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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Rex couldn't believe his eyes. <span class="bb-i">Home... it's gone</span>, he thought. The entire population of Vaniville Town had evacuated to Aquacorde. While some were injured, every person and Pokemon had gotten out alive. Smoke and sparks rose up into the sky.<br/><br/>The morning had started out like usual. He'd called his friends to hang out, and discovered that his uncle was giving them gifts. But after that everything changed.<br/><br/>First, the wild Pokemon fled the area; after that, all of the Trainers' Pokemon began acting strangely. After that the sky had darkened, and two massive Pokemon appeared. One was a giant, red and black Flying-type, and the other had been a deer-like Fairy type; Rex had never seen them before.<br/><br/>And the two fought. Their power had been amazing, and even though their attacks weren't aimed at any people, Pokemon, or buildings, even the resulting impacts caused houses to crumble and be blown away. The two Pokemon had disappeared as abruptly as they had appeared.<br/><br/>The news had spread like wildfire; even the journalist Alexa had come to interview witnesses. Rex took a breath. "Well, what now," he asked himself.<br/><br/>"Well, I suppose giving these to you would kinda be in bad taste." Rex turned to see two of his friends, Tierno and Trevor. Rex gave a sad, half-smile.<br/><br/>"Well, at least you two were out of town. Everyone made it out. Where's Shauna?"</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The day that Vaniville Town was leveled was the day Sam could say she knew true heartache. Everything she had come to call home was gone. Her and her mother's little house, the yard with an even littler house for Rhyhorn, the house with the annoying window that was placed just so the sun would shine in her eyes in morning, was gone. <br/><br/>What she wouldn't give right now to be back in her room and to have her mother's annoying Fletchling fly through that equally annoying window to peck on the head to wake her up. But that was all gone now, and she would do as she did before when she first moved to Kalos. She would conquer the unknown and would eventually be okay. She still had her friends and mother and that, that was the most important thing. <br/><br/>Sam found herself with one of these friends now at Aquacorde town. Her friend, Shauna. Happy go lucky Shauna. Before she might have found the over abundant joy to be rather pesky, but now she was quite thankful for it. Having sucha peppy friend certainly made things better. <br/><br/>"C'mon, Sam!" Said friend grabbed her blouse's sleeve and urged her to follow. "We have to meet with the others!" Sam just silently nodded before following. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Tierno and and Trevor led Rex to a table. Despite the refugees, Aquacorde's shops were still open, including the cafe. The semblance of normalcy helped get his mind off of things. Rex ordered an iced mint mocha as Shauna and Serena came into sight. Tierno waved them over.<br/><br/>"So, we've had a lot happen," said Rex as the girls sat down. "Our homes..." He shook his head. "Anyways, what was it that the Prof gave you guys?"<br/><br/>"Oh, yeah!" said Trevor. He dug a package from his bag, and Tierno took three Pokeballs from his belt. "Here." Trevor opened up the package, revealing a number of Pokedexes. "They're the latest models." Rex took one. It was black, with blue and orange trim.<br/><br/>"And there's three Starters!" added Tierno. "Fire, Water, and Grass! The question is, how do we split them up?"</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Shauna dragged Sam to a little café she had seen near the entrance of town closet to the path that led to the ruins of Vaniville Town. It was a quaint little café with the smell of pastries and coffee surrounding it. Sam's stomach rumbled at the smells. "Here's where we're supposed to meet with the others," Shauna said. She put her hand to her forehead as she looked for the guys they were supposed to be meeting. <br/><br/>"Ah ha!" she exclaimed when she finally spotted them. Sam thought she was being a little dramatic, but what could you do about it? She followed Shauna and took a seat next to her. Dutifully Sam listened when Rex began to speak. Her gaze shifted to Trevor afterwards.<br/><br/>A little bit of excitement broke through the haze of anguish that she was feeling upon the sight of the pokedexes. The excitement grew even larger when she came to look upon the three Pokeballs. As soon as the types came out of Tierno's mouth she knew exactly which one she wanted. <br/><br/>"Oh! Our very own Pokémon!" Sam spoke, one of few times after evacuating. "Perhaps we can draw straws to see who picks first?" she suggested. <br/><br/></div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Alright," said Trevor. He took a small bundle of toothpicks, and broke all but three. He shuffled them in his hand so he wouldn't know which was which. Tierno drew the first; he got a short one, and frowned. Trevor drew a short one as well. However Rex drew one of the long toothpicks.<br/><br/>He felt a small surge of happiness. So he would be getting a Starter and his Dex! However, the scent of smoke dampening his positive emotions.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Sam and Shauna eagerly awaited their turn to draw from one of the toothpicks. When Tierno drew the first one and it was short, Sam had some hope, when Trevor drew next and also got a short one, her hope that she would be one of the lucky ones grew even more. Their choices were pretty short, so surely that meant there couldn't be an even shorter one?<br/><br/>So now that she figured she at least had the chance to receive one of the three Pokémon she was hoping that she would get even luckier and draw the longest. That way the choice she had first wanted would be hers.<br/><br/>Shauna drew after Rex and had a slightly smaller toothpick, but not by much. This left Sam last. She stared at the lone toothpick with bated breath as she reached out to pick it up. Holding it between thumb and forefinger she drew. Her toothpick was longer than Tierno and Trevor's but shorter than Shauna's and Rex's. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Well, congratulations!" said Trevor. "Sam, Shauna, Rex, looks like you each get a Starter." Tierno gave a smile.<br/><br/>"We'll have to get our own Pokémon," he said. "But don't worry about us!"</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Sam nodded apologetically to Tienro and Trevor. "If we're able to help you in getting a Pokémon in any way, we will," she promised. It was the very least that they could do, and besides what were friends for? Sam turned her attention back to Rex and wondered which one he would pick. She tried to picture herself with any of the other types besides the one she had her heart set on, and she just couldn't picture it. But since she was the third one to pick she would just have to deal with the last one. <br/><br/>In the end, no matter which Pokémon she received she would be happy to have the as her partner. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Rex thought for a moment, and decided on the Water-type. He released it from its Pokéball. It was a frog Pokémon. "Froakie?" the little Pokémon asked. Rex opened up his Dex.<br/><br/>"F_{ROAKIE, THE}B_UBBLE F_ROG P_{OKÉMON. IT PROTECTS ITS SKIN BY COVERING ITS BODY IN DELICATE BUBBLES. BENEATH ITS HAPPY-GO-LUCKY AIR, IT KEEPS A WATCHFUL EYE ON ITS SURROUNDINGS.}"<br/><br/>Rex smiled at the Froakie. "Hi there! My name's Rex." The Froakie seemed a bit shy. It was nervous about having a new Trainer. "I hope we can be good friends. I promise I'll do my best to take care of you."</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Shauna was next in line after Rex picked his Froakie. She gushed about the Froakie for a moment, commenting and squealing on how cute it was, but she was more excited to pick her own Pokémon. <br/><br/>Sam wasn't sure if Shauna had even though about which one she wanted when the other girl blindly reached for one of the two remaining Pokeballs. She grabbed the one that had been in the middle and with another familiar flash of light appeared her Pokémon. Sam's frayed nerves got even worse those few seconds while the flash of light receded back into the Pokeball to reveal Shauna's partner. <br/><br/>There on the table stood a 2-toned brown Pokémon with a green shell that had some mean looking spikes. The oval eyes met Shauna's and it was love a first sight. Shauna hugged the Chespin close to her chest and gushed now about how cute hers was and how they were going to be best friends. <br/><br/>Sam after that never felt so relieved. Shakily she pick up and last Pokeball and the partner she hoped she would be getting appeared within the same flash of light. "Feeennekin!" it cried and small bursts of fire came from its ears.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The three standing together with their Pokémon caught people's attention. It seemed to give some hope. Even in the face of losing their homes, these children were setting out on an adventure. Rex's Froakie smiled back at her new Trainer. "It says you're a girl," said Rex, consulting his Pokédex. "Despite that... I'll call you Jiraiya. Does that sound okay?"<br/><br/>"Froakie!" the Pokémon said, nodding. Rex gave his new Pokémon a smile.<br/><br/>"Your uncle thought you might like her," said Tierno. Trevor seemed surprised.<br/><br/>"Wait, Professor Sycamore...?"<br/><br/>Rex said through a mouthful of cookie, "That's my uncle!" Jiraiya nodded. She could tell by the young man's scent.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Sam's newfound friend sit comfortably on her shoulder and nuzzled his new trainer. "Heh, looks like you and I are going to be getting along really well, doesn't it?" she asked the yellow and orange fox Pokémon. "Fen!" it barked back at her as if agreeing.<br/><br/>"I guess I should give you a name too," Sam said after Rex had named Jiraiya. She crossed her arms and put a finger to her chin in that typical fashion people might do when attempting to think really hard. She mulled over a few choice names while her Fennekin eagerly awaited the outcome. It was a tough choice, but only one really stood out.<br/><br/>"I'm going to call you, Vulcan," she decided. The Fennekin, now known as Vulcan, nodded his approval. It was a strong sounding that that he thought fit him rather well. <br/><br/>Shauna besides her was too busy hugging her new Chespin and calling him 'Cutie' to be too worried about the things going on around her. Sam shook her head and returned her attention to the rest of the group. Professor Sycamore? She heard of the name once on the news, but other than that since moving to Kalos she didn't have much knowledge on the subject. <br/><br/>"So, is Professor Sycamore the resident Pokémon genius and researcher in Kalos?" she inquired more curious about the man that was also apparently Rex's uncle. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"That's him," said Trevor. Rex nodded as well.<br/><br/>"He's my uncle on my dad's side," he said. "Uncle Sy studies Pokemon Evolution, and how Pokemon have changed over time. I spent a summer with him in Lumiose when I was younger. His Pokemon Lab was so cool!" He looked excited just thinking about it.<br/><br/>"You never told us that," Tierno noted. Rex came back down to earth.<br/><br/>"Well, it was the summer when..."<br/><br/>"Oh..." Tierno and Trevor seemed to know Rex didn't want to talk about something. "Anyways, Trevor and I will have to catch our own Pokemon. Luckily there's Santalune Forest nearby where we can catch Pokemon. We'll have to borrow someone's."</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Sam looked between Tierno and Rex when all of a sudden they stopped talking. She was curious as to what they were about to say, but she knew better than to ask. Some things were just better left alone she knew. Maybe whatever it was, Rex would see fit to tell her one day. However, she thought it was pretty cool that Professor Sycamore was his uncle. Maybe one day she could meet him and thank him for Vulcan. <br/><br/>Absentmindedly she played with Vulcan's ear tufts while she watched the rest of the scene play out. "You guys are more than welcome to borrow Vulcan if you need to," she said after Tierno mentioned they would have to borrow someone's Pokémon to catch their own in the forest. <br/><br/>Shauna gladly offered the use of Chespin as well.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"We'll take you up on that offer," said Tierno. "However, first battles between a Pokémon and its Trainer are very important when it comes to their relationship. Winning or losing doesn't matter."<br/><br/>"It's all about a Pokémon and Trainer learning to trust one another," finished Rex. "Mom taught me that. She's originally from the Hoenn region, so she did her first Journey there." He flipped open his cell and showed them a picture.<br/><br/>The girl in the picture had Rex's basic features, but not his black hair; rather it was strawberry blond. She smiled, flashing a victory V. Jumping up into the picture was an off-colored Poochyena. "Grandpa took this the first day she went out on her Journey." He switched to another picture-- his mother, present day. She was beautiful, and though her face and hair had changed, her eyes and smile were still the same.<br/><br/>"I took that picture last week," he continued. "There's Bisca." By now she was a fully evolved Mightyena. "I'm gonna miss them, but I'm so excited!" He turned a bit red, putting his phone away. "Sorry."</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Again the excitement crescendoed higher at the thought of a battle. Vulcan must have picked up on her excitement as well because she could feel him shaking from the force of it on her shoulder. She scratched his ear in an attempt to get Vulcan to calm down. Being excited was all fine and dandy, but she remembered hearing from somewhere that too much could be a distraction, or maybe she was just making things up. Either way, they would figure it out together. <br/><br/>What she could allow herself to get excited for and not have to worry about, was getting excited about showing pictures. Who didn't like to share or show off pictures from time to time? She eagerly looked at Rex's pictures of his mother. Her and her partner looked so happy together. That's what Sam wanted to look like one day too.<br/><br/>"That's great, Rex," she told him. "My mom wasn't a trainer, but she was a Rhyhorn racer."</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"And that also requires trust," said Trevor.<br/><br/>"Anyways, we can stop at Route 3 and try and find Pokémon," said Rex. "It'll be easy to catch Pokémon there."<br/><br/>"Ooh! I want one that can learn Dance moves," said Tierno.<br/><br/>"Oh yeah, your dream is to have an all-Pokémon dance team," said Rex. "And what about you, Trevor?" Trevor tapped his lip before shrugging.<br/><br/>"I'm not picky," he said simply. Rex nodded.<br/><br/>"Alright, we'll split up," said Rex. "Tierno, Shauna, you'll team up; Sam, Trevor, you can search together. I'll help out between you guys as I'm needed."</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Yeah," Sam agreed. The trust between trainer and Pokemon was important in anything that they did. Even helping their friends catch their own Pokemon would require trust. She felt a little uncomfortable though about lending her new found friend to someone else so soon. As if picking up on her emotions Vulcan nuzzled her cheek. They grinned at each other after and nodded in agreement. They were ready.<br/><br/>"Alright," Sam said. "To route 3 we go!" She turned to Trevor with excited eyes. "You ready to go?" She asked. <br/>Vulcan snorted and small bursts of fire came from his ears again. Sam laughed fondly. "Vulcan's ready." <br/><br/>"Me too!" Shauna exclaimed. "Let's go!"</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"We don't all have your guys' energy," said Trevor. Rex laughed, nodding in agreement. The road to Route 3 was mostly bare of people, since most were interested in Vaniville Town. Tierno headed towards the water, while Trevor decided to search in the grass. Rex hung back a bit, giving each of his friends a Pokéball to use.<br/><br/>Tierno thought aloud for a moment: "I wonder if we can get any Water-types to come up...?" After thinking for a few more moments he snapped his fingers and dug a small speaker frim his bag. Meanwhile, Trevor waded through the tall grass.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Mavis followed Trevor whenever he decided he may want to tread. Vulcan still sat on her shoulder and waited till he could be of use. He was ready to battle a Pokémon for Trevor, but only at his trainer's command. Small puffs of fire also released from his ears. A small oddity that Sam discovered happened frequently when Vulcan was excited or eager. She wondered that the longer they stayed together if she would discover he had a calmer side as well. <br/><br/>"I'm not seeing anything," Sam sighed while talking to Trevor. Maybe they just weren't searching hard enough. <br/><br/>Shauna and Chespin were standing at the waters edge with Tierno staring rather hard at the water. "Maybe," Shauna finally said while watching Tierno pulling his items out of the bag. Just having become a trainer neither Shauna nor Sam really knew why they were doing. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Water conducts sound better than air," explained Tierno. "So if I set the bass and volume just right..."<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Rex watched the two groups. Jiraiya observed her Trainer, silently assessing him. He gave off a kind aura, if a bit sad. However she could tell that he had potential as a Trainer.<br/><br/>Trevor felt his hair stand on end. Suddenly a yellow Pokémon crossed his path. It seemed a bit irked for some reason... "Um, Sam?"</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Oh, okay," Shauna replied. She still sounded a bit unsure, but still eager to help. Chespin peered over her shoulder with a questioning, but eager, gaze as well. Whatever would come out of the water they would be ready for it. <br/><br/>Meanwhile Sam was busy with Trevor. Occasionally she would glance towards Rex to see what he was doing or who he was watching but overall her attention hardly strayed from the task at hand. Vulcan allowed no distractions at all and looked ready to jump into battle at a moments notice. <br/><br/>So when the yellow Pokémon appeared Vulcan was ready. Bits of fire, more than previously seen, burst from his ears as he turned to face the wild Pokémon. He merely waited for his trainer's command before attacking. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Piiiika!" the Pikachu exclaimed. It's cheeks sparked, causing the air to crackle.<br/><br/>"Um, Sam?" said Trevor.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Tierno had hit the Play button. The music started playing. In the water Pokémon stirred. One was particularly angry about being woken up. It leaped from the water, ready to fight. "CORPHIIIISH!"<br/><br/>Rex and Jiraiya waited a moment. He would have an easier time against the Corphish, as compared to a matchup against Pikachu.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Alright, it was time for action! Just as Sam gave the command Vulcan bounded into action. Fire erupted even more so from his ears but this time a stream of fire appeared from his mouth. His ember was strong Sam noticed and in no time at all he would learn another move, a more powerful fire type move. Or at least Sam was determined. Maybe she was wrong in gaging the power of her Pokémon's attacks. She would have to ask Rex about it later, but for now she had a battle to focus on. <br/><br/>Vulcan did however miss his first hit and Sam cursed under her breath. "Again, Vulcan!" she commanded and Vulcan was once more spouting bits of fire at the Pikachu.<br/><br/>Meanwhile Shauna and Chespin were battling the Corphish that appeared out of the water. This is, after Shauna was done oogling it and saying how cute and awesome it looked. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Hmm . . . lets see . . ." mumbled the administrator, thumbing through the sheets of paper sent to him three days ago. "Well, you do seem qualified for the job, Mr. Carter. You do have one Lurish borne parent. I believe it's Lieutenant Malcolm Carter, if I'm not mistaken?" He pushed the tiny spectacles up with his chubby fingers. "Hmm, health report . . . health report . . . Ah, there it is. Your doctor claims you are in perfect health, good sir. Let's see, twenty four years of age . . . well. That is a bit young, but one can hardly blame youngsters like you for their ambition. Ho ho, yes." The administrator stands up and offers Robert his hand to shake, a file in the other hand. "After careful consideration, we - meaning I - have concluded that you are ready to join the Lurish Exploration Company. Here is your briefing, the jungles are eastwards," he finished, chuckling to himself.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"> Robert stood before the beurocrat, writ of enlistment to the Company still in hand. A hand that gripped his paper roughly with excitement over the proceedings. He'd been working for years to be able to make it into some for of service to his Lurish countrymen. What better works than helping to expand? <br/> "Yes sir, Malcolm is my father. We have been out of touch, I was not aware that he was still serving. Perhaps he'll be among the Company."<br/> The man continued to review his papers, mumbling more administrations, before standing to present Robert his hand in acceptance. Robert jumped forward to take his hand, excitement alight in his eyes. He'd been fairly confident in the possibility of his acceptance, but actually hearing it was something else. He shook the administrator's hand roughly, nearly shouting his thanks.<br/> "Oh, thank you sir! Eastward? Is there a landmark the Company is gathering at?"</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Yes," the administrator answered. "You will meet the rest of the company, as well as a few hired guards, at the border town of Gurrivo. Try to keep your official indicators hidden there. The people aren't too happy with us at the moment, seeing as how we have recently taken them from Zitera."<br/><br/>__________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/>"Chief! Chief!" shouted a young Dahote warrior as he charged through the thick underbrush towards the village. He nearly crashed into another as he ran desperately for the village.<br/><br/>"What's wrong?" asked the other, a bit disoriented.<br/><br/>"Tell the chief there's men on our lands! Possibly invaders! Hurry!" The two of them ran for the chief's hut. They ran up to the leather flap that acted as a door and went right through with a resounding FLAP. The information was much too important to let a door stop them. Through hasty words and extravagant gestures, they got the message across.<br/><br/>"Hmm . . ." Chief Megedagik muttered to himself. "Get me my son. Immediately."</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The Camp was a busy place, men and women bustling around, doing a multitude of things. Some helped break camp; taking down tents, hitching wagons, packing supplies. Others cooked breakfast, gave their weaponry a clean, or just tried to look busy while not actually doing anything. Through the camp strolled one woman with an air of superiority, and a rifle nearly as long as she was. Along with slitted eyes and a lot more weapons besides her rifle, it was clear this woman was the leader of the camp. The town they were currently camped out around, and the town where her newest contracter currently was, had an interesting reputation. Being a border town, the jungles within sight of the normal man's eyes led to a lot of interesting people. And Faile's men had made a few new graves with the ones who thought interesting meant immunity to their thuggish behavior. The local law was, like most of the world, a pile of shit, but they would probably catch on eventually, which was why Faile was eager to move on, and soon.<br/>"Where is that man? Can't trust a guy to be punctual" she muttered, deciding to take a seat by a free stump and whip out her Roses, checking them over for and faults, dirt, or defects that could be really bad when she needed it the least.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92394-x-o-x-o-manhattans-elite

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><hr class="bb-hr"/><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0zgy0ZpCd1r99f4t.gif"/><img src="https://media.tumblr.com/cb3fdbca00352fe22b3a95e781cdac93/tumblr_inline_mk4pywxZNY1qz4rgp.gif"/></div><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><span class="bb-b">Alyssa &amp; Adam De Franklin</span></div></div><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-indent"><div class="bb-indent">The screeching of airplane tires could be heard as the private jet touched down on the runway and her eyes were flashed out of the window. After her breakup with Oscar before the holidays, she needed a nice getaway from all the drama and everything that followed along with it. She indeed did have a great time in Buenos Aires as she danced, had a nice fling and even got drunk a few nights. But now, she was back within the confides of New York, the Upper East Side. Alyssa waited until the plane came to a halt before standing up with a sigh and getting off of the plane, meeting her brother right there on the runway, as he ran up to her and hugged her.<br/><br/><font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"You're not leaving the next holiday without me. Understood?"</span></font> Adam said while linking his arm with his sister's and they walked to the nearby limo and got inside. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"So, how was Buenos Aires?"</span></font> Adam asked as Alyssa nodded her head with a smile. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"It was nice. I needed the getaway. How was the holidays with mom and dad?"</span></font> She remarked then asked him as Adam made a face. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"Not so great. The usual bickering at dinner and such."</span></font> Adam answered with the shrug as the trunk of the limo finally closed and they were well on their way back to their habitat, their home.<br/><br/>Along the way, Alyssa and Adam caught up with each other, shared a few laughs and Alyssa was even comfortable now talking to him about her breakup with Oscar. As their limo pulled up into the driveway at their penthouse, Adam noticed that their parents town car wasn't there and there was no telling where they were right about now. Alyssa got out and looked around, inhaling and exhaling as she eyed Adam. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"I missed this air."</span></font> Adam chuckled as he walked beside her now. They reached their floor by elevator and immediately walking off, Alyssa called their butler, Geoff, who scurried up towards her.<br/><br/><span class="bb-b">"Welcome back, Ms. Alyssa."</span> He said with grace as she took off her jacket and draped it over him and handed him her purse. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"Spare me the welcome back greeting."</span></font> She remarked with sass while walking past him now as she slumped down on the couch with a groan. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"You can't talk to Geoff like that."</span></font> Adam said while standing beside her as she perked up. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"Sorry. A bit jet lagged."</span></font> She countered while standing up with a smile. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"Care to go for a walk?"</span></font> Adam nodded his head as she giggled, clapping for Geoff to return her coat to her, which he did.<br/><br/><font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"We're going for a walk. We'll be right back."</span></font> Alyssa said with a smile then scrunched her face up as they made their way to the lobby and outside, now walking on the sidewalk and heading towards Central Park. A place her and Oscar use to visit all the time and a shrew of emotions were coming over her now but she still had a smile on her face - No matter what.</div></div></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92394-x-o-x-o-manhattans-elite

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="http://i64.tinypic.com/30vj8ub.gif"/><img src="http://i63.tinypic.com/243lusw.gif"/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-h3"><span class="bb-b">Oscar &amp; Imogen-Valentine Chessyre</span></div></div><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><font color="blue"><span class="bb-b">"It looks nice."</span> </font>A voice, laced with boredom, repeated the same phrase it had been saying for the past three hours. The siblings had been shopping for suitable attire for their parent's annual dinner party all day, seeing as it was that night. The eldest of the two, Oscar, had chosen and bought his suit within a matter of minutes, ordering for it to be delivered to their penthouse that afternoon. Imogen, on the other hand, had been trying on dress after dress in the hopes of finding the perfect one. <font color="lightblue"><span class="bb-b">"<span class="bb-i">Oscar</span>. You say it looks 'nice' one more time and I swear that I will buy the whole shop and make you pay for it." </span></font>The girl hissed, twirling in the mirror. <font color="blue"><span class="bb-b">"I don't understand why you had to bring me along as apposed of one of your girl friends." </span></font>Imogen rolled her eyes, whispering something to the store helper before disappearing behind the curtain to remove the dress. <font color="lightblue"><span class="bb-b">"It is only because Victoria and Miley are busy choosing their dresses <span class="bb-i">without me</span>. So I must find the most gorgeous, stunning, jaw-dropping one to show them what they missed. "</span></font><br/><br/>Stepping out of the shop hours later, the pair walked down the street with Imogen chatting away. She had grown used to being the talkative one due to the fact that ever since Oscar's break up with Alyssa, he had been withdrawn, moody and quiet. She knew that his previous girlfriend would be returning to Manhattan today, and her stomach twisted at the thought of her and her family coming to the event that night. She had loved Alyssa, but their split had been messy and the two were not on good terms. At these thoughts, her conversation trailed off and her lips pulled down in a frown. <br/><br/><font color="blue"><span class="bb-b">"C'mon. Let's go grab ice cream, yeah?"</span> </font>Oscar's voice, now holding more cheer in it than it had in a while, brought the previous smile back onto Imogen's face. The pair knew where to get the best ice cream; a small, secluded shop hidden amongst the greenery of Central Park. As per usual, Imogen ordered strawberry and Oscar vanilla- both of them laughing as it began to melt and drip down their chins. <br/><br/><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/hushedwhispers">@HushedWhispers</a></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92394-x-o-x-o-manhattans-elite

