Graded [Frontier] - Let's Go Fly a Kite

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n lXlGamemaster
OOC: You may freely use skills, abilities, and titles as appropriate outside of combats. I'll let you know when in combat or otherwise not appropriate to use abilities. We will strive for a 2 day post cycle. Faster if everyone actually posts. If you cannot post, let someone know or get skipped. If we have notice, I am willing to wait an extra day if appropriate. Outside of combat, you can post freely without limit or order so long as you don't post back to back.
Time: 11:00am
Weather: warm in the sun, no breeze, dry
Cooldown:
TLDR:
Post Listening:

Grasslands of Western Empire

​

This chapter of Isekai Hell follows Michael (recently survivor of an abduction and adventurer), Lucian (mage), Crymaria (martial artist) and bear (bear), and Dark Witch (mage) as they band together to take on a new adventurer's guild mission to escort one Uncle Lori from the capital of the Western Empire to the coastal town of Lenshime. Lori had wish to procure some protection for himself to take a sudden trip. The urgency meant a better reward too. The trip would not be a particularly long one, a bit over a week to make it to the next town. Those without guild member ship would be under Michael's instruction. If they performed adequately, Michael's report would allow them to be granted membership to the country's adventuring guild. If they performed well, they may even skip a grand in guild standing.

The temperature and weather of the journey promised to be more moderate. While the summer heat wasn't bad, it was still very dry. The party packed extra water for the trip. They were unlikely to get rained on, which would make their progress good, but the water they carried would be some of the only water available on the open road. They would be able to take a southern dirt road to the town of Lenshime. Most of the route would be through forested wilderness: shady and comfortable, but more prone to dangers.

Despite the risks, the party's journey was fairly uneventful. They had more than enough water and despite Lori spending half the trip hitting on the girls and trying to borrow coin from the men, the party was able to come together well enough to make travel not unbearable. They were about half way through the trip when Lori's habit of looking scared and watching his back became most noticeable. They were crossing one of the more dry portions of their route: a dry, sunny, grassy plain, when Lori turned to the party and asked nervously,

"..does anyone else feel that?"

There was a subtle shake in the ground beneath their feet and the feeling was growing in magnitude.

Uncle Lori

Michael The Blue Knight

​

 

[saxon]

Crymaria
​

Crymaria had seen the request at the guild though she was merely looking for a way to get herself in the guild. Though this mission she hadn't expected to go the way it was. The man they were escorting was well, in her mind, not worth the effort she was spending to protect him. However, she couldn't argue that the route they were taking was probably the best idea to take. But, she did stick out like a sore thumb, with Boris following close behind her as the medium-sized brown bear would now and then look around.

Every time their client hit on the woman, she would let out a sigh and shake her head. "Comrade Lori, you know something, you are scum actually I take that back. That would insult scum," She spoke to the man. She wasn't all that thrilled with their client. They could have made the trip much easier had he kept moving. Though she doubted many would come close with the bear following them, her light jacket with red accepts on the collar and shoulder along with a hat that sat upon her head, the inside with fur and the outside cloth with its sides folded up and a red star in the center.

She stayed in the middle of the group so that way she could react to either direction if she had to. When he stopped and asked about the ground shaking, she stopped for a moment and felt it slightly. "Comrade Lori, I do hope you told the guild everything about this request. I'm sure the guild would be intrigued to find out information as withheld. But I do not hear anything even with my hearing, so it might just be the earth." She theorized before scratching the back of her neck. "Besides, comrade, Boris the bear here is a huge intimidation factor with just his presence," She concluded as she reached back and patted the bear's head.

"Comrades, Michael, Lucian, and Alex do any of you hear or see anything that could be causing this?" She inquired, looking at the functioning members of society.

mentions: Xen6n lXlGamemaster Novama

 

[lXlGamemaster]

Dark Witch (Alexandria Kingston)

​

After days of performing in Osun City and making a profit, Alex was suffering from cabin fever and needed something to do. While she was becoming famous, her entire goal in this world was to become strong enough to take on the Demon King in her world: a task that seemed frighteningly long away. After using her contacts with the Knight's Order she found Michael on a job posting and hopped in as soon as she could. With her extra money she had splurged and got a bag with camping gear, as well as a canteen full of liquor (since people in this world drank water like beer).

Traveling on the road wasn't something new to her: after traveling for weeks across a haunted forest a few days through an open field seemed like a cakewalk. While walking she strummed her electric guitar, filling the air with a simple rhythm to keep the group's moral up. She looked to her companions and wondered what they were like, while being too awkward to come and ask while on the job. Michael seemed like a stoic badass that earned the name The Blue Knight, but she had no idea what kind of power lied behind those intricate blue tattoos. Her comrade Crymaria looked like she was straight out of Earth's Russia, trained bear and all. She wanted nothing more than to feel its thick fur, but its intimidating size convinced her otherwise.

Alex did indeed feel the ground shake for a moment, but since she was playing her music she thought nothing of it. Where she came from music could form mountains and cut chasms into the earth, so she thought some of her latent musical magic had spilled over when she wasn't paying attention. "If this is some sort of start to another flirt I swear to god..."

 

[Clyvelle]

Quenton Malady
|Human|​

Quenton walked along with the party he had somehow ended up in. Looking around, he took note of the bizarre dress of the others, but more importantly, their armor and equipment. Looking at his own simple tunic, he began to question if he was any better off than the smooth talking fellow who had hired them. He figured a farmhand has just as much potential in these situations as anyone. Perhaps he should keep an eye out for a big stick or rock to use should trouble come.

He felt nothing until Lori brought it up: the strange rumbling beneath their feet. Do they get earthquakes here? Maybe it's something different. Quenton looked down at his feet then looked around the vicinity.

