Somewhere in the Dark (Fantasy) [RETIRED]

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Hello, all. Newbie here, just stumbled across this forum and was really impressed by the quality here. Is it alright if I make an app? While I'm not new to RPing (especially fantasy), I'm uncertain what party roles or character archetypes would fit right wherever a new PC would slot. I've an inkling to play a reformed Vantyr pursuing redemption for past misdeeds, possibly paladin-esque, but I'm open ideas if anyone wants a background associate of their PC to show up. Any recommendations?

I think you've got a cool idea going there. If you're set on it though, probably best to try to join the Great Monster Hunt or the Fall Guy. There's already two Vantyrae in the Blade of Amaranth quest, which, while somewhat topical, does make it seem like it would be a bit much to add a third

And yes, of course, you're welcome to join in! As far as party roles go we don't really go with traditional roles as much and most characters are fairly rounded, though we do have a distinct lack of characters with significant non-combat utility, so there's a niche you could exploit if you felt like it.

[Leileia]

I think you've got a cool idea going there. If you're set on it though, probably best to try to join the Great Monster Hunt or the Fall Guy. There's already two Vantyrae in the Blade of Amaranth quest, which, while somewhat topical, does make it seem like it would be a bit much to add a third

And yes, of course, you're welcome to join in! As far as party roles go we don't really go with traditional roles as much and most characters are fairly rounded, though we do have a distinct lack of characters with significant non-combat utility, so there's a niche you could exploit if you felt like it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm quite fond of non-combat utility for RPing, so I'm glad to hear that's an open opportunity. I'll likely have an app up later after I finish reading through the IC.

To the players in the Hunt and the Fall Guy, who wants another PC more? And is there anything I should know beforehand that's not in the IC?

[Kamisato Ayaka Nation]

Got an introductory post out. Hopefully that was alright

[Ceystile]

I think you've got a cool idea going there. If you're set on it though, probably best to try to join the Great Monster Hunt or the Fall Guy. There's already two Vantyrae in the Blade of Amaranth quest, which, while somewhat topical, does make it seem like it would be a bit much to add a third

And yes, of course, you're welcome to join in! As far as party roles go we don't really go with traditional roles as much and most characters are fairly rounded, though we do have a distinct lack of characters with significant non-combat utility, so there's a niche you could exploit if you felt like it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm quite fond of non-combat utility for RPing, so I'm glad to hear that's an open opportunity. I'll likely have an app up later after I finish reading through the IC.

To the players in the Hunt and the Fall Guy, who wants another PC more? And is there anything I should know beforehand that's not in the IC?

I don't run any of these adventures but the more the merrier I say! Mal and Tark (my characters for the Hunt and the Fall Guy respectively) LOVE people. If you wanna associate with either of them that's fine too, just lmk what you have in mind should you decide to go that route.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I think you've got a cool idea going there. If you're set on it though, probably best to try to join the Great Monster Hunt or the Fall Guy. There's already two Vantyrae in the Blade of Amaranth quest, which, while somewhat topical, does make it seem like it would be a bit much to add a third

And yes, of course, you're welcome to join in! As far as party roles go we don't really go with traditional roles as much and most characters are fairly rounded, though we do have a distinct lack of characters with significant non-combat utility, so there's a niche you could exploit if you felt like it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm quite fond of non-combat utility for RPing, so I'm glad to hear that's an open opportunity. I'll likely have an app up later after I finish reading through the IC.

To the players in the Hunt and the Fall Guy, who wants another PC more? And is there anything I should know beforehand that's not in the IC?

I think you can learn everything you need from the IC, though if you still have any questions after reading it, feel free to ask. If it helps you figure out a character, would you like a brief summary of all the people involved in each adventure? You can also check the IC OP and then look them up yourself in the archive, if you prefer.

Post looks just fine Ayaka. Good to see Klelane jump into the IC

[Leileia]

I don't run any of these adventures but the more the merrier I say! Mal and Tark (my characters for the Hunt and the Fall Guy respectively) LOVE people. If you wanna associate with either of them that's fine too, just lmk what you have in mind should you decide to go that route.