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><hr class="bb-hr"/><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0zgy0ZpCd1r99f4t.gif"/><img src="https://media.tumblr.com/cb3fdbca00352fe22b3a95e781cdac93/tumblr_inline_mk4pywxZNY1qz4rgp.gif"/></div><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><span class="bb-b">Alyssa &amp; Adam De Franklin</span></div></div><hr class="bb-hr"/><div class="bb-indent"><div class="bb-indent">As the duo waltzed around Central Park, basking in the glory that it had to offer. Alyssa's arm was linked with Adam's as she looked at him with a raised brow. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"You're thinking about something. Spill it."</span></font> She sort of nudged him as Adam stammered before speaking clearly. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"Are you going to the annual dinner party hosted by Oscar's family?"</span></font> Adam asked in a nervous tone as Alyssa stayed quiet for a moment then smiled and looked back at him. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"I'll go if you go."</span></font> She remarked while stopping and standing in front of him with a soft smile. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"Well, I was invited."</span></font> He responded while walking past her as she scoffed and folded her arms then marched after him.<br/><br/><font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"Did Oscar invite you?"</span></font> Alyssa asked while Adam stood there with a raised brow. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"No. It was his sister, Imogen."</span></font> He walked over to the ice cream merchant set up there in the park and order himself chocolate and Alyssa vanilla, her favorite. Adam handed her the cone as she looked off in the distance and gasped, grabbing onto Adam's coat. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"They're here?! Why are they here out of all places?!"</span></font> Alyssa asked as she turned heel but Adam grabbed her and muttered. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"You can't avoid him forever, you know. Maybe he's forgotten about it and moved on."</span></font> Alyssa sighed softly because she honestly haven't moved on. Yes, she went out of the country for the holidays but she could only think about Oscar.<br/><br/>Adam basically had to drag her over towards the other duo, no matter how much she pleaded him not to. Upon them bumping into Oscar and Imogen, Adam was the first one to speak. <font color="#008800"><span class="bb-b">"Hey there, you two. What are the odds, right?"</span></font> Adam said as he sort of nudged Alyssa to say something. Alyssa licked her cone then looked and saw that Oscar had the same flavor and tossed hers in a nearby trash can. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"Uhm, so, what are you two doing here? Heard about the dinner party tonight, any room for one more?"</span></font> Alyssa asked while doing a small hair flip. <font color="#0ef051"><span class="bb-b">"I can understand if there isn't."</span></font> She muttered while looking at Imogen and occasionally glancing at Oscar, whom she didn't hate but just didn't feel like talking to him at the moment.</div></div></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92402-the-octopus-a-19th-century-political-crime-rp

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-b"><div class="bb-h3">Central City</div><br/>June 28th, 1876</span><br/><br/>Bob Stockton always came back home by steamboat. He was wealthy enough now to afford a private coach or his own car on the train. But coming in by river was how he'd first arrived here nearly fifty years ago. Central City was a far cry from the little frontier town he remembered all those years ago. It was so new back then that several of the log cabins in town were built with green wood.<br/><br/>Stockton stood on the deck of the steamboat, cigar firm in his mouth, and watched the city appear around the river bend. The city in front of him now was a vast metropolis with buildings as high as six stories stretched out across its expanse. A thick layer of smog rose above those buildings. To some that was a sign of urban sprawl and decay and pollution, but to Bob it was the price for progress. Industry and the wealth that came for it led to more expansion and growth. That was what America was all about.<br/><br/>"Senator Stockton."<br/><br/>Stockton turned around and saw a Marshall Holm standing on the deck with notepad and pencil at the ready. Like Stockton, Holm was on the way back home to Central City after spending the winter and spring in Washington. Also like Stockton, Holm and his paper worked for the Combination. Stockton scowled and blew smoke from his mouth. <br/><br/>"I told you, Marshall, I'm not talking about the convention until it gets--"<br/><br/>Holm cut him off as he shoved a piece of paper into his hands.<br/><br/>"This was sent to me over the wire when we stopped to refuel in Jeff City. Words coming out of the frontier. There's been a big battle out near someplace called Little Big Horn. You're chairman of the Senate's Committee of Indian Affairs, Senator, and I wonder if you'd like to comment."<br/><br/>Stockton read the bulletin. His face grew redder and redder the more he read. When he was done, he ripped the paper in two and tossed the scraps out of his hands.<br/><br/>"Fucking Custer!"<br/><br/>Stockton spat his cigar stub out of his mouth and watched it fly overboard into the water. These next few weeks were crucial to furthering Stockton's political goals, there was no room for error. And now some goddamn long-haired moron had fucked him over! How hard was it to kill a bunch of Indians? They were almost as easy to kill as the fucking buffalo. As the chairman of that Senate committee he stood to come under fire for lack of oversight on Custer's activities. <br/><br/>"My statement is this, Marshall: This does nothing but delay the inevitable. Like when the unruly child tries to ward off punishment from their father. They do nothing but ensure the punishment will be twofold. The committee on Indian Affairs will do whatever it takes to see that 7th Cavalry and Colonel Custer are avenged, and their murderers are brought to justice." <br/><br/>"Dynamite stuff, Senator."<br/><br/>Holm hurried away while Stockton brooded over the news. The plan that he and A.J. laid out for the coming convention did not include Stockton having to defend the actions of the now deceased George Custer. If he wanted to emerge from the convention as the party's compromise candidate, a man who could carry the party standard and win the White House, he needed to be as far from controversy as possible. The task was still feasible, the convention taking place here in Central City meant that A.J. had the power to put anyone he wanted on the ticket, but they would have to play things very carefully from here on out.<br/><br/>"Five minutes," one of the sailors announced from the steamboat's top deck. "We'll be in Central City in five minutes."<br/><br/>Stockton found another cigar in his coat pocket and lit it up. His original plan was to go home and rest, but that was now amended in light of the recent news. He had to head into the city and find A.J. as soon as possible. If he knew A.J. like he thought he did, after thirty-six years as partners in law and politics Bob knew him pretty damn well, then he would have already heard the news and would be ready with a plan for how to proceed forward.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/><span class="bb-b">"Saloon City"<br/>Central City</span> <br/><br/>"This makes four, Dan."<br/><br/>Danny Shea looked down at the dead woman's body. She was slashed across the throat and left for dead in the muddy back alley behind Uncle Ace's Brothel. Standing behind him was Bobby Coughlin, Danny's partner on the beat. Danny squatted down beside the body and touched the dead woman's cheek. Cold to the touch. He didn't expect any less. It was a quarter past ten in the morning so it was likely she'd been dead for hours before she was found by someone who actually reported it to Bobby.<br/><br/>"You talk to Uncle Ace?" Danny asked as he stood back up.<br/><br/>"'I pay! I pay! I know no girl! I pay protection!' is all the fucker had to say."<br/><br/>Four dead women in the last two weeks. It wasn't unusual for Saloon City to have that many dead bodies in that short amount of time, but most of those were casualties from drunken fights and card games that went sideways. Four dead women had been found dumped in back alleys with their throats slashed by a blade that the coroner described as 'big as hell.' She was the second Oriental, the other two dead women were Negro and Jewish respectively. The girl in the mud was dressed like a whore, just like the previous three. <br/><br/>"I grabbed a kid and told him to run back to the station house and tell them we caught a dead body out on the beat," Bobby said. "Not like it's gonna do any fucking good. This girl is dead where it don't matter. Now if she were a white girl from the east side they'd have the fucking US Cavalry riding through--"<br/><br/>He kept talking about something, but Danny didn't hear him. His thoughts were on the dead girls he'd seen over the past few weeks. Bobby was spot on with his assessment. All four of the dead girls were whores, all four were ethnic, and all four of them were people nobody gave a shit about. Danny and Bobby gave report after report to Sergeant O'Riley and Captain Williams, but they would just shrug and file it away as an unsolved case. They never got the detectives from downtown involved and they couldn't really give a shit. <br/><br/>But Danny wasn't the average flatfoot. He was the rare beat cop that had political juice at his disposal if he wished. Captain Thomas Shea, commanding officer of the CCPD's Southern District, was his father. While Danny tried to stay as apolitical as possible, Tommy Shea was the very definition of a political animal. It was a testament to his ability to play the game that he was the highest ranking Irishman on the CCPD. By 1890, Danny's dad would be chief of police. <br/><br/>"You gonna be alright if I leave?" Danny asked his partner.<br/><br/>Bobby shrugged and grinned. "Got a hot date?"<br/><br/>"Not exactly. I'm going to see my old man. He might be interested in this, all I got to do is hear his mouth. The only thing he likes more than playing politics is giving me lectures."<br/><br/>Bobby laughed. "You sure you wouldn't rather trade places with mama-san down on the ground?"<br/><br/>Danny looked down at the dead girl one last time. Number 4. If Danny couldn't get his father to help, they might be finding Number 5 in a back alley soon.<br/><br/>"I'll survive."</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92402-the-octopus-a-19th-century-political-crime-rp

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-b">City Hall</span><br/><br/>Bob Stockon sat in the mayor's chair with his feet hiked up on the mayor's desk. Francis Rhodes, Central City mayor, obliged the seeming affront to his office. The reason for the fealty was because Rhodes knew this office and desk was his only because Stockton and A.J. Patterson saw fit to bestow it on him. <br/><br/>But Rhodes wasn't on Stockton's mind at the moment. The man was off in chambers doing something with the city council. Stockton couldn't remember what exactly, he just knew it wasn't important. He made a beeline for City Hall as soon as he departed the boat. He couldn't visit the Social Club even if he went through the back door. During Stockton's first congressional run it was decided that he and A.J. could never be seen in a place that the public could see them together. That meant that Stockton hadn't visited the Combination's headquarters in nearly sixteen years. So instead, he sent word to A.J. that he was here in the mayor's office waiting.<br/><br/>"Sorry about that, senator," Rhodes said as he came into the office. "Just some minor municipal business that you don't need to concern yourself with."<br/><br/>"Oh but I do," Stockton said as he took his feet off the desk. "I need to concern myself with every facet of city life, Mr. Mayor. I represent this city as much as you do, sir. Whatever goes on here is as much my concern as it is yours."<br/><br/>"I figured you would be more concerned with the statehouse, Senator. Wood and the opposition are lining up rather quickly."<br/><br/>Stockton scowled. Michael Wood. Governor Michael Wood. The son of a bitch got elected four years earlier as a reform candidate, vowing to clean up the state's politics. So far it was easier said than done for him, but now he had a slate of reform candidates poised to try and take the statehouse away from the Combination. If Wood's party took the statehouse, that meant the end of Stockton's senatorial career. It was the Combination's legislators that put him in office and kept him there. While most politicians had to win one campaign for reelection, Stockton found that he had to manage and win several campaigns to stay in the Senate.<br/><br/>All that may be moot after the convention. Who cared about the statehouse if he was focused on a national race? What did it matter to him if Wood got the senator he wanted? A senator is just one of seventy-six. What Stockton was after would put him as first among equals. But still... he couldn't resist the urge to have a little fun.<br/><br/>"Wood's up for reelection," he said nonchalantly. "Rumor I hear is that his plan is to win re-election and then resign if his party wins the legislature back and have himself take my senate seat."<br/><br/>"Low down and dirty," Rhodes said with a shake of his head. "Is the Combination running someone against him yet?"<br/><br/>"We want to, but A.J. doesn't have a candidate in mind." He paused and looked at Rhodes. "But I do."<br/><br/>"What?... Me?"<br/><br/>Stockton stood up and walked around the desk, wrapping one arm around Rhodes' shoulder.<br/><br/>"Yes, Francis, you. You've been mayor for six years now. Six years experience running a city as big as this one trumps even Wood's two years as governor. He was just a state senator before that, he has no real experience. Not like you do. You have executive experience running the fourth biggest city this side of the Mississippi. After this town, the capital is easy. I want you as the Combination's man come election day. Governor Francis Rhodes. And think about where you could go from there? Ever since Lincoln, Washington is starting to think of the west as an emerging political base it needs to tap. A two-term governor running for president in '84 could be just what they need.Did I say Governor Francis Rhodes? How about President Francis Rhodes?"<br/><br/>Rhodes stood ramrod straight and looked at Stockton with a wide smile.<br/><br/>"Senator... I'm honored by your words... do you think I could?"<br/><br/>"I know so," Stockton said with a wide smile. "Before we talk further, can you find out if A.J. ever arrived?"<br/><br/>"I sure can."<br/><br/>Stockton held back his laughter as he watched Rhodes bound out the office like a schoolboy. The odds of him beating Wood were unlikely, even with the Combination's full weight behind him. Wood had an iron-grip on the rural parts of the state where the Combination's reach couldn't quite be felt. Even if Rhodes took the city and the areas around it with the machine's usual 90% turnout, Wood's power base in the country would equal that and make it a deadlock. Then it would come down to the non-partisan voters. Comparing the two men, Wood would almost certainly win those votes. <br/><br/>It would be close, and that was all Stockton wanted to achieve. Hard for Wood to engineer a statehouse coup when he had his own tight race to run.He had no faith in a Governor Rhodes or even, god help us all, a President Rhodes. But a viable threat to Wood's job would make it all that much easier for Stockton and A.J. to get the Combination's state legislators back in office.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/><span class="bb-b">Central City Police Department Southern District</span><br/><br/>"What brings you to the jungle, lad?"<br/><br/>Sergeant Smith, the beefy Irish desk sergeant eyed Danny Shea from his elevated seat just inside the entrance of the station house. His gray eyebrows were arched in mild surprise at seeing Danny. He was used to seeing the Shea boys popping in every now and then to see their father, but Danny was a rarity.<br/><br/>"Here to see my dad."<br/><br/>"You know where to find him."<br/><br/>Danny walked past Smith and through the precinct. The place was a cluttered mess of desks, paperwork, and fellow officers gathered in and around those desks. The few civilians that were in the offices were black. The Southern covered Central City's negro neighborhood and dealt almost exclusively with negro criminals. That was the reason for Smith's jungle crack. The only white people who went across the Color Line were cops and white trash up to no good. <br/><br/>"Danny!"<br/><br/>Thomas Shea stood up from his desk and smiled widely. Thomas was in his mid-50's, but he was still every bit the imposing figure of Central City legend standing at six foot two and two hundred and fifty pounds. Most of that weight had begun to turn to fat, but he was still trim enough to wear the same cut of suit he always wore. Thomas wrapped Danny's hand in his and shook it.<br/><br/>"All the people I be expectin' to see today, you sure as shootin' weren't one of 'em."<br/><br/>He'd been in America for over fifty years but he still couldn't lose his thick Irish brogue. Danny and his brothers had a touch of it that came out when they said certain words, but Thomas still sounded like he was living on the old sod.<br/><br/>"Shouldn't you be on duty, son? Is something wrong?"<br/><br/>"Everything's fine, dad. Bobby's watching the post. It's just... we got another murder. The fourth one in the last two weeks."<br/><br/>"What's that to do with me?" Thomas asked cooly. "Last I checked, my jurisdiction is miles away."<br/><br/>"C'mon, dad, you know Williams doesn't give a damn about this."<br/><br/>Thomas grunted and flopped down in the chair behind his desk.<br/><br/>"And why exactly do you care, son? They're whores, nobody cares about 'em, nobody will miss 'em."<br/><br/>Danny gripped the chair facing his father's desk and leaned forward.<br/><br/>"It's my job to care, and it's Williams' job to care, and it's your job to care. Protect and serve, dad."<br/><br/>"This wouldn't be a problem if you got a bump to sergeant." Thomas stroked his thick mustache while he spoke. "You'd have enough clout to be heard by people other than me. All it'll cost you is five hundred."<br/><br/>"I've told you before dad I'm not going to pay to make rank. I don't want it that way."<br/><br/>Thomas let out a loud chuckle. "Ho ho ho. He's too good to play the game, is he? Son, how do you think I made rank? I paid the Combination three hundred dollars to get sergeant stripes and a thousand for my lieutenant bar six years later. Price has gone up since those days, but it's still how it works. I made captain on my own merit, like everyone above lieutenant does, but to get on that track you gotta pay. If it's money you need, I'll loan it to you."<br/><br/>"I want to make it on my own merits is what I want."<br/><br/>"Then good luck, boyo, and get some comfortable shoes; you'll be walking that foot patrol from now until the year 1900."<br/><br/>An uneasy silence between father and son filled the room. Danny wouldn't meet his father's eye. This was how almost every conversation between the two of them went if the topic was the job. They could talk about almost anything else and be fine. But once work and politics came into play, they always butted heads and always ended up on the verge of rowing.<br/><br/>"Look," Thomas finally said with a sigh. "I want a quid pro quo. The chief put me on the security detail for the upcoming party convention. We need patrolmen and detectives to serve as protection for some of the men coming to town. They are big time movers and shakers inside the party, one of them more than likely will be the next president. I want you to volunteer for bodyguard duty. I'll see to it you get assigned. You play nice with your charges and everything goes well, you may end up actually making rank on your own accord."<br/><br/>"And in exchange for babysitting a couple of pols I get what?"<br/><br/>"My support in investigating these murders. I'll talk to Inspector Pope about the killings. He's the direct superior of me and your captain. Your name will be left out of it, but Williams will know where the ball got rolling and I can't help you if he gets mad. That's another reason why this detail works out for you. You come out of the convention with the ear of some powerful party man, you'll be untouchable."<br/><br/>Thomas stood and held out a beefy right hand.<br/><br/>"Do we have an agreement?"<br/><br/>Danny shook his father's hand warmly.<br/><br/>"Deal."</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92402-the-octopus-a-19th-century-political-crime-rp

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Little Mickey was wiping the bar clean while inside his saloon. People called him Little Mickey. There wasn’t too much of a reason for it. Someone had call that once, and the nickname stuck. At least his family, which would be his wife, his children, and his brothers and sisters, still called him Michael. No one else did, though.<br/><br/>Regarding this saloon, it was his, inherited from his father, and home to his family. It wasn’t the best place to raise children, but he had never had a choice on the matter. Right now, the saloon was as busy as ever. There were men coming through the door looking for a good time, and a different time from that which they got from the “disorderly houses” with the “ladies of the evening.” Here, they came for food and drink, and Little Mickey made sure that their wishes were sated. That was, after all, how he came about his money.<br/><br/>There were a little less than a dozen people who were working under Little Mickey. There were three waitress, each of them being spirited young women. Cleret, a Jewish girl, had been there the longest, as she had been hired a whole seven years ago, when she was only fifteen. Little Mickey didn’t tell his patrons she was a Jew and they were none the wiser. Then there was Edith, an Irishwoman who had been there only three years. Lastly there was Eva, an Italian girl who had only showed up a year ago. <br/><br/>Waitresses seemed to come and go, except for Cleret, who seemed to have no qualms about staying. It wasn’t exactly the greatest life, so they often saw themselves out as soon as that was a possibility. The waitresses were popular with the patrons, as Little Mickey always made sure that they were pretty. They were always good with warming up the patrons. Right now they were hard at work, serving the patrons food and drink with pretty smiles and a friendly personality. <br/><br/>Then there was the band. There was about five of them, each of them playing some instrument. Little Mickey didn’t know anything about music, and certainly not American music, but he did realize that the band seemed to do their job well. If they didn’t attract patrons, they certainly help keep them there. They helped keep the saloon even livelier, and Little Mickey saw that his patrons seemed to appreciate a little music.<br/><br/>Little Mickey walked towards one of the new customers. He had never seen him before, and Cleret confirmed that he was indeed a new man. In turned out that he was a Swede, and he could speak English. Little Mickey took a seat beside him. He put up the appearance of the kindly owner of the saloon, wanting to help a helpless man in a strange new world. The Swede had his free meal up in front of him. It was a smoked herring, pickled oysters, pretzels, and rye bread and sausage. It came free once you bought your first drink, and it was hoped you would buy many more drinks to make up for the costs. This free meal was one of the key elements of patronage in Little Mickey’s saloon, his own greatest contribution to the Combination.<br/><br/>“Why, hello there, sir,” Little Mickey said. “Having a good meal?”<br/><br/>“Yes, actually,” the Swede said. “It’s all so very kind. I could never get something like this for free back in the Old World.”<br/><br/>“Why, you’ll have to thank my friend for that,” Little Mickey said. “How have you been of late, sir.”<br/><br/>“Well, things could’ve gone better,” the Swede said. “I came to America, for higher wages, a better life for me and my family, you understand. But we didn’t like New York, and Harrisburg wasn’t much better, you see. So I thought that I might strike my luck here, yet I really don’t know. I’ve been feeling rather foolish, and maybe I would’ve been better just staying back at Sölvesborg.”<br/><br/>“Nonsense, my good sir,” Little Mickey said. “Now, I understand what it is when a man’s down on his luck, let me tell you. However, there’s this friend of mine, have a mentioned him before?”<br/><br/>“A bit,” the Swede said.<br/><br/>“Well, let me tell you a bit more,” Little Mickey said. “I’ve got friends, plenty of friends. They’ll get you a job and home faster than you could ever hope. Now, that meal you’ve got in front of you, it’s all because of them that you’ve got it.”<br/><br/>And Little Mickey told the Swede all he would need to know. The Swede would have a stable job, a home for him and his family, and he’d be a loyal member of the Combination. He pointed him in the right direction, and soon higher people in the machine would be working to make sure this Swede was taken care of. This was Little Mickey’s real job, the job he had to do. He hoped he never would see a day when he was on the Combination’s bad side. <br/><br/>Little Mickey’s oldest youngest brother Otto then came in, holding a newspaper in his hand. He grabbed Little Mickey’s shoulder, indicating that he need his attention. Little Mickey got up and excused himself, telling the Swede to enjoy and finish his meal. He and his brother went in the back to the bar, where Edith was bartending.<br/><br/>“Michael, have you heard?” Otto said.<br/><br/>“Heard what?” Little Mickey said.<br/><br/>“About the murders,” Otto said.<br/><br/>“What murders?” Little Mickey said.<br/><br/>“There’s been a collection of murders, Michael,” Otto said. “It was…Ladies of the Evening…”<br/><br/>“What, whores’ have been murdering folks?” Little Mickey said.<br/><br/>“No, they’re the ones being murdered,” Otto said.<br/><br/>“What, and it isn’t even Friday yet,” Little Mickey said.<br/><br/>Otto sighed, “Listen, Michael. Gerold was with one of them-”<br/><br/>“I’ll have to give him a stern what-with then,” Little Mickey said. “It’s no good to be doing that. It’s immoral.”<br/><br/>“While true, that’s not what I’m talking about,” Otto said. “He was with the prostitute not long before she died, maybe just hours. Now it’s all he can talk about, saying he could’ve done something about it, that he could’ve saved her.”<br/><br/>“Ah hell,” Little Mickey said. “Well, that’s just youthful sentimentality talking. I’ll take care of it, and I’ll talk to Gerold.”<br/><br/>“Right,” Otto said. “Good. Listen, I’ve got something else to do, so I’ll see you later.<br/><br/>And, just as sure as he had said, Otto left then and there. Otto had never been very close to Little Mickey. He resented the fact that he was a loyal member of the Combination. Otto, on the other hand, acted like a Hecker partisan, intent on overthrowing the old order in favor of whatever it was that the socialists had wanted. He was still his brother, though, and they loved each other all the same. Best of all, he knew how to read in English.<br/><br/>“Cleret,” Little Mickey said.<br/><br/>“Yes sir?” Cleret said.<br/><br/>“Take care of the place,” Little Mickey said. “I’m going to step out for a moment.”<br/><br/>“Yessir,’ Cleret said.<br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92402-the-octopus-a-19th-century-political-crime-rp

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Joseph Harjo sat alone in the dark at the desk. In his hand was a blade that looked decades old. He was carving a symbol into the desk when the door opened and Barnes stepped through it. He was tall, standing at six feet one, and his shock of brown-red hair stood out against his pale white skin. The light from Central City illuminated the dark office and he spotted the Native man sat at the desk. There was a flicker of shock in his eye but he attempted to steel his nerves and shut the door to his office behind him. He flicked a lamp on and the warmth of the lamp chased the shadows away into the corners of the room.<br/><br/>“Who are you?”<br/><br/>Harjo lifted his knife from the desk, wiped it clean of some wood scrapings, and then slid the knife into the inside of his suit jacket.<br/><br/>“My name is Joseph Harjo.”<br/><br/>“I was told I would be meeting with Mr. Peterson personally.”<br/><br/>Harjo shook his head.<br/><br/>“Mr. Peterson is otherwise indisposed. I have been given leave to speak on his behalf in this instance, Councilman.”<br/><br/>Barnes let out a disappointed sigh as he took to the seat opposite the Native. Harjo’s eyes lit up like a predator eyeing his prey and the light of the lamp bounced along them threateningly. <br/><br/>“Is something the matter? You seem disappointed.”<br/><br/>A titter left the Councilman-Elect’s lips.<br/><br/>“I only agreed to this meeting so that I could tell Peterson he could shove his money up his behind.”<br/><br/>“Then your disappointment is understandable.”<br/><br/>Barnes leant forwards, prodding his finger into his desk as he spoke, as if to hammer home the seriousness of the point that was to come.<br/><br/>“You tell Peterson that I am not for sale, Mr. Harjo. You tell him that I will not besmirch my father’s good name, all that he achieved for this city, by allowing Peterson the whip hand over me. I intend to vote in the interest of the people of Central City – not to further another man’s political ambitions. Have I made myself clear enough?”<br/><br/>Harjo smiled insouciantly at the young man’s fervor.<br/><br/>“You have, Councilman, but it would appear you have been misinformed some. Perhaps you were too young to understand. Mr. Peterson considered your father a close friend and an ally in transforming this city of ours from a small, squalid saloon town into something more, something better than it is. They worked together often, in fact.”<br/><br/>The Councilman-Elect’s cheeks grew red with ire. <br/><br/>“You would have me believe that my father was Mr. Peterson’s thrall? You go too far this time, mongrel.”<br/><br/>The last word hung in the air for several seconds after it left Richard’s mouth. It was a word Harjo had heard many times over the years, from simpleton and educated man alike, though more often than not the man known as “Injun Joe” to the denizens of Central City punished the slight with extreme prejudice. In the Councilman-Elect’s case, it wasn’t an option. Instead he glowered in his direction.<br/><br/>“What?” Barnes said with a smile. “Do you intend to do me harm? Go ahead, be true to your savage nature, and resort to violence when faced with a truth too pure for your simple mind.”<br/><br/>The glower passed and Harjo gestured towards the entrance.<br/><br/>“You may take your leave, Councilman.”<br/><br/><div class="bb-center"><span class="bb-b">*****</span></div><br/>Barnes muttered profanities under his breath as he replayed his conversation with the Native in his head. The implication that his father had been in cahoots with Peterson still made his blood boil. “Duckie” Barnes had hated Peterson’s guts. He’d spent every waking moment trying to undo the damage that charlatan had done to Central City and here was some savage rubbishing his father’s legacy – it would not do. Had he not feared for his safety in that room he might have been minded to lay hands on the man.<br/><br/>The Councilman-Elect took a turn down a pathway and heard footsteps hastening behind him. He looked over his shoulder to see a young boy, no older than thirteen, stood behind him with a blade in hand. Another climbed over a small fence and stood in front of him.<br/><br/>“Hand over the watch, mister.”<br/><br/>An incredulous look appeared on Barnes’ face.<br/><br/>“What?”<br/><br/>The boy brandished the blade in Richard’s direction with a smile. His teeth were yellow in parts, black in others, and there was dirt along his cheek.<br/><br/>“You heard me.”<br/><br/>Barnes backed away from the boys, his hands extended in front of him to keep them at a safe distance, as he looked from one to the other with a scowl.<br/><br/>“Did Harjo send you?”<br/><br/>The boy shook his head.<br/><br/>“I won’t ask again. Hand over the watch before you get hurt.”<br/><br/>A flash of courage ran through the Councilman-Elect’s heart. His impotence at the prospect of violence with the Native had gnawed at him ever since he’d left the office. Now faced with the prospect of correcting that wrong and proving his worth as a man, Barnes chose to stand his ground. They were only children after all and he was Councilman-Elect Richard Barnes, son of Duckie Barnes, and his family’s hard work had helped to build this city up from the ground. They could not harm him. There was nowhere they could lay their head if they were to lay a finger on him. They had to know that.<br/><br/>“I will do no such thing, I am a C-”<br/><br/>One of the boys lunged forward and plunged their blade into Richard’s stomach and he staggered backwards against a wall. His hand pressed against the wound that bled freely down his front. He gurgled in disbelief as he began to slide down the wall and the second boy plunged his knife between Richard’s collarbone and neck.<br/><br/>Richard’s pale white skin turned paler still as the boys rifled through his pockets and reached for the watch on his wrist. He felt his limbs go heavy and his blood run cold as the giggling adolescents cantered away from him.<br/><br/>His thoughts drifted to his young wife at home, the infant son that desperately awaited his return, and slowly the life drifted out of the Councilman-Elect’s eyes. His lifeless body slumped over and his face fell into the bloodstained dirt beneath him.<br/><br/>Duckie Barnes had given Central City his blood, sweat, and tears. All his son had managed to give it was his blood.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92402-the-octopus-a-19th-century-political-crime-rp

