Solo Adventures/RP Submissions
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Uasal
The Swiftest Shot In The West
A collection of solo stories and adventures.
This thread is where you can post your solo adventures and RPS in an essay like format. Please see the rules thread for more details on Solo RP's.
This thread is where you can post your solo adventures and RPS in an essay like format. Please see the rules thread for more details on Solo RP's.
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Maxxob
Member
The following essay expand upon the events which made Adelhein acquire the title "Wanted By: Crimson Cutthroats"
Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer / Saber Alter
Titles - Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Wanted by: Crimson Cutthroats], [Adept Magus]
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman]
Adelhein and Saber Alter finds themselves in a dark forest, having had their victory plucked from their hands. The young magus tries to get his bearings, getting up on his feet and looking around the forest, sensing they are not in Fuyuki anymore. There is a distinct lack of any traces of the Holy Grail, other Servants or Masters. Letting out a long sigh, he looks over, already seeing Saber Alter up, her towering frame casting an ominous shadow along with her own aura.
"Tsk, figures a spellcaster like Kiritsugu would end up destroying the whole ritual. I guess 'uncle' Kayneth was right for hating his guts." Adelhein said in a tone of annoyance. His crimson eyes would leave her form, looking around the forest, understanding they were now in unknown territory. "Shall we try and figure out where we are?" His crimson eyes gazes upon her golden ones, having noticed how much his Servant has changed. But, even then, the corruption now present in both resonated, making it clear to him that she has become something else and, gradually, so would he.
Saber Alter, now standing beside Adelhein in the dark forest, felt the remnants of the black mud from the corrupted Holy Grail still clinging to her being. The transformation had left her colder, more ruthless, but a twisted sense of loyalty towards Adelhein burned within her darkened heart. As she listened to her Master's words, a feral gleam in her golden eyes hinted at the depths of her newfound darkness.
The towering figure of Saber Alter, with her imposing height, cast a chilling presence in the shadowy forest. Her once noble demeanor tainted by the corruption, she exuded an aura of power and danger that resonated with the twisted magic of this new world they found themselves in.
At Adelhein's question, Saber Alter's gaze pierced through the darkness, scanning the surroundings with an intensity that spoke of her readiness for whatever challenges lay ahead. A low, ominous chuckle rumbled in her throat as she replied in a voice laced with malice, "We are no longer bound by the constraints of Fuyuki. This world is ripe for the taking, and we shall carve our path through its mysteries and dangers."
With a predatory grace, Saber Alter took a step forward, her black armor glinting ominously in the dim light filtering through the dense canopy above. "Lead the way, Master," she murmured, her voice a chilling echo of her former self. "Together, we shall conquer this new realm and bend it to our will."
As both advanced through the dark forest, Adelhein following close behind Saber Alter, as she took point. After a few minutes of walking, with the fallen dried leaves on the earthy ground crunching slightly with each step beneath their feet, they would begin to hear faint voices up ahead. Their vision was obscured by a sizeable and, when peered over, the pair would see a clearing. The place was surrounded by a sea of green, branches from the trees overreached the clearing and the leaves allowed only for a few rays of sunshine to peer through the dense canopy.
Right in the middle of the clearing, stood four males, all of different heights and builds. Two of them were couching down, each one patting down a different body of unknown species: one appeared to be a male, while the other a female. There were two trails of blood leading from one of the edges of the clearing to where the bodies were located. The four individuals were dressed in various assortments of equipments: some with leather armor, others with battered iron ones. Their weapons were equally inconsistent: a bigger, muscular looking humanoid, with greenish skin and fangs which protruded from his lower jaw, held a massive double axe. Meanwhile, the smaller one, with no more than 4ft of height, held two daggers. The two men who were patting down the bodies for valuables may have, looked human, having spiked clubs in a leather loop on their belts. A few ways from the quartet, a female stood, her face very akin to one of a fox and clad in leather clothing. On her hands, she held a wooden crossbow.
There was one thing, however, that all of them had in common: a red armband with a black dagger draw on it. "Hah! It looks like we made a killing today!" The bigger man shouted, in a rumbling, sarcastic voice, which earned a chuckle from all the others. Then the crossbowman's eyes who had been keeping guard, suddenly zeroed in both Adelhein and Saber Alter, making the female lift her left hand to point a them, while shouting. "Look! We have company!" The warning made all the others turn towards the ‘intruders’, with both that had been searching the bodies getting up and drawing their spiked clubs. The muscular orc opened a toothy grin, his eyes gleaming with greed and killing intent. "Well well well, look what we have here! Some little noble and their bodyguard, huh? I bet the kid will fetch quite many rykens!" He said, in a mocking tone, mistaking Adelhein for a noble because of his adorned magecraft coat. Next, it was the smaller male’s turn to talk. "And look at her armor and sword! I bet those will be quite the trophy for the boss! I saw we kill her and hold the brat for ransom." He said in his high-pitched voice, twirling his double daggers in his hands. It is clear diplomacy is out of the question in this encounter, and only violence can get both Master and Servant through this predicament.
The young Adelhein smirked, looking at the situation he faced, together with Saber Alter. Without wasting time, he activated his magic circuits, letting his mana flow through his body. As the energy with a blue-hue started to flow through his veins, like blood, a magecraft circle appeared under him. Focusing his efforts on his catalyst, a signet ring of the El-Melloi family on his right index, he concentrated on both him and Saber Alter. "Magnam Ferro Corpus!" With a sudden burst of magic, the ground next to them would burst open, bathing both Adelhein and Saber Alter with a type of liquid metal, coating them in an extra armor. "Saber, show them what you are made of." Adelhein said, looking at the thugs without any worry.
Saber Alter, clad in the liquid metal armor summoned by Adelhein's powerful magecraft, stood ready for battle as her Master's command echoed through the clearing. The menacing quartet of thugs, with their mismatched armor and weapons, sneered at the sight of the young noble and his armored bodyguard. Unbeknownst to them, they faced a formidable force in Saber Alter, corrupted and deadly, her golden eyes ablaze with a hunger for combat.
With a swift nod at Adelhein's directive, Saber Alter's form blurred as she moved with inhuman speed towards the group of thugs in the center of the clearing. Her blackened sword gleamed ominously in the dim light, ready to strike with brutal strength. As she closed the distance, her dark aura crackled with malevolent power, preparing to unleash a devastating attack on all four of her enemies at once.
With a graceful yet deadly arc of her sword, Saber Alter unleashed the power of Dark Excalibur Nova III, the air crackling with dark energy as the blade sliced through the space towards the thugs. The force of her attack aimed to strike fear into the hearts of her enemies, to show them the true power of a corrupted Servant bound by a twisted loyalty to her Master.
