Graded [Aslan City] - Testimony of Truth

[RavenSong]

Aria shifted her weight to the side as she crossed her arms with a bit of attitude at Sages request. “Excuse me?! Watch your sword?!” She rolled her eyes briefly before following Regula towards the crowd. “I don’t think so.. no one is going to rob you of such a giant sword, little fairy.” She patted him on the head.

A serious expression came over her features at the sight before her eyes. An outraged crowd looked on with deep apprehension at the woman bound to the pillory. She nodded at Regula after her suggestion, “Agreed. Let’s hope this doesn’t turn into a giant bar fight.” She said with a familiar confidence.

Aria then took her position in the middle of the crowd. Some were very angry as they shouted and raised their fists while others looked on silently with a creepy lusty hue on their face. To the latter she raised a lecturing finger, her eyes squinting suspiciously at him. “Hey you! Don’t try anything weird!”

Just then Regula announced to the crowd, to whom Aria would glance at then back at the lusty one. “You heard the lady. Now beat it, kid!” A thumb gesturing at his departure. She figured the less creeps were around the less likely for a bigger conflict to take place. Hopefully saving them from getting bruised up eyes.

Aria would do her best to keep people from going over the top with their assaults, pulling at their tops, shoving them away or subduing them through force should some decide to go over the threshold that Regula put in place.

Although the words of the crowd rang in Arias head about burning down an orphanage and tarnishing reputable peoples names, the fact that this witch knew their names was astounding to her and if she knew anything about Regulas lineage then it outweighed her reservations. It seemed Regula was willing to risk this witch being a fraud, and for the sake of her mission would do what she could.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Elvario @Jasno RavenSong NeramoDJI
OOC:
Time: 12:40pm
Weather: comfortable in the sun with a light breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Regula, Sage, Aria attempt to assist the woman, but realize more would be necessary. or else....
Post Listening:

The Duchy Capital City: Aslan

​

"...why...why are you not helping me..."

Elizabeth whimpered through the pain as tears rolled down her dirty cheeks. 10 minutes had passed. 10 minutes of hell. The crowd scoffed at Regula and Aria's threats. Neither woman was particularly imposing in the eyes of the crowd. Even though most of the residents were on the leaner side and likely magic users more than the brawny type, all the men and some of the women pretty much had the same challenge in their eyes "try and stop us". Perhaps Regula's words had some effect though. The first batch up to the women were just some jealous woman with sheers. Elizabeth's hair was quickly removed in the roughest manner. Blood trickled from her scalp. It was unclear whether they sheered her too close or simply ripped enough of the hair out to tare the flesh some. They tossed her hair in the air like red confetti while Elizabeth screamed and rattled her restraints to no avail. Her wrists were raw and bruised from the effort.

Some more walked up to take swings at the woman. One man smacked her across the face like she was Chris Rock. Another woman settled for punching her in the gut. One punch or two later, her prisoner breakfast was spewed all over her neck restraint and the platform. She had no means of cleaning herself. Already filthy and now hungry, Elizabeth seemingly queued to the crowd it was time for the bombardment. The food came in waves as people used either their magic or their own arms to pelt the stationary woman with eggs and vegetables. Some of them burst into a mess. Others were solid and pelted Elizabeth's body painfully. She cried out in agony each time and the bruises on her face and body grew. Somewhere in the mix, a scoundrel ran up and ripped the woman's top, exposing her. Some of the men cheered. Many of the women hissed. The pelting only intensified now that more sensitive targets were available. Some of the plants tossed were like peppers. Their skin and juices were uncomfortable on exposed skin, but they absolutely burned in the cuts and scrapes that now covered her pale flesh. Elizabeth's only relief was when other watery projectiles helped flush her skin.

Her suffering had no shortage of pain and shame to it, but she would have to endure more. In the back, Aria would note another rascal lobbying a stone. The vegetables hurt, but if that stone didn't hit her right, it could kill her. (F grade attack flying through the air)

Of the crowd scanned so far, no criminals had presented themselves. It was yet unclear what was riling up the crowd so much unless it was just what they shouted at Regula earlier. Regula would need to give Elizabeth more room or start getting pelted as well by produce and 'filth?'.

