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Post by Neo on Aug 4, 2014 12:52:52 GMT -6
Seems pretty obvious, pair the happy couple with Leah in the lead, and pair the phoenix and the ghost with the Terra in the lead. That essentially nullifies the lethality problem, and allows for some heavy hitting. My only worry is how much hp is ? ?? But Belial will still do 30-60 DMG on Leah per normal hit, and Leah will do 0 DMG on Belial, even with Lazzy pair up. Leah's ATK is only 96, with Blade of Sol equipped, and Lazzy pair up. Belial's defense is 100. Leah will die in a couple turns, barring many skill procs, and even then, she can't damage Belial. And Terra can't damage Belial either, because his Res is 130, and Terra's ATK in Phoenix Form is 130, with Kara pair up. Remember, all of Terra's attacks are magical. You'd just have a stalemate, until Leah's luck runs out, or 12 turns are up. |
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Post by yellowclover on Aug 4, 2014 13:02:45 GMT -6
Ok slight change have Lazereth lead, no one else can do damage any way.
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Post by grayjack on Aug 4, 2014 13:11:45 GMT -6
Ok than have Lazzy lead while Kara's sis and Terra paired with Kara provide distractions.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2014 13:14:05 GMT -6
Ok than have Lazzy lead while Kara's sis and Terra paired with Kara provide distractions. I nominate both of these. I'm a horrible tactician. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2014 17:03:05 GMT -6
I agree with gray and yellow
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Post by Neo on Aug 5, 2014 17:56:30 GMT -6
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnpLmispRiEYou feel the pressure long before the others do. An aura of such evil, of such sorrow, such regret, that it could blot out the Sun. The overwhelming pressure condenses, and your friends notice too. Lazzy's eyes widen slightly. Terra involuntarily steps back. It was just a gut reaction, a reaction born of instinct, but the mere fact alone that a being of Terra's caliber would have such a reaction... It says far more about your current situation than any words. Kara's eyes narrow, but as you look at her, a friend you never thought you'd find, you don't see any anger. Only sadness... A deep, yearning loneliness that twists your stomach into knots. The pressure intensifies briefly, and you bite your lip, as Belial's familiar form shimmers into existence once more. His eyes slowly open, and at that horrible moment, if you could run, you would. You would take Lazzy and Kara and you would flee for your life. For in his eyes, you see nothing. Or rather, you see the absence of everything. No soul. No heart. No life. No mercy. Just a formless void, as dark and empty as the time before Creation itself. "I once thought, long ago. I thought and dreamt, I learned and slept, I appreciated and hungered. I lived a life like any other. But then, I found something, something I was not supposed to, and then that mirror shattered. The glass broke, the image within twisted and contorted, and the million shards of my former life scattered to the winds. I spent years searching, searching for those shards. I even fell in love, and had two children during that time. Two beautiful, wonderful children... One shard eventually found its way to the planet Asgard. Another landed on a different world, a darker, wilder world. But while the two shards shared a dream, a body, they were but mindless stones, puppets, granted life by the merciless hand of time. Eventually, the puppets found each other. They swapped places, changed worlds. They tried everything to return to their former self. Experiment after experiment, life after life, so carelessly tossed away... But now, finally, I realize my mistake. Our mistake. We thought to escape the Curse... We thought to destroy the Balance... If we could just do that, then it would all end. This eternal cycle of death and rebirth, of war and destruction, of strife and chaos... It would all come crashing to an end. But we were fools. We were merely actors, dancing on the stage of Heroes and Gods. It was always futile. We could never escape the Curse, the Curse of Knowledge. The Curse of Man."You step out of Lazzy's embrace, your hand slowly falling to the hilt of your sword. What changed? This isn't the same being you fought only minutes before... Something is different. Something is wrong. At first, you thought Belial, or Strauss rather, was a clone of Jeckel. But... What if that isn't true? What if something else is at play here? Something far older, something far more powerful, than even a Primal... No matter. That doesn't change your objective. You look over at Kara, seeing the tears stream down her face, and you clench your fist. Your blade slowly leaves its sheath. "I could give three s**** about your reasons," you breathe, your voice deadly calm. "You made my friend cry. I'll kill you." Belial dramatically lifts his hands to the heavens, and a blinding light begins to envelop him, gradually intensifying. "All I wanted... All we wanted... Was to return home, to Earth, to the world beyond the stars. But it's too late now. Everything has ended. Our home no longer exists. All that's left now... Is to end the Curse. With this power, the power of my Heart, I will end everything. I will free us all. I will destroy the five of you, and then, I will set the two shards upon each other. I will guide the Dark World into Asgard, and the resulting collision will be enough to wake Him from His eternal slumber. Ragnarok will awaken, and all shall be cleansed."Your eyes widen in realization. He means to destroy both worlds?!! Kara screams, calling her father's name one last time, to no effect. It won't work, you realize sadly. He's too far gone now. He doesn't even realize he's fighting his own daughters... He doesn't even recognize them anymore. "Listen up!" You bark suddenly, stealing the attention of your comrades. "We can't hesitate here! We need to end this now, or everything is lost! We'll have nowhere to go home to! Kara, I'm sorry, but there's nothing to be done! Your father is gone! I need your help now, more than anything!" Kara furiously wipes her eyes on her sleeve, and she nods. You see a glimmer of resolve in her eye. Good... That's my girl."Into formation!" You bark again, your voice seeming to echo. "Lazzy, you and I will take point! Kara, team up with Terra and distract him! Terra, use your magic to keep him off balance, and Kara, you focus on healing and support! I'll need your sis to focus on weakening him!" Your orders are swiftly acknowledged, but... At this point, it doesn't matter if Belial knows your strategy. That terrifying, blank look of his is still there. The aura enveloping him intensifies to a supernova, and the oppressive gravity forces you to crouch. The divine light clears, revealing not a dark lord, but a Celestial Being of immense power. Belial raises his hands, forming twin spears of light. "I am the Original Sin. I am Knowledge. I am Free Will. I am Existence. And I am Love."You charge.