As the dark energy surged towards the group of thugs, Saber Alter's gaze remained fixed on her targets, her mind focused solely on the battle at hand. The clash of metal and magic echoed through the clearing, setting the stage for a brutal confrontation between the forces of darkness and the unsuspecting band of thugs.
As Saber Alter unleashed her most powerful ability, the darkness imbued sword cleaved through her opponents. Even though the four bandits weren't caught by surprise, their attempts to block the brutal attack were useless. Out of the four, only the muscular one would be left standing. His chest iron armor would be left with a long and deep horizontal cut. From it, a crimson liquid began leaking through it, staining the bottom part of the armor, as well as dripping down to the ground of the forest, making the soil wet with his life essence. With much difficulty, the man manage to bring his massive axe up and aimed it against her head. "Die bitch!" He bellowed, as he swung the axe in an overhead motion, aiming to cleave her head. However, due to a combination of the injuries he had sustained, Saber Alter's own defenses and the protective barrier who had been formed around her thanks to Adelhein's magecraft, the attack bounced off, not managing to even clip her form.
The total lack of form of the attack, however, hinted the group was very green. That could have been further confirmed as the crossbowman, watching the horrific brutal display of seeing her comrades' bloody corpses, dropped the bolt she was trying to load into her weapon. The female began reaching into her quiver to retrieve another bolt. The young magus watched the effectiveness of his Servant with pride brimming on his crimson eyes. He didn't remain passive, however. Channeling his mana on his magecraft once more, bringing both his hands forward. "Fervor Mei Sanguine!" He uttered, making two metallic tendrils burst out of the ground near him. The appendages moved like whips, in an almost liquid form, one of them darting towards the muscular thug who had survived Saber Alter's attack, while the other sought the crossbowman.
The metallic tentacle, which hunted for the muscular thug, made a sharp turn as soon as it reached Saber Alter's back, making a sharp turn over her shoulder during its trajectory, before skewering the male in the chest and bringing him down. The other one, aimed at the crossbowman's hand, as she tried to nervously get another bold from her quiver. It pierced her hand, from the back of the palm, rendering it useless at the moment. Afterward, the tendril exploded in a metallic cloud, mangling her hand. What remained of the appendage dangled, as the female screamed in pain and dropped her crossbow to try and tend to her injured hand. Adelhein looked at his and his Servant's work, with a dark smile on his lips. "Come on, run away now. It might be the only chance you have!" The teen said in a mocking tone, his crimson eyes narrowing. The last remaining attacker flight instinct kicked in, rushing away from the clearing, while holding her bleeding hand. While almost tripping in the process, the female’s figure would become smaller and smaller, until finally disappearing through the dark forest. Turning to Saber, Adelhein expression softened a bit, a proud smile on his lips. "You never cease to amaze me, Saber. You truly are the best Servant I could have summoned."
Saber Alter stood amidst the chaos of battle, her darkened form a vision of ruthless power as she effortlessly dispatched her foes with a single devastating strike. The male with the massive axe, his chest grievously wounded by her dark blade, roared in defiance as he swung his weapon towards her. However, the attack was futile against the barrier of protection that surrounded Saber Alter, the axe rebounding harmlessly off her armored form.
As the attacker's failed strike echoed through the clearing, the young magus Adelhein unleashed his own magic, summoning metallic tendrils from the earth to strike down the remaining threats. With precision and lethal force, the tendrils skewered the surviving thug and incapacitated the crossbowman, leaving them writhing in pain on the forest floor. The sound of agony mingled with the metallic clang of Adelhein's magic, a symphony of destruction that marked their swift and merciless victory.
Adelhein's dark smile spoke of his satisfaction at the swift and brutal efficiency of their tactics, his crimson eyes gleaming with a hint of malice. As the last attacker fled in fear, her hand clutching the wound inflicted by Adelhein's magic, the young magus mocked her retreat with a taunting grin. Saber Alter, standing tall and imposing beside her Master, exuded a sense of silent menace, her golden eyes gleaming with a dark light that hinted at the depths of her power.
At Adelhein's words of praise, a rare flicker of emotion crossed Saber Alter's stoic features. Despite the corruption that now tainted her being, a sense of loyalty and dedication to her Master burned fiercely within her darkened heart. With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, Saber Alter's gaze met Adelhein's, a silent understanding passing between them. At that moment, amidst the aftermath of battle, a bond forged in darkness and blood bound them together as Master and Servant, their fates entwined in a world ripe for conquest.
Adelhein would then approach the bodies, kneeling down and searching for anything useful in them. He had managed to find a heavy coin pouch. Its contents were quite bountiful: around twelve golden rykens, twenty silver rykens and many more copper rykens. Satisfied with the bounty they received from the would be attackers, the young magus would tie the coin pouch and place it inside the side pocket of his coat. Furthermore, he would also end up grabbing one of the red armbands, thinking they could end up being useful for identifying who these thugs worked for. Tucking the piece of cloth also inside one of his pockets, he would rise up and start looking around the dark forest. "Well, let's continue?" He asked his Servant and guardian, trusting completely in her battle-earned experience.
Saber Alter observed as Adelhein meticulously searched the bodies of their fallen enemies, his keen eyes scanning for any useful items among the remnants of their attackers. The heavy coin pouch he uncovered glinted in the dim light of the forest, its contents a small fortune in golden, silver, and copper rykens. Adelhein's deft fingers secured the pouch, tucking it safely away in the pocket of his magecraft coat, a small trophy from their victory.
As Adelhein also retrieved one of the red armbands, a token of the thugs' allegiance, Saber Alter nodded approvingly at his foresight. The armband could indeed prove useful in identifying the faction or group to which their assailants belonged, providing valuable information for their continued journey through the dark forest.
With the spoils of their battle secured, Adelhein rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping the shadowed expanse of the surrounding forest. His question hung in the air, a silent plea for guidance that Saber Alter was more than willing to provide. With a regal nod, she acknowledged his trust in her experience, her corrupted form radiating a sense of dark resolve and unwavering determination.
"Let us press on," Saber Alter declared, her voice low and commanding, a promise of further trials and triumphs to come. With Adelhein by her side, she ventured deeper into the ominous depths of the dark forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with a warrior's skill and a corrupted Servant's unyielding strength.
As both of them left the clearing and ventured into the dark forest, eventually they would come about one of its edges. Beyond it, they saw a cobbled road, which led both ways. The vision of infrastructure could mean that there was some sort of civilization in the location they were at. At the very side of the road, there was a well maintained sign which read "Ryken" pointing towards one of the sides of the road. Adelhein thought for a moment, thinking it would be wise for them to leave the wilderness and find more about the village, town or city the sign hinted at. "Maybe it is better for us to follow the sign. We could find out exactly where we are." He offered Saber, looking at her fierce visage, wanting her own input.
