Valos [IC|OPEN]

[Platypus Reborn]

Pouli finally awoke from his mid-day nap and queitly conducted himself. He shook his head and grumbled realizing it was almost the afternoon now and he has wasted the day reading and lounging around in the inn. Determined to not let his whole day be wasted, he quickly made for the door, but saw an eccentric-looking man and a lady in mage garb blocking his path. He stood there for a second as they talked and when there was a brief pause in their conversation, he took the chance to ask them to move.

"Excuse me, Sir, Lady, but could you please move out of the door way, I am in a bit of a hurry," The polite, but impatient teenager asked.

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

“Aren’t we all? But if you insist…” Jacob moved away but as the kid walked past, his eyes were drawn to something hanging from their belt. A short-sword. At first glance it appeared normal but something had drawn him to it. A black gem was embedded within the hilt. Something familiar about it struck at the back of his mind.

Before Loras could get past, Jacob brought an arm out to stop him. “Hey kid, why don’t you stick around for a while? Valos is a laid back village after all. Instead of rushing around, how about settling down for a drink instead?” Jacob sounded as sincere as one could be yet his eyes would beg to differ. They were like the eye’s of a hawk, boring through Loras as if he was a puzzle one was too eager to solve. Definitely a bit short of friendly.

Pouli tensed under the intense gaze of the elder man with his deep, purple Iriss expanding from the sudden boldness of the man. After collecting himself, he eased a little knowing the man wouldn't try anything.

"I- uhm...sure," he said after a long pause.

[Mundeo]

Vylkan Grün

Vylkan noticed the smoke rising in the distance; the telltale sign of a fire. He didn't go towards it, though. Smoke attracted monsters and other unwanted attention, so it was only the detriment of whoever went there. So he continued walking, the rain splashing off his dark leather hood. It wasn't long, however, until he heard another horse. This time, it was going to pass right by him. He had to hide, and fast. As Amethyst passed by, Vylkan knelt down within the brush, hoping that she wouldn't notice him. His dark clothing, however, contrasted with the much brighter colors of the dawn.

"Easy Agro" she patted on his head again. This point she really had the sinking feeling she wasn't alone. She didn't want trouble if it was a person but if it was a monster she couldn't just let her guard down and move on, especially if it was hunting her. Amethyst slowly pulled the sword from her sheath just in case. As quiet as she could she examined the brush and discovered Vylkan. "Oh" she sighed just relived it wasn't a beast but still she had to be careful. "You been watching me?"

Vylkan Grün

Dammit.

She noticed. With a snarl, Vylkan rose back to his feet and stared down the young warrior. "I was hoping that you wouldn't see me" He said in a deep, raspy tone. "But I suppose my attire isn't best suited for the morning"

He stepped out of the brush, making only a soft rustling sound as he did so. "Let me guess, you're here for the bounty? I swear, the entire town is throwing themselves into this forest without a moment's preparation... Aren't you a bit young to be out alone in the woods?"

[Novas Arcanum]

The Forest


The rush, the adrenaline, the anger, Razius felt it all when facing these kobolds. While these small hideous reptilians were not the greatest of threats he still felt rage from getting hit in the chest by that hard rock and even more so by the audacity of these beasts that attacked without warning. Taking advantage that the were kobolds blinded by the light of his fire, and his eyes burning with a literal fire,Razius quickly moved in and attacked with speed and agility knocking the beasts to the ground and severely injuring them with the pointed end of his staff.He smacked the kobolds with his hard silver staff, and painted it with the crimson blood of his scaly foes, managing to kill one with a fatal blow to the gut, he quickly turned around when he heard a shriek and laughter coming from the girl who used dual blades to fend off her own kobolds with a fierceness that matched his own. Razius moved to the side, barely missing a rock that grazed his left ear, and extended his hand towards a group of four kobolds that had arrived from the shadows knocking them to the ground with a telekinetic burst. He soon noticed something about these rushing kobolds.They moved with an uncertainty, that betrayed their inherent weakness. He had read about these monsters in his studies at the Sanctum, and knew that every kobold group had a semi intelligent leader that lead the rabble, now all he had to do was find this leader and kill him than hopefully the rest would scatter like dust in the wind, too stupid to carry on without the aid of their leader."I'm going to take out the leader!" He shouted although when looking back he was sure the girl didn't understand a word he was saying, with the noise of the battle blocking his words. He looked at the mass of reptilians, searching for anyone that stood out.


