It is time. All the factions, be them large, small, or hardly even heard of, are gathering in the village of Iwayu, along with an incredibly boisterous, hope-infused crowd. The somewhat small village had been in close relations to the Church, and as such, the Inquisition dubbed it the "Starting-Point" of the Crusade, which would ultimately lead to Ultima Bellum. A large, incredibly luminous field of magic opened up in front of the crowd, and an Inquisitor appeared on it, the entire thing appearing like an electronic billboard that displayed a camera-feed. The Inquisitor is donned in a midnight-blue cloak with a black, gold-encrested ornate hat that sits snugly on top of his head, portraying him as a visionary.
He opens his arms widely with a smile, his weathered features easily standing out among his face. The mere sight of him is enough to send the crowd into a loud cheer, some of them even crying in hope that they could be saved. The Inquisitor simply smiles softly and gently raises his hands up and down, as if attempting to calm the crowd. This works almost instantly, and a dead silence forms over everyone as they mimic his actions; Clasping his hands together as he bows his head in prayer. Everyone lowly speaks out the holy words entrusting themselves to God and the Church, before the Inquisitor opens his palms and smiles, dipping his head in a nod briefly, before he speaks. His voice booms out through the village, easily heard for miles in any direction, though the noise of his words discomfort not even a child thanks to the magical property infused with the soundwaves.
"People of Iwayu...of Arae. I humbly come before you, Inquisitor Jo'rahn, to wish you all the very best, and I pray for each and every one of you's salvation." This is then met by a chorus of chants and prayers thrusted towards the "Screen", before Jo'rahn smiles and simmers the crowd down again.
"We have all gathered here today, on this incredibly joyous, hope-filled venture, to send one of our fellow, brave individuals to Ultima Bellum. They will be blessed by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and we wish them the best on their journeys, and bid them only the best of luck and skill, so that Our Father may watch over them in their darkest hour." He continues on, having the staggeringly-large crowd's absolute attention.
"While be though as it may these brave, stoic souls are giving their lives for us, one shall emerge...Emerge from the depths of mediocrity and become a new-found hero. A true monarch, a flagship in a sea of oil to lead us to victory. One of these very individuals you see now, will become...The Champion of Arae!" He pleasantly yells, the crowd erupting in an avalanche of deafening cheers and praise sent out to the magical screen floating high above the village. On the screen would be cut-out, live-feed imagery from each and every participants' location.
Everyone:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
As you wait for the call to sound, you check your gear and then withdraw a small hexagonal piece of black crystal, only half an inch wide and extremely thin. It was given to you by the Magicii, the Inquisitors' most proficient magical spellcasters. You simply place it on the back of your hand, which one they care not, and think of the words in your mind: Ultima Bellum. A compass will then emerge from your hand, and will point towards the general direction of Ultima Bellum, but beware using this. The Magicii have informed you that anyone near you will know of your presence should you use this, and it will leave you physically weak no matter how strong you are. Use this only when all other options have been exhausted, for it will almost certainly draw attention to you, be it negative, or positive.
A Magicii, donned in a midnight-blue robe covering their head, along with a white mask with red-painted eyes lowly speaks in a hum in front of you, slowly waving his hand in front of you to bless you as Inquisitor Jo'rahn speaks of blessing by the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. His words are clearly heard by you, and so soon is the deafening roar of the crowd. It's when you hear "The Champion of Arae!" that you're aware of the Magicii having a glowing orb which shines a light on you brilliantly like a spotlight, evidently you're being broadcasted to the crowd, and you might even consider taking this time in the spotlight to strike a pose, though you can't be heard.
Vyn:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You're in a small clearing in a sunshine-lit forest that oh so reminds you of home. The gentle birds chirping faintly, a squirrel vanishing into a tree out of view, almost too fast for your eye to catch, a rabbit tentatively coming out of its burrow to see what exactly was going on around him. It's utter bliss as you stand there, in a completely serene, utterly peaceful locale. That is, until Inquisitor Jo'rahn's voice loudly rings out like a megaphone in all directions, instantly disturbing the peace and casting all animals into hiding. Your trained ears slightly wince at this despite the magical influence woven into the sound waves; You're likely immune to a bit of it thanks to your race. The Magicii appears seemingly out of thin air to your right though you fail to catch this. He all-too-quickly begins performing a blessing on you, before he finally finishes the incantation and briefly shining an orb of light on you, before he leaves as quick as he came. You await the call.
Status:
Health: 25/25 (24+1)
Mind: Clear.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: Nature's Nourishment.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats) Elf race (Passive mana regeneration along with a slightly larger mana pool.)