Saber Alter stood at the edge of the dark forest, her crimson eyes scanning the cobbled road that stretched out before them. The sight of civilization, indicated by the well-maintained sign pointing towards the village of Ryken, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the oppressive darkness of the wilderness. Adelhein's suggestion to follow the sign and seek out more information about their surroundings was met with a thoughtful silence from the corrupted Servant.
After a moment of contemplation, Saber Alter turned her gaze towards Adelhein, a rare flicker of something akin to curiosity crossing her features. The prospect of exploring the nearby village intrigued her, offering the possibility of gathering valuable information and resources for their journey ahead. With a subtle nod of agreement, Saber Alter indicated her readiness to follow Adelhein's lead, her loyalty to her Master unwavering in the face of uncertainty.
"Let us proceed to Ryken," Saber Alter intoned, her voice a low rumble that carried a sense of determination and purpose. With a silent understanding between Master and Servant, they set off down the cobbled road, leaving the dark forest behind as they ventured towards the mysterious village that beckoned to them with promises of discovery and intrigue. As they walked, the shadows of the trees began to recede, replaced by the faint glow of distant lights that marked the outskirts of Ryken, their destination on this new leg of their journey.
As both Adelhein and Saber Alter got closer to Ryken, the place betrayed their expectations: instead of a simple village, it was revealed to be a bustling merchant metropolis which had been built by river. As they got closer to its gates, they could see guards standing right in front of it. The guards of the entrance wore heavy armor, all armed with halberds. "Halt!" One of them ordered, as both Adelhein and Saber Alter got close enough to the gates. "If you wish to enter the city, first both of you need to place your hands on the Black Orb, one at the time." He said, extending his free hand forward, in which said orb was being held. The other guards shifted slightly, as if preparing for something, as they waited for both the young Master and the Servant to comply with the order.
Saber Alter and Adelhein approached the bustling city of Ryken, their expectations shattered by the sight of a thriving merchant metropolis that sprawled along the riverbanks. The imposing gates of the city loomed before them, guarded by stern figures in heavy armor wielding halberds with practiced ease. As they drew near, the commanding voice of one of the guards rang out, demanding that they halt and submit to a peculiar ritual before entering the city.
The guard's order to place their hands on the Black Orb held an air of mystery and authority, prompting a subtle tension to ripple through the ranks of the guards. Saber Alter, ever vigilant and attuned to the subtle shifts in the atmosphere, exchanged a knowing glance with Adelhein, silently communicating their readiness to comply with the guard's request. With a nod of acknowledgment, Saber Alter stepped forward, her armored hand reaching out to touch the cool surface of the black orb held out by the guard.
As her hand made contact with the orb, a faint hum of energy pulsed through her armored form, a sensation that was both unnerving and intriguing. The other guards watched intently, their expressions unreadable behind their imposing helmets, as Saber Alter awaited the outcome of the mysterious ritual. Adelhein stood beside her, his crimson eyes alight with a mixture of curiosity and caution, ready to follow his Servant's lead into the enigmatic depths of Ryken, a city teeming with secrets and possibilities.
As Saber Alter's armored hand was placed on the black orb, it hummed with energy for a moment. The guard's eyes were locked on the ebony surface of the orb. However, nothing showed up on it. "You are good to go, welcome to Ryke." He gave a nod to the Servant, the other guards relaxing their stances slightly. Then, the man who held the orb turned towards Adelhein. "Now it is your turn." He said with bureaucratic efficiency, offering the orb to the young magus next. Approaching, the teen's gloved hand reached the orb, and he was able to feel its coolness through the fabric which protected his hand. Once more, the security device hummed with energy, for a moment, before nothing showing up on its surface. "Good, you can enter as well. Welcome to Ryken." The guard said, stepping aside and letting both of them through the gates. Adelhein's crimson eyes were fixed on the orb a moment longer, wondering what that was about. That only lasted a moment, as he would soon begin to step into the metropolis along with Saber Alter.
In it, they would discover more of where they were at. Both were inside a country called Protectorate of Ryke, a small yet rich country, which shared borders with The Republic, East Empire and The See. The country seemed pretty medieval in its foundation, having a few quasi-modern oddities here and there, which weren't common place. Having a Nobles as its ruling faction in the usual European hierarchy. Besides the Nobles, there also was the Adventurer's Guild, the Merchant's Guild and the Church. The last one was compromised of an organized body which decided which faiths were true and which ones were heresies, cults or extremist groups.
Not only that, they would also come in contact with curious creatures, some looking humanoid with bestial traits, other beings outright sentient animals, as well as elves, pixies and too many others to describe. Fortunately, the gold Adelhein had procured from the bandits had been more than enough for the pair to procure supplies of all sorts, as well as acquiring lodging in the city itself. As things became more clear and calm, Adelhein turned to Saber Alter, his crimson eyes looking into her golden ones. "This world is different, yet full of possibilities which we would have never found in Fuyuki. We should set our goals in this territory. Either inside this realm or in any of the others."
Saber Alter and Adelhein passed through the gates of Ryken, the mysterious ritual with the black orb behind them, as they ventured into the bustling metropolis. The sights and sounds of the city enveloped them, a tapestry of medieval architecture interwoven with glimpses of quasi-modern oddities that hinted at a world beyond their previous experiences.
As they delved deeper into the heart of the Protectorate of Ryke, they discovered a land rich in history and complexity, its ruling factions and societal structures a blend of nobility, guilds, and religious institutions. The presence of the Adventurer's Guild, the Merchant's Guild, and the Church added layers of intrigue to their surroundings, each playing a crucial role in the fabric of this vibrant realm.
Curious creatures of all shapes and sizes roamed the streets of Ryken, their presence adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to the cityscape. From humanoid beings with bestial traits to sentient animals, elves, pixies, and other fantastical beings, the diversity of life in the Protectorate of Ryke spoke of a world teeming with untold possibilities and untapped potential.
Adelhein's words resonated with Saber Alter, his gaze meeting hers in a silent exchange of understanding and determination. The young magus's crimson eyes held a spark of ambition and curiosity as he spoke of setting goals in this new territory, of exploring the vast expanse of this world and beyond. Saber Alter, her golden eyes reflecting the flickering light of the surrounding city, nodded in agreement, a silent promise of loyalty and dedication to their shared cause.
"In this realm or any other, we shall carve our path," Saber Alter declared, her voice a low rumble that carried a sense of certainty and resolve. With Adelhein by her side, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in this unfamiliar yet intriguing land. Together, Master and Servant stood poised on the threshold of a new adventure, their fates intertwined in a world ripe for exploration and conquest.
