Things
-
This section is for roleplays only.
ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.
Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.
Active [Fae See Wilderness] Enigmatic Verdant Trial
- Thread starter Novama
- Start date
- Created at
- Index progress
- Incomplete
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: I took the liberty of setting on the characters in scene with common cause. We will keep a 4 day post frequency per round. Ask any and all questions. At present it is a free for all as far as who posts when so long as it is done within the next 4 days. Out of combat, action economy will be ignored, but be mindful to play within character limits otherwise. I repeat: ask any and all questions. Now would be a great time to talk among the characters and npc.
Time: Late afternoon
Weather: cool crisp breeze with a slight mist clinging to the forest floor
TLDR: rp started. the characters' travels are interrupted by a fae presenting them with a choice to prove themselves worthy of proceeding.
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The forest beyond the capital of the Fae See stirred with a quiet, watchful energy. The air shimmered faintly, as though brushed with the residue of ancient enchantments, and the trees rose impossibly high, their trunks twisting in shapes that resembled both nature and art. Silvered leaves whispered to one another, their rustling forming a melody that seemed to follow the trio walking along a narrow, meandering path.
Victorique led the way, her small frame moving with determined purpose. The halfling investigator had pieced together a trail from whispers and half-truths, her sharp eye catching clues others might overlook. The Spirit King was not where one might expect—his grand temple in the capital stood empty. Instead, rumors suggested his presence graced a lesser-known sanctuary nestled deep within these enchanted woods. To uncover the secrets she sought, Victorique pressed forward, her companions drawn into her orbit by fate or design.
Kane walked a step behind, the executioner’s dark cloak brushing the ground with each stride. His shadowy presence contrasted sharply with the bright and shifting colors of the forest, but his loyalty to Victorique and her strange mission was yet to be determined. What secrets the Spirit King might reveal, Kane would need to decide if they concerned him—his focus rested on the halfling’s safety and seeing her task through for the time being.
Cass trailed slightly apart, his bright eyes darting between the canopy above and the forest floor beneath. The elf boy had overheard Victorique's inquiries in the capital, her quest to find the Spirit King stirring something restless within him. If the Spirit King could grant answers, perhaps Cass could find his own—a place to belong, a purpose to root his wandering heart. Now he walked with them, his hands occasionally brushing against the spell-pouches at his belt as if the woods might demand his skills at any moment.
As they approached a clearing, the forest grew unnervingly still. The faint melody of the leaves ceased, and a single figure stepped into view, emerging from the silver haze. She was tall, with a presence that seemed to ripple like sunlight on water, her hair flowing in impossible colors. Her feet hovered just above the mossy ground, and in her arms, she cradled a creature no larger than a child—a fox with golden fur, its legs bound with shimmering cords that glowed faintly with runes.
“You seek the Spirit King,” the fae woman said, her voice light as a bell yet carrying an undeniable weight. “You cannot proceed without proving yourselves. This creature has been condemned for a crime it cannot confess. It has stolen what it may never return, though the tale is not its own to tell. Will you choose to release it to wander free and risk the wrath of those it wronged, or will you deliver it to judgment, knowing the truth may never be known?”
The clearing seemed to hold its breath, the moss beneath their feet soft yet unyielding, as if binding them in place. The fox’s eyes flickered open—gold meeting gold—and the faintest sound escaped its throat, a plea or a curse, impossible to tell.
The fae woman extended her arms, holding the fox between her hands like a fragile offering. “Speak your choice, travelers. Prove your worth to the Spirit King.”
Time: Late afternoon
Weather: cool crisp breeze with a slight mist clinging to the forest floor
TLDR: rp started. the characters' travels are interrupted by a fae presenting them with a choice to prove themselves worthy of proceeding.
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The forest beyond the capital of the Fae See stirred with a quiet, watchful energy. The air shimmered faintly, as though brushed with the residue of ancient enchantments, and the trees rose impossibly high, their trunks twisting in shapes that resembled both nature and art. Silvered leaves whispered to one another, their rustling forming a melody that seemed to follow the trio walking along a narrow, meandering path.
Victorique led the way, her small frame moving with determined purpose. The halfling investigator had pieced together a trail from whispers and half-truths, her sharp eye catching clues others might overlook. The Spirit King was not where one might expect—his grand temple in the capital stood empty. Instead, rumors suggested his presence graced a lesser-known sanctuary nestled deep within these enchanted woods. To uncover the secrets she sought, Victorique pressed forward, her companions drawn into her orbit by fate or design.
Kane walked a step behind, the executioner’s dark cloak brushing the ground with each stride. His shadowy presence contrasted sharply with the bright and shifting colors of the forest, but his loyalty to Victorique and her strange mission was yet to be determined. What secrets the Spirit King might reveal, Kane would need to decide if they concerned him—his focus rested on the halfling’s safety and seeing her task through for the time being.
Cass trailed slightly apart, his bright eyes darting between the canopy above and the forest floor beneath. The elf boy had overheard Victorique's inquiries in the capital, her quest to find the Spirit King stirring something restless within him. If the Spirit King could grant answers, perhaps Cass could find his own—a place to belong, a purpose to root his wandering heart. Now he walked with them, his hands occasionally brushing against the spell-pouches at his belt as if the woods might demand his skills at any moment.
As they approached a clearing, the forest grew unnervingly still. The faint melody of the leaves ceased, and a single figure stepped into view, emerging from the silver haze. She was tall, with a presence that seemed to ripple like sunlight on water, her hair flowing in impossible colors. Her feet hovered just above the mossy ground, and in her arms, she cradled a creature no larger than a child—a fox with golden fur, its legs bound with shimmering cords that glowed faintly with runes.
“You seek the Spirit King,” the fae woman said, her voice light as a bell yet carrying an undeniable weight. “You cannot proceed without proving yourselves. This creature has been condemned for a crime it cannot confess. It has stolen what it may never return, though the tale is not its own to tell. Will you choose to release it to wander free and risk the wrath of those it wronged, or will you deliver it to judgment, knowing the truth may never be known?”
The clearing seemed to hold its breath, the moss beneath their feet soft yet unyielding, as if binding them in place. The fox’s eyes flickered open—gold meeting gold—and the faintest sound escaped its throat, a plea or a curse, impossible to tell.
The fae woman extended her arms, holding the fox between her hands like a fragile offering. “Speak your choice, travelers. Prove your worth to the Spirit King.”
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
Hearing that the big guy himself was somewhere out and about in the boonies was both surprising and unsurprising. Surprising in realising that the rumours were true. Unsurprising in that the rumours of the Spirit King being an odd one that wasn't all that actively involved being plentiful. “Well, I guess our way there is among the nicest ones thus far.” She'd remark, as out of all quests, she definitely felt closest to feeling at home here.
That shifted when it seemed they had some odd challenge heading their way. Of course there would be. So far, not a single attempt to learn more had been without them. Although this one was peculiar to say the least. “I'm a detective, not a judge. Normally it's not up to me to make such choices.” She'd grumble. “If it cannot confess to its crimes, then I must simply investigate them or demand the accusers to explain them to me whilst analysing the truth of their words.” She'd reply, not liking this.
“Or are we playing riddles now?” She'd think it through. “Either way, I'd get too annoyed not knowing the truth, so if the only way to learn it is to risk the wrath of those who condemned it, so be it. I'm not an [Annoying Pursuer] for no reason.” She was rather [Perseverant] about the truth, at the end of the day... and at the start of it, for that matter.
“If anything, I'm already annoyed at not knowing what it's accused of. Something it can not return? Time? Something it ate? Immortality?” So many options could fit right in with a riddle. In fact, she was curious enough to just go for it, approaching the fox with the goal of checking it out with [Information Overload] and even [Recap Episode] if the first one didn't garner enough results.
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
Hearing that the big guy himself was somewhere out and about in the boonies was both surprising and unsurprising. Surprising in realising that the rumours were true. Unsurprising in that the rumours of the Spirit King being an odd one that wasn't all that actively involved being plentiful. “Well, I guess our way there is among the nicest ones thus far.” She'd remark, as out of all quests, she definitely felt closest to feeling at home here.
That shifted when it seemed they had some odd challenge heading their way. Of course there would be. So far, not a single attempt to learn more had been without them. Although this one was peculiar to say the least. “I'm a detective, not a judge. Normally it's not up to me to make such choices.” She'd grumble. “If it cannot confess to its crimes, then I must simply investigate them or demand the accusers to explain them to me whilst analysing the truth of their words.” She'd reply, not liking this.
“Or are we playing riddles now?” She'd think it through. “Either way, I'd get too annoyed not knowing the truth, so if the only way to learn it is to risk the wrath of those who condemned it, so be it. I'm not an [Annoying Pursuer] for no reason.” She was rather [Perseverant] about the truth, at the end of the day... and at the start of it, for that matter.
“If anything, I'm already annoyed at not knowing what it's accused of. Something it can not return? Time? Something it ate? Immortality?” So many options could fit right in with a riddle. In fact, she was curious enough to just go for it, approaching the fox with the goal of checking it out with [Information Overload] and even [Recap Episode] if the first one didn't garner enough results.
Daddy Dream
Creation becomes Destruction
Cass Maven
Novama
|
TheTimePiece
|
Elvario
Cass was in awe at the surroundings around him, never having stepped foot in such an area before. If it wasn't for his need to live happily and find his place, he probably wouldn't have ever seen such a wonderous place. Cass had filled his awes to the brim when someone from his group had spoken. He nodded in agreeance, this place was definitely nicer than any other place he had been to so far. He was just about to respond then someone else spoke. Their voice was soft and rang out over the area like a warm breeze, however it also was clear and crisp with every word. It spoke about a fox who was condemned to an unspeakable crime, something was stolen and unable to be returned.
Cass thought for a moment on the options that the woman in front of them had given them and the unknown crime to which the fox had committed. It had taken something, so theft was involved. The stolen item could never be returned, so was it not of the physical world? Cass had only figured out these two parts of the four that were given to them. He was stumped on why there was not to be a confession and what it meant when the woman said that the tale wasn't theirs to tell. Cass looked at the woman holding the fox and gently gripped his staff.
"Without proper evidence on the situation, I believe the fox should receive a punishment that fits the vague situation. However, that would be a terrible decision, as this fox could have be framed for stealing the life of another being, and therefore could not confess or tell the tale of what happened. Perhaps having the fox repent on its actions by doing community work could help?"
Cass had no idea if anything that he said was helpful, but it made sense to him and hoped that it made sense to the others as well.
Cass was in awe at the surroundings around him, never having stepped foot in such an area before. If it wasn't for his need to live happily and find his place, he probably wouldn't have ever seen such a wonderous place. Cass had filled his awes to the brim when someone from his group had spoken. He nodded in agreeance, this place was definitely nicer than any other place he had been to so far. He was just about to respond then someone else spoke. Their voice was soft and rang out over the area like a warm breeze, however it also was clear and crisp with every word. It spoke about a fox who was condemned to an unspeakable crime, something was stolen and unable to be returned.
Cass thought for a moment on the options that the woman in front of them had given them and the unknown crime to which the fox had committed. It had taken something, so theft was involved. The stolen item could never be returned, so was it not of the physical world? Cass had only figured out these two parts of the four that were given to them. He was stumped on why there was not to be a confession and what it meant when the woman said that the tale wasn't theirs to tell. Cass looked at the woman holding the fox and gently gripped his staff.
"Without proper evidence on the situation, I believe the fox should receive a punishment that fits the vague situation. However, that would be a terrible decision, as this fox could have be framed for stealing the life of another being, and therefore could not confess or tell the tale of what happened. Perhaps having the fox repent on its actions by doing community work could help?"