Finally he saw him the one that somehow escaped the carnage, yelping orders at his drones.Razius aimed his staff, and using his telekinetic abilities flew it straight into the heart of the leader.The kobold was slammed to the trunk of the tree by the force of the attack, and writhed in pain screaming and shouting a few raspy yips, before the grey fingers of death took hold of him. Razius summoned his staff back towards him, and knocked an incoming rock with the end of it.He hoped his plan worked or else he would have to get really messy.

[AHSCA]

Vylkan Grün

Dammit.

She noticed. With a snarl, Vylkan rose back to his feet and stared down the young warrior. "I was hoping that you wouldn't see me" He said in a deep, raspy tone. "But I suppose my attire isn't best suited for the morning"

He stepped out of the brush, making only a soft rustling sound as he did so. "Let me guess, you're here for the bounty? I swear, the entire town is throwing themselves into this forest without a moment's preparation... Aren't you a bit young to be out alone in the woods?"

"Mmm I wouldn't say so but I'm already on a heightened alert to keep my guard up." She tried to casually brush off to not insult the man or make it look like dumb luck she discovered him. She figured he was probably just a beast of some kind she could scare off but here he was. "I'm not as young as I look and I'm well trained." When he inquired about the bounty she was caught off guard she hadn't heard seeing as she'd been cloistered in the monastery first then out in the country. "Bounty?" she inquired. She wondered if she should just give a confident reply but it was out so no reason for him to lie to her now it seemed. "I must say I'm ignorant to recent going ons. I've been largely traveling and it's been some time since I've been in a major town. I was hoping to reach nearby Valos. But if you tell me more maybe you and I can form a pact. It is pretty dangerous out here and I'm a generous person who's willing to share."

[Tiltjuice]

Carme Kujeine
On the way back to the Lustful Raven

Carme had given it up as a bad job. She'd wandered around the market for hours, hoping to catch some bit of gossip from the villagers about the crimes, but most of them were only exchanging small talk, if they weren't bargaining. The only exception had been one of the stablehands at the horse rental, whom she'd scared witless as soon as she introduced herself as a sellsword. Something about having an uncle and aunt taken away. Calming him down had taken a bit, but he seemed to understand sellswords weren't boogeymen by the end. The poor fellow must have been frightened as a child; he didn't seem to have the look of someone being chased by another sellsword. Didn't seem to know anything about the kidnappers, either, except that the forest was dangerous.

At least she'd managed to get the oil for the hinge, and a little polish for the mirror. So, back to the inn it was for now, then to the forest.

Partway along, she came across another woman, heading in the direction of the market. Something of a heartbreaker, had Carme bothered to notice, but instead the sellsword took in the spear and dagger slowly, and cocked her head. Was this girl one of her fellows? She almost seemed like an employer if it hadn't been for the weapons.

"White waters?" she tossed out, almost casually. A Cob would know instantly the reference to the river that meandered through the Seven Hamlets, and reply back with the region's other catchphrase. If the other was also a sellsword, better to team up now than work out a compromise later.

[Helvetea]

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

"Fine people who take it upon themselves to learn magic most would deem 'evil'. Hardly the case, in fact, what I think is actual evil is not unlocking ones true potential, wouldn't you say? After all, knowledge is power" In reality, Jacob didn't really care for dark mages but their ways never necessarily upset him. They were interesting to say the least, though he'd never consider being one himself. It was below people like him. Even though, their talent was one to be admired for sure. "And politics, oh, politics is a battle itself wouldn't you say? More a battle of wits than brawn though I wouldn't put it past anyone for it to come to that."

Engelise nodded and smiled, even though she had had troubling following his train of thought. Essentially what he had said was 'Lazy People = evil, Politics = Verbal battlefield.' She kicked herself for not having preserved her pre-torture knowledge, because she always had trouble with in-depth conversations. When the New kid dropped in, she stood back to allow him to enter, but her conversation partner started talking to him as well. So Engelise remained next to Jacob, who recommended they get drinks. "Drinks? Uhm....I guess?" Engelise said, trying to figure out what she wanted to drink.

[Abserdia]

A Brave Kobold
The Forest, attacking Razius and Adelle

The kobolds became panicked after the death of their leader.
It soon became apparent that there were only 3 left, unless you count the ones still slinging rocks. 2 of them seemed scared and about to flee.
The smallest, however, was very courageous.
He gripped his spear tightly, ran towards Razius, and successfully stabbed it deep into his hip!

They were about to run away before 3 more Kobolds appeared!
It seems like there was another group nearby that came to reinforce their
Razius and Adelle once again became outnumbered, and their enemies felt a sense of confidence in themselves.
More rocks began firing, hitting the pair with a few large stones.