​

 

[Elvario]

Regula
​

Mentions: Aria RavenSong | Sage NeramoDJI

Regula sighed. There was a small chance that the crowd would calm down along the way, but that chance was long gone. The likelier option was that they'd fire each-other up to do things that were worse and worse. Short after they'd ripped off the women's top, Regula's patience had run out. Instead of backing up to avoid getting hit, she placed herself fully between the women and the crowd, covering her with her cloak. “I tried to be respectful towards your culture and laws, so I let you guys have your fun, but I thought a city as magical as this knew some limits. Right now this is straight up barbarianism that even the average [monster] would deem overkill. What in the world do you say she's done wrong for you guys to still keep going?”

She knew this woman was a criminal in the eyes of [titles] and that she'd probably done things wrong to some degree, but there should be limits to crime and punishment. That's what she believed, at least. She knew that placing herself in front of the woman made her a target as well, but she was willing to take that risk. Firstly, she hoped her words alone would stop at least some of the crowd from heating up even further. Secondly, she hoped some of them were either unwilling or unsure enough not to keep pelting rocks at the risk of her and instead would try to talk her to get out the way. Thirdly, she hoped that, as someone without titles, being hit meant the crowd risk gaining titles and that it would make them abstain from continuing. Fourthly, she hoped that if that didn't stop the crowd from continuing, they'd gain titles for Aria and Sage to scan and to 'react to' accordingly. After all, if they deemed titles and excuse to humiliate and nearly kill someone, surely they'd realise that turnabout was fair play. Fifthly and finally, should worse come to worse, she hoped she'd be able to just tank whatever the crowd would throw or sent her way. She was sturdier than most and wasn't locked into a pillory, so she'd have better chances. She really hoped it wouldn't boil down to that, but she mentally braced herself just in case.

 

[RavenSong]

Aria blinked with astonishment at the blatant defiance in the actions of this unruly mob. It seemed no amount of threats could deter them. Had they no soul? No empathy? She wondered. Surely this kind of humiliation had its place for criminals but couldn’t the witch be given an audience?

Thoughts that drowned in the chaos of such an uncouth display of outrage towards the fortune teller. “S-stop! Leave her alone!” Aria exclaimed as people pushed past her to inflict their wrath upon the prisoner. Shoulders and elbows shoving her further into the riot.
What was it about all these unruly crowds? It’s as if they’re under some kind of blind frenzy she thought as she forcibly took vegetables or slapped them away as soon as they were cast. She did her best to stand in the way of the various projectiles pelted towards the now, sheared woman. It wasn’t long before her friend Regula had also more directly made herself a target by covering the deeply humiliated woman.

A solemn expression would come over Arias' features, glancing towards the guards then back towards the crowd. If I can’t hurt them, then I must stop that trash from hitting them. With haste, she drew her dagger before suddenly noticing the one who had thrown the rock. Activating [Warp Blades] she teleported in front of the crowd, her daggers spun like boomerangs prioritizing her targets and slicing through the vegetables. Her sword was already drawn coming out of the warp, using it like a baseball bat, she swung at the incoming F grade attack before it could connect.

Novama Elvario NeramoDJI

 

[NeramoDJI]

Sage Litwile

Sage didn't think they could beat up the crowd to protect the lady, and averted the one eye he had from the torment the woman was experiencing, unable to watch. So instead, he turned his attention to the crowd. He saw they were getting unnecessarily riled up over the punishment, something he didn't like. Of course, he also thought the threats from the two girls were stupid. There's nothing people hate more than being told what to do, especially when it's someone who had no authority. In fact, Sage knew if he were in this crowd, he might have joined in just to spite the two and show them they couldn't tell him what to do. But alas, he was on the other side of that argument, and threats would get no one anywhere, so instead, he decided to look for something. Of course, none of his inner thoughts were so verbose, this is simply the method used to explain what he was thinking.