Cass had no idea if anything that he said was helpful, but it made sense to him and hoped that it made sense to the others as well.
Cass thought for a moment on the options that the woman in front of them had given them and the unknown crime to which the fox had committed. It had taken something, so theft was involved. The stolen item could never be returned, so was it not of the physical world? Cass had only figured out these two parts of the four that were given to them. He was stumped on why there was not to be a confession and what it meant when the woman said that the tale wasn't theirs to tell. Cass looked at the woman holding the fox and gently gripped his staff.
"Without proper evidence on the situation, I believe the fox should receive a punishment that fits the vague situation. However, that would be a terrible decision, as this fox could have be framed for stealing the life of another being, and therefore could not confess or tell the tale of what happened. Perhaps having the fox repent on its actions by doing community work could help?"
Cass had no idea if anything that he said was helpful, but it made sense to him and hoped that it made sense to the others as well.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Kane Blackburne
Novama
Daddy Dream
Elvario
Kane nodded, "Not as dangerous as some of the places we were visiting I guess, but then again the Fae See does have a lot of wilderness, hopefully it doesn't prove to be similar to Rotia's wilderness.." He'd reply looking around the area in the distance yep a lot of plant life and other forest things here. Also where they were heading to impressive architecture as well.
When the figure revealed themselves in the woods, Kane was relatively guarded, not entirely sure what he was supposed to be expecting. The fact that Victorique was there made him feel a bit more secure even if the whole thing was sort of strange. Why the Spirit King felt that they needed to get involved to stop her from getting the information about titles was beyond him considering they went all the way up to the flipping sky kingdom to get that scroll only for a 'Sorry not gonna get what you want lol' type note.
Indeed, his main objective was seeing Victorique's operation through so she'd get the knowledge she was seeking at the moment. Anyway, he'd look to the new comer, and think it through.
"I'm sure I'm not going to be deceiving this thing anytime soon, so I'll just be honest, It's my job to carry out what others decide in these cases, not to ask questions, frankly all of that stuff is irrelevant to me, the fact is that it committed the crime, and presumably received titles there for that means that it needs to be delivered to judgement, compelling story or not. While I understand Victorique's perspective and objective in her line of work , it's not really a luxury that I tend to be afforded."
"As for this guy" Kane pointed to Cass, "I agree that the punishment should be proportionate for what was done, I don't go lopping off the heads of the people who stole a loaf of bread, there are appropriate degrees."
Kane's probably [Lawful Neutralness] showing through some at the moment, as this was where he was at his point in his life in perspective.
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: good start
Time: Late afternoon
Weather: cool crisp breeze with a slight mist clinging to the forest floor
TLDR: The fix situation dealt with, a girl is chased by some demented creature just ahead of the party. what will they do?
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The air grew tense as Victorique stepped forward. The silver leaves above rustled faintly, as though sharing their whispers with her, and the mist at her feet coiled in tighter spirals. Her thoughts surged into overdrive, dissecting the fae’s words, analyzing the creature’s delicate form, and searching for any thread of truth hidden beneath the surface. Her keen senses strained to their limits, her gaze catching the faint shimmer of the rune-bound cords, the subtle quiver of the fox’s golden fur, and even the infinitesimal flicker of its unblinking eyes. The scene, itself, exploding into layers upon layers of information.
But nothing fit. No obvious signs of guilt, innocence, or reason for its silence (aside from being an animal). The puzzle remained maddeningly incomplete, and despite Victorique’s brilliance, the picture refused to resolve. Her second ability, the one that allowed her to delve into past events, remained inert—her focus trapped in the present, clawing at riddles that would not yield.
Cass, standing back, his words attempting to inject some balance into the discussion. Community work? A reasonable idea, but reason fell away in this place. Kane, pragmatic, voiced his own stance, an executioner used to measured judgment but resigned to following decisions made by others.
The fae maiden, silent until now, smiled faintly, and the warmth of her expression sent a shiver colder than the mist through the group. “How fascinating,” she murmured, her voice like the chime of breaking glass. “You seek clarity, reason, compromise... but fail to act.”
Without warning, she shifted her hold on the fox, raising it high above her head as though presenting it to the very heavens. Her multicolored hair billowed outward, igniting with an otherworldly light, and the runes on the cords binding the fox blazed to life. The air crackled with ancient magic, oppressive and suffocating, as if the forest itself had stopped to watch.
Then, in a single, fluid motion, the fae maiden tore the fox apart.
The golden fur scattered like fragments of starlight, vanishing before it touched the ground. The fox did not scream—no sound escaped the shimmering remains that dissolved into nothingness. Its bodily contents flying through the air evaporating away like water on hot iron. The runes etched into the cords flared one final time before disintegrating into ash, carried away by the ever-whispering wind.
The fae maiden lowered her hands, her expression unchanged, serene and almost detached. “A choice must always be made, even in ignorance,” she said, her voice calm yet cutting. “You hesitated, and so the weight of judgment fell to me.”
The forest seemed to sigh, its light dimming as if mourning. The mist grew heavier, curling tighter around their legs, and the silver leaves above ceased their shimmering dance. The maiden’s gaze swept across the trio, lingering on each of them with an intensity that pressed against their very souls.
“Remember this,” she continued. “Here, the absence of decision is to court guilt.” With a final, fleeting smile, she floated out of the party's way so they may continue.
The clearing was silent, save for the rustle of leaves above. The oppressive magic ebbed.
Within view of the party, down the path, a girl screamed as she ran from a small goblinoid looking creature. The creature wielded a knife. The woman already had a few red slashes on her exposed back, the ruined fabric of her dress peeled back to reveal the wounds as she fled her pursuer. Mixed with the woman screaming, the creature could be heard wickedly cackling as it got close enough to slash the woman's calf, causing her to stumble. She continued to struggle along the ground for a time as the nasty little creature casually made its way over to her.
Time: Late afternoon
Weather: cool crisp breeze with a slight mist clinging to the forest floor
TLDR: The fix situation dealt with, a girl is chased by some demented creature just ahead of the party. what will they do?
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The air grew tense as Victorique stepped forward. The silver leaves above rustled faintly, as though sharing their whispers with her, and the mist at her feet coiled in tighter spirals. Her thoughts surged into overdrive, dissecting the fae’s words, analyzing the creature’s delicate form, and searching for any thread of truth hidden beneath the surface. Her keen senses strained to their limits, her gaze catching the faint shimmer of the rune-bound cords, the subtle quiver of the fox’s golden fur, and even the infinitesimal flicker of its unblinking eyes. The scene, itself, exploding into layers upon layers of information.
But nothing fit. No obvious signs of guilt, innocence, or reason for its silence (aside from being an animal). The puzzle remained maddeningly incomplete, and despite Victorique’s brilliance, the picture refused to resolve. Her second ability, the one that allowed her to delve into past events, remained inert—her focus trapped in the present, clawing at riddles that would not yield.
Cass, standing back, his words attempting to inject some balance into the discussion. Community work? A reasonable idea, but reason fell away in this place. Kane, pragmatic, voiced his own stance, an executioner used to measured judgment but resigned to following decisions made by others.
The fae maiden, silent until now, smiled faintly, and the warmth of her expression sent a shiver colder than the mist through the group. “How fascinating,” she murmured, her voice like the chime of breaking glass. “You seek clarity, reason, compromise... but fail to act.”
Without warning, she shifted her hold on the fox, raising it high above her head as though presenting it to the very heavens. Her multicolored hair billowed outward, igniting with an otherworldly light, and the runes on the cords binding the fox blazed to life. The air crackled with ancient magic, oppressive and suffocating, as if the forest itself had stopped to watch.
Then, in a single, fluid motion, the fae maiden tore the fox apart.
The golden fur scattered like fragments of starlight, vanishing before it touched the ground. The fox did not scream—no sound escaped the shimmering remains that dissolved into nothingness. Its bodily contents flying through the air evaporating away like water on hot iron. The runes etched into the cords flared one final time before disintegrating into ash, carried away by the ever-whispering wind.
The fae maiden lowered her hands, her expression unchanged, serene and almost detached. “A choice must always be made, even in ignorance,” she said, her voice calm yet cutting. “You hesitated, and so the weight of judgment fell to me.”
The forest seemed to sigh, its light dimming as if mourning. The mist grew heavier, curling tighter around their legs, and the silver leaves above ceased their shimmering dance. The maiden’s gaze swept across the trio, lingering on each of them with an intensity that pressed against their very souls.
“Remember this,” she continued. “Here, the absence of decision is to court guilt.” With a final, fleeting smile, she floated out of the party's way so they may continue.
The clearing was silent, save for the rustle of leaves above. The oppressive magic ebbed.
Within view of the party, down the path, a girl screamed as she ran from a small goblinoid looking creature. The creature wielded a knife. The woman already had a few red slashes on her exposed back, the ruined fabric of her dress peeled back to reveal the wounds as she fled her pursuer. Mixed with the woman screaming, the creature could be heard wickedly cackling as it got close enough to slash the woman's calf, causing her to stumble. She continued to struggle along the ground for a time as the nasty little creature casually made its way over to her.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Kane Blackburne
Novama
Daddy Dream
Elvario
While Kane was a bit surprised at first by the Fae's display by the fox with how she delivered justice upon it with such swift action Kane grumbled a bit after the fact when she spoke up and was on about inaction would lead to the courting of guilt.
"If you wanted me to lop the thing's head off you should have been more direct. That's one thing that isn't so bad about Nobles, they want something done they tell you in detail exactly how they want it done and when they want it done."
Apparently she had deemed it worth destroying so it was logical Kane would have had he known, why did it have to the spirit King and the Fae see??? Places and a person which were far from being known as direct.
Whatever, he'd shrug a bit when she left, hopefully that little trial wasn't going to screw up Victorique's chances just from that interaction. The next trial seemed pretty straight forward, even if it wasn't intended to be only someone who was completely indifferent, evil and or incapable wouldn't at least try to help what appeared to be a goblinoid.
"Don't worry I'll take care of this."
Kane looked to Victorique to assure her, knowing full well that fighting wasn't her thing, also glancing to Cass before, he'd look on at the creature gripping his..blade which was still reminiscent of fancy bread in shape which also still had the lingering scent, as he rushed forward and tried to attack the goblinoid using his ability
Move&Attack!
Should his ability be successful, his axe took on a dark aura as he'd attempt to cut off the thing's head aiming to severe the arm carrying the weapon and neck if he could, hoping that at least one would work, if his attack landed a dark stigmatas with old Terran style text took hold at the wound sight where his blade connected.
Actions 1 + 2:
Try using following ability on goblinoid:
MOVE!&ATTACK!- Fast E + Acrobatics E + Special Movement Zen Direction F + Fighting Style [Black Scripture Style: Royal Rotian Executioner] E + Incurable E + Penetrating E + Hot Shot E + Selective E + Energized E - E Grade Ability (Energized 0 Post cooldown)
Kane moves up to 40ft then uses his Royal Rotian Executioner Black Scripture fighting style to attempt to strike target(s) in a critical location to deal double damage. Attack ignores up to 2 grades of target's defensively used item. Wounds caused by attack require E grade healing or higher.
Try using following ability on goblinoid:
MOVE!&ATTACK!- Fast E + Acrobatics E + Special Movement Zen Direction F + Fighting Style [Black Scripture Style: Royal Rotian Executioner] E + Incurable E + Penetrating E + Hot Shot E + Selective E + Energized E - E Grade Ability (Energized 0 Post cooldown)
Kane moves up to 40ft then uses his Royal Rotian Executioner Black Scripture fighting style to attempt to strike target(s) in a critical location to deal double damage. Attack ignores up to 2 grades of target's defensively used item. Wounds caused by attack require E grade healing or higher.
