The Wastelands

[Reaver]

"Once we reach Vash what are we going to do?" Darius asked the dark fairy as he lowered himself further down the side of the mountain. Before he had began his descent, Darius had spotted some other person, maybe an acolyte and while he didn't mind spilling the blood of demons and their followers he knew he was no match for Vash without divine intervention. "I'm sure that the gods already have a plan prepared but I would just like to know before I fight whatever Vash is!" He gave another grunt as he descended ten more feet. The sun was already setting, this would be his second night outside of the town. The thought gave him worry since he knew that there was a great many creatures he didn't know about that lurked at night. "I really hope we won't have to bring her back to the town tonight. I got a feeling her presence is going to attract a lot of attention from very bad sources." Dealing with the demigod was going to be bad enough but if she brought down the attention of Irilin then things were going to become even bleaker.

He dropped down again, only this time his foot slipped off of the rock and he lost his grip on the rope. "Shit!" Darius gritted his teeth, determined to recover and swiped at the rope as he began to fall. Everything felt like it was in slow motion as he missed and continued plummeting to the unforgiving ground. Some destiny. Falling to your death before confronting a threat so great the gods need help. He saw Amber's hair quickly pass by him and he wished he could have apologized for getting her involved with all of this divine stuff when she only came here for treasure. Then... His body jolted to a stop. Amber had caught him. He was surprised that she had tried to save him but he was grateful for it.

He held onto her body as Amber held the cliff, keeping them anchored. Their noses were almost touching as he remained quiet for several seconds as his racing heart settled down. "Well that was a rush.... Glad you were there to catch me. I owe you my life." He gave a confident grin, already over his near death experience that would definitely reappear in his dreams tonight. "Its getting darker outside. We're going to need a light source to make sure there are no more slip ups. Hold on a second..." He clutched Amber's waist as he crouched halfway so he could pick up a few rocks with his free hand. He closed his eyes, enchanting them to glow and become {Luminous Stones}. The floated around him and by close proximity, Amber, bathing them in a Verdun light. "We have to keep moving." He said as he reached for the rope to keep climbing down.

Darius dropped to the ground already eyeing the two people next to Vash. He didn't care if they were acolytes or just adventurers, He would be damned if he was going to let some people get in his way. He unsheathed his kurki, pointing it at the group as he announced his arrival. "I am Darius Viggo, Archmage of Romundia, Hero of Myn and representative of the Church of Five! My friend here represents Crux's interests in this matter, her name is Amber. You two are currently traveling with Vash, a creature so corrupt that Myrdur just attempted to destroy this island to prevent it. The crimson lights you saw was her trying to contact Ravage herself. If you are aware of these facts and still want to remain by her then flee before I decide to smite you, otherwise I request that you step aside. I do not wish to harm the innocent but I warn you, I am acting under direct orders from Myn and I will NOT let you interfere with her wishes."

Krafla swooped down, landing on his shoulder as the stones orbited around him. Myn taught to love all but as far as Darius was concerned that love didn't extend to demon lovers.

[daxtinator396]

Amber was focused on the rope as she made quick hops down the cliff face when she saw Darius plummet beside her and she quickly shot her hand out to grab him and succeeded as she swung him back into the rocks,"Looks like mages can't climb very well... better work on that. You don't look half as pretty splattered on the rocks down there." She teases looking back at him. She saw the look of terror on his face and couldn't help but giggle. A few more hops and they were down. And with herself already introduced she waited. Specially with an introduction like that. If it went well then... only one target she would dispatch as best she could. But too many and well time to lay some marks. She quickly drew her short bow in her hands notching an arrow in it and pulling it back slightly. It was pointed at the ground now but would go up quickly once she knew friend from foe,"I don't really care... but I'm with him. And yeah... besides. Elvish lady sure does look pretty..." Amber winked at her slightly and gave the other guy the same,"Don't think I didn't see you too.