This was the city of magic, so it was probably magic that was riling these people up, so instead, he tried to appraise them and look for any potential status affects on them, and throw an appraisal at the air as well to see if there was any magic in the air affecting them. That was when he looked in the air and saw the rock, Letting Aria handle it since he didn't really think it was that big a deal. He fluttered towards the wagon to grab his sword, returning afterwards to continue his appraisal. He didn't like seeing the girl in pain, but maybe Regula putting herself in front of her would give him time to find out what was going on with these people. Because this kind of rioting for one criminal, especially one who wasn't a murderer, was not something he thought was normal.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Elvario @Jasno RavenSong NeramoDJI
OOC:
Time: 12:50pm
Weather: comfortable in the sun with a light breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Regula, Sage, Aria assist Elizabeth for 20 minutes. 10 to go.
Post Listening:

The Duchy Capital City: Aslan

​

With latest round of produce and rock deflected or diced to some degree, Elizabeth was granted a moment's reprieve. Her wounds and shame made her want to curl up in a ball, but her situation demanded she stand or hang herself. Taking in pained breaths, she mumbled a "Thank you," to the girls before concentrating on standing. Regula and Aria would now bear the weight of the crowd.

They shouted, taunted, and had no issue tossing the soft refuse and berry like fruits and veggies. Soft as they were with high water/juice content, they splattered the girls whether they were sliced, batted away, or not. When the girls made it clear they were going to stand by their intentions and impede the punishment of the criminal, some of the crowd moved to apprehend the girls and attempt to carry them off the platform. Both women, despite their sizes, would be able to resist getting carried by anything short of three men apiece.

While the girls were attempting to hold their ground, Sage would note a few young runner boys moving into the crowd and back out and down a street north of the plaza. Looked like they were running messages to various individuals within the mob and to unseen person(s) up the street. Whenever a runner was freshly returned, one of the mob would shout, throw something, and generally raise crowd energy again. After 20 minutes of this, the boys stopped coming. Sage would note a squad of six armed men escorting a central figure.

The man, like his men, were adorned in red and gold colors. His outfit was particularly ornate, of high quality materials, and had a good cut to them. While the man himself appeared to be aged and indulgent beyond the means to go for a proper stroll through the streets, he smiled and kept pace with his men easily enough. The men's armored foot steps were heavy enough to be heard in the plaza by the rambunctious crowd still working at removing Aria and Regula. People started to look up and see the man and his retinue and eased up on their aggression. Murmurs went through the crowd: "Mage Doriel"

"Ladies, your efforts are most noble and commendable, but do you not understand what is taking place here? This woman, charged with several crimes, is at risk of being expelled from the only home she has ever known. Our peace loving community, you see, cannot tolerate her manner of disruption. Either she is cast out or she does penance. As you can see, she has chosen penance. She will suffer, but in exchange, she will have repaid her debt to society and emerge a new woman with a fresh start in life. Your valiant efforts have only slowed her passage to absolution. Now please comply with the gentlemen trying to escort you. We wouldn't want any of you getting hurt on a day such as this which will bring about the renewal of our community."

"...oh...god....save me...please...please save me..."

Elizabeth quietly and frantically pleaded to Regula as men were working to remove her from the platform. Elizabeth then started to violently and unashamedly whip her body around and writhe against the pillory's restraints. Her neck and wrists, already bruised and chaffed, now bleeding from the rough treatment. The woman screamed violently as if intense unrelenting pain. There were moments when no screams came out: just voiceless gasps of air as her eyes bulged and her body thrashed. It was so chaotic that those thinking to take advantage of Regula and Aria getting manhandled could get close or even through anything. The Mob stepped back unaware of what they were doing as they tried putting space between themselves and whatever was happening center plaza. Meanwhile, the Mage Doriel looked on with a pleased expression on his face while both his hands clasped the grip of the cane he walked in with. Even if the pain Elizabeth was experiencing didn't kill her, her own thrashing around threatened to break her neck all the same. She would soon lose the strength to stand. Adding insult to injury, she fouled up what remained of her dress and the platform on which she pranced, unable to control her bowels and other body functions.