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-b">Saloon City</span><br/><br/>“My husband ain't no muttonhead, sir. I swear to the purity of Christ that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.” the woman pleaded as she stood bellow Donovan's chair. Seated atop a raised platform, in a seat as raised as it, the boarish master of 45th Street loomed over his second story saloon courtroom like a prince with cobwebs and dangling lanterns as his tapestries. Leaning over the scratched, cracked, and tall table he dug a fork and knife into fried chunks of ham and eggs.<br/><br/>It was early morning still and Donovan Adams was met continuously with the pleas and bargains he was expected to fulfill. A tall pint of cider and a hearty breakfast tempered his angry indifference towards the heralds of bullshit that rocked the apartments and alleys of the heart of Saloon City.<br/><br/>He was by no means a handsome man. Wide and muscle built, he towered like a bear but sauntered with the distinct lack of grace as a moody bull. His cheeks were swollen, nose bulbous and drooping. There was a deep angry, studious glare in his deep gray eyes that he held affixed to his plate.<br/><br/>Of today's interest was a plump middle-aged woman, a net of wild messy hair was kept back in a tight bun that wrapped her head in a halo of gray and black. Sorrowful blue eyes peered up at her would-be savior of fortune. “He wasn't raising no sand, he's a humble person Mr. Adams. Your a man of respect, ain't ya? Couldn't you speak to the police? They're the ones that are holding him.”<br/><br/>Donovan Adams nodded as he scooped a hearty fork full of ham into his mouth. Leaning back in his makeshift throne he ran a heavy scarred and bent hand through his mustache. “Beguile for me the circumstances your husband got arrested again.” he demanded in a low thunderous voice. He rose his heavy gaze up beyond the woman's head as the sound of the saloon doors peeled his attention away from her briefly, catching a pair of men enter the tavern.<br/><br/>From the second floor he could see the near whole of the Yellow Belly Inn. The establishment was bare and empty for the morning with a handful of staffers mopping away the events of the prior evening, the piss, vomit, and blood of a raucous night. The smell of vinegar hung heavy in the dusty air as young maids and servers re-arranged the saloon from the first floor to the second level floors.<br/><br/>Dressed in clean suit clothes, the two figures cut an uninterrupted beeline across the sagging wooden floor. They walked with a confident grace through Donovan's field of view. One behind the other they never strayed or wove far off their desired path. With their black outfits, they were almost like mourners.<br/><br/>“The police told me only that he was robbing some blind fool's house. But he was only nearby when some damned coons ran passed with handfuls of lifted finery!” she protested, “But I know he was only a victim of circumstance, he only picked up what they must have dropped and he was found with some of it! He's a good Christian man and wouldn't steal from anyone, I know this in my heart.” she plead woefully.<br/><br/>Donovan nodded, “He's down at the second precinct on a fifty dollar bail then, am I right?” he asked.<br/><br/>“Yes sir.” confirmed the woman.<br/><br/>“I'll go down after I eat and see about your man.” he grumbled dryly, raising his mug and taking a long drink. He watched the two men stomp up to his level from behind the pleading woman's back. They gave pause as they brushed the road dust from their black town coats as they stepped to the side.<br/><br/>“Oh thank you. And God bless you.” she beamed, on the verge of tears. She sat herself up and shuffled for the stairs.<br/><br/>“Her man up the spout?” asked the taller of the two. A young man, his waxed mustache hugged his upper lip as he gave a wine devilish grin. He ran a hand through his long oiley black hair as he removed his hat. Sharp green eyes shone as he followed her path with his eyes.<br/><br/>“And I'm to levee the ransom.” Donovan sneered, “What are you two up to, Howard?”<br/><br/>Howard laughed and turned those green eyes of his back up to Donovan. “A lick of no good.” he cackled. “We saloon boys never change!” he beamed. “We just figured we would stop by since we were in the neighborhood.”<br/><br/>“And how about you, Morrison?” Donovan asked, turning his attention to the quiet tall man leaning on a wooden cane along the handrails. A long wiry beard graced his chest. His eyes buried under heavy brows as much as they were the brim of his hat, he could have been nearly blind. And more so with the swollen nose on his face.<br/><br/>“Nothin'.” Morrison answered.<br/><br/>“We were in any event on the hunt for the family of the tail-waggers who were slain these past couple of nights, offer some condolences to whatever next of kin we can find. Or acquaintances. I'm sure you understand the principle.”<br/><br/>“I do, but what I don't particularly understand is giving the time of day to a celestial, a nigger, and a kike.”<br/><br/>Howard smiled knowingly, “Well I'm sure with a world-view as complex as that you're up to some good deep-thinking. Maybe you know who killed the poor girls.” he remarked sarcastically, “But all the same Donny, they're tax payers all the same. To us, and to you. It's their money that keeps righteous American born men and women out of the cage at night and in the street doing the work.”<br/><br/>“I quiet well understand how money goes.” Donovan remarked sharply.<br/><br/>“I'm sure.” said Howard, “We already spoke to Beatrice and Gabby on the account of the negro and the chink, perhaps if you can find time in the day and you can on your own behalf talk to the Jew's pimp, a fine lad named Seamus Cutter.”<br/><br/>“He sounds like a right good man with a name like Seamus.”<br/><br/>“Rest assured he's a true American as any of us can quantify and his blood goes back damn far in Central City's saloon scene. He fought in the War, so he no doubts fits your qualifications.”<br/><br/>“I'll see to him then.”<br/><br/>“Excellent!” Howard beamed with a jovial clap of his hands. He rubbed his palms together, “I like it when things come together.” he hissed orgasmically through clenched teeth. “He lives just north of Jacob's street, or the corner of that and Newark. Ask about at the saloon, you'll find him.”<br/><br/>“Jacob's and Newark, isn't that out of my jurisdiction?”<br/><br/>Howard shook his head, “Orders from James himself, as far as he cares it's yours for the time-being. He actually expects you to figure this out and wrap it all up before the police bother.”<br/><br/>“How I wonder why.” Donovan growled, rubbing greasy fingers across his heavy bushy brows. The taste of cider met his lips bitter and strong as he took another heavy swig and the froth bathed his horsehair brush of a mustache.<br/><br/>“His business is his own, make of it as you will. I'm sure there's favors in it for next time you meet.” Howard explained. He motioned over for Morrison who sulked back to his partner's side.<br/><br/>“If you understand now, we will be off on our own matters.” Howard bowed, seeing himself off with Morrison in tow, like a panther of quiet death.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-b">2 years ago</span><br/>“So.” A familiar female voice rung out, extending the vowel for several seconds. “What have you got now?” <br/><br/>Meeting her intent gaze, Caius Valesse put the large book down with a heavy thump on the solid wooden table. “A free period, actually. I’ll find a quiet place to read and study some heavy Thaumaturgy. Or perhaps some summoning.” <br/><br/>The raven haired beauty before him waggled a finger back and forth, clicking her tongue in disapproval. “Better make sure the Templars don’t find you. Otherwise…” <br/><br/>Mood souring, Caius rose and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Chin up, Miri. You have more pressing matters to think about.” He gestured towards the door of the classroom. “Come on, i’ll walk you up.” <br/><br/>“Thank you.” As she reached the corridor, Miriam realised just how much worry was tangled up inside after being encouraged by her friend. Thinking dark thoughts definitely was not the way to go about completing the trial ahead, but the gall of the Templars pissed her off. Anger was an emotion that was useful, to boot. “I still think it’s pathetic that we need to hide our research from those walking soup bowls.”<br/><br/>The jibe drew a warm smile from Caius, as it conjured an amusing mental image. “Especially because the books themselves were provided by the First Enchanter, forbidden or no.” Becoming lost in thought, he stared off into space for several moments, mulling over memories. “I wonder if Knight-Commander Fielding knows about the Enchanter’s treasure room.” <br/><br/>Bursting out laughing, Miriam’s face lit up. “Maker’s Breath, could you imagine his reaction if he doesn’t? A thing of beauty, to be sure!” <br/><br/>It had been a long time since the two of them had bantered back and forth like this, and deep down, Miriam knew it was her fault. They had been part of a small group of five mages, who had formed a study group. Together, the mages had accelerated each other’s learning by bouncing ideas and study notes off one another. As a result, First Enchanter Lucillia had given them several ancient magical books to study as extra credit, to not let those old talents die.<br/><br/>The books, of course, contained forbidden magical practices. Blood-related thaumaturgy, demon summoning and binding, guides on true names and magic circle theories, shapeshifting. The list went on. Should the Templars find them practicing those arts, or even studying them, it would be an instant death penalty. Despite knowing that, the group took the risk. <br/><br/>Only three of them remained, now.<br/><br/>Finding her mind clouded with sorrow, Miriam instead ignored that part of the tragedy, focusing instead on her raw hatred for the Templars who had taken their friends. It was that emotion which would allow for the successful passing of her Harrowing. The pair stood in front of the large, heavy wooden doors leading into the highest point of the Circle tower. A Templar escort has followed them for the last several moments of the journey, a requirement for reaching the Harrowing Chamber. <br/><br/>Minutes dragging on, the pair stood in silence, not daring to discuss any form or research or even crack a joke, lest it be met with a blade. Templars could rarely be trusted at the best of times, but many rumours circulated about beatings and outright murder comminuted by Templars to mages when no witnesses could testify. It was part of the reason he had offered to walk her up. After an eternity, the doors creaked open. <br/><br/>An aged, but not quite old, man walked into the corridor. His salt-and-pepper hair messed and frayed, looking extremely stressed as always. The large armour looked clunky, as all Templar armour did, but this possessed all the adornments worth of a Knight-Commander. <br/><br/>“Miriam Blackwood. Need I remind you that this test is to be taken alone?” Fielding’s voice boomed down the corridor, echoing off the empty spaces, despite the two mages standing only a few feet away.<br/><br/>She shot him a dark look. “No,” came the curt reply. Sensing the air of tension, Caius stepped in to diffuse the situation.<br/><br/>“It is a pleasure to see you, too, Knight-Commander.” The Templar glared coldly at the man. “Fear not, I only came to offer moral support for the journey.” <br/><br/>“Perhaps that time would be better spent preparing for your own Harrowing.” <br/><br/>That was a very valid point. Caius’s Harrowing was scheduled for a mere hour after Miriam's ended, at the specific behest of the First Enchanter. He was more than confident, however. “Your concern is touching.” Turning to the woman, he playfully batted the braided length of hair reaching down from the left side of her head. “Don’t forget the essentials. Other than that, knock them dead.” <br/><br/>A determined look set into her face. “Naturally.”<br/><br/>Fielding led her away into the Chamber, as Caius decided it was high-time to get some breakfast. <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>Just over an hour later, the First Enchanter gently tapped Caius on the shoulder, startling him despite her best attempts to avoid doing so. Miriam’s Harrowing was over, and in a short while, it would be his turn. Lucillia didn’t say whether or not she had succeeded the trial or not, and the two were not allowed to meet again until after the completion of his own. Apparently they couldn’t be trusted to not tell the other everything about the secret test.<br/><br/><span class="bb-i">Whatever makes them say that?</span> Caius thought to himself, giving a light chuckle.<br/><br/>So for the second time in as many hours, he was waiting outside of the Harrowing Chamber. The Knight-Commander called for him. Enormous couldn’t even begin to describe the sheer scale of the room. It was as big as three full classrooms, and even taller. There was nothing contained within, except a small pedestal in the center of the room, surrounded by various degrees of magic circles. 4 Templars stood, even spaced out around the center, accompanied by the First Enchanter. Fielding led Caius to the pedestal, before taking his place in the empty spot at the head of the ring of people. <br/><br/>In the emptiness, his booming voice echoed off of every single surface, seemingly all at once. “‘Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him.’ Thus spoke the Prophet Andraste as she cast down the Magisters of the Tevinter Imperium.” He spoke, robotically, as though reading from a script. Which he was, at that stage. Caius had heard the Chant of Light more times than he could possibly count. More times than he had books, even. <br/><br/>“It is for this reason that a test such as the Harrowing exists. To root out those mages with dark and twisted intentions like those Imperium. The test you will face is a simple one. You will be sent into the Fade, and there awaits a demon. You are to slay this demon, and return here. Do this, and you pass your trial.” <br/><br/>Fielding’s voice grew hard, and something tinged it. Whether it was anger, or something altogether deeper, was impossible to tell. “Should you take too long in the Fade, my Templars will cut you down where you stand upon returning. Which is favourable. Should you fail to kill the demon, it will possess your body, turn you into a hideous abomination through a process which is extremely painful, and <span class="bb-i">then</span> I will cut you down where you stand.” Silence fell over the room, as Caius took in exact what the task entailed. The Knight-Commander met his incredulous gaze. “Good luck.”<br/><br/>Giving a small sigh, Lucilia spoke softly. “Must you constantly attempt to scare the apprentices, Fielding?” Her brilliant green eyes fell on the young man. “I am allowed to offer each participant a single piece of advice, so listen closely, as I cannot repeat it.” <br/><br/>“The Fade is the realm of dreams. While the spirits and demons may control it, your own will cannot be discounted.” A knowing smile danced across her lips. “I know you’ll be absolutely fine. When you are ready, touch the lyrium, and cast the spell.” <br/><br/>Caius looked at the translucent cyan liquid contained within a small bowl on the pedestal. Liquid lyrium. Volatile stuff, but when used to cast spells, it made the process a whole lot easier. A novice Evocationer could pull a meteor out the sky using this stuff as a focus. Dipping his hand in the liquid, the mage shut his eyes and called up every ounce of focus within him. Concentrating on merging his corporeal and incorporeal forms, throwing his soul out into the Fade and pulling the body along for the ride. Entering the Fade was easy, you simply went to sleep. Doing it while still conscious required a lot of magical power. Drawing magic circles in his mind to focus the power, in addition to the ones on the floor designed for this kind of spell. his eyes opened once more. <br/><br/>“Fracturam!”<br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The effect was instantaneous, but despite all his intense calculation, Caius had forgotten one small thing. <br/><br/>His positioning in the Fade.<br/><br/>So after falling several feet, he landed with a thud on the earth below him. Mumbling to himself like a typical brooding mage, Caius got up and dusted his robe off. Taking in the scenery, the sky was a swirling dark green cloud, circling a point in the distance. Rumour had it, underneath the eye of that eternal storm rested The Black City. Gathering energy, the muscles within his body began to twitch and twinge. <br/><br/>“Lupun.” Skin began to shift, and the mage hunched over, dropping to his hand and knees in pain. Hair began to sprout from every pour, coarse and rugged. Less than 10 seconds after speaking the word, a wolf was left in place of the mage. Giving a howl of delight, Caius took off as fast as his four legs could carry him.<br/><br/>Running for several moments, a white light appeared ahead. Slowing, the wolf took a couple of careful sniffs at the orb of light, which promptly exploded. White wings sprawled out from it’s center, as the rest began to slowly congeal into the form of a man. He started at the wolf with curiosity. <br/><br/>“A wol-. No. A human mage.” A warm smile took over the shining figure’s face. Shifting back into his natural form in a small flare of light, Caius stood and stared at the figure. <br/><br/>“Impressive. How did you know?”<br/><br/>The smile grew even larger. “It is my prerogative to know things, child.” Hairs standing up on the back of his neck, the mage dropped into a slightly defensive stance at that remark. Raising it’s hand, the figure spoke, softly. “Relax, I am no demon. Rather, a spirit. One of wisdom, to be precise.”<br/><br/>The mage watched, not moving, waiting for the spirit to strike, yet it did not come. It frowned. “Forgive me, I am aware human perceptions of us are almost certainly wrong. You are in no danger from me. However, ahead lies a demon, and they will not be as considerate towards you.” <br/><br/>“A demon? That’s what I’m here for then.” The spirit smiled again, giving a small nod.<br/><br/>“I suspected as much. Please allow me to accompany you, I wish to learn from you.” <br/><br/>Caius thought for a moment, but didn’t see the harm in it. The spirit was intriguing, and he wished to learn for it, as well. “Very well, let’s get going.” <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>True to the word of Wisdom, a short way up the winding path, a demon stood atop a pile of corpses. Various creatures made up the mound, from humans to cows. The demon itself was large and fat, with oily black-green skin, and it was devouring the bodies with extreme enthusiasm. From the books at the Tower, Caius identified it as a demon of Gluttony. Wisdom agreed. Stopping eating its meal, Gluttony sniffed the air whirling round to see the mage. It let rip a shrill roar, before beginning to barrel in his direction. <br/><br/>Willing his staff to appear, it vanished from his back and materialised before him. Grabbing the length of wood, Caius twirled it, calling up energy from within. He leveled the staff at the demon, giving a thunderous cry. “Vis!” An unseen wave of energy hit the charging monster, impacting with an audible bang. Gluttony was picked up and smashed into it’s dinner pile. The air was filled with the sound of squelching flesh and the smell of rotten meat. <br/><br/>Dark yellow eyes burned out from inside the pile, as a rumbling sound reverberated through the very earth itself. “Mage. I am going to savour you, food tastes best when the meal yet lives.” It began to charge again, in the exact same way before. Caius scoffed.<br/><br/>“It isn’t very smart, is it?”<br/><br/>The spirit smiled beside him. “It is a demon of Gluttony, human. Being smart is my job.” <br/><br/>Grin spreading from ear to ear, Caius collected energy again, connected a circle within his head. “You hungry, big guy?” Pouring power into that circle, he picked a spot on the floor just in front of his feet. The demon continued. More and more energy flowed into the circle, right up until the demon was a mere 10 feet away. <br/><br/>“Petra dens.” <br/><br/>The ground erupted from that point, the dirt collecting together into a single solid mass with a tiny point. A huge drill-like structure lunged forward, meeting Gluttony. It pierced through it’s body at around chest-level, before continuing until the top and bottom half were no longer connected. The head - and one arm - came to rest several feet behind them, as the body slumped down the large earthen spear. <br/><br/>Wisdom blinked several times. “Well, that was new.” <br/><br/>“You liked that?” The mage asked, respectfully containing laughter. <br/><br/>“It was very impressive.” A few thoughtful moments passed. “I have a proposition for you, mage. Let me accompany you back to the real world, beyond the Veil. I ask for no control over you, only that you let me view the world through your own eyes. In return, I offer my collected Wisdom.” <br/><br/>Caius stopped dead in his tracks. Well it certainly isn’t a demon, he thought. Demons tricked you to allow possession, they never asked bluntly. It was rumoured that they physically couldn’t. Drumming his fingers on the staff, he considered all the possible implications. Deep down, though, there was only one answer. Regardless of the potential risks, Caius was never one to turn down knowledge. <br/><br/>“Very well, spirit. I look forward to seeing your wisdom.” <br/><br/>It smiled, outstretching a hand, which Caius shook. In an instant, the spirit was gone. A small problem made itself known, however. His fierce auburn hair was now snow white. A sneaking suspicion that the Templars might notice suddenly flooded the young man’s system. <br/><br/>“Oh <span class="bb-i">Maker</span>.” Maybe he could explain it. Maybe they wouldn’t kill him. Maybe the darkspawn weren’t evil. Maybe the moon was made of silver. <br/><br/>Maybe.<br/><br/>Caius took a deep breath, before walking through the rift back into the Harrowing Chamber. <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The mage instantly dropped into a defensive stance, a shimmering silver shield rippling into being. Eyes tightly shut, he waited for a sword that never came. A spell which was never cast. Magic canceling that wasn’t approaching. Opening his eyes, slowly, what he saw shocked him more than anything had in his entire life. <br/><br/>The room was empty. <br/><br/>Something had caused the most senior authority members in the Circle to abandon watching over the Harrowing, and they had taken the Templar guard with them. Caius could have walked out as an Abomination and no-one would be any the wiser. The fact that he actually had done something similar was proof of that. The air smelled faintly of sulphur, from elsewhere in the tower. After waiting a few moments without anyone returning, he began to move. Wisdom was silent within, despite the mage’s attempt to communicate. In order to reach the Harrowing Chamber, you need to pass through the Templar barracks. The same, then, is true for returning from it. A metallic twang filled the corridor leading to it. Upon opening the door, Caius lost his breakfast. <br/><br/>13 Templars lay strewn about the room. Some lay peacefully, simply dead on the floor. Others weren’t so lucky. Their armour had been rended completely. It was bent outward, covered with blood and other organic matter, the Templars having been burst from the inside out. More had deep incisions, something had cut straight through the steel armour with large claw-like weapons. A thin layer of blood covered the entire floor. Closing his eyes, the young mage ran through the room, blindly and almost slipping. Slamming the door closed behind him, it took several seconds to get his breathing back under control. <br/><br/>Forcing the sight out of his mind, he walked off once more. It wasn’t an isolated incident, however. Templars and mages both lay dead everywhere. The bodies of the Templars were mangled almost beyond recognition, the wounds on the mages much less so. It actually looked as though the mages had been killed by Templars. Caius began to run through the corridors, heading for his room to collect the books. At the same time, he looked for any survivors, to no avail. Entering his room, on the floor in the center was Zafira. That left only two remaining members of their study group, he hoped beyond hope that Miriam was alive. <br/><br/>Grabbing the bag containing the forbidden books, he headed for the one place that escape from the tower was possible, without blowing a hole in the wall. The old magical mirror in the basement. Lucilla had called it an Eluvian. On the way down, however, he found the body of the First Enchanter. A Templar sword lodged in her back. Blood boiling, the Templars better pray they were all dead. <br/><br/>Skidding round the corner of the basement, an almighty demon stood between him and the Eluvian. It was around 15 foot tall, it’s scales shimmered blue, purple and green in equal measures. Impressively-sized horns rested on it’s head. A mighty blade made of scales jutted out from each elbow. Many, many eyes fell on Caius, as the demon of Pride laughed. The guttural sound seemed to pollute the very air.<br/><br/>“Come little mage. Let us play before my master returns.” Slowly, the hairs on Caius’s arm began to stand on end as the air became charged with static energy. It condensed in the demon’s hand into a large ball made of pure purple lightning. As it began to hurtle towards the mage, a loud bang accompanied it. Grabbing his staff with both hands, one at the top, one at the bottom, Caius slanted it and lowered his profile, left foot sticking out. <br/><br/>“Clypeus.” The words spoke, shreds of energy condensed into a shield exactly the same as had been used in the Harrowing Chamber. Without time, given the speed of the attack, or focus, having been taken off-guard by a Pride demon in the bloody Circle tower, the shield was weak. Lightning ball slamming into it, the energy instantly began to buckle against the purple sparks flying off the intruding mass of energy. <br/><br/>A soft voice, barely a whisper spoke. “Allow me, mage.” Silver shimmering energy turned opaque alabaster white, doubling in size. Wisdom utilised the small shield in the most efficient way possible, increasing the potency greatly. The lightning ball exploded, bathing the room in a brilliant light. <br/><br/>A great smile spread across Pride’s face. “I see y-”<br/><br/>“Ardens.” A great spiralling double-helix of fire scorched through the space between the mage and demon. It crashed into the chin of Pride, sending the hulking beast stumbling backwards. “Oluem.” Midnight-black, a glob of liquid landed on the floor underneath the demon’s feet. A puddle of oil very quickly expanded over the corridor, causing Pride to slip. An lick of flame hit the oil, setting it completely ablaze. <br/><br/>The monster yelled in pain, and the doors to the basement proper flew open in a blast of wind strong enough to extinguish every ounce of fire in a single blow by dragging it physically off of the oil. An impressive feat. Not surprising, given who cast it. The sound of high-heel clicked out from the basement. Her eyes lit up.<br/><br/>“Caius! You passed your Harrowing!” Miriam’s smile was large, extending across her entire face.<br/><br/>The young man scowled. “You didn’t.” <br/><br/>That brilliant smile faded slowly, replaced by a darker expression. “C-. I-. How could you? That <span class="bb-i">hurts</span>. You seriously think I’m possessed?” <br/><br/>“If the shoe fits. Here you are in the basement of a tower filled with dead and dying mages, accompanying a Pride demon.” His voice dripped with venom. “What else am I supposed to think, Miri?!” <br/><br/>She looked over the demon, who was now standing again. Several of the scales were damaged and burnished by the intensity of the flames. “It dances to my tune, I’m the one holding the flute.” Pride gave a small smirk. “I found it during my Harrowing. It promised to give me the tools I wanted to change the face of this pathetic world, asking only in return that I use them.” <br/><br/>Voice gradually growing in both resolve and confidence, she monologues. “Can’t you see how we have been living? Like animals locked up and forgotten about. With this power, I can finally show the people just how entitled those fools really are. The elves are kept in sealed-off sections of the city like vermin. Mages are even worse, in cages outside the cities. The poor live in run-down warrens, abandoned by the gentry. Guess who is left? Rich humans. They lord their power over everyone, oppress everything. By the Fade, the dwarves realised this and fucked off underground! Preferring to deal with everlasting darkspawn than blighted humans!”<br/><br/>Caius shouted, a rarity for him. “Are you quite finished? I cannot believe what I am hearing. You plan to, what, wipe out the human race from Thedas?” His hand trembled on the staff, shaking with anger at what his friend had become.<br/><br/>“Not all of them. Just enough to make them realise. Starting with the Templars.” Miriam stared hard at the floor. “I’ll make them all pay for taking our friends from us.” Gaze falling on the young man once again, her voice broke slightly. “Come with me. Help me change this land.”<br/><br/>“No. I will have no part in your twisted plan. The Templars call us monsters, and you are going to play right into their hands.” Raising the staff towards Miriam, the Pride demon stepped between the two. “I-. Don’t make me stop you.”<br/><br/>Her face said more than words ever could, just as well, because she couldn’t find any words. It hurt beyond compare. “I refuse to strike down someone whom I call friend. If you can, go ahead.” Miriam turned, heading into the basement. Caius’s hand trembled. “One way or the other. This is goodbye.”<br/><br/>Staff aimed towards the door, he watched her walk off, willing himself to fire. The demon couldn’t stop a wealth of attacks. Landing a blow was entirely possible. Despite that, he simply couldn’t bring himself to do it. Pride walked off, and a growing resonating chime drifted out from the room beyond. It flared, and fell silent. <br/><br/>The length of wood clattered to the floor, as Caius lost feeling in his legs. Propping himself against a wall, the young man sat, limply. Hundreds of things whizzed through his mind. Spells, calculations studies. Anything to prevent recent events from being there. A soft voice whispered in his mind. “That was not the ideal solution to that situation.” Wisdom was right, definitely, but that was the problem with humans. Tears rolled down his cheeks.<br/><br/>Several minutes later, clunks could be heard from the stairs round the corner, despite Caius being too zoned-out to notice. A man, armour buckled and shredded, blood dripping from various places, rounded the corner. Seeing the young mage, the man clattered into the wall and slid down it to sit beside him, and Caius finally noticed someone was there. <br/><br/>“Spellbind bastards, the lot of you.” Knight-Commander Fielding coughed up blood, and winced. It was clear the man was dying, and healing those wounds would be far outside of Caius’s skill level. Especially since healing was an area that never interested him. “You have to find her. Lucillia told me about the books. My Templars couldn’t stop her. Nor could the mages. Please. Do something.”<br/><br/>Caius could only nod.<br/><br/>“Thank you. I need one last favour. Destroy the basement before you leave. It contains too many artifacts. Do that for me, and I won’t even ask why your hair turned white.” Fielding laughed, which turned into a cough and groan.<br/><br/>The young mage stood. “Alright.” He walked into the basement, and began to close the doors. As they banged shut, Caius placed his head on it. “I’m sorry.”<br/><br/>Approaching the big glass cabinet holding the mage phylacteries, he scanned through them all until one caught his eye. <br/><br/>The label read ‘Miriam Blackwood’.