." And, if it would put either of these children at ease, she added, "Of the Lion Arms."

Even though she didn't have shit to show for it--for some reason, the squires don't get a badge. And that was the explicit reason she joined that scrappy squad of do-gooders, wasn't it? To get a stupid little badge and complete her sheriff's getup? Fashion is the true endgame of any MMO, after all...

"Look..." The gunslinger glanced at a few boxes on her palm UI. "This windstorm's only gonna' get worse. Both of you look a little lost right now; and there's the fort just up ahead. Get a roof over your heads, take a breather, and we can check some maps to get your bearings. I know a little about this area; I don't mind helping out."

@Herrscher @Yugam

 

[Herrscher]

The Shadow Reaper

As Yugam closes the distance between him and her, Herrscher sighs. She had to come clean. As much as she did not want to reveal her purpose here, it is only fair that she complies to someone that had helped her in the past.

"I'm not lost, Yu. I came here to train my Shadow Reaping abilities... If you did not know already, Dark Magic is frowned upon in most places. A-At least here, I can be on my own."

She forges a smile as she looks at him. Though it quickly drops as soon as he and Madison have a quick exchange of words. Learning more about Madison the more she spoke, Herrscher relaxes herself. Taking calm and deep breaths to quicken the process.

"The fort... I was actually heading there right now. And yes, we probably should move quickly and get some cover..."

The weather was in fact getting worse the longer they stayed out here. The three players can hear it roar in the background. This scares Herrscher but what makes it a little more concerning for her is that there are now two other people around. She could not help but feel like it is her responsibility to ensure their safety as well. Despite not having the look or strength to do so.

"I-I can lead the way. Please follow me. Help would be appreciated since I heard there may be some monsters lurking about. Hopefully that will not be the case."

With that, Herrscher moves away from Yugam in order to lead him and Madison. For once, she has taken the initiative to assist others.

@Madison Freebird @Yugam

 

[Yugam]

Per Aspera

Ad Astra

A very strong part of Yu desired to respond to the marshall-esque woman a tad bit sarcastically, if only to feed into that good old Old West nostalgia, but the man's (albeit it low) sense of survival just barely won out, and though he did not remove his hands from his weapon, his stance softened, and the blade clicked back into place in it's sheath.

Looking over in the direction that the other woman had indicated, there indeed appeared to be the vague silhouette of some unnatural structure in the distance, just clear enough to be identified as man-made. And when Haru finally managed to admit to the man just what exactly it was that she was doing here, the man couldn't help but chuckle.

God, what a fool he was.

Lifting a bandaged right hand, he held an index finger up, the tip slowly staining itself red as a small amount of blood leaked out, only sneak out from beneath the bandages and coalesce above the outstretched finger, floating above it as it crystallized into the shape of spiral dart. "Taboo magics you say?" The crystalline dart melted away, the blood falling down and staining the bandage once more, before it disappeared entirely, presumably absorbed back into the man's body. "Secret's safe with me."

"Right behind you," the man said as Haru indicated she would lead them towards the not too distant fort, pausing a moment to look back at the other woman, he gestured with his head for her to walk alongside him. With her ranged weapons, if she wanted to blast them into oblivion, she would've done so already, he figured.

@Herrscher | @Madison Freebird

 

[Madison Mortiere]

"Well then--as a party of three practitioners of Illegalmancy, I think we'll be just fine until we get to the fort." Madison knew her fair share of magic that the good people of this world frowned upon--back before the servers shut down, dark magic supplemented her nature magic to induce decay and decomposition. And she was specced into the skills of a full-on necromancer when she logged back in for all of, like, three days. Even after she decided to go with a gunslinger loadout, a little of the necromantic practice still lingered on her like a dead aunt who will haunt the shit out of anyone who buys her beloved china collection in the estate sale.

