Private High March Villain's Prologue: A Throne of Bayonets

[Matilda]

Spoiler: Please Read: OOC

In your first post you can document your character's journey to the meeting point and why they are going
This thread will happen in rounds and will update every three days.
This thread will initiate characters into the villainous organization, Throne.
To be in Throne, characters must agree to follow the rules mentioned here: Link
This is the first thread concerning the group and will act as an introduction
There will be more threads concerning the group

Part 1: Travelogue

Letters had been sent. Some were given in person by an average looking postal worker, some were left at taverns for regular patrons, and some were left on the ground in the paths of particular persons. However the letters were received, they had all reached the hands of their intended recipient... exactly as Alecto had planned.

To Whom It May Concern,

I know you, though I doubt you know me. Still, I know you're like me. Someone of important disposition. Someone that sees the world like I do. You know as well as I do that this world is broken, flawed; its leaders spineless, its people sheep, its factions clawing at each other like animals while threats grow like tumors. This world needs new management, a group that can control and protect it from everyone, even itself. A group that can do what's needed to make sure the bungled atrocities of the past are not repeated. A group that offers protection through control. I believe you are needed to make this group whole.

Then again, maybe that doesn't interest you? Maybe that's the world's problem, but its a bit of your problem as well isn't it? I mean, it's their fault... the people in control that are holding you back. What or who could you be if you weren't shackled down by the laws of this world? Laws created by either persons who rely on us for our power, or persons no different than us in the real world? How much more knowledge could you attain? How much more power could you wield? How much wealthier? How much happier would you be? How much more enjoyable would this world be for everyone without those who believe they know everything forcing their rules and laws on us?

I believe it's time for we few to become the change required to put this world a better path. I believe its time for us to become the selves we've always known we could be. I believe its time to throw off the shackles of this society and become everything we want or need to be to change this world for the betterment of all, using whatever means we deem necessary to succeed.

Meet me at the coordinates below. Bring a coat.

A.

---

"where civil blood makes civil hands unclean..."

Spoiler: Mood

Footsteps mark a path in poisoned snow blackened by the return of magic in an area once a warzone of dissonance and death. A lone auburn-haired figure treads through ruined homes, sheds, children covered in rags huddled for warmth. Bleak... all of it.

'Healing' indeed...

Reaching into a coat pocket, the figure pulls out a palm full of bread and tosses it to the children. They scramble to it eating like rats before scurrying away. The figure grins shaking her head.

Walking onwards, a lone church, dilapidated standing weakly next to the remnants of a dead tree comes into view.

'And here we are. Not much to look at, but it will work well enough..."

Coming to the door Alecto taps the door open with their foot. Creaking as though in agony at being forced to move once again, the door gives way opening to pews rotten with time. The remnants of stained glass litter the floor, once illuminating the space with colored light, now nothing more than a broken memory of a whatever deity was once praised in this place.

There's little solace from the bite of cold here, and Alecto pulls her coat's collar up a bit higher, a bit closer to her neck trying to force a bit more warmth from the coat's material. Sitting on the stage, Alecto waits. Pulling a coin from her pocket, Alecto begins to flip it and catch it in midair.

"Now to see who actually shows up..."


@Lune @Ludmilla Orphys @Cynna @Dev Null @Imoogi @Legion

 

[Lune]

The Finweald night market was very busy today. A lot of traveling merchants selling rarities and highly exquisite piece of artifacts were filling the street. Lune, keeping her eyes open for any sign of a particular type of gem navigated the crowded street. It was then one kid collided with her, leaving an envelope in her hands before running away. Slipping into one of the alleys, the woman opened the letter.

I know you, though I doubt you know me. Still, I know you're like me.

What a bold assumption. Let's read a bit further down.

This world needs new management, a group that can control and protect it from everyone, even itself. A group that can do what's needed to make sure the bungled atrocities of the past are not repeated. A group that offers protection through control. I believe you are needed to make this group whole.

This someone really understood her, huh? Or maybe there were just like-minded people who believed the same thing that she did. How long were they keeping tabs on her?

She had no tracks. No loose ends. As far as anyone's concerned, she's just a powerful woman without a past.

Whatever means we deem necessary to succeed.

Ripping the letter into pieces, she confirmed that this letter was indeed targeted. Marking the location on her UI map, the Steelheart quickly departed.

Yes, whatever means necessary.

---

The condition of this place which once was a flourishing town

was very disheartening. Visibly hungry children, sheltering themselves from the cold wind by any means; rags, pieces of wood, metal sheet. Averting her eyes, she questioned whether they were just simply 'a necessary casualty' or just neglected by the power above.

One white-haired girl stood out in particular, sleeping under a makeshift shelter with robe that could barely defend her against the raging storm. Lune stopped, bringing out her spare winter clothes from her inventory before putting it on the girl like a blanked, and not forgetting to leave a few pieces of bread before she left.

The blue-haired monster raised her head, arriving at what seemed to be a church. Whatever they prayed to definitely never bothered to look after them. She pushed aside the creaking wooden door to walk inside. The place was dark, but someone else was waiting at the end of the room. Was it the one who sent the messages? Or others like her?

Her steps were accompanied by the crunch of glass shards crushed under her boots, slowly but surely making her way toward the front row. A brief light from outside revealed a bit under her hooded robe, a sinister-looking masked woman who then stopped and sat on the pew in the first row, looking straight at the other person in the room (@Alecto) without uttering any word.

 

[Cynna]

Cynna had been sleeping in The Whispered Word on its second floor. She often slept here in Falderan. Where better was a tired book able to rest its tired spine than in a nice and cozy illegal library of smuggled artifacts? Where better does a book come and go without questions? Though the first floor usually had a quiet bustle of commotion be it from forbidden magic practitioners or tasteless collectors, and the 3rd and higher floors had... a number of sealed safes, here on the out of focus second floor in the oft forgotten special topics section, Cynna was at peace. And so, she often sold herself into the inventory to have a nice snooze.

ZZzZZzZZZzzZZZzzZZZzzZZz

How strange was it then, when one day a nondescript person placed a bookmark in her and walked off.

...hm?

Awoken, but still groggy, the grimoire moved the bookmark around itself like a gourmet might sample a new meal. Then, with a little arcane finagling more, the letter gradually revealed itself to her.

Intresting.

Rocking to the left and the right on her shelf, Cynna finally decided it was worth 'getting out of bed' over, and promptly made arrangements to have herself purchased and delivered first to the Adventurers Guild, then from there, to be mailed via private adventurer contract. Though this method typically worked out (only once so far had one such courier been nearly mauled to death by a rather large bear) it was rarely as punctual as she pleased or was pleased to pay for. And so, since the date was so very set and she thought it would be rude to be late, Cynna instead mailed herself there early enough to be the safe.

Leave it to an adventurer to not ask questions, he plopped the wrapped book down in at an Astorean Adventurers Guild branch and whistled away on his merry way to an easy paycheck. All that was left for Cynna to do now, was to head to the meeting spot and wait. And so she did.

My admirer had mentioned a coat and now I see why, but what better coat than my own fur one~?

Cynna shivered.

Or perhaps not.

Bundling into her tails, Cynna arrived a day early, and finding a nice abandoned ritual table in the sun, warm enough in spite of a dilapidated window, decided to transform herself into a grimoire once more and go back to sleep----after having set an arcane alarm for the meeting time.

ZzzzZzzZZzzzZZzzzZZz

 

[Dev Null]

Among the rafters of the church Dev Null quietly waited. He’d come hours ago and cleared a patch on one of the supporting beams from dust and debris. Now he got comfortable in his cloak, waiting and listening. In the silence his mind drifted back to how he’d been summoned to this place. To the letter tucked away in his inventory. A teenage messenger boy, a lander, had simply walked up to him on the street. “Message for the masked man.” He’d said. Le left it with said man, and ran off. Strange kid, didn’t even stick around for a tip. The contents intrigued him enough to bring him here.
When he got in he took his time going over the place, checking out exits and structural weaknesses. If he needed to leave, the front door probably wouldn’t be an option. The only thing of any interesting note was some kind of prayer book on a ritual table. He almost opened it before thinking better of it, too high of a chance to be a trap. Better off to see if any of the other guests went for it. In the end, he’d climbed up into the most secure vantage point he could find, and waited.