"Is it a herd of horses?" he asked out loud.

 

[Xen6n]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Lucian Aster

Extra-Dimensional Sorcerer

When Lucian saw the posting for the mission, he figured it was worth a chance because he was primarily interested in the money so he could support himself. Although he had no interest in joining the guild but after learning that they paid well, he might reconsider doing so in the future. They had to accompany a man named Lori, who was often annoying to be around. Occasionally, they would flirt with the female companions and try to borrow coins from the men, to which Lucian threw them a glare when they came his way

As they traveled the journey, Lucian would stay towards the back of the group, relishing his isolation and keeping to himself. He would usually merely keep an eye on his surroundings, aware that there might be dangers in the nearby woodland. Although he had never traveled before, he was a patient man, and the previous several days had gone rather smoothly. He turned to look at his comrades, but there were none that he was familiar with. He wasn't the kind to judge people by their outward looks, but he will admit that they were an odd group. He didn't stick out much in comparison to the rest because he had only lately purchased leather attire to ensure that he was suitably dressed for the mission.

However, as Crymaria started probing Lori about the mission and asking if the others felt the shaking as well, Lucian started to feel on edge. When Lori first mentioned feeling something, he disregarded it as one of their attempts to draw a discussion with them, something he wasn't willing to indulge in. When he paused, he did experience a light shaking, which quickly intensified.

"Lori's right, something's shaking the earth but it might be some natural phenomena, like a landslide or a herd of animals. But that's unlikely in this environment.", Lucian began looking around to see what might be causing it but all he saw was the large expanse of forestry and greenery that impaired his vision.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n lXlGamemaster Clyvelle
OOC: Going on a 48hr posting frequency. Those that can't post will be skipped unless they give notice that they can post but need a bit extra time. Missing one round is not a biggie though if it does happen.

We are currently in a 'combat' scene where your posts are limited to 3 actions (can be any combination of moves, attacks, defenses, spells, abilities) and speaking.

Up to you guys how you wish to deal with the scene.
Time: 11:10am
Weather: warm in the sun, no breeze, dry
Cooldown:
TLDR: Lori defends his honor kinda, Michael informs the party of the enemy approaching before hand, enemy is about to apprehend the party
Post Listening:

Grasslands of Western Empire

​

Lori shrank back a bit at the accusations of not being honest.

"eheh. You wound me. Surely you jest. I've been nothing but the most forthcoming and honest here. I could not stand the thought of deceiving such beautiful ladies...nor the courageous and gallant men,"

Lori's grand standing was an obvious pull from his hat to placate everyone, but his performance was everything charming and convincing. While trusting the man fully would seem foolish to any of the characters with a modicum of sense, no one thought he was ill-intentioned or have reason to believe so. Meanwhile, Lori continued to dazzle with his smile and flattering way of speaking, but the shaking in the ground only increased.

The arid grasslands they were in between stretches of forest were not completely flat, but the rises were not such that you couldn't see over them a good ways. The party would see nothing approaching. Michael felt the rumbling like the rest and moved to a few yards from the rest of the party as he scanned the horizon.

"I'm going to check something. Let's hold here for a moment, everyone."

Michael closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The air around Michael changed subtly. The casters may have been able to faintly notice something. The tattoos on Michael's face faintly glowed. His eyes suddenly opened and shown with an intense, blue glow.

"Blue Sight"

(Blue Sight - Appraisal E, Supersense: Infrared Visions E, Feature: Darkvision F, Sixth Sense: Mana Vision F, Energized E, Medicine F, Arcana F - See Mana Flows, temperature variations, and appraise targets within 100ft to perceive basic arcane and medical information - Grade E - 0 post cooldown.)

Michael could see the tendrils of heat rising up from the grassland, warmed by the nearly noon sun. He could make out the various currents of mana that swirled around them like an invisible river with rapids throughout. Behind them just within his range of perception and moving quickly was a mass of oddly behaving mana. It formed something like a cloak over several large structions moving over the plains. Michael perceived deeper to note the creatures inside or otherwise beyond the cloak.

"Hmph,"

Michael grunted finally. Things were start to move quickly as Michael started shouting for all to hear clearly,

"A slaver's caravan is nearly upon us! They are using some sort of cloaking magic. That's why we only feel them through the ground. Get ready to defend yourself and the 'package'. I'll take care of the mage!"

The rumbling grew until it stopped within a handful of yards of the party. Those watching could make out the impressions in the dry grass from the caravan's presence. Lori, with wide-eyes, casually scooted and ducked down behind the bear.

"At least its only slavers this time.."

He muttered to himself consolingly. He looked less nervous when the magical cloak on the caravan was dissipated. Two large owlbears huffed, hooted, and shook their fur as they calmed down. Wagons with bars and loaded down with supplies were at beasts' backs. Four rough looking beastmen, slavers all hopped out of the driver seats. One human man, better dressed than the rest leered down on everyone.

"We had it on good authority there would be prime...I'll say it again...PRIME human resources roaming these grasslands, and what do my eyes perceive? Nothing short of select morsels down to the last furry, mhm"

The man's quick way of speaking and accent made him seem exceptionally out of place, but the way he looked at everyone as 'things' rather than people was the most off putting. Michael's fists tightened along with his body.

"Here's the deal, everyone: you're gonna behave nice and good like and enter my wagons here. We are then gonna go back to the capital where we'll sell you to kind masters at high yet competitive prices. This whole, live independently thing" is for the birds. It's an offer you can't refuse,"

The big beastmen started moving toward the party, each equipped with whips, rope, metal shackles, and a blade.