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Post by Neo on Aug 8, 2014 12:12:42 GMT -6
(Continued)
A bright flash of light explodes behind you, and Lazzy promptly catches up to you, bounding past you. You grab ahold of his coarse fur, and swing up onto his back, settling between his shoulders. Another tremendous burst of light illuminates the soon-to-be battleground, and the cry of a phoenix sounds to your right. You don't look, as you don't need to. Your attention is solely upon your opponent. Belial's gaze remains focused on something behind you, probably Kara, until a mere second before he disappears. Lazzy comes to a skidding halt, turning, just in time to see Belial reappear inches from Kara. Your eyes widen, but suddenly Kara too vanishes, revealing her elder sister instead. Kara materializes across the battlefield, some feet behind Terra, and Belial hesitates, only for a brief second. But that is enough.
Consecutive blasts of golden energy and torrents of flame bombard Belial, and the resulting explosion is enough to force him back. You urge Lazzy forward, and he obeys, though you quickly realize there is no need. In that instant, your thoughts are as one. Your minds are one and the same. Belial abruptly finds himself caught between a phoenix and a god, and two massive streams of fire. Come on... Play into my hand... Come on...
Belial vanishes once more, leaving only an afterimage behind. Yes!! "Now!!!" You scream, and you suddenly vanish as well.
The blasts of flame roll harmlessly of Lazzy and Terra's hides, while you flit through the air, nothing more than a shadow. Belial reappears near where he started, just as you guessed he would, and you appear only inches away, separating into two, grinning. Belial's eyes widen slightly.
"Welcome to hell," you boast with a devilish smile.
You focus all of your power into one mighty blow, and slam your sacred blade into his gut. Your clone follows suit a second later, and you promptly vanish, leaving your clone to take the brunt of Belial's counterattack. You reappear back on Lazzy with a soft thud, now behind Belial. Your attack left no lasting damage, but it wasn't supposed to. Lazzy reveals his presence only a nanosecond before he leaps. His claws glow a sinister gold.
"Bear witness to the might of a Primal!"
Belial manages to wedge one of his glowing spears in between Lazzy's teeth, likely saving his life, but that doesn't prevent Lazzy's talons from gouging him, or him being knocked back from the sheer force of the impact. Time seems to slow. You unleash another blast of energy from close range, effectively blinding him for a moment, but this prevents you from noticing Belial's other spear in time. Your eyes widen in panic, as you see the spear cleave through Lazzy's diamond scales like butter. A pillar of blood heralds the strike, and the two of you are sent flying.
Unable to keep your footing, you fall from Lazzy's back, landing harshly on the ground below, bouncing like a rubber ball. You shakily rise to your feet, more scared than harmed. Lazzy lies only a few feet away, surrounded by a pool of blood, attempting to stand. Then, everything happens at once, too quickly for your panicked mind to keep up. Kara begins chanting, erratically moving her hands in a strange, mystical pattern and a soft green light envelops Lazzy. A sonic boom erupts from Belial, as he charges your downed comrade at insane speed, attempting to finish him before he can recover. A massive pillar of white flame suddenly erupts around him, stretching to the heavens, and the force sends Belial hurtling backwards. Terra appears, as if from nowhere, and her form has changed. Bathed in both the darkest and brightest light, a light you realize you've seen twice before, Terra charges Belial, and to your shock, Belial suddenly finds himself overwhelmed.
The pillar of sacred flame dies down, revealing a fully healed Lazzy, who roars in outrage. The mighty roar seems to shake the very foundations of the world. He charges once more, not toward Belial, but towards you, and you will your mind to go blank. Ignore everything else. Think of nothing else, but the battle at hand. No emotion. No mercy.