<br/><br/>Taking the vial, he angled the staff towards the cabinet. “Vis!” A glass foot flew off from the whole, as the entire thing buckled and fell. Vials broke and shattered, flooding the floor with blood. Looking over the artifacts, Caius took a parting gift. A staff crafted from white wood, with a large green gem on the top, held in place by the twisted wood. Placing a hand on the Eluvian, he pushed a small amount of energy into it, allowing it to activate. Stepping through would send him into a part of the Fade when all Eluvians overlapped. From there, the possibilities could be limitless. A shimmer of multi-coloured light washed over the mirror. <br/><br/>Watching the blood cover the floor, slowly, Caius recalled a lesson one of the summoning books had taught him. “Demons are spirits whose purpose has been perverted. Purpose can be twisted to Desire. Wisdom is only a bad attitude away from Pride.” A smile crept over his lips.<br/><br/>“Hey. What is your Name?”<br/><br/>Whispering inside his head, the spirit replied. “Call me Syviis.”<br/><br/>Caius raised the staff, slamming the base on the floor. “Sanguinem Satani.” The young mage stepped through the portal, as the Eluvian deactivated. Blood began to congeal into orbs, rising up and floating to waist height. Several seconds later, every orb exploded sending microscopic razor-sharp blood needles into the surface of everything within the room, destroying all glass, including the mirror. It warped and blasted the artifacts up into the air, causing a few more volatile items to explode in turn. When the dust had settled, a silence fell over the Circle tower. Silence that marked the ending of a chapter.<br/><br/>But the beginning of a story. <br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Celica sat in the Warden camp, drinking some herbal tea made by a delightful elf trying to lighten the spirits after another horrific night. Shrieks had attempted to take them by surprise again - like they had a week prior, resulting in many deaths - but had failed due to detections webs set up to cover the path down into the dark. Seeing their failed trap, the darkspawn sent another wave of combatants instead, until they could almost drown in Genlocks.<br/><br/>It had been hard, but over the first two weeks, the Gray Wardens had set up a wooden spike wall around the hole, leaving only a single path in or out. At the top of that path was their encampment. Scattered tents, benches, weapon racks and bags littered the area. People wandered around, looking like zombies. Sleep was one commodity that was in short supply. The darkspawn assaults had been almost endless, drawing back to recover their strength before charging once more. Several mercenaries had arrived over the last few days, at least, so holding out wasn’t completely impossible. <br/><br/>The Warden-Commander grimaced. <span class="bb-i">Just highly unlikely. </span><br/><br/>Through the air drifted the scent of burning flesh, from the pyres at the mouth of the camp. Any dead had to be burned, to prevent the darkspawn corruption from infecting the living via the corpses, but it was never a pleasant job. Especially at supper time. <br/><br/>Across the table from her, sat a young Tevinter mercenary. The man ate a bowl of soup with bread with incredible speed, and her stomach rumbled slightly. Mages were on double rations, due to the massive amount of energy they consumed when casting spells. Celica couldn’t complain, though, because those very spells were the only reason any of them were still alive in the first place. If it wasn’t for his detection webs, many people would have died last night. As they had a week ago. <br/><br/>Rising, Celica made her way outside, fearing the smell of food would cause her to vomit. The first attack involving shrieks had cost a third of their soldiers, and was the reason they now relied on mercenaries. Sleeping was hard enough with the constant attacks, throw the nightmares on top and it became an impossible task. <br/><br/>Looking over the hole, the Warden-Commander shuddered. <span class="bb-i">Maker knows what’s down there.</span> It was certainly impressive in size, and the ground sloped down into it in the form of a long natural pathway, vanishing into a tunnel at the end. Wooden barricades had been set up in three lines, slowing any darkspawn assault while they broke them down or circumvented them. Beyond those, lay various unseen magical traps and detection webs. The soldiers had, for want of a better name, took to calling it The Verge. Even further down was an old dwarven thaig, apparently, but you couldn’t see it from here. A handful of smaller holes were dotted around the big one, and Celica had to guess the thaig was visible from one of those. Luckily, darkspawn couldn’t climb, so no defense was necessary for them. <br/><br/>Sun setting over the horizon, a steady rumble could be heard. It seemed to vibrate through the very ground. Despite her heavy black armour, Celica took off like a bolt of lightning towards her tent.<br/><br/>“Darkspawn! Get ready!” The woman quickly grabbed her sword and shield, running to the top of the path, behind the barricades. People from all over scrambled to get their equipment, tripping over in the rush. A shield-wall formed beside Celica, behind them stood the bulk of the soldiers present. On the ridges either side of the descending path, archers lined the walls. Several more rested atop wooden towers at the very top of The Verge. Behind the soldiers, mages waited to heal wounds or summon The Maker’s wrath, depending on circumstances. At the very back, three mages waited. Two belonged to the Warden’s ranks, and the third was the Tevinter boy from earlier. Each stood within a very elaborate magical circle, waiting to see if reinforcements would be required. Celica could only pray they weren’t. <br/><br/>At first, she couldn’t figure out why the darkspawn had attacked earlier. Waiting until night had worked well for them, as reduced visibility was an issue. Soldiers had taken steps to prevent that, however, setting up lamps and oil that could be set fire to in extreme cases. It made sense that the darkspawn simply didn’t want to wait. Attacking later wouldn’t give them any advantages, now.<br/><br/>Standing in the shield-wall, the reason was painfully obvious. The sun was setting, and blinding the troops. It would have been just as easy to fight blind. One of the nearby mages gave a small chuckle, as he too realised the situation. <br/><br/>“Clever, clever creatures.” Raising his hand to the sky, a single word droned over the soldiers. “Orage.” A peel of thunder cracked overhead, as clouds circled and grew overhead. The storm covered the entire sky, obscuring the low sun. <br/><br/>The sound of marauding feet grew closer. Rocketing explosions sounded from below, accompanied by now-visible splashes of light from the magical traps just inside the mouth of The Verge. Darkspawn poured from the deep, Hurlocks and Genlocks numbering hundreds. As they approached the barricade, Celica commanded the archers to get ready. <br/><br/>However, the enemies didn’t stop to break down the obstacle. The first Hurlocks to reach them simply dived onto the spiked wood, driving it deep into their flesh. From the injuries sustained, they died almost instantly. Surviving darkspawn then using the bodies of their dead comrades to climb over the barricades without delay. Giving a repeat performance on the second and third sets of spikes, the advancing army soon had a clear shot at the Warden camp. The display of selfless and violent sacrifice unnerved Celica, enough to give an order the three mages at the back were waiting for.<br/><br/>“Start the summoning! The rest of you, with me.” Giving a slight smile, the mages began weaving the spells. For everyone else, they stormed forward to meet the darkspawn. Celica met a Hurlock head-on, blocking a slash from it’s sword, before beheading it in one clean sweep. <br/><br/>Circles began to glow underneath each of the mages. Summoning forth magical creatures and sustaining their form in the rain was going to damn hard. Gathering the power needed, the mages spoke the Name of their target, and several shapes took form under the flickering firelights. One of the less confident Wardens summoned forth a Greater Shade, a writhing mass of shadow. The Tevinter boy called forth a demon of Despair, which looked like a small child huddled in a dark cowl. In a bright pink flash, the final Warden called forth a Desire demon. Bounding into the fray, the three demons each pressed the defense in different ways. <br/><br/>Despair began to call icy blasts of power, freezing darkspawn solid in the rain. Blazing hot lances of fire came from Desire, passionate and powerful. The Shade danced around the battlefield, taking potshots and hampering the enemy. Meanwhile, the soldiers clashed in close combat with their foe. Noise of the battle roared out, and no-one heard the approaching monstrosity. <br/><br/>An ogre bolted out of the shadows towards the barricades, aiming to crash straight on through. Celica noticed the giant too late to respond. <br/><br/>But she didn’t need to.<br/><br/>Silently sailing through the air, an arrow crashed into the ogre’s kneecap. Hitting the bullseye, the wooden shaft jammed between the two bones which connected at that joint. Without even having time to react, the beast crashed down on top of the first barricade. The source of the arrows was Celica’s second-in-command in Ferelden. Giving her commander a curt nod, she returned to scanning the field for other high-profile threats. A Warden mage began to exercise control over the black ichor that served as blood within darkspawn. It covered the battlefield, and made for an impressive weapon. Wordlessly focusing the power, ichor tendrils rose from the ground. They wrapped around the fallen ogre, restricting its ability to get back up, despite it’s best attempt. Hunched over, one tendril grasped the neck of the beast, and a second mage froze the liquid in place with a single word. <br/><br/>Running up the solid blood, a drunken, fiery-haired dwarf flew into the air. “Eat my axe, you thunderhumping son-of-a-whore!” The sickening sound of cracking bone filled the air, as a giant two-handed axe drove straight down into the ogre’s skull. Oghren gave a triumphant yell, as the Desire demon appeared behind him. It caressed his cheek, before planting a soft kiss on the lips of the ogre. In a flare of light, it was gone. Stirring to life once again, the darkspawn rumbled and stood, giving a bloodcurdling roar. <br/><br/>The darkspawn army were clearly taken aback by this sudden flip in the flow of the battle. Routing, some began to flee, until a second wave of attackers rushed from the deep. Behind this much larger auxiliary force came two Hurlock Alphas, three Genlock Alphas, and two additional ogres. Celica watched over the scene with disbelief.<br/><br/><span class="bb-i">Ah.</span> She thought. <span class="bb-i">This is going to be one of <span class="bb-b">those</span> nights.</span><br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Daeron cursed, he'd arrived in Denerim only to learn that all Warden were alright out at a forward camp. So getting Storm Beak's armor on her and extra quiver or two of arrows he left quickly. He flew fast, Beaky was ripping through the skies, he saw peasants staring up as they made good time. He locked his boots into Beaky's saddle as he spotted the camp up ahead. "Beaky, flip girl!" With that she turned upside down and closed her wings bring them into a dive bomb towards the camp. Elf smiled drawing arrows from his side quiver he fired in to one of the two Ogre's he saw closing in one on the camp.<br/><br/>Daeron hadn't gotten to fight like this in a long time, it was time to test out his training with Storm Beak. "Up and Off!" She spread her wings slowing them down as he clipped his bow back into place along his back, drawing his sword and shield he freed his boots from the saddle she flipped once more and Daeron fell downwards, right towards a pincushion of an Ogre. He blade buried deep in his back as he slid down it's back using the beast to slow his fall. As he pulled his blade from the Ogre's back he kicked a Hurlock Alpha moving to the stand near the Commander of the Wardens as he looked to the Wardens. "Move your men up, we need them back in the damn hole Commander! We need them their ten minutes ago, get the Ogre down and push back those Hurlocks!" He gave orders hoping the Wardens here had received the letter he sent.<br/><br/>"Beaky Archers!" With that a very angry griffin descended it's claws ripping into Genlock archers tossing them aside. "Get in there! You don't want to be outdone my a Griffin do you!?" Cried the Elf as he charged back into the fray, blocking and slashing wildly. Storm Beak occasionally lending support with her claws, he finally fell back knowing Storm Beak needed to land and rest. He hoped the sudden attack would have been enough to drive back the horde before they got into even more trouble.<br/><br/>He made his way up to Ferelden's Gray Warden commander and smiled, he was soaked he to toe in Dark Spawn blood. His shield cracked along the griffin icon, his helmet lost somewhere in the fray his red hair specked with flakes of blood. "Nice to meet you Commander, High Constable Lavellan." He offered her his hand, with dripped with blood. "I came from Weisshaupt as soon as I heard, figured you could use the help. With the rest of Griffins either assigned to message running or training Storm Beak and I are about the best you'll get until the other arrive." He answered as he began to clean his with a rag. "Speaking of which I was supposed to be offering you Griffin to bond with, sadly that won't be happening for awhile. So, any news why the Fade this thing is here?" He asked finishing cleaning his armor as Storm Beak landed preening her feather before rolling on to her back and Daeron rubbing her belly.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">As the Darkspawn army crawled it's way forward, the dark cloak that covered her fluttered in the wind. She observed the coming forces. She had to admit, the Darkspawn didn't seem as stupid as lore deemed them to be. Using their fallen comrade's bodies as leverage over the spikes was smart thinking.<br/><br/>However, they didn't plan on a full frontal assault it seemed. Or perhaps they did? Either way, it was silly for them to attack in the day time. Night would have been better for them, but she imagined the Darkspawn didn't care about that. What did they care about? Killing? Seemed a good a thing as any, she supposed.<br/><br/>She noted the camp the Grey Wardens held. She had brief dealings with the Wardens. She first met them back when her family held a title in Orlais. She got to meet a few of them as they visited and stayed in their home. She didn't think of them much, other than their need to hold back the Archdemon and kill it. After she began her....journey is a good word for it....journey, she met a few more of them, even made some acquaintances with some of them after she helped them out with previous Darkspawn attacks. Even helped save a small village. She imagined those men and women would be at this very camp.<br/><br/>She sighed and walked forward toward the camp. The second wave was already making headway and she could see they were pulling out the heavy artillery. She began to sprint now, racing towards the middle point between the advancing Darkspawn and the camp walls. As she neared them, some of the Darkspawn saw her and began to advance towards her. If they couldn't get the camp, they could at least kill something.<br/><br/>She gave a light smirk and raced toward them. It was only a few Hurlocks and a Genlock, but still. She got near the Genlock and dove under it, slicing the back of it's knee and subsequently flooring it. She dove her dagger into it's throat, killing it. The Hurlocks let out a cry and charged again. She kicked one in the face and used it as a platform, jumping up and landing on another, dagger first. She swiped at two of the other ones, killing them. She raced towards the wall again.<br/><br/>She managed to get past the horde and got to her destination. She gave a small cursory wave to the Wardens that were looking onward. "Don't suppose I can get an invitation in? It's brutal out here," she said with an Orlesian accent. She took her hood down and let her long, blonde hair fly out, "I think I can be of some assistance, if that's the case."</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">As the wall of Wardens commenced with the oncoming horde, and Daeron flew above the lines with Beaky, Rannon waded through the weak link in the line of soldiers with his sword leading. The huge blade caving in the skull of a genlock, dropping the foul creature with a resounding crack of bone. He kicked its toppling body forward, and back-stepped as a group of Hurlock shock troopers charged forward. <br/>Rannon kept his eye on the Warden lines, making sure not to sprint too far and get overwhelmed by the horde. Luckily it seemed there were plenty of monsters to go around, and seven Hurlocks seemed to fancy him as a target. His huge blade whipped in a wild arc to keep them back, drawing their attention as his allies leaped forward and engaged, harrying four of the Darkspawn. <br/><br/>That left him three to face in his direct line of sight. Ever moving and screeching, the Hurlocks slashed forward in arcs with their wicked blades. He clove at the swing of one, while ducking a second sword in a simultaneous and fluid motion. The third Hurlock couldn't get passed its comrades, fortunately. While crouched, he gave a feral growl and shoulder rushed the Hurlock that had swung wide above his head. It staggered the Darkspawn, and he drew his blade closer to slit its stomach quickly before he waded back in practiced steps. His sword leading as he stepped, he reveresed his momentum and let the blade drive forward suddenly, taking the second Hurlock that had raised its blade, straight in the chest. The third had finally gotten room, and swiped at Rannon. The experienced man had to let go of his sword to avoid being cut from forehead to chest. He savagely grabbed at the blade when he saw the following opening, grappling with the monster for the weapon. Foetid breath threatened to choke him, but years of hatred for this race of monsters lent extra strength to his limbs, and he held onto the hilt of the sword with one hand as he punched the Hurlock straight in the face. It cut his Knuckles something fierce, and the Darkspawn's throat rumbled with returned hatred as it headbutted forwards, catching Rannon on the face and splitting his lip. <br/>The soldier grunted and leaped away, relinquishing the Darkspawns sword as he tried to get his own. He didn't know if he could get it in time, but it seemed it didn't matter. <br/><br/>One hundred and eighty pounds of pure muscle flew past the soldier and hit the Hurlock like a cannon shot. It ripped into its flesh with vicious canine teeth, before trotting over to Rannon and giving a friendly 'harumph'. There was a small moment of calm that spoke volumes about this man and his companion. When he saw his dog in the lull of combat, he seemed almost twenty four again, before his softened visage hardened once more.<br/><br/>The Fereldan soldier gave a vicious grin to Gideon, and patted the Mabari on the head. He grabbed his sword as he spoke. "You just had to finish your meal before showing up." he lectured, ripping his blade out of the Darkspawn corpse. The Dog barked in answer, but Rannon didn't have time to reply again as more Darkspawn broke through. <br/><br/>Rannon was no mage or legendary Grey Warden. He couldn't topple buildings or fly above on Griffon-back. But he'd be damned if he wasn't here on this battlefield. It was the only place he belonged. The only place where he could make a difference.<br/>With a snarl that would do his Mabari proud, he kicked off the ground and split a genlocks skull from ear hole to ear hole. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">One particular ogre was having a worse day than her, despite how difficult that was. Arrows had been raining down upon it, and then a Warden dived off a griffin to add insult to injury, dragging his sword down the beast’s back. <br/><br/>And then the Desire-possessed ogre punched it. <br/><br/>The force knocked the foe off-balance, as it crashed down onto a line of darkspawn. It wasn’t dead, even after all that, but watching it roll around trying to stand back up was morbidly entertaining. <br/><br/>An elf Warden approached her, the griffin rider, and spoke up, introducing himself as a High Constable. <br/><br/>Shaking the man’s hand, Celica’s voice was strained from lack of sleep and general annoyance at her situation, but she tried to not let it show too badly. “A pleasure. I requested reinforcements, but didn’t think we rated griffins.” Surveying the battlefield, it was impossible to tell who was who, let alone what side was winning. “Haven’t found anything related to its origin yet, but the darkspawn certainly don’t want us going in there, that’s for damn sure. Don’t worry about the griffin, I have bigger problems right now.”<br/><br/>The head of a nearby soldier was sliced clean off by an approaching Hurlock Alpha, the one Lavellan had used to springboard off. A suit of thick, burnished gold armour gave it a menacing aura. It held two wicked swords, one in each hand, walking with a purpose towards the two Wardens. <br/><br/>“Hold that thought.” Celica prepared to meet the Alpha, which picked up speed dramatically when coming within two feet of her. It spun round, bringing both swords lashing towards her. Dropping into a defensive stance, the air was filled with the sound of grinding metal, as both swords left angry scores on the Warden-Commander’s shield. The woman drove her own sword at the softer mesh of the armour, around the waist. It found purchase in the Alpha’s arm instead, which had been moved in front of the blow as a defacto shield. Using it’s free arm, a fist slammed into Celica’s face with enough momentum to cause her to stagger back, slipping in the worsening mud brought on by the storm. Standing over her, it brought both swords above it’s head, and slashed downwards. <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The mage-summoned storm was really picking up. Elsewhere on the battlefield, several Wardens were more than happy to accept the help of a blonde-haired woman, who had painted herself as someone very adept at combat. Also noticing this, the darkspawn began to drive towards the group, led by one of the Genlock Alphas. Arrows rained down upon the Wardens above, causing them to move down from the wall, beside the woman. The darkspawn rushed at them. <br/><br/>In contrast to the barrage of arrows fired by the enemy, the response was calm and composed. Several individual projectiles sailed over the wall, landing kill-shots on every target they hit. Celica’s second in command, Mila Calau, appeared atop one of the towers overlooking the field. Laying down pinpoint accuracy cover fire for the nearby Wardens, she silently watched over them.<br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>Several of the more green Wardens stood in awe at the display of skill and ferocity displayed by the warrior and his Mabari. Darkspawn simply melted in his wake, and the sight of the blood-stained dog made more than a few wary. A hearty laugh rose up from nearby.<br/><br/>“You fight like a sodden dwarf.” Oghren commented, hiccuping just after. “What’s say we knock some heads together?” A Genlock Alpha began charging towards them, while behind that, a Hurlock Alpha stopped the retreat of several darkspawn. The collective group of enemies moved towards the vastly outnumbered allied forces. </div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Daeron was at Celica's back, he place his shield above her blocking the falling blades path to her body. He gave a whistle as bashed his opponent in the face the shield following. Celcia would fell some tug her collar the her body flip into air before landing the Griffins back. It looked back at her, giving a slight chirp as if to say. 'You owe me food later.' Cawing it spread it's wing.<br/><br/>Daeron found three more Hurlocks moving into back up their Alpha. "Commander I suggest you grab the reigns with one hand put your sword arm to use. Beaky will be careful, since it's your first flying." Daeron took the head off two of the Darkspawn as Storm beak climbed up about ten meters off the ground. She then began to dive into groups then dragging one of the creatures up with her before letting it plummet to the ground. The animal chirped and cawed as if it enjoyed harming Darkspawn.<br/><br/>Daeron slammed his shield into the Alpha's chest throwing his weight into to shove the creature into the ground. He stabbed at it again and again, hoping to sink the blade in deep and kill the annoying beast before it got worse. After stabbing at it a dozen or so times he pulled back, A dozen hurlocks and ten more Genlocks surrounded him snarling as they prepared to rush at him. "I believe it's time to go." He raised his shield arm Beaky caught the signal and dove back towards him picking him up with the claws carefully, pauldrons had to be reinforced for several times before a Griffins talons would not pierce it. Dropping him back near the other Wardens, Beaky landed to let the Commander get off. <br/><br/>"Rest Commander, I'll push these Blighters back. If you must go back Storm Beak can take you, I won't here otherwise. I'm the Warden in charge now." He told her, as if to give her some ease.<br/><br/>Daeron said turning back to the lines. "All force pull together! Make a stand and protect the mages and wounded! Archer fire for the Alpha's, warriors target the Ogre's! The rest of you group up and cut them down!" He said stepping up to other Wardens, dropping his shield he picked another shield from a fallen Warden, it was in better shape than his. He stabbed through the first Hurlock chest bashing back another one shoving it into another two. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Nicolette watched the arrows fly and land at their desired targets with pinpoint accuracy. She had to give them credit, they were holding their own. She looked up and saw a Griffon of all things flying with two people aboard. One looked like an elf male and one was wearing Grey Warden armor.<br/><br/>Nicolette also saw a man with a Mabari dog launch into the frey. She noted the skill displayed by both the warrior and his dog, that amount of teamwork was most impressive. Nicolette ran towards them as she noted the Hurlock Alpha leading the retreating troops back into the frey, knowing full well if they got close the troops would begin to suffer heavy losses.<br/><br/>As she neared the warrior man, she took out her daggers again and pulled her cloak hood up, if anything it was useful to keep her hair from flying around on the battlefield, "Doesn't seem like you need a hand, but I'll lend one regardless," she said to the warrior. She looked at the Mabari hound and smiled, and charged forward towards the advancing army.<br/><br/>She kick-flipped one Genlock and afterwards lurched her dagger forward into its chest. She kicked it off and swiped at another Genlock's throat. The Hurlock Alpha was towards the back, but it seemed to command the troops. She knew taking it down would drive the others into a frenzy, making them easier.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">He knocked over the cloven Genlock, and heard the coarse voice of Oghren to the side. He took the 'fight like a Dwarf' comment as a compliment. He gave a light punch to his bearded comrade's shoulder. "What? Drunk and off balance?" he quipped above the roar of battle. The Dwarf's following offer to fight together wasn't one he could refuse. <br/><br/>Probably even if he wanted to, he noted as he saw the advancing Darkspawn. Years of frustration and inner turmoil boiled up at the sight of the huge army before them. He gripped his sword hilt tighter, and Gideon barked in a challenge. <span class="bb-i">Even if I wanted to? I'd never want to</span>. <br/>He ran forward, powerful legs pumping and sending him gaining and then passing the short strides of Oghren. He skidded to a stop just before he was within sword range of the Genlock Alpha, sidestepped and took a feel for how it moved, sword out wide. Almost predictable, the Alpha gave a vicious diagonal slash. He whipped his sword across, catching the other sword by the base of his blade, near the hilt. Suddenly he stepped forward, pressing the aloft blade to the monster's throat and shoving forward to embed the two hander's edge into its throat. The noise of its gurgle and seeing it reach for its torn esophagus was more satisfying than he'd have admitted in front of fairer company. <br/><br/>He then saw the very curious sight of Nicolette wade through the battle, her voice carrying to his ears. He shrugged. He would have thought she'd be a good example of company that he'd keep quiet around, but this girl didn't seem too shy of bloodshed either from the looks of it. Gideon yapped excitedly, then sprang forward and launched himself into a small group of Genlocks that had approached too close for comfort. He barreled into them, kicking and biting and ripping. It was a sight that always impressed the soldier. This was the same dog that peed and put out too many campfires, he thought to himself. Time and urgency seemed to return to him in a flood of realization, and both Rannon and Oghren ran forward and cut the disoriented monsters down with fierce strokes, not three strides from Nicolette's position. Crudely made armor sundered under their heavy blades, the sound of metal being punched and broken apart cut through the air. <br/> <br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Oghren gave a roar of drunken laughter at the warrior’s reply. “I’ll give you that one. Mostly ‘cause I can’t argue with it.” Bringing his axe down upon a fallen darkspawn with a yell, he proceeded to get stuck into the fighting.<br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>“I appreciate the sentiment, High Constable, but I’m not leaving my men here. They haven’t abandoned me these past three months, and I won’t do so now.” Celica spoke, looking determined. A softer lilt came into her voice the second time round. “Although I would certainly appreciate a chance to breath.” <br/><br/>She moved to view the battlefield, watching as the Hurlock alpha drew a last breath. The stab wounds hadn’t killed it, but it couldn’t rise, and it wasn’t long before an Ogre stood on it, which drew a smile from the Warden-Commander.<br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>Meanwhile, two Genlock alphas accompanied by a cabal of various other darkspawn, moved to assault the line again. Racing towards Nicolette, Oghren and Rannon, they gave a bloodcurdling warcry. Several were cut short by more pinpoint arrows from above. <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The sound of tearing flesh filled the air, as the Tevinter Mercenary gave a short gasp. Top and bottom half of his body now completely separate, his blood covered an invisible claw hanging in the air. Slowly, black fur began to materialise, rolling down an arm. A Shriek Alpha howled into the wind, becoming fully visible. The sound was copied by countless other unseen predators lurking within the Warden camp. Celica suddenly panicked.<br/><br/>“Damn it! That’s why they deliberately blew up the mines!” She yelled, mostly to herself. That was only the half of it. With the mage now dead, the demon of Despair was free from his control, and began flash-freezing as many soldiers and Wardens as darkspawn. Raining little shard of ice down, Mila fired an arrow towards it. The demon froze the water, causing the arrow to become point-heavy, and smash into an unsuspecting Warden below.<br/><br/>“This is why I hate relying on demons.” Muttered the Warden-Commander.