Adelhein El-Melloi von Breyer / Saber Alter
Titles - Adelhein: [Isekai], [Human], [Wanted by: Crimson Cutthroats], [Adept Magus]
Saber Alter: [Isekai], [Construct], [Adept Swordsman]
Adelhein and Saber Alter finds themselves in a dark forest, having had their victory plucked from their hands. The young magus tries to get his bearings, getting up on his feet and looking around the forest, sensing they are not in Fuyuki anymore. There is a distinct lack of any traces of the Holy Grail, other Servants or Masters. Letting out a long sigh, he looks over, already seeing Saber Alter up, her towering frame casting an ominous shadow along with her own aura.
"Tsk, figures a spellcaster like Kiritsugu would end up destroying the whole ritual. I guess 'uncle' Kayneth was right for hating his guts." Adelhein said in a tone of annoyance. His crimson eyes would leave her form, looking around the forest, understanding they were now in unknown territory. "Shall we try and figure out where we are?" His crimson eyes gazes upon her golden ones, having noticed how much his Servant has changed. But, even then, the corruption now present in both resonated, making it clear to him that she has become something else and, gradually, so would he.
-//-
Saber Alter, now standing beside Adelhein in the dark forest, felt the remnants of the black mud from the corrupted Holy Grail still clinging to her being. The transformation had left her colder, more ruthless, but a twisted sense of loyalty towards Adelhein burned within her darkened heart. As she listened to her Master's words, a feral gleam in her golden eyes hinted at the depths of her newfound darkness.
The towering figure of Saber Alter, with her imposing height, cast a chilling presence in the shadowy forest. Her once noble demeanor tainted by the corruption, she exuded an aura of power and danger that resonated with the twisted magic of this new world they found themselves in.
At Adelhein's question, Saber Alter's gaze pierced through the darkness, scanning the surroundings with an intensity that spoke of her readiness for whatever challenges lay ahead. A low, ominous chuckle rumbled in her throat as she replied in a voice laced with malice, "We are no longer bound by the constraints of Fuyuki. This world is ripe for the taking, and we shall carve our path through its mysteries and dangers."
With a predatory grace, Saber Alter took a step forward, her black armor glinting ominously in the dim light filtering through the dense canopy above. "Lead the way, Master," she murmured, her voice a chilling echo of her former self. "Together, we shall conquer this new realm and bend it to our will."
-//-
As both advanced through the dark forest, Adelhein following close behind Saber Alter, as she took point. After a few minutes of walking, with the fallen dried leaves on the earthy ground crunching slightly with each step beneath their feet, they would begin to hear faint voices up ahead. Their vision was obscured by a sizeable and, when peered over, the pair would see a clearing. The place was surrounded by a sea of green, branches from the trees overreached the clearing and the leaves allowed only for a few rays of sunshine to peer through the dense canopy.
Right in the middle of the clearing, stood four males, all of different heights and builds. Two of them were couching down, each one patting down a different body of unknown species: one appeared to be a male, while the other a female. There were two trails of blood leading from one of the edges of the clearing to where the bodies were located. The four individuals were dressed in various assortments of equipments: some with leather armor, others with battered iron ones. Their weapons were equally inconsistent: a bigger, muscular looking humanoid, with greenish skin and fangs which protruded from his lower jaw, held a massive double axe. Meanwhile, the smaller one, with no more than 4ft of height, held two daggers. The two men who were patting down the bodies for valuables may have, looked human, having spiked clubs in a leather loop on their belts. A few ways from the quartet, a female stood, her face very akin to one of a fox and clad in leather clothing. On her hands, she held a wooden crossbow.
There was one thing, however, that all of them had in common: a red armband with a black dagger draw on it. "Hah! It looks like we made a killing today!" The bigger man shouted, in a rumbling, sarcastic voice, which earned a chuckle from all the others. Then the crossbowman's eyes who had been keeping guard, suddenly zeroed in both Adelhein and Saber Alter, making the female lift her left hand to point a them, while shouting. "Look! We have company!" The warning made all the others turn towards the ‘intruders’, with both that had been searching the bodies getting up and drawing their spiked clubs. The muscular orc opened a toothy grin, his eyes gleaming with greed and killing intent. "Well well well, look what we have here! Some little noble and their bodyguard, huh? I bet the kid will fetch quite many rykens!" He said, in a mocking tone, mistaking Adelhein for a noble because of his adorned magecraft coat. Next, it was the smaller male’s turn to talk. "And look at her armor and sword! I bet those will be quite the trophy for the boss! I saw we kill her and hold the brat for ransom." He said in his high-pitched voice, twirling his double daggers in his hands. It is clear diplomacy is out of the question in this encounter, and only violence can get both Master and Servant through this predicament.
The young Adelhein smirked, looking at the situation he faced, together with Saber Alter. Without wasting time, he activated his magic circuits, letting his mana flow through his body. As the energy with a blue-hue started to flow through his veins, like blood, a magecraft circle appeared under him. Focusing his efforts on his catalyst, a signet ring of the El-Melloi family on his right index, he concentrated on both him and Saber Alter. "Magnam Ferro Corpus!" With a sudden burst of magic, the ground next to them would burst open, bathing both Adelhein and Saber Alter with a type of liquid metal, coating them in an extra armor. "Saber, show them what you are made of." Adelhein said, looking at the thugs without any worry.
-//-
Saber Alter, clad in the liquid metal armor summoned by Adelhein's powerful magecraft, stood ready for battle as her Master's command echoed through the clearing. The menacing quartet of thugs, with their mismatched armor and weapons, sneered at the sight of the young noble and his armored bodyguard. Unbeknownst to them, they faced a formidable force in Saber Alter, corrupted and deadly, her golden eyes ablaze with a hunger for combat.
With a swift nod at Adelhein's directive, Saber Alter's form blurred as she moved with inhuman speed towards the group of thugs in the center of the clearing. Her blackened sword gleamed ominously in the dim light, ready to strike with brutal strength. As she closed the distance, her dark aura crackled with malevolent power, preparing to unleash a devastating attack on all four of her enemies at once.
With a graceful yet deadly arc of her sword, Saber Alter unleashed the power of Dark Excalibur Nova III, the air crackling with dark energy as the blade sliced through the space towards the thugs. The force of her attack aimed to strike fear into the hearts of her enemies, to show them the true power of a corrupted Servant bound by a twisted loyalty to her Master.
As the dark energy surged towards the group of thugs, Saber Alter's gaze remained fixed on her targets, her mind focused solely on the battle at hand. The clash of metal and magic echoed through the clearing, setting the stage for a brutal confrontation between the forces of darkness and the unsuspecting band of thugs.
-//-
As Saber Alter unleashed her most powerful ability, the darkness imbued sword cleaved through her opponents. Even though the four bandits weren't caught by surprise, their attempts to block the brutal attack were useless. Out of the four, only the muscular one would be left standing. His chest iron armor would be left with a long and deep horizontal cut. From it, a crimson liquid began leaking through it, staining the bottom part of the armor, as well as dripping down to the ground of the forest, making the soil wet with his life essence. With much difficulty, the man manage to bring his massive axe up and aimed it against her head. "Die bitch!" He bellowed, as he swung the axe in an overhead motion, aiming to cleave her head. However, due to a combination of the injuries he had sustained, Saber Alter's own defenses and the protective barrier who had been formed around her thanks to Adelhein's magecraft, the attack bounced off, not managing to even clip her form.