[Mundeo]

"Mmm I wouldn't say so but I'm already on a heightened alert to keep my guard up." She tried to casually brush off to not insult the man or make it look like dumb luck she discovered him. She figured he was probably just a beast of some kind she could scare off but here he was. "I'm not as young as I look and I'm well trained." When he inquired about the bounty she was caught off guard she hadn't heard seeing as she'd been cloistered in the monastery first then out in the country. "Bounty?" she inquired. She wondered if she should just give a confident reply but it was out so no reason for him to lie to her now it seemed. "I must say I'm ignorant to recent going ons. I've been largely traveling and it's been some time since I've been in a major town. I was hoping to reach nearby Valos. But if you tell me more maybe you and I can form a pact. It is pretty dangerous out here and I'm a generous person who's willing to share."

Vylkan Grün

When Vylkan heard what the young warrior had to say, he was completely taken aback. "Only a fool enters the woods on their own without a good reason to do so" He said curtly, starting to walk back the way he came. "You should go back home, before you become a monster's next supper. If there's anyone who knows every acre, every tree trunk and stream and mossy stone of these woods, it is me, and as you wish to know so badly, a bounty has been ordered on the heads of two men who killed Lord Nael and kidnapped his daughters"

He stopped in his tracks and motioned to the path he was on. "Come on now. I can lead you to Valos, if that is where you were heading"

[The Land of Golden Blobfish]

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

“Aren’t we all? But if you insist…” Jacob moved away but as the kid walked past, his eyes were drawn to something hanging from their belt. A short-sword. At first glance it appeared normal but something had drawn him to it. A black gem was embedded within the hilt. Something familiar about it struck at the back of his mind.

Before Loras could get past, Jacob brought an arm out to stop him. “Hey kid, why don’t you stick around for a while? Valos is a laid back village after all. Instead of rushing around, how about settling down for a drink instead?” Jacob sounded as sincere as one could be yet his eyes would beg to differ. They were like the eye’s of a hawk, boring through Loras as if he was a puzzle one was too eager to solve. Definitely a bit short of friendly.

Pouli tensed under the intense gaze of the elder man with his deep, purple Iriss expanding from the sudden boldness of the man. After collecting himself, he eased a little knowing the man wouldn't try anything.

"I- uhm...sure," he said after a long pause.

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

"Fine people who take it upon themselves to learn magic most would deem 'evil'. Hardly the case, in fact, what I think is actual evil is not unlocking ones true potential, wouldn't you say? After all, knowledge is power" In reality, Jacob didn't really care for dark mages but their ways never necessarily upset him. They were interesting to say the least, though he'd never consider being one himself. It was below people like him. Even though, their talent was one to be admired for sure. "And politics, oh, politics is a battle itself wouldn't you say? More a battle of wits than brawn though I wouldn't put it past anyone for it to come to that."

Engelise nodded and smiled, even though she had had troubling following his train of thought. Essentially what he had said was 'Lazy People = evil, Politics = Verbal battlefield.' She kicked herself for not having preserved her pre-torture knowledge, because she always had trouble with in-depth conversations. When the New kid dropped in, she stood back to allow him to enter, but her conversation partner started talking to him as well. So Engelise remained next to Jacob, who recommended they get drinks. "Drinks? Uhm....I guess?" Engelise said, trying to figure out what she wanted to drink.

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

“Brilliant, follow me.” He lead them to an empty table at the end of the tavern. “Now kid, excuse my rudeness but judging from recent events and your, er, choice of apparel, it would seem you’ve outfitted yourself for quite an adventure. And if I may be so bold I’d say your after that bounty for those two murderers, correct?” The waitress came and gave them all a mug of ale. Jacob stared at it in contempt. Did people really drink this garbage? He almost felt sorry for the fools. “Where was I? Oh yes, now if I am correct then you do realize that the forest is no place for children. If you are adamant on going then perhaps you wouldn’t mind some company? I had some plans going myself which trust me, I can very easily do, but why don’t hit two birds with one stone? What do you say?” He turned to Engelise, “So sorry mademoiselle but I’m afraid I must take my leave. Unless, you wish to accompany us?”

[AHSCA]

Vylkan Grün

When Vylkan heard what the young warrior had to say, he was completely taken aback. "Only a fool enters the woods on their own without a good reason to do so" He said curtly, starting to walk back the way he came. "You should go back home, before you become a monster's next supper. If there's anyone who knows every acre, every tree trunk and stream and mossy stone of these woods, it is me, and as you wish to know so badly, a bounty has been ordered on the heads of two men who killed Lord Nael and kidnapped his daughters"

He stopped in his tracks and motioned to the path he was on. "Come on now. I can lead you to Valos, if that is where you were heading"

Amethyst had half the mind to knock his block off, it seemed everyone wanted to treat her like she was a little kid even though she just saved some poor farmer's livelihood. Still he was her guide to Valos so she bit her tongue. "Very well. I'll appreciate your assistance and pay you a small sum for your trouble." She listened to him talk about the folks with a bounty on her head, he wasn't interested in teaming up with her it seemed so she didn't press on the subject more. Once she would get to Valos she'd gear up and go on the hunt herself.