​

 

[Elvario]

Regula
​

Mentions: Aria RavenSong | Sage NeramoDJI

Truth be told, Regula preferred getting her fruit salad in a different manner, but things could've been a lot worse. At the very least, it seemed like people held back with the rocks for now. That said, it didn't take long before Regula saw whom she assumed to be the mastermind of all of this drama. Of course books shouldn't be judged by their cover, but it was really tough not to immediately assume this was an evil manipulator. She knew she'd have to start picking her words very carefully.

Luckily enough, the man took a 'moral high-ground' approach, which at least made it so they wouldn't immediately be deemed criminals. If he wanted to make them be the unknowledgeable ones, Regula figured she could use that to her advantage. There was one thing she was worried about most of all, which was for this man to desire the woman's 'accidental' death. “Forgive me my ignorance, sir, but it is true that I do not understand why penance has to come through suffering rather than through working hard to do better. Would you at least allow me to remain here and ensure the woman isn't at risk of death, so I that may witness this absolution from up close and learn from it?”

Regula had barely finished that reply when she realised that her aid was already needed, as she needed to support the woman and ignore the escort (and would do so with a bit of a struggle of needed) for now. She tried to keep her steady and to make sure she wouldn't break her neck in the struggle, as even mage Doriel wouldn't be able to argue against trying to avoid her death if he publicly claimed this was for repentance. There was nothing Regula could do to stop her pain and shame, but at the very least she could cover her up a little by placing herself between the woman and the crowd whilst attempting to make sure she wouldn't die.

With gritted teeth, she managed to speak up again. “It seems you are a man of great power, sir, to cause so much pain to someone without even a sign of using magic. It makes me wonder, why would someone risk this pain and humiliation to stand up against you? Is there not a chance that she was merely mistaken and misled?” As upset as she was at how he used it, she was a tad bit impressed by the ease at which he did it and desperately tried to highlight that part in her tone of voice. She couldn't afford to make this man an enemy, but she really wished to at least see if she could get him to 'ease up' a little somehow. For that matter, Regula decided to keep a close eye on the woman and to periodically use Appraisal on her. She really wondered if the titles would 'vanish' or something as was claimed.

That said, she started to fear more and more that he might be the worse of the two 'criminals' in this situation. That said, she also knew her own judgement might be clouded by the looks and gruesomeness of the situation. There was still a chance this man really was a good caretaker and that this woman had indeed threatened his orphanage and that humiliation and torture were simply deeply engrained in this culture. At least, that's what she was starting to make up from random crowd shouts she'd heard and this man's actions. Even so, the 'culture' thing made her even more resolved to eventually conquer this place and change it. For now, however, that wasn't an option. She hoped that Aria and Sage would at least be able to check him and his entourage, as she herself was way too preoccupied trying to support the woman and trying to talk him down somewhat.

 

[NeramoDJI]

Sage looked over the group from above, seeing the boys running back and forth, and deciding to Appraise the man and his entourage when they approached, humming as he focused on the head guy, this Mage Doriel guy. Sage was glad that Aria and Regula were able to protect her, however it seemed he couldn't find any magic influence, instead it seemed the man was inciting it through the small boys. Sage decided that something needed to be done, going for a two fold plan. He fluttered towards the group, his sword carried in his hand in a non threatening manner. "Excuse me mister, but you said the other option was banishment. With her reaction wouldn't it be better to take that option?" He knew no one would want to be forced to leave their home, but from her reaction and the screams, this seemed like it would be the better option, even if she hated him for it, this was what he believed would be a better choice for her.

Of course, that was only if the fat bald man listened to him. So instead, he tried to look around the crowd for those two boys, thinking he'd try to appraise them as his third appraisal, one being a guard and the first being Doriel himself. Maybe if he knew their titles or stats he could find a way out of this. Of course, thinking wasn't exactly his strong suit, but he tried anyways. He couldn't risk fighting a whole city. Not yet at least.