Loose idea of a large owlbear pulling a large slave wagon

Uncle Lori/Michael The Blue Knight

​

 

[saxon]

Crymaria
​

Crymaria looked at the man; while she may have been convinced of his good intentions, she still thought of him as a sleazeball. She put her hands up and motioned for him to relax a bit. "Fine, fine comrade Lori I believe you; however, I still think you are a sleazeball waiting to hit on the next woman who walks down this road. That being said, we should be on the lookout going forward," she concluded before turning to the others who had spoken up. "I mean, if it is a big herd of horses, I would believe it, but who is to say that it is not comrade Quenton," She spoke as Michael then took off into the air telling everyone to hold on for a moment. Such strange company Boris and I find ourselves in, though I guess they are not bad people or not all of them Lori is scum. She thought to herself before letting out a sigh.

She then heard Michael shout down to the group about the slavers incoming. She smirked a bit as she made a fist and brought her hands together, she was eager to test her training. Though she would let the slavers go if they started to run away. "Boris, I trust you know your part," She spoke to her bear companion as she eagerly awaited the arrival of the slavers and their caravan to see how this would turn out. That was when she heard what Lori said about the slavers, "What do you mean this time?" She inquired as the slavers had arrived and appeared ready for a fight.

Not wanting to give the slavers a chance to react, she went straight into the action. Trusting her comrades would do something as well, she just wanted to be the first one to act. Crymaria went to strike the nearest target with Northern Strike. Meanwhile, Boris would go to Maul, the closest slaver, and attempt to attack it.

Spoiler: Cooldown/Abilities Used

• Northern Strike- Fighting Style Northern Bear Style (Natural Weapons) F, (Aura F, Frost), Natural Weapons F - Crymaria delivers a strike using her Aura to deliver physical and frost damage to the target upon contact. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

Boris:

• Maul - Superstrength E - Boris attacks a target with the ability to push up to 600 lbs. Must be within melee distance. - Grade E - 1 Post Cooldown

mentions: Xen6n lXlGamemaster Novama Clyvelle

 

[lXlGamemaster]

Dark Witch (Alexandria Kingston)

​

Alex put her hand to her head as though nurturing a migraine. As a performer herself she knew when someone was putting on a show, and this guy was an entire circus. She stopped her playing as soon as Michael went to scope out the field, and wasn't surprised when he claimed that trouble was on its way. What did surprise her, however, was Lori mentioning that this wasn't his first encounter with trouble while traveling, and that simple slavers was the least of his worries. "Is... is there something you're not telling us? It'd be pretty helpful if we knew what we were dealing with."

Dark Witch watched as the slavers came within earshot and introduced themselves. The man's way of talking made Alex lurch: it reminded of the hillbilly's on her home world that played banjos and ate nothing but beans. As his companions moved forewords with malicious intent she smiled. Raising her hand to the heavens she brought her guitar pick down upon her guitar and started playing. The ground around her cracked as though it was hit with a hammer, and a shockwave rang out, engulfing her allies. Everyone near her started to feel invigorated, as though the song itself was giving them power

Spoiler: Used Abilities

Create Stage - Magic E, Music Affinity F, Control Environment, Spell Duration F, Spell AOE F, Energized E - you turn the 10 ft. of area around you into a stage, complete with stage lights and speakers. This lasts for 1 minute or until dismissed - Grade E - 0 Post Cooldown

Song of Power - Magic E, Music Affinity F, Spell Range F, Spell AOE F Spell Duration F, Bolster F, Energized E - target within 10 ft. of you increase their Strength by 1 increment for 1 minute from up to 10 ft. away - Grade E - 0 Post Cooldown

Spoiler: Current Song

[media]

 

[Clyvelle]

Quenton Malady
|Human|​

Quenton was a man who had taken orders all his life, so submitting to Michael's authority, and clear superior prowess in these sorts of situations, was second nature. In all honesty, he was grateful that the knight took charge in scouting out the situation. Only the faintest glimmer of something was visible to Quenton's naked eye, which prompted him to activate his [Appraisal] to see what he could see. It had taken some time to get used to it, but Quenton likened the ability to donning and doffing spectacles of a magical variety: it just simply helped him see better. He gleaned what he could from Michael's ability use, but his focus shifted to the road as Michael announced their visitors.

As the others prepared in their own ways, Quenton positioned himself in front of Lori. This scenario wasn't that different from when the armies back home would come to steal the males for the wars. Lori seemed like a questionable sort, but delivering him to this fate would reflect on Quenton's character, not his. Besides, Lori wasn't the only one that would be taken if the slavers had their way. They were all fighting for themselves just as much as him.

Quenton eyeballed the swords the slavers carried. If he could disarm one, he might appear a little more intimidating to the remaining hostiles. For now, he'd serve as the rearguard. In any case the bear seemed like it would take care of the caravan by itself as it charged forth.

The witch in their party cast some sort of bolstering magic on him, and Quenton's plan to remain as the rearguard was tested. Even on the farm, during all the menial tasks and labor, Quenton never felt as overwhelmingly strong as he felt in this moment.

"I think...I think I might be able to do something with this...." he muttered, flexing his hands, as he began walking forward.

Approaching one of the lackeys, Quenton held up his fists. Throwing the hardest punch he could, Quenton hoped to knock out the creature in question and take his weapon.

 

[Xen6n]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Lucian Aster

Extra-Dimensional Sorcerer

Even though Lucien didn't trust Lori, he thought they weren't trying to hurt them, but he couldn't get rid of the idea that they know something we don't. Michael set out to determine the cause of the trembling, and when he returned with the information that slavers were approaching, he knew danger was brewing. With Lori's comment, Lucien was even more worried about what other things besides slavers would follow Lori. Burying that notion deep inside, he looked up to see the owlbear-drawn caravan approaching them and coming to a stop a few feet away from the group.