One woman arrived, a redhead. She didn’t look like much, but then again looks in this place were irrespective of power. Not too long later, another figure came in wearing a half mask. He smirked, between the two of them they could have a full face plate.

As the hour approached, and it seemed like nobody else was going to show, he decided to make his presence known. A small flicker of power produced a bungee cord attached to the rafter. Grabbing the end he leapt down, the elasticity keeping him from crashing to the floor. His coat fluttered appropriately when he dropped through the shaft of light he’d watched drift off of the ritual table. Silently he hoped it had the right effect of catching and highlighting the white of his mask as he stood in his makeshift spotlight. When he spoke, his soft voice echoed through the empty building.

Three meet in a church
Called forth on wind by paper
Who wrote the summons?

He stepped forward out of the light and up to the ritual table, letting the black of his clothes naturally drape the shadows around him. Leaning forward he braced his hands on either side of the table, watching the pair expectantly.​

 

[Ludmilla Orphys]

With the thud of a forceful blow and the scream of hinges nearly snapping under sudden force, the doors would be thrown open again not long after the entry of @Lune. What little warmth had been conserved between the misty breaths and layers of the three attendees at this meeting stood no chance against the draft of chill wind that swept through the dilapidated building,

As though answering @Dev Null's question, despite having certainly not heard it, Ludmilla's voice tinkled then scraped like the glass shards beneath her snow-boots, a bulky scarf muffling her partially but not enough to blot out her clear enunciation;

It was one of you.

One of you, she meant, who sent that letter.

Slavering, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice, the wolverine that she held the collar's chain for was jerked back. The furred coat she wore, some kind of souvenir of her time in the Tertus Valley's hunting villages, betrayed where she may last have been. Though the scent had been hard to track, it eventually led her to this dismal place after much backtracking and many a red herring, but for now there was no hostility in the air. For once, Ludmilla was ready to listen first for some kind of explanation, then maul and devour afterwards.

After all, an ordinary courier wouldn't be ferrying a single letter across the countryside. Ordinary couriers did not ride alone, at night, hidden against the shadows of the low road. Ordinary couriers did not spot a nighttime ambush from creatures no taxonomist could describe, forcing them to rip the observant human to shreds.

Ordinary couriers did not deliver such summons. Ludmilla was going to find out who did.

@Alecto @Cynna

 

[Matilda]

Spoiler: Please Read: OOC

Combat has been initiated. We will be utilizing Playtest Packet Two for combat. Please create a sheet and choose your skills/attacks.
This thread will happen in rounds and will update every TWO days.
This thread will initiate characters into the villainous organization, Throne.
To be in Throne, characters must agree to follow the rules mentioned here: Link
This is the first thread concerning the group and will act as an introduction
There will be more threads concerning the group

Part 2: "Bonds Forged in the Blood of Others"

"Well then we're missing one, but I suppose this will still due."

Alecto caught her coin one last time, placed it in her pocket and stood up. A grin spread across her face. She was pleased...

"Good evening, Ladies, Gentlemen, monsters, and..."

Alecto chuckled.

"Book. I am Alecto, or "A" as stated in the letters I sent out. By the way, how I managed to find you and get the letters to you is my little secret. Of course, if you listen to what I have to say this evening and agree, there will be no secrets between us at all. Oh, but just so you know, it was no small task and this entire meeting has been months in the making. Tracking each of you down, researching you, getting a better understanding of who you are, its been all quite the chore you know, but still a chore worth the trouble."

Hopping back onto the stage, the diminutive Faerin crossed her arms.

"After the laborious job of finding and contacting everyone we're all here and since we're here I feel that, that necessitates answers, correct? Having read my letter and actually shown up, I can only assume you to be here for one of two purposes. The first, you read my letter and found it at least intriguing. The idea of joining my little club possibly piqued your interests just a bitty bitty bit and you came to see what I was really offering. The second outcome you expect is that my knowing anything about you is paramount to a death sentence, and so you've come to kill me..."

Alecto sighed, she was really putting her all into this almost as if she were a performer on stage. Her hang gestures grandiose, her speech inflated, everything about the Faerin reeked as though she were playing to a crowd. Still, the performance wasn't detestable.

"Well, if you are here to kill me, I hope you'll at least listen to what I have to say first. It's only polite after all."

Smiling sweetly for a moment, Alecto dropped the façade. Now she would speak to them as equals, as possible comrades.

"I meant what I said. This world, for a lack of a better term, is shit. What's the point of having an entire new world with fantastic new powers where you can be anyone you want, and to still be reigned in by rules you never agreed to? If I wanted to be a normal person and live a normal shitty little life I would have just stayed in the real world. But here, here things are different aren't they? Here we can be better, stronger, faster, wealthier, we can be Gods. We can protect what we wish, destroy what needs to be destroyed, we can save this world from becoming the trash bin the real world has. For me, this world is a fresh start, a chance at becoming what I SHOULD have been in the real world. And so, I've devoted all my talents to making this world into what the real world SHOULD HAVE BEEN for me."

Alecto's face was grave, tinges of anger could be seen flashing like lightning across the woman's face. It could be seen that this anger wasn't directed at anyone in the room but some other force, maybe even fate itself.

"I'll use some examples to get things across. We have three groups that many of us "Travelers" have joined in ranks of correct?"

Alecto held up a finger.

"The Lion's, a semi-militant group of do-gooders whom though respectable don't have the power to contend with ANY of the world-ending catastrophes we see on a monthly basis. F for effort."

Alecto held up a second finger.

"Next there's MIT. I have several PERSONAL problems, such as how they're trying to find ways for certain persons to exit this world. But what if the person DOESN'T WANT to be exited? Could they be forced? I say they shouldn't be, which makes their research quite dangerous... but let's set that aside. The group is supposedly on the forefront of magical knowledge, correct? Yet every time something happens the group is either partially responsible for the issue, has zero means of combatting it on the spot, or simply makes the matter worse. Pathetic if you ask me."

Finally, Alecto held up her third finger.

"Finally, the Explorer's Guild, a group of diehard serial suicidalists that love nothing more than to throw their lives away to see what's beyond the borders of the map. Noble, but truthfully why all the self-sacrifice? It's a bit much isn't it? It's my belief all of them are secretly masochists but you didn't hear that from me."

Rolling her eyes, Alecto continued.

"And to bring it all home, the three groups all hate each other! What a laugh! Here you have three bastions of society: strength, intellect, and exploration and they all hate each other! How ridiculous! It's high comedy! But what makes it better is that could you imagine what they could do if they were all forced to work together permanently? What if a member of the Explorer's was tasked with exploring an area and were given a Lion guard to assist, and both were the latest in magitechnical gear? What would they all accomplish if they weren't so utterly incompetent that they couldn't even see the potential of working together? If they could, I doubt we would have had any of the problems we've been seeing lately."

Looking to @Lune sternly, Alecto continued.

"Though a sore subject for some, let's take a look back at the latest mass-tragedy, The DEAD.naught. How many lost their lives in the fight? How much blood was spilled on the battlefield? Too much if you ask me, but here I am wondering... did we really need it to be that way? Couldn't the three groups have worked together to create a fighting force strong enough to wipe that monstrosity off the map in an instant? What could they have accomplished if they were working together? I think you all can see what I'm getting at..."

Alecto stopped and cleared her throat.

"I don't have the same problem as those three bumbling groups of idiots. I see the value of teamwork and so I have decided to create a team of sorts. A team tasked with doing what no one in this world has been as of yet. To protect it completely by controlling it completely. My plan is to create a group of powerful and skillful individuals to properly take this world over. Why? Because lets face it, it needs new management. As I said in my letter, whether you believe this world needs to be saved through whatever means are necessary, or because you believe that we can make this world better by throwing off the yoke of oppression and beginning anew by creating a world where the FREEDOM to become as powerful, as wealthy, as whatever you want as you want, is not only an option, but encouraged. This is why you're here in this world in the first place isn't it? Because here you can do things you can't in the other? Well if that's the case--"

Suddenly a blade cut through the air moving swiftly towards Alecto's head. See a glint of the blade, Alecto moved her head the left dodging the attack. With a thud, the blade embedded itself deep into the wall behind the woman.