Sage then found himself turning to Aria, thinking to himself about something, sitting on the hilt of his sword and looking back at Doriel to see what the man would say in response to the groups statements.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Elvario @Jasno RavenSong NeramoDJI
OOC: Combat time. While the characters are not actually in combat, the time will be broken down to only allow 3 actions per post. Actions can be: move or ability/stat/item use.
Time: 12:51pm
Weather: comfortable in the sun with a light breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Regula, Sage, Aria assist Elizabeth for 20 minutes. 9 to go.
Post Listening:

The Duchy Capital City: Aslan

​

The Plaza remained filled with Elizabeth's screams as soon as they began. It was a wonder her vocal chords hadn't burst yet, especially with how rough she was being on her neck. Regula's quick thinking and support was likely the only thing sparing the woman from more damage and pain. After wrestling free of the men, Regula was no longer accosted by them. She and Elizabeth were now getting smeared in the same filth and deafening wails of pain. Regula would also note an uncomfortable tingling in her skin wherever she made contact with Elizabeth. It wasn't painful, but was likely only a fraction of what the woman was enduring. The crowd simply watched, many of them no longer looking smug or devious, but aghast with horror. This was not likely how these proceedings went normally.

Doriel waved a hand dismissively and shrugged at Regula's remarks as she would have to contend with occasionally getting hit in the face with something soft or elbowy. Regula's later comments likely would have proven difficult to hear across the plaza over the screaming, but Doriel seemed to hear and replied although he made no effort to raise his voice and thus his words were hard to hear,

"All who choose this path have similar misgivings during the proceedings, but once it is over they are glad. She will be able to return to all she knows and those who cherish her."

The mage's small smile did not bring comfort or peace of mind as his eyes gorged themselves on the suffering taking place while others started finding it hard to stomach.

Sage's appraisals would find the message boys were message boys skilled in areas pertaining to running messages around town to various people for coin. Sage's appraisal on one of the guards revealed they were hired security for mage Doriel. They, unsurprisingly drew weapons and crossed blades enchanted with magic to block Sage from getting any closer to the mage. The appraisal of Doriel revealed a disturbing number of ???'s. Some of the skills that were visible were surprisingly low, however, as many of them pertained to child rearing and interpersonal relationship development. Odd for an orphanage director to be so low skilled in areas that would seemingly be a priority for someone of his position. However, the ???'s could also be for business related areas and perhaps the child interactions were actually primarily carried out by staff.

The suffering continued. No one was confident the woman would survive the next 9 minutes. However, to the mage's credit, Regula would note Elizabeth's [Abuser] title had disappeared at some point in the past 20 minutes. Regula could also see a gradual fading of the [Vandal] title as her ears began to ring with the song of a dying woman.

​

 

[RavenSong]

“Let me go!” Aria exclaimed as she broke free from the men apprehending her, shoving a few back into the crowd. She was surprised at the crowd now that the violence seemed to have escalated to the point that even they were in shock about the scene occurring before them.

Arias hair and clothes were now a mess from roughhousing and drenched in all manner of produce and gods knows what else. She regained her composure as she breathed heavily from the exertion as her blades returned to their place on her belt.

Turning to Regula and the public torture victim sent a shiver down Arias spine, her eyes betraying her surprise at the woman flailing about as if afflicted by some kind of foul magic. Aria briefly glanced at mage Doriel then back at Regula as she struggled to give the woman relief of this dark punishment.

Maybe it was intuition, experience or simply that the little smile on his face that didn’t sit well with her. A true leader of his people wouldn’t bear a smile as he tortured his own. No. It wasn’t right.

She turned to face Doriel once more as Aria connected the dots in her head, although she couldn’t actively fight this mage, she bet on the fact that his reputation mattered to him. And the way the city folk viewed him justified his actions. Angrily making a fist in her fingerless glove.

“Everyone!” She started as she eyed the mage. “Ask yourselves if this woman’s faults are worth such a gruesome display of violence? This man before you..” Aria points at Doriel “..should embody the true values of justice, not revel in the suffering and humiliation of those who act against his rule. You all have a say. This is not how you’ll make for a free and just Aslan. This is how those in power, stay in power by controlling and manipulating through fear! If you value your safety, and the safety of those you love, then stand against this cruelty”

 

[Elvario]

Regula
​

Mentions: Aria RavenSong | Sage NeramoDJI

Regula felt like she might bite through her own teeth with how teeth gritting the situation was, but there was nothing she could do to stop it. Regula was, however, surprised that the crowd was also watching in horror by now. She could make out Doriel's reply, somewhat at least, but it was his smile that irked her the most. This man was enjoying this.