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
She listened to the stranger's (Cass's) response. It was a non-answer if she'd ever heard any. “You'd need to know if the thing was guilty or not before sentencing it to community work.” She'd chime in. With Kane, she'd just nod. “In an ideal world, you'd come in after I did my job well, after all.” She'd find them guilty, he'd deliver punishment. That'd be a pretty neat system.
Her senses had gotten her a whole lot, but nothing of use. She clicked her tongue. The words spoken by the Elf annoyed her a lot. “You asked us to speak our choice, I told you I'd rather risk gaining the wrath of those who condemned it than not learning the truth and told you why and how I'd want to find that out. What else do you want?” She'd spoken her choice pretty bloody clearly, perhaps with a fair few words, but nevertheless she'd done as asked.
It's why seeing the Fae make all sorts of theatrics out of killing the fox and then going on about hesitation only annoyed her more. “For fuck's sake, I told you I'd rather risk condemnation and letting it go in order to learn the truth, did I not?” She'd scoff. Then it suddenly hit her. The reason this was already starting off so bloody annoying. “Kane, I think I figured it out. The Spirit King gave me the [Annoying Pursuer] title himself and he's going to give us a whole lot of Annoying tasks, riddles and questions to get back at me.”
That was the easiest way to make sense of all these theatrics. She'd take out a pipe, fill it with tobacco and lit it. Taking a deep lurk, she'd breath out the smoke slowly. “At this point, it'll no longer be about wits or clever thinking, just about how much bullshit I'm willing to put with to reach him.” It was going to be a pain and a half, but she hadn't come this far to let that discourage her.
It's why the next scene made her chuckle. Upon hearing Kane say he'd go in to deal with it, she'd nod. “Sure, go get 'em.” She'd leave Kane to it.
That said, she'd speak up to Cass, or just to the void if Cass wouldn't listen. “You know, we shouldn't be surprised if this is going to be bullshit again. Like, I don't know, suddenly learning that girl murdered the goblin's entire family and he was just trying to take vengeance. Of course, if we'd do nothing, we'd be blamed for watching a goblin kill an innocent girl. Whatever we do, I'm sure they'll make it so that the result is whatever is the most annoying to me. Which, in turn, might mean that by saying all of this aloud, they might chose a logical option to prove me wrong in an attempt to annoy me more. Which, by saying that aloud, means we've reached a reductio ad absurdum.” In other words, any option would now be absurd.
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
She listened to the stranger's (Cass's) response. It was a non-answer if she'd ever heard any. “You'd need to know if the thing was guilty or not before sentencing it to community work.” She'd chime in. With Kane, she'd just nod. “In an ideal world, you'd come in after I did my job well, after all.” She'd find them guilty, he'd deliver punishment. That'd be a pretty neat system.
Her senses had gotten her a whole lot, but nothing of use. She clicked her tongue. The words spoken by the Elf annoyed her a lot. “You asked us to speak our choice, I told you I'd rather risk gaining the wrath of those who condemned it than not learning the truth and told you why and how I'd want to find that out. What else do you want?” She'd spoken her choice pretty bloody clearly, perhaps with a fair few words, but nevertheless she'd done as asked.
It's why seeing the Fae make all sorts of theatrics out of killing the fox and then going on about hesitation only annoyed her more. “For fuck's sake, I told you I'd rather risk condemnation and letting it go in order to learn the truth, did I not?” She'd scoff. Then it suddenly hit her. The reason this was already starting off so bloody annoying. “Kane, I think I figured it out. The Spirit King gave me the [Annoying Pursuer] title himself and he's going to give us a whole lot of Annoying tasks, riddles and questions to get back at me.”
That was the easiest way to make sense of all these theatrics. She'd take out a pipe, fill it with tobacco and lit it. Taking a deep lurk, she'd breath out the smoke slowly. “At this point, it'll no longer be about wits or clever thinking, just about how much bullshit I'm willing to put with to reach him.” It was going to be a pain and a half, but she hadn't come this far to let that discourage her.
It's why the next scene made her chuckle. Upon hearing Kane say he'd go in to deal with it, she'd nod. “Sure, go get 'em.” She'd leave Kane to it.
That said, she'd speak up to Cass, or just to the void if Cass wouldn't listen. “You know, we shouldn't be surprised if this is going to be bullshit again. Like, I don't know, suddenly learning that girl murdered the goblin's entire family and he was just trying to take vengeance. Of course, if we'd do nothing, we'd be blamed for watching a goblin kill an innocent girl. Whatever we do, I'm sure they'll make it so that the result is whatever is the most annoying to me. Which, in turn, might mean that by saying all of this aloud, they might chose a logical option to prove me wrong in an attempt to annoy me more. Which, by saying that aloud, means we've reached a reductio ad absurdum.” In other words, any option would now be absurd.
Last edited:
Daddy Dream
Creation becomes Destruction
Cass Maven
Novama
|
TheTimePiece
|
Elvario
"Community work is for both the guilty and the innocent, the time in with it is done is the true aspect of the punishment."
Cass spoke in response to Vic's words, looking at her with pouty lips. However, the look faded to horror as he watched as the fox was torn to bits before disappearing in a puff of ash before him. His pale eyes looked up at the being as she spoke, talking about making quick decisions and not to hesitate when giving a ruling. Cass was quite upset at the trick and grumbled a bit when she moved out of the way to allow them to pass into yet another scene. This time it was a girl running from a goblin, having her back sliced up like a piece of meat. Cass watched quietly, hearing Kane pipe up and take care of the situation. If anything that the fae woman spoke of was true, then Kane's actions were appropriate.
"Regardless of who she is, what happened before hand, or how this all came about. All I hear is you getting upset at the consequences of your actions and trying to sound smart by running in circles."
Cass grumbled his response to the woman, her words seeming to upset him for some reason.
"Community work is for both the guilty and the innocent, the time in with it is done is the true aspect of the punishment."
Cass spoke in response to Vic's words, looking at her with pouty lips. However, the look faded to horror as he watched as the fox was torn to bits before disappearing in a puff of ash before him. His pale eyes looked up at the being as she spoke, talking about making quick decisions and not to hesitate when giving a ruling. Cass was quite upset at the trick and grumbled a bit when she moved out of the way to allow them to pass into yet another scene. This time it was a girl running from a goblin, having her back sliced up like a piece of meat. Cass watched quietly, hearing Kane pipe up and take care of the situation. If anything that the fae woman spoke of was true, then Kane's actions were appropriate.
"Regardless of who she is, what happened before hand, or how this all came about. All I hear is you getting upset at the consequences of your actions and trying to sound smart by running in circles."
Cass grumbled his response to the woman, her words seeming to upset him for some reason.
Cass spoke in response to Vic's words, looking at her with pouty lips. However, the look faded to horror as he watched as the fox was torn to bits before disappearing in a puff of ash before him. His pale eyes looked up at the being as she spoke, talking about making quick decisions and not to hesitate when giving a ruling. Cass was quite upset at the trick and grumbled a bit when she moved out of the way to allow them to pass into yet another scene. This time it was a girl running from a goblin, having her back sliced up like a piece of meat. Cass watched quietly, hearing Kane pipe up and take care of the situation. If anything that the fae woman spoke of was true, then Kane's actions were appropriate.
"Regardless of who she is, what happened before hand, or how this all came about. All I hear is you getting upset at the consequences of your actions and trying to sound smart by running in circles."
Cass grumbled his response to the woman, her words seeming to upset him for some reason.
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: wonder what will happen next
Time: Late afternoon
Weather: cool crisp breeze with a slight mist clinging to the forest floor
TLDR: Kane kills the goblinoid, woman walks off alive, the fae from before follows the party to check in on their progress
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
Kane's movements wasted no time, there was no time available to waste if he wished to succeed. Kane's weapon trailing a dark, ominous aura as he went. The goblinoid cackled maniacally, its bread knife raised high, ready to plunge it into the woman as she clawed at the dirt in a desperate attempt to escape.
But Kane arrived on time, fast enough to create his own draft among the leaves in his wake.
With a clean, decisive strike, his blade arrived. The goblinoid barely had time to register the shadow upon it before its head separated cleanly from its body, the knife clattering harmlessly to the ground. Dark stigmata, written in ancient Terran script, etched themselves into the creature’s wounds before its lifeless form slumped to the earth. Silence fell, broken only by the woman's ragged breathing.
She staggered to her feet, her dress torn and bloodied, and turned to Kane with an exhausted but appreciative look. “Well, that ugly little bastard had it coming,” she spat, kicking the goblinoid's corpse for good measure. She straightened herself as much as her wounded body allowed, gave Kane a begrudging nod of thanks, and added, “Appreciate the save. For the record, yeah, I did kill his lot. Filthy little pests had it coming. And I'd do it again if the clergy bring the lot back out of some misguided kindness. You'd do well to do the same. Us humans need to stick together.” Without further explanation or apology, she brushed herself off and began limping down the path, muttering curses under her breath.
Victorique’s earlier musings seemed to hang in the air, vindicated in part but far from satisfying. The forest, as ever, held its mysteries close, the mist curling ominously at their feet.
From above, a gentle hum of displaced air announced the presence of the fae woman. She floated gracefully into view, gown replaced by a snug outfit seemingly better suited to forest travel. Her serene expression marred by the faintest trace of smug amusement. “Ah,” she said, her voice lilting with mock delight. Or was it? She looked as serious as before and her face gave no indication she was enjoying what was unfolding. “I see you’re undergoing more trials... any of them sinking in?”
Her eyes flicked briefly to Victorique before she turned, her multicolored hair rippling as though caught in a wind no one else could feel.
Time: Late afternoon
Weather: cool crisp breeze with a slight mist clinging to the forest floor
TLDR: Kane kills the goblinoid, woman walks off alive, the fae from before follows the party to check in on their progress
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
But Kane arrived on time, fast enough to create his own draft among the leaves in his wake.
With a clean, decisive strike, his blade arrived. The goblinoid barely had time to register the shadow upon it before its head separated cleanly from its body, the knife clattering harmlessly to the ground. Dark stigmata, written in ancient Terran script, etched themselves into the creature’s wounds before its lifeless form slumped to the earth. Silence fell, broken only by the woman's ragged breathing.
She staggered to her feet, her dress torn and bloodied, and turned to Kane with an exhausted but appreciative look. “Well, that ugly little bastard had it coming,” she spat, kicking the goblinoid's corpse for good measure. She straightened herself as much as her wounded body allowed, gave Kane a begrudging nod of thanks, and added, “Appreciate the save. For the record, yeah, I did kill his lot. Filthy little pests had it coming. And I'd do it again if the clergy bring the lot back out of some misguided kindness. You'd do well to do the same. Us humans need to stick together.” Without further explanation or apology, she brushed herself off and began limping down the path, muttering curses under her breath.
Victorique’s earlier musings seemed to hang in the air, vindicated in part but far from satisfying. The forest, as ever, held its mysteries close, the mist curling ominously at their feet.
From above, a gentle hum of displaced air announced the presence of the fae woman. She floated gracefully into view, gown replaced by a snug outfit seemingly better suited to forest travel. Her serene expression marred by the faintest trace of smug amusement. “Ah,” she said, her voice lilting with mock delight. Or was it? She looked as serious as before and her face gave no indication she was enjoying what was unfolding. “I see you’re undergoing more trials... any of them sinking in?”