[Grape_Drink]

((GM Note: Quickpost, there's another post on the previous page. A map will be included with the next post.))

Sidra

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The goblin chief shakes his head.

"Tomorrow. Sun sets soon, would not reach before evening. Evening is... Bad. Best to stay hidden during."

Karna

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

"Where am I? And how long have I been out?"

The Priestess smiles warmly as she speaks.

"We found you this morning washed ashore... Here? Well, this particular area was referred to as the "Island of Chains" before Ser Ethan and his soldiers came through here. We've been working day in and day out to purge the corruption inside the tower. I suppose you could say you're on the outer borders of the Wastelands?"

Washed ashore? Hmm... It definitely rings a bell. You think you remember a ship, and a giant sea beast, but it's all a bit fuzzy. Still, why here of all places!?

Kylie

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Kylie Vs. Passion Vine- Natural 20 vs. 2
GM Roll; Perception- 13 + 1 + 1

Your blade slashes out as one of the vines goes limp and more of that green viscera laced with purple seeds sprays over your back and the surrounding area. With a kick, you knock the other set of vines off of you long enough to get out from under them. Just in time too as Lean brings down a stone-covered fist on the other one, spraying more of that gunk all over the place. Disgusting...

Looking into the trees, you easily spot what looks like the last two. It seems their venom is working against them now as you find yourself calmer if not a bit flushed. You easily dodge out of the way as they fall to the ground with a thud. These plants are far too slow to be a real threat unless they catch you off guard it seems.

Amber and Darius

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

"I'm sure that the gods already have a plan prepared but I would just like to know before I fight whatever Vash is!"

"Well... Right now we need to gather information. We don't know if she'll be violent or not about divine influence..."

As you finish your speeches, you watch as a beam of red light shoots out of Vash's finger, disintegrating a small hole in the rock right behind you. Oh... Sh-

Oh wait. She wasn't even aiming for you. You look at your Dark Fairy who's breathing rather frantically, the hole in the wall just millimeters away from her head. Vash seems to mutter something under her breath before turning away and folding her arms as your fairy companion poofs back over to the Feywild for the time being.

She must really not like fairies.

Garian/Elenwe

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

"I am Darius Viggo, Archmage of Romundia, Hero of Myn and representative of the Church of Five! My friend here represents Crux's interests in this matter, her name is Amber. You two are currently traveling with Vash, a creature so corrupt that Myrdur just attempted to destroy this island to prevent it. The crimson lights you saw was her trying to contact Ravage herself. If you are aware of these facts and still want to remain by her then flee before I decide to smite you, otherwise I request that you step aside. I do not wish to harm the innocent but I warn you, I am acting under direct orders from Myn and I will NOT let you interfere with her wishes."

A beam of red light shoots from Vash's fingertip towards the man speaking, just barely missing him as you... Realize she was aiming for a fairy positioned on his shoulder.

"Naera tilibek..."((Fairy parasites...))

She folds her arms, a pout on her lip as she turns away from the man shouting.

[That_One_Guy]

Garian, seeing Vash shoot at the Fairy, moved her arm out of the way so that it'd miss before looking her in the eyes, "If you expect me to defend you and protect you while you go to your father, show compassion and show that they are wrong about you." He told her, glaringly, "I do not wish to turn against you, nor do I wish to fight them." He said and let go of her arm before turning towards them, "I am Lord Garian Jorell, known as the Demon in these lands, this woman is under my protection and, besides the attack on your fairy, she has not done anything cruel that I had seen, I promised to take her to her father, but I will gurantee you that if she is as evil as you say, then I will personally cut her down." He told them and looked at Vash, "You hear that, if you cross me, or do something morally wrong, I will have to kill you. So please don't let it come to thaht." He said and looked at Darius again, "Now please, let us continue on our way, I do not wish you harm!" He said, already preparing to grab his sword in case he attacked, "Let me handle them, Vash, I do not want you to interfere and give them reason to strike you down."