The total lack of form of the attack, however, hinted the group was very green. That could have been further confirmed as the crossbowman, watching the horrific brutal display of seeing her comrades' bloody corpses, dropped the bolt she was trying to load into her weapon. The female began reaching into her quiver to retrieve another bolt. The young magus watched the effectiveness of his Servant with pride brimming on his crimson eyes. He didn't remain passive, however. Channeling his mana on his magecraft once more, bringing both his hands forward. "Fervor Mei Sanguine!" He uttered, making two metallic tendrils burst out of the ground near him. The appendages moved like whips, in an almost liquid form, one of them darting towards the muscular thug who had survived Saber Alter's attack, while the other sought the crossbowman.
The metallic tentacle, which hunted for the muscular thug, made a sharp turn as soon as it reached Saber Alter's back, making a sharp turn over her shoulder during its trajectory, before skewering the male in the chest and bringing him down. The other one, aimed at the crossbowman's hand, as she tried to nervously get another bold from her quiver. It pierced her hand, from the back of the palm, rendering it useless at the moment. Afterward, the tendril exploded in a metallic cloud, mangling her hand. What remained of the appendage dangled, as the female screamed in pain and dropped her crossbow to try and tend to her injured hand. Adelhein looked at his and his Servant's work, with a dark smile on his lips. "Come on, run away now. It might be the only chance you have!" The teen said in a mocking tone, his crimson eyes narrowing. The last remaining attacker flight instinct kicked in, rushing away from the clearing, while holding her bleeding hand. While almost tripping in the process, the female’s figure would become smaller and smaller, until finally disappearing through the dark forest. Turning to Saber, Adelhein expression softened a bit, a proud smile on his lips. "You never cease to amaze me, Saber. You truly are the best Servant I could have summoned."
-//-
Saber Alter stood amidst the chaos of battle, her darkened form a vision of ruthless power as she effortlessly dispatched her foes with a single devastating strike. The male with the massive axe, his chest grievously wounded by her dark blade, roared in defiance as he swung his weapon towards her. However, the attack was futile against the barrier of protection that surrounded Saber Alter, the axe rebounding harmlessly off her armored form.
As the attacker's failed strike echoed through the clearing, the young magus Adelhein unleashed his own magic, summoning metallic tendrils from the earth to strike down the remaining threats. With precision and lethal force, the tendrils skewered the surviving thug and incapacitated the crossbowman, leaving them writhing in pain on the forest floor. The sound of agony mingled with the metallic clang of Adelhein's magic, a symphony of destruction that marked their swift and merciless victory.
Adelhein's dark smile spoke of his satisfaction at the swift and brutal efficiency of their tactics, his crimson eyes gleaming with a hint of malice. As the last attacker fled in fear, her hand clutching the wound inflicted by Adelhein's magic, the young magus mocked her retreat with a taunting grin. Saber Alter, standing tall and imposing beside her Master, exuded a sense of silent menace, her golden eyes gleaming with a dark light that hinted at the depths of her power.
At Adelhein's words of praise, a rare flicker of emotion crossed Saber Alter's stoic features. Despite the corruption that now tainted her being, a sense of loyalty and dedication to her Master burned fiercely within her darkened heart. With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, Saber Alter's gaze met Adelhein's, a silent understanding passing between them. At that moment, amidst the aftermath of battle, a bond forged in darkness and blood bound them together as Master and Servant, their fates entwined in a world ripe for conquest.
-//-
Adelhein would then approach the bodies, kneeling down and searching for anything useful in them. He had managed to find a heavy coin pouch. Its contents were quite bountiful: around twelve golden rykens, twenty silver rykens and many more copper rykens. Satisfied with the bounty they received from the would be attackers, the young magus would tie the coin pouch and place it inside the side pocket of his coat. Furthermore, he would also end up grabbing one of the red armbands, thinking they could end up being useful for identifying who these thugs worked for. Tucking the piece of cloth also inside one of his pockets, he would rise up and start looking around the dark forest. "Well, let's continue?" He asked his Servant and guardian, trusting completely in her battle-earned experience.
-//-
Saber Alter observed as Adelhein meticulously searched the bodies of their fallen enemies, his keen eyes scanning for any useful items among the remnants of their attackers. The heavy coin pouch he uncovered glinted in the dim light of the forest, its contents a small fortune in golden, silver, and copper rykens. Adelhein's deft fingers secured the pouch, tucking it safely away in the pocket of his magecraft coat, a small trophy from their victory.
As Adelhein also retrieved one of the red armbands, a token of the thugs' allegiance, Saber Alter nodded approvingly at his foresight. The armband could indeed prove useful in identifying the faction or group to which their assailants belonged, providing valuable information for their continued journey through the dark forest.
With the spoils of their battle secured, Adelhein rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping the shadowed expanse of the surrounding forest. His question hung in the air, a silent plea for guidance that Saber Alter was more than willing to provide. With a regal nod, she acknowledged his trust in her experience, her corrupted form radiating a sense of dark resolve and unwavering determination.
"Let us press on," Saber Alter declared, her voice low and commanding, a promise of further trials and triumphs to come. With Adelhein by her side, she ventured deeper into the ominous depths of the dark forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with a warrior's skill and a corrupted Servant's unyielding strength.
-//-
As both of them left the clearing and ventured into the dark forest, eventually they would come about one of its edges. Beyond it, they saw a cobbled road, which led both ways. The vision of infrastructure could mean that there was some sort of civilization in the location they were at. At the very side of the road, there was a well maintained sign which read "Ryken" pointing towards one of the sides of the road. Adelhein thought for a moment, thinking it would be wise for them to leave the wilderness and find more about the village, town or city the sign hinted at. "Maybe it is better for us to follow the sign. We could find out exactly where we are." He offered Saber, looking at her fierce visage, wanting her own input.
-//-
Saber Alter stood at the edge of the dark forest, her crimson eyes scanning the cobbled road that stretched out before them. The sight of civilization, indicated by the well-maintained sign pointing towards the village of Ryken, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the oppressive darkness of the wilderness. Adelhein's suggestion to follow the sign and seek out more information about their surroundings was met with a thoughtful silence from the corrupted Servant.
After a moment of contemplation, Saber Alter turned her gaze towards Adelhein, a rare flicker of something akin to curiosity crossing her features. The prospect of exploring the nearby village intrigued her, offering the possibility of gathering valuable information and resources for their journey ahead. With a subtle nod of agreement, Saber Alter indicated her readiness to follow Adelhein's lead, her loyalty to her Master unwavering in the face of uncertainty.