Sounds good! Depending on the status of this app, I'm all for merry association — though I'm still unsure which adventure to commit to. Guess that'll come later lol

I think you can learn everything you need from the IC, though if you still have any questions after reading it, feel free to ask. If it helps you figure out a character, would you like a brief summary of all the people involved in each adventure? You can also check the IC OP and then look them up yourself in the archive, if you prefer.

Post looks just fine Ayaka. Good to see Klelane jump into the IC

I think I've got a decent grasp of what's revealed so far? Great job with the archive, by the way!

App here. I wasn't sure what kind of style I used, but I wanted to convey a blend of explicit academic writing and implicit mythic prose with in-universe implications and a fair few potential lore tie-ins of varying accuracy to reflect different sources and the NPC author as unreliable narrators.

As mentioned before, kinda going for the "reformed villain pursuing redemption" with copious, obvious references to various historical and fictional characters. While the app hints at his personality and history, such things will become clearer IC (and foreshadowed by the many, many character inspirations).

-APP WIP-

[Zarkenis Ultima]

So... your character is supposed to be your interpretation of Midrash the Great, who apparently predates the Exodus and is older than any other living thing in the Promised Isles and probably all of Anur? Because if that is so, we're going to have a lot of problems. I apologize, I do love the creativity in the presentation of this character, but it carries a lot of contradictions with established lore, and while I understand that you mean for much of this to be inaccurate, if I interpreted the intent of the character piece correctly then that's still troublesome.

So let me know if that was the case and, if it is and you still want to play a character similar to this, we can begin working it out via telegram.

[Leileia]

-snip-

No need to apologize, you're probs correct! I on the other hand am sorry for causing trouble! Though now I'm curious if I accidentally stepped on a future plot hook or some such?

I'll rework the app later tonight. I plan to stick with the core of the my idea (i.e., reformed Vantyr pursuing redemption), but obviously minus all the Midrash interpretations and too antiquated background.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

-snip-

No need to apologize, you're probs correct! I on the other hand am sorry for causing trouble! Though now I'm curious if I accidentally stepped on a future plot hook or some such?

I'll rework the app later tonight. I plan to stick with the core of the my idea (i.e., reformed Vantyr pursuing redemption), but obviously minus all the Midrash interpretations and too antiquated background.

Something like that yes, but also references to the history of Irre and whatnot seem off, and especially the Great Exodus since another player's character piece establishes some lore on that (Valarr, the Lost Heir, is a distant descendant of someone involved in that).

If you want, we can discuss the character concept via TG. I don't mind a few historical references and whatnot, and if you wanted you could certainly make a Vantyr that's a few hundred years old, has been through a lot and has established quite a negative reputation that he now seeks to reverse, maybe even founded a minor kingdom or some such - just gotta check that it doesn't step on any toes, which I can help with.

[Nations United for Conquest]

Well, that was certainly a good deal of reading. I have a lot to sort through, but I have a fair understanding of the basics. Expect a character sometime today—a support-based skill set in things both mundane and magic.

[Europa Undivided]

The Wandering Collector

Tales persist of an order, a guild even, of explorers, archivists, archaeologists, and historians that hold no allegiance to any one king or chieftain, rather serving all nations as one. They have no interest in the political affairs of the world except for the purpose of research and bookkeeping. Their sole goal is collection; a sample of every artifact, a piece of text for each magic spell, and a recollection of every important moment in history. All of these things go to their archives, which their leaders believe would serve as a reminder for the rest of the world whenever the time is right.

This group goes by many names, some ascribed to them by others, some self-proclaimed. Many call them the Explorers' Guild. Others named them the Remembrancer Legion. Few know the order by the moniker of the Collectors of Amon-Harak, named after the magically warded mountain from which they operate. The most common name for them, however, is the simple title of "Curators". The Curators, of whom perhaps no more than a hundred may exist at any time, wander the land, seeking out knowledge that they may one day integrate into their archives.