One human emerged as the beastmen stepped from the caravans, addressed them, and made what appeared to be a demand rather than a deal. Which infuriated the sorcerer, but he was disturbed by the way they spoke because it separated them from the rest of his fellow beastmen. The man spoke with a level of arrogance that made Lucien wonder who else this vile man had abducted and sold off to whatever slavemaster or thing.

When they began to approach the group, carrying ropes, whips, and shackles, Lucien was already on his feet, running at them as he conjured a blade out of extra-dimensional energy. Seeing that his comrades were already going at the beastmen, Lucien felt himself being empowered by the witch near him and used it to his advantage as he went at a beastman on the far left and swung at it.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n lXlGamemaster Clyvelle
OOC: Still combat. Dark Witch can't use 2 E grade abilities in 1 post even if they have energize.
Time: 11:11am
Weather: warm in the sun, no breeze, dry
Cooldown:
TLDR:
Post Listening:

Grasslands of Western Empire

​

The beastmen were tall bruisers. They had the heads of bulls and furry bodies with various spotted patterns. The Minotaur towered over Crymaria and smiled as she approached. With rope in hand, it diverted her attack to the side. In doing so, a portion of the rope got a coating of frost. The cowman was surprised but immediately whipped the rope around to try and clock Crymaria in the side of the head with a knot in the rope (E grade attack).

Boris was quick to back up his master and barreled in as only a bear could. However, in approaching the bulls, he got near the owlbears. The massive creatures that were bears with owl heads cawed and squawked loudly. They started to buck at the bears approach and stood up, revealing their very large stature. Boris was distracted by the owlbears and their weird, twisted appearance. Boris can't help but be cowed by the show of force by the larger animals. Boris is momentarily distracted from the plight of his master.

Lori shrugged against the prompts for him to explain himself and continued shrinking back from the fighting behind Quenton. He mumbled something about whether or not this was the appropriate time for such discussions.

Dark Witch's music began to jam and provide music for the hostile encounter. While the minimal stage rose up, the buffing she tried to apply to her allies was not effective yet.

This was no worse than for Quenton who was charging in, inspired by the music. His fist, although a lot stronger than the average, met with the Minotaur's raised manacles he used like knuckles. Quenton's powerful punch was stopped short. The Bullman smiled and nodded approvingly at Quenton's strength. He wound his arm back and sent a powerful punch back at Quenton. (E grade attack)

Not to be undone by his allies, a third bullman met Lucian's magical blade with a curved sword of its own. While their strength was comparable, Lucian's energy blade was instantly dispersed in response to the curved sword blocking his attack. The swordsbeast then followed up the block with his own (E grade attack) against Lucian, swinging the blade in a way to try and clock Lucian in the side of the head with the unsharpened side of the blade.

Meanwhile, the 4th beastman was content to stand back minding the owl bears. The slavemaster, on the closest slave wagon, proudly watched his men put the party through their paces. He raised his hands and started to chant. It looked like the caster was about ready to do something. Meanwhile, Michael was back by Lori now that everyone else had moved into the fray. Despite being in the back, Michael carefully watched the battle unfold and noted the caster beginning to assemble his spell components. Michael, on the other hand, tapped the sword on his left hip with a grim expression.

Loose idea of a large owlbear pulling a large slave wagon

Uncle Lori/Michael The Blue Knight

​

 

[saxon]

Crymaria
​

Crymaria hadn't expected the slaver to be as good as he was. Though then again, she should have figured that they were probably well trained or paid with them being so few. She would attempt to dodge the top coming back around at the bear minimum, hoping to freeze the rope more as it made contact with her. Why did I decide to take this job again? There could have been easier ones! Oh right, I thought this was going to be easy. She thought to herself.

Once again she would try to go on the offensive, aiming a strike to the minotaur's leg, hoping to freeze it if only for a moment. She would faint a punch before quickly swapping to the kick to deliver the strike. "Comrade Boris!" She would yell, calling the bear to her side should the bear not be scared again this time and attempt to strike the slaver with Red Winter's Grasp.

Spoiler: Cooldown/Abilities Used

• Northern Strike- Fighting Style Northern Bear Style (Natural Weapons) F, (Aura F, Frost), Natural Weapons F - Crymaria delivers a strike using her Aura to deliver physical and frost damage to the target upon contact. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown
• Red Winter's Grasp - Weaken Strength F - Causes the target to go down 1 grade of strength for their actions for one post or depending on the narrator's discretion. Must be within melee distance. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

mentions: Xen6n lXlGamemaster Novama Clyvelle

 

[lXlGamemaster]

Dark Witch (Alexandria Kingston)

​

Dark Witch watched as the frontline clashed with each other. She wasn't in the backline with Michael and Lori, but wasn't a frontline fighter like everyone else. The song that she was playing came to her from the World Tree of her homeland, which pulled music from all across the multiverse and fed them into its denizens, allowing her to pay attention to the battle and play on autopilot. She payed attention to who was attacking who, as well as the abilities each person was using to counter their opponent.

Crymaria didn't seem like much, but Alex saw that each blow she landed added frost to the impact, which probably explained the winter clothes. Lucian was able to summon a sword of energy and use it against his opponent, which took everyone by surprise. The only one seeming to have any sort of trouble was Quenton, who delivered an impressive punch to the minotaur, but it took it as a challenge. Aiming down the neck of the guitar as though it as a weapon, Dark Witch strummed at one of the beats of the song and sent a bolt of purple energy towards Quenton's minotaur. As it flew through the air it made a scream much like a guitar riff, and blasted into the hide of the enemy

Spoiler: Used Abilities

Arcane Bolt - Magic E, Music Affinity F, Spell Range F, Energized E, Magic Target F - A bolt of violet energy is fired from the tip of the guitar towards up to two foes 10 ft. away - Grade E - 0 Post Cooldown

Spoiler: Current Song

 

[Clyvelle]

Quenton Malady
|Human|​

Quenton was more than a little caught off-guard by the minotaur matching his punch. The manacles definitely were not the most comfortable thing to smash his fist against as Quenton retrieved his fist, shaking it out to relieve the sting a little.