She then heard Aria trying to speak to the crowd, but it was tough to be audible over them. She figured that was something she could help with. With one arm, she kept trying to support the woman, whilst with the other, she loosely grabbed the shaft of her gun (so to ensure nobody would think she was going to shoot it) to use some of the enchanted magic on it, using [Muffle] to dampen the sounds of the 50 people in the crowd (other than her teammates and Doriel) that were closest to her so that Aria, Regula herself and Doriel all had a better chance to be heard.

She figured her only option was to try adding something to what Aria said, but from a more respectful point. She wasn't sure this crowd would rally against Doriel, so it was best to see if he'd back off himself first. “Sir, with all due respect, she's on the verge of death. If she passes away, your work at giving her penance will be for naught and people may wrongfully think that you merely wished to torture her to death.”

He clearly didn't care at the woman, but hopefully, at the very least, he'd wish to keep his name clean in public. Regula had caught some praise about him, after all, this woman was accused of slandering Doriel's 'good name' before, so surely he cared enough for his reputation to not just murder this woman, right? By now, Regula was so heavily involved that she could no longer turn back, even though she was starting to regret getting involved to begin with. Oddly enough, she only felt more conviction to try do whatever she could to at least save this woman's life, as then at least her efforts weren't in vein.

• B Grade Cooldowns (0/4)
  Muffle – Magic Affinity B, Silencing Affinity B, Magic Range B, Magic Targets B – Muffles 50 targets within 1 mile (1.6 kilomtere) of range - Grade B – 4 Post Cooldown.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Elvario @Jasno RavenSong NeramoDJI
OOC: Combat time. While the characters are not actually in combat, the time will be broken down to only allow 3 actions per post. Actions can be: move or ability/stat/item use.
Time: 12:52pm
Weather: comfortable in the sun with a light breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Regula, Sage, Aria assist Elizabeth for 22 minutes. 8 to go. Elizabeth does not have that long.
Post Listening:

The Duchy Capital City: Aslan

​

Aria's cries were barely heard by those near her over the screaming. Those further out had no hope. Regula's aid in quieting the already quieted crowd did little. Wordless murmurs moved through the mob. The punishment this time around was more brutal and less entertaining than anyone had experienced before. Many eyes started to turn to the mage Doriel for guidance. Over the hush, he spoke, barely audible over the screaming,

"I am not the law. I am but a humble mage and caretaker of children. I, like the rest of our community, only wish to live in peace. This poor woman has clearly lost her mind or perhaps she has more crimes committed than we know. I leave it to our city to decide what would best remedy the situation."

The mage's reasoning pacified some of the crowd growing restless. The muffled affect also put them more at ease with the situation since they couldn't hear screaming as well now either. Doriel stamped his cane on the stones of the plaza. Elizabeth's thrashing slowly receded. Her pain reduced to the point she got a moment of clarity. Despite the pain of her restraint, she did her best and strained to looked Regula in the eyes, as she whimpered,

"P-p-please...k-kill me. please. before...uh!"

Elizabeth gasped and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Her face twitched faintly as she began to drool. Her body was mostly limp at this point and mainly held up by Regula. The woman's face continued to twitch and mouth things wordlessly. Her eyes, when they weren't in the back of her head, stared blankly. Tears continued to flow from her eyes. Doriel wasn't smiling anymore but was absentmindedly nodding to himself over something.

​

 

[RavenSong]

Aria


Aria looked away from the crowd towards mage Doriel gritting her teeth at how this was playing out. The crowd didn't seem to have any sympathy or empathy for that matter. She cursed the circumstances, but her will would not waver. Her mind raced for ideas when the mage spoke, even as the woman's screaming drowned out his words; rendering them inaudible.