One of these Curators, perhaps the newest of them all, is Kregor Greymane. He has been described by those he interacted with as a silver haired Menai, perhaps no more than five feet and 3 inches tall. He claims to hail from one of the cities of Valaran, which seems to be plausible, though he has no record whatsoever. It is thus believed that he was abandoned, as demonstrated by his pitiful height that indicates a lack of nutrition during the formative years, before being adopted by one of the Curators.

Kregor has been further seen as quite the friendly one, as is usual for one of the Curators, though has demonstrated profound arcane powers at several occasions. The magicks he uses are typical to that of the Curators; he has been observed to place objects into a purse that they obviously cannot truly fit in, but they do so anyway. The crossbow bolts he fired at unruly thieves also seem to combust into flames at midair, indicating some form of weapon enchantment.

The people that he had met had described his demeanor as generally inoffensive, somewhat dulled by a lack of social interaction, but still easy to go along with.

As of the current age, Kregor Greymane has drifted further and further away from the other Curators. He has become more of an independent agent, with little to no desire to return to Amon-Harak. Perhaps the lands have offered him a life beyond tinkering with ancient knowledge, one that brings more satisfaction and joy.

However, in the taverns of the first city that he came to in his wanderings, rumors say that Kregor Greymane has found something horrible somewhere in the dark of the Remembrancer Legion's closet, and dares not return to Amon-Harak. Kregor may have fallen from the graces of the Curators because of this damning discovery, and he has turned his back to them, forevermore.

[Galnius]

Hello, all. Newbie here, just stumbled across this forum and was really impressed by the quality here. Is it alright if I make an app? While I'm not new to RPing (especially fantasy), I'm uncertain what party roles or character archetypes would fit right wherever a new PC would slot. I've an inkling to play a reformed Vantyr pursuing redemption for past misdeeds, possibly paladin-esque, but I'm open ideas if anyone wants a background associate of their PC to show up. Any recommendations?

I think you've got a cool idea going there. If you're set on it though, probably best to try to join the Great Monster Hunt or the Fall Guy. There's already two Vantyrae in the Blade of Amaranth quest, which, while somewhat topical, does make it seem like it would be a bit much to add a third

And yes, of course, you're welcome to join in! As far as party roles go we don't really go with traditional roles as much and most characters are fairly rounded, though we do have a distinct lack of characters with significant non-combat utility, so there's a niche you could exploit if you felt like it.

Puck is offended that she is not considered non combative enough to fill the niche

[Nations United for Conquest]

The Raconteur of the Wildlands

I was a young lad, hardly more than a child when I first met him. It must have been some eight harvests past. I was still but an apprentice barkeep at the time, employed by old man Gregor at a small place outside Aratosh. It was a small quaint place central to a little hamlet some three leys ride from the grand capital of the isle. I admit I was young and naive at the time as is common with the young, but should you have met him at a tender age such as I was, I'd more than wager you'd find yourself just as perplexed and awed as I. By Arwyn's beard, he's the reason I left that dainty lil hamlet after all! Ah, I get ahead of myself; you'll have to forgive me, sir.

Had to be just past the last vestiges of tempering. The light had all but faded from the sky, but a faint dusting lingered longer, desperate to cling on to its rein of the isle for a moment longer. The inn was always filled to the brim, but on this fine night, it was livelier than most. Given it was the day the ley would end, many had sought refuge in the small inn to pass along the troubles of the leys. Such was a common habit of the small town and the travelers that passed through. I'd be willing to call it something of a holiday were it not for the fact it occurred with every ley. But it was good for business, and I would not be one to complain about a few extra coins in my pocket.

But of all the nights of blanketing this harvest, that night was the liveliest in my memory. A troupe of performers had come through on their journey to Aratosh. Something or another about a festival to be held in the capital. No doubt a wedding or something of the like. They stopped in the hamlet and had sought to put on a show given the liveliness that day. The troupe was spectacular. The grace with which they danced and sang was nothing short of divine. An accompaniment of patrons and townsfolk alike, out of tune as they may have been, could rival any noble's court. There he was strumming the strings of his lyre with all the precision and power of a master bowman. His aim was impeccable.