---

Spoiler: Mood

"HAHAHAHA! Oh man, you gotta be kidding me!"

Alecto hopped up quickly.

"I guess the rest of my little discourse will have to wait. I said I was missing a person wasn't I? It looks like I've been ratted out... or I guess that last person has been killed."

Alecto cupped her hands, shouting out to the rafters.

"I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU OPERATE ARISTOCRATA, BUT YOU COULD HAVE HAD THE DECENCY TO LET ME FINISH BEFORE TRYING TO ASSISNTATE ME!"

Turning back to those that she had invited, Alecto quickly filled them in on what was happening.

"As I said, I invited another person but it seems the Aristocrata: a group of spies, child killers, and murderers for hire got to them first. All of you can fight can't you? Well, let's call this a practical test of teamwork. Hahaha! here, I'll go first."

Alecto arched her head back and shouted.

"HAHAHAHA! OH WHAT A MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE! DID YOU THINK I WOULDN'T FIGHT BACK? DID YOU THINK I'D BE ALONE HERE! HAHAHAHA OH SWEET IRONY TO NOT ONLY FACE A SINGLE MONSTER, BUT AN ENTIRE MENAGERIE OF THEM!"

Holding her arm above her head, Alecto grinned evily as it suddenly transformed into a massive claw of pure lightning.

"COME OUT AND PLAY!"

swiping her metamorophed arm, Alecto tore a massive gash through the top of the church.

"NO MORE HIDING!"

Alecto looked to the group once more.

Well then, shall we?

---

Enemies have joined the fray. Fight or die.



Map:

Alecto's Attack has ripped the roof off the middle of the church letting in light and revealing enemy snipers. Aristocrata Neophytes have rushed through the front door.

Groups:

Aristocrata Neophyte 1 (x 2)
(Tier 1) A recently inducted and still in training member of Aristocrata specializing in melee combat.

LP 1
DC 30
Retal 10
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a neophyte tosses a hidden dagger at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a neophyte.

3 Aristocrata Neophytes
(Tier 1) A recently inducted and still in training member of Aristocrata specializing in melee combat.

LP 3
DC 30
Retal 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a neophyte tosses a hidden dagger at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a neophyte.


Aristocrata Sniper (x2)
(Tier 1) Volleys emerge from the shadows to pin down advancing resistance and cut off fleeing targets.

LP 2
DC 20
Retal 10


Aristocrata Shadow Summoner
(Tier 1) Battle hardened and and skilled in the art of summoning, this Aristocrata member uses their magical abilities to summon shadows of themselves to attack and overwhelm adversaries.

LP 3
DC 30
Retal 35
Summon Shadow. Each cycle the Shadow Summoner remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a shadow neophyte joins the fight. On a 2, a shadow sniper joins the fight.


Aristocrata Lieutenant
(Tier 1) The head of the raiding party. A seasoned member of the Aristocrata outfitted with magical armor that magically reflects damage taken.

LP 3
DC 30
Retal 20
Magical Backlash. Anyone wearing Light or Medium Armor must make a Fortitude Save of DC 30 or take an extra 10 Retal from being thrown by the force of their attacks.

 

[Lune]

235 / 300

-15 HP from Shadow Summoner (Countered)
-10 HP from Aristocrata Neophyte
-10 HP from Aristocrata Neophyte
-30 HP from 3 Aristocrata Neophytes

The woman just shrugged at @Dev Null's question, motioning at the redhead tossing coins like it was her business, who most likely was the sender of the letter judging by her mannerism. Also, it's refreshing to see another person who bothered to hide their identity with a mask during a mysterious meeting.

"I am Alecto, or "A" as stated in the letters I sent out."

Alright, at least she was right on the money on that guess. Time to see what this Alecto woman wanted.

Also what the fuck a book was doing in this meeting?

"We can protect what we wish, destroy what needs to be destroyed, we can save this world from becoming the trash bin the real world has. The DEAD.naught. How many lost their lives in the fight? How much blood was spilled on the battlefield? Too much if you ask me, but here I am wondering... did we really need it to be that way?"

Somehow, the whole sequence of speech seemed to be directed toward her and her old identity. This woman must have dug really, really deep to find that one out because Lune made sure not to leave any loose ends behind connecting herself to Moonsong. So far, she was one hundred percent into what Alecto had envisioned, but she wanted to ask the woman where did she found out about the whole Camp Hope thing.

"HAHAHAHA! Oh man, you gotta be kidding me!"

The assassins really had to intervene at a really important moment, huh?

"COME OUT AND PLAY!"

Lune did not bother to get up from the pew, instead, she raised her right hand, before making a crushing grip gesture with it. "Don't make this church look sadder than it already was." She commented as @Alecto ripped open the roof. Near the entrance, a dark sphere of gravity field akin to a black hole appeared in the air, sucking most of the Aristocrata assassins except the Lieutenant, smashing some into mushes of blood in an instant while the surviving ones barely escaped intact, crawling under the red rain.

The neophytes managed to throw flurries of daggers at the woman, planting themselves into the monster's back who did not react to the combined attacks. "Guess those Aristocrata guys could actually fight." She snapped her fingers, pulling all the knives out of her body with gravity before leaning back on the pew leisurely, watching how all of her would-be comrades fight.

Rolls

Movement: C3
(BA) Hyper Awareness | Hyper Sense S | Lune
You gain 5(D) 10(B) 15(S) Total: 45

(P) Reflect | Mastery MR | Lune
If you are attacked by enemies, deal 5 (D) 10 (B) 15 (S) flat damage to them.

(P) Area Effect | Slash Weapons S | Lune
Divide your attack's result evenly up to 4. Deal equal damage to the targeted enemy and up to 3 adjacent enemies.

Ultra Counter
1d100 (35) + 25 + 25 + 100 + 45 = 230
230 damage / 4 targets = 58 damage + 15 reflect damage each
73 damage to each targets
Ultra Counter successful! 100 damage added. Take 20 less damage. Vulnerable State negated.
Astramancy | Lune | 22549C1

Aristocrata Neophyte 1: 0/1LP
Aristocrata Neophyte 1: 0/1LP
3 Aristocrata Neophytes: 1/3LP
Aristocrata Shadow Summoner: 1/3LP

Play Sheet

 

[Ludmilla Orphys]

1 / 160

Combat Log:
Passive Corruption buffs for +16
Passive Area Effect activated
Bonus Action to Overload for +40
Attacking 3 Aristocrata Neophytes, Aristocrata Shadow Summoner and Aristocrata Lieutenant for -76HP each
[DEFEATED: 3 Aristocrata Neophytes, Aristocrata Shadow Summoner]
Activated IMMORTAL: HP at 1, no damage or healing this cycle
Retal: -35*2HP (3 Aristocrata Neophytes+Knife Trick) -35*2 (Aristocrata Shadow Summoner) -20*2 (Aristocrata Lieutenant: Heavy Armour negates Magical Backlash) = -160 0 (IMMORTAL)

Status:
RAVENOUS | MUST CONSUME BIOMASS
VULNERABLE | DAMAGE TAKEN x2

Blankly staring at @Alecto as they prattled on about the failings of the established major factions, Ludmilla had not a clue what commonalities the other three (plus one book) shared with her. Suspicion tautened her muscles and sharpened her eyes to any signs of an ambush, but the biting cold had forced her to cover her nose and mouth, blotting out her more acute senses.

As before, a distinct lack of hostility among the congregation encouraged Ludmilla to stay and listen to the increasingly inane ramblings of this strangely familiar Faerin instead of up and slaughtering them. Where had she seen this one before? That was not so important. Someone who knew Ludmilla to the point of setting up such a dangerous stunt was worth being polite to, if only to savour their inevitable despair when she revealed her true nature. But if even that was unsurprising...

Bored enough to yawn and release her tame, Ludmilla was about to wash her hands of this nonsensical cult-adjacent business when the roof was torn off the church and the actual ambush sprung. It was fight or die now, a scene Ludmilla had seen enough times over to instinctually leap into action without thinking. However, @Lune was faster, utilising a power Ludmilla knew intimately herself.

Perhaps there was at least one who was of value among the chaff?

Ooh! I can do that too! Watch me, watch me!