Your mind clears, and you leap onto Lazzy's back. He smiles warmly at you, a smile that melts your heart. You briefly bury your face in his fiery mane, nuzzling him affectionately. "Let's finish this Lazzy," you whisper quietly. He doesn't respond, as there is no need to.
Looking back, years later, you probably should have recognised Terra right then and there. If you had, who knows how everything might have turned out... But maybe, just maybe, everything could have been different...
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Post by Neo on Aug 8, 2014 16:38:49 GMT -6
"Dammit, just stay still!" You growl in annoyance, as Belial teleports again. As the battle drags on, and you begin to tire, that bastard seems to actually get faster.
You notice a brief blur of movement out of the corner of your eye, and you immediately tug on Lazzy's fur. He dodges, as Belial reappears, looking to impale you both. Lazzy's counterattack is swift and brutal, and he brings his mighty paw down across Belial's chest, flinging him backwards like a child's toy. The spirit in white suddenly appears behind him, holding him immobile for just a second, while Terra unleashes an almighty blast of sacred flame that sends Belial sprawling to his knees, his body singed and smoking. Lazzy takes advantage of the opportunity to deal another mighty blow. He smashes Belial into the ground with enough force to produce a massive shockwave. Belial immediately moves to counter, but he's clearly injured, and his movements have slowed considerably. Lazzy easily dodges, leaping back just in time for Belial to be hit with the full force of a raging thunderstorm and a giant tornado of white flame.
We're almost there... Just a bit more...
You look over at Terra, who only nods. You lean down and nuzzle Lazzy again, briefly closing your eyes. Right... One last charge. One final stand. Your eyes bolt open, eyes that are as black as night. "No more holding back! We throw everything into this last shot!"
A deep laugh rumbles from his throat, and Lazzy bounds forward, clearly eager to end this. The smoke clears, and Belial slowly rises to his feet, a single arm outstretched. His spears still lay on the ground. What is he playing at?
A small ball of light forms in his palm, a ball that rapidly begins to expand. Your eyes widen, and Lazzy stops short, as the massive ball of energy continues to expand, until Belial is holding a small planet in his hand.
"ENOUGH!!! I will tolerate your interference no longer!! You have plagued me long enough!! I will end this now, with one strike!! I will end EVERYTHING!!!!"
The planet sized mass of power grows even further, and Lazzy involuntarily takes a step back. "We have to attack now!" You hiss. "Before he can finish charging that thing! If we don't finish him now, it's all over!!"
Lazzy forces himself forward, and his gaping maw opens. You can feel him pouring all of his power into this one desperate attack. Then, suddenly, the entire situation changes. Your eyes catch only the briefest glimpse of white, as the spirit flies past you, at a speed that should be impossible. The gargantuan orb of power abruptly falters, diminishing to only a spec of its former self. With a start, you notice the figure behind Belial, and you realize his own daughter will be the one to end him.
"Do it now!!! I can't keep him in check for long!"
Kara screams her sister's name, and you hesitate. Belial rages against his daughter's grasp, unable to break free, at least for this brief moment. She's right... This is our last chance... Our only chance. Kara, I... Forgive me...
Lazzy unleashes everything, every last ounce of his power. Belial's eyes widen, and for once, his blank look shows signs of fear.
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Post by Neo on Aug 8, 2014 18:50:09 GMT -6
Belial is left virtually defenseless, unable to avoid the attack. In the end, in his final moments, you'd like to think you saw some peace in his eyes. Maybe even acceptance. The gigantic beam of energy incinerates both Belial and the one holding him, and in the light, you swear you see her smiling. Her lips move, and you can just barely make out the words, "Thank you."
The explosion in the distance is deafening. It lights the area like the Sun, like a star in the dark, and for a few moments, time seems to be suspended. Then, everything begins to collapse. The field upon which you stood, solid only moments before, slowly dissolves. Lazzy quickly shifts into human form, and brilliant wings of flame burst from his back. You stay there, enveloped in his protective embrace, watching the world around you fall apart. Terra flies over, her form back to normal, with Kara slumped unconscious on her back, likely from the shock of losing her sister. Beneath you, a swirling blue portal shimmers into existence. That... That must be her last gift... A way home...
"Are you ready?" Lazzy asks softly, brushing a hand through your hair.
You give a slight nod. "Yeah... Let's go home."
Lazzy tightens his arms around you, before descending into the portal. Terra flies beside you, her expression difficult to read, even for a Phoenix. Strangely, the dizzy sensation of being sucked into a vacuum is gone. Unlike before, you don't feel a thing. The ride is almost... Peaceful. Too soon however, the experience is over. Your feet touch down on soft grass, and as you look around, you feel... Sad.
The broken buildings of Windbrook are empty. Whatever magic that kept the restless spirits tied down here has long since vanished, leaving behind only a memory. Terra lands next to you, gently setting Kara down. The portal closes above you, though not before two spears clang to the ground, along with a Tome, and a ring. Lazzy quietly picks the items up, placing them in his bag without a word. Terra suddenly spreads her mighty wings, and you turn to her, as a wistful smile spreads across your face.