[Platypus Reborn]

Pouli tensed under the intense gaze of the elder man with his deep, purple Iriss expanding from the sudden boldness of the man. After collecting himself, he eased a little knowing the man wouldn't try anything.

"I- uhm...sure," he said after a long pause.

Engelise nodded and smiled, even though she had had troubling following his train of thought. Essentially what he had said was 'Lazy People = evil, Politics = Verbal battlefield.' She kicked herself for not having preserved her pre-torture knowledge, because she always had trouble with in-depth conversations. When the New kid dropped in, she stood back to allow him to enter, but her conversation partner started talking to him as well. So Engelise remained next to Jacob, who recommended they get drinks. "Drinks? Uhm....I guess?" Engelise said, trying to figure out what she wanted to drink.

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

“Brilliant, follow me.” He lead them to an empty table at the end of the tavern. “Now kid, excuse my rudeness but judging from recent events and your, er, choice of apparel, it would seem you’ve outfitted yourself for quite an adventure. And if I may be so bold I’d say your after that bounty for those two murderers, correct?” The waitress came and gave them all a mug of ale. Jacob stared at it in contempt. Did people really drink this garbage? He almost felt sorry for the fools. “Where was I? Oh yes, now if I am correct then you do realize that the forest is no place for children. If you are adamant on going then perhaps you wouldn’t mind some company? I had some plans going myself which trust me, I can very easily do, but why don’t hit two birds with one stone? What do you say?” He turned to Engelise, “So sorry mademoiselle but I’m afraid I must take my leave. Unless, you wish to accompany us?”

Pouli crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair after the man called him a "kid". "I can assure you, Sir, that I am not a kid and I do not need someone to help me take down only two men and then give half the profit to," he pouted. He glanced down at the mug of ale, but his attention quickly returned back to the conversation at hand. "And if she came then the profit would be split three-ways. Also, how did you figure out I was going after the kidnappers?" He asked.

[The Land of Golden Blobfish]

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

“Brilliant, follow me.” He lead them to an empty table at the end of the tavern. “Now kid, excuse my rudeness but judging from recent events and your, er, choice of apparel, it would seem you’ve outfitted yourself for quite an adventure. And if I may be so bold I’d say your after that bounty for those two murderers, correct?” The waitress came and gave them all a mug of ale. Jacob stared at it in contempt. Did people really drink this garbage? He almost felt sorry for the fools. “Where was I? Oh yes, now if I am correct then you do realize that the forest is no place for children. If you are adamant on going then perhaps you wouldn’t mind some company? I had some plans going myself which trust me, I can very easily do, but why don’t hit two birds with one stone? What do you say?” He turned to Engelise, “So sorry mademoiselle but I’m afraid I must take my leave. Unless, you wish to accompany us?”

Pouli crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair after the man called him a "kid". "I can assure you, Sir, that I am not a kid and I do not need someone to help me take down only two men and then give half the profit to," he pouted. He glanced down at the mug of ale, but his attention quickly returned back to the conversation at hand. "And if she came then the profit would be split three-ways. Also, how did you figure out I was going after the kidnappers?" He asked.

"Eh, a young inspiring knight with armor and sword is a dead giveway. I mean, not even the town guards have that kind of equipment but such simpletons couldn't afford anything better than leather anyway." Jacob leaned in closer, "And kid or not, you're still far too naive to travel alone. You really think one young warrior has a chance against all the horrors the forest has to offer? Hell, I'd be surprised that by the time the murderers were found, they weren't already dead. Anyway, I'm not interested in the cash so keep all of it for I care. I have other... reasons to venture into the forest."

[Platypus Reborn]

Pouli crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair after the man called him a "kid". "I can assure you, Sir, that I am not a kid and I do not need someone to help me take down only two men and then give half the profit to," he pouted. He glanced down at the mug of ale, but his attention quickly returned back to the conversation at hand. "And if she came then the profit would be split three-ways. Also, how did you figure out I was going after the kidnappers?" He asked.