Equipment: Light armor (Roll for condition: 18, Armor set role: 14) in perfect condition, each and every piece being well-made and well-maintained. A katana (12) with a nick or two, but is otherwise completely devoid of blemishes or imperfections. Her satchel (14) is in good shape, able to contain a healthy amount of items inside.
Kiera:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
Despite your somewhat dark past that the Inquisition fully knows about, you are in an open meadow and save for a few sparse trees out on the far horizon, you're utterly alone and civilization is nowhere in sight. A sudden gentle puff of smoke it sounds like emanates from your right, before a Magicii enters your field of view and begins blessing you. He then casts a rather bright light on you, illuminating you in the no-doubt live camerafeed going on due to the cheering somewhere in the distance. The Magicii leaves as soon as he entered, leaving you alone with your thoughts and awaiting the call.
Status:
Health: 28/28 (25+2+1)
Mind: Clear.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats) Venombrawler (+2 to health)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: None.
Equipment: Leather armor ( Equipment roll 1. Set roll: 3) in very poor condition, utterly bare in some areas along her side, thigh, and a bit of her left calf. Her fur cloak is untouched by the elements, and serves to keep her modest. Her crossbow (14) is well-maintained, repairs not required and easily reliable. Her knife (10) is somewhat dull, but can easily be sharpened or even used in its current state to gut an enemy. Her other tertiary equipment such as snares, rope, and crossbow bolts (15) are in excellent condition, not requiring repair.
Umbrage:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You are standing in a small church rather fitting for your personality and what you believe in. You can't help but let your thoughts wander to how your brother is doing. Is he proud of you? Are you doing what you truly think is right? Will the Inquisition really provide salvation for us all? You're nearly taken aghast as Jo'rahn's words ring out through the small chapel, followed by the faint chorus of applause and cheering. God works in many ways, but you know that he will watch over you. The Magicii appears and briefly utters a blessing incantation on you, something you quickly recognize and know for a fact will increase your abilities temporarily. He then shines a spotlight on you to illuminate you for the crowd. He then leaves soon afterwards as quick as he came, and you patiently await the call.
Status:
Health: 25/25 (24+1)
Mind: Pure.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: Pulse wave, Regeneration, Shatter Barrier.
Equipment: Leather armor (Equipment roll: 6, set roll: 12) in somewhat poor condition, a few frayed edges here and there and a bit of it coming loose around the shoulders, but it'll easily do in a battle. Luckily, the chest is saved from the armor's overall bad condition, and offers a bit more protection. Her vambraces (13) being well-crafted and not requiring maintenance, along with her modified cane sword (19) which has been exceptionally-well crafted, each groove and detail worked into it as if someone had poured their very soul into the craftsmanship.
Gaen:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You wait in a shady section underneath a few trees in a long, open meadow, the tan grass surrounding you giving off an illusion that you were in nothing but a dream, the gentle breeze blowing against you and actually feeling good for once. Your mind can't help but wander to the best friend that you'd lost. Getting her back is your only concern, and the Inquisition, although powerful, cannot get in your way if you become the Champion. The Magicii comes into view, mutters a brief blessing incantation, opens his hand and shines a bright light on you akin to a spotlight, and leaves as quick as he came. You await the call.
Status:
Health: 32/32 (29+2+1)
Mind: Clear.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats) Venombrawler (+2 to health)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: Killer Instincts, Iron Will, Bloodlust, Outcast, Weakened by the Sun, Dark Urges. (All passives.)
Equipment: His axe (Equipment roll: 19) is immaculate in every way. Its craftsmanship is superb, and it gleams with an evil edge. His shortsword (6) is somewhat dull and rusting a bit. His hunting knife (11) being serrated to add that extra edge is in average condition. His leather armor (10, set roll: 5) is missing the left arm and vambrace entirely, leaving him vulnerable to attack on that side. His bolas are (20!) masterfully crafted, the wire stringing the heavy ball-blocks infused with magic to automatically tighten the harsher your prey struggles. This special, enchanted pair may only be used once before its effects begin to fade, use it on only the toughest of prey. His other two bolas are very well-made.
Ezra:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You stand in a cave, the appearance all over appearing dark and dreary, save for the light shining in through the cavemouth just up ahead. Moisture collects and drips from the tip of a few stalactites, causing that familiar sound to play out and echo. The Magicii appears in front of you as he walks from your field of view, and briefly mumbles an incantation, likely a blessing. The sounds of cheering and the Inquisitor are painfully obvious, and just as he roars out another line, the Magicii briefly shines a bright light on you from his palm, and leaves as quick as he came. You're awaiting the call.