"Let us proceed to Ryken," Saber Alter intoned, her voice a low rumble that carried a sense of determination and purpose. With a silent understanding between Master and Servant, they set off down the cobbled road, leaving the dark forest behind as they ventured towards the mysterious village that beckoned to them with promises of discovery and intrigue. As they walked, the shadows of the trees began to recede, replaced by the faint glow of distant lights that marked the outskirts of Ryken, their destination on this new leg of their journey.
-//-
As both Adelhein and Saber Alter got closer to Ryken, the place betrayed their expectations: instead of a simple village, it was revealed to be a bustling merchant metropolis which had been built by river. As they got closer to its gates, they could see guards standing right in front of it. The guards of the entrance wore heavy armor, all armed with halberds. "Halt!" One of them ordered, as both Adelhein and Saber Alter got close enough to the gates. "If you wish to enter the city, first both of you need to place your hands on the Black Orb, one at the time." He said, extending his free hand forward, in which said orb was being held. The other guards shifted slightly, as if preparing for something, as they waited for both the young Master and the Servant to comply with the order.
-//-
Saber Alter and Adelhein approached the bustling city of Ryken, their expectations shattered by the sight of a thriving merchant metropolis that sprawled along the riverbanks. The imposing gates of the city loomed before them, guarded by stern figures in heavy armor wielding halberds with practiced ease. As they drew near, the commanding voice of one of the guards rang out, demanding that they halt and submit to a peculiar ritual before entering the city.
The guard's order to place their hands on the Black Orb held an air of mystery and authority, prompting a subtle tension to ripple through the ranks of the guards. Saber Alter, ever vigilant and attuned to the subtle shifts in the atmosphere, exchanged a knowing glance with Adelhein, silently communicating their readiness to comply with the guard's request. With a nod of acknowledgment, Saber Alter stepped forward, her armored hand reaching out to touch the cool surface of the black orb held out by the guard.
As her hand made contact with the orb, a faint hum of energy pulsed through her armored form, a sensation that was both unnerving and intriguing. The other guards watched intently, their expressions unreadable behind their imposing helmets, as Saber Alter awaited the outcome of the mysterious ritual. Adelhein stood beside her, his crimson eyes alight with a mixture of curiosity and caution, ready to follow his Servant's lead into the enigmatic depths of Ryken, a city teeming with secrets and possibilities.
-//-
As Saber Alter's armored hand was placed on the black orb, it hummed with energy for a moment. The guard's eyes were locked on the ebony surface of the orb. However, nothing showed up on it. "You are good to go, welcome to Ryke." He gave a nod to the Servant, the other guards relaxing their stances slightly. Then, the man who held the orb turned towards Adelhein. "Now it is your turn." He said with bureaucratic efficiency, offering the orb to the young magus next. Approaching, the teen's gloved hand reached the orb, and he was able to feel its coolness through the fabric which protected his hand. Once more, the security device hummed with energy, for a moment, before nothing showing up on its surface. "Good, you can enter as well. Welcome to Ryken." The guard said, stepping aside and letting both of them through the gates. Adelhein's crimson eyes were fixed on the orb a moment longer, wondering what that was about. That only lasted a moment, as he would soon begin to step into the metropolis along with Saber Alter.
In it, they would discover more of where they were at. Both were inside a country called Protectorate of Ryke, a small yet rich country, which shared borders with The Republic, East Empire and The See. The country seemed pretty medieval in its foundation, having a few quasi-modern oddities here and there, which weren't common place. Having a Nobles as its ruling faction in the usual European hierarchy. Besides the Nobles, there also was the Adventurer's Guild, the Merchant's Guild and the Church. The last one was compromised of an organized body which decided which faiths were true and which ones were heresies, cults or extremist groups.
Not only that, they would also come in contact with curious creatures, some looking humanoid with bestial traits, other beings outright sentient animals, as well as elves, pixies and too many others to describe. Fortunately, the gold Adelhein had procured from the bandits had been more than enough for the pair to procure supplies of all sorts, as well as acquiring lodging in the city itself. As things became more clear and calm, Adelhein turned to Saber Alter, his crimson eyes looking into her golden ones. "This world is different, yet full of possibilities which we would have never found in Fuyuki. We should set our goals in this territory. Either inside this realm or in any of the others."
-//-
Saber Alter and Adelhein passed through the gates of Ryken, the mysterious ritual with the black orb behind them, as they ventured into the bustling metropolis. The sights and sounds of the city enveloped them, a tapestry of medieval architecture interwoven with glimpses of quasi-modern oddities that hinted at a world beyond their previous experiences.
As they delved deeper into the heart of the Protectorate of Ryke, they discovered a land rich in history and complexity, its ruling factions and societal structures a blend of nobility, guilds, and religious institutions. The presence of the Adventurer's Guild, the Merchant's Guild, and the Church added layers of intrigue to their surroundings, each playing a crucial role in the fabric of this vibrant realm.
Curious creatures of all shapes and sizes roamed the streets of Ryken, their presence adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to the cityscape. From humanoid beings with bestial traits to sentient animals, elves, pixies, and other fantastical beings, the diversity of life in the Protectorate of Ryke spoke of a world teeming with untold possibilities and untapped potential.
Adelhein's words resonated with Saber Alter, his gaze meeting hers in a silent exchange of understanding and determination. The young magus's crimson eyes held a spark of ambition and curiosity as he spoke of setting goals in this new territory, of exploring the vast expanse of this world and beyond. Saber Alter, her golden eyes reflecting the flickering light of the surrounding city, nodded in agreement, a silent promise of loyalty and dedication to their shared cause.
"In this realm or any other, we shall carve our path," Saber Alter declared, her voice a low rumble that carried a sense of certainty and resolve. With Adelhein by her side, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in this unfamiliar yet intriguing land. Together, Master and Servant stood poised on the threshold of a new adventure, their fates intertwined in a world ripe for exploration and conquest.
Wheatley
New Member
It was single handily the WORST tavern experience he has ever had in his life. He saw a lil fae girl with tiny little hands trying to handle a comically sized seafood sandwich her species was never even meant to fathom. Gilgram stared at her idly as sauce from that lil fae’s sandwich was compressed out like sky rocketing dysentery. She was squeezing it with all her fucking effort trying to smash it down thin enough to eat. Tomatoes and lettuce flew out in rampage like she was casting a forest spell to kill his eastern empire looking ass. Gilgramfried and other tavern dwellers ducked down and dived, sadly one of them got a mayonnaise drenched slap of sloppy greens against his neck. Gilgramfried was in absolute shock “No!” cried as he saw a limped body fall to the ground.