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The battle roared around them as this new group of enemies surged forward like a wave. An arrow whizzed by Rannon's ear, sending small hairs on his head swaying. He didn't have time to think on such a close call as the Darkspawn advanced. Thankfully every other arrow was launched wide above the melee to come streaking down, cutting into the closing ranks of creatures. <br/><br/>He desperately wanted to charge forward, but he held his ground behind the fresh corpses of his foes, using them as a small obstacle to step over and trip up. He snapped his fingers for Gideon to step back, and his closest friend complied, panting as he trotted back. Rannon took a stance, calming his fury and keeping his sword out and level. Of course the Darkspawn fell for the small, basic strategy. Some bumped into each other and a few more fell to their knees. One did a running leap and impaled itself on Rannon's <br/>outstretched and ready sword. He let the corpse slide down his blade, before dropping the sword point at the ground and kicking the body off. He'd need to clean the steel of the sword afterwards. If he lived, of course. <br/><br/>He looked to his left and right, at the Dwarf, and the Mabari of the same size on all fours. Nicollete was a small wisp of a thing, but he believed he caught her cloak swaying. Behind him he heard the wall advancing forward as well, and it bolstered his resolve and tired body. They began their bloody work, hacking down at the tripped foes before wading past them, Rannon at the fore, his tall form and huge sword in the air a fine rallying point.<br/><br/>They crashed into the Genlock Alphas with a clash of steel and the screams of the dying. Rannon cut down a Genlock Alpha through the pandemonium of combat, and suddenly felt a hot slash on his face. Through sheer instinct, he stabbed towards the pain and saw a Hurlock screech and fall dead. He couldn't take his hand off his sword and touch his face during the melee, but he felt hot blood running down his chin. A gleam of silver caused him to duck, and one wicked scimitar sliced over his head to bump into a Warden's shield. Rannon, still crouched from the move, unsheathed his long knife. He dropped his sword, and punched the Darkspawn in the stomach, doubling it over. He finished it off with a Knife to the thing's throat. They were getting too close, he realized. His sword was too big in such closed ranks to be effective.<br/><br/>In the din of battle he heard Gideon's baying. And it took a minute before the Darkspawn had been wittled down enough for him to draw his two hander again. He found Gideon ravaging the corpse of a Hurlock Alpha, a long and sloping gash along his hindquarters, but otherwise he was alright. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://40.media.tumblr.com/738799e1d734cbccd6f9ef98b46cc0dc/tumblr_o43vqxZIdk1svfe0so1_500.png"/></div><br/><br/><span class="bb-b">-<span class="bb-i">The Gnawed Noble, Denerim, Fereldan</span>-</span><br/><br/>There were never many Dwarves in the Gnawed Noble. Like many of the prominent establishments in Denerim the tavern boasted a majority of Human patrons and/or residents. This was not a deliberate state of affairs; Elves were generally greeted with open contempt, Dwarves were eyed with suspicion and Maker forbid the response a Qunari was likely to receive if he or she ever walked through the door. This was, of course, a status quo that a majority of Humans would rarely even stop to consider; Denerim was a Human-run city and the Gnawed Noble was a Human-run tavern, it was just the way of things. <br/><br/>Which is why there were so many hushed whispers between patrons about the Dwarf on the table closest to the door.<br/><br/>Delwin had chosen her seat for a strategic purpose, namely its proximity to the building's entrance and its position in the corner of the room. She sat with her back against the wall, chair moved slightly so she had a clear line of sight covering the entire room. Upon entering the tavern she had purchased an ale from the bemused bartender before claiming her seat; the beer stood untouched on the table in front of her, growing tepid and warm as the hours dragged on.<br/><br/>She was a fearsome presence in such a normal setting. The off-duty guards enjoying their drinks three tables away were making a determined attempt to ignore her, they couldn't get into an altercation with someone they didn't notice after all. The serving girls hadn't dared approach the Dwarf with all the tattoos and even the tavern's old dog was keeping well clear of her. A small human child had approached her and gaped before being grabbed and pulled away by a terrified mother. That had been two hours ago.<br/><br/>Her contact was late.<br/><br/>Delwin felt her back begin to ache. She had enough concealed weapons to arm a small band of militia and, even though she was sitting as comfortably as possible, they did cause discomfort after a while. She remained where she was, she had been unmoving since she had taken her seat and was not about to fidget now. She knew the effect it had on those around her and wouldn't trade their fear and confusion for all the cushions in the world. <br/><br/>The door to the Gnawed Noble opened to admit an Elf. He was a lithe man, short (by Elvish standards) and skinny; the common characteristics of a resident of an alienage. He scanned the tavern and looked almost ready to leave before spotting Delwin. Cautiously he approached her table and, at her nod, sat in the chair opposite her.<br/><br/>"You're late." Delwin's voice was cold and harsh, it retained that twang that denoted an Orzammar accent but was otherwise unremarkable. <br/>"Sorry, I got held up." The Elf hurriedly explained, "There were more guards than usual and-"<br/>"Enough." Delwin reached into a pouch with one hand and placed a small stack of copper coins onto the table. "I want information, not small talk.'<br/>"Alright, alright." The Elf raised his hands placatingly, "So I've done some digging and...' he leaned in conspiratorially, 'they're not here exactly."<br/><br/>Delwin sighed and began to slide a portion of coins back into her pouch. The Elf grabbed her arm, "Wait!" Delwin's eyes flicked up to meet his, he hurriedly removed his arm. <br/>"I know where they are now." Delwin leaned back into her chair and gestured for him to continue. "The king's holed up in his castle but that Warden queen is outside the city right now." <br/><br/>Delwin considered, "Word's out that there's some sort of rumble going on out there with the Darkspawn. How're they doing? Is there a retreat likely? Where would she be if they fell back?" <br/>"Whoa!" The Elf looked uncertain, "You hired me to scout out Denerim and the Royal Palace and that's what I did. I wasn't hired to search outside the city, <span class="bb-i">especially</span> with all the Darkspawn so I figure I'm owed extra for that alone!"<br/><br/>Delwin's eyes narrowed slightly. "I hired you to provide two of the most recognisable people in Thedas, you've only given me the run at one and the other's even in the sodding city, you'll get half what I promised and be grateful. But if you're lying to me I will find you and you'll wish you'd been killed in the Blight." The Elf gulped and nodded hurriedly. Delwin stood suddenly, drawing the attention of the tavern once more, she stretched and felt her body click and quiver in mild relief. She left the tavern, not bothering to pay for the drink, they could beat the fee out of the Elf for all she cared. <br/><br/><span class="bb-b">-<span class="bb-i">The Streets of Denerim</span>-</span><br/><br/>Delwin walked the city at a firm pace. She cut an imposing figure, even at her height, the ruffians and thugs who'd normally have gone for a lone walker in the backstreets of Denerim gave her a wide berth. The vicious weapons she kept by her sides were usually deterrent enough for any casual thieves or murderers and, for those who knew, the Carta marks tattooed on her face and etched on her armour were warnings that anyone who approached without her say so faced much worse than a mercenary.<br/> <br/>But that was the problem, <span class="bb-i">no one knew anymore.</span><br/><br/>Delwin had been on the surface when she'd heard the news: <br/><span class="bb-i">'The Carta's finished, Grey Wardens killed 'em all!' </span><br/>She'd had enough presence of mind to disappear, for the past few years she'd gone to ground and used her skills as a common mercenary. That had stung; she had been the best fighter in the Carta, in all of Orzammar, and then in the blink of an eye she was back to blackmailing merchants and robbing caravans. <br/>Despite this, she'd never moved on, never allowed her hatred to subside. She had no idea why the Wardens had gone to eliminate the Carta, why they'd suddenly come down from the surface and eradicated the Orzammar criminal fraternity, but she'd <span class="bb-i">make them pay</span>.<br/><br/>Not that the Carta was totally gone, officially, there had been reports of surface Dwarves claiming the name in places like Kirkwall and running schemes in the Free Marches. They'd even reached out to Delwin and offered her membership in the 'New Carta'. Delwin had seen the offer for what it was, they wanted her as validation, a figurehead to show they had the blessing of one of the old guard. She'd sent her refusal with the body of the messenger. <br/><br/>There was no one left really, no one but her. Delwin <span class="bb-i">was</span> the Carta now, the last of the Carta. With that title there were... responsibilities.<br/>She'd spent the past few years travelling through Fereldan, Orlais, even down to Orzammar itself. She'd closed down the Carta safehouses and settled accounts with those fools who hadn't maintained their payments in the last days before the Carta had been eradicated. She'd left each area with more money and more notches on her blades in almost equal measure. The Carta, the true Carta, may be gone but she would not have anyone in a position where they could accuse the organisation of not finishing its business. <br/><br/>Now business was concluded, there was only one task now: revenge. <br/><br/>Delwin would track down those who had destroyed the Carta and exact a punishment the likes of which would only be whispered about in the darkest tales.<br/>She had heard enough tales of the so-called heroes who had 'saved Fereldan' and 'ended the Blight' to know who her targets were. She had debated going after all party members of that celebrated group but the stories were unclear about who had been present in the purging of the Carta and she was not greedy. She would confine her retribution to the leaders of the band, King Alistair and Queen Celica. <br/><br/>As she reached the city gate Delwin grinned a bitter smile, Nobles were simple targets, royalty would be no different.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Nicolette raced forward as the others began their own assault. She didn't worry about them, they seemed to be able to handle themselves, though she had a deep concern for the dwarf that she couldn't place. As she stepped forward, she ducked under a few of the taller Darkspawn. She plowed forward, piercing the Genlocks that were behind them. As she dug her daggers in their chests, she used her feet to propel her backwards, flipping in the air and landing on the Alphas. She then dropped down, snapping the ones neck. The other Darkspawn around went for her, but she swiped her dagger, slicing one's neck that the others took the warning and began fleeing.<br/><br/>After her massacre, she noticed the others and how they did. As she suspected, the others held their own and the dog was ravaging the corpse of his victim. She instantly liked the dog even more. She casually walked towards the others, lowering her hood again. She gave a small smile as if she was just on a brisk walk through the park.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Rannon wiped blood off his mouth, and he felt a small sting. He had forgotten when the Darkspawn had split his lip. He ran his tongue over it and flexed his shoulders, easing the tension out of them. The soldier cleared his throat, and called out for Gideon to head over to him. The dog limped only slightly, bleeding gingerly as he galloped over. <br/><br/>Rannon knelt down and ran his hand over the wound lightly. "You alright?" he asked him softly. The Dog almost puffed his chest out as Rannon examined the cut. He shook his head. "You gotta be more careful, Giddy." His voice was barely a whisper. He'd have to clean the wound later when the battle was over. But Gideon could still fight, and Rannon knew they needed all the help they could get if the battle wasn't turning soon. <br/><br/>He stood up and crossed his arms when he was satisfied, sighing. He gave a light smile at his best friend. Anyone watching would think he treated him more akin to a little brother than a dog. He was used to being the big brother, truth be told. A movement to the side caught his attention, and he saw the lithe form of Nicolette walking out of the melee. He smiled back at her as she approached. She seemed to be able to really take care of herself.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Daeron was not happy, currently a demon was trying freeze his boots in place. Meanwhile a shriek had just flanked the mages. He swung his heavy blade at the demon to drive back before making a sprint for the shriek he attacked the creature stabbing at, always keeping his shield between it and him. One those things could rend a man in half easier than ogre could crush you. <br/><br/>Daeron battled the shriek as Beaky his partner took off, swooping down in fast dives trying to rip the desire demons head from it's skull. Storm Beak might have hated Dark Spawn but demons? Well Beaky had a bad Experience with demons, meaning to say that she discovered how confused they were at the nature of our world. Of things like gravity, flight, and how bones break were foreign to them. The Griffin only wished to teach them these simply thing or bite there head off and throw at a Darkspawn, whichever came first worked for her.<br/><br/>Daeron forced the shriek back towards the wall he tried to pin it against the wall with his shield and stab it in the head. He needed this thing to be dead and he needed it dead five minutes ago, after all every minute this continued they had to contend with more Darkspawn. He wanted to know the why about their forces, they couldn't have found another Archdemon so soon or... It could have been worse. He'd recently been given information that had been collected from Warden Commander Duncan's journals they had been recovered by another Warden, one from Orlais who had known the man.<br/><br/>He had information to share with current Commander here, honestly he wished they could just win already so they could get it done. He still had no idea how he was going to break all the news to her, as it seemed he would have a lot to share with her. Most it would be surprising no doubt however he decided she deserved to know of all it, the First Warden could shove it if he thought otherwise. After all from what he had heard, Duncan had been the one to bring Celica into the order in the first place.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The Bannorn, a large plain of land that made up a considerable portion of Ferelden, normally whenever in Ferelden - Mireth would try and stick to the Bercilian forest - he had no intention of wanting to run into humans - he didn't want to be within 100 feet of one.<br/>But an odd sight, if not a mere glimpse of something truly unprecedented forced his curiosity to take steps into land he would never normally tread - that is to say, he could have sworn he seen a Griffon.<br/>IT was worth laughing in disbelief, and he'd have disregarded it instantly if not for the fact that Dragons, whom were also thought to be extinct came back this century as well.<br/>Why would it not be possible for Griffons to also make their way back on the stage of the world? Who knows what else would surface from extinction, maybe this era would be one for the elves, one when their gods return or they discover some arcane secret that would allow them to gain the power of their former selves...<br/>It was worth hoping for.<br/><br/>Mireth was treading over the plain land, his feet being tickled by the soft grass - it was, as far as he was concerned not an overly bad walk, he hadn't met any humans yet, thankfully.<br/>But, he did find something, a good hour into his journey - something most odd, it was a darkspawn...<br/>Mireth stopped and inspected it, it was clearly wounded, having escaped the clutches of death, if not but only for a moment as it had several arrows jutting out of its torso, 3 of them were lethal, at the very least.<br/>But it managed to walk however far it had - leaving behind it a trial of its corruption. <br/><br/>The creature gave a sniff at the air, it was hoarse and its price was a guttural cough ending in a glob of the thick black blood being hawked out of its mouth, but, it had smelt what it needed.<br/>The dieing creature turned around and faced Mireth a look of intense pain and hatred etched into its scarred face; in comparison to the elf before it who had a face as disinterested as if he had been eating a meal.<br/>Calm and serene.<br/><br/>For whatever the reason the creature was infuriated by this and charged with its last amount of energy, hoping to claim at least one more life before its own ended - if it were any other being, they'd undoubtedly have a difficult fight on their hands, a creature so utterly determined to kill regardless of it own mortality. <br/>Fearsome and horrifying was the sight, but Mireth simply twirled his staff in the air with a practised deftness before hammering the blade deep into the soft ground.<br/>The heavens split open momentarily to unleash a bolt of lightning down to the earth, driving itself through the flesh and armour of the dark spawn, before being absorbed by the ground, scorching the impact point.<br/>The brief intense flash of light burned out in an instant, and the small roll of thunder spread through the relatively peaceful plains. <br/><br/>Wrinkling his nose at the smell of burning flesh Mireth continued forward as if nothing had happened.<br/><br/>It wasn't much longer before the previous encounter was becoming frequent, not alive for change, the Bannorns plain land was sparsely littered with the corpses of darkspawn, there must be a battle nearby, and these ones escaped the fray, if only to die of their wounds as they walked away.<br/><br/>The noise of fighting being carried in the wind, and the smell of burning flesh confirmed Mireths suspicions - it'd been a while since he had a proper fight, it would be worth the detour before looking for more signs of the Griffon.<br/>Ten minutes later the elf made his way onto the edge of the battlefield, the sight was one of chaos, the Grey wardens had been camped here by the looks of things, culling what remained of the Darkspawn threat - hardly surprising; but, he sensed demons amongst the combatants - what on earth would these creatures be doing here... <br/>The brilliant flashes of light showed that mages were in the fray, but the fade wasn't so weak as to let demons through was it?<br/><br/>Now, there was a greater need to check what was going on.<br/><br/>Mireth, walked up to the rear lines his staff ready and began to peer more closely at the resulting fight.<br/><span class="bb-i">"Ah, there's the Griffon."</span> The choice to come here was correct at least, he sated both bouts of curiosity in one fell swoop - rare for something like that to happen.<br/><br/>A near by warden, who was changing the quivers for the archers stopped and looked at the observing elf with disbelief before shouting to him "Are you gunna fight or what?!" The fool was lucky he was a Warden, and with so many friends - such insolence was worth losing a limb over, but to give him credit- he was correct, since he was here he may as well help them, he did respect the wardens after all.<br/>Mireth pushed himself deeper into the fray, demons and darkspawn fighting the wardens... the sight alone was enough to turn lesser beings minds into broken shards of its former self.<br/>He took note as a shriek and a pair of genlocks had finished mauling their previous target and turned their eyes on the unprotected mage - tactically an easy kill given how little hand-to-hand combat they had. <br/><br/>The stupid creatures would soon learn the difference between him and one of those shem mages, not that they'd survive the encounter - a small smile split on his face as twirled his staff into a combat ready position, as the trio of foes closed their distance Mireth quickly prepared the spell - Haemorrhage, he placed the blade end of his staff near his torso and shoved it deep into his body, piercing all the way through to his back - he felt it as it cut through his intestines and pierced through his back - the sight confused the genlocks, their pace slowed almost to a stop.<br/><span class="bb-i">"Good, as always they stop at the sight."</span> Using his magic he began channelling his blood into the staff, the wood becoming saturated with his life force. And as the blade left his torso the ground underneath the genlocks and the shriek erupted with blood, the explosive force sent into the air in a spectacular display, without hesitating Mireth quickly summoned more energy to power another lightning bolt, this one - thanks to his blood magic was extremely powerful, far more powerful than the last, the clouds blasted apart in a circle as gigantic bolt of light ploughed its way through the blood fountain that lifted his foes up in the air - the combination of the spells was cataclysmic completely burning away the flesh of his opponents until nought but charred skeletons remained.<br/>The blast of light illuminated the entire battlefield in a spectacular clarity.<br/>His entrance was made, the performance - had begun. <br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Light was fading fast, even beyond the clouds, as day turned to night. The tide of the battle was slowly turning in the Warden’s favour once again, despite the emergence of shrieks in their camp. Every allied soldier, with the exception of the archers, were almost knee-deep in blighted blood. Despair still flitted about the sky, raining death down on both sides of the battle. With the last of the shrieks finished off, the collective allied force began pushing the darkspawn force back into the Deep.<br/><br/>The Warden-Commander dashed among their foul ranks, supporting the frontline. Ice cold, a spear of frozen water shattered against her shield. Arrows and spells of every description, while less than before, still smited at the darkness. Oghren proceeded to glump through the mud, laughing, roaring and hiccuping while cleaving foes left and right.<br/><br/>Which was all well and good, until a single Hurlock strode forth out of mouth of The Verge. Carrying a crooked black wooden staff, ragged robes hung around the thing. It stopped, scanning over the battlefield. An arrow sailed towards it, which was deflected by the presence of a dark silvery shield springing into being just as the projectile struck. Raising the staff towards the clashing forces, what happened next chilled the Wardens to the marrow. <br/><br/>“Laipatu kan siasivid!” Aptly spoken words split the very air, hurled forth from the emissary. That, alone, was worrying enough, but it was accompanied by a bolt of green putrid energy. To the naked eye, it looked like a lightning bolt. However, as it pierced the heart of the first Warden it hit, the man aged within the blink of an eye, and simply turned to <span class="bb-i">dust</span>. It sought out the heart of a second warrior, narrowly missing Gideon, and gave a repeat performance. It cycled through this, arcing from warrior to warrior 8 times, before slamming into the demon-possessed Ogre. The lights in it’s eyes died, as the bolt appeared once more from it’s back, now infused with the life-force of a demon. Seeking out the Warden Mage who summoned the Desire demon, he quickly threw up a strong defensive spell. As the bolt collided into the shield, there was a bright flash of brilliant-white energy, before the now-ash mage floated away in the breeze. The victims of the spell stood in various states of decomposition, as their bodies gave way to the entropic spell. Smiling grimly, proud of his handiwork, the emissary began barking orders to the scattered darkspawn. They began to form a cohesive unit, and pushed forth with renewed enthusiasm, and a mage at their backs.<br/><br/>A sickening laugh filled the air. With that, a gout of fire flew into the allied ranks. It slagged the armour of a nearby soldier, sending molten iron onto her flesh. Rolling in the mud, she gave a horrific garbled cry of agony. Ichor from the fallen ‘spawn began to travel in the direction of the Hurlock, swirling around his feet. Some ran under it, in an elaborate pattern, before forming a magic circle directly below the mage. At the same time, fury ablaze, the charging darkspawn crashed into the front line as though a writhing wave of bodies. Intelligent tactics with a raw hunger to kill made for a formidable combination. Celica rose, opening her mouth to shout an order to her troops, as a lance of black ichor tore through her armour. Red and black liquid mixed, the lance pierced the lower right section of her chestplate, just below the Griffin symbol. Wordlessly, the Warden-Commander collapsed onto the ground. A coarse voice rose above the din of battle.<br/><br/>“The Host sends their regards, Wardens.” The Emissary grinned. “Now die like good little dogs.“<br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">It had been hours since Daeron and Storm Beak had dropped Rosalie off amongst the lands of the Bannorn. They had offered her a drop off while they were heading for Denerim since it was on their way. It was an uncomfortable coincidence that they ran into each another yet again, especially in Serault. <br/><br/>She should really just have been glad it was someone she knew that found her poking around the former Marquis mansion. That would have been a hard situation to explain to a complete stranger but thankfully Daeron didn’t ask too many questions, at least not this time.<br/><br/>Her aim in the Bannorn was to find different herbs and components that she required. She’d managed to find a decent haul of elfroots and she’d even managed to find a few spindleweeds along the banks of a river that she happened upon. It wasn’t as much as she had hoped for but it was better than nothing. <br/><br/>The wind chilled her bones, as it hit against her exposed arms while she arranged the herbs into their appropriate pouches in her pack. Her mind drifted for a moment as she began to hear the noises of battle again. She snapped herself back to the present, focusing on the herbs in her hands but the sounds did not abate. <br/><br/>Rosalie had been hearing yelling and fighting all throughout her herbal hunting and didn’t understand why the noises didn’t go away. It usually worked if she focused elsewhere but this time was different. These noises were not within her mind, they were actually happening somewhere nearby.<br/><br/>She grabbed her pack, slung it on her back and gripped the shaft of her speared staff before heading in what she believed to be the direction of the fighting. She gathered her cloak around herself, protecting herself from the ever increasing chill in the air. Her right hand held on tightly to the mahogany wooded staff that was half hidden beneath the fabric of her cloak, hiding the bluegreen gemmed portion of her weapon whilst the bladed end protruded in front of her. The point was cast downwards, towards the ground, as she walked forward with purpose. Her left hand gathered the hood of her dirt brown cloak over her vibrant hair so as to help conceal her coming approach to any that would try to stop her if they so wished.<br/><br/>Night was beginning to win out over the low evening sun when Rosalie happened upon the first signs of source of all the noises dancing through her mind. There were numerous bodies strewn around the outskirts of the battlefield that stretched out before her. Countless darkspawn, elves, dwarves and humans alike were scattered before her very eyes. Her chest ached as she looked upon the carnage. Her eyes were soon to follow as a bright flash illuminated the entire battlefield. It took her by surprise and caused her to raise her left arm to shield her poor eyes from being momentarily blinded. It was only because of this light that Rosalie had noticed a movement from the corner of her eye.<br/><br/>A hobbled Genlock that she had believed to be dead was clearly taking advantage of the blinding light. There were too many people that could see her in this illumination so she opted to remain incognito for the time being. She dove out of its path as it charged towards her, the rusted and rotten blade in its hand took a swing at her. The blade missed her by centimetres, luck seemed to be on her side tonight. <br/><br/>She spun around to face the Genlock once more and a look of pure hatred flashed across her face as she watched the vile cretin stumble over itself before landing face first into the dirt. It let out a rasping cry that was muffled by the grass and earth that now resided within its maw.<br/><br/>Her knuckles turned white as she clutched her weapon tighter, the concern and anger on her face would have been clear for anyone to see if it were not for her hood. While the creature regained itself, Rosalie took the opportunity to fully expose her weapon to the night skies.<br/><br/>The spruce coloured gemstone within the top of the staff glinted as moonlight shone through it. The mahogany wood twisted around the gemstone holding it securely in place and making it look as if the stone had been birthed from the very wood itself. The speared end had a blade of steel that looked to be around two feet in length, it was more akin to a small blade but was classed as a spear-tip upon the staff by her father. It had saved her life in more ways than one and Rosalie saw it as more an extension of herself than a simple weapon.<br/><br/>The Genlock charged once again but she was ready for it this time. Her blade swung upwards to meet the ragged piece of sheet metal the Genlock was flailing around. She caught a particularly crooked part and levered her blade upwards, hurling the weapon into the sky. The Genlock then took this moment to charge directly at her in a fit of indignation. <br/><br/>Her staff was still firmly within her hands so the beast must have been desperate. She spun her staff before her, causing a windmill effect for but a mere moment before thrusting her blade forward, sinking it deep within the skull of the darkspawn. She dragged the creature closer to her with her staff, raising a booted foot to kick the limp body off of her weapon. As the body landed on the ground, the gnarled weapon Rosalie had disarmed from the beast earlier plummeted back down and buried itself within the stomach of the Genlock’s carcass. <br/><br/>The cries of the Genlock had drawn more of the darkspawn attention to her than she had imagined it would. Two Genlocks and a Hurlock turned to face her, but they were far enough away that she would be able to outrun them if she so chose to. She debated just blasting them into the night sky but she was always wary about using her powers unless absolutely necessary. She made the decision to run for the battlegrounds and hope that someone would help her to fend them off.<br/><br/>She ran into the foray and found herself within a small group of three wardens. She would be better within a small group. It was then that she saw the Verge, the countless numbers of darkspawn spewing forth was ridiculous. The feeling that she had just ran into the arms of death enveloped her and she scowled at the Hurlock Emissary that was striding forward as if it hadn’t a care in the world.<br/><br/>The following scene caused every hair upon her body to stand on end, her blood boiled with sheer unsuppressed fury and her staff quivered in her palms. Those poor people had just been vaporised, there was nothing left to them. Death magic. Demons. Entropic forces flying through the air. Rosalie was not about to let this stand. Her nostrils flared as she moved forward, finding a clear shot towards the vile thing that would dare to use their power for such atrocious means.<br/><br/>She could see the darkspawn forming into shapes that made them appear to be moving as one. This was not acceptable, she couldn’t let this stand. There was so much going on, no one would notice nor would they care if she released her fury in a more useful way.<br/><br/>Crouching as if she were praying, Rosalie plunged the blade of her staff into the ground before her. She pushed it forward slightly, the gemstone pointing towards the nearest unit of darkspawn that was heading towards her. Her eyes glinted in the moonlight as her right hand released her staff and slammed onto the ground, palm downwards, beside her sunken blade. <br/><br/>Her splayed fingertips pointed towards the mass of infestation she had followed with her eyes the entire time. The ground began to tremble before her for a second before it darted forth, along the lines of her fingertips and began to disassemble the ground beneath them causing a number of them to fall. She needed a clear path to do what she needed to do. <br/><br/>She knew not all would lose their footing and she wasn’t going to take chances, her left hand raised up to the Maker above and clenched into a fist. Her voice was a whisper that oozed unadulterated conviction. <font color="palevioletred">”Abattre.”