Still covered in all manner of vegetable liquids she turned towards Regula who was now Elizabeth's only support to stand. She teleported to her side [Teleport F] and looked at Regula sternly as she looked at her back. Somehow Aria knew their final option should they want to save this woman and nodded. She’d hold Elizabeths drooling face with one hand while she held up her fist with another. Glancing at Regula she waited for her nod when she finally placed a well calculated punch at Elizabeths face, not to maim, but to knock her out. With some luck Aria hoped it would be enough to ease her suffering. [Lucky F]

After the fact, she’d help Regula support the women's weight. “Light.. Hmph.. as a feather.” she remarked as she held the tortured woman up at Regulas side. “Regula..” Aria whispered. “Something doesn't feel right here..” she gestured with her eyebrows at mage Doriel seemingly having a conversation with himself. “..i want to think he’s just cold hearted, but what i really think is much worse.”

 

[Elvario]

Regula
​

Mentions: Aria RavenSong | Sage NeramoDJI

Regula was at her wit's end, as her efforts to Muffle the crowd and Aria's words hadn't helped. She quickly checked the woman again with Appraisal. She really hoped her titles would be gone by now so she could just yell for the mage to stop this madness. One thing, however, confused Regula. “Is it not your hand that's brought her to the brink of death just now?” His claim to leave it to the city was odd at best.

Worse, however, was that the woman was just begging to be killed. Killing her wasn't something that Regula could do or was willing to do, but as if reading her thoughts, Aria teleported over to her place. There was one thing they could still try, which was knocking her out. Perhaps it'd stop Doriel from 'enjoying' finishing what he started, perhaps it'd get the crowd to move, perhaps it'd even stop the magic torturing her. Or perhaps it'd just make Doriel kill her or get him to set them up to it would look like the punch itself was going to be what killed her. It was a huge gamble, but the outcome still might have a slight chance at a more positive outcome for this woman, so she nodded for Aria to go ahead with it. Their only other option was inaction, which felt like the worse choice, albeit only marginally so.

Whatever the case, her wonder about the magic city was now completely overshadowed by having gotten herself caught up in this mess, both mentally and physically, for that matter, as she didn't even want to think about whatever stuff had gotten stuck in her hair. Regula heard Aria's whisper, but she was worried. Doriel heard her despite the noisy crowd before, so she couldn't rule out the fact that the mage might even hear these whispers. It's why she had to chose her answer carefully. Hopefully Aria would read between the lines when Regula whispered back. “I'm sure the man is merely overzealous and forgets how fragile people can be. We'll just play the hero and continue to make sure he doesn't ruin his reputation by killing a woman he's trying to help repent.” That should get their main goal across.

• B Grade Cooldowns (1/4)
  Muffle – Magic Affinity B, Silencing Affinity B, Magic Range B, Magic Targets B – Muffles 50 targets within 1 mile (1.6 kilomtere) of range - Grade B – 4 Post Cooldown.

 

[Novama]

Mentions: Elvario @Jasno RavenSong NeramoDJI
OOC: The end has come. Thank you for participating.
Time: 1:05pm
Weather: comfortable in the sun with a light breeze
Cooldown:
TLDR: Regula, Sage, Aria assist Elizabeth in not dying. A messenger appears for Regula.
Post Listening:

The Duchy Capital City: Aslan

​

Aria's punch successfully knocked out Elizabeth. A sudden spurt of blood from her nose and violent whiplash of her head and finally the woman was out cold. her head slumped foward against the neck restraint. Her entire body weight was now supported by Regula and Aria, should she assist. No longer moving, spasming, or moaning in pain, Elizabeth was now just a smelly, sloppy, partially exposed mess, and nothing more. It felt like peace for the first time since Regula and party entered the plaza. The crowd was surprised by the sudden 180 in attitude toward harming the woman, but when the results were made clear, the mob quickly grew bored of the affair.