Her eyes flicked briefly to Victorique before she turned, her multicolored hair rippling as though caught in a wind no one else could feel.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Kane Blackburne
Novama
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Kane would have been pretty thrown off if his attack had failed against such a low level looking monster. So he was pleased to see that he killed the bugger pretty easily.
Seemed that Victorique had a good intuition at what had been going on as perusual .
“Yeah no problem, but Why are the religious lot offering refuge to monsters?. I never heard of a of a non monster goblin, far as I’m concerned the lot of them can die, a “good” or “apologetic “ monster is just pretending before it strikes…next”
“Think I’m pretty qualified to make that value judgement living in Rotia for most of my life and all that.”
Kane nodded in agreement, unaware or perhaps ignorant of there being another type of goblin being a thing.
After the human left, a fae woman rolled up again.
He’d roll his eyes abit at what she said next,
“Look lady, I get the first one, Inaction often doesn’t lead to the results you want or whatever, but what was the point of this one? That I’m supposed to reflect and think that violence leads to more violence or something? If the monsters didn’t want to die then they shouldn’t be trying to butcher everyone else because they feel like it.”
He’d huff crossing his arms some, after making his way back near to victorique. This was probably a surprising amount of thought coming from someone like Kane who wasn’t exactly known to think about more nuanced issues like this meaning at the very least he was engaged.
Last edited:
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
She looked at Cass like he had just hit his head a few times too hard on a concrete floor. “What?” That was her genuine first reaction. “Did you really just defend randomly sending folk to do community work without knowing if they're guilty to something or not? Then proceed to claim that time spent doing community work is the true aspect of a punishment?” She shook her head. “That's some North-Korean logic right there...” She doubted he'd know of that country, but it didn't matter.
“Consequences of my own actions?” She hummed. “Perhaps you're right on that one. I did end up annoying the Spirit King by wanting to learn the truth about titles. So whichever tricks he'll pull, I guess in a way, it was indeed the consequences of my own actions. Up and including to accepting his invitation to meet him.” She'd nod. She was willing to concede on that part. She was snarky, but not unreasonable.
“Well executed buddy.” She'd compliment Kane, though not able to abstain from making a bit of a pun about it. Be it a wrong decision or not, he'd at least made it in style and with talent.
As the woman spoke up, she couldn't help herself from laughing. Not the genuine laugh, but the awkward laugh you'd get when annoyed, confused and frustrated. “Humans needing to stick together? Of course she's a racist as well. The last time I checked Humans themselves are little more than pests in the See, so her and her family could be wiped out next by a Fae with all the same rights and reasons to it.” She'd give them a quick reminder of how brutal those titles and corresponding rules and laws had been.
She shook her head at Kane's words. “I'm fairly sure they exist. Human goblins, perhaps Fae goblins and Beast goblins as well.” Even so, it didn't matter. “Either way, I'll abstain from further investigation. Whichever we'll find, what's done is done and I don't feel much like playing this game any more than needed.”
That said, as she looked up, she couldn't help herself from staring. “Pretty...” She'd mumbled. Even the snarky halfling had some likes and those colours were among them. She snapped back to it upon the question. “Well, both seemed related to criminal titles. Or at least titles based on the laws of the lands. It's not fitting for a detective to make 'guesses' in public, but I'll throw some out there. For one, the judging of the fox might be alluding to how criminal titles are granted. Which, if true, would be a true revelation, as it would be an admission that they are made in haste and might be flawed.”
She breathed in and out some more smoke. It really helped her think. “The goblin and the woman might also reflect that quick decisions, despite being needed, will likely not tell you the whole truth.” Pondering a bit more, she'd eventually shake her head. “Though I must say, that would be a disappointing outcome. To learn the such a omnipresent system is not omnipotent as well.”
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
She looked at Cass like he had just hit his head a few times too hard on a concrete floor. “What?” That was her genuine first reaction. “Did you really just defend randomly sending folk to do community work without knowing if they're guilty to something or not? Then proceed to claim that time spent doing community work is the true aspect of a punishment?” She shook her head. “That's some North-Korean logic right there...” She doubted he'd know of that country, but it didn't matter.
“Consequences of my own actions?” She hummed. “Perhaps you're right on that one. I did end up annoying the Spirit King by wanting to learn the truth about titles. So whichever tricks he'll pull, I guess in a way, it was indeed the consequences of my own actions. Up and including to accepting his invitation to meet him.” She'd nod. She was willing to concede on that part. She was snarky, but not unreasonable.
“Well executed buddy.” She'd compliment Kane, though not able to abstain from making a bit of a pun about it. Be it a wrong decision or not, he'd at least made it in style and with talent.
As the woman spoke up, she couldn't help herself from laughing. Not the genuine laugh, but the awkward laugh you'd get when annoyed, confused and frustrated. “Humans needing to stick together? Of course she's a racist as well. The last time I checked Humans themselves are little more than pests in the See, so her and her family could be wiped out next by a Fae with all the same rights and reasons to it.” She'd give them a quick reminder of how brutal those titles and corresponding rules and laws had been.
She shook her head at Kane's words. “I'm fairly sure they exist. Human goblins, perhaps Fae goblins and Beast goblins as well.” Even so, it didn't matter. “Either way, I'll abstain from further investigation. Whichever we'll find, what's done is done and I don't feel much like playing this game any more than needed.”
That said, as she looked up, she couldn't help herself from staring. “Pretty...” She'd mumbled. Even the snarky halfling had some likes and those colours were among them. She snapped back to it upon the question. “Well, both seemed related to criminal titles. Or at least titles based on the laws of the lands. It's not fitting for a detective to make 'guesses' in public, but I'll throw some out there. For one, the judging of the fox might be alluding to how criminal titles are granted. Which, if true, would be a true revelation, as it would be an admission that they are made in haste and might be flawed.”
She breathed in and out some more smoke. It really helped her think. “The goblin and the woman might also reflect that quick decisions, despite being needed, will likely not tell you the whole truth.” Pondering a bit more, she'd eventually shake her head. “Though I must say, that would be a disappointing outcome. To learn the such a omnipresent system is not omnipotent as well.”
Daddy Dream
Creation becomes Destruction
Cass Maven
Cass didn't respond any further, as he felt his point was lost and moot. Instead he just watched the blade of Kane's weapon cut through the body of the goblin and sighed. Though the thing looked like a monster, in this world, anything and everything had its own will and reasoning at this point. It was just like the world he had perished in, war against humans was never looked at as taboo or wrong, it was often deemed necessary in order to grow or keep the peace. He had watched is calm and peaceful home be torn to shreds in the blink of an eye because of a war between his village and a neighboring town. Unfortunately, his village was consumed by the town and he had fallen sick soon after with many other village folk. Snapping out of his past thoughts, Cass observed the fae woman once again coming into view with a different outfit and spoke to the group. Cass didn't dare respond, feeling as though his response was not something significant enough for the situation. He was only there to ask about what his purpose was in this world and hope to find a place he could settle and build a village.
Cass didn't respond any further, as he felt his point was lost and moot. Instead he just watched the blade of Kane's weapon cut through the body of the goblin and sighed. Though the thing looked like a monster, in this world, anything and everything had its own will and reasoning at this point. It was just like the world he had perished in, war against humans was never looked at as taboo or wrong, it was often deemed necessary in order to grow or keep the peace. He had watched is calm and peaceful home be torn to shreds in the blink of an eye because of a war between his village and a neighboring town. Unfortunately, his village was consumed by the town and he had fallen sick soon after with many other village folk. Snapping out of his past thoughts, Cass observed the fae woman once again coming into view with a different outfit and spoke to the group. Cass didn't dare respond, feeling as though his response was not something significant enough for the situation. He was only there to ask about what his purpose was in this world and hope to find a place he could settle and build a village.
Last edited:
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: decisions decisions
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: the characters continue down the path to find an upwards flowing stream and 3 fae. Their ticket forward requires each of them to sacrifice something or someone.
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The fae woman lingered in the air, her multicolored hair shimmering as though catching light from an unseen sun. The actual sun setting behind the tree canopy. She folded her arms, her expression a mix of bemusement and mild disappointment as she floated closer to Kane.
“It wasn’t my test,” she said with a lilting tone, tilting her head with inquisitive eyes. “But since you’re so curious, allow me to ask in return—why did you let the murderer walk free and kill her victim?” She gestured toward the woman, now stumbling away down the path, tripping clumsily over a root as though nature itself sought to halt her retreat. Her torn dress dragged in the dirt, but she regained her footing, muttering curses and continuing without a backward glance.
The fae woman turned her attention back to the group, her gaze sharp as she surveyed their faces. “Perhaps the Spirit King sees something in you, but what that could be, I wonder.” With that, she dissolved into a cascade of glowing motes, the air around her shimmering briefly before fading back to the misty stillness of the forest.
The path twisted sharply, descending into a hollow shrouded in shadow. The air grew colder, and the silvered leaves above gave way to gnarled branches that clawed at the dim sky. The sound of flowing water beckoned them forward, though the mist thickened, making it impossible to discern its source.
As they stepped into the hollow, the sight before them was nothing short of unnatural. A stream wound its way through the clearing, but the water defied gravity, flowing upward into the canopy instead of downstream. Small droplets broke away, drifting like reversed rain toward the sky. The stream glowed faintly, casting a ghostly light that illuminated the forest around them.
Ahead, three pods, each carved from a single enormous seed, rested at the stream's bank, bobbing lightly on their platforms as though waiting for passengers. A soft hum emanated from them, vibrating in tune with the unnatural current of the water. At the base of each pod was a simple single rune-covered button.
From the mist emerged three fae figures, identical in appearance, their forms shimmering faintly like mirages. They moved in perfect unison, their expressions blank and unreadable. One stepped forward and spoke, her voice eerily synchronized with the others.
“To proceed, you must board the pods,” she said, gesturing toward the stream. “Each button will propel a pod upward along the current, but the price must be paid. For each pod to move, one of you must choose to lose something.”
Her gaze swept over the group, her expression unreadable. “The choice is yours—sacrifice something of yourself, demand it from another, or press the button and let the price fall where it may. Resolve or retreat. There is no other way forward.”
The pods hummed louder, the runes on the buttons glowing faintly but with eye catching pulses. The mist closed in tighter, the gravity of the decision pressing heavily in the still air.
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: the characters continue down the path to find an upwards flowing stream and 3 fae. Their ticket forward requires each of them to sacrifice something or someone.
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
“It wasn’t my test,” she said with a lilting tone, tilting her head with inquisitive eyes. “But since you’re so curious, allow me to ask in return—why did you let the murderer walk free and kill her victim?” She gestured toward the woman, now stumbling away down the path, tripping clumsily over a root as though nature itself sought to halt her retreat. Her torn dress dragged in the dirt, but she regained her footing, muttering curses and continuing without a backward glance.
The fae woman turned her attention back to the group, her gaze sharp as she surveyed their faces. “Perhaps the Spirit King sees something in you, but what that could be, I wonder.” With that, she dissolved into a cascade of glowing motes, the air around her shimmering briefly before fading back to the misty stillness of the forest.
The path twisted sharply, descending into a hollow shrouded in shadow. The air grew colder, and the silvered leaves above gave way to gnarled branches that clawed at the dim sky. The sound of flowing water beckoned them forward, though the mist thickened, making it impossible to discern its source.As they stepped into the hollow, the sight before them was nothing short of unnatural. A stream wound its way through the clearing, but the water defied gravity, flowing upward into the canopy instead of downstream. Small droplets broke away, drifting like reversed rain toward the sky. The stream glowed faintly, casting a ghostly light that illuminated the forest around them.