Time would call, and soon the dancers retired to the bar to mingle and drink and sing with all the others. With them came a true gem of a woman. Even I was a foolish young lad could she was of a rare breed. Crimson hair framed soft, fair features and two orbs of swirling gold made for eyes. And indeed, she was the star of the whole of the inn. A vibrant blue dress, a hue I've heard in whispers to paint the skies of Irre, stood stark to the dull and muted greys, greens, and browns of the inn's patrons. I'm doubtful you'd be surprised when I say she had no end of suitors. She must have had a beloved or betrothed, for she ignored every advance. Even that of the fief's lord! A bold woman, to be sure.

The lord in question was young, no more than thirty some harvests. Portly built broad shoulders hinted towards a once-powerful build, just as his cap cloaked what must've once been a fine forest of chestnut hair. His face was hard set and weathered like the peaks of Harush, and it fit well with his stubborn nature. As such, he refused to be denied his presumed quarry. It began general distress with the fair maid and the other patrons--yet none would brave the lord's wrath. Save him, of course.

I hardly was able to notice when the lyrist strolled across the floor of the inn, expertly avoiding the many patrons milling about the place. He was just suddenly beside the bar with a firm hand on the lord's mantle and a beaming smile peeking out from the shadow of his hooded cloak. Being at the far end of the bar, I could hardly hear a word spoken between the men over the clamor of everyone else, but the pair exchanged a great many words. The lyrist's smile remained steady, but the lord's face only grew brighter in his outrage. It came to a head when the lord, scarlet as the maid's hair, swung on the smiling lyrist.

With the grace of a dancer, the lyrist stepped around the lord's strike. The portly man, in his poor form, nearly fell forward. The lyrist caught him, only to throw his knee into the round belly of the lord. A loud hacking sound poured into the room as the air promptly left the lord's lungs. Yet, there would be no respite as heavy blows fell upon the lord till he collapsed back into a table, shattering it and the many plates piled upon it.

There was a lull as everyone looked upon the scene for a brief moment. Then suddenly, someone shouted, another laughed, and everyone broke out in cheers of merriment and praise or gasps and mutters of disbelief. A small leather pouch found its way into my hands in the commotion, accompanied by the familiar jingle of coins. Well, I say hands, but it likely would've taken my eye if I was paying less attention.

I turned to the direction from whence it came, my eyes settling on the stranger's own slate-colored eyes soaked in mirth.

"There ye go, lad. Should cover for the table 'n the dishes." His voice was deep but soft. Comforting in a way, like listening to a gentle brook. He didn't even bother to wait for my reply. With a wink and the flutter of his cloak, he was out the door in an instant, two guards of the town soon trailing after.

"Who was that?" I couldn't help but voice aloud.

"You don't know?" Came the reply of an older man sitting across from me. A heavily wrinkled face shielded his eyes from view, and a mane of curly silver hair fell about haphazardly. "T'was Tilian of Morgana."

"Should such a name mean something to me, sir?"

"It should. Least in this profession of yours son," He said between sips of the drink he had been nursing all evening. "Tilian the Beardless. The Greyblade of Teraden. Raconteur of the Wildlands. Naught one raises recognition in you, boy?" The old man spoke in a nearly accusatory manner.

"I'm at a loss, sir. I've heard naught of any of such monikers."

"How long've you been apprentice here, boy?" He asked slowly.

"Half a harvest this next ley!" I answered proudly."

"Ah, I see, I see." The old man spoke more to himself than I. The wrinkled lines on his face relaxed slightly as a pair of crystalline, quartz-like eyes fluttered open and locked onto my own. I could feel him looking through me with ease. "In the twenty harvests I've lived 'ere, he has come once per to visit this town for but a night--though I suppose I'm likely not to see him come the next. This visit is his first and last of this harvest."

The old man paused to sip his drink, poised to continue, but I cut him off in a burst of youthful ignorance. "Twenty harvests? Why he hardly looks so old!" I all but hollered.

"I only say what I know to be true, boy," he spoke with a laugh. A laugh! "I've been 'ere for twenty harvests, and so too has he. Perhaps the Old Gods favor him with youthfulness in spades?"