As the minutes ticked by, the plaza began to empty itself of the crowd. Some looked dejected they didn't get to participate more. Others were taking in big breaths for sighs of relief. Whatever the case, the much emptier street made the presence of Mage Doriel and his men all the more apparently. Regula's appraisals would show Elizabeth only had one criminal title left and even that one was now blinking as it faded. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the top of the hour struck. A beep heard throughout the town informed all of the other but it didn't sound like any tolling bell Regula, Aria, or Sage had heard. Mage Doriel nodded to himself one more time and smile ruefully.

One of the guards that had been idling at the edge of the plaza all this time steeped forward. He produced a black orb from his waist pouch and gently tapped the unconscious woman. Checking the readout from the orb, he announces to the public loud enough for all to hear in official capacity,

"This woman, Elizabeth the Fortune Teller, is hearby absolved of all criminal acts and sins against the community. Welcome her and embrace her as one of our own once again!"

He then waves his hand by the board binding her to the post and it comes undone allowing the woman to collapse on Regula and Aria. Doriel then nods to his men. As his men rush forward to lay claim to Elizabeth.

"This woman has paid her debt to society and is hereby accepted by this Mage Doriel. As member of this society and already the caretaker of many less fortunates, I shall take this Elizabeth under my wing and raise her as one of my many children until she fully recovers from her ordeal."

Doriel's men then seized the unconscious Elizabeth, fighting with Regula and party if necessary. In the guards' eyes, Doriel now was the closest thing to family this woman had in comparison to 2 outsiders to the city. Once in their custody, they covered her and carefully carried her off. Their march steps gently roused her from her unconscious state. Still too weak to move or do much else, she faintly asked,

"...who am I..."

Doriel nodded his head to Regula in parting, his smile full of ill omens.

From the same direction Doriel left, an employee of the Full Clarity shop stepped forward. Gliding across the perfectly kept streets (where did all the food and trash go?), the woman stood in Regula's way.

"I am here on behalf of my employer, Full Clarity, a lens crafting and sight beyond sight shop, to have you accompany me. One Michael and party have secured your our services for you upon your arrival. Come with me and I can tell you all you want to know...and some you will not..."

The woman was very certain of her words and posture despite appearing blind. How did she know where Regula was to even speak to in the first place? Perhaps this woman could shed some light on this situation as well if Regula wished. Either way, the answers were not here in this plaza...

The End


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[Novama]

Isekai Hell RP Grade
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The ending of the rp was a bit grim. The beginning seemed promising enough. The characters actively chose to pull off heroics consistently whenever given a choice. Definitely a bold bunch trying to do well. It should be noted the punishment of Elizabeth is not unusual in this world. It should also be noted spam use of appraisal can be done out of combat, but during combat scenarios, it is an ability with cooldown like anything else. The scenario leaves many questions, but it was never the purpose of the scenario to answer them all. Some things will require rp'er ambition.

Aftermath
Regula, Aria, Sage (unless they wish to rp it out), are able to get the answers they seek from the Diviners after taking them up on the service reserved for them.
Elizabeth fully recovered under the care of Doriel the Mage. The local community seemed indifferent to the whole affair except it was noted Elizabeth did not seem to behave as she used to or hang out with those she used to. The time spent with Doriel was particularly odd.
The Mathers company saw some gains in profits as a consequence of being associated with the heroic members of Regula's party.

Rewards

Novama(Michael) - 11 points (narration points)

Regula - 23 points

• optional title acquired [Well-Meaning] - character has displayed several instances of attempting to help, so it is understood by many the character is at least trying to make circumstances better. However, their efforts struggle to achieve the best outcome.
• optional title acquired [Branch Noble] - character has discovered they are some form of noble but of a branch family. They will have a long climb to become respected as peerage, but it's a start. Their lineage is so distant that do not have any land holdings or assets associated with the title, but can at least rightfully claim their noble status.

Aria - 23 points

• optional title acquired [Right Hand] - Character has pledged loyalty and to be used by another character as they will. Strength of Character's bond will help them push beyond their limits in service of their master.

Sage - 19 points

• optional title acquired [Ornamental] - character is typically around and interesting to look at, but not particularly useful. In some cases they choose to not act when they could otherwise make a difference. NPC's will not expect much of the character but don't mind their presence.