Squinting with one eye, Ludmilla frames the terrified and disoriented Aristocrata cronies between her palms, as if carefully sizing up a movie shot. Then, closing her palms in an instant, two corresponding waves of unseen force slam the assassins together.

Watch me! WATCH ME!

As though the sound of every bone in her victims' bodies shattering wasn't enough to confirm their demise, Ludmilla continues to sustain the spell. Clapping her hands together, gravity heeds her command so violently that the once-coherent pieces of pulverised flesh are rendered indistinguishable from one another, again and again and again and again...

HOW FRAGILE YOU WORTHLESS INSECTS ARE! AHAHAAAHAHA-

The sound of Ludmilla's cacophonous laughter ceased with a sudden flash of silver, dropping her to the floor like a stone. The Lieutenant had picked up one of the undamaged knives dropped by the mess of innards and armour, flinging it with pinpoint accuracy into Ludmilla's eye and pierce right through her frontal lobe. Death was instant and assured; they'd not earned their position through idleness.

But even as the chain restraining her slavering tame slipped her hand, Ludmilla's lolling tongue flicked out and tasted the blood on her lips, freely flowing from her ruined eye. Sitting back up as her wolverine rushed to tackle and bowl over the Lieutenant, Ludmilla carelessly rips the weapon from her wound as she stands back up.

From her nonchalant laughter, it seemed as though she'd merely tripped and fallen, but her cheeriness just as quickly gave way to a guttural howl of anger.

...oof! That tickled, hehe~! You...YOU'RE NEXT, κρεατοσακούλα!

@Cynna @Dev Null

Rolls

Roll Result
2d20 (2 + 14) = 16
Corruption | Corrupt B | Ludmilla Orphys

(P) Corruption | Corrupt B | Ludmilla Orphys
Gain 16 as extra modifier. Roll result is even: no damage.

(P) Overload | Corrupt B | Ludmilla Orphys
Your attack gains 40(B) extra damage. You cannot move next cycle.

(P) Area Effect | Corrupt B | Ludmilla Orphys
Divide your attack's result evenly up to 4. Deal equal damage to the targeted enemy and up to 3 adjacent enemies.

Burst Attack
15d20 exploding (10 + 6 + 12 + 11 + 14 + 13 + 14 + 3 + 15 + 16 + 3 + 14 + 11 + 10 + 6) + 15 = 173
173 damage (Explosions: 0): 173+40+16/3=76 per target
3 Aristocrata Neophytes [0/3 | DEFEATED]
Aristocrata Shadow Summoner [0/3 | DEFEATED]
Aristocrata Lieutenant [1/3 | Barely standing]
Ludmilla is Vulnerable.
Corrupt | Ludmilla Orphys | 22549C1

(Heavy Armor Ability) Immortal Activated| Ludmilla Orphys | 22549C1
All damages and healings are negated.

Playsheet

 

[Cynna]

HP: 160/160
BUILD

"hmmmmm~?"

Black runes quietly swirled in the commotion to form the outline of a pair of fox ears /\_/\ that flapped up and down V_V in the commotion.
/\_/\ V_V /\_/\ V_V /\_/\

"Oh dear~ now what did I set my arcane alarm to~? Well pooh~ I've mixed up the AM and the PM once again~ now what's all this~? Are they already killing each other~?

/\_/\ V_V /\_/\ V_V /\_/\

The ears scanned the horizon from the table.
/\_/\ V_V /\_/\ V_V /\_/\

"No~? Then what could it.... oh...."

Seeing the Aristocrata killforce, the ears flattened and sank back into the tome.

"...this isn't my fault is it...? ...well everyone looks to be having fun~"

Cynna sighed as though she were shaking her lead left to right in an exagerated exasperated manner. But, of course, she wasn't because she was a book which gently rocked back and forth instead.

But what should I do?

The grimoire asked herself as she slid a little to the left to avoid getting blood all over her pages. It was like a game of chess but everyone was making up all the rules to the pieces. Pure chaos. But they were winning...

or at least, I think we are...?

IS there a WE?

Cynna's inner heart was a metranome matched to the swishing of a waving foxtail formed of swirling black runes which had found its way out from the book's pages.

~\\~ //~ \\~ //~ \\~ //

Hmmmm
HMMMMM
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


Well! I don't wanna go with the Aristocrata so let's just start the ice breaker!

The book's cover changed. She had styled herself The Grimoire of Wisdom and had even built up a bit of a reputation as a catalogue-worthy possession, but this was the truth of the matter. Cynna was a fox, a starcalled, and a cursed object. Here was The Grimoire of True Wisdom, a lady who turned herself into a weapon for fun.

"And so~ when one takes action~ the world takes form~ now now now now now now now~~~~~~~ just when I'm at my fur's end what do I smell but a familiar scent of the sun~ "

It was @Dev Null that she was referring to. Grimoire Cynna flew to his side and began to hover around him. Her bookdy language implied she was in a good mood.

"hmhm~ you noted me~ and I have noticed you in turn~ allow me to turn the page on your story~ so we can yet move on to more pressing matters~ hm hm~ pressing, as in, press~ because I am a book~"

"~the mind is the soul~ ~and the soul is power~ "

Black runes began to bleed from Cynna's pages and swirl and buzz like bees, forming a runic crest.

"------And yet-----Not enough. Not nearly enough. So much desolation and so little to grasp at in this oh-so-oppresive atmosphere~ ~~~~~~~~~~ah~ but not you~dear stranger~ but rather the area~~! ~~~Hm Hm~ it'd be a little rude to draw from you when we haven't so much as shaken tails yet~~~~ a fraction of fire is fire~ A piece can be its own whole~ SO~ In other words~

-----this will just have to do."

And the crest began to glow.

~HONE~ HONE~ HONE~
~THE CORE OF THE MIND~
~THE ESSENCE OF THE SELF~
~NINE ROOTS~
~NINE BRANCHES~
~NINE WISDOMS~
~ONE SYNASTRY~
~ONE FORM~
~WISDOM~
~FORCE~
~FIRAMENT~
~COSMOS~
~PAGES~
~COVER~
~TOME~

"And now that I've hyped myself up we complete the pattern~ Ahhh~ what a pretty little curse~ dark magic~ as you would know~ is the caffeine of the soul~"

"There~ Mr. Mask~ You should feel a little stronger~ ♥"

@Plutopia
Power Buff (Single)
2d100 (98 + 43) + 20 + 10 + 10 + 50 = 77 (Total divided by 3)
+77 buff to 1 target for 3 posts @Dev Null
You are Vulnerable.
Spirit Magic | Cynna | Dark Disco 1

 

[Dev Null]

90 / 110

+77 buff from Cynna
Aristocrata Lieutenant: -20 Retaliation

He leant forward on the table while “A” began her big introduction speech. Some of what she was talking about he’d gathered information on, but most of it was news to him. He listened all the same. Eventually she got to the juicy parts. Overthrowing the leaders. Taking power for themselves. Manipulating the masses. His kind of person. Then the interruption came, and she became… Less coherent. Less verbose. Although, it’s a reasonable assumption that anyone trying to establish a shadow organization can’t quite be sane.

The guests, as they were, seemed a laughable threat. Thrown daggers against what his budding powers could manage? Toys. Were all landers this pathetic, or were these men supposed to be exceptional? He hadn’t even taken his hands from the ritual table before most of them were dead, discarded like water balloons.

Then the book moved. At first he worried it was a trap, but with its words he quickly relaxed. It-she waxed philosophical about power, souls, and magic. Most of it still above his head, filed away as nonsense in children's books. The part of his head that hadn’t yet adapted to his new life living in one. When her power flowed into him, it didn’t need much convincing to convert. He could feel it, taste it, his veins practically vibrated with latent power waiting to be unleashed. This was a bad day for the Aristocrata.

Calmly he walked around the table, exhaling slowly. His breath misting in the cold winter air. As the interior of the church got more quiet with each death, his strong orators voice only carried more. Words for a tanka echoing off the bare structure.