"I was kinda hoping I'd knock you out with that punch, friend." Quenton said, feeling much less sure of his strength now.

Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to bow out of this fight. The minotaur retaliated with a punch of his own as if this were a cordial brawl betwixt gentlemen. Quenton supposed he should be grateful for the acknowledgement at least. All the spells and abilities the others had at their disposal were lost on Quenton as he relied on his basic speed to dodge the punch. Attempting to dodge the punch, Quenton followed up with a one-two combo punch.

Spoiler: Stats

Strength - B
Precision - C
Intelligence - F
Vitality - B
Speed - B
Character Grade - C

 

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n lXlGamemaster Clyvelle
OOC: Still combat. Would like dark witch to use more sensory and/or knowledge skills to give the analytical breakdowns described for future posts.
Time: 11:11am
Weather: warm in the sun, no breeze, dry
Cooldown: Omega B 4/4
TLDR: party was about to get owned, then michael unleashed his sword on the slavers. now party has fighting chance.
Post Listening:

Grasslands of Western Empire

​

The smooth operating slave master chanted his spell undisturbed in some old fae language,

"lilacliclaclailiclacllcilcalaicla"

The stream of words took visible shape and formed into loops: bands of binding magic, one for each of them. The slaver was going to ensare them in some magic while they were still busy fighting and too preoccupied. All of them were too busy defending themselves to mind the magic anyway. The bands of black ink hovered and spun in place as his spell brought them into being and gave them strength. The slavemancer then gestured to the party with raised hands like a conductor looking for the climax of his orchestral piece. The bands shot toward the party, threatening to end the fight just as it has narrowly begun. Honestly a blessing for some of the party members about to get clocked senseless. Fortunately, that was not the outcome as Michael's words of taking care of the magic user were followed up on.

"Omega.."

He said calmly while a hatred burned in his eyes for the magic caster. While one of his gloved hands kept Lori behind him, his other hand lightly raised the sword on his left hip enough that it's blue blade flashed like a bolt of lightning. Everyone in the space would suddenly feel a weight on their person as if a weighted blanket had been placed upon them. To the party, the weight was nothing more than what one felt moving through a fog. To the enemy, it was oppressive.

The magical bands conjured by the caster were gone, dispersed mid-flight and not by the caster. They had failed to accomplish their task. The slavemancer was in a state of confusion and looked around, meanwhile, his men were the first to learn situations had suddenly turned horribly wrong for them. Hands, clawing, groping, pinching hands could be felt and scene suddenly appearing all over their body. The hand impressions pressing into them had not bodies attached, but they were there as firm and year as if dozens of people were suddenly pressing their hands into the minotaurs. Their attacks would be stopped in their tracks and their weapons or items in hand would be stripped from them and dropped to the ground. The minotaurs would struggle to move and find it difficult as they were suddenly slammed to the ground if they were unable to fight it. Of the three attacking Minotaurs, two had been sent to the ground to struggle against the disembodied handprints. The minotaurs shrieked and mooed loudly in distress only to have hand prints form up around their face and stifle their ability to cry out.

The caster was not spared. He too was left fidgeting on the ground to curse wordlessly. His catalyst had been stripped from him by the hands and he was much easier to restrain than the minotaurs. The only things not being assualted but threatened if they tried anything were the 2 owlbears and the minotaur that had stayed with them.

Boris, emboldened and reminded by his master of his role, trotted over to her side. He then proceeded to trot over to the minotaur she had been fighting and push him over while he struggled against the hands. The bear then growled at the cow man. Crymaria's attack landed successfully this time. It was much easier to pummel the cow man while he was preoccupied and on the ground.

Dark Witch's blast was not exactly pin-point precision, but the minotaur was larger than Quenton and now restrained on the ground. It hit easily enough, but something to note was the impact of sound caused several of the hands on the minotaur to suddenly disappear. It spurred the beast into more frantic action as it tour at the hands holding it down. Now that the surprise was over, the minotaur had no trouble ripping the hands off in great number. He was able to struggle to his feet. Quenton was able to move in and land a few punches into him.

All minotaurs fighting looked like they were on their last legs. The slavemancer was fairly helpless at the moment too. The fourth bullman looked around for his master and started making his way over to where he writhed on the ground. Lori stood in the back peeking between his fingers at the battle's sudden odd turn.

"Hm, well. That's new and comforting. Such capable fellows. I knew my confidence was well placed. Bravo to you up front."

Lori called, feeling much less like leaving the party behind and giving them genuine sounding emotional support from the rear of the battle.

Loose idea of a large owlbear pulling a large slave wagon

Uncle Lori/Michael The Blue Knight

​

 

[Xen6n]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Lucian Aster

Extra-Dimensional Sorcerer

As his blade dispersed from the clash, it caused him to get a small migraine which was common when his constructs got destroyed or he lost focus holding them. So when the beast slashed at his head with the blade, he ducked from the path and jumped as he used the large frame of the beast to kick himself off them and to push himself away, to give himself distance from them.

Conjuring two Tao Manala shields with both fists, he was about to strike when he began feeling a weight on him as the beastman and several others fell to the floor writhing in agony as some force attacked them. Turning around he saw who was the source of this and sighed after seeing Michael do whatever he did, as all of their attackers were made helpless he dispersed his shields. Rolling his eyes at Lori's comment, not in the mood, he slowly walked over to the wagon that was pulled by the owlbear.