Ahead, three pods, each carved from a single enormous seed, rested at the stream's bank, bobbing lightly on their platforms as though waiting for passengers. A soft hum emanated from them, vibrating in tune with the unnatural current of the water. At the base of each pod was a simple single rune-covered button.
From the mist emerged three fae figures, identical in appearance, their forms shimmering faintly like mirages. They moved in perfect unison, their expressions blank and unreadable. One stepped forward and spoke, her voice eerily synchronized with the others.
“To proceed, you must board the pods,” she said, gesturing toward the stream. “Each button will propel a pod upward along the current, but the price must be paid. For each pod to move, one of you must choose to lose something.”
Her gaze swept over the group, her expression unreadable. “The choice is yours—sacrifice something of yourself, demand it from another, or press the button and let the price fall where it may. Resolve or retreat. There is no other way forward.”
The pods hummed louder, the runes on the buttons glowing faintly but with eye catching pulses. The mist closed in tighter, the gravity of the decision pressing heavily in the still air.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Kane Blackburne
Novama
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Kane himself was a bit confused at hearing the phrase 'North Korea' what was that even? It didn't matter a ton right now but he might ask Victorique later, maybe it was just a Fae phrase when something didn't logic out and Korea was some fae from the North who was infamous for being illogical.
Kane grinned some when Victorique said it was well executed.
"I think I'd kind of suck at my job if I couldn't do that much well."
He'd snicker after.
He nodded at the next part which was understandable, yeah humans didn't have a ton of legal rights in the Fae See. For some reason whatever law god decided or whatever handle titles thought 'yes this is a fair system here. Or maybe they just let the people of their respective areas set the laws.
However what surprised Kane was when she told him the next bit.
"Seriously? That's true? I really had no idea, guess we can rule out the human type unless she's stupid, otherwise wouldn't be saying the whole racist shtick."
Either way Kane wasn't planning on escalating with her on that right now, they had a mission at hand.
He didn't really know if what Victorique was saying was true for the rest of it, but it was as good an interpretation as any since he was far from one who usually did that kind of extrapolation.
Kane looked over the Fae woman when she appeared curiously, she was very colorful, probably pretty even. He did listen to her words however. What kind of self reflective question was that supposed to me? His brows furrowed, and before he could even really answer she went off about the Spirit King seeing something In them and being equally cryptic before she vanished yet again.
Kane for one thought it probably made sense to keep on moving.
However he did speak up.
"Tch the answer Is pretty clear to that question to me! Firstly I'm a royal Rotian executioner not some vigilante who goes around killing criminals because I feel like it, secondly the fox was one thing because it was said it was already guilty for something, and thirdly that goblin looked super sadistic chasing her down! Even now I have no way of knowing if those goblins did something first to her and she was paying the favor back, after they were let in by the religious people or not, nor do I know if she has any criminal titles, either way even if she does it wouldn't be my job to slay her here and now as jury, judge, and executioner but to see to it that she receives a proper trial and or judgement before committing to doing something I can't take back in the name of justice."
Kane reasoned out, perhaps his lawfulness showing through even if it tended more toward neutrality than good, unless in specific cases.
Either way Kane moved onward afterward along the path, staying near Victorique, toward the pods, hearing and seeing the different sensations of the forest area.
Kane was a bit bewildered at seeing the water which defied gravity.
"Can't this place have anything that's normal?"
He'd mutter to himself. All this weird stuff made him somewhat concerned that he was going to get lost or make one wrong step in get in a ton of trouble.
Kane gripped his reminiscent of French bread blade when he saw the mirage like fae appear, were they monstrous ghosts that were going to go on the attack?! Feeling his heart rate increase briefly as he tried to discern if they were hostile, but thankfully that did not appear to be the case. He calmed down some when they didn't attack, and he listened carefully.
Unfortunately this wasn’t super reassuring either with how the fae spoke about them needing to give up something to get a pod moving so that they could continue this trial, however it wasn't long after Kane thought briefly before a somewhat annoyed expression fell upon his face as he took out the other more mundane looking executioner axe which was on his back.
"Fine.. you want something of me then take this."
He'd offer up the F grade executioner axe.
"This might just look like some mundane killing tool but it's been in my family for awhile I guess my great great great grandfather used it or whatever, but if that isn't considered apart of me then I'm not sure what is, hell I'll give something else up if I have too if it means Victorique won't have too.."
Regardless Kane moved up and offered the weapon up. It was pretty clear the prospect didn’t please him even if he was trying to posture like he didn’t care
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
As pretty as the woman's hair was, her attitude was plain annoying. “Would you have asked why we'd allow a monster to kill someone innocent if we'd stood by instead? Or why we'd save a monster and kill a human if we'd went after the woman?” She'd ask in turn. “If this is to test our nature, feel free to write down that I'm a sceptic that doesn't take well to being tested. If this is to teach us some sort of lessons, you're free to assume I'm certainly learning some things.”
She sighed upon hearing Kane get heated up a bit. “Criminal titles are a bit of a sensitive topic right now, are they not? Those are the very thing we wish to figure out. Even if we did know she'd have them, would we be able to rely on that fact during a test such as this?” She'd ask herself more than anyone. “I'm not going to blame you for acting on your believes, but be careful not to get this trickery and testing get to you. As far as the puzzle goes, you might have slaughtered an innocent to save a criminal. Just like how any other actions might've been made to sound like the horrible one.” She was still convinced it was the type of deal where any outcome would've made out to be the wrong one. Where only how you dealt with 'being wrong' counted.
“Huh... that's cool.” She'd admit, upon seeing a stream going directly upwards. “Oh, come on, this one is cool.” She'd repeat upon Kane complaining about things not being normal. Surely he had to think that was cool somewhere deep down as well, just for the fact that it was objectively cool.
She's listen to the three Fae. The puzzle was a tad confusing. “Soo... one person per pod?” She could probably easily fit along in someone else's. Halfling advantages and all that.
That said, Kane's take on things was... surprisingly simple. “Well, if we get to pick what thing of ours we'd loose, this is surprisingly easy.” She'd pull out her Tinderbox. “I need a new one of these anyhow.”
That said, she doubted it was that easy. “Ah, can it.” She'd scoff at Kane. “I like you protecting me and I'm certainly not the type to risk my life for others, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't take or share some risks at all, you know.”
“If this is some moral task, I'd vote for random option. If we're all in this together, let's have a random faith decide who's gotta pay up and share the risks and rewards equally.” She chuckled. “Which has the added bonus of being an utterly horrible and dissatisfying outcome if all of this is a euphemism for how the handing-out of criminal titles and titles in general would be decided, no? Just roll a dice on whether or not you get stuck as a murderer or hero?” It'd be amusing in the most disturbing manners.
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
As pretty as the woman's hair was, her attitude was plain annoying. “Would you have asked why we'd allow a monster to kill someone innocent if we'd stood by instead? Or why we'd save a monster and kill a human if we'd went after the woman?” She'd ask in turn. “If this is to test our nature, feel free to write down that I'm a sceptic that doesn't take well to being tested. If this is to teach us some sort of lessons, you're free to assume I'm certainly learning some things.”
She sighed upon hearing Kane get heated up a bit. “Criminal titles are a bit of a sensitive topic right now, are they not? Those are the very thing we wish to figure out. Even if we did know she'd have them, would we be able to rely on that fact during a test such as this?” She'd ask herself more than anyone. “I'm not going to blame you for acting on your believes, but be careful not to get this trickery and testing get to you. As far as the puzzle goes, you might have slaughtered an innocent to save a criminal. Just like how any other actions might've been made to sound like the horrible one.” She was still convinced it was the type of deal where any outcome would've made out to be the wrong one. Where only how you dealt with 'being wrong' counted.
“Huh... that's cool.” She'd admit, upon seeing a stream going directly upwards. “Oh, come on, this one is cool.” She'd repeat upon Kane complaining about things not being normal. Surely he had to think that was cool somewhere deep down as well, just for the fact that it was objectively cool.
She's listen to the three Fae. The puzzle was a tad confusing. “Soo... one person per pod?” She could probably easily fit along in someone else's. Halfling advantages and all that.
That said, Kane's take on things was... surprisingly simple. “Well, if we get to pick what thing of ours we'd loose, this is surprisingly easy.” She'd pull out her Tinderbox. “I need a new one of these anyhow.”
That said, she doubted it was that easy. “Ah, can it.” She'd scoff at Kane. “I like you protecting me and I'm certainly not the type to risk my life for others, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't take or share some risks at all, you know.”
“If this is some moral task, I'd vote for random option. If we're all in this together, let's have a random faith decide who's gotta pay up and share the risks and rewards equally.” She chuckled. “Which has the added bonus of being an utterly horrible and dissatisfying outcome if all of this is a euphemism for how the handing-out of criminal titles and titles in general would be decided, no? Just roll a dice on whether or not you get stuck as a murderer or hero?” It'd be amusing in the most disturbing manners.
Daddy Dream
Creation becomes Destruction
Cass Maven
"So, you're saying that the price can be paid by someone else, right?"
Cass looked over at Vic then at Kane before back at the pods. He pursed his lips and tapped his chin, thinking hard about what to do. If he chose to hand over something of his, the only thing he valued dearly was his small friend he held in a little leather pouch on his hip. It was the only thing he had that kept him sane when he came into this world and he held onto them closely. But then again, if he worded it right, he could also take away a troublesome title or something from the other two that was dragging them down. He looked at them again and bit his lip in worry about the third option, the one that held the most risk. It was the choice that Vic was all for, but with her being unpredictable in Cass terms, he figured she would choose this option.
"I want to have Vic hand over her most troublesome title that she has acquired."
Cass looked over at Vic then at Kane before back at the pods. He pursed his lips and tapped his chin, thinking hard about what to do. If he chose to hand over something of his, the only thing he valued dearly was his small friend he held in a little leather pouch on his hip. It was the only thing he had that kept him sane when he came into this world and he held onto them closely. But then again, if he worded it right, he could also take away a troublesome title or something from the other two that was dragging them down. He looked at them again and bit his lip in worry about the third option, the one that held the most risk. It was the choice that Vic was all for, but with her being unpredictable in Cass terms, he figured she would choose this option.
"I want to have Vic hand over her most troublesome title that she has acquired."
"So, you're saying that the price can be paid by someone else, right?"
Cass looked over at Vic then at Kane before back at the pods. He pursed his lips and tapped his chin, thinking hard about what to do. If he chose to hand over something of his, the only thing he valued dearly was his small friend he held in a little leather pouch on his hip. It was the only thing he had that kept him sane when he came into this world and he held onto them closely. But then again, if he worded it right, he could also take away a troublesome title or something from the other two that was dragging them down. He looked at them again and bit his lip in worry about the third option, the one that held the most risk. It was the choice that Vic was all for, but with her being unpredictable in Cass terms, he figured she would choose this option.
"I want to have Vic hand over her most troublesome title that she has acquired."
Cass looked over at Vic then at Kane before back at the pods. He pursed his lips and tapped his chin, thinking hard about what to do. If he chose to hand over something of his, the only thing he valued dearly was his small friend he held in a little leather pouch on his hip. It was the only thing he had that kept him sane when he came into this world and he held onto them closely. But then again, if he worded it right, he could also take away a troublesome title or something from the other two that was dragging them down. He looked at them again and bit his lip in worry about the third option, the one that held the most risk. It was the choice that Vic was all for, but with her being unpredictable in Cass terms, he figured she would choose this option.