"The Old Gods? Sure, sure, sir. Now, who is he?" I asked.

"Ah, youth. Impatient as always." He pulled hard at his drink, downing the remnants--hardly a shot worth--in a simple gulp. "I haven't the damnedest clue!"

"What?!" I croaked.

"I can't tell you who he is since I nor anyone I've met knows. But," He leaned towards me with a twinkle in his eye. I felt himself drawn in without my consent, "I can tell you what he is."

I was thoroughly confused but far too enraptured to back out now.

"He's The Raconteur of the Wildlands. A bastard, thief, rogue, and fabulist of the highest order. His words weave magic so strong you can feel his stories and songs. Barkeeps and travelers whisper his name in equal parts fear and awe, for while trouble may follow his trail like a hound, wherever he stops, there's likely to be a good show and a good showing of coin." I nodded along with his explanation, "He drifts from town to town like a phantom, never staying in one for long. Just enough to hear or tell a story or two and then off again. There's naught a bar nor inn in the whole of the Isles he's not seen. Even in Siderat, he's known! He knows the songs not a cycle old and those from hundreds of harvests past. None know from whence he came or for how long he's traveled. He appears as he pleases, bringing joy and song, brawls and duels, love and heartbreak, before disappearing."

"He certainly sounds quite the character," I said after some time. "And you say he won't come back? That's...a disappointing notion."

"Oh, he'll return eventually. However, it might take some time. He did do a number to the kindly lord, after all." The old man said with a laugh. "But, the roads and camp are his home as much as the bars and inn. Should you walk the land, there's always a chance you'll meet him out there, somewhere in the dark."

I still remember that old man's ramblings to this day. It's why I left that old bar and settled down one of my own here. And true to the old man's words he eventually found himself to my humble inn! Two harvests past that was. Would've been my most profitable night were it not for the number of bottles that needed replacing following the brawl he started. But I'd still welcome him back just the same! Last I heard he seemed to be traveling southward to Tergal, but that was some time past. Forgive me for not being of more help, sir, and best of luck on your search. You'll need it, ha!

So, not my normal writing style [I hardly ever do anything from the first person] but it seemed a fitting way to introduce him. This is told from an outsider's perspective, the narrator isn't Tilian.

I'll provide a listing of equipment, skills, magic, and other pertinent information soon. Or if I don't get to it tonight, sometime tomorrow. In addition to answering any other queries you might have

[The Republic of Atria]

Hey, Woodstovia, Sveta didn't accuse anyone of anything lol, I think you meant Tomia's character.

[Woodstovia]

Hey, Woodstovia, Sveta didn't accuse anyone of anything lol, I think you meant Tomia's character.

You're right sorry, edited

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Alrighty, sorry for the radio silence here. I should be able to get an IC post up between today and tomorrow to make up for it, hopefully.

---

Sans for the mention of an island of Amon-Harak, which is problematic as it's not one of the Promised Isles, this looks good. His capabilities seem pretty clear too, so I'll go ahead and accept it, pending a small edit.

---

Great piece! I'll be waiting on that telegram, but so far I don't foresee any issues.

[Europa Undivided]

Alrighty, sorry for the radio silence here. I should be able to get an IC post up between today and tomorrow to make up for it, hopefully.

---

Sans for the mention of an island of Amon-Harak, which is problematic as it's not one of the Promised Isles, this looks good. His capabilities seem pretty clear too, so I'll go ahead and accept it, pending a small edit.

---

Great piece! I'll be waiting on that telegram, but so far I don't foresee any issues.

Edited my app/pitch for thatt

[Arengin Union]

Fascinating World. I believe I would like to partake.

[Rodez]

Okay, I’ve finally, at last, read all the lore, so now I’m gonna give some thought to what kind of character I want. Leaning towards Menai or Shayit currently. Is there a particular quest line or region that could use engagement?

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Okay, I’ve finally, at last, read all the lore, so now I’m gonna give some thought to what kind of character I want. Leaning towards Menai or Shayit currently. Is there a particular quest line or region that could use engagement?