"What should we do with this?", he said as he turned to everyone else.

 

[Clyvelle]

Quenton Malady
|Human|​

Quenton's punches found their mark due to a mysterious force preventing his opponent from properly defending himself. As the handprints matted the fur, Quenton found himself hesitant to continue his attack. The minotaur quickly fought the magic currently oppressing him, however, and was about to continue his offensive. Using his opponent's impairment against the minotaur, Quenton would launch three attacks of his own, assuming it took that many in order to bring his opponent down.

The cows back home were every bit this sturdy! Quenton thought as he hoped his opponent fell unconscious soon.

Spoiler: Stats

Strength - B
Precision - C
Intelligence - F
Vitality - B
Speed - B
Character Grade - C

 

[saxon]

Crymaria
​

Crymaria felt her hit connect as Borris knocked over the bull man as he was suddenly restrained for a moment. "Much appreciated, comrade and to you as well, comrade Borris." Crymaria replied as she went to strike her target once again, still confused as to what magic was just used in the first place. Once again, she would use her northern strike ability again, aiming for the creature's head.

Meanwhile, Borris was free to engage the next free target that was closest to him with a slashing attack with his claws. "Comrade Borris show no fear." Crymaria concluded as he once again focused on the target in front of her.

Spoiler: Cooldown/Abilities Used

• Northern Strike- Fighting Style Northern Bear Style (Natural Weapons) F, (Aura F, Frost), Natural Weapons F - Crymaria delivers a strike using her Aura to deliver physical and frost damage to the target upon contact. - Grade F - 0 Post Cooldown

mentions: Xen6n lXlGamemaster Novama Clyvelle

 

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n lXlGamemaster Clyvelle
OOC: Still combat. Lucian doesn't have the ability to conjure multiple items at once.
Time: 11:11am
Weather: warm in the sun, no breeze, dry
Cooldown: Omega B 3/4
TLDR: party successfully dealt with a couple problems, but then situations changed of the battle shifted to the wagons and the ground shook again
Post Listening:

Grasslands of Western Empire

​

As Lucian approached the Owlbears, the massive creatures stopped looking around and making agitated noises to look at him. The closest owlbear then tried taking a bite out of Lucian. The owlbear would meet with some resistance from the magic active in the area, but the owlbear is stronger than the minotuar (D grade attack). The minotaur dealing with Lucian was hampered in his movements, but he was on his way to deal with Lucian too.

Quenton's battle sense kept him alive. The minotaur was nearly free of the hands restraining him and was able to send an unarmed punch Quenton's way. However, Quenton's barrage of punches easily overpowered the Minotaur to the point where it was clearly a surprise to the Minotaur as his muscular neck was spun around in an unnatural way from that last punch. If this adventuring thing didn't work out, perhaps Quenton could find work in a meat locker as a tenderizer.

Crymaria lacked the brute force Quenton had, but knowing where and when to hit made up for some of what was missing. Before the Minotaur could scrape hands and push the bear off, Crymaria's attack landed and Boris the bear would clamp down for good measure. Boris would lick dirty snout and shake out its fur as it got off the cow man. The minotaur wouldn't struggle anymore.

Michael stayed with Lori. Occasionally, he needed to grab the carefree man and jerked him back so he stayed back. Last thing anyone needed was for something random happening to make them fail the mission. Lori protested whinily but resigned himself to following Michael as the two made their way to the others. Michael noted the one Minotaur that moved further away from the combat to help the slavemaster. Even if he could get him free, the catalyst the slavemaster needed to do his magic would need retrieved, which allowed the slavemaster to be restrained again. Michael allowed himself a small smirk before mentally berating himself. His expression returned to all business. Lucian's actions were reckless. Michael's fingers drummed the handle of his left sword and the many hands appeared on the owlbeast and minotaur bearing down on Lucian to aid him.

To those out of immediate combat (before engaging something else), they would note the ground had begun to shake again.

Doubting Hands - Magic B, Selective Magic B, Nullify(magic) B , weaken(precision) F , Tangle F , Flexible F , Spell Duration E - 1 hour, Sixth Sense [hostile magic] F, Magic AOE C - 1000ft - Omega is always on alert for hostile magic. Once sensed, the sword will automatically react to the magic by creating a nullifying barrier against anything magical in nature save for creatures an objects deemed allies by the sword. The barrier is 1000ft radius and lasts an hour. Additionally, Omega sends out writhing, grasping, tentacle hands throughout the area to apprehend enemies, enveloping them in magical arms to lock them in place and steal (disarm) their equipment. The hands will continue to pursue targets within the nullifying bubble for the duration of the spell trying to rip them apart as they hinder them. - Grade B - Cooldown 4 posts

Loose idea of a large owlbear pulling a large slave wagon

Uncle Lori/Michael The Blue Knight

​

 

[saxon]

Crymaria
​

Crymaria felt as her attack made contact and just as she was about to throw, another Boris arrived and clamped down on the bull-man who was now on the ground. "Comrade Boris well fought, I don't think this bull is going to get back up," she theorized before looking back at the others who were still mopping up their threats. However, she was surprised that they had been able to avoid detection for so long and that they had known about the route.

Now being out of combat, she felt the ground shake again, "Comrades, did anyone else feel the ground shake again? Boris might be a bear, but even he doesn't shake the ground like this." She pointed out as she looked over toward Boris for a moment before glancing around at the other members of the group. "Comrade Michael, did you see anything else when you were up there?" She inquired curious as to see what he was going to say.

mentions: Xen6n lXlGamemaster Novama Clyvelle

 

[Clyvelle]

Quenton Malady
|Human|​

The sickening crack that resounded from the minotaur's neck as it fell limply to the ground caught Quenton off-guard. He had been trying to simply knock the beast unconscious, but he greatly underestimated his own strength it seemed as he stared down at the now dead creature at his feet. Quenton stood still, his mouth agape at the lifeless body, whose life had been ended by his own hands. He clenched his jaw as his hands loosened and pressed against his forehead in grief.