"I want to have Vic hand over her most troublesome title that she has acquired."
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: christmas delays done. Let's see where this goes.
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: Kane's offering was accepted in a way. Cass's offering was accepted but collection remains pending. Victorique has an unspecified power sweeping her way (B grade)
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The air shimmered faintly as Kane stepped forward, offering his executioner’s axe to the fae and their curious pods. The rune glowed brighter, pulsing in rhythm with the quiet hum emanating from the pod. The weapon remained in Kane’s hands, untouched, but a strange sensation crept over him—like a whispering wind tugging at the edges of his mind. His muscles tensed involuntarily, his grip tightening on the axe as he watched the light intensify.
Suddenly, the weight of the axe changed. The blade, once an extension of his very identity, would feel alien in his hands. Its shape seemed unfamiliar, its edges dull and lifeless. He searched his memory, but it was as though a veil had been drawn over his past. His training, his skills, even his connection to his lineage—gone. His role as an executioner was nothing more than a void in his mind, leaving behind only the crushing burden of the weapon itself.
The bloodstain from his earlier kill of the goblinoid glistened in the dim light, and for the first time, it would repulse him as if he had never seen blood before. His stomach churned, the sight of it dredging up a visceral unease that felt unnatural and alien.
As Kane acclimated to his new state of being, the pod before him hummed louder, the rune on it glowing brighter. It shifted slightly, the top opening just enough to beckon him forward. The pod waited.
Unlike Kane's situation, nothing stirred around Victorique. The pedestal before her remained dark and lifeless, the pod unmoved, save for the soft hum and low glow of the rune on its dormant shell. Her earlier quip and suggestion carried no weight here; the fae figures offered her no acknowledgement, their blank stares turned elsewhere. The trial seemed uninterested in her musings, waiting instead for her to act. One fae spirit smiled kindly at Kane. In time, another smiled at Cass, but was that a tinge of cruelty?
Cass's declaration was heard. The fae figures tilted their heads in eerie unison, their gazes falling on Victorique. A pulse of energy radiated outward from them, washing over the scene like a quiet storm. Victorique could conceivably flee the scene quickly enough to avoid what was coming, but would miss out on what was to follow. She could even feasibly try to combat the fae spirits and their unknown capabilities.
The air seemed heavier now, as though the forest itself watched, judging silently as the trials unfolded. One pod stood ready, a 2nd humming to life but incomplete, their illuminated runes calling for Kane and Cass.
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: Kane's offering was accepted in a way. Cass's offering was accepted but collection remains pending. Victorique has an unspecified power sweeping her way (B grade)
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The air shimmered faintly as Kane stepped forward, offering his executioner’s axe to the fae and their curious pods. The rune glowed brighter, pulsing in rhythm with the quiet hum emanating from the pod. The weapon remained in Kane’s hands, untouched, but a strange sensation crept over him—like a whispering wind tugging at the edges of his mind. His muscles tensed involuntarily, his grip tightening on the axe as he watched the light intensify.
Suddenly, the weight of the axe changed. The blade, once an extension of his very identity, would feel alien in his hands. Its shape seemed unfamiliar, its edges dull and lifeless. He searched his memory, but it was as though a veil had been drawn over his past. His training, his skills, even his connection to his lineage—gone. His role as an executioner was nothing more than a void in his mind, leaving behind only the crushing burden of the weapon itself.
The bloodstain from his earlier kill of the goblinoid glistened in the dim light, and for the first time, it would repulse him as if he had never seen blood before. His stomach churned, the sight of it dredging up a visceral unease that felt unnatural and alien.
As Kane acclimated to his new state of being, the pod before him hummed louder, the rune on it glowing brighter. It shifted slightly, the top opening just enough to beckon him forward. The pod waited.
Unlike Kane's situation, nothing stirred around Victorique. The pedestal before her remained dark and lifeless, the pod unmoved, save for the soft hum and low glow of the rune on its dormant shell. Her earlier quip and suggestion carried no weight here; the fae figures offered her no acknowledgement, their blank stares turned elsewhere. The trial seemed uninterested in her musings, waiting instead for her to act. One fae spirit smiled kindly at Kane. In time, another smiled at Cass, but was that a tinge of cruelty?
Cass's declaration was heard. The fae figures tilted their heads in eerie unison, their gazes falling on Victorique. A pulse of energy radiated outward from them, washing over the scene like a quiet storm. Victorique could conceivably flee the scene quickly enough to avoid what was coming, but would miss out on what was to follow. She could even feasibly try to combat the fae spirits and their unknown capabilities.
The air seemed heavier now, as though the forest itself watched, judging silently as the trials unfolded. One pod stood ready, a 2nd humming to life but incomplete, their illuminated runes calling for Kane and Cass.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Kane Blackburne
Novama
Elvario
Daddy Dream
"Yeah yeah, I know this whole place is screwy.." He'd grumble in response to Victorique warning him, knowing that she was right, but it didn't seem to terribly lessen his frustration. This was just like the Fae See from what he heard, to make it out like no matter what you did you made the worst choice, or it was some kind of thing made to make you reflect on your choices or whatever.
"I guess..it's kind of cool, but I wouldn't trust anything around here.." He'd acknowledge, cool or not he didn't want to get whisked away or randomly lose the group because he went to go check out something that looked 'cool'.
"Course it probably won't.." He'd respond at the idea of the tinderbox being given up.
He'd snicker when she told him to can it, "Personal feelings aside, pragmatically here, I think the world's better off if you're in a position to keep doing your work..I already have a deck of cards which is stacked in some ways, a bit more isn't going to be the end, but I know that I can't really change your mind so..if you think that's fair."
He'd eventually concede knowing it was pretty unlikely he was going to change Victorique's opinion and desires with his words alone.
"You might find that idea entertaining, but you aren't the one who'd be sent out to go and deal with the aftermath of the outcome.." Kane replied a bit grimly.
Cass's approach wasn't exactly expected either. "You..think you can just give titles up? I don't have any that I'd want to get rid of I think.." Kane would ponder, granted if he didn't have this executioner family business, he probably could have just gone off to kill monsters like others tended too or maybe even become a hero or something..his mind refocused quickly.
He had made his offering, however suddenly his eyes widened. "[W-What the hell is going on here?!]" As he bent over reverting to [Terran] suddenly, Kane found himself with his hands going to his knees, dropping the blade briefly almost feeling like he was going to be sick.
"[I..Killed that goblin..what if it really was some refugee who was escaping and then she came and killed it's family?]" Kane sort of started to gag after that, feeling completely overwhelmed.
"[I said..this place screws with you...Victorique...]"
He looked over at the smiling Fae and gave a bitter semi aggressive look, "[You think this is funny don't you? Well laugh it up...because when I get out of here...]"
He wouldn't finish his sentence..before he eventually picked up the now burdensome weapon, put it on his back and just walked his way over to the pod feeling called, and got in, Victorique's words coming back to him, in order to work through whatever just happened, he'd need to keep going, stopping now wasn't an option.
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
“Huh... Clever. Probably not clever enough though.” She'd state upon hearing Cass' solution. As much as she appreciated his thinking, she didn't trust such trickery not to be out-tricked by whatever was challenging them. It's why she didn't sit by and let the incoming energy just hit her. She'd instead attempt to [Mind Guard] herself against it, hopefully aided by her [Perseverant] nature. Then again, she'd rely on being [Short on Luck] as well. Just to be safe.
With that out of the way (or not), she would step forwards to press the button. “There you go.” She'd state. “That one I will play by your rules.” She'd seen the effect this 'trick' had on Kane, so it wasn't like she wasn't a tad nervous, scared even, but she had to admit there was a little bit of thrill in taking the extra risk head-on. Or well, the chance of it, at least.
On the topic of Kane. “Trusting and admitting it's cool are different.” She'd have grumbled back. “Worst case I'll come back from the dead and start haunting people to investigate them as a Ghost. Victorique's Ghastly Investigations. Hauntingly Quick to the Case. It has a ring to it, no?” She'd jest.
“[Yep. That it does.]” She'd reply to his episode in Terran. Feeling kind-off sorry for him and wondering if she'd be the one to have to go through one next.
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
“Huh... Clever. Probably not clever enough though.” She'd state upon hearing Cass' solution. As much as she appreciated his thinking, she didn't trust such trickery not to be out-tricked by whatever was challenging them. It's why she didn't sit by and let the incoming energy just hit her. She'd instead attempt to [Mind Guard] herself against it, hopefully aided by her [Perseverant] nature. Then again, she'd rely on being [Short on Luck] as well. Just to be safe.
With that out of the way (or not), she would step forwards to press the button. “There you go.” She'd state. “That one I will play by your rules.” She'd seen the effect this 'trick' had on Kane, so it wasn't like she wasn't a tad nervous, scared even, but she had to admit there was a little bit of thrill in taking the extra risk head-on. Or well, the chance of it, at least.
On the topic of Kane. “Trusting and admitting it's cool are different.” She'd have grumbled back. “Worst case I'll come back from the dead and start haunting people to investigate them as a Ghost. Victorique's Ghastly Investigations. Hauntingly Quick to the Case. It has a ring to it, no?” She'd jest.
“[Yep. That it does.]” She'd reply to his episode in Terran. Feeling kind-off sorry for him and wondering if she'd be the one to have to go through one next.
Mind Guard – Mind Shield B, Energised B – Character guards their mind against tampering. - Grade Be - 3 Post Cooldown
Short on Luck – Lucky F, Energised F – Character gets lucky. - Grade Fe – 0 Post Cooldown
[Perseverant] - Character has shown that even when faced with difficulty and adversity they are unwilling to give up on their objective. Depending on context character's perseverance can be seen as an inspiring and admirable virtue or stubbornness.
Short on Luck – Lucky F, Energised F – Character gets lucky. - Grade Fe – 0 Post Cooldown
[Perseverant] - Character has shown that even when faced with difficulty and adversity they are unwilling to give up on their objective. Depending on context character's perseverance can be seen as an inspiring and admirable virtue or stubbornness.
Daddy Dream
Creation becomes Destruction
Cass Maven
Cass watched as Kane's entire demeanor changed as his offering was accepted. His concerned evident as the once strong looking man seemed to recoil at the sight of blood and sweat in regret from his previous decision. Cass's eyes turned to the fae creatures now, who all had sinister smiles as they face Vic. He felt worry creep in his heart as his request, as he forgot just how twisted the fae can take a good hearted request and turn it dark. He then looked at Vic as she seemed to be getting ready for whatever the three fae were about to do.
"I do hope that you don't turn out like he did, I forgot how tricky they could be when making requests."
After taking a moment, he turned his gaze toward the pod that seemed to be calling to him. While Kane's was fully lit and humming, Cass's seemed just barely aglow as it waiting on its price to be collected from Vic. Cass only took a few steps near it before looking over at Vic, waiting for what would come to her.
"I do hope that you don't turn out like he did, I forgot how tricky they could be when making requests."
After taking a moment, he turned his gaze toward the pod that seemed to be calling to him. While Kane's was fully lit and humming, Cass's seemed just barely aglow as it waiting on its price to be collected from Vic. Cass only took a few steps near it before looking over at Vic, waiting for what would come to her.
Cass watched as Kane's entire demeanor changed as his offering was accepted. His concerned evident as the once strong looking man seemed to recoil at the sight of blood and sweat in regret from his previous decision. Cass's eyes turned to the fae creatures now, who all had sinister smiles as they face Vic. He felt worry creep in his heart as his request, as he forgot just how twisted the fae can take a good hearted request and turn it dark. He then looked at Vic as she seemed to be getting ready for whatever the three fae were about to do.