"Leaving already?" You ask, trying to hide your disappointment.
She bows her head slightly. "Yes. Now that I've used my powers, it is not safe for me to remain here. But... I think... We may meet again. I look forward to that day. Until then, farewell."
You return her bow, doing your best to give a formal curtsy. As do I... As do I, my friend.
The phoenix takes flight, and you watch, smiling, as she flies into the horizon. With one last screech, Terra disappears from view. But... Almost as if heralded by her cry, or maybe it's her way of saying goodbye, the dawn begins to break. A brilliant golden Sun crests the horizon, bathing the land in gentle rays of warmth. A slight breeze begins to sweep across the golden plains of Grancelia.
You stand there with him, watching the new day unfold, and for some reason, you feel everything is just beginning. He too smiles, and small embers part from his wings, dancing into the sky.
"Well Lazzy... We're home."
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Post by Neo on Aug 8, 2014 20:20:53 GMT -6
Quick Update.
Lazareth Lv 13 Balrog
HP:119 (139)
Str:76+5 (96)
Mag:31 (51)
Skill:52 (72) (Capped)
Spd:50 (70) (Capped)
Luck:50 (70) (Capped)
Def:73+5 (93) (Capped)
Res:59 (Capped)
Avoid 102(140) ATK 109(126)
Skills: Rightful God, Pavise, Aether, Awaken, Meteor Storm, Immortal
Special Skills: Lava King
Weapon Level: Axe S, Lance A, Sword A
Items: Gaia Cleaver(-/-), Bottomless Bag, Elixir(2/3)
You have earned 1000 BEXP. You now have 4225 BEXP. Kara is now a permanent PC. You earned the achievement Crossing Dimensions(30 AP).
I don't quite remember how many AP you guys have, but I'll double check.
Items received: Supply Sack(Can carry up to 30 items, but no weapons or armor), Elixir x3, Vulnerary x3, Nectar x1, Masamune, Muramassa, Evenstar(Give to a Manakete for surprising results), Gespenst, Heavenly Helm(HP+20, Def+20, Res+10, Str+5. Halves all elemental DMG. Negates Lethality, Sol, Luna, and Nihil when used by enemies), Gaia Plate(HP+50 and Def+50. All elemental and magic DMG is doubled), Primal Diamond(Can be sold to Secret Shops for 1,000,000 gold), Heavenly Garb(HP+20, Def+40, Res+20. Grants immunity to all status effects, and negates all dark attribute DMG), Belial's Master Key, Flawless Diamond x1, Flawless Emerald x2, Flawless Sapphire x2, Flawless Ruby x1, Super Bullion x1, Ethereal Armor, Large Bullion x2, All-Guard x1, Bottomless Bag(Can carry up to 50 items, including weapons and armor), Genesis, Absolution, Ereshkigal, Gate Ring(Can only be used by a certain dragon. Its effects are unknown)
Now, unless I'm losing it, that's everything. I'm too tired tonight, but stay tuned tomorrow for the long awaited camp.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Aug 8, 2014 20:24:25 GMT -6
Hooray!
When can we go to the Laguz Village?
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Post by Neo on Aug 8, 2014 20:48:12 GMT -6
Hooray! When can we go to the Laguz Village? As soon as it's unlocked. As I've mentioned before, the quickest way to do so is to permanently recruit Terra. We have to finish the current three Sidequests first, but after that, you can start Terra's Paralogue simply by visiting any Hunter's Guild. However... A word of advice. The Laguz Village is in Jotunheim. You will probably get caught up in several other particularly long quests while there, such as recruiting Grima, Atlas, and Fenrir, and doing a major story quest for Elder Manu. You will need some major Time Gears. I highly recommend visiting the Immortal Forest first, meeting the Cloven Council, getting some more Time Gears, and recruiting Tiamat, BEFORE boarding a ship to Jotunheim. In all honesty, once there, we'll probably spend the next two topics in Jotunheim. |
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Post by Neo on Aug 9, 2014 15:00:56 GMT -6
---------
POV Trail
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"Dragon... My dragon..."
You sigh, placing the map back down on the floor. There's really no point in even trying, when your wife gets like this... Kanis plops down behind you on the sleeping mat, playfully wrapping her arms around your chest. "Oh, come on... Don't be mad. You've been staring at that dumb map all morning. I'm starting to get jealous, you know."
You attempt to turn to her, to give her one of your apparently famous glares, but she adamantly refuses to allow you to move. So instead, you merely glare at the tent wall. "Kanis, I am the leader of this merry little band," you say dryly. "This means planning where we're going next, deciding which route to take, coordinating with the others on the best spot to camp, and shoring up our defenses as best as possible when we do camp. You do realize this requires the use of said map, right?"
She giggles, gently nipping your ear. You raise a single eyebrow, just ever so slightly, at the very sensual action, as she continues to scorch a blazing path down your neck. "Oh, I know that. But morning is our time! The dumb map can wait."