Oh ye forsaken!
Pray now for your salvation
For Mercy not found
By suicidal cowards
That march towards their demise

With each line he tapped his hand on a passing pew. With each line he summoned a blade into existence that hung in the air around him. A black dagger encrusted with runes. A shimmering sword of silver and gold, wingswept hilt glittering. One by one they appeared, and he brushed them aside as if shopping around. Finally he decided; An executioner's sword. He gripped the red hilt and felt the power granted to him by the book flow into it. The hum of the blade was practically audible.

He walked through the blood and gristle. Walked through the remains of the front door. He’d seen the final ground target outside survive the onslaught by a thread, and he was going to cut it. He turned to face the Lieutenant, raising the blade over one shoulder. The fool tried to guard against the blow. A pathetic attempt.

The executioner's sword cut through the Lieutenant's daggers like a white-hot bar of steel through warm margarine. The attack slammed into the man’s armor, the enchantments flaring to life in order to reflect the attack. Dev Null absently wondered if his victim lived long enough to feel the enchantment explode and scorch his skin. Either way, the result was the same. Two halves of a former idiot that committed suicide by ambushing demigods, and a scar in the cobbles from the excess energy radiating out from his blade.

He needed to get one of those books.

For now, he opted to turn back into the church, raising his blade to point up at the snipers, the implication clear.

Rolls

Movement: C3 => C5
(BA) Auto Assist +15 to attacks, heals, buffs, checks, contributions, and saves # Dev Null

Fort Save DC 30

1d100 (93) + 15 = 108
Success!
Fortitude | Dev Null | 22603C1
​

Stable Attack

6d20 exploding (12 + 15 + 3 + 11 + 19 + 15) + 0 + 0 + 77 + 15 = 167
167 damage (Explosions: 0)
Weapon Arts | Dev Null | 22603C1
Aristocrata Lieutenant [0/3 | Defeated]
​

​

 

[Matilda]

Spoiler: Please Read: OOC

Combat has ended.
This thread will happen in rounds and will update every TWO days.
This thread will initiate characters into the villainous organization, Throne.
To be in Throne, characters must agree to follow the rules mentioned here: Link
This is the first thread concerning the group and will act as an introduction
There will be more threads concerning the group

HP: 210/210
Character Sheet

Alecto turned to @Lune with a smile.

"Don't ruin the church? Oh come on... if you're that tore up about it we can rebuild it later, can't we? To be honest, I'm suprised they didn't firebomb the whole church and try and lock us inside. That's what I would have done, then again not everyone is as smart as I am are they?"

Taking a moment, Alecto took in the battlefield. Everyone was really putting in the effort. Cynna had siphoned some of her strength into Dev Null who utilized the excess energy to conjure a storm of blades, Lune had created a gravity well that instantly smashed several people into chucks as it tore through them, and Ludmilla had basically gone apeshit.

"Be honest with yourself, this is a little fun isn't it?"

Alecto called out to the rest of the group.

"Hahaaah, It's almost like we're trying out for a team. We even have all the positions don't we? Vanguard, tank, support, front lines, back lines, and even me the face. I'll be honest with you all, this is working out even better than I had planned. I mean, look at us all working together towards the common cause of exterminating an enemy. Why, it's almost enough to make me cry tears of joy."

With the majority of the Aristocrata members disposed of, Alecto had taken to returning to her theatrical self.

"But you see what I mean now, don't you? In the power of a group? Who could stop the five of us working together? WHO WOULD BE STUPID ENOUGH TO TRY?! HAHAHA! And the best thing is we all have our own goals don't we? Want of power, of means to protect, of wealth of knowledge, of political power, of good food. All of us have wants, AND ALL OF US CAN WORK TOGETHER TO GET THE REST OF US EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT! YOU MUST SEE IT! YOU MUST SEE HOW POWERFUL WE CAN BECOME! YOU--"

Alecto's maniacal speech was suddenly cut short as if someone had hit her power switch. The woman, now stone faced. Slowly turned to look at her shoulder and noticed an arrow. As Ludmilla had been hit, now so had Alecto.

"You shot me? Hahaha, right in the shoulder while I was talking? You heard me talking didn't you?"

At first, Alecto's voice was quiet but slowly as the words seethed from her mouth, rage began punctuate each. Individual. Word.

"I told you early, didn't I? I told you to let me finish speaking BEFORE you interrupt. It's common courtesy isn't it? Don't you have any manners?"

Laughter, like that of a hyena issued from Alecto's lips and reverberated through the ruins of the church. It went on as Alecto paced erratically while dodging arrows. Suddenly, the laughter stopped.

"I'm sorry but I've quite had enough of this. I didn't invite to you to this party, so I'll have to very kindly ASK YOU TO LEAVE."

Eyes wide with hatred turned to quickly to the rest of the group.

"I BELIEVE I'VE FAILED TO INTRODUCE MYSELF APPROPRIATELY MY DEAR FRIENDS SO LET ME DO SO NOW, BOTH TO YOU AND TO THE TRASH THAT INTERRUPTED US. I AM ALECTO, FAERIN AND PARTIAL FUTURE OWNER OF THIS WORLD. MY TALENTS ARE IN DISGUISE AND MANIPULATION. I UTILIZE METAMOPHOSIS MAGIC TO TAKE THE FACES OF OTHERS. A NUN, YOUR NEIGHBOR, A BARTENDER, A DELIVERY MAN, A FACELESS MEMBER OF THE ADVENTURER'S GUILD, I BECOME WHO I WANT AND STEAL THE FACES AND LIVES OF OTHERS TO SUIT MY NEEDS BECAUSE LET'S FACE IT, THIS IS A GAME AND I'M HERE TO WIN."

Power began to swell within Alecto as her skin began to transform into scales of black diamond.

"BUT IT'S NOT JUST OTHER PEOPLE I CAN TRANSFORM INTO. I CAN TRANSFORM INTO LOTS OF THINGS, NOT BOOKS MIND YOU, THAT ONE'S UNIQUE, OH BUT THIS ONE FAIRLY UNIQUE AS WELL, NOT TO MENTION IT'S MY FAVORITE. I DON'T TYPICALLY SHOW THIS TO PEOPLE BUT WE'RE ALL FRIENDS HERE RIGHT?"

Alecto began to grow in size quickly as the scales spread across her body. Her hands transforming slowly into claws. Great Black wings began to burrow out of her back. Her face began to elongate into a savage snout.

"DID YOU KNOW DRAGONS DON'T EXIST IN TERRASPHERE? THEY WERE NEVER ADDED TO THE GAME. ISN'T THAT A SHAME? WHAT'S A FANTASY GAME WITHOUT DRAGONS ANYWAY? WELL, SPOILER ALERT FRIENDS, DRAGONS DO EXIST, HAHA! AND YOU'RE LOOKING AT HER!"

Alecto's body quickly began to enlarge. The wings that had sprouted from her back began to flap, their thrust carrying her upward into the air through the hole in the roof she had ripped open earlier.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME @Ludmilla Orphys ! I CAN ONLY HOLD THIS FORM FOR A SECOND, BUT I'M SURE YOU'LL BE PLEASED TO KNOW... HAHAHA, YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY MONSTER IN THIS WORLD!"

Alecto's body quickly began to enlarge. Lightning, wind, shadow and fire, began to swirl around the Faerin clouding her from vision until suddenly a roar, terrible and savage.

Spoiler: Alecto

A moment later the beast breathed in and looked towards the two snipers. Wide-eyed, one began trying to run for it while the other could only stare in fear. Both were too slow. Alecto's breath, a blaze of calamity merging shadow, fire, lighting, and wind, washed over the pair erasing their existence from the world. In a moment it was over and suddenly Alecto was Alecto again, floating serenely back to the ground. The snipers were naught but ash, as were the portions of the church and its wall that the pair had been perched upon.

Reaching the ground, Alecto struggled to keep herself up right. It was obvious this transformation had taken a massive toll on the Faerin.

"Sorry about that, I tend to get myself a bit worked up at time, hehe. Why seeing all of you out there having so much fun and showing off your hard won powers really made me want to show off a bit too... can you blame me? Ah but what to do, what do... I guess we should finish our little discussion then shouldn't we?"


Twice Utilized.