"I do hope that you don't turn out like he did, I forgot how tricky they could be when making requests."
After taking a moment, he turned his gaze toward the pod that seemed to be calling to him. While Kane's was fully lit and humming, Cass's seemed just barely aglow as it waiting on its price to be collected from Vic. Cass only took a few steps near it before looking over at Vic, waiting for what would come to her.
"I do hope that you don't turn out like he did, I forgot how tricky they could be when making requests."
After taking a moment, he turned his gaze toward the pod that seemed to be calling to him. While Kane's was fully lit and humming, Cass's seemed just barely aglow as it waiting on its price to be collected from Vic. Cass only took a few steps near it before looking over at Vic, waiting for what would come to her.
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: And here we are in the new year. not much farther to go now. I want to see more name usage in posts. Noticed at least one of you didn't use character name even once in post.
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: Kane slowly drifts off while Victorique and Cass await the collecting of a price.
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
Kane’s pod hummed with increasing intensity as he climbed inside, its glow pulsating in rhythm with the strange currents of the gravity-defying river. The rune on its base flared brilliantly, casting rippling patterns of light onto the trees around it. With a sudden lurch, the pod began to rise, gliding gracefully up the reversed flow of water. As it ascended, the pod started to change. The smooth, seed-like surface split open in places, sprouting thin, delicate branches that curled outward like a young tree seeking the sun. Leaves began to form, small and vibrant, glowing faintly in the dim forest light.
Inside, Kane felt a strange buoyancy, as though the pod’s ascent mirrored a lifting of his own spirits. Despite the heavy burden of the weapon strapped to his back and the fragmented void where his identity as an executioner once lay, an unfamiliar sense of hope stirred within him. The air in the pod felt clean, invigorating, almost reassuring. For the first time since entering the clearing, he could feel as though he were moving toward something greater—something good.
The faes' blank expressions shifted slightly as they stared at Victorique, faint smiles forming as a pulse of energy radiated from them, targeting the halfling investigator. The energy struck her like a wave, not physically but deeply, wrenching at the intangible essence of her being. It clawed at her soul, trying to unravel the threads of her identity, to strip away the very fabric of what defined her.
A sharp, searing discomfort pierced her chest, spreading through her like icy fire. Memories flickered in her mind—her drive for justice, her relentless pursuit of truth, her clever quips and sardonic humor—all felt as though they were being pulled apart, like parchment torn at the seams. The fae power sought to seize the core of her being, to extract the price demanded for Cass’s pod.
But Victorique was not so easily undone. Her mind, fortified by her [Mind Guard] and tempered by her [Perseverant] nature, held strong. The fae’s energy splintered against her defenses, their first attempt rebuffed. Luck, ever fickle, seemed to favor her this time, adding an extra layer of protection. The discomfort subsided momentarily, but the fae were not deterred. Their smiles returned, widening more this time, and the energy pulsed again, just as strong as before (B grade attack), relentless, hammering at her soul with the same unyielding intensity. Notably, it was the left most fae of the 3 that seemed to be leading the effort this time.
The effort to resist would continue to weigh on her, like holding back a flood with nothing but her willpower.
Cass’s pod, still only half illuminated, hummed faintly as Victorique resisted. The pod seemed to react to Cass’s presence, glowing slightly brighter as he stepped closer. A sensation brushed against his mind—not words, but an impression, a feeling. It was willing to accept something from him instead, offering him the chance to spare Victorique from the relentless siphoning. The choice was his: to leave the halfling to her struggle or to offer something of his own in exchange. The rune button on the side of his pod also present, pulsing, and a possibility.
As Kane’s pod continued its ascent, the leaves sprouting from its sides shimmered like emeralds in the faint light. The gravity-defying river carried him higher, and with every moment, the oppressive weight of the forest below seemed to fade. Though the true cost of his offering remained a mystery, an unfamiliar sense of optimism filled him. The air seemed lighter, and the journey ahead felt less foreboding, more like a path toward renewal or redemption. Some of the pod revealed the outside to him somehow, a growing expanse of dark forest, life trees towering like mountains in the distance.
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: Kane slowly drifts off while Victorique and Cass await the collecting of a price.
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
Kane’s pod hummed with increasing intensity as he climbed inside, its glow pulsating in rhythm with the strange currents of the gravity-defying river. The rune on its base flared brilliantly, casting rippling patterns of light onto the trees around it. With a sudden lurch, the pod began to rise, gliding gracefully up the reversed flow of water. As it ascended, the pod started to change. The smooth, seed-like surface split open in places, sprouting thin, delicate branches that curled outward like a young tree seeking the sun. Leaves began to form, small and vibrant, glowing faintly in the dim forest light.
Inside, Kane felt a strange buoyancy, as though the pod’s ascent mirrored a lifting of his own spirits. Despite the heavy burden of the weapon strapped to his back and the fragmented void where his identity as an executioner once lay, an unfamiliar sense of hope stirred within him. The air in the pod felt clean, invigorating, almost reassuring. For the first time since entering the clearing, he could feel as though he were moving toward something greater—something good.
The faes' blank expressions shifted slightly as they stared at Victorique, faint smiles forming as a pulse of energy radiated from them, targeting the halfling investigator. The energy struck her like a wave, not physically but deeply, wrenching at the intangible essence of her being. It clawed at her soul, trying to unravel the threads of her identity, to strip away the very fabric of what defined her.
A sharp, searing discomfort pierced her chest, spreading through her like icy fire. Memories flickered in her mind—her drive for justice, her relentless pursuit of truth, her clever quips and sardonic humor—all felt as though they were being pulled apart, like parchment torn at the seams. The fae power sought to seize the core of her being, to extract the price demanded for Cass’s pod.
But Victorique was not so easily undone. Her mind, fortified by her [Mind Guard] and tempered by her [Perseverant] nature, held strong. The fae’s energy splintered against her defenses, their first attempt rebuffed. Luck, ever fickle, seemed to favor her this time, adding an extra layer of protection. The discomfort subsided momentarily, but the fae were not deterred. Their smiles returned, widening more this time, and the energy pulsed again, just as strong as before (B grade attack), relentless, hammering at her soul with the same unyielding intensity. Notably, it was the left most fae of the 3 that seemed to be leading the effort this time.
The effort to resist would continue to weigh on her, like holding back a flood with nothing but her willpower.
Cass’s pod, still only half illuminated, hummed faintly as Victorique resisted. The pod seemed to react to Cass’s presence, glowing slightly brighter as he stepped closer. A sensation brushed against his mind—not words, but an impression, a feeling. It was willing to accept something from him instead, offering him the chance to spare Victorique from the relentless siphoning. The choice was his: to leave the halfling to her struggle or to offer something of his own in exchange. The rune button on the side of his pod also present, pulsing, and a possibility.
As Kane’s pod continued its ascent, the leaves sprouting from its sides shimmered like emeralds in the faint light. The gravity-defying river carried him higher, and with every moment, the oppressive weight of the forest below seemed to fade. Though the true cost of his offering remained a mystery, an unfamiliar sense of optimism filled him. The air seemed lighter, and the journey ahead felt less foreboding, more like a path toward renewal or redemption. Some of the pod revealed the outside to him somehow, a growing expanse of dark forest, life trees towering like mountains in the distance.
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
Languages: Common | {Sylvan}
“No shit.” She'd reply to Cass. What a great way to apologise. Victorique, for what it was worth, was assuming she'd end up the same or worse. “Ugh. Fuck.” She uttered as she felt the pain. Fuck. No, seriously, fuck. That hurt. “Gods I hate pain.” She grit her teeth, not a hero with these things in the slightest. Yet she was a also stubborn.
Annoying enough, it seemed they wouldn't stop. More annoying, was that she had no clue if this next one was for the button she'd pressed or just them trying to follow-up on Cass' thing again. She'd accept the button one, not Cass'.Ugh. This sucked. Assuming no CD's were at play, she'd keep up her [Mind Guard] and remained [Perseverant] at B grade, otherwise at C-grade.
That said, she'd also 'counter' some. “{Taking turns ganging up on me now? Am I too tall for you all to take me on one on one?}” She'd scoff, despite being in pain. As she grit her teeth, she wondered if her [Spirit Companion] of [Wind] would be of any use in this. It were supposed to be connected to the spirit king, after all. “{I believe that I've shown you my worth well enough, no? As a fellow Fae, I'd suggest you take your losses.}” She hoped her [Evolved] status would be of any meaning here. Perhaps with a final bit of Luck (2/2 usages) it'd work out.
Although, in a worst-case scenario, she did have her [Memento]. Should she feel like she'd start loosing it she could always use it to ensure she'd remember who and what she was.
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
Languages: Common | {Sylvan}
“No shit.” She'd reply to Cass. What a great way to apologise. Victorique, for what it was worth, was assuming she'd end up the same or worse. “Ugh. Fuck.” She uttered as she felt the pain. Fuck. No, seriously, fuck. That hurt. “Gods I hate pain.” She grit her teeth, not a hero with these things in the slightest. Yet she was a also stubborn.
Annoying enough, it seemed they wouldn't stop. More annoying, was that she had no clue if this next one was for the button she'd pressed or just them trying to follow-up on Cass' thing again. She'd accept the button one, not Cass'.Ugh. This sucked. Assuming no CD's were at play, she'd keep up her [Mind Guard] and remained [Perseverant] at B grade, otherwise at C-grade.
That said, she'd also 'counter' some. “{Taking turns ganging up on me now? Am I too tall for you all to take me on one on one?}” She'd scoff, despite being in pain. As she grit her teeth, she wondered if her [Spirit Companion] of [Wind] would be of any use in this. It were supposed to be connected to the spirit king, after all. “{I believe that I've shown you my worth well enough, no? As a fellow Fae, I'd suggest you take your losses.}” She hoped her [Evolved] status would be of any meaning here. Perhaps with a final bit of Luck (2/2 usages) it'd work out.
Although, in a worst-case scenario, she did have her [Memento]. Should she feel like she'd start loosing it she could always use it to ensure she'd remember who and what she was.
Mind Guard – Mind Shield B, Energised B – Character guards their mind against tampering. - Grade Be - 3 Post Cooldown
Short on Luck – Lucky F, Energised F – Character gets lucky. - Grade Fe – 0 Post Cooldown
[Perseverant] - Character has shown that even when faced with difficulty and adversity they are unwilling to give up on their objective. Depending on context character's perseverance can be seen as an inspiring and admirable virtue or stubbornness.
Ultimate Argument – Persuasion B, Law B, Eidetic Memory, Energised B, [Evolved] title. - Character formulates an ultimate argument to confront someone with. +1 Effectiveness against other Fae. - Grade Be - 3 Post Cooldown
[Memento] - This item of age and history will forever and always ensure the owner never forgets one specific thing. Can transcend scoops, lives, and mental tampering to ensure owner will never forget something incredibly important to them.
Short on Luck – Lucky F, Energised F – Character gets lucky. - Grade Fe – 0 Post Cooldown
[Perseverant] - Character has shown that even when faced with difficulty and adversity they are unwilling to give up on their objective. Depending on context character's perseverance can be seen as an inspiring and admirable virtue or stubbornness.
Ultimate Argument – Persuasion B, Law B, Eidetic Memory, Energised B, [Evolved] title. - Character formulates an ultimate argument to confront someone with. +1 Effectiveness against other Fae. - Grade Be - 3 Post Cooldown
[Memento] - This item of age and history will forever and always ensure the owner never forgets one specific thing. Can transcend scoops, lives, and mental tampering to ensure owner will never forget something incredibly important to them.