You finally decide to take your own advice, and give up. I would have to fall for the bossiest woman in the known universe, wouldn't I...
Kanis slowly grabs the map, waiting for you to object, and when you don't, she gleefully tosses the map aside. Her lips return to eagerly graze your neck, but before anything can happen, the moment is rudely interrupted by a very oblivious War Cleric.
"Emperor, I just wanted to inform you-"
Phillia immediately turns beat red, and you can't help but laugh. "That's why a civilized person knocks first, Phillia. Or at least calls ahead. Let me guess, everyone's ready to move out?"
She nods, suddenly finding a strong interest in the floor. "Uh... Yes. My apologies. We're all ready to move when you are. If we maintain the pace we had yesterday, we should reach Riverfall by early evening, barring any unforseen circumstances of course."
How curious... You do believe this is the first time you've seen Lady Phillia so flustered. It seems she isn't such a brick wall after all. "Very well. But a few minutes won't make much of a difference, Phillia. Try to relax a bit, won't you? Have some breakfast. Socialize. You're still human, you know."
Phillia reluctantly agrees, exiting the tent without her usual flourish, which worries you a bit. Maybe you overstepped your bounds?
"Well, that was annoying," Kanis comments casually, and she grins, a bit mischievously. "But you aren't going anywhere, any time soon."
Yeah... You kinda figured that. Though you don't really mind.
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Post by Neo on Aug 9, 2014 16:35:52 GMT -6
A couple hours later, you're marching out in front, with your merry little band following in a loose, ragtag formation. You aren't particularly worried about any bandit raids or other nasty surprises, and so you don't really see the need for an organized march, especially not in this heat. It would only serve to tire everyone out. You spend most of the time studying those under your care, making sure nothing was wrong. Generally speaking, nearly everyone was perfectly fine, and in great spirits. But...
"Are you still worried about Leah?" Kanis asks softly. You don't hear her for a moment, and she's forced to repeat her question.
"Hmm? Oh no... It's not that." You discreetly turn your gaze to your son, whom you had been watching for some time now. "I trust Lazareth to keep her safe, and I know Leah can handle herself. It's Ethan I'm really worried about..."
You aren't the only one who noticed Ethan's gloomy mood either, but even surrounded by friends and family, he's still so distant... Rhia has been by his side the entire morning, and even Phillia has been keeping him company, but even so, his eyes are clearly elsewhere. Huh... Those two have been spending a lot of time together, since leaving the Glistening Halls. Is there something between them, maybe?
"Ethan?" Kanis asks, now a little concerned herself. "What's wrong with him? I haven't noticed anything..."
"That's because he's adept at hiding it," you say with a slight smile. "But it's like he's back to his old self again, before he finally opened up... He's been like this ever since that dragon attacked me back in Stonethrall. Honestly, I'm really worried about him. But I don't know how to approach him..."
"Why not just ask him directly?" Kanis offers, leaning on your shoulder as you walk. "I mean, the worst he can do is not tell you. But... I think just knowing that you're so worried, that you care, would be enough to help him."
You bow your head to your wife's wisdom. She's probably right, as always. You grin slightly. "Wise words, milady. I will do as you say. After all, if everything goes horribly wrong, then I have someone to blame. Other than myself, of course."
Laughing, she playfully punches your arm. "Uh-uh. Knowing you, you'd do just that."
You too laugh, and the gloomy mood lightens considerably. She's always good at that, that Kanis of yours.
"Yoo-hoo, Trail!!! Look out below!!!"
You recognize that voice instantly, and your eyes snap upwards. You're momentarily blinded by the Sun's glare, and as you shield your eyes with your free arm, you're promptly flattened by a flying kitten.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2014 17:01:25 GMT -6
Yay Trail is back.
Sniff Sniff so happy.
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Post by Neo on Aug 10, 2014 17:00:00 GMT -6
You blink, staring in disbelief at the kitten perched on top of you, as you lay there, stunned, in the middle of the road. "Leah, I'm really happy to see you but... Could you please get off me?"
She giggles as she leaves your chest, and rises to her feet. "I told you to look out, you dumb dragon."
Leah extends her hand to you, and helps you up. You only shake your head and sigh. "What am I going to do with you?"
Instead of answering, she charges into your arms. Surprised, you return the embrace. "I missed you, Trail."
You blink again, even more surprised, but you quickly soften. "It's only been a couple days, Leah. But I missed you too."
She steps out of your embrace and smiles, but... The smile is more melancholy, than happy. Her eyes wander to her partner, and you follow her gaze. "Really? How long was it for us, Lazzy...? Weeks? Months?... Years?"