Status:
Health: 30/30 (27+2+1)
Mind: Clear.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats) Venombrawlers (+2 to health)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: None.
Equipment: Her heavy gauntlets (Equipment roll 3) are nearly broken, hovering on the edge of being useless should she use them against something too hard for them to handle. Repair will more than likely be needed very soon. Her light cloth armor (14) is well-maintained and will serve as basic protection. Her dagger (16) is exceptionally well-made, and will serve as a formidable last-defense.
Claudia:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You are in a small, decaying, destroyed house all on your lonesome as you idly lounge around, thinking about food as you begin to hear the Inquisitor starting to speak. Paying attention to him was somewhat difficult due to a support beam crashing to the floor followed by a sea of mice running out in every direction in the field that surrounds her, but you're able to mostly make out everything he says, and you're especially aware of the cheering that followed. Damn, that guy's popular! A Magicii walks into your field of view, and you're quickly casted upon by a spell you recognize: It's a blessing, meant to increase your functions in every way possible for a limited time. Although not everyone would know this, you feel proud that some others would stumble where you stand triumphant in terms of spellcasting knowledge. After he leaves, you await the call.
Status: Health 25/25 (24+1)
Mind: Clear.
Nutriments: A bit hungry.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: Immolation, weakened Psychic abilities, minor healing, electricity, Mind Manipulation, Magical Barrier, Magical Conjuring.
Equipment: Your wizard staff (Equipment roll: 4) is made out of oak wood and infused with pixie dust. While not efficient nor effective at all, you think you could manage enchanting and infusing it with something greater. Your black cloak is (7)ripped in some areas, causing the enchantment on them to 'leak' somewhat. You'd best repair the robe soon enough; There are a lot of holes.
Rukarra:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You're waiting in a massively large underground tunnel, one that easily spans 60 feet in the air and 20 feet wide. This is the main network for goods to be traveled between Iwayu and the Church, and although a seal prevents you from returning here with malicious intent, you feel somewhat glad, if a bit untrusting, that the human smart-mouths would let you wait in an area such as this. It's not before long the faint-yet-obvious echoes of Inquisitor Jo'rahn's voice ring out, accompanied by the distant roar of cheering and applause. You nearly start as the Magicii appears out of your field of view and walks in front of you, briefly casting an incantation of which you have no idea what will do, before shining his palm at you like a spotlight. He then leaves as quick as he came, and you await the call.
Status:
Health: 30/30 (27+2+1)
Mind: Clear.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: None.
Equipment: Your battle axes (Equipment roll: 16, axe-pair roll: 12) are both of the same quality and make, which is utterly masterful. Your iron pauldrons (6) are somewhat rusty in one patch, and are a bit dented and worn. Your leather bra and pants are (16) also of masterful make, the material clinging snugly to you to give you all the protection you could need.
Lilly:
Spoiler (click to show/hide):
You find yourself in an old, debilitated school, it looks like. Though that would not be the case anymore, on the fact that it would be abandoned, and the classroom you find yourself in lacks a wall. It's eerily similar to the one you used to go to when you were younger, though it hurts to think that far back. The desks are overthrown and the chairs are splintered and rotting, there's utterly nothing left here but decay. You can hear the faint chirps of birds outside, along with the gentle sounds of wildlife. It seems the building is surrounded by a forest, though of course, you're unfamiliar with the land around these parts. Soon after you start hearing Inquisitor Jo'rahn's voice, a Magicii steps up to you and hands you the small crystal. He then gives you a moment to inspect it, before he begins the blessing incantation. Once he's finished, he briefly shines a 'spotlight' on you, and quickly exits your field of view, disappearing completely should you try to look around the room for him. You're to wait here now, until you hear the call.
Status:
Health: 24/24 (23+1)
Mind: Pure.
Nutriments: Perfectly healthy.
Affects: Blessed (+1 to all stats)
Physical Arsenal: Je'bahdi Crystal.
Mental Arsenal: None.
Equipment: Your shortbow is (Equipment roll: 16) of expert make, the smooth wooden finish giving off a nice, polished look, along with a combination of linen and vegetable fibers tightly woven together to give the bow a firm thwack to it. Your leather armor is (19, armor set roll: 17) of perfect quality, not a single thread wrongly stitched together, with the hide being extremely durable and tough, yet soft enough to be comfortable. Your arrows (2) are not in good shape. The majority of them are poorly crafted, or broken. Your silver dagger is tucked away snugly in its sheath, its holy properties calmly resonating through you.