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) (24, 95) + 25 + 20 + 25 = 495 (Crit!)
495 damage
You are Vulnerable.
Aeromancy | Alecto | Thread Code

Critical Attack
2d100 (Advantage) (62, 90) + 25 + 20 + 25 = 480 (Crit!)
480 damage
You are Vulnerable.
Aeromancy | Alecto | Thread Code

---

Part 3: "The Company of Rogues"

The church was in shambles thanks to the several high powered attacks that had been utilized within it. Sitting down on large piece of rubble as through her entire body was sore, Alecto spoke up.

"I don't say this often but I feel I've done enough talking don't you? Oh and before you say anything, we can fix the church if you like. I swear I can feel your eyes on me like daggers without even looking at you."

With a pained grin, Alecto looked @Ludmilla Orphys .

"Oh, if you wouldn't mind Ludmilla, I think it would be best to clean up all of these bodies. Can't have anyone happening upon the scene can we? You're hungry aren't you? Ahh, though if you wouldn't mind remaining a part of the conversation as you eat I would be most appreciative."

Alecto winked, then turned back to the rest of the group.

"It wasn't a lie when I said I believed this group could accomplish more than anyone in this world ever has. I thoroughly believe we have the talents to accomplish whatever goals we set out for. The beauty of this little group is that whatever your goals are, you'll always have the rest of us to help. Want to take over the government? Oh by all means let me take the face of your opponent and do something scandalous to make you a sure win. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that the rest of us all have talents that can help the others accomplish their goals, whatever they might be."

Alecto straightened up a bit in her seat, it was obvious the movement pained her.

"For instance I myself love this world. I love the fact that I can be whatever I want, so I plan to retire here. We all know that death in this world isn't permanent the first time, correct? My goal is to amass so much wealth and power that I'll become like a god here. Once I've done that, I'll die as many times as it takes to lock myself into this world and live out the rest of my existence lavishly, while making sure this world stays the one I love by manipulating things where I need to. Beats a 401k doesn't it? Oh, and of course all of you are welcome to join me if you wish. Why, we could all live in lavish mansions next to each other as neighbors while we direct the course of this world. Wouldn't that be fun?"

Stopping for a moment to look each member in the eye, Alecto continued.

"Regardless, I know something about each of you, but I can't know what you're thinking or what you want out of this world. I only figured after some observation that you were at least a little bit like me. Well then, are you?

Forcing herself to her feet, Alecto stood.

"Are you someone that knows what I know? That knows that they're better than what this world allows them to be? Stronger than the limits this world places on us? If so, join me. This group will be the launching pad, the foundation through which we take the reigns of this world. All of us will rule this new world we build, and so I've decided to call this group "Throne", as in the seat of power, where we who rule make our home."

Alecto held out her hand.

"We'll make it simple. If you agree to join, simply shake my hand. From that point on we'll be as family. I'll never betray you and you'll never betray me. You'll do whatever you can to assist me, and I you. Of course we'll all probably squabble, but everything will be decided fairly. After all, without each one of us, the rest of us are weaker. The whole is stronger than the sum of its parts or what have you, though to be frank I'd still like to think that if the parts are as strong as possible, the the whole is that much better, right? Ah, but I'm conjecturing again am I not?"

Shaking her head as to apologize, Alecto smiled.

"Take my hand and join Throne or leave and never speak of this again. The choice is yours."


...And so as destiny calls the hero upon their journey so to does it bring the villain into misery's company. To take the hand or not? A decision not to be made in haste for once taken, the title of villain stains deeply. Still, there is no denying that opportunity lies in the shadows for those with the strength to seize it. Do take the hand of a villain and abandon the justice of light? Or do you return to the companionship of heroes? Make your choice.


@Lune @Dev Null @Ludmilla Orphys @Cynna

---

All enemies have been terminated (hasta la vista).



Map:

Alecto's Attack has ripped the roof off the middle of the church letting in light and revealing enemy snipers. Aristocrata Neophytes have rushed through the front door.

Groups:

Aristocrata Neophyte 1 (x 2)
(Tier 1) A recently inducted and still in training member of Aristocrata specializing in melee combat.

LP 1
DC 30
Retal 10
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a neophyte tosses a hidden dagger at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a neophyte.

3 Aristocrata Neophytes
(Tier 1) A recently inducted and still in training member of Aristocrata specializing in melee combat.

LP 3
DC 30
Retal 30
Knife Trick. Upon defeat as a last act, a neophyte tosses a hidden dagger at their killer. Take an extra 5 Retal upon killing a neophyte.


Aristocrata Sniper (x2)
(Tier 1) Volleys emerge from the shadows to pin down advancing resistance and cut off fleeing targets.

LP 2
DC 20
Retal 10


Aristocrata Shadow Summoner
(Tier 1) Battle hardened and and skilled in the art of summoning, this Aristocrata member uses their magical abilities to summon shadows of themselves to attack and overwhelm adversaries.

LP 3
DC 30
Retal 35
Summon Shadow. Each cycle the Shadow Summoner remains undefeated, roll 1d2. On a 1, a shadow neophyte joins the fight. On a 2, a shadow sniper joins the fight.


Aristocrata Lieutenant
(Tier 1) The head of the raiding party. A seasoned member of the Aristocrata outfitted with magical armor that magically reflects damage taken.

LP 3
DC 30
Retal 20
Magical Backlash. Anyone wearing Light or Medium Armor must make a Fortitude Save of DC 30 or take an extra 10 Retal from being thrown by the force of their attacks.

 

[Cynna]

HP: 160/160
BUILD

@Dev Null "hm hm~ fine work~ I appreciate those with a sense for artistry~~~~ but it seems like we'll be getting off a little early~ oh dear, oh dear~ a half-day on the job and I haven't any plans~~~~

***
​

Grimoire Cynna now bobbed about the church ruins, listening as Alecto spoke. When the faerin finished, Cynna reentered orbit. What awaited her was an outstretched hand.

"Not to be anticlimactic~ but seeing as how you checked me out~ I'd say you are very well stuck with me until you return me~ or ~ at least ~ that is how I usually operate~~ hm hm~ there have been exceptions but striking those bad users down is a matter of proving a rule~ no~? ~Well~ as a show of good faith~ I'll make a proper introduction then. *mhm*"

The grimoire cleared its throat as there was a swirl of black runes that gradually began to take the shape of a beastfolk fox. When the process was complete, the grimoire was gone. Or rather, it stood before the party in her 9-tailed glory.

*clack*
*clack*
*clack*

Cynna's wooden sandals made a rather elegant tapping as she approached Alecto and grasped her hand with her right, then taking her left she placed it atop and gave it a little squeeze.

Swish, swish.

Cynna's tails bobbed, and then nodding, she stepped away from Alecto and spoke in a serious tone that gradually flowed into her usual breezy inflection.

"I am Grimoire Cynna; The Tome of True Wisdom. I am an artifact specialized foremost in curses and the soul. Hm Hm~ ah~ but I am a helplessly greedy sort~ so I just so happened to have picked up a few tricks on the way~~~~ a well-rounded mind is a well-rounded spirit after all~ you have heard of the 'Weapon Arts' yes~? What a beautiful way to describe me~ yes~ I am surely a weapon of art and a state of the art weapon~ hm hm~ as ms alecto said~ this is indeed a world open to... machinations..."

Cynna smiled and tilted her head, then turned toward where the table at the front of the church had been.

"And so ends my greetings for now but first a quick aside~ if I may~ as a show of service~

Cynna closed one eye in a wink as she raised her pointer finger and wagged it as her other hand cradled her elbow. Dark runes trailed from her finger as a runic circle formed and the area began to repair. Wounds also began to close, slowly, as pain was replaced with a uncomfortable numbness. It wasn't relief so much as absence.

Spoiler: Stay awhile and listen

"While it is a little sad to see a den I've napped in, in such a tizzy~ I must say~ as a curse arts grimoire, and much more especially, ~a genuine superior fox arts grimoire of wisdom, and a lover of pretty art besides~ I suggest not mourning this place too much~ ~~~~not because it is beneath us~ no ~ but because if it is as I suspect~ being destroyed to aid us is how this building represents its goddess~ and so how it serves her memory."

Cynna looked toward where the broken window had been, the beam of light she had originally rested under now enveloped the dust particles which seemed to dance with what flakes of snow would drift by from moment to moment.