Your eyes widen slightly, not at Lazareth's change in appearance, or Leah's cryptic words, or the young woman you've never seen before sleeping in his arms, but at the significant change between the two. And it wasn't just the obvious love present when they looked at each other, a love that hadn't been there before. They almost seemed like completely different people. Especially Leah. You've known her for so long, but... She appears to have grown up without you noticing. You don't see a young girl aiming to please anymore. No... You see a proud woman, who's walked through hell, and has come out on the other side. You see a warrior. What in the world could have happened?
"At least a couple weeks," Lazareth answers flippantly. "Probably more. We have much to tell you, Emperor."
Your eyes narrow. "Tell me everything."
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A massive silver tower, stretching into an eternally blue sky, worlds away...
A tall, apparently middle aged man in ornate silver armor strides into the great hall, his white cloak billowing behind him. Reaching the end of the hall, he kneels, not to the throne, but to the woman seated upon it.
"Milady, I bring ill tidings," the man says gravely.
"Let me guess. The Necromancer has lost control of his puppet, and now she rampages at will. And the Old Kings no longer posses the power to stop her."
The woman's voice is unflinching, unwavering, as cold and as harsh as a winter storm. The man nods, and she bids him to rise. "Unfortunately, that is the least of our problems, milady. The Last Heir has made contact with one of the Imprisoned. Your seals have been broken, milady."
Still, the woman shows now reaction. "You met the Heir in person, did you not Elrond? What do you make of him? What side has he chosen?"
Elrond hesitates, only for a moment, but her sharp eyes miss nothing. "He is not even aware of the choice, milady. What's more, he seems to walk between the sides."
This does illicit a reaction from her, one of surprise, even amusement. "Oh? So the old fool's prophecy was right on the mark, eh? Well isn't that something."
She rises from her seat of power, and steps down from her throne. As she moves, the air crackles with power and sings with electricity. "Regardless, until he realizes the choice exists, we can expect little help from him. I will face the Cursed One myself."
The old Manakete smiles slightly, having expected this decision. "May I accompany you, milady? This should be a sight to see."
"Of course. Permitting you don't get in my way."
Tiamat brushes past him, and as she walks, the ground shakes.
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Post by Neo on Aug 10, 2014 20:49:35 GMT -6
The island of Caer Paveil...
"You stupid, good for nothing, birdbrained idiot!!!" Jeckel roars, as he backhands his worthless subordinate so hard it sends him flying across the room. "How can you lose a dragon the size of a fracking island?! Even you aren't daft enough to accomplish that!"
Ephidel slowly rises to his feet and wipes his lip, practically radiating murderous intent. "You're calling me daft?! You were the Idiot who decided to unseal her, despite my warnings! And I didn't lose her, I'm tracking her this very moment! Neither was it my fault! That damn false goddess interfered!!"
Jeckel's rage is instantly quelled, and he stares at the Necromancer like he just spoke jibberish. "Impossible... A feat of that magnitude would require her full powers, and last time I checked, she isn't even alive."
Ephidel spits at his feet. "Yeah well, tell that to her. I know what I sensed. If you want to blame someone, blame the Unknown Element's mother. I tried recalling her, but she's been out of her cage for too long now, and her powers are returning. If she gets her full power back, then we're all in deep s***."
"Who is to blame is unimportant," Charon suddenly interjects, rising from his throne. "What is important, is how we take advantage of this."
Intrigued, the Mad Doctor turns to his slightly saner counterpart. "What exactly do you have in mind?"
Charon's mouth twitches into a slight grin.
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You walk along the dusty highway lost in thought, as Leah relates her tale to you, a great deal of which is shocking. But... Some of it is even more disturbing. While she awes her captive audience with tales of a different world, she and Lazzy discreetly slip the more sensitive information to you and Kanis. Honestly, you admire her initiative, and her wisdom. Leah knows, probably better than most, what this could potentially mean, so she's leaving it up to you to decide who to share the whole story with. Most of your friends don't catch on to her ruse, but a few do, so it would be pointless to hide anything from them anyway. But still... Leah hesitates at parts of her story, and it's clear she's hiding something from even you. But the question is... What? And why?
"So what, Jeckel's a shell of a different, more powerful being?" Kanis asks skeptically, her voice barely more than a whisper in your ear, as Leah gradually draws attention away from you with the tale of a hundred foot glowing stag.
"Maybe," you whisper back, equally as skeptical. "But that's not what's really bothering me. According to Leah, he not only has the power to travel between dimensions at will, but he also possesses the power of creation, to some extent. If he truly has so much power, then by all rights, I should be dead a dozen times over. He's had multiple chances to kill me, and yet he hasn't. He even purposely held back in a fight, a fight he could have easily won. So why? I'm beginning to feel like a prized cow, trapped in his pen, waiting for the slaughter. And that thought... Is highly disturbing."
Kanis is silent for a few moments, and when she finally responds, you instantly regret voicing your morbid thoughts. "Trail, you're scaring me," she whispers softly, clinging to your arm more desperately than usual.
You immediately turn contrite, and whisper a quick apology against her hair. "Forgive me, my love. I didn't mean to worry you. Let's just forget about it for now, alright? We have other matters to focus on."