Having been a farmhand before, Quenton was very used to the slaughtering of livestock and other animals for the sustenance of the household. These "beastkin" in this world resembled animals, but also bore an uncanny humanity to them as well. Slaying one, especially on accident as he had done here, still felt wrong by his standards.

"I-I'm sorry...." he whispered weakly as his eyes became misty.

As Quenton came to terms with his actions, the ground began to shake once more. This trial was not apparently over. If the minotaur had a weapon on him or a whip, Quenton would quickly relieve him of it. He was no better than a child swinging a stick, but perhaps just simply holding the sword would dissuade further trouble. An optimistically hopeful thought to be sure, but one never knows. Quenton would move closer to his allies and try to catch sight of whatever was coming.

Spoiler: Stats

Strength - B
Precision - C
Intelligence - F
Vitality - B
Speed - B
Character Grade - C

 

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n lXlGamemaster Clyvelle
OOC: Still combat. Assume Lucian is getting beat up at the moment. Also note Michael can't fly. he was on the ground and just used his special vision to scout the area around them.
Time: 11:12am
Weather: warm in the sun, no breeze, dry
Cooldown: Omega B 4/4
TLDR: Party rallies themselves as more problems come their way.
Post Listening:

Grasslands of Western Empire

​

While one Minotaur chased Lucian around with sword drawn, all while owlbears squawked, pranced, and snipped, another stupidly kept attempting to help its master while being unable to get too far himself as the hands started effecting him next. The enemy was effectively dispersed for the moment allowing the party to take note of the approaching dust cloud growing in the distance. Much like the arid ground, the clouds billowing up were of a dirty, sandy color.

Visible over the rise were several more slaver wagons similar to the ones already before the party. Some were pulled by owlbears, some by regular horses, others by lizard mounts, and some by burly men with incredible stamina. While the majority of the slavers looked to be beastmen, other races were mixed into the collection too. It was quite an assortment of ne'er-do-wells and they were all in hot pursuit. Seemed excessive to have so many people racing across this stretch of road days from the nearest town.

"We should get moving. I'll keep Omega's power up for now. Should buy us some time,"

Michael replied, as he stared, concerned, at the approaching horde of slavers. Within 1000ft of the party, the first wagons met with the domain established by Omega and were immediately stopped in their tracks. While the details were hard to make out at a distance, the mounts were clearly perturbed by the Doubting Hands assaulting their body. The riders were similarly dismayed as some were pulled overboard and/or disarmed. Wagon's witnessing the takedowns attempted some caution and tried going around the effective area of the zone. More would be caught up in the zone's effects, but it only made others more cautious. Eventually, the pursuers would encircle them and force them into another fight. Michael didn't think it would be prudent to assume otherwise at that point.

"Where's Lori?.."

Michael said, ready to move, and noting Lori had since left his side. Several yards away and running as fast as a his thin legs would carry him Lori was attempting to leave the party behind as he made a bolt for the closest forest's edge. Not a bad place to escape horse and wagons, but also a good place to get hopelessly lost if one didn't know the way. Michael cursed and started running after Lori, leaving the party to sort out for themselves what to do next. Quenton's search of his Minotaur would reveal a bag of empyreal coin (a relatively large some at that), a sword, manacles, rope - all E grade in quality.

Doubting Hands - Magic B, Selective Magic B, Nullify(magic) B , weaken(precision) F , Tangle F , Flexible F , Spell Duration E - 1 hour, Sixth Sense [hostile magic] F, Magic AOE C - 1000ft - Omega is always on alert for hostile magic. Once sensed, the sword will automatically react to the magic by creating a nullifying barrier against anything magical in nature save for creatures an objects deemed allies by the sword. The barrier is 1000ft radius and lasts an hour. Additionally, Omega sends out writhing, grasping, tentacle hands throughout the area to apprehend enemies, enveloping them in magical arms to lock them in place and steal (disarm) their equipment. The hands will continue to pursue targets within the nullifying bubble for the duration of the spell trying to rip them apart as they hinder them. - Grade B - Cooldown 4 posts

Loose idea of a large owlbear pulling a large slave wagon

Uncle Lori/Michael The Blue Knight

​

 

[Clyvelle]

Quenton Malady
|Human|​

Pocketing or strapping everything he could make sense of to his person, Quenton stood. The rumbling was now clearly a much larger force, reinforcements to this initial party no doubt. Though they routed--er, mostly routed--this small group fairly easily, the main force was nothing short of a small army.

Quenton looked doubtfully to Michael and saw him tapping away on the hilt of his glowing sword. Had he conjured the magical force now subduing their enemies? He would notice Michael's attention had been drawn in a particular direction. But, wait, where was their charge? Following Michael's gaze, Lori would be spotted easily enough, bouncing through the golden field on his way to the forest.

"I got him, Michael!" Quenton would cry out as he sheathed his blade and immediately ran off after Lori. Quenton was often mocked for being slow at everything except running home for supper. Hopefully, he could be fast enough for this. Assuming he caught up to Lori, he would full on tackle him to the ground.