Gilgramfried crawled down on his belly avoiding the sandwich artillery fire. He checked the fallen man's vitals but he was oiled up in so much grease and sweat that it was even hard to get a grip of him. Gil’s hands were stained with gooey sludge as he tried to shovel shapeless clumps of bubbling mayonnaise and tartar sauce off this man's body. He was a goner but Gil wasn’t going give up on him just yet-
Feeling the hands of another survivor wrap around his wrist, Gil was pulled off the man and back into the confines of a flipped over table. He was saved just before a compressed gulp of oysters catapulted out of the sandwich and landed where Gilgramfried was trying to help that mayonnaise victim. Looking back, a mass of gurgling seafood stank the area as it immediately crumbled underneath its own mass and lubricated heat. “WHAT’S HAPPENING?!?” The world around him started to shake.
The sandwich was winning.
Buns flexed outward. Puss and wind vented out of the ovenburnt buns in retaliation. Screaming gusts of steamed heat farted out of the sandwich. The lil fae girl was struggling to contain what she had started. Her fingers gobbled and stabbed a sandwich that was taking an exalted form. What little muscles she had to compress her meal were at their breaking point, he had to help her. They all had to.
Gilgram voyaged upwards towards the lil fae who had begun to levitate with the ascension of her sandwich. Gigantic sounds of divinity grew out of their aura, battling each other in fantastical orchestra. “Take my hand!” The warrior shouted.
“I can’t!” Energy was quickly dissipating from her voice. It was as if the sandwich's density had increased so much that her hands and arms were magnetized, she couldn’t get away.
He only had one option. Resolve jolted out of his legs and a mighty leap reached out for her. As soon as contact was made her power started to leech his energy. Suspended in her gravitation field he felt the spoil of tiredness and fatigue violently wash over him.
In the end the fae girl had won. Meats and sauce antagonistically deteriorated the taverns inners, overfilling it with a surplus of food. “What spell was that?!” Screaming at her.
“Red Lobster..”
Gilgramfried crawled down on his belly avoiding the sandwich artillery fire. He checked the fallen man's vitals but he was oiled up in so much grease and sweat that it was even hard to get a grip of him. Gil’s hands were stained with gooey sludge as he tried to shovel shapeless clumps of bubbling mayonnaise and tartar sauce off this man's body. He was a goner but Gil wasn’t going give up on him just yet-
Feeling the hands of another survivor wrap around his wrist, Gil was pulled off the man and back into the confines of a flipped over table. He was saved just before a compressed gulp of oysters catapulted out of the sandwich and landed where Gilgramfried was trying to help that mayonnaise victim. Looking back, a mass of gurgling seafood stank the area as it immediately crumbled underneath its own mass and lubricated heat. “WHAT’S HAPPENING?!?” The world around him started to shake.
The sandwich was winning.
Buns flexed outward. Puss and wind vented out of the ovenburnt buns in retaliation. Screaming gusts of steamed heat farted out of the sandwich. The lil fae girl was struggling to contain what she had started. Her fingers gobbled and stabbed a sandwich that was taking an exalted form. What little muscles she had to compress her meal were at their breaking point, he had to help her. They all had to.
Gilgram voyaged upwards towards the lil fae who had begun to levitate with the ascension of her sandwich. Gigantic sounds of divinity grew out of their aura, battling each other in fantastical orchestra. “Take my hand!” The warrior shouted.
“I can’t!” Energy was quickly dissipating from her voice. It was as if the sandwich's density had increased so much that her hands and arms were magnetized, she couldn’t get away.
He only had one option. Resolve jolted out of his legs and a mighty leap reached out for her. As soon as contact was made her power started to leech his energy. Suspended in her gravitation field he felt the spoil of tiredness and fatigue violently wash over him.
In the end the fae girl had won. Meats and sauce antagonistically deteriorated the taverns inners, overfilling it with a surplus of food. “What spell was that?!” Screaming at her.
“Red Lobster..”
Lolory
RWBY Tuesdays
Elvyra Highwater | A Night in Gambler's Row
(A short story about Elvyra exploring a city in Widersia that will help set up the events of a future RP + create a new city in Widersia for others to visit)
(A short story about Elvyra exploring a city in Widersia that will help set up the events of a future RP + create a new city in Widersia for others to visit)
Gambler's Row was a nostalgic city for Elvyra, even though she'd never stepped foot in it before tonight. It reminded her a lot of Blackwell city; it's seedy dark alleyways, and uncleaned streets with stray bottles of booze and newspapers strewn about like props on a stage were present reminders of her old life. It was also an incredibly windy city, seeing as it was nestled right between the bosoms of large rolling hill country and housed tall apartment buildings built in that familiar art deco style she was so used to in her previous life. If anything she felt like the universe had done her a disservice putting her in Ryke instead of in Widersia. This place is just like home...She breathed in deeply as she walked down the sidewalk, the breezy night air filled with the scent of sweet cigar smoke and cheap booze.She smiled to herself, If it's really like home, conning people will be easier than expected. She could only hope so; getting back to her previous level of fame and notoriety was a lot harder than her old life. Living amongst monsters made her terrible actions and behavior a common occurrence, and something that was even encouraged and nurtured by that horrid environment. But this world was far different, there were rules every where she went. Laws that she had never even knew could exist or be enforced were common sense to most citizens in every nation. She'd even taken the time to ask Winrey about the "laws" of this world, and some of them made her head spin. If she wanted to get back to where she used to be, she'd have to be the one to foster that kind of environment all on her own without the guidance or help of other people. Elvyra shivered, and buried deeper in her coat as she walked. Not from the cold, but from the sordid thoughts that came to her mind when she thought about being "The first" to start some kind of trouble.
I can't be handed everything on a silver platter, I guess...Some thing's must be done by my hand alone. It just unnerved her to be so alone in that endeavor. It's just like old times, back when I was starting out. She still remembered the mistakes she'd made, the risks she'd taken in Blackwell city, and how they had almost cost her her life multiple times. She'd at least had the weight of her family name, until even that had been forgotten by monster society entirely. Here in this new world, she had nothing. She'd spent her time in Ryke trying desperately to find a new means of gaining power over others, at least something that would help her gain more control over the nobles. But all she was led to were dead ends. Or mistakes she'd made in her old life. She recalled beating a nobleman to give her an answer on where the money she'd lent him had gone, only to learn it had ended up in the hands of one of her oldest and most annoying competitors: Madame Oakwell.
Elvyra wasn't surprised to learn that Oakwell existed in this world too, albeit a different version of her separate from the one that Elvyra had grown to hate over centuries. Their rivalry was a bloody one back in Blackwell, and she'd never even gotten the chance to glare at Oakwell in this reality. God must have a grudge against me, putting that old crazy bat above me in status...She had purposefully crumpled any news clippings and reports talking about Oakwell, not wanting to fill her mind with the idea that Oakwell was succeeding where she was not. She'd only been happy when she learned that Oakwell had landed herself in the Azuran city dungeons for the foreseeable future.