She gives a subtle nod, but you have a sinking feeling it isn't going to be so easy to forget. For either of you.
Around noon, you decide to break for a rest, as the heat is beginning to tire everyone, and the animals are growing restless. After a brief lunch in some dragon-made shade(Another thing you're apparently good for), you decide to stretch your wings. Mainly to take her mind off what you said earlier, you invite Kanis along, who happily accepts. In hindsight, it probably wasn't such a good idea, as everyone else in your merry little band takes it as an invitation as well, and soon the afternoon sky is dotted with giant dragons, flying horses, and wyverns.
Now, you love flying alongside your children and friends, but you pity any poor SOB who happens to be outside working the farm then. There are a myriad of farms and hamlets dotting the Western Plains of Grancelia, and you really don't want to cause some old man a heart attack. The last thing a farmer expects to see when he gets up in the morning is an army of dragons, blotting out the Sun. And when your crazy daughter decides she's still hungry, and spots some cattle far in the distance, you decide to call it quits.
After landing, you proceed to lecture Rhia on the importance of NOT devouring random herds of cattle. She listens dutifully, of course, and cheerfully promises to never do it again, though for some reason, you're a little bit skeptical. Feeling quite a bit better, and admittedly a bit happy you didn't accidentally cause the death of every old man in a hundred mile radius, you set back out on the old dirt highway, with a bit of a spring in your step. Though you soon have to slow your pace, so your pregnant wife can keep up.
"We're a bit of an odd bunch, aren't we?" Kanis asks rhetorically, giggling softly.
Yes. Yes we are. And you wouldn't have it any other way.
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Post by Neo on Aug 12, 2014 8:54:42 GMT -6
True to Phillia's prediction, you reach the bustling port just as the Sun dips below the horizon. Now, normally, common sense would dictate a party of armed warriors, especially one the size of yours, would be met with suspicion, armed guards, and overall concern. However, much to your surprise, that doesn't seem to be the case here. In fact, there are so many people simply wandering around and enjoying the evening, you'd doubt if they would notice an entire brigade approaching their city. Incredible... This place puts Stonethrall to shame!
And what's more, you're apparently expected. As you near the city gates-and this is the first port besides Athlantia you've ever seen boasting its own walls- you're met by a short elderly man dressed in traditional Grancelian robes, with thick gray hair tied up in a particularly large bun, and two taller men, likely around forty or so, wearing plainer clothes, but with the same hairstyle.
"Emperor and Empress Drakia, Queen Midgard, Commander Evangeline, and others! Welcome to our humble city! I am the mayor of this fair city, and Delphas is my name. It is my absolute pleasure to see you here on this fine evening."
Well, let the ass kissing commence... "I am Emperor Terric, and this is my wife Kanis. Now, you were expecting us?" You ask, only semi surprised now, as Thorn and Eva politely introduce themselves. As much as you dislike the time old ceremony of bending over, pleasantries have to be exchanged, during the first meeting. By the Creator's glowing beard, you hate politics...
The Mayor bobs his head like an over enthusiastic goldfish. "Why, of course! His Eminence, High Pontiff Edward, sent word of your arrival ahead of time, as well as the reason for your visit." The Mayor's demeanor abruptly changes, turning dark, serious.
"Please understand Emperor, we're at our wit's end here. We hired another Hunter to take the job, but she hasn't returned yet."
You incline your head, and subtly motion towards the city gates behind him. "Then perhaps we should speak in a more... Private location. I need you to fill me in on the details of everything that's happened."
The Mayor nods grimly and turns, beckoning you to follow. "Very well then. Please follow me."
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Post by Neo on Aug 17, 2014 14:44:06 GMT -6
So, if you got a keen eye, you'll notice I just edited my last post and changed the Mayor's name. Well, technically, that's his original name, but I changed it for... I really don't know why. But now I've changed it back.
....Yes, I'm weird. We all know this.
Anyway, I apologize for the wait. I've finally got everything sorted out. Update is forthcoming.
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Post by Neo on Aug 17, 2014 17:52:54 GMT -6
Mayor Delphas leads you and your party to the city's Inn, a grand three story building, likely built to house sailors from afar. The Mayor introduces you to Delphine, the proprietresses, who happens to be his wife, and to your pleasant surprise, everything has already been taken care of, including rooms, boarding, and food, all free of charge. So far, your first impression of Mayor Delphas is a fairly good one. After you settle into your room, which happens to be on the third floor-You group has booked the entire third floor- you gather your most trusted advisors and meet Mayor Delphas in the downstairs dining room, which has currently been turned into a kind of conference room.
You do notice how he casually takes the seat at the head of the table, despite the very obvious fact that he's literally sitting down with royalty. Even though you expected it, the blatant power play still makes you groan aloud. Really? We're about to discuss the lives of his citizens, and already the man is playing politics?