"Eh, a young inspiring knight with armor and sword is a dead giveway. I mean, not even the town guards have that kind of equipment but such simpletons couldn't afford anything better than leather anyway." Jacob leaned in closer, "And kid or not, you're still far too naive to travel alone. You really think one young warrior has a chance against all the horrors the forest has to offer? Hell, I'd be surprised that by the time the murderers were found, they weren't already dead. Anyway, I'm not interested in the cash so keep all of it for I care. I have other... reasons to venture into the forest."

"Naïve? Ho-" Pouli cut himself off an took a deep breath as he considered what to say next. This man was certainly an oddity to him. "Pray tell, what is it in the forest that you seek that is more valuable than thirty thousand gold?" He asked the man sitting across from him.

[The Land of Golden Blobfish]

"Eh, a young inspiring knight with armor and sword is a dead giveway. I mean, not even the town guards have that kind of equipment but such simpletons couldn't afford anything better than leather anyway." Jacob leaned in closer, "And kid or not, you're still far too naive to travel alone. You really think one young warrior has a chance against all the horrors the forest has to offer? Hell, I'd be surprised that by the time the murderers were found, they weren't already dead. Anyway, I'm not interested in the cash so keep all of it for I care. I have other... reasons to venture into the forest."

"Naïve? Ho-" Pouli cut himself off an took a deep breath as he considered what to say next. This man was certainly an oddity to him. "Pray tell, what is it in the forest that you seek that is more valuable than thirty thousand gold?" He asked the man sitting across from him.

"Not that your feeble little mind could handle it even if I told you but maybe one day you'll see it for yourself, yes? My associate so does love making a grand entrance." His eyes flashed blood red from their usual blue for a second before returning to normal. "And the gold, heh, I could have killed the noble myself if I wanted to. Or even the queen..." He looked around in boredom, "but where's the fun in that? Anyway, will you allow me to join your little quest or not?" Jacob lifted his left arm for a handshake. Unlike the rest of his body, the arm was unnaturally grey and littered with scars. Like the skin of a corpse. "Oh don't worry, it won't look like that later once we get into a fight..." Jacob grinned. Whatever the man was talking about was anybodies guess.

[Tritainius]

Adelle Dolores
The Forest – A Clearing

Until the smallest and slyest kobold had called for reinforcements, for the most part, Adelle was handling the situation rather well. Her kicks and parries had successfully held out against one of the melee attackers, and she had only gotten out with a few slashes to the leg.

The burning pain was so concentrated that she wanted to cackle and cry, but she was so angry, she was just getting teary-eyed while attacking.

Unfortunately, her eyes were blurry, which is only natural if you’re on the verge of crying. She swallowed the lump in her throat, and kept hacking at her opponent. As she kicked its chest, a sickening crack echoed, and it fell to the ground, hacking blood and bile. Some of the fluid had splashed onto her boots, the viscous gunk slowly dripping off its sides.

Suddenly, several large rocks had flown towards her, and even worse, her somewhat-competent ally had been stabbed through the hip. His staff had smelled like silver, which was plain idiotic, as it’s so soft that steel could easily chisel through it, and that it looked pretty heavy. Maybe if she had advised him about this earlier, she could have helped him somehow.

Although she managed not to get her abdomen gored with the hit, her left hand was not spared. Her fingers were bent backwards, a loud crack sounding, and for once, Adelle had finally screamed a guttural scream. The celurit in her hand fell to the ground with a loud clank. She felt sickened; long ago, she promised herself to not let the enemy have the satisfaction of hearing her screams, and now, she had broken her promise because of a mere kobold. The easiness of her new life made her lazy, dull, and weak.

Adelle wanted help, obviously. But it was too late. Nobody came.

After all, she had to fight her own battles.

The two were quickly becoming overpowered by the large numbers, which meant that they had to change their strategy, preferably something that could hit large numbers of people at once, like an explosion. Wait, an explosion...? I can totally do that. It's payback for those motherfucking hemipene-suckers who had broken my goddamn arm.

Through all her pain, Adelle had managed a smug smirk, as her body slowly dissolved into pure fire, which no longer resembled her previous form, but rather a mere outline of it. It had compressed into a ball, until it had exploded into a ball of fire, roasting two of the newcomers. If that desert-dweller over there wanted to take over her fires, he couldn’t do it now, that was for sure. With a loud “battlecry,” she had quickly reformed into a human, and kicked the kobold that had thrown that rock at her hand. “Fuck you, and you, and especially YOU!”

[Helvetea]

Pouli tensed under the intense gaze of the elder man with his deep, purple Iriss expanding from the sudden boldness of the man. After collecting himself, he eased a little knowing the man wouldn't try anything.

"I- uhm...sure," he said after a long pause.