</font> Her fist punched into the back of her right hand as the words escaped her lips.<br/><br/>A force that could only be described as oppressive, slammed onto the unit of darkspawn from above. Combined with the broken and unsteady ground, darkspawn bodies were crumpled into the cracks between the shifting plates of earth. It was like a wrecking ball had cleared a pathway towards the head of this newly formed army and the darkspawn were the red carpet willing all those capable of fighting to push forward to cut off the head of the beast before it could bite back once again.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Looked like the quiet that had fell over the battle was just the calm before the storm. Rannon's eyes went from the approaching Nicolette to what could only be described as something from nightmares. As he watched, a Darkspawn he knew he'd love to kill rose up among the ranks and performed a ritual that chilled Rannon's bones. The hairs on his neck standing on end was all the warning he received (and needed). He dived onto the ground as the sickly energy arced to and fro above and around him. He could smell the sulphur in the air, and his heart nearly stopped as he saw the magic fly straight over Gideon. <br/><br/>"Get down!" he barked, and Gidoen did as he was told without question, the dog's chest hitting the ground with his head under his paws. It seemed like it lasted an hour, but realistically he knew it was only a few moments. What must have been dust whipped into his prone form, and when it dawned on him that he was covered in the ashes of his fellows, he shuddered and nearly vomited his last meal onto the ground. He placed his hands on the bloodied dirt and pushed himself up to a standing position. He patted himself and shook off the dust and Warden ash, bile still in his throat as the soldier pushed the hellish thoughts from his mind. He happened to be looking back towards the lines when he saw Celica fall. <br/><br/>"NO!" he roared, the words coming forth from somewhere deep within himself. He almost couldn't believe it. He had not known her well, but from what he had witnessed, she had a respect for her position and an honor he, in turn, respected. The tide had only just turned seconds ago, and now all seemed to fall apart before his eyes. Images of the Ostagar massacre flitted through his mind, and he clenched his teeth. Not this time. Anger and hatred almost seemed to emanate from him as he contemplated all that had just transpired. <span class="bb-i">No</span>, he repeated in his mind. <span class="bb-i">Not this time</span>. He would see that Emissary dead. And he would kill anyone who made the mistake of getting in his way. Gideon seemed to be reading his thoughts, the Mabari giving off a howl that reminded Rannon he had friends left in this world. <br/><br/>A surge of energy slammed into the ground at the approaching army, scattering their ranks and rending Darkspawn bone and armor. He did not know who the hell did that, but he was not about to argue with good fortune. His heart yearned to behead that mage Darkspawn, and now Rannon had a clear line of sight of him. However, first things first. <br/><br/>"You!" he said, pointing at the closest Warden. The man balked, obviously as shaken as Rannon. He cleared his throat and regarded the Ferelden soldier. "What?" he asked incredulously. The tall warrior fanned his arm out as he spoke. "Tell these men to get ready! NOW! We move forward!" he cried. "Get them ready to charge! We have one shot at this. There's an opening in their lines!" The Warden seemed to agree, but he was about to say something else before Rannon cut him off. "Do it now!" Gideon bared his teeth for emphasis, and as he saw men running to and fro, he had a feeling they wouldn't be quick enough. <br/><br/>"You're staying here." he said, turning around and looking forward. If someone else had been standing there, it would have looked like he had spoken to no one in particular, but Gideon gave a growl of defiance. "Fuck off." he told the dog, and the Mabari stiffened, then whined. Rannon was not in the mood to hear any of it, but Gideon bumped his leg with his enormous head and gave a 'harumph'. He shook his head. "Maker's breath." he muttered, and hefted his heavy blade. "Fine." he said. He steeled himself, not even looking behind him to see if he had support. Rannon knew there was no time. They had to kill this Darkspawn leader before their army formed up once more. He charged, maneuvering his blade from up high to a forward guard. He would kill this Emissary, even if he had to crawl out of the pit of hell to do it. <br/><br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://40.media.tumblr.com/738799e1d734cbccd6f9ef98b46cc0dc/tumblr_o43vqxZIdk1svfe0so1_500.png"/></div><br/><br/><span class="bb-b">-<span class="bb-i">Denerim Outskirts, Fereldan</span>-</span><br/><br/>Delwin paused for a moment as she beheld the carnage before her. She had seen Grey Wardens before, their prominence after a Blight was unavoidable wherever you went and their heraldry just marked them out further. She had fought Darkspawn before, there had been many a criminal mining operation or illicit deal in the Deep Roads that had been intruded upon by Darkspawn either alone or in a group, the response was the same: kill the tainted bastards and get back to the important business. <br/><br/>But she had never seen the two factions come together with such ferocious aggression. Darkspawn surged like insects out of a disturbed nest; individuals were unrecognisable in the vast mass of the horde. The Grey Wardens on the other hand were all clear individuals, beating about themselves to slay the dark figures that were pressing to attack, conquer and devour all that lay before them. The differences could not be more pronounced, both sides lashing out to eliminate their natural enemy and to claim the field of Fereldan that they stood upon.<br/><br/>Delwin didn't care.<br/><br/>She didn't care about the hole in the ground that the Darkspawn were exiting, didn't care about the city at her back all defenceless and open, she didn't care about Fereldan or the Wardens or the neverending war that all races fought against the Darkspawn wherever they emerged.<br/><br/>All she cared about was the figure at the head of the Wardens, the woman fighting and issuing orders to all around her, the womam marked out by her armour and weapons as the Warden Commander. The woman whose face had been burnt into Delwin's mind ever since she had seen a drawing of the Fereldan coronation from someone who had been present. <br/><br/>Celica, Warden Commander and Queen of Fereldan, wife and lover to Alistair Therin and butcher of the Carta. <br/><br/>In almost a daze Delwin found herself walking towards the carnage, she didn't even realise that she had drawn her daggers but realised she must have done when a Genlock spotted her and charged. The beast was a mindless drone of the Blight, it had no other thoughts but to kill her and every other living thing. <span class="bb-i">I guess we're not so different.</span> Delwin thought absently as she feinted to one side, daggers slashing at the creature's throat, the Genlock fell to the floor with its claws clutching to its throat. Dark blood sprayed onto Delwin's arm, it felt warm and familiar but was alien enough to rouse her from whatever frame of mind she had been experiencing. She shook her head, now was not the time to get carried away with anticipation, this was a battleground! <br/><br/>She continued towards the Warden Commander, slow and methodical, she could afford to take her time. The Wardens would stay until the Darkspawn were dealt with, the Queen wasn't going anywhere.<br/><br/>A couple of Hurlocks bore down upon her with heavy axes, their features were unrecognisable as they bellowed and grunted, Delwin raised her knives and leapt past a clumsy axe stroke, slashing wildly. One of the Hurlocks caught a blow to its face and lashed out in pain, Delwin was struck in the shoulder by the creature's forearm and fell back. She regained her footing and took a small step back. The Hurlock she had struck with her blade lumbered towards her, its eye loosely hanging from its socket. The second Hurlock was growling and trying to push past its fellow to get at her. Delwin rolled forwards and, as she came up, pushed her daggers into both Hurlocks at close range. She succeeded in impaling their necks and the two creatures fell backwards with her momentum pushing them down. Delwin pulled her daggers free and grimaced as she was sprayed with yet more ichor and blood. She made sure to shut her mouth, no way was that stuff getting into her body, she'd heard enough stories of careless fighters who'd died weeks later of the worst kind of poisoning.<br/><br/>Delwin continued pushing and fighting her way through the battle, she was small enough that many of the Darkspawn (whether through some sense of pride or simply seeing larger targets as more appealing) simply ignored her, choosing to attack others in the melee. Her blades continued to taste their share of victims though and were as gnarled and vicious as the Darkspawns' own weapons. <br/><br/>She had no problem killing Wardens as well as their foes, with each step she took towards the Warden Commander she expected to be called out as a stranger and attacked, but when Wardens did spot her they simply changed focus to the closest Darkspawn and made no move to impede her progress. Delwin supposed that they did not see her as a threat when there were so many of their natural enemy at hand, she smiled coldly, it was a mistake they wouldn't make again if they lived through this day.<br/><br/>Delwin felt a shudder in the ground that she recognised as magic being used. She had little experience with Mages but knew that opinions were divided all over the Surface about the proper uses and status of magic and its practitioners. She assumed from the sight of Darkspawn bodies hurtling in all directions in another area of the battlefield that magic was being used here.<br/><br/>Then...she saw it, a Hurlock clutching a staff and attired in dark and ripped robes; it loomed over the battlefield, clearly holding other Darkspawn in the horde in its thrall. From its staff came a glimmer of lightning that, upon impact, rendered many soldiers on the field into dust. Delwin blinked in genuine astonishment, she'd never seen Darkspawn do that before.<br/><br/>But, when its next attack pierced the Warden Commander's armour and sent her to the floor, Delwin truly gasped. Years of investment and planning and the target of her efforts was lying in the dirt and in danger of being killed by <span class="bb-i">Darkspawn.</span> Delwin was being cheated out of her kill!<br/><br/>A wordless cry erupted from Delwin's most inner being. She plunged into the fray at a run, no longer caring of the consequences. She lashed out with her blades at Darkspawn and Wardens alike, anyone in her path was impaled, cut, slashed at or knocked aside. <br/><br/>She would <span class="bb-i">not</span> be cheated, not after years, not when the memory of everything she knew demanded that it be <span class="bb-i">her</span> blade embedded in Celica's armour. She would fight her way through and woe betide any who stood in her way.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Daeron watched the Warden commander fall, to the ground. He buried his sword in darkspawn and ran, nothing else matter right now he moved standing over Celica's body he gripped a Dark spawns blade hacking and slashing ruthlessly as he defended her. He prayed to Dread Wolf for the strength to carry on, to crush his foes and then take her back to Ferelden. The woman who had ended the blight and saved the world, she deserved and right now he going to stand and protect her. If she was dead, he would give her a heroes funeral and let them bury her alongside the other four who would never be forgotten. If she lived he would climb the mountain and get a pinch of Sacred Ashes, Maker's temple be damned.<br/><br/>Daeron was alone protecting her body as cut them down, Beaky soaring over head ripping away any Darkspawn that dared go for his blind spots. He screamed as if an animal cutting down any tainted creature that got to close in his minds he heard the words, his vow repeated over and over again. <span class="bb-i">In peace, vigilance. In war, victory. In death, sacrifice.</span> The words repeated growing louder, soon he began to yell them. A cry to arms, to let every Warden here now right now they would fight and die heroes or they would win and drive the beasts in to the darkness below. Beaky even cawed along as Daeron chanted. "In peace, vigilance! In war, victory! In death, sacrifice!" He yelled as he lifted his shield up, his griffin emblem coated in darkspawn blood as Beaky dropped him a fresh sword.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Nicolette didn't like magic. She knew it had its uses, but she couldn't find the heart to say magic was a blessing. She saw how mages were treated in certain Circles. The ones in Orlais seemed to be fine, but of course there were exceptions to this rule.<br/><br/>This situation was no different.<br/><br/>The Warden Commander who fell, there was nothing that could have been done. She accepted that face. The elven Warden seemed to be taking it harder than most as he began chanting the ever popular phrase among the wardens. Nicolette followed the warrior and his dog. Chaos was erupting from the camp as the Emissary rained down it's own personal hell.<br/><br/>Nicolette viewed the scene, trying to find some way to exploit the situation. Nothing was coming up. If anything had to be done, it was to get the Wardens to form and commence a counter-attack. She didn't know how to handle that, she wasn't a soldier, she was an assassin wanderer, someone somebody paid to handle messes.<br/><br/>This was a particularly nasty mess.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">As a pair of charred skeletons clacked down to the soft muddy earth, Mireths body healed itself back out of lethal or long lasting consequences of his spell - the beauty of blood magic, its price was small, in return for incredible results it always baffled him as to why it was abhorred so much in the shems world.<br/>From a quick scan across the battle field things seemed to be in the Wardens favour - or at least, that was the general feel until the Darkspawn commander came to the battle. It truly looked as if it had crawled from depths of hell itself, the guttural form of speaking it done was no better on creature that stood before the Wardens; it was Commander, against Commander.<br/>But what came was not a fair fight, despite the fact that armour does little to protect against magic; unless specifically designed to do so, this spell would likely have torn through some of the sturdiest armour ever designed - it appeared to function somewhat akin to Chain Lightning and Virulent Walking bomb, it spread to the other targets after killing its previous one - this continued for what seemed like an eternity, effectively decimating the vanguard closest to the pit from where the Darkspawn had emerged. <br/>And then, as soon as it had began, it ended.<br/><br/>It seemed as if the Warden lines would falter or break completely - but that didn't happen, they were resolute, and they would fight to the bitter end - but the question he asked himself was, should he? <br/>Mireth had no cause to fight along side these people; true the Darkspawn are a menace, but they didn't have numbers, nor an Archdemon to be of any real threat to the world - this entire operation was likely an effort simply to keep the wardens occupied post-blight.<br/><br/>Mireth stroked his chin and contemplated for a moment, looking misplaced in the chaos that unfolded around him. It was then that someone started chanting the Wardens oath, spurring on the Wardens to strike at the heart of the enemy; they looked as if they were pissed off, more than shook to the core by their enemies grievous blow.<br/><br/>After a couple of seconds Mireth decided he would stay, at least until the battle was over - what harm could come from a good fight every now and then, he had to keep his mind sharp. <br/>He pushed himself towards the front line closer to the chanting... Elf?<br/>This took Mireth back abit, but it was true that there was no racism in the Wardens ranks.<br/><br/>But this was not the time to think of idle things - Mireth began to focus his mind on the task at hand, and when the charge took place, they would have the support of his magic - whether they liked it or not.<br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The collective roar from the Warden lines shook the earth beneath their feet. Capitalising on the opening granted by the Maker himself, they collapsed onto the stumbling darkspawn like flies onto a carcass. Blades clashed and whistled through the air, biting into flesh and removing limbs. Howls of pain, raw and inhuman hung over the battlefield just as much as the smell of death. Leading the charging line was Rannon, who had his eyes on some bigger game. Just behind him ran a woman in her late-twenties, struggling to keep up with the much fitter soldier. Gold and baby-blue robes, stained by mud, blood, and darkspawn ichor trailed behind her. Hair the colour of pale barley flowed in the wind. <br/><br/>Hissing, the Emissary dropped back to plan B. Since his advancing line was being hindered by an unknown mage, a new one was required. Taking a long burnt-bronze dagger from a sheath at his waist, the blade was placed lightly against the wrist of his left hand. “Qu-” Rippling and distorting as it left his lips, the word was unintelligible by the time it reached Rannon’s ears. A few too-long seconds passed. “-us.” Again, impossible to make out, the word came for the second time. Hysterically, at fever pitch, the Emissary chanted one final time. Flowing clearly out, now there was no doubt as to what it said. <br/><br/>“Quietus.”<br/><br/>Blade slicing deep into the creature’s wrist, ichor sprayed through the air, coming to rest inside the circle below. A single thundering pulse released from it, as the black rings blazed red for a brief moment. Silently, the fabric of reality tore apart before the soldier’s very eyes. A single rip, millimeters wide but around 9-foot tall, statically floated in mid-air. The woman stiffened beside Rannon ever so slightly, trying to run faster. Two hands, made from something resembling pitch-black leather appeared through the tear, foot-long blades protruding from each of the eight visible fingers. Light green and white energy sparked off as the hole was made bigger, stretched by the demon forcibly exiting the Fade. <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>As the dwarf ran towards the fallen Warden-Commander through every obstacle she met, it didn’t take long before she drew very close to Celica. Racing forward, slamming into a few more Wardens on-route, a figure in a long brown hooded cloak landed in front of the dwarf. Blocking her charge, the woman spoke, with a tonal mix of anger and intrigue. “The enemies are over there,” she pointed with the tip of one dagger towards the hole in the ground. “Perhaps you can’t <br/>quite see it?” This time, her voice was sarcastic and cold, making the underlying challenge clear. <br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The <span class="bb-i">thing</span> walked out, struggling to squeeze through the gap which snapped shut behind him. Standing tall, it reached around 13-feet, just over double the average height of the Wardens present. Three large spikes crafted from dark red bone stuck out from its shoulder blades. A bone-plated tail whipped viciously at the wind. That armour covered most of the vital parts of the demon’s body, including the head. Two mighty horns curled from the tip of it’s head round and angled forwards, menacingly. Taking a deep breath in, the demon of Demise seemed to drain the energy still clinging to the dead and dying from both sides of the battle. A soft glow washed over the dark armour, as the thing <span class="bb-i">chuckled</span>. <br/><br/>“Come, little children. Come and play.” For it’s size, the damn thing was fast. It almost blurred past Rannon and the mage, bound for a much bigger prize. It crashed into the Warden lines and began digging in, skewering soldiers on it’s tail like kebab meat, tearing the top and bottom half of people apart, and using those powerful claws to render armour useless. The demon stalking unhindered through the dying ranks of soldiers, the mage behind Rannon didn’t stop, still heading for the Emissary. <br/><br/>The rugged soldier skidded to a stop, fear and anger mounting in his breast as he beheld the great Demon that surged forth. It passed him, and he lashed out with his huge sword on instinct, but it missed by stark inches. As his mind caught up with him, he yelled for Gideon to leave it be. He knew in his heart he wanted to face the bigger threat, but he couldn't let more demons be summoned. Still, he was torn. His heart and mind fighting an inner battle that his physical self couldn't deal with at the moment.<br/><br/>"You!" he heard from the woman running with him. He blinked, spinning to regard her. "We need to take that damn mage down. It’s imperative for it to live, but make it suffer."<br/><br/>His iron eye flitted to the ravaging Demon, before resting on the mage once more. Clearly she had a plan, and it coincided with what he had in mind as well. He didn't need to be asked twice. Even with the roar of battle, the mettle in his rough voice could be heard.<br/><br/>"It would be my pleasure." <br/><br/>He suddenly took off once more, Gideon at his left as he ran. He gave out a mighty battle cry that his companion echoed in an almost deafening roar-like bark. They thundered forward, gaining ground before the Emissary even knew they were fast approaching. "Split!" Rannon commanded, and Gideon began running in large leaps to and fro, back and forth, still advancing but moving in a serpentine line. Rannon did the same, he and his best friend having drilled such moves in their practices for years to confuse mages or archers. Still, the Emissary spun his staff and let out a word Rannon couldn't comprehend, summoning a damning Hex forth. A wave of roiling energy burst outwards. The soldier leaped to the side, but this wasn't something he could dodge. <br/><br/>Suddenly he felt weaker, sickly. The man's skin tightened along his bones and he coughed, his throat suddenly as dry as a desert. But still he moved onwards, shaking back the effects as best as he could and thanking the Maker that it seemed like most of the Emissary's magic was spent.<br/>Rannon gave a cry as he pumped his legs to leap as far as he could, only for him to instead dive downwards. Gideon barked, causing the Emissary's next spell to go a fraction too slow, and Rannon's sword clove upwards from the ground, splitting the thing from balls to waist. Like a shot from a trebuchet, Gideon slammed into the Darkspawn and bit deeply into his arm as they both sailed to the ground, heavy paws planting on its chest.<br/><br/>"Don't kill it!" Rannon cried out, hacking another cough before standing up. This magic couldn't last, he knew that. He stood tall, gazing at the carnage that was being wreaked upon the wardens, and he heard himself say, "But you don't need to be gentle either."<br/><br/>Rannon shook himself, as if the magic was dust that he could scrub off of him, and ran over to kick the Emissary in the head to see if that would undo the effects of the Hex. It seemed to do nothing, but luckily, second by second, he felt himself getting stronger and hardier. His hold on his sword was more solid, and he steeled himself. "Keep him there!" he ordered his Mabari, and Rannon was preparing to charge back towards the lines, his weak legs now picking up speed along with power. <br/><br/>Offering a grim smile, the female mage spoke. “You two sure don’t do things in halves, do you?” Grabbing the free arm of the darkspawn mage, she dragged him into the circle of now-crusted ichor. Kneeling down, with both mages inside of the circle, the woman scanned the area briefly as though looking for something. Eyes fixating on Rannon’s boot, she gave the large Mabari a quick tap, signalling for it to let go. While preparing the spell, she spoke to the man. “You were running ahead of me. Did you hear it’s name!?”<br/><br/>He looked down at her with an incredulous stare.. “Yes?” he replied, not sure what the significance of that was, but told her anyway.<br/><br/>Grinning, she replied. “Perfect, we might have a shot at stopping it now.” Then, grabbing the short knife from the soldier’s boot, she pushed him back with enough force to move him outside of the magic circle which then snapped shut by force of will, energy swirling within. Her left hand planted firmly on the Emissary's head, the demon’s name roared from her lips. “Quietus!”<br/><br/>It responded instantly, twirling round and darting across the battlefield towards them. The woman’s right hand, holding Rannon’s dagger, slammed down into the heart of the darkspawn mage causing it to gurgle. A lance of unseen force blew through Quietus’s heart in a streak of red mist, just as it had the Emissary’s. It didn’t deter him, however. A second lance pierced it’s head, as the dagger landed between the eyes of the thaumaturgic link-doll. Bringing it above her once more, it dug deep into the thing’s stomach, but had no effect on the demon. The Emissary was dead.<br/><br/>Horror twisted the woman’s face, as she grabbed her staff, swore, and rose. Blood poured from the wounds, but it still continued on. Charging up a spell using the leftover energy which had poured forth from the Fade, lightning crackled around her left hand, pointed firmly at the demon seeking to end her. Watching from the sidelines, it looked like the blast might not cut it. <br/><br/>Rannon’s powerful legs pumped as he ran forward, scarred and ruddy face set in a snarl as he swept his blade up in a wide arc. A war scream tore from his split lip, and with frightening realization to all who looked upon him, he was suddenly within melee range of the Demon. <br/><br/>The blade came crashing downward, rending a tear into the creature’s flesh. But the experienced swordsman didn’t count on that to kill, simultaneously stopping and backpedalling as he struck to keep out of reach of a counter. Sure enough, a horrific clawed limb shot out, missing his head as he backed and ducked by a hair’s breadth. He rolled to the side roughly, narrowly missing another limb slamming into the ground. <br/><br/>He found his feet, and knew he was out of both energy and options. The hex had left him, but battle had taken its toll and he bled from tears and cuts from the Maker-knows-where. He set the last of his strength in his legs to send him launching forward, left hand on the hilt of his sword and right hand pressing into the bottom of the pommel to stab the huge blade through the horror’s head. Time seemed to stop as he stood there, poised after the strike. Rannon, covered in blood and grime, shuddered from exhaustion and adrenaline suddenly. He fell to his knees and gasped haggardly. <br/><br/>He couldn’t help but give a hearty grin when he heard a familiar whine and felt a huge Mabari tongue lapping at his face. “H-Hey, quit it.” He breathed, giving a very dry chuckle from a parched throat. Despite his words, he leaned over the dog and lifted an arm over Gideon’s broad shoulder, as much of a hug as to keep him upright. “I’m glad you’re safe too.” He whispered.<br/><br/>Blinking, unsure of what to say or do, the mage dispelled the gathered power around her. As it crossed the boundaries of the circle, there was an audible crack as it’s integrity was compromised. Deep down, she was thankful, as uncertain most definitely didn’t cut it with regards to her power winning out against a demon. Speaking of which, it was cleanly impaled on the massive sword. Finding purchase inside the jaws of Quietus, it has severed the spinal cord of the demon through the back of it’s head. The thing wasn’t dead. Not quite. Despite that, the only control it had over it’s body, now, was flicking it’s eyes back and forth due to the sword having paralyzed the beast. The hilt lay in the mud, propping the demon up. <br/><br/>It howled with a bubbling rage, before death finally claimed it. The darkspawn, having seeing the great demon fall, routed. Running as fast as they could, they began vanishing into the The Verge once more. Approaching Rannon, the female mage offered a warm smile and began working some low level healing magic, giving him some slight relief from injuries and fatigue.<br/><br/>Meanwhile Celica, lying in the ruined remains of a tent somewhere in the camp muttered about mages and their cheating ways. <br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Rannon felt a soothing warmth wash over him, and a calm light hovered around his form as the mage worked her magic. He still ached like a bitch and needed his wounds cleaned, not to mention he needed water. But he could stand! Slowly, like a tired man climbing the last bit of stairs, he got off his knees one foot at a time and stood. His iron eyes left Gideon, and fell upon the female mage that had helped him. "You're pretty handy in a fight." was all he could manage to start out with. He wasn't good with words. "Thank you." <br/><br/>He didn't know if this was the mage that had flattened the Darkspawn lines and gave them the opening or not, but he'd find out sooner or later. Right now they had bigger problems. He cleared his throat, and waved his hand at the scattering Darkspawn. "We need to rebuild these defenses just in case. And we need to pursue these bastards while we can!" He looked at the closest Grey Warden at that last pronouncement. "Do it!" he ordered, and soon a small battalion of Wardens were harrying the lines of running Darkspawn. Gideon barked in agreement and happiness. It took the Mabari a few moments to realize Rannon was looking at him expectantly, hands on his hips. Moments passed. "Well go on." Rannon said, pointing at the retreating monsters. <br/><br/>Gideon yelped, a big smile on his broad face. He bounded across the hellscape, leaping on and mauling Darkspawn as they fled. Rannon watched with a smile, his ruddy and dirt stained face suddenly lit with warmth. He only wish he had the strength to run with him, but he could barely move. In fact he was woozy enough to fall on his ass if he wasn't careful. "I need some water and a good place to sit." he said aloud to himself, and bent down to grab the hilt of his huge sword. He lifted it and sheathed it. He'd clean that soon too. Wouldn't want it to rust.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Daeron felt ready to collapse his arms ached, his legs felt like they were burning from the inside out. Slowly he made his way towards the camp, Storm Beaky dove down offering her partner a sword she had found. Daeron smiled and took the blade, it seemed in good enough shape and had no blood on it. Sighing he headed for the tent Celica was in, passing a few Wardens he gave them a smile. "Commander, we need to talk about these Darkspawn. About a few other things, Duncan being one of them." He told the woman as fished out a bowl of water and a cloth, unbuckling his armor he began to clean the armor.<br/><br/>"Starting with, what do you know about the Architect? I've read the report but I have something you might want to here, Duncan fought Architect before. The First Warden knew about it, he made sure Duncan's old journal was kept hidden. I read it recently and well, the truth isn't exactly fun. More importantly I believe the unique Darkspawn who called itself the Architect could be behind all this or at least some one like him." The Senior Warden said as he withdrew a small flask from his pocket sipping from it. "This isn't a Blight, you'd be dead chiefly and Ferelden would be over run if it was." He told her, they both knew it was true that a Blight erupting from a hole this big would be much larger than the horde's they had faced.