[Reaver]

Darius didn't even have time to flinch as Vash released a crimson bolt of energy, forcing the dark fairy to flee to the Feywild. At least it had told him that she didn't like faeries. However it made his blood boil that someone could target a creature so pure. He suppressed urge to rush at her, tightening his grip on his sword as he listened to the words of this man. He mostly shocked and angered that one person could ignore the signs of evil or even try to protect it. He actually even called himself a demon as if daring Darius to strike him down.

"Be careful what you call yourself in front of me, I've dedicated my life to killing demons. Have you become a thrall to this demon or are you just blind and deaf? The fact that a dark fairy, a creature cherished by Myn accompanies me should be enough to verify my words. She's tried to contact the Ravage! The gods think her father is the Unnamed One or some other creature of evil stature. Surely your friend can tell you that the sky lit up with great evil emanating from the same cave as she arrived from, was locked in, before Myrdur ceased her connection! If I wasn't telling the truth then how would I already know her name or why would she attack a fairy? Do not be blinded by her corruption and willies Jorell, because if you don't see the light then I will slay you in the dark!"

He turned to the elf, softening his voice. "Will you too stand by your companion as he defies the wishes of the Church, Myn and all that is just? Surely you can see his errors in trusting Vash! Do not throw your life away for this demon because I will not give it back."

His raven flapped it's wings, restless and nervous as if it could sense the tension building. Destines colliding, I will not fail Darius thought as he stared down Garian before switching over to the elf.

[Tsai]

Karan's memories slowly came back to her as she remembered the ship that was carrying her was attacked by a giant sea beast and... And she was fucked senseless by it. She now recognizes that the white robes she was wearing were not of her own and must of been the priestess. There must of been a reason why she came to this island though.
"You priestess, do you know why a ship carrying people would come to this place? And what is your name?"
She gives the shack a quick look over and feels a slight tingle emanating from her nethers, the memories of the beast having it's way with her causing her arousal to build slightly.

[berserkerhorn]

Marjory inspects where the sarcophagus originally was. She wants to find out what the secret tunnel led to. But first she sits outside and begins reading the inscription on the bow and begins carving the letters onto her own bow. After all, visiting an enchant who could read it would help unless these words actually caused the enchantment.

She then walks back into the cave and calls "hey! I'm going exploring inside your new home okay?" She says stuffing some of the portal stones into her bag. The ones that looked really dangerous she took with her. She places a safer looking one and steps through the portal

[[Brand_Name]]

Kylie deftly finished off the remaining vines. Once more, she felt as if luck had helped her out of a potentially horrendous situation, not her own skill. Nonetheless, this constant danger was keeping her on her guard and she seemed to be wielding her sword more skillfully with each fight. "We should collect a bit of that gunk; it could prove useful. I don't know how, but there's a use for everything." Being a lifelong thief had molded her into somewhat of a hoarder. "Now that those are all finished, I guess we have nothing left to do but continue on our way, yes?" She glanced at Lean after already beginning to walk towards the location of the explosion that had happened earlier that day, and placed Penguinchop on her shoulder to give him a break from the walking. "Not much of a fighter are you little one? But don't worry," she soothed as she patted his head, "you're plenty useful nonetheless. And I still have that slab to make you some friends when we find the chance!" She stroked him under his chin, soliciting glee from the gleeful animal.

[eaenidu]

Blake stares at the goop clinging to her before sighing "I'll worry about you later." She told the monster before resuming her walk and watching extra carefully for any more of the weird not acid jelly monsters and completely ignores anyone and the butterflies as she tries to leave

[daxtinator396]

Amber eeps lightly as the crimson beam zooms past her and her quick thinking mind moved her body to the side out of harm's way. She was fine anyway but she didn't know that at the time. That evil lady tried to hurt her cute fairy! That was NOT okay. Amber's face twisted into a grumpy frown,"Hey! That fairy didn't do anything to you!" She said not looking too happy. Then she turned her attentions on Garian,"You know if you keep acting dense I'm going to have to bop you on the head..."