Engelise nodded and smiled, even though she had had troubling following his train of thought. Essentially what he had said was 'Lazy People = evil, Politics = Verbal battlefield.' She kicked herself for not having preserved her pre-torture knowledge, because she always had trouble with in-depth conversations. When the New kid dropped in, she stood back to allow him to enter, but her conversation partner started talking to him as well. So Engelise remained next to Jacob, who recommended they get drinks. "Drinks? Uhm....I guess?" Engelise said, trying to figure out what she wanted to drink.

Jacob Winchester
Valos Inn

“Brilliant, follow me.” He lead them to an empty table at the end of the tavern. “Now kid, excuse my rudeness but judging from recent events and your, er, choice of apparel, it would seem you’ve outfitted yourself for quite an adventure. And if I may be so bold I’d say your after that bounty for those two murderers, correct?” The waitress came and gave them all a mug of ale. Jacob stared at it in contempt. Did people really drink this garbage? He almost felt sorry for the fools. “Where was I? Oh yes, now if I am correct then you do realize that the forest is no place for children. If you are adamant on going then perhaps you wouldn’t mind some company? I had some plans going myself which trust me, I can very easily do, but why don’t hit two birds with one stone? What do you say?” He turned to Engelise, “So sorry mademoiselle but I’m afraid I must take my leave. Unless, you wish to accompany us?”

Engelise nodded, closing her book and putting it in her bag. "I'm on the hunt for this as much as anyone else is. I'd like the money to fix up my tower. It's so drafty in winter." She shivered for added effect, swinging her bag onto her shoulder, her silver hair, fanning a bit as the bag landed. "Dark Mage Engelise, Successor of Malvus the Forsworn Brother, at your service." She respectfully bowed in a style she had noticed was a custom in the Eastern Lands. "I don't believe I got your name, though." Engelise rummaged around in her pocket and took out a little notebook to record the name.

[Platypus Reborn]

"Naïve? Ho-" Pouli cut himself off an took a deep breath as he considered what to say next. This man was certainly an oddity to him. "Pray tell, what is it in the forest that you seek that is more valuable than thirty thousand gold?" He asked the man sitting across from him.

"Not that your feeble little mind could handle it even if I told you but maybe one day you'll see it for yourself, yes? My associate so does love making a grand entrance." His eyes flashed blood red from their usual blue for a second before returning to normal. "And the gold, heh, I could have killed the noble myself if I wanted to. Or even the queen..." He looked around in boredom, "but where's the fun in that? Anyway, will you allow me to join your little quest or not?" Jacob lifted his left arm for a handshake. Unlike the rest of his body, the arm was unnaturally grey and littered with scars. Like the skin of a corpse. "Oh don't worry, it won't look like that later once we get into a fight..." Jacob grinned. Whatever the man was talking about was anybodies guess.

Pouli stared at the man's outstretched hand for several moments but hesitated to return the handshake. 'This man is clearly demented' he thought to himself, and then he saw the man's deep blood, red eyes which were an almost perfect opposite of Pouli's own violet eyes (a common trait from his family's line). For several long moments he simply stared at the man's intense stare before standing up and out of his chair.

"W-what the hell is wrong with you?!" He spat back at the man. "You expect me to work with a crazed man with the eyes of a demon and the arm of a corpse, especially insulting a nob-" but he cut himself off before finishing the statement.

"I might set off with her," He said as he pointed at the lady that accompanied them "But I sure as hell wouldn't trust you to watch my back,".

[Galnius]

Seriah Douflame, Road into Valos
Covering the harsh, mid-day light from her eyes, Seriah lowered her hood and exposed her Auburn hair to the sun. She was initially afraid she wouldn't arrive back to town before the storm hit, but know that she had made it there was no reason to keep her hood up.

She entered the marketplace, shuffling about quickly. She avoided call of fruit and fish, and even ignored her stomachs insistence that she buy some bread. After all, she reasoned, whilst the marketplace held food, the inn held gossip. Whether it be hurt livestock, like she had just healed, or a job of really any other variety, it was the best place in her mind to gather information.

Gods, at this point she would accompany idiotic bandits as a healer if anything went wrong. If they succeeded, she could take her share and go. If they botched it, she could double cross them and turn them over for some gold. After all, her pockets were rather thin at the moment.

She saw a conversing pair in the doorway, but tried doing by them. Successful enough to satisfy her, she looked around. First, she noticed the bounty nearby. It was, to say the least, quite sizeable. However, to go alone would be suicide, and to partner up with any random moron with a sword just as much so. Instead, she ordered some message portions, dried a few coins, and are in silence. Perhaps she could overhear something worthwhile instead.