<br/><br/>"My current theory is, Darkspawn civil war. They are fighting each other, some others who don't here the call of the old gods and those who do battle." He downed the last of the flask. "Now lets assume that the collapse and opening of this tunnel happened because they have been fighting ruthlessly. The ground below us was already hallowed out thanks to the deep roads, if Orge's and hundred of Darkspawn have been breaking pillars and supports along with lack of proper maintenance. That explains the hole outside, also if this fighting has been happening for years I would assume it happening through out all the Darkspawn.<br/><br/>Daeron paused as Beaky stuck her head in the tent, he gave his feathered friend gentle rub as he spoke. "However to know the truth... I'd like to take a team down there, see the damage and try to figure out if we can close the damn thing failing that we find a way to seal all the tunnels that lead up here and then get workers in here to pile more stones on top until it looks almost normal." He sighed looking at Beaky. "If you do this for me... Well you could borrow my friend here to use as a messenger and to go to Orlais and get the extra Wardens and soldiers you need here." He answered, knowing a few more fights like that and they would have no more Wardens or volunteers left standing to hold the line.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">The Architect. Damn. <br/><br/>Celica knew exactly who Daeron was referring to. They had met several times in the past, and she had ultimately let him live, when given the opportunity to strike the beast down. If this really was orchestrated by him, one way or the other, that may have been a mistake. Pain rippled through her chest from the wound once more, drawing a grunt from her. Of course, admitting she had ties to The Architect probably wasn't wise, even if Duncan had at some point in the past as well. That had come as a true surprise, though. Duncan had quite a colourful life before he...<br/><br/>Memories from Ostagar still haunted her dreams, just as much as those of the Archdemon.<br/><br/>"No, I can't say I have. The name doesn't mean anything. There was another darkspawn behind an invasion here, once. Called herself The Mother. She, I know, is dead. T'was my blade that stopped her blighted heart." <br/><br/>Taking a deep breath, as another stabbing pain cut into her lungs, she began to continue despite the mage's healing magic taking far longer to give relief that she had hoped. "It most certainly isn't a Blight, to be sure. Had an Archdemon joined the ranks, well let's just say i'm not confident I can kill a second one and leave it at that." Celica took in the rest of the conversation with an open mind, cross-referencing the suggestions against her own ideas. "Darkspawn civil war? Is such a thing even possible? Granted, it might explain a good few things regarding the appearance of that Maker forsaken hole, but you would have thought they'd be conserving energy and numbers for their own infighting, if that were the case."<br/><br/>Several Wardens ran past the tent, carrying a badly wounded but still living soldier, writhing in pain. "I plan to direct any surviving forces here to charge the hole, once they regroup. The darkspawn have been almost endless in their attacks, and with a break in the battle lines comes a much needed opportunity to find out how and where from. As for the hole itself, i'd appreciate if you didn't close it, or the dwarves are going to have a fit. The only reason there isn't an archaeologist team down there already is because I made it clear they'd all be dead in minutes."<br/><br/>“So, Daeron. I need a favour. Find Mila and bring her here. Afterwards, lead the Wardens into The Verge and find out where they keep surging from. Return once you find something of note, so I can pass along word to the dwarves before one places my head on a pike.”<br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The routed darkspawn army sheltered within the murk inside the hole, cowering in fear as a Mabari war hound proceeded to single-handedly maul half of their retreating numbers, looking very proud of himself. Meanwhile, the female mage flitted around the battlefield from point to point, doing what she could to stabilise the small number of Wardens which she could with her only slight knowledge of the healing arts. Many more darkspawn lay gurgling out their last few breaths, either from dog puncture wounds, demon fire or steel.<br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Tall and strong, but tired beyond belief, Rannon waded through the battle weary Warden lines towards the late Commander Celica's position. Gideon galloped over to him, and walked side by side with him as he made his way. Grey Warden's parted before him, most having seen him slay the Demon and giving him at least a moderate amount of respect that almost made him uncomfortable. He wasn't used to being shown any kind of treatment, but he admitted he did fine back there. <br/><br/>Passed the lines, he wasn't sure on where to go. He didn't rightly know who was in charge now, though anyone with any kind of authority would be close to Celica's tent. The Griffon out front made him pause, and Gideon tilted his huge head curiously. "I have no idea." he whispered in response. As generously as he could, the battle hardened soldier made his way past the regal beast before him and into the tent. <br/><br/>He almost fell over from disbelief when he saw Celica alive and getting better. He was so sure that he had seen the hardy woman fall before his eyes. Rannon did his best to collect himself. "Commander," he wheezed, and then coughed. The blighted land they stood upon reminded him of his dry throat. He swallowed some spittle and did his best to continue. "Commander," he repeated, standing a bit taller and giving a salute. "What are your orders? We are willing to serve."</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Daeron nodded and then sighed. "No offense but I think it would be better to take a smaller more focus group deep in after the first assault marching an army is just going to get the attention of more Darkspawn. We both know the last thing we need is all the Darkspawn descending upon a large force in those tight quarters." He answered the commander. "You can stay with the main force and protect the dwarves. We can't let this sight get taken, however we need more evidence of what's going on before I can start enforcing our treaties. This might not be a Blight however if Ferelden were lost to Darkspawn soon the dwarves and Orlais would follow. <br/><br/>He sighed. "More importantly we need to think about this like two armies fighting. If they are at civil war and it's lower Darkspawn fighting the upper. The upper need more room... Where is the most room? Up here under the sky." He said looking the commander in the eyes. "We need to think about this like an invasion, keep most of our forces here and skirmish and scout until we know what they want and how to stop them." He said, rational and collected, very much opposed to how he acted earlier chanting cutting down the horde as he stood outside the line alone. "Commander need to conserve and reinforce. I know that might sound rather boring but well... You can't always play the hero." <br/><br/>He sat down in a chair. "Anyway I wanted to also gift this to you and Alistair... It seems right you two should have it, I have read it and the First Warden doesn't know I took it. It's Duncan's journal, you'll it's rather an interesting read. More importantly it also contains information for Alistair. Namely more on his mother... It might not be something he wants to here but it is the truth." He answered flatly steeping the old leather book down in front of the woman. <br/><br/>Just as he was preparing to leave a young man burst in to the tent. He seemed to be asking for the commander. "Sorry boy, but as of my arrival I am in charge. High Constable Daeron, you want to talk to the person in charge its me let the commander rest." He said as he stepped outside Beaky eagerly followed along at his side, the elf didn't shrink back. He walked out his rank could seen open his gleaming armor, between scratches and dents it was clear this Elf was the Warden in charge. <br/><br/>Turning he began to look for Mila, he needed to find the woman and check in with her. Getting her back to the other would give them a little war council of sorts. "Beaky go stay by the tent... Keep away any unwanted visitors." The creature gave something between a purr and caw. Taking position outside the tent it shut it's eyes however it kept its nose alert able to pick out scents easily. Daeron continued to search the camp for Mila, she would have been the Warden Constable to the Commander no doubt.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92411-dragon-age-the-uncharted-depths

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Glancing over Rannon, Celica gave a small smile through the twisted pain her face displayed. “Better listen to him, I’m not in much shape to lead anyone, currently. When you head out, though, I do have a request.”<br/><br/>“Deliver them retribution for my men.”<br/><br/>She turned, then, to the journal left by Daeron. What secrets would it hold about the Architect? Would it show that her decision was a good one, or had she made a grievous error in judgement that day? Peeling the front cover open, she dared to begin reading.<br/><br/><hr class="bb-hr"/><br/><br/>The darkspawn army had vanished entirely into the dark mist of The Verge and had been there now for a good twenty minutes. Wardens everywhere took stock of the dead, helped the wounded and proceeded to get re-armed for any additional incoming attack. What they wanted to do more than anything was to descend upon the weakened forces like a tidal wave and cleanse the depths below, but with Celica out of action and no new chain of command yet emerging, no-one dared to act. Tensions among the wardens ran high, however, and they hung around twitchy and desperate for a chance to wreak havok upon their oppressors. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="tan">Kyle Andrew<br/>Academy grounds - September 10th - 9:06 AM</font><br/><br/>This was the beginning of a new term in the prestigious Academy for young sorcerers. The first day was always chaotic; new student flashing their powers, accidents here and there, and lots of paperwork to do. It was a busy day for teachers, without a doubt. <br/><br/>A young man dressed in elegant and somewhat old-fashioned clothes walked towards the entrance of the big mansion that now served as a school. His long coat floated behind him as he traversed the big hall and entered in what it seemed like an auditorium. Both the new students and the senior ones were gathering there, waiting to be assigned to a classroom, and the man smiled gently at the younger ones who were always very nervous. He fixed his clothes one last time and went to the front part of the room to welcome his new students. <br/><br/><font color="tan">"Greetings, gentlemen. It's a great honor for me to be able to accompany you in your seek of knowledge for another year."</font> His voice was calm, warm, polite. He had given this same speech a few times before and, even if he was very nervous the first time, he had come to enjoy being the first one to speak to the students. <font color="tan">"For those who don't know me yet; I'm Professor Andrew, of the Psychic department, and I'm in charge of the new students. If any problem arises, come to me immediately."</font> He looked around, noticing some curious stares from the new students, and some bored ones from the rest. He could't help but laugh softly. There was something special about the beginning of the new school year that never ceased to amuse him. <font color="tan">"Now, my colleague Professor Smoke will show you the way to your dormitories, the dinning hall and the library, and after that we'll give you some free time to explore the school grounds. The real classes begin tomorrow."</font> He took a deep breath and smiled. <font color="tan">"We hope you enjoy your stay at the Academy."</font></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Matthew had shifted into an 18-year-old to blend into the seniors. He heard rumors and secrets, a childish smile playing on his lips. So that was the famed great professor, the man at least looked like he could take a joke, that was one good thing. It was probably not the smartest idea for the boy to be looking so old, considering no one would help him find his classroom, but that wasn't too bad. He'd either ask someone or swipe a map.<br/><br/>The boy leaned against the large room's wall, his hands in his pockets, and whistled a little. Would his classmates be like him, fun and somewhat impulsive or dull and stubborn. And the new possibilities of the different pranks he could do would be glorious!<br/><br/>(Just to make sure, I'm thinking all the professors taking care of the new students should have heard of his case.)</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="#cc99cc"><span class="bb-i">Nikolas Augustine</span></font></div></div><br/>While he waited for Professor Andrew to give the welcoming speech, Nikolas fidgeted with the collar of his white button-down. He wore a purple tie that matched his eyes, despite clashing with the navy uniform, and tugged at that as well. This was his least favourite part about the the start of a new school year, and he was ready for it to be over with. Thankfully, Professor Andrews entered the auditorium and greeted the students gathered - old and new watching him with varying levels of interest - and he let the professor's words go in one ear and out the other. After two years of attending the Academy, he was more familiar with the speech than he liked, so he tried not to pay much attention to it. As a psychic himself, Nikolas had studied under Professor Andrew for the past two years. The man oozed sincerity and enjoyment, and the blonde shifted uncomfortably with the sensation. At the very least, Nikolas had managed to tune out the emotions of his fellow students by focusing on those of the professors, so it was a small victory.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"Fantastic,"</font> he muttered under his breath when the students were dismissed to follow Professor Smoke around the campus. Nikolas already knew his way around, but he couldn't very well skip out on the tour. Sometimes there was new information, and the last thing he wanted was to be caught off-guard. Reaching discretely into his shirt sleeve to pet Medusa, he resigned himself to another tour of the school. He supposed it didn't hurt to have a refresher, though he'd really rather get away from the concentration of emotions that his peers were emitting.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="#6ecff6">Thonovan Wavecrest<br/>Academy grounds - September 10th - A little after 9 AM</font><br/><br/>Two older students made their way inside. The tallest of them, Thonovan Wavecrest, yawned while his kept both of his hands around a mug containing an unidentified hot drink. The other boy sighed. <span class="bb-i">"Really, Thonovan, I had expected you to take your last year at the Academy more seriously. If it wasn't for me, you'd be late on your first day of the new year. And please, fix your tie properly."</span> Thonovan took a sip of his warm drink and smiled. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"I guess I'm lucky I got friends like you then, right? Besides, the teachers are all busy with the new students anyway. Remember last year? We waited for half an hour until the Professor finally arrived. I am going to drop off Thowk at the dormitory first."</font></span><br/><br/>Both of them had to take a different turn and Thonovan passed Professor Andrew, giving his annual introduction. Thonovan wondered how much stress it would cause the Professor to spot him, considering Thonovan could be quite a handful at times. Then again, perhaps the idea of this being Thonovan's last year would give Professor Andrew some peace of mind. Just as he passed him, he heard the last phrase of his speech: <span class="bb-i">'We hope you enjoy your stay at the Academy.'</span> Thonovan grinned and couldn't resist adding his opinion. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Which should be perfectly possible if you avoid the Psychic departement."</font></span> A few of the new students laughed and Thonovan continued his way without even looking at the Professor's reaction.<br/><br/><font color="#6ecff6">Warlock Dormitory </font><br/><br/>Thonovan put his mug away and reached in his bag for a small box. He took a frog out, which croaked once, and put it in a pet tank. Thonovan also opened a little jar with living bugs and put them in the tank with the frog. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Bon appetit, Thowk."</font></span> he said to the frog and went on emptying his bag. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><span class="bb-u"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="red">Mason Smoke</font></div></span></div><br/>It was the first day and the most exciting day for classes. Everyone seemed to be in the school's auditorium and a lot of students were there excited for the school year, some weren't that much excited. A teenage boy with Strawberry-Blond hair and about 5'5 feet tall stood at the back of the other students, listening to the announcement that was made by one of the professors. Mason smiled in excitement as he started to jump up and down while clapping his hands quickly in a rather exciting way. <font color="red">"Yay yay! This is actually starting! I'm finally going to show everyone that I got what it takes to be a powerful warlock."</font> he'd say with a chuckle while running his hand slowly through his soft hair.<br/><br/><span class="bb-i">"Now, my colleague Professor Smoke will show you the way to your dormitories"</span><br/><br/>Hearing his oldest brother's tittle made his ears perk up as if interested to see where his brother was. It was going to be a bit weird to have his brother as his teacher, and Mason always thought that he was better than Felix at magic but he was wrong. Mason bit his bottom lips while his Magenta hues looked around the auditorium to see if he could get a lock of his brother. As they all were dismissed, even-though Mason already knew some parts of the school because his brother did work here, he still went to meet new people and potentially make new friends right?<br/><br/><font color="red">"Aghhhh. I forgot to feed Snow White!"</font> he'd say to himself while facepalming while following the other students. Mason came to a halt, slowly turning around as he walked away from the group of students, he knew that his brother would be furious with him but Mason had to feed Snow White or else something bad will happen to his precious bunny! As he was making his way there, accidentally tripped over a book falling facefirst on the ground as he started to mutter a few curse words while standing up from the ground and brushing himself off. But then remembered that he actually did feed his bunny a carrot before leaving. <font color="red">"Ooooh! Yeaaaah. Wow, Mace. You could be an idiot sometime but still be so adorable."</font> Mason chuckled to himself before skipping back over to the tour that was going to be given by his oldest brother. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he calmed down a bit and walked behind the other students. Mason bit his bottom lips while looking around to see if he could find his brother or someone that he knew. He did find someone, Miko, but he left to another tour which caught Mason by surprise and he was actually excited because Miko had the serpent that Mace hated the most. <font color="red">"Heh, thank god Miko isn't around... I cannot stand that snake of his. Pft Medusa... yeah right. Instead of me turning into stone, I turn into a screaming girl and run away while yel--"</font> laughs were heard in-front of him as some of the students stared at Mason talking to himself but Mason stared at them back and stuck his tongue out at them in a rudely manner before crossing his arms over his chest while thinking about how this school year will go. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="skyblue">Felix Smoke<br/>Academy Auditorium – September 10th – 9:08</font><br/><br/>Felix arrived at the auditorium just as his superior started the welcoming speech that he now knew so well and smiled at the gathering of young men and boys before him. They were the core of the Academy. Its world class reputation gained through an embrace of new magical study and science. This was evident from the youth of the staff themselves, he himself having been a student only 5 years ago, Kyle Andrews a powerful psychic in the year above him. His grey eyes scanned the sea of faces before him, noting both past students and the anxious expressions of those who were attending for the first time. He couldn’t help but let a smile run over his lips as he spotted his younger brother’s blonde locks in the crowd but his eyes quickly narrowed at the sight of Thonovan Wavecrest slipping out of the study with a small commotion. It was then he noticed that his fellow professor had finished his speech. <br/><br/>With a nod to his immaculately dressed friend he stepped forward and sent a shower of sparks into the air with a flick of his wrist each erupting in a clouds of glittering silver smoke. He smiled at the nominal pun. <font color="skyblue">“Gentlemen”</font> his warm voice boomed across the cavernous room, <font color="skyblue">“if any of you would care for a tour of the grounds, please do follow me."</font> He turned on his heel and strode down the long corridor. <br/><br/>He listened keenly to the shuffling of feet behind him as a crowd followed him toward the dining hall. <font color="skyblue">“I’m Professor Smoke of the Warlock department”</font> he said to his following. <font color="skyblue">“Any of you interested in defensive magic, botany, healing or this…”</font> water erupted from a passing drinking fountain and arched over their heads before freezing in a lacy floral archway, <font color="skyblue">“will be seeing me for classes.”</font> The archway burst into a power of snow that drifted down on the gaggle of students. He stopped before a warm room filled with large tables and a permanently roaring fireplace. <font color="skyblue">“This room, gentlemen, is the dining room, where you will be served 3 meals a day.”</font> He gestured behind them at a tall set of intricately carved doors. <font color="skyblue">“Behind you is our research library, where you all have access and straight ahead are your dormitory rooms.”</font> He’d ditched the complete tour last year after all parties involved found individual room allocations relatively awkward. Instead: <font color="skyblue">“You’ll find your names on your rooms. Please do come find me in the auditorium if you have any questions.”</font> <br/><br/>He headed back toward the large room puzzled at the lack of his little brother’s blonde mop. <font color="skyblue">“So Professor,”</font> he asked in a mocking tone to Kyle, <font color="skyblue">“anything I need to know about this year?”</font><br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Atlas leaned against the wall hands in the pockets of his dark blue jeans as the teacher, Mr. Andrew, gave his speech to all of the new students. He couldn't help but to stare at the man whose presence demanded attention, something he tried to accomplish. Learning that the man on stage was to be his teacher set a fire in his cheeks.<span class="bb-i">Maybe I could talk to him after class...</span> Though the idea seemed tempting, he knew he'd never be able to muster up the courage to do it. <br/><br/>When Mr. Smoke came to the stage he gave a small show before introducing himself, and leading us from the auditorium . The school was one filled with magic, for obvious reasons. The thought of discovering the identity of his roommate sent his mind into overdrive. <span class="bb-i">Who are they? Does it matter? What if I don't like them? Fix the issue.</span> This internal banter left him stranded in the hallway, surrounded by people he didn't know. <span class="bb-i">Help?</span> <font color="#6ecff6">I got this.</font> he mumbled aloud pushing his hair back from his dark set eyes. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Hoping no one would see him, Matthew slipped younger to his normal age, his clothes getting a bit baggier. It would have been annoying to wear something he couldn't move around in as his older self, so he chose to buy the bigger uniform. Matthew followed after professor Smoke, deciding instead to take the tour.<br/><br/>Matthew had heard quite a few interesting things, such as if he wanted to have a fun time, he might want to stop by the psych department. He wondered who those two were, drinking from some kind of mug.<br/><br/>He watched as the Professor showed off his talents, maybe a little bit interested in botany. Wasn't there such a thing as a man-eating plant or a mandrake? ...So cool. The snow melted on his slightly too big uniform and he shook his head. <br/><br/>Rooms? He didn't care about that. Matthew switched back into an older age of 26 and started walking back to where he saw the professor go.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="#6ecff6">Thonovan Wavecrest</font><br/><font color="#6ecff6">Academy Auditorium – September 10th </font><br/><br/>Returning to the auditorium, Thonovan unwrapped a chocolate bar. He was so distracted by it that he nearly bumped into Mr Andrew and Mr Smoke. He blushed a little. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Good morning, Professors."</font></span> he said, completely ignoring the little scene from before. He hoped he wouldn't get in trouble on his first day. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"I hope you had a great summer."</font></span> he tried, obviously trying to avoid a speech about his joke earlier. Both of the Professors had tried to teach him appropriate social behavior but each in their own unique way. Mr Smoke had been his favorite teacher from the start, despite being far more serious than Thonovan himself. <br/><br/>Thonovan looked at Mr Smoke directly, perhaps to avoid Mr Andrew's outburst. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Oh, Professor, I think my self-healing has improved quite a bit. Could I show you in class later?"</font></span> As soon as he asked the question, he wondered how he would show that when he wasn't wounded to begin with. He took another bit of his chocolate bar and mumbled with a full mouth <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"I m-mean.. If the-re i s timefor that, of coarse.." </font></span> </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="tan">Kyle Andrew<br/>Academy auditorium - September 10th</font><br/><br/>Mr. Andrew blinked in surprise when Thonovan passed next to him and made his statement. The younger students laughed and he laughed too. Some rivalry among departments was always good, and it reminded him of his student years, when the spell-casters and the psychics were always competing against each other. He decided to let the comment slip (for now) and finished his speech explaining the rules of the Academy. When he finished talking, his colleague Mr. Smoke had already come back from his tour with the first year students. <br/><br/><font color="#6ecff6"><span class="bb-i">"So Professor, anything I need to know about this year?”</span></font><br/><br/>Kyle passed his arm around Felix's shoulders in a friendly manner and brought him closer to him. <font color="tan">"I'm about to include a new rule about teaching younger siblings some discipline."</font> He said, joking. <font color="tan">"You should keep a closer eye on that troublesome blonde thing you brought with you if you don't want him getting lost on his first day."</font> He of course meant Mason. He had spotted the boy from the distance, and for what he had heard from Felix it seemed that the blonde boy had a tendency for getting in trouble. Well, that usually happened with younger siblings. <br/><br/><span class="bb-i"><font color="#00746b">"Good morning, Professors."</font></span> As he talked to Felix, a student he knew too well almost bumped into them. <br/><br/><font color="tan">"Oh, so here you are..."</font> The young Professor smirked. <font color="tan">"The pesky student from before."</font> The man grabbed Thonovan by his arm, not letting him leave. <font color="tan">"Good to hear that you've improved your healing abilities, because I think you're going to need them."</font> He playfully let some of his power flow into his arm and give him a small electricity shock. Nothing painful, of course; just a small warning. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="skyblue">Felix Smoke<br/>Academy Auditorium – September 10th</font><br/><br/>His heart skipped as Kyle placed his arm around him. He'd kept his feelings hidden for around a decade, he wasn't going to start now. He only hoped Kyle hadn't advanced his mind-reading enough to manoeuvre his mind block. Instead he smiled at his friend as he joked about his sprite of a brother. He gasped in mock offence at Kyle's suggestions about a new rule <font color="tan">"...if you don't want him getting lost on his first day."</font>but a pang of concern and guilt rose rose as he thought about his brother having already actually messed up the first part of his first day. "About that..." he began, but his companion's attention had been captured by the red headed student in front of him for the second time already today. Thonovan.<br/><br/>He smiled at one of his favourite students impressed that the he'd improved his attitude and worked hard to improve a skill that he had found challenging, rather than his usual response of giving up and openly mocking the task, as he had done with his few psychic studies. Despite Thonovan's dislike of authority, Felix had won him round early in his career and Thonovan's powerful eco-ability was one of his personal achievements, impressing the older faculty staff. Kyle on the other hand disapproved of the boy entirely, the hot headed student being one of few points of contention between the two school friends. While Felix agreed with the school's zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour, he sometimes found Kyle needlessly harsh on the student. Now was one of those times. <br/><br/>He detected the pulse of magic spark from the fellow professor and his brow furrowed. He did not approve of using magic on students when not teaching or absolutely necessary. He threw Kyle a disapproving glare placing a hand on the well dressed arm that grasped his student. A chill emitted from his touch, crystalline frost spreading from his fingers. <font color="skyblue"> “I am sure Mr Wavecrest won't be giving anyone a reason to test his self-healing outside of my classroom, Professor.”</font> Pulling on Kyle's arm he looked kindly upon Thonovan again, <font color="skyblue">"Although I'll be sure to cover the nuances of defending against more advanced magic, like electricity,"</font> he glanced pointedly at Professor Andrew <font color="skyblue">"this term. Just to be on the safe side."</font></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">It was like watching a show. Matthew had never really been a fan of popcorn, but it was almost needed in this kind of situation. How come his the teachers here we so cool? This was one of the only times he had been around people with powers... and things were already starting to get a little bit messy, the teachers involved as well.<br/><br/>Matthew leaned against the wall again, having slipped on a long trench coat from his bag to cover up his uniform. He reached into his bag to find <span class="bb-i">any</span> kind of snack but was rather disappointed not to find some.</div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="#cc99cc"><span class="bb-i">Nikolas Augustine</span></font></div></div><br/>Touring the school with the first years gave Nikolas a much-needed break, and he braced himself as they returned to the auditorium. Since he had been isolated for most of his life - his parents believing that since they could afford tutors for any subject, they should hire them all - the telepath was still building a tolerance to being around others. It was easy enough to <span class="bb-i">look</span> like he was well-adjusted, his self-assurance helping greatly, but when it came to his empathy, it was a hurdle he'd yet to overcome. That was why he had pushed for a third year at the Academy; the more he was exposed to, the better he could manage it. Aside from gaining a reputation as a snake charmer, he was also known as a charmer in general; Nikolas found himself flirting with most of his peers that were over eighteen.<br/><br/>No longer as overwhelmed as he'd been during the opening ceremony, the blonde scanned the auditorium with both his eyes and his mind, looking for someone to speak with. He'd get a feel for the first years later, see how many of them were afraid of snakes or particularly gullible, but for right now a nice conversation seemed like a good decision. He picked up on several interesting emotional spikes, but one held his interest, and after weaving through his peers a bit, he found the source. Mason, a fellow blonde, but significantly shorter than his six foot frame. Nikolas had met him before, while Medusa had been out of his shirt, and he knew Mason couldn't stand her. Smirking confidently to himself, he unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up to show that his snake wasn't there. At least, not anymore. She'd settled at his back on his waistline, curled up for a nice morning nap.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"Mason! Causing a scene?"</font> Nikolas teased the young man as he approached. <font color="#cc99cc">"It's only the first day! You're supposed to lull everyone into a false sense of security before you do that."</font></div>