[Phoenixcz]

Elenwe expected many things, but kiss was definitely not one of them. Despite the shock, she can't deny it feels good. She's too stunned to connect the her new ability to understand Vash's language, and she's slow to quickly react to the arrival of Darius and Amber.

When Darius explains their purpose here and what is this Vash woman supposed to be, Elenwe touches her lips and stares at Vash, as if she was afraid she was infected by something. Which, given her new ability and legends from back home, may well be the case. Looks like her initial suspicion of this woman was correct, even grossly underestimated. When her companion...Garian, now...mentions being called demon, her confusion is even bigger. Has she unknowingly searched for...and offered her help...to someone like various cultist she's been fighting back home? Is she really tainted now? Elenwe again take the bow she put away when she was looking for clothes to give to Vash and aims vaguely in Garian's and Vash's direction, without actually pointing the arrow at either of them.

"I...this isn't...I didn't know!"

[Reaver]

Darius gave kind smile to the Elf, taking another step forward towards Vash. "I do not blame you, elf. I, myself know too well the ways of demons can ensnare the body and mind. Tricking you into thinking their goals align with yours, twisting your dreams and goals into perversions." He shivered, thinking back to his own service to Irilin. He would never willingly turn back to her. "Join us and I will make sure that this evil, this abomination! Does not curse this world with her evil. Come to the light of the Church! Do not fear me for I only slay those of evil."

He glared at the so called "Demon" and his apparent slaver and mistress, Vash, his face hardening into disgust. "Jorell! Tell your demon mistress to submit to the will of the Church of Five! If not, then I will have no choice but to kill you and I do not hesitate in my duty.." He held his sword in a combat ready position, prepared to attack.

"May Myn guide your soul to the Ravage where you belong if you decline!"

[That_One_Guy]

Garian got in the way once more, pulling out his sword, "The Gods say that any man or woman may turn from evil whenever they wish, for no one is ever born evil. Give me one week to turn her to a better path before you submit judgement." He stated, but was ready to fight, his hand clenched the handle of his blade, his eyes looked the opposing man down, already measuring his strength and weaknesses. "And if you do attack me, you will be bringing an entire empire onto your heads." He told him, only a slight bluff, but he still had command of an army back home.

He looked at Elenwe, a bit pleadingly, "Please trust me on this, I trusted you enough to join your group and you came to find me, please trust me now in trying to bring someone supposedly evil into a better path." He said.

[daxtinator396]

Amber yawns lightly and stares at Garian like he is stupid,"Um... if all the gods of any good say she must be destroyed and all the unalligned gods say as well.... then I think maybe she is not able to save. Now you are kinda aiding evil... isn't that like... against your code or something? And you army doesn't scare me... dead men tell no tales hot stuff." She teases and pulls her arrow back further pointing it now at the two of them.

[That_One_Guy]

Garian sighed and got into a defensive position, blade slicing the ground in front of him before it rested behind, ready to rise the moment he attacks him, "I refuse to believe that someone cannot be saved, and until I try, I refuse to let those who blindly follow their gods to obstruct me." He then lowered his body down a bit, a smaller target was harder to hit, and a fast target was easier to miss. He will strike hard and strike fast, but won't over-extend his stay. He flipped the sword so that it faced the opposite way in his hand as if it were a knife, ready to slice up.

[Phoenixcz]

Elenwe steps back and lowers her bow a little; though it still points in the direction of Garian and Vash and she's still capable of quick aiming and shooting if she needs to defend herself, it doesn't look that threatening. "I hunt monsters. They don't look like monsters, and don't act like them." Well, Vash is suspicious, but even she doesn't fit the image of a typical Irileth worshiper Elenwe sometimes met back home. So far, she's acting more confused then as a crazy cultist or monster in human guise. Still, it may be a trick...that kiss and its apparent effect is not doing Vash any favor.