Madison pulled up alongside the swordsman and walked without saying another word. She walked in silence, busy as she was keeping her eyes peeled for any threats that came screaming out from behind the rocks. Luckily, they made it to the fort with noting but their cheeks reddened by the harsh winds that blew through High March.

Everything that might have ambushed them was probably scoured from the earth by Titanius years ago. Whatever survived was probably too scared to come back.

It was only once they reached the fort that they had a problem. The gunslinger gave the heavy, rusted iron rungs a good push, but the door didn't budge.

"Locked," she grumbled. "Hold on one second, I'll get us in."

A pool of darkness appeared at her feet, and she half-dove, half-melted into the shadows. Madison slipped easily between the cracks where the rotted wood met the stonework foundation, and popped back up inside the fort proper.

The four sliding bar latches proved a little more difficult to handle.

About a minute later, after much cursing and hollering, the last of the latches unlocked with a heavy thunk and the door slowly swung in on its own volition. The creaking of the hinges was like bass-boosted nails on a chalkboard. But, hey--! "There we go," Madison said, clapping the dust and little flecks of rust off her hands. "Come on in, so I can get this door shut again."

@Herrscher @Yugam

 

[Herrscher]

The Shadow Reaper

Arriving before the fortress, a soft "wow" would exit her lips. She was impressed by the scenery. Even the weather added to its mysterious atmosphere. Herrscher was fortunate enough that their journey to the fortress was quiet. Nothing had gotten in their way and even if something did pop out, Madison and Yugam appeared to be very vigilant.

During the walk, Herrscher overwhelmed her mind with constant thoughts and questions. She had revealed her purpose of being here to Yugam and eventually Madison. She started to question if it was even all right to do it anymore. To shadow reap. Only time will tell. The main issue is that if she is ready to face it.

The entrance to the fort was locked. However, thanks to Madison and her Shadow Arts, the doors to the fort opened. Herrscher steps inside, taking a careful look around the place. As expected, it was lifeless and long abandoned. They should be safe here. If she had arrived here alone, Herrscher would have started fulfilling her reason for coming here. Plans changed now that she has company. She was afraid of what they would think of her when they see her perform the magic in person. So for now, she decided to find a cozy and warm spot for her to relax in.

"Impressive... Th-Thank you Madison. For letting us in."

@Madison Freebird @Yugam

 

[Yugam]

Per Aspera

Ad Astra

The quiet walk towards the distant fortress would've been awkward, were it not for the palpable tension hanging in the air. Haru's concern, unbeknownst to Yu, their new arrival's and his own's constant vigilance for any sign of danger. Surprisingly, the trio weren't met with any trouble their whole short journey. Only the howls of the slowly encroaching storm kept them company.

When they'd finally reached the fort's stone walls, the rattling of the front gate announced that they were unwelcome there. Not that that particularly mattered to the Marshall, as it would so seem. Disappearing into shadow and then reappearing on the other side, she managed to remove the locks and swing the rusted iron gate wide open for her two companions (though not without a good deal of cursing). "Damn, I gotta learn how to do that," the man said as he passed through the portal and into the courtyard.

"Might be a good idea to sweep the area and make sure there isn't anything nasty hiding in these halls," Yu commented as he scanned the area before them, barren as it seemed.

@Herrscher | @Madison Freebird

 

[Madison Mortiere]

The swordsman was right. Dead as this whole area was after Titanius's rampage, the three of them didn't know if they were alone in the fortress. It had been four years, after all. Who knows what could've tried to move back in in the meantime.

Madison's eyes were adjusting to the darkness, the dark grays and blacks where light from the small slits for windows never touched slowly taking shape as she began to make out broken furniture, rotted weapon racks, and banners torn to shreds by hungry moths. Bless up for dumping the necromancy theme and making the snap decision to build around Hyper Sense.

She added, "We shouldn't have to check the whole fort; but we can if it'll make you feel better. I think if we just look through the gatehouse, we should be fine."