[Novas Arcanum]

The Forest
Shit looks like I'm going to have to get messy after all! Razius thought has he recoiled from the strike to his hip. Although in deep pain, he was disciplined, and managed to look has if nothing had happened even though the agony betrayed the opposite, he could not afford to look weak, especially if it gave succor to these relentless beasts he quickly held on tight to his silver staff and pushed it deep into the throat of his adversary using light telekinesis to drive it clean through the head of the kobold that stabbed him. Has the blood splatter across his steel face, he noticed the rocks that came his way, he mentally used telekinesis to gently push the rocks to the side to avoid him and Adelle, has he moved to the left, though he had to be honest moving caused him pain, fortunately the adrenaline rush numbed it to a degree.

Next he gathered his arcane energy and infused it with his staff,his staff glowed with power has hieroglyphs from a long dead language flashed on it's surface and suddenly his staff was ablaze with a fire that once again blinded the kobolds! His staff was no ordinary staff, crafted by powerful Sarranid sorcerers, it was has light has a feather, and has hard has steel, all designed for the durable use by a Rising Sun sorcerer. It was also a conductor, of arcane power, that focused the magical abilities of the user , not only did it enhance the powers of the user, but it also made it more cost effective, thus Razius could use his magical powers longer without fatiguing has quickly has he normally would. Much more effective than more barbaric mages who used their hands to cast spells. Shouting with a intense anger, Razius aimed his staff at the rushing kobolds, and soon the kobolds were scorched with gigantic balls of fires, roasted alive by the intense heat of blasts and thrown into the air like rag dolls. Has the fires spread wildly, the flames soon moved with a intelligence of their own chasing the kobolds like missiles has Razius manipulated them to strike at the few kobolds that remained. Has the fight moved on, using hand gestures, Razius gathered any remaining fires, preventing a major forest fire from happening and created a circle of fire around Adelle,and himself, he continued blasting the kobolds, incoming projectiles to smithereens.

[The Land of Golden Blobfish]

"Not that your feeble little mind could handle it even if I told you but maybe one day you'll see it for yourself, yes? My associate so does love making a grand entrance." His eyes flashed blood red from their usual blue for a second before returning to normal. "And the gold, heh, I could have killed the noble myself if I wanted to. Or even the queen..." He looked around in boredom, "but where's the fun in that? Anyway, will you allow me to join your little quest or not?" Jacob lifted his left arm for a handshake. Unlike the rest of his body, the arm was unnaturally grey and littered with scars. Like the skin of a corpse. "Oh don't worry, it won't look like that later once we get into a fight..." Jacob grinned. Whatever the man was talking about was anybodies guess.

Pouli stared at the man's outstretched hand for several moments but hesitated to return the handshake. 'This man is clearly demented' he thought to himself, and then he saw the man's deep blood, red eyes which were an almost perfect opposite of Pouli's own violet eyes (a common trait from his family's line). For several long moments he simply stared at the man's intense stare before standing up and out of his chair.

"W-what the hell is wrong with you?!" He spat back at the man. "You expect me to work with a crazed man with the eyes of a demon and the arm of a corpse, especially insulting a nob-" but he cut himself off before finishing the statement.

"I might set off with her," He said as he pointed at the lady that accompanied them "But I sure as hell wouldn't trust you to watch my back,".

"Ah, that's a shame. Oh well," he sighed nonchalantly as if witnessing a child throwing a fit. "If you ever change your mind you know where to find me, after all, we wouldn't want you to get gobbled up by an owlbear now would we Mr. Kallias?" He said these last couple words with a grin.

[Platypus Reborn]

Pouli stared at the man's outstretched hand for several moments but hesitated to return the handshake. 'This man is clearly demented' he thought to himself, and then he saw the man's deep blood, red eyes which were an almost perfect opposite of Pouli's own violet eyes (a common trait from his family's line). For several long moments he simply stared at the man's intense stare before standing up and out of his chair.

"W-what the hell is wrong with you?!" He spat back at the man. "You expect me to work with a crazed man with the eyes of a demon and the arm of a corpse, especially insulting a nob-" but he cut himself off before finishing the statement.

"I might set off with her," He said as he pointed at the lady that accompanied them "But I sure as hell wouldn't trust you to watch my back,".

"Ah, that's a shame. Oh well," he sighed nonchalantly as if witnessing a child throwing a fit. "If you ever change your mind you know where to find me, after all, we wouldn't want you to get gobbled up by an owlbear now would we Mr. Kallias?" He said these last couple words with a grin.

Just as Pouli thought he was about to escape this awkward conversation, he suddenly stiffened at the mention of his last name. A brief look of shock overtook his face before suddenly composing himself, but cracks om his façade were still shown to the observant eyed. "W-what are you talking about?" He asked, stuttering at first.