TheTimePiece
Roleplay Artist
Kane Blackburne
Novama
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Kane would have found humor in what Victorique had said, and he did briefly giving her a chuckle, but it probably wasn't long after that he was in the predicament which was in currently.
Regardless he was in his pod at this point, probably not really privy to the conversation that Cass and Victorique had, and even if he did, feeling as messed up as he did he probably wouldn't have, just focused on getting through the 'mission' so to speak, playing along with the tests that the Fae See or perhaps even the Spirit King themselves were throwing their way.
His pod was lighting up and humming which was probably a good thing, would mean he'd be one step closer to getting through this place. "[Glad to feel there's some semblance of mercy around here..]" He'd mutter suddenly the heavy mental weight not feeling as bad on him as it did before with the..light good feeling sort of balancing it all out. Literally..light with the extra buoyancy too.
What was even stranger..was what was this feeling even? Hope wasn't something Kane had really felt before, being rather pessimistic, living and working in Rotia could do that to one.. was that really the very feeling?
For the time being, he tried to chill in the pod with this new found feeling, watching it change if he could, leaves sprouting..optimism? Even after horrible feeling and realization..what a roller coaster. He focused on the way the gravity defying river lifted, and how being in the pod made him feel..it was all sort of peaceful in its own way.
"[I don't know what your plans or what the whole point of this whole thing is ..but if you're there I'm here and ready to listen.]" Kane threw out there, since that was the whole purpose of them coming was it not?
Novama
One Thousand Club
OOC: and here we are. let's finish strong. not sure what happened to cass though
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: sacrifices collected, the party was wisked away to the sanctuary of the spirit king
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The latest wave of energy from the fae struck Victorique like a tidal force. Her [Mind Guard] wavered, and though her [Perseverant] nature fought valiantly, the relentless assault overwhelmed her defenses. A sharp, cold pain surged through her legs first, severing her connection to them entirely. It was as if they were no longer her own—dead weights she could neither feel nor move.
The second strike was deeper, cutting into her mind. Memories, sharp and vivid, unraveled like threads pulled from a tapestry. Her pursuit of titles, the driving force that had brought her here, dissolved into the void. The questions, the mysteries, the frustrations—all gone. What remained was a hollow absence, an emptiness where ambition to learn the truth and purpose once burned.
The glow from Cass’s pod intensified, its pedestal pulsing brightly as if in satisfaction. Victorique’s own pod responded in kind, its rune flaring to life as the price for activation was finally paid. The fae figures stepped back, their blank expressions serene as the pods beckoned their chosen passengers.
Victorique felt the pod’s pull, an invisible force lifting her from the ground. Crippled and disoriented, she was drawn gently into the hollow seed-like structure. Cass, unscathed, stepped into his pod, the faint hum growing into a resonant vibration as the pod sealed around him. Both pods began to rise, following the same path Kane’s pod had taken earlier, the glowing river guiding them upward.
As the pods ascended, they began to transform. Like Kane’s, they sprouted delicate branches and leaves, their exteriors shifting into the form of young, radiant trees. Inside, the occupants were treated to sights that defied all understanding.
Outside the pods as spectacles to the fliers, they witnessed flames that burned but coated their surroundings in ice rather than char. Water churned with fiery intensity, each droplet scorching as if alive, melting away all it touched. Stone scattered like liquid, rippling and flowing as the trees moved through them. The air itself hardened into invisible walls that resisted every movement causing the pods to redirect several times. Light cloaked the surroundings in absolute darkness save for the single point of light, and the deepest shadows illuminated the landscape with an eerie, vibrant radiance at the poles of their view. Was like passing through to another world.
The pods carried them into a sanctuary nestled in a dense forest of fully grown tree-like pods. Each tree bore leaves of shimmering silver, their surfaces reflecting the surreal wonders of the world below. At the center of this otherworldly grove sat the Spirit King.
Perched upon an ancient stone altar, his form radiated a quiet, commanding presence. His translucent, almost shimmering figure glowed faintly with hues that shifted with every breath—gold, emerald, and sapphire merging like liquid light. His eyes, deep and knowing, met each of theirs as their pods settled into the grove, the branches intertwining with the surrounding trees.
Kane’s earlier words echoed faintly in the grove, yet the Spirit King spoke as if he had heard them clearly. His voice was calm yet resonant, filling the sanctuary with an ethereal cadence.
“You are ready to listen? And here I thought you came with questions,” he said, his gaze lingering on Kane.
He turned his eyes toward Victorique and Cass, his expression neither kind nor cruel, but a balance of both. “You sought answers, and in turn, you gave. Whether you have gained or lost depends not on me, but on the weight you place upon yourselves.”
The sanctuary fell silent again. It was not an uncomfortable silence. Like the pods, the sanctuary was a comforting place. Despite the dark and cold outside, the sanctuary was warm and bathed in the light radiating off the spirit king.
Time: evening
Weather: chill air and chiller mist
TLDR: sacrifices collected, the party was wisked away to the sanctuary of the spirit king
Mentions:
TheTimePiece
Elvario
Daddy Dream
Listening:
The second strike was deeper, cutting into her mind. Memories, sharp and vivid, unraveled like threads pulled from a tapestry. Her pursuit of titles, the driving force that had brought her here, dissolved into the void. The questions, the mysteries, the frustrations—all gone. What remained was a hollow absence, an emptiness where ambition to learn the truth and purpose once burned.
The glow from Cass’s pod intensified, its pedestal pulsing brightly as if in satisfaction. Victorique’s own pod responded in kind, its rune flaring to life as the price for activation was finally paid. The fae figures stepped back, their blank expressions serene as the pods beckoned their chosen passengers.
Victorique felt the pod’s pull, an invisible force lifting her from the ground. Crippled and disoriented, she was drawn gently into the hollow seed-like structure. Cass, unscathed, stepped into his pod, the faint hum growing into a resonant vibration as the pod sealed around him. Both pods began to rise, following the same path Kane’s pod had taken earlier, the glowing river guiding them upward.
As the pods ascended, they began to transform. Like Kane’s, they sprouted delicate branches and leaves, their exteriors shifting into the form of young, radiant trees. Inside, the occupants were treated to sights that defied all understanding.
Outside the pods as spectacles to the fliers, they witnessed flames that burned but coated their surroundings in ice rather than char. Water churned with fiery intensity, each droplet scorching as if alive, melting away all it touched. Stone scattered like liquid, rippling and flowing as the trees moved through them. The air itself hardened into invisible walls that resisted every movement causing the pods to redirect several times. Light cloaked the surroundings in absolute darkness save for the single point of light, and the deepest shadows illuminated the landscape with an eerie, vibrant radiance at the poles of their view. Was like passing through to another world.
The pods carried them into a sanctuary nestled in a dense forest of fully grown tree-like pods. Each tree bore leaves of shimmering silver, their surfaces reflecting the surreal wonders of the world below. At the center of this otherworldly grove sat the Spirit King.
Perched upon an ancient stone altar, his form radiated a quiet, commanding presence. His translucent, almost shimmering figure glowed faintly with hues that shifted with every breath—gold, emerald, and sapphire merging like liquid light. His eyes, deep and knowing, met each of theirs as their pods settled into the grove, the branches intertwining with the surrounding trees.
Kane’s earlier words echoed faintly in the grove, yet the Spirit King spoke as if he had heard them clearly. His voice was calm yet resonant, filling the sanctuary with an ethereal cadence.
“You are ready to listen? And here I thought you came with questions,” he said, his gaze lingering on Kane.
He turned his eyes toward Victorique and Cass, his expression neither kind nor cruel, but a balance of both. “You sought answers, and in turn, you gave. Whether you have gained or lost depends not on me, but on the weight you place upon yourselves.”
The sanctuary fell silent again. It was not an uncomfortable silence. Like the pods, the sanctuary was a comforting place. Despite the dark and cold outside, the sanctuary was warm and bathed in the light radiating off the spirit king.
Elvario
.
Mentions:
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
Languages: Common | {Sylvan}
“{Aaaahrhgghgh fuuuuccck!!!}” She cried and cursed, as she could feel her legs hurting like a bitch. It's like they were separated from her body altogether. She fell to the ground, eyeing the Fae with a furious gaze. Tears forming in her eyes. She was horrible with pain. “{Damn you blasted fucking... ughhh....}” She groaned, but before she could add even more colourful curses to her rant, she started to feel... weird.
Why the hell was she here? What was she doing..? No, what was she? Her own body even ended up feeling a little alien to her. Like she was something she didn't even remember being. Had the pod not started to call out to her, she might've ended up merely laying there. Both her body and her mind having stopped to cooperate in making her continue. Unaware of the who/what she was. Unaware of anything, really.
Even with her legs not working and her mind scrambled, however, she stared in silent awe at the scenery. She wasn't sure why, but this felt like the type of place she'd wish to explore more. Perhaps her [Lightfoot Halfling] blood wanted to go out and explore? To soak in the unknown wonders and mysteries.
She stood in front of the odd figure and stared at him in silence. The others barely caught her attention. Yet... she felt like she was here... for a reason? Surely? No? Confused, she looked through her pocket. Until she found a certain scroll. Reading through it, she looked up again. “{Are you the Spirit King?}” She asked. Even though it felt obvious. Yet, it gnawed in the back of her mind. “{Why...}” Why did she wish to see him?
The fact that she didn't know annoyed her. Annoyed her beyond imagination. Yet even her normally [Eidetic Memory] seemed to be unable to figure that out. She stared intensely at the scroll, trying her best to figure things out, how did she get this? Why did she get this? What for? Eventually, she'd (sub)consciously even start to try dragging the answers out of the scroll itself [Postcognition B] in order to figure things out.
Novama
| Kane
TheTimePiece
| Cass
Daddy Dream
Languages: Common | {Sylvan}
“{Aaaahrhgghgh fuuuuccck!!!}” She cried and cursed, as she could feel her legs hurting like a bitch. It's like they were separated from her body altogether. She fell to the ground, eyeing the Fae with a furious gaze. Tears forming in her eyes. She was horrible with pain. “{Damn you blasted fucking... ughhh....}” She groaned, but before she could add even more colourful curses to her rant, she started to feel... weird.
Why the hell was she here? What was she doing..? No, what was she? Her own body even ended up feeling a little alien to her. Like she was something she didn't even remember being. Had the pod not started to call out to her, she might've ended up merely laying there. Both her body and her mind having stopped to cooperate in making her continue. Unaware of the who/what she was. Unaware of anything, really.
Even with her legs not working and her mind scrambled, however, she stared in silent awe at the scenery. She wasn't sure why, but this felt like the type of place she'd wish to explore more. Perhaps her [Lightfoot Halfling] blood wanted to go out and explore? To soak in the unknown wonders and mysteries.
She stood in front of the odd figure and stared at him in silence. The others barely caught her attention. Yet... she felt like she was here... for a reason? Surely? No? Confused, she looked through her pocket. Until she found a certain scroll. Reading through it, she looked up again. “{Are you the Spirit King?}” She asked. Even though it felt obvious. Yet, it gnawed in the back of her mind. “{Why...}” Why did she wish to see him?
The fact that she didn't know annoyed her. Annoyed her beyond imagination. Yet even her normally [Eidetic Memory] seemed to be unable to figure that out. She stared intensely at the scroll, trying her best to figure things out, how did she get this? Why did she get this? What for? Eventually, she'd (sub)consciously even start to try dragging the answers out of the scroll itself [Postcognition B] in order to figure things out.
Users who are viewing this thread
Similar threads