A preliminary glance around their immediate surroundings turned up four points of interest. In the back of the room, another heavy-looking wooden door latticed with iron presumably opened the way to the courtyard. Off to the side, a stone spiral staircase climbed up the wall towards the second floor. And, to their left and right, hallways that carved further into the battlements.

The gunslinger pointed out what she saw. "I can go upstairs, if y'all want to take one of the hallways. Shouldn't be more than a moment for me, and then I'll come back down and head down the other. Sound good?"

@Herrscher @Yugam

 

[Herrscher]

The Shadow Reaper

"Sweeping the area? A-All right. That should help calm me down a bit. This place does look quite scary even if there doesn't seem to be anything dangerous in sight immediately."

Herrscher sighs, gently placing a hand on her chest. She was taking a moment to compose herself and the two can see that. Though she quickly finishes and looks much more calm and relaxed.

Listening to Yugam and Madison speak reminded Herrscher that she still has plenty of things to learn. These were some of the things that did not come to mind. If she had gone here alone, she probably could've ended up hurt. Or worse. She needs to be careful, more cautious. Especially since her life is on the line if she meets with death frequently.

"Sounds good!"

Herrscher nods her head rapidly, agreeing with Madison's proposal. She proceeds to move to Yugam's side. But before the gunslinger could leave, Herrscher speaks up. Her a bit high pitched to show how nervous she felt for suddenly speaking to someone who knows much more than her.

"Uhm! I-If you need some help, I can have my knight accompany you. Just so you're not alone."

Looking at Herrscher, she doesn't seem to have anyone with her. Though suddenly, after Herrscher mutters a few words, a shadow slowly rips away from her own. Then just behind Yugam appears this tall, shadowy figure.

@Madison Freebird @Yugam

 

[Yugam]

Per Aspera

Ad Astra

Yu nodded towards the Marshall at her suggestion that they only check the gatehouse. "If you say so," the man said, despite not being entirely comfortable with the idea. It would save them some effort though, and in truth, they only needed to remove any immediate threats. They could handle anything else as it approached.

Yu drew his sword from it's scabbard, steel quietly rasping before for the sound of a revolver being pulled from a holster began to accompany it. A strange combination but hey...Yu'd played Bloodborne, he had a pretty good idea of how to make this all work.

While Haru pressed a hand to her chest and attempted to control her breathing and offered to give Madison some company with one of her 'knights', whatever those were, Yu popped out the revolver's cylinder, confirming it was loaded, before snapping it back shut and cocking the hammer back. Just in time to feel a very foreboding presence coalesce behind him. Yu, very slowly, and very cautiously, looked behind him at the creature, then at Haru.

"That's you, right?"

@Herrscher | @Madison Freebird

 

[Madison Mortiere]

Madison took note of the swordman also being a gunman--and for a moment, she was conflicted. Was it cool to see other people take notice of the sudden technological revolution and discovery and utilization of gunpowder? Hell yeah it was! But was it not cool to discover that you're no longer thematically unique in the world, and come to the realization that your iron might not be the biggest around anymore? Hell yeah, it wasn't!

Herrscher offered her a little help in her search of the second floor. With a spell, a shadowy creature emerged from behind Yugam. Playing with shadows--something Madison knew well; just not in that particular fashion.

"Thank you, but I will be fine alone." And with that, the gunslinger weaved a little magic of her own. With a twirl of her fingers, she drew the darkness of the room around her like a cloak. A blur of shadows that slowly made their way slowly up the staircase.

Move too fast; whatever might be lying in wait might notice. Inch along; and you're nothing more than a trick of the light.

Fear and caution for naught, though. Once Madison reached the second level, she quickly found that there was nothing lying in wait for her but six skeletons huddled together in the corner and broken weapons and splintered shields scattered all around.

Remnants of the fight against Titanius, she immediately guessed.

Madison sent out a message in area chat to the other two. We're all clear upstairs. Just some skeletons.