Elenwe looks between Garian and Darius and back again. "You may be lying too. Myn isn't much better." Well, at least the warped religious teachings of her backwater village says so...

[Reaver]

Darius gritted his teeth, keeping his anger in check as the elf insulted his god. "If you think that then you know nothing of her! She is one of the four aspects and you dare compare her to a demon? That is high blasphemy, clearly no one ever educated you in the Church of Five, elf! Myn is the creator of arcane and spiritual magic, the guardian of nature, and the guide on the path to good. She is the very reason Myrdur became a god. Many elves feel a close connection to her and her twin, Cara, something you obviously don't possess and I pity you for it. Perhaps if we survive I can correct the many errors and assumptions you hold about her? But that can only happen if you make the right choice now! "

Darius held his sword in one hand, grabbing one of his levitating glow stones with his other hand. "For the most part I have told you things that you can confirm for yourself. Like the corrupt lightning and beam that was halted by Myrdur's sword. It's no coincidence that it came from the same place as Vash. But sure, listen to the man who calls himself a demon and has probably lied to you since meeting you. If you really want to know how I know she's evil, her name and where to find her then listen up because after this, it's decision time." He took a deep breath, remembering what he had been told in the cemetery by the Dark Fairy and Myn.

"A task has been assigned, and must be followed through to its end. Resurrection of power long destroyed, a crown to be sealed, a woman of days long past to seal its fate, a soul created past crystalline might, and the broodmother's interest will wane. She will resist the strongest might and have a soul as black as the bowels of Ravage, but fear not for your life, or she shall take it. The catalyst lies in a prison long abandoned in the mountains, upturned by the church's demands. Find Vash.... Make your choice elf, because the gods wait for no one."

[That_One_Guy]

Garian saw the anger in his eyes and moved Elenwe behind me, "Elenwe, get Vash out of here, I'll hold off this Darius fellow and buy you enough time to escape..." He said and smiled at her, "I promise I'll come find you, like you came to find me." He said and then prepared himself again for Darius, "Darius, I see we can not talk you out of this, so I dare you to charge me and strike at me cause I can promise you that my blade will strike true against you and I will keep you from attacking someone that may prove innocent yet!"

[Phoenixcz]

"I'm not taking either side. Vash is suspicious, but that fairy is corrupted, and she's with you." Elenwe nods in the direction of Darius and his companion, then again looks between them and Garian and Vash. "You try to attack me, I'll shoot you, you use dark magic, I'll shoot you too. This is not my fight." Humans. Things were much simpler back home, monsters and demons are obvious and evil, people with them are either captives or evil too. Darius's passionate response to Elenwe's words about his sex-crazed goddess surprises her and hardly make him look friendly. But then, people being unfriendly isn't anything new to her.

She takes few steps back to put some distance between herself and others and to get all of them into her line of sight.

[Noosie]

That tapping was starting to give her a headache. Still, the succubus wasn't doing anything particularly bad, and as far as she could tell hadn't been staying entirely of her own free will. Ing can remember quite clearly how bleak and boring being trapped can be, and she'd much rather settle this diplomatically than try to fight a demoness of not insignificant power. That she was being freely offered information was a bit troublesome in ways the warrior can't quite put her finger on, but there's no harm in it that she can see.

"Well Pranda, I appreciate it. Why don't ya tell me a bit about your stay here? From what I've been told, I'm betting it hasn't been so nice, but I'd like to know why you're stuck in here and what else might be around before we get to any saviour-ing. Hardly be a good story if I get us both blown to Ravage by tripping whatever this circle is, or we jus' get eaten by something ugly from those cages. Be grateful if you'd tell me a little about that orb you eyed, too. Not too keen on leaving anything too dangerous after leaving."

Ing meets the sinister gaze with a wide smile that doesn't quite make it to her eyes.