"Surely it has traded hands and performed countless duties, but I cannot help but wonder if it first served as a place of worship of the one known as Rhiannon; the faerin goddess of this world whose self-sacrificial love meant clawing into her very flesh for her worshipers' salvation. You see~ there is a scent here of sorts~ soaked into stone ~ of an ancient curse~"

Swish, swish.

Cynna's tails moved as she finished speaking. Shivering slightly, she brought in her tails in an attempt to warm herself. She wore a gentle if bemused smile as her silence made it clear the floor was open. Her hands returned to the runic diagram as she adjusted the busy symbol. Astorea and its peoples tended toward an accepting practicality not readily seen in the rest of the world, but a dark magic ritual was still a dark magic ritual, and so, Cynna paced herself as she muffled the array and went about her work. Her Homebound (Cursed Homemaking) skill was already demonstrating its frightening force.

 

[Lune]

A talking grimoire who's actually a nine-tailed fox, a masked sword conjurer that fought like how she did in the past, another gravity magic user who couldn't seem to die, and the faerin who turned into a gigantic black dragon albeit temporarily. All of them are monsters in their own right, albeit not as monstrous as her, with this body built by her Puppet Maker.

Also, most of them didn't seem to be right in the head. The man and the book definitely felt less unhinged than the other two, and @Dev Null was definitely the badass normal in this group of weird creatures. Well, at least there's a prettty normal guy.

The woman did not complain, but she pondered how to work with people of many colorful personalities. Hell, can the group even stay underground? Apparently yes, since Alecto just ordered the other faerin (@Ludmilla Orphys) to... take care of the corpses. She sighed, still unmoving in her seat as the group cleaned the assassins without breaking a sweat.

After @Cynna finished introducing herself, the blue-haired woman rose from the pew, slowly walking forward. "Call me Lune," She said with a booming, echoing voice, obviously amplified by the usage of Harmonic Magic behind her mask to announce herself to everyone. "And it's the only thing you need to know for now." Lune stopped just in front of the dragon, before declaring her one and only term if she was to join Throne.

"However you learned of my existence in the first place, my past, or even the traces of who I was—" Of her time walking on this world as Moonsong, specifically. Her gaze sharpened, and dozens of restless spirits in the church began to make themselves visible, and hundreds of others inside of the accursed herself started to leak outside. She wanted to make it clear that this was non-negotiable.

"—I want it all gone, completely. Only then I will happily shake your hand." Instead of shaking @Alecto's hand, Lune offered hers, menacingly standing in front of the faerin waiting for her response.

 

[Matilda]

@Cynna

"Well, it's your choice but to be honest I have no intent of taking you back so I suppose welcome home. As for the church, well to be honest I picked it because it seemed out of the way. Actually, you bring up a good point."

Alecto spoke up to the rest of the group.

"I forgot to mention this but my little plan requires Astorea still be in one piece. I don't like the idea of retiring in rubble after all, so I decided that Astorea should be the base of operations. The idea is fairly simple, control Astorea from the shadows while we turn it into our home. That's the other reason I picked this place, High March fits the bill for what I thought would be a good place to make a base of operations. The magic here is wild and keeps most away, we're still in Astorea which is important, and there are plenty of people here just begging to be led. You saw those outside didn't you? There are many like that in this area, many people that would make good addition to the cause. Worshippers, true believers, cannon fodder, assistants, followers, call them what you will, but the more people we have on our side that believe in our mission, the easier things will be after all."

Turning back to Cynna

"As for Faerin gods, I'll acknowledge I know very little about all that. But I do know a little about Faerin logistics and have been at the receiving end of some not-so-polite discourse regarding my race of choice. But Faerin are quite powerful and recruiting their downtrodden masses to our little group could prove quite useful..."

@Lune

Alecto looked up to the sky in disappointment.

"You really do think too little of me, you know. Do you actually believe I'd leave loose ends like that? If someone else came to find you that would prove troublesome for the rest of us don't you think? No the old you is dead and gone and the people I spoke to, to find you are as well. Think of this as a fresh start. From this point forward, the only people that are going to know who the old you was, would be the people that would recognize you somehow."

Alecto turned to the rest of the group.

"But that goes for us all of us really. Who you decide to be here, now is who you truly are, facades aside. This of course includes myself, so apologies if my long-windedness annoys you. What can I say, I like to talk?"

Alecto giggled, her hand still extended.

 

[Lune]

She closed her eyes, as any notion of hostility or threat quickly disappeared.

"Then I don't really have any reason to say no," The woman walked closer to the faerin, before shaking @Alecto hand firmly. "Your enemies are my enemies," Lune said with a booming voice, letting all of the others currently present that the accursed is now a member of the group. She didn't fully trust the one in front of her yet, but trust gotta start somewhere.

Yes, Astorea must stand. Else she would be throwing everything away just for nothing, this quest for power...

She then turned back to sit and lean back on the first-row pew, waiting for the others. There might be someone who would refuse the offer after listening to such grand plans, but that's none of her business. Having one or two people that would back her up is definitely a win, especially now that every single of them had proven their own prowess.

How well they would work together in the future, however, was still up in the air. Currently, she didn't think that she might fit well with the rest of Throne.

 

[Dev Null]

90 / 110

Walking back into the church Dev Null tossed his sword aside. He stopped holding onto the threads of concentration that kept it and its siblings real, causing them to explode into a shower of sakura petals before fading away. His footfalls made faint squishing sounds after passing back through the puddles of blood, each step leaving a bloody mark in his wake.

A book of black runes
Quite the interesting read
Powerful knowledge

He complimented Cynna, lowering his head in the slightest bow. Then he turned his attention to the rest of the group, focusing on Alecto but letting his voice carry.

My name is Dev Null
I am the bottomless void
That heralds the end

By command of Throne
The old code must be expunged
Aristocrata

His words had a feeling of ritualistic finality. Alecto had called him, pointed the Aristocrata at him, and like his namesake, he would consume them. Stepping forward he shook her hand before stepping back into a place between Lune and Cynna.

His masked face scanned those assembled, assessing each one in turn. An elemental dragoness; Powerful, strong, graceful, and perhaps just a little insane. Some kind of gravity-based witch, with the personality of a cold predator. A good ally to have. A rune-encrusted book that had turned into a kitsune. Knowledgeable, eloquent, and eccentric. Definitely the most interesting one out of the lot. He wondered if there were more like her, with that kind of power he had to get one of those books. Finally he focused on their last compatriot, who had yet to introduce herself, or to accept the offer. A loose gravity-manipulating cannon that was very probably insane. If she didn’t get herself killed, she’d be a threat to everything that opposed them. If she didn’t join, she might be a credible threat to them.

It was then two things occurred to him. He was the least of them, still adjusting to this new way of life. Though it seemed like many of them were comfortable in their skills and bodies. That was the part nobody talks about with DDVR’s, adjusting to a new body if it’s different from your natural form. Second, he realized he was the lone man amongst a group of women. He wondered what that said about him.

Finally: They were all short. Even together they wouldn’t cut the most imposing silhouette. Like a bunch of children playing pretend. But anyone that underestimated them would be in for a rude awakening, the blood on his soles was more than enough evidence of that.
​

 

[Ludmilla Orphys]

64 / 160

Combat Log:
Passive Corruption buffs for +22
Healed by self for +63

Status:
RAVENOUS | BIOMASS CONSUMED

Before Ludmilla could advance on the singled-out Lieutenant, @Dev Null leapt into action with @Cynna the sentient tome's blessings and cut the fool down. Her loyal wolverine darted between the other Faerin's legs and returned to her side, unbothered by the flash of heat that ripped apart what sorry structural supports the church retained as @Alecto metamorphosed into a flying lizard fearsome dragon to eliminate the final threats.

Laughing aloud at the pyrotechnics show before her, Ludmilla twisted her head about to take in the burning scrap that settled to the ground along with the carbonised remains of the would-be snipers. Raising her hands and whooping like an amused child at a festival, the bloodied Faerin spins and jumps about the corpses that had been released from the grip of gravity.

Fireworks! Fireworks! Yaaay!

Already having worked up quite the appetite from the reckless use of just one brand of magic from her arsenal, Ludmilla didn't need Alecto's go-ahead at all; she was already hungrily stuffing pieces of pulverised assassin into her mouth straight from the floor, not minding the bits of broken stonework, armour fragments and other assorted rubble that had become mixed in.