@Herrscher @Yugam

 

[Herrscher]

The Shadow Reaper

Upon noticing Yugam's surprised look, Herrscher quickly clears things up by answering his question.

"H-He's mine, yes. His name is Medraut. He's my Shadow Knight. Sorry about just summoning him behind you. He tends to be very protective at times."

Herrscher thought Medraut, the Shadow Knight, as some kind of guard dog. In truth, he is not far from one other than his appearance of course.

When Madison turned down her assistance, Herrscher nods. She decides that Medraut will accompany Yugam and her when they patrol the hallways. And from the knight's look, it seems like he prefers it that way. So with that, Herrscher enters the building with Madison to clear the hallways.

"Come on, Yugam. Let's clear this place as fast as possible. That way, we'll know if we're safe to camp here or not until the weather dies down. Hopefully soon."

She gestures Yugam to follow her as she leads the walk there. That was until Medraut stepped in her way and guided her instead. Not that she was going to complain. Again, he truly is like a guard dog.

Checking the hallways, it seems to be clear. But the sound of gunfire nearby spooked Herrscher. Thankfully it was just Madison, shortly revealing that there were a few skeletons. But they were dealt with quickly by the shadow-wielding gunslinger.

All right. Thank you for the information. The hallways look clear too.

She replies via the same chat.

@Madison Freebird @Yugam

 

[Yugam]

Per Aspera

Ad Astra

With Haru confirming that the shadow warrior looming ominously over his shoulder was indeed her own summon, Yu let out a sigh of relief. Cool, imminent death averted. The Marshall, on the other hand, chose to take her half of the building alone. Were it not for the woman's obvious level advantage, Yu probably would've argued, but judging from the way she just melted into the shadows and disappeared, anyone accompanying her would have just slowed her down.

Why couldn't he do anything cool like that?

"Right, let's go," Yu responded to Haru's bidding. The shadow knight took the lead, while Yu brought up the read, placing Haru between them. The man didn't actually know if Haru could fight at all, but in the case she didn't he'd rather have her between the literal giant shadow guard, and the man who could turn his blood into a wall if need be.

The three tread the halls carefully, alert for any signs of movement. Aside from the small start Haru made as several gunshots rang out and reverberated through the halls, there was nothing. Not even a mouse crept through these ruined and abandoned halls.

Haru messaged back to the Marshall, confirming that the building was empty for the moment, and wordlessly Yu began to make his way beck to the entrance so they could all rendezvous.

"Strange, I really expected there to be something in there hoping to kill us," Yu said as they all met up again. "Pretty standard for these kinds of places in games, ya know?"

@Herrscher | @Madison Freebird

 

[Madison Mortiere]

With an all-clear coming from Herrscher, Madison decided that a moment or two to poke around the place was in order. Considering the bones hadn't been disturbed in years, maybe nobody else had bothered to search the place.

She began looking around, her eyes adjusting to the darkness rather quickly. A smashed table, some dinnerware strewn about, tattered banners hanging on the walls. Nothing of note, nothing of value. Maybe a rusted, cracked, or crumbling weapon here and piece of armor there.

But when the gunshots rang out from the first floor, the raven stiffened. Her vision flashed into Deadeye mode. What little color remained in the area drained to shades of gray as she bolted down the stairs. In a flash, she drew one of her revolvers and held a hand over the hammer as she exploded around the corner towards Yugam, ready to fan the fuck out of it and put six rounds in whatever was waiting for her.

False alarm. Three auras lit up in her vision; all green. All safe; all friendlies.

Deadeye faded away, and she returned the gun to its holster. "Scared the fuck out of me," she muttered as her body relaxed and she resumed her air of cool indifference. "Yeah, well... I was in this area four years ago when a huge battle against the biggest eldritch sonuvabitch you could imagine went down. If anything was still here; we'd have a serious problem on our hands. Seems all that's left is the bones and shadows of the dead; and that's fine by me."

@Herrscher @Yugam