Loot: A bag of empyreal coin (a relatively large sum), a sword, manacles, rope - all E grade in quality

Spoiler: Stats

Strength - B
Precision - C
Intelligence - F
Vitality - B
Speed - B
Character Grade - C

 

[saxon]

Crymaria
​

Crymaria looked off at the dust kicked up into the sky. Looks like we are about to have a lot of company, though I suppose a fight is around the next corner. She thought to herself as she brushed some loose strands of her hair back into her hat. Turning to face her companions, seeing as the other slavers were preoccupied with whatever magic her comrade had used. She noticed Comrade Quenton staring at the slaver he had just killed. "Comrade Quenton, best not to dwell on such things now. In this situation, it was kill or be killed; these slavers undoubtedly murdered hundreds of people." She spoke as she heard one of the other comrades ask where their charge was at.

"Comrade, I thought you were watching him," She paused for a moment glancing around, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand until she heard Quenton say that he got him. She saw their cowardly comrade rushing towards a tree line in the direction he was sprinting off in. Shaking her head, she whistled to Boris and pointed at Lori. "Cowardly comrade, I think it would be better to strap him to Borris for the remainder of the trip," She suggested looking at Michael for a moment and then back at the cloud of dust that was kicking up and the band of slaver getting stuck.

"However, I would suggest its best to follow our cowardly comrade, yes?" She inquired, nodding her hand and starting to run after the man herself toward the tree line. Figuring that it would be better to get off an open plain so they couldn't fully use their numbers against them.

mentions: Xen6n lXlGamemaster Novama Clyvelle

 

[Novama]

Mentions: saxon Xen6n Clyvelle
OOC: out of combat. just us now give or take on lucian.
Time: 11:33am
Weather: cool in the shade, no breeze, dry
Cooldown: Omega B 4/4 started around 11:11
TLDR: Party flees into the forest after scooping up Lori. Learns some things about their dismal situation
Post Listening:

Forests of Western Empire

​

Quenton would be fast enough to catch up to Lori and tackle the man to the ground before he could escape. He would cry out in surprise and struggle in a panic, but would be unable to push himself free of Quenton. Eventually, he would realize who tackled him and change his panic to some form of relief.

"Oh, uh, it's you. For a moment, I thought it was those slavers. Can't blame me for running. I don't think any of us would make it long against those numbers in open ground. If I had to meet one, I'd much rather it be in a place their wagons couldn't reach and the beasts were kept at bay. Such smelly things. No sense of pleasing aesthetics and generally unkempt,"

Lori's mouth was like a faucet: once it started, it kept running. His smile was as big as it could be as he was tackled to the ground, but he was making light of the situation and not bringing up the fact he was attempting to leave his entourage beyond.

The rest of the party quickly caught up and all would then flee into the trees of the forest. Michael would leave Doubting Hands running as they fled, while it would free up some already caught in its effects, it would entrap others that had tried getting around it or misjudging where it had moved to. The Area of Effect remained around Michael at all times and would even subdue predator creatures in the woods as they made their hasty escape. The idea of strapping Lori to Boris was amusing and likely not far off from what Lori deserved, but Boris was not a particularly big bear and it would slow him down and impeded his ability to aid his master.

Some time of running later, the party was able to find a quite place to rest and catch their breaths' for a moment. Lori was eventually too winded to keep up, so some combination of the party was forced to carry him. He talked almost the whole way once he no longer had to expend breath on running. Those in his company would get the sense he was the sort that enjoyed snacking on fruits while lazing on a palanquin carried by servants.

The forest, despite the arid nature of the land they were just in, was thick as if it got plenty of rain, but the ground was still hard and dry. The trees were not filled with leaves as much as needles and spines. The canopy was thick enough to block most of the noon day sun. Made for much more comfortable travel but the gloom would make it dark much more quickly if they lingered too long. The party would need to keep moving if they wanted to put as much space between them and their pursuers. Once darkness sets in, they would be unable to keep traveling without drawing notice to themselves with fires and smoke. They would be easier to catch up to depending on how persistent their pursuers were. Michael's suppressing ability kept any hostiles away or subdued for the most part, but the forest was eerily quiet anyway. The birds one would expect or the critters in the underbrush were not present. There was something peculiar with the forest and unfortunately, they weren't by any road or other form of landmark to quickly navigate their way through it. The mission had suddenly become much more difficult and potentially dangerous for all.

The question that lingered was why.

"Lori,"

"What can I do you for, my dear Michael?"

"What are you running from?"

"Slavers I assume. You saw the brigands better than I thought."

"That's not what I meant. Why would so many slavers be after us? None of us are particularly special individually as far as abilities or connections. However, you're different."

"I haven't the foggiest.."

"Empyreal Princess's Paramour?"

"...where did you hear that?"

"..."

"I'm willing to admit I may be somewhat of a hot commodity in the capital,"

Lori admitted with all the humble bragging he could muster despite fessing up to the reason why they were in the current situation they were in.

Meanwhile, a mist was creeping through the forest making their limited vision get even worse. The eerie quiet of before became even quieter as the sounds of their own heartbeats were now audible with the sound getting suppressed around them.

Doubting Hands - Magic B, Selective Magic B, Nullify(magic) B , weaken(precision) F , Tangle F , Flexible F , Spell Duration E - 1 hour, Sixth Sense [hostile magic] F, Magic AOE C - 1000ft - Omega is always on alert for hostile magic. Once sensed, the sword will automatically react to the magic by creating a nullifying barrier against anything magical in nature save for creatures an objects deemed allies by the sword. The barrier is 1000ft radius and lasts an hour. Additionally, Omega sends out writhing, grasping, tentacle hands throughout the area to apprehend enemies, enveloping them in magical arms to lock them in place and steal (disarm) their equipment. The hands will continue to pursue targets within the nullifying bubble for the duration of the spell trying to rip them apart as they hinder them. - Grade B - Cooldown 4 posts

Uncle Lori/Michael The Blue Knight

​