But in Oakwell's wake, there was a space left for someone else to take her place quite easily. The nobles of Azuran were finicky and hard to please. They only cared about entertaining themselves, or bolstering their own ego, and money wasn't something any of them worried about. Which meant that they were easy to con but harder to get latch on to. If you were a nobody, they didn't pay you any attention and treated you like a lamppost on the street they walked by each day. And becoming an Noble meant hard work and dedication and time that Elvyra didn't feel like spending all over again. So to get her mind off of things, she decided she needed a change of scenery.
Hence the vacation to Gambler's Row. She'd heard Clockhaven was a great place to visit if you liked technological advancements, but that Gambler's Row was a quieter place that paved the way for entertainment. Casinos, jazz halls, even theatres lined the streets of this small but tall city. The locals were always going some place and never spent time talking on the street. Conversation was saved for the bar or a lounge. Women were much more fashionable here, their style a mix between the coats and corsets of Clockhaven, and the glittery scene of a party in Gambler's Row.
Music wafted from an open door of one of the many music venues that were open that night, this one seemingly packed for business. The low croon of a singers voice came from the dark room, and Elvyra felt an urge to peek her head in and spend the evening there instead of aimlessly walking the streets. As she came to the entrance, a man with a ticket counter in hand was there, and he tipped his hat toward her. "Evening miss, here for the performances tonight at the Cogston theater?" He asked her, holding the ticket machine out. It was, much like all Widersian tech, operated entirely by a complicated mess of cogs and spurs that constantly ticked like a clock. A single ticket stuck out of the lip of the machine as he held it out toward her. "Ticket's are only 5 gold tonight, it's a special occasion."
Elvyra took a ticket from the machine, another readily taking its place as she tore it from it's metal grasp, and thanked the ticket master as she walked into the theater. It was crowded just as she had seen from the entrance, but she elegantly made her way to a spot in a lounge area just in time for the performance to end. As she settled down into the plush leather seats that curved around her, the audience clapped their hands as the next act came on stage. She wasn't familiar with the singers at all, but that wouldn't matter, spending time here with a drink and a smoke would be lovely either way.
A low coffee table was before her, and she noticed it too whirred with the noise of cogs and machinery. A part of the table flipped open to unveil a single glass, and next to it a selection of drinks were available that slowly rose up from underneath the table. Elvyra decided that she'd just help herself and pay later. As she poured herself a drink, two men next to her were in deep conversation, gossiping about something in the paper that day. She had arrived late to Gambler's Row, and thus had no clue about what had happened in the city prior to that night.
"I can't believe it...Old man Clover, dead already! And just when he was going to open his business up to more of the locals in Clockhaven!" One man said. He wore a bowler hat and a loosened tie, his friend next to him was much more put together with his hair still perfectly coifed and slicked back. The well manicured man took a shot of whiskey before pushing the glass back on the table.
"And they're saying it was...murder? That's unbelievable. But not too surprising. You don't think it has anything to do with the war, do you?" He wondered, and Elvyra had to stop herself from interjecting. She'd known about that ceaseless war between Widersia and The See, though she'd never felt the effects of it at all since Ryke was more or less separated from that whole fiasco.
"I doubt it. He was from The Republic, wasn't he? His family wouldn't know anything just because they live here now. The Guards will figure it out, I'm sure."
"What'll happen to the Goldpot now, I wonder? It's the best casino in the Row there's no way they'll just go out of business because the head of the Jiang family's gone! At least I hope not, I still have unfinished business there!" His friend laughed at him and patted his shoulder.
"You mean 'unfinished games' to play. You should just give up on making any of that money back, pal! Your lucks just rotten, it's a lost cause." He picked the newspaper up and Elvyra eyed it from her small corner. The two men were too drunk to notice her obvious eavesdropping. "And look here, they're announcing something big at the Goldpot soon. I heard they're auctioning off a lot of his old items." Now that peaked Elvyra's interests.
"Excuse me boys, I couldn't help but overhear you mentioning an auction?" She spoke up. The two men stuttered as they gathered the newspaper up for Elvyra to see clearer, prominent blush across their face as they stared at her. She read the headline, and an idea began to form in her head the more words she took in.
Murder at the Goldpot Casino!
Jiang "Clover" Xu found dead in his own office under mysterious circumstances.
The remaining Jiang family have not wanted to comment on the deadly case that happened under their own roof, however Xiang Lu the new management of the Goldpot Casino and Jiang Xu's Eldest son has announced that he will be holding an
important announcement for the public very soon, perhaps tomorrow. Many are speculating that it has to do with the fabled hoard hidden underneath the Casino that old Clover loved to brag about owning when he was alive.
Customers of the Goldpot have lined up tonight to be the first to enter the casino when Jiang Lu opens the doors for his speech. The press have been granted free entry as well, which is quite uncommon for a business man of any stature to allow. Only time will tell what important announcement awaits the public.
Elvyra couldn't help it, the sense that there was something big here in these pages was calling to her. "Who are these Jiang fella's anyway? They anyone important I should know about?" She asked. "I'm not from around here, you see. I came all the way from Ryke a day or two ago." Jiang "Clover" Xu found dead in his own office under mysterious circumstances.
The remaining Jiang family have not wanted to comment on the deadly case that happened under their own roof, however Xiang Lu the new management of the Goldpot Casino and Jiang Xu's Eldest son has announced that he will be holding an
important announcement for the public very soon, perhaps tomorrow. Many are speculating that it has to do with the fabled hoard hidden underneath the Casino that old Clover loved to brag about owning when he was alive.
Customers of the Goldpot have lined up tonight to be the first to enter the casino when Jiang Lu opens the doors for his speech. The press have been granted free entry as well, which is quite uncommon for a business man of any stature to allow. Only time will tell what important announcement awaits the public.
"Oh the Jiang family are only the most important people in Gambler's Row aside from the Guards who try and keep this city safe! They run the Goldpot Casino, lovely place, you gotta visit sometime!" The man in the bowler hat said.
"Uh, we could take you out on the town, if you'd like! We love welcoming newcomers!" His friend said with a slightly lecherous smile on his face. Elvyra smiled to hide the disgust she felt as she folded the newspaper up. "I think I'll pass. I'm not much for gambling. But...I do adore a good auction hall." And a potential new tool to put to use. This could be my ticket in. It seemed like a long shot, but most of the risks she'd taken had been quite similar in nature. She took the paper from the two gentleman, ignoring their disappointed looks as they watched her walk away, and paid her tab early. She decided she'd head to the Goldpot Casino herself the next morning. What had become a vacation had suddenly turned into a business opportunity she couldn't let slip away.
SETTING: Widersia, Gambler's Row | TITLES: Moon Blessed Vampire, VIP | VOICE: 