[Camicon]

Sana Loren
The Market, Valos, Penna

"White waters?" [Carme] tossed out, almost casually.

Sana stopped mid-stride at the question. She found it very odd. 'White waters' as in rapids? Was she being asked her opinion of troublesome collections of river rock? Or was 'white waters' a town in Valos? Or had she been mistaken for someone who went by the name 'White Waters'. Was 'white water' a drink made in Valos that she had yet to encounter? Could it be a warning of the impending inclement weather? What a curious thing to say.

Sana turned slowly on her heel, swinging around her body in the stiffened pantomime of a mannequin come to life. Her eyes flicked down, then up, then back down the woman who had caught her attention. She was... fine. Not some plain homebody, nor a legendary beauty like Maisanna, but fine nonetheless. There was a sword on her hip, and the worn leather wrapped around its hilt told Sana that she knew how to use it. No noblewoman, but not a soldier either. A sword for hire, like herself? Sana realized that she was staring, and gave her head a shake.

"I prefer green water. The Bildt is a sight to see, when the sun breaks; bright as a steel blade, a green like you've never seen, and yet you can see straight to the bottom twenty fathoms below. White water is just noise." She assumed that the strange woman was asking her about river rapids, figuring that every other possibility was somewhat less likely.

[The Land of Golden Blobfish]

"Ah, that's a shame. Oh well," he sighed nonchalantly as if witnessing a child throwing a fit. "If you ever change your mind you know where to find me, after all, we wouldn't want you to get gobbled up by an owlbear now would we Mr. Kallias?" He said these last couple words with a grin.

Just as Pouli thought he was about to escape this awkward conversation, he suddenly stiffened at the mention of his last name. A brief look of shock overtook his face before suddenly composing himself, but cracks om his façade were still shown to the observant eyed. "W-what are you talking about?" He asked, stuttering at first.

"Well, besides from your choice of armor and that little blade being dead giveaways, I'd say it was the eyes that sealed the deal. Going out on a limb, I'm going to guess that your either little Pouli or Sylvas, correct? How would I know, you might be asking yourself. let's just say your father and I were, well, acquaintances to put it plainly. Nice man, shame what had happened to him." Jacob frowned for a moment. "Believe me, I'm an honest man you can trust. Not one of those less than reputable mercenaries doing less than respectable jobs." He offered his hand again, "What will it be, kid?"

[Platypus Reborn]

Just as Pouli thought he was about to escape this awkward conversation, he suddenly stiffened at the mention of his last name. A brief look of shock overtook his face before suddenly composing himself, but cracks om his façade were still shown to the observant eyed. "W-what are you talking about?" He asked, stuttering at first.

"Well, besides from your choice of armor and that little blade being dead giveaways, I'd say it was the eyes that sealed the deal. Going out on a limb, I'm going to guess that your either little Pouli or Sylvas, correct? How would I know, you might be asking yourself. let's just say your father and I were, well, acquaintances to put it plainly. Nice man, shame what had happened to him." Jacob frowned for a moment. "Believe me, I'm an honest man you can trust. Not one of those less than reputable mercenaries doing less than respectable jobs." He offered his hand again, "What will it be, kid?"

"Damnit" he thought to himself. Deciding there was no longer a point in hiding his identity from the man, he slowly retracted his hand that was nearing the hilt of his sword. "I-I'm Pouli, but please, both of you must address me by my alias, Loras Kay. It would be dangerous if people started to learn that a Kallis was in town without guard," he said.

He contemplated the man's offer before hesistantly reaching for the elder man's hand and giving it a weak shake. "What did you say your name was and how did you know my father, Markus Kallias?"

[Abserdia]

Cowardly Kobolds
Near Adelle and Razius

They started panicking much more.
What with them losing numbers and the fire lady, the kobolds wanted to leave as quickly as possible.
They all scattered, 23 skidoo, if you prefer. Ran away as far as possible.
There was no doubt that they would tell the rest of their pack about the injured sorcerer and the fire hazard in their forest.

After a minute, the forest became just as quiet as it was before. There was no longer a danger, but instead it just became... eerie.

Near Vylkan and Amethyst

Ever hear tales of Ill-fated adventurers being suddenly attacked and eaten alive by one of the most fearsome creatures commonly encountered?
Their bodies are rarely found, and when they are all there is to see is a skeleton with pools of blood nearby.
These monsters are known for their natural weapons, their ability to stay quiet despite their huge size, a keen sense of hearing and sight...

and their silly name.

An owlbear jumped towards Vylkan.