I believe the Fall Guy has the least members. Hit up Tomia to see how you could incorporate a character into it now that we're past the introductions.

[Rodez]

Okay, I’ve finally, at last, read all the lore, so now I’m gonna give some thought to what kind of character I want. Leaning towards Menai or Shayit currently. Is there a particular quest line or region that could use engagement?

I believe the Fall Guy has the least members. Hit up Tomia to see how you could incorporate a character into it now that we're past the introductions.

Will do.

[Rodez]

The Man from Bridgeby

If one knew of the history of Bridgeby, the great port city on the isle of Teraden, they would have heard the tale of the Vermillion Company. And if, by chance, they were really a student of the city, they might have heard tell of Ingo Baland.

Four hundred years ago, or near enough to make no matter, the Consortium found itself mired in controversy and dissension. A faction of students led by the sorcerer Theidon of the Vale eschewed all the hollowed rules and traditions of the great magical academy, spitting in the face of custom and propriety with their dark arts and demon-bound practices. It was an intolerable assault on all that the Consortium stood for, so they were cast out, two hundred in all. Left to wander, the mages adopted bright cloaks of vermillion to protest their exile. Thus was the Company born. They drifted from isle to isle, kingdom to kingdom, but were never welcome anywhere for long. Having lost the trust of the Consortium, they struggled to find a new home.

One city, though, begged for their help. In those days, Bridgeby was beset by all sides: the Vantyr of Valroc attacked from the southeast, the Vilden League from the west and north, and the pirate king Abbas Nine-Fingers sailed up the Letharion and torched outlying towns, threatening the city itself. Theidon and his compatriots pledged themselves to the black eagle of Bridgeby, and with the Vermillion mages at their head, the city's army fought off the invaders one by one. Theidon, famously, slew the pirate Abbas in single combat.

In gratitude, the Company was granted the right to make its home in the city. Many of the mages had died, and so the ranks were refilled with Bridgeby's best soldiers. The new arrivals took on the now-famous Vermillion cloak, and learned something of the arcane arts from Theidon and the original members. From mages of the Consortium, then, the Company became an order of battle-mages dedicated to the defense of Bridgeby; celebrating both blade and spell, favoring neither.

Four hundred years passed, and that is exactly what the Company did. Whenever Bridgeby was attacked, it was the Vermillion men - always two hundred in number - who were first to jump into the fray. But as the city grew in wealth and power and prestige, so did the Company. Some among their ranks began to think that they, and not the Duke, nor the city fathers, had the most right to rule the city.

Then one day, not so many years ago, they acted. Under the direction of their Grandmaster, Toc Ekstrim, the Company seized the citadel and slew the Duke and his family, down to the last distant cousin and tiny babe. The man who loosed the killing arrow into the throat of Duke Miklos was a veteran sergeant of the Company, a mage-archer named Ingo Baland.

They had misjudged.

The people of Bridgeby were horrified by what their protectors had done. Rallying the people against the Duke's murderers, the city fathers led an assault against the Company. In the ensuing battle, the Company killed thousands, but the rage of the city overwhelmed them. Most were cut down, and Toc Ekstrim was dragged out from a cellar beneath the citadel and promptly quartered to placate the people's fury.

Ingo fled.

He led a score of survivors into the tunnels beneath the city. There, somewhere in the dark, they scurried like rats in the caverns under the sea, trembling at what they had done.

Ingo left behind the only home he'd ever known, the home of his father, and his father before him, both of whom had served proudly in the Vermillion ranks. Trusting in the draw of his bow and the fury of his spells, Ingo led his disgraced compatriots to the snowy tundra of Tregal, as far away from Bridgeby as they could get. They found a new calling fighting the Vilden, a familiar enemy, on behalf of the Madren clans of the Serene Isle. Their sorcerous abilities were a great boon to the Madren, and Ingo could again make use of his experience as a scout and an archer as well as a mage, reconnoitering territory and harassing the enemy with bow and spell for his Madren paymasters.

But news spread, as it always does, and after a few years of hard fighting in the snows of Tregal, the Vermillion Company had to face what they had done.