Occasionally turning her head to stare at anyone who might be observing (as if saying 'my kill, piss off') and to spit out bits and pieces of unpalatable materials, Ludmilla devoured the pile of mangled bodies with disturbing speed alongside her tamed beast. Are wolverines typically prone to eating human flesh?

Either way, as she did so, it would become obvious to any onlookers that the grievous wound inflicted upon her was already healing independent of any intervention on Ludmilla's own part, her metabolism something truly befitting her unnerving nature. Her stomach too seemed nigh bottomless, pound after pound of bone and gristle entering her maw without any sign of fatigue or fullness, even to the last bite.

By the time Ludmilla finished up and licked her fingers clean of blood, Alecto's speech had scarcely concluded. Taking up the chain of her Beast Arts companion again, she rejoined the congregation to grasp Alecto's hand and shake vigorously, still matted in uncleaned gore.

Thanks for the meal, Alecto; I'm Ludmilla! So, umm, I don't really care about, like, conquering the world or anything, but it feels like we'll have a good time if we hang around each other; I get treated regularly to a nice readymade meal, you get the joy of having me around!

Pulling back and striking a cutesy pose with her eye yet to regrow, Ludmilla makes it implicitly clear now in conjunction with her previous behaviour that questions about her capabilities would be gladly answered via practical demonstration.

Ehe~♥! It's so nice to make new friends! I'm really looking forward to playing with everyone here!

Bowing in turn to her newly-committed Throne fellows, Ludmilla's excitement simmers a little lower as she straightens and puts up a finger to indicate a word of note from her.

Oh, by the way, since we're being 100% ourselves and 100% honest with each other, I just have a few teensy things I want everyone to remember. First, we're all friends, so please don't judge me when I get a little too hungy, okie? I can't help myself sometimes, hehe.

Her eyeball restructuring itself with a soft squelch and rolling in its socket to fill the space in its correct alignment, Ludmilla's suddenly acute glare sweeps to every other member in the church in turn.

...and if any of you γλυκά κρέατα plan on getting in my way at any point, in any way, be it while I'm feeding or anything else...I'll fucking kill everyone in this room.

The howling wind doesn't seem so cold in contrast now, as Ludmilla allows her words to sink in. A distinct feeling of unease may well come to one's mind if they meet her eye now, the feeling of something alien and hostile lurking behind those iridescent pupils an almost tangible fact.

Rolls

(P) Corruption | Corrupt B | Ludmilla Orphys
Lose 22 HP. Gain the roll result as extra modifier. Roll result is even, no damage.

Heal (Single)
2d20 (20 + 1) + 10 + 10 = 41
+41+22=63 HP to 1 target (@Ludmilla Orphys)
Animancy | Ludmilla Orphys | 22603C1

Playsheet

 

[Matilda]

Spoiler: Please Read: OOC

This thread will initiate characters into the villainous organization, Throne.
To be in Throne, characters must agree to follow the rules mentioned here: Link
This is the first thread concerning the group and will act as an introduction
There will be more threads concerning the group

Part 4: "The Villain Drives the Plot"
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."

---

"A little on edge but I suppose that's to be expected considering who we all are."

Nodding in thought after listening to everyone's affirmations, Alecto smiled.

"Well then, now that we've all agreed I came up with some logistics of how this little group should work in mine own opinion. Of course, things can always be changed as long as we all agree."

Alecto cleared her throat.

"First, let it be known that I AM NOT the sole leader of Throne. The purpose of this group isn't to get a bunch of people to lay down arms on my behalf, of course I have the capabilities of a leader, but then so do all of you. That's one of the reasons I reached out to you in the first place, hehe. So, no I will not be issuing orders though I may voice recommendations. Of course, all of you can voice your own recommendations all the same. We're all equal after all, and we all have our own goals. Remember, its everyone's duty to help the others out. As the single becomes stronger, so does the group but you get that idea."

Smiling agreeably, Alecto looked each person in the eye.

"Now then, that being said I do have a list of recommendations or ideas really on how we can expand our powerbase. These are in no particular order of course... now let's see, where did I put it."

Alecto rummaged through her coat pockets until she pulled out a slip of paper.

"Ah yes, here we are. Now then, here were my thoughts...

1. Build a base of operations. I thought High March would work well for this since its out of the way, mostly abandoned except by the destitute whom we could recruit. The area is mysterious, and the wild magics running amok would prove advantageous if we ever needed to fend off an invading force.
2. Either destroying or taking control of the Aristocrata. As you could see, the group is quite the nuisance and to be honest does not weigh heavily on the positive morals scale. They take jobs and carry out whatever their orders construe. This includes killing children or future aristocratic heirs. Quite tasteless if you ask me, but if we could take control of the group, we could use their resources to our own ends. Oh, and of course add some moralistic integrity where needed.
3. Creating or commandeering items of power. The more power we have the better, and what better way than to outfit ourselves with an armory of high-powered magical weaponry, armor, and items? Seems like a no-brainer.
4. Also in the obvious category would be gaining funds. If we're to take over this world funds will be necessary. And not a meager amount either. How we precure these funds though is wholly up to us, though I recommend more nefarious means as they typically payout quicker.
5. Finally, recruitment. like I said before recruiting the downtrodden persons of this world who like us have the proverbial bone to pick with ruling parties would only benefit us. We could use them as spy networks, soldiers, assistants, or really whatever we need. All we would need to do is promise them the opportunity for a better life under our rule. Let's be honest, doing a bit of good and helping out those would would serve us is noble is it not? As I said before, personally I would like to recruit as many Faerin to our cause as possible. We Faerin are quite underestimated you know, and gathering a majority of us under a singular banner with the promise of equal treatment under Throne rule could prove quite promising to many of them.

Oh, on another note recruiting other "Travelers" could be useful, but that comes with danger as well. I say if we want to bring in another person to join we five, we should bring the matter up between all of us, weigh the positives and negatives, perhaps tryout the individual, then decide. Joining Throne should be no easy task but neither should it be impossible for someone who's power could be useful to our causes.

Alecto stopped.

"Oh but listen to me going on and on. What about all of you? Thoughts on things we should strive for or goals? Agree? Disagree with anything I've said? As of right now, I'm all ears."

---

---

From this point on the thread will be social in nature.

• Individuals can leave the thread or discuss what to do next in regards to future plans for Throne.
• Individuals may also state their goals and ask for assistance with these goals.
• In this thread, characters can also decide what goals they want to pursue and their own plans. I.E. if your character wants to focus on helping and recruiting Faerin, they can ask for assistance in doing that from other Throne members.
• If characters have personal plot lines that they would like to invite other Throne members to join, they may do so.

OOC Throne Initiation Benefits:

• All members can add to the Throne story in their own way as long as it doesn't break the rules. Throne plots and threads do not need to be created by Malzel or Alecto, though Malzel will create plots and threads to make sure there's always something to do.
• All group members can ask other group members for assistance with tasks, as long as tasks do not break the rules. (Need help blowing up a bridge, we're here for you).
• All Throne members can attempt to recruit others. Recruitment of non-NPCs must go through a trial which any member of Throne OOC and In-character can run. If the trial is passed and all current members agree, the character can join Throne.
• There is no one leader of Throne, so your character has as much stake as anyone else's including Alecto.
• Disagreements between two persons in the group will be RP'd and decided based on an in-character flip of the coin (1d2 roll). The roll results are final and in-character all individuals must abide by the flip of the coin. (It's how we keep things fair and friendly).

OOC Notes:

1. I built this group so Alecto would have a place in the Terrasphere world, but I want to think of Throne as a story we're all writing together, with each character's story adding to the whole. So basically, I'd prefer if you didn't think of this as "Malzel's group" but as "Our group".

2. I'm not going to lie, I've put in a lot of time into Throne and this thread in particular because I wanted to make it as fun and cool as possible. As the only group of villains on the site, I think it's important that this group stands out as something unique to Terrasphere. Anyway, I just hope y'all enjoyed this and had fun. I look forward to making more threads like this in the future. Thanks for playing

P.S.

I'll be setting up two Throne Wintersday quests tomorrow if you're up for them. If not, no worries a break is always nice.