And here you were beginning to think he was different... The Mayor doesn't notice the change in your demeanor, thankfully, but your gaze is a bit harder when you look at him.
"So, when did this all start?" You ask abruptly, claiming the seat at the foot of the table. Kanis takes the seat to your right, Rhia at your left, and Ethan next to her. Mayor Delphas waits for everyone else to sit before he responds, and Gallagher, Esmeralda, Thorn, Zarek, Leah, Lazareth, Gawain, Searra and Eva all filter into their seats.
"Almost a month ago now. It started with the disappearance of Thorvald, an old Hunter. Now, while I may say old, don't think for a second he was invalid or senile. Old Thorvald was strong enough to give any soldier a run for his money. However, one night he just disappeared. His wife, Grenna, said he was out hunting along the beach when he vanished. After he disappeared, a group of the men got together and went searching for him. They managed to track his trail to an old cave in the cliff, at the far end of the beach, at the bottom of Wildergarn Forest, before they too vanished. Then the abductions started, just random people seemingly vanishing from the streets. I was panicked at this point see, and I had some of the City Guard check out the scene next. Only one of them returned, and he wasn't in his right mind anymore. He was babbling about giant Lion-Tigers, Ligers as he calls them, giant magical beasts with a taste for human flesh. Since I had nothing else to go on, I had no other choice but to believe him. I sent word to Grancelia's Holy Knights, begging for help, but well... Commander Evangeline here can tell you how that turned out."
You turn to Eva, who only nods grimly. "I was all for sending a platoon or two to investigate, heck, I was even going to come myself. But Father... I mean, General Gerald, ordered me not to. He said it was probably a bunch of superstitious nonsense, and that everyone would probably return the next day, and everyone would be laughing about it by the next week."
"What!" Delphas barks, rocketing to his feet and slamming his fist on the table. "Superstitious nonsense!!! My own son was one of those who disappeared!!"
Eva bows her head in apology, even though it clearly isn't her fault. Still... This is rather perplexing. From your brief encounter with General Gerald, you didn't get the impression he was the sorta man to abandon his people. What could be happening here?
You motion for silence, and Mayor Delphas calms down, returning to his seat. "Peace, Mayor. What happened is not Eva's fault. Now, your next step was to put a request in at the Hunter's Guild?"
He nods, seemingly more subdued, even resigned now. "Yes... The local branch has been a godsend. They've stationed Hunters to patrol the city at night, and Captain Iona herself leads the patrol. They sent their best to investigate, a Two Star Epic Beast Hunter called Crescent, and the abductions lessened. They even outright stopped, for a brief period of time. But Crescent never returned, and three of the Hunters were abducted. Another two actually fled the city, and Captain Iona was injured fighting a Liger in the process of dragging another Hunter away. Thanks to her, we know what we're actually dealing with. She's the only person who's managed to kill one of the beasts so far. You should speak to her tonight, before you leave in the morning."
You incline your head. "I intend to. But why leave in the morning? Wouldn't it be better to leave tonight?"
Mayor Delphas gives a weary sigh. "No, from what little we know about the beasts, they appear to be strictly nocturnal creatures. If you go when it's light outside, you may be able to catch the beasts napping. And besides... I'd feel a lot more at ease with you here tonight, Emperor, in case anything happens. Oh and... I would appreciate it if you could leave some troops here, when you leave. Not that I don't have confidence in your abilities, but it would help set my mind at ease."
Well, you can't really argue with that. You rise from your seat, and give a polite bow. "Understood. I will set out with my best warriors on the morrow, and leave the bulk of my forces here. Now, if you'll excuse me... I have matters to attend to."
The Mayor only nods, and you excuse yourself from the room. "So, what now?" Kanis asks as she joins you.
You ponder her question for a bit. "Hmm... Well, first I'm going to see Helga. I need to make sure we have adequate provisions for tomorrow, as I'm not so sure bringing the Convoy would be a good idea. After that, I'm going to the Hunter's Guild to speak with Captain Iona. I think I'll speak with the family members of the missing men afterwards, and then I'll get some training in before bed. Sorry love. It will probably be a while before I come to bed."
Kanis smiles, leaning up on her tip toes to kiss you on the cheek. "That's why I'm coming with you, love."
You almost argue, but stop yourself. You could use the company, and she's coming with you tomorrow anyway. "Alright, I don't mind."
Her smile widens, and as you turn to leave, you're quickly stopped by Lazareth, of all people. "Emperor, do you mind if I tag along? I'm looking for something, and I want to see if Helga can help."
You're a bit surprised, but you don't mind, so you shrug. "Sure. But... I think we're past the formalities, aren't we? Call me Trail."
Lazareth grins. "In that case, call me Lazzy."
You arch an eyebrow at the odd nickname, turning to Leah, who promptly giggles. Oh yeah... She called him that before, if you recall. Well then... You roll your shoulders again, grinning slightly. "Very well... Lazareth."
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