The Madren had never fully trusted the battle-mages, and when they became aware of the Company's crimes, they acted swiftly, fearing that they too could be betrayed. The remaining men of the company were set upon in the night by the warriors of their employers. All were slain, save one.

Ingo did what he knew best - he fled. Weakened by the cut of a poisoned blade, Ingo eluded his pursuers only by the skill of his fieldcraft and a good bit of luck. Fearing that his life was seeping away, he made for Veraden. There, he hoped, the healing pools of the Sylven in the city of Arboris might save his life.

He was right. Any just god should have struck down this craven, this snake. But ley by ley, as he soaked in the pools, the poison was dredged from his ravaged body, the wound closed, and his strength began to return.

The Sylven, bless them, welcomed Ingo as they would any other wounded traveler. They were little concerned with who he was or what he had done, so long as he respected their home.

Ingo didn't believe in just gods - and yet, he was still here. Perhaps, having been cheated of the fate he deserved, the last man of the Vermillion Company would learn to be honorable again, somehow, some way.

As he lay in the healing pools, somewhere in the dark, other travelers or pilgrims might chance to see him, and ask the Sylf keepers what a Menash battle-mage was doing in their city.

"We don't know," the Sylven would say, shrugging. "He will not tell his story."

"Well you must know something," the pilgrims would press. "He looks more dead than alive."

"All he says," the Sylven would reply, "is that he is a man from Bridgeby."

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Looks good, Rodez! I foresee no issue so I'll go ahead and accept this, though I'd like it if you could explain in a bit of detail what he's capable of doing with his mage-archer abilities.

[Rodez]

Looks good, Rodez! I foresee no issue so I'll go ahead and accept this, though I'd like it if you could explain in a bit of detail what he's capable of doing with his mage-archer abilities.

It's intended to be supplementary to his regular archery and stealth skills, which are definitely non-magical.

His main thing was going to be a "spirit-arrow," which is a regular arrow set alight by eldritch fire, which would fly right through three or four human-sized enemies and burn their insides pretty good. Alternatively it could bring down a much larger foe that would otherwise require several shots. That would be a 2x or 3x a day spell, so it can't be spammed.

Secondly, he could fire "plague-arrows," which is a similar enchanted shot that, when it hits the target or nearby ground, releases noxious fumes that choke and burn the eyes and throats of the nearest handful of enemies for a couple minutes. Not lethal, though. Probably a once a day kind of spell.

Lastly, in extremity, he could summon the spirit of a long-dead Vermillion ranger to fight alongside him. This is extremely taxing, though, and may well kill him if the summoning continues for longer than a minute or two. The spirit-ranger also isn't *that* powerful; it can fire the same enchanted shots as Ingo and would probably be felled after taking a dozen blows or so.

Let me know if any of that sounds OP.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Looks good, Rodez! I foresee no issue so I'll go ahead and accept this, though I'd like it if you could explain in a bit of detail what he's capable of doing with his mage-archer abilities.

It's intended to be supplementary to his regular archery and stealth skills, which are definitely non-magical.

His main thing was going to be a "spirit-arrow," which is a regular arrow set alight by eldritch fire, which would fly right through three or four human-sized enemies and burn their insides pretty good. Alternatively it could bring down a much larger foe that would otherwise require several shots. That would be a 2x or 3x a day spell, so it can't be spammed.

Secondly, he could fire "plague-arrows," which is a similar enchanted shot that, when it hits the target or nearby ground, releases noxious fumes that choke and burn the eyes and throats of the nearest handful of enemies for a couple minutes. Not lethal, though. Probably a once a day kind of spell.

Lastly, in extremity, he could summon the spirit of a long-dead Vermillion ranger to fight alongside him. This is extremely taxing, though, and may well kill him if the summoning continues for longer than a minute or two. The spirit-ranger also isn't *that* powerful; it can fire the same enchanted shots as Ingo and would probably be felled after taking a dozen blows or so.

Let me know if any of that sounds OP.

I think going off of its description the spirit arrow could be a bit troublesome but I think we can figure that out when we get to it. I take it Ingo is going to join the Fall Guy?