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rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><font color="#6ecff6">Thonovan Wavecrest</font><br/><br/><span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Pesky?"</font></span> he repeated with much disbelieve. Next thing he knew Mr Andrews zapped him with a light jolt. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Aw! Hey you can't do that!"</font></span> Thonovan turned back to Mr Smoke. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Can he do that?"</font></span> he asked, not really expecting an answer. Thonovan hesitated to counter the move with a little magic of his own, fully realizing it would get him in a bunch of trouble. Luckily for all of them, Mr Smoke quickly saved the situation. Thonovan glared at Mr Andrews with a certain frustration but his glare slowly vanished and Thonovan's usual cheerfulness returned. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Then again, I had that one coming, didn't I?"</font></span> he laughed. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Anyhow, see you in class, Professors."</font></span><br/><br/><font color="#6ecff6">A bit further down the hall</font><br/><br/>When no one could see it, Thonovan's facial expression turned back into frustration. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"Who does he think he is?"</font></span> he mumbled to himself. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"The pesky student from before."</font></span> he imitated Mr Andrews. Near him was one of the students who had apparently noticed him talking to himself. <span class="bb-b"><font color="#00a99d">"What?"</font></span> he shrugged at him.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/wisp">@Wisp</a><br/><br/><div class="bb-center"><span class="bb-u"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="red">Mason Smoke</font></div></span></div><br/><br/><div class="bb-center"><font color="red">"I just have to pull this here... and then I can totally go back to the others."</font> he'd say tying one of the students that were laughing at him, shoes as that student was looking somewhere else. As soon as the student took a step forward he fell on the ground facefirst thus making Mason pop out and leaning forward on the student. <font color="red">"That's for laughing at me, mister. Don't do it again or worse things will happen."</font> he'd giggle in a cutely way before walking away and accidentally bumping into Niko. <br/><br/>Mason's eyes widened as he backed away from the serpent lover, Mace might've not been afraid of most things but one were snakes that he despites so badly and wouldn't want to get close to one even if one of his friend's were snake owners. <font color="red">"What? I-I'm not causing trouble! He deserved what he got for laughing at me! But I did not cause trouble, how could this adorable face cause some trouble?"</font> he rose an eyebrow before squeezing both of his cheeks together making an adorably blowfish face while he stared down at Niko. Then suddenly, Mason noticed something moving inside of Niko's shirt as he slowly took a few steps backwards before tripping once again and falling onto his buttocks. <br/><br/><span class="bb-i"><font color="red">"Oh, no no no no. No please don't show me that snake I don't want to see it..."</font></span> Mason thought to himself while slowly rising from the ground to stand up straight onto his feet. <font color="red">"W-What are you doing around here..?"</font> he'd ask while rubbing his arm nervously as his hues stared right into Niko's and his eyes were the cutest he has ever seen. Mason did have a small crush for Niko but knew that it won't ever happen, especially because Niko flirts with everyone.</div></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Kyle released Thonovan and stared confused at Felix. He hadn't meant to hurt the student. In fact, as opposing to his friend thoughts, he didn't dislike the boy. It was true that sometimes Thonovan managed to get him on his nerves, but most of the time the teacher found his pranks kind of funny. He wasn't even angry at what he had done before, he just wanted to tease him a bit. But it seemed that his intentions were completely misunderstood and the student had left all offended, while the other teacher was staring at him disapprovingly. <br/><br/><font color="tan">"I didn't mean to be harsh on him..."</font> He apologized to Felix. Kyle was usually calm and gentle, but when if comes to his abilities, he hadn't specialized in defense and healing like his friend, but rather on the more dangerous side of his psychic power. It's not that he wasn't interested in mind reading or clairvoyance, but he had an innate ability to make things explode or combust, and after years of practice there were times in which his energy still flowed uncontrolled. This probably had been one of those, since he just wanted to tickle the boy a bit. <font color="tan">"Should I apologize to him?"</font> He looked at Felix with puppy eyes. It contrasted a lot with the serious facade he put when he gives his lessons. <font color="tan">"After that we can go find Mase if you want."</font></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Matthew couldn't quite what had happened between his upperclassman and the professor, but it looked like the upperclassman wasn't too happy, neither was Professor smoke. He instead scanned the room for something else to watch, coming up on the confrontation of two other upperclassman, looking to be maybe third years. <br/><br/>Something about causing trouble? That sounded a little intriguing. The two seemed to know each other well enough, but there was a strange look of fear on the face of one of them. The blonde one suddenly fell on his butt and Matthew wondered if he was okay, slipping into his normal age and walking over. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"> Jason sauntered out of the auditorium and after Professor Smoke, only half listening to him as he glanced at his surroundings. As he walked, he tugged absentmindedly at the strap that held his runed stave to his back. He was still not entirely sure this wasn't some kind of joke, having been tossed from one "special needs" school to the next. But this place felt different. <span class="bb-i">"Maybe this place will actually take me seriously, instead of trying to convince me magic doesn't exist..."</span> he thought to himself. Out of the corner of his he noticed what looked to be a confrontation about to happen, and wandered over towards Mason and Niko. "Don't leave me out now." He said, a mischievous smile appearing on his face.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="#cc99cc"><span class="bb-i">Nikolas Augustine</span></font></div></div><br/>Nikolas stifled a laugh at Mason's claim of being too adorable to cause trouble, not believing it for a second. It was the cute ones you had to look out for, after all. Before he could respond, Medusa stirred, slithering to the front of his shirt. He'd left his jacket in his dorm, so it was painfully obvious to anyone who looked that he had something in his shirt. Mason stumbled backwards, falling over in the process, and Nikolas cringed in sympathy. Okay, so he hadn't managed to hide his snake this time. Before he could help the other blonde up, he was already on his feet and standing steadily. Pink eyes met purple, and all he could think was <span class="bb-i">wow</span>. Mason's eyes were super cute, but they were panicked, and that just wouldn't do.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"Well, I go to this school, too, you see."</font> Nikolas responded smartly, sarcasm lacing his voice. <font color="#cc99cc">"So I thought I'd talk to my friends. The cute ones come first, you know."</font><br/><br/>Gently touching Medusa through his shirt, he eased her to his side, resting her on his hip. He felt her press herself against his side, appreciating his warmth, and couldn't help the genuine smile on his face. One of the best things about his empathy was how it allowed him to communicate with Medusa, and he took great joy in it. He just wished he could share that with the small blonde in front of him - it wasn't any fun for the cute man to be afraid of his best friend. An auburn-haired man approached the pair, and his face was unfamiliar to Nikolas. Smile faltering for a moment but quickly returning full-strength, he glanced at Mason.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"Do you know him?"</font> he asked cheerfully, then turned to the man in question. <font color="#cc99cc">"My name's Nikolas, who might you be?"</font> he inquired charmingly.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Matthew reached the spot where the two of them had been conversing, the blonde still looked a bit scared. While Niko started talking to the new boy that had come up, Matthew decided to get over his weird anxiousness that came with talking to other people and said, "Hey um, you doing okay? Your eyes are as big as saucers." <br/><br/>Having been too far away from the two originally, he hadn't seen Niko's shirt move so he didn't know what was actually concealed in it, but that may have been a good thing.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Felix Smoke stared after the student. He registered that cheery persona but could see the anger and hurt in the boy's eyes. The healer sighed. This'll make for an interesting conversation later on... Kyle's voice brought him out of his reverie. <br/><br/><font color="tan">"I didn't mean to be harsh on him..." </font> The apologetic tone made the regret obvious. A pang of guilt struck Felix himself as he was reminded of Kyle's innate telekinetic abilities. A stark contrast to his own specialisms they complimented one another so much that he often forget the struggle of his friend to control such immense power. <font color="tan">"Should I apologize to him? After that we can go find Mase if you want."</font><br/><br/>Felix turned to see the glistening adorable expression on his friend's face and all his disapproval melted away. He was initially confused, he'd never seen his friend like this before. They'd known one another for around a decade and Kyle had always been the stronger, more certain of the pair. But he didn't let the concern show. He hide it well and smiled comfortingly, moving his hand down Kyle's arm to grasp his hand with both hands in reassurance. <font color="skyblue">"Don't worry about it."</font> he tried to reassure. <font color="skyblue">"You know I have a good relationship with him, I'll be sure to have a word with him later."</font> He gave the hand a squeeze as he joked: <font color="skyblue">"He might even like you if he knew how powerful you were Professor."</font> His smile stretched into a grin and he let go of Kyle's hand to dig his elbow into those toned ribs. <br/><br/>His eyes flicked away to a commotion at the side of the auditorium and he rolled his eyes. <font color="skyblue">"No need to go looking for Mase. That blonde mess in the middle of the fuss over there is my brother..."</font> He had long ago stopped interfering in his brother's life, but ever protective he'd keep abreast of the situation and would always be there for advice if his brother ever needed him. <font color="skyblue">"So what are you up to now given they have a free day to settle in?"</font></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/wisp">@Wisp</a> <a class="bb-mention" href="/users/aimechambers">@AimeChambers</a> <a class="bb-mention" href="/users/aragorn">@Aragorn</a><br/><br/><div class="bb-center"><span class="bb-u"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="red">Mason Smoke</font></div></span></div><br/><br/><div class="bb-center">Of-course he was terrified, Niko had a snake in his sleeves for god-sakes and Mason wasn't really fond of that but since Niko is his friend and his secretly crush it will have to be put aside, his fear that is. <font color="red">"I never knew that you would have come to this school. My brother is one of the professors and he basically told me to attend so I did and now here I am. A-And..."</font> he bit his bottom lips and as soon as he was about to say something, someone came and interrupted their conversation. Actually it was two people that did that. Mason turned his head quickly over to the intruders, squinting his eyes at him wanting to yell at the guy for interrupting his precious conversation with his crush but instead all he did was smile and offer him a friendly wave, while in his head; <span class="bb-i"><font color="red">"UGH! Just when I was about to tell Niko how I feel and for him to help me get out of my fears and this guy comes and ruins it! Fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffuck me."</font></span> <br/><br/>Mason smiled at the two before clearing his throat to speak in a calmly tone of voice while at the same time, trying to keep his distance from Niko because he didn't want Medusa to just jump out of Niko's arm and then jumping inside of Mason's shirt. <font color="red">"My name is Mason Smoke and you may know me as the most adorable guy in the school, well not much people know -yet- but I am the most adorable guy in the school. Mhm."</font> he'd nod before winking at Matthew and Jason with a peace sign over his left eye. His pink hues scanning the area before slowly reaching his hand forward to poke Niko's shoulder, hoping not to hit the serpent. <font color="red">"Uhhh. I want you to help me with my fear of snakes. Would you pretty pleaseeeee?"</font> His eyes widened as he made an adorable puppy dog face, pouting as-well. In order for Mason to actually stop being afraid of the snake, he'll need professional help and knowing Niko he was the expert of serpents. <font color="red">"Not now though, I don't want to cause a scene and make my brother come and pick me up and then take me to the office. You see, my brother thinks that I'm troublesome, and I swear."</font> he looked at Niko and then back at Matthew and Jason. <font color="red">"I swear I am not. -- I mean.."</font> he paused for a bit while placing his index finger on his bottom lips, tapping it twice before speaking once again. <font color="red">"I mean, I can have a little temper and probably end up doing something bad but that doesn't mean that I'm troublesome, right?"</font> Mason rose an eyebrow while staring at Matthew and Jason as if asking him, before his head turned back to Niko. <font color="red">"Am I right? I am right! So my brother should totally watch out for what he says about me!"</font>Mason said while placing both of his hands onto his hips as he stood there proud of himself for telling his brother that he was totally wrong about his younger sibling, even-though he wasn't really present.</div></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Jason turned his attention towards Niko, the smile still on his face. "My name is Jason. Glad to see I've not missed anything." He said, glancing at the scene before him. "I hope I've not interrupted anything important." While talking, he took a mental note of the people around him. They all seemed...different than anybody he had met before, and for some reason he didn't feel as reserved towards them as he normally was. Maybe it was because they all had something in common, an ability? He remembered reading the pamphlets for the school, about how it was for people with special abilities. Of course, at the time he still felt like it was a joke. <span class="bb-i">"I'll give this place a chance I suppose."</span> Jason thought to himself. <br/><br/>Hearing Mason's words, he chuckled. <span class="bb-i">"Well someone is sure of himself."</span> Granted, the guy did have a charm to him, but more in the way a little brother would. "Nice to meet you!" He told him.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">"Nice to meet you as well! I'm Matthew Callahan, a shapeshifter. Are you guys upperclassmen?" It was a little weird for the blond -Mason- to do the peace sign, then again, just about everything at this school was weird. But weird is good and strange is bad, so whatever.<br/><br/>"S-Snakes?" A shiver ran through the boy as he heard it, how had snakes even come into the conversation? Is eyes had grown a little wide and he pinched himself to stop shivering. One of the main reasons he had come to this school was to learn to stop involuntarily changing ages. He had to calm down before he changed... now that would cause a scene.<br/><br/>(Totally want to make him change XD)<br/><br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="#cc99cc"><span class="bb-i">Nikolas Augustine</span></font></div></div><br/><br/>Another blonde approached the now trio, asking if Mason was doing alright, and Nikolas struggled to keep the smile on his face. Great, now he'd gone and made a scene. So much for teasing Mason. Speaking of, the young man introduced himself as "the most adorable guy in the school", and Nikolas couldn't help but nod along in agreement. If there were ever a vote, he'd definitely find himself voting for him, that was for sure. The wink and peace sign only seemed to affirm this, and he could've cried from the pleading pout Mason was giving him. Though he would've helped with his request with no questions asked as it was, the look only cemented his decision to do so. He was a sucker for cute guys, and Mason was no exception.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"I'd be happy to help you!"</font> Nikolas agreed, beaming. <font color="#cc99cc">"Medusa likes making new friends, too."</font><br/><br/>He patted his side where Medusa was resting, hoping that his rolled sleeves and gesture to where his snake was would put people at ease. It seemed to freak them out more when they didn't know where she was, so he made sure to make it obvious when he could. She never meant any harm to anyone, but they tended to be afraid of her. Medusa was just a ball python, though, so the most she could do was be adorable, not unlike the people Nikolas was weakest in the face of. Mason spoke about not being troublesome, and how his brother - Professor Smoke - was wrong about him, and looked to Nikolas and their peers for confirmation of this. Though his first reaction was to agree, he did his best to fight against that.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"Well if you do plan on starting any trouble, make sure to let me know - I'd be happy to help you,"</font> he told Mason, resting a hand on his shoulder. <font color="#cc99cc">"You'd just owe me a favour,"</font> he added with a smirk.<br/><br/>Jason and Matthew introduced themselves as well, and Nikolas committed their mental signatures to memory. He was tempted to peek in their minds, but refrained, positive that Professor Andrew would find out that he had done so. Instead, he just took in their emotions, not surprised by Jason's amusement, but needing a moment to catalogue Matthew's fear. Removing his hand from Mason's small shoulder when he realized he had not done so, he addressed the other new students. He felt strange, knowing he was surrounded by new students, when he himself had been at the Academy for a couple of years already.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"This is my third and final year here,"</font> he told them kindly. <font color="#cc99cc">"If either of you need anything, don't be afraid to ask your professor or come to me. I'm always available."</font><br/><br/>Deciding it was best to address Matthew's fear as soon as possible, Nikolas gestured to the lump on his hip. <font color="#cc99cc">"Guys, this is Medusa. She's a ball python, and she's almost always with me. She's the sweetest girl you'll ever meet."</font></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Hearing the idea of trouble, Matthew volunteered, "Call me as well, I'll do anything for no charge~" He watched how close the two upperclassmen were and hoped that he would have a close relationship like that too. It was hard to find people that were comfortable with his power. There was even a time where his normal friends sneaked a sex tape into his room without telling him what it was. Once he saw it, he involuntarily turned into a child... and he never was close to them again.<br/><br/>Niko brought seemed to be bringing something out of his shirt and Matthew froze.<br/><br/>Nope, nope, nope! This wasn't happening, he was starting to shift. His tips of his hair shrunk first, which led to his head, and hands. He shifted down to what looked to be a runt-sized 8 year old, tiny specks of tears coming from his eyes. It always was horrible to turn into a child from emotion, children tended to start crying much to easily.<br/><br/>"S-S-Snake...!"</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/king-atlas">@King Atlas</a><br/><br/>Still frustrated over his showdown with Professor Andrews, Thonovan noticed how one of the new students had been staring at the Professor, causing a little blushing. A mischievous grin spread on Thonovan's face as he just saw a great opportunity for revenge on the Psychic teacher. He casually walked up to the student. <font color="#00a99d">"Good morning. I noticed you standing there all by yourself. Are you new to the academy? My name is Thonovan Wavecrest, I'm in my last Warlock year."</font><br/><br/><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/wisp">@Wisp</a><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/princeofhearts">@Princeofhearts</a><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/aragorn">@Aragorn</a><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/aimechambers">@AimeChambers</a><br/><br/>Behind them there was a lot of commotion going on. He heard students making a fuss about a snake and he instantly realized what was going on. He took the new boy's hand (<span class="bb-i">Atlas</span>) and dragged him along towards the group. <font color="#00a99d">"Come with me."</font> he whispered to him.<br/><br/>When they got to the group, Thonovan quickly let go of the boy's hand. <font color="#00a99d">"Nikolas Augustine. I knew it had to be you. How have you been?"</font> He then gave Mason a friendly pinch in the shoulder. <font color="#00a99d">"Hey buddy, good to see you."</font> Thonovan had always gotten along great with Mason but then again, Professor Smoke probably had a lot to do with that.<br/><br/>He noticed movements on Niko's clothes that just had to be Medusa. <font color="#00a99d">"Can I touch your snake?"</font> he asked, only to immediately realize his question sounded a bit weird, when he saw the expression on everyone's faces. <font color="#00a99d">"Okay, that sounded better in my head. Not the perfect way to make a fine impression, is it?"</font> he jokingly said to the boys he didn't know (<span class="bb-i">Jason and Matthew</span>). He shook both of their hands. One of them had just shifted into the form of a young child, but Thonovan didn't seem to find it strange at all. <font color="#00a99d">"My name is Thonovan Wavecrest. And this is..."</font> he said while pointing to Atlas, giving him a chance to introduce himself.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">When Felix grabbed his hand, Kyle froze for a moment. It wasn't that he disliked it, but the gesture was a bit too friendly. They weren't kids anymore, and holding hands wasn't exactly very manly. He looked around, as if making sure that nobody was staring at them, and then discretely took a step backwards, putting some distance between him and his friend. <br/><br/><font color="tan">"I... Have a lot of paperwork to do. I'll see you later."</font> Kyle tried to hide a hint of nervousness and quickly turned around to leave the room. But then he saw a little boy of around eight years old crying near the fuss that Mason had started. There were some young students in the Academy, but none so young, that he knew of. That must be some kind of involuntary spell, and he might need to check it out... Dammit, more problems.<br/><br/>The teacher decided to approach and see what was happening. <font color="tan">"Hey, are you okay?"</font> He asked the little boy.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Matthew sniffed, trying to wipe away the cursed tears, "I-I'm fine, I-I-I just can't handle snakes and my..." He tried to keep another sob down, holding a hand over his face, "My power refuses to corporate, I just need a minute or two." It might take a minute or two to stop crying, but his transformation could last at least an hour. The boy was shivering not only from his fear of the reptile but because he was a little cold. Matthew's transformation had made his pants slide down on one side, his coat touching the ground around him. His hands were trapped in his sleeves and his chest was slightly exposed. It really was unpleasant.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="#cc99cc"><span class="bb-i">Nikolas Augustine</span></font></div></div><br/>Guilt swelled in Nikolas's chest, especially as the shapeshifter shrunk into a child and began to cry. <span class="bb-i">Oops,</span> he thought, [i]guess he's got a fear of snakes.[i] Though he was usually pretty good with children, this was a teenager in the body of a child, not an actual child. So he was at a loss of what to do to remedy the situation, and shuffled closer to Mason and away from Matthew. What was one even supposed to do in a situation like this? Nikolas was terrible at dealing with shapeshifters; especially the ones that transformed based on their emotions. Thankfully, a familiar face approached, and he perked up considerably, an uneasy smile on his face.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"Thonovan Wavecrest,"</font> he greeted the fellow mischief-maker in kind. <font color="#cc99cc">"Any other time I'd say sure, since she loves the attention, but I don't think Matthew wants to see her."</font> His apology came with a shrug, as if to say "what can you do?" about it.<br/><br/>There was another unfamiliar face - another boy with his underclassman - with black hair and similarly dark eyes. He'd yet to introduce himself as Thonovan had, but Nikolas figured he'd do so in his own time. Not everyone was eager to introduce themselves and make friends, so he didn't think too much of it. Unfortunately, it seemed that Nikolas and Medusa had caused enough of a scene for Professor Andrew to come over; it was only the first day! He asked Matthew if he was alright, and the sobbing made the blonde incredibly uncomfortable. Taking the initiative, he gave a half-wave to the gathered students, smile still uneasy.<br/><br/><font color="#cc99cc">"We should probably go elsewhere,"</font> he told the group. <font color="#cc99cc">"Medusa and I will make ourselves scarce, Matthew,"</font> he told the other blonde, tone apologetic.<br/><br/>Having dismissed himself, Nikolas turned on his heel and headed for the auditorium's exit, planning on going outside. He wouldn't have to leave school property to get some fresh air, and the courtyard was always nice. Medusa could get some sun, and he could maybe soak up a few rays himself. Part of him hoped someone would come with him, but he wasn't sure that would happen, considering the scene he'd just caused. If he was lucky, though, someone would follow. Even if they didn't, he always had Medusa.</div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/wisp">@Wisp</a><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/aimechambers">@AimeChambers</a><a class="bb-mention" href="/users/yoursecretweapon">@YourSecretWeapon</a><br/><br/><div class="bb-center"><span class="bb-u"><div class="bb-h3"><font color="red">Mason Smoke</font></div></span></div><br/><br/>Mason looked at the others and then back at Niko as they were all exchanging looks and wondered how each-other would be due to the snake being presented to those who feared reptiles. Mace bit his bottom lips softly, turning his head slightly over to Niko as he'd notice Medusa slowly moving out of his sleep and closer to Mason, his eyes widened and quickly shut them down as if trying to calm down so he wouldn't scream or cause another scene. He didn't want to cause a scene to his brother and especially when his brother was one of the professors. Mason felt a slightly pinch on his shoulder, causing him to jump noticing that it was just his friend, Thonovan. <font color="red">"Hi..."</font> he offered Thonovan a small smile and a friendly wave as his cheeks turned slightly pink as the room was already getting crowded.<br/><br/>As Matthew got scared and began to cry, Mason slowly opened his eyes and sighed with relief as he took a few steps away before glancing at Niko as he walked away from the others, wanting to take this somewhere else. <font color="red">"I can't... I have to look for my brother. I hope we can do this later on...see you guys and have fun..."</font> and with that, Mason walked away from the others while running his hair through his strawberry blond hair in search of his dear brother. </div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><span class="bb-i">"Oh, my..."</span> Kyle stared at the boy without knowing what to do and somewhat uncomfortable at the sight of an scene that looked as it had been taken off an erotic shota novel. The little boy was crying, half undressed in front of him, and the man didn't know if he should help him dressing up, take him to his office until he transformed back to save him from being laughed at or simply take him to the school doctor (Felix) and tell him to solve the problem. <br/><br/><font color="tan">"Is there something I can do to help you?"</font> He finally asked, in hopes that the boy would tell him what he wanted to do. <font color="tan">"I can't let you roam around the school looking like that."</font> Smiling gently at him, Kyle helped him to fix his shirt and pull up his pants, and then stroked his hair in a friendly manner. <br/></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Matthew stopped crying, his tears drying up as the professor stroked his hair. "If um... I could get some clothes from my room..." He scrunched up the sleeves on his uniform and kept his pants in place by holding onto the belt. "I have some clothing there... In case this kind of thing happens." The small boy hiccuped, wiping his tears out of his eyes with his sleeve. "T-Thank you for worrying!" He tried to scurry away in order to get to his room, embarrassed enough, only to trip on his too long pants and fall over. <br/><br/>It was quite the fall too, he fell on his face, his arms spread and his shoes falling completely off. This was one of the worst times he had ever changed! He wiped at the few tears he had gotten from hurting his face and looked up at the teacher. "Um, I think I might have a better idea... If I feel like I'm in danger, usually I'm able to switch to a larger age, could you maybe... threaten me with your power?"<br/><br/><span class="bb-i">So awkward...</span></div>

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/92415-the-academy-mxm

rpguild-0006/roleplayerguild--all_char-ic-ooc_part6.csv

<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">When Mason left to go find his brother, Thonovan started following him. <font color="#00a99d">"Mase, wait up." </font><br/><br/>Thonovan sprinted to Mason in order to catch up with him. As he approached him, he slowed his pace and casually walked next to him. <font color="#00a99d">"I need to see your brother about my abilities."</font> he explained a little nervously. Thonovan didn't want to tell the whole story about his abilities and hoped that Mason wouldn't ask more about it. He quickly changed the subject. <font color="#00a99d">"So, that was quite the scene back there, right? I feel like this first day is already full of adventure."</font></div>